Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interaction between a Bacillus cereus spore hexosaminidase and specific germinants

A purified coat-associated hexosaminidase from spores of Bacillus cereus was studied to determine whether it could promote germination of dormant spores. Spores of a coat-deficient mutant as well as chemically extracted spores were used as substrate. Both of these spore preparations responded poorly to most germinants. However, absorbance loss was accelerated when the hexosaminidase was added in the presence of L-alanine. Enzyme alone was not effective. The addition of D-alanine inhibited completely the absorbance loss caused by hexosaminidase and L-alanine. Calcium dipicolinate and L-alpha-aminobutyric acid activated the hexosaminidase to some extent, but these chemicals were much less effective than L-alanine. In addition to the absorbance loss, the spores treated with enzyme and germinants released hexosamine and lost heat resistance and phase whiteness. The results suggest that this particular enzyme might have a role in germination.
Characterization and Survival of Long-Term Implants of Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells Attached to Gelatin Microcarriers in a Model of Parkinson Disease

Previous studies have demonstrated that the intrastriatal implantation of human retinal pigment epithelial cells attached to gelatin microcarriers (hRPE-GM) ameliorates behavioral deficits in animal models of Parkinson disease. However, there are only sparse data on cell survival in the host. In this study, we characterized a variety of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE)-specific markers in vitro and used these markers to investigate the long-term survival of hRPE-GM implants. Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 22) were unilaterally lesioned with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) and implanted with hRPE-GM without immunosuppression. Rats were euthanized at 48 hours, 7 days, 4 weeks, and 5 months postimplant and immunohistochemically processed using the following antibodies: 1) human-specific nuclear mitotic apparatus protein (NuMA-Ab2), 2) epithelial-specific extracellular matrix metalloproteinase inducer (EMMPRIN), 3) RPE cell-specific RPE65, and the inflammation markers 4) glial fibrillary acidic protein and 5) ED1 (rat CD68). Our analysis revealed NuMA-, EMMPRIN-, and RPE65-immunoreactive cells at different times postimplant. The morphologic features of hRPE cell implants (at 48 hours and 5 months) were confirmed by electron microscopy. Furthermore, despite evidence of chronic inflammation at the later time point, there is an appreciable number of surviving hRPE cells. This study suggests that hRPE-GM implants can survive in the absence of immunosuppression and can be potentially used as an alternative for treating Parkinson disease.
Delayed sleep phase disorder in a Swedish cohort of adolescents and young adults: Prevalence and associated factors

ABSTRACT A delayed sleep–wake and circadian rhythm often occurs during puberty. While some individuals only develop a delayed sleep phase (DSP), others will fulfill the criteria for the diagnosis of delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD). All previous studies have however not separated DSP from DSPD, and, as a result, the prevalence and associated factors are largely unknown for the two conditions individually. We estimated the prevalence of DSP and DSPD in a Swedish cohort of adolescents and young adults. We also investigated associated factors in the two conditions relative to each other and individuals with no DSP. A questionnaire regarding sleep patterns, demographics, substance use/abuse and symptoms of depression, anxiety, worry and rumination was sent to 1000 randomly selected participants (16–26 years of age) in Uppsala, Sweden (response rate = 68%). DSP was defined as a late sleep onset and a preferred late wake-up time. The DSPD diagnosis was further operationalized according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Edition 5 (DSM-5) criteria including insomnia or excessive sleepiness, distress or dysfunction caused by the DSP and that the sleep problem had been evident for 3 months. DSP occurred at a frequency of 4.6% and DSPD at a frequency of 4% in the investigated cohort. DSP was more common in males and was associated with not attending educational activity or work, having shift work, nicotine and alcohol use and less rumination. DSPD was equally common in males and females and was associated with not attending educational activity or work and with elevated levels of anxiety. Both DSP and DSPD appear to be common in adolescents and young adults in this Swedish cohort. No educational activity or work was associated with both DSP and DSPD. However, there were also apparent differences between the two groups in shift work, substance use and mental health, relative to persons with no DSP. Thus, it seems reasonable to assess DSP and DSPD as distinct entities in future studies.
Complexation between polyallylammonium cations and polystyrenesulfonate anions: the effect of ionic strength and the electrolyte type.

Complexation between polyallylammonium cations and polystyrenesulfonate anions was investigated in aqueous solutions of binary 1 : 1 sodium electrolytes (NaX, X = F, Cl, Br, I, NO3, ClO4) by means of microcalorimetry, dynamic light scattering, electrokinetics and spectrophotometry. At lower molar ratios of monomer units charged polyelectrolyte complexes were formed. At molar ratios close to equivalence and at lower salt concentrations (c(NAX)/mol dm(-3) ≤ 0.1) flocculation occurred. The obtained precipitates contained approximately equimolar amounts of oppositely charged monomer units. At c(NAX)/mol dm(-3) ≥ 0.5 (X = NO3, ClO4) and in the case when the polycation was present in excess, the amount of positively charged monomer units in the precipitate was higher than that of negatively charged monomers (asymmetric neutralisation). In addition, the aggregation of positively charged complexes in concentrated solutions of all investigated electrolytes was noticed. The onset of aggregation was strongly anion specific. However, the aggregation of negatively charged complexes did not occur even at c(NaX) = 3 mol dm(-3). The composition of the insoluble products at equimolar ratio of monomer units and higher concentrations of NaNO3 and NaClO4 was dependent on the order of addition, indicating non-equilibrium interpolyelectrolyte neutralisation under all ionic conditions. At 25 °C and c(NaClO4) = 1 mol dm(-3) equilibrium was not reached after two months. In contrast, the supernatants showed no traces of free polyanion chains after being heated for a week at 60 °C. The pairing of monomer units was predominantly entropically driven, irrespective of the type of reaction products formed (polyelectrolyte complexes, precipitates) and the electrolyte type. The results obtained indicate that the overcharging is not an enthalpically demanding process. The calorimetric measurements also suggest that the strong influence of counteranions on the composition of the reaction product must be related to differences in ion distribution around polycations. However, despite rather similar energetics for complex and precipitate formation in the presence of various sodium salts a clear correlation of formation enthalpies with corresponding anion hydration enthalpies (Hofmeister series) was observed. Somewhat surprisingly, the titration calorimetry experiments have also revealed that the increase in electrolyte concentration affects the enthalpy of interpolyelectrolyte neutralisation negligibly.
Postpartum complications of forceps delivery performed under epidural and pudenal nerve block.

SUMMARY In a prospective study of 100 primigravidae, 50 women had a forceps delivery under epidural block and 50 women had a forceps delivery under pudendal nerve block with perineal infiltration. There was no significant difference in the incidence of postpartum headache, upsets of micturition and backache between the two groups.
Cell culture model for antiulcerogenic agents

To elucidate the mechanisms of antiulcerogenic agents, we established the cell culture model derived from rat gastric epithelium. The cultured cells were identified as mucus‐producing cells by using histological analysis. This culture model is useful for investigating the untiulcer effect of various agents and to reveal the mechanisms of the drug action. In particular, the ulcer‐healing model using the cultured monolayer is promising and convenient for the study of several growth factors such as HGF as well as antiulcerogenic agents. The effect of polaporezinc in the cultured model is introduced. Microsc. Res. Tech. 53:389–395, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of maternal and post-weaning low and high glycaemic index diets on glucose tolerance, fat deposition and hepatic function in rat offspring

Clinical studies have reported beneficial effects of a maternal low glycaemic index (GI) diet on pregnancy and neonatal outcomes, but the impact of the diet on the offspring in later life, and the mechanisms underlying these effects, remain unclear. In this study, Albino Wistar rats were fed either a low GI (n=14) or high GI (n=14) diet during pregnancy and lactation and their offspring weaned onto either the low or high GI diet. Low GI dams had better glucose tolerance (AUC[glucose], 1322±55 v. 1523±72 mmol min/l, P<0.05) and a lower proportion of visceral fat (19.0±2.9 v. 21.7±3.8% of total body fat, P<0.05) compared to high GI dams. Female offspring of low GI dams had lower visceral adiposity (0.45±0.03 v. 0.53±0.03% body weight, P<0.05) and higher glucose tolerance (AUC[glucose], 1243±29 v. 1351±39 mmol min/l, P<0.05) at weaning, as well as lower hepatic PI3K-p85 mRNA at 12 weeks of age. No differences in glucose tolerance or hepatic gene expression were observed in male offspring, but the male low GI offspring did have reduced hepatic lipid content at weaning. These findings suggest that consuming a low GI diet during pregnancy and lactation can improve glucose tolerance and reduce visceral adiposity in the female offspring at weaning, and may potentially produce long-term reductions in the hepatic lipogenic capacity of these offspring.
Thirteen novel mutations in the NR0B1 (DAX1) gene as cause of adrenal hypoplasia congenita

X‐linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita (AHC) is a rare developmental disorder associated with primary adrenal insufficiency and combined primary and secondary male hypogonadism. It is caused by deletions or mutations of the NR0B1 (DAX1) gene encoding DAX1, an atypical orphan member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. The continuous molecular genetic analysis of male patients with primary adrenal insufficiency revealed 13 novel mutations within the coding region of the NR0B1 gene which are predicted to inactivate the DAX1 function. These were three nonsense mutations (c.312C>A, p.Cys104X, c.670C>T, p.Gln224X; and c.873G>A, p.Trp291X), five duplications (c.269lowbar;270dup, c.421lowbar;422dup, c.895lowbar;896dup, c.989dup, c.999lowbar;1000dup), and five deletions (c.483del, c.745lowbar;746del, c.734lowbar;740del, c.1092del, and c.1346del). All of the mutations resulted in a premature stop codon destroying the ligand binding domain of the predictive DAX1 protein. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Photochemically Catalyzed Reaction of Ochratoxin A with d‐ and l‐cysteine ¶

The photolysis (>300 nm) of ochratoxin A (OTA, N‐{[(3R)‐5‐chloro‐8‐hydroxy‐3‐methyl‐1‐oxo‐7‐isochromanyl]carbonyl}‐3‐phenyl‐l‐alanine, 1) in the presence of excess (2 and 12 molar equiv) cysteine (CySH) has been investigated and found to yield sulfur adducts 5 and 6 that are characterized by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. The adduct 5 was ascribed to the Michael addition conjugate resulting from covalent attachment of CySH to the ochratoxin quinone ( 4 ) generated by photooxidation of OTA. This species was also formed by photolysis of a synthetic sample of the hydroquinone of OTA (ochratoxin hydroquinone, 3) in the presence of 12 equiv l‐CySH. The conjugate 5 derived from photolysis of 3 with l‐CySH was used for 1H‐NMR analysis. The sulfur adduct 6 was the major species detected from covalent attachment of CySH to photoactivated OTA, and it resulted from direct displacement of the OTA Cl atom by CySH. The implications of the cysteinyl adducts to the in vivo toxicity of OTA are discussed, with particular emphasis given to conjugate 5, as products from the photooxidative pathway may be of relevance to the nephrotoxic properties of OTA.
Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children and Alteration of the Immune System

Background and objectives: While there is evidence of an altered immune profile in iron deficiency, the precise immunoregulatory role of iron is not known. Information particulary in children who are vulnerable to iron deficiency and infection, is lacking. We aimed to study the effect of iron deficiency anemia (IDA) on immunity. Methods: In 101 children with IDA (iron deficiency anemia), (study group), and 99 normal children (control group), the percentage of lymphocytes, monocyte, neutrophile, level of immunoglobulin and serum iron, ferritin, Hb, MCV, HT, MCHC, MCH were compared. Results: There was a significant difference between the two groups (control and study) in the distribution of various hematological and biochemical parameters (serum iron, ferritin, Hb, MCV, Ht, MCHC, MCH), (P<0.05). The percentage of monocyte levels was 5,529 ± 3,720 in children with IDA and 4,574 ± 2,910 in the control group (p=0.044). The percentage of neutrophils was 45,045 ± 15,982% in children with IDA and 57,562 ± 16,267 % in the control group ((p 0.05). The percentage of EOSINOPHILE was 0.881 ± 1,385% in the anemic group; and 0.877 ± 0.938% in the control group (P=0.979). The level of BASOPHILE was 0.307 ± 0.522% in the anemic group; and 0.387 ± 0.603% in the control group (P=0.318). IgG level was 548,772 ± 91,885 mg/dl in children with IDA and 852,714 ± 181,424 mg/dl in normal children (P<0.0001). IgA level was 74,123 ± 35,109 mg/dl in study group, and in 94,936 ± 64,452 mg/dl control group (P<0.0049). IgD level was 4,729 ± 6,53 mg/dl in anemic group and in control group was 7,191 ± 6,439 mg/dl (P<0.0081). Conclusion: These results suggest that humoral, cell-mediated which have an important role in various steps of immunogenic mechanisms are influenced by iron deficiency anemia.
Survey of Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in an Environmentally Protected Area in Brazil

Brazil is one of the most important endemic areas for leishmaniasis worldwide. Protected areas that are tourist attractions likely present an important risk of transmission of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). Furthermore, with the geographical expansion of visceral leishmaniasis (VL), several studies have recorded the occurrence of its vector, Lutzomyia longipalpis, and cases of human and canine VL in such tourist areas. The Parque Estadual do Sumidouro is an environmentally protected area located in the Brazilian Cerrado biome and in an important area endemic for leishmaniasis in the state of Minas Gerais. The purpose of this study was to monitor the sand fly fauna in areas of tourist activity in the park. Sampling was performed every month, from September 2011 to August 2013, using CDC light traps at six sites of differing environmental characteristics. Sampled specimens were identified following Galati (2003), and females were submitted to molecular techniques for the detection and identification of Leishmania DNA. A total of 4,675 sand fly specimens of 25 species belonging to nine genera were collected. The most abundant species were Micropygomyia quinquefer, Lutzomyia renei and Pintomyia pessoai, although only Pi. pessoai is implicated in the transmission of Leishmania braziliensis. The species accumulation curve reached saturation on the 16th sampling event. Species richness, diversity and evenness differed among the sampled areas. The seasonal curve was not determined by a single unique species, and no single species was the most abundant in all environments sampled. The main vector of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum, Lutzomyia longipalpis, accounted for only 5.35% of the specimens collected. Proven or suspected vectors of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis were recorded, and one female of the cortellezzii complex tested positive for Le. braziliensis DNA. Even with a low infection rate (0.62%), these data indicate the circulation of the parasite and reinforce the need for entomological and epidemiological surveillance in the park and its surroundings.
Delayed-focus pulses optimized using simulated annealing.

Unlike prefocused pulses and shaped pulses based on the linear response theory, delayed-focus pulses (X.-L. Wu et al., 1991, Magn. Reson. Med. 20, 165--170) produce a selective spin echo after a predefined short delay without using a pi refocusing pulse. In this paper, a series of delayed-focus pulses of different flip angles are proposed based on optimization using Fourier series representation and simulated annealing. The resistance of these delayed-focus pulses to T(2) relaxation is also demonstrated using numerical simulation of Bloch equations.
Women With Undiagnosed Colorectal Adenocarcinomas Presenting With Ovarian Metastases: Clinicopathologic Features and Comparison With Women Having Known Colorectal Adenocarcinomas and Ovarian Involvement

Summary: Recognition of an ovarian tumor as a metastasis from an undiagnosed primary gastrointestinal tract carcinoma can be difficult when specific symptoms referable to the primary tumor are lacking and the tumor simulates a primary ovarian neoplasm grossly and microscopically. Ovarian metastases of colorectal adenocarcinomas, in particular, continue to pose diagnostic challenges both clinically and pathologically. Clinicopathologic features of 20 cases of ovarian metastases from undiagnosed colorectal adenocarcinomas (U-CRAs) were compared with those of 22 cases having metastases from known colorectal adenocarcinomas (K-CRAs). Women with ovarian metastases from U-CRAs were significantly younger (mean age, 48 years; median, 47 years) than those with ovarian metastases from K-CRAs (mean, 61 years; median, 63 years) (P = 0.002), presented with clinical findings related to the ovarian metastases, often had elevated CA-125 levels, and lacked specific symptoms due to the colorectal carcinomas, which were diagnosed only at the time of intraoperative evaluation of the ovarian tumors. Mean/median ovarian tumor sizes (12.8/13.0 cm for U-CRAs; 14.1/15.8 cm for K-CRAs) and frequencies of bilaterality (45% for U-CRAs and 36% for K-CRAs) were not significantly different for the 2 groups; frequencies of clinically unilateral tumors of more than 10 cm were similar in both groups (30% for U-CRAs and 45% for KCRAs). Other features more commonly observed in ovarian metastases from U-CRAs included mucinous differentiation, extracellular mucin production, and some degree of cytokeratin 7 expression; endometrioid-like differentiation was more common in metastases from K-CRA, but a garland pattern of necrosis and the presence of a confluent glandular, rather than infiltrative, pattern of invasion were similarly common in both groups. In cases having ovarian metastases from U-CRA, the younger age of the women, uniform presentation as pelvic masses without symptoms referable to the bowel, elevated CA-125 levels, occasional presentation as a large clinically unilateral tumor, frequent mucinous differentiation, and frequent coexpression of cytokeratin 7 are features that can contribute to misclassification of these metastases as primary ovarian neoplasms.
Bacteria of the genus Asaia stably associate with Anopheles stephensi, an Asian malarial mosquito vector

Here, we show that an α-proteobacterium of the genus Asaia is stably associated with larvae and adults of Anopheles stephensi, an important mosquito vector of Plasmodium vivax, a main malaria agent in Asia. Asaia bacteria dominate mosquito-associated microbiota, as shown by 16S rRNA gene abundance, quantitative PCR, transmission electron microscopy and in situ-hybridization of 16S rRNA genes. In adult mosquitoes, Asaia sp. is present in high population density in the female gut and in the male reproductive tract. Asaia sp. from An. stephensi has been cultured in cell-free media and then transformed with foreign DNA. A green fluorescent protein-tagged Asaia sp. strain effectively lodged in the female gut and salivary glands, sites that are crucial for Plasmodium sp. development and transmission. The larval gut and the male reproductive system were also colonized by the transformed Asaia sp. strain. As an efficient inducible colonizer of mosquitoes that transmit Plasmodium sp. , Asaia sp. may be a candidate for malaria control.
Physico-chemical and geochemical characterization of Makirina Bay peloid mud and its evaluation for potential use in balneotherapy (N Dalmatia, Republic of Croatia)

Darja Komar,*Tadej Dolenec, Matej Dolenec,Petra Vrhovnik,Sonja Lojen,Živana Lambasa Belak, Goran Kniewald & Nastja Rogan Smuc Department of Geology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, University of Ljubljana, Askerceva 12, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Department of Environmental Sciences, Jožef Stefan Institute, Jamova cesta 39, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; Sibenik-Knin County, 22000 Sibenik, Croatia; Ruđer Boskovic Institute, Bijenicka 54, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Selective Targeting of the Cysteine Proteome by Thioredoxin and Glutathione Redox Systems

Thioredoxin (Trx) and GSH are the major thiol antioxidants protecting cells from oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity. Redox states of Trx and GSH have been used as indicators of oxidative stress. Accumulating studies suggest that Trx and GSH redox systems regulate cell signaling and metabolic pathways differently and independently during diverse stressful conditions. In the current study, we used a mass spectrometry-based redox proteomics approach to test responses of the cysteine (Cys) proteome to selective disruption of the Trx- and GSH-dependent systems. Auranofin (ARF) was used to inhibit Trx reductase without detectable oxidation of the GSH/GSSG couple, and buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) was used to deplete GSH without detectable oxidation of Trx1. Results for 606 Cys-containing peptides (peptidyl Cys) showed that 36% were oxidized more than 1.3-fold by ARF, whereas BSO-induced oxidation of peptidyl Cys was only 10%. Mean fold oxidation of these peptides was also higher by ARF than BSO treatment. Analysis of potential functional pathways showed that ARF oxidized peptides associated with glycolysis, cytoskeleton remodeling, translation and cell adhesion. Of 60 peptidyl Cys oxidized due to depletion of GSH, 41 were also oxidized by ARF and included proteins of translation and cell adhesion but not glycolysis or cytoskeletal remodeling. Studies to test functional correlates showed that pyruvate kinase activity and lactate levels were decreased with ARF but not BSO, confirming the effects on glycolysis-associated proteins are sensitive to oxidation by ARF. These data show that the Trx system regulates a broader range of proteins than the GSH system, support distinct function of Trx and GSH in cellular redox control, and show for the first time in mammalian cells selective targeting peptidyl Cys and biological pathways due to deficient function of the Trx system.