Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of HDAC6 Attenuates Diabetes-Induced Retinal Redox Imbalance and Microangiopathy

We investigated the contributing role of the histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) to the early stages of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Furthermore, we examined the mechanism of action of HDAC6 in human retinal endothelial cells (HuREC) exposed to glucidic stress. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats (STZ-rats), a rat model of type 1 diabetes, were used as model of DR. HDAC6 expression and activity were increased in human diabetic postmortem donors and STZ-rat retinas and were augmented in HuREC exposed to glucidic stress (25 mM glucose). Administration of the HDAC6 specific inhibitor Tubastatin A (TS) (10 mg/kg) prevented retinal microvascular hyperpermeability and up-regulation of inflammatory markers. Furthermore, in STZ-rats, TS decreased the levels of senescence markers and rescued the expression and activity of the histone deacetylase sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), while downregulating the levels of free radicals and of the redox stress markers 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and nitrotyrosine (NT). The antioxidant effects of TS, consequent to HDAC6 inhibition, were associated with preservation of Nrf2-dependent gene expression and up-regulation of thioredoxin-1 activity. In vitro data, obtained from HuREC, exposed to glucidic stress, largely replicated the in vivo results further confirming the antioxidant effects of HDAC6 inhibition by TS in the diabetic rat retina. In summary, our data implicate HDAC6 activation in mediating hyperglycemia-induced retinal oxidative/nitrative stress leading to retinal microangiopathy and, potentially, DR.
Temporal TGF-β Supergene Family Signalling Cues Modulating Tissue Morphogenesis: Chondrogenesis within a Muscle Tissue Model?

Temporal translational signalling cues modulate all forms of tissue morphogenesis. However, if the rules to obtain specific tissues rely upon specific ligands to be active or inactive, does this mean we can engineer any tissue from another? The present study focused on the temporal effect of “multiple” morphogen interactions on muscle tissue to figure out if chondrogenesis could be induced, opening up the way for new tissue models or therapies. Gene expression and histomorphometrical analysis of muscle tissue exposed to rat bone morphogenic protein 2 (rBMP-2), rat transforming growth factor beta 3 (rTGF-β3), and/or rBMP-7, including different combinations applied briefly for 48 h or continuously for 30 days, revealed that a continuous rBMP-2 stimulation seems to be critical to initiate a chondrogenesis response that was limited to the first seven days of culture, but only in the absence of rBMP-7 and/or rTGF-β3. After day 7, unknown modulatory effects retard rBMP-2s’ effect where only through the paired-up addition of rBMP-7 and/or rTGF-β3 a chondrogenesis-like reaction seemed to be maintained. This new tissue model, whilst still very crude in its design, is a world-first attempt to better understand how multiple morphogens affect tissue morphogenesis with time, with our goal being to one day predict the chronological order of what signals have to be applied, when, for how long, and with which other signals to induce and maintain a desired tissue morphogenesis.
Phylogeny of the land snails Bradybaena and Phaeohelix (Pulmonata: Bradybaenidae) in Japan

The Japanese Archipelago harbours high diversity of endemic bradybaenid land snails. However, there have been few systematic studies of these snails. The resolution of the taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships of these bradybaenid land snail taxa is important both for describing species diversity and for promoting the conservation of these land snails. We investigated the molecular phylogeny of Bradybaena and Phaeohelix using the CO1 and internal transcribed spacer genes, to clarify whether morphological traits and the current species taxonomy of these genera reflect their phylogenetic relationships. Our results show that the Japanese species in these genera are genetically divided into three clades, and the geographical distribution pattern of the lineages tends to reflect phylogenetic relationships. Although the nominal species taxonomy of these genera was not consistent with their molecular phylogenetic relationships, their shell and genital morphology reflected phylogenetic relationships to some extent. Inferred phylogeny and observed genital morphology showed that Phaeohelix submandarina, P. miyakejimana and Bradybaena circulus oceanica from Hachijo-kojima Island belong to P. phaeogramma. In addition, the distinction between Bradybaena and Phaeohelix was not supported by molecular phylogeny, showing instead that Phaeohelix should be synonymized with Bradybaena. This study suggests that a further taxonomic revision of Japanese Bradybaenidae is needed and, to address this issue, genital anatomy is useful in addition to molecular phylogenetic analyses.
PHYTOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF DELONIX REGIA SAMANEA SAMAN BAUHINIA VARIEGATGA

In the present study, an attempt was made to investigate Phytochemical evaluation of Delonix regia, Samanea saman and Bauhinia variegata. The crude drug powder extracts of the leaves of the above plants were taken for the study. The Phytochemical Screening was done for the selected plants. Phenolic compounds, tannins, flavonoids, cardiac glycosides, and alkaloids were present in Delonix regia. Alkaloids, flavanoids, carbohydrates, glycosides and tannins were present in Samanea saman Alkaloids, saponins, flavanoids, carbohydrates and anthraquinone glycosides were present in Bauhinia variegate.
In vivo anticancer activity of a rhodium metalloinsertor in the HCT116 xenograft tumor model

Significance This study describes our first evaluation in mice of the rhodium complex Rh-PPO, which selectively targets DNA base-pair mismatches and shows cytotoxicity within mismatch repair-deficient cancer cells. Rh-PPO displays notable in vivo anticancer activity and increases mouse survival when administered intraperitoneally. This work marks the development of a promising metal chemotherapeutic and a new strategy for mismatch-repair-deficient cancers. Mismatch repair (MMR) deficiencies are a hallmark of various cancers causing accumulation of DNA mutations and mismatches, which often results in chemotherapy resistance. Metalloinsertor complexes, including [Rh(chrysi)(phen)(PPO)]Cl2 (Rh-PPO), specifically target DNA mismatches and selectively induce cytotoxicity within MMR-deficient cells. Here, we present an in vivo analysis of Rh-PPO, our most potent metalloinsertor. Studies with HCT116 xenograft tumors revealed a 25% reduction in tumor volume and 12% increase in survival with metalloinsertor treatment (1 mg/kg; nine intraperitoneal doses over 20 d). When compared to oxaliplatin, Rh-PPO displays ninefold higher potency at tumor sites. Pharmacokinetic studies revealed rapid absorption of Rh-PPO in plasma with notable accumulation in the liver compared to tumors. Additionally, intratumoral metalloinsertor administration resulted in enhanced anticancer effects, pointing to a need for more selective delivery methods. Overall, these data show that Rh-PPO inhibits xenograft tumor growth, supporting the strategy of using Rh-PPO as a chemotherapeutic targeted to MMR-deficient cancers.
Influence of NaCl Salinity on β-carotene, Thiamine, Riboflavin and Ascorbic Acid Contents in the Leaves of Atriplex hortensis L. var. Pusa Bathua No. 1

plants were grown in earthen pots and were subjected to different levels of saline water (NaCl) treatment. Control plants were irrigated with tap water. Treatments started after the seedling emergence and continued till the plants were 30 day old. Mature leaves of these plants were harvested and used for studies. β - carotene, a precursor of vitamin A and ascorbic acid content were found to increase gradually with increase in the concentrations of NaCl. No significant changes were observed in thiamine and riboflavin content at lower levels of salinity, however significant decrease was observed in thiamine and riboflavin content at higher level of salinity.
Effet du sucre sur l'embryogenèse somatique de l'olivier (Olea europaea L.) cv. ' Picholine marocaine '

L'embryogenese somatique de l'olivier (Olea europaea L.) variete ' Picholine marocaine ' est peu etudiee malgre son importance pour le Maroc. Nos travaux ont cherche a comprendre et a etudier les effets du type et de la concentration de sucre sur l'induction et le developpement des embryons somatiques chez ce cultivar. La regeneration de plants d'olivier par embryogenese somatique a ete realisee a partir de fragments de cotyledons. L'initiation des cals embryogenes qui sont nodulaires et compacts a lieu dans un milieu de culture contenant 0,5 mg.l-1 de zeatine et 2 mg.l-1 d'ANA. Le saccharose a ete teste aux concentrations de 20, 30, 60 et 90 g.l-1. Le saccharose a ete aussi compare au mannitol et au sorbitol. L'induction des cals a ete influencee significativement (P < 0,001) par le type de sucre utilise. Les meilleurs resultats ont ete obtenus en presence du mannitol (90,6 %). Par ailleurs, le saccharose s'est distingue (P < 0,001) en phase de developpement et le niveau de regeneration de plantules par embryogenese somatique a atteint 37 %. La concentration de 30 g.l-1 du saccharose a significativement ameliore l'induction des cals embryogeniques et a favorise la meilleure regeneration des plantules d'olivier. Aucune morphogenese n'a ete obtenue dans le cas du sorbitol. L'embryogenese somatique semble pouvoir constituer une source interessante pour la micropropagation de l'olivier au Maroc.
QTL MAPPING FOR SOME IMPORTANT DROUGHT TOLERANT TRAITS IN UPLAND COTTON

Drought stress is a major factor limiting crop production. Genetic improvement is possible in cotton and other crops against drought stress by molecular breeding. A drought tolerant (B-557) and a drought susceptible (FH-1000) cultivar were crossed to develop F2 population. The parents and the F2 population were studied under osmotic stress in hydroponic culture. A survey of 524 SSR and EST-SSR primers revealed a lot of DNA polymorphism between the drought resistant and drought susceptible cultivar. The polymorphism was used to construct genetic linkage map using the F2 population. In linkage analysis, 22 primers were mapped on chromosomes. Two QTLs for relative water content were identified. One QTL was mapped on chromosome 23 with nearest marker NAU2954 and another QTL was mapped on chromosome 12 with nearest marker NAU2715. One QTL for excised leaf water loss was found on chromosome 23 with nearest marker NAU2954. These QTLs may be used in molecular breeding program to develop drought tolerant cotton cultivars.
Pain-induced aggression and changes in social behavior in mice.

The effects of neuropathic, formalin, and acetic acid-induced visceral pain were investigated on the social and aggressive behaviors in the Swiss male mice. Neuropathic pain was induced by tibial nerve transection (TNT). Also, somatic and visceral pain was conducted by intraplantar injection of diluted formalin (1%, 20 μl) and intraperitoneal administration of acetic acid (0.6%, 200 μl), respectively. Fourteen and twenty one days after the TNT surgery, and also, 1 and 7 days following formalin and acetic acid administration, the three-chambered test was used to determine sociability and preference for social novelty and resident/intruder test was used for the evaluation of the aggressive behaviors. In the sociability phase of the three-chambered test, all the three models of pain did not change the animal's sociability. However, in the social novelty preference phase, the animals in pain showed deficits in social novelty preference by a significant increase in the time spent with the familiar mice compared to the control groups. Also, animals in pain significantly showed more aggressive behaviors like biting and clinching and have much less attack latency in comparison to the control groups. Pain-induced changes in the social novelty preference and aggressive behaviors continued in the neuropathic group until the end of the experiment. However, 7 days following the induction of both formalin and visceral pain, animals' social memory, and aggression almost returned to the standard value. These results suggest that long-lasting pain could lead to social memory impairment and increase aggressive behaviors in mice.
Intercropping of corn with soybean and lupin for silage : Effect of seeding date on yield and quality

Intercropping of corn with legumes is an alternative to corn monocropping and has a number of advantages, for example, lower levels of inputs, lower costs of production and better silage quality than the monocrop system. An experiment was carried out at two sites in 1993 and 1994 to investigate the effects of seeding date (simultaneous with corn or 3 weeks later) and number of rows of large-seeded legumes (one or two) seeded between the corn rows. The intercrop plots received 90 kg ha−1 less nitrogen fertilizer than the monocrop plots, which received 180 kg ha−1. Silage yields were sometimes decreased by the simultaneous seeding of corn and large-seeded legumes. Protein content and concentration were not affected by most treatments and provided reasonable quality silage, despite a reduction in the amount of nitrogen fertilizer used. Zusammenfassung Mischanbau von Mais mit Leguminosen ist eine Alternative fur den Reinanbau von Mais und hat eine Anzahl von Vorteilen, z. B. geringere Bestellungskosten, geringere Kosten der Produktion und eine bessere Silagequalitat als der Reinanbau. Es wurde ein Experiment auf zwei Standorten in den Jahren 1993 und 1994 durchgefuhrt, um den Einfluss des Aussaatdatums (gleichzeitig mit Mais oder drei Wochen spater) sowie im Hinblick auf die Anzahl der Reihen zwischen den Maisreihen mit grosikornigen Leguminosen (1 oder 2) untersucht. Die Mischanbauparzellen erhielten 90 kg ha−1 weniger Stickstoffdunger als die Reinbestande, die 180 kg ha−1 erhielten. Die Silageertrage waren etwas verringert bei einer gleichzeitigen Aussat von Mais und Leguminosen. Eiweisigehalt und -konzentration waren durch die meisten Behandlungen nicht beeintrachtigt und ergaben ausreichende Qualitat der Silage trotz einer Reduktion in der verwendeten Stickstoffdungermenge.
Recycling Rice Straw into Biofuel "Ethanol" by Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Pichia guilliermondii

This study suggests a new effective chemical pretreatment to hydrolyze rice straw for efficient ethanol production. It introduces a new yeast strain that ferments rice straw hydrolyzate more efficiently than Saccharomyces cerevisiae . The results proved the effectiveness of alkali application before HCl to delignify rice straw and to make it more appropriate for hydrolysis. The application of the hydrolyzing enzymes (cellulase and pectinase) resulted in hydrolysis of pretreated rice straw up to 94.3%. The total sugars released due to pretreatment-enzyme system was about 624 mg g –1 dry mass and the glucose fraction was 198 mg g –1 . The results indicated that Pichia guilliermondii is more effective to ferment rice straw hydrolyzate than S. cerevisiae . P. guilliermondii produced larger amounts of bioethanol (7.72 g L –1 ) than S. cerevisiae (6.13 g L –1 ) under the same conditions. Our results suggest an appropriate pretreatment system (the cold dilute alkali-acid) and a new effective yeast strain to ferment the rice straw hydrolyzate to produce large amounts of bioethanol.
Prognostic Implications of 18-FDG Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography in Resectable Pancreatic Cancer

There are currently no known preoperative factors for determining the prognosis in pancreatic cancer. The aim of this study was to examine the role of 18-fluorodeoxyglucose (18-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18-FDG-PET/CT) as a prognostic factor for patients with resectable pancreatic cancer. Data were obtained from a retrospective analysis of patients who had a preoperative PET scan and then underwent pancreatic resection from January 2007 to December 2015. The maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of 18-FDG-PET/CT was calculated. Patients were divided into high (>3.65) and low (≤3.65) SUVmax groups, and compared in terms of their TNM classification (Union for International Cancer Contro classification), pathological grade, surgical treatment, state of resection margins, lymph node involvement, age, sex, diabetes and serum Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9) levels. The study involved 144 patients, 82 with high SUVmax pancreatic cancer and 62 with low SUVmax disease. The two groups’ disease-free and overall survival rates were significantly influenced by tumor stage, lymph node involvement, pathological grade, resection margins and SUVmax. Patients with an SUVmax ≤ 3.65 had a significantly better survival than those with SUVmax > 3.65 (p < 0.001). The same variables were independent predictors of survival on multivariate analysis. The SUVmax calculated with 18-FDG-PET/CT is an important prognostic factor for patients with pancreatic cancer, and may be useful in decisions concerning patients’ therapeutic management.
Root growth phenology, root longevity, and rhizosphere respiration of field grown 'Mutsu' apple trees on 'Malling 9' rootstock.

ADDITIONAL INDEX WORDS. Malus sylvestris var. domestica, tree carbon balance, root physiology, root distribution, soil-root respiration ABSTRACT. A 2-year field study of 'Mutsu' apple ( Malus sylvestris (L.) Mill. var. domestica (Borkh.) Mansf. ) on 'Malling 9' (M.9) rootstock was conducted to observe root growth in situ, and compare patterns of root growth, root maturation and turnover rates, and soil-root respiration. Rhizosphere respiration was monitored with a portable chamber connected to an infrared gas analyzer; root emergence, browning, and turnover rates were measured by direct observation through minirhizotron tubes inserted in the root zone. Negligible root growth was observed before the onset of shoot growth in mid-May. In both years, a main peak of new root emergence in late June and early July coincided partially with major phases of shoot and fruit growth. A smaller peak of root emergence during August to September 1997 consisted primarily of new roots at 20 to 45 cm soil depths. Most roots remained 1 year, suggesting that root turnover constitutes a major sink for carbon allocations and a substantial metabolic cost for trees. Considering the paucity of data on root phenology and physi- ology in situ, the objectives of this study were to determine root emergence, senescence, and turnover rates of field-grown apple trees in a cool temperate climatic region, and to investigate the relationship between rhizosphere respiration, soil temperature, and observed activities of intact root systems under field condi- tions.
Honeydew feeding increased the longevity of two egg parasitoids of the pine processionary moth

The longevity of a generalist (Ooencyrtus pityocampae) and a specialist (Baryscapus servadeii) egg parasitoid of the pine processionary moth (Thau‐metopoea pityocampa) was compared under laboratory feeding conditions including water and honeydew from aphid species growing on maritime pine (Pinus pinaster) or pedunculate oak (Quercus robur).
A Single, Abdominal Ganglion in Anastrepha suspensa (Diptera: Tephritidae) and Its Innervation of the Female Sperm Storage Organs

Abstract The association between the ventral nervous system and the sperm storage organs in Anastrepha suspensa Loew was examined to elucidate possible mechanisms that may influence sperm transport in the female reproductive tract. Such mechanisms are of importance with respect to the sexual conflict over paternity. A single, abdominal ganglion is present under the first abdominal sternite of A. suspensa. The ganglion is ovoid (L = 280 ± 18 μm ±SD, W = 230 ± 15 μm ±SD) and has a large nerve fiber extending anteriorly to the thoracico-abdominal ganglion and a large, branched nerve fiber extending posteriorly to the reproductive system. The presence of an abdominal ganglion is atypical for the Cyclorrapha flies and its position in the abdomen is atypical for the Insecta. The ganglion’s position suggests that in some taxa the evolutionary trend toward fewer abdominal ganglia has occurred with the concomitant displacement of caudal ganglia to more anterior positions in the abdomen. Nerves extending from this ganglion synapse with muscle fibers at the base of the spermathecae and the surface of the unicellular gland cells surrounding the spermathecal capsule. When stained with HRP Ab, synaptic boutons are also visible along the length of the spermathecal ducts in association with the longitudinal muscle fibers and on the muscle fibers surrounding the ventral receptacle. These findings suggest that females have the potential to affect sperm transport in their reproductive tract.
The influence of light quality on growth and phycobiliprotein/chlorophyll a fluorescence quotients of some species of freshwater algae in culture

Abstract A comparative study of the effects of light quality on the growth and phycobiliprotein (PBP)/chlorophyll a fluorescence quotients for two strains of cryptophytes, the bloom-forming cyanobacterium Oscillatoria (Tychonema) bourrellyi Lund and a non-PBP-containing green alga, Euglena sp. , is described. Oscillatoria bourrellyi Lund (Cyanobacteria) was able to sustain a high growth rate regardless of the light quality. Cryptomonas CCAP 979/67 exhibited only weak chromatic adaptation compared with the cyanobacterium, and in Cryptomonas CCAP 979/62 chromatic adaptation was even weaker. Thus the possession of PBPs does not seem to provide cryptophytes with a distinct advantage in terms of growth in chromatic light and it is possible that cryptophytes use PBPs mainly as a nitrogen reserve.
Cephalopoda as prey of juvenile Southern elephant seals at Isla 25 de Mayo/King George, South Shetland Islands

The aim of the present study was to enhance the knowledge of the feeding habits of the juvenile component of the population of Southern elephant seals [Mirounga leonina (Linnaeus, 1758)] from Isla 25 de Mayo, South Shetland Islands, age class whose diet information is scarce. A total of 60 individuals were stomach lavaged in the spring - summer seasons of three consecutive years (2003, 2004 and 2005) of which 53.3 % (n = 32) presented food remnants. The Antarctic glacial squid Psychroteuthis glacialis Thiele, 1921 was the dominant prey taxon in terms of frequency of occurrence (68.7%), numerical abundance (60.1%) and biomass (51.5%), contributing 84.1% to the total relative importance index. Other squid prey species of importance were Slosarczykovia circumantartica Lipinski, 2001 in terms of occurrence (37.5%) and numerical abundance (14%) and Moroteuthis knipovitchi Filippova, 1972 in terms of biomass (16%). All identified cephalopod prey taxa are distributed south of the Antarctic Polar Front, except for the squid Martialia hyadesi Rochebrune & Mabille, 1889 which has a circumpolar distribution associated to the Polar Frontal Zone. No significant differences in the sizes of P. glacialis preyed upon by elephant seals were found between sexes and years. However, significant interannual differences were found in the taxonomical composition of their diet. This would be associated with temporal changes in food availability at the foraging areas of seals, which in turn may have been influenced by changes in oceanographic conditions as a result of the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon that occurred during part of the study period. Furthermore, a differential response of males and females to this temporal variation was observed, with the former being also associated to a predation on octopods. This would suggest a sexual segregation in foraging habits of this species from the early stages of its life cycle.