Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sumoylated SnoN Represses Transcription in a Promoter-specific Manner*

The transcriptional modulator SnoN controls a diverse set of biological processes, including cell proliferation and differentiation. The mechanisms by which SnoN regulates these processes remain incompletely understood. Recent studies have shown that SnoN exerts positive or negative regulatory effects on transcription. Because post-translational modification of proteins by small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) represents an important mechanism in the control of the activity of transcriptional regulators, we asked if this modification regulates SnoN function. Here, we show that SnoN is sumoylated. Our data demonstrate that the SUMO-conjugating E2 enzyme Ubc9 is critical for SnoN sumoylation and that the SUMO E3 ligase PIAS1 selectively interacts with and enhances the sumoylation of SnoN. We identify lysine residues 50 and 383 as the SUMO acceptor sites in SnoN. Analyses of SUMO “loss-of-function” and “gain-of-function” SnoN mutants in transcriptional reporter assays reveal that sumoylation of SnoN contributes to the ability of SnoN to repress gene expression in a promoter-specific manner. Although this modification has little effect on SnoN repression of the plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 promoter and only modestly potentiates SnoN repression of the p21 promoter, SnoN sumoylation robustly augments the ability of SnoN to suppress transcription of the myogenesis master regulatory gene myogenin. In addition, we show that the SnoN SUMO E3 ligase, PIAS1, at its endogenous levels, suppresses myogenin transcription. Collectively, our findings suggest that SnoN is directly regulated by sumoylation leading to the enhancement of the ability of SnoN to repress transcription in a promoter-specific manner. Our study also points to a physiological role for SnoN sumoylation in the control of myogenin expression in differentiating muscle cells.
Dental fluorosis in Ledhupur and Rustampur villages near Varanasi.

A survey was canted oat in two villages near Varanasi covering 2159 subjects. Dental mottling was observed in 24-91 per cent of the subjects but no case of skeletal fluorosis was detected. The prevalence of dental fluorosis was low in children below 5 yr of age but it sharply increased thereafter to a mn*imnm prevalence in the 11 to 15 yr age group. Among individuals beyond that age, there was gradual decline In prevalence. In general, the prevalence was higher among males than among females and In those who were residing in the study area since birth than in the immigrants. The fluoride level of the drinking water collected from the wells ranged from 02 to 2-1 ppm (mean 09^0-38 ppm). A positive association between dental fluorosis and fluoride concentration in drinking water was noted.
Recent Advances in Diagnosis and Treatment of Colorectal T1 Carcinoma

PURPOSE Colorectal T1 tumors (submucosally invasive carcinoma) have special characteristics in terms of pathology, diagnosis, and treatment. The clinicopathologic features of T1 tumors are reviewed. RESULTS Incidence of T1 tumors was approximately 10 percent, and the percentage of node metastasis was 10 to 11 percent, whereas hepatic metastasis was <1 percent. Macroscopically they were divided into three types: polypoid, ulcerating, and flat. The ulcerating type was divided into two subgroups: polypoid growth and nonpolypoid growth based on the histologic appearance of resected specimens. The tools for detecting T1 tumors were fecal occult blood test and colonoscopy, and magnifying colonoscopy and chromography facilitate more precise diagnosis. Ultrasonography also was useful for the correct diagnosis of the depth of cancer invasion. Most polypoid and some flat T1 tumors were safely treated by polypectomy or endoscopic mucosal resection alone; however, when resected specimens contained risk factors for metastasis, such as deep invasion (sm2, sm3) and vessel invasion, additional surgery was necessary for cure. For rectal T1 tumors, the most appropriate procedure should be carefully selected from several therapeutic options to preserve anal function. CONCLUSION The management of colorectal T1 tumors should be determined according to the types of macroscopic appearances. The risk of node metastasis could be predicted based on risk factors that were characterized by the level of cancer invasion and the presence or absence of vessel invasion. Minimally invasive treatment should be chosen for colorectal T1 tumors.
Purification and Characterization of an Acetyl Xylan Esterase from Bacillus pumilus

ABSTRACT Bacillus pumilus PS213 was found to be able to release acetate from acetylated xylan. The enzyme catalyzing this reaction has been purified to homogeneity and characterized. The enzyme was secreted, and its production was induced by corncob powder and xylan. Its molecular mass, as determined by gel filtration, is 190 kDa, while sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed a single band of 40 kDa. The isoelectric point was found to be 4.8, and the enzyme activity was optimal at 55°C and pH 8.0. The activity was inhibited by most of the metal ions, while no enhancement was observed. The Michaelis constant (Km) andVmax for α-naphthyl acetate were 1.54 mM and 360 μmol min−1 mg of protein−1, respectively.
A multiplex PCR for detection of genes encoding exfoliative toxins from Staphylococcus hyicus

Aims: To develop a multiplex PCR for detection of genes encoding the exfoliative toxins ExhA, ExhB, ExhC and ExhD from Staphylococcus hyicus and to estimate the prevalence of exfoliative toxins among Staph. hyicus isolates from Danish pig herds with exudative epidermitis (EE).
Influence of Gender, School Location and the use of Play-Simulation on the School Achievemnet in Chemistry

This study looked at influence of gender and school location on achievement in chemistry when the innovative teaching method of play-simulation was used. Eight intact classes of (SS 1) students were used, each class from each of the eight sampled schools. Four schools were randomly selected from each of the groups of Boys and Girls only schools from four Local Government Areas. The school types were further grouped into rural-urban dichotomies four each with two from each school type. A sample of 177 students participated in the study (99 males and 78 females with 92 of them from urban schools and 85 from rural schools). The sampled schools comprised of two boys only schools and two girls only schools. Each of the two school types was selected from among urban and rural schools. Each intact class received chemistry lesson on organic chemistry after pre-test, each also participated in a post-test. A teacher made tested formed the research instrument. ANCOVA statistical test was used to test the two hypotheses and means were used to answer the research questions. The result showed that male students achieved significantly better than female students and also that the students from urban schools achieved significantly better than students from rural schools when playsimulation is used to teach SS1 chemistry students organic chemistry. Based on these findings, recommendations were made to the effect that school location and gender should not be a barrier in the application of innovative teaching strategies in science classes. Keywords : Play-simulations, gender, location, school type, achievement
Selenium supplementation could restore euthyroidism in subclinical hypothyroid patients with autoimmune thyroiditis.

INTRIDUCTION The thyroid is an organ with one of the highest selenium concentrations, containing many selenoproteins implicated in thyroid hormone metabolism. Treatment with levothyroxine has been recommended for all subclinical hypothyroid patients with TSH levels > 10 mU/L, whereas for those with TSH< 10 mU/L treatment remains controversial. AIM A randomised controlled prospective study was performed to investigate the effects of Se treatment on patients with autoimmune thyroiditis and mild sub-clinical hypothyroidism (TSH < 10 mU/L). MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 196 patients with autoimmune thyroiditis were recruited in the study. Patients were assigned to receive (case) or not receive (control) an oral selenomethionine treatment. Cases received 83 mcg selenomethionine/day orally for four months. All the patient's charts were submitted to thyroid hormonal profile (TSH, fT4) and TPOAb evaluation upon enrolment and at the end of the study. RESULTS In total 192 patients completed the study. Cases and controls were superimposable for age, gender, thyroid hormonal profile, and TPOAb levels. At the end of the study, 33/192 (17.2%) participants restored euthyroidism (Responders). Responders were significantly more frequent among Cases than Controls (30/96 [31.3%] vs. 3/96 [3.1%], p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION Selenium supplementation could restore euthyroidism in one third of subclinical hypothyroidism patients with autoimmune thyroiditis. (Endokrynol Pol 2016; 67 (6): 567-571).
On the mechanism underlying the divergent retinal and bristle defects of M8* (E(spl)D) in Drosophila

Our results, using endogenous mutants and Gal4‐UAS driven transgenes, implicate multisite phosphorylation in repression by E(spl)M8. We propose that these phosphorylations occur in the morphogenetic furrow (MF) to reverse an auto‐inhibited state of M8, enabling repression of Atonal during R8 specification. Our studies address the paradoxical behavior of M8*, the truncated protein encoded by E(spl)D. We suggest that differences in N signaling in the bristle versus the eye underlie the antimorphic activity of M8* in N+ (ectopic bristles) and hypermorphic activity in Nspl (reduced eye). Ectopic M8* impairs eye development (in Nspl) only during establishment of the atonal feedback loop (anterior to the MF), but is ineffective after this time point. In contrast, a CK2 phosphomimetic M8 lacking Groucho (Gro) binding, M8SDΔGro, acts antimorphic in N+ and suppresses the eye/R8 and bristle defects of Nspl, as does reduced dosage of E(spl) or CK2. Multisite phosphorylation could serve as a checkpoint to enable a precise onset of repression, and this is bypassed in M8*. Additional implications are discussed. genesis 47:456–468, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
E2A–PBX1 fusion in adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: biological and clinical features

Summary. Molecular and cytogenetic studies performed in 305 adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) patients enrolled in the gimema (Gruppo Italiano Malattie EMatologiche dell'Adulto) multicentric protocols identified an E2A–PBX1 fusion and/or t(1;19) in 10 patients (3·3%). All had common ALL, were mostly CyIg+ and were CD34/CD13/CD33–. Nine patients achieved a complete remission (CR); five patients showed a haematological relapse after 7 months (median). Four patients are alive in first CR with a median follow‐up of 29 months; three patients are molecularly negative. This abnormality is frequently associated with early treatment failure. E2A–PBX1+ adult ALL should be considered for intensified treatment strategies and monitoring of minimal residual disease.
Industrial Symbiosis in an Extended Perspective

The environmental management systems (EMS's) used in industry today is mainly focussing on the intra-organisational level. This paper suggests that a realisation of sustainable development, among other things, will require extending EMS’s from the intraorganisational to include the inter-organisational level. Industrial Symbiosis is a concept borrowed from biology, which is about cooperation and exchange of waste materials among participating companies. Industrial Symbiosis has an interesting opportunity to actively contribute to a sustainable development because it produces a win-win situation. But despite these great potentials Industrial Symbiosis has some problems that need to be addressed. Based on a literature review and a discussion of the problems and potentials of Industrial Symbiosis a revised framework is proposed which may improve the future success of its practical applicability. In closing future research needs, as well as implications for theory, practice, and policy makers are addressed.
Interleukin-10 inhibition of the progression of established collagen-induced arthritis.

OBJECTIVE Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a potent inhibitor of the proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor alpha and IL-1, which are considered important in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study was undertaken to establish whether IL-10 can ameliorate arthritis in the collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model of RA. METHODS DBA/1 mice were immunized with bovine type II collagen in adjuvant, and treated daily after disease onset with recombinant murine IL-10 or with saline as a control. Mice were monitored for paw swelling and clinical score. Histologic analysis was also performed. RESULTS IL-10 treatment of established CIA inhibited paw swelling (P < 0.0001), as well as disease progression as defined by clinical score (P < 0.0002). Cartilage destruction, as assessed histologically, was reduced in IL-10-treated mice compared with controls (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION IL-10 suppresses established CIA, probably by inhibiting proinflammatory cytokine production. Our results, taken together with previously reported findings, indicate a potential therapeutic role for IL-10 in RA.
Collagen type VI expression during cardiac development and in human fetuses with trisomy 21.

The role played by specific extracellular matrix molecules in normal endocardial cushion differentiation into valves and septa remains to be established. In this respect, type collagen VI is of particular interest because genes encoding the alpha1 and alpha2 chains are located on chromosome 21, and defects involving the atrioventricular (AV) cushions are frequent in trisomy 21. Collagen VI expression was studied in normal human embryonic and fetal hearts (5-18 weeks of development) and compared by immunohistochemistry with results from fetuses (10-16 weeks of development) with trisomy 21. During normal endocardial cushion differentiation (5-8 weeks) there was marked collagen VI expression in the AV cushions, whereas only minor expression was seen in the outflow tract cushions. In the normal fetuses (10-18 weeks), collagen VI in the AV cushions had condensed into a marked zone on the atrial side of the leaflets, as well as subendocardially in other regions of high shear stress. Morphological defects involving the endocardial cushion-derived structures were present in all trisomy 21 cases. An abnormally large membranous septum was observed in three cases. An AV septal defect (AVSD) was present in two, while one had a ventricular septal defect (VSD). Two cases presented with a secondary atrial septal defect (ASDII), and one had an AVSD. Mild to moderate valve dysmorphia was found in all cases. Collagen VI staining in trisomy 21 was more intense than in the normal subjects; however, there were no differences in the spatial expression patterns. We conclude that collagen VI is expressed in the AV cushions and persists during valve differentiation. Collagen VI is more prominent in fetal trisomy 21 hearts than in normal hearts. We hypothesise that collagen VI has a role in the development of heart defects involving endocardial cushion differentiation-specifically in the AV canal, the most common site of malformations affecting children with trisomy 21.
Comparative finite element analysis of the cranial performance of four herbivorous marsupials

Marsupial herbivores exhibit a wide variety of skull shapes and sizes to exploit different ecological niches. Several studies on teeth, dentaries, and jaw adductor muscles indicate that marsupial herbivores exhibit different specializations for grazing and browsing. No studies, however, have examined the skulls of marsupial herbivores to determine the relationship between stress and strain, and the evolution of skull shape. The relationship between skull morphology, biomechanical performance, and diet was tested by applying the finite element method to the skulls of four marsupial herbivores: the common wombat (Vombatus ursinus), koala (Phascolarctos cinereus), swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolor), and red kangaroo (Macropus rufus). It was hypothesized that grazers, requiring stronger skulls to process tougher food, would have higher biomechanical performance than browsers. This was true when comparing the koala and wallaby (browsers) to the wombat (a grazer). The cranial model of the wombat resulted in low stress and high mechanical efficiency in relation to a robust skull capable of generating high bite forces. However, the kangaroo, also a grazer, has evolved a very different strategy to process tough food. The cranium is much more gracile and has higher stress and lower mechanical efficiency, but they adopt a different method of processing food by having a curved tooth row to concentrate force in a smaller area and molar progression to remove worn teeth from the tooth row. Therefore, the position of the bite is crucial for the structural performance of the kangaroo skull, while it is not for the wombat which process food along the entire tooth row. In accordance with previous studies, the results from this study show the mammalian skull is optimized to resist forces generated during feeding. However, other factors, including the lifestyle of the animal and its environment, also affect selection for skull morphology to meet multiple functional demands. J. Morphol. 276:1230–1243, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Dynamics of nitrous oxide in groundwater at the aquatic–terrestrial interface

Few data are available to validate the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change's (IPCC) emission factors for indirect emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O). In particular the N2O emissions resulting from nitrogen leaching and the associated groundwater and surface drainage (EF5‐g) are particularly poorly characterized. In situ push–pull methods have been used to identify the fate of NO3− in the groundwater. In this study, we adapted a previously published in situ denitrification push–pull method to examine the fate of 15N2O introduced into the subsoil–groundwater matrix. Enriched 15N2O was manufactured, added to groundwater via a closed system in the laboratory, and then introduced into the groundwater–subsoil matrix in an upland‐marsh transition zone of a salt marsh and a forested alluvial riparian zone. Conservative tracers (SF6 and Br−) and 15N2O were injected into the groundwater and left for 1–4 h after which the groundwater was sampled. Added 15N2O behaved in a conservative manner at one site while the other site showed variability with some injections showing significant consumption (3–8 μg N2O‐15N kg−1 soil day−1) of 15N2O. Our results show that the fate and dynamics of N2O in groundwater are complex and variable and that these dynamics should be considered in the development of improved IPCC inventory calculations.
A fast enhancing method for non-uniformly illuminated underwater images

Enhancement of underwater images and videos is an important task required in several image-based applications like survey, seafloor mapping, telepresence, documentation etc. Color correction or white balance of underwater images is the most challenging issue because of the highly-variable illumination conditions, increasing bluish shift with the depth. Another problem is the low image contrast with poorly visible details due to the scattering effects. This paper presents a fast enhancement method for non-uniformly illuminated underwater images. The method is based on the gray-world assumption applied in the Ruderman-lαβ opponent color space. The color correction is performed according to locally changing luminance and chrominance by using the summed-area table technique. Due to the low-complexity cost this method is suitable for real-time applications ensuring realistic colors of the objects, more visible details and enhanced visual quality.
Anthropometry and Somatotype of Pre-adolescent Soccer Players: Comparisons amongst Elite, Sub-elite and Non-elite Players with Non-players

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to compare the anthropometry and somatotype of pre-adolescent soccer players of a wide range of levels and ages, and boys of the general population, in order to define the most relevant anthropometric characteristics related to success and promotion to youth soccer elite levels. To this end, 528 youngsters (11.9±0.3 years) divided in four different age groups (Under-11, Under-12, Under-13 and Under-14) and four different training levels (elite, sub-elite and non-elite soccer players, and the general population) were compared. Height, body mass, skinfolds, and limb diameters and circumferences were measured. Moreover, body composition and somatotype were calculated. To determine the differences between the training groups in each age group, the effect size (Cohen’s d) was calculated. Elite players were significantly taller than the rest of the players across all ages (d=0.30-1.18). In the Under-11 group, elite players were lighter than sub-elite players and the general population (d=0.30-0.54) but, as age increased, elite players became heavier than players in the rest of the groups (d=0.28-0.87). Also, our findings indicate that elite players had the lowest BMI (d=0.21-0.84), and the smallest limb diameters (d=0.24-1.19) and circumferences (d=0.22-0.96) across all ages. In addition, elite and sub-elite players had significantly lower values of skinfolds (d=0.21-2.18) and, the lowest fat (d=0.24-1.35) and the highest muscle (d=0.40-1.47) percentages. Finally, while mesomorphy was the major component in elite and sub-elite players (d=0.27-0.89), non-elite players and the general population presented higher levels of endomorphy (d=0.72-2.21). The present study supports the idea that young soccer players are bigger and leaner than their age counterparts who never engaged in regular sporting activity. Moreover, high fat percentage appeared to be a negative factor related to the selection of players.
Training-related and competition-related risk factors for respiratory tract and gastrointestinal infections in elite cross-country skiers

Aim To examine symptoms indicative of respiratory tract and gastrointestinal infections and determine risk factors for such symptoms in elite cross-country skiers. Methods Self-reported training and symptom data for 37 elite cross-country skiers from 2007 to 2015 were analysed using multilevel logistic regression equations with symptom incidence and duration as outcome variables, and sex, performance level, season, competition, air travel, altitude exposure and training characteristics as independent variables. Results Data for 7016 person-weeks were analysed, including 464 self-reported infection events and 110 959 h of training. Athletes reported median (range) 3 (1–7) respiratory tract and/or gastrointestinal events per year, with symptoms lasting 5 (1–24) days. During the winter, symptoms occurred more frequently (OR 2.09, p<0.001) and lasted longer (b=0.043, p<0.001) compared with summer. Competition and air travel increased the risk of symptoms, with ORs of 2.93 (95% CI 2.24 to 3.83) and 4.94 (95% CI 3.74 to 6.53), respectively (p<0.001). Athletes with higher training monotony had lower risk of symptoms (OR 0.87 (95% CI 0.73 to 0.99), p<0.05). Other training variables were not associated with symptoms. Athletes who had won an Olympic/World Championship medal reported shorter symptom duration compared with less successful athletes (b=−0.019, p<0.05) resulting in significantly fewer symptomatic days/year (14 (6–29) vs 22 (8–43) days/year). Conclusions Air travel and competition are major risk factors for acute respiratory tract and gastrointestinal symptoms in this population. Athletes who have large fluctuations in training load experience such symptoms more frequently. Shorter duration of symptoms appears to be associated with success in cross-country skiing.