Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Localization and characterization of a novel secreted protein SCUBE 1 in human platelets

Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the protein expression and function of a novel secreted protein in the vascular system, named SCUBE1 for signal peptide, CUB (Complement proteins C1r/C1s, Uegf, and Bmp1) and epidermal growth factor-like (EGF)-like domain containing protein 1. Methods and results: Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that the SCUBE1 staining is mainly confined to the intravascular platelet-rich thrombus in vascular tissue samples. While quantitative real-time RT-PCR verified that the SCUBE1 mRNA is expressed in human platelets, numerous immunolocalization techniques revealed that the preformed SCUBE1 protein is stored in the a-granules and translocated to the surface upon platelet stimulation. A smaller SCUBE1 fragment, possibly formed by limited proteolysis after being released from the storage granules, was detected in thrombus lysate by Western blot analysis. Interestingly, deposition of SCUBE1 into the subendothelial matrix of the atherosclerotic plaques was evidenced by immunohistochemistry. In addition, studies of platelet adhesion and ristocetin-induced platelet agglutination showed that fragments containing the amino-terminal EGF-like repeats were able to support platelet adhesion and enhance the ristocetin-induced platelet agglutination, respectively. Conclusion: These data suggest that platelet-derived SCUBE1 could function as a novel adhesive molecule and its matrix-bound and soluble fragments may play critical (patho)physiological roles in cardiovascular biology. D 2006 European Society of Cardiology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Analysis of initiation of sites of cell wall growth in Streptococcus faecium during a nutritional shift

Three-dimensional reconstruction methods were applied to electron micrographs of Streptococcus faecium to study the initiation of cell wall growth sites during a nutritional shift experiment. Upon lowering the mass doubling time from 76 to 33 min by the addition of excess glutamate, the formation of new cell wall growth sites accelerated above the old steady-state rate at about the same time (10 to 15 min) as did mass, RNA, protein, cell numbers, and autolytic capacity but considerably before DNA (30 min) and peptidoglycan (20 min) synthesis did. During the shift, the average range of cell volumes over which new wall growth sites were introduced did not change significantly. However, upon the shift there was an increase in the frequency of cells having new sites, which was due to the faster-growing cells initiating more new sites in peripheral locations before division. After a transition period, the number of new sites per milliliter of culture increased at a rate that paralleled that of the culture mass. These findings support a model in which new sites are introduced when cells grow to a relatively constant, growth rate-independent size, while the rate at which sites form and grow increases with the growth rate. In this model, chromosome synthesis does not regulate the formation of new sites of cell wall growth, but existing sites cannot be completed until rounds of chromosome synthesis are completed.
Molecular cloning and nucleotide sequence of a DNA fragment from Bacillus natto that enhances production of extracellular proteases and levansucrase in Bacillus subtilis

A DNA fragment from Bacillus natto IFO3936 has been cloned which enhances the production of both extracellular alkaline and neutral proteases in Bacillus subtilis. The DNA sequence analysis around the gene responsible for the hyperproduction, prtR, revealed one open reading frame (comprising 60 amino acid residues) which was bounded by potential transcriptional and translational regulatory signals in its preceding and following regions. This open reading frame was not homologous to the published sequences of the structural genes of the two proteases. The calculated molecular weight (7,109) of the polypeptide predicted from the DNA sequence is much smaller than those of the two proteases, indicating that the gene product is distinct from those enzymes. In-frame fusion between the N-terminal region of the coding sequence and the lacZ gene of Escherichia coli demonstrated that the coding region was indeed translated in vivo. By deletion analysis it was suggested that prtR was the structural gene for the 60-amino-acid polypeptide. Cells carrying a prtR plasmid secreted both proteases 40 to 400 times more than the cells carrying the vector alone. Furthermore, it was found that prtR also enhanced the production of levansucrase by 1 or 2 orders of magnitude. There was no difference, however, in the amount of the other extracellular enzymes such as alpha-amylase, RNase, and alkaline phosphatase. These results indicate that prtR is specific for the hyperproduction of the proteases and levansucrase.
Dual-channel red/blue fluorescence dosimetry with broadband reflectance spectroscopic correction measures protoporphyrin IX production during photodynamic therapy of actinic keratosis

Abstract. Dosimetry for aminolevulinic acid (ALA)-induced protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) photodynamic therapy of actinic keratosis was examined with an optimized fluorescence dosimeter to measure PpIX during treatment. While insufficient PpIX generation may be an indicator of incomplete response, there exists no standardized method to quantitate PpIX production at depths in the skin during clinical treatments. In this study, a spectrometer-based point probe dosimeter system was used to sample PpIX fluorescence from superficial (blue wavelength excitation) and deeper (red wavelength excitation) tissue layers. Broadband white light spectroscopy (WLS) was used to monitor aspects of vascular physiology and inform a correction of fluorescence for the background optical properties. Measurements in tissue phantoms showed accurate recovery of blood volume fraction and reduced scattering coefficient from WLS, and a linear response of PpIX fluorescence versus concentration down to 1.95 and 250 nM for blue and red excitations, respectively. A pilot clinical study of 19 patients receiving 1-h ALA incubation before treatment showed high intrinsic variance in PpIX fluorescence with a standard deviation/mean ratio of >0.9. PpIX fluorescence was significantly higher in patients reporting higher pain levels on a visual analog scale. These pilot data suggest that patient-specific PpIX quantitation may predict outcome response.
Deficient nitric oxide responsible for reduced nerve blood flow in diabetic rats: effects of L‐NAME, L‐arginine, sodium nitroprusside and evening primrose oil

1 . This study examined the potential role of impaired nitric oxide production and response in the development of endoneurial ischaemia in experimental diabetes. Rats were anaesthetized (Na pentobarbitone 45 mg kg−1, diazepam 2 mg kg−1) for measurement of sciatic nerve laser Doppler flux and systemic arterial pressure. Drugs were administered into the sciatic endoneurium via a microinjector attached to a glass micropipette. 2 . In two separate studies comparing diabetic rats (streptozotocin‐induced; 8–10 wk duration) with controls, nerve Doppler flux in diabetic rats (Study 1, 116.6±40.4 and Study 2, 90.1±34.7 (s.d.) in arbitrary units) was about half that measured in controls (219.6±52.4 and 212.8±95.5 respectively; P<0.005 for both). There were no significant differences between the two in systemic arterial pressure. 3 . Inhibition of nitric oxide production by microinjection of 1 nmol L‐NAME into the endoneurium halved flux in controls (to 126.3±41.3 in Study 1 and 102.1±38.9 in Study 2; both P<0.001), with no significant effect in diabetic rats, indicating markedly diminished tonic nitric oxide production in the latter. D‐NAME was without effect on nerve Doppler flux. 4 . L‐Arginine (100 nmol), injected after L‐NAME, markedly increased flux in controls (by 65.8% (P<0.03) and 97.8% (P<0.01) in the two studies) and by proportionally similar amounts in diabetic rats [75.8% (P<0.001) and 60.2% (P<0.02)]. The nitro‐donor, sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 10 nmol) had similar effects to L‐arginine in both groups (increases of 66.0% in controls and 77.5% in diabetics; both P<0.002). 5 . A second diabetic group, treated with evening primrose oil performed exactly like control rats in respect of responses to L‐NAME, L‐arginine and SNP. 6 . These findings implicate deficient nitric oxide in nerve ischaemia of diabetes and suggest correction thereof as a mechanism of action of evening primrose oil.
Measuring Cultural Competency in Educators: The Educators Scale of Student Diversity

The purpose of this study was to uncover a rich theoretical basis of cultural competency and awareness in education and create an instrument, Educators Scale of Student Diversity (ESSD), which reliably and validly measures cultural competency in educators. Current measures lack in both a wide theoretical basis of cultural competency as it relates to educators in diverse teaching environments and in reported psychometric quality. The ESSD derived from a wide range of theoretical constructs that encompass the experience of modern teachers in diverse environments. The original 50 items, which were written after an extensive literature review, were reviewed by a panel of experts in the fields of cultural competency and race in education, resulting in a 48-item instrument. A pilot study of 372 K-12 teachers in a medium-sized public school district in the Pacific Northwest was then conducted. A factor analysis resulted in a 22-item instrument consisting of 4 subscales: Race and Bias, Culturally Responsive Instruction, Sociopolitical Context, and Diversity in Education. Cronbach’s alpha, an assessment of reliability, was . 88 for the scale, suggesting reliability. A correlational analysis was performed with the Cultural Diversity Awareness Index to establish convergent validity and showed a moderate positive relationship.
Protein phosphatase inhibitor calyculin – A modulates activation markers in TRAP-stimulated human platelets

Platelet activation is accompanied with the phosphorylation of a number of proteins on serine (Ser) and threonine (Thr) residues. The phosphorylation level of these proteins is dependent upon the protein kinase/phosphatase activity ratio. The aim of this study was to investigate the consequences of inhibiting protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) and 2A (PP2A) on platelet functions. Protein phosphatases were inhibited by preincubation of platelet rich plasma (PRP) samples with calyculin-A (CLA). Subsequently, platelets were activated by thrombin-receptor activating peptide (TRAP) and platelet aggregation, platelet-derived microparticle (PMP) formation, surface expressions of P-selectin (CD62), lysosome-associated membrane protein (CD63), glycoprotein Ib and IIb were examined. Phosphatase activity was determined by using phosphorylated 20 kDa myosin light chain (P-MLC20) as substrate. In CLA-treated platelets substantial decrease of P-MLC20 phosphatase activity was observed. CLA significantly suppressed TRAP-induced surface expression of P-selectin and CD63 in a concentration-dependent manner as compared to non-treated samples and moderately decreased platelet aggregation. In TRAP-activated samples, 50 nM of CLA pretreatment completely abolished the level of PMPs and the prevention of GPIb downregulation was also observed; however, no difference was found in GPIIb expression. In conclusion, PP1 and PP2A-catalyzed dephosphorylation processes have crucial roles in PMP formation and in the regulation of alpha-granule and lysosome secretion in human platelets.
Aflatoxin B1 Uptake by Flavobacterium aurantiacum and Resulting Toxic Effects

Removal of aflatoxin B1 from liquid cultures by resting and growing cells of Flavobacterium aurantiacum NRRL B-184 was studied. Spectrophotometic and thin-layer techniques served as aflatoxin assays. Cells grown in the presence of 5 ppm or higher levels of aflatoxin developed aberrant morphological forms. These toxin concentrations partially inhibited growth, and the nature of the inhibition suggested that aflatoxin interfered with cell wall synthesis. Incubation of 1.0 × 1011 resting cells per milliliter with 7.0 μg/ml of aflatoxin B1 during a 4-hr period facilitated complete toxin removal from a buffered aqueous medium. Autoclaved cells and cell wall preparations could remove a fraction of the aflatoxin of a test system. However, the toxin removed by autoclaved cells and cell walls could be extracted by washing with water but the aflatoxin B1 removed by intact cells could not be extracted into the liquid phase. The uptake of aflatoxin B1 by resting cells was sensitive to temperature and pH. Ruptured preparations of F. aurantiacum were not able to remove or modify the aflatoxin in an aqueous solution.
fMRI analysis for motor paradigms using EMG‐based designs: A validation study

The goal of the present validation study is to show that continuous surface EMG recorded simultaneously with 3T fMRI can be used to identify local brain activity related to (1) motor tasks, and to (2) muscle activity independently of a specific motor task, i.e. spontaneous (abnormal) movements. Five healthy participants performed a motor task, consisting of posture (low EMG power), and slow (medium EMG power) and fast (high EMG power) wrist flexion–extension movements. Brain activation maps derived from a conventional block design analysis (block‐only design) were compared with brain activation maps derived using EMG‐based regressors: (1) using the continuous EMG power as a single regressor of interest (EMG‐only design) to relate motor performance and brain activity, and (2) using EMG power variability as an additional regressor in the fMRI block design analysis to relate movement variability and brain activity (mathematically) independent of the motor task. The agreement between the identified brain areas for the block‐only design and the EMG‐only design was excellent for all participants. Additionally, we showed that EMG power variability correlated well with activity in brain areas known to be involved in movement modulation. These innovative EMG‐fMRI analysis techniques will allow the application of novel motor paradigms. This is an important step forward in the study of both the normally functioning motor system and the pathophysiological mechanisms in movement disorders. Hum Brain Mapp, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Performance of four new photoscreeners on pediatric patients with high risk amblyopia.

PURPOSE A new study by the American Academy of Pediatrics touts the benefits of photoscreening, especially in preverbal children who cannot yet perform monocular acuity screening. Emerging devices have not been compared in young and developmentally challenged children. METHODS Consecutive patients in a pediatric eye practice had a comprehensive eye examination and four photoscreens: PlusoptiX (PlusoptiX, Nuremburg, Germany), SPOT (PediaVision, Lake Mary, FL), iScreen (iScreen, Memphis, TN), and the GoCheckKids application (Gobiquity, Aliso Viejo, CA) for the iPhone 4s (Apple, Cupertino, CA) with Delta Center Crescent interpretation. They were validated according to the 2003 American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus uniform guidelines. RESULTS One hundred eight children aged 1 to 12 years participated, with 56% having amblyopia risk factors and 10% having autism. For the four devices, sensitivity, specificity, and inconclusive results were as follows: PlusoptiX (83%, 86%, 23%), SPOT (80%, 85%, 4%), iScreen (75%, 88%, 13%) and iScreen (with Delta Center Crescent) (92%, 88%, 0%), and GoCheckKids (with Delta Center Crescent) (81%, 91%, 3%). CONCLUSIONS Even in high risk and young children, current instrument-based screeners can reliably screen for refractive and strabismic risk factors that lead to amblyopia. Some devices can reduce the proportion of inclusive results in challenging cases.
Elevated phosphorylase kinase activity in psoriatic epidermis: correlation with increased phosphorylation and psoriatic activity

Summary To determine whether abnormal activity of a calmodulin‐containing enzyme which catalyses phosphorylation reactions may play a pathogenetic role in psoriasis, the presence and activity of phosphorylase kinase (PK) in human epidermis were determined in patients with untreated/active psoriasis (n=10), treated/resolving psoriasis (n= 10), and non‐psoriatic controls (n= 10). Biopsies were taken from involved and uninvolved skin for PK, organic phosphorus, and inorganic phosphate estimation, and light and electron microscopy. The enzyme was present in involved and uninvolved skin of every patient in the study. PK activity (units/mg protein) was significantly higher in active psoriasis than in resolving psoriasis and controls. PK activity correlated directly with organic phosphorus levels, and inversely with the extent of cellular glycogenolysis measured by the depletion of glycogen granules within the keratinocytes. The study demonstrates that PK is present in both psoriatic and normal epidermis, with significantly higher levels in active psoriasis. Furthermore, higher levels of PK activity, glycogenolysis and phosphorylation are associated with increased clinical psoriatic activity. We conclude that PK, a calmodulin‐containing enzyme, is involved in regulating calcium‐dependent phosphorylation events in human epidermis, and disturbance of its activity may play a key role in the clinical manifestations of psoriasis.
Non-planning and tourism consumption in Budapest's inner city

ABSTRACT The relationship between urban planning and tourism consumption is presented through one of the most attractive and popular districts of Budapest (District VII). Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and has a population of 1.7 million inhabitants making it one of the largest metropolitan regions in Central Eastern Europe. Budapest is typical of many other post-socialist cities in that its urban development process has followed a somewhat different trajectory from many Western European cities until recently, for example the relatively slow rate of gentrification in the post-socialist years. The paper will focus in particular on one central district of the city (VII) which currently contains a high concentration of hospitality and entertainment facilities (especially ‘ruin pubs’) and attracts a large numbers of tourists. The planning and development history of the district will be explained, including many controversies and conflicts which have arisen over the years. In addition to analysing the significance of the areas’ heritage and the intensive growth of the creative industries, the paper will also provide a case study about the Budapest-specific ‘ruin bar’ phenomenon, as well as data on the global issue of Airbnb, which is becoming an extremely topical and controversial issue in many other cities in the world today. ‘Ruin bars’ and Airbnb represent local and global examples of tourism consumption which have flourished despite or even because of an unstructured, often unregulated urban planning system. Through this examination, two main questions are addressed: to what extent has planning (or a lack of it) influenced urban development and the new trends of international tourism in Budapest? and what role has tourism played in the transformation of a central district within the inner city?
Periodontal soft tissue root coverage procedures: a consensus report from the AAP Regeneration Workshop.

BACKGROUND Management of gingival recession defects, a common periodontal condition, using root coverage procedures is an important aspect of periodontal regenerative therapy. The goal of the periodontal soft tissue root coverage procedures group was to develop a consensus report based on the accompanying systematic review of root coverage procedures, including priorities for future research and identification of the best evidence available to manage different clinical scenarios. METHODS The group reviewed and discussed the accompanying systematic review, which covered treatment of single-tooth recession defects, multiple-tooth recession defects, and additional focused questions on relevant clinical topics. The consensus group members submitted additional material for consideration by the group in advance and at the time of the meeting. The group also identified priorities for future research. RESULTS All reviewed root coverage procedures provide significant reduction in recession depth, especially for Miller Class I and II recession defects. Subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) procedures provide the best root coverage outcomes. Acellular dermal matrix graft (ADMG) or enamel matrix derivative (EMD) in conjunction with a coronally advanced flap (CAF) can serve as alternatives to autogenous donor tissue. Additional research is needed to do the following: 1) assess the treatment outcomes for multiple-tooth recession defects, oral sites other than maxillary canine and premolar teeth, and Miller Class III and IV defects; 2) assess the role of patient- and site-specific factors on procedure outcomes; and 3) obtain evidence on patient-reported outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Predictable root coverage is possible for single-tooth and multiple-tooth recession defects, with SCTG procedures providing the best root coverage outcomes. Alternatives to SCTG are supported by evidence of varying strength. Additional research is needed on treatment outcomes for specific oral sites. Clinical Recommendation: For Miller Class I and II single-tooth recession defects, SCTG procedures provide the best outcomes, whereas ADMG or EMD in conjunction with CAF may be used as an alternative.
Assessing the effects of socially responsible strategic partnerships on building brand equity of integrated business structures in Ukraine

Research background: At present, it is critical to raise awareness on how global trends of doing business within the framework of sustainable development affect the success of each business unit, integration associations, and apparently contribute to a nation’s prosperity. Thus, a study aimed at measuring the effects of socially responsible strategic partnerships on building brand equity of integrated business structures (IBS) will provide deeper insights into assessing the effectiveness and relevance of disseminating CSR practices. Purpose of the article: The paper attempts to evaluate the degree of effect of socially responsible strategic partnerships on building strong brand equity of integrated business structures. Methods: The participants in the assessment have been selected from the Forbes TOP 200 largest companies in Ukraine (the ranking was based not only on sales, such metrics as companies’ financial performance, total assets and their current assessed value were also considered). The input data on the CSR indices were obtained from the Center for CSR Development Ukraine. The index of loyalty to a certain brand was calculated as an integral ratio of satisfaction and importance to customers (based on online survey results). To analyze the impact of the endogenous variable of CSR on IBS branding effectiveness (customer loyalty index and brand equity) and its cost effectiveness, correlation regression and factor analysis methods were applied. Findings & Value added: This study demonstrates the feasibility and economic justification of the impact of socially responsible strategic partnerships on brand equity development for integrated business structures. The research has significant implications for brand management of integrated business structures by providing empirical evidence that will improve understanding of the need to implement the concept of socially responsible branding that right today resonates with the moral society.