Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Neurogenin1 effectively reprograms cultured chick retinal pigment epithelial cells to differentiate toward photoreceptors

Photoreceptors are highly specialized sensory neurons in the retina, and their degeneration results in blindness. Replacement with developing photoreceptor cells promises to be an effective therapy, but it requires a supply of new photoreceptors, because the neural retina in human eyes lacks regeneration capability. We report efficient generation of differentiating, photoreceptor‐like neurons from chick retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells propagated in culture through reprogramming with neurogenin1 (ngn1). In reprogrammed culture, a large number of the cells (85.0% ± 5.9%) began to differentiate toward photoreceptors. Reprogrammed cells expressed transcription factors that set in motion photoreceptor differentiation, including Crx, Nr2E3, NeuroD, and RXRγ, and phototransduction pathway components, including transducin, cGMP‐gated channel, and red opsin of cone photoreceptors (equivalent to rhodopsin of rod photoreceptors). They developed inner segments rich in mitochondria. Furthermore, they responded to light by decreasing their cellular free calcium (Ca2+) levels and responded to 9‐cis‐retinal by increasing their Ca2+ levels after photobleaching, hallmarks of photoreceptor physiology. The high efficiency and the advanced photoreceptor differentiation indicate ngn1 as a gene of choice to reprogram RPE progeny cells to differentiate into photoreceptor neurons in future cell replacement studies. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:526–546, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Proactive Initiation of SMEs’ Foreign Business Relationships

Taking control over one's destiny by proactive internationalization has been considered an important performance indicator in small business research. We develop a model that examines how internal and external contextual factors influence SMEs&#8217; foreign market entry through proactive initiation of business relationships in foreign markets. The ability to proactively leverage such relationships is essential for opening up avenues into foreign markets and serves as a first step in negating the liability of outsidership that could prohibit firms from acquiring relevant market&#8208;specific resources. By examining the dynamics that either can enable or constrain firms in their efforts to become insiders in foreign markets in the entry phase, we contribute to international small business theory. We also add conceptual and practical insights to international small business research by providing valuable empirical verification of how and to what extent the proactive initiation of foreign business relationships of SMEs is internally or externally conditioned.
A meta-meta-analysis of the effect of physical activity on depression and anxiety in non-clinical adult populations

Amidst strong efforts to promote the therapeutic benefits of physical activity for reducing depression and anxiety in clinical populations, little focus has been directed towards the mental health benefits of activity for non-clinical populations. The objective of this meta-meta-analysis was to systematically aggregate and quantify high-quality meta-analytic findings of the effects of physical activity on depression and anxiety for non-clinical populations. A systematic search identified eight meta-analytic outcomes of randomised trials that investigated the effects of physical activity on depression or anxiety. The subsequent meta-meta-analyses were based on a total of 92 studies with 4310 participants for the effect of physical activity on depression and 306 study effects with 10,755 participants for the effect of physical activity on anxiety. Physical activity reduced depression by a medium effect [standardised mean difference (SMD) = −0.50; 95% CI: −0.93 to −0.06] and anxiety by a small effect (SMD = −0.38; 95% CI: −0.66 to −0.11). Neither effect showed significant heterogeneity across meta-analyses. These findings represent a comprehensive body of high-quality evidence that physical activity reduces depression and anxiety in non-clinical populations.
Salivary-specific immunoglobulin G in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection in dyspeptic patients.

OBJECTIVES Helicobacter pylori infection is arguably the most common chronic bacterial infection in humans. The high prevalence and the association with peptic ulceration and gastric cancer indicate that simple, noninvasive methods for diagnosis of the infection are needed. In this study, the accuracy of salivary diagnosis for H. pylori infection was assessed. METHODS Saliva and serum samples of 152 dyspeptic patients were tested for H. pylori IgG and IgA by an in-house ELISA. All patients underwent gastroscopy with biopsy. RESULTS One hundred thirty-one patients (86%) were found to be H. pylori positive on histology. Duodenal ulcer was found in 67 patients; 85 had no macroscopic lesion. Salivary and serum H. pylori IgG as well as serum H. pylori IgA titers were significantly higher in H. pylori-positive than in H. pylori-negative patients. The sensitivity and specificity of salivary H. pylori IgG were 82% and 71%, respectively; the positive and negative predictive values were 95% and 40%, respectively; and the accuracy 81%. The corresponding figures for serum H. pylori IgG were 97% and 91%; 98% and 83%; and 96%. Those for serum H. pylori IgA were 80% and 52%; 91% and 30%; and 76%. The sensitivity of salivary H. pylori IgG in detecting duodenal ulcer was 83% (56/67) that of serum H. pylori IgG was 97% (65/67) (odds ratio = 0.15; confidence interval = 0.02-0.8; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Salivary H. pylori IgG was a fairly sensitive and accurate indicator of gastric H. pylori colonization, with a high positive predictive value in our population. Data, however, suggest that salivary H. pylori IgG measurements do not compare favorably with serology.
New-onset atrial fibrillation and warfarin initiation: High risk periods and implications for new antithrombotic drugs

Summary Atrial fibrillation is a common condition that increases the risk of stroke in many patients. Although warfarin has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke, many patients who might benefit from anticoagulation do not receive this therapy. Fear of bleeding is the most often cited reason. Several new anticoagulant medications are being studied to determine their efficacy and safety relative to warfarin. Unlike earlier trials that established the superiority of warfarin over placebo, recent trials in atrial fibrillation have enrolled a disproportionate number of patients already taking warfarin. This review suggests that the risk of both haemorrhage and stroke are highest when atrial fibrillation is newly diagnosed and during the initiation of anticoagulant medication. Randomised controlled trials designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of new anti-thrombotic agents should include substantial numbers of patients without prior exposure to anticoagulation since these individuals are at the highest risk for bleeding and thromboembolism.
Still the great divide : cross-perceptions of ethics of journalists and public relations practitioners

A mail survey was conducted of 97 journalists and 106 public relations practitioners in Georgia to compare ethical cross-perceptions between the two groups using coorientation methodology. Items from previous research as well as items based on an original ethical vignette including new technologies were tested. Comparisons were made between perceptions of the other group in general and the specific member of the other group with whom the respondent worked most closely. Results showed significant difference between responses to "specific" versus "general" perceptions of the other group. Results also showed disagreement between the groups, incongruence within the groups, inaccuracy among journalists’ perceptions, and accuracy among practitioners’ perceptions. Implications for practice and possibilities for future research are discussed.
Detection of aggregatable proteoglycan populations by affinity blotting using biotinylated hyaluronan.

Proteoglycans (PGs) were extracted from a range of cartilaginous ovine connective tissues using 4 M GuHCl and separated by composite agarose polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Individual PG populations resolved by this electrophoretic system were identified in toluidine blue and Stains-All stained gel segments and also by conventional immunoblotting using a range of monoclonal antibodies to defined PG epitopes. These PG species were compared with aggregatable PG populations identified by affinity blotting using a biotinylated hyaluronan, and an avidin alkaline phosphatase/nitro blue tetrazolium 5-bromo-4-chloro indolyl phosphate detection system. Two major chondroitin sulfate- and keratan sulfate-substituted aggrecan populations were readily identified by affinity blotting in all of the connective tissue extracts. An additional slower migrating aggrecan species was also detected by affinity and immunoblotting in fetal disc extracts. This may represent an aggrecan species containing an intact carboxyl terminal G3 domain. Link protein was also detectable by affinity blotting; this was confirmed by immunoblotting using an anti-link protein monoclonal antibody (8-A-4). Fragments of aggrecan which contained a functional G1 domain were also detectable by affinity blotting. The biotinylated hyaluronan affinity blotting technique could detect as little as 100 ng (as hexuronic acid) of aggregatable PG. Affinity blotting therefore represents a useful new detection methodology which complements conventional immunoblotting protocols and yields information regarding the functional status of the G1 domain of individual PG populations.
Identification and Quantification of Glycoproteins Using Ion-Pairing Normal-phase Liquid Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry*

Glycoprotein structure determination and quantification by MS requires efficient isolation of glycopeptides from a proteolytic digest of complex protein mixtures. Here we describe that the use of acids as ion-pairing reagents in normal-phase chromatography (IP-NPLC) considerably increases the hydrophobicity differences between non-glycopeptides and glycopeptides, thereby resulting in the reproducible isolation of N-linked high mannose type and sialylated glycopeptides from the tryptic digest of a ribonuclease B and fetuin mixture. The elution order of non-glycopeptides relative to glycopeptides in IP-NPLC is predictable by their hydrophobicity values calculated using the Wimley-White water/octanol hydrophobicity scale. O-linked glycopeptides can be efficiently isolated from fetuin tryptic digests using IP-NPLC when N-glycans are first removed with PNGase. IP-NPLC recovers close to 100% of bacterial N-linked glycopeptides modified with non-sialylated heptasaccharides from tryptic digests of periplasmic protein extracts from Campylobacter jejuni 11168 and its pglD mutant. Label-free nano-flow reversed-phase LC-MS is used for quantification of differentially expressed glycopeptides from the C. jejuni wild-type and pglD mutant followed by identification of these glycoproteins using multiple stage tandem MS. This method further confirms the acetyltransferase activity of PglD and demonstrates for the first time that heptasaccharides containing monoacetylated bacillosamine are transferred to proteins in both the wild-type and mutant strains. We believe that IP-NPLC will be a useful tool for quantitative glycoproteomics.
Spaceflight Exposure Effects on Transcription, Activity, and Localization of Alcohol Dehydrogenase in the Roots of Arabidopsis thaliana

Although considerable research and speculation have been directed toward understanding a plant's perception of gravity and the resulting gravitropic responses, little is known about the role of gravity-dependent physical processes in normal physiological function. These studies were conducted to determine whether the roots of plants exposed to spaceflight conditions may be experiencing hypoxia. Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. plants were grown in agar medium during 6 or 11 d of spaceflight exposure on shuttle missions STS-54 (CHROMEX-03) and STS-68 (CHROMEX-05), respectively. The analysis included measurement of agar redox potential and root alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) activity, localization, and expression. ADH activity increased by 89% as a result of spaceflight exposure for both CHROMEX-03 and -05 experiments, and ADH RNase protection assays revealed a 136% increase in ADH mRNA. The increase in ADH activity associated with the spaceflight roots was realized by a 28% decrease in oxygen availability in a ground-based study; however, no reduction in redox potential was observed in measurements of the spaceflight bulk agar. Spaceflight exposure appears to effect a hypoxic response in the roots of agar-grown plants that may be caused by changes in gravity-mediated fluid and/or gas behavior.
Immediate placement or immediate restoration/loading of single implants for molar tooth replacement: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the survival of immediately placed single implants in fresh molar extraction sites and immediately restored/loaded single molar implants in healed molar sites. MATERIALS AND METHODS A search of the main electronic databases, including the Cochrane Oral Health Group's Trials Register, was conducted up to November 1, 2008. The meta-analysis was prepared in accordance with the guidelines of the Academy of Osseointegration Workshop on the State of the Science on Implant Dentistry. The data were analyzed with statistical software. RESULTS For immediately placed molar implants, nine studies describing 1,013 implants were included to support a survival rate of 99.0%. There were no significant differences between immediate and delayed loading/restoration in molar sites (relative risk of 0.30, 95% confidence interval 0.05 to 1.61; P = .16). For immediate restoration/loading of single implants in healed molar sites, seven studies with 188 single implants were identified. In this case, the implant survival rate was 97.9%, with no difference between immediate and delayed loading (relative risk of 3.0, 95% confidence interval: 0.33 to 27.16; P = .33). Favorable marginal bone level changes in the immediate loading group were detected at 12 months (mean difference of -0.31, 95% confidence interval: -0.53 to -0.096; P = .005). CONCLUSIONS The protocols of immediate placement and immediate restoration/loading of single implants in mandibular molar regions showed encouraging results.
Bank capital structure, macroprudential policy and economic growth

We study the long-run impact of the adoption of macroprudential tools. We derive a dynamic general equilibrium model featuring endogenous TFP change and allowing banks to choose their balance sheet structure endogenously. Banks choose vulnerable balance sheet structure depending on perceptions about fundamental risk. The design of prudential tools matters because it changes the riskiness of assets in a particular way, possibly increasing banking ability to fund projects. This introduces a novel channel to explain economic growth: risk mitigation. We then use the model to show numerically that there is a non-linear relationship between long-run growth and macroprudential policy intensity for several prudential rules considered in the related literature. We derive a welfare function and show that a welfare-maximizing regulator faces a growth-risk trade-off: welfare is maximized when growth is below its maximum value for each policy design we consider. Key-words: Macroprudential Policy, Capital Requirements, Economic Growth, Risk exposure.
Different doses of oral folic acid for homocysteine-lowering therapy in patients on hemodialysis: a randomized controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION We compared the effect of higher and lower doses of folic acid compared to our routine daily dose on plasma homocysteine levels, in our hemodialysis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighty patients on hemodialysis receiving oral folic acid, 10 mg/d, were randomized to receive folic acid at either doses of 5 mg/d (group 1) or 15 mg/d (group 2) for 2 months. Plasma levels of total homocysteine were measured before and after the study period. RESULTS Hyperhomocysteinemia was seen in 75 patients (93.8%) before, and in 37 patients of group 1 (92.5%) and 39 of group 2 (97.5%) after the study period. In group 1, a nonsignificant decrease occurred in plasma homocysteine level (29.67 +/- 12.26 micromol/L to 27.78 +/- 9.94 micromol/L, P = .30), while in group 2, there was a significant decrease in homocysteine level (32.40 +/- 9.76 micromol/L to 29.58 +/- 9.62 micromol/L, P = .01). Changes in homocysteine level correlated with its baseline level (r = -0.42, P < .001). In both groups, significant reductions in homocysteine level were seen mostly in those patients with high baseline homocysteines. CONCLUSIONS Routine folic acid supplementation of 10 mg/d could not normalize plasma homocysteine levels in most of our patients. Increasing folic acid dose made a statistically significant but clinically trivial decrease in homocysteine levels, and could not normalize homocysteine level in most patients. Patients with a higher baseline homocysteine level achieved a greater reduction, which may be explained by primary noncompliance of some patient. Further investigation of folic acid dosage is suggested.
Granulocyte, monocyte/macrophage apheresis for inflammatory bowel disease: The first 100 patients treated in Scandinavia

Objective. Selective leukocyte apheresis is a new type of non-pharmacological treatment for patients with active ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Preliminary data have indicated that this type of therapy is safe and efficacious, and large sham-controlled studies are currently in progress. In Scandinavia, a substantial number of patients with chronic inflammatory bowel disease have already received leukocyte apheresis on a compassionate use basis and the aim of this study was to report the clinical outcome and adverse events in the first patients treated. Material and methods. Clinical details of the first consecutive 100 patients with inflammatory bowel disease treated with granulocyte, monocyte/macrophage (Adacolumn) apheresis in Scandinavia were prospectively registered. Median length of follow-up was 17 months, (range 5–30). Results. The study population comprised 52 patients with ulcerative colitis, 44 patients with Crohn's disease and 4 patients with indeterminate colitis. In 97 patients the indication for Adacolumn treatment was steroid-refractory or steroid-dependent disease. Clinical remission was attained in 48% of the patients with ulcerative colitis, and an additional 27% had a clinical response to the apheresis treatment. The corresponding figures for patients with Crohn's disease were 41% and 23%, respectively. Complete steroid withdrawal was achieved in 27 out of the 50 patients taking corticosteroids at baseline. Adverse events were reported in 15 patients and headache was most frequently reported (n=7). Conclusions. Granulocyte, monocyte/macrophage apheresis treatment seems to be a valuable adjuvant therapy in selected patients with refractory inflammatory bowel disease. The risk for toxicity or severe adverse events appears to be low.
Angiotensin II and prostaglandin interactions on systemic and renal effects of L-NAME in humans.

For investigation of whether interactions between prostaglandins and angiotensin II modulate renal response to acute nitric oxide synthesis inhibition in humans, seven young volunteers who were kept on a 240-mM Na diet underwent four experiments with 90 min of infusion of 3.0 microg/kg.min(-1) NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), each preceded by a 3-d treatment with placebo (PL), 50 mg of losartan (LOS), 75 to 125 mg of indomethacin (IND), or both drugs. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), GFR, effective renal plasma flow (ERPF), and Na excretion rate (UNaV) were measured at baseline and from 0 to 45 min and 45 to 90 min of L-NAME infusion. After PL, L-NAME reduced GFR by 5% at 45 min (P < 0.05) and by 9% at 90 min (P < 0.001), ERPF by 11 to 17% (P < 0.001), and UNaV by 28 to 45% (P < 0.001). MAP, unchanged at 45 min, rose by 5% (P < 0.001) at 90 min. LOS prevented pressor but not renal effects of L-NAME. With L-NAME+IND, MAP rose even at 45 min (+5%; P < 0.001 versus baseline) with a 10% rise at 90 min (P < 0.001). Changes in GFR (-13 to -20%), ERPF (-19 to -26%), and UNaV (-51 to -70%) were greater than those with L-NAME+PL or L-NAME+LOS (P < 0.05 to 0.001). With L-NAME+IND+LOS, MAP did not increase, and GFR, ERPF, and UNaV fell much less than with L-NAME+IND alone (P < 0.02 to 0.001) with no differences versus PL or LOS alone. Angiotensin II blockade does not affect renal changes caused by L-NAME but prevents their potentiation by prostaglandin inhibition. Thus, endogenous prostaglandins counteract renal actions of endogenous angiotensin II in Na-repleted humans even when nitric oxide synthesis is inhibited.
How small states acquire status: A social network analysis

A number of recent studies have recognized the importance of status in international politics. While this developing scholarship has largely focused on great and middle powers, the pursuit of status by small states remains underexplored. For example, many studies claim that small states such as Qatar ‘punch above their weight’ in international politics in pursuit of status. How do small states without significant military power acquire status? How can we assess change in status over time? This paper argues that small states can acquire status by increasing their involvement in international politics and one way states can do this is through mediation efforts. Acting as a mediator for international conflict can enhance a small state’s status relative to its peers by demonstrating its relevance and importance in the regional and international system. This public act of mediation produces commonly held beliefs that the mediator state is an influential player in the international system, thus conferring it more status. Social network analysis reveals that as a state increases its international engagement through mediation activities, it can occupy a more central position in important networks, and a higher ranking within its peer group, indicating an increase in status. This increase in status can be translated to greater influence in international politics.
In vivo mapping of amyloid toxicity in Alzheimer disease

Objective: To study the relationship between gray matter atrophy and amyloid deposition in Alzheimer disease (AD). Methods: Volumetric magnetic resonance (MR) and [11C]-PIB PET were acquired from 23 patients with AD and 17 healthy older persons. Standardized [11C]-PIB uptake values were coregistered to MR scans in a standard space. Decreased density of and increased [11C]-PIB uptake in the gray matter of patients with AD vs controls were assessed with both voxel-based (p < 0.05 corrected) and region-of-interest (ROI) analyses. The relationship between decreased density of and increased [11C]-PIB uptake in the gray matter was investigated with voxel-based Pearson r maps (thresholded at p < 0.05) and ROI linear regression plots. Results: Atrophy mapped to the hippocampus and increased [11C]-PIB uptake to large frontal, parietal, and posterior cingulate cortical areas. ROI analysis showed the largest effect size for atrophy in the hippocampus (2.01) and amygdala (1.27) and the highest effect size for [11C]-PIB uptake in frontal (2.66), posterior cingulate/retrosplenial (2.43), insular (2.41), and temporal (2.23) regions. In the hippocampus, [11C]-PIB uptake was significantly increased, but effect size was milder (1.72). Significant correlations between atrophy and increased [11C]-PIB uptake were found in the hippocampal (r = −0.54) and amygdalar ROIs (r = −0.40) but not in the frontal, temporal, posterior cingulate/retrosplenial, insular, and caudate ROIs (r between 0.04 and 0.25). Conclusion: The medial temporal lobe might be highly susceptible to amyloid toxicity, whereas neocortical areas might be more resilient.