Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Amphiregulin promotes cisplatin chemoresistance by upregulating ABCB1 expression in human chondrosarcoma

Chondrosarcomas are well known for their resistance to chemotherapeutic agents, including cisplatin, which is commonly used in chondrosarcomas. Amphiregulin (AR), a ligand of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), plays an important role in drug resistance. We therefore sought to determine the role of AR in cisplatin chemoresistance. We found that AR inhibits cisplatin-induced cell apoptosis and promotes ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1) expression, while knockdown of ABCB1 by small interfering RNA (siRNA) reverses these effects. High phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) phosphorylation levels were observed in cisplatin-resistant cells. Pretreating chondrosarcoma cells with PI3K, Akt and NF-κB inhibitors or transfecting the cells with p85, Akt and p65 siRNAs potentiated cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity. In a mouse xenograft model, knockdown of AR expression in chondrosarcoma cells increased the cytotoxic effects of cisplatin and also decreased tumor volume and weight. These results indicate that AR upregulates ABCB1 expression through the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway and thus contributes to cisplatin resistance in chondrosarcoma.
A FIELD TRIAL ON CONTROL OF CULEX QUINQUEFASCIATUS BY RELEASE OF MALES OF A STRAIN INTEGRATING CYTOPLASMIC INCOMPATIBILITY AND A TRANSLOCATION

A strain of Culex quinquefasciutus with European cytoplasm and Indian chromosomes, including a male‐linked translocation, was reared and males were released in two villages near Delhi which were surrounded by a 3‐km wide zone kept free of mosquito production by conventional larvicides. 5000‐40,000 males were released per day per village and this produced very high ratios of released to wild males. As a result of matings of wild females to released males up to 68% of the egg rafts laid in the villages showed cytoplasmic incompatibility (sterility) but, despite continued releases, the sterility rate plateaued and eventually declined. This can be partly explained by a decline in emergence of virgin females in the villages but it was concluded that immigration of already inseminated females must also have had an important influence. The trend in the wild adult female populations and the breeding in the release villages in comparison with untreated villages indicated that the releases produced partial population suppression.
Validation of the Lithuanian Version of the Coach-Created Empowering and Disempowering Motivational Climate Questionnaire (EDMCQ-C)

Based on Duda’s conceptualization of the motivational climate, the Empowering and Disempowering Motivational Climate Questionnaire-Coach (EDMCQ-C) is a recently developed scale that assesses junior athletes’ perception of the social environmental dimensions proposed by achievement goal theory and self-determination theory. The goal of the current investigation was to evaluate the Lithuanian translation of the EDMCQ-C and more broadly extend the validity and reliability of this questionnaire in sport participants. 712 adolescents from different sport teams in Lithuanian were the participants in this study. Exploratory structural equation modelling provided an acceptable fit of a two-factor model (i.e., empowering and disempowering) of EDMCQ-C. Reliability analysis revealed good levels of internal consistency for the empowering and disempowering climate factors. Discriminant validity was confirmed by a negative correlation between empowering and disempowering climate subscales. Correlations between empowering and disempowering subscales with values, motivation and self-esteem constructs demonstrate convergent validity. Associations between the climate dimensions and prosocial and antisocial behaviour in sport demonstrate predictive validity of EDMCQ-C. The evidence from this study suggests the Lithuanian version of EDMCQ-C is a promising scale for the assessment of athletes’ perceptions of the empowering and disempowering features of the motivational climate created by their coach.
Temperaturas basais e soma térmica para a figueira podada em diferentes épocas

It was determined for the fig trees pruned in July, August, September and October, the most minimum and maximum basic temperatures, the thermal sum express in degree-days and the influence of the temperature in the duration of the period between the prune and the beginning of the harvest, in Botucatu - SP, from 2002 to 2006. The estimated values of minimum and maxim basal temperature were 8oC and 36 oC, respectively. The prune periods that presented better results in seasonal variation and productivity were August and July, and it was necessary a medium thermal sum of 1955 and 2200 degree-days.
HPV Infection Affects Human Sperm Functionality by Inhibition of Aquaporin-8

Human sperm cells express different aquaporins (AQPs), AQP3, 7, 8, 11, which are localized both in the plasma membrane and in intracellular structures. Besides cell volume regulation and end stage of cytoplasm removal during sperm maturation, the role of AQPs extends also to reactive oxygen species (ROS) elimination. Moreover, oxidative stress has been shown to inhibit AQP-mediated H2O2 permeability. A decrease in AQPs functionality is related to a decrease in sperm cells number and motility. Here we investigate the possible effect of human Papillomavirus (HPV) on both expression and function of AQPs in human sperm cells of patients undergoing infertility couple evaluation. Stopped-flow light-scattering experiments demonstrated that HPV infection heavily reduced water permeability of sperm cells in normospermic samples. Confocal immunofluorescence experiments showed a colocalization of HPV L1 protein with AQP8 (Pearson’s correlation coefficient of 0.61), confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation experiments. No interaction of HPV with AQP3 and AQP7 was observed. A 3D model simulation of L1 protein and AQP8 interaction was also performed. Present findings may suggest that HPV infection directly inhibits AQP8 functionality and probably makes sperm cells more sensitive to oxidative stress.
Pediatric Microbial Keratitis

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Aims: The purpose of this study was to report the epidemiology, etiology, microbiologic profile and management of pediatric microbial keratitis in a quaternary and 3 tertiary ophthalmic referral centers across Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study of patients ≤ 18 years of age with a clinical diagnosis of microbial keratitis presenting between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2016 identified from hospital coding and pathology databases. Data were extracted from the medical records. Epidemiology, predisposing factors, referral patterns, microbial profile and treatment outcomes were analyzed. Results: Eighty eyes from 80 pediatric patients with microbial keratitis were included in the study (10% had bilateral disease). The mean age was 11 ± 5.3 years (range 0–18 years), and 44 were male (55%). Thirty-six percent of patients had ocular and 13.5% systemic comorbidities. The most common risk factor overall was contact lens wear in 26%, trauma (24%), and external lid and eye disease (20%). Overall, 74 organisms were identified, and of those, the most common isolates were Gram-positive organism. Antimicrobial resistance to common antibiotics was low across all isolates. Visual acuity following treatment was worse than 6/60 for 7 patients (11.3%%), 6/15–6/60 for 15 patients (24.2%) and better than 6/12 for 40 patients (64.5%). Preexisting corneal disease and delay of presentation were associated with worse visual prognosis. Serious complications were noted in 16 (21.3%) of patients. Conclusions: Contact lens wear, trauma and existing ocular disease remain the most significant risk factors in the pediatric population. Preexisting corneal disease and delay in presentation were associated with poor visual acuity. The majority of patients have a good visual outcome although serious complications are not uncommon and may cause lifelong visual disability.
NADPH oxidase 1 is highly expressed in human large and small bowel cancers

To facilitate functional investigation of the role of NADPH oxidase 1 (NOX1) and associated reactive oxygen species in cancer cell signaling, we report herein the development and characterization of a novel mouse monoclonal antibody that specifically recognizes the C-terminal region of the NOX1 protein. The antibody was validated in stable NOX1 overexpression and knockout systems, and demonstrates wide applicability for Western blot analysis, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemistry. We employed our NOX1 antibody to characterize NOX1 expression in a panel of 30 human colorectal cancer cell lines, and correlated protein expression with NOX1 mRNA expression and superoxide production in a subset of these cells. Although a significant correlation between oncogenic RAS status and NOX1 mRNA levels could not be demonstrated in colon cancer cell lines, RAS mutational status did correlate with NOX1 expression in human colon cancer surgical specimens. Immunohistochemical analysis of a comprehensive set of tissue microarrays comprising over 1,200 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue cores from human epithelial tumors and inflammatory disease confirmed that NOX1 is overexpressed in human colon and small intestinal adenocarcinomas, as well as adenomatous polyps, compared to adjacent, uninvolved intestinal mucosae. In contradistinction to prior studies, we did not find evidence of NOX1 overexpression at the protein level in tumors versus histologically normal tissues in prostate, lung, ovarian, or breast carcinomas. This study constitutes the most comprehensive histopathological characterization of NOX1 to date in cellular models of colon cancer and in normal and malignant human tissues using a thoroughly evaluated monoclonal antibody. It also further establishes NOX1 as a clinically relevant therapeutic target in colorectal and small intestinal cancer.
Effects of stream acidification on lotic salamander assemblages in a coal-mined watershed in the Cumberland Plateau

We studied the effects of acid mine drainage (AMD) from abandoned coal mines on lotic salamanders and environmental conditions in the upper watershed (Cumberland Plateau) of North Chickamauga Creek (NCC; Tennessee River drainage) in southeastern Tennessee, USA, from 1996–97. Study sites (2nd- or 3rd-order reaches) were sampled in an AMD-influenced section (five sites) and in two reference streams (two minimally disturbed sites). A total of 212 plethodontids (premetamorphic larvae) representing four species were collected by kicknetting in riffles (n = 99) and electrofishing in mixed habitats (n = 113). The dusky salamander (Desmognathus fuscus) was the most abundant species in both AMD and reference reaches (> 80 – 90% of total catches), successively followed by the southern two-lined salamander (Eurycea cirrigera), spring salamander (Gyrinophilus porphyriticus), and red salamander (Pseudotriton ruber). Mining-influenced reaches were characterized by acidic flows (mean pH = 3.8–5.6), zero to low alkalinity, and elevated conductivity, sulfate, hardness, aluminum, and manganese, as well as very low abundances of salamanders. Reference reaches were slightly acidic to circumneutral (mean pH = 6.0–6.9) with low to moderate alkalinity, low levels of conductivity, hardness, sulfate, and metals, and high salamander abundances. Our findings document the impact of acid/metal pollution from past coal mining activities on lotic salamanders in a Cumberland Plateau stream.
The anatomy of the thecodont reptile Euparkeria capensis Broom

The South African Museum specimens of Euparkeria originally described by Broom (1913 a, b) and later studied by Haughton (1922) have been further prepared using the dental mallet. In addition, material in Professor D. M. S. Watson’s collection has been prepared and studied. As a result of inquiries made at Aliwal North, it is suggested that all the material may represent a single find and a small exposure of Cynognathus zone shale close to the town is considered to be the most probable location of the site. On the basis of the specimens already mentioned a detailed description of most of the skeleton is given, the only parts remaining unknown, or incompletely known, being the carpus and manus, the braincase and the caudal vertebrae. The following features are discussed in functional terms: skull architecture; the limbs and their girdles; the vertebral column and ribs. The skull, although showing some adaptation to predacious habits, is relatively unspecialized and a subsequent reversal of trend towards a more omnivorous or even vegetarian diet is not impossible. A consideration of the probable arrangement of the jaw muscles suggests that the antorbital fenestra of the archosaurs was not originally evolved in relation to the development of the pterygoideus D musculature. A study of the limbs and their girdles indicates that Euparkeria was facultatively bipedal and that when this gait was adopted the femora were brought into a vertical position, although they must have been held horizontally while at rest or moving slowly. It is suggested that the alteration in position of the rib articulations along the length of the vertebral column is related to efficiency of pulmonary ventilation. Expansion of the tips of the neural spines is shown to be related not to the development of dermal armour but to the arrangement of the muscles of the transversospinalis system. The term ‘scute tables’ used to designate these expansions is therefore abandoned and they are referred to simply as spine tables. The relationships of Euparkeria to other groups is briefly discussed. Euparkeria shows a number of progressive features related to a highly carnivorous habit and increased locomotor efficiency combined with retention of several primitive characters. Previous authors have tended to lay emphasis on one or other of these types of characteristic and accordingly classify Euparkeria either as an advanced form or as a very primitive one: the consequent variation in proposed systematic position ranges from inclusion in the Sphenosuchidae (v. Huene 1962) to the Erythrosuchidae (Hughes 1963). It is concluded that Euparkeria, although a progressive form, is closely related to the latter family with which it may be convenient, for the time being, to classify it. It could well have been directly ancestral to advanced pseudosuchians such as Ornithosuchus and Hesperosuchus and possibly to the prosauropods and sauropods but not to the ornithischians or the birds and was a trifle too advanced to have been directly ancestral to the Aëtosauridae, to which it is, however, closely related.
Teste de raios X para avaliação do potencial fisiológico de sementes de ipê-roxo

The use of seeds with a high physiological potential is essential to guarantee proper field establishment and seedling development. Several techniques have been used to evaluate seed quality including the X-ray test. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological potential of Tabebuia heptaphylla seeds with X-ray and germination tests after grading by color and size. Seeds were classified using the Munsell color chart and screens, in light-yellow larger, light-yellow smaller, dark-yellow larger, dark-yellow smaller, mixture of light-yellow larger, light-yellow smaller and dark-yellow larger and control. Seeds from different fractions were then submitted to X-ray and germination tests. The experimental design was completely randomized with six treatments and five replicationsand mean values were compared by the Scott-Knott test (< 5%). Results showed that the X - ray test effectively evaluates the internal morphology of Tabebuia heptaphylla seeds and its relationship with physiological potential. Seed color and size affect the physiological potential of Tabebuia heptaphyla seeds.
Maximizing Lucerne (Medicago sativa) Pasture Intake of Dairy Cows: 1-the Effect of Pre-Grazing Pasture Height and Mixed Ration Level

Simple Summary Pre-grazing pasture height has significant impact on intake rate and intake in grazing dairy herds, and the ideal pre-grazing pasture height varies between pasture species. Defining the ideal pre-grazing pasture height of lucerne pasture has potential to significantly increase milk production of cows on sub-tropical partial mixed ration (PMR) dairies in Australia. Pasture intake of dairy cows was highest when the pre-grazing pasture height of lucerne was 39 cm and a proportion of the pasture remained un-grazed, irrespective of the amount of mixed ration offered. Abstract The effect of lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) pre-grazing pasture height on pasture intake and milk production was investigated in a sub-tropical partial mixed ration (PMR) dairy system in south-east Queensland, Australia. The experiment involved a 26-day adaptation period followed by an eight-day measurement period during April and May 2018. Twenty-four multiparous Holstein-Friesian dairy cows were offered a mixed ration at either 7 (low) or 14 (high) kg dry matter (DM)/cow/day and allocated pastures at pre-grazing heights ranging from 23 to 39 cm. The targeted pasture intake was 14 and 7 kg DM/cow/day for cows offered the low and high mixed ration allowances respectively, with a total intake target of 21 kg DM/cow/day. Pasture structure did not limit pasture intake as the all groups left at least 12% of the allocated area ungrazed, and therefore could selectively graze pasture. There was no significant difference in intake between mixed ration levels, however intake had a positive linear relationship with pre-grazing pasture height. For every one cm increase in pasture height, intake increased by 0.3 kg DM/cow/day. Using a grazing strategy that ensures the some pasture remains ungrazed and the pre-grazing height of lucerne is approximately 39 cm above ground level will maximise pasture intake in sub-tropical PMR dairy systems.
Long-term persistence of aluminium-tolerant and sensitive Phalaris lines on acidic soils and associated changes in soil acidity

Persistence of an aluminium (Al)-tolerant phalaris F1 hybrid (Siro 1146 Phalaris aquatica × P. arundinacea) was compared with that of 3 more Al-sensitive phalaris (P. aquatica L.) lines (cv. Australian and the progenitors of cvv. Sirosa and Sirolan) at 2 sites (Strathbogie and Baddaginnie) in north-eastern Victoria with strongly acidic soils 20 years after sowing. Soil pHCa and extractable aluminium (AlCa) were also measured to 1 m depth under Siro 1146 and annual grass pasture at each site. All grass treatments contained volunteer subclover. Siro 1146 persisted better than the other lines (P<0.05) at Strathbogie where the soil contained high AlCa concentrations down to 50 cm depth. Soils should be sampled and tested to at least this depth to determine their suitability for phalaris. At this site Australian phalaris persisted better than the progenitors of Sirosa and Sirolan (P<0.01), probably because Australian has more spreading ability and tolerance of set stocking than the winter active lines. At Baddaginnie, the soil contained lower concentrations of AlCa below 20 cm depth than at Strathbogie and persistence of the 3 Al sensitive phalaris lines was good despite the lower rainfall. The less drought-tolerant Siro 1146 persisted poorly at Baddaginnie, but had high ground cover due to high lateral spread of the survivors. At Strathbogie, the 10–20 cm layer of soil under Siro 1146 had a higher pHCa and lower AlCa than that under the other 4 phalaris and the annual grass treatments. Soil under Siro 1146 also had higher pHCa and lower AlCa down to 40 cm depth compared with the annual grass treatment, the differences being significant in the 20–30 cm layer. These differences were reversed at 50–100 cm, but only the effect on Al was significant. Although soils were not sampled at the beginning of the experiment, adequate replication and randomisation of the grass treatments showed that it was statistically improbable for observed final differences to be due to initial soil differences. The final differences may be due to greater amounts of nitrate being taken up from the upper layers by Siro 1146 over its long growing season compared with the annual grasses, leading to greater nitrate leaching from the upper layers and greater nitrate uptake from lower layers under the annuals (i.e. spatial separation of acid generation and consumption processes within the profile). Another possible reason for the greater acidification below 50 cm by the perennial is that its roots may have taken up more cations in this zone. Because of rising concern in some sectors of the public about the off-site, environmental effects of agriculture, the future role of more acid-tolerant phalaris cultivars growing near native vegetation in the high rainfall zone is discussed.
Microanatomical diversity of the humerus and lifestyle in lissamphibians

A study of body size and the compactness profile parameters of the humerus of 37 species of lissamphibians demonstrates a relationship between lifestyle (aquatic, amphibious or terrestrial) and bone microstructure. Multiple linear regressions and variance partitioning with Phylogenetic eigenVector Regressions reveal an ecological and a phylogenetic signal in some body size and compactness profile parameters. Linear discriminant analyses segregate the various lifestyles (aquatic vs. amphibious or terrestrial) with a success rate of up to 89.2%. The models built from data on the humerus discriminate aquatic taxa relatively well from the other taxa. However, like previous models built from data on the radius of amniotes or on the femur of lissamphibians, the new models do not discriminate amphibious taxa from terrestrial taxa on the basis of body size or compactness profile data. To make our inference method accessible, spreadsheets (see supplementary material on the website), which allow anyone to infer a lissamphibian lifestyle solely from body size and bone compactness parameters, were produced. No such easy implementation of habitat inference models is found in earlier papers on this topic.
Molecular mechanisms of HIV-1 infection in neonatal target cells

HIV-1-infected neonates and infants have a higher viral load and progress to symptomatic AIDS more rapidly than their own infected mothers, as well as other infected adults, with differences in clinical manifestations, recurrent bacterial infections and CNS disorders. Two major reasons have been attributed to this differential HIV pathogenesis and disease; the relative immaturity of the neonate’s immune system and it’s inability to contain the highly replicating and mutating HIV-1, and the more efficient replication of HIV-1 in neonatal cells than in adult target cells. In this context, it has been demonstrated that HIV-1 replicates more efficiently in neonatal (cord) blood monocytes/macrophages and T lymphocytes – including naive and memory T lymphocytes – compared with adult blood cells. We have also determined the mechanisms of the differential HIV-1 replication in cord versus adult blood monocytes/macrophages and T lymphocytes (naive and memory), finding that it was influenced at the level of HIV-1 ge.