gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Effect of organic acids on the growth and fermentation of ethanologenic <i>Escherichia coli</i> LY01 (1999)

Hemicellulose residues can be hydrolyzed into a sugar syrup using dilute mineral acids. Although this syrup represents a potential feedstock for biofuel production, toxic compounds generated during hydrolysis limit microbial metabolism. Escherichia coli LY01, an ethanologenic biocatalyst engineered to ferment the mixed sugars in hemicellulose syrups, has been tested for resistance to selected organic acids that are present in hemicellulose hydrolysates. Compounds tested include aromatic acids derived from lignin (ferulic, gallic, 4-hydroxybenzoic, syringic, and vanillic acids), acetic acid from the hydrolysis of acetylxylan, and others derived from sugar destruction (furoic, formic, levulinic, and caproic acids). Toxicity was related to hydrophobicity. Combinations of acids were roughly additive as inhibitors of cell growth. When tested at concentrations that inhibited growth by 80%, none appeared to strongly inhibit glycolysis and energy generation, or to disrupt membrane integrity. Toxicity was not markedly affected by inoculum size or incubation temperature. The toxicity of all acids except gallic acid was reduced by an increase in initial pH (from pH 6.0 to pH 7.0 to pH 8.0). Together, these results are consistent with the hypothesis that both aliphatic and mononuclear organic acids inhibit growth and ethanol production in LY01 by collapsing ion gradients and increasing internal anion concentrations.
Airway responsiveness to methacholine: effects of deep inhalations and airway inflammation (1999)

We determined the dose-response curves to inhaled methacholine (MCh) in 16 asthmatic and 8 healthy subjects with prohibition of deep inhalations (DIs) and with 5 DIs taken after each MCh dose. Flow was measured on partial expiratory flow-volume curves at an absolute lung volume (plethysmographically determined) equal to 25% of control forced vital capacity (FVC). Airway inflammation was assessed in asthmatic subjects by analysis of induced sputum. Even when DIs were prohibited, the dose of MCh causing a 50% decrease in forced partial flow at 25% of control FVC (PD(50)MCh) was lower in asthmatic than in healthy subjects (P < 0.0001). In healthy but not in asthmatic subjects, repeated DIs significantly decreased the maximum response to MCh [from 90 +/- 4 to 62 +/- 8 (SD) % of control, P < 0.001], increased PD(50)MCh (P < 0.005), without affecting the dose causing 50% of maximal response. In asthmatic subjects, neither PD(50)MCh when DIs were prohibited nor changes in PD(50)MCh induced by DIs were significantly correlated with inflammatory cell numbers or percentages in sputum. We conclude that 1) even when DIs are prohibited, the responsiveness to MCh is greater in asthmatic than in healthy subjects; 2) repeated DIs reduce airway responsiveness in healthy but not in asthmatic subjects; and 3) neither airway hyperresponsiveness nor the inability of DIs to relax constricted airways in asthmatic subjects is related to the presence of inflammatory cells in the airways.
A Simple Device to Obtain a Pulsatile Flow (1976)

A simple device allowing a pulsatile flow to be obtained in isolated organ perfusion has been developed and applied to the vascular perfusion of isolated canine jejunal segments. The principle of the device consists of superimposing on a constant pressure produced by a roller pump, a pulsatile pressure of which the amplitude, frequency, and shape of the pulses can be adjusted separately and independently of the mean pressure value. The role of the arterial pulse in intestinal vascular perfusion has been studied by comparing the hemodynamic and metabolic behavior during alternate periods of pulsatile and nonpulsatile pumping. While no striking change in vascular resistance was observed, the O2 consumption was significantly increased under pulsatile flow. These results testify to better metabolic conditions and enhanced organ functions under pulsatile pumping and also argue for improved intestinal microcirculation despite the constancy of the vascular resistance.
Human Neutrophil-Mediated Nonoxidative Antifungal Activity against<i>Cryptococcus neoformans</i> (2000)

It has long been appreciated that polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) kill Cryptococcus neoformans, at least in part via generation of fungicidal oxidants. The aim of this study was to examine the contribution of nonoxidative mechanisms to the inhibition and killing of C. neoformans. Treatment of human PMN with inhibitors and scavengers of respiratory burst oxidants only partially reversed anticryptococcal activity, suggesting that both oxidative and nonoxidative mechanisms were operative. To define the mediators of nonoxidative anticryptococcal activity, PMN were fractionated into cytoplasmic, primary (azurophil) granule, and secondary (specific) granule fractions. Incubation of C. neoformans with these fractions for 18 h resulted in percent inhibition of growth of 67.4 +/- 3.4, 84.6 +/- 4.4, and 29.2 +/- 10.5 (mean +/- standard error, n = 3), respectively. Anticryptococcal activity of the cytoplasmic fraction was abrogated by zinc and depletion of calprotectin. Antifungal activity of the primary granules was significantly reduced by pronase treatment, boiling, high ionic strength, and magnesium but not calcium. Fractionation of the primary granules by reverse phase high-pressure liquid chromatography on a C(4) column over an acetonitrile gradient revealed multiple peaks with anticryptococcal activity. Of these, peaks 1 and 6 had substantial fungistatic and fungicidal activity. Peak 1 was identified by acid-urea polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) and mass spectroscopy as human neutrophil proteins (defensins) 1 to 3. Analysis of peak 6 by sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE revealed multiple bands. Thus, human PMN have nonoxidative anticryptococcal activity residing principally in their cytoplasmic and primary granule fractions. Calprotectin mediates the cytoplasmic activity, whereas multiple proteins, including defensins, are responsible for activity of the primary granules.
Complete nucleotide sequence of a circular plasmid from the Lyme disease spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi (1994)

We have determined the complete nucleotide sequence of a small circular plasmid from the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi Ip21, the agent of Lyme disease. The plasmid (cp8.3/Ip21) is 8,303 bp long, has a 76.6% A+T content, and is unstable upon passage of cells in vitro. An analysis of the sequence revealed the presence of two nearly perfect copies of a 184-bp inverted repeat sequence separated by 2,675 bp containing three closely spaced, but nonoverlapping, open reading frames (ORFs). Each inverted repeat ends in sequences that may function as signals for the initiation of transcription and translation of flanking plasmid sequences. A unique oligonucleotide probe based on the repeated sequence showed that the DNA between the repeats is present predominantly in a single orientation. Additional copies of the repeat were not detected elsewhere in the Ip21 genome. An analysis for potential ORFs indicates that the plasmid has nine highly probable protein-coding ORFs and one that is less probable; together, they occupy almost 71% of the nucleotide sequence. Analysis of the deduced amino acid sequences of the ORFs revealed one (ORF-9) with features in common with Borrelia lipoproteins and another (ORF-2) having limited homology with a replication protein, RepC, from a gram-positive plasmid that replicates by a rolling circle (RC) mechanism. Known collectively as RC plasmids, such plasmids require a double-stranded origin at which the Rep protein nicks the DNA to generate a single-stranded replication intermediate. cp8.3/Ip21 has three copies of the heptameric motif characteristically found at a nick site of most RC plasmids. These observations suggest that cp8.3/Ip21 may replicate by an RC mechanism.
Macrophages in giant cell tumours of bone (1978)

Five giant cell tumours of bone were studied to determine the degree of macrophage infiltration and whether the giant cells expressed the characteristics commonly associated with macrophages, i.e., IgGFc and C3 receptors, phagocytosis and non-specific esterase activity. Macrophages were assessed in trypsin-derived tumour cell suspensions by IgGEAC rosette formation and in frozen sections of tumour by EA adsorption. The percentage of macrophages in cell suspensions from four of the tumours ranged from 11 to 40 per cent. Strong EA adsorption occurred over 35 to 95 per cent. of the tumours' surface and significant non-specific esterase positivity was observed in the tumour sections. The giant cells were receptor negative and non-phagocytic, but a low percentage of them expressed esterase activity. The results strongly suggest that despite the fact that large numbers of macrophages were present in the tumours, the giant cells were derived from cells other than macrophages.
Formation of 1,2,4-triazinium 1-imides from 4-aryl-1-azido-1,3-bis(dimethylamino)-2-azabutenylium salts: heterocyclic N-imides lacking exocyclic stabilisation (1985)

Treatment of 4-aryl-1-azido-1,3-bis(dimethylamino)-2-azabutrnylium perchlorates (5) with sodium hydroxide yields stable 6-aryl-3,5-bis(dimethylamino)-1,2,4-triazinium 1-imides (8), in which the exocyclic nitrogen atom bears only hydrogen.
Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 Stimulates Osteoclast Differentiation and Survival Supported by Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-κB Ligand (2001)

Bone is a major storage site for TGFbeta superfamily members, including TGFbeta and bone morphogenetic proteins. It is believed that these cytokines are released from bone during bone resorption. Recent studies have shown that both RANKL and macrophage colony-stimulating factor are two essential factors produced by osteoblasts for inducing osteoclast differentiation. In the present study we examined the effects of bone morphogenetic protein-2 on osteoclast differentiation and survival supported by RANKL and/or macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages differentiated into osteoclasts in the presence of RANKL and macrophage colony-stimulating factor. TGFbeta superfamily members such as bone morphogenetic protein-2, TGFbeta, and activin A markedly enhanced osteoclast differentiation induced by RANKL and macrophage colony-stimulating factor, although each cytokine alone failed to induce osteoclast differentiation in the absence of RANKL. Addition of a soluble form of bone morphogenetic protein receptor type IA to the culture markedly inhibited not only osteoclast formation induced by RANKL and bone morphogenetic protein-2, but also the basal osteoclast formation supported by RANKL alone. Either RANKL or macrophage colony-stimulating factor stimulated the survival of purified osteoclasts. Bone morphogenetic protein-2 enhanced the survival of purified osteoclasts supported by RANKL, but not by macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Both bone marrow macrophages and mature osteoclasts expressed bone morphogenetic protein-2 and bone morphogenetic protein receptor type IA mRNAs. An EMSA revealed that RANKL activated nuclear factor-kappaB in purified osteoclasts. Bone morphogenetic protein-2 alone did not activate nuclear factor-kappaB, but rather inhibited the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB induced by RANKL in purified osteoclasts. These findings suggest that bone morphogenetic protein-mediated signals cross-communicate with RANKL-mediated ones in inducing osteoclast differentiation and survival. The enhancement of RANKL-induced survival of osteoclasts by bone morphogenetic protein-2 appears unrelated to nuclear factor-kappaB activation.
Polyethyleneimine-Mediated Functionalization of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes: Synthesis, Characterization, and In Vitro Toxicity Assay (2009)

Polymer-functionalized carbon nanotubes hold great promise for their use in environmental and biomedical applications. In this work, polyethyleneimine (PEI) was covalently bonded to acid-treated multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) through amide bond formation. The amine groups of PEI on the surface of MWCNTs were then reacted with acetic anhydride or succinic anhydride to form MWCNTs with neutral or negative surface charges, respectively. The structural transformation, surface potential, and morphology of the functionalized MWCNTs were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance, thermogravimetric analysis, zeta potential, and transmission electron microscopy. The functionalized MWCNTs are water-soluble and stable. In vitro cytotoxicity assays using both FRO cells (a human thyroid cancer cell line) and KB cells (a human epithelial carcinoma cell line) reveal that the biocompatibility of these functionalized MWCNTs is largely dependent on their surface potential. Neutral and negatively charged MWCNTs are nontoxic to both cell lines at a concentration up to 100 μg/mL, whereas positively charged MWCNTs are toxic to FRO cells at 10 μg/mL. The results of this study demonstrate that PEI-modified MWCNTs can be chemically modified to alter their surface charges and cytotoxicity, thereby significantly improving the biocompatibility of the materials for a variety of biomedical applications.
Design, Synthesis, and Preliminary Evaluation of Gabapentin‐Pregabalin Mutual Prodrugs in Relieving Neuropathic Pain (2005)

As a part of a program for the development of specific analgesics in relieving neuropathic pain, the purpose of the present study was to investigate a new concept that involves the conjugation of two drugs, gabapentin and pregabalin, as mutual prodrugs using a chemical modification approach. A series of gabapentin-pregabalin diester compounds were synthesized using linear or branch bis-hydroxyl linkers. Their pharmacological properties for treating neuropathic pain were investigated in a rat model of chronic sciatic nerve constriction injury (CCI). In-vivo evaluation demonstrated that 1a and 1b composed of two gabapentin molecules as well as 3a composed of gabapentin and pregabalin with the short linear linker, were effective in reversing tactile allodynia in CCI rats. Compounds with longer or side-branched linkers showed lower efficiencies and severe adverse effects.
<title>Shearing interferometer to characterize EUV optics with a laser plasma source</title> (2000)

In order to assess the imaging quality of EUV optics, extensive metrology needs to be performed. Mirror substrates are commonly investigated with AFM, while optical probes and visible light interferometry are used to probe respectively high-, mid- and low spatial frequencies. Coatings on flat substrates are usually investigated using Cu-K(alpha) , i.e. X- ray reflectometry at grazing incidence. EUV-reflectometry can be performed on curved optics as well. Assembled EUV imaging systems have been evaluated by both visible-light and EUV interferometry. Most EUV interferometry has been performed with a point-diffraction interferometer, requiring the laser- like spatial coherence of a synchrotron. Early demonstrations indicated that the compact laser plasma source proposed for EUV lithographic tools could also be used. We have continued in this direction, and have demonstrated by means of computer simulation and experiments with visible light that an absolute accuracy of better than 10 milliwaves, i.e. 0.13 nm when using EUV, can be achieved by a shearing interferometer. This contribution describes the realization and first results of such an interferometer, employing a laser plasma as a EUV light source. The same scheme could however be used for all EUV sources proposed for EUV lithography.
Field-flow fractionation (1988)

ADVERTISEMENT RETURN TO ISSUEPREVArticleNEXTFIELD-FLOW FRACTIONATIONKarin D. CaldwellCite this: Anal. Chem. 1988, 60, 17, 959A–971APublication Date (Print):September 1, 1988Publication History Published online30 May 2012Published inissue 1 September 1988https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/ac00168a717https://doi.org/10.1021/ac00168a717research-articleACS PublicationsRequest reuse permissionsArticle Views259Altmetric-Citations52LEARN ABOUT THESE METRICSArticle Views are the COUNTER-compliant sum of full text article downloads since November 2008 (both PDF and HTML) across all institutions and individuals. These metrics are regularly updated to reflect usage leading up to the last few days.Citations are the number of other articles citing this article, calculated by Crossref and updated daily. Find more information about Crossref citation counts.The Altmetric Attention Score is a quantitative measure of the attention that a research article has received online. Clicking on the donut icon will load a page at altmetric.com with additional details about the score and the social media presence for the given article. Find more information on the Altmetric Attention Score and how the score is calculated. Share Add toView InAdd Full Text with ReferenceAdd Description ExportRISCitationCitation and abstractCitation and referencesMore Options Share onFacebookTwitterWechatLinked InRedditEmail Other access optionsGet e-Alertsclose Get e-Alerts
ROS‐Mediated NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity Is Essential for Burn‐Induced Acute Lung Injury (2015)

The NLRP3 inflammasome is necessary for initiating acute sterile inflammation. However, its role in the pathogenesis of burn-induced acute lung injury (ALI) is unknown. This study aimed to determine the role of the NLRP3 inflammasome and the signaling pathways involved in burn-induced ALI. We observed that the rat lungs exhibited enhanced inflammasome activity after burn, as evidenced by increased levels of NLRP3 expression and Caspase-1 activity and augmented inflammatory cytokines. Inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome by BAY11-7082 attenuated burn-induced ALI, as demonstrated by the concomitant remission of histopathologic changes and the reduction of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, inflammatory cytokines in rat lung tissue, and protein concentrations in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). In the in vitro experiments, we used AMs (alveolar macrophages) challenged with burn serum to mimic the postburn microenvironment and noted that the serum significantly upregulated NLRP3 inflammasome signaling and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The use of ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine (NAC) partially reversed NLRP3 inflammasome activity in cells exposed to burn serum. These results indicate that the NLRP3 inflammasome plays an essential role in burn-induced ALI and that burn-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activity is a partly ROS-dependent process. Targeting this axis may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of burn-induced ALI.
avnA, a gene encoding a cytochrome P-450 monooxygenase, is involved in the conversion of averantin to averufin in aflatoxin biosynthesis in Aspergillus parasiticus (1997)

Recent studies have shown that at least 17 genes involved in the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway are clustered within a 75-kb DNA fragment in the genome of Aspergillus parasiticus. Several additional transcripts have also been mapped to this gene cluster. A gene, avnA (previously named ord-1), corresponding to one of the two transcripts identified earlier between the ver-1 and omtA genes on the gene cluster was sequenced. The nucleotide sequence of the avnA gene contains a coding region for a protein of 495 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 56.3 kDa. The gene consists of three exons and two introns. Disruption of the avnA gene in the wild-type aflatoxigenic A. parasiticus strain (SU1-N3) resulted in a nonaflatoxigenic mutant which accumulated a bright yellow pigment. Thin-layer chromatographic studies with six different solvent systems showed that the migration patterns of the accumulated metabolite were identical to those of averantin, a known aflatoxin precursor. Precursor feeding studies with this mutant showed that norsolorinic acid and averantin were not converted to aflatoxin whereas 5'-hydroxyaverantin, averufanin, averufin, versicolorin A. sterigmatocystin, and O-methylsterigmatocystin were converted to aflatoxins. Southern blot analysis of the wild-type strain and avnA-disrupted mutant strain indicated that the avnA gene was disrupted in the mutant strain. A search of the GenBank database for similarity indicated that the avnA gene encodes a cytochrome P-450-type monooxygenase, and it has been assigned to a new P-450 gene family named CYP60A1. We have therefore concluded that the avnA gene encodes a fungal cytochrome P-450-type enzyme which is involved in the conversion of averantin to averufin in the aflatoxin biosynthetic pathway in A. parasiticus.
Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Trigonella foenum-graecum (seed) extract. (2009)

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects were examined in a partially purified fraction (MTH) of the Trigonella foenum-graecum seed extract. The analgesic effects of graded doses of fraction (MTH in 10-40 mg/kg p.o.) were evaluated in mice against acetic acid induced writhing (chemically induced pain) and hot-plate method (thermally induced pain). The analgesia produced by MTH was compared with the standard analgesics pentazocine (PTZ, 5 mg/kg p.o.) and diclofenac sodium (DIS, 5 mg/kg p.o.). Acute anti-inflammatory activity of fraction (MTH) was also evaluated in carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model at the doses 10 and 20 mg/kg i.p. and compared with diclofenac sodium (5 mg/kg i.p.). In comparison to control group MTH showed highly significant, dose dependent analgesic activity against thermally as well as chemically induced pain (p < 0.001). MTH at the dose of 40 mg/kg has shown significant analgesic activity (p < 0.001) as compared to diclofenac sodium and pentazocine at the doses employed. In comparison to control, MTH at the employed doses produced marked acute anti-inflammatory activity in rats (p <0.001). The results suggest that the water soluble fraction (MTH) of herbal origin has significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential as reflected by the parameters investigated. Further investigations are, however, necessary to explore mechanism(s) of action involved in these pharmacological activities.
Safety and efficacy of fumonisin esterase (FUMzyme®) as a technological feed additive for all avian species (2016)

FUMzyme is an enzyme-based feed additive intended to degrade fumonisin mycotoxins found as contaminants in feeds for avian species. It is produced from a genetically modified strain of Komagataella pastoris. The additive is already authorised for use with pigs. During the course of this assessment, it was shown that the production strain and its recombinant genes are not present in the final product. Safety for the consumer, the user and the environment were also established. The extension of its use to all avian species is not expected to alter these conclusions. Chickens and turkeys for fattening and laying hens showed no adverse effect when given feed containing 100 times the maximum recommended dose. Consequently, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) concludes that the additive is safe for poultry when used within the dose range proposed (15-300 U/kg feed) and extends this conclusion to all other avian species. Five shortterm feeding studies were made in which poultry were given feed contaminated with fumonisins with or without the additive. Each included a measure of the concentration of fumonisin B1 and its breakdown products and showed that the enzyme was able to significantly reduce the concentration of fumonisin in faeces and various points in the digestive tract and increase the concentration of the degradation products. In addition, ratio of sphinganine/sphingosine, considered the most sensitive endpoint for fumonisin toxicosis, was significantly reduced by the addition of FUMzyme at the minimum proposed dose, when added to diets contaminated with fumonisins. FUMzyme has the capacity to degrade fumonisins in feed, at concentrations below the Guidance limits operating in the EU in chickens and turkeys for fattening and laying hens at the minimum recommended dose of 15 U/kg complete feed. This conclusion can be extrapolated to all avian species.