Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hypoglycemic effect of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides.

AIM To investigate the hypoglycemic effect of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides (Gl-PS) in the normal fasted mice and its possible mechanism. METHODS Normal fasted mice were given a single dose of Gl-PS 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg by i.p. and the serum glucose was measured at 0, 3, and 6 h after administration. Gl-PS 100 mg/kg were also given by i.p. and the serum glucose and insulin levels were measured at 0 min, 30 min, 1 h, 3 h, 6 h, and 12 h. Pancreatic islets were isolated and incubated with glucose 5.6 mmol/L and different concentration of Gl-PS, the insulin content of islets and insulin release were examined. The islets fluorescent intensity of [Ca2+]i was also studied with a confocal microscope. Verapamil and egtazic acid were used to testify whether the insulin-releasing effect of Gl-PS was mediated by its ability to raise the Ca2+ influx. RESULTS Gl-PS dose-dependently lowered the serum glucose levels at 3 h and 6 h after administration. Gl-PS 100 mg/kg raised the circulating insulin levels at 1 h after administration. In vitro, Gl-PS had no effect on islets insulin content, but it stimulated the insulin release after incubation with glucose 5.6 mmol/L. Confocal microscope showed that Gl-PS 100 mg/L had the capacity to raise the [Ca2+]i. The insulin-releasing effect of Gl-PS was inhibited by verapamil/egtazic acid. CONCLUSION Gl-PS possesses the hypoglycemic effect on normal mice; one mechanism is through its insulin-releasing activity due to a facilitation of Ca2+ inflow to the pancreatic beta cells.
Further Support for Nitric Oxide-Dependent Memory Processing in the Day-Old Chick

There is considerable evidence that nitric oxide activity is essential for memory formation, particularly from studies using inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase. The particular stage of memory formation requiring nitric oxide activity has not, however, been systematically investigated. In the current experiments, day-old black Australorp-white Leghorn chicks were trained on a passive avoidance task. Intracranial injections of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, l-NG-nitroarginine methylester (0.5 mM), were found to inhibit memory formation shortly after training, when injected pre- or posttraining. This effect was replicated with a second inhibitor, l-NG-nitroarginine (1 mM), and counteracted by the NO donor, sodium nitroprusside (150 microM). These findings provide covergent evidence that nitric oxide activity plays a critical role in the consolidation of memory in the day-old chick.
Reassessing the Inflows and Outflows of Unemployment in Korea

Using data from the Economically Active Population Survey from 1986 to 2014, we comprehensively examine Korean unemployment dynamics using worker flows: inflow rates and outflow rates. We estimate both flow rates by carefully correcting for time aggregation bias, and quantify the contribution of changes in each flow rate to unemployment variability through steady-state and non-steady-state decompositions. Our baseline analysis reports the average of inflow rates as 1.6% and that of outflow rates as 48%. Moreover, despite the small size of the inflow rates, inflows account for 90% of unemployment variability. The significant contribution of inflows to unemployment fluctuation still appears even under a three-state model that includes inactive workers and heterogeneous flow rates by reasons for unemployment. The large contribution of inflows to unemployment changes despite high outflow rates is a unique feature of the Korean labor market not seen in previous studies of OECD countries.
Contribution of phonological and broader language skills to literacy.

BACKGROUND Recent models of reading ability propose that both phonological and broader language skills are important for the development of literacy. Whilst there are numerous studies that consider the role of phonological skills in literacy, fewer studies have considered the role of broader language skills and reading proficiency. AIMS To examine how phonological skills and broader language skills relate to word reading (including speeded word reading), non-word reading, spelling, and reading comprehension. METHODS & PROCEDURES Seventy-one children (mean age = 10.10; 21 girls) with a wide range of reading and language abilities took part in the study. A number of tasks were administered that measured phonological skills (phonological awareness, phonological short-term memory) and broader language skills (vocabulary, morphology, sentence correction, and sentence processing). OUTCOMES & RESULTS In support of previous work, both phonological and broader language abilities predicted reading and spelling. The exception was the timed single-word-reading task that was influenced by vocabulary. Reading comprehension was solely predicted by broader language abilities. CONCLUSIONS Both phonological and broader language abilities are involved in the development of reading and spelling, but in the case of reading comprehension, broader language skills are crucial.
Clinical applications of L-glutamine: past, present, and future.

OBJECTIVE This review will attempt to summarize recent clinical data on glutamine's use. It will present the concept of glutamine as a "drug" or "nutraceutical," given in addition to standard nutrition support. Key references will be discussed, and clinical recommendations with regard to patients who may benefit and dosing are also provided. RECENT FINDINGS Glutamine, traditionally considered a nonessential amino acid, now is considered "conditionally essential" after critical illness, stress, and injury. States of illness or injury can lead to a significant decrease in plasma levels of glutamine, and when this decrease is severe, it has been correlated with increased mortality. Laboratory data have demonstrated numerous benefits of glutamine in experimental models of critical illness, cancer, and cardiac injury. The mechanism of these protective effects includes attenuated proinflammatory cytokine expression, improved gut barrier function, enhanced ability to mount a stress response, improved immune cell function, and decreased mortality. Over the last 10 years, clinical trials of glutamine supplementation in critical illness, surgical stress, and cancer have shown benefit with regard to mortality, length of stay, and infectious morbidity. However, data demonstrating a lack of benefit with glutamine supplementation in some patients have been presented as well. It appears that dose and route of administration clearly influence the benefit observed from glutamine administration, with high-dose parenteral glutamine demonstrating an advantage over low-dose enteral glutamine. SUMMARY High-dose or parenteral (> 0.25 to 0.30 g/kg/day IV or >or=30 g/day enterally) glutamine appears to demonstrate the greatest potential for benefit in hospitalized patients. No evidence of harm has been observed in studies conducted to date; thus, further clinical trials using glutamine as a pharmacologic supplement to standard nutrition are warranted.
Patients’ and therapists’ perception of change following physiotherapy in an orthopedic hospital’s outpatient clinic

Abstract Objective: The aims of this observational, prospective cohort study were to: assess the patients’ and therapists’ perception of change after physiotherapy in an orthopedic hospital’s outpatient clinic; relate these retrospective assessments to a serial assessment of pain; and study the influence of patient characteristics on the perceived change. Methods: 161 patients of the outpatient clinic participated. The main outcome measures were the patient global impression of change (PGIC) and the clinical global impression of change (CGIC) after physiotherapy. The visual analogue scale was used as serial assessment. Results: The PGIC indicated improvement in 128 patients (80%) and the CGIC in 117 patients (73%). The correlation between PGIC and CGIC was good (rS = 0.71, p < 0.001). The perceived change correlated little to baseline pain (PGIC: rS = 0.24, p = 0.004; CGIC: rS = 0.18, p = 0.024) and change in pain due to physiotherapy (PGIC: rS = −0.22, p = 0.004; CGIC: rS = −0.31, p < 0.001). The logistic regression model revealed a significant influence of the patients’ education level and the number of problems on the PGIC and the CGIC. Conclusions: The addition of at least one GPC scale might be valuable in evaluating the outcome in physical therapy, which requires little time and thus may be ideal for a clinical setting. Patients’ and therapists’ perception of change is significantly influenced by the patients’ education level and the number of problems, which might be of relevance when choosing adequate treatment strategies.
Desmopressin stimulation test before and after pituitary surgery in patients with Cushing's disease

OBJECTIVE The desmopressin test has been proposed as a useful tool for the differential diagnosis of Cushing's disease. The aim of our study was to investigate, in a large series of patients with Cushing's disease, the incidence of a positive ACTH and cortisol response to desmopressin. Moreover, we repeated the test soon after surgery to verify its usefulness in the assessment of early and late surgical results.
Analysing the Relationship between Budget Deficit and Current Account Deficit in Namibia

Is there a causal relationship between budget deficit and current account deficit? This study attempts to explain the significance of the transmission mechanism, (the exchange rate and interest rate) in explaining the twin deficit hypothesis (i.e. budget deficit and current account deficit) in Namibia. The study employed analytical methods of unit roots, cointegration, Granger-causality, and the impulse response function for estimation. In contributing to this ongoing debate, the study used the case of Namibia over the period spanning from 1990-2014 using time series data. Budget deficit and current account deficit proved to be significant. There is a unidirectional causal relationship between budget deficit and current account deficit in Namibia which runs from current account deficit to budget deficit. However, the transmission mechanism proved to be less significant in explaining the twin deficit hypothesis in Namibia. Having found a positive relationship between current account deficit and budget deficit in Namibia, the government should consider curbing the increasing current account balance as a way of reducing its adverse effect on the budget balance. From this study, it is indicated that stabilising the current account deficit problem could assist in managing the budget deficit problem in Namibia. Original Research Article Shifidi and Nyambe; AJEBA, 15(3): 35-43, 2020; Article no.AJEBA. 49611 36
Engineering Triterpene and Methylated Triterpene Production in Plants Provides Biochemical and Physiological Insights into Terpene Metabolism1[OPEN]

Targeting nonnative triterpene biosynthesis within the cell sheds light on cofactors and substrates and uncovers a new homeostatic mechanism. Linear, branch-chained triterpenes, including squalene (C30), botryococcene (C30), and their methylated derivatives (C31–C37), generated by the green alga Botryococcus braunii race B have received significant attention because of their utility as chemical and biofuel feedstocks. However, the slow growth habit of B. braunii makes it impractical as a production system. In this study, we evaluated the potential of generating high levels of botryococcene in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants by diverting carbon flux from the cytosolic mevalonate pathway or the plastidic methylerythritol phosphate pathway by the targeted overexpression of an avian farnesyl diphosphate synthase along with two versions of botryococcene synthases. Up to 544 µg g−1 fresh weight of botryococcene was achieved when this metabolism was directed to the chloroplasts, which is approximately 90 times greater than that accumulating in plants engineered for cytosolic production. To test if methylated triterpenes could be produced in tobacco, we also engineered triterpene methyltransferases (TMTs) from B. braunii into wild-type plants and transgenic lines selected for high-level triterpene accumulation. Up to 91% of the total triterpene contents could be converted to methylated forms (C31 and C32) by cotargeting the TMTs and triterpene biosynthesis to the chloroplasts, whereas only 4% to 14% of total triterpenes were methylated when this metabolism was directed to the cytoplasm. When the TMTs were overexpressed in the cytoplasm of wild-type plants, up to 72% of the total squalene was methylated, and total triterpene (C30+C31+C32) content was elevated 7-fold. Altogether, these results point to innate mechanisms controlling metabolite fluxes, including a homeostatic role for squalene.
Role of receptor‐mediated endocytosis, endosomal acidification and cathepsin D in cholera toxin cytotoxicity

Using the in situ liver model system, we have recently shown that, after cholera toxin binding to hepatic cells, cholera toxin accumulates in a low‐density endosomal compartment, and then undergoes endosomal proteolysis by the aspartic acid protease cathepsin‐D [Merlen C, Fayol‐Messaoudi D, Fabrega S, El Hage T, Servin A, Authier F (2005) FEBS J272, 4385–4397]. Here, we have used a subcellular fractionation approach to address the in vivo compartmentalization and cytotoxic action of cholera toxin in rat liver parenchyma. Following administration of a saturating dose of cholera toxin to rats, rapid endocytosis of both cholera toxin subunits was observed, coincident with massive internalization of both the 45 kDa and 47 kDa Gsα proteins. These events coincided with the endosomal recruitment of ADP‐ribosylation factor proteins, especially ADP‐ribosylation factor‐6, with a time course identical to that of toxin and the A subunit of the stimulatory G protein (Gsα) translocation. After an initial lag phase of 30 min, these constituents were linked to NAD‐dependent ADP‐ribosylation of endogenous Gsα, with maximum accumulation observed at 30–60 min postinjection. Assessment of the subsequent postendosomal fate of internalized Gsα revealed sustained endolysosomal transfer of the two Gsα isoforms. Concomitantly, cholera toxin increased in vivo endosome acidification rates driven by the ATP‐dependent H+‐ATPase pump and in vitro vacuolar acidification in hepatoma HepG2 cells. The vacuolar H+‐ATPase inhibitor bafilomycin and the cathepsin D inhibitor pepstatin A partially inhibited, both in vivo and in vitro, the cAMP response to cholera toxin. This cathepsin D‐dependent action of cholera toxin under the control of endosomal acidity was confirmed using cellular systems in which modification of the expression levels of cathepsin D, either by transfection of the cathepsin D gene or small interfering RNA, was followed by parallel changes in the cytotoxic response to cholera toxin. Thus, in hepatic cells, a unique endocytic pathway was revealed following cholera toxin administration, with regulation specificity most probably occurring at the locus of the endosome and implicating endosomal proteases, such as cathepsin D, as well as organelle acidification.
Spatial Interplay between Polycomb and Trithorax Complexes Controls Transcriptional Activity in T Lymphocytes

ABSTRACT Trithorax group (TrxG) and Polycomb group (PcG) proteins are two mutually antagonistic chromatin modifying complexes, however, how they together mediate transcriptional counter-regulation remains unknown. Genome-wide analysis revealed that binding of Ezh2 and menin, central members of the PcG and TrxG complexes, respectively, were reciprocally correlated. Moreover, we identified a developmental change in the positioning of Ezh2 and menin in differentiated T lymphocytes compared to embryonic stem cells. Ezh2-binding upstream and menin-binding downstream of the transcription start site was frequently found at genes with higher transcriptional levels, and Ezh2-binding downstream and menin-binding upstream was found at genes with lower expression in T lymphocytes. Interestingly, of the Ezh2 and menin cooccupied genes, those exhibiting occupancy at the same position displayed greatly enhanced sensitivity to loss of Ezh2. Finally, we also found that different combinations of Ezh2 and menin occupancy were associated with expression of specific functional gene groups important for T cell development. Therefore, spatial cooperative gene regulation by the PcG and TrxG complexes may represent a novel mechanism regulating the transcriptional identity of differentiated cells.
An update on the thermosteric sea level rise commitment to global warming

The equilibrium thermosteric sea level rise caused by global warming is evaluated in several coupled climate models. The thermosteric sea level rise is found to be well approximated as a linear function of the mean ocean temperature increase in the models. However, the mean ocean temperature increase as a function of the mean surface temperature increase differs between the models. Our models can be divided into two branches; models with an Atlantic meridional overturning circulation that increases with warming have large mean ocean temperature increases and vice versa. These two different branches give estimates of the equilibrium thermosteric sea level rise per degree of surface warming that are respectively 98% and 21% larger than the estimate given in the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report. Our estimates of the equilibrium thermosteric sea level rise are also used to infer an equilibrium sea level sensitivity, a parameter akin to the often used equilibrium climate sensitivity metric.
Regulation of polyamine transport by polyamines and polyamine analogs

Regulation of polyamine transport in murine L1210 leukemia cells was characterized in order to better understand its relationship to specific intracellular polyamines and their analogs and to quantitate the sensitivity by which it is controlled. Up‐regulation of polyamine uptake was evaluated following a 48‐hr treatment with a combination of biosynthetic enzyme inhibitors to deplete intracellular polyamine pools. The latter declined gradually over 48 hr and was accompanied by a steady increase in spermidine (SPD) and spermine (SPM) transport as indicated by rises in Vmax to levels ∼4.5 times higher than control values. Restoration of individual polyamine pools during a 6‐hr period following inhibitor treatment revealed that SPD and SPM uptake could not be selectively affected by specific pool changes. The effectiveness of individual polyamines in reversing inhibitor‐induced stimulation of uptake was as follows: putrescine < SPD < SPM = the SPM analog, N1, N12‐bis(ethyl)spermine (BESPM). In contrast to stimulation of transport, down‐regulation by exogenous polyamines or analogs occurred rapidly and in response to subtle increases in intracellular pools. Following a 1‐hr exposure to 10 μM BESPM, Vmax values for SPD and SPM fell by 70%, whereas the analog pool increased to only 400–500 pmol/106 cells—about 15–20% of the total polyamine pool (∼2.8 nmol/106 cells). SPM produced nearly identical regulatory effects on transport kinetics. Both BESPM and SPM were even more effective at down‐regulating transport that had been previously stimulated four to fivefold by polyamine depletion achieved with enzyme inhibitors. A dose response with BESPM at 48 hr revealed a biphasic effect on uptake whereby concentrations of analog < 3 μM produced an increase in SPD and SPM Vmax values, whereas concentrations 3 μM and higher produced a marked suppression of these values. Cells treated with 3 μM BESPM for 2 hr and placed in analog‐free medium recovered transport capability in only 3 hr. Thus, whereas stimulation of polyamine transport is a relatively insensitive and slowly responsive process that tends to parallel polyamine depletion, down‐regulation of polyamine transport by exogenous polyamines and analogs and its reversal are rapidly responsive events that correlate with relatively small (i.e., 15–20%) changes in intracellular polyamine pools.
Characterization of the piRNA pathway during development of the sea anemone Nematostella vectensis

ABSTRACT PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and associated proteins comprise a conserved pathway for silencing transposons in metazoan germlines. piRNA pathway components are also expressed in multipotent somatic stem cells in various organisms. piRNA functions have been extensively explored in bilaterian model systems, however, comprehensive studies in non-bilaterian phyla remain limited. Here we investigate the piRNA pathway during the development of Nematostella vectensis, a well-established model system belonging to Cnidaria, the sister group to Bilateria. To date, no population of somatic stem cells has been identified in this organism, despite its long life-span and regenerative capacities that require a constant cell-renewal. We show that Nematostella piRNA pathway components are broadly expressed in early developmental stages, while piRNAs themselves show differential expression, suggesting specific developmental roles of distinct piRNA families. In adults, piRNA associated proteins are enriched in the germline but also expressed in somatic cells, indicating putative stem cell properties. Furthermore, we provide experimental evidence that Nematostella piRNAs cleave transposable elements as well as protein-coding genes. Our results demonstrate that somatic expression of piRNA associated proteins as well as the roles of piRNAs in transposon repression and gene regulation are likely ancestral features that evolved before the split between Cnidaria and Bilateria.
SHORT AND LONG RUN ROLE OF EXCHNAGE RATE MOVEMENT ON ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA

The study investigated the effect of exchange rate movement on economic growth in Nigeria for the period of 32 years (1986-2017). The study specifically examined the effect of exchange rate, import, export and government expenditure on economic growth proxied as real gross domestic product in Nigeria. Autoregressive Distributed Lag model (ARDL) Bound test was employed. The study found evidence of longrun relationship between exchange rate movement and economic growth in Nigeria. The study further revealed that exchange rate and government expenditure have significant positive effect on economic growth; import has insignificant negative effect on economic growth; export has insignificant positive effect on economic growth. The study concluded that exchange rate movement has significant effect on economic growth in Nigeria. The study therefore suggested that the government should introduce import reducing policy that will stabilize the import-export balances such that local goods can be well embraced.
Investigating Global Labor and Pro t Shares

This paper investigates labor and profit share trends across Advanced Economies. It shows that growth in the Real Estate sector is the primary driver of declining labor shares outside the US. Excluding the Real Estate sector, non-US labor and profit shares have remained relatively stable since the 1970s. By contrast, the US labor share declined and the profit share increased across virtually all industries. The divergent US patterns appear to be explained by declining competition in the form of rising mark-ups and rising concentration.
The Relationship between Leadership Strengths and Job Performance of Fleet Managers

Abstract:While personality testing has been used extensively in pre-employment screening, authors have noted the possibility of these tools introducing bias into the employment process and potentially violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. An alternative pre-employment screening using Clifton StrengthsFinder® Assessment top five leadership traits is tested to see if there is a relationship between the results and on-the-job performance for existing fleet managers of a large trucking firm. Results of the study reveal that there is a correlation between certain top five leadership traits and several measures of fleet manager performance used by their employer for evaluation.