Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Critical View on ABC Transporters and Their Interacting Partners in Auxin Transport

Different subclasses of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters have been implicated in the transport of native variants of the phytohormone auxin. Here, the putative, individual roles of key members belonging to the ABCB, ABCD and ABCG families, respectively, are highlighted and the knowledge of their assumed expression and transport routes is reviewed and compared with their mutant phenotypes. Protein-protein interactions between ABC transporters and regulatory components during auxin transport are summarized and their importance is critically discussed. There is a focus on the functional interaction between members of the ABCB family and the FKBP42, TWISTED DWARF1, acting as a chaperone during plasma membrane trafficking of ABCBs. Further, the mode and relevance of functional ABCB-PIN interactions is diagnostically re-evaluated. A new nomenclature describing precisely the most likely ABCB-PIN interaction scenarios is suggested. Finally, available tools for the detection and prediction of ABC transporter interactomes are summarized and the potential of future ABC transporter interactome maps is highlighted.
The location of nuclei of different labelling intensities in autoradiographs of the anterior forebrain of postnatial mice injected with [3H]thymidine on the eleventh and twelfth days post-conception.

The location of neuron nuclei of different labelling intensities in autoradiographs of the anterior forebrain of two 22 day old mice which had been injected with [3H]thymidine at 11 and 12 days post-conception respectively was charted on photocollages of sections enlarges 175 times. The pattern of distribution of the heavily labelled nuclei, i.e. those nuclei belonging to cells most likely to have been born shortly after the time of [3H]thymidine injection, indicated that the inner two thirds of the neocortex is laid down along a ventro-dorsal gradient, i.e. the lateral neocortex starts to form before the dorsal; and that cells born at a particular time lie in cortical layer VI at the dorsal edge of the gradient is traced ventrally. Progressively more weakly labelled cells formed intermediate steps in this migration. A model or cortical growth fitting these findings is presented. Some inferences are also made about the possible role of the ganglionic eminences in providing cortical cells, at least during the initial stages of cortical histogenesis.
Stress et prise alimentaire : Application à l'étude de l'effet anti-stress d'un extrait de levure chez le rat

Le stress est une problematique actuelle importante chez l'homme et chez l'animal et mettre en place des strategies de lutte permettant de limiter ces effets parfois nefastes est crucial. En outre, l'exposition a un stress entraine une modification du comportement alimentaire. L'objectif de cette these est d'etudier l'effet du stress sur la prise alimentaire chez le rat nourri avec un regime standard afin d'appliquer ces resultats a l'etude de l'effet antistress d'un extrait de levure. Les modeles utilises sont les stress aigus de nage forcee, de contention et de defaite sociale ainsi que le stress chronique variable (SCV). Dans une premiere partie, nous avons montre que l'application aigue d'un stress entrainait une diminution de la prise alimentaire due a une augmentation du rassasiement. Ces mecanismes semblent etre regules par les neurones anorexigenes POMC de l'hypothalamus. De plus, nous avons montre que le SCV induisait une inhibition de la prise alimentaire qui semble s'expliquer par une augmentation chronique de l'expression de CRF dans l'hypothalamus, inhibiteur potentiel des neurones NPY orexigenes. Dans une deuxieme partie, nous avons montre que l'extrait de levure etudie ne modifiait pas l'inhibition de la prise alimentaire liee au stress aigu ou chronique mais que son administration a long terme lors du SCV permettait de limiter l'hyperactivation de l'axe corticotrope. Ces resultats permettent d'avancer dans la comprehension des mecanismes a l'origine de l'inhibition de la prise alimentaire induite par le stress. D'autres etudes sont a envisager avant d'emettre des conclusions concernant l'effet anti-stress de l'extrait de levure teste.
How to Process the Random Part of RFVs: Comparison of Available Methods and New Proposal

In the recent years, fuzzy variables (FVs) and random-fuzzy variables (RFVs) have been proposed to represent the measurement results with their associated uncertainty. However, up to now, the different authors do not yet agree in the mathematical way FVs should be composed together, so different approaches have been proposed. This paper compares these approaches to find their advantages and disadvantages and shows a new proposal that is supposed to hopefully overcome the disadvantages of the original approaches.
Genetics of juvenile idiopathic arthritis: new tools bring new approaches

Purpose of reviewIn juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), there are now more than 25 regions represented by single nucleotide polymorphisms that show strong genetic associations. The causal variants and corresponding functions have not yet been defined for the majority of these regions. Here, we review current JIA association findings and the recent progress in the annotation of noncoding portion of the human genome as well as the new technologies necessary to apply this knowledge to JIA association findings. Recent findingsAn international collaboration was able to amass sufficient numbers of JIA and control samples to identify significantly robust genetic associations for JIA. The Encyclopedia of DNA Elements project and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Roadmap Epigenetics Program have now annotated more than 80% of the noncoding genome, important in understanding the impact of risk loci, the majority of which fall outside of protein coding regions. Recent technological advances in high throughput sequencing, chromatin structure determination, transcription factor and enhancer binding site mapping and genome editing will likely provide a basis for understanding JIA genetic risk. SummaryUnderstanding the role of genetic variation in the cause of JIA will provide insight for disease mechanism and may explain disease heterogeneity between JIA subtypes and between autoimmune diseases in general.
Simultaneous Determination of 8 Compounds in Gancao-Ganjiang-Tang by HPLC-DAD and Analysis of the Relations between Compatibility, Dosage, and Contents of Medicines

Gancao-Ganjiang-Tang (GGT) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription and is a representative prescription for recuperating depleted Yang in Treatise on Febrile Diseases. The TCM theory believes that the efficacy of medicinal herbs is decided by the multicompounds which consist of different kinds of chemical constituents with bioactivities, but not by a monomeric constituent. From ancient times until today, GGT have 5 different kinds of compatibilities that can be verified. In this study, a HPLC-DAD method was established for the simultaneous determination of 8 compounds including 6-gingerol, 8-gingerol, 6-shogaol, liquiritin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritin, isoliquiritigenin, and glycyrrhizic acid in the five GGT. The total contents of the 8 compounds in GGT varied from 555.56 to 956.33 μg/mL. The effects showed that the dosage and compatibility of medicinal herbs have influenced the content of chemical compounds of TCM prescription while the content of chemical compounds has acted on clinical efficacy. Quality evaluation and active essence screening of TCM (including single herb and prescription) should be based on the TCM theory and clinical effectiveness. The method was proven to be suitable for quality control of GGT.
The impact of flooding on people living with HIV: a case study from the Ohangwena Region, Namibia

Background Floods are a disaster situation for all affected populations and especially for vulnerable groups within communities such as children, orphans, women, and people with chronic diseases such as HIV and AIDS. They need functioning health care, sanitation and hygiene, safe water, and healthy food supply, and are critically dependent on their social care and support networks. A study carried out in the Ohangwena region, Namibia, where HIV prevalence is high and extensive flooding frequently occurs, aims to provide a deeper understanding of the impact that flooding has on people living with HIV (PLWHIV) as well as on HIV service providers in the region. Design The qualitative research applying grounded theory included semi-structured interviews with PLWHIV, focus group discussions with HIV service providers, and a national feedback meeting. The findings were interpreted using the sustainable livelihoods framework, the natural hazard research approach, and health behaviour theories. Results The study reveals that flooding poses major problems to PLWHIV in terms of their everyday lives, affecting livelihoods, work, income, and living conditions. The factors threatening them under normal conditions – poverty, malnutrition, unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene, limited access to health facilities, a weak health status, and stigma – are intensified by flood-related breakdown of infrastructure, insecurity, malnutrition, and diseases evolving over the course of a flood. A potential dual risk exists for their health: the increased risk both of infection and disease due to the inaccessibility of health services and antiretroviral treatment. A HIV and Flooding Framework was developed to display the results. Conclusions This study demonstrates that vulnerabilities and health risks of PLWHIV will increase in a disaster situation like flooding if access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support are not addressed and ensured. The findings and the HIV and Flooding Framework are not specific to Ohangwena and can be transferred to any flood-affected region that has a high HIV prevalence and relies mainly on subsistence agriculture. They serve as a model case for analysing vulnerabilities related to health and health service provision under disaster conditions. The impact will vary according to the physical, geographical, climatological, social, and behavioural characteristics of the region and the people affected. In the Ohangwena region, a disaster risk management mechanism is already in place which addresses people with HIV during flooding. However, preparedness could be improved further by applying the HIV and Flooding Framework.
Voltage Regulation Performance of a Shunt Active Filter Intended for Installation on a Power Distribution System

This paper discusses a shunt active filter intended for installation on a power distribution system, with focus on voltage regulation capability. The active filter has capability of regulate the distribution-line voltage by means of adjusting its reactive power. Theoretical analysis investigates the dynamic performance of harmonic damping and voltage regulation as well as computer simulation does. As a result, it is clarified that a harmonic detection error may increase the voltage fluctuations in transient states. A new compensation method is proposed to reduce the voltage fluctuations in transient states. Experimental results show that the proposed method makes it possible to reduce the voltage fluctuation in transient states
ENDOTHELIN IN THE CENTRAL CONTROL OF CARDIOVASCULAR AND RESPIRATORY FUNCTIONS

1. Exogenously administered endothelin (ET) modulates the activity of cardiovascular and respiratory neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) and, thus, affects arterial blood pressure (ABP) and ventilation. However, a physiological role(s) for endogenous ET in the CNS has not been elucidated. To address this question, we examined ABP and ventilation in mutant mice deficient in ET‐1, ETA and ETB receptors and endothelin‐ converting enzyme‐1, which were made by gene targeting.
Effect of Isosorbide Dinitrate on Nitric Oxide Synthase under Hypoxia

Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) catalyzes nitric oxide (NO) formation from L-arginine in the presence of molecular oxygen and NADPH. NO is involved in the regulation of microvasculature. Isosorbide dinitrate (ISDN) and glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) have been widely used as vasodilators to treat acute myocardial ischemia, their biological effects being due to the release of NO. In this investigation, the effects of ISDN and GTN on NOS activity in the presence or absence of oxyhemoglobin under hypoxia and normoxia were studied. The apparent Km values for molecular oxygen were 21.6 ± 1.5 and 9.4 ± 1.3 µmol/l for nNOS and eNOS, respectively. ISDN liberated NO in a concentration- and pH-dependent manner, but no differences between hypoxia and normoxia were observed. The NO release from ISDN was also measured directly by an electron spin resonance spectral method with N-(dithiocarboxy)sarcosine-Fe complex as a NO-trapping agent. ISDN increased nNOS and eNOS activities in the presence of 30 µmol/l oxyhemoglobin under hypoxia, while it did not affect nNOS and eNOS activities under normoxia. In the absence of oxyhemoglobin, ISDN inhibited nNOS and eNOS activities under both hypoxic and normoxic experimental conditions. The rate of oxygen release from oxyhemoglobin under hypoxia was increased 3 times in the presence of 1 mmol/l ISDN. In contrast to ISDN, GTN could not release NO spontaneously, and it also did not affect nNOS and eNOS activities in the absence or presence of 30 µmol/l oxyhemoglobin under both hypoxic and normoxic conditions. These results indicated that the NO release from ISDN is different from that of GTN, and the increase of NOS activity by ISDN in the presence of oxyhemoglobin under hypoxia is ascribed to the increase in molecular oxygen concentration.
The Proteoglycan Syndecan 4 Regulates Transient Receptor Potential Canonical 6 Channels via RhoA/Rho-associated Protein Kinase Signaling

Objective—Syndecan 4 (Sdc4) modulates signal transduction and regulates activity of protein channels. Sdc4 is essential for the regulation of cellular permeability. We hypothesized that Sdc4 may regulate transient receptor potential canonical 6 (TRPC6) channels, a determinant of glomerular permeability, in a RhoA/Rho-associated protein kinase-dependent manner. Methods and Results—Sdc4 knockout (Sdc4−/−) mice showed increased glomerular filtration rate and ameliorated albuminuria under baseline conditions and after bovine serum albumin overload (each P<0.05). Using reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting, Sdc4−/− mice showed reduced TRPC6 mRNA by 79% and TRPC6 protein by 82% (each P<0.05). Sdc4−/− mice showed an increased RhoA activity by 87% and increased phosphorylation of ezrin in glomeruli by 48% (each P<0.05). Sdc4 knockdown in cultured podocytes reduced TRPC6 gene expression and reduced the association of TRPC6 with plasma membrane and TRPC6-mediated calcium influx and currents. Sdc4 knockdown inactivated negative regulatory protein Rho GTPase activating protein by 33%, accompanied by a 41% increase in RhoA activity and increased phosphorylation of ezrin (P<0.05). Conversely, overexpression of Sdc4 reduced RhoA activity and increased TRPC6 protein and TRPC6-mediated calcium influx and currents. Conclusion—Our results establish a previously unknown function of Sdc4 for regulation of TRPC6 channels and support the role of Sdc4 for the regulation of glomerular permeability.
Low milk supply and the pediatrician

Purpose of review Human milk is the optimal food for human infants, and provides many diverse and well described benefits for both mother and infant. Low milk supply, whether perceived or actual, is one of the most common reasons why mothers stop breastfeeding. Breastfeeding mothers often seek out the guidance and support of their pediatrician in evaluating and resolving milk production concerns. Recent findings Recent evidence supports the importance of breastfeeding for maternal and child health in both developing and developed countries. Lack of knowledge regarding optimal breastfeeding management accounts for the large majority of low milk supply concerns, but there is emerging evidence that impaired glucose tolerance may contribute to intrinsic low milk supply. Summary Breastfeeding mother–infant dyads should be followed closely until lactation is well established and the infant is gaining well. Further research is needed to understand the physiologic contributors to low milk supply and to guide evidence-based interventions to optimize maternal success in reaching breastfeeding goals, particularly for women of poorer metabolic health.
Multiplicity of neuropeptide Y receptors: cloning of a third distinct subtype in the zebrafish.

Five different receptor subtypes for neuropeptide Y (NPY) have recently been cloned in mammals. We have discovered three distinct subtypes by PCR in the zebrafish, Danio rerio, and describe here one of these called zYc. The protein sequence identity is 46-51% to mammalian subtypes Y1, Y4 and Y6 and to zebrafish Ya, i.e., the same degree of identity as these subtypes display to one another. The identity to zYb is higher, 75%, indicating that zYb and zYc share a more recent ancestor. The zYc receptor binds NPY and PYY (peptide YY) from mammals as well as zebrafish with high affinities and has a Kd of 16 pM for 125I-pPYY. The pharmacological profile is similar to, but distinct-from, mammalian Y1. zYc inhibits cAMP synthesis. This work suggests that NPY has more receptor subtypes than any other peptide that binds to G protein-coupled receptors. Work is in progress to see if the zebrafish receptors are present in mammals.
Intestinal Resection- and Steroid-Associated Alterations in Gene Expression Were Not Accompanied by Changes in Lipid Uptake

Background/Aims: Glucocorticosteroids alter the morphology and transport function of the intestine of adult rats. This study was undertaken to assess the possible effect on intestinal lipid uptake of the locally acting steroid budesonide, or the systemically active prednisone or dexamethasone. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats underwent intestinal transection or 50% intestinal resection. Budesonide, prednisone, dexamethasone, or control vehicle was given for 2 weeks from the time of surgery. Uptake was measured using ring uptake technique. Results: Resection had no effect on the mRNA expression for the early response genes, for proglucagon, or for the ileal lipid binding protein (ILBP), but was associated with reduced jejunal ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) mRNA and with reduced jejunal mRNA for the liver fatty acid binding protein (L-FABP). All three steroids reduced jejunal mRNA for proglucagon and c-jun, and did not affect the mRNA for L-FABP or for ILBP. These resection- and steroid-associated changes in gene expression were not associated with alterations in the intestinal uptake of long chain fatty acids or cholesterol. Conclusions: The resection-associated alterations in the RNA expression of ODC and L-FABP and the steroid-associated changes in mRNA expression of c-jun and proglucagon were not accompanied by variations in lipid uptake.
Genetic differentiation of the regional Plutella xylostella populations across the Taiwan Strait based on identification of microsatellite markers

Abstract Movement of individuals through events, such as storms or crop transportation, may affect survival and distribution of insect pests, as well as population genetic structure at a regional scale. Understanding what factors contribute to gene flow in pest populations remains very important for sustainable pest management. The diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) is an insect pest well known for its capacity of moving over short to long distances. Here, we used newly isolated microsatellite markers to analyze the genetic structure of nine populations across the Taiwan Strait of China (Taiwan and Fujian). A total of 12,152 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) were initially identified from the P. xylostella transcriptome (~94 Mb), with an average of 129 SSRs per Mb. Nine SSRs were validated to be polymorphic markers, and eight were used for this population genetic study. Our results showed that the P. xylostella populations could be divided into distinct two clusters, which is likely due to the year‐round airflows in this region. A pattern of isolation by distance among the local populations within Fujian was found, and may be related to vegetable transportation. Considering the complexity of the P. xylostella population genetic structure from local and regional to global levels, we propose that developing ecologically sound strategies for managing this pest will require knowledge of the link between behavioral and population ecology and its genetic structure.
Book Review: Web Data Mining: Exploring Hyperlinks, Contents, and Usage Data

Not so long ago only a small proportion of the information generated by organizations – that stored in structured data sources like databases and spreadsheets – was accessible for systematic computer-based search, classification and analysis. The techniques and algorithms of data mining were developed to extract useful patterns and knowledge from these structured sources. Today, the explosive growth of the World-Wide-Web, and a parallel development of private intranets, means that a much greater amount of information is potentially available for search and analysis, in a wider variety of formats and encompassing structured, semi-structured and unstructured data, from organized tables to multi-media clips. The established techniques of data mining have proved insufficient for this task.
Thermosensitive liposomes entrapping iron oxide nanoparticles for controllable drug release

Iron oxide nanoparticles can serve as a heating source upon alternative magnetic field (AMF) exposure. Iron oxide nanoparticles can be mixed with thermosensitive nanovehicles for hyperthermia-induced drug release, yet such a design and mechanism may not be suitable for controllable drug release applications in which the tissues are susceptible to environmental temperature change such as brain tissue. In the present study, iron oxide nanoparticles were entrapped inside of thermosensitive liposomes for AMF-induced drug release while the environmental temperature was maintained at a constant level. Carboxyfluorescein was co-entrapped with the iron oxide nanoparticles in the liposomes as a model compound for monitoring drug release and environmental temperature was maintained with a water circulator jacket. These experiments have been successfully performed in solution, in phantom and in anesthetized animals. Furthermore, the thermosensitive liposomes were administered into rat forearm skeletal muscle, and the release of carboxylfluorescein triggered by the external alternative magnetic field was monitored by an implanted microdialysis perfusion probe with an on-line laser-induced fluorescence detector. In the future such a device could be applied to simultaneous magnetic resonance imaging and non-invasive drug release in temperature-sensitive applications.