Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chitin Biochemistry: Synthesis and Inhibition

Chitin is an amino-sugar polysaccharide that serves as a supporting element in extracellular structures, notably in exoskeletons of arthropods (91) and cell walls of various fungi (88). Chitin is prevalent in invertebrates (43, 105) and is found in certain diatom algae (45). In insects, this biopolymer is a major carbohydrate component of chito-protein complexes such as the cuticle and the peritrophic membrane (1, 92, 100, 105). Taking into consideration the global biomass of arthropods, particularly the zooplankton, polymerization of N-acetyl-o-glucosamine into chitin is a major synthetic event, second only to cellulose production. Synthesis of chitin involves concerted multifaceted cellular activities starting from biotrans­ formations of simple metabolites and culminating in the emergence of a polymer to be extruded outside cell membranes. Many enzymatic and nonenzymatic parts of this intricate process are still poorly described. In­ formation regarding the mechanism of polymerization and its regulation in insect (18,60,65,66) and fungal (10, 35, 37,88, 106, 120) systems has only recently started to emerge. Future studies on the role of insect hormones coupled with in-depth investigations using various types of inhibitors that interfere with chitin synthesis will shed light on these inadequately understood events. In particular, inhibitors will be instrumental in chemical microsurgery for elucidation of the polymerization step. Information related to subsequent steps such as extrusion of nascent polysaccharides, crystallization, orientation of microfibrils, and attachment of microfibrils to extracellular proteins is incomplete or lacking. Thorough studies should not only address academic curiosity about this fundamental biochemical phenomenon, but should also
Treatment of chronic GvHD with mesenchymal stromal cells induces durable responses: A phase II study

Steroid‐refractory chronic graft‐vs‐host disease (cGvHD) contributes to morbidity after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Here, we report on 11 patients with severe, refractory cGvHD treated with repeated infusions of allogeneic bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) over a 6‐ to 12‐month period. Six patients responded to MSC treatment following National Institutes of Health response criteria, accompanied by improvement in GvHD‐related symptoms and quality of life. This response was durable, with systemic immunosuppressive therapy withdrawn from two responders, and a further two free from steroids and tapering calcineurin inhibitors. All responders displayed a distinct immune phenotype characterized by higher levels of naïve T cells and B cells before treatment compared with the nonresponders, and a significantly higher fraction of CD31+ naïve CD4+ T cells. MSC treatment was associated with significant increases in naïve T cells, B cells, and Tregs 7 days after each infusion. Skin biopsies showed resolution of epidermal pathology. CXCL9 and CXCL10 showed differential responses in responder and nonresponder patients. Our data support the use of MSC infusions as treatment for steroid‐refractory cGvHD with durable responses. We propose CXCL9 and CXCL10 as early biomarkers for responsiveness to MSC treatment. Our results highlight the importance of the MSC recipient immune phenotype in promoting treatment response. This trial was registered at www.ClinicalTrials. gov as #NCT01522716.
Comparison of antibiotic prescribing records in two UK primary care electronic health record systems: cohort study using CPRD GOLD and CPRD Aurum databases

Objectives We aimed to evaluate recording of antibiotic prescribing from two primary care electronic health record systems. Design Cohort study. Setting UK general practices contributing to the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) databases: CPRD GOLD (Vision data) and CPRD Aurum (EMIS data). English CPRD GOLD general practices were analysed as a subgroup, as all CPRD Aurum practices were located in England. Participants 158 305 patients were randomly sampled from CPRD Aurum and 160 394 from CPRD GOLD. Outcome measures Antibiotic prescriptions in 2017 were identified. Age-standardised and sex-standardised antibiotic prescribing rates per 1000 person years were calculated. Prescribing of individual antibiotic products and associated medical diagnoses was evaluated. Results There were 101 360 antibiotic prescriptions at 883 CPRD Aurum practices and 112 931 prescriptions at 290 CPRD GOLD practices, including 112 general practices in England. The age-standardised and sex-standardised antibiotic prescribing rate in 2017 was 512.6 (95% CI 510.4 to 514.9) per 1000 person years in CPRD Aurum and 584.3 (582.1 to 586.5) per 1000 person years in CPRD GOLD (505.2 (501.6 to 508.9) per 1000 person years if restricted to practices in England). The 25 most frequently prescribed antibiotic products were similar in both databases. One or more medical codes were recorded on the same date as an antibiotic prescription for 72 989 (74%) prescriptions in CPRD Aurum, 84 756 (78%) in CPRD GOLD and 28 471 (78%) for CPRD GOLD in England. Skin, respiratory and genitourinary tract infections were recorded for 39 035 (40%) prescriptions in CPRD Aurum, 41 326 (38%) in CPRD GOLD, with 15 481 (42%) in English CPRD GOLD practices only. Conclusion Estimates for antibiotic prescribing and infection recording were broadly similar in both databases suggesting similar recording across EMIS and Vision systems. Future research on antimicrobial stewardship can also be conducted using primary care data in CPRD Aurum.
Species diversity and composition of small mammal communities in Goteniška gora (S Slovenia)

Although a considerable improvement in knowledge about small mammal fauna in Slovenia has been noted over the past 30 years, the group is still understudied. Here we present results of the nine-year trapping and information on abundance and community assemblage of small mammals of Goteniška gora, a mountain in southern Slovenia. Trappings were conducted every September from 2002 to 2010. Traps were set in different habitats, ranging from open-space meadows and stony karst areas to dense fir-beech forests (Abieti-Fagetum dinaricum). At least 12 different species constituted local communities, mostly resembling central European deciduous and mixed forest communities. Some representatives of Alpine small mammal communities and a Pleistocene relict were also present.
T cell responses affected by aminopeptidase N (CD13)-mediated trimming of major histocompatibility complex class II-bound peptides [published erratum appears in J Exp Med 1996 Nov 1;184(5):2073]

Endocytosed protein antigens are believed to be fragmented in what appears to be a balance between proteolysis and MHC-mediated epitope protection, and the resulting peptide-MHC complexes are transported to the surface of the antigen-presenting cells (APC) and presented to T cells. The events that lead to antigenic peptide generation and the compartments where antigen processing takes place remains somewhat enigmatic. The importance of intracellular antigen processing has been well established; however, it is unclear whether additional processing occurs at the APC surface. To follow antigen processing, we have identified a pair of T cell hybridomas that recognize a long vs. a short version of the same epitope. We have used prefixed APC and various protease inhibitors to demonstrate that the APC surface has a considerable potential for antigen processing. Specific antibodies further identified the exopeptidase Aminopeptidase N (APN, CD13) as one of the enzymes involved in the observed cell-surface antigen processing. The NH2-terminal end of the longer peptide could, even while bound to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules, be digested by APN with dramatic consequences for T cell antigen recognition. This could be demonstrated both in cell-free systems using purified reagents and in cellular systems. Thus, MHC class II and APN may act in concert to generate the final T cell epitopes.
Phylogeny of the Micareaceae inferred from nrSSU DNA sequences

The phylogeny of the Micareaceae and the genus Micarea Fr. was studied using 39 nuclear small subunit ribosomal DNA sequences. Phylogenetic analyses were carried out using maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference. A confidence set of trees was estimated using expected likelihood weights to investigate a series of hypotheses of monophyly. Tree topologies were very similar between methods and differed only in the placement of a few poorly supported branches. The results indicate that the Micareaceae in its current circumscription belongs in the Lecanorales, but that it is not monophyletic. Psilolechia, Micarea with a ‘non-micareoid’ photobiont, Micarea sensu stricto and Byssoloma form a paraphyletic grade in this study. Micarea sensu stricto and Byssoloma (Pilocarpaceae) form a strongly supported monophyletic group, which constitutes the sister group to the Bacidiaceae. Scoliciosporum A. Massal has sometimes been considered close to Micarea, but no support was found for that hypothesis.
History Information’s are Indispensable in Developmental Assessment of Children

Abstract For achieving the good health and wellbeing for all children, the main role of pediatrician and other health care professionals is to follow their development. We implemented developmental monitoring for 465 children at the age of 12 - 60 months, in the period of 4 years (2016 - 2019), using standard algorithm in which start is always with child history. It should be comprehensive, and must include a detailed prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal history. Obtained results showed that 16.13% of participants have some serious illness in family history, and the same percentage (16.13%) manifested serious perinatal problems which imposed the support in intensive care unit. Breastfeed are 49,46 % of children. Only 7,53 % are not completely vaccinated. About the parameters for the development, we obtained that 11,83 % were not walking at the time of the assessment, and 65,81 % were not speaking. Toilet control was negative, and in 75,27 % they still were wearing diapers. Allergic manifestations at the time when the assessment was done is present in 8,60%. Finally, serious illness in child past history was positive in 19.35 % of evaluated sample. We concluded that a good history is needed and indispensable in the assessment process, particularly when exogenous causes are identified as the risk for the developmental delay. Obtained positive answers are directory for further investigation as well to correlate risk-consequences relationship.
Antifeedant and growth inhibitory effects of the limonoid toosendanin and Melia toosendan extracts on the variegated cutworm, Peridromasaucia (Lep., Noctuidae)

Antifeedant and growth inhibitory effects of toosendanin, a limonoid allelochemical from the bark of the trees Melia toosendan and M. azedarach, were determined for the variegated cutworm, Peridroma saucia, using different bioassays. Toosendanin significantly deterred feeding of 2nd and 4th instar larvae in diet choice and leaf disc choice bioassays, respectively. Refined bark extracts containing 60–75% toosendanin were less deterrent than the pure compound in both bioassays. However, the 60% extract significantly inhibited growth of neonate larvae in a dose‐dependent manner when incorporated into an artificial diet, with an EC50 (concentration reducing growth by 50% relative to controls) of 42.3 ppm at 7 days. Extracts containing 60% and 75% toosendanin were more inhibitory than equivalent amounts of pure toosendanin in this chronic growth bioassay, suggesting the presence of other minor constituents which must be significantly more inhibitory, though less deterrent to feeding, than toosendanin itself. Nutritional analyses of 4th instar larvae following both oral and topical administration of toosendanin or the 75% extract confirm that both materials possess a combination of antifeedant and growth inhibitory properties.
EPITHELIAL CADHERIN RE-EXPRESSION IN METASTATIC BREAST CANCER AS A STRATEGY FOR METASTATIC COLONIZATION OF THE LIVER

Epithelial-cadherin downregulation enables cancer cells to escape from the primary mass; however, E-cadherin has been found to be expressed on metastatic foci, bringing into question the role of this molecule in tumor progression. We define a novel role for the cellular adhesion molecule E-cadherin, in which the protein's re-emergence promotes carcinoma-parenchymal interactions in ectopic sites. Non-metastatic E-cadherin positive MCF7 breast cancer cells form heterotypic cohesions mediated by E-cadherin, and in invasive and metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells, the E-cadherin promoter hypermethylation that prevents endogenous E-cadherin expression is reversed when these cells are cultured with hepatocytes. The function of this re-expression is suggested by the E-cadherin-dependent sustained activation of Erk-MAP kinase and Akt in these breast carcinoma cells. Thus, we propose that E-cadherin expression and subsequent heterocellular interactions direct cell fate decisions that may ultimately enable colonization of a secondary site by an invasive cancer cell.
Observations on the host-parasite relations of the Pacific whiting, Merluccius productus (Ayres), and two myxosporean parasites, Kudoa thyrsitis (Gilchrist, 1924) and K. paniformis Kabata & Whitaker, 1981

Muscle samples from 178 Merluccius productus were examined for two myxosporean parasites, Kudoa thyrsitis and K, paniformis. Kudoa paniformis was found in 51% of the samples, while K. thyrsitis and mixed infections were observed in 7% and 17% of the samples respectively. An inflammatory response that resulted in an encapsulation around a completely replaced muscle fibre was observed in infections with either parasite. Presporogenic and sporogenic stages were common while stages that may represent early forms of the parasites were only rarely observed.
Are 'Oblonga' and 'Frantoio' olives the same cultivar?

Additional index words. Olea europaea, identification, molecular markers, RAPDs, SSRs Abstract. The cultivar Oblonga may have originated from a volunteer seedling at an orchard near Corning, Calif. , about 1940. Its main virtue is its high degree of resistance to Verticillium dahliae. 'Frantoio' is the main variety in Italy and has been planted worldwide because of its high content of top-quality oil. In the present study, we show that both cultivars have the same fifteen morphological and eight agronomical traits and both have amplified the same patterns for 22 RAPD primers and five SSRs. This indicates that 'Oblonga' and 'Frantoio' are probably the same cultivar. most common synonyms for this variety in- clude 'Frantoiano', 'Gentile', and 'Razza' (Cimato et al., 1995). Given its high content of top-quality oil, it has been planted world- wide and is grown in many countries, includ- ing Argentina, Australia, South Africa, and the United States (Bartolini et al., 1998). It was brought to the Cordoba Olive Germ- plasm Bank in 1970 from Pescia (Italy). Systematic coincidence of both cultivars in the yearly evaluations of the Cordoba Olive Germplasm Bank made us suspect that they were in fact identical. We have therefore
Evaluation of Two Biologically Active Compounds for Control of Wheat Root Rot and its Causal Pathogens

Abstract The main aim of this study is to evaluate the efficiency of two biologically active compounds (Strom and F-760) in control of wheat root rot disease and its causal organisms. Fusarium graminearum, F oxysporum, F solani and Bipolaris sorokiniana were used as target organisms. In vitro, the two compounds showed fungicidal effect on all investigated pathogens resulted in suppression of radial growth and mycelial dry weight of them. Under greenhouse conditions, treatment of wheat grains with either Strom or F-760 before cultivation significantly reduced the percent of disease distribution as well as the mean disease rating of plants in both seedling and flowering stages. Fresh and dry weights of plants as well as water maintenance capacity were increased as the result of applying these compounds as seed dressing. Also data showed that the membrane stability of plants was injured as a result of infection with all investigated organisms, while this injury was alleviated when F-760 and Strom were applied. The K+ efflux and the leakage of UV-absorbing metabolites was stimulated with fungal infection. However, F-760 and Storm treatment partially retarded the stimulatory effect on leakage of K+ and UV-absorbing metabolites of fungal infected plants. On the other side, the fungal infection had inhibitory effects on pigment fractions (chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoids) biosynthesis in wheat leaves. This retarding effect was partially or completely alleviated as the grains were treated with the applied compounds.
Effect of computed tomography perfusion post-processing algorithms on optimal threshold selection for final infarct volume prediction

In acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients, eligibility for endovascular intervention is commonly determined through computed tomography perfusion (CTP) analysis by quantifying ischemic tissue using perfusion parameter thresholds. However, thresholds are not uniform across all analysis methods due to dependencies on patient demographics and computational algorithms. This study aimed to investigate optimal perfusion thresholds for quantifying infarct and penumbra volumes using two post-processing CTP algorithms: Vitrea Bayesian and singular value decomposition plus (SVD+). We utilized 107 AIS patients (67 non-intervention patients and 40 successful reperfusion of thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (2b/3) patients). Infarct volumes were predicted for both post-processing algorithms through contralateral hemisphere comparisons using absolute time-to-peak (TTP) and relative regional cerebral blood volume (rCBV) thresholds ranging from +2.8 seconds to +9.3 seconds and –0.23 to –0.56 respectively. Optimal thresholds were determined by minimizing differences between predicted CTP and 24-hour fluid-attenuation inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging infarct. Optimal thresholds were tested on 60 validation patients (30 intervention and 30 non-intervention) and compared using RAPID CTP software. Among the 67 non-intervention and 40 intervention patients, the following optimal thresholds were determined: intervention Bayesian: TTP = +4.8 seconds, rCBV = –0.29; intervention SVD+: TTP = +5.8 seconds, rCBV = –0.29; non-intervention Bayesian: TTP = +5.3 seconds, rCBV = –0.32; non-intervention SVD+: TTP = +6.3 seconds, rCBV = –0.26. When comparing SVD+ and Bayesian post-processing algorithms, optimal thresholds for TTP were significantly different for intervention and non-intervention patients. rCBV optimal thresholds were equal for intervention patients and significantly different for non-intervention patients. Comparison with commercially utilized software indicated similar performance.
National Trends in Surgical Resection of Vestibular Schwannomas

Objective To characterize the national trend for surgical resection of vestibular schwannoma (VS) and to assess changes in demographics, length of stay (LOS), discharge patterns, and hospital charges. Study Design Population-based inpatient registry analysis. Setting National Inpatient Sample and SEER database (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results). Patients and Methods Retrospective review of the US National Inpatient Sample and the SEER database from 2001 to 2014 of all patients who underwent resection of VS. Results A total of 24,380 VS resections were performed. While the annual incidence of VS remained stable at 1.38 per 100,000, surgical volume declined by 36.1%, from 2807 in 2001 to 1795 in 2014 (R2 = 0.58). Total hospital charges more than doubled, from $52,475 in 2001 to $115,164 in 2014 ($4478 per year, R2 = 0.96). While most procedures were performed at large-sized hospitals, this decreased from 89% in 2002 to 75.8% in 2014. Average LOS remained stable at 5.2 days during the study period. The number of discharges to a nursing facility increased from 113 (5.5%) in 2002 to 245 (13.6%) in 2014 (P = .0002). Conclusion VS resection has evolved in the United States. While the incidence remained stable, surgical volume decreased by 36%, and hospital charges more than doubled. More cases are being performed at smaller hospitals. Although LOS did not vary significantly, there is an increase in nonroutine discharges. These data may guide future research in resource utilization in neurotology.
Postemergence Weed Control in Acetolactate Synthase–Resistant Grain Sorghum

Abstract Postemergence herbicides to control grass weeds in grain sorghum are limited. Acetolactate synthase (ALS) –inhibiting herbicides are very effective at controlling many grass species in many crops; unfortunately, use of ALS-inhibiting herbicides is not an option in conventional grain sorghum because of its susceptibility to these herbicides. With the development of ALS-resistant grain sorghum, several POST ALS-inhibiting herbicides can be used to control weeds in grain sorghum. Field experiments were conducted in 2007 and 2008 to evaluate the efficacy of tank mixtures of nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron applied alone or in combination with bromoxynil, carfentrazone–ethyl, halosulfuron + dicamba, prosulfuron, 2,4-D, or metsulfuron methyl + 2,4-D. In addition, these treatments were applied with and without atrazine. Nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron controlled barnyardgrass, green foxtail, and giant foxtail 99, 86, and 91% 6 wk after treatment (WAT), respectively. A decrease in annual grass control was observed when nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron was tank mixed with some broadleaf herbicides, although the differences were not always significant. In addition, nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron controlled velvetleaf and ivyleaf moringglory 64 and 78% 6 WAT, respectively. Control of velvetleaf was improved when nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron was tank mixed with all broadleaf herbicides included in this study with the exception of atrazine, bromoxynil, and prosulfuron + atrazine. Control of ivyleaf morningglory was improved when nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron was tank mixed with all of the herbicides included in this study with the exception of metsulfuron methyl + 2,4-D. Weed populations and biomass were lower when nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron were applied with various broadleaf herbicides than when it was applied alone. Grain sorghum yield was greater in all herbicide treatments than in the weedy check, with the highest grain yield from nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron + prosulfuron. This research showed that postemergence application of nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron effectively controls grass weeds, including barnyardgrass, green foxtail, and giant foxtail. The research also showed that velvetleaf and ivyleaf morningglory control was more effective when nicosulfuron + rimsulfuron were applied with other broadleaf herbicides. Nomenclature: Atrazine; bromoxynil; carfentrazone–ethyl; dicamba; halosulfuron; mesotrione; metsulfuron methyl; nicosulfuron; rimsulfuron; prosulfuron; S-metolachlor; 2,4-D; barnyardgrass, Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv. ; giant foxtail, Setaria faberi Herrm. ; grain sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench. ; green foxtail, Setaria virdis (L.) Beauv. ; ivyleaf morningglory, Ipomoea hederacea (L.) Jacq. ; velvetleaf, Abutilon theophrasti Medicus.