Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Paradoxical roles for lysyl oxidases in cancer—A prospect

Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is an extracellular matrix (ECM) enzyme that catalyzes the cross‐linking of collagens or elastin in the extracellular compartment, thereby regulating the tensile strength of tissues. However, recent reports have demonstrated novel roles for LOX, including the ability to regulate gene transcription, motility/migration, and cell adhesion. These diverse functions have led researchers to hypothesize that LOX may have multiple roles affecting both extra‐ and intracellular cell function(s). Particularly noteworthy is aberrant LOX expression and activity that have been observed in various cancerous tissues and neoplastic cell lines. Both down and upregulation of LOX in tumor tissues and cancer cell lines have been described, suggesting a dual role for LOX as a tumor suppressor, as well as a metastasis promoter gene—creating a conundrum within the LOX research field. Here, we review the body of evidence on LOX gene expression, regulation, and function(s) in various cancer cell types and tissues, as well as stromal–tumor cell interactions. Lastly, we will examine putative mechanisms in which LOX facilitates breast cancer invasion and metastasis. Taken together, the literature demonstrates the increasingly important role(s) that LOX may play in regulating tumor progression and the necessity to elucidate its myriad mechanisms of action in order to identify potentially novel therapeutics. J. Cell. Biochem. 101: 1338–1354, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cytological evaluation of spermatogenesis and organization of the germinal epithelium in the male slider turtle, trachemys scripta

The germ cell development in the slider turtle (Trachemys scripta) testis was investigated by viewing the histology of the seminiferous epithelium in plastic sections with a light microscope. Germ cell morphologies in the slider turtle testis were similar to the morphologies of other vertebrate germ cell types. However, the slider turtle seminiferous epithelium contained germ cells that progress through spermatogenesis in a temporal rather than a spatial pattern, resulting in a single spermatogenic event that climaxed with one massive sperm release in November. Mature sperm then are stored within the epididymis until breeding commences in the following spring. The germ cell development strategy in the slider turtle is different from that of other amniotes and is more reminiscent of the developmental strategy found in the anamniotic testis. This temporal progression of germ cells through spermatogenesis within a tubular testis represents a transitional model that may be evolutionarily significant. J. Morphol. 255:337–346, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Peak expiratory flow is not a quality indicator for spirometry: peak expiratory flow variability and FEV1 are poorly correlated in an elderly population.

BACKGROUND Peak forced expiratory flow (PEF) and FEV(1) are spirometry measures used in diagnosing and monitoring lung diseases. We tested the premise that within-test variability in PEF is associated with corresponding variability in FEV(1) during a single test session. METHODS A total of 2,464 healthy adults from the Health, Aging, and Body Composition Study whose spirometry results met American Thoracic Society acceptability criteria were screened and analyzed. The three "best" test results (highest sum of FVC and FEV(1)) were selected for each subject. For those with acceptable spirometry results, two groups were created: group 1, normal FEV(1)/FVC ratio; group 2, reduced FEV(1)/FVC ratio. For each subject, the difference between the highest and lowest PEF (DeltaPEF) and the associated difference between the highest and lowest FEV(1) (DeltaFEV(1)) were calculated. Regression analysis was performed using the largest PEF and best FEV(1), and the percentage of DeltaPEF (%DeltaPEF) and percentage of DeltaFEV(1) (%DeltaFEV(1)) were calculated in both groups. RESULTS Regression analysis for group 1 and group 2 showed an insignificant association between %DeltaPEF and %DeltaFEV(1) (r(2) = 0.0001, p = 0.59, and r(2) = 0.040, p = 0.15, respectively). For both groups, a 29% DeltaPEF was associated with a 1% DeltaFEV(1). CONCLUSION Within a single spirometry test session, %DeltaPEF and %DeltaFEV(1) contain independent information. PEF has a higher degree of intrinsic variability than FEV(1). Changes in PEF do not have a significant effect on FEV(1). Spirometry maneuvers should not be excluded based on peak flow variability.
Spectroscopic and electrochemical characterization of nanostructured optically transparent carbon electrodes

The present paper describes the results related to the optical and electrochemical characterization of thin carbon films fabricated by spin coating and pyrolysis of AZ P4330‐RS photoresist. The goal of this paper is to provide comprehensive information allowing for the rational selection of the conditions to fabricate optically transparent carbon electrodes (OTCE) with specific electrooptical properties. According to our results, these electrodes could be appropriate choices as electrochemical transducers to monitor electrophoretic separations. At the core of this manuscript is the development and critical evaluation of a new optical model to calculate the thickness of the OTCE by variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry. Such data were complemented with topography and roughness (obtained by atomic force microscopy), electrochemical properties (obtained by cyclic voltammetry), electrical properties (obtained by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy), and structural composition (obtained by Raman spectroscopy). Although the described OTCE were used as substrates to investigate the effect of electrode potential on the real‐time adsorption of proteins by ellipsometry, these results could enable the development of other biosensors that can be then integrated into various CE platforms.
Interstitial laser coagulation and biodegradable self-expandable, self-reinforced poly-L-lactic and poly-L-glycolic copolymer spiral stent in the treatment of benign prostatic enlargement.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Interstitial laser coagulation of the prostate (ILCP) induces necrosis, edema, and an increased risk of postoperative urinary retention. The object here was to evaluate the efficacy, safety, and utility of a new self-expandable self-reinforced (SR) PLGA copolymer(lactic:glycolic ratio 80/20) spiral stent inserted after ILCP to promote voiding. The SR-PLGA stent has a degradation time of 2 to 2.5 months. PATIENTS AND METHODS Fifty men with a mean age of 70.5 years (range 52-85 years), suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to benign prostatic enlargement underwent ILCP. A suprapubic catheter was inserted, ILCP performed, and an SR-PLGA 80/20 spiral stent inserted on completion of the operation. The suprapubic catheter was removed when voiding commenced. As prophylactic antibiotic, ciprofloxacin was used in a single dose before ILCP, followed by trimethoprim or nitrofurantoin for 2 weeks. RESULTS All except three patients started to void on the first postoperative day. In two of the three cases, the stent had moved proximally and had to be relocated, whereafter voiding succeeded. The mean maximum and average flow rates increased, while DAN-PSS-1 symptom score and post voiding residual urine volume decreased statistically significantly. At 2 months, the stent was still intact in the urethra in all except three patients. At 4 months, it had been degraded into small fragments, and at 6 months, it had been completely eliminated. The only exceptions were three patients with an uncalcified piece of the stent in the bladder. Half of the patients had irritative symptoms caused at least partly by ILCP itself; 10% had asymptomatic urinary infection postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS The self-expandable SR-PLGA copolymer stent is safe and highly biocompatible. It ensures voiding in the case of temporary obstruction caused by prostatic edema. The degradation time is long enough in all patients to cover the need for postprocedure urinary drainage.
Soluble Cell Wall Polysaccharides Released from Pea Stems by Centrifugation : I. EFFECT OF AUXIN.

The metabolism of polysaccharides by pea stem segments treated with and without auxin was investigated using a centrifugation technique for removing solution from the free space of the cell wall. Glucose is the predominant sugar in both the ethanol-soluble and ethanol-insoluble fractions of the cell wall solution extracted with water. In the water-soluble, ethanol-insoluble polysaccharides, arabinose, xylose, galactose, and glucose make up 9.5, 23.8, 23.9, and 39.9%, respectively, of the neutral sugars, while rhamnose, fucose, and mannose are present at concentrations between 0.5 and 2.0%. Auxin treatment enhances the levels of xylose and glucose in ethanol-insoluble polysaccharides relative to controls, and this difference can be detected within 30 minutes of auxin treatment. Cellulose-binding experiments show that the enhanced levels of xylose and glucose are in a polymer having the cellulose-binding properties of xyloglucan. (3)H-glucose labeling experiments confirm the auxin-enhanced metabolism of the xyloglucan fraction; however, increased labeling of arabinose is also observed in auxin-treated sections. Auxin treatment also causes a marked increase in the level of uronic acids centrifuged from pea internode sections. Thus, after 3 hours of incubation in indoleacetic acid, the level of uronic acids in the ethanol-insoluble polysaccharides which can be recovered by centrifugation is increased 2- to 3-fold over sections incubated in water. These auxin-enhanced changes in xylose, glucose, and uronic acids are correlated with enhanced rates of section growth.Incubation of excised pea internode sections in acidic buffers also enhances the rate of xyloglucan and polyuronide metabolism. This acid-enhanced metabolism of xyloglucan and polyuronide is inhibited by low temperature, suggesting that it is enzyme-mediated.Extraction of the cell wall solution with CaCl(2) increases the yield of all neutral sugars. Arabinose and mannose are increased 4- and 3-fold, respectively, and xylose and glucose by about 20%, while galactose levels are 40% higher in cell wall solution extracted with CaCl(2) than in that extracted with water. Although calcium increases the amount of neutral sugars extracted, it does not affect the auxin-induced changes in neutral sugars. Extraction of the cell wall solution with ethyleneglycol-bis-(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N'tetraacetic acid enhances the yield of uronic acids and also increases the difference due to auxin treatment.
Policies and Protections for Ageing Society in Malaysia

The 4th Malaysian Population and Family Study by the National Population and Family Development Board (1), which was matched with the result of the population and housing census in 2010, found that about 23%, or 538,000 of the 2.4 million senior citizens in Malaysia suffered from the 'empty nest' syndrome. A report issued by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) stated that 90% of the contributors towards the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) in Malaysia did not even have enough money to live a simple lifestyle for a period of five years after retirement. United Nation projected that the country will achieve the status (ageing country) in year 2030. Malaysia in an upper middle-income country and as of 1 January 2016, the population of Malaysia was estimated to be 31,127,247 people. This is an increase of 1.58 % (482,954 people) compared to 30,644,293 people the year before. In 2015, the natural increase was positive, as the number of births exceeded the number of deaths by 494,905. Due to external migration, the population declined by 11,951. The sex ratio of the total population was 1.029 (1,029 males per 1,000 females), which is higher than the global sex ratio. The global sex ratio in the world was approximately 1,016 males to 1,000 females as of 2015. (2) This paper analyses the Malaysia government’s and people social responsibilities in overcoming ageing society and preparing to support and assist the ageing population by 2035. The researcher uses doctrinal research methodology and secondary statistic from the authorities for this research to gather the data and examine the policies. Interestingly, despite the social responsibilities and challenges encountered and policies implemented by the government, there is still much more the government needs to do to overcome the challenges faced by the ageing society in Malaysia.
ATP Modifies the Proteome of Extracellular Vesicles Released by Microglia and Influences Their Action on Astrocytes

Extracellular ATP is among molecules promoting microglia activation and inducing the release of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are potent mediators of intercellular communication between microglia and the microenvironment. We previously showed that EVs produced under ATP stimulation (ATP-EVs) propagate a robust inflammatory reaction among astrocytes and microglia in vitro and in mice with subclinical neuroinflammation (Verderio et al., 2012). However, the proteome of EVs released upon ATP stimulation has not yet been elucidated. In this study we applied a label free proteomic approach to characterize the proteome of EVs released constitutively and during microglia activation with ATP. We show that ATP drives sorting in EVs of a set of proteins implicated in cell adhesion/extracellular matrix organization, autophagy-lysosomal pathway and cellular metabolism, that may influence the response of recipient astrocytes to EVs. These data provide new clues to molecular mechanisms involved in microglia response to ATP and in microglia signaling to the environment via EVs.
Arabidopsis Genes Encoding Mitochondrial Type II NAD(P)H Dehydrogenases Have Different Evolutionary Origin and Show Distinct Responses to Light1

In addition to proton-pumping complex I, plant mitochondria contain several type II NAD(P)H dehydrogenases in the electron transport chain. The extra enzymes allow the nonenergy-conserving electron transfer from cytoplasmic and matrix NAD(P)H to ubiquinone. We have investigated the type II NAD(P)H dehydrogenase gene families in Arabidopsis. This model plant contains two and four genes closely related to potato (Solanum tuberosum) genes nda1 and ndb1, respectively. A novel homolog, termed ndc1, with a lower but significant similarity to potato nda1 and ndb1, is also present. All genes are expressed in several organs of the plant. Among the nda genes, expression of nda1, but not nda2, is dependent on light and circadian regulation, suggesting separate roles in photosynthesis-associated and other respiratory NADH oxidation. Genes from all three gene families encode proteins exclusively targeted to mitochondria, as revealed by expression of green fluorescent fusion proteins and by western blotting of fractionated cells. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that ndc1 affiliates with cyanobacterial type II NADH dehydrogenase genes, suggesting that this gene entered the eukaryotic cell via the chloroplast progenitor. The ndc1 should then have been transferred to the nucleus and acquired a signal for mitochondrial targeting of the protein product. Although they are of different origin, the nda, ndb, and ndc genes carry an identical intron position.
Attraction of the Japanese pine sawyer, Monochamus alternatus, to volatiles from stressed host in China

Ovipositing female Japanese sawyer beetles, Monochamus alternatus, prefer stressed Pinus massoniana over healthy trees. Host discrimination by M. alternatus suggests that changes in the chemical composition of pines may mediate the host preference of beetles. Volatile compounds from stressed and healthy pine stems were collected using absorbent trap collection method. Significant differences in absolute terpene quantities between stressed and healthy pines occurred for 7 of 10 terpenes. Field trials demonstrated that four terpenes identified from host pines were attractive to M. alternatus with (+)-α-pinene as the most attractive compound to M. alternatus. Ethanol appeared to be an important synergistic compound causing significant increase in attraction. RésuméLes femelles du cérambycidé Monochamus alternatus préfèrent pondre sur les arbres stressés que sur les arbres sains de Pinus massoniana. Cette discrimination dans le choix de l’hôte par l’insecte pourrait être reliée à des modifications intervenues dans la composition chimique des pins. Les composés volatils émis par des pins stressés et sains ont été collectés en utilisant une méthode de piégeage sur résine adsorbante. La quantité absolue de 7 terpènes sur les 10 analysés diffère significativement entre pins stressés et sains. Des essais sur le terrain ont montrés que 4 de ces terpènes sont attractifs pour M. Alternatus. l’(+)-α-pinène étant le compose le plus attractif. L’éthanol semble être un composé synergique induisant une augmentation significative de l’attraction.
Concern-based cohesion: Unveiling a hidden dimension of cohesion measurement

Cohesion has been avidly recognized as a key property of software modularity. Ideally, a software module is considered to be cohesive if it represents an abstraction of a single concern of the software. Modules with several concerns may be harder to understand because developers must mentally separate the source code related to each concern. Also, modules implementing several concerns are more likely to undergo changes as much as distinct development tasks may target its different concerns. The most well-known cohesion metrics are defined in terms of the syntactical structure of a module, and as a consequence fail to capture the amount of concerns realized by the module. In this context, we investigated the potential of a new metric, called Lack of Concern-based Cohesion. This metric explicitly counts the number of concerns realized by each module. We compared this metric with other five structural cohesion metrics by applying them over six open source software systems. We studied how those metrics are associated with module changes by mining over 16,000 repository revisions. Our results pointed out that the concern-based metric captured a cohesion dimension that is not reflected by structural metrics, and, as a consequence, adds to the association of cohesion and change-proneness.
Event driven test case selection for regression testing web applications

Traditional testing techniques are not apt for the multifaceted web-based applications, since they miss the additional features of web applications such as their multi-tier nature, hyperlink-based structure, and event-driven feature. As software systems evolve, errors sometimes sneak in; software that has been tested on certain inputs may fail to work on those same inputs in the future. Regression testing aims to detect these errors by comparing present behavior with past behavior. Although regression testing has been widely used to gain confidence in the reliability of software by providing information about the quality of an application, it has suffered limited use in this domain due to the frequent nature of updates to websites and the difficulty of automatically comparing test case output. In this paper we propose a new paradigm that exploits regression testing to be used by web applications. This event-driven technique is based on the creation of event-dependency graph of the original and modified web application, then converting the original and modified web application graph into event test tree, followed by the comparison of both trees to identify affected and potentially affected nodes which enables selection of test cases for regression testing web applications finally reducing the test set size. We apply this technique to a case study to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed paradigm.
Serum response factor is essential for mesoderm formation during mouse embryogenesis

The transcription factor serum response factor (SRF), a phylogenetically conserved nuclear protein, mediates the rapid transcriptional response to extracellular stimuli, e.g. growth and differentiation signals. DNA–protein complexes containing SRF or its homologues function as nuclear targets of the Ras/MAPK signalling network, thereby directing gene activities associated with processes as diverse as pheromone signalling, cell‐cycle progression (transitions G0–G1 and G2–M), neuronal synaptic transmission and muscle cell differentiation. So far, the activity of mammalian SRF has been studied exclusively in cultured cells. To study SRF function in a multicellular organism we generated an Srf null allele in mice. SRF‐deficient embryos (Srf−/−) have a severe gastrulation defect and do not develop to term. They consist of misfolded ectodermal and endodermal cell layers, do not form a primitive streak or any detectable mesodermal cells and fail to express the developmental marker genes Bra (T), Bmp‐2/4 and Shh. Activation of the SRF‐regulated immediate early genes Egr‐1 and c‐fos, as well as the α‐Actin gene, is severely impaired. Our study identifies SRF as a new and essential regulator of mammalian mesoderm formation. We therefore suggest that in mammals Ras/MAPK signalling contributes to mesoderm induction, as is the case in amphibia.
Bone Metabolism in Pregnant Women Exposed to Single Compared With Multiple Courses of Corticosteroids

OBJECTIVE: To compare markers of maternal bone metabolism between women who received a single compared with multiple courses of antenatal corticosteroids. METHODS: This is an analysis of serum samples from a previously reported randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial. Women at risk for preterm delivery after an initial course of corticosteroids were randomly assigned to weekly courses of betamethasone (active) or placebo. Serum levels of carboxy terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP) and cross-linked carboxy terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) were measured to assess the rate of bone formation and resorption, respectively, at three time points. The placebo group (n=93) was compared with the active group, receiving four or more courses of betamethasone (n=112). RESULTS: There were significant (P<.001) increases in PICP and ICTP between baseline and delivery in both groups. Cross-linked carboxy terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, but not PICP, was lower with corticosteroid exposure immediately before administration of the fourth study course (P<.001). No significant differences in PICP and ICTP were seen between groups at delivery. CONCLUSION: Increasing levels of PICP and ICTP with advancing gestation are consistent with physiologic changes in maternal bone metabolism. Multiple courses of corticosteroids for fetal maturation are not associated with persistent or cumulative effects on maternal bone metabolism as measured by PICP and ICTP. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: II
Measuring short-term population mobility among indigenous Australians: options and implications.

"Despite the fact that indigenous Australians are known to be frequently mobile over the short term, statistical information regarding this population movement is grossly deficient. This paper examines various means by which short-term population movement can be quantified to yield aggregate indicators of demographic impact. First, census data are used to establish the rate and pattern of inter-regional, short-term displacement. This reveals regional urban centres as net recipients of temporary residents while most rural areas experience temporary absenteeism. Secondly, results from household surveys are reported stressing the importance of including visitors to households in the estimation of service populations. Thirdly, administrative data on occupancy in urban hostels are used to derive indicators of the duration of movement. "