Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular mechanisms of glucose action on angiotensinogen gene expression in rat proximal tubular cells.

BACKGROUND Clinical studies have shown that the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor antagonists decrease proteinuria and slow the progression of nephropathy in diabetes, indicating that Ang II plays an important role in the development of nephropathy. We have previously reported that high levels of glucose stimulate the expression of rat angiotensinogen (ANG) gene in opossum kidney (OK) proximal tubular cells. We hypothesized that the stimulatory effect of D(+)-glucose on the expression of the ANG gene in kidney proximal tubular cells is mediated via de novo synthesis of diacylglycerol (DAG) and the protein kinase C (PKC) signal transduction pathway. METHODS Immortalized rat proximal tubular cells (IRPTCs) were cultured in monolayer. The stimulatory effect of glucose on the activation of polyol pathway and PKC signal transduction pathway in IRPTCs was determined. The immunoreactive rat ANG (IR-rANG) in the culture medium and the cellular ANG mRNA were measured with a specific radioimmunoassay and a reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction assay, respectively. RESULTS D(+)-glucose (25 mM) markedly increased the intracellular levels of sorbitol, fructose, DAG, and PKC activity as well as the expression of IR-rANG and ANG mRNA in IRPTCs. These stimulatory effects of D(+)-glucose (25 mM) were blocked by an inhibitor of aldose reductase, Tolrestat. PKC inhibitors also inhibited the stimulatory effect of D(+)-glucose (25 mM) on the expression of the IR-rANG in IRPTCs. The addition of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate further enhanced the stimulatory effect of D(+)-glucose (25 mM) on the expression of the IR-rANG in IRPTCs and blocked the inhibitory effect of Tolrestat. CONCLUSION These studies suggest that the stimulatory effect of a high level of D(+)-glucose (25 mM) on the expression of the ANG gene in IRPTCs is mediated, at least in part, via the de novo synthesis of DAG, an activator of PKC signal transduction pathway.
Retrovirus‐mediated gene transfer and expression of EGFP in chicken

Here, we successfully demonstrate expression of the EGFP (enhanced green fluorescence protein) gene in chickens using replication‐defective MLV (murine leukemia virus)‐based retrovirus vectors encapsidated with VSV‐G (vesicular stomatitis virus G glycoprotein). The recombinant retrovirus was injected beneath the blastoderm of non‐incubated chicken embryos (stage X). After 12 days incubation, all of the eight living embryos assayed were found to express this vector‐encoded EGFP gene, which was under the control of the RSV (Rous Sarcoma Virus) promoter, in diverse organ tissues, including head, beak, neck, wing, hock, tail, toes, heart, amnion, and yolk sac. Surprisingly, despite the presumed cytotoxicity of EGFP, some embryos hatched and survived and these had prominent green fluorescent spots, both in internal organs and externally. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 68: 429–434, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thinking Straight While Seeing Red

Because angry people apparently rely on heuristic cues when making judgments, anger has been claimed to trigger superficial, nonanalytic information processing. In three studies, the authors found that induced anger promoted analytic processing. Experiment 1 showed that angry participants were more likely to discriminate between weak and strong arguments than participants in neutral moods. Experiment 2 demonstrated that anger overrode dispositional preferences not to process, causing even those low in need for cognition to process analytically. Experiment 3 reconciled these findings with previous work by showing that angry people used accessible, valid, and relevant heuristics but otherwise processed analytically, as indicated by attitude change and elaboration data. Together, these experiments showed that angry people can have both the capacity and motivation to process and that their selective use of heuristics reflects the cue's perceived validity and not the failure to process analytically.
Variations in Information Security Cultures across Professions: A Qualitative Study

The importance of culture in helping explain and understand behavior is generally accepted. Scholars in the area of information security have argued that security culture is a key factor in safeguarding information assets. Scholars in the area of professional culture have argued that differences in cultures across professions must be accounted for, in correctly assessing the influence of culture. Combining these arguments, we suggest that differences in security cultures across professions need to be examined to fully comprehend the influences of security culture. This study utilizes a qualitative approach to further the understanding of information security cultures across four professions: Information Systems, Accounting, Human Resources, and Marketing. The concept of security culture is articulated, and the security cultures of the four professions are characterized to demonstrate that there are significant variations in security culture across these professions, when the professions are examined independent of organizations.
Multiple planetary flow regimes and the eddy forcing in Northern Hemisphere wintertime variability

A cluster algorithm is applied to the zonal mean zonal wind ([u]) from winter monthly means of the reanalyses of NCEP/NCAR. Four reproducible and robust clusters are found: two regimes represent the opposite phases the Northern Hemisphere Annular mode (NAM), and two regimes represent the opposite phases of a pattern which can be identified with the Cold Ocean‐Warm Land (COWL) pattern. This identification is accomplished by regressing the [u] on the COWL‐index derived from 500 hPa height data by Wu and Straus [2002] . Transformed Eulerian (or Eliassen‐Palm) eddy forcing analysis is used to examine the maintenance of these clusters. The results show that barotropic forcing by the eddy momentum fluxes appears to maintain the wind anomalies in the upper troposphere and balances the Coriolis acceleration associated with the anomalous transformed mean meridional circulation, while the Coriolis acceleration maintains the wind anomalies against friction in the lower troposphere. This mechanism holds for both NAM‐like and COWL‐like regimes.
A Hybrid Mechanism for the Synechocystis Arsenate Reductase Revealed by Structural Snapshots during Arsenate Reduction*

Background: Arsenate reductases catalyze the reduction of arsenate to arsenite. Results: Structures of Synechocystis arsenate reductase in different reaction stages are determined and a hybrid catalytic mechanism is established. Conclusion: The mechanism involves an intramolecular thiol-disulfide cascade during arsenate reduction and subsequent enzyme reactivation by the glutathione-glutaredoxin pathway. Significance: The study provides insights into the evolution of arsenate reductases. Evolution of enzymes plays a crucial role in obtaining new biological functions for all life forms. Arsenate reductases (ArsC) are several families of arsenic detoxification enzymes that reduce arsenate to arsenite, which can subsequently be extruded from cells by specific transporters. Among these, the Synechocystis ArsC (SynArsC) is structurally homologous to the well characterized thioredoxin (Trx)-coupled ArsC family but requires the glutaredoxin (Grx) system for its reactivation, therefore classified as a unique Trx/Grx-hybrid family. The detailed catalytic mechanism of SynArsC is unclear and how the “hybrid” mechanism evolved remains enigmatic. Herein, we report the molecular mechanism of SynArsC by biochemical and structural studies. Our work demonstrates that arsenate reduction is carried out via an intramolecular thiol-disulfide cascade similar to the Trx-coupled family, whereas the enzyme reactivation step is diverted to the coupling of the glutathione-Grx pathway due to the local structural difference. The current results support the hypothesis that SynArsC is likely a molecular fossil representing an intermediate stage during the evolution of the Trx-coupled ArsC family from the low molecular weight protein phosphotyrosine phosphatase (LMW-PTPase) family.
A Survey on Security, Privacy, and Trust in Mobile Crowdsourcing

With the popularity of sensor-rich mobile devices (e.g., smart phones and wearable devices), mobile crowdsourcing (MCS) has emerged as an effective method for data collection and processing. Compared with traditional wireless sensor networking, MCS holds many advantages such as mobility, scalability, cost-efficiency, and human intelligence. However, MCS still faces many challenges with regard to security, privacy, and trust. This paper provides a survey of these challenges and discusses potential solutions. We analyze the characteristics of MCS, identify its security threats, and outline essential requirements on a secure, privacy-preserving, and trustworthy MCS system. Further, we review existing solutions based on these requirements and compare their pros and cons. Finally, we point out open issues and propose some future research directions.
The natural course of urticaria pigmentosa. Analysis and follow-up of 112 cases.

Analysis and long-range follow-up data are given for 112 patients with urticaria pigmentosa, studied regarding the characteristics and natural course of the disease. The cases were classified readily into 3 major groups (I, solitary lesion, 12 cases; II, multiple lesions appearing in infancy or early childhood, 72 cases; III, multiple lesions appearing post-childhood, 28 cases). These groups were distinguished by age of onset, many other clinical differences, and eventual outcome. Among the 24 variables studied the genetic inquiry did not answer the question of etiology, but disclosed an instance of involvement of mother and daughter. A significantly higher number of patients with urticaria pigmentosa were found to have positive histories of hay fever or asthma in themselves or their close relatives. Neither biopsy nor urtication of lesions on demand are infallible diagnostic tests but must be considered along with morphologic features. Vesiculation was present at some time during the course of at least half of those patients with onset early in life, while the postchildhood group was characterized by complete absence of vesiculation. When present, it always declined gradually, averaging 2 years. Dermographism was encountered in excess of half the patients with multiple lesions, testifying to the generalized cutaneous increase of tissue mast cells. At least 5 patients among the 3 groups experienced generalized flushing. Eventual outcome of cutaneous lesions varied according to type of case. Group I cases improved spontaneously in a few years, and excision is seldom necessary. Group II cases also improved greatly in all clinical regards when sufficient time passed; about half cleared entirely by adolescence and the remainder continued to have lightly pigmented asymptomatic macular lesions. Group III cases regularly had persistence and symptomatic activity of the lesions indefinitely, and 5 of them had systemic mast cell involvement. No therapeutic efforts seemed to affect the course of the disease, but available measures could often relieve symptoms.
Hepatic ZIP14-mediated Zinc Transport Contributes to Endosomal Insulin Receptor Trafficking and Glucose Metabolism*

Zinc influences signaling pathways through controlled targeted zinc transport. Zinc transporter Zip14 KO mice display a phenotype that includes impaired intestinal barrier function with low grade chronic inflammation, hyperinsulinemia, and increased body fat, which are signatures of diet-induced diabetes (type 2 diabetes) and obesity in humans. Hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes and obesity is caused by insulin resistance. Insulin resistance results in inhibition of glucose uptake by liver and other peripheral tissues, principally adipose and muscle and with concurrently higher hepatic glucose production. Therefore, modulation of hepatic glucose metabolism is an important target for antidiabetic treatment approaches. We demonstrate that during glucose uptake, cell surface abundance of zinc transporter ZIP14 and mediated zinc transport increases. Zinc is distributed to multiple sites in hepatocytes through sequential translocation of ZIP14 from plasma membrane to early and late endosomes. Endosomes from Zip14 KO mice were zinc-deficient because activities of the zinc-dependent insulin-degrading proteases insulin-degrading enzyme and cathepsin D were impaired; hence insulin receptor activity increased. Transient increases in cytosolic zinc levels are concurrent with glucose uptake and suppression of glycogen synthesis. In contrast, Zip14 KO mice exhibited greater hepatic glycogen synthesis and impaired gluconeogenesis and glycolysis related to low cytosolic zinc levels. We can conclude that ZIP14-mediated zinc transport contributes to regulation of endosomal insulin receptor activity and glucose homeostasis in hepatocytes. Therefore, modulation of ZIP14 transport activity presents a new target for management of diabetes and other glucose-related disorders.
Kidney transplant in Nigeria: a single centre experience

Introduction Kidney transplant is the preferred renal replacement therapy for patients with end stage kidney disease. However management of patients with kidney transplant in resource poor countries is evolving and groaning under several mental, financial and infrastructural challenges. The objective of the study is to evaluate the management of patients with kidney transplant in a kidney care Centre in Nigeria. Methods This was a non-randomized prospective study. The study population were post-transplant patients presenting between 1st August 2010 and 31st December 2014.The biodata, pre and post-transplant details of these patients were documented. The data was analysed using SPSS Vs 17. Results A total of 47 patients were studied with M: F ratio of 4:1, the mean age was 45.4 ± 13.6 years. Chronic glomerulonephritis, hypertension, diabetes mellitus and HIV related kidney disease were the commonest cause of CKD. Financial constraint delayed transplant in 66% and non-availability of donor in 17.2%. About 90% of the transplants were in India and 81% either financed the transplant either directly or through a relation. There was no cadaveric transplant and about 70% of the donors were not related. Tacrolimus, mycophenolate and prednisolone were most frequently used immunosuppressive combination. The one and three years graft survival were 95.3% and 67.6% respectively while corresponding patients survival were 97.7% and 82.4% respectively. Septicaemia, acute rejection and urinary tract infection were most common complications. Conclusion Management of patients with kidney transplant has good prospect despite the challenges.
Diversity of fig glands is associated with nursery mutualism in fig trees.

PREMISE OF THE STUDY Fig trees (Moraceae) have remarkable enclosed inflorescences called figs or syconia. The flowers are pollinated by host-specific fig wasps that enter the fig to lay their eggs. This nursery pollination system is one of the most studied of tropical mutualism interactions, but the source of the volatiles that attract fig wasps to their specific host figs has not been confirmed. The fragrance is the basis of host selection and, therefore, of reproductive isolation among sympatric Ficus species. This study locates and characterizes the glands likely to be responsible for pollinator attraction and also protection from herbivory in the figs of nine Ficus species representing all the major lineages within the genus. METHODS Figs with receptive pistillate flowers were examined using light and scanning electron microscopy. Tests for histolocalization of substances were employed to detect glandular activity throughout the figs. KEY RESULTS A great diversity of glands is found throughout the fig, and for the first time, the sites producing fragrances are identified. Scent glands are present on the ostiolar bracts and the outer layers of the fig receptacle. Laticifers and phenolic-producing idioblasts, epidermis, and trichomes associated with fig protection occur on the ostiolar bracts, the fig receptacle, and floral tissues. CONCLUSIONS The volatiles produced by glands on the ostiolar bracts are candidate sources for the long-distance attraction of pollinator fig wasps. Scent glands on the outer layers of the receptacle may also play a role in chemical perception of the figs or may be related to their protection. The high cost to the plants if the figs are eaten and the temperature conditions required for nursery pollination are likely the factors that led to the selection of phenolic glands and laticifers during the group's evolution.
Glucose transport and cell surface GLUT-4 protein in skeletal muscle of the obese Zucker rat.

The relationship between 3-O-methyl-D-glucose transport and 2-N-4-(1-azi-2,2,2-trifluoroethyl)-benzoyl-1, 3-bis-(D-mannos-4-yloxy)-2-propylamine (ATB-BMPA)-labeled cell surface GLUT-4 protein was assessed in fast-twitch (epitrochlearis) and slow-twitch (soleus) muscles of lean and obese (fa/fa) Zucker rats. In the absence of insulin, glucose transport as well as cell surface GLUT-4 protein was similar in both epitrochlearis and soleus muscles of lean and obese rats. In contrast, insulin-stimulated glucose transport rates were significantly higher for lean than obese rats in both soleus (0.74 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.40 +/- 0.02 mumol.g-1.10 min-1) and epitrochlearis (0.51 +/- 0.05 vs. 0.17 +/- 0.02 mumol.g-1.10 min-1) muscles. The ability of insulin to enhance glucose transport in fast- and slow-twitch muscles from both lean and obese rats corresponded directly with changes in cell surface GLUT-4 protein. Muscle contraction elicited similar increases in glucose transport in lean and obese rats, with the effect being more pronounced in fast-twitch (0.70 +/- 0.07 and 0.77 +/- 0.04 mumol.g-1.10 min-1 for obese and lean, respectively) than in slow-twitch muscle (0.36 +/- 0.03 and 0.40 +/- 0.02 mumol.g-1.10 min-1 for obese and lean, respectively). The contraction-induced changes in glucose transport directly corresponded with the observed changes in cell surface GLUT-4 protein. Thus the reduced glucose transport response to insulin in skeletal muscle of the obese Zucker rat appears to result directly from an inability to effectively enhance cell surface GLUT-4 protein.
Review of the Toxicology of Mineral Spirits

This review of the toxicology of mineral spirits covers studies of the major classes of mineral spirits and several toxicologically important mineral spirit constituents. This review cites data from numerous previously unpublished animal toxicology studies conducted on mineral spirits during the past 30 years, expanding the existing database on the toxicology of this group of hydrocarbon solvents. The data can be used to better evaluate the potential effects associated with exposure to these materials, including health and environmental reviews such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency High Production Volume (HPV) chemical program and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) HPV Screening Information Data Set (SIDS) program. The majority of animal toxicology studies in the available literature were conducted on mineral spirits categorized as ASTM D235 Type I Class A (149°C to 213°C boiling range; 8% to 22% aromatics) and demonstrate that Type I Class A mineral spirits have a low order of acute toxicity and do not produce significant systemic effects. Some additional studies conducted with ASTM D235 Type II Class C mineral spirits (177°C to 213°C boiling range; <2% aromatics) suggest that Type II Class C mineral spirits have similar toxicity to Type I Class A mineral spirits, though there is some evidence that Type II, Class C mineral spirits have a lesser degree of central nervous system (CNS) effects than the higher aromatic containing Type I Class A materials. In addition, toxicity data on selected chemical constituents of mineral spirits (e.g., n-nonane, n-decane, n-undecane) indicate that these chemicals have similar toxicological properties to mineral spirits. Overall, the data showed that mineral spirits have a low order of acute toxicity and do not appear to produce toxicologically relevant systemic effects. Ongoing studies are evaluating the concerns associated with chronic low-level exposure and central nervous system effects.
The development of a Swedish Nurse Practitioner Program - a request from clinicians and a process supported by US experience

High nursing turnover and a shortage of nurses in acute hospital settings in Sweden challenge health care systems to deliver and ensure safe care. Advanced nursing roles implemented in other countries have offered nurses new career opportunities and had positive effects on patient safety, effectiveness of care, and patient satisfaction. The advanced nursing position of Nurse Practitioner has existed for many years in the United States, while similar extended nursing roles and changes in the scope of nursing practice are being developed in many other countries. In line with this international trend, the role of Nurse Practitioner in surgical care has been proposed for Sweden, and a master’s programme for Acute Nurse Practitioners has been in development for many years. To optimize and facilitate the introduction of this new nursing role and its supporting programme, we elicited the experiences and support of the group who developed a Nurse Practitioner programme for a university in the US. This paper describes this collaboration and sharing of experiences during the process of developing a Swedish Nurse Practitioner programme. We also discuss the challenges of implement- ting any new nursing role in any national health care system. We would like to share our collaborative experiences and thoughts for the future and to open further national and international dialogue about how best to expand the scope of practice for nurses in acute hospital care, and thereby to improve patient care in Sweden and elsewhere.
Chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells is inhibited after magnetic labeling with ferumoxides.

Magnetic resonance (MR) tracking of magnetically labeled cells is a relatively new technique to noninvasively determine the biodistribution and migration of transplanted or transfused stem cells in vivo. [1][1] The recent paper by Arbab et al[2][2] represents a significant step forward in bringing
Hypocalcaemia following thyroidectomy for thyrotoxicosis

Background Temporary postoperative hypocalcaemia is a relatively common complication following thyroidectomy for thyrotoxicosis. Damage, devascularization or inadvertent removal of the parathyroid glands is the most widely accepted reason, but other causes have been postulated including release of calcitonin during operative manipulation and ‘hungry bone syndrome’ due to postoperative reversal of thyrotoxic osteodystrophy.