Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Carbon dioxide exchange of buds and developing shoots of boreal Norway spruce exposed to elevated or ambient CO2 concentration and temperature in whole-tree chambers.

Effects of ambient and elevated temperature and atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) on CO2 assimilation rate and the structural and phenological development of shoots during their first growing season were studied in 45-year-old Norway spruce trees (Picea abies (L.) Karst. ) enclosed in whole-tree chambers. Continuous measurements of net assimilation rate (NAR) in individual buds and shoots were made from early bud development to late August in two consecutive years. The largest effect of elevated temperature (TE) was manifest early in the season as an earlier start and completion of shoot length development, and a 1-3-week earlier shift from negative to positive NAR compared with the ambient temperature (TA) treatments. The largest effect of elevated [CO2] (CE) was found later in the season, with a 30% increase in maximum NAR compared with trees in the ambient [CO2] treatments (CA), and shoots assimilating their own mass in terms of carbon earlier in the CE treatments than in the CA treatments. Once the net carbon assimilation compensation point (NACP) had been reached, TE had little or no effect on the development of NAR performance, whereas CE had little effect before the NACP. No interactive effects of TE and CE on NAR were found. We conclude that in a climate predicted for northern Sweden in 2100, current-year shoots of P. abies will assimilate their own mass in terms of carbon 20-30 days earlier compared with the current climate, and thereby significantly contribute to canopy assimilation during their first year.
A Decrease of Histone Deacetylase 6 Expression Caused by Helicobacter Pylori Infection is Associated with Oncogenic Transformation in Gastric Cancer

Background: Histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) plays a role in the progression of many tumors. However, the relationship between the level of HDAC6 expression and gastric tumorigenesis is still unclear. Here, we illustrate the potential correlation between Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection and the variation of HDAC6 expression in different gastric lesions, as well as the clinical significance of HDAC6 expression in gastric cancer (GC) patients. Materials and Methods: Between 2011 and 2016, 364 patients with different types of gastric lesions were enrolled in Baotou City Central Hospital. Immunostaining of HDAC6 expression and HP infection were performed in the following cohort including 21 normal tissues (Normal); 40 samples with chronic superficial gastritis (CSG); 106 with chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG); 94 with intestinal metaplasia (IM); 64 with dysplasia (DYS) and 39 with gastric cancer (GC). Survival analysis was performed in another 80 GC patients using the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate Cox regression analyses. The level of HDAC6 expression was determined by Real-time PCR, Western blotting and IHC staining in gastric cell lines and tissues. Furthermore, the correlation between HDAC6 expression and clinicopathological features and prognosis was analyzed in the GC cohort. HP strains were lavaged into Kunming mice to investigate the effects of HP infection on the expression of different HDAC members in this mouse model. Results: Higher levels of HDAC6 expression were detected in normal and premalignant lesions than in the GC tissues (p<0.01), and decreased HDAC6 expression was associated with HP infection and TNM stage (p<0.01 and p=0.048, respectively). Multivariate analysis revealed that HDAC6 expression was an independent predictor of the outcome of GC patients (p=0.04). HP mediated HDAC6 expression in the cell lines and KM mice. HP infection could promote HDAC1 and HDAC4 expression as determined by Western blotting. Conclusions: HDAC6 is a promising biomarker for early diagnosis and prognosis during the oncogenic transformation of gastric cancer.
HER2 Blockade in Metastatic Collecting Duct Carcinoma (CDC) of the Kidney: A Case Report

Background: Collecting duct carcinoma of the kidney (CDC) is a rare cancer associated with bad prognosis and, at present, with no specific effective therapies. Case Report: We report a clinical case with disseminated highgrade CDC presenting with widespread metastasis to both lungs, pelvic bones, axial skeleton, and the central nervous system (posterior fossa, both hemispheres and pituitary-hypothalamic). The primary tumor in the kidney was demonstrated (by fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry with Herceptest (3+ score)) to significantly overexpress HER2. Critically ill at presentation, the patient received oral capecitabine together with double HER2 blockade with both intravenous trastuzumab and oral lapatinib. His clinical response was a dramatic improvement and a progressive decline in the radiological size of all of his multiple cancer lesions. Conclusion: Double HER2 blockade is an effective therapy in disseminated CDC even in the presence of brain metastases.
Effects of methylprednisolone acetate and glucosamine on proteoglycan production by equine chondrocytes in vitro.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of methylprednisolone acetate (MPA) on proteoglycan production by equine chondrocytes and to investigate whether glucosamine hydrochloride modulates these effects at clinically relevant concentrations. SAMPLE POPULATION Articular cartilage with normal gross appearance from metacarpophalangeal and metatarsophalangeal joints of 8 horses (1 to 10 years of age). PROCEDURES In vitro chondrocyte pellets were pretreated with glucosamine (0, 1, 10, and 100 microg/mL) for 48 hours and exposed to MPA (0, 0.05, and 0.5 mg/mL) for 24 hours. Pellets and media were assayed for proteoglycan production (Alcian blue precipitation) and proteoglycan content (dimethylmethylene blue assay), and pellets were assayed for DNA content. RESULTS Methylprednisolone decreased production of proteoglycan by equine chondrocytes at both concentrations studied. Glucosamine protected proteoglycan production at all 3 concentrations studied. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Methylprednisolone, under noninflammatory conditions present in this study, decreased production of proteoglycan by equine chondrocytes. Glucosamine had a protective effect against inhibition of proteoglycan production at all 3 concentrations studied. This suggested that glucosamine may be useful as an adjunct treatment when an intra-articular injection of a corticosteroid is indicated and that it may be efficacious at concentrations relevant to clinical use.
Ameliorative effect of quercetin against arsenic-induced sperm DNA damage and daily sperm production in adult male rats

Abstract In this study, the protective effect of quercetin was evaluated against arsenic induced reproductive ailments in male rats. For this purpose, male rats (n = 5/group) weighing 180–250 g were used. First group served as control, second group received arsenic (50 ppm) in drinking water. Third group was treated with quercetin (50 mg/kg) alone, while fourth group received arsenic + quercetin. All treatments were carried out for 49 days. After treatment, animals were killed by decapitation; testis and epididymis were dissected out. Right epididymis was minced immediately for comet assay, while left epididymis was processed for histology. Similarly, right testis was homogenized for estimation of daily sperm production (DSP) and detection of metal concentration. The results of our research revealed that arsenic treatment did not cause any significant change in body weight and testicular volume. Quercetin treatment significantly prevented tissue deposition of arsenic within the testis. Arsenic treatment caused a significant reduction in DSP, however, in the arsenic + quercetin-treated group and quercetin alone-treated group, DSP was significantly high as compared to the arsenic-treated group. Histological study of epididymis showed empty lumen in arsenic-treated group while in arsenic + quercetin-treated group and quercetin alone-treated group, lumen were filled with sperm and were comparable to control. Sperm DNA damage, induced by arsenic, was significantly reversed toward control levels by supplementation of quercetin. These results suggest that quercetin not only prevents deposition of arsenic in tissues, but can also protect the sperm DNA damage.
A case study on multiple controller adaptive control

This document reports work on the application of a Multiple Controller Adaptive Control algorithm based on fictitious reference signals. The algorithm has to select a controller in a small set of candidate controllers. The work shows steps towards a good selection of a cost functional and an analysis, based on recent stability results, shows why a cost function that is usual in other control methods is not suitable. With appropriate cost functional and set of controllers, simulations show the method is able to control a time varying process in the presence of measurement noise and loop delay, even outside the design interval for the parameter variation.
Estrogen Receptor β Polymorphisms Are Associated With Bone Mass in Women and Men: The Framingham Study

ESR2 is expressed in bone cells, yet few studies have tested its variation for association with BMD, an important determinant of osteoporotic fractures. This was investigated in 723 men and 795 women from the Framingham study. Results show association of variation in this gene with BMD in both women and men.
Analysis of Myenteric Neurons of the Cecum of Diabetic Rats After Supplementation with Ascorbic Acid

El objetivo de este trabajo fue verificar el efecto neuroprotector del acido ascorbico sobre las neuronas mientericas en el ciego de Rattus Wistar, cuatro meses despues de la induccion de diabetes mellitus experimental con estreptozotocina. Utilizamos tres grupos de animales: C- control, D- diabetico, DA- diabetico tratado con acido ascorbico. Para la observacion de las neuronas mientericas fue llevado a cabo la tecnica de Giemsa. Fueron evaluadas las areas del soma de 500 neuronas, en cada grupo estudiado. El analisis cuantitativo fue llevado a cabo, en cada ciego, en un area de 16,6 mm2. En los animales diabeticos, se observo la elevacion de la glicemia y de la hemoglobina glicosilada. La suplementacion con acido ascorbico fue efectiva en las neuronas mientericas del ciego de animales diabeticos, ya que se produjeron los efectos neuroprotetor y neurotrofico.
Aggressive Mimicry in Photuris Fireflies: Signal Repertoires by Femmes Fatales

Females of Photuris versicolor prey on males of other species by mimicking the flash responses of the prey's own females. They adjust their responses according to the male pattern, and attract males of four species with distinctively different flashed responses. The capabilities of the firefly brain are more complex than previously suspected. The mimicry is quite effective, and females seldom answered more than ten males without catching one.
Early results of displaced supracondylar fractures of humerus in children treated by closed reduction and percutaneous pinning

© 2016 Indian Journal of Orthopaedics | Published by Wolters Kluwer Medknow Sir, I read with interest the article by Sharma et al.1 titled as “Early results of displaced supracondylar fractures of the humerus in children treated by closed reduction and percutaneous pinning. ” The authors have introduced the novel lateral trans-olecranon pinning technique for displaced supracondylar fracture of the humerus which is quiet appreciable. I would like to discuss some issues related to this article.
POLYPHENOL OXIDASE INHIBITOR(S) FROM GERMAN COCKROACH (BLATTELLA GERMANICA) EXTRACT

Enzymatic browning causes millions of dollars in losses yearly to the food industry by discoloration of fruits and vegetables. Food and Drug Administration’s banning of sulfites in 1986 has created a large field of research in search of natural, effective and economic inhibitors of enzymatic browning.The objective of this research was to demonstrate inhibition of plant(s) polyphenol oxidase (PPO; EC 1.10.3.1) using inhibitor(s)fromtheextractof Germancockroach,Blattellagermanica.CrudecockroachextractinhibitedapplePPOactivity60‐70%andpotatoPPO15‐25%. Inhibition occurred rapidly in the reaction mixture and was dependent on the pH of the system. The inhibitor(s) appear(s) to be large based on ultrafiltration studies and loss of inhibition with proteases.
NMR Structure Determination for Larger Proteins Using Backbone-Only Data

Examining the Backbone Determination of tertiary protein structures by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) currently relies heavily on side-chain NMR data. The assignment of side-chain atoms is challenging. In addition, proteins larger than 15 kilodaltons (kD) must be deuterated to improve resolution and this eliminates the possibility of measuring long-range interproton distance constraints. Now Raman et al. (p. 1014, published online 4 February) use backbone-only NMR data—chemical shifts, residual dipolar coupling, and backbone amide proton distances—available from highly deuterated proteins to guide conformational searching in the Rosetta structure prediction protocol. Using this new protocol, they were able to generate accurate structures for proteins of up to 25 kD. Protein structures can be determined by using the limited nuclear magnetic resonance information obtainable for larger proteins. Conventional protein structure determination from nuclear magnetic resonance data relies heavily on side-chain proton-to-proton distances. The necessary side-chain resonance assignment, however, is labor intensive and prone to error. Here we show that structures can be accurately determined without nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) information on the side chains for proteins up to 25 kilodaltons by incorporating backbone chemical shifts, residual dipolar couplings, and amide proton distances into the Rosetta protein structure modeling methodology. These data, which are too sparse for conventional methods, serve only to guide conformational search toward the lowest-energy conformations in the folding landscape; the details of the computed models are determined by the physical chemistry implicit in the Rosetta all-atom energy function. The new method is not hindered by the deuteration required to suppress nuclear relaxation processes for proteins greater than 15 kilodaltons and should enable routine NMR structure determination for larger proteins.
Crystal structure of octocoral lectin SLL-2 complexed with Forssman antigen tetrasaccharide

A symbiosis-related lectin, SLL-2, from the octocoral Sinularia lochmodes, distributes densely on the cell surface of microalgae, Symbiodinium sp. , an endosymbiotic dinoflagellate of the coral, and is also shown to be a chemical cue that transforms dinoflagellates into a non-motile (coccoid) symbiotic state. SLL-2 binds to the sugar chain of the molecule similar to Forssman antigen pentasaccharide (GalNAcα1-3GalNAcβ1-3 Galα1-4 Galβ1-4Glc) on the surface of microalgae with high affinity. Here we report the crystal structure of the complex between SLL-2 and Forssman antigen tetrasaccharide (GalNAcα1-3GalNAcβ1-3 Galα1-4 Galβ) at 3.4 Å resolution. In an asymmetric unit of the crystal, there are two hexameric molecules with totally twelve sugar recognition sites. At the nine in twelve sites, the first and second saccharides of the Forssman antigen tetrasaccharide bind directly to galactopyranoside binding site of SLL-2, whereas the third and fourth saccharides have no interaction with the SLL-2 hexameric molecule that binds the first saccharide. The sugar chain bends at α-1,4-glycosidic linkage between the third and fourth saccharides toward the position that we defined as a pyranoside binding site in the crystal structure of the complex between SLL-2 and GalNAc. The structure allowed us to suggest a possible binding mode of the Forssman antigen pentasaccharide to SLL-2. These observations support our hypothesis that the binding of SLL-2 to the cell surface sugars of zooxanthella in a unique manner might trigger some physiological changes of the cell to adapt symbiosis with the host coral.
The cAMP transduction cascade mediates the PGE2‐induced inhibition of potassium currents in rat sensory neurones

1 The role of the cyclic AMP (cAMP) transduction cascade in mediating the prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)‐induced decrease in potassium current (IK) was investigated in isolated embryonic rat sensory neurones using the whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording technique. 2 Exposure to 100 μM chlorophenylthio‐adenosine cyclic 3′,5′‐monophosphate (cpt‐cAMP) or 1 μM PGE2 caused a slow suppression of the whole‐cell IK by 34 and 36 %, respectively (measured after 20 min), without a shift in the voltage dependence of activation for this current. Neither of these agents altered the shape of the voltage‐dependent inactivation curve indicating that the suppression of IK did not result from alterations in the inactivation properties. 3 To determine whether the PGE2‐mediated suppression of IK depended on activation of the cAMP pathway, cells were exposed to this prostanoid in the presence of the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor, PKI. The PGE2‐induced suppression of IK was prevented by PKI. In the absence of PGE2, PKI had no significant effect on the magnitude of IK. 4 Results obtained from protocols using different conditioning prepulse voltages indicated that the extent of cpt‐cAMP‐ and PGE2‐mediated suppression of IK was independent of the prepulse voltage. The subtraction of control and treated currents revealed that the cpt‐cAMP‐ and PGE2‐sensitive currents exhibited little time‐dependent inactivation. Taken together, these results suggest that the modulated currents may be delayed rectifier‐like IK. 5 Exposure to the inhibitors of IK, tetraethylammonium (TEA) or 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP), reduced the control current elicited by a voltage step to +60 mV by 40‐50 %. In the presence of 10 mM TEA, treatment with cpt‐cAMP did not result in any further inhibition of IK. In contrast, cpt‐cAMP reduced IK by an additional 25‐30 % in the presence of 1 mM 4‐AP. This effect was independent of the conditioning prepulse voltage. 6 These results establish that PGE2 inhibits an outward IK in sensory neurones via activation of PKA and are consistent with the idea that the PGE2‐mediated sensitization of sensory neurones results, in part, from an inhibition of delayed rectifier‐like IK.
Roles of vascular endothelial growth factor, Angiopoietin 1, and Angiopoietin 2 in nasal polyp

To determine the roles of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), Angiopoietin (Ang)‐1, and Ang‐2 in nasal polyps (NPs) by assaying expression patterns and evaluating the effects of dexamethasone (DEX) on these factors in organ cultured NPs.
Two Lyres from Ur

Illustrations Foreword Preface Acknowledgments 1. The Two Lyres-From Excavation to Conservation 2. The Boat-shaped Lyre 3. The Lapis-bearded Lyre Appendices A. Boat-shaped Lyre Treatment B. Conservation of the Bull's Head for the Lapis-bearded Lyre Notes References Index
Cell of origin fails to predict survival in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma treated with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) includes two prognostically important subtypes, the germinal center B‐cell (GCB) and the non‐GCB types. The aim of this study was to evaluate immunohistochemical approaches for predicting the survival of patients with DLBCL following autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT). We identified 62 patients with DLBCL who either had an initial complete remission (17 patients) or received salvage chemotherapy for relapsed or refractory disease (45 patients), followed by AHSCT. Tissue microarrays were immunostained with monoclonal antibodies against GCET1, CD10, BCL6, MUM1, FOXP1 and LMO2. Using the Hans algorithm, we classified 50% of the cases as GCB type, whereas the Choi algorithm classified 58% as GCB type and LMO2 was positive in 69%. However, no significant differences were found in the 5‐year overall or event‐free survivals using any of these approaches. In conclusion, cell of origin fails to predict survival of DLBCL patients treated with AHSCT. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Altered response to antidepressant treatment in FoxG1 heterozygous knockout mice

Evidence from a variety of sources suggests that structural alterations in the brain, including neurogenesis, may play a role in both the pathogenesis of mood disorders and the mechanism of action of antidepressants. Previous studies have implicated both the transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β), and the phosphatidyl inositol‐3 kinase (PI3K)‐Akt pathways in the neurogenesis‐promoting and behavioral properties of antidepressants. Forkhead box protein G1 (FoxG1) is a major regulator of both of these pathways, and FoxG1 heterozygous null mice (FoxG1+/−) have previously been reported to have deficits in adult hippocampal neurogenesis and behavioral abnormalities including deficits in contextual fear learning. However the role of FoxG1, if any, in the response to antidepressants has not been previously investigated.
General features of vibration-induced effects on balance.

AbstractTests on healthy adults and patients showed that vibration of certain leg and trunk muscles caused involuntary inclination movements. These vibration-induced falling reactions (VIFs) were recorded by letting the subjects stand on a force platform signalling changes in the body inclination. The equilibration contractions in the leg muscles during voluntary counteraction of such falling were shown by the irregular oscillations also included in the signal, which could be separated from the slower sway signals. The amount of these oscillations in the supportive forces served to indicate the unsteadiness produced by vibration. Analysis of how various factors influenced the strength of the postural reactions, VIF-latency measurements and studies of VIF-responses in certain patients lend support to the following conclusions. 1) Certain leg and trunk muscles are particularly important as afferent sources for equilibrium during standing. 2) Vibration-induced afferent inflow from these muscles tends to brin.
The value of colonoscopy to assess rectal bleeding in patients referred from Primary Care Units.

OBJECTIVES Rectal bleeding is very common in the general population. It is produced mainly because of benign disease originating in the anus and the rectum. Our aim was to evaluate the need for colonoscopy in patients presenting with rectal bleeding. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients referred from Primary Care Units and complaining of rectal bleeding were included prospectively in a three-month study. All patients underwent a careful medical history along with physical examination, laboratory tests, and colonoscopy. RESULTS 126 patients with a mean age of 49.2 years (range: 19-80) were studied. Rectal digital examination was abnormal in 75 cases (59.5%). Severe disease was encountered in 22 patients (neoplasm, angiodysplasia, and inflammatory bowel disease); 10 patients had polyps, 6 had colorectal cancer, and 6 had inflammatory bowel disease. Out of 63 patients younger than 50 years, 5 had severe disease, all of them in the form of inflammatory bowel disease. CONCLUSIONS A neoplasm of the rectum and colon in patients younger than 50 years is a rare event. A colonoscopy must be performed in this group of patients to rule out inflammatory bowel disease.