Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tumor-specific proteins in human cancer

textabstractNormal cells grow, divide, communicate, and differentiate in a coordinated fashion. These highly complex processes are regulated by the programmed expression of different genes. It is generally assumed that tumor formation originates from alterations in genes involved in the control of cell proliferation. To get more insight in the process of tumorigenesis, many studies have focused on the detection of such altered genes followed by the elucidation of the function of the genes involved. Because chromosomal aberrations occur frequently in human cancer, they were suspected to form the basis of the alterations in the genes. Therefore, the earliest studies aimed at the identification of chromosomal breakpoints, were based on known cytogenetic aberrations, such as translocations. In this way, a considerable number of genes has been detected in which structural aberrations occur. The ultimate purpose of these studies was to elucidate the function of the proteins encoded by the altered genes, their role in tumorigenesis and the potentiality to be used as targets for specific tumor-therapy. Aberrant genes and proteins are also highly important from a diagnostic point of view, since they are only expressed in tumor cells. Therefore, the malignant cells distinguish themselves from normal cells by the presence of these particular, tumor-specific genes. As a consequence, aberrant proteins encoded by these genes are also tumor-specific and as such excellent phenotypic tumormarkers, called tumor-specific proteins (TSPs).
Racial Disparities in HIV Seroprevalence Among Male Street Sex Workers

Acknowledgements and Dedication. Introduction. Background and Critical Overview of the Literature. Theoretical Framework. Methodology. Results. Discussion. References. List of Tables and Figures: Figure 1. Table 1. Table 2. Figure 2. Table 3. Figure 3. Figure 4a. Figure 4b. Figure 4c. Table 4. Table 5. Table 6. Table 7. Table 8. Table 9. Table 10. Table 11. Table 12. Table 13. Table 14. Table 15. Table 16. Table 17. Table 18. Table 19. Table 20. Table 21. Table 22. ii iii 1 7 17 21 43 76 98 8 22 24-25 27 28 36 39 40 41-42 45-46 49 51 52 53 54 55 58 62 63 63 65 66 66 68 69 70 71 75
Complex Formation between S100B Protein and the p90 Ribosomal S6 Kinase (RSK) in Malignant Melanoma Is Calcium-dependent and Inhibits Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase (ERK)-mediated Phosphorylation of RSK*

Background: S100B is overexpressed in malignant melanoma and contributes to cancer progression. Results: The S100B-RSK complex was found to be Ca2+-dependent, block phosphorylation of RSK at Thr-573, and sequester RSK to the cytosol. Conclusion: The Ca2+-dependent S100B-RSK complex provides a new link between the MAPK and Ca2+ signaling pathways. Significance: S100B inhibitors may restore normal MAPK and Ca2+ signaling in malignant melanoma. S100B is a prognostic marker for malignant melanoma. Increasing S100B levels are predictive of advancing disease stage, increased recurrence, and low overall survival in malignant melanoma patients. Using S100B overexpression and shRNAS100B knockdown studies in melanoma cell lines, elevated S100B was found to enhance cell viability and modulate MAPK signaling by binding directly to the p90 ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK). S100B-RSK complex formation was shown to be Ca2+-dependent and to block ERK-dependent phosphorylation of RSK, at Thr-573, in its C-terminal kinase domain. Additionally, the overexpression of S100B sequesters RSK into the cytosol and prevents it from acting on nuclear targets. Thus, elevated S100B contributes to abnormal ERK/RSK signaling and increased cell survival in malignant melanoma.
Detection of isolated cerebrovascular β‐amyloid with pittsburgh compound B

Imaging of cerebrovascular β‐amyloid (cerebral amyloid angiopathy) is complicated by the nearly universal overlap of this pathology with Alzheimer's pathology. We performed positron emission tomographic imaging with Pittsburgh Compound B on 42‐year‐old man with early manifestations of Iowa‐type hereditary cerebral amyloid angiopathy, a form of the disorder with little or no plaque deposits of fibrillar β‐amyloid. The results demonstrated increased Pittsburgh Compound B retention selectively in occipital cortex, sparing regions typically labeled in Alzheimer's disease. These results offer compelling evidence that Pittsburgh Compound B positron emission tomography can noninvasively detect isolated cerebral amyloid angiopathy before overt signs of tissue damage such as hemorrhage or white matter lesions. Ann Neurol 2008;64:587–591
The common inhalation anesthetic isoflurane induces caspase activation and increases amyloid β‐protein level in vivo

An estimated 200 million patients worldwide have surgery each year. Anesthesia and surgery have been reported to facilitate emergence of Alzheimer's disease. The commonly used inhalation anesthetic isoflurane has previously been reported to induce apoptosis, and to increase levels and aggregation of Alzheimer's disease–associated amyloid β‐protein (Aβ) in cultured cells. However, the in vivo relevance has not been addressed.
When and how should we measure intra-abdominal pressure?

A sustained increase in intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) may result in abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). This is a well documented complication in critically ill patients, but there appears to be a reluctance to routinely measure IAP in patients at high risk of developing intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and ACS. This may be due to a lack of clinical skills or perceived complexity of the procedure. Southern African Journal of Critical Care Vol. 24 (2) 2008: pp. 61-64
T‐helper 17 cells expand in multiple sclerosis and are inhibited by interferon‐β

T‐helper 1 (Th1) and Th17 lymphocytes are involved in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, the model of multiple sclerosis (MS). We characterized the Th1/Th17 cell populations in peripheral blood (PB), their interferon (IFN) receptor expression sensitivity to IFN‐β in MS patients.
Smoking and risk for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Analysis of the EPIC cohort

Cigarette smoking has been reported as “probable” risk factor for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a poorly understood disease in terms of aetiology. The extensive longitudinal data of the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) were used to evaluate age‐specific mortality rates from ALS and the role of cigarette smoking on the risk of dying from ALS.
Structural Basis for the Recognition of Peptide RJPXD33 by Acyltransferases in Lipid A Biosynthesis*

Background: Peptide RJPXD33 binds to and inhibits both LpxA and LpxD acyltransferases. Results: The crystal structure of the antibacterial peptide RJPXD33 complexed to E. coli LpxA was determined. Conclusion: RJPXD33 binds to E. coli LpxA in a unique modality that mimics the (R)-β-hydroxyacyl pantetheine moiety of substrate acyl-ACP. Significance: Bioactive, dual binding LpxA/LpxD peptides raise the possibility of designing less resistance-prone peptidomimetics and/or small molecule antibacterials. UDP-N-acetylglucosamine acyltransferase (LpxA) and UDP-3-O-(acyl)-glucosamine acyltransferase (LpxD) constitute the essential, early acyltransferases of lipid A biosynthesis. Recently, an antimicrobial peptide inhibitor, RJPXD33, was identified with dual affinity for LpxA and LpxD. To gain a fundamental understanding of the molecular basis of inhibitor binding, we determined the crystal structure of LpxA from Escherichia coli in complex with RJPXD33 at 1.9 Å resolutions. Our results suggest that the peptide binds in a unique modality that mimics (R)-β-hydroxyacyl pantetheine binding to LpxA and displays how the peptide binds exclusive of the native substrate, acyl-acyl carrier protein. Acyltransferase binding studies with photo-labile RJPXD33 probes and truncations of RJPXD33 validated the structure and provided fundamental insights for future design of small molecule inhibitors. Overlay of the LpxA-RJPXD33 structure with E. coli LpxD identified a complementary peptide binding pocket within LpxD and serves as a model for further biochemical characterization of RJPXD33 binding to LpxD.
Amine Oxidase Copper-containing 1 (AOC1) Is a Downstream Target Gene of the Wilms Tumor Protein, WT1, during Kidney Development*

Background: Polyamines and their diamine precursor putrescine are ubiquitous organic polycations involved in cell growth and proliferation. Results: The Wilms tumor suppressor, WT1, stimulates transcription of the AOC1 gene, which encodes the key enzyme for putrescine breakdown. Conclusion: WT1-dependent regulation of putrescine degradation, mediated by AOC1, has a role in kidney morphogenesis. Significance: The findings provide novel insights into transcriptional mechanisms controlling genitourinary development. Amine oxidase copper-containing 1 (AOC1; formerly known as amiloride-binding protein 1) is a secreted glycoprotein that catalyzes the degradation of putrescine and histamine. Polyamines and their diamine precursor putrescine are ubiquitous to all organisms and fulfill pivotal functions in cell growth and proliferation. Despite the importance of AOC1 in regulating polyamine breakdown, very little is known about the molecular mechanisms that control its expression. We report here that the Wilms tumor protein, WT1, which is necessary for normal kidney development, activates transcription of the AOC1 gene. Expression of a firefly luciferase reporter under control of the proximal AOC1 promoter was significantly enhanced by co-transfection of a WT1 expression construct. Binding of WT1 protein to a cis-regulatory element in the AOC1 promoter was confirmed by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation. Antisense inhibition of WT1 protein translation strongly reduced Aoc1 transcripts in cultured murine embryonic kidneys and gonads. Aoc1 mRNA levels correlated with WT1 protein in several cell lines. Double immunofluorescent staining revealed a co-expression of WT1 and AOC1 proteins in the developing genitourinary system of mice and rats. Strikingly, induced changes in polyamine homeostasis affected branching morphogenesis of cultured murine embryonic kidneys in a developmental stage-specific manner. These findings suggest that WT1-dependent control of polyamine breakdown, which is mediated by changes in AOC1 expression, has a role in kidney organogenesis.
On the orientations of abnormally grown grains in nanocrystalline Ni and Ni–Fe

The scanning electron microscopy–based electron backscatter diffraction technique has been used to determine grain orientations of abnormally grown grains upon annealing in nanocrystalline Ni and Ni–20 at. % Fe electrodeposits. The results show that in nanocrystalline Ni and Ni–Fe, the first grown grains that can be detected are 〈411〉 oriented with respect to the normal direction (〈411〉//ND). Upon annealing, further grain growth occurs and the dominant orientation of the abnormally growing grains changes from 〈411〉//ND to 〈111〉//ND. Twinning is found to be the mechanism responsible for the orientation change and is for the first time described in connection with abnormal grain growth in nanocrystalline materials. This means that well‐known models for the formation of annealing twins (initially introduced in connection with recrystallization) also seem to apply in nanocrystalline materials.
Quantitative image correction and calibration for confocal fluorescence microscopy using thin reference layers and SIPchart‐based calibration procedures

The fluorescence intensity image of an axially integrated through‐focus series of a thin standardized uniform fluorescent layer can be used for image intensity correction and calibration in sectioning microscopy. This intensity image is in fact available from the earlier introduced Sectioned Imaging Property (SIP) charts ( Brakenhoff et al., 2005 ). It is shown that the integrated intensity of a z‐stack from a biological sample, imaged under identical conditions as the layer, can be calibrated in terms of fluorescence layer units of the calibration layer. The imaging after such calibration becomes, as a first approximation, independent of the microscope system and imaging conditions. This is demonstrated on axially integrated images of standard fluorescent beads and standard BPAE Fluorocells. Corrections on the microscope imaging conditions include shading effects, imaging with different magnifications and objectives, and using different microscope systems. It is also shown that with the present approach the actual underlying three‐dimensional (3D) fluorescence data set itself can be corrected for variations in point spread function (PSF) imaging efficiency over the imaging data cube. Realizing such calibration between imaging conditions or systems requires basically only the 2D fluorescer molecule density of the reference layers and the section distances with which the layer data are collected.
A simple technique to minimize heat damage to specimens during thermal polymerization of LR White in plastic and gelatin capsules

London Resin (LR) White is a commonly used resin for embedding specimens to be used for immuno‐ and/or cytochemical studies. In some instances, due to either the properties of the specimen or the availability of various reagents and equipment, it becomes necessary and/or more convenient to polymerize LR White using heat rather than chemical accelerators or UV light. It is known, however, that heat can reduce or even eliminate the anti genicity of the tissue being embedded. It is therefore desirable to polymerize specimens at the lowest temperature possible and to remove the specimens from the oven as soon as polymerization is complete. We have developed a technique that provides a visual marker that allows the exothermic polymerization of LR White to be monitored, thus minimizing the amount of time a specimen must stay in the oven while excluding oxygen from capsules of polymerizing LR White.
Microinjecting FM4–64 validates it as a marker of the endocytic pathway in plants

The amphiphilic dye FM4–64 is used to investigate endocytosis and vesicle trafficking in living eukaryotic cells. The standing hypothesis is that it is inserted into the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane and, from there, is passed on to intracellular membrane compartments by endocytosis. We tested this hypothesis by microinjecting FM4–64 into the cytoplasm and vacuole of Nicotiana tabacum BY‐2 suspension culture cells and Tradescantia virginiana stamen hair cells. We found that the dye did not label any membranes when injected into the cytoplasm, but clearly labelled the tonoplast when injected directly into the vacuole. However, because the dye is pH‐sensitive, the fluorescence intensity between the plasma membrane and tonoplast varied. We conclude that FM4–64 is a specific marker for the endocytic pathway. Nevertheless, little is known about the molecular interactions of FM4–64 with these particular phospholipid membrane leaflets. We, therefore, appeal for biochemical research to determine which membrane lipids FM4–64 interacts with.
Filopodia formation induced by active mDia2/Drf3

Filopodia are rod‐shaped cell surface protrusions composed of a parallel bundle of actin filaments. Since filopodia frequently emanate from lamellipodia, it has been proposed that they form exclusively by the convergence and elongation of actin filaments generated in lamellipodia networks. However, filopodia form without Arp2/3‐complex, which is essential for lamellipodia formation, indicating that actin filaments in filopodia may be generated by other nucleators. Here we analyzed the effects of ectopic expression of GFP‐tagged full length or a constitutively active variant of the human formin mDia2/Drf3. By contrast to the full‐length molecule, which did not affect cell behaviour and was entirely cytosolic, active Drf3 lacking the C‐terminal regulatory region (Drf3ΔDAD) induced the formation of filopodia and accumulated at their tips. Low expression of Drf3ΔDAD induced rod‐shaped or tapered filopodia, whereas over‐expression resulted in multiple, club‐shaped filopodia. The clubs were filled with densely bundled actin filaments, whose number but not packing density decreased further away from the tip. Interestingly, clubs frequently increased in width after protrusion beyond the cell periphery, which correlated with increased amounts of Drf3ΔDAD at their tips. These data suggest Drf3‐induced filopodia form and extend by de novo nucleation of actin filaments instead of convergent elongation. Finally, Drf3ΔDAD also induced the formation of unusual, lamellipodia‐like structures, which contained both lamellipodial markers and the prominent filopodial protein fascin. Microarray analyses revealed highly variable Drf3 expression levels in different commonly used cell lines, reflecting the need for more detailed analyses of the functions of distinct formins in actin cytoskeleton turnover and different cell types.
THE USE OF MOTOR LEARNING STRATEGIES WITHIN USUAL AND VIRTUAL REALITY-BASED PHYSIOTHERAPY INTERVENTIONS FOR CHILDREN WITH ACQUIRED BRAIN INJURY

Rehabilitation researchers who investigate complex interventions are challenged to describe the “active ingredients” of their interventions: the reason(s) why a treatment is expected to be effective. Interactive Computer Play (ICP) is an emerging complex intervention in rehabilitation practice and research. The purpose of this scoping review is to identify the active ingredients of ICP interventions that are designed to improve motor outcomes in children with neuromotor impairments. Eleven potential active ingredients were identified with the following foci: ICP system or game properties; intervention effects on the user; and therapist roles. However, few studies explicitly evaluate the impact of particular ingredients on outcomes. Identification of active ingredients in ICP interventions can inform trial design and clinical decision-making. Research and clinical practice will benefit from studies that utilize a framework such as motor learning theory to guide hypotheses and measurement of the active ingredients of complex interventions. PhD Thesis – D. Levac McMaster University Rehabilitation Science
Maternal dexamethasone treatment reduces ovarian follicle number in neonatal rat offspring

Elevated glucocorticoid levels in the gravid female circulation affect a number of endocrine functions in the fetuses and neonates. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of maternal dexamethasone (Dx) administration during late pregnancy on the ovaries of neonatal offspring. On the 16th day of pregnancy, experimental dams received subcutaneously 1.0 mg Dx/kg b.w. , followed by 0.5 mg Dx/kg b.w. /day on the 17th and 18th days of gestation. The control gravid females received the same volume of saline vehicle. Left ovaries from 5‐day‐old female pups were stereologically analyzed. The ovary volumes were estimated using Cavalieri's principle. The number of healthy and atretic primordial and primary follicles was estimated using a fractionator–physical disector method. The number of secondary follicles was determined by exact counts of every fourth section encompassing whole cross‐sections of the ovary. The ovary volume was significantly decreased (by 44.4%; P < 0.05) in the group of female pups from Dx‐treated mothers comparing to the controls. The numbers of healthy primordial and atretic follicles were 38.8% (P < 0.05) and 50.9% (P < 0.05), respectively, reduced in the ovaries of pups from the Dx‐treated mothers, when compared with the control values. There were 53.4% (P < 0.05) fewer healthy primary and 41.8% (P < 0.05) fewer healthy secondary follicles as well. The numbers of atretic primary and secondary follicles were reduced by 60.0% (P < 0.05) and 61.7% (P < 0.05), respectively. It can be concluded that fetal exposure to glucocorticoids decreased the pool of non‐growing follicles in the neonatal ovary, whereas the processes of folliculogenesis and atresia remained unaffected.
Texture heterogeneities in αp/αs titanium forging analysed by EBSD‐Relation to fatigue crack propagation

The microstructure and the local texture of a large IMI 834 forging were characterized using the Electron Back Scattered Diffraction (EBSD) technique. Crystallographic domains called macrozones and formed by a majority of primary αp grains with their axes in nearly the same direction were found. They had a band‐like structure, parallel to the axial direction of the forging. The influence of these macrozones on the cold dwell‐fatigue properties was studied. Several samples were tested under cold dwell‐fatigue conditions. The crack initiation and the short‐distance propagation region optically matched a bright region that contained numerous quasi‐cleavage facets. The analysis of the EBSD measurements showed that this bright region was enclosed within a sharp textured region with axes at less than 30° from the loading axis. The crystallographic features of the crack nucleation site and the crack propagation path were also analysed.
Self‐pressurized rapid freezing (SPRF): a novel cryofixation method for specimen preparation in electron microscopy

A method is described for the cryofixation of biological specimens for ultrastructural analysis and immunocytochemical detection studies. The method employs plunge freezing of specimens in a sealed capillary tube into a cryogen such as liquid propane or liquid nitrogen. Using this method a number of single‐cell test specimens were well preserved. Also multicellular organisms, such as Caenorhabditis elegans, could be frozen adequately in low ionic strength media or even in water. The preservation of these unprotected specimens is comparable to that achieved with high‐pressure freezing in the presence of cryoprotectant. The results are explained by the fact that cooling of water in a confined space below the melting point gives rise to pressure build‐up, which may originate from the conversion of a fraction of the water content into low‐density hexagonal ice and/or expansion of water during supercooling. Calculations indicate the pressure may be similar in magnitude to that applied in high‐pressure freezing. Because the specimens are plunge cooled, suitable cryogens are not limited to liquid nitrogen. It is shown that a range of cryogens and cryogen temperatures can be used successfully. Because the pressure is generated inside the specimen holders as a result of the cooling rather than applied from an external source as in high‐pressure freezing, the technique has been referred to as self‐pressurized rapid freezing.
KOMPETENSI KEPELBAGAIAN BUDAYA DALAM KALANGAN GURU PELBAGAI ETNIK DI SEKOLAH MENENGAH KEBANGSAAN DI MALAYSIA

This study aims to identify the multicultural competency among multi-ethnic teachers in secondary schools in Malaysia. Multicultural competency among teachers were identified by ethnicity, gender, level of education, teaching field, teaching experience, the experience of teaching students from various ethnic and cultural background, and cultural courses or cultural training attended by teachers. Data collection methods used in this study are quantitative method. A total of 514 teachers in the state of Kedah, Penang and Perak involved in answering the questionnaire. Quantitative data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics 22 software. Descriptive analysis were used in this study to indicate the level of multicultural competency among multi-ethnic teachers involved in this study based on mean for each characteristics namely ethnicity, gender, level of education, teaching field, teaching experience, the experience of teaching students from various ethnic and cultural background, and cultural courses or cultural training attended by teachers. The results of this study shows various findings of the multicultural competency based on ethnicity, gender, level of education, teaching experience, the experience of teaching students from various ethnic and cultural background, and cultural courses or cultural training attended by teacher.