Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Variation in the Quercetin Content in Different Colored Onions (Allium cepa L.)

The aglycone, or free quercetin, and total quercetin content of 75 cultivars and selections was analyzed by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Quercetin glycosides were hydrolyzed into aglycones. Total quercetin content in yellow, pink, and red onions varied from 54 to 286 mg·kg -1 fresh weight in different onion entries grown during 1992. White onions contained trace amounts of total quercetin. Free quercetin content in all the onions was low (< 0.4 mg·kg -1 ) except in '20272-G' (12.5 mg·kg -1 fresh weight). Bulbs stored at 5, 24, and 30C and controlled atmosphere (CA) for 0,1,2,3,4, and 5 months showed a most marked change in total quercetin content at 24C compared to other treatments, with a rise in mid-storage followed by a drop. Storage at 5 and 30C also demonstrated a similar change. However, total quercetin content did not vary significantly in bulbs stored at CA for 5 months. We conclude that genetic and storage factors affect quercetin content on onions. Given the many positive effects of vegetables on human health, there is increasing interest in foods and beverages that contain quercetin. Onions provide a useful model system to investigate the genetics of plant flavonols (Brown, 1980; Kuhnau, 1976). Another major interest of the food industry in flavonols is their use as therapeutic agents, particularly in cancer. It is surprising that, even though data are available on the presence of quercetin in onion, there has been little research conducted to enhance the content of this compound.
Detection of Streptococcus iniae by polymerase chain reaction in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in west Iran

Streptococcosis is one of the serious diseases in cultured salmonids, specially rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss. Streptococcus iniae is one of the important pathogens for fish which is also dangerous for human. The aim of this study is to investigate the streptococcosis caused by S. iniae in rainbow trouts farms. For this purpose, we evaluate fishes that showed clinical signs similar to streptococcosis from 10 farms in west of Iran on the subject of S. iniae existence. At first, the specific culture for streptococcus was done and, then, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of S. iniae was used. Out of 50 evaluated specimens, 13 were suspected to S. iniae after biochemical tests. PCR uses specific primers for S. iniae and 6 samples were revealed positive. The results of this study showed the high existence of S. iniae in this region. PCR is an effective technique for the rapid and specific detection of S. iniae in fish tissues.
Population Dynamics of Mango Hopper, Amritodus atkinsoni on Mango Plant, Mangifera indica

Population dynamics of mango hopper, Amritodus atkinsoni Leth. were observed on the basis of seasonal abundance, site of gathering on mango cultivar Langra during Rabi season. The result showed that highest number of mango hoppers were recorded during May on primary branch followed by leaves and inflorescence. The mango hoppers correlated negatively and significantly with morning relative humidity (r=-0.445) and evening relative humidity (r=-0.118) respectively whereas temperature had significant and positive correlation with hopper population. There was no significant effect of rainfall and rainy days on different sites of mango plant. Paired t test results showed that primary branch was the most favorable site for mango hoppers followed by leaf and inflorescence. On the other way it is possible to state that mango hopper does not prefer any direction.
Using Modified Puckett Trap Configurations to Assess Seasonal Occurrence of Pseudacteon spp. (Diptera: Phoridae) in Southeastern Oklahoma

Abstract. Pseudacteon tricuspis Borgmeier was released in two Oklahoma counties in 1999 and Pseudacteon curvatus Borgmeier was released in four counties from 2004–2007 as potential biological control agents for the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren. A follow-up survey in 2008 determined that P. curvatus was established in two counties, but P. tricuspis was not. We evaluated a set of six trap/bait combinations in seven southeastern Oklahoma counties that are quarantined for red imported fire ants (one set per county). Traps were in place for 24 hours each week for 11 weeks to determine the presence and seasonal occurrence of Pseudacteon spp. and evaluate efficacy of the trap type for collecting them. Pseudacteon curvatus was collected in five of seven counties, but no P. tricuspis was captured. Fifty-nine flies were captured during the sampling period, and 45% of the flies were captured in McCurtain County. There were no significant differences (P = 0.76) in numbers of flies captured by the Pestick (25 flies) versus the fly-paper (34 flies) traps. There were no significant differences (P = 0.77) in the number of flies captured among the hot dog, peanut butter, and peperoni (25, 17, and 17 flies, respectively). Dispersal of Pseudacteon into other Oklahoma counties needs to be documented as red imported fire ant expands its range. The modified Puckett trap baited with hot dog (cost approximately $0.05 per trap) would provide an affordable, easy way to track such expansion.
The KDP ATPase of Escherichia coli a

Potassium transport across the cytoplasmic membrane of Escherichia coli is a complex process involving multiple and separate systems for influx and efflux. (See reviews by Walderhaug et a1.l and Bakker? ) The most completely characterized system is Kdp, a P-type transport ATPase that serves to accumulate K+ when the external concentration of this ion is Kdp is not essential; the only phenotype of mutants lacking Kdp is failure to grow at low K+ concentrations. The ka'pFABC (formerly M p M C ) operon encodes the three proteins, KdpA, KdpB, and KdpC, identified as part of the Kdp complex and the small hydrophobic KdpF peptide of unknown function. Kdp expression appears to be determined by turgor pressure, mediated by the products5 of the adjacent ka'pDE operon that encodes a pair of typical sensor kinase-response regulator proteins.6
CALLUS INDUCTION AND PLANT REGENERATION FROM LEAF EXPLANT OF CORNUKAEMPFERIA AURANTIFLORA MOOD & LARSEN

Young leaves of Cornukaempferia aurantiflora Mood & Larsen were used for the initiation of callus growth on Murashige Skoog medium supplemented with 3% sucrose and various concentrations of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) in the light. The highest number of callus forming, percentage of callus formation and average weight of callus were obtained from young leaves cultured on the medium supplemented with 2.0 mg/l 2,4-D. Shoots were successfully regenerated on the medium with concentrations of 2,4-D and BA added.
An injectable and glucose-sensitive nanogel for controlled insulin release

Glucose-responsive polymer gels provide an attractive option for the design of a self-regulated insulin delivery system. Here, this paper reported the biocompatibility, glucose-sensitive behavior, and in vivo application of a dispersion of nanogels with three interpenetrating polymer networks of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), dextran and poly(3-acrylamidophenylboronic acid) (P(NIPAM–Dex–PBA)). The nanogels had an average hydrodynamic radius of about 150 nm, and particle size increased with increasing content of dextran. The swelling behavior of the nanogels at different glucose concentrations revealed definite glucose sensitivity of P(NIPAM–Dex–PBA) particles. Furthermore, the analysis of relative cell proliferation suggested that the nanogels had good biocompatibility with L-929 mouse fibroblast cells. The loading amount of insulin, as a model drug, was up to 16.2%, and the drug release was dependent on the composition of dextran in the particles and the concentration of glucose present in release medium. In vivo experiments revealed that insulin-loaded nanogels decreased the blood glucose levels in diabetic rats and maintained 51% of the baseline level for almost 2 hours. The hypoglycemic effect of the drug-loaded nanogels was similar to that of free insulin after administration. Importantly, the drug-loaded nanogels could keep blood glucose levels stable and avoided blood sugar fluctuations compared with free insulin.
Evolutionary and Predictive Functional Insights into the Aquaporin Gene Family in the Allotetraploid Plant Nicotiana tabacum

Aquaporins (AQPs) are a class of integral membrane proteins that facilitate the membrane diffusion of water and other small solutes. Nicotiana tabacum is an important model plant, and its allotetraploid genome has recently been released, providing us with the opportunity to analyze the AQP gene family and its evolution. A total of 88 full-length AQP genes were identified in the N. tabacum genome, and the encoding proteins were assigned into five subfamilies: 34 plasma membrane intrinsic proteins (PIPs); 27 tonoplast intrinsic proteins (TIPs); 20 nodulin26-like intrinsic proteins (NIPs); 3 small basic intrinsic proteins (SIPs); 4 uncharacterized X intrinsic proteins (XIPs), including two splice variants. We also analyzed the genomes of two N. tabacum ancestors, Nicotiana tomentosiformis and Nicotiana sylvestris, and identified 49 AQP genes in each species. Functional prediction, based on the substrate specificity-determining positions (SDPs), revealed significant differences in substrate specificity among the AQP subfamilies. Analysis of the organ-specific AQP expression levels in the N. tabacum plant and RNA-seq data of N. tabacum bright yellow-2 suspension cells indicated that many AQPs are simultaneously expressed, but differentially, according to the organs or the cells. Altogether, these data constitute an important resource for future investigations of the molecular, evolutionary, and physiological functions of AQPs in N. tabacum.
Evaluation of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae as a biological control agent of the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci

We evaluated the potential for using infective juveniles of the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae to control the sweetpotato whitefly Bemisia tabaci B biotype on cucumber, hibiscus, and collard, under greenhouse conditions. The effects of four adjuvants (PVA, glycerol, Triton X-100, and horticultural spraying oil) on the efficiency of Steinernema feltiae in B. tabaci control were also assessed because they might increase nematode survival by reducing desiccation. The mortality of B. tabaci nymphs increased by 18, 18, and 20% on collard, hibiscus, and cucumber plants when S. feltiae concentration increased from 5000 to 15,000 infective juveniles/mL. When treated with S. feltiae (10000 infective juveniles/mL), second instar nymphs suffered greater mortality than the other instars of B. tabaci, regardless of host plant species. Mortality of B. tabaci nymphs was higher on hibiscus than on collard and cucumber plants. The use of adjuvants greatly increased infection of B. tabaci by S. feltiae. The combination of S. feltiae (10,000 infective juveniles/mL) and 1% horticultural spraying oil increased the mortality of second instar B. tabaci nymphs to 86% on collard and 90% on hibiscus, while the combination of S. feltiae and 0.1% Triton X-100 caused 83% mortality on collard and 89% on hibiscus. The potential for incorporating S. feltiae and the adjuvants in B. tabaci management is discussed.
In vitro Fermentation of Digested Milk Fat Globule Membrane From Ruminant Milk Modulates Piglet Ileal and Caecal Microbiota

Lipids in milk are secreted as a triacylglycerol core surrounded by a trilayer membrane, the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM). This membrane, known to have important roles in infant brain and intestinal development, is composed of proteins, glycoproteins, and complex lipids. We hypothesized that some of the beneficial properties of MFGM are due to its effects on the gastrointestinal microbiota. This study aimed to determine the effect of a commercial phospholipid concentrate (PC) and enriched bovine, caprine, and ovine MFGM fractions on ileal and hindgut microbiota in vitro. Digestion of PC and MFGMs was conducted using an in vitro model based on infant gastric and small intestine conditions. The recovered material was then in vitro fermented with ileal and caecal inocula prepared from five piglets fed a commercial formula for 20 days before ileal and caecal digesta were collected. After each fermentation, samples were collected to determine organic acid production and microbiota composition using 16S rRNA sequencing. All substrates, except PC (5%), were primarily fermented by the ileal microbiota (8–14%) (P < 0.05). PC and caprine MFGM reduced ileal microbiota alpha diversity compared to ileal inoculum. Caprine MFGM increased and PC reduced the ileal ratio of firmicutes:proteobacteria (P < 0.05), respectively, compared to the ileal inoculum. Bovine and ovine MFGMs increased ileal production of acetic, butyric, and caproic acids compared to other substrates and reduced the proportions of ileal proteobacteria (P < 0.0001). There was a limited fermentation of bovine (3%), caprine (2%), and ovine (2%) MFGMs by the caecal microbiota compared to PC (14%). In general, PC and all MFGMs had a reduced effect on caecal microbiota at a phylum level although MFG source-specific effects were observed at the genus level. These indicate that the main effects of the MFGM in the intestinal microbial population appears to occur in the ileum.
Surface wear of incoloy and darvic bands on Atlantic Puffin adults and chicks

Bands are a common marking method in bird studies and capture-mark-reencounter (CMR) models are often used to analyze banding data. Common to this family of models are two assumptions: marks do not fall off or become unreadable and individuals within groups remain equally detectable. When data fail to meet these assumptions, results of CMR analyses may be biased. In studies of long-lived seabirds exposed to coarse nesting substrates, band wear is especially problematic. We compared surface wear from abrasion against rocks on incoloy and darvic bands applied to a long-lived seabird, the Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula ? rctica). In 2003 and 2004, surface wear on bands applied to chicks and adults was scored at five colonies in the Gulf of Maine. We used logistic regression to analyze two subsets of these data by fitting the probability of being worn (one or more characters difficult to read or obliterated) to band age, bird age, and band type. In both analyses, an evidence ratio provided exclusive support for the model that included all factors. Immature puffins largely avoid colonies and remain at sea until their second or third summer after hatching. Consequently, probabilities of being worn were delayed on both band types by 4 yr on bands applied to chicks compared to adults. Based on our estimates, 25% and 87% of darvic bands applied to chicks and adults, respectively, were worn after 5 yr. Wear was reduced by 71% and 87% annually on incoloy compared to darvic bands applied to adults and chicks, respectively. To uphold assumptions of CMR models, we recommend incoloy bands over darvic in studies spanning more than about 5 yr of long-lived seabirds exposed to coarse substrates.
A Biocompatible, Stimuli-Responsive, and Injectable Hydrogel with Triple Dynamic Bonds

Injectable hydrogels have attracted growing interests as promising biomaterials for clinical applications, due to their minimum invasive implanting approach and easy-handling performance. Nevertheless, natural biomaterials-based injectable hydrogels with desirable nontoxicity are suffering from limited functions, failing to fulfill the requirements of clinical biomaterials. The development of novel injectable biomaterials with a combination of biocompatibility and adequate functional properties is a growing urgency toward biomedical applications. In this contribution, we report a simple and effective approach to fabricate multi-functional CMC-OSA-DTP hydrogels. Two kinds of natural polysaccharide derived polymers, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) and oxidized alginate (OSA) along with 3,3′-dithiopropionic acid dihydrazide (DTP) were utilized to introduce three dynamic covalent bonds. Owing to the existence of triple dynamic bonds, this unique CMC-OSA-DTP hydrogel possessed smart redox and pH stimuli-responsive property, injectability as well as self-healing ability. In addition, the CCK-8 and live/dead assays demonstrated satisfying cytocompatibility of the CMC-OSA-DTP hydrogel in vitro. Based on its attractive properties, this easy-fabricated and multi-functional hydrogel demonstrated the great potential as an injectable biomaterial in a variety of biomedical applications.
Differential Cancer Biomarker Secretion of Cultured Cells

Diagnostic biomarkers are an important area of investigation in cancer research today. While historically intercellular biomarkers have been studied, work understanding soluble secreted biomarkers have become more important. Using a 22-plex Cancer Biomarker Assay Panel from EMD Millipore, we characterized the secretion of cancer biomarkers by several human tissue culture cell lines under normal and low serum conditions. Magnetic Bead Washing
LIN28B promotes the development of neuroendocrine prostate cancer.

Therapy-induced neuroendocrine prostate cancer (t-NEPC) is a highly aggressive subtype of prostate cancer with poor patient survival. Emerging evidence indicates that t-NEPC can develop when prostate adenocarcinoma cells acquire cancer stem-like cell signaling in the presence of androgen receptor inhibition, followed by re-differentiation toward neuroendocrine lineage and subsequent t-NEPC progression. Whether the stem-like signaling is controlled by the core pluripotency stem cell genes (e.g., LIN28 and SOX2) remains unknown. Here, we report that the transcription of LIN28B isoform and SOX2 are co-upregulated in t-NEPC patient tumors, patient-derived xenografts, transgenic mice, and cell models. Immunohistochemistry validated that LIN28B and SOX2 protein expression are elevated in t-NEPC patient biopsies. Using prostate adenocarcinoma and t-NEPC cell models, we demonstrated that LIN28B induces a stem-like gene network, neuroendocrine biomarkers, and neuroendocrine cell morphology. LIN28B depletion by CRISPR inhibited t-NEPC tumorigenesis and xenograft growth. These LIN28B functions were mediated mainly through the suppression of let-7 miRNA expression, resulting in de-repression of the transcription factors HMGA2 and HMGA2-mediated SOX2 expression. This study reveals a mechanism by which t-NEPC can develop through the LIN28B/let-7/SOX2 axis that regulates a cancer cell stem-like gene network, highlighting LIN28B as a potential therapeutic target in t-NEPC.
Loss of Genetic Integrity in Hatchery Steelhead Produced by Juvenile-Based Broodstock and Wild Integration: Conflicts in Production and Conservation Goals

AbstractWe examined whether a supplementation program for steelhead Oncorhynchus mykiss in southwestern Washington could produce hatchery fish that contained genetic characteristics of the endemic population from which it was derived and simultaneously meet a production goal. Hatchery fish were produced for three consecutive years by using broodstock comprised of endemic juveniles that were caught in the wild and raised to maturity, and then the program transitioned to an integrated broodstock comprised of wild and hatchery adults that returned to spawn. Importantly, some auxiliary conservation-based husbandry protocols were attempted (i.e., pairwise mating between males and females) but not always completed due to insufficient broodstock and conflict between production and conservation goals. The hatchery met production goals in 6 of 9 years, but wild-type genetic integrity of hatchery fish was degraded every year. Specifically, we analyzed 10 microsatellites and observed a 60% reduction in the effective.
Tomato and Nightshade (Solanum nigrum L. and S. ptycanthum Dun.) Effects on Soil Water Content

Field and greenhouse experiments were conducted to determine the response of eastern black nightshade (Solanum ptycanthum), black nightshade (S. nigrum), and tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. Heinz 6004) to water stress and the effect of nightshade-to mato competition on soil water content. In the greenhouse, plants were exposed to three water regimes induced by watering either daily, weekly, or biweekly. Water deficit caused a similar decrease in height, weight, and leaf area in all three species. There was more than a 50% reduction in height when the plants were watered biweekly compared with daily watering. Water stress caused a shift in biomass from shoots to roots in all three species. Black nightshade and tomato produced thinner leaves in response to water deficit. Companion field experiments were conducted during the 1989 and 1990 growing seasons in Urbana, Ill. Eastern black nightshade and black nightshade were transplanted at densities of 0.8, 1.6, 3.2, and 4.8 plants/m 2 , 5 days after tomatoes were transplanted. These nightshade densities caused significant reductions in soil water content. In 1989, only the highest density of either nightshade species reduced topsoil water content. In 1990, all densities of nightshade, except the two lowest densities of black nightshade, reduced topsoil water content. Eastern black nightshade consis- tently had a greater effect on tomato yield than black nightshade. Tomato yields averaged over both years were 17,000 and 8,000 kg·ha -1
The adoption of nintedanib in systemic sclerosis: the SENSCIS study

We live in an era of respiratory medicine in which there is increasing awareness of interstitial lung diseases (ILDs). This is probably due to the publication of evidence-based guidelines [1, 2] and the discovery of newer drugs [3, 4]. These advances are particularly evident for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), which is to date the only fibrotic disease with specific pharmacologic-approved treatments. The burgeoning interest in pulmonary fibrosis has recently shifted its focus to the possibility of using therapeutic interventions available for IPF on other non-IPF ILDs, including pulmonary fibrosis secondary to systemic sclerosis (SSc). ILD represents one of the most relevant complications of SSc [5], but a standard treatment has yet to be achieved. Currently, the therapeutic management of SSc-ILD includes a “wait and see” approach in patients with a slow functional decay, and an immunosuppressive strategy (cyclophosphamide or mycophenolate) in patients with progressive ILD [6]. The Safety and Efficacy of Nintedanib in Systemic Sclerosis (SENSCIS) trial[7] explored the use of nintedanib, an intracellular inhibitor of tyrosine kinases currently approved for IPF, in scleroderma patients. Nintedanib shows a statistically significant effect on lung function decay in patients with ILD secondary to systemic sclerosis, but no effect on skin fibrosis and on health-related quality of life http://bit.ly/2vfJRj7