Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Naturally occurring triterpene Lupane exerts anticancer effects on colorectal cancer cells via induction of apoptosis and autophagy and suppresses cell migration and invasion by targeting MMP-9.

PURPOSE This study was undertaken with a purpose to examine the anticancer effects of Lupane against human colorectal cancer. METHODS The SW48 colorectal cell line and CDD18Co normal colon cell line were used in this study. The CCK8 assay was used to determine cell proliferation while acridine orange (AO)/ethidium bromide (EB) and DAPI staining assays were used to detect apoptosis. Wound healing and transwell assays were used to detect the cell migration and invasion. Western blotting was used to determine protein expression. RESULTS Lupane inhibited the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells and the level of inhibition followed dose-dependent pattern. The antiproliferative role of Lupane was exerted via induction of apoptotic cell death. Western blot showed that the expression of Bcl-2 was decreased and that of Bax was increaced. Lupane also prompted the autophagy of the SW48 colorectal cancer cells and enhanced the expression of LC3-II. However, the expression of p62 was depleted. The treatment of Lupane also resulted to inhibition of the migratory potential of cancer cells as revealed by the wound healing assay. The invasion of SW48 cancer cells was also suppressed and was associated with suppression of metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression. CONCLUSION The results indicate the anticancer potential of Lupane against the colorectal cancer growth and propagation. The study envisages the importance of natural compounds for their usage against human cancers.
An enzyme‐immunoassay for cis‐(+)‐abscisic acid

A solid-phase enzyme-immunoassay for abscisic acid and abscisic acid conjugates in fmol amounts (detection limit ca 50–60 fmol) has been developed. Only little procedural effort is required for the assay which can be completed within 6 h. With this method, abscisic acid was detected in a range of heterotrophically growing plant suspension cultures. In addition, abscisic acid-glucosyl ester was identified in a Lonicera prolifera Rehd. tissue culture. In this tissue, the level of free abscisic acid reaches ca 2 × 10−6M in the late log-phase of growth.
Physicochemical Properties of Aggregates of Globin Hydrolysates

Globin is an edible protein that is obtained in large quantity from animal blood. It can be used as an ingredient in a variety of meat products. However, globin showed a rather low solubility at neutral pH and little advantage compared with other proteins used in the food industry. The effective use of latent materials is an important research area in food science. This study succeeds in improving globin's functional properties and explaining the mechanism of gel formation. The hydrolysis of globin was performed with 0.8 M citric acid. The globin hydrolysates showed eight bands by tricine−SDS−PAGE having molecular masses that ranged from 5000 to 15 000 Da. The results of gel filtration chromatography indicated that the large aggregates were formed easily in the case of the globin hydrolysates. Physicochemical properties of aggregates of globin hydrolysates were studied by light scattering measurement and transmission electron microscope. It is clear that the aggregates were composed of two kinds of polype.
Comparison between stromal vascular fraction and adipose derived stem cells in a mouse lymphedema model

Abstract Background: Lymphedema is one of the most common complications following breast cancer. Axillary lymph node dissection and radiotherapy are two well-known risk factors resulting in either removal or damage to the lymph nodes. As stem cells are known for their regenerative capabilities, they could theoretically repair/restore the damaged lymph vessels leading to a decrease in lymphedema. Methods: We evaluated the treatment of SVF and ASC on a mouse lymphedema model. Forty-five mice were allocated into three groups containing 15 mice each. The SVF group was injected with 100 μl containing 1 × 106 SVF, the ASC group with 100 μl ml containing 1 × 106 ASC and the NS with 100 μl ml of NS. Volumes of the mice were assessed weekly by μCT hindlimb volumetry for a total of 8 weeks. Lymph vessel morphometry was assessed by cross-sections of both hindlimbs stained for anti-LYVE1. Lymphatic function was assessed by lymphatic clearance. Results: The volume change between the groups was non-significant throughout all 8 weeks. The immunohistochemistry showed a statistically significant difference between the hindlimbs in ASC vs. NS group p = 0.032, 95% CI [–2121, −103]. Conclusion: The volume of the hindlimbs showed that treatment with SVF or ASC yielded very similar results compared to the control group when assessed after 8 weeks. In week two the biggest difference between ASC and NS was seen but the difference diminished during the 8 weeks. The secondary outcomes showed that the lymph vessel lumen decreased when treated with ASC compared to the control group. Lymphoscintigraphy yielded non-significant results.
Assessment of Hypokalemia and Clinical Characteristics in Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Wenzhou, China

Key Points Question What is the prevalence of hypokalemia among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 and is it associated with treatment outcomes? Findings In this cohort study, hypokalemia was prevalent among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 and was associated with disease severity. It was challenging to correct hypokalemia because of the continuous renal potassium loss. Meaning The high prevalence of hypokalemia among patients with coronavirus disease 2019 suggests the presence of disordered rennin-angiotensin system activity, which is increased as a result of the reduced counteractivity of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, which is bound by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.
Physiological basis and ecological significance of the seed size and relative growth rate relationship in Mediterranean annuals

1. During the first three weeks of growth with plentiful water and mineral nutrients 21 Mediterranean species of annuals showed a linear negative correlation of relative growth rate (RGR) with log initial seedling weight. The lower RGR values resulted mainly from lower specific leaf area (SLA) and occurred despite higher values for unit leaf rate (ULR); they were associated with larger amounts of DNA per cell and probably with larger cell size. 2. The RGR values for a given seed size fell in the sequence Asteraceae > Poaceae > Fabaceae. The Asteraceae had the highest leaf weight ratios, the Poaceae the highest SLA values, and the Poaceae and Fabaceae the highest ULR values
Acacia yalwalensis (Fabaceae, Mimosoideae sect. Botrycephalae), a new species from the South Coast of New South Wales, Australia

Acacia yalwalensis Kodela (Fabaceae, Mimosoideae sect. Botrycephalae) is here described from the South Coast region of New South Wales, Australia. It was previously confounded with Acacia oshanesii F.Muell. which occurs in the North Coast region of New South Wales and southeast Queensland.
The most cited articles on cancer immunotherapy: An update study.

PURPOSE The purpose of this bibliometric study was to point out the emergence and development of immunotherapy in cancer treatment and shifting tendencies on this field in the last years. We aimed to create an ease of access for the researchers of this dynamic field. METHODS Cancer immunotherapy as a search term was queried into Thomson Reuter's Web of Science database of 2019 to list all the articles about this term. The top 100 cited articles were analyzed by topic, journal, author, year, institution, level of evidence, adjusted citation index and also the correlations between citation, adjusted citation index, impact factor and length of time since publication. RESULTS 46,606 eligible articles were found and we had chosen the top 100 cited in the cancer immunotherapy field by bibliometric criteria. The mean citation number for the highly cited articles was 1027794 (range:446-5746). The most cited article on cancer immunotherapy was a phase 1 clinical trial about immune check-point inhibitor (5,271 citations) conducted by Topalian et al. The Science, AAAS journal made the biggest contribution to the top 100 list with 14 articles, whereas the most cited article originated from the New England Journal of Medicine. The country and year with most publications were the USA (n=93) and 2012 (n=10) respectively. National Institutes of Health (n=30) and National Cancer Institute (n=30) were the most prolific institutions. CONCLUSION Cancer immunotherapy is a rapidly developing and changing subspecialty in the realm of oncology. Despite some flaws, this trend topic study has identified the most significant contributions to cancer immunotherapy research over the years and it has revealed many important scientific breakthroughs and landmarks that had took place during this time.
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Utilizes Viral Apoptotic Mimicry as an Alternative Pathway To Infect Host Cells

PRRS has caused huge economic losses to pig farming worldwide. Its causative agent, PRRSV, infects host cells through low pH-dependent clathrin-mediated endocytosis and CD163 is indispensable during the process. Whether there exist alternative infection pathways for PRRSV arouses our interest. Here, we found that PRRSV exposed PS on its envelope and disguised as apoptotic debris. The PS receptor TIM-1/4 recognized PRRSV and induced the downstream signaling pathway to mediate viral infection via CD163-dependent macropinocytosis. The current work deepens our understanding of PRRSV infection and provides clues for the development of drugs and vaccines against the virus. ABSTRACT Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS), caused by PRRS virus (PRRSV), has led to enormous economic losses in global swine industry. Infection by PRRSV is previously shown to be via low pH-dependent clathrin-mediated endocytosis, and CD163 functions as an essential receptor during viral infection. Despite much research focusing on it, PRRSV infection remains to be fully elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that PRRSV externalized phosphatidylserine (PS) on the envelope as viral apoptotic mimicry and infected host cells through T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain (TIM)-induced and CD163-involved macropinocytosis as an alternative pathway. In detail, we identified that PS receptor TIM-1/4 recognized and interacted with PRRSV as viral apoptotic mimicry and subsequently induced macropinocytosis by the downstream Rho GTPases Rac1, cell division control protein 42 (Cdc42), and p21-activated kinase 1 (Pak1). Altogether, these results expand our knowledge of PRRSV infection, which will support implications for the prevention and control of PRRS. IMPORTANCE PRRS has caused huge economic losses to pig farming worldwide. Its causative agent, PRRSV, infects host cells through low pH-dependent clathrin-mediated endocytosis and CD163 is indispensable during the process. Whether there exist alternative infection pathways for PRRSV arouses our interest. Here, we found that PRRSV exposed PS on its envelope and disguised as apoptotic debris. The PS receptor TIM-1/4 recognized PRRSV and induced the downstream signaling pathway to mediate viral infection via CD163-dependent macropinocytosis. The current work deepens our understanding of PRRSV infection and provides clues for the development of drugs and vaccines against the virus.
Recent genetic advances in early-onset dystonia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW The discovery of new disease-causing genes and availability of next-generation sequencing platforms have both progressed rapidly over the last few years. For the practicing neurologist, this presents an increasingly bewildering array both of potential diagnoses and of means to investigate them. We review the latest newly described genetic conditions associated with dystonia, and also address how the changing landscape of gene discovery and genetic testing can best be approached, from both a research and a clinical perspective. RECENT FINDINGS Several new genetic causes for disorders in which dystonia is a feature have been described in the last 2 years, including ZNF142, GSX2, IRF2BPL, DEGS1, PI4K2A, CAMK4, VPS13D and VAMP2. Dystonia has also been a newly described feature or alternative phenotype of several other genetic conditions, notably for genes classically associated with several forms of epilepsy. The DYT system for classifying genetic dystonias, however, last recognized a new gene discovery (KMT2B) in 2016. SUMMARY Gene discovery for dystonic disorders proceeds rapidly, but a high proportion of cases remain undiagnosed. The proliferation of rare disorders means that it is no longer realistic for clinicians to aim for diagnosis to the level of predicting genotype from phenotype in all cases, but rational and adaptive use of available genetic tests can certainly expedite diagnosis.
Higher Activation of the Rostromedial Prefrontal Cortex During Mental Stress Predicts Major Cardiovascular Disease Events in Individuals With Coronary Artery Disease

Background: Psychological stress is a risk factor for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in individuals with coronary artery disease. Certain brain regions that control both emotional states and cardiac physiology may be involved in this relationship. The rostromedial prefrontal cortex (rmPFC) is an important brain region that processes stress and regulates immune and autonomic functions. Changes in rmPFC activity with emotional stress (reactivity) may be informative of future risk for MACE. Methods: Participants with stable coronary artery disease underwent acute mental stress testing using a series of standardized speech/arithmetic stressors and simultaneous brain imaging with high-resolution positron emission tomography brain imaging. We defined high rmPFC activation as a difference between stress and control scans greater than the median value for the entire cohort. Interleukin-6 levels 90 minutes after stress, and high-frequency heart rate variability during stress were also assessed. We defined MACE as a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, unstable angina with revascularization, and heart failure hospitalization. Results: We studied 148 subjects (69% male) with mean±SD age of 62±8 years. After adjustment for baseline demographics, risk factors, and baseline levels of interleukin-6 and high-frequency heart rate variability, higher rmPFC stress reactivity was independently associated with higher interleukin-6 and lower high-frequency heart rate variability with stress. During a median follow-up of 3 years, 34 subjects (21.3%) experienced a MACE. Each increase of 1 SD in rmPFC activation with mental stress was associated with a 21% increase risk of MACE (hazard ratio, 1.21 [95% CI, 1.08–1.37]). Stress-induced interleukin-6 and high-frequency heart rate variability explained 15.5% and 32.5% of the relationship between rmPFC reactivity and MACE, respectively. Addition of rmPFC reactivity to conventional risk factors improved risk reclassification for MACE prediction, and C-statistic improved from 0.71 to 0.76 (P=0.03). Conclusions: Greater rmPFC stress reactivity is associated with incident MACE. Immune and autonomic responses to mental stress may play a contributory role.
Megacolon toxic of idiophatic origin: case report

Received: 08-08-17 Accepted: 13-04-18 Abstract Toxic megacolon is a pathology whose mortality rate is over 80%. A progressive inflammatory process compromises the colon wall, and secondary dilation of the intestinal lumen occurs due to inflammatory or infectious processes. Its clinical presentation is bizarre. but the basic pillars for management are opportune diagnosis and adequate medical management with antibiotics, water resuscitation, and metabolic correction. If necessary, effective surgical management can prevent the development of complications that worsen the disease and the prognosis of a patient. In this article we present the case of a patient who died after developing septic shock secondary to toxic megacolon. Cholangitis grade III was suspected, but discarded after ultrasonography, and this resulted in generated distortions in approach and initial management. Due to clinical deterioration and abdominal distension, the patient underwent diagnostic laparoscopy which revealed severe ischemic compromise of the entire colon but without involvement of the small intestine. For this reason, a total colectomy was performed. The pathology report and clinical history ruled out ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease which confirmed the diagnosis of toxic megacolon. The patient had no risk factors for the development of pseudomembranous colitis. We conclude that this was a case of idiopathic toxic megacolon.
Influence of female age, body size and environmental conditions on annual egg production of the bullhead

A population of bullhead Cottus gohio inhabiting a mountainous river network, was examined for the influence of maternal condition (total length, L T , and age class in years) and environmental factors (water temperature and fish density) on fecundity, egg size and net annual reproductive effort (E R , defined as the ratio of total egg production mass to body mass) within several stocks. Regardless of location within the drainage network, bullhead reproduction was synchronous, with only a single batch and fecundity ranging from 69 to 896 eggs per female. As with L T fecundity increased with age, although the difference between age classes 5 and 6 years was smaller than between other age classes. Egg diameter also increased with age from age classes 2 to 4 years, but then tended to decrease for age classes 5-6 years. Multiple stepwise regression was used to examine the effect of female L T , water temperature and fish densities on bullhead egg production for each of the four age classes (2, 3, 4 and 5-6 years) separately. When statistically significant, water temperature always had a positive effect and fish densities a negative effect, on fecundity and egg size. The L T always had a positive effect on fecundity for all the age classes. In contrast, L T had a positive effect on egg size and E R only for female reaching maturity (2 years), whereas intermediate aged females (3-4 years) were insensitive and the oldest fish showed a negative response.
First record of potential Batesian mimicry in an elasmobranch: juvenile zebra sharks mimic banded sea snakes?

Various forms of mimicry have been recorded in a large number of marine fishes; however, there have been no records of mimicry for any elasmobranch species. We propose that the distinctly banded neonates of the zebra shark (Stegostoma fasciatum) are Batesian mimics of banded sea snakes (Elapidae). Observations of banded juveniles of S. fasciatum swimming close to the surface strongly resemble banded sea snakes in colour and body form as well as the undulatory swimming movements. Sea snakes are venomous and are known to defend themselves against predators. Although several shark species prey on them, most species appear to avoid sea snakes as prey items. Juvenile S. fasciatum possess a very long, single-lobed caudal fin that remarkably resembles the broad, paddle-like tail of sea snakes. This may be an adaptation enabling this species to mimic sea snakes, at least in the earliest life stages. There is a need for empirical testing of the hypothesis that juvenile S. fasciatum is a true example of Batesian mimicry, but here we provide evidence that suggests this may be the first example of mimicry in an elasmobranch species.
Phosphorus Loads to Surface Waters: A Simple Model to Account for Spatial Pattern of Land Use

Modeling nonpoint-source phosphorus (P) loading from land to surface wa- ters can be both complex and data intensive. Our goal was to develop a simple model that would account for spatial pattern in topography and land use using geographic information system (GIS) databases. We estimated areas of the watershed that strongly contributed to P loading by approximating overland flow, and modeled annual P loading by fitting three parameters to data obtained by stream monitoring. We calibrated the model using P loading data from two years of contrasting annual precipitation for Lake Mendota, a Wisconsin eutrophic lake in a watershed dominated by agriculture and urban lands. Land-use scenarios were developed to estimate annual P loading from pre-settlement and future land uses. As much as half of the Lake Mendota watershed did not contribute significantly to annual P loading. The greatest contribution to loading came from a heterogeneous riparian corridor that varied in width from 0.1 km to :6 km depending on topography and runoff conditions. We estimate that loading from pre-settlement land use was one-sixth of the loading from present land use. A future scenario, representing an 80% increase in existing urban land (from 9 to 16% of total watershed area, which would be reached in 30 yr with current land- use trends), showed only modest increases in annual P loading but possible significant effects on water quality. If the watershed were to become entirely urbanized, P loading to the lake would double and potential effects on water quality would be severe. Changes in P loading were strongest with conversions of undisturbed vegetated lands, especially ri- parian areas, to either urban or agricultural uses. Variability in total annual rainfall leads to variability in the riparian area that affects P loading, with implications for policies intended to control nonpoint nutrient inputs.
Food and feed components for gut health-promoting adhesion of E. coli and Salmonella enterica

BACKGROUND: A host runs less risk of contracting a gastrointestinal infection when enteropathogenic bacteria adhere to dietary fibers instead of to epithelial cell receptors. The aim of this study was to test the binding capacity of food and feed components for intestinal bacteria from various hosts using a miniaturized in vitro assay. In total, 18 dietary components were tested with four strains of E. coli, seven strains of Salmonella enterica and two strains of Lactobacillus. RESULTS: A comparison of the results obtained for all Salmonella strains tested revealed that konjac gum and sesame seed extract represented the most efficient binding matrices. Similarly, for all E. coli strains tested, sesame seed extract and artichoke performed well as binding matrices. Salmonella isolates from chickens adhered best to sesame seed extract. E. coli K88 and S. enterica sv. Typhimurium isolated from pigs effectively bound to BioMos®, pumpkin, sesame seed extract, and tomato. Sesame seed extract and tomato also had adhesive capacities for E. coli K 99, S. enterica sv. Dublin, and S. enterica sv. Typhimurium from calves. With human isolates, konjac gum showed a high binding potential for S. enterica and E. coli. CONCLUSION: The adhesion screening of different food and feed components resulted in highly discriminating product rankings. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
GROWTH AND NUMBERS OF SPECKLED ALDER FOLLOWING LOGGING OF BLACK SPRUCE PEATLANDS

Information collected on speckled alder during an examination of black spruce and balsam fir reproduction in peatlands of northern Ontario indicates that alder develops rapidly following cutting of the softwood overstorey, but the phase of most rapid height growth is completed within about 10 years when it has attained an average height of five to six feet. Openings of various sizes occur in alder stands. Exclusive of openings, the stands examined varied from 16,000 to 30,000 stems per acre, with the crown closure ranging from 40 to 80 per cent and averaging about 50 per cent.