Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ananyl aminopeptidase as marker in pathological disorders

Alanylaminopeptidase is a one of most known metallo-containing proteases that selectively hydrolyzes an amino acid residue from the N-terminus of proteins and peptides. Its activity is indicated in mammalian tissues and organs, in plants and in single cell organisms, what is attributed to its importance for the proper functioning of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Elevated and abnormal concentration of this enzyme is correlated with many pathological disorders such as cancer, leukemia and malaria. In these cases, the activity of alanylaminopeptidase creates a potential to develop new generations of diagnostic systems where APN will be used as a marker. This paper presents a short review of the pathological disorders that APN is the biomarker for and whose diagnosis it could facilitate.
Managing Multiple Roles: Development of the Work-Family Conciliation Strategies Scale

Abstract Juggling the demands of work and family is becoming increasingly difficult in today's world. As dual-earners are now a majority and men and women's roles in both the workplace and at home have changed, questions have been raised regarding how individuals and couples can balance family and work. Nevertheless, research addressing work-family conciliation strategies is limited to a conflict-driven approach and context-specific instruments are scarce. This study develops an instrument for assessing how dual-earners manage their multiple roles detaching from a conflict point of view highlighting the work-family conciliation strategies put forward by these couples. Through qualitative and quantitative procedures the Work-Family Conciliation Strategies Scales was developed and is composed by 5 factors: Couple Coping; Positive Attitude Towards Multiple Roles, Planning and Management Skills, Professional Adjustments and Institutional Support; with good adjustment [χ2/df = 1.22; CFI = . 90, RMSEA = . 04, SRMR = . 08. ] and good reliability coefficients [from . 67 to . 87]. The developed scale contributes to research because of its specificity to the work-family framework and its focus on the proactive nature of balancing work and family roles. The results support further use of this instrument.
A Critical Role for Ceramide Synthase 2 in Liver Homeostasis

Ceramide is an important lipid signaling molecule that plays critical roles in regulating cell behavior. Ceramide synthesis is surprisingly complex and is orchestrated by six mammalian ceramide synthases, each of which produces ceramides with restricted acyl chain lengths. We have generated a CerS2 null mouse and characterized the changes in the long chain base and sphingolipid composition of livers from these mice. Ceramide and downstream sphingolipids were devoid of very long (C22–C24) acyl chains, consistent with the substrate specificity of CerS2 toward acyl-CoAs. Unexpectedly, C16-ceramide levels were elevated, and as a result, total ceramide levels were unaltered; however, C16-ceramide synthesis in vitro was not increased. Levels of sphinganine were also significantly elevated, by up to 50-fold, reminiscent of the effect of the ceramide synthase inhibitor, fumonisin B1. With the exceptions of glucosylceramide synthase and neutral sphingomyelinase 2, none of the other enzymes tested in either the sphingolipid biosynthetic or degradative pathways were significantly changed. Total glycerophospholipid and cholesterol levels were unaltered, although there was a marked elevation in C18:1 and C18:2 fatty acids in phosphatidylethanolamine, concomitant with a reduction in C18:0 and C20:4 fatty acids. Finally, differences were observed in the biophysical properties of lipid extracts isolated from liver microsomes, with membranes from CerS2 null mice displaying higher membrane fluidity and showing morphological changes. Together, these results demonstrate novel modes of cross-talk and regulation between the various branches of lipid metabolic pathways upon inhibition of very long acyl chain ceramide synthesis.
The underlying physical meaning of the νmax νc relation

Asteroseismology of stars that exhibit solar-like oscillations are enjoying a growing interest with the wealth of observational results obtained with the CoRoT and Kepler missions. In this framework, scaling laws between asteroseismic quantities and stellar parameters are becoming essential tools to study a rich variety of stars. However, the physical underlying mechanisms of those scaling laws are still poorly known. Our objective is to provide a theoretical basis for the scaling between the frequency of the maximum in the power spectrum (νmax) of solar-like oscillations and the cut-off frequency (νc). Using the SoHO GOLF observations together with theoretical considerations, we first confirm that the maximum of the height in oscillation power spectrum is determined by the so-called plateau of the damping rates. The physical origin of the plateau can be traced to the destabilizing effect of the Lagrangian perturbation of entropy in the upper-most layers, which becomes important when the modal period and the local thermal relaxation time-scale are comparable. Based on this analysis, we then find a linear relation between νmax and νc, with a coefficient that depends on the ratio of the Mach number of the exciting turbulence to the third power to the mixing-length parameter.
Identification of a 24-gene prognostic signature that improves the European LeukemiaNet risk classification of acute myeloid leukemia: an international collaborative study.

PURPOSE To identify a robust prognostic gene expression signature as an independent predictor of survival of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and use it to improve established risk classification. PATIENTS AND METHODS Four independent sets totaling 499 patients with AML carrying various cytogenetic and molecular abnormalities were used as training sets. Two independent patient sets composed of 825 patients were used as validation sets. Notably, patients from different sets were treated with different protocols, and their gene expression profiles were derived using different microarray platforms. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier methods were used for survival analyses. RESULTS A prognostic signature composed of 24 genes was derived from a meta-analysis of Cox regression values of each gene across the four training sets. In multivariable models, a higher sum value of the 24-gene signature was an independent predictor of shorter overall (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) in both training and validation sets (P < .01). Moreover, this signature could substantially improve the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) risk classification of AML, and patients in three new risk groups classified by the integrated risk classification showed significantly (P < .001) distinct OS and EFS. CONCLUSION Despite different treatment protocols applied to patients and use of different microarray platforms for expression profiling, a common prognostic gene signature was identified as an independent predictor of survival of patients with AML. The integrated risk classification incorporating this gene signature provides a better framework for risk stratification and outcome prediction than the ELN classification.
The effect of Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy on ocular wave front aberrations.

OBJECTIVE To assess the effect of Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy on ocular wave front aberrations. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective comparative study. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-four eyes of 24 consecutive pseudophakic patients with symptomatic PCO, who presented for Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy at our clinic, were included in this study. METHODS The wave front aberrations of the entire optical path of 24 pseudophakic eyes of 24 patients before, and 1 month after, Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy were measured using the Nidek Optical Path Difference (OPD) scan aberrometer. Total, tilt, and high-order aberrations, and total coma, total trefoil, total tetrafoil, total spherical, and total high astigmatism aberrations were analyzed statistically. Secondary measures included changes in visual acuity and refraction, and repeatability of wave front measurements in the fellow eye. RESULTS Before Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy, the total higher-order aberrations root mean-square (RMS) wave front aberration was 2.08 (SD 2.20) microm, with total trefoil being a major contributor at 1.19 (SD 1.15) microm. One month after the procedure, significant decreases in total, tilt, and high-order aberrations, and total trefoil, total tetrafoil, total spherical, and total high astigmatism aberrations were noted (p< 0.05). No significant changes in total coma aberrations were found (p > 0.05). Additionally, significant improvement in visual acuity without significant change in refraction was observed. No statistically significant differences were detected in any of the RMS values of wave front measurements taken 1 month later in the fellow eye. CONCLUSIONS Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy causes significant decrease in ocular wave front aberrations measured using the Nidek-OPD scan aberrometer, which can account for a better optical quality after the procedure. Further research to examine the impact of wave front aberrations in visual function after Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy is needed.
Salmonella spp. contamination in commercial layer hen farms using different types of samples and detection methods

&NA; The performance of detection methods (culture methods and polymerase chain reaction assay) and plating media used in the same type of samples were determined as well as the specificity of PCR primers to detected Salmonella spp. contamination in layer hen farms. Also, the association of farm characteristics with Salmonella presence was evaluated. Environmental samples (feces, feed, drinking water, air, boot‐swabs) and eggs were taken from 40 layer hen houses. Salmonella spp. was most detected in boot‐swabs taken around the houses (30% and 35% by isolation and PCR, respectively) follow by fecal samples (15.2% and 13.6% by isolation and PCR, respectively). Eggs, drinking water, and air samples were negative for Salmonella detection. Salmonella Schwarzengrund and S. Enteritidis were the most isolated serotypes. For plating media, relative specificity was 1, and the relative sensitivity was greater for EF‐18 agar than XLDT agar in feed and fecal samples. However, relative sensitivity was greater in XLDT agar than EF‐18 agar for boot‐swab samples. Agreement was between fair to good depending on the sample, and it was good between isolation and PCR (feces and boot‐swabs), without agreement for feed samples. Salmonella spp. PCR was positive for all strains, while S. Typhimurium PCR was negative. Salmonella Enteritidis PCR used was not specific. Based in the multiple logistic regression analyses, categorization by counties was significant for Salmonella spp. presence (P‐value = 0.010). This study shows the importance of considering different types of samples, plating media and detection methods during a Salmonella spp. monitoring study. In addition, it is important to incorporate the sampling of floors around the layer hen houses to learn if biosecurity measures should be strengthened to minimize the entry and spread of Salmonella in the houses. Also, the performance of some PCR methods and S. Enteritidis PCR should be improved, and biosecurity measures in hen farms must be reinforced in the region of more concentrated layer hen houses to reduce the probability of Salmonella spp. presence.
Financial Information Systems in Governments: Is it accepted by Public Employees?

This study explored the factors that affect employees’ acceptance of one of the important e-government systems in Jordan and plays a pivotal role in Jordanian e-government success. The study utilized the Technology Acceptance Model with an extension of two additional independent variables. The study indicated that Jordanians perceived all proposed constructs highly, which indicates the importance of all proposed predictors: usefulness, ease of use, social influence, and risk. On the other hand, multiple regression results identified two factors affecting three Jordanian governmental agencies employees’ intentions to use GFMIS simultaneously, which are social influence and perceived usefulness.
IL-7 induces bone loss in vivo by induction of receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand and tumor necrosis factor α from T cells

IL-7, a powerful lymphopoietic cytokine, is elevated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and known to induce bone loss when administered in vivo. IL-7 has been suggested to induce bone loss, in part, by stimulating the proliferation of B220+ cells, a population capable of acting as early osteoclast (OC) precursors. However, the mechanism by which IL-7 leads to differentiation of precursors into mature OCs remains unknown. We previously reported that, in vitro, IL-7 up-regulated T cell cytokines including receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL). To demonstrate the importance of T cells to the bone-wasting effect of IL-7 in vivo, we have now examined IL-7-induced bone loss in T cell-deficient nude mice. We show that T cell-replete mice undergo significant osteoclastic bone loss after IL-7 administration, concurrent with induction of RANKL and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) secretion by splenic T cells. In contrast, nude mice were resistant to IL-7-induced bone loss and showed no detectable increase in either RANKL or TNF-α, despite an up-regulation of B220+ cells. Importantly, T cell adoptive transfer into nude mice restored IL-7-induced bone loss, and RANKL and TNF-α secretion, demonstrating that T cells are essential mediators of IL-7-induced bone loss in vivo.
Adeno-associated Virus Serotype 8 ApoA-I Gene Transfer Reduces Progression of Atherosclerosis in ApoE-KO Mice: Comparison of Intramuscular and Intravenous Administration

Apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I)/high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-raising treatments are effective antiatherosclerotic strategies. We have compared the antiatherogenic effects of human ApoA-I (hApoA-I) overexpression by intraportal and intramuscular gene transfer in atherosclerotic ApoE-knockout mice. Atherosclerotic lesions were induced by atherogenic diet. After atherosclerosis induction, a group of animals was killed and served as atherosclerosis baseline-control group. The remaining animals were randomized into the following groups: (1) atherosclerosis-progression-control, (2) intraportal/vector administration, and (3) intramuscular/vector administration. Aortas and hearts were processed for atherosclerotic quantification by en face Sudan IV and Oil Red-O, respectively. Liver and muscle specimens were processed for protein/gene expression analysis. A sustained increase in hApoA-I/HDL plasma levels was observed in both transduced groups. hApoA-I overexpression abolished plaque progression versus progression-control group. hApoA-I overexpression significantly reduced lesion macrophage, feature indicative of plaque stabilization. Scavenger receptor class-B type I (SR-BI), but not ATP-binding cassette, sub-family A (ABCA), member 1 (ABCA-1), was significantly upregulated in treated groups versus progression-controls. The results of this study show a similar effect of hApoA-I/HDL overexpression on plaque progression/stabilization by 2 different routes of administration. Our results showing similar effects using either intramuscular administration and intraportal route of administration may have significant clinical implications, given the reduced medical risk to patient and cost of intramuscular injections.
Mutations of the thyroglobulin gene and its relevance to thyroid disorders

Purpose of reviewTo perform an update review on thyroglobulin gene mutations associated with congenital hypothyroidism, thyroid cancer, and autoimmunity. Recent findingsForty-two thyroglobulin mutations have been identified in dyshormonogenetic congenital hypothyroidism. Clinical and laboratory criteria defining defective thyroglobulin synthesis are mostly related to thyroglobulin mutations, generally caused by intracellular thyroglobulin transport defects to the colloid rather than defects in thyroid hormones synthesis. Some mutated thyroglobulin may escape the rigorous chaperone control and reach the colloid, allowing a wide phenotypic spectrum that includes euthyroidism in an adequate iodine environment. In some patients, continuous levothyroxine treatment does not reduce elevated serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels that may lead to goiter development. Prenatally, inactive mutant thyroglobulin will not be able to synthesize thyroid hormones and may increase pituitary thyrotroph threshold for thyroid hormone feedback. Congenital goiter is a risk factor for thyroid cancer and some thyroglobulin variants may confer susceptibility to thyroid autoimmunity. SummaryAdvances in the understanding of thyroglobulin genetic defects and its severity should allow researchers to perform adequate molecular diagnosis, genetic counseling, and intrauterine treatment to prevent subtle deficits in central nervous system development. This knowledge should improve the understanding of physiological functions of the thyroid and influence of nutritional iodine.
Microbiological Profile of External Ocular Infections in a Tertiary Care Hospital in South India

The eye is a unique organ that is impermeable to almost all external organisms. Continuous tear flow, aided by the blink reflex, mechanically washes substances from the ocular surface and prevents the accumulation of microorganisms. In addition, lysozyme, lactoferrin, secretory immunoglobulin’s, and defensins, which are present at high levels in tears, can specifically reduce bacterial colonisation of the ocular surface [3,4] . The eye may be infected from external sources or through intra ocular invasion of microorganism caused by blood stream [1] . Pathogenic micro-organisms cause ocular International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 6 Number 7 (2017) pp. 4343-4352 Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Selective loss of nonparenchymal cell viability after cold ischemic storage of rat livers.

Apres ischemie a froid pendant 4 a 8 h et reperfusion breve, les lesions cellulaires sont minimes (coloration par bleu trypan). Si l'ischemie a dure 20 h, les pertes de viabilite sont trouvees exclusivement dans les cellules non parenchymateuses et apparaissent apres reperfusion. Dans l'ensemble les cellules parenchymateuses sont plus resistantes a l'ischemie, meme apres 96 h. Il semble que les lesions des cellules non parenchymateuses lors de la reperfusion soient une cause importante des echecs des transplantations
Removal of nutrient and bacteria in pilot-scale constructed wetlands

Three pilot-scale horizontal-subsurface flow (H-SSF), surface flow (SF), and free water surface flow (FWS) constructed wetland system designs were installed and evaluated to determine the effectiveness of constructed wetlands to treat tertiary effluent wastewater generated from Paşaköy Advanced Biological Wastewater Treatment Plant (PABWWTP). The average ammonia-nitrogen (NH+ 4) removal efficiencies of % 49 to 52% were observed in all three system designs. Average NO− 3 removal efficiency was approximately 58% in the SF system design, suggesting that this design had the highest denitrification rate. Total phosphorus (TP) removal efficiency was the highest (approximately 60%) in the h-SSF system, possibly due to substrate (gravel). Systems were capable of removing approximately 94% of fecal coliform (FC) bacteria. Removal rate coefficients (k 20, 1/day) in the H-SSF, the FWS and the SF systems were estimated for NH+ 4, NO− 3, TP and FC. The average nutrient removal efficiencies were found higher in the summer periods except for the FC. The results of statistical analyses indicated that nutrient removals were affected by temperature, hydraulic residence time (HRT), and nitrogen loading rate (NLR).
The significance of childhood competence and problems for adult success in work: A developmental cascade analysis

Abstract Success in the domain of work is a salient developmental task of adulthood and a key indicator of adaptive function in the evaluation of health and psychopathology. Yet few studies have examined pathways to work competence, especially with strategies testing for cumulative cascade effects over time. Cascade models spanning 20 years were tested via structural equation modeling, linking work competence in early adulthood to antecedent competence in work and other domains of competence in childhood and emerging adulthood. Data were drawn from the Project Competence longitudinal study of 205 school children followed for 20 years. Relative fit of alternative models was evaluated by the Bayesian information criterion. As hypothesized, the effectiveness of adaptive behavior in earlier age-salient developmental task domains forecasted later work competence, which also showed strong concurrent links to competence in other domains. Results suggest there are numerous pathways by which success or failure in major developmental task domains in childhood and adolescence may influence adaptation in other domains and eventually work competence, both concurrently and cumulatively over time. Cascade effects highlight the potential significance for later work competence of childhood conduct (antisocial vs. rule-abiding behavior) and social competence with peers, in addition to the ongoing role that academic attainment may have for work success. Work competence also showed considerable stability over a 10-year period during early adulthood. Implications and applications for future research and intervention are discussed.
Microcirculatory function monitoring at the bedside—a view from the intensive care

Microcirculatory dysfunction plays a key role in the pathophysiology of various disease states and may consequently impact patient outcome. Until recently, the evaluation of the microcirculation using different measurement techniques has been mostly limited to animal and human research. With technical advances, microcirculatory monitoring nowadays becomes more and more available for application in clinical praxis. Unfortunately, measurements within the microcirculation are mostly limited to easily accessible surfaces, such as skin, muscle and tongue. Due to major differences in the physiologic regulation of microcirculatory blood flow and in metabolism between organs and even within different tissues in one organ, the clinical importance of regional microcirculatory measurements remains to be determined. In addition, technical methods available demonstrate large differences in the measured parameters and sampling volume, making interpretation of data even more difficult. Nonetheless, the monitoring of the microcirculation may, ahead of time, alert physicians that tissue oxygen supply becomes compromised and it may lead to a better understanding of basic pathophysiological aspects of disease. In the present review, we describe available non-invasive microcirculatory measurement techniques which can be applied clinically at the bedside. After a short discussion of physiologic and pathophysiologic basics related to microcirculatory monitoring, the measuring principles, applications, strengths and limitations of different monitoring systems are discussed.
Random soups, carpets and fractal dimensions

We study some properties of a class of random connected planar fractal sets induced by a Poissonian scale‐invariant and translation‐invariant point process. Using the second‐moment method, we show that their Hausdorff dimensions are deterministic and equal to their expectation dimension. We also estimate their low‐intensity limiting behaviour. This applies in particular to the ‘conformal loop ensembles’ defined via Poissonian clouds of Brownian loops for which the expectation dimension has been computed by Schramm, Sheffield and Wilson.