Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Elicitation of Ethylene Biosynthesis by a Trichoderma Xylanase Is Not Related to the Cell Wall Degradation Activity of the Enzyme

A [beta]-1,4-endoxylanase (EIX) isolated from Trichoderma viride elicits plant defense responses in certain tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) cultivars in addition to its xylan degradation activity. It was not clear whether elicitation occurs by cell wall fragments released by the enzymic activity or by the xylanase protein interacting directly with the plant cells. We used protoplasts isolated from tobacco leaves to test whether the cell wall is required for the stimulation of ethylene biosynthesis by EIX. Protoplasts of tobacco (cv Xanthi) responded to treatment with the EIX, as indicated by an increased production of ethylene and the loss of protoplast viability. Protoplasts prepared from ethylene-pretreated leaves produced more ethylene and had higher rates of cell death in response to EIX than protoplasts prepared from nonethylene-treated leaves. Protoplasts of an EIX-insensitive cultivar of tobacco (Hicks) were insensitive to high concentrations of EIX. The addition of a crude cell wall preparation to protoplasts during incubation with EIX did not enhance the induction of ethylene biosynthesis by nonsaturating as well as saturating concentrations of EIX. These data indicate that the xylanase activity of EIX is unrelated to the elicitation of ethylene biosynthesis through the production of some cell wall fragment, since the protein per se appears capable of eliciting ethylene biosynthesis in protoplasts.
Characterization of apoptosis induced by protein kinase C inhibitors and its modulation by the caspase pathway in acute promyelocytic leukaemia

Acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL;M3) is a unique form of acute myelogenous leukaemia characterized by t(15;17) translocation. The induction of apoptosis via inhibiting protein kinase C (PKC) has been recently viewed as a promising tool for the eradication of several malignant disorders. In the present study, we investigated the effect of two different protein kinase C inhibitors, Gö6976 and safingol, on the induction of apoptosis in the APL cell line NB4 and its all trans retinoic acid (ATRA)‐resistant variant NB4.306. The effect of the PKC inhibitors on leukaemic cells obtained from three APL patients was also studied. We also evaluated the possible involvement of the caspases in apoptosis induced by PKC inhibitors. Significant time‐ and concentration‐dependent apoptotic changes were demonstrated using Gö6976 and safingol. In addition, our results demonstrated that the caspases were involved in the apoptosis induced by the PKC inhibitors. In conclusion, our study illustrates that the PKC inhibitors Gö6976 and safingol induce apoptosis in APL and hence could be potential therapeutic agents for the treatment of this disease.
Molecular investigation of age-related changes in mouse endocrine pancreas.

Aging is an etiologic factor in non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. While the effect of aging on insulin secretion has been described by several classic studies, the characterization of the molecular basis of beta-cell abnormalities is still under way. We recently demonstrated in rats that aging is associated not only with a reduction in insulin secretion but also with diminished levels of intracellular insulin content and the mRNA for insulin. In this study, we investigated whether the molecular abnormalities previously described in the rat beta cell were also present in the mouse (C57BL/6J). Total cellular RNA was isolated from individual pancreata of 3-, 9-, and 30-month-old mice (n = 6 per age group). Samples were subjected to slot-blot analysis by using homologous probes for insulin, glucagon, somatostatin, glucose transporter-2 (glut-2), glucokinase, elastase-I, and beta-actin. We observed a progressive age-dependent decrease in insulin mRNA levels: insulin mRNA levels decreased by 40% with age (p = .007). This paralleled decreases in glut-2 (p = .001) mRNA levels, but it was in contrast with glucokinase mRNA levels which increased markedly (p = .0003). Somatostatin mRNA levels were unchanged, glucagon mRNA levels decreased modesty (p = .01), and mRNA levels for elastase-I and beta-actin increased with age (p = .0001 for either one). In summary, it appears that in the mouse a progressive decline in the activity of the endocrine pancreas occurs with aging. This phenomenon seems to affect only the beta cells and not the alpha or delta cells of the islet of Langerhans or the exocrine pancreas. This progressive decline may represent the biological features of the age-dependent risk for the development of diabetes.
A Recycling Pathway for Resecretion of Internalized Apolipoprotein E in Liver Cells*

We have investigated the recycling of apoE in livers of apoE− /− mice transplanted with wild type bone marrow (apoE+/+ → apoE− /−), a model in which circulating apoE is derived exclusively from macrophages. Nascent Golgi lipoproteins were recovered from livers of apoE+/+ → apoE− /− mice 8 weeks after transplantation. ApoE was identified with nascent d < 1.006 and withd 1.006–1.210 g/ml lipoproteins at a level ∼6% that of nascent lipoproteins from C57BL/6 mice. Hepatocytes from apoE+/+ → apoE− /− mice were isolated and cultured in media free of exogenous apoE. ApoE was found in the media primarily on the d < 1.006 g/ml fraction, indicating a resecretion of internalized apoprotein. Secretion of apoE from C57BL/6 hepatocytes was consistent with constitutive production, whereas the majority of apoE secreted from apoE+/+ → apoE− /− hepatocytes was recovered in the last 24 h of culture. This suggests that release may be triggered by accumulation of an acceptor, such as very low density lipoproteins, in the media. In agreement with the in vivo data, total recovery of apoE from apoE+/+ → apoE− /− hepatocytes was ∼6% that of the apoE recovered from C57BL/6 hepatocytes. Since plasma apoE levels in the transplanted mice are ∼10% of control levels, the findings indicate that up to 60% of the internalized apoE may be reutilized under physiologic conditions. These studies provide definitive evidence for the sparing of apoE and its routing through the secretory pathway and demonstrate that internalized apoE can be resecreted in a quantitatively significant fashion.
Diversity in sub-national EU implementation: the application of the EU Ambient Air Quality directive in 13 municipalities in the Netherlands

ABSTRACT This paper offers an analysis of the implementation performance of the EU Ambient Air Quality directive in the Netherlands. It provides a systematic evaluation of the implementation of a procedural provision – the obligation to design air quality policy. It draws on original data on air quality policy measures that have been collected in 13 medium-sized Dutch municipalities. The analysis of differences in the implementation performance was performed using a novel three-dimensional conceptual framework. The findings illustrate great differences in the implementation performance between the municipalities. The focused comparison allowed establishing very precisely where the implementation performance is poor or even lacking, and which municipalities take their EU implementation task more seriously than others. Most puzzling, environmental problem pressure turned out not to act as a sufficient trigger for municipalities to take far-reaching air quality measures. In contrast to previous research, a more nuanced picture is painted when it comes to the concepts of ‘compliance’, ‘non-compliance’ and ‘over-compliance’. A careful dissection of the implementation performance based on the aspects of the conceptual framework produces hands-on recommendations to municipalities seeking to improve their air quality policy.
Forensic accounting: a blend of knowledge

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to develop insight of the skill sets that forensic accounting practitioners need to possess to succeed at the practice of forensic accounting. Design/methodology/approach - The present paper is based on literature review. Findings - Forensic accounting education is multi-disciplinary. It encompasses auditing, accounting, statistics, information technology (IT), legal rules and human skills. It is similar to auditing yet different. Hands on statistical tools acts like an additional equipment for quick delivery of the output when data is large. Proficiency in using IT tools is must to detect cybercrimes. Human skills are gaining importance due to social engineering attacks. Forensic accountants must be acquainted and updated with the relevant laws. Various investigative skills and knowledge are also essential in forensic accounting. Practical implications - Forensic accounting education can be a developed as a separate discipline for proper regulation of forensic accounting profession. In that case the need for development of separate forensic accounting standards may arise. This issue needs to be dwelt upon by the academia and professional bodies. Originality/value - The paper will enable the universities/ institutes to design the appropriate curricula, assigning due consideration to the required knowledge and skill sets in forensic accounting education.
Screening, assessment, and management of fatigue in adult survivors of cancer: an American Society of Clinical oncology clinical practice guideline adaptation.

PURPOSE This guideline presents screening, assessment, and treatment approaches for the management of adult cancer survivors who are experiencing symptoms of fatigue after completion of primary treatment. METHODS A systematic search of clinical practice guideline databases, guideline developer Web sites, and published health literature identified the pan-Canadian guideline on screening, assessment, and care of cancer-related fatigue in adults with cancer, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines In Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for Cancer-Related Fatigue and the NCCN Guidelines for Survivorship. These three guidelines were appraised and selected for adaptation. RESULTS It is recommended that all patients with cancer be evaluated for the presence of fatigue after completion of primary treatment and be offered specific information and strategies for fatigue management. For those who report moderate to severe fatigue, comprehensive assessment should be conducted, and medical and treatable contributing factors should be addressed. In terms of treatment strategies, evidence indicates that physical activity interventions, psychosocial interventions, and mind-body interventions may reduce cancer-related fatigue in post-treatment patients. There is limited evidence for use of psychostimulants in the management of fatigue in patients who are disease free after active treatment. CONCLUSION Fatigue is prevalent in cancer survivors and often causes significant disruption in functioning and quality of life. Regular screening, assessment, and education and appropriate treatment of fatigue are important in managing this distressing symptom. Given the multiple factors contributing to post-treatment fatigue, interventions should be tailored to each patient's specific needs. In particular, a number of nonpharmacologic treatment approaches have demonstrated efficacy in cancer survivors.
Different Effect of Losartan and Amlodipine on Penile Structures in Male Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Background: Erectile dysfunction is highly prevalent in hypertensive patients. Since both angiotensin II receptor type-1 blockers (ARBs) and calcium antagonists are current and effective antihypertensive drugs, the aim of this study was to determine possible differences between ARBs and calcium antagonists concerning the protection of penile structures from the deleterious effects of arterial hypertension. Methods and Results: During 6 months, 3 groups of male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and 1 of Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, as a control group, were studied: SHR without treatment; SHR with losartan (L) 30 mg/kg/day; SHR with amlodipine (A) 3 mg/kg/day, and WKY without treatment. Cavernous smooth muscle (CSM) and vascular smooth muscle (VSM) from cavernous arteries, cavernous tissue fibrosis and collagen type III (COL III) were evaluated. After 6 months, SHR+L and SHR+A showed a similar reduction in blood pressure compared with untreated SHR. However, only SHR+L and control WKY presented significantly lower values of: CSM (p < 0.01), VSM (p < 0.01), and COL III ( p < 0.01) when compared with either untreated SHR or SHR+A. There was also a positive correlation between left ventricular mass and proteinuria with VSM from cavernous arteries, CSM and COL III in untreated SHR and SHR+A. These relations were not present in SHR+L and WKY. Conclusion: Although losartan and amlodipine achieved similar blood pressure control, losartan but not amlodipine showed a significant protective role against structural changes in the vessels and cavernous spaces of the erectile tissue caused by arterial hypertension.
Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor: short clinical description and insight into possible mechanism of the disease

Atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor (AT/RT) is a highly malignant tumor typically appearing in childhood. Differentiation of AT/RT from other brain tumors is extremely important because of grim prognosis and necessity of more aggressive treatment. On the other hand, investigation is essential for new therapeutic agents based on continuously developing knowledge of AT/RT development mechanisms. Most AT/RT tumors have been demonstrated to harbor a chromosome 22 mutation in the region of hSNF5/INI1 gene, whose protein product participates in chromatin remodeling. Although the presence of this mutation is rather undisputable, additional molecular pathways underlying AT/RT development are poorly understood. Current paper discusses current views on molecular pathophysiology of the tumor.
Disease activity early in treatment as a predictor of future low disease activity in RA patients treated with iguratimod

Objectives. This retrospective observational study aimed to examine the efficacy of iguratimod with and without concomitant methotrexate (MTX) and to estimate the adequate observational period for predicting low disease activity (LDA) achievement at 24 weeks in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods. All patients treated with iguratimod were registered in a Japanese multicenter registry. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify predictive factors for LDA achievement at 24 weeks. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were performed to estimate the association of 28-joint disease activity score based on erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) at each time point with achievement of LDA at 24 weeks and determine a cut-off for DAS28-ESR. Results. A total of 123 patients were treated with iguratimod with (n = 65) or without (n = 58) MTX. Iguratimod therapy resulted in significant clinical improvement in both groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that DAS28-ESR at each time point was an independent significant predictor of LDA achievement at 24 weeks. Cut-off values of DAS28-ESR at 12 weeks based on ROC curves were 3.2 and 3.6 in patients with and without MTX, respectively. Conclusions. Iguratimod was effective in RA patients in clinical practice. Our results suggest that 12 weeks may be a sufficient period to judge the medium-term efficacy of iguratimod in patients treated with and without MTX.
Efficacy of duloxetine on cognition, depression, and pain in elderly patients with major depressive disorder: an 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE This study compared the effects of duloxetine, 60 mg/day, versus placebo on cognition, depression, and pain in elderly patients with recurrent major depressive disorder. METHOD Patients were randomly assigned (2:1) to duloxetine, 60 mg/day (N=207), or placebo (N=104) for 8 weeks in a double-blind study. The primary outcome measure was a prespecified composite cognitive score composed of four individual tests. Secondary measures included the Geriatric Depression Scale, the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, the Visual Analogue Scale assessing pain, and standard safety and tolerability assessments. RESULTS Patients had a median age of 72 years (range=65-90). Duloxetine demonstrated significantly greater improvement in the composite cognitive score versus placebo (least-squares mean change from baseline to endpoint: 1.95 versus 0.76), driven by improved verbal learning and memory. Duloxetine treatment showed significantly greater baseline-to-endpoint reductions in both Hamilton depression scale (-6.49 versus -3.72) and Geriatric Depression Scale (-4.07 versus -1.34) total scores compared with placebo. Hamilton depression scale response (37.3% versus 18.6%) and remission (27.4% versus 14.7%) rates at endpoint were significantly higher for duloxetine than for placebo. Duloxetine significantly improved Visual Analogue Scale scores for back pain and time in pain while awake versus placebo. Significantly fewer patients receiving duloxetine withdrew from the study because of lack of efficacy (2.9% versus 9.6%); the incidences of discontinuation due to adverse events were similar for duloxetine and placebo (9.7% versus 8.7%). CONCLUSIONS Duloxetine improved cognition, depression, and some pain measures and was safe and well tolerated in elderly patients with recurrent major depressive disorder.
Urban Area Response to Flash Flood–Triggering Rainfall, Featuring Human Behavioral Factors: The Case of 22 October 2015 in Attica, Greece

AbstractOver the past several decades, flash floods that occurred in Attica, Greece, caused serious property and infrastructure damages, disruptions in economic and social activities, and human fatalities. This paper investigated the link between rainfall and flash flood impact during the catastrophic event that affected Attica on 22 October 2015, while also addressing human risk perception and behavior as a response to flash floods. The methodology included the analysis of the space–time correlation of rainfall with the citizens’ calls to the emergency fire services for help, and the statistical analysis of people’s responses to an online behavioral survey. The results designated critical rainfall thresholds associated with flash flood impact in the four most affected subareas of the Attica region. The impact magnitude was found to be associated with the localized accumulated rainfall. Vulnerability factors, namely, population density, geographical, and environmental features, may have contributed to the.
Genetic analysis of CAV1 gene in hypertension and metabolic syndrome

Summary Recently, we reported that the polymorphism 1132T>C (Gene-Bank: AF519768.1) of the NOS3 gene was associated with susceptibility to metabolic syndrome (MS) in hypertensive patients. This suggests that other genes such as CAV1, whose product (CAV1) regulates eNOS activity, could also be related to this phenotype.In this work we investigated the following:i) whether CAV1 is a quantitative trait locus of clustering of atherothrombotic traits associated with MS; ii) whether CVA1 is associated with hypertension or MS in hypertensive patients; and iii) whether genetic interaction between NOS3 and CAV1 is involved in the susceptibility or protection to hypertension associated with MS.To carry out the study, we genotyped 285 randomly selected individuals and 175 hypertensive patients, all of them ≤ 60 years old, with two polymorphisms of the CAV1 gene: the 22285 C>T and the 22375–22375 del AC (GeneBank AF125348), and the 1132T>C polymorphism of the NOS3 gene. To perform sample genotyping, we used pyrosequencing and FRET techniques.The 22285 C-22375–22375 del (Cd) haplotype of CAV1 gene was associated with low levels of blood pressure in the general population. Moreover, it was a genetic protection factor against MS in hypertensive patients. In addition, we found no evidence of gene-gene interaction between NOS3 and CAV1 genes with regard to that phenotype.
DOMESTIC AND FORIGN FACTORS FOR STOCK PRICES IN INDONESIA

Indonesia has been developing various sectors of its economy, and so it needs a huge amount of capital. Therefore, it has been putting a lot of efforts to develop its capital market. This paper analyzes the impacts of domestic and foreign factors on Indonesia stock price. Some considered domestic factors are interest rates, production index, and foreign exchange rates. Various considered foreign factors are Singapore and US stock prices. The paper uses Vector Error Correction Mechanism model to analyze the data. The estimation results suggest that all variables significantly influence Indonesia stock price, with Singapore stock price as the dominant factors. Keywords: Stock price, interest rates, exchange rates, production index JEL classification numbers: G12, G15
Glucocorticoid Hormones Negatively Regulate Nerve Growth Factor Expression In Vivo and in Cultured Rat Fibroblasts

Sciatic nerve transection leads to an up‐regulation of nerve growth factor (NGF) production in non‐neuronal cells surrounding the axons. The lesion‐mediated increase in NGF‐mRNA levels in the nerve can be blocked by pretreating the animals with the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone. Dexamethasone also reduces NGF‐mRNA levels in cultured sciatic fibroblasts stimulated with fetal calf serum or interleukin‐1. In order to study at which level glucocorticoids down‐regulate NGF expression, sciatic fibroblasts where transfected with a construct in which a reporter gene (chloramphenicol acetyltransferase) is expressed under the control of the NGF promotor. The results demonstrated that dexamethasone effectively represses NGF gene transcription. Deletion experiments showed that a 162 nucleotide promotor region mediates the glucocorticoid hormone suppression of NGF expression. The negative regulation of NGF synthesis by glucocorticoids is a factor to be considered in the treatment of patients with peripheral nerve lesions.
Evaluation of Novel Biomarkers of Nephrotoxicity in Two Strains of Rat Treated with Cisplatin

Cisplatin is an anticancer agent that induces renal proximal tubule lesions in many species. Studies were conducted in Sprague-Dawley and Han-Wistar rats to evaluate the utility of novel preclinical biomarkers of nephrotoxicity for renal lesions caused by this compound. Groups of 10 males of each strain were given a single intraperitoneal injection of 0.3, 1, or 3 mg/kg cisplatin and were sacrificed on days 2, 3, and 5. The novel biomarkers α-glutathione-S-transferase (α-GST) (for proximal tubular injury), μ-glutathione-S-transferase (μ-GST) (for distal tubular injury), clusterin (for general kidney injury), and renal papillary antigen-1 (RPA-1) (for collecting duct injury) were measured in urine by enzyme immunoassay. Histologically, degeneration and necrosis of the S3 segment of the renal proximal tubule were observed on day 2 (Han-Wistar) and days 3 and 5 (both strains) at 1 and 3 mg/kg. Results showed that in both strains of rats, urinary α-GST and clusterin can be detected in urine soon after injury, are more sensitive than BUN and serum creatinine, and therefore are usable as noninvasive biomarkers of proximal tubule injury. Changes in both μ-GST or RPA-1 were considered to represent secondary minor effects of proximal tubular injury on distal segments of the nephron.