Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Isolation and characterization of rubisco small subunit gene promoter from common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Choice of an appropriate promoter is critical to express target genes in intended tissues and developmental stages. However, promoters capable of directing gene expression in specific tissues and stages are not well characterized in monocot species. To identify such a promoter in wheat, this study isolated a partial sequence of the wheat small subunit of RuBisCO (TarbcS) promoter. In silico analysis revealed the presence of elements that are characteristic to rbcS promoters of other, mainly dicot, species. Transient expression of the TarbcS:GUS in immature wheat embryos and tobacco leaves but not in the wheat roots indicate the functionality of the TarbcS promoter fragment in directing the expression of target genes in green plant tissues.
Practical Training and the Audit Expectations Gap: The Case of Accounting Undergraduates of Universiti Utara Malaysia

The accounting profession has long faced the issue of an audit expectations gap; being the gap between the quality of the profession’s performance, its objectives and results, and that which the society expects. The profession believes that the gap could be reduced over time through education. Studies have been carried out overseas and in Malaysia to determine the effect of education in narrowing the audit expectations gap. Extending the knowledge acquired, this paper investigates whether academic internship programs could reduce the audit expectations gap in Malaysia. Using a pre-post method, the research instrument adapted from Ferguson et al. (2000) is administered to the Universiti Utara Malaysia’s accounting students at the beginning and end of their internship program. The results show there is a significant change in perceptions among students after the internship program. However, changes in perceptions do not warrant an internship program as a means of reducing the audit expectations gap as misperceptions are still found among respondents on issues of auditing after the completion of the internship program. Nevertheless, an internship program can still be used to complement audit education in a university as it is an ideal way to expose students to professional issues and enables them to have a better insight of the actual performance and duties of auditors.
Tenascin-C Signaling in melanoma

Tenascin-C (TNC), a multifunctional matricellular glyco-protein, is highly expressed in the majority of melanoma cell lines and has been implicated in the progression of melanoma. A growing body of evidence has implicated the role of TNC in the process of invasion and metastasis for melanoma. However, the mechanism and individual signaling pathways by which TNC drives melanoma progression have not been illuminated. Herein we provide perspectives from the investigation of TNC in other settings that may hint at the mechanistic role of TNC in this disease.
The expanding repertoire of receptor activity modifying protein (RAMP) function

Abstract Receptor activity modifying proteins (RAMPs) associate with G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) at the plasma membrane and together bind a variety of peptide ligands, serving as a communication interface between the extracellular and intracellular environments. The collection of RAMP-interacting GPCRs continues to expand and now consists of GPCRs from families A, B and C, suggesting that RAMP activity is extremely prevalent. RAMP association with GPCRs can regulate GPCR function by altering ligand binding, receptor trafficking and desensitization, and downstream signaling pathways. Here, we elaborate on these RAMP-dependent mechanisms of GPCR regulation, which provide opportunities for pharmacological intervention.
Composición química del aceite virgen obtenido por extracción mecánica de algunas variedades de uva (Vitis vinifera L.) con énfasis en los componentes minoritarios

The chemical composition of the virgin oils obtained by mechanical pressing of grape seed belonging of the varieties Syrah and Tintorera as well as a mixture of seeds of the varieties Syrah, Tempranillo and Merlot was determined. Official analytical methods were employed for the determination of two quality indexes (acidity and peroxide value), fatty acids profile and for the quantification of the most important minor constituents. The acidity and the peroxide values were in agreement with the values reported by the Codex Alimentarius for good quality edible oils. The linoleic acid was the fatty acid most abundant in all samples, representing around the 65%, followed by the monounsaturated oleic acid with concentrations close to 25%. The total phytosterol concentrations were between 5179 and 5480 mg/kg, where the beta-sytosterol represented more than the 66% in all grape seed oils. The cholesterol was detected in the oils from the varieties Syrah and Tintorera in concentrations below the maximum allowed for vegetable edible oils. The ester 1-buthyl-3-methylacetate was the most abundant in the volatile fraction with concentrations of 5.4; 6.8 and 11.0 mg/kg for Syrah, Tintorera and the seeds mixture respectively. Other volatile compounds also present were the Trans-2-hexenal (0.1 to 0.5 mg/kg), E-2-pentenal (3.1 to 4.2 mg/kg), hexanal (1.4 to 1.9 mg/kg) and heptanal (0.1 to 0.3 mg/kg). These compounds may be the responsible for the fruity flavor detected in all virgin oils studied. The alpha and gamma isomers of the tocotrienols accounted for more than the 80% of the tocochromanols present in the oils, while the tocopherols represented only the 10% The deep green color observed in all oil samples was associated to the presence of chlorophylls and other vegetable pigments
Significance of serum antibodies against HSP 60 and HSP 70 for the diagnostic of infectious diseases

Heat shock proteins (HSP) represent important antigenic targets for the immune response, playing an important role in the pathology and infectious diseases control. The purpose of this work was to investigate the levels of HSP60 and HSP70 specific antibodies in the bloodstream of patients with different bacterial infections and cancer, in order to evaluate their potential role as diagnosis markers of different infectious diseases. Detection of specific anti-HSP 60 and HSP 70 serum levels was performed by ELISA. Statistical analysis of data by multivariate logistic regression was performed using GraphPadPrism software and statistical tests based on chi-square and Student t-test. High levels of anti-HSP60 were found in patients with localized infections, while the levels of anti- HSP70 were higher in the group with generalized infections. The serum levels of both anti-HSP 60 and anti-HSP70 were significantly increased in patients with Gram-negative bacterial infections, as compared with patients harbouring infections produced by Gram-positive and fungal strains, demonstrating their potential use as additional diagnosis and prognosis markers in infections with this etiology.
Glucose starvation and hypoxia, but not the saturated fatty acid palmitic acid or cholesterol, activate the unfolded protein response in 3T3-F442A and 3T3-L1 adipocytes

Obesity is associated with endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and activation of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in adipose tissue. In this study we identify physiological triggers of ER stress and of the UPR in adipocytes in vitro. We show that two markers of adipose tissue remodelling in obesity, glucose starvation and hypoxia, cause ER stress in 3T3-F442A and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Both conditions induced molecular markers of the IRE1α and PERK branches of the UPR, such as splicing of XBP1 mRNA and CHOP, as well as transcription of the ER stress responsive gene BiP. Hypoxia also induced an increase in phosphorylation of the PERK substrate eIF2α. By contrast, physiological triggers of ER stress in many other cell types, such as the saturated fatty acid palmitic acid, cholesterol, or several inflammatory cytokines including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, do not cause ER stress in 3T3-F442A and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Our data suggest that physiological changes associated with remodelling of adipose tissue in obesity, such as hypoxia and glucose starvation, are more likely physiological ER stressors of adipocytes than the lipid overload or hyperinsulinemia associated with obesity.
High rate and prolonged duration of complete remissions induced by rituximab, methotrexate, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, ifosfamide, etoposide, cytarabine, and thalidomide (R-MACLO-IVAM-T), a modification of the National Cancer Institute 89-C-41 regimen, in patients with newly diagnos

Novel therapeutic approaches are needed in mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). We conducted a phase II study in MCL testing an intensive regimen, R-MACLO-IVAM-T, a modification of the NCI 89-C-41 protocol. Newly diagnosed patients were treated with rituximab, methotrexate, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and vincristine (cycle 1) followed by rituximab, ifosfamide (and mesna), etoposide, and cytarabine (cycle 2). These two cycles were repeated once, and patients achieving complete response (CR) received maintenance thalidomide. Among the 22 patients enrolled, 21 completed two or more cycles and achieved a CR. Three patients relapsed, while 17 are alive and relapse-free after a median follow-up of 37 months (range 19–65 months). Two patients died: one from sepsis during cycle 1 and another at 38 months while in remission from MCL. The progression-free survival at 3 years was 78% (95% CI: 51–91%). These results compare favorably with previously reported outcomes suggesting that durable remissions can be achieved without myeloablative therapy.
Incidencia, mortalidad y supervivencia por cáncer colorrectal en Cali, Colombia, 1962-2012

Objective. To study the colorectal cancer (CRC) behavior in Cali, Colombia, during the 1963-2012 period using data from the Population-based Cancer Registry of Cali and the Municipal Health Secretariat of Cali. Materials and methods. An ecological time series analysis to study the CRC incidence (1962-2007) and mortality (1984-2012) rate trends; and a survival analysis of CRC cases registered in Cali between 1995 and 2004 were conducted. The age-standardized temporal trend of incidence (I-ASR) and mortality (M-ASR) rates were studied using an annual percent change (APC). The 5-year relative survival was estimated and a multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazard regression model. Results. During the 1962-2007 period, CRC TTIR increased in men and women living in Cali [APC= 2.6 (95% CI 2.2-3.0) and APC= 2.2% (95% CI 1.8-2.7), respectively]. In the 1984-2012 period, the TTMR remained stable in women but increased in men in all age groups [APC= 1.8 (95% CI 0.8-2.8)]. The 5-year relative survival was independent of sex and increased from 29.7% in 1995-1999 to 39.8% in 20002004. The risk of dying from CRC was higher in people of lower socio-economic status (SES) vs higher SES [HR= 2.1 (95% CI: 1.7-2.6)], among people older than 70 years of age vs younger than 50 years [HR= 2.4 (95% CI: 1.9-2.9)], and for the 1995-1999 period vs 2000-2004 period [HR= 1.5 (95% CI 1.3-1.7)]. Conclusion. CRC is beginning to take a prominent place among the most important cancers in Cali, Colombia.
The chronic effects of concussion on gait

Background Concussion has a clear effect on motor control with acute alterations in gait documented up to 30 days post injury. These changes include increased stance time and decreased velocity. It is unknown if alterations persist beyond one month post-injury. Objective To evaluate the chronic effects of concussion on gait in individuals with and without an injury history. Design A cross-sectional study. Setting A laboratory setting. Participants 68 individuals ages 18–35 years (37 males, 20.8±1.9 years, 171.0±9.8 cm, 74.5±14.8 kg) were divided in two groups based on self-report of previous concussion history (zero (n=40) and one or more (n=28, 2.0±1.4 previous concussions, 6.3±4.1 years prior)). Interventions All participants completed a gait assessment during four conditions: unobstructed (Con1) and obstructed (Con3) walking without a cognitive task; and unobstructed (Con2) and obstructed (Con4) walking with a cognitive task. The cognitive task was a modified Brooks Spatial Task, requiring the recall of digits one through eight in a four-by-four matrix. Obstructed walking involved stepping over two 29.5 cm blocks that divided the walkway into thirds. Main outcome measures Gait velocity and percent time in single limb stance (SLS%) and double limb stance (DLS%) were evaluated with multiple mixed model analyses of variance (group (2) x condition (4)) with repeated measures on condition. Results Previously concussed individuals walked slower in during Con1 (p=0.02). Significant group effects were seen for SLS% and DLS%. The concussed group demonstrated significantly shorter SLS% during Con3 (p<0.000) and Con4 (p=0.001). Similarly the concussed group had significantly longer DLS% during Con1 (p=0.003), Con3 (p=0.001), and Con4 (p=0.001). Conclusion Our findings indicate that individuals reporting a previous history of concussion adopt a slower and more stable/conservative gait strategy than our non-concussed controls.
Drosophila as a potential model to ameliorate mutant Huntington-mediated cardiac amyloidosis

Several human diseases, including Huntington's disease (HD), are associated with the expression of mutated, misfolded, and aggregation-prone amyloid proteins. Cardiac disease is the second leading cause of death in HD, which has been mainly studied as a neurodegenerative disease that is caused by expanded polyglutamine repeats in the huntingtin protein. Since the mechanistic basis of mutant HD-induced cardiomyopathy is unknown, we established a Drosophila heart model that exhibited amyloid aggregate-induced oxidative stress, resulting in myofibrillar disorganization and physiological defects upon expression of HD-causing PolyQ expression in cardiomyocytes. Using powerful Drosophila genetic techniques, we suppressed mutant HD-induced cardiomyopathy by modulating pathways associated with folding defects and oxidative stress. In this addendum, we describe additional potential molecular players that might be associated with HD cardiac amyloidosis. Drosophila, with its high degree of conservation to the human genome and many techniques to manipulate its gene expression, will be an excellent model for the suppression of cardiac amyloidosis linked to other polyglutamine expansion repeat disorders.
Number of expressed cancer/testis antigens identifies focal adhesion pathway genes as possible targets for multiple myeloma therapy

Considering that the importance of cancer/testis (CT) antigens in multiple myeloma (MM) biology is still under investigation, the present study aimed to: (1) identify genes differentially expressed in MM using microarray analysis of plasma cell samples, separated according to the number of expressed CTs; (2) examine possible pathways related to MM pathogenesis; (3) validate the expression of candidate genes by quantitative real-time PCR (RQ-PCR). Three samples predominantly positive (>6 expressed), including the U266 cell line, and three samples predominantly negative (0 or 1 expressed CT for the 13 analyzed CT antigens), were submitted for microarray analysis. Validation by RQ-PCR from 24 MM samples showed that the ITGA5 gene was downregulated in predominantly positive (>6 expressed CTs, p = 0.0030) and in tumor versus normal plasma cells (p = 0.0182). The RhoD gene was overexpressed in tumor plasma cells when compared to normal plasma cells (p = 0.0339). Results of the microarray analysis corroborate the hypothesis that MM could be separated into predominantly positive and predominantly negative expression. The differential expression of ITGA5 and RhoD suggests disruption of the focal adhesion pathway in MM and offers a new target field to be explored in this disease.
The role of splicing factors in deregulation of alternative splicing during oncogenesis and tumor progression

In past decades, cancer research has focused on genetic alterations that are detected in malignant tissues and contribute to the initiation and progression of cancer. These changes include mutations, copy number variations, and translocations. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that epigenetic changes, including alternative splicing, play a major role in cancer development and progression. There are relatively few studies on the contribution of alternative splicing and the splicing factors that regulate this process to cancer development and progression. Recently, multiple studies have revealed altered splicing patterns in cancers and several splicing factors were found to contribute to tumor development. Studies using high-throughput genomic analysis have identified mutations in components of the core splicing machinery and in splicing factors in several cancers. In this review, we will highlight new findings on the role of alternative splicing and its regulators in cancer initiation and progression, in addition to novel approaches to correct oncogenic splicing.
Sodium acetate decreases phosphorylation of hormone sensitive lipase in isoproterenol-stimulated 3T3-L1 mature adipocytes

Lipolysis, the process of hydrolysis of stored triacylglycerol into glycerol and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), is reported to be reduced by short chain fatty acids (SCFA) but the mechanism of this inhibition is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to measure the phosphorylation at serine residue 563 of hormone sensitive lipase with and without exposure to sodium acetate. Using the 3T3-L1 cell line, we identified that stimulating the cells with isoproterenol increased phosphorylated hormone sensitive lipase (pHSL) expression by 60% compared with the basal state. In the presence of the SCFA acetate in stimulated cells, pHSL decreased by 15% compared with stimulated cells alone. These results were mirrored by the NEFA release from stimulated cells that had significantly decreased in the presence of sodium acetate after 60 min (from 0.53 µmol mg−1 protein to 0.41 µmol mg−1 protein, respectively, P = 0.004); and 180 min (1.73 µmol mg−1 protein to 1.13 µmol mg−1 protein, P = 0.020); however, treatment had no effect on glycerol release (P = 0.109). In conclusion, exposure to 4 mM acetate reduced the level of phosphorylation of HSL(SER563) in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes and led to a significant reduction in NEFA release, although glycerol release was not affected.
Autophagy inhibition promotes defective neosynthesized proteins storage in ALIS, and induces redirection toward proteasome processing and MHCI-restricted presentation

A significant portion of newly synthesized protein fails to fold properly and is quickly degraded. These defective ribosomal products (DRiPs) are substrates for the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) and give rise to a large fraction of peptides presented by major histocompatibility complex class I molecules (MHCI). Here, we showed that DRiPs are also autophagy substrates, which accumulate upon autophagy inhibition in aggresome-like-induced structures (ALIS). Aggregation is critically depending on p62/SQSTM1, but occurs in the absence of activation of the NRF2 signaling axis and transcriptional regulation of p62/SQSTM1. We demonstrated that autophagy-targeted DRiPs can become UPS substrates and give rise to MHCI presented peptides upon autophagy inhibition. We further demonstrated that autophagy targeting of DRiPs is controlled by NBR1, but not p62/SQSTM1, CHIP or BAG-1. Active autophagy therefore directly modulates MHCI presentation by constantly degrading endogenous defective neosynthesized antigens, which are submitted to at least two distinct quality control mechanisms.
Evidence Based Best Practices in the Teaching of Written Expression: Implications for the Atlantic Provinces Educational Outcomes

This thesis examined evidence-based best practices in the teaching of written expression in two phases. The first phase, linked evidence-based research on writing instruction directly to Atlantic Canada Curriculum outcomes (Grades 4-6) in writing. In the second phase, the Teaching in Action document (Nova Scotia Department of Education, 2007) was analyzed to determine the nature of evidence for the components of effective instruction as explained by the Learning Oriented Teaching (LOT) model (Cate, Snell, Mann, & Vermunt, 2004). Effective components in instruction include the development of basic writing skills, metacognitive skills, motivation and the gradual release of responsibility from teacher to student. This thesis can benefit Nova Scotia teachers as it can serve as a clear and simple reference that links empirically supported teaching practices to curriculum outcomes. It also provides recommendations to enrich outcomes within the English language arts curriculum. CURRICULUM AND EVIDENCE-BASED WRITING INSTRUCTION 3
Family planning: its practice and determinants among eligible couples in an urban slum of Tripura -

Background: Contraceptive use in India is poor so this study was designed to detect the prevalence of contraceptive use and its determinants among eligible couples in an urban slum of Tripura. Methods: Community based cross-sectional study, conducted in the urban field practice area of Agartala Government Medical College during 15 th June 2010 to 14 th August 2010 among 180 eligible couples chosen by systematic random sampling. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test were used. Results: Majority were Hindu from nuclear families. 56.7% wives and 62.8% husbands studied up to secondary level. Prevalence of contraceptive use was 43.9% and 88.9% of the study couples were aware about family planning. Tubal ligation was the most adopted and condom was the least practiced method. Decision regarding family planning was mostly made by the husband and wife jointly. Public health facilities were the main source of family planning materials and most of the study couples opined family planning as essential. Commonest reason for not practicing family planning was the desire for a son and the rest were fear of adverse effects and some non-specific reasons. The affect of caste, religion, occupation, education etc. was insignificant in determining the practice of family planning. Conclusions: Despite a high rate of desire to limit family size, less than half of the couples were currently using contraception. It was mostly due to desire for more male babies. Hence behaviour change communication for eliminating preference for male babies and measures favouring girl children may promote couple protection in this community.
Structure of personality pathology in normal and clinical samples: Spanish validation of the DAPP-BQ.

Given that the DSM taxonomy of personality disorders is flawed by severe classificatory problems, the development of alternative classificatory systems, such as the Dimensional Assessment of Personality Pathology-Basic Questionnaire (DAPP-BQ), has now become a priority. This study examined the internal consistency, second-order factor structure, and criterion validity of a Spanish translation of the DAPP-BQ in two samples: subjects with personality disorder (n = 155) and subjects from the general population (n = 300). Alpha coefficients ranged satisfactorily from . 75 to . 93. Four second-order factors of Emotional Dysregulation, Dissocial Behavior, Inhibitedness, and Compulsivity were obtained, which were replicable between samples and identical to those reported in the literature. Finally, disordered subjects scored significantly higher than normal subjects on 17 of the 18 DAPP-BQ traits. Some pending issues in the construction of an alternative taxonomy of personality disorders are discussed.