Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mapping the distribution of the telomeric sequence (T2AG3)n in the Macropodoidea (Marsupialia) by fluorescence in situ hybridization. II. The ancestral 2n = 22 macropodid karyotype

In marsupial karyotypes with little heterochromatin, the telomeric sequence (T<sub>2</sub>AG<sub>3</sub>)<sub>n</sub>, is involved in chromosome rearrangements. Here we compare the distribution of the (T<sub>2</sub>AG<sub>3</sub>)<sub>n</sub> sequence in chromosomes recently derived by fusions and other rearrangements (7–0.5 MYBP) with its distribution in chromosomes derived earlier (24–9 MYBP). We have previously shown that the (T<sub>2</sub>AG<sub>3</sub>)<sub>n</sub> sequence is consistently retained during chromosome rearrangements that are recent (7–0.5 MYBP). We suggest that in less recent rearrangements (24–9 MYBP) the pattern observed is initial retention followed by loss or amplification. We also suggest that the presence of interstitial (T<sub>2</sub>AG<sub>3</sub>)<sub>n</sub> sequence is related to the evolutionary status of single chromosomes rather than entire karyotypes.
The Corneal Endothelium in the Blowfish (Torquigener pleurogramma)

Purpose. In vertebrates, a corneal endothelium is essential for the maintenance of corneal transparency in a variety of environments. Knowledge of the surface structure of the corneal endothelium may assist our understanding of this unique tissue and its evolutionary development. Although there have been many studies of the corneal endothelium of humans and some mammals, there have been few in other vertebrates. Methods. The field emission scanning electron microscope was used to study the surface structure of the corneal endothelium in the blowfish, Torquigener pleurogramma (Tetraodontidae, Teleostei), and to examine cell density. Cell areas were measured by using image-analysis software. Results. The endothelium is composed of a sheet of interdigitating hexagonal and pentagonal cells with a mean area of 154 &mgr;m2 and a density of 6,486 cells/mm2. Two types of surface features are identified; primary cilia and microvilli. The cilia are cylindrical, protrude from either a pore or circular indentation in the cell center, and possess a knob-like ending. The microvilli are button-like protrusions with a density of ∼3.5 × 105 microvilli/mm2 or 54 microvilli/cell in central cornea. Conclusion The results show that the surface structure of teleost endothelial cells is similar to those described for other vertebrates and indicate that cell density varies across classes, with the presence of cilia a more widespread occurrence than previously believed.
Frequent atrophic groups with mixed‐type myofibers is distinctive to motor neuron syndromes

This study was performed to determine whether there are distinctive features to the pattern of muscle denervation in motor neuron disease. We first compared muscle biopsies from patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Kennedy's disease with other causes of denervation. Groups of atrophic muscle fibers, with individual groups containing both fiber types I and II, occurred frequently in motor neuron disease but not other causes of denervation. We then identified 11 additional muscle biopsies with frequent atrophic groups containing mixed fiber types. Chart review revealed that 10 patients had a final diagnosis of motor neuron disease or ALS and one had multifocal motor neuropathy. We conclude that muscle biopsy may have diagnostic utility early in the course of motor neuron disease. The muscle biopsy pattern of frequent atrophic groups containing mixed fiber types should suggest a diagnosis of a motor neuron syndrome or motor neuropathy. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Exercise Interventions, Gait, and Balance in Older Subjects with Distal Symmetric Polyneuropathy: A Three-Group Randomized Clinical Trial

ObjectiveOlder patients with a distal symmetric polyneuropathy are at markedly increase risk for falls and fall-related injuries. Despite this, few studies have investigated the effect of exercise regimens on gait and balance in this high-risk group. DesignOne hundred older patients with distal symmetric polyneuropathy were randomized to one of three interventions: functional balance training, Tai Chi, or education-only control. The subjects in each group received instruction in ten 1-hr weekly sessions. Outcome measures were determined at baseline and the end of the 10-wk intervention. Gait, balance, and falls self-efficacy were assessed with various well established clinical (Berg Balance Scale, 8 Foot Up and Go Test, and Modified Falls Efficacy Scale) and laboratory-based measures (three-dimensional gait analysis and NeuroCom limits of stability and sensory organization tests). ResultsThe Tai Chi subjects demonstrated a decreased (faster) Timed Up and Go and increased stride length and time spent in single limb support at the end of intervention as compared with baseline. The functional balance training group demonstrated a significant increase in ankle plantar flexor power and near significant decreases in step width and step width variability. No changes in the education-only control group were observed. ConclusionsOlder patients with distal symmetric polyneuropathy may benefit from Tai Chi and/or functional balance training, with the former improving functional mobility and gait and the latter possibly improving trunk stabilization and forward progression (Lythgo N, Cofré LE: Relationship between ankle plantar flexor power and EMG muscle activity during gait. 30th Annual Conference of Biomechanics in Sports [Melbourne, 2012]. Available at: https://ojs.ub.uni-konstanz.de/cap/article/viewFile/5320/4891). Whether these laudable changes can be maintained or translate into decreased risk for falls and fall-related injuries is unknown.
Transmembrane topography of the mitochondrial oxoglutarate carrier assessed by peptide-specific antibodies and enzymatic cleavage.

The folding of the peptide chain of the bovine heart oxoglutarate carrier in the inner mitochondrial membrane and in the membrane of reconstituted proteoliposomes has been investigated by enzymatic and immunochemical approaches using proteinase K and polyclonal site-directed antibodies, respectively. Two peptides corresponding to the amino acid sequences 2-12 (N-terminal peptide) and 303-314 (C-terminal peptide) have been synthesized and coupled to ovalbumin before being used to immunize rabbits. The specificity of the generated antibodies was tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and by Western blot analysis. Both anti-N-terminal and anti-C-terminal antibodies reacted specifically with the corresponding peptides and with the isolated oxoglutarate carrier, whereas only anti-C-terminal antibodies immunodetected the carrier in mitochondrial lysates and reacted with the membrane-bound carrier in mitoplasts and in freeze-thawed mitochondria. This result indicated that the last 12 C-terminal amino acid residues of the oxoglutarate carrier protein are accessible from the cytosolic side of the inner mitochondrial membrane. Anti-C-terminal antibodies did not recognize the oxoglutarate carrier in reconstituted proteoliposomes unless the membrane was inverted, indicating that the carrier was inserted unidirectionally in proteoliposomes, with an orientation opposite that found in mitochondria. The immunological data were complemented by data from a limited proteolysis study performed on the membrane-bound oxoglutarate carrier in proteoliposomes, using proteinase K. Cleavage of the carrier caused a time-dependent inhibition of the oxoglutarate-oxoglutarate exchange activity of the reconstituted system. Four cleavage sites were identified, between Val-39 and Gln-40, between Tyr-61 and Lys-62, between Phe-169 and Arg-170, and between Arg-182 and Gly-183. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Merely a stepping stone? Professional identity and career prospects following postgraduate mental health nurse training.

ACCESSIBLE SUMMARY Accelerated mental health nurse training attracts talented graduates, many with a psychology degree. Our study shows that such trainees feel incompatible with the nursing culture. Consequently, professional identification is inhibited, and on qualifying these nurses may choose to develop their careers elsewhere. Nurse educators and mentors should pay greater attention to nurturing a positive professional identity in trainees. Alongside their attainment of knowledge and skills, nursing trainees are moulded by a professional culture and inculcated to norms of beliefs and behaviour. The process of professional identification may be inhibited by accelerated nurse training and an influx of psychology graduates potentially using mental health nursing qualification as a springboard to other career opportunities. This study explored facilitators and barriers to professional identification in newly qualified nurses of accelerated postgraduate training. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 10 nurses who had recently completed a postgraduate diploma in mental health nursing at King's College London. Participants identified more with the mental health field than with the broader profession of nursing. They defined their practice in terms of values rather than skills and found difficulty in articulating a distinct role for mental health nursing. Although participants had found experience in training and as a registered practitioner rewarding, they were concerned that nursing may not fulfil their aspirations. Professional identity is likely to be a major factor in satisfaction and retention of nurses. Training and continuing professional development should promote career advancement within clinical nursing practice.
Effects of hyperoxia and hypoxia on the physiological traits responsible for obstructive sleep apnoea

Changes in the level of inspired oxygen have dramatic effects on the pathophysiology of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA): hyperoxia reduces the severity of OSA in some but not all patients, whereas hypoxia transforms obstructive events into central events. Given that OSA is likely to result from the interaction of key pathophysiological traits, including a compromised pharyngeal anatomy, inadequate upper airway muscle function, a large ventilatory response to a disturbance in ventilation (high loop gain) and a low arousal threshold, we examined how changes in oxygen levels alter these traits. Our study demonstrates that the beneficial effect of hyperoxia on OSA severity is solely based on its ability to attenuate loop gain, whereas hypoxia increases loop gain and the arousal threshold in addition to improving pharyngeal collapsibility. Such effects help to explain why oxygen therapy may not work in every patient with OSA and explain the disappearance of OSA and the emergence of central events during hypoxic conditions.
In vitro cleavable-complex assay to monitor antimicrobial potency of quinolones

Seven quinolones were evaluated to determine whether their ability to generate the DNA gyrase-mediated cleavable complex correlated with their ability to inhibit the catalytic activity of purified DNA gyrase and inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli. The rank order of potency of these drugs in the cleavable-complex assay was essentially the same as in the DNA supercoiling-inhibition assay. It required 2- to 10-fold-lower drug concentrations to generate the cleavable complex than to inhibit E. coli DNA gyrase. With the newer fluoroquinolones, a 25- to 100-fold-greater concentration was required for DNA gyrase inhibition than for cell growth inhibition, suggesting a more subtle interaction between these inhibitors and DNA gyrase than mere enzyme inhibition.
A structural equation model of tourism activities, social interaction and the impact of tourism on youth tourists' QOL

The current study aims to develop a model in the scope of youth tourism that illustrates structural relationships among the following constructs: 1) frequency of participation in several tourism activities; 2) frequency of social interaction with residents; 3) perception of tourism impacts on several domains of quality of life (QOL); 4) perception of tourism impacts on overall QOL. To achieve this objective, a survey was carried out with university students and 412 completed questionnaires were obtained. The model was tested with partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Results show a strong positive impact of tourism activities on social interaction and a positive impact of both tourism activities and social interaction on all domains of QOL - physical health, social relationships, psychological features and environmental conditions. The paper ends with recommendations for improving the impact of tourism on youth visitors' QOL.
Dual targeting of PI3K and MEK enhances the radiation response of K-RAS mutated non-small cell lung cancer

Despite the significant contribution of radiotherapy to non-small lung cancer (NSCLC), radioresistance still occurs. One of the major radioresistance mechanisms is the hyperactivation of the PI3K/Akt pathway in which Akt facilitates the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) through the stimulation of DNA-PKcs. We investigated if targeting PI3K would be a potential approach for enhancing the radiosensitivity of K-RAS mutated (K-RASmut) NSCLC cell lines A549 and H460. Short-term (1-2 h) pre-treatment of cells with the PI3K inhibitor PI-103 (1 μM) inhibited Akt/DNA-PKcs activity, blocked DSBs repair and induced radiosensitivity, while long-term (24 h) pre-treatment did not. Lack of an effect after 24 h of PI-103 pre-treatment was due to reactivation of K-Ras/MEK/ERK-dependent Akt. However, long-term treatment with the combination of PI-103 and MEK inhibitor PD98059 completely blocked reactivation of Akt and impaired DSBs repair through non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) leading to radiosensitization. The effect of PI3K inhibition on Akt signaling was also tested in A549 mouse xenografts. P-Akt and P-DNA-PKcs were inhibited 30 min post-irradiation in xenografts, which were pretreated by PI-103 30 min before irradiation. However, Akt was reactivated 30 min post-irradiation in tumors, which were pre-treated for 3 h with PI-103 before irradiation. After a 24 h pretreatment with PI-103, a significant reactivation of Akt was achieved 24 h after irradiation. Thus, due to MEK/ERK-dependent reactivation of Akt, targeting PI3K alone is not a suitable approach for radiosensitizing K-RASmut NSCLC cells, indicating that dual targeting of PI3K and MEK is an efficient approach to improve radiotherapy outcome.
CD44 and Hyaluronan Promote the Bone Morphogenetic Protein 7 Signaling Response in Murine Chondrocytes

Cell–matrix interactions promote cartilage homeostasis. We previously found that Smad1, the transcriptional modulator of the canonical bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP‐7) pathway, interacted with the cytoplasmic domain of CD44, the principal hyaluronan receptor on chondrocytes. To elucidate the physiologic function of CD44–Smad1 interactions, as well as the role of hyaluronan, we studied the response of chondrocytes isolated from CD44–/– and BALB/c (wild‐type [WT]) mice to stimulation with BMP‐7.
Urgent airways after trauma: who gets pneumonia?

BACKGROUND Several risk factors, including emergent intubation, severe head injury, shock, blunt trauma, and high severity of injury, have been identified as risk factors for the development of pneumonia after trauma. This study assesses the contribution of emergent intubation to the development of pneumonia after injury. METHODS A retrospective review of all trauma patients requiring intubation or cricothyroidotomy in the Emergency Department (ED) or in the pre-hospital area (field) over a 41/2 year period. RESULTS 571 patients comprised the study population. Of these, 80% had airways established in the ED, while 20% were intubated in the field. Field intubation was associated with a lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score (p <0.0001) and more severe injury (p <0.0001), particularly to the chest and extremities.Twenty-five percent of the population developed pneumonia. Patients diagnosed with pneumonia were older (p=0.009), and had a higher ISS (p <0.0001), lower GCS score, (p <0.008), longer ICU and hospital length of stay (p < 0.0001). Injuries to the head, thorax and extremities were more common (p < 0.05) and more severe (p <0.05) in patients developing pneumonia. The incidence of pneumonia after field airway was significantly higher (35% versus 23%, p=0.048). Multiple logistic regression analysis identified field intubation, age, AIS-head, and AIS-extremity as independent risk factors for pneumonia. CONCLUSION Pre-hospital but not ED intubation is an independent risk factor for the development of post-traumatic pneumonia. Other predictors include the severity of injury, specifically head and extremity injuries.
Gender Considerations for Rural Poverty Reduction in Bangladesh

UNICEF (2010), ADB (2011) and GOB (2011) reports reveal that Bangladesh has made significant progress in its social development areas; however, it still lack behind to eradicate poverty and sustain its social development. An initiative, rural non-farm economy (RNFE), has been introduced in Bangladesh to address poverty, social development and to empower rural women financially. RNFE has made contribution to match male–female parity in work participation and also to attain economic empowerment for women by enabling them to engage in economic activities without violating the social norms. The study indicates that women RNFE participants should get more income support and better health care facilities to maintain their subsistence and to get rid of poverty, while men RNFE participants should get more support to get involved in high-income RNFE activities and promote RNFE income growth.
Pre-Service Teachers and Technology Integration: International Cases and Generational Attitudes Toward Technology in Education

The current generation of young teachers entering the profession is often presumed to have an easy comfort with and seemingly innate understanding of technology. Prensky (2001) has gone so far as to name them “digital natives” and has claimed that members of the millennial generation “think and process information fundamentally differently from their predecessors” (p. 1). However, recent studies in several English-speaking western nations call the millennial generation’s innately skillful use of technology into question, and some studies of millennial teachers indicate that they are, in fact, no better at integrating technology into their teaching than their colleagues from other generations. Rogers’ (2003) diffusion of innovations theory provides an alternative to the digital native/digital immigrant approach for explaining teachers’ technology integration habits. Based on this approach, suggestions for teacher educators are recommended for training millennial teachers to integrate technology and pedagogy.
Overproduction of Bacterial Protein Disulfide Isomerase (DsbC) and Its Modulator (DsbD) Markedly Enhances Periplasmic Production of Human Nerve Growth Factor in Escherichia coli *

Production of eukaryotic proteins with multiple disulfide bonds in the Escherichia coli periplasm often encounters difficulty in obtaining soluble products with native structure. Human nerve growth factor β (NGF) contains three disulfide bonds between nonconsecutive cysteine residues and forms insoluble aggregates when expressed in E. coli. We now report that overexpression of Dsb proteins known to catalyze formation and isomerization of disulfide bonds can substantially enhance periplasmic production of NGF. A set of pACYC184-based plasmids that permitdsb expression under the araB promoter were introduced into cells carrying a compatible plasmid that expresses NGF. The efficiency of periplasmic production of NGF fused to the OmpT signal peptide was strikingly improved by coexpression of DsbCD or DsbABCD proteins (up to 80% of total NGF produced). Coexpression of DsbAB was hardly effective, whereas that of DsbAC increased the total yield but not the periplasmic expression. These results suggest synergistic roles of DsbC and DsbD in disulfide isomerization that appear to become limiting upon NGF production. Furthermore, recombinant NGF produced with excess DsbCD (or DsbABCD) was biologically active judged by the neurite outgrowth assay using rat PC12 cells.
Threats to Information Systems: Today's Reality, Yesterday's Understanding

Information systems ecutfy remains high on the list of key issues facing information systems exo ecutives. Traditional concerns range from forced entry into computer and storage rooms to destruction by fire, earthquake, flood, and hurricane. Recent attention focuses on protecting information systems and data from accidental or intentional unauthorized access, disclosure, modification, or destruction. The consequences of these events can range from degraded or disrupted service to customers to corporate failure. This article reports on a study investigating MIS executives" concern about a variety of threats. A relatively new threat, computer viruses, was found to be a particular concern. The results highlight a gap between the use of modern technology and the understanding of the security implications inherent in its use. Many of responding information systems managers have migrated their organizations into the highly interconnected environment of modern technology but continue to view threats from a perspective of a pre-connectivity era. They expose their firms to unfamiliar risks of which they are unaware, refuse to acknowledge, or are often poorly equipped to manage.
Plasma IL-6 levels are independently associated with atherosclerosis and mortality in HIV-infected individuals on suppressive antiretroviral therapy

Objective:To determine the associations of markers of immune activation with atherosclerosis and mortality, in participants with treated and suppressed HIV infection. Design:Observational study of 149 HIV-infected participants with virologic suppression on antiretroviral therapy. Methods:Cryopreserved mononuclear cells and plasma were used to evaluate markers of T cell and monocyte activation, inflammation and coagulopathy. Carotid artery intima–media thickness (CIMT) was measured by high-resolution ultrasound at the common, bifurcation and internal carotid regions. Associations of immunologic markers with CIMT and all-cause mortality were assessed using multivariable linear regression and Cox proportional hazards regression. Results:The majority of participants were men (93%) and white (67%), median age of 48.5 years and median CD4+ T-cell count of 522 cells/&mgr;l. The median baseline IMT was 1.0 mm. Over a median of 8.3-year follow-up, 12 deaths occurred. In multivariate analysis, adjusted for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, higher monocyte C-C motif chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) expression [5.4%, P = 0.001] was associated with greater common CIMT. Higher plasma IL-6 was associated with greater bifurcation [8.0%, P = 0.007] and overall mean IMT [5.2%, P = 0.026]. Finally, higher plasma IL-6 [hazard ratio 1.9, P = 0.030], internal carotid [hazard ratio 4.1, P = 0.022] and mean IMT [hazard ratio 5.2, P = 0.026] were individually associated with all-cause mortality. Conclusion:Higher monocyte CCR5 expression and plasma IL-6 were associated with atherosclerosis, independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. IL-6 and CIMT were individually associated with all-cause mortality. The impact of therapies targeting immune activation in cardiovascular disease in treated HIV infection merits additional investigation.