Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic value of antibodies to filaggrin in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of antibodies to filaggrin in a cross sectional sample of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS Filaggrin from human skin was either extracted with 0.05% Nonidet P-40 and then partially purified by precipitating in ethanol and resuspending in water (Nonidet preparation) or extracted with 9 M urea and then purified by sequential fractionation on a DEAE Sephadex column and on a strong cation exchange column (purified preparation). Antibodies to filaggrin were detected using immunoblotting techniques with sera diluted 1:50. Antikeratin antibodies (AKA) were detected using indirect immunofluorescence microscopy on sections of rat esophagus. RESULTS Antibodies to filaggrin were detected in 5 of 30 sera of patients with RA using filaggrin from the Nonidet preparation and 6 of 49 sera using filaggrin from the purified preparation. AKA were detected in 13 of 40 sera. A positive correlation existed between the presence of AKA and the presence of antibodies to filaggrin using the purified preparation (p=0.017). CONCLUSION These data indicate that the reactivity of RA sera with filaggrin is not identical to the presence of AKA and is variable depending upon the preparation of filaggrin used. The diagnostic value of antibodies to filaggrin remains to be proven.
Localization of the Death Domain of Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-3 to the N Terminus

The tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) are a family of four secreted inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Recently, additional functions have been attributed to the TIMPs, including cell growth and inhibition of angiogenesis. In particular, we demonstrated that TIMP-3 overexpression using gene transfer induces apoptosis in a variety of cell types and can inhibit vascular neointima formation in vivo. However, little is know about the mechanisms underlying TIMP-3-mediated apoptosis. Here, using both purified recombinant proteins and novel adenoviral vectors we demonstrate that the prodeath domain of TIMP-3 is located within the N-terminal three loops of TIMP-3. Although both wild type and N-terminal TIMP-3 proteins promoted apoptosis, a T-2/T-3 chimera, in which the N-terminal three loops of TIMP-3 are replaced by those of TIMP-2, failed to induce cell death. Furthermore, a point mutation at residue 1 of TIMP-3 totally abolished MMP-inhibitory activity of TIMP-3 and also failed to promote apoptosis. This study demonstrates, using multiple apoptosis assays, that the prodeath function of TIMP-3 is located within the N-terminal three loops and the presence of functional metalloproteinase-inhibitory activity is associated with the induction of apoptosis.
Reconsidering the Analysis of Longitudinal Happiness Data - With an Application to the Effect of Unemployment

The paper reconsiders existing estimators for the panel data fixed effects ordered logit model, including one that has not been used in econometric studies before, and studies the small sample properties of these estimators in a series of Monte Carlo simulations. There are two main findings. First, we show that some of the estimators used in the literature are inconsistent. Second, the new estimator seems to be more immune to small sample bias than other consistent estimators and is easy to implement. The empirical relevance is illustrated in an application to the effect of unemployment on happiness. Choosing the right estimator avoids a bias of up to 30 percent in key parameters.
Thermochemical and kinetic studies of a bisphenol antioxidant.

The results of a thermodynamic and kinetic investigation on the homolytic reactivity of 3,3'-di-tert-butyl-5,5'-dimethyl(1,1'-biphenyl)-2,2'-diol (1) are reported. EPR studies of the equilibration between 1, 2,4,6-trimethylphenol, and the corresponding radicals obtained by abstraction of a hydroxylic hydrogen allowed us to determine the OH bond dissociation energy (BDE) of investigated bisphenol as 83.10 kcal/mol. This value is considerably larger than that reported for the structurally related 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT), i.e., 81.02 kcal/mol. Absolute rate constants for the reaction of 1 with alkyl, alkoxyl, and peroxyl radicals, at or nearly to room temperature, were also determined by competition kinetics in the first two cases and by autoxidation studies under controlled conditions in the last one. The experimental data indicate that this bisphenol is a moderately efficient antioxidant and polymerization inhibitor.
Vertigo in cerebrovascular disease.

FOR THIS SYMPOSIUM we have reviewed a personal series of cerebrovascular cases, chiefly thrombotic or embolic, and determined the frequency and type of dizziness associated with occlusion of each of the cerebral arteries—internal carotid, middle cerebral, basilar, etc. Before presenting the analysis, a few general remarks about the subject are in order, since the viewpoint of the observer colors his observations and conclusions. In this discussion the termdizzinesswill be used. Vertigo, in English, has the connotation of rotation and many patients with a vestibular disorder, peripheral or central, do not have or describe a spinning feeling. The term dizziness is used, therfore, to embrace all vestibular symptomatology, whether or not it is rotational. When "turning" is present, we may speak of rotational dizziness or vertigo. It is extremely common to hear, "It can't be vestibular, there was no turning," a viewpoint with which we disagree. Dizziness is a
Evidence that the fadB gene of the fadAB operon of Escherichia coli encodes 3-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A (CoA) epimerase, delta 3-cis-delta 2-trans-enoyl-CoA isomerase, and enoyl-CoA hydratase in addition to 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase

Genetic complementation of a mutant defective in fatty acid oxidation (fadAB) with plasmids containing DNA inserts from the fadAB region of the Escherichia coli genome was studied. The mutant containing the hybrid plasmid with a 5.2-kilobase (kb) PstI-SalI fragment was found to overproduce 3-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A (CoA) epimerase and delta 3-cis-delta 2-trans-enoyl-CoA isomerase as well as three other beta-oxidation enzymes by 16- to 18-fold compared with the wild-type parental strain LE392. The purification of a fully functional multienzyme complex of fatty acid oxidation from the transformant ultimately established that the 5.2-kb DNA fragment contained an entire fadAB operon. Since immunotitration of cell extracts with antibodies against the fatty acid oxidation complex proved that all 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA epimerase and delta 3-cis-delta 2-trans-enoyl-CoA isomerase activities were associated with the complex, no genetic loci other than the fadAB operon encoded these two enzymes. Moreover, the binding of antibodies caused parallel inhibition of four component enzymes, whereas 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase activity was slightly increased. These findings support the suggestion that the epimerase and isomerase as well as enoyl-CoA hydratase and L-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase are located on the same polypeptide. The results of this study, together with published data (S.-Y. Yang and H. Schulz, J. Biol. Chem. 258:9780-9785, 1983), lead to the conclusion that 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA epimerase, delta 3-cis-delta 2-trans-enoyl-CoA isomerase, and enoyl-CoA hydratase in addition to 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase are encoded by the fadB gene.
Prevention of Adhesions to Polypropylene Mesh in a Rabbit Model

The purpose of this study was to develop a quantitative model for evaluating adhesion formation and to determine whether Seprafilm (HAL-F) bioresorbable membrane (Genzyme Corp., Cambridge, MA) is effective in preventing adhesions to polypropylene mesh (PPM). PPM has been shown to be an effective material for the repair of abdominal wall defects. One disadvantage of PPM is its tendency to form dense adhesions when in contact with abdominal viscera. HAL-F, a sodium hyaluronate/carboxymethylcellulose absorbable membrane, has been shown to prevent adhesion formation after midline closures. Its efficacy in preventing adhesions to PPM has not been examined previously. A 5 x 7-cm anterior abdominal wall defect was created in 24 New Zealand White rabbits. This defect was then repaired with PPM. In the experimental group, a 5 x 7-cm piece of HAL-F was placed between the mesh and the abdominal viscera. At 30 days, the animals were killed and adhesions were categorized and quantified using digital image analysis of inked specimens. The strength of mesh incorporation into surrounding tissues was also examined using an Instron tensiometer. The formation of adhesions between the viscera and mesh repair was significantly reduced by the use of HAL-F. The surface area involved for bowel adhesions was reduced 94 per cent (P = 0.00132). The strength of incorporation was not adversely affected. HAL-F is highly effective in preventing adhesions to PPM, without adversely effecting the strength of mesh incorporation.
Neuropsychological Deficits in Cushing's Syndrome

In contrast to well documented reports of medical symptoms in Cushing's syndrome (an endocrine disorder with the hallmark of corticoid overproduction), vague and infrequent references to associated mental changes reflect the subjective nature of previous clinical studies of psychological symptoms. This report presents neuropsychological test findings of 35 Cushing's syndrome patients before initiation of medical therapy, and documents the frequency, nature, and severity of deficits. Performances on the Michigan Neuropsychological Test Battery revealed equivocal or no signs of neuropsychological deficits in 13 patients. Ten other patients had few and mild deficits, eight had moderate and more frequent signs of impairment, and four had frequent and marked deficits in language and nonlanguage tests of higher (cognitive) and/or lower (sensory and/or motor) level cerebral functions. The findings thus indicate varying degrees of diffuse bilateral cerebral dysfunction in two thirds of this population. Impairment was more frequent and severe in non verbal visual-ideational and visual memory functions. This pattern of deficits is similar to that in patients with other types of diffuse bilateral neuropathological processes such as toxicity, anoxia, and infectious cerebral disorders.
Regional differences in alcohol consumption, alcohol addiction and drug use among Swedish adults

Introduction: Alcohol consumption and drug use, as well as alcohol- and drug-related problems, vary considerably in different regions in Sweden, and between men and women of different ages. Aim: The aim of the present study was to examine the regional, gender and socioeconomic distribution of risk consumption of alcohol, alcohol dependency and drug use in a random sample in Sweden. Material and methods: In both May 2003 and 2004, 7200 gender-stratified adults (a total of 14,400), randomly selected from 12 regions in Sweden, were contacted by mail, and asked to fill out an enclosed questionnaire. The questionnaire concerned use of alcohol, alcohol-related problems, and use of illicit drugs. Results: Heavy alcohol consumption and cannabis use were more frequent in the south of Sweden than in the north, and the further north, the lower the frequency. Alcohol and drug use decreased with age, and was higher for men than for women. On average, 11.5% of all men and 5.0% of all women consumed alcohol intensively at least weekly, 8.6% of men and 4.5% of women had a generally high alcohol consumption, 4.1% of men and 2.5% of women were alcohol addicted, and 2.9% of men and 1.3% of women had used cannabis during the last 12 months. Conclusions: High alcohol consumption and use of illegal drugs seem to be more prevalent in those parts of Sweden that are closer to the European continent. In our opinion, this might be an effect of the closeness to other European countries with lower prices for alcohol, less strict alcohol control policies, and higher availability of drugs. Consideration of regional, gender and age differences in problems related to alcohol and drugs seem to be important in the planning and development of preventive activities.
Gastrointestinal Dissemination of Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma: Computed Tomographic Findings

Objective: To describe the computed tomographic findings of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma with gastrointestinal (GI) tract dissemination. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the computed tomographic findings for the location, morphology, contrast enhancement, and continuity of the involved bowel segment with ancillary findings in 10 patients with MALT lymphoma involving multiple GI tracts. Results: MALT lymphoma involved a total of 31 bowel segments. The gastric lesions appeared as segmental (n = 4) or diffuse (n = 1) wall thickening and the small- or large-intestinal lesions as circumferential wall thickening (n = 11) or localized polypoid mass (n = 8) with homogeneous and isoattenuating or hypoattenuating enhancement. Continuity of the involved bowel segment was present in 6 patients, bowel perforation in 1, lymphadenopathy in 8, and hepatosplenomegaly in 4. Conclusions: Despite its rarity, MALT lymphoma can disseminate into the GI tract in the form of circumferential bowel wall thickening or localized polypoid mass with or without gastric involvement.
Comparative evaluation of commercial rubella virus antibody kits

Comparative evaluation of six commercial rubella virus antibody kits is described. A set of serum samples skewed toward nonreactive and low-positive rubella antibody levels was used because the goal of an immunity screening test is the detection of susceptible individuals. The M. A. Bioproducts Rubastat and the Hynson, Westcott and Dunning Rubascan were superior in achieving high sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility. They also were the easiest and fastest tests to perform, and they require equipment available in most laboratories.
Lymphangiogenesis: in vitro and in vivo models

Lymphangiogenesis, the formation of new lymphatic vessels from preexisting ones, is an important biological process associated with diverse pathologies, such as metastatic dissemination and graft rejection. In addition, lymphatic hypoplasia characterizes lymphedema, usually a progressive and lifelong condition for which no curative treatment exists. Much progress has been made in recent years in identifying molecules specifically expressed on lymphatic vessels and in the setting up of in vitro and in vivo models of lymphangiogenesis. These new tools rapidly provided an abundance of information on the mechanisms underlying lymphatic development and the progression of diseases associated with lymphatic dysfunction. In this review, we describe the common in vitro and in vivo models of lymphangiogenesis that have proven suitable for investigating lymphatic biology and the interactions occurring between lymphatic vessels and other cells, such as immune cells and cancer cells. Their rationales and limitations are discussed and illustrated by the most informative findings obtained with them. —Bruyère, F. , Noël, A. Lymphangiogenesis: in vitro and in vivo models. FASEB J. 24, 8–21 (2010). www.fasebj. org
The preservation of Lactobacilli by freeze-drying.

In developing a technique for the freeze-drying of lactobacilli particular attention was paid to the percentage survival rate; this was estimated by viable counts immediately after drying and after storage of the dried cultures. The main factor influencing survival rate was the suspending medium, the best results being obtained in horse serum with 8 % added glucose. Forty-four cultures, fourteen freshly isolated, representative of a comprehensive collection of 452 lactobacilli (see Briggs, 1953 a) were freeze-dried in this vehicle using the apparatus and technique described. The majority of the survival rates were over 50 % immediately after drying, and over 25 % after 6 months storage; all but two of the freshly isolated strains dried well. Some of the dried cultures were tested again after a storage period of about 2 years and then showed satisfactory percentage survivals.
Predictive evaluation of cloud motion impact on a medium voltage solar PV power system output

One of the most significant issues in integrating solar energy into the power grid is the variability of solar energy. In order to deal with this, we suggest in this paper to predict the solar energy production in a short-time interval to address the various power system requirements. The accuracy of solar power output prediction is conditioned by the accuracy of meteorological data namely, the temperature and the solar irradiance as inputs for the PV power system output. However, this production can also be the subject of important fluctuations that can occur when clouds pass over the solar panels. This phenomenon can considerably reduce their nominal production, as in clear sky conditions. And now, the question is how much of the sun's photons are not converted into electrons when clouds pass between the sun and a large ground surface covered by PV power systems?
Exploring the Use of Multiple Injectors and Split Injection to Reduce DI Diesel Engine Emissions

This research uses computational modeling to explore methods to increase diesel engine power density while maintaining low pollutant emission levels. Previous experimental studies have shown that injection-rate profiles and injector configurations play important roles on the performance and emissions of particulate and NOx in DI diesel engines. However, there is a lack of systematic studies and fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of spray atomization, mixture formation and distribution, and subsequently, the combustion processes in spray/spray and spray/swirl interaction and flow configurations. In this study, the effects of split injections and multiple injector configurations on diesel engine emissions are investigated numerically using a multi-dimensional computer code. In order to be able to explore the effects of enhanced fuel-air mixing, the use of multiple injectors with different injector locations, spray orientations and impingement angles was studied. The interaction of the spray with the geometry of the combustion chamber was also systematically studied. The potential for the use of multiple injectors to increase engine power density and to significantly reduce particulate and NOx emissions in DI diesel engines is revealed. This work demonstrates that multidimensional modeling can now be used to gain insight into the combustion process and to provide direction for exploring new engine concepts.
Failure of aspirin to prevent myocardial infarction and adverse outcome during follow-up—a large series of all-comers

Background. Aspirin has been used for secondary prevention of myocardial infarction (MI) in individuals with coronary disease. Although supported by several large controlled trials, aspirin prevents only a portion of recurrent events. Aim and method. We set out to study the prevalence of long-term aspirin use prior to admission for MI and its significance for medium-term event-free survival; 998 consecutive patients with acute MI admitted to a tertiary center were included in the study. Results. Nearly half (42.4%) of all patients reported long-term use of low-dose aspirin prior to the index event. Prior aspirin use was associated with a 50% increase in the risk of both the combined end point of recurrent unstable angina, recurrent myocardial infarction, stroke, or death (OR 1.49; 95% CI 1.12–2.00, P=0.006) and mortality (OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.03–2.17, P=0.03) during 10-month follow-up. Prior aspirin use was not associated with an increased frequency of added antithrombotic therapy at discharge. Conclusions. We have found that prior aspirin use is common in patients hospitalized for acute MI. Individuals already on aspirin had increased risk of recurrent ischemic events and all-cause mortality during the 10-month follow-up after their index MI.
Investigating the Misalignment in the Existing E-Legislation of South Africa

South Africa has recently enacted several e-legislation in order to address the escalating e-crime, the rise in electronic abuse and also the indifferences of the past. However, research shows that many organisations including public institutions do not understand these laws and thus, fail to comply with them. One major contributor to this are the inconsistencies found in the legislation. The National Development Plan and the Mid-term Strategic Framework recognise the complexity of laws, and thus endorse improvements in the removal of unnecessary obstacles and consistencies. Hence, the objectives of the present study are to examine the existing e-legislation in South Africa; identify areas of misalignment and investigate the factors that contribute to the misalignment. Ultimately researchers aim to develop a framework that can be used to guide the alignment e-legislation in South Africa. Extensive literature review was conducted to understand alignment of legislation. Firstly, all the e-legislation that was passed between the years 2000 and 2013 was retrieved and obtained from Sabinet database. This legislation was studied extensively and inconsistencies were identified. A conceptual framework which indicates contributing factors to misalignment and impact of misalignment to non-compliance, was developed and proposed to guide alignment of e-legislation. Based on the conceptual framework a questionnaire with open ended question was developed and tested in the Parliament of South Africa, since this institution champions the development and implementation of national laws such as the elegislation. A total number of 50 respondents participated in the survey wherein the focus groups were people who are involved in the process of making/drafting laws, specifically ICT Laws. The influence of the factors on misalignment was measured and both qualitative and quantitative analysis confirmed these influences. The study reveals that lack of good industry standards has the greatest influence to the misalignment of e-legislation in South Africa. For instance lack of benchmarking, standardised procedures contribute the most to the misalignment of e-legislation, and that misalignment results into non-compliance. Therefore, in order to address these issues, South Africa must emphasize on benchmarking with good industry standards, and this can be achieved through harmonisation of e-legislation in the region and globally. It is also a major concern that some aspects of earlier e-legislation have not been repealed. Qualitative data also raises some issues relating to lack of ICT skills by legislators, political influences, lack of public participation, etc. Capacity/skills development issues e.g. legislative drafting and ICT technical skills for legislators must be addressed. Moreover, public involvement as a constitutional mandate must be strengthened in South Africa to ensure citizens are engaged and actively participate in the law-making process.
Peripheral Neuropathy in Cerebrotendinous Xanthomatosis : A Case report and Literature Review

Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis (CTX) is a rare, autosomal recessive disorder characterized by the accumulation of cholestanol and cholesterol in most tissues. Clinical manifestations include tendon xanthoma, premature cataracts, juvenile atherosclerosis and a progressive neurological syndrome including mental retardation, cerebellar ataxia, pyramidal tract signs, myelopathy and peripheral neuropathy which appear later in the progression of the disease. The authors report the case of a 24-year-old man presenting with gait difficulty. The diagnosis of Cerebrotendinous xanthomatosis with severe peripheral neuropathy was retained. Nerve biopsy showed evidence of axonal degeneration. In this work we discuss clinical, electric and biopsy features of the neuropathy associated to this disease.