Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phosphorylation of Formate Dehydrogenase in Potato Tuber Mitochondria*

Two highly phosphorylated proteins were detected after two-dimensional (blue native/SDS-PAGE) gel electrophoretic separation of the matrix fraction isolated from potato tuber mitochondria. These two phosphoproteins were identified by mass spectrometry as formate dehydrogenase (FDH) and the E1α-subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH). Isoelectric focusing/SDS-PAGE two-dimensional gels separated FDH and PDH and resolved several different phosphorylated forms of FDH. By using combinations of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry, several phosphorylation sites were identified for the first time in FDH and PDH. FDH was phosphorylated on Thr76 and Thr333, whereas PDH was phosphorylated on Ser294. Both Thr76 and Thr333 in FDH were accessible to protein kinases, as demonstrated by protein structure homology modeling. The extent of phosphorylation of both FDH and PDH was strongly decreased by NAD+, formate, and pyruvate, indicating that reversible phosphorylation of FDH and PDHs was regulated in a similar fashion. At low oxygen concentrations inside the intact potato tubers, FDH activity was strongly increased relative to cytochrome c oxidase activity pointing to a possible involvement of FDH in hypoxic metabolism. Computational sequence analysis indicated that a conserved local sequence motif of pyruvate formate-lyase is found in the Arabidopsis thaliana genome, and this enzyme might be the source of formate for FDH in plants.
Alterations in protein aggregation and degradation due to mild and severe missense mutations (A104D, R157N) in the human phenylalanine hydroxylase gene (PAH)

Phenylalanine hydroxylase (PAH) catalyzes the conversion of phenylalanine to tyrosine; its activity is the major determinant of phenylalanine disposal. Mutations in the corresponding human gene (PAH), which encodes the human hepatic PAH enzyme, result in hyperphenylalaninemia; the resulting phenotypes can range in severity from mild forms of hyperphenylalaninemia with benign outcome to the severe form, phenylketonuria with impaired cognitive development. This paper describes the detailed characterization of two inherited recessive missense mutations in PAH, c.311C→A (A104D) and [c.470G→A;c.471A→C] (R157N), which are associated, respectively, in the homozygous or functionally hemizygous states, with mild and severe metabolic phenotypes. We used three different in vitro PAH expression systems (in Escherichia coli, cell‐free rabbit reticulocyte lysates, and human embryonal kidney cells), as well as a unique assay for phenylalanine oxidation in vivo. In each system, we observed alterations of PAH function and physical properties, compared with wild‐type enzyme, and differences in relative severity of effects between these two mutations. Pulse‐chase experiments showed increased PAH degradation, probably related to observed aberrations in protein folding and altered oligomerization, as a basic mechanism underlying effects of these missense mutations. Hum Mutat 12:344–354, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
HAEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AS INDICATORS OF TRANSPORT STRESS IN RABBITS

The purpose of our investigation was to evaluate the effect of transport to the slaughterhouse on some haematological stress indicators in rabbits. All the animals used came from the same farm and were randomly chosen from those that reached the end of their productive cycle (82 days old). A total of four journey session were performed. Each journey lasted 100 minutes. Moreover, for each journey, the same lorry driven by the same transport operator, was used. In order to assess stress condition, blood samples from 80 male rabbits (20 animals per journey session) were collected two days before each transport session and at the de-bleeding in the slaughterhouse. Haematological and biochemical variables were analyzed: packed cell volume (PCV) did not differ significantly after transport while a significant neutrophilia (P<0.001), lymphocytopaenia (P<0.001) with a significant increase in the N/L ratio were observed in all transported rabbits. A significant increase (P<0.001) in serum glucose concentration following transport, was found. Furthermore, total protein, albumin and osmolality increased significantly in all rabbits. These findings underlined a moderate dehydration caused by transport that was evidenced also by the increasing in Na and K serum concentrations. A significant upsurge in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (P<0.01), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (P<0.001) and creatine kinase (CK) activities (P<0.001) were recorded in all rabbits after transport. A twofold increase in serum corticosterone concentration (6.23 vs. 14.88 ng/mL; P<0.01) evidenced the stress condition experienced by all rabbits during transport.The altered levels of some of the analyzed blood variables, lead to the conclusion that, as in other species, haematological parameters may be usefully employed to highlight the stress condition of rabbits during transport.
3D Data Acquisition and Registration Using Two Opposing Kinects

We present an automatic, open source data acquisition and calibration approach using two opposing RGBD sensors (Kinect V2) and demonstrate its efficacy for dynamic object reconstruction in the context of monitoring for remote lung function assessment. First, the relative pose of the two RGBD sensors is estimated through a calibration stage and rigid transformation parameters are computed. These are then used to align and register point clouds obtained from the sensors at frame level. We validated the proposed system by performing experiments on known-size box objects with the results demonstrating accurate measurements. We also report on dynamic object reconstruction by way of human subjects undergoing respiratory functional assessment.
Two New Lavandulyl Flavonoids from Sophora flavescens

Two novel lavandulyl flavonoids, (2S)-7-methoxyl-4″, 5″ -dihydroxynorkurarinone (1) and (2S)-6″ -hydroxynorkurarinone-7-O-β-D-galactoside (2), were isolated from the rhizome of Sophora flavescens. Their structures were elucidated by spectral methods, including 2D NMR spectroscopy. Both compounds showed cytotoxic activity against Hela cells, with 2 being more active than 1.
Phase II study of oxaliplatin versus oxaliplatin combined with infusional 5-fluorouracil in hormone refractory metastatic prostate cancer patients.

BACKGROUND A randomized, multicenter phase II study evaluating oxaliplatin alone (OXA) and oxaliplatin-5-fluorouracil combination (OXFU) in advanced hormone-refractory prostate cancer (HRPC) patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS Metastatic, pathologically proven prostate carcinoma patients, progressing despite anti-androgen therapy, received intravenous OXA (130 mg/m(2 )over 2 h), alone or with 5-FU (1000 mg/m(2)/day, continuous intravenous infusion, days 1-4), every 3 weeks. OXA patients could receive OXFU after treatment failure. RESULTS Fifty-four patients (26 OXA, 28 OXFU) from nine centers received 269 treatment cycles (106 OXA, 163 OXFU; median 3.5 OXA or 5 OXFU cycles per patient; range 1-10 or 1-14, respectively). Patient characteristics were similar in both arms. Three partial responses (PR) occurred in 21 evaluable OXA patients [14%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1% to 30%], and in five of 26 evaluable OXFU patients (19%; 95% CI 7% to 39%). Clinical benefit response (pain, performance status and weight changes) was assessed in 20 OXA and 22 OXFU symptomatic patients, with more responders in the OXFU arm (39% compared with 12%). Median time to progression in the OXA and OXFU arms was 2.6 and 3.4 months, and median overall survival was 9.4 and 11.4 months, respectively. Hematotoxicity was common, but mostly mild to moderate. Neutropenia was more common in OXFU than OXA patients. After oxaliplatin failure, 12 patients received 46 cycles of OXFU and one of 11 evaluable patients had a PR. CONCLUSION The objective response rate, palliation benefit, survival and manageable toxicity obtained in this heavily pretreated HRPC population with OXFU merit further study.
MAP2 and neurogranin as markers for dendritic lesions in CNS injury. An immunohistochemical study in the rat

We compared two staining methods for the demonstration of dendrites under normal and pathological conditions of the rat central nervous system. MAP2‐ and neurogranin immunohistochemistry was applied to samples from normal tissue, spinal cord subjected to graded compression trauma, cerebral cortex following contusion trauma, and brains with focal ischemic lesions induced by occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCAO). Normal rats showed MAP2 immunoreactivity in nerve cell bodies and dendrites of brain and spinal cord. However, neurogranin staining was present only in nerve cell bodies and dendrites of the normal brain, and not in the spinal cord.
Psychological response to cervical screening.

BACKGROUND Few studies have examined the psychological costs of cervical screening, despite expressed concern over possible negative sequelae. METHODS Seventy-five women with mild or moderately dyskaryotic smears, under cytological surveillance, 75 women referred for colposcopy after a first-ever abnormal smear showing severe dyskaryosis, and 75 controls with recent negative cytology were interviewed at home, and their psychological adjustment was assessed. RESULTS Levels of distress were higher among women with an abnormal smear than among controls with a recent negative smear. Anxiety (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale range 0-21, "normal" range 0-7) was highest among those referred for colposcopy (mean 8.12, controls 5.88, P < 0.001); afterward, distress fell (mean 6.61, P < 0.001) but more problems of social adjustment were evident (surveillance vs controls, P < 0.01). High anxiety was associated with social maladjustment (colposcopy, P < 0.001; surveillance, P < 0.01) and negative feelings about the self (P < 0.05). Current anxiety was unrelated to knowledge about abnormal smears, but in the surveillance group was related to satisfaction with the explanation provided (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION A positive cervical smear may by psychologically traumatic for a significant minority of women, irrespective of management strategy.
The Relationship between Leadership Styles and Lecturers' Job Satisfaction in Institutions of Higher Learning in Kenya.

University management and academic staff have a critical role to diligently play in fulfilling university's mandate. Effective and efficient governance and management of both private and public universities have a direct bearing on the overall quality of the institutions. With management operating under laid down governance structures, it is crucial that specific leadership styles are adopted to make easier their roles. This paper examines the relationship between leadership styles and Lecturers' job satisfaction in higher learning institutions in Kenya. A target population of 2,773 administrators and lecturers in chartered public and private universities in Rift Valley Region of Kenya was considered. A sample of 605 participants was then obtained. The study employed convergent parallel mixed methods design with census, random and systematic sampling techniques to select the respondents. Purposive sampling was also used to select information-rich cases. Questionnaires, interview and document analysis were used for data collection. Both qualitative and quantitative data was analysed. Pearson correlation coefficient, independent-samples t-test, One-way ANOVA and regression coefficients were employed with the use of the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 20. It was found out that benevolent authoritarian leadership style was dominantly used. However, the study recommended practice of participative leadership style.
A variant of the KLK 4 gene is expressed as a cis sense – antisense chimeric transcript in prostate cancer cells

In humans, more than 30,000 chimeric transcripts originating from 23,686 genes have been identified. The mechanisms and association of chimeric transcripts arising from chromosomal rearrangements with cancer are well established, but much remains unknown regarding the biogenesis and importance of other chimeric transcripts that arise from nongenomic alterations. Recently, a SLC45A3–ELK4 chimera has been shown to be androgen-regulated, and is overexpressed in metastatic or high-grade prostate tumors relative to local prostate cancers. Here, we characterize the expression of a KLK4 cis sense–antisense chimeric transcript, and show other examples in prostate cancer. Using non-protein-coding microarray analyses, we initially identified an androgen-regulated antisense transcript within the 39 untranslated region of the KLK4 gene in LNCaP cells. The KLK4 cis-NAT was validated by strand-specific linker-mediated RT-PCR and Northern blotting. Characterization of the KLK4 cis-NAT by 59 and 39 rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) revealed that this transcript forms multiple fusions with the KLK4 sense transcript. Lack of KLK4 antisense promoter activity using reporter assays suggests that these transcripts are unlikely to arise from a transsplicing mechanism. 59 RACE and analyses of deep sequencing data from LNCaP cells treated ±androgens revealed six highconfidence sense–antisense chimeras of which three were supported by the cDNA databases. In this study, we have shown complex gene expression at the KLK4 locus that might be a hallmark of cis sense–antisense chimeric transcription.
PERSPECTIVE: DETECTING ADAPTIVE MOLECULAR POLYMORPHISM: LESSONS FROM THE MHC

Abstract In the 1960s, when population geneticists first began to collect data on the amount of genetic variation in natural populations, balancing selection was invoked as a possible explanation for how such high levels of molecular variation are maintained. However, the predictions of the neutral theory of molecular evolution have since become the standard by which cases of balancing selection may be inferred. Here we review the evidence for balancing selection acting on the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of vertebrates, a genetic system that defies many of the predictions of neutrality. We apply many widely used tests of neutrality to MHC data as a benchmark for assessing the power of these tests. These tests can be categorized as detecting selection in the current generation, over the history of populations, or over the histories of species. We find that selection is not detectable in MHC datasets in every generation, population, or every evolutionary lineage. This suggests either that selection on the MHC is heterogeneous or that many of the current neutrality tests lack sufficient power to detect the selection consistently. Additionally, we identify a potential inference problem associated with several tests of neutrality. We demonstrate that the signals of selection may be generated in a relatively short period of microevolutionary time, yet these signals may take exceptionally long periods of time to be erased in the absence of selection. This is especially true for the neutrality test based on the ratio of nonsynonymous to synonymous substitutions. Inference of the nature of the selection events that create such signals should be approached with caution. However, a combination of tests on different time scales may overcome such problems.
Reliability and validity of the French-Canadian Late Life Function and Disability Instrument in community-living wheelchair-users

Abstract Objective: To examine the test–retest reliability, standard error of measurement, minimal detectable change, construct validity, and ceiling and floor effects in the French-Canadian Late Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI-F). Method: The LLFDI-F is a measure of activity (i.e. physical functioning of upper and lower extremities), and participation (i.e. frequency of and limitations with). The measure was administered over the telephone to a sample of community-living wheelchair-users, who were 50 years of age and older, in this 10-day retest methodological study. The sample (n = 40) was mostly male (70%), had a mean age of 62.2 years, and mean experience with using a wheelchair of 20.2 years. Sixty-five percent used a manual wheelchair. Results: The test–retest intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC2,1) for the participation component ranged from 0.68 to 0.90 and from 0.74 to 0.97 for the activity component. Minimal detectable changes ranged from 7.18 to 22.56 in the participation component and from 4.71 to 16.19 in the activity component. Mann–Whitney U-tests revealed significant differences between manual and power wheelchair-users in the personal and instrumental role domains, and all areas in the activity component. Conclusion: There is support for the test–retest reliability and construct validity of the LLFDI-F in community-living wheelchair-users, 50 years of age and older. However, because the majority of items in the lower-extremity domains of the activity component do not account for assistive device use, they are not recommended for use with individuals who have little or no use of their lower-extremities.
Does Urbanization Affect Predation of Bird Nests? A Meta-Analysis

Urbanization can affect interspecific interactions such as predator-prey relationships. Several hypotheses have been postulated to predict how predation on bird nests changes along urbanization gradients; some predict increased and others decreased predation pressures in urban compared to rural habitats. Using a formal meta-analytical approach, we carried out a systematic literature review to test whether predation on natural and artificial bird nests increased or decreased with urbanization. We found that the effect was highly heterogeneous among studies, due to contrasting results between studies that used artificial nests and those that used natural nests. For artificial nests, survival rate tended to decrease with increasing urbanization, with higher predation in more urbanized study sites. For natural nests, survival tended to increase with the level of urbanization. The latter finding supports predictions of the ‘urban habitats as predation-safe zones’ and ‘urban nest predator paradox’ hypotheses, but the effect may be confounded by many studies not distinguishing between predation and other sources of mortality. None of the other considered methodological and ecological variables explained the variation in a robust way. The discrepancy between the results of artificial and natural nest studies may be due to differences in experimental design (e.g., cavity nests have been more commonly studied in natural nest studies), intrinsic differences between the two nest types (e.g., lack of parental nest defense in artificial nests), or sampling bias. We conclude that the direction of the relationship between urbanization and nest predation is likely to depend on the methodology of the study. Therefore, results from studies using different methodologies, particularly natural or artificial nests, should be generalized with caution to avoid over-interpretations.
Serious Neutropenia in ALL Patients Treated With L-Asparaginase May Be Avoided by Therapeutic Monitoring of the Enzyme Activity in the Circulation

The antineoplastic enzyme L-asparaginase is commonly used for the induction of remission in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). L-Asparagine is an essential amino acid for many lymphoid tumor cells and L-asparaginase catalyzes its conversion to L-aspartic acid and ammonia. The dosage of this highly toxic drug is individualized based on the body surface area of the patient, but monitoring of L-asparaginase activity during the L-asparaginase therapy is not commonly used. We measured L-asparaginase activity in the serum of ten children (aged 3–13 y) with ALL (ALL NOPHO-92 standard or intermediate risk groups) during their L-asparaginase therapy. L-asparaginase was given 30,000 IU/m2 IM during days 37–46 of the induction therapy and no other chemotherapeutic drug except for prednisone was given at the same time. We observed that this dosage schedule resulted in almost 6-fold differences in the serum activity of L-asparaginase between the patients. There was also a relationship between the area under the L-asparaginase activity-time curve (AUC) and even peak L-asparaginase activity in serum during the enzyme therapy and neutropenia after the therapy in the patients: the higher the AUC or peak value was, the more severe was the neutropenia in the patients after treatment. Monitoring L-asparaginase in serum could be useful in optimization of the therapy with this toxic drug.
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of the Safety of Vaginal Recombinant Human Relaxin for Cervical Ripening

Objective: To assess the safety of vaginal recombinant human relaxin in pregnant women treated before the induction of labor and to collect preliminary data on the efficacy of recombinant human relaxin in promoting cervical ripening. Methods: In a multi-center, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial, 40 women were studied before induction of labor because of post-dates. The women were randomized to receive either 1.5 mg recombinant human relaxin in 3% methylcellulose gel or gel only, placed into the posterior vaginal fornix after a cervical assessment on the evening before scheduled induction. If a subject did not go into spontaneous labor overnight, another cervical assessment was performed 15 hours following treatment, immediately before the standard induction regimen of the hospital. Results: No important maternal or fetal-neonatal complications could be attributed to the drug. The differences between the recombinant human relaxin group and the placebo group for all the outcome measures of efficacy did not achieve statistical significance. Placebo patients were more likely to report moderate or strong uterine contractions in the first 4 hours following treatment than were the recombinant human relaxin-treated patients. Conclusions: The use of recombinant human relaxin at a dose of 1.5 mg was not associated with any significant maternal or fetal-neonatal complications. The relatively small number of subjects in this study was chosen deliberately because this was the first use of the drug in pregnant subjects. Assessment of efficacy will require studies that include more patients and a range of relaxin doses.
Prevalence of Malaria Plasmodium among Children in Abeokuta, Nigeria

This study was carried out in Abeokuta, Ogun State, South Western Nigeria between April 2013 and August, 2013. A total of 76 subjects; (32 males and 44 females) blood samples were collected from subjects within age 10 years old attending, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State. Thick and thin blood films were prepared for each person.These were stained using field’s stain A (eosin) and field’s stain B (methyl azure). The stained films were examined under the microscope, using oil immersion at 100x magnification. Twenty four (31.6%) of the blood samples showed presence of Plasmodium which indicate positive results while 52(68.4%) did not showed presence of Plasmodium which indicate negative results. Thus, this study further confirmed the presence of Plasmodium among children in Abeokuta, Nigeria. General surveillance and public health education to stop the spread of the malaria among children in Abeokuta and indeed the whole society is advocated. [Olasunkanmi OI Akingbade OA, Akinjinmi AA, Okerentugba PO, Onajobi IB, Okonko IO. Prevalence of malaria Plasmodium among children in Abeokuta, Nigeria. Academ Arena 2013;5(10):44-47] (ISSN 1553992X). http://www.sciencepub. net/academia. 8