Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interfacial Engineering of Pickering Emulsion Co-Stabilized by Zein Nanoparticles and Tween 20: Effects of the Particle Size on the Interfacial Concentration of Gallic Acid and the Oxidative Stability

Lipid oxidation is still one of the major food-safety issues associated with the emulsion-based food systems. Engineering the interfacial region is an effective way to improve the oxidative stability of emulsion. Herein, a novel Pickering emulsion with strong oxidative stability was prepared by using zein nanoparticles and Tween 20 as stabilizers (ZPE). The modulation effects of the particle size on the distribution of gallic acid (GA) and the oxidative stability of ZPE were investigated. In the absence of GA, Pickering emulsions stabilized with different sizes of zein nanoparticles showed similar oxidative stability, and the physical barrier effect took the dominant role in retarding lipid oxidation. Moreover, in the presence of GA, ZPE stabilized by zein nanoparticles with the averaged particle size of 130 nm performed stronger oxidation than those stabilized by zein nanoparticles of 70 and 220 nm. Our study revealed that the interfacial concentration of GA (GAI) was tuned by zein nanoparticles due to the interaction between them, but the difference in the binding affinity between GA and zein nanoparticles was not the dominant factor regulating the (GAI). It was the interfacial content of zein nanoparticles (Γ), which was affected by the particle size, modulated the (GAI) and further dominated the oxidative stability of ZPEs. The present study suggested that the potential of thickening the interfacial layer to prevent lipid oxidation was limited, increasing the interfacial concentration of antioxidant by interfacial engineering offered a more efficient alternative.
Blue light‐dependent monovalent anion uptake

Blue light is one of the most important environmental signals regulating monovalent anion transport in plant cells. Inthe unicellular freshwater chlorophyte Monoraphidium braunii, blue light is essential for the activation of HCO 3 - , NO 3 - , NO 2 - and Cl - transport systems. These anions are taken up when blue light is present but the uptake ceases when this radiation is suppressed, indicating that blue light is a switch signal for the monovalent anion transport system(s) of this alga. Similar results have been obtained in other green algae and higher plants. The action spectra for the uptake of NO 3 - and Cl - in M. braunii are very similar and resemble the absorption spectra of flavins or a combination of flavins and pterins. It is proposed that both anions share the same transport system(s). The uptake of monovalent anions consists of a cotransport with H + , thus producing alkalinization of the external medium. The time between the onset of blue light and the beginning of alkalinization can be as short as 2 s. Taken together, the results suggest that the photoreceptor mediating the blue light activation of monovalent anion uptake in this green alga is a plasma membrane-bound flavoprotein.
Preferences for Solutions of Sugars, Salts, and Acids by Ord's Kangaroo Rats Given Richter-Type Drinking Tests

Taste preferences, as measured in consecutive Richter-type drinking tests (test solution versus distilled water), were determined for adult Ord's kangaroo rats. Five different molar concentrations were prepared for each of 5 common sugars and 3 salts. Two acids were used at 6 levels of pH. Consistent with food habits of Dipodomys, the subjects preferred maltose and sucrose over the other sugars. NaCl, like the other two salts, was indifferently accepted at weak concentrations and rejected at stronger molarities. Starting with weakest pH used (4.0), both an organic and an inorganic acid were rejected. The findings were viewed as suggesting that taste has some, though not major, importance in food selection by kangaroo rats.
The Relationship of Cell and Organism in Vascular PlantsAre cells the building blocks of plant form

ince the publication of the cell theory (Schleiden 1838, Schwann 1839), "the cell is the building stone of the organism" (Heidenhain 1907) has become one of the great slogans in biology, influencing approaches to both teaching and research. Under the tacit assumption that organismal structure and function can best be understood by studying the subunits rather than the organism as a whole, general biology classes often begin with cell biology rather than study of the whole organism. The current era of reductionism and emphasis on broadly generalizing principles in biology has focused on the apparent similarity of cellular subunits comprising plant and animal tissues, promoting the perception of a biological unity that transcends the major kingdoms. Studies of plant development have largely been carried out in the shadow of animal developmental biology, im-
When Good Guys Turn Bad: Bone Marrow’s and Hematopoietic Stem Cells’ Role in the Pathobiology of Diabetic Complications

Diabetes strongly contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in these patients. It is widely accepted that hyperglycemia impairs hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell (HSPC) mobilization from the bone marrow (BM) by inducing stem cell niche dysfunction. Moreover, a recent study demonstrated that type 2 diabetic patients are characterized by significant depletion of circulating provascular progenitor cells and increased frequency of inflammatory cells. This unbalance, potentially responsible for the reduction of intrinsic vascular homeostatic capacity and for the establishment of a low-grade inflammatory status, suggests that bone BM-derived HSPCs are not only victims but also active perpetrators in diabetic complications. In this review, we will discuss the most recent literature on the molecular mechanisms underpinning hyperglycemia-mediated BM dysfunction and differentiation abnormality of HSPCs. Moreover, a section will be dedicated to the new glucose-lowering therapies that by specifically targeting the culprits may prevent or treat diabetic complications.
Allelochemicals Produced during Sinigrin Decomposition in Soil

Although allelochemicals are produced from glucosinolates contained in Brassica spp. tissues, little is known concerning allelochemical formation and fate in soil. Enzymatic decomposition of sinigrin by myrosinase was determined in buffered and unbuffered solutions, soil extracts, and soils. Both allylnitrile and allyl isothiocyanate were identified as products in buffered solutions, with allylnitrile formation dominating at pH values below 4.0 and allyl isothiocyanate at higher pH values. The addition of Fe 2+ to buffered solutions promoted the formation of allylnitrile, wherein Fe 3+ inhibited the enzymatic reaction
Transformation of Freshwater Ecosystems by Bivalves

B ivalves (clams and mussels) are among the most familiar of aquatic organisms. Many have been used by humans for centuries as important sources of food and ornament, and some species are economically important pests, fouling water intakes and other structures. It is only recently, however, that ecologists have begun to understand that bivalves also play many important roles in ecosystems (e.g., Dame 1996). The functional importance of bivalves, especially in fresh water, is still not fully appreciated. For example, recent fresh water ecology I textbooks (Wetzel 1983, Horne and Goldman 1994, Allan 1995, Petts and Calow 1996) scarcely mention the ecological roles of bivalves (the words “bivalve, ” “clam,” and “mussel” do not even appear in the index of any of these books). By contrast,
Case series and a systematic review concerning the level of the aortic bifurcation.

BACKGROUND Aim of this study is to present the level of aortic bifurcation in a sample of Greek origin (case series) and to perform an up-to-date systematic review in the existing literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy-six formalin-fixed adult cadavers were dissected and studied in order to research the level of aortic bifurcation. Additionally, PUBMED and Google Scholar databases were searched for eligible articles concerning the level of aortic bifurcation for the period up to February 2020. RESULTS The mean level of aortic bifurcation according to our case series was the lower third of the L4 vertebral body (21/76, 27.6%). The level of aortic bifurcation ranged between the lower third of the L3 vertebral body and the lower third of the L5 body. No statistically significant correlation was found between the two sexes. The systematic review of the literature revealed 31 articles which were considered eligible and a total number of 3537 specimens was retracted. According to the recorded findings the most common mean level of aortic bifurcation was the body of L4 vertebra (1495/3537 cases, 42.2%), while the range of aortic bifurcation was described to occur from upper third of L3 vertebrae to the upper third of the S1 vertebrae in the 52.8% of the cases (1866/3537). CONCLUSIONS The mean level of AA corresponds to the body of L4 and presents a great range (form L3U to S1U). Knowledge of the mean level of aortic bifurcation and its probable ranges is of great significance for interventional radiologists and especially vascular surgeons that deal with aneurism proximal to the aortic bifurcation.
Subtypes of α1‐ and α2‐Adrenoceptors Mediating Noradrenergic Modulation of Spontaneous Inhibitory Postsynaptic Currents in the Hypothalamic Paraventricular Nucleus

Noradrenergic inputs to the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN) play important roles in the regulation of neuroendocrine and autonomic functions. Previous reports show that noradrenaline increases the frequency of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) in a subpopulation of type II neurones, acting via α1‐adrenoceptors (ARs), but reduces this frequency in most type I and another subpopulation of type II neurones, via α2‐ARs on presynaptic GABA neurones. Here, we identified the subtypes of α‐ARs mediating noradrenaline‐induced increases and decreases in the sIPSC frequency of PVN neurones, by using slice patch recordings from PVN neurones. In both type I and II neurones, the noradrenaline‐induced decrease in sIPSC frequency was completely blocked by BRL44408 (α2A‐AR antagonist) at 1–3 µM, which is approximately 1/100 of its equilibrium dissociation constant (pA2 = 8.0), but not by prazosin (20–100 µM, α2B/C‐AR antagonist; pA2 = 7.5). The effect of noradrenaline was mimicked by guanfacine (α2A‐AR agonist) with an EC50 of 0.1 µM. In type II neurones, the noradrenaline‐induced increase in sIPSC frequency was not blocked by any of the following antagonists: RS17053 (10 µM, α1A‐AR antagonist), BMY7378 (2 µM, α1D‐AR antagonist), prazosin (0.1 µM, α1‐AR antagonist; pA2 = 10.5), or chloroethylclonidine (10 µM, α1B/D‐AR antagonist). However, the effect of noradrenaline was blocked by higher concentrations of prazosin (1 µM) or RS17053 (100 µM), suggesting the involvement of α1L‐subtype, a low affinity form of α1A‐ARs. Collectively, our results indicate that the α2A‐, or α1L‐ARs on the GABA neurones mediate the noradrenaline‐induced decreases, or increases in the frequencies of the sIPSCs of PVN neurones, respectively.
Larval Diets related to Morphological Characters of five Anuran Species in the Biological Reserve of Doñana (Huelva, Spain)

The diets of the larvae of five anuran species are described (Discoglossus pictus, Bufo calamita, Hyla meridionalis, Pelobates cultripes and Rana perezi). They all are basically composed of three abundant categories of food: algae, detritus and phanerogams. Other rarely encountered food categories are pollen, fungi, animals, bacteria and protozoa. A classification can be deduced by relating the use of the space in the ponds, diets and several morphological characters of larvae of each species: a) bottom-dwellers —tadpoles with a depressed body form which feed mainly on detritus — b) water column users — tadpoles with larger dorsal tail crests and tail surfaces which feed mainly on algae and phanerogams.
Presence of Ecophysiologically Diverse Populations within Cobetia marina Strains Isolated from Marine Invertebrate, Algae and the Environments

Over the last decade, taxonomic surveys have recovered sixteen strains of Halomonas-like marine heterotrophic bacteria from different ecological habitats. The sixteen strains were isolated from three N.W. Pacific Ocean habitats: seawater, the mussel Crenomytilus grayanus and the degraded thallus of brown alga Fucus evanescens. These strains were subjected to a taxonomic investigation of their phenotypic/physiological, genetic, and phylogenetic features. Analysis indicates these bacteria belong to Cobetia marina. The study found all strains tolerated CdCl2 concentrations up to 875 mM. Taxonomically, the sixteen strains belong to the same species, nevertheless, their physiological features revealed distinguishing characteristics. For instance, strain KMM 296, recovered from the mussel Crenomytilus grayanus, was distinct from other C. marina strains by its ability to produce highly active alkaline phosphatase. The majority of C. marina strains that were isolated from degraded alga thallus appeared to have a particular metabolic specialisation by utilizing a range of easily assimilable monosaccharides. Notably, despite a high level of genetic similarity (80% of DNA relatedness), the phenotypic features of the strains isolated from degraded alga thallus differed with the type strain C. marina LMG 2217T. These differences suggest an ecologically adapted population of C. marina at a subspecies level.
Gold Responsive Gene/Protein Families and Cold/Freezing Tolerance in Cereals

ABSTRACT Cold/freezing tolerance is an important agronomical trait for crops, particularly for winter cereals including wheat, barley and rye. During an adaptive process of cold acclimation or hardening, dramatic changes take place in physiological and biochemical processes in plants. These metabolic changes are principally caused by expression of specific sets of genes named Cor (cold-responsive or cold-regulated) genes and other related genes. A large number of Cor genes, particularly those which belong to dehydrin (Dhn)/late embryogenesis abundant (Lea)/responsive to abscisic acid (Rab) families, have been isolated and characterized in plants. We review the present status of the research on the Cor gene/protein families and cold/freezing tolerance in cereals, with an emphasis on wheat that is well adapted to wide areas of varying climatic conditions.
Aphid suppression by natural enemies in mulched cereals

Large populations of natural enemies are the basis for natural pest control. Effects of mulch on predator–prey interactions in arable fields are poorly known, despite its potential to enhance ground‐dwelling predators and thereby reduce pest infestations. We studied the densities of predators and parasitoids, and their impact on cereal aphids in the presence and absence of mulch. Released populations of the bird cherry aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) (Homoptera: Aphididae), and two naturally occurring aphid species, were monitored under experimentally reduced densities of: (i) ground‐dwelling predators, (ii) flying predators and parasitoids, and (iii) with straw mulch. The three treatments were applied in a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design in a field of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The exclusion of ground‐dwelling predators increased aphid populations by 55% in June and 40% in July, respectively. Mulched plots had 25% lower aphid densities in June. This was presumably due to enhanced densities of spiders (Araneida) in mulched plots. The exclusion of flying predators and parasitoids led to 94% higher aphid populations in late July (109 vs. 56 individuals per 100 shoots), irrespective of mulch or ground predator manipulation. This was attributed to the larvae of gall midges Aphidoletes cf. aphidimyza (Rondani) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae). The results indicate that a scarcity of predators and a bare soil surface renders crops more susceptible to arthropod pests. Farming schemes should aim at enhancing both ground‐dwelling and flying predators for elevated levels of natural pest control.
Natural Product Polyphenols of Relevance to Human Health

Polyphenols are widely distributed in the plant kingdom and represent an abundant antioxidant component of the human diet. The review offers a brief description of the chemistry and occurrence in plant food of four important groups of polyphenols: phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes, and lignans. Interest in the possible health benefits of polyphenols has increased due to corresponding antioxidant capacity. Considerable evidence is now available showing anticarcinogenic effects of polyphenolic compounds, as well as potential to prevent cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The use of botanicals has received a large amount of attention in recent years. Epidemiological studies have shown that a reduced risk of cancer is associated with diets rich in vegetables and fruits, and methods for the discovery and characterization of active compounds from plant sources are available. These results are promising, but additional research on the molecular mechanism of action of polyphenols and their application to human health is required.
Phytophagous insect assemblages and the regional species pool: patterns and asymmetries

We describe three models predicting relationships between: (a) the taxonomic composition of the regional species pool of phytophagous insects and the composition of the phytophagous insect fauna on a host taxon; and (b) the faunal composition of two host taxa. The predictions of these models were compared with empirical data representing the regional pool of phytophages in Central Europe and the faunas of two plant taxa: the cabbage plants (Brassicaceae) and the thistles (Asteraceae: Cardueae). Three important findings emerge at a general level. (1) Different taxonomic levels of insects (orders, families, genera) of the regional pool and on the investigated host taxa are well correlated in terms of species richness, but there is no consistent trend in the variance explained by this correlation across taxonomic levels. (2) The model considering evolutionary interactions and speciation processes is consistent with patterns found in the empirical data. (3) Asymmetries in sampled species numbers of insect families on both host taxa may be accounted for by reference to the biology of these insects. We conclude that the faunas of single host taxa can provide the basis for extrapolating to the regional pool, at least at high taxonomic levels.
Desenvolvimento biométrico e desempenho de frangos de corte submetidos a diferentes períodos de jejum pós-eclosão

Foram avaliados os efeitos do tempo de jejum pos-eclosao sobre a biometria dos orgaos do trato digestorio e o desempenho zootecnico de frangos de corte. Foram utilizadas 640 aves, sexadas, distribuidas em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com quatro periodos de jejum pos-eclosao (0, 12, 24 e 36 horas) e quatro repeticoes de 40 aves cada (20 femeas e 20 machos). A avaliacao do peso vivo e da biometria dos orgaos no alojamento das aves revelou perda de peso relativo do saco vitelino e que a reducao no peso vivo nesta fase foi tanto maior quanto maior o tempo decorrido entre nascimento e alojamento. O jejum influenciou o peso relativo de todos os orgaos do trato digestorio, exceto para esofago + papo que permaneceram inalterados. Com o aumento do tempo de jejum houve aumento do peso relativo de proventriculo + moela, intestino delgado + pâncreas, intestino grosso e figado + vesicula biliar. O peso vivo aos 7 e 21 dias de idade foi maior nas aves que permaneceram em restricao de 24 e 36 horas de jejum. Todavia, as demais variaveis de desempenho nao foram influenciadas pelo jejum. Portanto, o uso de ate 36 horas de jejum poseclosao afetou o desenvolvimento biometrico do trato digestorio, no entanto, o desempenho zootecnico dos frangos de corte aos 42 dias de idade nao foi influenciado pela restricao alimentar.
Nicotinamide Riboside—The Current State of Research and Therapeutic Uses

Nicotinamide riboside (NR) has recently become one of the most studied nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) precursors, due to its numerous potential health benefits mediated via elevated NAD+ content in the body. NAD+ is an essential coenzyme that plays important roles in various metabolic pathways and increasing its overall content has been confirmed as a valuable strategy for treating a wide variety of pathophysiological conditions. Accumulating evidence on NRs’ health benefits has validated its efficiency across numerous animal and human studies for the treatment of a number of cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and metabolic disorders. As the prevalence and morbidity of these conditions increases in modern society, the great necessity has arisen for a rapid translation of NR to therapeutic use and further establishment of its availability as a nutritional supplement. Here, we summarize currently available data on NR effects on metabolism, and several neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disorders, through to its application as a treatment for specific pathophysiological conditions. In addition, we have reviewed newly published research on the application of NR as a potential therapy against infections with several pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2. Additionally, to support rapid NR translation to therapeutics, the challenges related to its bioavailability and safety are addressed, together with the advantages of NR to other NAD+ precursors.
ATP‐evoked inositol phosphates formation through activation of P2U purinergic receptors in cultured astrocytes: Regulation by PKC subtypes α, δ, and θ

ATP‐induced phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis was studied in cultured astrocytes. To characterize the P2 purinergic receptor‐mediated effects of ATP, the sub‐type‐specific agonists 2‐methylthio ATP (2‐MeSATP), UTP, and α,β‐methylene ATP were compared. ATP, UTP, or 2‐MeSATP induced a dose‐dependent increase of inositol phosphates (IP) accumulation; α,β‐methylene ATP and adenosine had no effect. The order of potency was ATP ≥ UTP ≫ 2‐MeSATP. Cross‐desensitization experiments indicated that ATP interacted with both P2U and P2Y receptors. P2U was the predominant P2 receptor in mediating PI hydrolysis in astrocytes. The effect of ATP, UTP, or 2‐MeSATP was markedly inhibited by pretreatment of cells with pertussis toxin (PTX), indicating that both P2U and P2Y receptors coupled to phospholipase C through PTX‐sensitive G protein. Short‐term (10 min) treatment of cells with 1 μM TPA attenuated ATP, UTP, and 2‐MeSATP‐induced PI breakdown; however, long‐term (24 h) pretreatment resulted in marked potentiation of both ATP and UTP, and restoration of 2‐MeSATP responses. In a further analysis of the effect of TPA, 10 min and 1.5 h pretreatment attenuated ATP‐ and UTP‐induced PI breakdown, but this inhibitory action was lost after 3 h of treatment. Both 6 and 24 h pretreatments resulted in a potentiation. Western blot analysis showed translocation of protein kinase C (PKC)α, −δ, and −θ from the cytosol to the membrane following 10 min and 1.5 h treatments, and restoration to basal levels in the membrane fraction was seen after 3 h of treatment. On the other hand, partial and complete down‐regulation of these three isoforms was seen after 6 and 24 h of treatment, respectively. PKCη was translocated but not down‐regulated by TPA. These results suggested that PKCα, −δ, and −θ, but not −η may exert tonic inhibition on P2U receptor‐mediated PI turnover in unstimulated astrocytes. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.