Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biosynthesis and Defensive Function of Nδ-Acetylornithine, a Jasmonate-Induced Arabidopsis Metabolite[C][W]

This work identifies the nonprotein amino acid Nδ-acetylornithine and an acetyltransferase that synthesizes it in Arabidopsis thaliana, thus revealing a new methyl jasmonate–inducible defense response. It demonstrates that the genomic resources available for Arabidopsis make it relatively easy to move from a identifying a plant metabolite to the discovery of a previously unknown enzymatic activity. Since research on plant interactions with herbivores and pathogens is often constrained by the analysis of already known compounds, there is a need to identify new defense-related plant metabolites. The uncommon nonprotein amino acid Nδ-acetylornithine was discovered in a targeted search for Arabidopsis thaliana metabolites that are strongly induced by the phytohormone methyl jasmonate (MeJA). Stable isotope labeling experiments show that, after MeJA elicitation, Arg, Pro, and Glu are converted to Orn, which is acetylated by NATA1 to produce Nδ-acetylornithine. MeJA-induced Nδ-acetylornithine accumulation occurs in all tested Arabidopsis accessions, other Arabidopsis species, Capsella rubella, and Boechera stricta, but not in less closely related Brassicaceae. Both insect feeding and Pseudomonas syringae infection increase NATA1 expression and Nδ-acetylornithine accumulation. NATA1 transient expression in Nicotiana tabacum and the addition of Nδ-acetylornithine to an artificial diet both decrease Myzus persicae (green peach aphid) reproduction, suggesting a direct toxic or deterrent effect. However, since broad metabolic changes that are induced by MeJA in wild-type Arabidopsis are attenuated in a nata1 mutant strain, there may also be indirect effects on herbivores and pathogens. In the case of P. syringae, growth on a nata1 mutant is reduced compared with wild-type Arabidopsis, but growth in vitro is unaffected by Nδ-acetylornithine addition.
Prevalence of functional disorders of androgen excess in unselected premenopausal women: a study in blood donors.

BACKGROUND The polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrine disorders in women. On the contrary, the prevalences of other disorders of androgen excess such as idiopathic hyperandrogenism and idiopathic hirsutism remain unknown. We aimed to obtain an unbiased estimate of the prevalence in premenopausal women of (i) signs of androgen excess and (ii) PCOS, idiopathic hyperandrogenism and idiopathic hirsutism. METHODS A multicenter prevalence survey included 592 consecutive premenopausal women (393 from Madrid, Spain and 199 from Bologna, Italy) reporting spontaneously for blood donation. Immediately before donation, we conducted clinical and biochemical phenotyping for androgen excess disorders. We determined the prevalence of (i) hirsutism, acne and alopecia as clinical signs of androgen excess and (ii) functional disorders of androgen excess, including PCOS, defined by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development/National Institute of Health criteria, idiopathic hyperandrogenism and idiopathic hirsutism. RESULTS Regarding clinical signs of hyperandrogenism, hirsutism and acne were equally frequent [12.2% prevalence; 95% confidence interval (CI): 9.5-14.8%], whereas alopecia was uncommon (1.7% prevalence, 95% CI: 0.7-2.7%). Regarding functional disorders of androgen excess, PCOS and idiopathic hirsutism were equally frequent (5.4% prevalence, 95% CI: 3.6-7.2) followed by idiopathic hyperandrogenism (3.9% prevalence, 95% CI: 2.3-5.4). CONCLUSIONS Clinical signs of hyperandrogenism and functional disorders of androgen excess show a high prevalence in premenopausal women. The prevalences of idiopathic hyperandrogenism and idiopathic hirsutism are similar to that of PCOS, highlighting the need for further research on the pathophysiology, consequences for health and clinical implications of these functional forms of androgen excess.
Bronchoprotector properties of calcitonin gene-related peptide in guinea pig and human airways. Effect of pulmonary inflammation.

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), a neuropeptide released from sensory nerves during axonal reflexes, has strong bronchoprotector properties in rat isolated airways. In this study, we examined this ability of CGRP to prevent agonist-induced contraction in guinea pig and human airways and determined whether inflammatory reaction affects its function. CGRP administered intravenously (0.38 to 114 microgram/kg) in anesthesized guinea pig had no effect per se on airway resistance but caused a dose-related inhibition of substance P (SP; 13.5 microgram/kg)-induced bronchoconstriction (60% at 114 microgram/kg). Similarly, CGRP (10(-)9 to 10(-)6 M) prevented in a concentration-dependent manner the contraction elicited by SP (5 x 10(-)8 M) in guinea pig isolated main bronchi and parenchymal strips, the inhibition caused by CGRP being more pronounced in distal than in proximal airways (47 and 20%, respectively, at 10(-)6 M). The breaking effect of CGRP on SP-induced constriction was however significantly reduced (p < 0.05) in guinea pig actively sensitized to ovalbumin (OA) and the loss in its potency was of similar magnitude (> 40%) whether it was administered in vivo or in vitro. A same phenomenon was observed in human isolated peripheral bronchi. CGRP (10(-)6 M) reduced by more than 75% the extent of the contraction evoked by 10(-)6 M of carbamylcholine and its protector effect was totally abolished in bronchi showing clear morphological manifestation of inflammatory reaction. It is concluded that CGRP acts as a potent bronchoprotector agent on both guinea pig and human airways but its ability to limit the extent of airway responsiveness is strongly impaired in inflammatory conditions.
A theoretical model to study the effects of cellular stiffening on the damage evolution in deep tissue injury

Pressure induced deep tissue injury (DTI) is a severe form of pressure ulcers that is hard to detect in early stages and difficult to prevent and treat. High prevalence figures are partly due to a lack of understanding of pathological pathways involved in DTI. The aim of this study was to investigate, whether changes in material properties of damaged tissue can play a role in DTI aetiology. A numerical model was developed based on muscle microstructure and tissue engineering experiments. A time dependent damage law was proposed and stiffening of dead cells incorporated. The results obtained in the microstructural investigations were used to include the stiffening information in a pre-existing macroscopic model based on animal experiments, which correlated strains to tissue damage measured in the tibialis anterior muscle in rat limbs. With the modelling approach employed in this paper, the damaged area in the rat limb models increased up to 1.65-fold and the rate of damage progression was up to 2.1 times higher in microstructural simulations when stiffening was included.
GENETIC DIVERGENCE ALONG THE SPECIATION CONTINUUM: THE TRANSITION FROM HOST RACE TO SPECIES IN RHAGOLETIS (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE)

Studies of related populations varying in their degrees of reproductive isolation can provide insights into speciation. Here, the transition from partially isolated host races to more fully separated sibling species is investigated by comparing patterns of genetic differentiation between recently evolved (∼150 generations) apple and ancestral hawthorn‐infesting populations of Rhagoletis pomonella to their sister taxon, the undescribed flowering dogwood fly attacking Cornus florida. No fixed or diagnostic private alleles differentiating the three populations were found at any of 23 microsatellites and 10 allozymes scored. Nevertheless, allele frequency differences were sufficient across loci for flowering dogwood fly populations from multiple localities to form a diagnosable genotypic cluster distinct from apple and hawthorn flies, indicative of species status. Genome‐wide patterns of differentiation were correlated between the host races and species pair comparisons along the majority of chromosomes, suggesting that similar disruptive selection pressures affect most loci. However, differentiation was more pronounced, with some additional regions showing elevated divergence, for the species pair comparison. Our results imply that Rhagoletis sibling species such as the flowering dogwood fly represent host races writ large, with the transition to species status primarily resulting from increased divergence of the same regions separating apple and hawthorn flies.
Cells Transformed Leukemia − Region / Abelson Tyrosine Kinase Enhances Invasiveness of the Breakpoint Cluster Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 Axis − Id 1 Transcription Inhibitor

Breakpoint cluster region/Abelson (BCR/ABL) tyrosine kinase enhances the ability of leukemia cells to infiltrate various organs. We show here that expression of the helix-loop-helix transcription factor Id1 is enhanced by BCR/ABL in a signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5)–dependent manner. Enhanced expression of Id1 plays a key role in BCR/ ABL–mediated cell invasion. Down-regulation of Id1 in BCR/ ABL leukemia cells by the antisense cDNA significantly reduced their invasive capability through the Matrigel membrane and their ability to infiltrate hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic organs resulting in delayed leukemogenesis in mice. The Id1promoted cell invasiveness was seemingly mediated by matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9). Transactivation of MMP9 promoter in BCR/ABL cells was dependent on Id1 and abrogation of the MMP9 catalytic activity by a metalloproteinase inhibitor or blocking antibody decreased invasive capacity of leukemia cells. These data suggest that BCR/ABL-STAT5-Id1-MMP9 pathway may play a critical role in BCR/ABL–mediated leukemogenesis by enhancing invasiveness of leukemia cells. (Cancer Res 2006; 66(8): 4108-16)
Peer production for collaboration between academics and practitioners

The purpose of this article is to suggest commons-based peer production as a form of work that can help bridge the gap between research and practice in LIS. The research design is based on two in-depth and longitudinal qualitative case studies of collaborative projects involving LIS academics and practitioners in Italy. Analysis of interviews and texts was conducted to study the interplay between sociotechnical aspects of work organization and the activities of the actors. The results suggest similarities between the collaborative projects analysed and peer-production activities. This study relies on two cases which cannot be considered either typical or representative of collaboration between LIS academics and practitioners in Italy. The paper offers the opportunity to stimulate a discussion on collaboration between researchers and practitioners in LIS, and on the potential applicability of peer production to support new forms of collaboration in small-scale, distributed, and unfunded or underfunded projects.
Effects of insoluble and soluble dietary fiber on glycemic control in dogs with naturally occurring insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of diets differing in type and quantity of fiber on glycemic control in dogs with naturally occurring insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. DESIGN Prospective randomized crossover controlled trial. ANIMALS 7 dogs with well-regulated naturally occurring insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. PROCEDURE Dogs were fed 1 of 3 diets for 1 month each in 1 of 6 randomized diet sequences. Diets included a low-fiber diet (LF) and 2 high-fiber diets; 1 contained only insoluble fiber (HIF), and 1 contained soluble fiber in addition to insoluble fiber (HSF). Caloric intake was unchanged throughout the study. Glycemic control was assessed after each feeding trial by measuring serum fructosamine concentration and performing 5 serial measurements of blood glucose concentration every 2 hours after the morning feeding and insulin injection. RESULTS Significant differences were not detected in body weight, required insulin dosage, or albumin concentration among dogs fed the HIF, HSF, and LF diets. Mean and maximum blood glucose concentrations and area under the blood glucose curve were significantly lower in dogs fed the HIF diet, compared with values in the same dogs fed the HSF or LF diet. Fructosamine concentration was significantly lower in dogs fed the HIF or HSF diet, compared with values in the same dogs fed the LF diet. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In dogs with naturally occurring insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, a dry, high insoluble-fiber diet may aid in glycemic control.
Provincial Effects on Reading Achievement

Although Canadian students performed well on the 2000 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), there were considerable differences among provinces. Based on the Canadian sample of PISA 2000, our multilevel analysis examined the extent to which schools in various provinces produced differential effects on the reading achievement of their students. School characteristics that showed significant provincial effects on reading achievement included variables that described school context, school resources, and school climate, with most of these significant school-level variables being measures of school climate. Disciplinary climate and sense of belonging to school were the most important of significant school characteristics. They showed significant average effects by province on reading achievement, and their effects varied significantly across provinces. Results of our analysis suggest that provinces can use school effects to promote the reading achievement of their students.
Neuropathic Toe Ulcers Treated with Toe Flexor Tenotomies

Background: Foot ulcers are common causes of hospital admissions for infection and amputation in patients with neuropathy. This retrospective study evaluates the results of treating plantar neuropathic toe ulcers with percutaneous flexor tenotomy. Methods: From 1996 to 2003, 28 toe ulcers in 18 patients were treated with tenotomy of the toe flexors. Results: Fourteen of 18 patients had diabetic neuropathy. No patients were lost to followup. Average followup for the 28 ulcers was 36 (range 20 to 65) months. All ulcers healed. None of the 11 lesser toe ulcers recurred. Three of 17 first toe ulcers recurred but two that had repeat tenotomy healed and did not recur. There were no toe amputations, infections, or other complications of tenotomy. One patient had unrelated transtibial amputation. Conclusions: No long-term results of treating toe ulcers with toe flexor tenotomy by other authors have been found. Toe flexor tenotomies appear to be effective and safe treatment for neuropathic toe ulcers.
Rat brain vascular distribution of interleukin‐1 type‐1 receptor immunoreactivity: Relationship to patterns of inducible cyclooxygenase expression by peripheral inflammatory stimuli

Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) is thought to act on the brain to induce fever, neuroendocrine activation, and behavioral changes during disease through induction of prostaglandins at the blood–brain barrier (BBB). However, despite the fact that IL‐1β induces the prostaglandin‐synthesizing enzyme cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) in brain vascular cells, no study has established the presence of IL‐1 receptor type 1 (IL‐1R1) protein in these cells. Furthermore, although COX inhibitors attenuate expression of the activation marker c‐Fos in the preoptic and paraventricular hypothalamus after administration of IL‐1β or bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), they do not alter c‐Fos induction in other structures known to express prostaglandin receptors. The present study thus sought to establish whether IL‐1R1 protein is present and functional in the rat cerebral vasculature. In addition, the distribution of IL‐1R1 protein was compared to IL‐1β‐ and LPS‐induced COX‐2 expression. IL‐1R1‐immunoreactive perivascular cells were mostly found in choroid plexus and meninges. IL‐1R1‐immunoreactive vessels were seen throughout the brain, but concentrated in the preoptic area, subfornical organ, supraoptic hypothalamus, and to a lesser extent in the paraventricular hypothalamus, cortex, nucleus of the solitary tract, and ventrolateral medulla. Vascular IL‐1R1‐ir was associated with an endothelial cell marker, not found in arterioles, and corresponded to the induction patterns of phosphorylated c‐Jun and inhibitory‐factor kappaB mRNA upon IL‐1β stimulation, and colocalized with peripheral IL‐1β‐ or LPS‐induced COX‐2 expression. These observations indicate that functional IL‐1R1s are expressed in endothelial cells of brain venules and suggest that vascular IL‐1R1 distribution is an important factor determining BBB prostaglandin‐dependent activation of brain structures during infection. J. Comp. Neurol. 472:113–129, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Channel estimation for stationary fading channels: Orthogonal versus superimposed pilots

Two training schemes namely the orthogonal pilot scheme (OPS) and the superimposed pilot scheme (SPS) are compared in terms of achievable rates in multiple-antenna fading channels with memory. For both schemes, we show that the achievable rate depends on the number of antennas, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and fading speed via the channel estimation error variance and the fraction of time for data transmission. To guarantee positive achievable rates, we show that for the OPS the number of transmit antennas that can be accommodated is limited by the fading speed whereas for the SPS the number of antennas can be arbitrary. For most antenna configurations, we observe that while the SPS is superior in the low-SNR and fastfading regimes, the OPS is superior in other regimes. However, for a few number of antennas (e.g., single antenna), the SPS may also be superior in the low-SNR and slow-fading regimes.
Isolated Fetal Ascites Secondary to Persistent Urogenital Sinus

Objective. To present a case of isolated ascites secondary due to urogenital abnormalities (urogenital sinus) without any other prenatal ultrasound marker. Method. A 36-year-old woman with prenatal isolated ascites delivered a female baby, weighing 2.285 g; ascites was drained at birth and the baby underwent several episodes of urinary retention prior to undergoing X-ray investigations. Results. A voiding cystourethrogram revealed a short urogenital sinus: a vesicostomy was performed. A vaginoscopy revealed double vagina with a large posterior vagina. A posterior sagittal anorectal pull-through with genitoplasty was performed at 2 years old with 1-year follow-up. Conclusions. Though rare, a urogenital abnormality is to be suspected in fetal ascites cases with negative viral tests and no cardiac anomalies. The most common ultrasound marker of such abnormalities (fluid filled cavity) may be missing because of complete drainage of urine through the tubes into peritoneum.
Interethnic relations between Italians and Moroccans : it takes two to tango

Over the past decades, the pronounced increase of international migration has led many nations to confront themselves with the pressing issue of how to ameliorate and make more harmonious the engagement among people with different cultural backgrounds. The present thesis enters this debate focusing on the mutual relations between Italians and Moroccan immigrants living in Turin (North-West Italy). By means of this case study, this research demonstrates that the support and valorisation of cultural diversity do not damage social cohesion, as some scholars believe, but rather they may contribute to positive intergroup relations if they are well balanced by the adaptation of immigrants to the host country’s culture and by the development of a sense of belonging with the new country. In order to test my assumption I analyzed the impact of a preference for the integration strategy of acculturation (rather than assimilation or segregation) and the extent to which Moroccans and Italians share this preference. These analyses build on the distinction between acculturation in the public and in the private domain and between the concepts of culture and identity. A total of 281 respondents, of whom 136 were Moroccans and 145 Italians, participated in a questionnaire study. Both groups clearly expressed their preference for the integration strategy in the public and in the private domain, and for a dual identity, where migrants identified with both their own ethnic group and with Italy. In addition, these findings revealed that both acculturation strategies and identity patterns were predictive of intergroup relations, with the latter having the strongest impact. These findings were deepened through qualitative interviews, which aimed to explore whether for the specific context of this study the conditions were such that the dual identity could realistically develop. Results indicated that while culture diversity is encouraged and supported, Moroccans still experience a degree of discrimination. Such situation delineates a reality characterised by a ‘segmented pluralism’, that is, a reality where the recognition of cultural and ethnic differences coexist with the persistence of structural inequalities.
Complement C5a anaphylatoxin is an innate determinant of dendritic cell‐induced Th1 immunity to Mycobacterium bovis BCG infection in mice

During acquired immunity to Mycobacterium bovis bacillus Calmette‐Guerin (BCG) infection in mice, dendritic cells (DCs) present mycobacterial antigens to naive T cells to prime an immune response. Complement C5a (anaphylatoxin) secreted by mycobacteria‐infected macrophages regulates IL‐12p70 production. As IL‐12p70 regulates Th1 immunity against mycobacteria in mice, we examined the effects of C5a on IL‐12p70 secretion by murine DCs and Th1 immunity. DCs cultured from C5‐deficient (C5−/−) and ‐sufficient (C5+/+) mice were infected with BCG in the presence or absence of the C5a peptide. ELISA showed that C5−/− DCs secreted less IL‐12p70 (600 pg/mL vs. 100 pg/mL) than C5+/+ DCs, and they secreted more IL‐10. Using immunophenotyping, reduced CD40 expression was found on C5−/− DCs after BCG infection. BCG‐primed DCs were then cocultured with naive or BCG‐immune T cells to differentiate them into IFN‐γ‐secreting Th1 T cells. Coincident with increased IL‐12p70 levels, BCG‐primed C5+/+ DCs cocultured with naive or immune C5+/+ T cells showed a larger increase in CD4+ IFN‐γ/CD8+ IFN‐γ+ T cells compared with cocultured DCs and T cells from C5−/− mice. Thus, BCG‐primed C5+/+ DCs were better able to drive a Th1 response. Furthermore, BCG aerosol‐infected C5−/− mice showed reduced CD4 and CD8 IFN‐γ‐secreting T cells in the lungs, concurrent with an increased growth of BCG. Thus, C5a, an innate peptide, appears to play an important role in the generation of acquired immune responses in mice by regulating the Th1 response through modulation of IL‐12p70 secretion from DCs.