Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Indirubin and Meisoindigo in the Treatment of Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia in China

The aim of this review is to summarize our experience and the current knowledge on the clinical results of Indirubin, a minor active constituent of a well-know traditional Chinese prescription, Ganggui Luhui Wan, and its analogue, Meisoindigo, in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) in China. Indirubin and meisoindigo induced hematologic remission in patients with chronic phase (CP) CML as effective as hydroxyurea and busulfan, in addition, there were no significant differences in median duration of CP, median survival and blast crisis at 60 months from diagnosis in indirubin, meisoindigo, hydroxyurea and busulfan treated groups. However, when meisoindigo was combined with hydroxyurea, there was evidence of a significantly prolonged median duration of CP, median survival and a reduced incidence of blast crisis at 60 months compared with busulfan, meisoindigo and hydroxyurea alone. The critical mechanisms of indirubin and meisoindigo action have not yet been identified. Both antiproliferative and induced apoptosis mechanisms have been described. Further research, especially randomized trials, are required to confirm the role of indirubin and meisoindigo in the treatment of CML.
The Cellvibrio japonicus Mannanase CjMan26C Displays a Unique exo-Mode of Action That Is Conferred by Subtle Changes to the Distal Region of the Active Site*

The microbial degradation of the plant cell wall is a pivotal biological process that is of increasing industrial significance. One of the major plant structural polysaccharides is mannan, a β-1,4-linked d-mannose polymer, which is hydrolyzed by endo- and exo-acting mannanases. The mechanisms by which the exo-acting enzymes target the chain ends of mannan and how galactose decorations influence activity are poorly understood. Here we report the crystal structure and biochemical properties of CjMan26C, a Cellvibrio japonicus GH26 mannanase. The exo-acting enzyme releases the disaccharide mannobiose from the nonreducing end of mannan and mannooligosaccharides, harnessing four mannose-binding subsites extending from -2 to +2. The structure of CjMan26C is very similar to that of the endo-acting C. japonicus mannanase CjMan26A. The exo-activity displayed by CjMan26C, however, reflects a subtle change in surface topography in which a four-residue extension of surface loop creates a steric block at the distal glycone -2 subsite. endo-Activity can be introduced into enzyme variants through truncation of an aspartate side chain, a component of a surface loop, or by removing both the aspartate and its flanking residues. The structure of catalytically competent CjMan26C, in complex with a decorated manno-oligosaccharide, reveals a predominantly unhydrolyzed substrate in an approximate 1S5 conformation. The complex structure helps to explain how the substrate “side chain” decorations greatly reduce the activity of the enzyme; the galactose side chain at the -1 subsite makes polar interactions with the aglycone mannose, possibly leading to suboptimal binding and impaired leaving group departure. This report reveals how subtle differences in the loops surrounding the active site of a glycoside hydrolase can lead to a change in the mode of action of the enzyme.
Active and Accurate trans-Translation Requires Distinct Determinants in the C-terminal Tail of SmpB Protein and the mRNA-like Domain of Transfer Messenger RNA (tmRNA)*♦

Background: tmRNA and small protein B (SmpB) rescue stalled ribosomes through a template switching mechanism. Results: Changes to the SmpB hinge, SmpB C terminus, or tmRNA ORF affect ribosome rescue activity and accuracy. Conclusion: Proper positioning of SmpB and tmRNA make distinct and supplementary contributions to ribosome rescue. Significance: Template switching requires concerted action of distinct SmpB, tmRNA, and ribosomal determinants. Unproductive ribosome stalling in eubacteria is resolved by the actions of SmpB protein and transfer messenger (tm) RNA. We examined the functional significance of conserved regions of SmpB and tmRNA to the trans-translation process. Our investigations reveal that the N-terminal 20 residues of SmpB, which are located near the ribosomal decoding center, are dispensable for all known SmpB activities. In contrast, a set of conserved residues that reside at the junction between the tmRNA-binding core and the C-terminal tail of SmpB play an important role in tmRNA accommodation. Our data suggest that the highly conserved glycine 132 acts as a flexible hinge that enables movement of the C-terminal tail, thus permitting proper positioning and establishment of the tmRNA open reading frame (ORF) as the surrogate template. To gain further insights into the function of the SmpB C-terminal tail, we examined the tagging activity of hybrid variants of tmRNA and the SmpB protein, in which the tmRNA ORF or the SmpB C-terminal tail was substituted with the equivalent but highly divergent sequences from Francisella tularensis. We observed that the hybrid tmRNA was active but resulted in less accurate selection of the resume codon. Cognate hybrid SmpB was necessary to restore activity. Furthermore, accurate tagging was observed when the identity of the resume codon was reverted from GGC to GCA. Taken together, these data suggest that the engagement of the tmRNA ORF and the selection of the correct translation resumption point are distinct activities that are influenced by independent tmRNA and SmpB determinants.
Effect of tannic acid on Lactobacillus plantarum wine strain during starvation: A proteomic study

The molecular mechanisms involved in tannic‐acid (TA)‐mediated cell growth retardation and viability prolongation of Lactobacillus plantarum VP08 strain were evaluated by a proteomic analysis of starved cells grown in the presence of TA or glucose as carbon source. The tannase activity and the cell growth retardation as well as viability prolongation were confirmed by enzymatic assay and growing tests, respectively. In order to gain information about the effect triggered at the molecular level by TA, total proteins (extracted from starved cells grown in 250 mg/L TA, or 2 g/L glucose) were analyzed by a 2D‐PAGE/MS approach to detect differentially expressed proteins. A total of 15 spots were found to be down‐regulated and 21 up‐regulated in TA‐grown cells. The results indicate an overall impact of TA on proteins involved in some cellular and metabolic pathways: glycolysis, amino acid metabolism, translation and protein folding. The modulation of specific proteins correlates with the positive effect of TA on the survival of tannase‐positive L. plantarum.
Progesterone Receptor, Estrogen Receptor α, and the Type II Glucocorticoid Receptor Are Coexpressed in the Same Neurons of the Ovine Preoptic Area and Arcuate Nucleus: A Triple Immunolabeling Study1

Abstract The neuroendocrine reproductive and stress axes are known to be closely linked, but the mechanisms underlying these links remain poorly understood. In the ovine brain, GnRH neurons do not contain type II glucocorticoid (GR), progesterone (PR), or α estrogen (ERα) receptors. We sought to determine whether PR, ERα, and GR coexist within the same hypothalamic neurons. A triple immunocytochemical study, involving antisera raised in three different species, was performed on cryostat sections from ovariectomized ewes treated either with estradiol and progesterone or with progesterone alone. All PR-immunoreactive neurons contained ERα, and about 95% of ERα were PR immunoreactive in the preoptic area and arcuate nucleus. Although the PR with ERα colocalization ratio was not affected by the steroid treatments, immunolabeling for PR was weaker in animals that did not receive estradiol. Numerous PR- and ERα-immunoreactive cells contain GR. PR+ERα+GR-immunoreactive cells represent 70% of PR, 65% of ERα, and 72% of GR in the preoptic area and 70% of PR, 66% of ERα, and 63% of GR in the arcuate nucleus. These results suggest that estrogen, progesterone, and glucocorticoids may influence the activity of the same neurons to modulate both reproductive and stress axes.
Technological properties, antioxidant activity and total phenolic and flavonoid content of pigmented chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars

Chickpeas are rich sources of highly nutritious protein and dietary fibre; the health benefits of consuming legumes such as antioxidant activity (AoxA) could be effective for the expansion of their food uses. The technological properties and antioxidant potential of five pigmented chickpea cultivars were evaluated. Protein content of the grains varied from 24.9 to 27.4 g/100 g sample (dw). The cooking time (CT) of the whole grains ranged from 90.5 to 218.5 min; the lowest CT corresponded to Black ICC3761 cultivar. The total phenolic content (TPC) and AoxA [oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) value] varied from 1.23 to 1.51 mg GAE/g sample (dw) and from 5011 to 5756 μmol TE/100 g sample (dw), respectively; Red ICC13124 showed the highest ORAC value. The differences in technological properties and AoxA among cultivars could be used in chickpea breeding programmes. Chickpea cultivars could contribute significantly to the management and/or prevention of degenerative diseases associated with free radical damage.
Socioeconomic trajectories affect mortality in Klinefelter syndrome.

CONTEXT Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is associated with male infertility, hypogonadism, and learning disability. Morbidity and mortality are increased and the causes behind remain unknown. Is it the chromosome aberration or is it caused by postulated poorer socioeconomic status? AIM The aim of the study was to study the socioeconomic profile in KS and the impact of these factors on mortality. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a register study using Danish nationwide registries. One thousand forty-nine KS men and 100,824 controls were included. Information concerning cohabitation, fatherhoods, level of education, income, retirement, and death were obtained. Two hundred four KS and 14,725 controls died during the study period. For the socioeconomic parameters, median age at first relevant episode was calculated. Cohabitation, fatherhood, educational level, and retirement were analyzed using Cox regression, and income was analyzed using conditional logistic regression. Both analyses using each case and his matched controls as one stratum. RESULTS KS men had significantly fewer partnerships [hazard ratio (HR) 0.66] and entered them later (median age 27.1 vs. 24.6 yr), fewer fatherhoods (HR 0.24),and they occurred later (median age 32.0 vs. 27.0 yr), lower educational level (HR 0.27), and lower income and were retired at an earlier age (43.5 vs. 60.3 yr). Mortality among KS men was significantly increased (HR 1.9), and after adjustment for cohabitation and educational status, mortality was still significantly increased (HR 1.5). CONCLUSION A severely inferior outcome in all investigated socioeconomic parameters compared with the background population was present and mortality was increased and may partially be caused by the poorer socioeconomic status.
Pathway-Based Kernel Boosting for the Analysis of Genome-Wide Association Studies

The analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) benefits from the investigation of biologically meaningful gene sets, such as gene-interaction networks (pathways). We propose an extension to a successful kernel-based pathway analysis approach by integrating kernel functions into a powerful algorithmic framework for variable selection, to enable investigation of multiple pathways simultaneously. We employ genetic similarity kernels from the logistic kernel machine test (LKMT) as base-learners in a boosting algorithm. A model to explain case-control status is created iteratively by selecting pathways that improve its prediction ability. We evaluated our method in simulation studies adopting 50 pathways for different sample sizes and genetic effect strengths. Additionally, we included an exemplary application of kernel boosting to a rheumatoid arthritis and a lung cancer dataset. Simulations indicate that kernel boosting outperforms the LKMT in certain genetic scenarios. Applications to GWAS data on rheumatoid arthritis and lung cancer resulted in sparse models which were based on pathways interpretable in a clinical sense. Kernel boosting is highly flexible in terms of considered variables and overcomes the problem of multiple testing. Additionally, it enables the prediction of clinical outcomes. Thus, kernel boosting constitutes a new, powerful tool in the analysis of GWAS data and towards the understanding of biological processes involved in disease susceptibility.
Experiential Aspects of Bulimia Nervosa

Fifty female bulimic patients were asked to complete a questionnaire describing their experience during a binge-vomit episode. Findings indicated that starvation was a common precipitant of bingeing, as were situations such as being alone and eating something, and dysphoric feelings such as anxiety and frustration. Significant others, particularly the mother and the boyfriend or husband, might also precipitate a binge. Although many feelings increased or decreased in a linear fashion as the episode progressed, others such as depression and relief waxed and waned at different points in the episode. Implications of these findings for cognitive behavior therapy were discussed.
Pharmacokinetics, covalent binding and subcellular distribution of [3H]doxorubicin after intravenous administration in the mouse.

Some aspects of the in vivo disposition of [3H]doxorubicin were investigated in mice in the first 6 hr after a 5 mg/kg i.v. dose. The disappearance of radioactivity from plasma and erythrocytes was consistent with biphasic kinetics. Highest peak radioactivity was found in lung, liver and kidney. Retention half-lives of radioactivity in heart, lung, kidney and small intestine were between 4.5 to 6.5 hr, while in liver, adrenal gland and spleen they were 7 to 13 hr and in skeletal muscle and bone marrow were 17 and 35 hr, respectively. Radioactivity in pancreas and epididymal fat had not equilibrated by 6 hr, and brain and testicle contained little radioactivity. Exhaustive methanol-ether extraction of acid-precipitated homogenates showed covalent binding of radioactivity to lung, liver, kidney and spleen at 40 to 100 pmol/mg of protein, while binding in plasma, small intestine and pancreas ranged from 4 to 30 pmol/mg of protein; heart and skeletal muscle showed 0 to 1.4 pmol/mg of protein at all times examined. Differential centrifugation revealed no site of subcellular accumulation within liver, kidney or most notably heart, other than the nuclear fraction. Specific levels of drug were highest in nuclei of liver, requiring 45 min to reach peak amounts; the lowest quantity per milligram of nuclear protein was found in the heart, and had already peaked by 10 min. These results suggest that the cardiotoxicity of doxorubicin may not be due to concentration or retention of drug within heart tissue as a whole or any non-nuclear subcellular fraction of it nor to the covalent binding of drug to heart protein, but may follow directly from the interaction of doxorubicin with the cardiac nuclei.
Point-of-injury use of reconstituted freeze dried plasma as a resuscitative fluid: a special report for prehospital trauma care.

Abstract : This special report describes the broader implications of prehospital fluid resuscitation in the context of what is the first reported case of point-of-injury use of reconstituted, lyophilized single-donor freeze dried plasma (FDP) as a resuscitative fluid. The Israeli Defense Force Medical Corps (IDF-MC) has deployed FDP as another step in the evolution of casualty care to bring damage-control resuscitation closer to the point of injury as part of the multidisciplinary efforts to improve trauma victims outcome.
Language Experience Affects Grouping of Musical Instrument Sounds

Language experience clearly affects the perception of speech, but little is known about whether these differences in perception extend to non-speech sounds. In this study, we investigated rhythmic perception of non-linguistic sounds in speakers of French and German using a grouping task, in which complexity (variability in sounds, presence of pauses) was manipulated. In this task, participants grouped sequences of auditory chimeras formed from musical instruments. These chimeras mimic the complexity of speech without being speech. We found that, while showing the same overall grouping preferences, the German speakers showed stronger biases than the French speakers in grouping complex sequences. Sound variability reduced all participants' biases, resulting in the French group showing no grouping preference for the most variable sequences, though this reduction was attenuated by musical experience. In sum, this study demonstrates that linguistic experience, musical experience, and complexity affect rhythmic grouping of non-linguistic sounds and suggests that experience with acoustic cues in a meaningful context (language or music) is necessary for developing a robust grouping preference that survives acoustic variability.
Epley's manoeuvre versus Epley's manoeuvre plus labyrinthine sedative as management of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: prospective, randomised study

Abstract Introduction: We report a prospective, randomised study of 51 patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo treated with Epley's manoeuvre alone or Epley's manoeuvre plus labyrinthine sedative, at Sundaram Medical Foundation, Chennai, India. Aim: To compare the efficacy of Epley's manoeuvre versus Epley's manoeuvre plus labyrinthine sedative in the treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo. Materials and methods: Consecutive patients were selected based on history and positive Dix–Hallpike test. Patients were randomised to receive either Epley's manoeuvre alone or Epley's manoeuvre plus labyrinthine sedative for one week. Both groups were followed up for four weeks. Results: Univariate analysis showed that one- and four-week outcomes were influenced by the number of episodes, symptom duration and treatment type. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the one-week outcome was significantly influenced by symptom duration and treatment type, while the four-week outcome was significantly influenced by symptom duration alone. Patients receiving Epley's manoeuvre alone showed better recovery than those receiving both Epley's manoeuvre and labyrinthine sedative. Conclusion: Labyrinthine sedatives do not aid recovery from benign paroxysmal positional vertigo when used in addition to Epley's manoeuvre.
Complete Pre Processing Phase of Punjabi Text Extractive Summarization System

Text Summarization is condensing the source text into shorter form and retaining its information content and overall meaning. Punjabi text Summarization system is text extraction based summarization system which is used to summarize the Punjabi text by retaining the relevant sentences based on statistical and linguistic features of text. It comprises of two main phases: 1) Pre Processing 2) Processing. Pre Processing is structured representation of the original Punjabi text. In Processing, final score of each sentence is determined using feature-weight equation. Top ranked sentences in proper order are selected for final summary. This paper concentrates on complete pre processing phase of Punjabi text summarization system. Pre processing phase includes Punjabi words boundary identification, Punjabi sentences boundary identification, Punjabi stop words elimination, Punjabi language stemmer for nouns and proper names, allowing input in proper format and elimination of duplicate sentences.
Fetal acidemia and electronic fetal heart rate patterns: Is there evidence of an association?

Objective. Despite the ubiquity of electronic fetal monitoring, the validity of the relationship between various fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns and fetal acidemia has not yet been established in a large unselected series of consecutive pregnancies. The aim of this study was to examine the published literature for evidence of such a relationship. Methods. Four hypotheses based on assumptions in common clinical use were examined. The literature was searched for relationships between certain aspects of FHR patterns (e.g., degree of FHR variability, depth of decelerations), and fetal acidemia, or fetal vigor (5-minute Apgar score ≥7). We also attempted to relate duration of these patterns to the degree of acidemia. Using standardized FHR nomenclature we defined patterns based on baseline FHR variability, baseline rate, decelerations, and accelerations. Results. The following relationships were observed: (1) Moderate FHR variability was strongly associated (98%) with an umbilical pH >7.15 or newborn vigor (5-minute Apgar score ≥7). (2) Undetectable or minimal FHR variability in the presence of late or variable decelerations was the most consistent predictor of newborn acidemia, though the association was only 23%. (3) There was a positive relationship between the degree of acidemia and the depth of decelerations or bradycardia. (4) Except for sudden profound bradycardia, newborn acidemia with decreasing FHR variability in combination with decelerations develops over a period of time approximating one hour. Most studies identified were observational and uncontrolled (grade III evidence of US Preventive Services Task Force); however, there was general agreement amongst the various studies, strengthening the validity of the observations. Conclusions. The validity of the relationship between certain FHR patterns and fetal acidemia and/or vigor, is supported by observations from the literature. In addition four assumptions commonly used in clinical management are supported. These conclusions need to be confirmed by a prospective examination of a large number of consecutive, unselected FHR patterns, and their relationship to newborn acidemia. Pending the completion of such studies, these observations can be used to justify certain aspects of current clinical management, and may assist in standardizing the diversity of opinions regarding FHR pattern management.
Micropropagation du palmier a huile (elaeis guineensis jacq. ) en milieu liquide

Dans le cadre du programme de micropropagation du palmier a huile par embryogenese somatique developpe par l'orstom et l'irho/cirad, nous avons etudie le passage en milieu liquide de diffrents stades de culture. Des suspensions embryogenes ont ete etablies a partir de cals provenant de 10 clones, apres 3 a 9 mois de culture dans un milieu liquide agite contenant 80 a 100 mg/l de 2,4-d, et 1g/l de charbon actif. L'origine unicellulaire des agregats qui generent la suspension est discutee, et leur mode de proliferation par fragmentation est decrit. Les conditions assurant une croissance ponderale optimale des cultures ont ete recherchees. Des embryons isoles et relativement synchrones sont obtenus lorsqu'une etape de differenciation en milieu liquide sans hormone est intercalee entre la phase d'entretien de la suspension et son etalement en boite de petri. Des recherches pour la comprehension des phenomenes mis en jeu sont proposees, et sur le plan pratique, le passage en bioreacteur sera effectue. En vue de realiser a terme l'ensemble des etapes d'expression de l'embryogenese en milieu liquide, l'etude comparative du developpement caulinaire des massifs d'embryons issus de la collection du laboratoire a montre l'interet du milieu liquide statique: les pousses feuillees se developpement plus vite qu'en milieu gelose, et leur production est accru. La consommation rapide du saccharose du milieu, l'elevation de la teneur en chlorophylles et l'augmentation de la capacite de la rubisco indiquent leur tendance a l'autotrophie. Ces modifications physiologiques permettront de produire des vitroplants mieux adaptes au transfert en conditions naturelles