Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Specific Cell Wall Proteins Confer Resistance to Nisin upon Yeast Cells

ABSTRACT The cell wall of a yeast cell forms a barrier for various proteinaceous and nonproteinaceous molecules. Nisin, a small polypeptide and a well-known preservative active against gram-positive bacteria, was tested with wild-type Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This peptide had no effect on intact cells. However, removal of the cell wall facilitated access of nisin to the membrane and led to cell rupture. The roles of individual components of the cell wall in protection against nisin were studied by using synchronized cultures. Variation in nisin sensitivity was observed during the cell cycle. In the S phase, which is the phase in the cell cycle in which the permeability of the yeast wall to fluorescein isothiocyanate dextrans is highest, the cells were most sensitive to nisin. In contrast, the cells were most resistant to nisin after a peak in expression of the mRNA of cell wall protein 2 (Cwp2p), which coincided with the G2 phase of the cell cycle. A mutant lacking Cwp2p has been shown to be more sensitive to cell wall-interfering compounds and Zymolyase (J. M. Van der Vaart, L. H. Caro, J. W. Chapman, F. M. Klis, and C. T. Verrips, J. Bacteriol. 177:3104–3110, 1995). Here we show that of the single cell wall protein knockouts, a Cwp2p-deficient mutant is most sensitive to nisin. A mutant with a double knockout of Cwp1p and Cwp2p is hypersensitive to the peptide. Finally, in yeast mutants with impaired cell wall structure, expression of both CWP1 and CWP2 was modified. We concluded that Cwp2p plays a prominent role in protection of cells against antimicrobial peptides, such as nisin, and that Cwp1p and Cwp2p play a key role in the formation of a normal cell wall.
The mitochondrial genome of a sea anemone Bolocera sp. exhibits novel genetic structures potentially involved in adaptation to the deep‐sea environment

Abstract The deep sea is one of the most extensive ecosystems on earth. Organisms living there survive in an extremely harsh environment, and their mitochondrial energy metabolism might be a result of evolution. As one of the most important organelles, mitochondria generate energy through energy metabolism and play an important role in almost all biological activities. In this study, the mitogenome of a deep‐sea sea anemone (Bolocera sp.) was sequenced and characterized. Like other metazoans, it contained 13 energy pathway protein‐coding genes and two ribosomal RNAs. However, it also exhibited some unique features: just two transfer RNA genes, two group I introns, two transposon‐like noncanonical open reading frames (ORFs), and a control region‐like (CR‐like) element. All of the mitochondrial genes were coded by the same strand (the H‐strand). The genetic order and orientation were identical to those of most sequenced actiniarians. Phylogenetic analyses showed that this species was closely related to Bolocera tuediae. Positive selection analysis showed that three residues (31 L and 42 N in ATP6, 570 S in ND5) of Bolocera sp. were positively selected sites. By comparing these features with those of shallow sea anemone species, we deduced that these novel gene features may influence the activity of mitochondrial genes. This study may provide some clues regarding the adaptation of Bolocera sp. to the deep‐sea environment.
[Effect of yiqi huoxue recipe containing drug-serum on the Toll-Iike receptor-4 and its downstream signaling components MyD88 as well as the tumor necrosis factor receptor related factor-6 in human vein endothelial cells].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the influence of Yiqi Huoxue Recipe (YHR) containing drug-serum on the expression of Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) and its downstream signaling components MyD88, as well as the tumor necrosis factor receptor related factor-6 (TRAF-6) in human vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and to study its possible anti-atherosclerotic mechanism from the gene and protein levels. METHODS Twenty New Zealand male rabbits were equally divided into four groups in random: the normal control group and the three YHR groups, 5 in each group. They were gastric perfused daily with normal saline and YHR in low, moderate and high concentration respectively. Blood drawn from rabbits' heart 2 h after ending perfusion on the 7th day, and the serum separated (that is the drug-serum) was taken for testing. HUVECs were cultured in vitro and equally divided into six groups in random: the normal control group, the model group, the Western medicine group and the three YHR groups. HUVECs were stimulated with LPS, then treated separately with the drug-serum containing different concentrations of YHR for 24 h. Then the mRNA expressions of TLR4, MyD88 and TRAF-6 were measured with Real-time PCR, and their protein expressions were analyzed using Western blotting. RESULTS Protein and mRNA expressions of TLR4, MyD88 and TRAF-6 increased significantly after LPS stimulation (P < 0.01), but the changes in the drug-serum treated groups were significantly lower than those in the saline control group respectively (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). CONCLUSION YHR can block the high expression of TLR4, and also influence the MyD88-dependent signaling pathway of TLR4, suppress the downstream expression of NF-kappaB and various related gene expressions, which may be one of its mechanisms of action for anti-atherosclerosis.
Characterization of Heteromultimeric G Protein-coupled Inwardly Rectifying Potassium Channels of the Tunicate Tadpole with a Unique Pore Property*

Two cDNAs that encode the G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying K+ channel (GIRK, Kir3) of tunicate tadpoles (tunicate G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying K+ channel-A and -B; TuGIRK-A and -B) have been isolated. The deduced amino acid sequences showed ∼60% identity with the mammalian Kir3 family. Detected by whole mount in situhybridization, both TuGIRK-A and -B were expressed similarly in the neural cells of the head and neck region from the tail bud stage to the young tadpole stage. By co-injecting cRNAs of TuGIRK-A and G protein β1/γ2 subunits (Gβγ) inXenopus oocytes, an inwardly rectifying K+current was expressed. In contrast, coinjection of TuGIRK-B with Gβγ did not express any current. When both TuGIRK-A and -B were coexpressed together with Gβγ, an inwardly rectifying K+ current was also detected. The properties of this current clearly differed from those of TuGIRK-A current, since it displayed a characteristic decline of the macroscopic conductance at strongly hyperpolarized potentials. TuGIRK-A/B current also differed from TuGIRK-A current in terms of the lower sensitivity to the Ba2+ block, the higher sensitivity to the Cs+block, and the smaller single channel conductance. Taken together, we concluded that TuGIRK-A and -B form functional heteromultimeric G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying K+ channels in the neural cells of the tunicate tadpole. By introducing a mutation of Lys161 to Thr in TuGIRK-B, TuGIRK-A/B channels acquired a higher sensitivity to the Ba2+ block and a slightly lower sensitivity to the Cs+ block, and the decrease in the macroscopic conductance at hyperpolarized potentials was no longer observed. Thus, the differences in the electrophysiological properties between TuGIRK-A and TuGIRK-A/B channels were shown to be, at least partly, due to the presence of Lys161 at the external mouth of the pore of the TuGIRK-B subunit.
Theoretical Model of Irreversible Intracellular Electroporation (Supra-Electroporation) in a Single Cell

Submicrosecond megavolt-per-meter pulsed electric fields drastically affect intracellular membranes and induce apoptosis. For this reason the fields are recently used as a purely electrical cancer therapy that kills tumors without hyperthermia or drugs. But as far as we know the operational characteristic of this method (amplitude-duration relationship) has never been calculated theoretically. We found that minimal amplitude of the pulsed external electric field inducing irreversible electrical breakdown (rupture) of organelle membrane is of the order of 106 Vm-1. The corresponding pulse duration is about 3times102 ns. As the pulse duration decreases, the pulse amplitude E increases. For pulse duration _~1 ns we obtained E_~1108 Vm-1. The results of our investigation presented in the form of theoretical curves are in reasonable agreement with amplitudes and durations of pulsed electric fields used for treating solid tumors.
Renal and liver transplantation for toxin–induced organ failure

Objective. Determine the number and outcome of renal (January 1987–June 2001, inclusive) and liver transplants (January 1993–June 2001) performed in Ireland for drug or toxin-induced organ failure and identify the toxins involved. Methods. Retrospective review of national transplant coordinators' records and patient charts. Results. Fourteen patients received renal transplants for nephropathy secondary to drugs or toxins. In 12 of these cases, renal failure was attributed to chronic toxicity, principally cyclosporin A therapy (seven cases). One-year patient and graft survival were 100%. Twenty-nine liver transplants were for toxin-induced organ failure, and 20 of these were for chronic ethanol induced liver disease. One-year patient and graft survival rates were 77% and 73%, respectively. Conclusions. Kidney and liver transplants were needed more often because of chronic toxicity than acute poisoning. Both groups had good outcomes at one year post-transplantation.
Chronic pain in the pelvic area or lower extremities after rectal cancer treatment and its impact on quality of life: a population-based cross-sectional study

Abstract The aim of this investigation was to examine the prevalence of and factors associated with chronic pain in the pelvic area or lower extremities after rectal cancer treatment and its impact on quality of life (QoL). This is a population-based cross-sectional study of chronic pain and QoL in patients treated for rectal cancer from 2001 to 2007. A modified version of the Brief Descriptive Danish Pain Questionnaire and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QLQ-C30 questionnaire were mailed to 1713 Danish patients. Informative answers were obtained from 1369 patients (80%). A total of 426 patients (31%) reported chronic pain in the pelvic area or lower extremities, 173 (41%) of whom had daily pain. Pain in other parts of the body was associated with the presence of pain in the pelvic region (odds ratio [OR] 4.81 [3.63-6.38], P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed an association with chronic pain in female patients (OR 1.91 [1.51-2.43], P < 0.001) and in those who received radio(chemo)therapy (OR 1.31 [1.01-1.7], P = 0.041) or underwent abdominoperineal excision (OR 1.71 [1.19-2.44], P = 0.003), total mesorectal excision (OR 1.39 [1.01-1.90], P = 0.041), and Hartmann procedure (OR 1.72 [1.04-2.84], P = 0.33) compared with partial mesorectal excision. Ordinal regression analysis showed a strong association between all QoL subgroups and pelvic pain. Chronic pain in the pelvic region or lower extremities after rectal cancer treatment is a common but largely neglected problem that is associated with female gender, type of surgery, radio(chemo)therapy, and young age, all of which impact the patient's QoL.
Technical Note: Effects of Arsenate (AS5+) on Growth and Production of Glutathione (GSH) and Phytochelatins (PCS) in Chlorella Vulgaris

The effect of arsenate (As5+) on growth and chlorophyll a production in Chlorella vulgaris, its removal by C. vulgaris and the role of glutathione (GSH) and phytochelatins (PCs) were investigated.C. vulgaris was tolerant to As5+ at up to 200 mg/L and was capable of consistently removing around 70% of the As5+ present in growth media over a wide range of exposure concentrations. Spectral analysis revealed that PCs and their arsenic-combined complexes were absent, indicating that the high bioaccumulation and tolerance to arsenic observed was not due to intracellular chelation. In contrast, GSH was found in all samples ranging from 0.8 mg/L in the control to 6.5mg/L in media containing 200 mg/L As5+ suggesting that GSH plays a more prominent role in the detoxification of As5+ in C. vulgaris than PC. At concentrations below 100 mg/L cell surface binding and other mechanisms may play the primary role in As5+ detoxification, whereas above this concentration As5+ begins to accumulate inside the algal cells and activates a number of intracellular cell defense mechanisms, such as increased production of GSH.The overall findings complement field studies which suggest C. vulgaris as an increasingly promising low cost As phytoremediation method for developing countries.
Candida albicans CaPTC6 is a functional homologue for Saccharomyces cerevisiae ScPTC6 and encodes a type 2C protein phosphatase

Type 2C protein phosphatases (PP2C) are monomeric enzymes and their activities require the presence of magnesium or manganese ions. There are seven PP2C genes, ScPTC1, ScPTC2, ScPTC3, ScPTC4, ScPTC5, ScPTC6 and ScPTC7, in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. PTC6 is highly conserved in pathogenic and nonpathogenic yeasts. In the current study we have demonstrated that the Candida albicans CaPTC6 gene could complement the functions of ScPTC6 in the rapamycin and caffeine sensitivities of S. cerevisiae cells, indicating that they are functional homologues. We have also demonstrated that the CaPTC6‐encoded protein is a typical PP2C enzyme and that CaPtc6p is localized in the mitochondrion of yeast‐form and hyphal cells. However, deletion of CaPTC6 neither affects cell and hyphal growth nor renders Candida cells sensitive to rapamycin and caffeine. Therefore, possibly with a functional redundancy to other mitochondrial phosphatases, CaPtc6p is likely to be involved in the regulation of a mitochondrial physiology. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Avoiding another Brexit: the subsidiarity principle, the European Convention on Human Rights and the United Kingdom

ABSTRACT Following a number of controversial judgments, the British government has been pushing for some time for a limitation of the supervisory powers of the Human Rights Court in Strasbourg. On a British proposal, the member states of the Council of Europe agreed in 2012 to include a reference to the subsidiarity principle into the Preamble of the European Convention on Human Rights. This paper describes these developments and explores the possible role of subsidiarity considerations in the context of international human rights protection.
A survey of female genital schistosomiasis of the lower reproductive tract in the volta basin of Ghana.

OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of female genital schistosomiasis in riparian communities in the Volta basin of Ghana, DESIGN The study was a cross-sectional study conducted among women 15-49 years in the Volta Basin. Urinary schistosomiasis prevalence was determined using microscopy. A structured questionnaire was also administered to collect information on the demography, obstetric history and reproductive health experiences. Cervical punch biopsy was collected from women who consented to be screened for FGS. Descriptive statistics was used to determine frequency of occurrence, chi squared and logistic regression to identify associated variables RESULTS Urinary schistosomiasis prevalence among the women was 24.8% while 10.6% of them diagnosed with FGS. More FGS diagnosed women (57.7%, p value =0.04%) were observed to report copious discharge, vaginal itch (80.8%, p=0.042) and lower abdominal pain (66.7%, p= 0.041) compared to FGS negative women. The predominant abnormal observation of the lower genital tract made was erythematous cervix (18.8%). CONCLUSION The study confirms the reproductive health symptoms associated with FGS and recommends awareness creation on FGS among women in endemic communities to facilitate early treatment.
Following in Her Footsteps? Faculty Gender Composition and Women's Choices of College Majors

Although it is widely supposed that a college's female undergraduate enrollment in the sciences and engineering can be increased by raising female representation on the faculties in those fields, that proposition has not been subjected to serious statistical analysis. The authors of this paper analyze panel data from three quite different educational institutions—Princeton University, the University of Michigan, and Whittier College—to examine the relationship between the gender composition of the students in an academic department and the gender composition of its faculty at the time the students were choosing their majors. They find no evidence that an increase in the share of women on a department's faculty led to an increase in its share of female majors.
The role of growth factors in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the most severe of several ocular complications of diabetes. The earliest clinical signs of DR are microaneurysms and haemorrhages. Later signs include dilated, tortuous irregular veins and retinal non-profusion, leading to retinal ischaemia that ultimately results in neovascularisation. Diabetic macular oedema, which involves the breakdown of the blood–retinal barrier, also occurs and is responsible for a major part of vision loss, particularly in Type 2 diabetes. The pathogenesis of DR is very complex. Many biochemical mechanisms have been proposed as explanations for the development and progression of DR. Chronic hyperglycaemia leads to oxidative injury, microthrombi formation, cell adhesion molecule activation, leukostasis and cytokine activation. Next, ischaemia-mediated overexpression of growth factors and cytokines occurs. These factors include vascular endothelial growth factor, insulin-like growth factor-1, angiopoetin-1 and -2, stromal-derived factor-1, fibroblast growth factor-2 and tumour necrosis factor. Because of the complex interplay between these factors, targeting a single growth factor will be unlikely to result in therapeutic inhibition of angiogenesis. These growth factors no doubt act in synergy to mediate the steps of angiogenesis, including protease production, endothelial cell proliferation, migration and tube formation. This review attempts to provide an overview of perspectives regarding the pathogenesis of this disease. The focus, however, is on describing the unique features of selected relevant factors and how each growth factor may act in a synergistic manner with other factors.
Phase Changes in the Upper Mantle

The C-region of the upper mantle has two transition regions 75 to 90 kilometers thick. In western North America these start at depths of 365 kilometers and 620 kilometers and involve velocity increases of about 9 to 10 percent. The locations of these transition regions, their general shape, and their thicknesses are consistent with, first, the transformation of magnesium-rich olivine to a spinel structure and, then, a further collapse of a material having approximately the properties of the component oxides. The velocity increases associated with each transition region are slightly less than predicted for the appropriate phase change. This can be interpreted in terms of an increasing fayalite content with depth. The location of the transition regions and the seismic velocities in their vicinity supply new information regarding the composition and temperature of the upper mantle. The depths of the transition regions are consistent with temperatures near 1500�C at 365 kilometers and 1900�C at 620 kilometers.
Reduction in blood culture contamination rate by feedback to phlebotomists.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether monitoring and feedback of blood culture contamination rates to phlebotomists would reduce the overall contamination rate. DESIGN Before and after interventional study. SETTING Blood cultures collected by venipuncture by phlebotomists at Foothills Hospital, Calgary, a tertiary care teaching hospital. INTERVENTION Feedback of contamination rates calculated from a laboratory definition of blood culture contamination. The definition was based on isolation of typical skin organisms from a single blood sample when two samples were obtained. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Reduction in the laboratory-defined contamination rate in the second year. RESULTS Of 8462 cultures collected by phlebotomists in the prefeedback year, 224 (2.6%) were contaminated, compared to 131 (1.4%) of 9282 cultures in the postfeedback year. There was a rise in the total number of positive cultures regarded as significant but a fall in the number of coagulase-negative staphylococci that were regarded as significant by our definition. The rate of contamination in blood cultures collected by nonphlebotomists did not change. CONCLUSIONS The contamination rate decreased after feedback. Our definition of contamination was imperfect and could be improved, but it was valuable in achieving a real reduction in blood culture contamination.
Market States and Contrarian Strategy: Evidence from Chinese Stock Market

Using a most comprehensive weekly dataset of ‘A’ shares listed on the Chinese stock market, this paper examines short-term contrarian strategies under different market states from 1995-2010. We find statistically significant profits from contrarian strategies, especially during the period after 2007, when China (along with other countries) experienced an economic downturn following the worldwide financial crisis. Our empirical evidence suggests that: (1) no significant profit is generated from either momentum or contrarian strategies in the intermediate horizon. (2) After microstructure effects are adjusted for, contrarian strategies with only one to two months holding periods based on the stocks’ previous one to two months performance generate statistically significant profits of around 0.2% per week. (3) The contrarian strategy following a ‘down’ market generates higher profit than those following an ‘up’ market, suggesting that a contrarian strategy could be used as a shelter when the market is in decline. The profits following ‘down’ market are robust after risk adjustment.
Respiratory Virus Infection in Infants and Children

The recent availability of diagnostic polymerase chain reaction-based assays for the detection of viral pathogens has allowed us to identify the infectious agents present in a large percentage of culture-negative specimens. The information gained by these studies has led to a reassessment of the prevalence of individual viruses in lower respiratory tract infections in both normal and immunocompromised children. Pathologic examination of less severe cases identified by more sensitive methodologies in immunocompetent children is now possible and has prompted the realization that many of the classic features of particular viral infections in the lung are in fact hallmarks of fulminant disease. In this article we review the body of literature discussing these anatomic findings, the approaches taken by those investigators, and the types of reagents that are commercially available.