Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity in red fruits produced in organic farming.

Summary In this work were studied three red fruits (raspberry, gooseberry and blueberry) produced in organic mode, to evaluate the variations in the content of phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity along maturation. The phenols were extracted from the fruits with two solvents (methanol and acetone) and were quantified by the Folin-Ciocalteu method. The antioxidant activity was determined with two methods (HPPH and ABTS). Furthermore, HPLC was used to identify and quantify some phenolic compounds present in the fruits analyzed. The results showed that the total phenolic compounds in all fruits decreased along maturation, either in the methanol or acetone extracts (23 % and 20 % reduction, on average, for methanol and acetone extracts, respectively), although in methanol extracts the levels of phenolic compounds were always higher (0.54 and 0.21 mg GAE/g). The blueberry showed higher level of total phenolics in methanol extract (average 0.67 mg GAE/g), while in the acetone extract it was gooseberry (average 0.31 mg GAE/g). At the end of maturation, all fruits studied had similar values of antioxidant capacity as determined by DPPH method (0.52 mmol Trolox/g). For the ABTS method, blueberries showed higher values of antioxidant activity (6.01 mmol Trolox/g against 3.01 and 2.66 mmol Trolox/g, for raspberry and gooseberry, respectively). Furthermore, the HPLC analysis allowed to identify monomeric anthocyanins and phenolic acids in the three fruits studied.
Understanding and Improving Platinum Anticancer Drugs

Approximately half of all patients who receive anticancer chemotherapy are treated with a platinum drug. Despite the widespread use of these drugs, the only cure that can be claimed is that of testicular cancer following cisplatin treatment. This article reviews some of our recent work on phenanthriplatin, a cisplatin derivative in which a chloride ion is replaced by phenanthridine, and one of its analogues, the previously reported pyriplatin. These cationic complexes form monofunctional adducts on DNA that do not significantly distort the duplex yet efficiently block transcription. Cell-based assays reveal altered cellular uptake properties and a cancer cell-killing profile different from those of established platinum drugs. Mechanistic work, including a crystal structure analysis of platinum-modified DNA in the active site of RNA polymerase II, is discussed.
Steep, cheap and deep: an ideotype to optimize water and N acquisition by maize root systems.

BACKGROUND A hypothetical ideotype is presented to optimize water and N acquisition by maize root systems. The overall premise is that soil resource acquisition is optimized by the coincidence of root foraging and resource availability in time and space. Since water and nitrate enter deeper soil strata over time and are initially depleted in surface soil strata, root systems with rapid exploitation of deep soil would optimize water and N capture in most maize production environments. • THE IDEOTYPE: Specific phenes that may contribute to rooting depth in maize include (a) a large diameter primary root with few but long laterals and tolerance of cold soil temperatures, (b) many seminal roots with shallow growth angles, small diameter, many laterals, and long root hairs, or as an alternative, an intermediate number of seminal roots with steep growth angles, large diameter, and few laterals coupled with abundant lateral branching of the initial crown roots, (c) an intermediate number of crown roots with steep growth angles, and few but long laterals, (d) one whorl of brace roots of high occupancy, having a growth angle that is slightly shallower than the growth angle for crown roots, with few but long laterals, (e) low cortical respiratory burden created by abundant cortical aerenchyma, large cortical cell size, an optimal number of cells per cortical file, and accelerated cortical senescence, (f) unresponsiveness of lateral branching to localized resource availability, and (g) low K(m) and high Vmax for nitrate uptake. Some elements of this ideotype have experimental support, others are hypothetical. Despite differences in N distribution between low-input and commercial maize production, this ideotype is applicable to low-input systems because of the importance of deep rooting for water acquisition. Many features of this ideotype are relevant to other cereal root systems and more generally to root systems of dicotyledonous crops.
Neuropathologic changes in a case of sulfite oxidase deficiency

RECEKTLY, Laster and associateslJ described the symptomatology and clinical course of a 32-month-old male infant suffering from a previously undefined metabolic disorder, characterized by sulfite oxidase deficiency. '" Before elucidation of this disorder, three other siblings in the child's family had died during the neonatal period or during early infancy. I n the present case autopsy revealed significant pathologic changes confined almost exclusively to the nervous system, a finding in keeping with the child's symptoms of severe motor and mental dysfunction. The following report describes these neuropathologic alterations.
Change identification of remote sensing images based on textural and spectral features

In this study, a framework is proposed for the automation of change identification of remotely sensed images. Automation has long been hindered by the difficulty caused by illuminant inconsistency in directly applying the statistics of an earlier image to a later image. The difficulty is due mainly to inconsistent solar illumination and atmospheric conditions in a multitemporal sequence of images. A change detection process is performed in order to detect low-change areas. Whether or not a pixel is changed is determined based on textural and spectral features. Those low-change samples are used for radiometric calibration between different dates. Furthermore, the low-change samples may provide class statistics for subsequent images. Suppose that class information in the first image is sufficiently representative. By means of post classification, a series of multitemporal images can thus automatically produce the change types with time.
Locations of lesser tuberosity cysts and their association with subscapularis, supraspinatus, and long head of the biceps tendon disorders

Background Humeral head cysts are not uncommon in individuals with rotator cuff disorders. The cysts are usually considered an indicator of rotator cuff pathologies; however, they may have different meanings in different regions. Purpose To determine the frequency of cysts within and adjacent to the lesser tuberosity and the relationship between these cysts and subscapularis, supraspinatus, and long head of the biceps tendon (LHBT) disorders. Material and Methods We retrospectively reviewed 760 consecutive shoulder magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations. Among these MRIs, we selected a group of patients with cysts located around the lesser tuberosity. The study population was also divided into two subgroups, patients with cysts within the lesser tuberosity and those with cysts adjacent to the lesser tuberosity. In addition to the number and size of cysts, the MRI appearance of the tendons was evaluated. Results Eighty-one (10.7%) patients had cysts within and/or adjacent to the lesser tuberosity, 34 (42%) patients had cysts within the lesser tuberosity, and 47 (58%) patients had cysts adjacent to it. LHBT and subscapularis tendon disorders were significantly related to more than one cyst. In a univariate analysis, cysts within the lesser tuberosity were significantly associated with LHBT and subscapularis tendon disorders; however, multivariate analyses showed that only LHBT disorders were significantly associated with cysts within the lesser tuberosity. Conclusion Cysts within the lesser tuberosity were less common than cysts adjacent to it. LHBT and subscapularis tendon disorders were more frequently found in patients with more than one cyst within and/or adjacent to the lesser tuberosity. In addition, cysts within the lesser tuberosity were associated with LHBT disorders.
Cationic nanosystems for the delivery of small interfering ribonucleic acid therapeutics: a focus on toxicogenomics

Importance of the field: siRNAs may serve as novel nanomedicines for sequence-specific gene silencing in the clinic. However, delivering siRNA to targeted tissue or cells remains a challenge. An appropriate delivery nanosystem such as cationic polymers or liposomes is required for effective gene silencing with siRNA in vivo but the available drug delivery vectors are not all biologically inert. Areas covered in this review: A combination of highly focused and comprehensive literature searches to identify any relevant reports using Medline (from 1950 to 7 April 2010) through the OVID system. What the reader will gain: Using cationic delivery nanosystems as examples, this review article highlights the importance of undertaking toxicogenomics studies – the application of transcription profiling to toxicology – to acquire gene expression signatures of siRNA delivery systems so as to determine and/or predict their impact on gene silencing activity and specificity. Such nanotoxicological information will be important for the optimal selection of siRNA–delivery system combinations in the many proposed clinical applications of RNA interference. Take home message: Cationic delivery nanosystems can elicit multiple gene expression changes in cells that may contribute to the ‘off-target’ effects of siRNAs and/or modulate their pharmacological activity. Thus, selection of delivery systems for siRNA applications should be based on both their delivery enhancing capability and toxicogenomics.
Analysis of proteoglycan expression in developing chicken brain: Characterization of a heparan sulfate proteoglycan that interacts with the neural cell adhesion molecule

In the present study we have characterized the major proteoglycans of chick brain, focusing on their pattern of expression in development and on identifying the heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) that binds to the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM). The major chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPG) are a heterogeneous group of molecules with an average MW of 450 kDa. Protein core analysis reveals multiple protein cores between 100 and 350 k Da, The HSPGs are somewhat smaller, with an average MW of 350 kDa, and the major brain HSPG possesses a 250 kDa protein core. During development the relative percentage of HSPG decreases from approximately 50% of total sulfate‐labeled PG at E6 to 25% by E10. In order to begin to characterize the HSPG that interacts with NCAM, we initially used an antiserum produced against a HSPG which was previously shown to copurify with NCAM (Cole and Burg: Exp Cell Res 182:44‐60, 1989). This antiserum immunoprecipitated a HSPG core protein of 250 kDa, corresponding to the major HSPG of chick brain. We also show that the major brain HSPG binds to a synthetic peptide that encodes the heparan sulfate‐binding domain of NC AM, and that monoclonal antibodies to a recently identified chick retinal HSPG recognize this NCAM‐binding HSPG. This HSPG was immunopurified from E10 chick brain using the 6D2 monoclonal antibody, and has been shown to bind an affinity column containing the heparan sulfate‐binding peptide of NCAM. Consistent with its ability to bind NCAM, we show that the intact 6D2 HSPG inhibits cell adhesion to a HBD peptide substratum, and also binds chick brain cells when employed as a substratum. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Intra-task variability of trunk coordination during a rate-controlled bipedal dance jump

Abstract In this study, we investigated trunk coordination during rate-controlled bipedal vertical dance jumps. The aims of the study were to investigate the pattern of coordination and the magnitude of coordination variability within jump phases and relative to phase-defining events during the jump. Lumbar and thoracic kinematics were collected from seven dancers during a series of jumps at 95 beats per minute. The vector coding technique was used to quantify the pattern and variability of trunk coordination. Coordination was predominantly anti-phase during propulsion and landing. Mean coordination variability peaked just before the landing phase and at the transition from landing to propulsion phases, and was lowest during the propulsion phase just before toe-off. The results indicate that peaks in variability could be explained by task and phase-specific biomechanical demands.
Fibrotic microenvironment promotes the metastatic seeding of tumor cells via activating the fibronectin 1/secreted phosphoprotein 1-integrin signaling

The seeding of tumor cells is a critical step in the process of metastasis, but whether and how the microenvironment of target organs affects metastatic seeding remain largely unknown. Based on cell and mouse models, we found that the metastatic seeding and outgrowth of tumor cells were significantly enhanced in fibrotic lungs. The conditioned medium from both fibrotic lungs and the fibrotic lung-derived fibroblasts (CM-FLF) had a strong activity to chemoattract tumor cells and to inhibit the apoptosis of tumor cells. Subsequent investigations revealed that the levels of fibronectin 1 (FN1) and secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) were significantly increased in fibrotic lungs. Silencing of FN1 in the fibrotic lung-derived fibroblasts dramatically decreased the chemoattracting activity of CM-FLF, while silencing of FN1 or SPP1 in fibroblasts attenuated the anti-apoptosis activity of CM-FLF. Moreover, the CM-FLF-induced apoptosis resistance or chemotaxis of tumor cells was attenuated when ITGAV, the common receptor of FN1 and SPP1, was silenced by RNA interference or blocked by GRGDS treatment in tumor cells. Consistently, ITGAV silencing or GRGDS treatment significantly inhibited the seeding and outgrowth of tumor cells in fibrotic lungs in vivo. Collectively, we suggest that fibrotic microenvironment may enhance the metastatic seeding of tumor cells in the lung by chemoattracting tumor cells and inhibiting their apoptosis via activating the FN1/SPP1-ITGAV signaling. These findings give a novel insight into the regulatory mechanisms of cancer metastasis and provide a potential target for anti-metastasis therapy.
Genetic structure of Aedes aegypti populations in Chiang Mai (Thailand) and relation with dengue transmission

We analysed the population genetic structure and differentiation regarding vector competence for a dengue virus of 15 Aedes aegypti samples collected from Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. Based on polymorphism of 10 isoenzyme loci, genetic differentiation was confirmed among samples collected in different subdistricts (high FST values and P < 0.05). Based on infection rate for a dengue 2 virus, susceptibilities were similar in mosquitoes collected in San Nuea subdistrict and in Choeng Doi subdistrict, and were heterogeneous in populations sampled in other subdistricts. These findings are discussed and related to insecticide treatments.
Isolation and Characterization of Noncytopathic Pestivirus Mutants Reveals a Role for Nonstructural Protein NS4B in Viral Cytopathogenicity

ABSTRACT Isolates of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), the prototype pestivirus, are divided into cytopathic (cp) and noncytopathic (ncp) biotypes according to their effect on cultured cells. The cp viruses also differ from ncp viruses by the production of viral nonstructural protein NS3. However, the mechanism by which cp viruses induce cytopathic effect in cell culture remains unknown. Here we used a genetic approach to isolate ncp variants that arose from a cp virus at low frequency. A bicistronic BVDV (cp strain NADL) was created that expressed puromycin acetyltransferase as a dominant selectable marker. This bicistronic virus exhibited slightly slower growth kinetics and smaller plaques than NADL but remained cp. A number of independent ncp variants were isolated by puromycin selection. Remarkably, these ncp variants produced NS3 and viral RNA at levels comparable to those of the cp parent. Sequence analyses uncovered no change in NS3, but for all ncp variants a Y2441C substitution at residue 15 of NS4B was found. Introduction of the Y2441C substitution into the NADL or bicistronic cp viruses reconstituted the ncp phenotype. Y2441 is highly conserved among pestiviruses and is located in a region of NS4B predicted to be on the cytosolic side of the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. Other engineered substitutions for Y2441 also affected viral cytopathogenicity and viability, with Y2441V being cp, Y2441A being ncp, and Y2441D rendering the virus unable to replicate. The ncp substitutions for Y2441 resulted in slightly increased levels of NS2-3 relative to NS3. We also showed that NS3, NS4B, and NS5A could be chemically cross-linked in NADL-infected cells, indicating that they are associated as components of a multiprotein complex. Although the mechanism remains to be elucidated, these results demonstrate that mutations in NS4B can attenuate BVDV cytopathogenicity despite NS3 production.
Essential role of calcium in the infection process of broad‐spectrum methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteriophage

Phage therapy presents an alternative therapeutic option in treating infections caused by methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains not responding to antibiotic therapy. However, it is essential to study the role of external factors that may influence the yield and potency of phage preparations intended for use in various in vitro and in vivo studies. The present study focuses on the effects of calcium in the entire infection process of a broad‐spectrum lytic bacteriophage: MR‐10. The presence of calcium increased the adsorption rate of the phage and also participated in the process of penetration of the phage genome into the host cytoplasm. A final concentration of 5 mM of calcium ions supplemented in soft agar during the phage titration process significantly increased the phage titer. Hence, incorporation of such divalent cations during the isolation of lytic phages active against MRSA strains and during the preparation of high‐titer active phage preparations would definitely increase the isolation frequency and the final phage yield. This will contribute towards more effective phage preparations for use in treatments against MRSA infections.
Toll‐like receptor‐1, ‐2, and ‐6 polymorphisms influence disease extension in inflammatory bowel diseases

Background: Evidence that a deficient innate immune response toward the bacterial flora of the gut plays a role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is growing. This is underscored by the finding of the association between CARD15 variants and Crohn's disease (CD) and D299G in Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 4 and IBD. Our aims were to study nonsynonymous polymorphisms in other TLR genes in IBD. Methods: Thirty‐five single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in TLR1‐10 were identified from public databases. 284 IBD parent‐child trios and a second independent cohort of 285 IBD patients and 191 healthy controls were genotyped with polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphisms. Patients were pooled for genotype‐phenotype analyses. Results: Although none of the SNPs was involved in disease susceptibility, a number of variants influenced the disease phenotype. A positive association between TLR1 R80T and pancolitis in UC (P = .045, OR [95% CI] 2.844 [1.026‐7.844]) was found. The TLR2 R753G SNP was also associated with pancolitis (P = .027, OR [95% CI] 4.741 [1.197‐18.773]). The relative risks for heterozygous patients to develop pancolitis were 5.8 and 3.3 for R80T and R753G, respectively. There was a negative association between TLR6 S249P and ulcerative colitis with proctitis only (P = .026, OR [95% CI] 0.223 [0.096‐0.705]). In CD, we found a negative association between ileal disease involvement and TLR1 S602I (P = .03, OR [95% CI] 0.522 [0.286‐0.950]). Conclusion: TLR2 and its cofactors TLR1 and TLR6 are involved in the initial immune response to bacteria by recognizing peptidoglycan. An association between nonsynonymous variants in the TLR1, ‐2, and ‐6 genes and extensive colonic disease in UC and CD was found. Our findings further highlight the role of an abnormal innate immune response in the pathogenesis of IBD.
Nitric oxide induces oxidative damage in addition to deamination in macrophage DNA.

Inflammatory cells such as phagocytes, neutrophils, and macrophages have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several forms of clinical and experimental tumor development. It is hypothesized that this process is mediated by the production of reactive species including NO., O2. -, H2O2, and ONOO- which inflict DNA damage. In this study, the role of NO. in combination with oxygen radicals in DNA damage was investigated. DNA deamination (xanthine) and oxidation [5-(hydroxymethyl)uracil (5HMU), 2,6-diamino-4-hydroxy-5-formamidopyrimidine (FAPY-G), and 8-oxoguanine (8oxoG)] products were identified in the DNA of macrophages (RAW264.7) activated with Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and mouse gamma-interferon (INF-gamma). The formation of these products was inhibited by N-methyl-L-arginine (NMA), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor. NMA inhibited only the production of nitric oxide and had no effect on superoxide production. These results demonstrate that NO. plays a dual role in damaging the DNA of activated macrophages. Autoxidation of NO. leads to nitrosating species which cause deamination of bases. Reaction of NO. with O2. - leads to DNA oxidative damage due to the formation of peroxynitrite which may have HO. -like oxidizing potential. Another possible mechanism of oxidative damage by NO. could be the mobilization of free iron by NO. which could ultimately cause Fenton-type reactions. Therefore, nitric oxide not only leads to deamination of DNA bases but is also an obligatory factor in oxidative damage to DNA.
The androgen receptor revisited in urothelial carcinoma

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