Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of a cell surface-associated protein in adherence and dental caries

Insertional inactivation of the Streptococcus mutans spaP gene was used to construct an isogenic mutant (834) of strain NG8 (serotype c) which lacked the major cell surface-associated protein referred to as P1 (15). Results of several studies suggest that P1 is involved in the adherence of S. mutans to saliva-coated apatite surfaces. With an in vitro model system of hydroxyapatite (HA) beads coated with parotid saliva (PS) and additional HA surfaces coated with PS and in situ-formed glucan, it was observed that mutant 834 adhered poorly to the PS/HA surfaces. In contrast, both parent and mutant strains bound to the PS-glucan/HA surface. Groups of intact and desalivated rats were infected with each strain to determine relative capacities to induce dental caries. Rats were fed a highly cariogenic diet containing 56% sucrose for 3 to 5 weeks. Each strain colonized the rodent model and caused similar levels of smooth-surface caries under these dietary conditions. It was concluded that P1 influences the ability of organisms to adhere to saliva-coated surfaces and possibly affects primary colonization of the oral cavity in the absence of a glucan surface but has no effect on glucan-mediated adherence in vitro or in vivo.
Unmasking a shady mirror effect: Recognition of normal versus obscured faces

Hockley, Hemsworth, and Consoli (1999) found that following the study of normal faces, a recognition test of normal faces versus faces wearing sunglasses produced a mirror effect: The sunglasses manipulation decreased hit rates and increased false-alarm rates. The stimuli used by Hockley et al. (1999) consisted of separate poses of models wearing or not wearing sunglasses. In the current experiments, we separately manipulated same versus different depictions of individual faces and whether or not the faces were partially obscured. The results of a simulation and four experiments suggest that the test-based, mirror effect observed by Hockley et al. (1999) is actually two separable effects.
Stem cell and kinase activity-independent pathway in resistance of leukaemia to BCR-ABL kinase inhibitors

• Introduction • Ph+ leukaemia • Leukaemic stem cells • Identification of CML stem cells in mice • BCR‐ABL kinase inhibitors do not completely eradicate CML stem cells • B‐ALL stem cells and their sensitivity to kinase inhibitors • SRC kinase may impact B‐ALL stem cell functions through activation of the downstream signalling molecule β‐catenin • Activation of SRC kinases by BCR‐ABL is independent of its kinase activity • Role of SRC kinases in the development of B‐ALL • Inhibition BCR‐ABL kinase activity and SRC kinase leads to long‐term survival of B‐ALL mice • Role of SRC kinases in progression of CML to lymphoid blast crisis • Comments and conclusions
The effect of thermal processing in oil on the macromolecular integrity and acrylamide formation from starch of three potato cultivars organically fertilized

Abstract Starches from three organically produced cultivars of potato tuber (Lady Rosetta, Spunta and Voyager) have been studied in relation to (i) acrylamide production (ii) macromolecular integrity after frying with extra virgin olive oil, soybean oil and corn oil. During cultivation, a treatment involving the combination of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilization under organic farming was applied (N1, P2, K1 where Ν1 = 1.3 g Ν per plant, P2 = 5.2 g P2O5 per plant, Κ1 = 4.0 g K2O per plant). Potatoes fried in olive oil retained the highest glucose concentrations for all cultivars 0.85 ± 0.2 mmol/kg, followed by 0.48 ± 0.2 for those fried in corn oil and 0.40 ± 0.1 mmol/kg for those fried in soybean oil. The highest average fructose concentration was recorded for the samples fried in corn oil as 0.81 ± 0.2, followed by 0.80 ± 0.2 and 0.68 ± 0.3 mmol/kg for the samples fried in olive and soybean oils, respectively. Asparagine was the most abundant free amino acid in the three varieties tested, followed by glutamine and aspartic acid. The mean initial concentration of asparagine in raw potatoes tubers was 42.8 ± 1.6 mmoles kg−1 for Lady Rosetta, 34.6 ± 1.2 mmoles kg−1 (dry weight) for Spunta and 36.2 ± 2.0 mmoles kg−1 for Voyager. Lady Rosetta contained a significantly higher concentration of asparagine compared to the other two varieties (p < 0.05). The greatest quantity of acrylamide was observed in French fries derived from the potato variety Lady Rosetta when fried in soybean oil and it was 2,600 ± 440 μg/kg, followed by Spunta which was 2,280 ± 340 μg/kg and Voyager 1,120 ± 220 μg/kg. There is a significant reduction in the formation of acrylamide in the variety Voyager compared to the others (p = 0.05).
Carotenoid-Based Colours Reflect the Stress Response in the Common Lizard

Under chronic stress, carotenoid-based colouration has often been shown to fade. However, the ecological and physiological mechanisms that govern colouration still remain largely unknown. Colour changes may be directly induced by the stressor (for example through reduced carotenoid intake) or due to the activation of the physiological stress response (PSR, e.g. due to increased blood corticosterone concentrations). Here, we tested whether blood corticosterone concentration affected carotenoid-based colouration, and whether a trade-off between colouration and PSR existed. Using the common lizard (Lacerta vivipara), we correlatively and experimentally showed that elevated blood corticosterone levels are associated with increased redness of the lizard's belly. In this study, the effects of corticosterone did not depend on carotenoid ingestion, indicating the absence of a trade-off between colouration and PSR for carotenoids. While carotenoid ingestion increased blood carotenoid concentration, colouration was not modified. This suggests that carotenoid-based colouration of common lizards is not severely limited by dietary carotenoid intake. Together with earlier studies, these findings suggest that the common lizard's carotenoid-based colouration may be a composite trait, consisting of fixed (e.g. genetic) and environmentally elements, the latter reflecting the lizard's PSR.
Effects of Levothyroxine Replacement Therapy on Parameters of Metabolic Syndrome and Atherosclerosis in Hypothyroid Patients: A Prospective Pilot Study

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of levothyroxine (LT4) replacement therapy during three months on some parameters of metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis in patients with increased thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) level. This study included a group of 30 female patients with TSH level >4 mIU/L and 15 matched healthy controls. Intima media complex thickness (IMCT) and peak systolic flow velocity (PSFV) of superficial femoral artery were determined by Color Doppler scan. In hypothyroid subjects, BMI, SBP, DBP, and TSH were significantly increased versus controls and decreased after LT4 administration. FT4 was significantly lower in hypothyroid subjects compared with controls and significantly higher by treatment. TC, Tg, HDL-C, and LDL-C were similar to controls at baseline but TC and LDL-C were significantly decreased by LH4 treatment. IMCT was significantly increased versus controls at baseline and significantly reduced by treatment. PSFV was similar to controls at baseline and significantly decreased on treatment. In this study, we have demonstrated the effects of LT4 replacement therapy during three months of treatment on correction of risk factors of metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis.
Hyaluronan Synthase 1: A Mysterious Enzyme with Unexpected Functions

Hyaluronan synthase 1 (HAS1) is one of three isoenzymes responsible for cellular hyaluronan synthesis. Interest in HAS1 has been limited because its role in hyaluronan production seems to be insignificant compared to the two other isoenzymes, HAS2 and HAS3, which have higher enzymatic activity. Furthermore, in most cell types studied so far, the expression of its gene is low and the enzyme requires high concentrations of sugar precursors for hyaluronan synthesis, even when overexpressed in cell cultures. Both expression and activity of HAS1 are induced by pro-inflammatory factors like interleukins and cytokines, suggesting its involvement in inflammatory conditions. Has1 is upregulated in states associated with inflammation, like atherosclerosis, osteoarthritis, and infectious lung disease. In addition, both full length and splice variants of HAS1 are expressed in malignancies like bladder and prostate cancers, multiple myeloma, and malignant mesothelioma. Interestingly, immunostainings of tissue sections have demonstrated the role of HAS1 as a poor predictor in breast cancer, and is correlated with high relapse rate and short overall survival. Utilization of fluorescently tagged proteins has revealed the intracellular distribution pattern of HAS1, distinct from other isoenzymes. In all cell types studied so far, a high proportion of HAS1 is accumulated intracellularly, with a faint signal detected on the plasma membrane and its protrusions. Furthermore, the pericellular hyaluronan coat produced by HAS1 is usually thin without induction by inflammatory agents or glycemic stress and depends on CD44–HA interactions. These specific interactions regulate the organization of hyaluronan into a leukocyte recruiting matrix during inflammatory responses. Despite the apparently minor enzymatic activity of HAS1 under normal conditions, it may be an important factor under conditions associated with glycemic stress like metabolic syndrome, inflammation, and cancer.
Decoupling nutrient signaling from growth rate causes aerobic glycolysis and deregulation of cell size and gene expression

The nutrition and the growth rate of a cell are two interacting factors with pervasive physiological effects. Our experiments decouple these factors and demonstrate the role of a growth rate signal, independent of the actual rate of biomass increase, on gene regulation, the cell division cycle, and the switch to a respiro-fermentative metabolism.
The behavior of retail gasoline prices: symmetric or not?

INCE DEREGULATION in the early 1980s, crude oil prices have been allowed to move freely with market conditions. Because of oil supply shocks and seasonal movements in gasoline demand, retail gasoline prices often fluctuate more widely than consumer prices in general. Some analysts and politicians have criticized these retail gasoline price movements, alleging that they do not respond symmetrically to price changes at earlier stages of the marketing chain. In particular, they believe that retail gasoline prices do not reflect decreases in oil and wholesale gasoline prices as rapidly and fully as they do price increases. The shaded insert on page 20 contains comments typical of this line of criticism. The perceived asymmetry in retail gasoline price movements is of special concern to consumers who believe that they are being “gouged” by the oil industry. Much of the perception of possible asymmetry focuses on the relationship between the price of oil and the retail price of gasoline. This suggests
Natural image denoising: Optimality and inherent bounds

The goal of natural image denoising is to estimate a clean version of a given noisy image, utilizing prior knowledge on the statistics of natural images. The problem has been studied intensively with considerable progress made in recent years. However, it seems that image denoising algorithms are starting to converge and recent algorithms improve over previous ones by only fractional dB values. It is thus important to understand how much more can we still improve natural image denoising algorithms and what are the inherent limits imposed by the actual statistics of the data. The challenge in evaluating such limits is that constructing proper models of natural image statistics is a long standing and yet unsolved problem. To overcome the absence of accurate image priors, this paper takes a non parametric approach and represents the distribution of natural images using a huge set of 1010 patches. We then derive a simple statistical measure which provides a lower bound on the optimal Bayesian minimum mean square error (MMSE). This imposes a limit on the best possible results of denoising algorithms which utilize a fixed support around a denoised pixel and a generic natural image prior. Our findings suggest that for small windows, state of the art denoising algorithms are approaching optimality and cannot be further improved beyond ∼ 0.1dB values.
Human Pathogens and the Host Cell SUMOylation System

ABSTRACT Since posttranslational modification (PTM) by the small ubiquitin-related modifiers (SUMOs) was discovered over a decade ago, a huge number of cellular proteins have been found to be reversibly modified, resulting in alteration of differential cellular pathways. Although the molecular consequences of SUMO attachment are difficult to predict, the underlying principle of SUMOylation is altering inter- and/or intramolecular interactions of the modified substrate, changing localization, stability, and/or activity. Unsurprisingly, many different pathogens have evolved to exploit the cellular SUMO modification system due to its functional flexibility and far-reaching functional downstream consequences. Although the extensive knowledge gained so far is impressive, a definitive conclusion about the role of SUMO modification during virus infection in general remains elusive and is still restricted to a few, yet promising concepts. Based on the available data, this review aims, first, to provide a detailed overview of the current state of knowledge and, second, to evaluate the currently known common principles/molecular mechanisms of how human pathogenic microbes, especially viruses and their regulatory proteins, exploit the host cell SUMO modification system.
Inappropriate requesting of glycated hemoglobin (Hb A1c) is widespread: assessment of prevalence, impact of national guidance, and practice-to-practice variability.

BACKGROUND Estimates suggest that approximately 25% of requests for pathology tests are unnecessary. Even in diabetes, for which international guidance provides recommended testing frequency, considerable variability in requesting practice exists. Using the diabetes marker, Hb A(1c), we examined (a) the prevalence of under- and overrequesting, (b) the impact of international guidance on prevalence, and (c) practice-to-practice variability. METHODS We examined Hb A(1c) requests (519 664 requests from 115 730 patients, January 2001 to March 2011) processed by the Clinical Biochemistry Department, University Hospital of North Staffordshire, and prevalence of requesting outside guidance from intervals between requests was calculated. Requests were classified as "appropriate," "too soon," or "too late. " We also assessed the effect of demographic factors and publication of guidance, along with between-practice variability, on prevalence. RESULTS Only 49% of requests conformed to guidance; 21% were too soon and 30% were too late. Underrequesting was more common in primary care, in female patients, in younger patients, and in patients with generally poorer control (all P < 0.001); the reverse generally was true for overrequesting. Publication of guidance (e.g., American Diabetes Association, UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence) had no significant impact on under- or overrequesting rates. Prevalence of inappropriate requests varied approximately 6-fold between general practices. CONCLUSIONS Although overrequesting was common, underrequesting was more prevalent, potentially affecting longer-term health outcomes. National guidance appears to be an ineffective approach to changing request behavior, supporting the need for a multisystem approach to reducing variability.
Subchronic haloperidol increases CB1 receptor binding and G protein coupling in discrete regions of the basal ganglia

The present study was designed to test whether chronic neuroleptic treatment, which is known to alter both expression and density of dopamine D2 receptors in striatal regions, has effects upon function and binding level of the cannabinoid CB1 receptor in the basal ganglia by using receptor autoradiography. As predicted, subchronic haloperidol treatment resulted in increased binding of 3H‐raclopride and quinpirole‐induced guanosine 5′‐O‐(γ‐[35S]thio)triphosphate ([35S]GTPγS) in the striatum when compared to that measured in control animals. This increased D2 receptor binding and function after 3 days washout was normalized after a 2‐week washout period. Effect of haloperidol treatment was studied for CB1 receptor binding and CP55,940‐stimulated [35S]GTPγS in the striatum, globus pallidus, and substantia nigra. 3[H]CP55,940 binding levels were found in rank order from highest to lowest in substantia nigra > globus pallidus > striatum. Furthermore, subchronic haloperidol treatment resulted in elevated binding levels of 3[H]CP55,940 in the striatum and the substantia nigra and CB1 receptor‐stimulated [35S]GTPγS bindings in the substantia nigra after 3 days washout. These increased binding levels were normalized at 1–4 weeks after termination of haloperidol treatment. Haloperidol treatment had no significant effect on CB1 receptor or [35S]GTPγS binding levels in globus pallidus. The results help to elucidate the underlying biochemical mechanism of CB1 receptor supersensitivity after haloperidol treatment. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vascular Calcifications Seen on Mammography: An Independent Factor Indicating Coronary Artery Disease

PURPOSE Establish a relationship between vascular calcifications seen via mammography and coronary artery disease, estimate the risk ratios, and investigate the interrelationships between vascular calcification and other risk factors for coronary artery disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a case-control study consisting of 40 women with coronary artery disease in the case group and 40 women without any history of coronary artery disease in the control group who were matched according to age. The study was approved by the Institution’s Research Ethics Committee (consent statement was obtained). Odds ratios and confidence intervals were calculated using univariate analysis. Interrelationships among other risk factors, such as arterial hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking and diabetes mellitus, were calculated using multivariate analysis. A p <0.05 was considered to be significant for statistical analysis. RESULTS The mean ages for the case and control groups were 64.65 years and 63.88 years, respectively. In multivariate analysis, the only variables related to coronary artery disease were Vascular calcification [OR 4.71 (CI 1.36–16.33) p=0.014], family history [OR 5.76 (CI 1.58–21.03) p=0.008] and arterial hypertension [OR 15.92 (CI 3.12–81.14) p=0.001]. Although smoking and diabetes are important variables in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease, these factors did not show statistically significant associations in this sample. CONCLUSION The presence of vascular calcifications seen via mammography was an independent risk factor for coronary artery disease, as were hypertension and a family history of coronary artery disease.
Mechanism of Reduced Susceptibility to Fosfomycin in Escherichia coli Clinical Isolates

In recent years, multidrug resistance of Escherichia coli has become a serious problem. However, resistance to fosfomycin (FOM) has been low. We screened E. coli clinical isolates with reduced susceptibility to FOM and characterized molecular mechanisms of resistance and reduced susceptibility of these strains. Ten strains showing reduced FOM susceptibility (MIC ≥ 8 μg/mL) in 211 clinical isolates were found and examined. Acquisition of genes encoding FOM-modifying enzyme genes (fos genes) and mutations in murA that underlie high resistance to FOM were not observed. We examined ability of FOM incorporation via glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) transporter and sn-glycerol-3-phosphate transporter. In ten strains, nine showed lack of growth on M9 minimum salt agar supplemented with G6P. Eight of the ten strains showed fluctuated induction by G6P of uhpT that encodes G6P transporter expression. Nucleotide sequences of the uhpT, uhpA, glpT, ptsI, and cyaA shared several deletions and amino acid mutations in the nine strains with lack of growth on G6P-supplemented M9 agar. In conclusion, reduction of uhpT function is largely responsible for the reduced sensitivity to FOM in clinical isolates that have not acquired FOM-modifying genes or mutations in murA. However, there are a few strains whose mechanisms of reduced susceptibility to FOM are still unclear.
Myelin injury and degraded myelin vesicles in Alzheimer's disease.

OBJECTIVE Myelin disruption is an important feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) that contributes to impairment of neuronal circuitry and cognition. In this study we characterize myelin degradation in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease compared with normal aged controls. METHODS Myelin from patients with AD (n=13) was compared to matched controls (n=6). Myelin degradation was examined by immunohistochemistry in frontal white matter (WM) for intact myelin basic protein (MBP), degraded MBP, the presence of myelin lipid and for PAS staining. The relationship of myelin degradation and axonal injury was also assessed. RESULTS Brains from patients with AD had significant loss of intact MBP, and an increase in degraded MBP in periventricular WM adjacent to a denuded ependymal layer. In regions of myelin degradation, vesicles were identified that stained positive for degraded MBP, myelin lipid, and neurofilament but not for intact MBP. Most vesicles stained for PAS, a corpora amylacea marker. The vesicles were significantly more abundant in the periventricular WM of AD patients compared to controls (44.5 ± 11.0 versus 1.7 ± 1.1, p=0.02). CONCLUSION In AD patients degraded MBP is associated in part with vesicles particularly in periventricular WM that is adjacent to areas of ependymal injury.
Variabilidade genética e correlações entre caracteres de feijão-caupi

− Objetivou-se com este trabalho estimar a variabilidade genetica em uma populacao de feijao-caupi com base em caracteres de interesse agronomico e definir caracteres a serem utilizados na selecao de genotipos superiores. O experimento foi conduzido na Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul, em Aquidauana, no periodo da “seca” do ano de 2009. Os tratamentos consistiram de 20 genotipos de feijao-caupi, sendo 11 cultivares (Canapuzinho, Canapuzinho-2, Inhuma, Pingo-de-ouro-1-2, Pingo-de-ouro-2, Paulistinha, Patativa, BRS-Paraguassu, BRS-Milenio, BR17-Gurgueia e BRS-Marataoa) e 9 linhagens (MNC99-510F-16-1, MNC99-510F-16-3, MNC99-537F-14-2, MNC01-611F-11, MNC01-614F-15, MNC01-631F-11, MNC01-631F-15, MNC01-631F-20-5, MNC01-649E-2). O delineamento experimental adotado foi o de blocos inteiramente casualizados, com 4 repeticoes. Foram avaliados os caracteres: inicio de florescimento, inicio de maturacao, massa de 100 graos, comprimento de vagem verde, massa de vagem verde, numero de graos por vagem e produtividade de graos secos. Para verificar a existencia de variabilidade entre os genotipos, os dados foram submetidos a analise de variância pelo teste F. Posteriormente, foram determinados os seguintes parâmetros geneticos: variância ambiental, fenotipica e genotipica; coeficiente de variacao experimental e genotipico; coeficiente de determinacao genotipico; quociente b; correlacoes ambientais, fenotipicas e genotipicas. A populacao apresenta variabilidade genetica e potencial para o melhoramento genetico. Com base nos parâmetros avaliados, os programas de melhoramento genetico em feijao-caupi podem realizar a selecao de genotipos baseados nos caracteres: dias para maturacao, massa verde de vagens, numero de graos por vagem e produtividade de graos.