Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pes Planus Deformity and Its Association With Hallux Valgus Recurrence Following Scarf Osteotomy

Background: Hallux valgus recurrence is an unsatisfactory complication, with many causes postulated. This study investigated the effect of pes planus on recurrence after scarf osteotomy. Methods: A total of 183 feet were retrospectively reviewed. All patients were treated with a scarf osteotomy and if required Akin osteotomy. We measured preoperative lateral talus first metatarsal angle (T1MA) to study pes planus; an angle of under −4 degrees was considered pes planus. We measured pre and postoperative hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), and sesamoid location. In total 164 feet were suitable for inclusion, with follow-up of at least 6 months (10 males and 154 females, mean age: 52 years). Results: Recurrence frequency (HVA greater than 15 degrees) was 27 feet (16%). Hallux valgus recurrence was not influenced by gender (P value = .66) or preoperative IMA (P value = .48). Preoperative HVA greater than 35 degrees was associated with increased frequency of recurrence (P value = .004). Those with T1MA less than −10 degrees demonstrated progression in HVA and deterioration in sesamoid location up to 6 months postoperatively (P value = .038). HVA did not progress beyond 6 months. The prevalence of recurrent hallux valgus with normal T1MA was 1%, in T1MA −4 to −10 degrees it was 29% and in T1MA less than −10 degrees it was 47% (P value <.001). Breaks in T1MA less than −4 degrees were found at the naviculocuneiform joint in 68% of feet in this series. Conclusion: The prevalence of hallux valgus recurrence correlated with the severity of pes planus. Level of Evidence: Level III, retrospective cohort study.
Effects of Different TiO2 Nanoparticles Concentrations on the Physical and Antibacterial Activities of Chitosan-Based Coating Film

In this investigation, the effect of different concentrations of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) on the structure and antimicrobial activity of chitosan-based coating films was examined. Analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that the modified TiO2 NPs were successfully dispersed into the chitosan matrix, and that the roughness of the chitosan-TiO2 nanocomposites were significantly reduced. Moreover, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses indicated that the chitosan interacted with TiO2 NPs and possessed good compatibility, while a thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the thermal properties showed that the chitosan-TiO2 nanocomposites with 0.05% TiO2 NPs concentration had the best thermal stability. The chitosan-TiO2 nanocomposite exhibited an inhibitory effect on the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This antimicrobial activity of the chitosan-TiO2 nanocomposites had an inhibition zone ranging from 9.86 ± 0.90 to 13.55 ± 0.35 (mm). These results, therefore, indicate that chitosan-based coating films incorporated with TiO2 NPs might become a potential packaging system for prolonging the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables.
RidA Proteins Protect against Metabolic Damage by Reactive Intermediates

The Rid (YjgF/YER057c/UK114) protein superfamily was first defined by sequence homology with available protein sequences from bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes (L. Parsons, N. Bonander, E. Eisenstein, M. Gilson, et al., Biochemistry 42:80–89, 2003, https://doi.org/10.1021/bi020541w). The archetypal subfamily, RidA (reactive intermediate deaminase A), is found in all domains of life, with the vast majority of free-living organisms carrying at least one RidA homolog. SUMMARY The Rid (YjgF/YER057c/UK114) protein superfamily was first defined by sequence homology with available protein sequences from bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes (L. Parsons, N. Bonander, E. Eisenstein, M. Gilson, et al., Biochemistry 42:80–89, 2003, https://doi.org/10.1021/bi020541w). The archetypal subfamily, RidA (reactive intermediate deaminase A), is found in all domains of life, with the vast majority of free-living organisms carrying at least one RidA homolog. In over 2 decades, close to 100 reports have implicated Rid family members in cellular processes in prokaryotes, yeast, plants, and mammals. Functional roles have been proposed for Rid enzymes in amino acid biosynthesis, plant root development and nutrient acquisition, cellular respiration, and carcinogenesis. Despite the wealth of literature and over a dozen high-resolution structures of different RidA enzymes, their biochemical function remained elusive for decades. The function of the RidA protein was elucidated in a bacterial model system despite (i) a minimal phenotype of ridA mutants, (ii) the enzyme catalyzing a reaction believed to occur spontaneously, and (iii) confusing literature on the pleiotropic effects of RidA homologs in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. Subsequent work provided the physiological framework to support the RidA paradigm in Salmonella enterica by linking the phenotypes of mutants lacking ridA to the accumulation of the reactive metabolite 2-aminoacrylate (2AA), which damaged metabolic enzymes. Conservation of enamine/imine deaminase activity of RidA enzymes from all domains raises the likelihood that, despite the diverse phenotypes, the consequences when RidA is absent are due to accumulated 2AA (or a similar reactive enamine) and the diversity of metabolic phenotypes can be attributed to differences in metabolic network architecture. The discovery of the RidA paradigm in S. enterica laid a foundation for assessing the role of Rid enzymes in diverse organisms and contributed fundamental lessons on metabolic network evolution and diversity in microbes. This review describes the studies that defined the conserved function of RidA, the paradigm of enamine stress in S. enterica, and emerging studies that explore how this paradigm differs in other organisms. We focus primarily on the RidA subfamily, while remarking on our current understanding of the other Rid subfamilies. Finally, we describe the current status of the field and pose questions that will drive future studies on this widely conserved protein family to provide fundamental new metabolic information.
Translation initiation downstream from annotated start codons in human mRNAs coevolves with the Kozak context

Eukaryotic translation initiation involves preinitiation ribosomal complex 5′-to-3′ directional probing of mRNA for codons suitable for starting protein synthesis. The recognition of codons as starts depends on the codon identity and on its immediate nucleotide context known as Kozak context. When the context is weak (i.e., nonoptimal), leaky scanning takes place during which a fraction of ribosomes continues the mRNA probing. We explored the relationship between the context of AUG codons annotated as starts of protein-coding sequences and the next AUG codon occurrence. We found that AUG codons downstream from weak starts occur in the same frame more frequently than downstream from strong starts. We suggest that evolutionary selection on in-frame AUGs downstream from weak start codons is driven by the advantage of the reduction of wasteful out-of-frame product synthesis and also by the advantage of producing multiple proteoforms from certain mRNAs. We confirmed translation initiation downstream from weak start codons using ribosome profiling data. We also tested translation of alternative start codons in 10 specific human genes using reporter constructs. In all tested cases, initiation at downstream start codons was more productive than at the annotated ones. In most cases, optimization of Kozak context did not completely abolish downstream initiation, and in the specific example of CMPK1 mRNA, the optimized start remained unproductive. Collectively, our work reveals previously uncharacterized forces shaping the evolution of protein-coding genes and points to the plurality of translation initiation and the existence of sequence features influencing start codon selection, other than Kozak context.
Fusarium stem canker of greenhouse eggplant (Solanum melongena var. esculentum) in Ontario

Fusarium stem canker of greenhouse eggplant, incited by Fusarium solani (teleomorph Nectria haematacocca), caused extensive losses in yield in a commercial operation in Leamington, Ontario, in 2005. Identification of the disease was based on host symptoms, reisolation of the pathogen, morphological and cultural characteristics of the fungus, and the fulfillment of Koch's postulates. Control measures are discussed. This is the first report of this disease on greenhouse eggplant in Canada. Key words: Fusarium solani, Nectria haematacocca, stem canker, greenhouse, eggplant. Le Fusarium d'aubergine de serre, incité par Fusarium solani (teleomorph Nectria haematacocca), a causé des pertes considérables de rendement en 2005 dans le milieu de serre commercial de la région de Leamington (Ontario, Canada). L'identification a été basée sur des symptômes de la hôte, reisolation du microbe pathogène, des caractéristiques morphologiques et culturelles et aussi en se basant sur les postulats de Koch. Des mesures de contrôle sont discutées. Ce texte est considéré comme le premier rapport qui décrit cette maladie d'aubergine de serre au Canada. Mots-clés : Fusarium solani, Nectria haematacocca, chancre de la tige, serre, aubergine.
The Psychological Appeal of Fake-News Attributions

The term fake news is increasingly used to discredit information from reputable news organizations. We tested the possibility that fake-news claims are appealing because they satisfy the need to see the world as structured. Believing that news organizations are involved in an orchestrated disinformation campaign implies a more orderly world than believing that the news is prone to random errors. Across six studies (N > 2,800), individuals with dispositionally high or situationally increased need for structure were more likely to attribute contested news stories to intentional deception than to journalistic incompetence. The effect persisted for stories that were ideologically consistent and ideologically inconsistent and after analyses controlled for strength of political identification. Political orientation showed a moderating effect; specifically, the link between need for structure and belief in intentional deception was stronger for Republican participants than for Democratic participants. This work helps to identify when, why, and for whom fake-news claims are persuasive.
Isolation and sequencing of insulin-like growth fac tor 1 (IGF-1) from Egyptian buffalo via RT-PCR

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF 1) is a member of a heterogeneous group of peptides with important growth-promoting effects in vitro as well as in vivo. It plays a fundamental role in postnatal mammalian growth as a major mediator thro ugh which growth hormone exerts its biological effects. We report the isolation and seq uencing of full-length IGF-1 cDNA from bovine liver, encoding the IGF-1 protein. RT-PCR reaction was performed in which gene-specific primers corresponding to IGF-1 were utilised employing Pfu, a proof reading and high-fidelity thermostable DNA polymerase. A PCR product of 543 b p, including the open reading frame of IGF1 gene corresponding to the expected theoretical pr oduct size, was successfully amplified. Sequencing of the purified PCR product and its doub le alignment against a previously known bovine gene identified it as a cDNA corresponding t o IGF-1 with the open reading frame encoding the entire IGF-1 precursor of 154 amino acids.
Hyperthermia treatment advances for brain tumors

Abstract Hyperthermia therapy (HT) of cancer is a well-known treatment approach. With the advent of new technologies, HT approaches are now important for the treatment of brain tumors. We review current clinical applications of HT in neuro-oncology and ongoing preclinical research aiming to advance HT approaches to clinical practice. Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is currently the most widely utilized thermal ablation approach in clinical practice mainly for the treatment of recurrent or deep-seated tumors in the brain. Magnetic hyperthermia therapy (MHT), which relies on the use of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and alternating magnetic fields (AMFs), is a new quite promising HT treatment approach for brain tumors. Initial MHT clinical studies in combination with fractionated radiation therapy (RT) in patients have been completed in Europe with encouraging results. Another combination treatment with HT that warrants further investigation is immunotherapy. HT approaches for brain tumors will continue to a play an important role in neuro-oncology.
Diel feeding periodicity, daily ration and prey selectivity in juvenile brown trout in a subarctic river

Feeding of age-1 brown trout Salmo trutta in a third-order river in northern Finland was usually highest in the twilight hours and lowest around midday. Diel periodicity in food intake was less distinct and rarely significant for age-0 trout. Daily rations declined seasonally, being lowest in October, and highest in June (age-1 trout) or early August (age-0 trout). Prey selection did not differ between day and night, but differences between age classes and sampling dates were distinct. Age-0 trout preferred Ephemerella nymphs in summer and Micrasema larvae later in the season. Age-1 trout fed selectively on caddis larvae on all sample dates. Aerial insects and Baetis nymphs were avoided by both age classes on most occasions. These patterns of preference are probably explained by a trend towards epibenthic feeding, which may be a predominant foraging mode in some trout populations. Nevertheless, repuscular peaks in feeding periodicity suggest that trout were able to capitalize on the increased availability of drifting prey in the twilight, especially in the early summer months.
Characterization of the feeding behavior of three Erythroneura species on grapevine by histological and DC‐electrical penetration graph techniques

Feeding behavior of three leafhopper species – Erythroneura vitis (Harris), Erythroneura ziczac (Walsh), and Erythroneura elegantula (Say) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) – reared on grapevine, Vitis vinifera L. cv. ‘Seyval blanc’ (Vitaceae), was investigated using histological techniques and DC‐electrical penetration graphs (DC‐EPG). Histological studies revealed that the Erythroneura species induced white stipples on the leaves and that these leafhoppers produced thin salivary sheaths in grapevine leaf tissues. The DC‐EPG system allowed the characterization of five waveforms associated with stylet penetration and feeding in leaf tissues. These waveforms were characteristic of feeding phases corresponding to epidermis penetration pathway, salivation, and ingestion. We calculated 28 parameters (e.g., number of probes, duration of phases, and time spent in the various tissues) to describe and compare the feeding behavior of the Erythroneura species. We conclude that the three Erythroneura species are mainly mesophyll feeders but may probably also feed in other tissues such as xylem.
Increased prevalence of vascular dementia in Japan: A community-based epidemiological study

Background and ObjectiveIt has been suggested that there is a major difference in the ratio of AD to vascular dementia (VaD) between Japan and Western countries. To determine the type-specific prevalence of dementia in community-dwelling elderly from the Japanese community of Nakayama, all patients with dementing illness underwent a CT scan. MethodsA door-to-door three-phase population survey was carried out on all persons aged 65 years and older residing at home on the prevalence day (January 1, 1997). The ascertainment of cases was made between January 1997 and March 1998. The study included a psychiatric interview; physical, neurologic, and neuropsychologic examinations; comprehensive laboratory tests; and cranial CT. A public health nurse also interviewed a person close to each subject. Dementia was defined according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, third edition–revised, criteria, AD according to the National Institute of Neurological and Communicative Disorders and Stroke–Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Association, and VaD according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition, combined with information from the patient’s neurologic history and CT scanning. ResultsOf 1438 inhabitants, 1162 (81.0%) completed the protocol. The prevalence of dementia was 4.8%. Of the 60 subjects with dementia, 35% had AD, 47% had VaD, and 17% had dementia resulting from other causes. ConclusionsThe prevalence of dementia was similar to previous reports, but, contrary to results of virtually all studies conducted in developed countries and those recently conducted in Japan, almost half of the cases in the present study appeared to have VaD with neuroradiologic confirmation.
Unravelling the response of poplar (Populus nigra) roots to mechanical stress imposed by bending

Abstract Mechanical stress is a widespread environmental condition that can be caused by several factors (i.e. gravity, touch, wind, soil density, soil compaction and grazing, slope) and that can severely affect plant stability. In response to mechanical stress and to improve their anchorage, plants have developed complex mechanisms to detect mechanical perturbation and to induce a suite of modifications at anatomical, physiological, biochemical, biophysical and molecular level. Although it is well recognized that one of the primary functions of root systems is to anchor the plant to the soil, root response to mechanical stresses have been investigated mainly at morphological and biomechanical level, whereas investigations about the molecular mechanisms underlying these important alterations are still in an initial stage. We have used an experimental system in which the taproot poplar seedlings are bent to simulate mechanical perturbation to begin investigate the mechanisms involved in root response to mechanical stress. The results reported herein show that, in response to bending, the poplar root changes its morphology by emitting new lateral roots, and its biomechanical properties by increasing the root biomass and lignin synthesis. In addition, using a proteomic approach, we found that several proteins involved in the signal transduction pathway, detoxification and metabolism are up-regulated and/or down-regulated in the bent root. These results provide new insight into the obscure field of woody root response to mechanical stress, and can serve as a basis for future investigations aimed at unravelling the complex mechanism involved in the reaction of root biology to environmental stress.
Kinetic barriers to folding in the Tetrahymena group I ribozyme

The process by which RNA molecules fold into complex three dimensional structures is a fundamental question in biochemistry. The kinetic folding of the Tetrahymena ribozyme has been investigated and a model for the kinetic folding pathway has been proposed where the two main structural domains, P4-P6 and P3-P7, form in a hierarchical manner with P4-P6 forming first and P3-P7 folding on the minute timescale. Recent studies identified a set of mutations that accelerate P3-P7 formation, and all of these mutations appear to disrupt a kinetic trap stabilized by native contacts in P4-P6. To better understand the microscopic details of the slow folding step, a previously developed kinetic oligonucleotide hybridization assay was used to characterize the folding of several fast folding mutants. A comparison of the temperature dependence of the wild type and mutant ribozyme P3-P7 folding rates demonstrates that a majority of the mutations act by decreasing the activation enthalpy required to reach the transition state. The denaturant urea accelerates the rate of folding of the wild type, while for the mutants urea merely shifts the distribution between two folding populations. The mutations do not accelerate formation of the catalytically active structure, suggesting that there is an additional slow step on the folding pathway. Comparison of the Mg2+ dependence of the two slow steps provides additional evidence that they are distinct and suggests that the final slow step represents escape from a magnesium stabilized off-pathway intermediate. The work presented in this thesis supports the emerging view of RNA folding as an escape from a series of kinetic traps and highlights the dual role of Mg2+ in stabilizing both the final native structure and off-pathway folding intermediates that slow folding. The analysis of the fast folding mutants demonstrates that small structural changes or changes in solvent can accelerate folding, but these changes lead to complex folding behavior, and do not give rise to rapid two-state folding transitions. These results support the recent view of folding as an ensemble of molecules traversing a rugged energy landscape to reach the lowest energy state. Thesis Supervisor: James R. Williamson Title: Professor of Chemistry
Several flavonoids from Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medic.

Nine flavonoids were isolated from the whole plant of Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medic. , and their structures were identified as tricin (1), kaempferol (2), quercetin (3), kaempferol-7-O-α-L- rhamnopyranoside (4), quercetin-3-O-β-D–glucopyranoside (5), quercetin-6-C-β-D-glucopyranoside (6), kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (7), quercetin-3-O-β-Dglucopyranosyl-7- O-α-L-rhamnopyranoside (8) and kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (9) on the basis of chemical and physicochemical evidence. All the compounds were obtained from this genus for the first time.
Do elevated ozone and variable light alter carbon transport to roots in sugar maple

Summary • Here we conducted a series of 14C pulse-chase labeling experiments to test the hypothesis that ozone reduces allocation of recently assimilated carbon to roots of sugar maple (Acer saccharum). • Sugar maple seedlings were fumigated with 1.0 ×, 1.7 × and 3.0 × ambient ozone in open-top chambers for 3 yr under low and high light. Shoots were labeled with 14CO2 for 1 h in August of year 3, and seedlings were harvested 0, 4, 24 and 48 h after labeling. • Three years of ozone fumigation reduced total biomass of seedlings in low and high light treatments by 49% and 34%, respectively, and reduced per cent allocation of total seedling biomass to roots. Ozone similarly reduced allocation of net 14C (gross 14CO2 assimilated at time = 0 minus respiratory losses) to roots after 48 h, but not gross 14C, despite significant ozone effects on 14CO2 assimilation, leaf-level partitioning, and retention of gross carbon in shoots. • Although ozone delayed transport of 14C out of leaves initially, it had no effect on the transport process per se. Any reduction in net allocation to roots is most likely a function of changes in whole-plant source–sink relationships, with control a function of both shoot and root traits.