Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reduction of fibrosis and immune suppressive cells in ErbB2-dependent tumorigenesis by an LXR agonist

One of the central challenges for cancer therapy is the identification of factors in the tumor microenvironment that increase tumor progression and prevent immune surveillance. One such element associated with breast cancer is stromal fibrosis, a histopathologic criterion for invasive cancer and poor survival. Fibrosis is caused by inflammatory factors and remodeling of the extracellular matrix that elicit an immune tolerant microenvironment. To address the role of fibrosis in tumorigenesis, we developed NeuT/ATTAC transgenic mice expressing a constitutively active NeuT/erbB2 transgene, and an inducible, fat-directed caspase-8 fusion protein, which upon activation results in selective and partial ablation of mammary fat and its replacement with fibrotic tissue. Induction of fibrosis in NeuT/ATTAC mice led to more rapid tumor development and an inflammatory and fibrotic stromal environment. In an effort to explore therapeutic options that could reduce fibrosis and immune tolerance, mice were treated with the oxysterol liver X receptor (LXR) pan agonist, N,N-dimethyl-3-β-hydroxy-cholenamide (DMHCA), an agent known to reduce fibrosis in non-malignant diseases. DMHCA reduced tumor progression, tumor multiplicity and fibrosis, and improved immune surveillance by reducing infiltrating myeloid-derived suppressor cells and increasing CD4 and CD8 effector T cells. These effects were associated with downregulation of an LXR-dependent gene network related to reduced breast cancer survival that included Spp1, S100a9, Anxa1, Mfge8 and Cd14. These findings suggest that the use of DMHCA may be a potentially effective approach to reduce desmoplasia and immune tolerance and increase the efficacy of cancer therapy.
Knee joint unloading and daily physical activity associate with cartilage T2 relaxation times 1 month after ACL injury

Osteoarthritis (OA) is prevalent after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, but mechanismsunderlying its development are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to determine if gait biomechanics and daily physical activity (PA) associate with cartilage T2 relaxation times, a marker of collagen organization and water content, 1 month after ACL injury. Twenty‐seven participants (15–35 years old) without chondral lesions completed magnetic resonance imaging, three‐dimensional gait analysis, and 1 week of PA accelerometry. Interlimb differences and ratios were calculated for gait biomechanics and T2 relaxation times, respectively. Multiple linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, and concomitant meniscus injury were used to determine the association between gait biomechanics and PA with T2 relaxation times, respectively. Altered knee adduction moment (KAM) impulse, less knee flexion excursion (kEXC) and higher daily step counts accounted for 35.8%–65.8% of T2 relaxation time variation in the weightbearing and posterior cartilage of the medial and lateral compartment (all p ≤ .011). KAM impulse was the strongest factor for T2 relaxation times in all models (all p ≤ .001). Lower KAM impulse associated with longer T2 relaxation times in the injured medial compartment (β = −.720 to −.901) and shorter T2 relaxation in the lateral compartment (β = .713 to .956). At 1 month after ACL injury, altered KAM impulse, less kEXC, and higher PA associated with longer T2 relaxation times, which may indicate poorer cartilage health. Statement of Clinical Significance: Gait biomechanics and daily PA are modifiable targets that may improve cartilage health acutely after ACL injury and slow progression to OA.
Crystallization and Properties of N-Benzoylglycine Amidohydrolase from Pseudomonas putida

N-Benzoylgiycine amidohydrolase (hippurate hydrolase EC 3.5.1.32), which catalyzes the hydrolysis of hippuric acid to benzoic acid and glycine, was found in a cell-free extract of Pseudomonas putida C692-3 grown on a medium containing hippuric acid. The enzyme was purified from the extract by ammonium sulfate fractionation and column chromatographies on DEAE-cellulose, DEAE-Sephadex A-50, hydroxyapatite, and Sepharose CL-6B. The enzyme was finally crystallized. The crystalline enzyme was almost homogeneous on electrophoresis. The enzyme had a molecular weight of about 170,000 and consisted of four subunits identical in molecular weight (approximately 42,000). The enzyme hydrolyzed N-benzoylglycine most rapidly, and N-benzoyl-l-alanine and N-benzoyl-l-aminobutyric acid. The Km value for these substrates were 0.72 mm, 0.87 mm, and 0.87mm, respectively. The optimum pH of the enzyme reaction was 7.0 to 8.0 and the enzyme was stable from pH 6.0 to 8.0.
Sealing Ability of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate, Biodentine and Glass Ionomer as Root-End Materials: A Question of Choice.

OBJECTIVES The goal of this study was to determine the sealing ability of MTA, Biodentine, and Fuji IX as root-end materials after ultrasonic retrograde preparation using a dye penetration method. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy permanent anterior teeth were used in this study. Root canals were prepared using rotary endodontic files, and obturated using the lateral condensation technique. The resection of the root apices was performed perpendicularly to the long axis, and 3 mm deep retrocavities were made by ultrasonic tips. The samples were randomly divided into three experimental groups (N=20) and two control groups (N=5). The root-end cavities were filled with mineral-trioxide aggregate (Rootdent MTA, TehnoDent, Russia) in Group 1, Biodentine (Septodont, Saint Maur des Fossés, France) in Group 2 and Fuji IX GP (GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) in Group 3. The retrocavities of the positive control group were left unfilled, while retrocavities in the negative control group were sealed using a flowable composite material. The samples were made transparent, and dye penetration was assessed under a stereomicroscope (x10). The data were analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis test and the Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS The Biodentine group had a lower mean leakage value than the MTA and Fuji IX groups, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). No statistical difference in apical microleakage was found between the MTA and Fuji IX groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that Biodentine provides better sealing ability as a root-end material than MTA and Fuji IX. There was no statistically significant difference between the sealing ability of MTA and Fuji IX as root-end materials.
Birefringence of native cellulosic fibers. I. Untreated cotton and ramie

The Rayleigh-Gans theory of light scattering by a homogeneous cylinder has been applied to the case of scattering by a pad of fibers immersed in a liquid. The theory enables one to locate precisely the matching wavelength at which the mean refractive index of a sample of optically heterogeneous fibers coincides with that of an immersion medium. Thereby it offers a method of determining the mean refractive index. Besides, it facilitates a quantitative estimation of the variability of refractive index. The new technique has been used to study the birefringence of untreated cotton and ramie. The results are presented and discussed.
Can Anti-Ribosomal Antibodies Improve Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Diagnosis?

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease of unknown etiology. The only means of reducing its morbidity and mortality remains early diagnosis followed by timely medical treatment. SLE affects all populations worldwide, although prevalence rates differ between population groups, with higher rates among women of reproductive age and for African, Asian, and Hispanic ethnicities. [1]
The molecular structure and role of CCL2 (MCP‐1) and C‐C chemokine receptor CCR2 in skeletal biology and diseases

Monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1, also called chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) or small inducible cytokine A2, is an inflammatory mediator capable of recruiting monocytes, memory T cells, and dendritic cells. CCL2 is a member of the CC chemokine superfamily, which binds to its receptor, C‐C motif chemokine receptor‐2 (CCR2), for the induction of chemotactic activity and an increase of calcium influx. It exerts multiple effects on a variety of cells, including monocytes, macrophages, osteoclasts, basophils, and endothelial cells, and is involved in a diverse range of diseases. This review discusses the molecular structure and role of CCL2 and CCR2 in skeletal biology and disease. Molecular structure analyses reveal that CCL2 shares a conserved C‐C motif; however, it has only limited sequence homology with other CCL family members. Likewise, CCR2, as a member of the G‐protein‐coupled seven‐transmembrane receptor superfamily, shares conserved cysteine residues, but exhibits very limited sequence homology with other CCR family members. In the skeletal system, the expression of CCL2 is regulated by a variety of factors, such as parathyroid hormone/parathyroid hormone‐related peptide, interleukin 1b, tumor necrosis factor‐α and transforming growth factor‐beta, RANKL, and mechanical forces. The interaction of CCL2 and CCR2 activates several signaling cascades, including PI3K/Akt/ERK/NF‐κB, PI3K/MAPKs, and JAK/STAT‐1/STAT‐3. Understanding the role of CCL2 and CCR2 will facilitate the development of novel therapies for skeletal disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, osteolysis and other inflammatory diseases related to abnormal chemotaxis.
Modification of rapeseed straw with organic acid anhydrides

Modification of lignocellulose materials, used as fillers in the composites with polyolefins, is applied to improve their adhesion to the matrix. One of the most often applied methods of such modification is the treatment with organic acid anhydrides. Rapeseed straw was modified with anhydrides of acetic, maleic and succinic acids. Such a modification changes the straw surface leading to the exposition of the wood tissue skeleton. The character changes depending on the type of anhydride applied. Esterification of repeseed straw by organic acid anhydrides resulted in changes in its chemical structure. According to infrared analysis of modified straw, new carbonyl groups were formed, as indicated by the absorption band in the range 1750–1730 cm−1. The degree of straw modification, measured by the weight percent gain index, informs about similar reactivities of the lignocelluloses material with all three anhydrides of organic acids used as modifiers. The starting temperatures of active thermolysis for the straw modified with maleic and succinic acid anhydrides were lower than that for native straw, while that for the straw modified with acetic acid was higher. Concentration of free radicals in rapeseed straw samples was measured by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. It was found that the maximum concentration of radicals for rapeseed straw was treated with maleic anhydride.
Order effects in bilingual recognition memory partially confirm predictions of the frequency-lag hypothesis

ABSTRACT The present study examined task order, language, and frequency effects on list memory to investigate how bilingualism affects recognition memory. In Experiment 1, 64 bilinguals completed a recognition memory task including intermixed high and medium frequency words in English and another list in Spanish. In Experiment 2, 64 bilinguals and 64 monolinguals studied lists with only high frequency English words and a separate list with only low frequency English words, in counterbalanced order followed by a recognition test. In Experiment 1, bilinguals who completed the task in the dominant language first outperformed bilinguals tested in the nondominant language first, and order effects were not stronger in the dominant language. In Experiment 2, participants who were tested with high frequency word lists first outperformed those tested with low frequency word lists first. Regardless of language and testing order, memory for English and high frequency words was lower than memory for Spanish and medium frequency (in Experiment 1) or low frequency (in Experiment 2) words. Order effects on recognition memory patterned differently from previously reported effects on picture naming in ways that do not suggest between language interference and instead invite an analogy between language dominance and frequency of use (i.e., dominant language = higher frequency) as the primary factor affecting bilingual recognition memory.
The ADaptive Ability Performance Test (ADAPT): A new instrument for measuring adaptive skills in people with intellectual disabilities and borderline intellectual functioning

Abstract Background Since the DSM‐5, adaptive functioning has taken a prominent place in the classification of intellectual disability (ID). The ADAPT was developed to assess adaptive skills in individuals with ID. Method A total of 2,081 ADAPTs from clients with suspected ID or borderline intellectual functioning and 129 ADAPTs from people from the general population (non‐ID) were collected, along with background characteristics. Results Internal consistency of the ADAPT was high (α = 0.98). ADAPT scores were positively associated with IQ, educational level and level of independent living. Furthermore, individuals without ID scored significantly higher than the clients on all of the 65 ADAPT items. Reference values were established for different IQ groups and living situations. Conclusion Results suggest that the ADAPT is a valid instrument for measuring adaptive skills in individuals with ID. The reference values may be used for the purpose of estimating the level of ID and the needed intensity of support.
Detection of genetic divergence among some wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes using molecular and biochemical indicators under salinity stress

Wheat has remarkable importance among cereals in Egypt. Salt stress affects plant growth, development, and crop productivity. Therefore, salinity tolerance is an essential trait that must be incorporated in crops. This research aimed to investigate molecular and biochemical indicators and defence responses in seedlings of 14 Egyptian wheat genotypes to distinguish the most contrasting salt-responsive genotypes. Analysis of ISSR and SCoT markers revealed high polymorphism and reproducible fingerprinting profiles for evaluating genetic variability within the studied genotypes. The HB-10 and SCoT 1 primers had the highest values for all the studied parameters. All the tested primers generated a set of 66 polymorphic bands among tolerant and sensitive genotypes. The transcript profiles of eight TaWRKY genes showed significant induction under the salinity treatments. Moreover, the expression of TaWRKY6 for genotypes Sids 14 and Sakha 93 sharply increased and recorded the highest expression, while the expression of TaWRKY20 for Misr 1 recorded the lowest expression. Under salt stress, the total sugar, proline, and phenolic contents increased significantly, while the chlorophyll content decreased significantly. Additionally, five peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase isoforms were observed in treated leaves and clustered into five different patterns. Some isoforms increased significantly as salinity levels increased. This increase was clearer in salt-tolerant than in salt-sensitive genotypes. Eighteen protein bands appeared, most of which were not affected by salinity compared with the control, and specific bands were rare. Generally, the Sids 14, Sakha 93, Sohag 4, and Gemmeiza 12 genotypes are considered salt tolerant in comparison to the other genotypes.
The effects of birth weight and estimated breeding value for protein deposition on nitrogen efficiency in growing pigs

Abstract The effects of birth weight (BiW; low BiW [LBW] vs. high BiW [HBW]) and estimated breeding value (EBV) for protein deposition (low EBV [LBV] vs. high EBV [HBV]) on N retention, N efficiency, and concentrations of metabolites in plasma and urine related to N efficiency in growing pigs were studied. At an age of 14 wk, 10 LBW–LBV (BiW: 1.07 ± 0.09 [SD] kg; EBV: −2.52 ± 3.97 g/d, compared with an average crossbred pig with a protein deposition of 165 g/d), 10 LBW–HBV (BiW: 1.02 ± 0.13 kg; EBV: 10.47 ± 4.26 g/d), 10 HBW–LBV (BiW: 1.80 ± 0.13 kg; EBV: −2.15 ± 2.28 g/d), and 10 HBW–HBV (BiW: 1.80 ± 0.15 kg; EBV: 11.18 ± 3.68 g/d) male growing pigs were allotted to the experiment. The pigs were individually housed in metabolism cages and were subjected to an N balance study in two sequential periods of 5 d, after an 11-d dietary adaptation period. Pigs were assigned to a protein adequate (A) or protein restricted (R, 70% of A) regime in a change-over design. Pigs were fed 2.8 times the energy requirements for maintenance. Nontargeted metabolomics analyses were performed in urine and blood plasma samples. The N retention (in g/d) was higher in the HBW than in the LBW pigs (P < 0.001). The N retention (in g/[kg metabolic body weight (BW0.75) · d]) and N efficiency, however, were not affected by the BiW of the pigs. The N retention (P = 0.04) and N efficiency (P = 0.04) were higher in HBV than in LVB pigs on the A regime but were not affected by EBV in pigs on the R regime. Restricting the dietary protein supply with 30% decreased the N retention (P < 0.001) but increased the N efficiency (P = 0.003). Nontargeted metabolomics showed that a hexose, free amino acids (AA), and lysophosphatidylcholines were the most important metabolites in plasma for the discrimination between HBV and LBV pigs, whereas metabolites of microbial origin contributed to the discrimination between HBV and LBV pigs in urine. This study shows that BiW does not affect N efficiency in the later life of pigs. Nitrogen efficiency and N retention were higher in HBV than in LBV pigs on the A regime but similar in HBV and LBV pigs on the R regime. In precision feeding concepts aiming to further optimize protein and AA efficiency in pigs, the variation in EBV for protein deposition of pigs should be considered as a factor determining N retention, growth performance, and N efficiency.
Switchable electrochromic devices based on disubstituted bipyridinium derivatives

Gel switchable electrochromic devices based on disubstituted bipyridinium derivatives have been developed. The type of substituent from the 4,4′-bipyridinium cation and counter-ions can influence the reversibility and switching of colours of these electrochromic systems. Three switching colours (yellow, blue and red or violet) can be obtained for iodide salts due to dimer formation. In the case of bistrifluoromethanesulfonylimide [NTf2] salts only two reversible colour switches (transparent and blue) were observed. Complementary electrochromic performance including chromatic contrast (ΔT%); transition times between the bleached and coloured states; colouration efficiencies (CE), colour coordinates (CIE L*a*b*) and preliminary cycling stability studies of the devices have been performed. The higher coloration efficiency is observed in the case of [(C10)2bpy][NTf2]2 (186.9 cm2 C−1), which is similar to other bipyridinium systems already reported in the literature.
Crystal structure of an inulosucrase from Halalkalicoccus jeotgali B3T, a halophilic archaeal strain

Several archaea harbor genes that code for fructosyltransferase (FTF) enzymes. These enzymes have not been characterized yet at structure–function level, but are of extreme interest in view of their potential role in the synthesis of novel compounds for food, nutrition, and pharmaceutical applications. In this study, 3D structure of an inulin‐type fructan producing enzyme, inulosucrase (InuHj), from the archaeon Halalkalicoccus jeotgali was resolved in its apo form and with bound substrate (sucrose) molecule and first transglycosylation product (1‐kestose). This is the first crystal structure of an FTF from halophilic archaea. Its overall five‐bladed β‐propeller fold is conserved with previously reported FTFs, but also shows some unique features. The InuHj structure is closer to those of Gram‐negative bacteria, with exceptions such as residue E266, which is conserved in FTFs of Gram‐positive bacteria and has possible role in fructan polymer synthesis in these bacteria as compared to fructooligosaccharide (FOS) production by FTFs of Gram‐negative bacteria. Highly negative electrostatic surface potential of InuHj, due to a large amount of acidic residues, likely contributes to its halophilicity. The complex of InuHj with 1‐kestose indicates that the residues D287 in the 4B‐4C loop, Y330 in 4D‐5A, and D361 in the unique α2 helix may interact with longer FOSs and facilitate the binding of longer FOS chains during synthesis. The outcome of this work will provide targets for future structure–function studies of FTF enzymes, particularly those from archaea.
Contrasting anther glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase activities between two bean varieties suggest an important role in reproductive heat tolerance

Abstract Common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) are highly sensitive to elevated temperatures, and rising global temperatures threaten bean production. Plants at the reproductive stage are especially susceptible to heat stress due to damage to male (anthers) and female (ovary) reproductive tissues, with anthers being more sensitive to heat. Heat damage promotes early tapetal cell degradation, and in beans this was shown to cause male infertility. In this study, we focus on understanding how changes in leaf carbon export in response to elevated temperature stress contribute to heat‐induced infertility. We hypothesize that anther glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) activity plays an important role at elevated temperature and promotes thermotolerance. To test this hypothesis, we compared heat‐tolerant and susceptible common bean genotypes using a combination of phenotypic, biochemical, and physiological approaches. Our results identified changes in leaf sucrose export, anther sugar accumulation and G6PDH activity and anther H2O2 levels and antioxidant‐related enzymes between genotypes at elevated temperature. Further, anther respiration rate was found to be lower at high temperature in both bean varieties. Overall, our results support the hypothesis that enhanced male reproductive heat tolerance involves changes in the anther oxidative pentose phosphate pathway, which supplies reductants to critical H2O2 scavenging enzymes.
Adapting a Nutrition Education Curriculum for Spanish-Speaking Adults Experiencing Low-Income: Recommendations from Key Stakeholders

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to understand recommendations of key stakeholders regarding cultural adaptation of an evidence-based nutrition and physical activity education curriculum for Spanish-speaking adults. Findings from focus groups with Spanish-speaking adults (n=43) and telephone interviews with experts in Spanish nutrition and health education (n=9) revealed: 1) emphasis of the heterogeneity of Spanish-speaking communities; 2) importance of including family in nutrition education; 3) importance of addressing cultural differences between Spanish-speaking and general United States culture; and 4) tips for engaging Spanish-speaking adults in health education. These findings were used to inform cultural adaptation of a nutrition education curriculum.