Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Studies on CRMP2 SUMOylation-deficient transgenic mice identify sex-specific NaV1.7 regulation in the pathogenesis of chronic neuropathic pain

The sodium channel NaV1.7 is a master regulator of nociceptive neuronal firing. Mutations in this channel can result in painful conditions as well as produce insensitivity to pain. Despite being recognized as a “poster child” for nociceptive signaling and human pain, targeting NaV1.7 has not yet produced a clinical drug. Recent work has illuminated the NaV1.7 interactome, offering insights into the regulation of these channels and identifying potentially new druggable targets. Amongst the regulators of NaV1.7 is the cytosolic collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP2). CRMP2, modified at Lysine 374 (K374) by addition of a small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO), bound NaV1.7 to regulate its membrane localization and function. Corollary to this, preventing CRMP2 SUMOylation was sufficient to reverse mechanical allodynia in rats with neuropathic pain. Notably, loss of CRMP2 SUMOylation did not compromise other innate functions of CRMP2. To further elucidate the in vivo role of CRMP2 SUMOylation in pain, we generated CRMP2 K374A knock-in (CRMP2K374A/K374A) mice in which Lys374 was replaced with Ala. CRMP2K374A/K374A mice had reduced NaV1.7 membrane localization and function in female, but not male, sensory neurons. Behavioral appraisal of CRMP2K374A/K374A mice demonstrated no changes in depressive or repetitive, compulsive-like behaviors, and a decrease in noxious thermal sensitivity. No changes were observed in CRMP2K374A/K374A mice to inflammatory, acute, or visceral pain. In contrast, in a neuropathic model, CRMP2K374A/K374A mice failed to develop persistent mechanical allodynia. Our study suggests that CRMP2 SUMOylation-dependent control of peripheral NaV1.7 is a hallmark of chronic, but not physiological, neuropathic pain.
Impact of precommercial thinning in balsam fir stands on soil nitrogen dynamics, microbial biomass, decomposition, and foliar nutrition

Precommercial thinning is being tested in Quebec as a preventive silvicultural treatment to reduce vulnera - bility of young balsam fir (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill. ) stands to spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana(Clem.)) damage and to shorten rotations. As part of a larger study of ecosystem response to thinning, we have examined the impact of this treatment on soil nitrogen dynamics, microbial biomass, cellulose decomposition, and foliar nutrition across a range of drainage conditions (good, imperfect, and poor). In the first year after thinning, initial early season ammonium (NH4 + -N) pools in the mineral horizon were significantly higher in the thinned plots ( P = 0.019), while net nitrogen mineralization (NH4 + -N plus NO3 - -N) decreased in these same plots (P = 0.052). The thinning treatment sig- nificantly increased microbial biomass nitrogen (Nmic) in the organic horizon (P = 0.051). Simple regression analysis indicated the importance of soil temperature in controlling N mic. Decomposition of cellulose substrate in the organic horizon was significantly increased by thinning, and mass loss was related to soil temperature. Increased decomposition and nutrient availability after thinning were reflected in improved N, P, and K nutrition in current, 1- and 2-year-old balsam fir needles. The temporal extent of this improved fertility will be verified by longer term monitoring. Resume : L'eclaircie precommerciale est a l'essai au Quebec comme methode de lutte preventive pour reduire la vul- nerabilite des jeunes peuplements de sapin baumier (Abies balsamea (L.) Mill. ) a la tordeuse des bourgeons de l'epinette (Choristoneura fumiferana(Clem.)) et pour raccourcir la revolution. Comme partie d'une etude plus large sur la reponse ecosystemique a l'eclaircie precommerciale, nous avons examine l'impact de ce traitement sur la dynamique de l'azote, la biomasse microbienne, la decomposition cellulosique et la nutrition foliaire pour une gamme de condi- tions de drainage (bon, imparfait, pauvre). Dans la premiere annee apres l'eclaircie, les niveaux initiaux d'ammonium (NH4 + -N) au debut de la saison dans l'horizon mineral ont ete significativement plus eleves dans les parcelles eclair- cies (P = 0,019), mais la mineralisation nette d'azote (NH4 + -N et NO3 - -N) a diminue dans ces memes parcelles (P =
Abstract 2192: Genomic amplification and drug-resistance roles of the KDM5A histone demethylase gene in breast cancer

Proceedings: AACR 103rd Annual Meeting 2012‐‐ Mar 31‐Apr 4, 2012; Chicago, IL Interconnected genetic and epigenetic events control both the initiation and progression of cancer. Specifically, genetic alterations, such as amplification, and the subsequent over-expression of genes encoding ‘epigenetic modifying enzymes’ can directly lead to histone code changes that may be critical for cancer progression. KDM5A (lysine (K)-specific demethylase 5A, also known as RBP2 and JARID1A) was originally identified as the retinoblastoma-binding protein (RBP) implicated in the regulation of retinoblastoma target genes. Recently, several groups discovered that KDM5A is a member of a set of newly identified histone demethylases that control the chromatin-mediated regulation of gene expression. Specifically, KDM5A can function as a transcriptional repressor through the demethylation of tri- and dimethylated histone H3 at lysine 4 (H3K4) active marks. In this study, we observed a significant amplification and over-expression of the KDM5A gene in various tumors, including breast cancer. We found that breast cancer cells with KDM5A gene amplification had intrinsic drug resistance properties and knocking down KDM5A with shRNAs improved the efficacy of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors against these breast cancer cells. Further, up-regulation of KDM5A modified the histone methylation status and altered the expression of a subset of key genes, including the tumor suppressor p21 and the apoptotic effector BAK1, in breast cancer. Our findings suggest that alteration of the KDM5A gene may have a critical role in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2192. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2192
Chitosan Salts Coated with Stearic Acid as Colon-Specific Delivery Systems for Vancomycin

Site-specific controlled release systems have been extensively investigated during the last decade. The aim of this study was to describe a pH-dependent drug release system based on chitosan salts for vancomycin hydrochloride delivery. Chitosan salts with succinic acid, adipic acid, and suberic acid were prepared by spray-drying and were coated with stearic acid by the same technique. This study characterized the carriers in terms of morphology, size, swelling, mucoadhesive properties, and drug loading and focused on the in vitro, influence of chitosan salts on the release behavior of vancomycin hydrochloride from the uncoated and coated systems at pH levels of 2.0, 5.5, and 7.6.
Multimodal semantic battery to monitor progressive loss of concepts in the semantic variant of primary progressive aphasia (svPPA): an innovative proposal

ABSTRACT Semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA) is a rare neurodegenerative disease characterized by a progressive loss of semantic knowledge. Patients with svPPA show anomia, impaired word comprehension, poor object recognition, and difficulties in retrieving semantic information. svPPA is also a unique “natural” model that allows clinicians and cognitive neuroscientists to study the organization of semantic memory because only semantic knowledge is affected in the initial period of the disease, with relative sparing of other cognitive domains. In the clinical practice, semantic memory is commonly tested only with verbal tests. The aim of the present study was to preliminary test a new Multimodal Semantic Battery developed in our laboratory, which comprised 11 subtests designed to assess the semantic knowledge of multiple items via all input modalities. The battery was administered twice, over four years, to a patient diagnosed with svPPA. We found that when extensively tested with multiple tests, in some cases, he was still able to recall semantic features of the items that otherwise would not have emerged with standard semantic tests. These results are discussed for the clinical practice: monitoring semantic memory through all modalities in a practical and reliable way could be useful for both clinicians and experimental researchers to better investigate the breakdown of semantic knowledge.
Model and Simulations of a Wood Frog Population

This work presents and simulates a mathematical model for the dynamics of a population of Wood Frogs. The model consists of a system of five coupled impulsive differential equations for the larvae, juveniles (early, middle, and late) and the mature adult populations. A simulation result depicts possible dynamics of the frogs' population when during one year the larvae population dies out. This provides a tool for the study of the resilience of the population and the conditions that may lead to its survival and flourishing or extinction.
LA ENDOGAMIA EN LA PRODUCCIÓN ANIMAL INBREEDING IN ANIMAL PRODUCTION

We made a literalature review about advantages and disadvantages of using inbreeding (crossing of related individuals) directly or indirectly in animal production. The inbreeding acts in wild and domesticated animal populations reducing genetic variability, decreasing heterozygosity, and increasing the chance to inherit alleles associated with genetic defects, resulting in a reduction of the animal adaptation capacity to the environment and increasing the risk of extinction. Also has been demonstrated that inbreeding increase is associated with the average reduction of one or more economic interest characteristics in animal
Polymer Light Emitting Diodes with Doublet Emission.

Organic light-emitting radicals have developed rapidly due to their unique doublet emission and great potential in display technology. Although some organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) exploiting small-molecular radicals as the emitters have been reported, there is no report about the polymer-radical-based OLEDs until now. Herein, a kind of polymer radical, PS-CzTTM, is adopted as the emitter to fabricate solution-processed OLEDs. A maximum external quantum efficiency of 3.0 % is achieved for a deep-red device with an emissive layer of PS-CzTTM lightly doped in 2,2',2"-(1,3,5-Benzinetriyl)-tris(1-phenyl-1-H-benzimidazole) (TPBi). Temperature-dependent time-resolved photoluminescent spectra and transient electroluminescence of radical emitters and devices are firstly measured. The results demonstrate that the emission channels for both thin films and devices are from the transition of doublet excitons, indicating that the unique doublet emission mechanism of radicals is maintained in PS-CzTTM films and PS-CzTTM-based OLEDs.
Differences in nutritional quality of parts of Vitis vinifera berries affect fitness of the European grapevine moth

The European grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is a major grapevine pest in Europe. The larva is polyphagous and able to develop on more than 25 plant species, several of them being more suitable than Vitaceae for the fitness of L. botrana. Larvae normally eat the pulp of the berry, but may also consume the seeds according to the development stage of the berry and the larval density per bunch. Understanding the effect on individual fitness of such feeding behaviour is important to assess how suitable the different berry tissues are for this insect. We offered to the larvae either entire berries, seeds, or pulp with skin of the variety Vitis vinifera cv. ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ as larval food in order to assess several life history traits from egg hatching to adult death. Two control groups were raised on semisynthetic diets, offering a low (no plant material) or a higher (with corn flour) nutritive value medium. The larvae performed differently when fed on diets containing different parts of berries. The larvae fed on a diet containing grape berry seeds had a prolonged development time and showed higher mortality. The females emerging from these larvae had a lower fecundity and mating success than the females emerging from larvae fed on diets containing other parts of the berries. However, their longevity was greater in comparison to the other groups. We conclude that seeds of Cabernet Sauvignon are not toxic to larvae but affect the reproductive life history traits in L. botrana.
Stepping into the past to conserve the future: Archived skin swabs from extant and extirpated populations inform genetic management of an endangered amphibian

Moving animals on a landscape through translocations and reintroductions is an important management tool used in the recovery of endangered species, particularly for the maintenance of population genetic diversity and structure. Management of imperiled amphibian species rely heavily on translocations and reintroductions, especially for species that have been brought to the brink of extinction by habitat loss, introduced species, and disease. One striking example of amphibian declines and associated management efforts is in California's Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks with the mountain yellow‐legged frog species complex (Rana sierrae/muscosa). Mountain yellow‐legged frogs have been extirpated from more than 93% of their historic range, and limited knowledge of their population genetics has made long‐term conservation planning difficult. To address this, we used 598 archived skin swabs from both extant and extirpated populations across 48 lake basins to generate a robust Illumina‐based nuclear amplicon data set. We found that samples grouped into three main genetic clusters, concordant with watershed boundaries. We also found evidence for historical gene flow across watershed boundaries with a north‐to‐south axis of migration. Finally, our results indicate that genetic diversity is not significantly different between populations with different disease histories. Our study offers specific management recommendations for imperiled mountain yellow‐legged frogs and, more broadly, provides a population genetic framework for leveraging minimally invasive samples for the conservation of threatened species.
Validation of a Comprehensive Measure of the Family Caregiver Experience: The Caregiver Reaction Scale

ABSTRACT Objectives The Caregiver Reaction Scale (CRS) is a multi-dimensional measure of the family caregiving experience that assesses role conflict, challenges, and positive aspects of caregiving. The CRS has been validated in a sample of older adult caregivers who sought counseling, but its validity and reliability in a broader population of caregivers had not been established. This study aimed to explore how well the CRS assesses the multiple dimensions of the caregiving experience in a sample of family caregivers who match the national profile of caregivers and to confirm the validity and structure of the subscales. Methods Family caregivers (N = 452), age 18–89 (M = 48.56, SD = 17.15) were recruited online and completed the CRS and questionnaires of burden and positive aspects of caregiving. A confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to confirm the underlying factor structure of the CRS, and convergent and discriminant validity was examined. Results CFA supported the existing structure of the CRS; all subscales demonstrated very good internal consistency reliability (α ≤.88), convergent validity (r ≥.39), and discriminant validity (r ≤.12). Conclusions The CRS offers a valid and reliable assessment of the caregiving experience as evidenced by the convergent and discriminant validity of CRS subscales with well-validated measures of burden and positive aspects of caregiving. Clinical Implications The CRS assesses multiple dimensions of caregiving that can be used to better understand the caregiver’s experience, guide clinical interventions and referrals, and identify caregiver strengths.
BIOMASS OF TROPICAL FORESTS OF SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST ASIA

Stand tables from forest inventories representing more than 22 × 106 ha of forests in tropical Asia were used to estimate aboveground biomass (point and 99% confidence interval). The mean inventory-based biomass for moist forests (225 Mg/ha) was lower than that reported by direct measurements for mature forests in the same region (350 Mg/ha), whereas the mean inventory-based biomass for dry forests (82 Mg/ha) was higher than estimates based on direct measurements (55 Mg/ha). Our analyses demonstrated that human use of the forests in tropical Asia is intense, leading to degradation. Between two national forest inventories of Peninsular Malaysia in 1972 and 1981, the total area and biomass of forests declined by 18 and 28%, respectively. Modeling land-use changes and carbon dynamics of tropical Asian forests must take into consideration human impact on vegetation because such use of forests reduces their biomass and may stimulate forest growth and carbon uptake.
Spatial predictions of blue shark (Prionace glauca) catch rate and catch probability of juveniles in the Southwest Atlantic

Carvalho, F. C. , Murie, D. J., Hazin, F. H. V. , Hazin, H. G. , Leite-Mourato, B. , and Burgess, G. H. 2011. Spatial predictions of blue shark (Prionace glauca) catch rate and catch probability of juveniles in the Southwest Atlantic. – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 890–900.Generalized regression analysis and spatial prediction was applied to catch per unit effort (cpue) data for blue shark (Prionace glauca) caught by the Brazilian tuna longline fleet between 1997 and 2008 (43 546 longline sets) to predict the effect of environmental, spatial, and temporal factors on catch distribution. In addition, the size distribution of blue sharks measured by on-board observers during the years 2006–2008 was used to model the proportion of juvenile blue sharks in the catches from a spatial perspective. Latitude was the most important factor influencing blue shark cpue in the Southwest Atlantic, with cpue spatial predictions suggesting two areas of higher catch probabilities. Latitude was also the most important factor influencing the proportion of juveniles in the catches. The spatial prediction map showed that juveniles were more frequently caught south of 35°S (∼38°S). This information can assist in the design of management strategies either to exploit this predictable spatial distribution of the catch or to manage the fisheries in a spatially explicit manner if one component (i.e. juveniles) requires protective measures.
The use of an automatic defibrillator by non-sanitary personnel in sport areas: an observational study

Introduction: In industrialized countries, sudden cardiac death is a serious public health problem that accounts for about 15% to 20% of all deaths, with an incidence of 0.5 to 3 deaths per 100,000 athletes. In recent years, although both first aid prevention programs and the availability of External Automatic Defibrillator (AED) in public places have increased, few data are available with respect to real knowledge about the use of such devices. The aim of this study is to detect the level of knowledge and skills in the use of automatic external defibrillators among sports and management staff in sports facilities. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, multicentre study conducted in 16 sports facilities in the Province of Lecce, Italy, and targeted to all the athletic and managerial staff of these sports facilities. Information was obtained through a validated questionnaire consisting of 27 items. Results: 339 participants of which 59.3% male (n=201) (average=33.6; SD=13.1). 51.6% (n=175) were informed about the presence of the defibrillator, only 38.1% (n=129) declared to know where it was placed and 43.7% (n=96) considered it to be quite or very accessible. The majority of them (78.8%; n=267) were never involved in a training course and declared limited knowledge about the use of this device. Conclusions: Respondents stated that they have poor knowledge and skills in the use of the defibrillator, its operation and maintenance, which could reduce the positive outcomes of early treatment. Further studies should be conducted, although it may be appropriate to implement specific training courses for personnel working in sports centres. (www.actabiomedica.it)
Why Neural Computing?

The sudden growth of interest in neural computing is a remarkable phenomenon that will be seen by future historians ofcomputer science as marking the 1980s in much the same way as research into artificial intelligence (AI) was the trademark of the 1970s. There is one major difference however: in contrast with AI, which was largely an outlet for a minority of computer scientists, neural computing unites a very broad community: physicists, statisticians, parallel processing experts, optical technologists, neurophysiologists and experimental biologists. The focus of this new paradigm is rather simple. It rests on the recognition by this diverse community that the brain 'computes' in a very different way from the conventional computer.
In Vitro Toxicity, Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antidiabetic Potential of Sphaerostephanos unitus (L.) Holttum

Pteridophytes have been widely used in several systems of medicine. Several reports have increasingly assessed their bioactive effects, but for Sphaerostephanos unitus (L.) Holttum, only its antibacterial potential has been assessed. In this sense, the present study was carried out to reveal the phytochemical profile and to determine the toxicity, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory potential of S. unitus. Brine shrimp lethality, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, phosphomolybdenum assay, superoxide radical scavenging activity, 2,2-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) assay (ABTS), and in vitro α-amylase inhibitory and membrane stabilization assays were applied. S. unitus extract toxicity showed variable mortality percentages, with LC50 values ranging from 4 to 30 mg/mL. DPPH radical scavenging effects of S. unitus extracts were as follows: methanol > acetone > petroleum ether > chloroform. S. unitus acetone extract displayed the strongest phosphomolybdenum reduction (10 ± 2 mg Ascorbic Acid Equivalent/g). The studied extracts also revealed efficient, superoxide scavenging effects in a dose-dependent manner. In S. unitus, the highest ABTS radical scavenging rate was observed in the chloroform extract (3000 ± 40 µmol/g). The S. unitus anti-inflammatory effect was as follows: petroleum ether > chloroform > methanol > acetone. In S. unitus extract, the highest percentage of α-amylase activity (80%) was observed for the petroleum ether extract (25 µg/mL). Faced with these findings, further studies should be performed to isolate and identify the S. unitus compounds responsible for their antioxidant, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Effects of WClMV and Root-flooding on white clover

ii Resume iv Acknowledgements vi List of Tables x List of Figures xi Abbreviations xv 1. General introduction 1 1.1 Insights and importance of plant viruses 1 1.1.1 Definition 2 1.1.2 Transmission, infection process and movement of plant viruses 3 1.1.3 Effects of plant viruses on their hosts 5 1.2 Oxidative stress in plants 7 1.2.1 The importance of ROS in plant-pathogen interactions 8 1.2. 2 Non-enzymatic antioxidants 10 1.2. 3 ROS-scavenging enzymes 11 1.2. 4 Protein carbonylation & lipid peroxidation as markers of oxidative stress . 14 1.3 Project introduction 17 1.3. 1 White clover (Trifolium repens L.) 17 1.3. 2 White clover mosaic virus: a foe for clover species 21 1.4 Thesis objectives 23 2. Materials and Methods 25 2.1 Study organisms 25 2.1.1 WClMV inoculation 25 2.1.2 WClMV detection: DAS-ELISA protocol 26