Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhanced signaling and morphological transformation by a membrane-localized derivative of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 kinase domain

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors (FGFRs) are membrane-spanning tyrosine kinase receptors that mediate regulatory signals for cell proliferation and differentiation in response to FGFs. We have previously determined that the Lys650-->Glu mutation in the activation loop of the kinase domain of FGFR3, which is responsible for the lethal skeletal dysplasia thanatophoric dyplasia type II (TDII), greatly enhances the ligand-independent kinase activity of the receptor. Here, we demonstrate that expression of this construct induces a c-fos promoter construct approximately 10-fold but does not lead to proliferation or morphological transformation of NIH 3T3 cells. In contrast, the isolated kinase domain of activated FGFR3, targeted to the plasma membrane by a myristylation signal, is able to stimulate c-fos expression by 40-fold, induce proliferation of quiescent cells, and morphologically transform fibroblasts. This result suggests that the extracellular and transmembrane domains of FGFRs exert a negative regulatory influence on the activity of the kinase domain. Targeting of the activated kinase domain to either the cytoplasm or the nucleus does not significantly affect biological signaling, suggesting that signals from FGFR3 resulting in mitogenesis originate exclusively from the plasma membrane. Furthermore, our novel observation that expression of a highly activated FGFR3 kinase domain is able to morphologically transform fibroblasts suggests that dysregulation of FGFR3 has the potential to play a role in human neoplasia.
Spawning, copulation and inbreeding coefficients in marine invertebrates

Patterns of population genetic variation have frequently been understood as consequences of life history covariates such as dispersal ability and breeding systems (e.g. selfing). For example, marine invertebrates show enormous variation in life history traits that are correlated with the extent of gene flow between populations and the magnitude of differentiation among populations at neutral genetic markers (FST). Here we document an unexpected correlation between marine invertebrate life histories and deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (non-zero values of FIS, the inbreeding coefficient). FIS values were significantly higher in studies of species with free-spawned planktonic sperm than in studies of species that copulate or have some form of direct sperm transfer to females or benthic egg masses. This result was robust to several different analytical approaches. We note several mechanisms that might contribute to this pattern, and appeal for more studies and ideas that might help to explain our observations.
SPINK1/PSTI Mutations Are Associated with Tropical Pancreatitis in Bangladesh

Background/Aims: Tropical pancreatitis (TP) refers to a severe type of idiopathic chronic pancreatitis that develops in children in tropical regions of Africa and southern Asia. Phenotypically TP is subdivided into fibrocalculous pancreatic diabetes (FCPD) and tropical calcific pancreatitis without diabetes mellitus (TCP). Recently an association was identified between idiopathic pancreatitis in the USA and Europe and mutations in the serine protease inhibitor, Kazal type 1 (SPINK1) gene (previously termed pancreatic secretory trypsin inhibitor, PSTI). Our aim was to determine if either form of TP has a genetic basis. Methods: We studied 8 well-characterized patients from Bangladesh with FCPD, 4 with TCP and 4 controls without pancreatic disease. The entire SPINK1 gene was sequenced in these patients. Results: We detected two disease-associated SPINK1 mutations (N34S/IVS1–37T>C and IVS3 + 2T>C) in 6 of 8 patients from Bangladesh with FCPD but not in 4 patients with TCP (p < 0.03) or 4 controls (p < 0.03). Conclusions: We conclude that SPINK1 mutations are associated with FCPD in Bangladesh. Since SPINK1 mutations in Europeans and North Americans are associated with idiopathic chronic pancreatitis that is phenotypically different from FCPD, we further conclude that mutated SPINK1 markedly increases the risk of developing a variety of pancreatic diseases possibly through a chronic elevation of active trypsin within the pancreas.
Development Macroeconomics Ed. 3

Since it was first published in 1995, Development Macroeconomics has remained the definitive textbook on the macroeconomics of developing countries. Now, in this fully revised and updated third edition, Pierre-Richard Agenor and Peter Montiel cover the latest advances in this rapidly changing field, making this the most up-to-date, authoritative, and comprehensive book available on the macroeconomic issues and challenges developing nations confront today.Agenor and Montiel provide completely new and expanded coverage of fiscal discipline, monetary policy regimes, currency and banking crises, monetary unions, management of capital flows, the choice of an exchange-rate regime, public capital and growth, the political economy of stabilization and adjustment--and much more. They review attempts that have been made to adapt standard macroeconomic analysis to conditions in developing economies, and they use a variety of analytical models to address the macroeconomic policy issues that most concern these countries. Agenor and Montiel systematically examine empirical evidence on behavioral assumptions and on the effects of macroeconomic policies in developing nations. They also provide extensive references to literature in the field.This new edition of Development Macroeconomics is the ideal introduction for students and an indispensable resource for researchers. Fully updated and expanded Provides the most comprehensive treatment of the macroeconomics of developing nations Features new material on fiscal discipline, monetary policy regimes, currency and banking crises--and much more Includes extensive references Serves both as a graduate textbook and a resource for researchers
The Lived Experiences of Single Taiwanese Mothers Being Resilient After Divorce

The lived experiences of being resilient as described by 13 single Taiwanese mothers after divorce was the focus of this study. A descriptive phenomenological approach to inquiry was the theoretical framework underpinning the study. Information was gathered through two in-depth face-to-face digitally recorded interviews with each participant. Each of the participants had suffered from depression. For the analysis of the participants’ transcripts of interview the authors used Colaizzi’s method. Four themes emerged from the analysis process: having faith in God, bending with the ebb and flow of daily life, finding strength in the support and friendship of others, and new found freedom and hope for the future. Findings of this study have the potential to enhance understanding of the mental health needs of single mothers and their children in the provision of holistic health care delivery.
Repeat Keratoplasty for Failed Deep Anterior Lamellar Keratoplasty in Keratoconus: Incidence, Indications, and Outcomes.

PURPOSE To analyze the incidence, indications, and clinical outcomes of penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and repeat deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) after failed DALK for keratoconus. METHODS This retrospective interventional case series reviewed the medical records of patients with keratoconus who underwent DALK and were followed up for at least 1 year. Patients who underwent PK or repeat DALK for failed DALK were identified. The incidence, indications, and clinical outcomes after repeat keratoplasty were assessed. RESULTS A total of 382 consecutive eyes with keratoconus underwent DALK over a 9-year period. Graft failure was observed in 14 eyes (3.7%). The reasons for the graft failure included nonhealing epithelial defects (n = 1), pseudoanterior chamber (n = 2), patient dissatisfaction with vision (n = 4), interface opacification (n = 4), high astigmatism (n = 1), and recurrence of keratoconus in the graft (n = 2). Of these 14 eyes with graft failure, 12 eyes underwent PK (n = 11) or repeat DALK (n = 1). At the most recent examination, which was performed 49.7 ± 25.2 months after the secondary graft, all regrafts were clear. There was no significant difference between eyes with clear first grafts and eyes that underwent PK or repeat DALK in visual outcomes at the final examination. Graft rejection was the most common complication, which was encountered in 75% of the regrafts. CONCLUSIONS The prognosis for repeat keratoplasty was excellent, and the outcomes of secondary grafts were comparable to those of primary DALK grafts. However, the rate of rejection with secondary grafts was high, necessitating close follow-up after PK and repeat DALK performed for failed DALK.
Single-dose intrathecal analgesia to control labour pain: is it a useful alternative to epidural analgesia?

OBJECTIVE To examine the safety and efficacy of single-dose spinal analgesia (intrathecal narcotics [ITN]) during labour. QUALITY OF EVIDENCE MEDLINE was searched and the references of 2 systematic reviews and a meta-analysis were reviewed to find articles on obstetric analgesia and pain measurement. The 33 articles selected included 14 studies, 1 meta-analysis, and 2 systematic reviews, all providing level I evidence. MAIN MESSAGE The literature supports use of ITN as a safe and effective alternative to epidural anesthesia. The recent decrease in rates of episiotomies and use of forceps during deliveries means patients require less dense perineal anesthesia. The advantage of single-dose ITN is that fewer physicians and nurses are needed to administer it even though its safety and effectiveness are comparable with other analgesics. Use of ITN is associated with a shorter first stage of labour and more rapid cervical dilation. A combination of 2.5 mg of bupivacaine, 25 microg of fentanyl, and 250 microg of morphine intrathecally usually provides a 4-hour window of acceptable analgesia for patients without complications not anticipating protracted labour. The evolution in dosing of ITN warrants a re-examination of its usefulness in modern obstetric practice. CONCLUSION Physicians practising modern obstetrics in rural and small urban centres might find single-dose ITN a useful alternative to parenteral or epidural analgesia for appropriately selected patients.
Financial transparency, corporate governance and information disclosure of the entrepreneur’s corporation in Rastin banking

Purpose This paper aims to define a set of operating regulations for financial transparency, corporate governance and information disclosure for the entrepreneur that applies to bank to receive financial resources. Design/methodology/approach Corporate governance, financial transparency and information disclosure are among the most important solutions to attract public trust to financial operations. To reach this goal, a new set of regulations must be designed to solve the problem. In this regard, Rastin Banking regulations can provide a base to obtain a better circulation of information and a higher clarity. Findings A draft of regulations for financial transparency, corporate governance and information disclosure was compiled, and it is presented here briefly in this paper, which can be used as a basis for codification of the respective law. Research limitations As such kinds of regulations are novel, they are required to be discussed first, and after adaptation, adjustment and performing the necessary modifications, the text of the law can be codified. Practical implications Banks and companies managers, through granting various concessions to themselves and their own stakeholders, have violated the rights of the shareholders, depositors and other stakeholders. This issue, to a great extent is adjustable by applying the governance methods. Social implications This procedure is a model and can be adopted in other countries, especially in countries that have large ambiguities in their banking and financial operations. Originality value Clearly, lack of transparency in financial operations can gradually weaken the trust of depositors, shareholders and stakeholders, and result in probable abuses and damages to all parties of banking contracts. This paper fulfils an identified need and solves the practical problem in financial abuses, corruption and collusion and can provide positive and important effects toward creating public trust in financial operations.
Silencing CAFFEOYL SHIKIMATE ESTERASE Affects Lignification and Improves Saccharification in Poplar1[OPEN]

Down-regulation of CSE in poplar reduces lignin content, leading to a higher glucose release per plant upon saccharification. Caffeoyl shikimate esterase (CSE) was recently shown to play an essential role in lignin biosynthesis in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) and later in Medicago truncatula. However, the general function of this enzyme was recently questioned by the apparent lack of CSE activity in lignifying tissues of different plant species. Here, we show that down-regulation of CSE in hybrid poplar (Populus tremula × Populus alba) resulted in up to 25% reduced lignin deposition, increased levels of p-hydroxyphenyl units in the lignin polymer, and a relatively higher cellulose content. The transgenic trees were morphologically indistinguishable from the wild type. Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based phenolic profiling revealed a reduced abundance of several oligolignols containing guaiacyl and syringyl units and their corresponding hydroxycinnamaldehyde units, in agreement with the reduced flux toward coniferyl and sinapyl alcohol. These trees accumulated the CSE substrate caffeoyl shikimate along with other compounds belonging to the metabolic classes of benzenoids and hydroxycinnamates. Furthermore, the reduced lignin amount combined with the relative increase in cellulose content in the CSE down-regulated lines resulted in up to 62% more glucose released per plant upon limited saccharification when no pretreatment was applied and by up to 86% and 91% when acid and alkaline pretreatments were used. Our results show that CSE is not only important for the lignification process in poplar but is also a promising target for the development of improved lignocellulosic biomass crops for sugar platform biorefineries.
Seasonal acclimatization in American goldfinches: the role of the pectoralis muscle.

The present study attempts to assess whether the marked seasonal changes in the capacity for shivering thermogenesis in American goldfinches (Carduelis tristis) involve adjustments of metabolic pathways of the pectoralis muscles similar to those observed in mammalian muscle in response to endurance training, i.e., changes favoring increased reliance on fatty acid oxidation and decreased utilization of carbohydrate reserves. Analysis of seasonal changes in enzyme profile of the pectoralis muscle revealed that winter-acclimatized birds have significantly greater (P less than 0.05) activities of phosphorylase, phosphofructokinase, and beta-hydroxy-acyl-CoA dehydrogenase than do birds in other seasons. The activities of citrate synthase and hexokinase do not vary seasonally. These results differ fundamentally from the pattern of changes in enzyme activities associated with endurance adaptation in mammals. Furthermore no seasonal changes were observed in capacities for the oxidation of fatty acids (palmitate and linoleate) or pyruvate in either crude homogenates or isolated mitochondria of goldfinch pectoralis muscles. The oxidation of pyruvate by isolated pectoralis muscle mitochondria was inhibited (greater than 90%) by the oxidation of palmitoyl carnitine at palmitoyl carnitine concentrations as low as 50 microM. These data agree with physiological observations indicating little use of glucose by this tissue during steady-state shivering. However, the extent of this inhibition does not vary seasonally. Therefore the present study fails to document any significant seasonal change in the catabolic pathways of the pectoralis muscle that would link observed seasonal changes in capacity for shivering thermogenesis with a shift in the balance of substrate use by this tissue.
Histochemical and Morphometrical Characterization and Distribution of Fibre Types in Four Muscles of Ostrich (Struthio camelus)

A staining procedure used for simultaneously determining three different fibre types in single sections bovine, porcine or ovine skeletal muscle was modified for use with ostrich skeletal muscle. The muscle fibres of gastrocnemius pars externa, tibialis cranialis caput tibiale, tibialis cranialis caput femorale and fibularis longus tendo caudalis were studied. The histochemical results revealed the presence of three types of fibre only in the gastrocnemius pars externa muscle: fast‐twitch glycolytic fibres (FG), fast‐twitch oxidative glycolytic fibres (FOG) and slow‐twitch oxidative fibres (SO), while in the other muscles the FG fibres were absent. The percentage distribution of fibres types showed a higher incidence of SO fibres compared to FOG fibres in tibialis cranialis caput femorale and tibialis cranialis caput tibiale muscles, while it was opposite in the case of the fibularis longus tendo caudalis muscle. In the gastrocnemius pars externa muscle the FG fibres outnumber the other fibres, followed by the SO and FOG fibres. The results of the analysis of variance show significant interaction between muscle × fibre type for every morphometric parameter evaluated. Differences about value of fibres area exists between tibialis cranialis caput femorale and fibularis longus tendo caudalis muscles. Both fibre types in tibialis cranialis caput tibiale muscle have mean values of transversal section area smaller than tibialis cranialis caput femorale. The other morphometric parameters show a similar trend. The gastrocnemius pars externa muscle presents similar dimensions of muscle fibres for the FG and FOG types, and significantly smaller for the SO type.
Sensitization to non-pyroglyphid mites in urban population of Croatia.

AIM Determination of prevalence of sensitization to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, Dermatophagoides farinae (pyroglyphid mites), Lepidoglyphus destructor, and Tyrophagus putrescentiae (non-pyroglyphid mites) in urban continental Croatia. METHODS Specific IgE (sIgE) and skin prick test (SPT) for D. pteronyssinus, D. farinae, L. destructor, and T. putrescentiae were performed in 67 men. SPT was performed with Epipharm-ALK allergens. A urtica (D+d)/2 of 3 mm or greater was considered a positive skin reaction. SIgE was measured by immunoCAP technology (UNI CAP). Values <0.35 kUA/L were considered nonspecific and >0.35 kUA/L increased. RESULTS The prevalence of subjects with positive SPT was 35.8% for T. putrescentiae, 26.8% for L. destructor (26.8%), and 22. 4% for D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae. The prevalence of increased sIgE for D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae was 23.9%, followed by T. putrescentiae (22.4%), and L. destructor (14.9%). Among subjects with increased IgE to D. pteronyssinus there were also increased IgE for D. farinae in 94%, for T. putrescentiae in 75%, and for L. destructor in 50%. Mean urtica diameter differed only for L. destructor between nonspecific and increased sIgE values in subjects with positive SPT (3.7+/-0.7 mm vs. 6.2+/-2.8 mm; p = 0.004). Sensitization to storage mites was accompanied by respiratory symptoms in similar proportions as that to house dust mites (51.8% and 54.5%, respectively; p = 0.8527). CONCLUSION Sensitization to non-pyroglyphid mites is present in the general urban population of Croatia in similar proportions as to pyroglyphid mites, with the same range of respiratory symptoms. Testing with storage mites should be considered routine allergological diagnostic procedure.
The relationship between behavioural microsleeps, visuomotor performance and EEG theta

Visuomotor performance and responsiveness deteriorates with time-on-task due to drowsiness and increased propensity to sleep. Frequent episodes of behavioural microsleep (BM) are also common during extended and monotonous tasks. In this study, simultaneous recording of EEG, eye-video, and continuous visuomotor response is used to investigate visuomotor performance and EEG activity during tonic drowsiness and phasic BMs. The data were collected from 20 healthy volunteers while they performed a continuous 2-D pursuit tracking task for 50 min. We identified episodes of BMs by expert visual rating of eye-video and visuomotor response using a set of pre-defined criteria. Visuomotor performance and EEG activity were correlated with and without BM events. A moderate correlation was observed between visuomotor error and theta activity in EEG at a posterior channel (Pz) before the removal of BMs. However, when BMs were removed from the data, the correlation dropped in most subjects. Furthermore, most of the large fluctuations in performance observed during the visuomotor task disappeared after the removal of BMs. This suggests that episodic behaviours such as BMs contribute substantially to fluctuations in performance and to EEG theta activity during an extended task, and that they should be taken into account when studying tonic drowsiness.
Predictors of mortality in HIV-1 exposed uninfected post-neonatal infants at the Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi.

OBJECTIVES To identify potential predictors of mortality, to determine mortality rate and to identify prevalent causes of death in a cohort of HIV-1 exposed uninfected infants. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya. SUBJECTS Three hundred and fifty one HIV-1 exposed uninfected post-neonatal infants who survived to one year of age. RESULTS Sixteen infants died (post-neonatal mortality rate of 47/1000 live births), 14 (88%) before six months of age. The most frequently identified medical conditions at death included bronchopneumonia, diarrhoea and failure to thrive. In multivariate analysis, prematurity (RR=10.5, 95%CI 3.8-29.1, p<0.001), teenage motherhood (RR=3.6, Cl 1.0-13.2, p=0.05) and symptomatic maternal HIV-1 disease (RR=2.7, CI 0.9-7.7, p=0.06) were associated with infant mortality. CONCLUSION Prematurity, teenage motherhood and symptomatic HIV-1 maternal disease were important predictors for post-neonatal mortality in this cohort of HIV-1 exposed uninfected infants. These factors should be considered in monitoring and follow up in prevention of mother-to-child HIV-1 transmission (PMTCT) programs.