Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
18F-FDG PET as a Tool to Predict the Clinical Outcome of Infliximab Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Explorative Study

18F-FDG PET is a sensitive, promising method for visualizing disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis. This study aimed to assess the association between changes in 18F-FDG joint uptake after 2 wk of infliximab treatment and clinical outcome. Methods: Scans were obtained at the initiation of treatment and at 2 wk. Uptake in metacarpophalangeal and wrist joints was quantified using standardized uptake values. Results: Changes in mean standardized uptake value at 0–2 wk significantly correlated with the disease activity score (DAS) at 14 and 22 wk and contributed significantly to the prediction of DAS at these time points. No significant correlation was found between changes in acute-phase reactants at 0–2 wk and the DAS at later time points. Conclusion: Early changes in 18F-FDG uptake in joints during infliximab treatment of rheumatoid arthritis patients, using PET, may predict clinical outcome.
Ultrasonographic Manifestations of Carotid Atherosclerosis and Glucose Intolerance in Elderly Eastern Finnish Men

OBJECTIVE To study the association of ultrasonographic manifestations of common carotid atherosclerosis with glucose intolerance in survivors of the cohort of men born in 1900–1919 in eastern Finland. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Carotid ultrasonography was carried out for 182 men in 1989. Glucose tolerance status classified based on an oral glucose tolerance test in 1984 and 1989 surveys was used in both prospective and cross-sectional analyses. RESULTS Carotid atherosclerosis was common in men aged 70–89 years. There was no significant difference in the maximal carotid intimal-medial thickness between diabetic and nondiabetic men and over different age-groups; it was 1.28, 1.33, and 1.36 mm in subjects with diabetes, impaired glucose tolerance, and normal glucose tolerance, respectively (P = 0.69). No association between the presence of a nonmineralized or a mineralized atherosclerotic lesion with diabetes was found. Fasting plasma insulin did not relate to ultrasonographically detectable atherosclerotic lesions. CONCLUSIONS Hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia may not be main contributors to atherosclerosis in elderly men, partly because smoking is less common and total and LDL cholesterol concentrations are lower in diabetic men than in men with normal glucose tolerance.
[Iron deficiency: not always blood losses].

UNLABELLED Iron deficiency may be the only presenting sign of malabsorption due to the presence of intestinal villous atrophy. Once gastrointestinal blood losses have been excluded, intestinal malabsorption should be investigated. OBJECTIVES To determine the utility of jejunal biopsy in the evaluation of iron deficiency due to a defective absorption and the different diseases that may cause malabsortive iron deficiency. METHODS Seventy patients with iron deficiency (ferritin<25 ng/ml), referred to the Unitat de Proves Funcionals Digestives to perform a jejunal biopsy were included. Jejunal biopsy was obtained distal to Treitz with a Watson capsule. Histological changes were classified according to the criteria proposed by Marsh. RESULTS Jejunal biopsy was performed in 66 patients. Histology was normal in 25, unespecific in 1, showed inflammatory infiltrate in 12, hyperplastic changes in 2 and atrophy in 25. In one patient showed intestinal giardiasis. The clinical diagnosis was celiac sprue in 21 patients (32%), aclorhydria in 7 (10.5%), bacterial overgrowth in 1 (1.5%), intestinal giardiasis in 1 (1.5%), menstrual blood loss in 1 (1.5%) and 35(53%) patients remained without a definitive diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Jejunal biopsy is useful in the evaluation of iron deficiency due to intestinal malabsorption and reveals intestinal abnormalities in a significant number of cases.
Improvement of Human Islet Cryopreservation by a p38 MAPK Inhibitor

The activation of p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) has been shown to cause ischemia/reperfusion injury of several organs used for transplantation and also to play a significant role in primary islet graft nonfunction. Activation of p38 MAPK may also occur during islet cryopreservation and thawing. In this study, a p38 MAPK inhibitor (p38IH) was applied to human islet cryopreservation to improve islet yield and quality after thawing. Under serum‐free conditions, human islets were cryopreserved, thawed and cultured using our standard procedures. Three types of solutions were tested: conventional RPMI1640 medium (RPMI), a newly developed islet cryopreservation solution (ICS), and ICS supplemented with a p38IH, SD‐282 (ICS‐p38IH). Activation or inhibition of p38 MAPK was demonstrated by the diminished phosphorylation of HSP27 substrate. Islet recovery on day 2 after thawing was highest with ICS‐p38IH and islet viability was not significantly different in the three groups. β Cell numbers and function were the highest in islets cryopreserved with ICS‐p38IH. Glucose‐stimulated human C‐peptide levels were 86% of that of the nonfrozen islets when measured 4 weeks after transplantation into NODscid mice. This improvement may provide an opportunity to establish islet banks and allow the use of cryopreserved islets for clinical transplantation.
Identification of a dimerization domain in the C-terminal segment of the IE110 transactivator protein from herpes simplex virus

The 775-amino-acid IE110 (or ICP0) phosphoprotein of herpes simplex virus (HSV) functions as an accessory transcription factor during the lytic cycle and plays a critical role in reactivation from latent infection. By immunofluorescence analysis, IE110 localizes in a novel pattern consisting of several dozen spherical punctate granules in the nuclei of DNA-transfected cells. We constructed a hybrid version of IE110 that contained an epitope-tagged domain from the N terminus of the HSV IE175 protein and lacked the IE110 N-terminal domain that confers punctate characteristics. This hybrid IE175(N)/IE110(C) protein gave an irregular nuclear diffuse pattern on its own but was redistributed very efficiently into spherical punctate granules after cotransfection with the wild-type HSV-1 IE110 protein. Similar colocalization interactions occurred with internally deleted forms of IE110 that lacked the zinc finger region or large segments from the center of the protein, including both cytoplasmic and elongated punctate forms, but C-terminal truncated versions of IE110 did not interact. In all such interactions, the punctate phenotype was dominant. Evidence that C-terminal segments of IE110 could also form stable mixed-subunit oligomers in vitro was obtained by coimmunoprecipitation of in vitro-translated IE110 polypeptides with different-size hemagglutinin epitope-tagged forms of the protein. This occurred only when the two forms were cotranslated, not when they were simply mixed together. An in vitro-synthesized IE110 C-terminal polypeptide also gave immunoprecipitable homodimers and heterodimers when two different-size forms were cross-linked with glutaraldehyde and reacted specifically with a bacterial glutathione S-transferase/IE110 C-terminal protein in far-Western blotting experiments. The use of various N-terminal and C-terminal truncated forms of IE110 in the in vivo assays revealed that the outer boundaries of the interaction domain mapped between codons 617 and 711, although inclusion of adjacent codons on either side increased the efficiency severalfold in some assays. We conclude that the C-terminal region of IE110 contains a high-affinity self-interaction domain that leads to stable dimer and higher-order complex formation both in DNA-transfected cells and in in vitro assays. This segment of IE110 is highly conserved between HSV-1 and HSV-2 and appears to have the potential to play an important role in the interaction with the IE175 protein, as well as in correct intracellular localization, but it is not present in the equivalent proteins from varicella-zoster virus, pseudorabies virus, or equine abortion virus.
Aquaporin-1 channels in human retinal pigment epithelium: role in transepithelial water movement.

PURPOSE Aquaporin (AQP) is a hexahelical integral membrane protein that functions as a constitutive channel for water and regulated channel for cations in fluid transporting tissues, including many in the eye. Although AQP1 has been cloned from a cDNA library prepared from cultures of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells isolated from human fetal tissue, three separate studies failed with various immunochemical techniques to detect AQP1 protein in adult human or rat RPE preparations. The purpose of this study was to examine specifically the expression and distribution of AQP1 in adult human RPE in situ by using alternative methodologies and model systems and to determine the contribution of AQP1 to water movement across cultured RPE cells isolated from human cadaveric and fetal eyes. METHODS AQP1 in human RPE in situ was determined after biotinylation of proteins on cell surfaces and streptavidin chromatography, followed by immunoblot analyses. AQP1 distribution in a polarized in vitro RPE model was determined with indirect immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. The role of channel-mediated transport of water across RPE cell monolayers on filters was assessed by osmotic challenge assay. Expression levels of AQP1 were controlled with an adenovirus expression system and monitored by immunoblot analyses. RESULTS AQP1 protein was detected in human RPE in situ and in cultures of human adult and fetal RPE cells. In functional assays, AQP1 facilitated water movement across RPE monolayers in an expression-dependent manner in two complementary model systems. CONCLUSION The expression of AQP1 by RPE in vivo probably contributes to the efficient transepithelial water transport across RPE, maintains retinal attachment, and prevents subretinal edema.
Toward On-Chip Unidirectional and Single-Mode Polymer Microlaser

Optical microcavities have been paid enormous attentions as a basic integrated element in photonic devices including micromodulators, microfilters, and microsensors. In particular, the microcavities that can produce unidirectional and single-mode lasing emissions are greatly demanded to meet the challenge of integrating high-efficiency and high-sensitivity optical functional systems. Herein, a three-dimensional polymer microlaser composed of stacked circular-ring-shaped and spiral-ring-shaped microcavities is fabricated directly on a narrow bandpass filter substrate by the femtosecond laser processing technique. The on-chip polymer microlaser provides a room-temperature, low-threshold, unidirectional, and single-mode laser output, resulting from the coupling between the two stacked microcavities. The fabrication of the on-chip low-threshold polymer microlaser opens up a possibility toward the integration of a variety of polymer microcavities for organic optoelectronic devices.
Violent Trauma and Risk Preference: Artefactual and Experimental Evidence from Afghanistan ⇤

We investigate the relationship between violent trauma and economic risk preferences in Afghanistan combining: (i) a two-part experimental procedure identifying risk preferences, violations of Expected Utility (EU), and specific preferences for certainty; (ii) controlled recollection of fear based on established methods from psychology; and (iii) artefactual violence data from precisely geocoded military records. We document a specific preference for certainty in violation of EU. The preference for certainty, which we term a Certainty Premium, is exacerbated by the combination of violent exposure and controlled fearful recollections. The results have implications for risk-taking and are potentially actionable for policymakers and marketers.
Targetting a v b 3 and a 5 b 1 integrins with Ecballium elaterium ( L . ) A . Rich . seed oil

In the present study, the effect of Ecbalium elaterium seed oil on adhesion, migration and proliferation of human brain cancer cell line (U87) was determined. Treatment of U87 cell line with the seed oil resulted in strong inhibition of their adhesion to fibrinogen (Fg), fibronectin (Fn). It also reduced their migration and proliferation in a dose-dependent manner without being cytotoxic. Concomitantly, by using Matrigel assays, the oil significantly inhibited angiogenesis. The antitumor effect of the oil is specifically mediated by avb3 and a5b1 integrins. The presence of integrin antagonists in seed oil from E. elaterium could be used for the development of anticancer drugs with targeted “multi-modal” therapies combining anti-adhesif, antiproliferative, antimetastasic and anti-angiogenic, approaches. ã 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved. Available online at
Crystal Structure of a Thermophilic Cytochrome P450 from the Archaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus *

The structure of the first P450 identified in Archaea, CYP119 from Sulfolobus solfataricus, has been solved in two different crystal forms that differ by the ligand (imidazole or 4-phenylimidazole) coordinated to the heme iron. A comparison of the two structures reveals an unprecedented rearrangement of the active site to adapt to the different size and shape of ligands bound to the heme iron. These changes involve unraveling of the F helix C-terminal segment to extend a loop structure connecting the F and G helices, allowing the longer loop to dip down into the active site and interact with the smaller imidazole ligand. A comparison of CYP119 with P450cam and P450eryF indicates an extensive clustering of aromatic residues may provide the structural basis for the enhanced thermal stability of CYP119. An additional feature of the 4-phenylimidazole-bound structure is a zinc ion tetrahedrally bound by symmetry-related His and Glu residues.
Optimum coordination of overcurrent relays in distribution system using genetic algorithm

This paper presents genetic algorithm (GA) method for coordination of overcurrent (OC) relays. The OC relays are the major protection devices in a distribution system. OC relay is usually employed as backup protection. But in some situations it may be the only protection provided. To reduce the power outages, mal-operation of the backup relays should be avoided, and therefore, OC relay coordination in power distribution network is a major concern of protection engineer. The OC relay coordination in ring fed distribution networks is a highly constrained optimization problem. The purpose is to find an optimum relay setting to minimize the time of operation of relays and at the same time, to avoid the mal-operation of relays. This paper presents GA technique for optimum coordination of OC relays in a ring fed distribution system. Constraints are incorporated in the fitness function making use of the penalty method. Computer programs (using MATLAB) have been developed for optimum coordination of OC relays using GA technique.
The Drosophila MSL Complex Acetylates Histone H4 at Lysine 16, a Chromatin Modification Linked to Dosage Compensation

ABSTRACT In Drosophila, dosage compensation—the equalization of most X-linked gene products in males and females—is achieved by a twofold enhancement of the level of transcription of the X chromosome in males relative to each X chromosome in females. A complex consisting of at least five gene products preferentially binds the X chromosome at numerous sites in males and results in a significant increase in the presence of a specific histone isoform, histone 4 acetylated at lysine 16. Recently, RNA transcripts (roX1 and roX2) encoded by two different genes have also been found associated with the X chromosome in males. We have partially purified a complex containing MSL1, -2, and -3, MOF, MLE, and roX2 RNA and demonstrated that it exclusively acetylates H4 at lysine 16 on nucleosomal substrates. These results demonstrate that the MSL complex is responsible for the specific chromatin modification characteristic of the X chromosome in Drosophila males.
Does cryosupernatant plasma improve outcome in thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura? No answer yet

A randomized prospective trial compared cryosupernatant plasma (CSP) to fresh frozen plasma (FFP) for treatment of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). A total of 236 patients were required: 28 patients were treated with CSP and 24 with FFP within 30 months. There were no differences in survival at 1 month. By day 9, 17 of 26 patients with CSP and 18 of 24 with FFP had a platelet count >100 × 109/l. At entry, von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimers were normal in all patients (range 1·1–3·95 IU/ml). ADAMTS‐13 levels showed large variations ranging from 10% to 100% activity. At entry, no individual had <5% VWF cleaving protease. By day 9 (end of cycle), 89% (FFP) and 67% (CSP) had levels >50% of the controls. At 6 months some patients showed inhibitors to the enzyme in spite of adequate or normal platelet counts. The data from this study do not show an apparent advantage to the use of CSP in TTP. A large number of patients will be required to determine appropriate replacement therapy. We were not able to find a statistically significant relationship between the low level of protease activity at presentation of TTP and response.
Arabidopsis Jasmonate Signaling Pathway

Jasmonates regulate various aspects of physiology and development in Arabidopsis thaliana. Jasmonates control defense gene expression, growth, and fertility throughout the plant kingdom and have been studied extensively in Arabidopsis thaliana. The prohormone jasmonic acid (JA) is conjugated to amino acids such as isoleucine to form the active hormone jasmonoyl-isoleucine (JA-Ile). A series of breakthroughs has identified the SCF [SCF consists of four subunits: a cullin, SKP1 (S-phase kinase-associated protein 1), a RING finger protein (RBX1/HRT1/ROC1), and an F-box protein] CORONATINE INSENSITIVE1 (COI1) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex and the JASMONATE ZIM-DOMAIN (JAZ) proteins as central components in the perception of and transcriptional response to JA-Ile. JAZ proteins (most probably as dimers) bind transcription factors such as MYC2 before JA-Ile production. JA-Ile binds to COI1 to facilitate the formation of COI1-JAZ complexes, leading to ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of JAZ proteins. The degradation of JAZ proteins liberates transcription factors that function in the presence of the RNA polymerase II coregulatory complex Mediator to permit the expression of a number of jasmonate-regulated genes. Recent developments include the identification of COI1 as a receptor for jasmonates. Upstream of the signaling events, microRNA319 (miR319) negatively regulates the production of JA and JA-derived signals.
Overall properties of a cracked solid

Abstract The differential-integral equation of motion for the mean wave in a solid material containing embedded cavities or inclusions is derived. It consists of a series of terms of ascending powers of the scattering operator, and is here truncated after the third term. This implies the second-order interactions between scatterers are included but those of the third order are not. The formulae are specialized to the case of thin cracks, either aligned in a single direction or randomly oriented. Expressions for the overall elastic constants are derived for the case of long wavelengths. These expressions are accurate to the second order in the number density of scatterers.
The analysis of the influence of birth order and other factors in multiple birth data

We compare three methods which can be used to analyse theinfluence of birth order and other factors on health outcomes inmultiple birth data. We consider marginal models based ongeneralized estimating equations (GEE) and two kinds ofconditional models; conditional logistic regression (CLR) andmixed effects models (MEM). Although the models may be writtensimilarly, there are differences in both the interpretation andthe numerical values assigned to the parameters. Our mainconclusion is that GEE and MEM are preferable to CLR since theyprovide more flexibility in dealing with missing values andcovariates. The choice between GEE and MEM is less obvious anddepends on the data, the parameter of interest and statisticalpower. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficiently mining community structures in weighted social networks

In the literature, there are several models for detecting communities in social networks. In Zardi and Romdhane (2013), we presented a robust method, called maximum equilibrium purity (MEP), in which we defined a new function that qualifies a network partition into communities, and we presented an algorithm that optimises this function. We proved that, unlike modularity-based models, MEP does not suffer from the 'resolution limit' problem. However, MEP operates only on unweighted networks; i.e., networks where all connections are considered equally. Hence, strengths of social ties between network nodes are ignored. Unfortunately, this assumption may not hold in several real-world networks where tie strengths play a major role. In this paper, we present the maximum weighted equilibrium purity algorithm (MWEP), the extension of MEP to weighted networks. Like the original model, the extended model is proved to circumvent the 'resolution limit' problem encountered in community detection. In addition, we have applied our model to real-world and synthetic social networks and experimental results are more than encouraging.
Russian-American partners for prevention. Adaptation of a school-based parent-child programme for alcohol use prevention.

BACKGROUND The Russian-American Partners for Prevention was an adaptation and evaluation of the Slick Tracy Home Team Program which was developed in Minnesota in order to delay the onset of drinking. The Slick Tracy Home Team Program was the first intervention of Project Northland, a large 3 year community trial of the efficacy of a public health intervention for under age drinking. METHODS The programme was administered through schools, but involved parents using engaging and fun homework activities. The Russian version was implemented in fifth-grade classrooms in 20 Moscow schools with 1,212 students surveyed at baseline. Students were surveyed again after programme implementation (n = 1,182), of whom 980 were present at baseline. Parents of 1,078 students were surveyed by telephone after programme implementation. RESULTS The results demonstrated the successful recruitment and retention of 20 Moscow schools in a research project, acceptability of programme materials in Russia, high participation rates, changes in students' knowledge about problems associated with under age drinking and some evidence about increases in parent-child communication about alcohol use. As in the USA, no changes in students' alcohol use rates were observed at the end of the first year of the 3 year programme. CONCLUSION Russian youth, as compared to Americans, began drinking at earlier ages, received fewer prevention messages from their parents, and had fewer prevention programmes in school. The results suggested that carefully implemented and evaluated replications of the US Project Northland interventions might provide effective and appropriate school-based programmes for Russia.