Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of somatic gene mutations in penile squamous cell carcinoma

There is a lack of studies on somatic gene mutations and cell signaling driving penile carcinogenesis. Our objective was to analyze somatic mutations in genes downstream of EGFR in penile squamous cell carcinomas, especially the mTOR and RAS/MAPK pathways. We retrospectively analyzed somatic mutations in 10 in situ and 65 invasive penile squamous cell carcinomas by using Sequenom's Mass Spectrometry iPlex Technology and Oncocarta v1.0 Panel. The DNA was extracted from FFPE blocks and we identified somatic missense mutations in three in situ tumors and in 19 invasive tumors, mostly in PIK3CA, KRAS, HRAS, NRAS, and PDGFA genes. Somatic mutations in the PIK3CA gene or RAS family genes were neither associated with tumor grade, stage or outcome, and were equally often identified in hrHPV positive and in hrHPV negative tumors that showed no p53 expression. Mutations in PIK3CA, KRAS, and HRAS are frequent in penile squamous cell carcinoma and likely play a role in the development of p53‐negative tumors. Although the presence of these mutations does not seem to correlate with tumoral behavior or outcome, they could be biomarkers of treatment failure with anti‐EGFR mAb in patients with penile squamous cell carcinoma. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CORONARY ARTERY DISEASE Original Studies Outcomes of Contrast-Induced Nephropathy: Experience in Patients Undergoing Cardiovascular Intervention

Use of iodinated contrast media for diagnostic and interventional procedures is increasing as computed tomography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) technologies provide increasing patient benefit. Although some complications associated with contrast media are mild and transient, contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) can negatively affect long-term patient morbidity and mortality. The incidence of and outcomes from CIN have been carefully studied in cardiology patients. A number of studies have identified CIN-associated complications in PCI patients, including bleeding, hematoma, stroke, adult respiratory distress syndrome, electrolyte imbalances, and sepsis. In post-PCI patients, rates of myocardial infarction and vessel reocclusion are more common in patients with CIN. Therefore, in-hospital mortality is increased in patients with CIN. In patients requiring dialysis after PCI, several studies have shown the 1-year mortality rate to be >55%. Even moderate renal dysfunction not requiring dialysis is associated with increased mortality in patients with coronary artery disease. Precautionary measures before, during, and after the use of contrast media that reduce the incidence of CIN, such as discontinuation of nephrotoxic medications, adequate hydration, and use of appropriate volumes and types of contrast media, should be considered in all patients with renal insufficiency or with other risk factors for CIN.
Expression of trophoblastic interferon genes in sheep and cattle.

The trophoblastic interferons ovine and bovine trophoblast protein-1 (oTP-1 and bTP-1, respectively) have been implicated as mediators of maternal recognition of pregnancy in sheep and cattle. The objective of this study was to describe the onset and duration of gene expression for oTP-1 and bTP-1 in preimplantation ovine and bovine conceptuses by in situ hybridization and Northern analysis. Sections from paraffin-embedded ovine conceptuses, collected on Days 10, 11, 12, 13, and 15 of gestation (n = 1, 3, 3, 2, 2), and bovine conceptuses, collected on Days 12/13, 15/16, and 19 (n = 2, 4, 5), were hybridized to specific [35S]-labeled cDNA probes. Two different probes, one encompassing bases 442-918 and representing both coding and 3'-untranslated regions, and a second 3'-specific probe (bases 650-912) were used to detect oTP-1 mRNA. At all stages examined, oTP-1 mRNA was confined to trophectoderm of ovine conceptuses. Consistent with earlier studies, expression increased markedly at Day 13. oTP-1 mRNA was detected at low levels in seven of seven ovine conceptuses prior to Day 13 when the longer probe was employed. With the 3'-specific probe, however, oTP-1 mRNA was detected in only one of the seven ovine conceptuses prior to Day 13. Thus, although low amounts of oTP-1 mRNA may be present in ovine conceptuses prior to Day 13, massive induction of this mRNA occurs on Day 13 coincident with the initiation of maternal recognition of pregnancy. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Two‐dimensional electrophoretic analysis of the protein family at 90 kDa of abortifacient Chlamydia psittaci

Four major clusters, designated A, B, C and D, were distinguished in Western Blots by a monoclonal antibody specific for the “antigen family at 90 kDa” after two‐dimensional electrophoretic analysis on immobilized pH gradient of chlamydial elementary bodies of abortifacient C. psittaci. Clusters B, C, and D were closely related with molecular mass (kDa) pI values of 91.5/5.2–5.4, 90/5.0–5.2 and 90.5/5.6–5.8, respectively. Cluster A was larger, with molecular mass/pI of 104.7/5.1–5.3. Evidence for the antigenic relationship between cluster A and clusters B, C and D was further supported by immunological cross‐reaction with affinity‐purified antibodies from serum of ewes with chlamydial‐induced abortion. The experimental values obtained for size and pI of the four clusters correlated well with the calculated values from known sequences coded by multiple chlamydial genes. Direct evidence for the correspondence between the immunoreactive clusters B, C and D and the retrieved genes was provided by antibody binding experiments to recombinant polypeptides representing fragments of the deduced proteins. The 4‐member antigen family at 90/104 kDa is the first example of proteins coded by multiple genes within the genus Chlamydia.
Networked Microgrids for Self-Healing Power Systems

This paper proposes a transformative architecture for the normal operation and self-healing of networked microgrids (MGs). MGs can support and interchange electricity with each other in the proposed infrastructure. The networked MGs are connected by a physical common bus and a designed two-layer cyber communication network. The lower layer is within each MG where the energy management system (EMS) schedules the MG operation; the upper layer links a number of EMSs for global optimization and communication. In the normal operation mode, the objective is to schedule dispatchable distributed generators (DGs), energy storage systems (ESs), and controllable loads to minimize the operation costs and maximize the supply adequacy of each MG. When a generation deficiency or fault happens in an MG, the model switches to the self-healing mode and the local generation capacities of other MGs can be used to support the on-emergency portion of the system. A consensus algorithm is used to distribute portions of the desired power support to each individual MG in a decentralized way. The allocated portion corresponds to each MG's local power exchange target, which is used by its EMS to perform the optimal schedule. The resultant aggregated power output of networked MGs will be used to provide the requested power support. Test cases demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed methodology.
Genetic polymorphism of human liver alcohol and aldehyde dehydrogenases, and their relationship to alcohol metabolism and alcoholism

It is now widely accepted that the various pharmacologic and addictive consequences of alcohol consumption are related to the tissue concentration of ethanol or its metabolic products. The oxidative metabolism of ethanol in liver is principally catalyzed by alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase. Both of these enzymes exist in multiple molecular forms, and genetic models have been proposed to account for the multiplicity of isoenzymes. Alcohol dehydrogenase subunits are encoded at five different gene loci, and genetic polymorphism occurs at two alcohol dehydrogenase loci. Variant isoenzymes produced at the two polymorphic alcohol dehydrogenase loci account for the differences in enzyme electrophoretic patterns observed among individuals. Some of these variant isoenzymes exhibit widely different kinetic properties, and this may account for the 2‐ to 3‐fold variation in alcohol elimination rate among individuals. Since the protein sequence of several of the alcohol dehydrogenase subunits has been determined and several of the alcohol dehydrogenase genes has been cloned, some of the structural changes which give rise to differences in catalytic and electrophoretic properties are now known. Genetic polymorphism also occurs at the aldehyde dehydrogenase gene locus which encodes the mitochondrial low Km for acetaldehyde aldehyde dehydrogenase isoenzyme. The variant isoenzyme exhibits little or no catalytic activity. Individuals with this “null” variant have higher than normal blood acetaldehyde levels and exhibit an alcohol‐flush reaction which appears to be a deterrent to heavy drinking and alcoholism. Since epidemiological surveys have demonstrated genetic predisposition to alcohol abuse and alcoholism, it is reasonable to suppose that the polymorphism of either alcohol dehydrogenase or aldehyde dehydrogenase might be one of the underlying biological factors contributing to the inherited nature of alcoholism.
A secure audio teleconference system

The authors describe a secure teleconferencing system which can be operated in the public communications network. In this system, advantage is taken of the fact that clear speech must be available at each telephone set for the local participant, and this can be used with a distributed conference circuit to provide a multiparty conferencing system. The network conference control unit knows the addresses of all the participants but its role is limited to provided channel connections and demultiplexing and distributing unaltered signals from the participants. The conference unit does not need to know any security information. The system can operate with a number of security methods, and the users are free to select the techniques that they are most comfortable with. The system is suitable for implementation in digital networks such as the integrated service digital network, and can provide extremely high quality and robust operation. <<ETX>>
The influence of physical and chemical linkage on the properties of nanocomposites

It has been shown by several groups that the mechanical and electrical behavior of composites changes quite substantially, and often beneficially, when the filler particle size is less than 100 nm in diameter. There is also good reason to believe that the interface between the embedded particulates and the polymer matrix holds the key to understanding the bulk phenomena observed. Materials based on an SiO/sub 2/-polyolefin system have been formulated with functionalized particulates so as to affect the physical and chemical linkages. The agents used to achieve this include amino-silane, hexamethyl-disilazane and triethoxyvinylsilane. The emerging picture of the interface is supported by detailed dielectric spectroscopy and internal space charge assessment. The nature of the internal structure has been related to the bulk properties observed such as the breakdown strength, voltage endurance, and the measurement of internal charges resulting from interfacial polarization.
Gamma‐tubulin is required for the structure and function of the microtubule organizing centre in Drosophila neuroblasts.

We report that in Drosophila, gamma‐tubulin is required for the structure as well as the function of microtubule organizing centres (MTOCs). This conclusion is based on the identification and phenotypic characterization of a mutant allele of the gamma‐tubulin gene located at region 23C of the polytene chromosome map. This mutation, which we have called gamma‐tub23CPl, is caused by the insertion of a P‐element within the 5′ untranslated leader of the gamma‐tubulin transcript. Northern and Western analysis show that gamma‐tub23CPl is either a null or a very severe hypomorph as no gamma‐tubulin mRNA or protein can be detected in mutant individuals. Visualization of DNA, MTOCs and microtubules by confocal laser scanning microscopy of cells from individuals homozygous for gamma‐tub23CPl reveals a series of phenotypic abnormalities. Some of these are similar to those observed after disruption of gamma‐tubulin function in other organisms, including mitotic arrest and a dramatic decrease in the number of microtubules, but, in addition, we have observed that mutation in this gene also results in highly abnormal MTOCs which show a variety of shapes and sizes which we never observed in wild type cells. These results show that gamma‐tubulin is required for both structural and functional roles in the MTOCs.
A New Amphiphilic Derivative, N‐{[4‐(Lactobionamido)methyl]benzylidene}‐ 1,1‐dimethyl‐2‐(octylsulfanyl)ethylamine N‐Oxide, Has a Protective Effect Against Copper‐Induced Fulminant Hepatitis in Long–Evans Cinnamon Rats at an Extremely Low Concentration Compared with Its Original Form α‐Phenyl‐N‐(tert

An amphiphilic α‐phenyl‐N‐(tert‐butyl) nitrone (PBN) derivative, N‐{[4‐(lactobionamido)methyl]benzylidene}‐1,1‐dimethyl‐2‐(octylsulfanyl)ethylamine N‐oxide (LPBNSH), newly synthesized from its original form PBN in hopes of clinical use, was intraperitoneally administered to Long–Evans Cinnamon (LEC) rats every 2 days at the concentrations of 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/kg. We found that LPBNSH protected against copper‐induced hepatitis with jaundice in LEC rats at concentrations of 0.1 and 0.5 mg/kg, which were extremely low compared with that of PBN. It also effectively prevented the loss of body weight, reduced the death rate, and suppressed the increase in serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase values arising from fulminant hepatitis with jaundice at the same concentrations. Similar results were observed when PBN was administered at the concentration of 150 mg/kg. Immunohistochemical analysis of 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine and measurement of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances in the liver showed that LPBNSH largely suppressed the formation of these oxidative products at same concentrations. No difference in the abnormal accumulation of copper in the liver between the LPBNSH administered and control groups was observed. From these results, it was concluded that LPBNSH exhibited liver‐protective effects against fulminant hepatitis with jaundice at ca. 1/1000, 500 the molar concentration of PBN and, therefore, was clinically promising.
Autonomy, privacy and informed consent 3: elderly care perspective.

Despite the growing Interest In clinical healthcare ethics, there Is a dearth of empirical studies Investigating the ethical elements of day-to-day clinical practice from the perspective of either patients or staff. This article, the third In a four-part series, reports the results of a Scottish study that formed part of a multl-slte comparative study funded by the European Commission. It explores patient autonomy, privacy and Informed consent In the care of elderly people In long-stay care facilities (I.e. nursing homes and continuing care units). A convenience sample of 101 elderly residents and their nurses (n=160) participated In the study. Data were collected by means of a selfcompletion questionnaire for staff and a structured Interview schedule for elderly residents. Results Indicate marked differences between staff's and residents' responses on three of the four dimensions explored: Informatlon-glvlng, and opportunity to participate In declslon-maklng about care and consent. There was much closer agreement between staff's and residents' responses regarding protection of patient privacy. From the results of this study there Is Indication of a clear need for further empirical studies exploring Issues of patient autonomy, privacy and Informed consent In the day-to-day nursing care of older people. Rndlngs to date suggest there Is stili a slgnfflcant need to educate staff concemlng ethical awareness and sensitivity to the dignity and rights of patients.
Evaluation of anti-secretory and anti-ulcerogenic activities of avipattikar churna on the peptic ulcers in experimental rats.

BACKGROUND Avipattikar churna, a poly-herbal formulation, is one of the popular ayurvedic formulations which is used for peptic ulcer diseases but the scientific documentation with regards to its effect for the indication is lacking. AIMS This study was carried out to evaluate the anti-secretory and the anti-ulcerogenic activities of the churna and to compare its activity with that of ranitidine in a pyloric ligated model of rats. MATERIAL AND METHODS Four groups of rats with 6 animals in each served as the ulcer controls, churna low dose (500 mg/kg), churna high dose (750mg/kg) and ranitidine (25mg/kg). The control group rats received only vehicle (2% (v/v) gum acacia), while the rats of the other groups received the respective dose of the churna or ranitidine which was suspended in the vehicle. The treatments were given twice a day, orally, for two days. After 1 hour of the last dose, pyloric ligations were performed and the rats were sacrificed for evaluation after four hours of the ligations. The gastric contents were collected and its volume, pH and acidity were measured. The numbers of ulcers and their lengths were measured which were used to calculate the gastric irritancy index and the curative ratio. The histological examinations of the gastric tissues were also performed. RESULTS The churna, in both doses, significantly decreased the volumes of the gastric contents, the ulcer score, the length of the ulcer, the gastric irritancy index and pH increased as compared to those in the control group. The effects of the churna were comparable to that of ranitidine. The histopathological evaluation of the gastric tissue also supported the results. CONCLUSION Avipattikar churna has anti-secretory and anti-ulcerogenic effects which are comparable to those of ranitidine in peptic ulcer diseases.
Nitration Activates Tyrosine toward Reaction with the Hydrated Electron

Abstract 3-Nitrotyrosine has been reported as an important biomarker of oxidative stress that may play a role in a variety of diseases. In this work, transient UV-visible absorption spectra and kinetics observed during the reaction of the hydrated electron, eaq−, with 3-nitrotyrosine and derivatives thereof were investigated. The absorption spectra show characteristics of aromatic nitro anion radicals. The absorptivity of radical anion product at 300 nm is estimated to be (1.0 ± 0.2) × 104 M−1 cm−1 at pH 7.3. The rate constants determined for the reaction of eaq− with 3-nitrotyrosine, N-acetyl-3-nitrotyrosine ethyl ester and glycylnitrotyrosylglycine at neutral pH (3.0 ± 0.3) × 1010 M−1 s−1, (2.9 ± 0.2) × 1010 M−1 s−1 and (1.9 ± 0.2) × 1010 M−1 s−1, respectively, approach the diffusion-control limit and are almost two orders of magnitude higher than those for the reactions with tyrosine and tyrosine-containing peptides. The magnitude of the rate constants supports reaction of eaq− at the nitro group, and the product absorbance at 300 nm is consistent with formation of the nitro anion radical. The pH dependence of the second-order rate constant for eaq− decay (720 nm) in the presence of 3-nitrotyrosine shows a decrease with increasing pH, consistent with unfavorable electrostatic interactions. The pH dependence of the second-order rate constant for formation of radical anion (300 nm) product suggests that deprotonation of the amino group slows the rate, which indicates that deamination to form the 1-carboxy-2-(4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl)ethyl radical occurs. We conclude that the presence of the nitro group activates tyrosine and derivatives toward reaction with eaq− and can affect the redox chemistry of biomolecules exposed to oxidative stress.
Microarray analysis of E2Fa-DPa-overexpressing plants uncovers a cross-talking genetic network between DNA replication and nitrogen assimilation

Previously we have shown that overexpression of the heterodimeric E2Fa-DPa transcription factor in Arabidopsis thaliana results in ectopic cell division, increased endoreduplication, and an early arrest in development. To gain a better insight into the phenotypic behavior of E2Fa-DPa transgenic plants and to identify E2Fa-DPa target genes, a transcriptomic microarray analysis was performed. Out of 4,390 unique genes, a total of 188 had a twofold or more up- (84) or down-regulated (104) expression level in E2Fa-DPa transgenic plants compared to wild-type lines. Detailed promoter analysis allowed the identification of novel E2Fa-DPa target genes, mainly involved in DNA replication. Secondarily induced genes encoded proteins involved in cell wall biosynthesis, transcription and signal transduction or had an unknown function. A large number of metabolic genes were modified as well, among which, surprisingly, many genes were involved in nitrate assimilation. Our data suggest that the growth arrest observed upon E2Fa-DPa overexpression results at least partly from a nitrogen drain to the nucleotide synthesis pathway, causing decreased synthesis of other nitrogen compounds, such as amino acids and storage proteins.
Knowledge of HIV/AIDS and attitude towards voluntary counseling and testing among adults.

BACKGROUND Nigeria has the third highest population of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Despite this, the knowledge of HIV/AIDS and uptake of voluntary counseling and testing (VCT) is still low, especially in the rural areas. This study assessed knowledge of HIV/AIDS and attitude towards VCT among adults in a rural community in northern Nigeria. METHODS A pretested questionnaire was administered on a cross-section of 210 adults in Danbare village, northern Nigeria. Information about knowledge of HIV/AIDS and attitudes toward VCT was elicited among respondents. RESULTS The majority of respondents (59%) did not know the causative agent of AIDS; however, knowledge of route of disease transmission was high, with 71% and 64% of study participants mentioning sexual activity and unscreened blood transfusion, respectively, as possible transmission routes. Respondents listed avoidance of premarital sex, outlawing prostitution, condom use and screening of blood before transfusion as protective measures. Overall, 58 (27.6%), 80 (38.1%) and 72 (34.3%) of the respondents had good, fair and poor knowledge of HIV/AIDS, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, female gender and formal education remained significant predictors of HIV/AIDS knowledge. Reasons for rejection of VCT included fear of stigma, marital disharmony, incurable nature of the disease and cost of treatment. Formal education, female gender and HIV knowledge significantly predicted positive attitude toward VCT for HIV/AIDS among the study population. CONCLUSION More than half of the respondents had adequate knowledge of HIV/AIDS, and the majority were willing to have VCT. However, misconceptions, fear, gaps in knowledge and limited access to VCT remain prevalent. Our findings suggest the need to provide health education and scale up VCT services in northern Nigeria by targeting the efforts of international and local development partners to underserved rural areas.