Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Blood cells and chemistry of young chickens during daily ACTH and cortisol administration.

Abstract ADRENAL cortical extracts (ACE) and glucocorticoids, as well as ACTH (adrenocorticotropin), increase acid-ophilic granulocytes and cause relative lymphopenia and heterophilia in chickens (Shapiro and Schechtman, 1949; Newcomer, 1957; Wolford and Ringer, 1962). However, where Shapiro and Schechtman (1949) found that ACE caused leucopenia, others have found that ACTH and cortisone acetate produced significant leucocytosis (Newcomer, 1957; Glick, 1961). Glucocorticoids and ACTH also significantly increase the levels of cholesterol and corticosterone in the plasma of fowl (Stamler, 1952; Siegel and Siegel, 1966). Adrenal steroids produce a hypercalcemia in chickens (Urist and Deutsch, 1960), and osteoperosis, as found in mammals (Storey, 1961) was demonstrated in laying hens injected with cortisone. Cortisone acetate also inhibits chondrogenesis in the long bones of cockerels (Huble, 1957). Although ACTH has been shown to lower serum calcium in rabbits (Natelson et al., 1965), its effect on the blood calcium of avian species is not clear. Previous work .
RPL27A is a target of miR-595 and may contribute to the myelodysplastic phenotype through ribosomal dysgenesis

We investigated the functional consequences following deletion of a microRNA (miR) termed miR-595 which resides on chromosome 7q and is localised within one of the commonly deleted regions identified for Myelodysplasia (MDS) with monosomy 7 (−7)/isolated loss of 7q (7q-). We identified several targets for miR-595, including a large ribosomal subunit protein RPL27A. RPL27A downregulation induced p53 activation, apoptosis and inhibited proliferation. Moreover, p53-independent effects were additionally identified secondary to a reduction in the ribosome subunit 60s. We confirmed that RPL27A plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of nucleolar integrity and ribosomal synthesis/maturation. Of note, RPL27A overexpression, despite showing no significant effects on p53 mRNA levels, did in fact enhance cellular proliferation. In normal CD34+ cells, RPL27A knockdown preferentially blocked erythroid proliferation and differentiation. Lastly, we show that miR-595 expression appears significantly downregulated in the majority of primary samples derived from MDS patients with (−7)/(7q-), in association with RPL27A upregulation. This significant downregulation of miR-595 is also apparent when higher risk MDS cases are compared to lower risk cases. The potential clinical importance of these findings requires further validation.
Regression of prostate tumors after intravenous administration of lactoferrin-bearing polypropylenimine dendriplexes encoding TNF-α, TRAIL, and interleukin-12

Abstract The possibility of using gene therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer is limited by the lack of intravenously administered delivery systems able to safely and selectively deliver therapeutic genes to tumors. Given that lactoferrin (Lf) receptors are overexpressed on prostate cancer cells, we hypothesized that the conjugation of Lf to generation 3-diaminobutyric polypropylenimine dendrimer would improve its transfection and therapeutic efficacy in prostate cancer cells. In this study, we demonstrated that the intravenous administration of Lf-bearing DAB dendriplexes encoding TNFα resulted in the complete suppression of 70% of PC-3 and 50% of DU145 tumors over one month. Treatment with DAB-Lf dendriplex encoding TRAIL led to tumor suppression of 40% of PC-3 tumors and 20% of DU145 tumors. The treatment was well tolerated by the animals. Lf-bearing generation 3-polypropylenimine dendrimer is therefore a highly promising delivery system for non-viral gene therapy of prostate cancer.
Multiple Techniques Have Been Proposed To PreserveAlveolar Bone after Tooth Loss

In order to prevent a clinical situation wherein adequate aesthetics or restorative treatment cannot be carried out, several researchers have made suggestions as to different surgical procedures such as regenerative techniques to preserve the socket and immediate implant placement. This paper thus is a commentary on multiple techniques that has been proposed to preserve alveolar bone after tooth loss.
Ecogeography of teosinte

Adaptation of crops to climate change has motivated an increasing interest in the potential value of novel traits from wild species; maize wild relatives, the teosintes, harbor traits that may be useful to maize breeding. To study the ecogeographic distribution of teosinte we constructed a robust database of 2363 teosinte occurrences from published sources for the period 1842–2016. A geographical information system integrating 216 environmental variables was created for Mexico and Central America and was used to characterize the environment of each teosinte occurrence site. The natural geographic distribution of teosinte extends from the Western Sierra Madre of the State of Chihuahua, Mexico to the Pacific coast of Nicaragua and Costa Rica, including practically the entire western part of Mesoamerica. The Mexican annuals Zea mays ssp. parviglumis and Zea mays ssp. mexicana show a wide distribution in Mexico, while Zea diploperennis, Zea luxurians, Zea perennis, Zea mays ssp. huehuetenangensis, Zea vespertilio and Zea nicaraguensis had more restricted and distinct ranges, representing less than 20% of the total occurrences. Only 11.2% of teosinte populations are found in Protected Natural Areas in Mexico and Central America. Ecogeographical analysis showed that teosinte can cope with extreme levels of precipitation and temperatures during growing season. Modelling teosinte geographic distribution demonstrated congruence between actual and potential distributions; however, some areas with no occurrences appear to be within the range of adaptation of teosintes. Field surveys should be prioritized to such regions to accelerate the discovery of unknown populations. Potential areas for teosintes Zea mays ssp. mexicana races Chalco, Nobogame, and Durango, Zea mays ssp. huehuetenangensis, Zea luxurians, Zea diploperennis and Zea nicaraguensis are geographically separated; however, partial overlapping occurs between Zea mays ssp. parviglumis and Zea perennis, between Zea mays ssp. parviglumis and Zea diploperennis, and between Zea mays ssp. mexicana race Chalco and Zea mays ssp. mexicana race Central Plateau. Assessing priority of collecting for conservation showed that permanent monitoring programs and in-situ conservation projects with participation of local farmer communities are critically needed; Zea mays ssp. mexicana (races Durango and Nobogame), Zea luxurians, Zea diploperennis, Zea perennis and Zea vespertilio should be considered as the highest priority taxa.
Social vulnerability and survival across levels of frailty in the Honolulu-Asia Aging Study.

PURPOSE we evaluated mortality risk in relation to social vulnerability across levels of frailty among a cohort of older Japanese-American men. METHODS in secondary analysis of the Honolulu-Asia Aging Study (HAAS), participants (n = 3,271) were aged 72-93 years at baseline. A frailty index (FI) created using 58 potential health deficits to quantify participants' frailty level at baseline, with four frailty strata: 0.0 < FI ≤ 0.1 (n = 1,074); 0.1 < FI ≤ 0.20 (n = 1,549); 0.2 < FI ≤ 0.30 (n = 472); FI > 0.3 (n = 176). Similarly, a social vulnerability index was created using 19 self-reported social deficits. Cox proportional hazard modelling was employed to estimate the impact of social vulnerability across the four levels of frailty, accounting for age, smoking, alcohol use and variation in health deficits within each frailty level. RESULTS for the fittest participants, social vulnerability was associated with mortality (hazards ratio (HR) = 1.04, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.01, 1.07; P value = 0.008). Similarly, for those considered at risk for frailty, each social deficit was associated with a 5% increased risk of mortality. For frail individuals, the Cox regression analyses indicated that social vulnerability was not significantly associated with mortality (0.2 < FI ≤ 0.3: HR = 1.016, 95% CI = 0.98, 1.06; P value = 0.442; FI > 0.3: HR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.93, 1.04). CONCLUSIONS for the fittest and at-risk HAAS participants, the accumulation of social deficits was associated with significant increases in mortality risk. For frail individuals (FI > 0.20), the estimation of mortality risk may depend more so on intrinsic factors related to their health.
Efficacy of D-, L- and DL-methionine for growth of chicks fed crystalline amino acid diets.

Four assays employing young male chicks were conducted to evaluate the relative efficacy of D-, L- and DL-methionine and to estimate the requirement for D- and L-methionine when serving as the sole source of sulfur amino acids or when added to a diet containing 0.27% L-cystine. Crystalline amino acid diets containing 14.9% protein equivalent and 4200 kcal. M.E. /kg. were used in all assays. L-methionine supported faster and more efficient gains than D- or L-methionine when fed at levels below thhe requirement. At levels of supplementation near the requirement, however, equal efficacy was attained. When serving as the sole source of sulfur amino acids, the requirement as estimated by least squares for optimal gain was 0.58% of the diet or 104 mg. /day for L-methionine and 0.59% or 104 mg. /day for D-methionine. In the presence of cystine, the requirements were estimated at 0.27% or 49 mg. /day and 0.30% or 52 mg. /day for L- and D-methionine respectively. The results indicate that at lower levels of supplementation, L-methionine is a better source of sulfur amino acids than D-methionine. On the other hand, L- and D-methionine appear to have equal efficacy when incorporated into diets that are only marginally deficient in sulfur-bearing amino acids.
Osteophyte formation after ACL rupture in mice is associated with joint restabilization and loss of range of motion

Osteophytes are a typical radiographic finding during osteoarthritis (OA). Osteophytes are thought to form in response to joint instability; however, the time course of osteophyte formation and joint stabilization following joint injury is not well understood. In this study, we investigated the time course of osteophyte formation and joint function following non‐invasive knee injury in mice. We hypothesized that initial joint instability following knee injury would initiate osteophyte formation, which would in turn restabilize the joint and reduce range of motion (ROM). Mice were subjected to non‐invasive anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. Anterior–posterior (AP) joint laxity, ROM, and chondro/osteophyte formation were measured immediately after injury, and 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks post‐injury. Chondrophyte areas at each time point were measured with histology, while mineralized osteophyte volume was determined using micro‐computed tomography. Immediately after ACL rupture, AP joint laxity was increased twofold, while ROM was increased 11.7%. Chondrophytes appeared by 2 weeks post‐injury, corresponding with a decrease in AP joint laxity and ROM. By 8 weeks post‐injury, considerable osteophyte formation was observed around the joint, AP joint laxity returned to control levels, and joint ROM decreased to 61% of control values. These data support a role for chondro/osteophytes in joint restabilization after injury, and provide crucial insight into the time course and pathology of joint degeneration during OA development in the mouse. Statement of Clinical Significance: Results from this study increase understanding of conditions leading to osteophyte formation. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:466–473, 2017.
Factors affecting the nutritive value of cottonseed meal as a protein source in chick diets.

Abstract COTTONSEED meal has been used for many years in ruminant rations. Until recently, however, its use in poultry diets has been curtailed. Cottonseed meal has a number of undesirable characteristics: it contains gossypol and gossypol-like pigments and cyclopropene fatty acids, and is deficient in lysine (Phelps, 1966). Moreover, the phytin in cottonseed meal has been shown to interfere with utilization of various minerals, particularly zinc (Lease and Williams, 1967), calcium (Pensack et al, 1958; O'Dell et al., 1958) and phosphorus (Kastelic and Forbes, 1961; Taylor, 1965; Nelson, 1967). Attempts to use cottonseed meal as the sole protein supplement in chick diets usually have resulted in poor growth, poor efficiency of feed utilization and high mortality. The eggs from laying hens fed cottonseed meal may develop abnormal yolk and albumen discolorations especially when stored (Phelps, 1966). Since cottonseed meal represents the most inexpensive source of protein for poultry feeding in Peru…
Detoxification of high tannin sorghum grains.

One in vitro and two in vivo experiments were conducted to determine appropriate methodology for and effects of detoxifying Darset, Redlan, and one commercial hybrid brown sorghum grain variety in threonine-deficient and nutritionally complete poultry rations. The detoxification procedure, which involves adding water to sorghum grain to bring dry matter to 70% and subsequent anaerobic incubation at 32 C, removes up to 100% of the chemically detectable tannin. Rate of tannin elimination was dependent upon sorghum grain variety with commercial brown sorghum requiring approximately 3 days longer than the Darset for tannin elimination. Detoxification of high tannin sorghum grains improved (P less than .05) growth rate and feed efficiency dramatically in threonine-deficient, crystalline amino acid-fortified rations; the same process applied to low tannin sorghum grains was without benefit. The desirable effects of this type of grain processing appear to be due to the reduced grain tannin content. Including detoxified sorghum grains in a practical-type broiler ration failed to elicit a weight gain response although feed efficiency was improved by 13% over untreated sorghum and 3% over corn grain. Lack of a gain response was likely due to the excess protein included in the basal diet. This type of grain processing offers an alternative method of reducing sorghum grain tannin content and is likely of greatest value in rations containing marginal indispensable amino acid and protein levels.
Cannabinoids and post-traumatic stress disorder: clinical and preclinical evidence for treatment and prevention

There is substantial evidence from studies in humans and animal models for a role of the endocannabinoid system in the control of emotional states. Several studies have shown an association between exposure to trauma and substance use. Specifically, it has been shown that there is increased prevalence of cannabis use in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients and vice versa. Clinical studies suggest that PTSD patients may cope with their symptoms by using cannabis. This treatment-seeking strategy may explain the high prevalence of cannabis use among individuals with PTSD. Preliminary studies in humans also suggest that treatment with cannabinoids may decrease PTSD symptoms including sleep quality, frequency of nightmares, and hyperarousal. However, there are no large-scale, randomized, controlled studies investigating this specifically. Studies in animal models have shown that cannabinoids can prevent the effects of stress on emotional function and memory processes, facilitate fear extinction, and have an anti-anxiety-like effect in a variety of tasks. Moreover, cannabinoids administered shortly after exposure to a traumatic event were found to prevent the development of PTSD-like phenotype. In this article, we review the existing literature on the use of cannabinoids for treating and preventing PTSD in humans and animal models. There is a need for large-scale clinical trials examining the potential decrease in PTSD symptomatology with the use of cannabis. In animal models, there is a need for a better understanding of the mechanism of action and efficacy of cannabis. Nevertheless, the end result of the current clinical and preclinical data is that cannabinoid agents may offer therapeutic benefits for PTSD.
Drosophila Genome-Wide RNAi Screen Identifies Multiple Regulators of HIF–Dependent Transcription in Hypoxia

Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) are a family of evolutionary conserved alpha-beta heterodimeric transcription factors that induce a wide range of genes in response to low oxygen tension. Molecular mechanisms that mediate oxygen-dependent HIF regulation operate at the level of the alpha subunit, controlling protein stability, subcellular localization, and transcriptional coactivator recruitment. We have conducted an unbiased genome-wide RNA interference (RNAi) screen in Drosophila cells aimed to the identification of genes required for HIF activity. After 3 rounds of selection, 30 genes emerged as critical HIF regulators in hypoxia, most of which had not been previously associated with HIF biology. The list of genes includes components of chromatin remodeling complexes, transcription elongation factors, and translational regulators. One remarkable hit was the argonaute 1 (ago1) gene, a central element of the microRNA (miRNA) translational silencing machinery. Further studies confirmed the physiological role of the miRNA machinery in HIF–dependent transcription. This study reveals the occurrence of novel mechanisms of HIF regulation, which might contribute to developing novel strategies for therapeutic intervention of HIF–related pathologies, including heart attack, cancer, and stroke.
Active immunization of broiler breeder hens with a recombinant chicken inhibin fusion protein enhances egg lay.

We have demonstrated that inoculation of female Coturnix with an inhibin-based immunogen (MBP-cINA521) accelerated puberty and enhanced hen-day egg production (HDEP). Herein, MBP-cINA521, a fusion protein, which consists of the bacterial maltose binding protein (MBP) and a fragment of the infinity-subunit of chicken inhibin (cINA521), was tested for its ability to enhance production performance in broiler breeders. Pullets (Arbor Acres Classic Females; n = 60 birds/treatment group) were given (subcutaneously) 0, 1, 3, or 5 mg of MBP-cINA521 in Freund's complete adjuvant at 20 wk and 4 d of age. Booster immunizations (one-half of the primary dosages) were given at 23 wk of age. The vehicle for controls (CON; no booster) and MBP-cINA521-boosted birds was Freund's incomplete adjuvant. Blood samples were obtained at the end of the trial to assess immunological response to the antigen with a titer ELISA. The onset of puberty was assessed by calculation of the average ages at first lay (FIRST) and at 50% egg production (FIFTY). Cumulative percentage HDEP was determined weekly throughout the laying period (40 wk). Egg weight (EWT) and specific gravity (SG) assessments were made periodically during the trial. Body weight gain (BWG) and mortality (MORT) data were also collected. Significant injection treatment differences (P < 0.01) in inhibin antibody titers were detected according to the following order: low dose = intermediate dose > high dose > CON. A dose of MBP-cINA521 capable of accelerating puberty and increasing overall egg lay was identified. FIRST and FIFTY responses were decreased (P < 0.05) in birds given the intermediate dose (3.0 mg) of MBP-cINA521 when compared to the CON. FIFTY responses were also lower (P < 0.05) than CON responses in those birds given the highest dose (5.0 mg) of the inhibin antigen. Cumulative HDEP was also higher (P < 0.05), beginning at 3 wk of lay and weekly thereafter (P < 0.05, for the remaining 40 wk), in birds given the intermediate immunogen dosage when compared to the CON. By Week 40, an average increase of 9.5% HDEP was realized in birds given 3.0 mg of MBP-cINA521. MORT rates were similar in the CON and in the two lowest MBP-cINA521 treatment groups but were higher (P < 0.05) in those birds given 5.0 mg of the antigen. EWT, SG, and BWG measurements were unaffected by treatment with the inhibin vaccine. In agreement with our findings in quail, immunoneutralization of inhibin enhanced production performance in breeder hens.
FAT1 Gene Alteration in Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy Type 1

Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy type 1 (FSHD1) is caused by contraction of the D4Z4 repeat array. Recent studies revealed that the FAT1 expression is associated with disease activity of FSHD, and the FAT1 alterations result in myopathy with a FSHD-like phenotype. We describe a 59-year-old woman with both contracted D4Z4 repeat units and a FAT1 mutation. Shoulder girdle muscle weakness developed at the age of 56 years, and was followed by proximal leg weakness. When we examined her at 59 years of age, she displayed asymmetric and predominant weakness of facial and proximal muscles. Muscle biopsy showed increased variation in fiber size and multifocal degenerating fibers with lymphocytic infiltration. Southern blot analysis revealed 8 D4Z4 repeat units, and targeted sequencing of modifier genes demonstrated the c.10331 A>G variant in the FAT1 gene. This FAT1 variant has previously been reported as pathogenic variant in a patient with FSHD-like phenotype. Our study is the first report of a FAT1 mutation in a FSHD1 patient, and suggests that FAT1 alterations might work as a genetic modifier.
Aplasia cutis congenita: Two case reports and discussion of the literature

Background: Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) is a part of a heterogeneous group of conditions characterized by the congenital absence of epidermis, dermis, and in some cases, subcutaneous tissues or bone usually involving the scalp vertex. There is an estimated incidence of 3 in 10,000 births resulting in a total number of 500 reported cases to date. The lesions may occur on every body surface although localized scalp lesions form the most frequent pattern (70%). Complete aplasia involving bone defects occurs in approximately 20% of cases. ACC can occur as an isolated defect or can be associated with a number of other congenital anomalies such as limb anomalies or embryologic malformations. In patients with large scalp and skull defects, there is increased risk of infection and bleeding along with increased mortality and therefore prompt and effective management is advised. Case Description: We describe two cases of ACC, involving a 4 × 3 cm defect managed conservatively and a larger 10 × 5 cm defect managed surgically with the use of a temporo-occipital scalp flap. Both cases had an excellent outcome. Conclusions: Multiple treatment regimens exist for ACC, but there is no consensus on treatment strategies. Conservative treatment has been described and advocated, but many authors have emphasized the disadvantages of this treatment modality. Decision between conservative and surgical management must be individualized according to lesion size and location.
Melatonin and Cancer Hallmarks

Melatonin is a natural indoleamine produced by the pineal gland that has many functions, including regulation of the circadian rhythm. Many studies have reported the anticancer effect of melatonin against a myriad of cancer types. Cancer hallmarks include sustained proliferation, evading growth suppressors, metastasis, replicative immortality, angiogenesis, resisting cell death, altered cellular energetics, and immune evasion. Melatonin anticancer activity is mediated by interfering with various cancer hallmarks. This review summarizes the anticancer role of melatonin in each cancer hallmark. The studies discussed in this review should serve as a solid foundation for researchers and physicians to support basic and clinical studies on melatonin as a promising anticancer agent.