Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The lyase activity of bifunctional DNA glycosylases and the 3′-diesterase activity of APE1 contribute to the repair of oxidized bases in nucleosomes

Abstract The vast majority of oxidized bases that form in DNA are subject to base excision repair (BER). The DNA intermediates generated during successive steps in BER may prove mutagenic or lethal, making it critical that they be ‘handed’ from one BER enzyme to the next in a coordinated fashion. Here, we report that the handoff of BER intermediates that occurs during the repair of naked DNA substrates differs significantly from that in nucleosomes. During BER of oxidized bases in naked DNA, products generated by the DNA glycosylase NTHL1 were efficiently processed by the downstream enzyme, AP-endonuclease (APE1). In nucleosomes, however, NTHL1-generated products accumulated to significant levels and persisted for some time. During BER of naked DNA substrates, APE1 completely bypasses the inefficient lyase activity of NTHL1. In nucleosomes, the NTHL1-associated lyase contributes to BER, even in the presence of APE1. Moreover, in nucleosomes but not in naked DNA, APE1 was able to process NTHL1 lyase-generated substrates just as efficiently as it processed abasic sites. Thus, the lyase activity of hNTHL1, and the 3′ diesterase activity of APE1, which had been seen as relatively dispensable, may have been preserved during evolution to enhance BER in chromatin.
Time-effect relationship of Kangliu Zengxiao Decoction in reducing chemotherapyassociated adverse reactions in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Objective To observe the time-effect relationship of Kangliu Zengxiao Decoction in reducing chemotherapy-associated adverse reactions in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.Methods One hundred and twenty-four patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer were randomly divided into four groups.Patients in group A,group B and group C were treated with Kangliu Zengxiao Decoction 10 d,5 d and 0 d before chemotherapy respectively,and those in group D received chemotherapy only.The main clinical symptoms,quality of life,immune function and adverse reactions of myelosuppression,liver and kidney function,and digestive system were compared among groups.Results The improvement rates of clinical symptoms(fatigue,aching lumbus and limp legs),the percentages of CD3 and CD4,and the ratio of CD4 to CD8 in group A were significantly higher than those in group B,group C and group D(P0.05),and the improvement rate of quality of life in group A was significantly higher than that in group D(P0.01). The incidences of myelosuppression(decrease in numbers of white cells and neutrophils),hepatotoxicity,nausea and vomiting in group A were significantly lower than those in group D(P0.05),while there was no significant difference in the incidences of the other adverse reactions among groups(P0.05). Conclusion Application of Kangliu Zengxiao Decoction 10 d before chemotherapy may gain better results in reducing adverse reactions of chemotherapy,improving quality of life and immune function than administration 5 d and 0 d before chemotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
Assessing ecological infrastructure investments

Conventional markets can underprovide ecosystem services. Deliberate creation of a market for ecosystem services [e.g., a payments for ecosystem services (PES) scheme] can close the gap. The new ecosystem service market alters behaviors and quantities of ecosystem service provided and reveals prices for the ecosystems service: a market-clearing equilibrium. Assessing the potential for PES programs, which often act as ecological infrastructure investment mechanisms, requires forecasting the market-clearing equilibrium. Forecasting the equilibrium is complicated, especially at relevant social and ecological scales. It requires greater disciplinary integration than valuing ecosystem services or computing the marginal cost of making a land-use change to produce a service. We conduct an ex ante benefit–cost assessment and forecast market-clearing prices and quantities for ecological infrastructure investment contracts in the Panama Canal Watershed. The Panama Canal Authority could offer contracts to private farmers to change land use to increase dry-season water flow and reduce sedimentation. A feasible voluntary contracting system yields a small program of about 1,840 ha of land conversion in a 279,000-ha watershed and generates a 4.9 benefit–cost ratio. Physical and social constraints limit market supply and scalability. Service delays, caused by lags between the time payments must be made and the time services stemming from ecosystem change are realized, hinder program feasibility. Targeting opportunities raise the benefit–cost ratio but reduce the hectares likely to be converted. We compare and contrast our results with prior state-of-the-art assessments on this system.
Contribution of FoxP3+ Tfr cells to overall human blood CXCR5+ T cells

The identification that T follicular helper (Tfh) cells is critical for the emergence of germinal centre responses prompted the study of CXCR5‐expressing CD4+ T cell subsets in autoimmunity. However, circulating CXCR5‐expressing T cells are heterogeneous by containing Forkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3)+ T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells in addition to bona fide Tfh cells. Such heterogeneity may hamper the analysis of the contribution of specific follicular T cell subsets for autoimmune pathogenesis. Therefore, separate assessment of Tfh and Tfr populations offer greater opportunities for stratification of autoimmune patients, such as Sjögren’s syndrome patients.
Oxidative and mutagenic effects of low intensity GSM 1800 MHz microwave radiation.

AIM Despite a significant number of epidemiological studies on potential carcinogenicity of microwave radiation (MWR) from wireless devices and a bulk of experimental studies on oxidative and mutagenic effects of low intensity MWR, the discussion on potential carcinogenicity of low intensity MWR is going on. This study aims to assess oxidative and mutagenic effects of low intensity MWR from a typical commercial model of a modern smartphone. MATERIALS AND METHODS The model of developing quail embryos has been used for the assessment of oxidative and mutagenic effects of Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) 1800 MHz MWR from a commercial model of smartphone. The embryos were exposed in ovo to 0.32 µW/cm2, discontinuously - 48 s - On, 12 s - Off, during 5 days before and 14 days through the incubation period. RESULTS The exposure of quail embryos before and during the incubation period to low intensity GSM 1800 MHz has resulted in expressive statistically significant oxidative effects in embryonic cells, including a 2-fold increase in superoxide generation rate and 85% increase in nitrogen oxide generation rate, damages of DNA integrity and oxidative damages of DNA (up to twice increased levels of 8-oxo-dG in cells of 1-day old chicks from the exposed embryos). Finally, the exposure resulted in a significant, almost twice, increase of embryo mortality. CONCLUSION The exposure of model biological system to low intensity GSM 1800 MHz MWR resulted in significant oxidative and mutagenic effects in exposed cells, and thus should be recognized as a significant risk factor for living cells.
ErbB receptor signaling directly controls oligodendrocyte progenitor cell transformation and spontaneous remyelination after spinal cord injury

We recently discovered a novel role for neuregulin‐1 (Nrg1) signaling in mediating spontaneous regenerative processes and functional repair after spinal cord injury (SCI). We revealed that Nrg1 is the molecular signal responsible for spontaneous functional remyelination of dorsal column axons by peripheral nervous system (PNS)‐like Schwann cells after SCI. Here, we investigate whether Nrg1/ErbB signaling controls the unusual transformation of centrally derived progenitor cells into these functional myelinating Schwann cells after SCI using a fate‐mapping/lineage tracing approach. Specific ablation of Nrg1‐ErbB receptors in central platelet‐derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα)‐derived lineage cells (using PDGFRαCreERT2/Tomato‐red reporter mice crossed with ErbB3fl/fl/ErbB4fl/fl mice) led to a dramatic reduction in P0‐positive remyelination in the dorsal columns following spinal contusion injury. Central myelination, assessed by Olig2 and proteolipid protein expression, was unchanged. Loss of ErbB signaling in PDGFRα lineage cells also significantly impacted the degree of spontaneous locomotor recovery after SCI, particularly in tests dependent on proprioception. These data have important implications, namely (a) cells from the PDGFRα‐expressing progenitor lineage (which are presumably oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, OPCs) can differentiate into remyelinating PNS‐like Schwann cells after traumatic SCI, (b) this process is controlled by ErbB tyrosine kinase signaling, and (c) this endogenous repair mechanism has significant consequences for functional recovery after SCI. Thus, ErbB tyrosine kinase receptor signaling directly controls the transformation of OPCs from the PDGFRα‐expressing lineage into PNS‐like functional remyelinating Schwann cells after SCI.
Echocardiographic findings in patients with suspected infective endocarditis.

OBJECTIVE To assess the echocardiographic findings in patients with suspected infective endocarditis. METHODS Two hundred sixty-two patients with suspected infective endocarditis underwent transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiographic investigation. Images of vegetations, valvular abscesses, and acute periprosthetic insufficiency were analyzed, and the correlation with clinical and laboratory data, diagnostic category, and hospital evolution was assessed. RESULTS The diagnosis of endocarditis was categorized as defined in 127 (47.8%) episodes, possible in 81 (30.4%), and rejected in 58 (21.8%). In patients with the defined diagnosis, the following images were identified: 135 vegetations, 37 abscesses, and 6 periprosthetic insufficiencies. Vegetations were more frequent in patients with endocarditis due to streptococci of the viridans group and enterococci (P=0.02), and with symptom duration < 10 days (P=0.001). Abscesses were more frequent in patients with symptom duration < 10 days (P=0.001). Periprosthetic insufficiency was associated with a greater need for surgical treatment (P=0.001). In patients with the possible diagnosis of endocarditis, 8 echocardiographic images considered compatible with vegetations were identified. In patients whose diagnosis of endocarditis was rejected, no vegetations, valvular abscesses, or periprosthetic insufficiencies were demonstrated. CONCLUSION Our echocardiographic findings varied according to the diagnostic category. The contribution to both the diagnosis and prognostic evaluation should consider the pretest probability of the diagnosis of infective endocarditis.
Predictive Factors of Mortality in Acute Aluminum Phosphide Poisoning: 5 Years Retrospective Study in Tanta Poison Control Unit

Introduction: Aluminum phosphide (ALP) is a widely used rodenticide for grain preservation. Acute aluminum phosphide poisoning became one of the serious public health problems especially in developing countries due to its high mortality rates. Aim of the work: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the predictive factors of mortality from acute ALP poisoned cases admitted to Tanta Poison Control Unit in a 5 years interval from the start of January 2012 to the end of December 2016. Patients and methods: This retrospective study was performed on medical records of acute ALP poisoned patients admitted to Tanta Poison Control Unit during the 5 years period. Patients were divided according to their outcome into survivors and non-survivors. For all patients; sociodemographic data, toxicological data, physical examination, laboratory investigation and therapeutic intervention were recorded to evaluate their associations with the patients’ outcome. Results: During the five years period, 105 acute ALP poisoned patients were admitted with 44.7% deaths. There was significant association between each of young age group, rural residence, suicidal ingestion, increase toxic dose and prehospitalization period with the risk of mortality. Other prognostic factors included altered consciousness, agitations, hypokalemia, hypernatremia, hyperglycemia, elevated (liver enzymes, blood urea& serum creatinine), need of mechanical ventilation, increased vasoactive drug administration and low magnesium sulphate administration were also associated with poor outcome. Moreover, presence of abnormal ECG, metabolic acidosis and low systolic blood pressure at admission were associated with high risk of mortality (odd ratios were 48.488, 10.251 and 0.964 respectively). Conclusion: Early recognition of the alarming risk factors with proper medical intervention may improve patients’ outcome and decrease the mortality rate of acute aluminum phosphide poisoning. Recommendations: Owing to the increase mortality rates of ALP poisoning, it is recommended to make restrictions of its open sales and perform a safe manufacture forms in a not ingestible containers
Overweight and Obesity among In-school Adolescents in Ondo State, Southwest Nigeria

Over-weight and obesity are reported to be increasing worldwide and currently constituting a public health problem. The consequences of these include hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyper-lipidaemia, coronary artery diseases and some cancers. The reports from several regions of the world concerning overweight/obesity among adolescents are not consistent. In Nigeria there is no current national figure on overweight/obesity in the adult or adolescents. The objective of this study was to assess the spread of overweight/obesity in Ondo state of Nigeria. This study was descriptive, cross-sectional in design. Six local government areas (LGA) were selected from the 18 LGA in the state. Twelve secondary schools were selected from the six LGA. Weight and height of each of the students were measured using standard techniques. Body mass index for age (BMI/A) was derived using the WHO-Anthro-Plus, data on age, sex, residence, family size, level of education and occupation of parents were obtained using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical data analysis at p=0.05. A total of 2031 (1126 males and 905 females), students participated in this study. Mean (SD) age was 14.28 (2.07) yr, height was 155.87 (10.63) cm, weight was 46.34 (9.65) kg. Using BMI/A, 332 (16.3%) were underweight, 117 (5.8%) were overweight, 23 (1.1%) were obese and 1559 (76.8%) were in the normal range. Underweight was 224 (16.47%) in the urban and 108 (16.09%) in the rural. Overweight was 64 (4.70%) in the urban and 53 (7.90%) in the rural while obesity was 0.96% in the urban and 1.49% in the rural. Underweight was more (18.65%) in the males than females (13.48%), so also obesity (1.24% males, 1.0% females), however overweight was 7.40% in females and 4.44% in males (p<0.05). In conclusion, whereas overweight/obesity prevalence is low, and of no public health importance in this study, underweight prevalence is significant, therefore merits intervention as this represents the last phase of growth. While underweight is equally distributed in both urban and rural, overweight is more in the rural sector. Underweight and obese were more in the males; overweight was more among the females. This pattern suggests a need for health and nutrition education among the adolescents.
HOXA10 expression profiling in prostate cancer

HOX genes encode transcription factors that play key roles in modulating normal tissue morphogenesis, differentiation and homeostasis. Disruption of normal HOX gene expression occurs frequently in human cancers and is associated with both tumor promoting and suppressing activities. Among these is, HOXA10, a pleiotropic gene that is critical for normal prostate development. In this study we characterized HOXA10 expression in human and mouse PCa to gain insights into its clinical significance.
Metacognitive Beliefs and Their Relation with Symptoms in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

Introduction Metacognitive constructs have shown promise in explaining the symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Few studies have examined the role of metacognitions in symptom dimensions of OCD, despite mounting clinical, neuropsychological and imaging evidence for the distinctiveness of these dimensions. Methods Metacognitions were assessed using the Metacognitions Questionnaire (MCQ-30) in 51 participants with DSM IV OCD and 46 healthy controls. The Maudsley Obsessional Compulsive Inventory (MOCI) was used to quantify symptom dimensions, along with the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) for anxiety, and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) for depression. Results Individuals with OCD differed from healthy controls on beliefs of uncontrollability and danger when depression and anxiety were controlled for. Correlations between metacognitive beliefs and obsessive-compulsive symptom dimensions were largely similar across the OCD and healthy control groups. Hierarchical regression showed that need to control thoughts contributed to checking, cleaning and rumination symptoms; cognitive self-consciousness to symptoms of slowness; uncontrollability and danger to doubt symptoms; positive beliefs to checking symptoms. Conclusions Specific associations between metacognitive variables and the different symptom dimensions of OCD are evident, however, severity of anxiety and depression also contribute to these associations.
Synergistic Effects of Acetyl-l-Carnitine and Adipose-Derived Stromal Cells on Improving Regenerative Capacity of Acellular Nerve Allograft in Sciatic Nerve Defect

The combination of decellularized nerve allograft and adipose-derived stromal cells (ASCs) represents a good alternative to nerve autograft for bridging peripheral nerve defects by providing physical guidance and biologic cues. However, the regeneration outcome of acellular nerve allograft (ANA) is often inferior to autograft. Therefore, we hypothesized that acetyl-l-carnitine (ALCAR) treatment and implantation of ASC-embedded ANA would work synergistically to promote nerve regeneration. Seventy rats were randomly allocated into seven experimental groups (n = 10), including the healthy control group, sham surgery group, autograft group, ANA group, ANA + ASCs group, ANA + ALCAR group (50 mg/kg for 2 weeks), and ANA + ASCs + ALCAR (50 mg/kg for 2 weeks) group. All grafts were implanted to bridge long-gap (10-mm) sciatic nerve defects. Functional, electrophysiological, and morphologic analysis was conducted during the experimental period. We found that ALCAR potentiated the survival and retention of transplanted ASCs and upregulated the expression of neurotrophic factor mRNAs in transplanted grafts. Sixteen weeks following implantation in the rat, the ANA supplemented by ASCs was capable of supporting reinnervation across a 10-mm sciatic nerve gap, with results close to that of the autografts in terms of functional, electrophysiological, and histologic assessments. Results demonstrated that ALCAR treatment improved regenerative effects of ANA combined with ASCs on reconstruction of a 10-mm sciatic nerve defect in rat comparable to those of autograft.
DFT/NEGF study of discrete dopants in Si/III–V 3D FET

In this work, electron densities around dopants in Si and GaAs have been calculated using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. These extracted densities have been used to describe dopants in an in-house non-equilibrium Green functions device simulator. The transfer characteristics of nanowire gate all around field effect transistor have been calculated using DFT electron densities. These transport calculations were compared with those using a point charge model of the dopant. The dopants are located in the middle of the channel of the device. Specifically, DFT calculations of a 512 atom Si supercell with a single impurity atom have been carried out, both phosphorous and boron atoms have been used as donor and acceptor impurities respectively. The calculations were repeated on a gallium arsenide supercell, where the silicon atom substituted gallium and arsenide to act as donor and acceptor respectively. We found that for donors and acceptors, the DFT charge distribution extends similarly in both materials. In addition, the relaxed structure produces a 50% larger spread of electronic charge as compared with unrelaxed Si and GaAs. The extracted current voltage characteristics of the devices are altered significantly using the charge density obtained by DFT. At 0.7 V the current in Si is 20% larger using the DFT charge density compared to the point charge model for donors. Whereas the current using the point charge model in GaAs is 2.5 times larger than the distributed charge. Devices exhibit substantial tunnelling currents for donors and acceptors irrespective of the model of the dopant considered. In GaAs, this was 76% using a point charge and 78% using the distributed charge when using a donor; 61% and 68% in Si respectively. The tunnelling current using acceptors for Si was 100% and 99% using GaAs for both models.
Men’s Help-Seeking Attitudes in Rural Communities Affected by a Natural Disaster

The article describes a mixed methods study of help-seeking in men living in the Chilean Central Valley, following exposure to a major earthquake event in 2010. The results identify that, within the sample, positive attitudes toward help-seeking correlated with younger age, higher education levels, above-average incomes, and stable personal relationships. It appears that education plays a significant role in shaping such positive attitudes, particularly by influencing views of gender roles and help-seeking. Conversely, older men’s reticence toward seeking help appeared linked to negative perceptions of available services and the influence of traditional notions of masculinity. The study concludes that adapting interventions and service offers to men’s needs in rural contexts must include an ecosystemic analysis of their reality and incorporate an understanding of masculinity socialization processes.