Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dietary lycopene and cardiovascular health in ethnic Lithuanians

Background. Lycopene is a potent antioxidant, and it has been suggested that intake of lycopene-rich food results in a decreased risk of cardiovascular dis­eases. However, no official recommendation of lycopene consumption from natural dietary sources exists, and intake data of the Lithuanian population are limited. The goal of this study was to evaluate the median intake of lycopene in ethnic Lithuanians and to relate lycopene intake with biochemical blood risk factors for CVD in the general population and different ethnolinguistic groups. Materials and methods. One thousand one hundred forty randomly selected individuals (2–85 years of age) from six Lithuanian ethnolinguistic regions provided 3-day diet records for evaluation of lycopene consumption. Individuals were interviewed using a validated questionnaire consisting of lifestyle and clinical data. Serum concentrations of total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, glucose, apolipoprotein A-I, apolipoprotein B, lipoprotein (a) were measured using standardised procedures. Due to the non-normal distribution of variables, nonparametric tests were applied using the IBM SPSS v20.0 software. Results. The mean dietary lycopene intake in the study population was 5.05 ± 7.48 or 0.07 ± 0.11 mg/kg body weight per day. Major food sources of lycopene were tomatoes and tomato products (79%). The lycopene intake from natural dietary sources varied significantly between the Lithuanian ethnolinguistic groups (the lowest intake 3.52 ± 5.64 mg/day, the highest intake 6.22 ± 7.66 mg/ day, p = 0.01) and genders (women 5.26 ± 7.78 mg/day and men 4.8 ± 7.22 mg/ day, p = 0.01). The mean lycopene intake was significantly (p < 0.001) higher in summer than in winter: 6.06 ± 8.30 and 3.75 ± 6.03 mg/day, respectively. The lowest consumption of lycopene was in the group of individuals older than 65 years (2.54 ± 3.25 mg/day). Higher lycopene intake significantly correlated with higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration (r = 0.079; p < 0.001). Conclusions. The mean lycopene intake in the general Lithuanian population and different ethnolinguistic groups was one of the lowest compared to intakes reported in other European countries. In our study, we have not found any significant association between the mean lycopene intake and cardiovascular morbidity; the association of lycopene intake with higher high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentration indicates the anti-atherogenic effect of dietary lycopene.
Ethnopharmacological survey of medicinal plants used in the traditional treatment of diabetes mellitus in the North Western and South Western Algeria

Laboratory Antifungal, Antibiotic, Physico-chemical, Synthesis and Biological Activity, Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Life Sciences of the Earth and the Universe, University Abou bekr Belkaid Tlemcen 1300, BP 119, Algeria. Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of natural science and life, University Abdelel Hamid Ibn Badiss –Mostaganem27000, Algeria. Laboratory of LASNABIO, Department of Chemistry, University of Tlemcen 13000, Algeria. Laboratory of Plant Resource Development and Food Security in Semi Arid Areas, University of Bechar, South West of Algeria, BP 417, Algeria.
Body mass index, central obesity, and dietary patterns in a group of young adult men

Over the last decades, obesity has been increased in alarming rates not only in our country but also worldwide, tending to become one of the major health problems in the western world. Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to explore the relationship between dietary patterns and body mass index, as well as central obesity in young adult men. Method and Material: Study sample consisted of 1,000 army recruits and data was collected during their first referral for medical examination post recruitment. Collection of data was performed by means of a specifically designed questionnaire, which recruits were asked to complete themselves. Basic anthropometric measures were calculated and recorded by the examining physicians. Analysis of data was performed using the SPSS 15 statistical package and one-way ANOVA and t-tests were applied for the statistical process. Results: Regarding age, 13.8% of participants were 19-21 years old; 50.8% were 22-24 years old, and 30.7% were 25-27 years old, while 4.7% of participants were 28-30 years old. Regarding educational background, a 4.7% had received only basic education; 31.6% had received high-school education; and 63.7% had attended some college or university. 54.8% of participants considered their weight being "normal"; 5.1% considered weight being slightly or excessively above normal rates; and 40.3% reported that their weight was below normal rates. However, measurement results showed that only 58.7% of recruits were actually of normal body weight; 37.2% were overweight; and 4.1% were obese. Regarding central obesity, 50.3% of responders were classified as belonging to "low risk" group, with a 48.6% belonging to "moderate risk" group, and another 1.1% to "high risk" group. Statistic analysis of data revealed that the specific pattern of nourishment is associated to body mass index and to central obesity. More in advance, it was found that persons possessing optimal body weight were consuming significantly more frequently poultry, fish, or roast beef, p=0,022, as well as less bread, p=0,036 compared to the overweight participants. In addition, persons possessing optimal body weight were found to consume more frequently refreshers, sports drinks or soft drinks, p=<0,001, as well as snacks and desserts, p=<0,001 compared to both overweight and obese persons. Interestingly, persons with normal body weight reported consuming significantly more frequently fast-food meals, eggs, and sandwiches in their lunch-time, p=0,007 and p=0,040, respectively. Relatively to central obesity, recruits in "moderate risk" consumed significantly more frequently fast-food meals, p=0,005, more bread, p=0,035 and less fruit, p=0,030 than those in "low risk" for central obesity. Conclusions: Results of the present study suggest that the pattern of nourishment is not directly correlated to body mass index, but rather to central obesity.
The role of metabolites in predicting drug-drug interactions: Focus on irreversible P450 inhibition

Irreversible inhibition of cytochrome P450 enzymes can cause significant drug-drug interactions (DDIs). Formation of metabolites is fundamental for the inactivation of P450 enzymes. Of the 19 inactivators with a known mechanism of inactivation, 10 have circulating metabolites that are known to be on path to inactive P450. The fact that inactivation usually requires multiple metabolic steps implies that predicting in vivo interactions may require complex models, and in vitro data generated from each metabolite. The data reviewed here suggest that circulating metabolites are much more important in in vivo P450 inhibition than is currently acknowledged.
ABO glycosyltransferase genotyping by polymerase chain reaction using sequence-specific primers

Serological typing for the classical ABO blood groups is routinely performed using anti-A and anti-B antisera of polyclonal or monoclonal origin, which are able to distinguish four phenotypes (A, B, AB, and O). Modern molecular biology methods offer the possibility of direct ABO genotyping without the need for family investigations. Typing can be done with small amounts of DNA and without detection of blood group molecules on the surface of red blood cells. We developed a system of eight polymerase chain reactions (PCR) to detect specific nucleotide sequence differences between the ABO alleles O1, O2, A1, A2, and B. PCR amplification using sequence-specific primers and detection of amplification products by agarose gel electrophoresis is one of the fastest genotyping methods and is easy to handle. With our method we tested the A1,2BO1,2 genotypes of 300 randomly chosen persons out of a pool of platelet donors and found the results to be consistent with ABO glycosyltransferase phenotypes. We also identified a presumably new ABO allele, which may be the result of a crossing-over event between alleles O1 and A2.
Struktura drzewostanów a populacje cisa pospolitego (Taxus baccata L.) w rezerwatach przyrody "Cisy Rokickie" i "Bogdanieckie Cisy"

Yew Taxus baccata L. is an endangered tree species in parts of Europe. In Poland small populations grow in forest reserves. The study was conducted in two reserves established particularly for the protection of yew populations located in the region of Pomerania. The aim of the study was to know the number, vitality and growth conditions of natural yew regeneration and to identify threats to the regeneration of the species. The stand structure and regeneration of yew was described in 30 circular plots. The main tree species in stand canopy was Scots pine, however in Bogdanieckie Cisy beech also made up an important element of the stand. The density of yew regeneration was greater in Bogdanieckie Cisy than in Cisy Rokickie; the number of yew seedlings was 5000 individuals per hectare in Boganieckie Cisy and 3332 individuals per hectare in Cisy Rokickie. The vitality of yew regeneration was better under the beech-pine canopy in Bogdanieckie Cisy reserve than in Cisy Rokickie. Yew regeneration is grazed in the Cisy Rokickie reserve even though the fence. The forest floor influenced the amount of yew regeneration; the greater cover of herbs the lower the density of yew regeneration. The presence of yew in all phases (from seedlings to small trees) that regeneration processes continue in both reserves.
Expression of the G-protein--coupled receptor BLR1 defines mature, recirculating B cells and a subset of T-helper memory cells

The G-protein-coupled receptor BLR1 related to receptors for chemokines and neuropeptides has been identified as the first lymphocyte-specific member of the gene family characterized by seven transmembrane-spanning regions. Using a high-affinity anti-BLR1 monoclonal antibody (MoAb) and three-color flow cytometry it is shown that BLR1 expression on peripheral blood cells is limited to B cells and to a subset of CD4+ (14%) and CD8+ (2%) lymphocytes. T cells expressing BLR1 were positive for CD45R0, were negative for interleukin-2 receptors, show high levels of CD44, and show low levels of L-selectin. The majority of CD4+ cells originating from secondary lymphatic tissue, but none of cord blood- derived T cells, express BLR1. These observations suggest that BLR1 is a marker for memory T cells. Furthermore, BLR1 expression was detected on all CD19+ peripheral or tonsillar B lymphocytes, but only on a fraction of cord blood cells and bone marrow cells expressing CD19, sIgM, or sIgD. Interestingly, activation of both mature B and T cells by CD40 MoAb and CD3 MoAb, respectively, led to complete downregulation of BLR1. These data suggest that the G-protein-coupled receptor BLR1 is involved in functional control of mature recirculating B cells and T- helper memory cells participating in cell migration and cell activation.
Tidal Disruption of Stellar Clusters and the Spatial Distribution of Their Remnants Near the Galactic Center

The accretion of massive star clusters via dynamical friction has previously been established to be a likely scenario for the buildup of nuclear stellar clusters (NSCs). A remaining issue is whether strong external tidal perturbation may lead to the severe disruption of loosely bound clusters well before they sink deeply into the center of their host galaxies. We carry out a series of N-body simulations and verify our early idealized analytic models. We show that if the density profile of the host galaxies can be described by a power-law distribution with an index of α < 1, the cluster would be compressed in the radial direction by the external galactic tidal field. In contrast, the galactic tidal perturbation is disruptive in regions with a steep, α > 1, density falloff or in the very center where gravity is dominated by the point-mass potential of supermassive black holes (SMBHs). This sufficient criterion supplements the conventional necessary Roche-lobe-filling condition in determining the preservation versus disintegration of satellite stellar systems. We simulate the disruption of stellar clusters that venture onto nearly circular, modestly, or highly eccentric orbits into the center of galaxies with a range of background density profiles and SMBHs. We obtain the spatial distribution of the stellar cluster remnants. We apply these results to the NSC within a few parsecs from SMBH Sgr A* at the Galactic Center. Recent observations indicate the coexistence of two populations of stars with distinctively separate ages and metallicities. We verify that the subsolar-metallicity population can be the debris of disrupted stellar clusters.
Inhibitory effect of all-trans retinoic acid on the growth of freshly isolated myeloma cells via interference with interleukin-6 signal transduction [see comments]

We showed the dose-dependent growth inhibition by alltrans retinoic acid (ATRA) of myeloma cells freshly isolated from patients. ATRA downregulated the cell surface expression of interleukin-6 receptor (IL- 6R) and/or glycoprotein (gp) 130. The growth-inhibitory activity of ATRA was well correlated with that of anti-gp 130 antibody in every sample. Furthermore, ATRA inhibited the production of IL-6 from both myeloma cells and marrow stromal cells, and recombinant IL-6 (rIL-6) could partially recover the myeloma cell growth that had been inhibited by ATRA. These data suggest that ATRA may inhibit the proliferation of myeloma cells both by the downregulation of IL-6R and gp130 expression on myeloma cells and by the inhibition of IL-6 production from myeloma and stromal cells. Prednisolone (PSL) and interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) also inhibited the myeloma growth, while their effects were different from those of ATRA on IL-6 R and gp130 expression, IL-6 production, and morphological change. The inhibitory effect of ATRA on myeloma cell proliferation was observed in 10 of 14 samples obtained from eight patients, which suggests that ATRA may be a potent new therapeutic agent for some myeloma patients.
Study of pattern of skull fractures in fatal accidents in northeast Delhi

Head injuries are the most serious injuries in the term of morbidity and mortality. We wish to give our contribution to the already ongoing research studies on head trauma and its components. Hence this study of studying the pattern of skull fractures in fatal head injury cases in Northeast district of Delhi, their age and sex distribution, site distribution of different type of fractures and also the manner of death.
SPONTANEOUS DEVELOPMENT OF THE THYROID GLAND IN THE TOAD, BUFO REGULARIS -

Anatomical development of the thyroid gland in the Egyptian toad, Bufo regularis was studied during larval, pro-metamorphic, metamorphic climax, and post-metamorphic stages using histo-morphometric analysis. The thyroid follicles were firstly observed at the larval stage 38. Consequently, four developmental stages as representatives for the mentioned phases, namely, 40, 56, 60, and 66 were selected where significant morphometric changes were recorded in terms of the development of the thyroid gland. Morphometric parameters were employed for tracing the developmental changes in the thyroid gland histology including number of thyroid follicles, follicular cell height, gland volume as well as follicular lumen area. The present study revealed that the architecture of the thyroid gland progressively changes to accommodate the developmental demands. At metamorphic climax stage 60, the thyroid gland exhibited highest values in terms of the four investigated parameters compared to other stages, whereas significant regression in these values occurs at the post-metamorphic stage 66. The study also demonstrates that the peaks in thyroid activity expressed via the colloid are correlated with morphological changes that are directly comparable to metamorphic changes and remodeling associated with the biphasic life history characterizes most anuran amphibians. Different anatomical implications that are related to the developmental changes in the structure of the thyroid gland are discussed.
Tumor Necrosis Factor α-Induced Eosinophil Accumulation in Rat Skin Is Dependent on α4 Integrin/Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 Adhesion Pathways

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) is a cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous chronic and acute inflammatory conditions. In the present study, we have characterized the ability of TNFα in inducing eosinophil accumulation in rat skin and have shown the inhibitory effects of anti-α4 integrin and anti–vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) antibodies on this response. The intradermal injection of recombinant human TNFα induced a slowly developing, dose-dependent accumulation of 111In-eosinophils in rat skin that was maximal at the dose of 10−11 mol/site. Coadministration of TNFα with the soluble TNFα receptor (p55)-IgG fusion protein (TNFR-IgG) totally inhibited the 111In-eosinophil accumulation induced by the cytokine. The TNFα-induced 111In-eosinophil accumulation was not affected after pretreatment of rats with the platelet-activating factor (PAF) receptor antagonist UK-74,505 or the antihuman interleukin-8 monoclonal antibody (MoAb) DM/C7. In contrast, the intravenous administration of an anti-α4 integrin MoAb, HP2/1 (3.5 mg/kg), or an anti–VCAM-1 MoAb, 5F10 (2 mg/kg), greatly inhibited the 111In-eosinophil accumulation induced by TNFα (the responses detected at 10−11 mol/site were inhibited by 78% and 50%, respectively). These results show that TNFα is an effective inducer of eosinophil accumulation in vivo, with this response being dependent on an interaction between α4 integrins and VCAM-1.
Genetic analysis of means and variances of aluminum tolerance in maize.

In acid soils, aluminum constraints productivity of nonadapted plants. Aluminum most evident phytotoxic effect is the decrease in root growth. Joint use of liming and tolerant genotypes would make good use of acid soils. However, there are conflicting results from studies on tolerance inheritance in maize (Zea mays L.). The aim of this research was to estimate genetic parameters of tolerance in a family of tolerant and nontolerant inbred lines and their derived generations F1 and F2 and backcrosses. Net length of seminal roots of seedlings, developed in a nutrient solution with 4.5 mg/L aluminum, was analyzed. Additive and dominant standard proved sufficient and showed the additive gene effect as the chief generating factor of variability. Narrow-sense heritability was close to one and the number of loci was estimated as between two and three. Quick gains in selection cycles may be foreseen for net length of seminal roots.
Nonlinear models for describing the Citrus Variegated Chlorosis in groves of two counties at northwestern Paraná state, Brazil - doi: 10.4025/actasciagron.v32i4.11625

In Brazil, the production of sweet oranges has been threatened by the Citrus Variegated Chlorosis (CVC) incited by the gram-negative bacterium Xylella fastidiosa (Wells). Commercial citrus groves in two counties at the Northwestern Parana state were evaluated to estimate the disease progression by using parameterizations of nonlinear models. Groves of Citrus sinensis Osbeck, variety “Pera”, “Valencia”, “Natal” and “Folha Murcha” had all the plants evaluated for the presence of disease symptoms. Thereafter, different parameterizations of the Logistic and Gompertz models were fitted to these data. The goodness of fit was evaluated by the intrinsic (IN) and parameter-effects (PE) curvatures of Bates and Watts, the bias of Box and the Hougaard measures of skewness. In Loanda, the best model was the Fermi-Dirac, and in Nova Esperanca the data were best fitted to the parameterization L 5 , which is also a parameterization from the Logistic model.
Metalloprotease activity of CD13/aminopeptidase N on the surface of human myeloid cells

We previously found that the myeloid cell surface glycoprotein CD13 (gp150) is identical to aminopeptidase N (EC 3.4.11.2), a widely distributed membrane-bound, zinc-dependent metalloprotease with an extracellular enzymatic domain that cleaves N-terminal amino acid residues from oligopeptides (J Clin Invest 83:1299, 1989). As a first step toward defining the function of this molecule on myeloid cells, we assessed cell surface-associated N-terminal peptidase activity by sensitive spectrophotometric measurements of the cleavage of p- nitroanilide amino acid derivatives. Aminopeptidase activity detected on the surface of normal and malignant hematopoietic cells coincided with the level of cell surface CD13 expression as measured by flow cytometry. The enzyme was specifically inhibited by the zinc-binding metalloprotease inhibitors, bestatin, 1,10-phenanthroline, or 2.2′- dipyridyl, but was not affected by several inhibitors of other classes of proteases. Aminopeptidase activity was demonstrated for CD13 molecules specifically immunoprecipitated from the surface of CD13- positive cells and was blocked by the metalloprotease inhibitor 1,10- phenanthroline. Moreover, cell surface aminopeptidase activity was partially inhibited when viable cells were incubated with two of a panel of 11 monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) known to be specific for extracellular epitopes of human CD13. This inhibition was apparent in the absence of detectable downmodulation of CD13 molecules from the cell surface, suggesting that these MoAbs either physically interfere with substrate binding or alter the zinc-coordinating properties of aminopeptidase N molecules. Aminopeptidase N could play an important role in modulating signals generated by peptides at the surface of myeloid cells, either by removing key N-terminal residues from active peptides or by converting inactive peptides to active forms. The inhibitory antibodies used in this study should prove useful in delineating the physiologic roles of CD13/aminopeptidase N on normal and malignant myeloid cells.
Efeito de Diferentes Diluídores na Fertilidade de Éguas de Diferentes Haras Inseminadas com Sêmen Diluído, Resfriado e Transportado em Conteiner Especial

The effects of extender and farms on the fertility of sixty-five Mangalarga Marchador breed mares were studied. The mares were randomly assigned to a 2 x 2 factorial experiment, with two breeding farms (H1 and H2) and two extenders (glycine-egg yolk - T1 and lactose-egg yolk modified - T2), from only one stallion, with different number of replicates . The mares were inseminated, on alternated days, with diluted, cooled, transported semen, in a special container (MSP-2). There were no differences in the conception rate at first cycle, regardless of the breeding farm or extender used. Also, there was no difference among breeding farm or extender concerning the conception rate/cycle and the following reproductive characteristics: number of cycles/pregnancy, number of inseminations/ mare, inseminations/pregnant mare, inseminations/open mare, water temperature in the container, temperature of semen in the container, time between collection and insemination and efficiency of pregnancy. The use of lactose-egg yolk modified extender for the dilution, cooling and transport of stallion semen between farms is recommended. The new container MSP-2 showed to be a option for the transportation between farms, for the same purpose.