Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Niveles de 1.25 DihidroxivitaminaD3 y su relación con el control del Asma en niños de 6 a 12 años de edad

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar el efecto de los niveles de la vitamina D sobre el control del asma en un grupo de ninos en edad escolar. Para este fin, fue seleccionada una muestra de 40 ninos asmaticos de 6 a 12 anos de edad, atendidos en el servicio de alergologia del Hospital Universitario de Monterrey, Mexico. A dichos ninos se les determino el nivel serico de la vitamina D y se les evaluo la funcion pulmonar por medio de espirometria. Los sintomas del asma fueron calificados mediante de la prueba del control del asma (ACT). Adicionalmente, se analizo el perfil de sensibilizacion a alergenos mediante pruebas cutaneas por puncion (SPT), se evaluo su estado nutricional por el calculo del indice de masa corporal (IMC) y se determinaron el fototipo de la piel y los factores de riesgo para la exacerbacion de la enfermedad y obstruccion fija de la via aerea.
Optimization of lipase-catalyzed synthesis of novel galactosyl ligands for selective targeting of liposomes to the asialoglycoprotein receptor

Abstract The asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) is a potential target in the search for hepatic cancer drugs. However, application of ASGPR targeting in the clinic is limited by inefficient synthetic methods for the ligand. In this study, we designed and synthesized a novel galactosylated lipid with a mono-galactoside moiety using a lipase. Then we investigated the optimal reaction conditions and analyzed the targeting ability of liposomes modified with the galactosylated lipid. In an organic phase system, different lipases were used as catalysts to synthesize (5-cholesten-3b-yl) [(4-O-β-D-galactopyranosyl)D-glucitol-6] sebacate (CHS-SE-LA). Variables in enzymatic esterification, such as the type of enzyme and solvent, were explored by single-factor experiments. Optimal reaction conditions were determined through response surface methodology. The (CHS-SE-LA)-incorporated galactosylated liposome containing fluorescent dye was then prepared by thin-film hydration and a HepG2 cell transfection test used to confirm the targeting efficiency of galactosylated liposomes to hepatic cancer cells. The structure of CHS-SE-LA was identified by electrospray ionization or ESI and nuclear magnetic resonance or NMR. Under optimal conditions, the predicted yield of CHS-SE-LA was 94.3%, and the actual experimental value was 95.6 ± 1.35%, n = 3. For HepG2 cells, the cellular fluorescence intensities of liposomes modified with CHS-SE-LA (galactosylated liposomes [GAL-FL]) were as much as 2.6-fold (P < 0.01) the control liposomes (FL). Moreover, the presence of excess galactose significantly inhibited the uptake of GAL-FL suggesting ASGPR mediated uptake. The novel galactosylated ligand was synthesized enzymatically with high efficiency under mild conditions. Liposomes containing CHS-SE-LA have great potential as drug delivery carriers for hepatocyte-selective targeting.
Effects of Bifidobacterium Strains Treated with Gastrointestinal Enzymes on Cytokine Induction in RAW 264.7 Macrophage Cells

The objective of the current study was to compare the abilities of undigested and enzymatically digested bifidobacteria toinduce nitric oxide and cytokine release in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. Nine different Bifidobacterium strains derivedfrom herbivorous animals were digested with pepsin and then pancreatin, and the precipitates and supernatants wereacquired via centrifugation. The RAW 264.7 cells were incubated with whole cells, the precipitate, or the supernatant, andthe macrophage culture supernatants were analyzed with respect to the induction of nitric oxide and cytokines. Pronouncedincreases in the production of nitric oxide, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-12, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) wereobserved when cultured with whole cells and the precipitates. It is noteworthy that the precipitates in most of the Bifidobac-terium strains evidenced a trend toward superior IL-12 release compared with whole cells. The results showed that bothwhole cells and digested Bifidobacterium sp. are effective at stimulating RAW 264.7 cells to induce the production of nitricoxide and cytokines. The pepsin-pancreatin system used in the current study may be useful in unraveling the mechanism bywhich ingested lactic acid bacteria modulate the induction of macrophage mediators at the cellular level.Key words: macrophage, nitric oxide, cytokine, bifidobacteria
Hepatic metallothionein and heavy metals in dab Limanda limanda from the German Bight

During the Bremerhaven Workshop, the effect of heavy metals on dab Lirnanda lirnanda L. in the German Bight was assessed using the hepatic level of metallothionein (MT) and selected metals. Male and female adult dab were collected at 7 stations on a transect from the Elbe and Weser estuaries towards the Dogger Bank. Metallothionein, Cu, Zn and Cd concentrations in dab livers were determined using radioimmunoassay (RIA) and atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Hepatic MT levels were highest in both male and female dab at some of the offshore stations, decreasing towards the coast and towards the Dogger Bank. The levels of MT in dab livers reflected the hepatic concentration of metal in all dab, but the relative importance of specific metals differed between the sexes. In female dab, the best correlation was found between hepatic MT and Zn, whereas MT in male dab livers correlated most closely to a combination of Cu and Cd. The observed changes in hepatic MT appeared to have both an endogenous and an environmental component. The endogenous influence was only evident in female dab, whereas both sexes appeared to be moderately affected by environmental metal exposure. Hepatic MT and metal levels did not reflect metal concentrations in the sediment, but were consistent with the elevated metal content of 2 invertebrate species at offshore compared to coastal stations. In conclusion, dab hepatic MT was found useful as a biomarker for the effects of heavy metals on fish in an area with a complex contaminant input. Recommendations are given for future use of fish hepatic MT in monitoring programmes.
Influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on abiotic stress tolerance of wheat

Wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) is beside rice and maize one of the most important crops worldwide and used mainly for human nutrition as well as for feeding animals. Due to early summer drought and nutrient deficiencies especially in organic farming, yield and quality losses are expected. One of the most promising approaches to reduce the negative impact of abiotic stress is the identification of stress tolerant wheat genotypes. Due to the increased water and nutrient transport to the plant, arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AM) are beneficial for many plant species especially under water or nutrient deficiency. Therefore, the aim of this project was to identify wheat genotypes which show a high AM colonization leading to enhanced abiotic stress tolerance. To achieve this, a set of 103 and a subset of 30 genotypes respectively were investigated under abiotic stress conditions in order to detect genetic differences of their ability to generate mycorrhiza symbiosis and to get more information on the impact of the symbiosis on agronomic traits like grain yield and shoot dry weight. In a pot trial, the 103 genotypes were grown under glasshouse conditions in a drought stressed and a well watered variant with and without mycorrhization. Each variant was replicated 3 times. A second pot trial was conducted with a subset of 30 genotypes grown in an optimal phosphorous fertilized variant and under phosphorous deficient conditions with and without mycorrhization in 3 replications and yield parameters were assessed. Furthermore, PCR analyses and an ink vinegar stain of root segments were performed to evaluate the root colonization by the AM Glomus intraradices , Glomus etunicatum and Glomus claroideum . Quantification of root colonization using light microscopical techniques showed differences in mycorrhization between genotypes in both trials. Significant differences in root colonization were observed between optimal phosphorous fertilized and plants grown under phosphorous deficient conditions. Under both abiotic stress conditions – drought stress and phosphorous deficiency – significant differences of yield parameters were determined between AM inoculated and non-inoculated plants. Pot trials will be repeated in order to get more information on the benefit of mycorrhizal symbiosis under limited conditions. Furthermore, genotyping using the 90k iSelect SNP-chip will be conducted to identify QTLs which are involved in root colonization and tolerance to abiotic stress via genome wide association studies (GWAS).
Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Carbon Fiber Composites Subjected to a Discrete Source of Damage

The paper investigates the effect of a discrete source of damage on the loading capacity and failure strength of composite materials. First, the effects of varying fiber orientation on the distribution of the circumferential stress around the source of damage and on the failure strengths of continuous fiber-reinforced composites were investigated using theoretical approaches developed for infinite-plate with a central hole. Numerical simulations were conducted and spatial graphical illustrations were plotted using fiber orientation angle and angular location on the circumference of the hole as analysis variables. Tsi-Wu failure criterion was employed to predict the failure strength of a composite layer subjected to a discrete damage with a varying fiber orientation. Second, experimental tests using specimens with and without damage were carried out to find out the impact of discrete damage on the loading capacity and failure strength of woven Carbon-epoxy composite laminates. A qualitative analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of the size of damage on the structural performances of laminated composites.
INHIBITORY EFFECTS OF CRATAEGUS CURVISEPALA, SALVIA HYDRANGEA, AND BETULA PENDULA ON IN-VITRO PROTEIN GLYCOSYLATION

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Diabetes is one of the most common endocrine diseases spreading rapidly in the world. Diabetes complications are classified into acute and chronic. Non-enzymatic glycosylation of body proteins such as hemoglobin and albumin is the main cause of pathogenesis in chronic complications of diabetes. Protein glycosylation is an oxidative reaction. Antioxidants such as vitamin C may be able to reduce the chronic complications of diabetes through inhibiting protein glycosylation. The inhibitory effects of vitamin C and the polyphenolic extracts of Betula pendula , Salvia hydrangea and Crataegus curvisepala on the extent of glycosylation of albumin, insulin and hemoglobin were investigated in this study. methods: Polyphenolic extracts of the aforesaid plants were prepared at three different concentrations, namely 3.6, 1.8 and 0.9 mg/ml. Vitamin C solutions were also prepared at five concentrations, namely 0.5, 5, 10, 50 and 500 µg/ml. results: The highest degree of glycosylation inhibition of albumin and insulin was due to S. hydrangea, by 100% and 97% respectively, and that of hemoglobin was due to B. pendula by 80%. At its highest concentration, vitamin C inhibited the glycosylation of insulin, albumin and hemoglobin by 100%, 93%, and 58% respectively (P<0.05). Discussion: Based on our findings, the studied plants might be able to prevent the chronic complications of diabetes. Keywords • Polyphenolic extract • Glycosylation • Antioxidants • Albumin • Insulin • Hemoglobin • Vitamin C • Crataegus • Salvia • Betula
Developmental and Growth Effects of Crop Residues on Corn

(.) The effects of small grain residue cover applied around 50% emergence on corn development (time to reach specific stages), growth (aboveground phytomass, height, N uptake) and soil temperatures were investigated on a Conover loam (mixed, mesic, Udollic Ochraqualf) under irrigated no-tillage conditions. In 1987 and 1988, straw mulch significantly delayed development when compared to a bare soil control, but no consistent difference was found in aboveground phytomass when comparisons were done at similar vegetative stages (.)
Differentiation under isolation and genetic structure of Sardinian hares as revealed by craniometric analysis, mitochondrial DNA and microsatellites

Hares (Lepus capensis Linnaeus 1758) were probably introduced into Sardinia in historical times. Previous studies indicated North Africa as the most likely source area but did not exclude the occurrence of hybridization events with continental brown hares (L. europaeus Pallas 1778) perhaps introduced for hunting purposes. We implemented both morphometric and genetic approaches to verify the genetic isolation of the Sardinian population. Specifically, we conducted a multivariate analysis of craniometric data and analysed 461 bp of the mitochondrial control region and 12 autosomal microsatellites in Sardinian hares, using North African cape hares and European brown hares as reference populations. Sardinian hares displayed a peculiar skull shape. In agreement, both nuclear and mitochondrial markers remarked the distinctiveness of this population. Observed and expected heterozygosity were 0.52 and 0.61, while haplotype and nucleotide diversity were 0.822 and 0.0129. Selfassignment based on Bayesian cluster analysis was high (average membership 0.98), and no evident signs of introgression from continental brown hares were found. Our results support the hypothesis that the Sardinian hares have been introduced from North Africa, remained genetically isolated since the founding event and evolved independently from the source population. This long-lasting isolation and the consequent genetic drift resulted in a differentiation, perhaps accompanied by an adaptation to local environmental conditions.
Assessment of plant secondary metabolites in oil palm seedlings after being treated with calcium, copper ions and salicylic acid

The effect of calcium, copper ions and salicylic acid (SA) amendment on the incidence of basal stem rot and activity of secondary metabolites in oil palm seedlings were investigated in glasshouse study. Disease incidence (DI) in positive control (T8) was 75% at nine months after inoculation (9 MAI). However, weekly pre-immunisation with Ca2+ + Cu2+ + SA prior to inoculation significantly suppressed DI and delayed disease onset as noted in T7. In the present study, the lowest %DI was observed in T7 (15%) followed by T1, T5, T6, T3, T4 and T2. The Ca2+, Cu2+ and SA amendments were resulted in earlier and higher accumulation of plant secondary metabolites as noted in leaves, stems and root tissues in response to invasion by Ganoderma boninense. High total phenolic content concentration was detected in T7 (leaf: 233.38 ± 0.12 mg/g; stem: 132.78 ± 0.04 mg/g and root: 86.98 ± 0.28 mg/g). Similar trend was obtained in peroxidase activity, total lignin content and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity. These results suggested that it could be due to the accumulation of phenolics, peroxidase activities, lignin content and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities in oil palm seedling tissues which might have collectively contributed to induce resistance against G. boninense.
Vers la découverte de modèles exceptionnels locaux : des règles descriptives liant les molécules à leurs odeurs

Issue d'un phenomene complexe partant d'une molecule odorante jus-qu'a la perception dans le cerveau, l'olfaction reste le sens le plus difficile a apprehender par les neuroscientifiques. L'enjeu principal est d'etablir des regles sur les proprietes physicochimiques des molecules (poids, nombre d'atomes, etc.) afin de caracteriser specifiquement un sous-ensemble de qualites olfac-tives (fruite, boise, etc.). On peut trouver de telles regles descriptives grâce a la decouverte de sous-groupes (" subgroup discovery "). Cependant les methodes existantes permettent de caracteriser soit une seule qualite olfactive ; soit toutes les qualites olfactives a la fois (" exceptional model mining ") mais pas un sous-ensemble. Nous proposons alors une approche de decouverte de sous-groupes caracteristiques de seulement certains labels, par une nouvelle technique d'enumeration, issue de la fouille de redescriptions. Nous avons experimente notre methode sur une base de donnees d'olfaction fournie par des neuroscientifiques et pu exhiber des premiers sous-groupes intelligibles et realistes.
Performance of an aphid Myzus persicae and its parasitoid Diaeretiella rapae on wild and cultivated Brassicaceae

To determine to what extent wild species related to crops might serve as refuges for insect pests and their natural enemies, we compared the performance of the aphid Myzus persicae and its endoparasitoid Diaeretiella rapae on one cultivar of Brassica napus and Brassica oleracea, two wild species Brassica nigra and Sinapis arvensis, and one cultivar of Solanum lycopersicum. These species differ in traits associated with plant defences that may have an impact on the herbivore and its parasitoid. In contrast to our initial hypothesis, aphid population growth rate was significantly smaller on B. napus than on the other Brassicaceae species. Similarly, the performance of the parasitoid was affected by the host plant on which the aphid was feeding. However, aphid and parasitoid performance was not correlated. Thus, in temporally changing landscapes, pests and natural enemies may utilize crops and wild-related host species with contrasting impacts on their fitness.
Selection of Head Blight Resistant Wheats Through Improved Seedling Resistance

In a four years' test (1982—1985) it was shown that there are highly significant differences in resistance to seab and seedling blight in wheat. Using a novel approach, that head blight resistance should be measured on stands free of leaf diseases and with a number of isolates with different pathogenicity in the inoculation tests, the rep-rod Liability of results increased significantly over the levels so far published. The genotype- by-year and the genotype-by-isolate interactions remained low. Beside differences in resistance deviations in tolerance were also detected. The best materials that were selected are near to the better spring wheat resistance sources. A tendency for correlation between seedling and head blight resistance was found and the most resistant genotypes in the seedling stage will, with high probability, yield head blight resistant material. It thus became possible to include seedling resistance into the breeding program for head blight resistance, Further evidence for there being an identical genetic basis for resistance to F. graminearum and F. culmorum is presented.
[R4N] [AOT]: A Surfactant Ionic Liquid as a Mild Glycosylation Promoter

[RN4][AOT] is a versatile surfactant ionic liquid that can be used in combination with N-Iodosuccinimide to promote the room temperature glycosylation of thiophenyl glycoside donors. The conditions are mild, with no requirement for molecular sieves, and are compatible with a wide range of donors and protecting groups. Under these conditions, a different range of disaccharides have been obtained in good to excellent yields and good stereoselectivities. Furthermore, the anomeric outcome of the glycosylation reaction using glycosyl donors with no participating group at C-2 could be tuned by switching the solvent from DCM to MeCN.
Ultrasonic Characteristics of Cardiovascular Changes in Children with Hutchinson–Gilford Progeria Syndrome: A Comparative Study with Normal Children and Aging People

Background The cardiovascular characteristics of children with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) remain unclear. The present study is aimed at evaluating the cardiovascular changes with ultrasound examination in children with HGPS and compared these with those in normal children and older people. Methods Seven HGPS children, 21 age-matched healthy children, and 14 older healthy volunteers were evaluated by three-dimensional echocardiography (including strain analysis) and carotid elasticity examination with the echo-tracking technique. Results Children with HGPS had higher left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and global longitudinal strain, when compared to older healthy volunteers (P < 0.05). However, these parameters were not significantly different, when compared to those in healthy children. Furthermore, children with HGPS had lower average peak times in the left ventricle, when compared with the other two groups. For the structure of the carotid artery detected by ultrasound, the abnormality rates were similar between children with HGPS and older healthy volunteers (83.3% vs. 71.4%). The elastic parameters, elastic modulus, stiffness parameter, and pulsed wave transmittal velocity of children with HGPS were lower, when compared to those in older healthy volunteers (P < 0.05), while they were higher with arterial compliance (P > 0.05). Furthermore, no significant difference existed among the vascular elastic parameters between HGPS and normal children. Conclusion HGPS children had impaired left ventricular (LV) synchrony, when compared to normal children, although the difference in LVEF was not statistically significant. Furthermore, the structural abnormality of the carotid artery in HGPS children was similar to that in older people, although the index of elasticity appears to be more favorable. These results suggest that the cardiovascular system in HGPS children differs from natural aging.
Functional characteristics of Lactobacillus strains isolated from camel's milk.

This study aimed at isolation, identification and evaluation of probiotic potential of Lactobacillus isolates from camel's milk. Thirty four Lactobacillus isolates coded M 1 to M 34 were Gram positive, rods, catalase and oxidase negative and nonspore-forming bacteria. These isolates were identified by biochemical tests and API 50 CH kits. From these, 14 different Lactobacillus isolates (M 1, M 2, M 4, M 5, M 9, M 10, M 12, M 14, M 15, M 18, M 20, M 27, M 29 and M 31) which were tolerant to gastric and intestinal juices in a previous study were now tested for antipathogenic activity which varied according to the Lactobacillus species and the challenged pathogen. All 14 isolates demonstrated significant inhibitory effect against methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Bacillus cereus and moderate to low activity against Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli. When tested for bile tolerance at the concentration of 0.3 to 2.0%, the growth rate of 8 isolates M 2, M 5, M 9, M 10, M 12, M 14, M 18 and M 20 exceeded 60% in 0.3 and 0.5% bile. Original Research Article Abbas and Mahasneh; BJMMR, 7(1): 25-39, 2015; Article no.BJMMR. 2015.304 26 M 2 (L. fermentum) and M 12 (L. plantarum) and M 20 (L. paracasei ssp. paracasei) exhibited the highest growth rates of 82, 79.4 and 78.8% respectively. At higher levels of 1 and 2% bile, significant reduction (p < 0.05) was observed for all tested isolates except M 9 (L. plantarum) with growth rate of 66.5% at 2% bile. As for cholesterol reduction, M 10 (L. plantarum) and M 15 (L. paracasei ssp. paracasei) had the highest reduction rate of 58.0 and 53.2% respectively, which is comparable to the reference strain L. reuteri DSMZ 20056. Testing adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells and ileal tissues of BALB/c mouse; M 20 (L. paracasei ssp. paracasei) and M 2 (L. fermentum) exhibited highest attachment rate of more than 15 bacterial cells/epithelial cell. SEM images showed variable degrees of bacterial attachment to ileal tissues. These results suggest that camel milk is a rich source for potential probiotic lactobacilli which may be suitable for food and nutraceuticals industries; however, further in vivo investigations are needed.