Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhanced levels of glutathione and protein glutathiolation in rat tongue epithelium during 4‐NQO‐induced carcinogenesis

High glutathione (GSH) levels are commonly found in oral tumors and are thought to play an important role in tumorigenesis. While posttranslational binding of GSH to cellular proteins (protein glutathiolation) has recently been recognized as an important redox‐sensitive regulatory mechanism, no data currently exist on this process during carcinogenesis. Our goal was to determine the effects of 4‐nitroquinoline‐N‐oxide (4‐NQO)‐induced carcinogenesis on tongue levels of protein‐bound and free GSH and related thiols in the rat. Male F‐344 rats (6 weeks of age) were administered either 4‐NQO (20 ppm) in drinking water or tap water alone (controls) for 8 weeks. Twenty‐four weeks after cessation of 4‐NQO, squamous cell carcinomas of the tongue were observed in all rats. The levels of both free and bound GSH in tumors, as well as in adjacent tissues, were 2‐ to 3‐fold greater than in tongue epithelium from control rats (p < 0.05). Prior to tumor formation, at 8 weeks after cessation of 4‐NQO, hyperplasia, dysplasia and carcinoma in situ were observed in 100%, 25% and 12.5% of 4‐NQO‐treated rats, respectively. At this early stage of carcinogenesis, levels of free and bound GSH were increased 50% compared with tongue tissues from control rats (p < 0.05). Glutathione disulfide (GSSG) levels were also 2‐fold greater in tongue tissues from 4‐NQO treated vs. control rats (p < 0.05). Altogether, these results suggest that protein glutathiolation, together with GSH and GSSG levels, are induced during oral carcinogenesis in the rat possibly as a result of enhanced levels of oxidative stress. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Kennedy's Disease

Abstract : X‐linked spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), Kennedy's disease, is a degenerative disease of the motor neurons that is associated with an increase in the number of CAG repeats encoding a polyglutamine stretch within the androgen receptor (AR). Recent work has demonstrated that the gene products associated with open reading frame triplet repeat expansions may be substrates for the cysteine protease cell death executioners, the caspases. However, the role that caspase cleavage plays in the cytotoxicity associated with expression of the disease‐associated alleles is unknown. Here, we report the first conclusive evidence that caspase cleavage is a critical step in cytotoxicity ; the expression of the AR with an expanded polyglutamine stretch enhances its ability to induce apoptosis when compared with the normal AR. The AR is cleaved by a caspase‐3 subfamily protease at Asp146, and this cleavage is increased during apoptosis. Cleavage of the AR at Asp146 is critical for the induction of apoptosis by AR, as mutation of the cleavage site blocks the ability of the AR to induce cell death. Further, mutation of the caspase cleavage site at Asp146 blocks the ability of the SBMA AR to form perinuclear aggregates. These studies define a fundamental role for caspase cleavage in the induction of neural cell death by proteins displaying expanded polyglutamine tracts, and therefore suggest a strategy that may be useful to treat neurodegenrative diseases associated with polyglutamine repeat expansions.
The virulence plasmid pWR100 and the repertoire of proteins secreted by the type III secretion apparatus of Shigella flexneri

Bacteria of Shigella spp. are the causative agents of shigellosis. The virulence traits of these pathogens include their ability to enter into epithelial cells and induce apoptosis in macrophages. Expression of these functions requires the Mxi–Spa type III secretion apparatus and the secreted IpaA–D proteins, all of which are encoded by a virulence plasmid. In wild‐type strains, the activity of the secretion apparatus is tightly regulated and induced upon contact of bacteria with epithelial cells. To investigate the repertoire of proteins secreted by Shigella flexneri in conditions of active secretion, we determined the N‐terminal sequence of 14 proteins that are secreted by a mutant in which secretion was deregulated. Sequencing of the virulence plasmid pWR100 of the S. flexneri strain M90T (serotype 5) has allowed us to identify the genes encoding these secreted proteins and suggests that approximately 25 proteins are secreted by the type III secretion apparatus. Analysis of the G+C content and the relative positions of genes and open reading frames carried by the plasmid, together with information concerning the localization and function of encoded proteins, suggests that pWR100 contains blocks of genes of various origins, some of which were initially carried by four different plasmids.
Comparing Sildenafil Alone Vs. Sildenafil Plus Brief Couple Sex Therapy on Erectile Dysfunction and Couples' Sexual and Marital Quality of Life: A Pilot Study

Treatment options for managing erectile dysfunction (ED) include medical and psychological interventions. The present study examined the effectiveness of a drug-only vs. combined treatment approach on erectile function as well as other domains of sexual function and cognition, couple intimacy and adaptation, and treatment satisfaction. Couples with ED were randomly assigned to either Viagra-only (VO) or Viagra plus sex therapy (VST). Sexual and relationship variables were measured at specific time points. Despite limitations, study findings extend previous conclusions and provide empirical support for the effectiveness and satisfaction with the combined treatment approach for treating men with ED of mixed etiology.
GDNF Family Receptor alpha1 Phenotype of Spermatogonial Stem Cells in Immature Mouse Testes1

Abstract Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are essential for spermatogenesis, and these adult tissue stem cells balance self-renewal and differentiation to meet the biological demand of the testis. The developmental dynamics of SSCs are controlled, in part, by factors in the stem cell niche, which is located on the basement membrane of seminiferous tubules situated among Sertoli cells. Sertoli cells produce glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and disruption of GDNF expression results in spermatogenic defects and infertility. The GDNF signals through a receptor complex that includes GDNF family receptor α1 (GFRA1), which is thought to be expressed by SSCs. However, expression of GFRA1 on SSCs has not been confirmed by in vivo functional assay, which is the only method that allows definitive identification of SSCs. Therefore, we fractionated mouse pup testis cells based on GFRA1 expression using magnetic activated cell sorting. The sorted and depleted fractions of GFRA1 were characterized for germ cell markers by immunocytochemistry and for stem cell activity by germ cell transplantation. The GFRA1-positive cell fraction coeluted with other markers of SSCs, including ITGA6 and CD9, and was significantly depleted of KIT-positive cells. The transplantation results confirmed that a subpopulation of SSCs expresses GFRA1, but also that the stem cell pool is heterogeneous with respect to the level of GFRA1 expression. Interestingly, POU5F1-positive cells were enriched nearly 15-fold in the GFRA1-selected fraction, possibly suggesting heterogeneity of developmental potential within the stem cell pool.
Contributions of hyphae and hypha‐co‐regulated genes to Candida albicans virulence

The fascinating ability of Candida albicans to undergo dramatic changes in cellular morphology has invited speculation that this plasticity in form contributes to the virulence of the organism. Molecular genetic analyses have confirmed this hypothesis and further demonstrated that genes that govern cellular morphology are co‐regulated with genes encoding conventional virulence factors such as proteases and adhesins. The transcriptional regulatory networks of C. albicans thus ensure that hyphae are produced concomitantly with virulence factors, resulting in cells that are adapted for invading the tissues of an immunocompromised host. Hyphae are able to exert mechanical force, aiding penetration of epithelial surfaces, and hyphae damage endothelial cells, aiding escape of C. albicans from the host bloodstream into deeper tissue. Hyphal morphogenesis is thus an integral part of the overall virulence strategy of C. albicans.
Multi-tier incentive scheme for residential customer participation in demand response management programs

In this paper, we develop a framework to manage incentive payments for participants of residential DRM programs. We consider multi-tier participation plans, clearly elaborating the terms of engagement with the grid operator for individual devices and making it easier to quantify inconvenience experienced by participants and financial gains for the grid operator. Our proposed framework aims to optimize the average incentive-inconvenience ratio. Using our framework, the grid operator can achieve a desired profit margin, while the participating customers receive maximum incentive payments according to the inconvenience value of the subscribed plan.
A test of a mitochondrial gene-based phylogeny of woodpeckers (genus Picoides) using an independent nuclear gene, beta-fibrinogen intron 7.

A conservative estimate of the species tree for the woodpecker genus Picoides based on two mitochondrial protein-coding genes is tested using sequences of an independently evolving nuclear intron, beta-fibrinogen intron 7. The mitochondrial gene-based topology and the intron-based topology are concordant, and a partition-homogeneity statistical test did not detect phylogenetic heterogeneity. The intron evolves more slowly than the mitochondrial sequences and tends not to resolve relationships among recently evolved species. However, the intron is superior over mitochondrial genes in resolving older bifurcations in the phylogeny. The two data sets were combined resulting in a robust estimate of the Picoides species tree in which most every node is statistically supported by bootstrap proportions. The Picoides species tree clearly shows that many morphological and behavioral characters used to lump species into this single genus have evolved by convergent evolution. Picoides is considered the largest genus of woodpeckers, but the molecular-based species tree suggests that Picoides is actually a conglomerate of several smaller groups.
Five Listeria monocytogenes genes preferentially expressed in infected mammalian cells: plcA, purH, purD, pyrE and an arginine ABC transporter gene, arpJ

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterial pathogen that multiplies within the cytosol of eukaryotic cells. To identify Listeria genes with preferentially intracellular expression (pic genes), a library of Tn917‐lac Insertion mutants was screened for transcriptional fusions to lacZ with higher expression inside a macrophage‐like cell line than in a rich broth medium. Five pic genes with up to 100‐fold induction inside cells were identified. Three of them (purH, purD and pyrE) were involved in nucleotide biosynthesis. One was part of an operon encoding an ABC (ATP‐binding cassette) transporter for arginine. The corresponding mutants were not affected in intracellular growth, cell‐to‐cell spread or virulence, except for the transporter mutant, whose LD50 after intravenous infection of mice was twofold higher than the wild‐type. The fifth gene was plcA, a previously identified virulence gene that encodes a phosphatidylinositol‐phospholipase C. , and is cotranscribed with prfA, a gene encoding a pleiotropic transcriptional activator of known virulence genes. Although plcA expression is known to depend on PrfA, a prfA promoter–lacZ fusion was highly expressed both Inside and outside cells. Furthermore, in the presence of cellobiose, a disac‐charide recently shown to repress plcA and hly expression, plcA and hly mRNA levels were dramatically reduced without any decrease in the monocistronic prfA mRNA levels. These results demonstrate that virulence gene activation does not depend only on prfA transcript accumulation.
Propranolol enhances adenine nucleotide degradation in human muscle during exercise.

Eight healthy men cycled to exhaustion [4.1 +/- 0.3 (SE) min] during beta-adrenoceptor blockade (beta B) with propranolol. The exercise was repeated on another day with the same power output and duration but without propranolol (control). The total adenine nucleotide (TAN) content in muscle (quadriceps femoris) decreased during exercise, and the decrease was more pronounced during beta B (delta TAN = 4.8 +/- 1.0 mmol/kg dry wt) than during control (delta TAN = 2.8 +/- 0.9; P less than 0.01, beta B vs. control). The decrease in TAN corresponded with a similar increase in inosine 5'-monophosphate (IMP). The increase in IMP was more pronounced during beta B (delta IMP = 5.1 +/- 1.2 mmol/kg dry wt) than during control (delta IMP = 2.8 +/- 0.7; P less than 0.05, beta B vs. control). Similarly, the increase in the content of NH3 in muscle was twice as high during beta B vs. control (P less than 0.01). The increase in muscle lactate and the decrease in phosphocreatine during exercise were similar between treatments, but postexercise hexose phosphates were approximately twofold higher (P less than 0.05) during control than during beta B. It is concluded that beta B enhances the degradation of TAN and the production of NH3 and IMP in muscle during intense exercise. This indicates that the imbalance between the rates of utilization and resynthesis of ATP is more pronounced during beta B possibly because of a decreased O2 transport to the contracting muscle and a diminished activation of glycolysis by the hexose phosphates. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The 100 kDa haem:haemopexin‐binding protein of Haemophilus Influenzae: structure and localization

All Haemophilus influenzae strains have an absolute requirement for exogenously supplied haem for aerobic growth. A majority of strains of H. influenzae type b (Hib) produce a 100 kDa protein which binds haem: haemopexin complexes. This 100 kDa haem:haemopexin binding protein, designated HxuA, was originally detected on the Hib cell surface. Monoclonal antibody (mAb)‐based analyses revealed that the HxuA protein was also present in soluble form in Hib culture supernatants. This soluble HxuA protein exhibited haem:haemopexin‐binding activity in a direct binding assay. Nucleotide sequence analysis of the hxuA gene from Hib strain DL42, together with N‐terminal amino acid analysis of HxuA protein purified from Hib culture supernatant, revealed that this protein was synthesized as a 101 kDa precursor with a leader peptide that was removed to yield a 99kDa protein. Southern blot analysis of chromosomal DNA from four Hib and four non‐typeable H. influenzae (NTHI) strains detected the presence of a single band in each strain that hybridized a Hib hxuA gene probe. Subsequent analysis of these NTHI strains showed that all four strains released into culture supernatant a haem:haemopexin‐binding protein that migrated in SDS‐PAGE at a rate similar or identical to that of the Hib HxuA protein. A Hib hxuA mutant was used to screen an NTHI genomic DNA library and an NTHI gene was cloned that complemented the mutation in this Hib strain. Nucleotide sequence analysis of this NTHI gene revealed that it encoded a protein with 87% identity to the Hib HxuA protein. The expression of HxuA by both Hib and NTHI strains indicates that this particular haem acquisition system is conserved among H. influenzae strains.
Detection and Reconstruction of Images from Satellite Images: GIS

The increase in spatial resolution has enabled analysis and detection of images obtained through satellite. To increase the accuracy in image processing, an unwanted shadow needs to be processed effectively. A quality check mechanism governs the false reconstruction problems. In the proposed paper we would like to suggest use of Lib SVM algorithm. The original image obtained from satellite is first supervised to identify shadow and non shadow regions. The shadow region is then filtered using morphological filter and a border is created around shadow. With the help of Lib SVM algorithm the shadow image can be removed using post classification methods and shadow free image can be obtained.
Dynamic service match-making model and algorithm

The model and algorithm to determine appropriate services for dynamic requirements are developed. Customer requirements are classified into static and dynamic requirements, then the services and dynamic requirements are decomposed within the same dimensions into specialized sub items. By mapping these decomposed sub items to the same ontology concept tree, the similarity between a service and the corresponding dynamic requirement can be calculated. The weighted average of theses similarities are calculated for eventually determining the matching value of the service and dynamic requirements. Comparing different service and dynamic requirements matching values helps service providers to make better service match-making choice.
Screening for large bowel neoplasms individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer

Sir We read with interest Dr Subrahmanyam’s article on mesosigmoplasty as a definitive operation for sigmoid volvulus (Br J Surg 1992; 79: 683-4). He is to be congratulated on the remarkably low mortality and recurrence rates achieved when treating the emergency sigmoid volvulus by the method described. We have recently studied 30 patients with sigmoid volvulus who presented as emergencies to Nottingham hospitals over the past 4 years. The mean age was 70 (range 40-96) years; the sex distribution was equal. In all cases, the diagnosis was made from clinical features and abdominal radiography. Flatus tube decompression was attempted in all patients and was considered to produce an acceptable result in 15. A total of 15 patients underwent operation for an emergency sigmoid volvulus during the presenting admission; the sigmoid colon was always resected, whether gangrenous or not. In seven patients a defunctioning colostomy and mucus fistula was formed and in eight a primary anastomosis was fashioned, none with covering colostomies. In this last group there were two anastomotic leaks and one small bowel obstruction. Overall, nine patients died: five from the group treated conservatively, one among those who had a defunctioning colostomy and three from the group undergoing primary anastomosis. To date there have been three recurrences, all occurring in patients initially treated conservatively. They have been managed with surgical resection of the sigmoid colon and primary anastomosis. Our audit reveals morbidity, mortality and ‘recurrence rates higher than those of Dr Subrahmanyam, although this can be explained by the cohort being older and in poor general health. The mesosigmoplasty operation is a valued addition to the treatment options available to manage sigmoid volvulus.
Oxidation of antibacterial molecules by aqueous ozone: moiety-specific reaction kinetics and application to ozone-based wastewater treatment.

Ozone and hydroxyl radical (*OH) reaction kinetics were measured for 14 antibacterial compounds from nine structural families, to determine whether municipal wastewater ozonation is likely to result in selective oxidation of these compounds' biochemically essential moieties. Each substrate is oxidized by ozone with an apparent second-order rate constant, k''(O3,app) > 1 x 10(3) M(-1) s(-1), at pH 7, with the exception of N(4)-acetylsulfamethoxazole (K''(O3,app) is 2.5 x 102 M(-1) s(-1)). k''(O3,app) values (pH 7) for macrolides, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, tetracycline, vancomycin, and amikacin appear to correspond directly to oxidation of biochemically essential moieties. Initial reactions of ozone with N(4)-acetylsulfamethoxazole, fluoroquinolones, lincomycin, and beta-lactams do not lead to appreciable oxidation of biochemically essential moieties. However, ozone oxidizes these moieties within fluoroquinolones and lincomycin via slower reactions. Measured k''(O3,app) values and second-order *OH rate constants, k''(*OH,app) were utilized to characterize pollutant losses during ozonation of secondary municipal wastewater effluent. These losses were dependent on k''(O3,app), but independent of k''(*OH,app). Ozone doses > or =3 mg/L yielded > or =99% depletion of fast-reacting substrates (K''(O3,app) > 5 x 10(4) M(-1) s(-1)) at pH 7.7. Ten substrates reacted predominantly with ozone; only four were oxidized predominantly by . OH. These results indicate that many antibacterial compounds will be oxidized in wastewater via moiety-specific reactions with ozone.
Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis after migration of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)

Introduction: Peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC) are widely used in cancer patients and ultrasound-guided PICC insertion could improve success rate. The tip position of the catheter should be located at the border of lower one-third of the superior vena cava (SVC) and cavo-atrial junction. The migration is malposition at the late stage after PICCs were inserted, and catheter malposition was associated with thrombosis and other complications. After patient's informed consent, we report a case of a 66-year-old male with twice catheter migrations resulting in thrombosis after being diagnosed with cardiac cancer. Conclusion: The correct position of the catheter tip can ensure the normal use of PICC and reduce the complications. For the migrated catheter, it should be removed as soon as possible, and when thrombosis has been developed, standard anticoagulant therapy should be given.
Coupling element antenna with slot tuning for handheld devices at LTE frequencies

Tunable antennas are a promising way to overcome bandwidth limitations for the new communication standards. Since it is the chassis that resonates in the low frequencies, its tuning is pertinent and allows for more compact size designs. This paper proposes a coupling element based antenna. A reconfigurable slot is inserted in the ground plane in order to lower its resonance frequency. The tuning is done by a capacitor across the slot. It is shown that covering all frequencies between the 900-GSM band and the 700-LTE band can be achieved. The radiating structure also presents a resonance in the high LTE band which is unaffected by the tuning mechanism of the lower band. Moreover, the efficiency can be optimized by an analysis of the currents across the slot. The study also shows that holding the device does not lead to additional mismatch losses which will further improve the overall efficiency.
Combination Teriparatide and Raloxifene Therapy for Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: Results From a 6‐Month Double‐Blind Placebo‐Controlled Trial

We compared combination treatment with teriparatide plus raloxifene with teriparatide alone in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis in a 6‐month double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial that measured biochemical markers of bone turnover and BMD. Markers of bone formation and spine BMD increased similarly with teriparatide alone and combination therapy. However, combination therapy induced a significantly smaller increase in bone resorption versus teriparatide alone and significantly increased total hip BMD versus baseline.