Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nomilin targets the Keap1‐Nrf2 signalling and ameliorates the development of osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a long‐term and inflammatory disorder featured by cartilage erosion. Here, we describe nomilin (NOM), a triterpenoid with inflammation modulatory properties in variety of disorders. In this study, we demonstrated the latent mechanism of NOM in alleviating the progress of OA both in vitro and in vivo studies. The results showed that NOM pre‐treatment suppressed the IL‐1β–induced over‐regulation of pro‐inflammation factors, such as NO, IL‐6, PGE2, iNOS, TNF‐α and COX‐2. Moreover, NOM also down‐regulates the degradation of ECM induced by IL‐1β. Mechanistically, the NOM suppressed NF‐κB signalling via disassociation of Keap1‐Nrf2 in chondrocytes. Furthermore, NOM delays the disease progression in the mouse OA model. To sum up, this research indicated NOM possessed a new potential therapeutic option in osteoarthritis.
Inducción de la producción de lípidos totales en microalgas sometidas a estrés nutritivo

Se evaluo la produccion de lipidos totales en cinco especies de microalgas inducidas por la ausencia de nitrogeno. Las microalgas empleadas fueron Ankistrodesmus sp. , Ankistrodesmus nannoselene, Chlorella sp. , Scenedesmus sp. y Scenedesmus quadricauda. Estas especies fueron cultivadas en medio CHU10 con y sin nitrogeno. El tiempo de evaluacion fue de seis dias, determinandose diariamente la densidad microalgal mediante recuento en camara de Neubahuer. Se determino la tasa de crecimiento, la biomasa microalgal y el porcentaje de lipidos totales. Los lipidos totales fueron extraidos con solucion Cloroformo:metanol (2:1). Los resultados indicaron que las especies con mayor produccion de lipidos totales fueron Ankistrodesmus sp. (263,6 mg/g biomasa seca), A. nannoselene (316 mg/g biomasa seca) y Scenedesmus sp. (243,3 mg/g biomasa seca) al ser cultivadas en medios sin nitrogeno. Scenedesmus quadricauda y Chlorella sp. , fueron las especies que mostraron mayor produccion de biomasa seca (159,1 mg/g biomasa seca y 221,1 mg/g biomasa seca respectivamente) en medios con nitrogeno. La tasa de crecimiento fue variable entre las especies cultivadas en ambas condiciones. En conclusion, Ankistrodesmus sp. , mostro la mayor tasa de crecimiento (0,77 dia-1) en medio sin nitrogeno. Bajo las mismas condiciones de cultivo, Scenedesmus sp. obtuvo la mayor produccion de biomasa en peso seco (174,7 mg/l) y Ankistrodesmus nannoselene acumulo el mayor porcentaje de lipidos totales.
The embryology of Lytta viridana Le Conte (Coleoptera: Meloidae). III. The structure of the chorion and micropyles

This paper deals with the morphology of the chorion and associated structures in the egg of Lytta viridana as observed through the light microscope and the electron microscope. The chorion proper is a thin, single layer exhibiting a delicate banded pattern at high magnification. The micropyles are extremely complex protrusions of the chorion, having central cavities from which flap-like arms extend at various angles. These flaps exhibit the same banding pattern as the chorion, although the periodicity is more variable. Exterior to the chorion is found a frothy mucilaginous material which holds the eggs together in a clump after they are laid. Between the chorion and the vitelline membrane a thin layer of homogeneous material is found in laid eggs. The peculiar characteristics of these structures are compared with those of other insect eggs, and their significance in connection with water conservation, respiration, and sperm entry is discussed.
Genetic Transformation of Immature Zygotic Embryos of Maize Genotypes via Agrobacterium tumefaciens

Many cereals crops are recalcitrant species to genetically modification through their resistance to Agrobacterium infection and recalcitrance to in vitro regeneration. However, a routine and efficient transformation protocol of Syrian maize (Zea mays) using an Agrobacterium tumefaciens standard binary vector system for yearround production of fertile transgenic maize plants was achieved. Immature zygotic embryos of Syrian genotypes and the control hybrid line Hi II were infected with A. tumefaciens strain EHA101 harboring a standard binary vector pTF102. The average stable transformation frequency (number of bialaphos-resistant events recovered per 100 embryos infected) of the present protocol was 14.5% for Hi II and 5.9 for Syrian genotypes. The expression of the beta-glucuronidase (GUS) gene was delivered with high efficiency to maize calli, roots and shoots by A. tumefaciens carrying the GUS gene was observed. Progeny analysis through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of total isolated DNA confirmed the integration, expression and inheritance of T-DNA carrying the selectable marker gene bar and reporter gene gus in the genomes of transgenic maize plants. More than 90% of transformants were normal in morphology. The protocol took about 3 months from the start of infection and cocultivation to the planting of transformants into pots. It is anticipated that this study will assist further enhancement of maize transformation technology leading to develop an updated protocol for the Agrobacterium-mediated generation of maize. To our knowledge, this is the first report providing evidence of the transformation ability of Syrian genotypes via A. tumefaciens. [Ayman A, Lane S, Fuller MP. Genetic Transformation of Immature Zygotic Embryos of Maize Genotypes via Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Life Sci J 2014;11(11):966-975]. (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com. 171
Guest Editorial

This resonated very strongly with what we were trying to do, which was to connect with peoples’ personal narratives, promote empathy and engage with the art of nursing as a way of knowing (Carper, 1978). Following the keynote address, the three of us got together with Ann McMahon and the idea for this special issue was born. Around the same time, Kath began collaborating with Frank Ormsby, a well-known Irish poet, and we are delighted that he has written a perspective piece for this issue on the experience of having a long-term condition. In putting this special issue together, we have attempted to represent nursing research, education and practice and their relationship to poetry. The voices that the reader will hear through the papers are those of researchers, practitioners across disciplines, service users and undergraduate and postgraduate students. We begin our introduction to the 11 papers in the way that would seem most in keeping with this special issue: through poetry. The title of each poem aims to give an overview of the associated paper and the stanza gives a deeper insight into the issues that are encountered. The accompanying reviews are in the main written as academic prose; however, one reviewer has opted to use a poem as their method of review. This is something we are experimenting with in class and in practice as a means of evaluation and we would welcome any feedback on how our readership engages with creativity in education, research or practice.
Short-term under-nutrition affects feeding and sexual behaviour in oestrous-synchronized Saint Croix ewes (Ovis aries)

ABSTRACT To determine the effect of short-term under-nutrition on feeding and sexual behaviour in oestrous sheep, the oestrus cycles of 51 Saint Croix ewes were synchronized, and they were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Each group was maintained on a Taiwan grass (Pennisetum purpureum) pasture for 102 h after sponge withdrawal. This diet provided 400 g of dry matter/100 kg of body weight/day, the total available for one group (T), whilst another group (T + C) received an additional 350 g/animal/day of concentrate. Before and after the experimental period, all animals received the additional concentrate. A pen with two one-way gates was located in the centre of each pasture to capture those ewes showing proceptive behaviour towards a ram tethered inside, while sexual receptivity tests were performed every 6 h for 102 h, starting at sponge withdrawal, by moving the ewes to an adjacent pen and exposing them to an intact ram. Foraging behaviour was recorded by scan samples before the sexual receptivity tests. Progesterone concentration was determined on days 2 and 11 after sponge withdrawal. Only 26% of the ewes in the T + C group and none in the T group displayed proceptive behaviour. In both groups, all ewes displayed sexual receptivity and ovulated. Grazing, rumination and walking were higher in T ewes. The frequency and the duration of lying were higher in the T + C than in the T ewes. It was concluded that the short-term nutritional deficiency induced changes in foraging behaviour and decreased ram-seeking behaviour in oestrous-synchronized ewes.
Berberine Administration in Treatment of Colitis: A Review.

Berberine (Brb) is one of the well-known naturally occurring compounds exclusively found in Berberis vulgaris and other members of this family such as Berberis aristata, Berberis aroatica, and Berberis aquifolium. This plant-derived natural compound has a variety of therapeutic impacts including anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and antitumor. Multiple studies have demonstrated that Brb has great anti-inflammatory activity and is capable of reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, while it enhances the concentrations of anti-inflammatory cytokines making it suitable for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease with chronic nature. Several factors involve in the development of colitis and it appears that inflammation and oxidative stress are the most important ones. With respect to the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of Brb, its administration seems to be beneficial in treatment of colitis. At the present review, we clarify the protective effects of Brb in colitis treatment and its impact on molecular pathways.
The Great Masquerader: Tuberculosis Presenting as Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Abstract According to World Health Organization estimates, tuberculosis (TB) and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are both among the top 10 global causes of death. TB and community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), if mortality estimates are combined, would rank as the third most common cause of death globally. It is estimated that each year there are approximately 10 million new cases of TB that are associated with approximately 1.2 million deaths, and almost 450 million new episodes of LRTI (synonymous with CAP) with approximately 4 million associated deaths. Globally, Streptococcus pneumoniae remains the most common cause of CAP. However, although well documented, it is not widely appreciated that in several parts of the world, including sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and South America, Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an important cause of CAP, if not the most common organism isolated in such settings. Thus, CAP due to M. tuberculosis is not uncommon in some parts of the world with up to a third of cases being attributable to M. tuberculosis. Consequently, TB remains an important clinical entity in the intensive care unit in these settings. Despite its frequency and importance, there are very limited data about TB CAP. In this review we discussed the epidemiology, immunopathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnosis, management, prognosis, and prevention of TB CAP. The utility of newer diagnostic approaches is highlighted.
How organizational structures in science shape spin-off firms: the biochemistry departments of Berkeley, Stanford, and UCSF and the birth of the biotech industry

This article examines how the organizational capabilities of academic spin-off firms in new industries are shaped by the organization of the research communities in universities from which these spin-off firms emerge. Contrasting the organization of research in the biochemistry departments of the University of California at Berkeley (Berkeley), Stanford University (Stanford), and the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) and key biotech firms spun-off from these departments, this article attempts to explain the central role UCSF scientists played in comparison with their Berkeley and Stanford counterparts, in the formation and development of the biotech industry in the San Francisco region during the late 1970s and early 1980s. It is demonstrated how the research environment at UCSF during this period positioned UCSF scientists comparatively well to identify in the context of their research new technological opportunities in therapeutic product markets and pursue these opportunities in the industrial research environment of the biotech industry. Finally, drawing parallels between this study on the role of UCSF in the formation of the San Francisco biotech industry and other studies on the role of Stanford in the formation of the Silicon Valley high-tech electronics industry, this article attempts to infer some general insights into the institutional dynamics that give rise to new science-based industries.
CO2 uptake is offset by CH4 and N2O emissions in a poplar short‐rotation coppice

The need for renewable energy sources will lead to a considerable expansion in the planting of dedicated fast‐growing biomass crops across Europe. These are commonly cultivated as short‐rotation coppice (SRC), and currently poplar (Populus spp.) is the most widely planted. In this study, we report the greenhouse gas (GHG) fluxes of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) measured using eddy covariance technique in an SRC plantation for bioenergy production. Measurements were made during the period 2010–2013, that is, during the first two rotations of the SRC. The overall GHG balance of the 4 years of the study was an emission of 1.90 (±1.37) Mg CO2eq ha−1; this indicated that soil trace gas emissions offset the CO2 uptake by the plantation. CH4 and N2O contributed almost equally to offset the CO2 uptake of −5.28 (±0.67) Mg CO2eq ha−1 with an overall emission of 3.56 (±0.35) Mg CO2eq ha−1 of N2O and of 3.53 (±0.85) Mg CO2eq ha−1 of CH4. N2O emissions mostly occurred during one single peak a few months after the site was converted to SRC; this peak comprised 44% of the total N2O loss during the two rotations. Accurately capturing emission events proved to be critical for deriving correct estimates of the GHG balance. The nitrogen (N) content of the soil and the water table depth were the two drivers that best explained the variability in N2O and CH4, respectively. This study underlines the importance of the ‘non‐CO2 GHGs’ on the overall balance. Further long‐term investigations of soil trace gas emissions should monitor the N content and the mineralization rate of the soil, as well as the microbial community, as drivers of the trace gas emissions.
Chestnut polysaccharides benefit spermatogenesis through improvement in the expression of important genes

Recently there has been a continuing worldwide decrease in the quality of human spermatozoa, especially in spermatozoa motility and concentration. Many factors are involved in this decline, and great efforts have been made to rescue spermatogenesis; however, there has been little progress in the improvement of sperm quality. Chestnuts are used in traditional Chinese medicine; their major active components are chestnut polysaccharides (CPs). CPs have many biological activities but their effects on spermatogenesis are unknown. The current investigation was designed to explore the impact of CPs on spermatogenesis and the underlying mechanisms. We demonstrated that CPs significantly increased sperm motility and concentration (4-fold and 12-fold, respectively), and improved seminiferous tubule development by increasing the number of germ cells after busulfan treatment. CPs dramatically rescued the expression of important genes and proteins (STRA8, DAZL, SYCP1, SYCP3, TNP1 etc.) in spermatogenesis. Furthermore, CPs increased the levels of hormone synthesis proteins such as CYP17A1 and HSD17β1. All the data suggested that CPs improved the testicular microenvironment to rescue spermatogenesis. With CPs being natural products, they may be an attractive alternative for treating infertile patients in the future. At the same time, the deep underlying mechanisms of their action need to be explored.
Enhanced vascularization and biocompatibility of rat pancreatic decellularized scaffolds loaded with platelet-rich plasma

The ultimate goal of pancreatic tissue engineering is to create a long-lived substitute organ to treat diabetes. However, the lack of neovascularization and the occurrence of immune response limit the efficacy of tissue-engineered pancreas after in vivo transplantation. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous platelet concentrate containing a large number of growth factors and immunoregulatory factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate rat pancreatic decellularized scaffold (PDS) loaded with PRP for vascularization, host inflammatory response and macrophage polarization in an animal model. The study results indicated that compared to PDS, PRP-loading PDS exhibited the enhanced mechanical properties and released growth factors in a slow and sustained manner to supplement the loss of growth factors during decellularization. In vitro, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were seeded in PDS and PRP-loading PDS, and cultured in the circular perfusion system. When compared with PDS, PRP-loading PDS significantly promoted the colonization, proliferation and pro-angiogenic genes expression of cells on scaffolds. In vivo, PDS loaded with PRP then re-endothelialized with HUVECs were implanted subcutaneously in rats, which enhanced the angiogenesis of scaffolds, inhibited the host inflammatory response, and induced the polarization dominated by pro-regenerative M2 macrophages that also facilitated tissue vascular regeneration. Thus, the re-endothelialized PRP-loading PDS may represent a promising bioengineered pancreas with sustained vascularization and excellent biocompatibility.
Understanding embryonic development for cell‐based therapies of intervertebral disc degeneration: Toward an effort to treat disc degeneration subphenotypes

Chronic low back and neck pain are associated with intervertebral disc degeneration and are major contributors to the global burden of disability. New evidence now suggests that disc degeneration comprises a spectrum of subphenotypes influenced by genetic background, age, and environmental factors, which may be contributing to the mixed outcomes seen in clinical trials of cell‐based therapies that aim to treat disc degeneration. This problem is further compounded by the fact that disc degeneration and aging coincide with an exhaustion of endogenous progenitor cells, imposing limitations on the regenerative capacity of the disc. At the bench‐side, current work is focused on applying our knowledge of embryonic disc development to direct and refine differentiation of adult and human‐induced pluripotent stem cells into notochord‐like and nucleus pulposus‐like cells for use in novel cell‐based therapies. Accordingly, this review presents the salient features of intervertebral disc development, post‐natal maintenance, and regeneration, with emphasis on recent advancements. We also discuss how a stratified approach can be undertaken for the development of future cell‐based therapies to bring emerging subphenotypes into consideration.
Absence of Glia Maturation Factor Protects from Axonal Injury and Motor Behavioral Impairments after Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes disability and death, accelerating the progression towards Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease (PD). TBI causes serious motor and cognitive impairments, as seen in PD that arise during the period of the initial insult. However, this has been understudied relative to TBI induced neuroinflammation, motor and cognitive decline that progress towards PD. Neuronal ubiquitin-C-terminal hydrolase-L1 (UCHL1) is a thiol protease that breaks down ubiquitinated proteins and its level represents the severity of TBI. Previously, we demonstrated the molecular action of glia maturation factor (GMF); a proinflammatory protein in mediating neuroinflammation and neuronal loss. Here, we show that the weight drop method induced TBI neuropathology using behavioral tests, western blotting, and immunofluorescence techniques on sections from wild type (WT) and GMF-deficient (GMF-KO) mice. Results reveal a significant improvement in substantia nigral tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine transporter expression with motor behavioral performance in GMF-KO mice following TBI. In addition, a significant reduction in neuroinflammation was manifested, as shown by activation of nuclear factor-kB, reduced levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase, and cyclooxygenase-2 expressions. Likewise, neurotrophins including brain-derived neurotrophic factor and glial-derived neurotrophic factor were significantly improved in GMF-KO mice than WT 72 h post-TBI. Consistently, we found that TBI enhances GFAP and UCHL-1 expression and reduces the number of dopaminergic TH-positive neurons in WT compared to GMF-KO mice 72 h post-TBI. Interestingly, we observed a reduction of TH-positive tanycytes in the median eminence of WT than GMF-KO mice. Overall, we found that absence of GMF significantly reversed these neuropathological events and improved behavioral outcome. This study provides evidence that PD-associated pathology progression can be initiated upon induction of TBI.
EVALUATION OF ANTIBACTERIAL, ANTIOXIDANT, ANTI INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY AND TRACE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF NJAVARA (Oryza sativa Linn)

ABSTRCACT Njavara is the unique rice cultivar grown only in Kerala, and is believed to have medicinal property to rectify the basic ills affecting our circulatory, respiratory and the digestive systems. Methanolic and ethanolic extracts of Njavara grain, bran and mixture were collected and used for Antibacterial analysis. The Antibacterial activity was evaluated against four different bacterial strains by disc diffusion method and detected the minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration. Njavara bran showed greater reducing power and significantly higher scavenging activity with 2, 2diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl radical. The anti-inflammatory effect of Njavara grain, bran and mixture was compared with standard, in this bran showed high activity than others. Trace element content of three elements like K, Cu, and Fe were analyzed.
Excess Levels of ILysine and Threonine in Low Protein, Wheat-based Diets on Serum Amino Acid Concentrations and Performance of Growing Pigs

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the growth response and serum concentrations (SC) of amino acids (AA) in pigs fed wheat-based diets with either deficient, adequate or excess Lys and Thr. Previously, the standardized ileal digestibilities of AA in a basal diet were determined with five ileal cannulated pigs in a digestion trial. In experiment 1, 21 pigs (12.5 ± 0.91 kg) were used to evaluate the effect of adding 0%, 0.69%, and 1.38% free L-Lys. The best growth response was obtained with 0.69% added L-Lys, equivalent to 1.05% total in the diet. The SC of Arg, Thr, and Val were lower (P 0.10). Lys SC increased with each increment in the dietary Lys content (P < 0.05). In experiment 2, 20 pigs (14.3 ± 1.57 kg) were used, and the addition of 0%, 0.14%, 0.28%, and 0.42% crystalline Thr, to the 0.69% L-Lys-supplemented basal diet, was evaluated. The best response was obtained with added 0.28% L-Thr, (0.66% total Thr), but excess Thr reduced feed intake and growth rate. Moderate and excess levels of Thr increased the SC of Thr, but excess reduced those of Val and Lys. These data show that excess Thr, but not Lys, affect the performance of growing pigs. Also, these data indicate that Val may become limiting in low protein diets with excess Lys or Thr.