Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mating systems and sexual morphogenesis in Ascomycetes

This chapter provides an up-to-date review of complex cellular transition steps in Pezizomycotina, from the differentiation of reproductive cells to the development of the fructification. Initiation of sexual reproduction in the sordariomycete Arachniotus albicans, as it is for several ascomycetes, is clearly not dependent on a particular pH range. In many fungi, light is one of the prominent physical factors controlling sexual reproduction, either by stimulating or inhibiting the formation of reproductive structures. Although most Pezizomycotina can be classified as self-compatible or self-incompatible, some species present peculiar mating characteristics. There are several studies showing that pheromone and pheromone receptors are essential for the fusion of the trichogyne with the male cell in self-incompatible filamentous ascomycetes. Recent data have begun to shed light on the various molecular processes occurring during sexual reproduction in filamentous Ascomycetes. In addition to the well-known variety of body plan exhibited by Pezizomycotina fruiting bodies, sequencing has uncovered a large set of mating-type structures, all based on a common pattern. Indeed, it is now well established that MAT1-1-1 and MAT1-1-2 genes control fertilization by using pheromone/receptor genes in self-incompatible Pezizomycotina, but little is known about their roles after fertilization. The few indications that come from Podospora anserina, N. crassa, and C. heterostrophus indicate that they control the formation of biparental ascogenous hyphae and meiosis.
Effect of plyometric training on the fascicle length of the gastrocnemius medialis muscle

[Purpose] The present study aimed to determine the effects of eccentric calf raise exercise, which has the characteristics of plyometric training, on the fascicle length and muscle thickness of the gastrocnemius medialis muscle and range of motion of the ankle using ultrasonography. [Participants and Methods] Twenty-one healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to the eccentric calf raise exercise group or normal calf raise exercise group. Measurements were performed before training and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks after training. [Results] In the eccentric calf raise exercise group, the fascicle length significantly increased after 6 weeks compared to that at baseline and at 3 weeks after training. The dorsiflexion angle and muscle thickness after three weeks significantly increased compared to that at baseline, but the pennation angle was not significantly different. The fascicle length, pennation angle, dorsiflexion angle, and muscle thickness showed no significant difference at all time points in the NCR group. [Conclusion] The results of this study showed that continued stretching of the gastrocnemius medialis muscle during eccentric calf raise exercise enhanced the morphological structures, such as the a fascicle length and muscle thickness. Eccentric calf raise exercise training may aid in injury prevention.
COPD Researchers are Still Looking for the “Holy Graal”: A Simple and Inexpensive Biomarker Helpful in Grading and Phenotyping COPD Patients

In recent years, red blood cell distribution width (RDW) a simple parameter of the standard full blood count and a measure of heterogeneity in the size of circulating erythrocytes, attracted the attention of researchers. It is provided by automated hematology analyzers and reflects the range of the red cell size. It is calculated by dividing the standard deviation of erythrocyte volume by the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and multiplied by 100 to convert to a percentage. Although RDW has been traditionally used in the investigation of the etiology of anemia there is an increasing evidence linking elevated RDW with poor outcome in general population, in patients with coronary artery disease, metabolic syndrome, heart failure and rheumatoid arthritis. In a few words, RDW is an inflammatory marker with a significant predictive value of mortality in diseased and healthy populations [1-3]. Paradoxically, in English language literature there are no data regarding the role of RDW in COPD. Our group is performing a retrospective study designed to evaluate the role of RDW in COPD patients. We are analysing the medical records of patients discharged from our clinic from 2010-2016 with the main diagnosis of COPD exacerbation. Preliminary data are intriguing: RDW is higher in frequent exacerbators and in patients with higher eosinophils (>3%) in blood samples, and correlates significantly with fibrinogen, c-reactive protein and GOLD stages. Another interesting topic is Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS), and in particular related comorbidities. Our study group is deepening the theme of cognitive impairment. The most frequent affect domains seem to be attention, memory, and, above all, executive functions, such as problem solving, planning, goaloriented behaviour, and mental flexibility. In some patients, the cognitive deficits associated with OSAS are irreversible leading to a cognitive pattern named “pseudodementia” [4]. Sleep fragmentation, hypoxia, and the ensuing daytime drowsiness are among the most important causes related to the decline of neurocognitive functions in OSAS patients. Some authors demonstrated, by using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and 18 fluoro-2 deoxy-D glucose positron emission tomography (18 FDG-PET), an association between OSAS and structural changes at cerebral level, especially in the right hemisphere, with regards to grey matter density and metabolism. In some phenotypes there is a more evident frontal damages, in others a widespread damage involving hippocampus, basal ganglia and cerebellum [4,5]. We are performing a randomized controlled trial design to elucidate the role of continuous airways pressure (CPAP) in the reversibility of the above mention clinical pattern. Preliminary data seem to demonstrate that after 6 months of CPAP therapy the vast majority of subjects have a partial regression of symptoms.
Development of new tetraploid Chloris gayana cultivars with improved salt tolerance from ‘Callide’ and ‘Samford’

Chloris gayana (Rhodes grass) is an outbreeding species with both diploid and tetraploid genotypes. Repeated mass selection for improved salt tolerance during germination and during growth and for forage quality was applied to 3 breeding populations derived from the tetraploid cultivars „Callide‟ and „Samford‟. Three new synthetic tetraploid cultivars, each based on elite single-plant clones selected from the final generation, were produced. „Sabre‟ (10 clones, 5 generations) and „Toro‟ (13 clones, 4 generations) were derived from „Callide‟, while „Mariner‟ (12 clones, 4 generations) was derived from „Samford‟.
Non-Motor Symptoms in Patients with Primary Dystonia

Isolated dystonia, previously referred to as primary, is the third most common movement disorder, characterized by involuntary muscle contractions causing abnormal movements and postures with or without the presence of tremor. No matter monogenic or sporadic, the form of dystonia is a growing evidence, suggesting the presence of non-motor components to the disorder. Dystonia patients suffer from reduced quality of life, which might be related not only to the dystonic movements itself but to different non-motor symptoms and signs, as well. Based on literature review, this chapter aims to focus on the association of different types of isolated/primary dystonia (forms of focal, segmental, and generalized dystonia) with some non-motor disorders, including sleep and psychiatric disorders, cognition, as though as pain and sensory symptoms, their pathophysiological and biochemical mechanisms, relations with the symptomatic treating strategies for the abnormal movements, and specific treatment for the non-motor signs.
Composite bone marrow graft material with method and kit

본 발명은 균일 분포된 농축된 선조 세포군을 포함하는 복합 골수 이식 물질을 제공하고자 하는 것이다. 이식 물질은 항응고 처리되지 않은 골수 흡인물로부터 유도된 것이 바람직한 응고 물질을 포함하는데, 이는 이식의 효율을 크게 증가시키게 된다. 또한, 이러한 골 이식 물질의 제조 방법도 제공된다. 또한, 농축된 복합 골수 이식 물질을 제조하는데 유용한 살균 기구를 포함하는 키트도 제공된다.
Established Predators of Fiorinia externa Ferris (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) on Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carriere) in Urban and Forest Sites

A project was initiated in September 2004 to determine the indigenous predators of Fiorinia externa Ferris, the elongate hemlock scale (EHS), on eastern hemlock and their impact on the pest populations. Branch samples were taken monthly from four sites (two forest and two urban) in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina to assess predator damage from October 2004 to April 2006. Predators of this exotic pest were collected from beat sheet samples from September 2004 to May 2006. Laboratory tests were conducted from field-collected predators to assess food consumption, feeding behavior, and intraguild competition among predators of EHS. From field samples, the average predator damage was 8.28% (range 4.72 to 9.84%) for the four sites, and predator damage was found throughout the year. Six predaceous species (Chilocorus stigma, Harmonia axyridis, Rhyzobius lophanthae, Scymnillus horni, Scymnus loweii, and Conwentzia pineticola) were documented to feed on EHS. There were 346 total adult predators, one pupa, and 157 larvae collected from September 2004 through May 2006. Rhyzobius lophanthae was the only predator collected throughout the year. The highest numbers of specimens collected were from the urban sites. Chilocorus stigma, R. lophanthae, and S. horni had the highest EHS consumption rates. From the functional tests, S. horni, R. lophanthae, and C. stigma exhibited different searching patterns for recognizing EHS as prey. Chilocorus stigma had the shortest prey recognition times, while R. lophanthae had the longest prey recognition times. Scymnus loweii did not feed during the functional tests. When four of the predators were tested in different combinations, all four exhibited aggressive tendencies, and this territorial behavior could cause feeding disruption. Rhyzobius lophanthae and S. horni consumed fewer Adelges tsugae females or immatures compared to EHS and were more prey specific. In fecundity tests, R. lophanthae most commonly laid eggs singly on a branch, needles, side of Petri dish, or filter paper than in clusters. It also laid eggs near or under EHS exuviae. Based on consumption and seasonal abundance, R. lophanthae, C. stigma, and S. horni should be further evaluated for use as biological control agents to complement the parasitoid, Encarsia citrina. (348 words)
Zn-Incorporated TiO2 Nanotube Surface Improves Osteogenesis Ability Through Influencing Immunomodulatory Function of Macrophages

Purpose Zinc (Zn), an essential trace element in the body, has stable chemical properties, excellent osteogenic ability and moderate immunomodulatory property. In the present study, a Zn-incorporated TiO2 nanotube (TNT) was fabricated on titanium (Ti) implant material. We aimed to evaluate the influence of nano-scale topography and Zn on behaviors of murine RAW 264.7 macrophages. Moreover, the effects of Zn-incorporated TNT surface-regulated macrophages on the behaviors and osteogenic differentiation of murine MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts were also investigated. Methods TNT coatings were firstly fabricated on a pure Ti surface using anodic oxidation, and then nano-scale Zn particles were incorporated onto TNTs by the hydrothermal method. Surface topography, chemical composition, roughness, hydrophilicity, Zn release pattern and protein adsorption ability of the Zn-incorporated TiO2 nanotube surface were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), surface profiler, contact angle test, Zn release test and protein adsorption test. The cell behaviors and both pro-inflammatory (M1) and pro-regenerative (M2) marker gene and protein levels in macrophages cultured on Zn-incorporated TNTs surfaces with different TNT diameters were detected. The supernatants of macrophages were extracted and preserved as conditioned medium (CM). Furthermore, the behaviors and osteogenic properties of osteoblasts cultured in CM on various surfaces were evaluated. Results The release profile of Zn on Zn-incorporated TNT surfaces revealed a controlled release pattern. Macrophages cultured on Zn-incorporated TNT surfaces displayed enhanced gene and protein expression of M2 markers, and M1 markers were moderately inhibited, compared with the LPS group (the inflammation model). When cultured in CM, osteoblasts cultured on Zn-incorporated TNTs showed strengthened cell proliferation, adhesion, osteogenesis-related gene expression, alkaline phosphatase activity and extracellular mineralization, compared with their TNT counterparts and the Ti group. Conclusion This study suggests that the application of Zn-incorporated TNT surfaces may establish an osteogenic microenvironment and accelerate bone formation. It provided a promising strategy of Ti surface modification for a better applicable prospect.
Additive Effects of Combined Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibition and Angiotensin II Antagonism on Blood Pressure and Renin Release in Sodium-Depleted Normotensives

Background Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors do not decrease plasma angiotensin (Ang) II levels 24 hours after drug intake to the same extent as at peak. This intermittent partial “escape” is explained either by a renin-mediated reactive rise in plasma Ang I or by non–ACE-dependent Ang II generation. We therefore tested the hypothesis that a combination of ACE inhibition and Ang II blockade may have additive biological and hemodynamic effects. Methods and Results In a single-dose, double-blind, randomized, four-way, crossover study, an Ang II antagonist (losartan 50 mg), an ACE inhibitor (captopril 50 mg), their combination, and matched placebos were orally administered to 12 normotensive male volunteers maintained in mild sodium depletion. When captopril 50 mg and losartan 50 mg were given alone, the magnitude of their effects on blood pressure, plasma active renin, Ang I, and aldosterone was similar, whereas the kinetics of their effects were different, reflecting differences in drug pharma.
Hyperosmotic stress enzyme signaling modulates OCT4, NANOG, and REX1 expression and induces prioritized differentiation of murine embryonic stem cells

HYPEROSMOTIC STRESS ENZYME SIGNALING MODULATES OCT4, NANOG, AND REX1 EXPRESSION AND INDUCES PRIORITIZED DIFFERENTIATION OF MURINE EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS by JILL SLATER MAY 2013 Advisor: Daniel Rappolee, Ph.D. Major: Physiology Degree: Doctor of Philosophy Transcription factor expression and therefore lineage identity in the periimplantation embryo and its stem cells may be influenced by extracellular stresses, potentially affecting pregnancy outcome. Cellular stress forces cells to suppress some normal activities (such as protein synthesis and cell proliferation) in order to repair stress-damaged macromolecules and restore homeostasis. Therefore, any new activities that embryonic cells initiate while concurrently funding the demands of the stress response reveal the developmental priorities of these cells. Previous work showed that cultured multipotent trophoblast stem cells (TSC) initiated differentiation in response to hyperosmotic stress, favoring the development of the earliest functioning placental lineage (parietal trophoblast giant cells) while suppressing that of laterdifferentiating lineages (chorionic/syncytiotrophoblast). The studies described in this dissertation studied the stress response of the other extant lineage of the early blastocyst, cells derived from the inner cell mass, murine embryonic stem cells (mESC). Hyperosmotic stress slowed mESC accumulation due to slowing of the cell cycle, not apoptosis. PI3K signaling was responsible for cell survival
Impact of Atrazine Exposure on the Microbial Community Structure in a Brazilian Tropical Latosol Soil

Atrazine is a triazine herbicide that is widely used to control broadleaf weeds. Its widespread use over the last 50 years has led to the potential contamination of soils, groundwater, rivers, and lakes. Its main route of complete degradation is via biological means, which is carried out by soil microbiota using a 6-step pathway. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether application of atrazine to soil changes the soil bacterial community. We used 16S rRNA gene sequencing and qPCR to elucidate the microbial community structure and assess the abundance of the atrazine degradation genes atzA, atzD, and trzN in a Brazilian soil. The results obtained showed that the relative abundance of atzA and trzN, encoding triazine-initiating metabolism in Gram-negative and -positive bacteria, respectively, increased in soil during the first weeks following the application of atrazine. In contrast, the abundance of atzD, encoding cyanuric acid amidohydrolase—the fourth step in the pathway—was not related to the atrazine treatment. Moreover, the overall soil bacterial community showed no significant changes after the application of atrazine. Despite this, we observed increases in the relative abundance of bacterial families in the 4th and 8th weeks following the atrazine treatment, which may have been related to higher copy numbers of atzA and trzN, in part due to the release of nitrogen from the herbicide. The present results revealed that while the application of atrazine may temporarily increase the quantities of the atzA and trzN genes in a Brazilian Red Latosol soil, it does not lead to significant and long-term changes in the bacterial community structure.
Multidisciplinary approach in management of large-infected periapical cyst

Radicular cysts are the most commonly occurring cystic lesions in the oral cavity. The management of periapical localized cysts requires conventional nonsurgical root canal therapy. However, a multidisciplinary approach involving Endodontist and Oral surgeon holds the key to treat a large radicular cyst. This article aims to report a successful multidisciplinary management of a large-infected cyst, which was associated with maxillary central incisor with open apex.
Herpetiform Ulceration Involving Pharynx – Case Report

Oral ulceration is routinely encountered by dentists in their daily practice. Painful ulcers hamper dental treatment besides rendering patient incapacitating, in terms of dental procedures. Herpetiform ulcers occur mostly in female patients and rarely involve the posterior palate. A male patient reported with multiple oral ulceration some of them being painful at a particular area while some non painful. The ulcers were numerous and involved tongue while some of them involved the soft palate. A systematic clinical history and oral examination that included a detailed review of the general body systems to preclude any relation to a systemic inflammatory process was done. The patient’s history revealed an emotional stress and poor diet intake. The patient was prescribed multivitamin and was asked to consume vitamin rich diet.
Geographic patterns of insect diversity across China's nature reserves: The roles of niche conservatism and range overlapping

Abstract Aim Insects are the most species‐rich clade in the world, but the broad‐scale diversity pattern and the potential drivers have not been well documented for the clade as a whole. We aimed to examine the relative roles of contemporary and historical climate, niche conservatism, range overlapping, and other environmental factors on geographic patterns of species richness and phylogenetic structure, for insects across China. Location China. Methods We collected insect data from 184 nature reserves and examined geographic patterns of species richness and mean root distance (MRD, a metric of the evolutionary development of assemblages) for different biogeographic affinities (Palearctic, Oriental, and widespread species) and for clades originated during the warm and cold geohistorical periods (“warm clades” and “cold clades,” respectively). We related richness and MRD to contemporary and historical climate, area, habitat heterogeneity, and human disturbance to evaluate their relative importance. Results Total species richness revealed a hump‐shaped latitudinal pattern, peaking between 30°~35°N. Richness patterns differed markedly among evolutionary groups: Oriental species richness decreased significantly with higher latitude but Palearctic species increased, while other groups again peaked between 30°~35°N. The range overlapping of different biogeographic groups in midlatitudes may be an important contributor to humped latitudinal richness patterns. MRD was positively related to latitude and increased more rapidly for “warm clades” than “cold clades. ” Historical climate factors (especially winter coldness) were among the strongest predictors for both richness and phylogenetic patterns, for each evolutionary group, suggesting the strong influence of niche conservatism. Conclusions The hump‐shaped latitudinal pattern of insect richness in China is mainly shaped by niche conservatism and range overlapping, supplemented by habitat heterogeneity and contemporary climate. The role of niche conservatism and range overlapping may have been overlooked if only total species richness was analyzed, suggesting the importance of examining different evolutionary groups separately.
Reactive oxygen species in male reproduction: A boon or a bane?

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are free radicals derived from oxygen during normal cellular metabolism. ROS play a crucial role in the physiological processes and signalling pathways associated with male fertility. At physiological concentrations, ROS act as molecular mediators of signal transduction pathways involved in the regulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis, spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. They also trigger the morphological changes required for sperm maturation, such as DNA compaction and flagellar modification. Furthermore, ROS modulate crucial processes involved in the attainment of sperm fertilising ability such as capacitation, hyperactivation, acrosome reaction and sperm–oocyte fusion. Conversely, oxidative stress prevails when the concentration of ROS overwhelms the body's antioxidant defence. Various endogenous and exogenous factors enhance the synthesis of ROS resulting in the disruption of structural and functional integrity of spermatozoa through the induction of apoptotic pathway and oxidation of molecules, such as lipids, proteins and DNA. Therefore, maintenance of a balanced redox state is critical for normal male reproductive functions. This article discusses the dual role of ROS in male reproduction, highlighting the physiological role as well as their pathological implications on male fertility.