Changes in the biochemical components of mandarin fruits after pest control in the Republic of Abkhazia

The study assessing biochemical components (sugars and organic acids) in mandarin fruits after pest control was carried out in matured plantings of cv. Unshiu mandarin in the Republic of Abkhazia in 2019-2020. The treated fruits contained a greater amount of soluble carbohydrates than the fruits in control. The predominant form of monosaccharides is fructose (17.78-17.85 g/l, with 11.89 g/l in the control) in the fruits from the standard treatment and in variant 6 (with a combination of Metamax, Vermitek and Karate Zeon), which is preferable, since it has the greatest sweetness (173 units), providing a sweeter taste of the fruit. According to the content of organic acids, variants 6 and 8 (four treatments with Diatomite, 6%) were distinguished, the content of citric acid on which was 11.86-11.3 mg/l. A more balanced taste of the fruit was in variants 6, 7 (four treatments with Diatomite, 3%) and 8 (sugar-acid index from 7.7 to 7.9 units). Taking into account the content of basic acids and sugars in mandarin fruits, it is possible to predict the impact of insecticides and their combinations on their basic taste properties.

The molecular forms of BMP15 in a range of mammalian species

<p>BMP15 is an oocyte-secreted growth factor that is critical for ovarian follicular development and fertility in mammals. To improve our understanding of the species-specific effects of BMP15 on fertility, the aim of this study was to elucidate the molecular forms of BMP15 in mammals with high (rat and pigs) and low (sheep and deer) litter sizes. Western blotting experiments were undertaken using a monoclonal antibody directed against a semi-conserved area on the mature region of E.coli-expressed ovine BMP15. Within the oocyte lysate of all species tested, the predominant form was promature BMP15, although mature BMP15 was also present. Within oocyte-conditioned media of sheep, pigs and deer, the promature:mature BMP15 ratio dropped significantly from what was seen inside the oocyte, with promature BMP15 only slightly predominant in deer, and relatively equal amounts of each protein were present in pigs and sheep. No BMP15 was detected in the oocyte-conditioned media of rats. Cross-linking studies did not provide any evidence of BMP15/BMP15 homodimers or BMP15/GDF9 heterodimers in any species tested. Intra-oocyte levels of both promature and mature BMP15, from highest to lowest, were detected in deer, followed by sheep and pigs (similar), and then rats (significantly lower). In the oocyte-conditioned media, with the exception of the rat where BMP15 was absent, there was a similar pattern of promature BMP15 levels observed between species, whereas mature BMP15 levels showed no inter-species variation. In summary, the molecular forms and relative amounts of BMP15 protein differ across species. Generally, high BMP15 levels were associated with low litter size; however the pig is an exception. Furthermore, the molecular forms observed in this study differed from those reported in studies using recombinant BMP15 suggesting that recombinantly-expressed protein may not provide a fair representation of native BMP15.</p>

The molecular forms of BMP15 in a range of mammalian species

<p>BMP15 is an oocyte-secreted growth factor that is critical for ovarian follicular development and fertility in mammals. To improve our understanding of the species-specific effects of BMP15 on fertility, the aim of this study was to elucidate the molecular forms of BMP15 in mammals with high (rat and pigs) and low (sheep and deer) litter sizes. Western blotting experiments were undertaken using a monoclonal antibody directed against a semi-conserved area on the mature region of E.coli-expressed ovine BMP15. Within the oocyte lysate of all species tested, the predominant form was promature BMP15, although mature BMP15 was also present. Within oocyte-conditioned media of sheep, pigs and deer, the promature:mature BMP15 ratio dropped significantly from what was seen inside the oocyte, with promature BMP15 only slightly predominant in deer, and relatively equal amounts of each protein were present in pigs and sheep. No BMP15 was detected in the oocyte-conditioned media of rats. Cross-linking studies did not provide any evidence of BMP15/BMP15 homodimers or BMP15/GDF9 heterodimers in any species tested. Intra-oocyte levels of both promature and mature BMP15, from highest to lowest, were detected in deer, followed by sheep and pigs (similar), and then rats (significantly lower). In the oocyte-conditioned media, with the exception of the rat where BMP15 was absent, there was a similar pattern of promature BMP15 levels observed between species, whereas mature BMP15 levels showed no inter-species variation. In summary, the molecular forms and relative amounts of BMP15 protein differ across species. Generally, high BMP15 levels were associated with low litter size; however the pig is an exception. Furthermore, the molecular forms observed in this study differed from those reported in studies using recombinant BMP15 suggesting that recombinantly-expressed protein may not provide a fair representation of native BMP15.</p>

Analysis of Brownfields Sites in the Villages and Towns in the Czech Republic

The issue associated with the situation of brownfields around the world is a very current topic today. This article focuses on the situation of the existence of brownfields in the Czech Republic. The aim of this article is to assess the current situation of brownfields from the perspective of municipalities and cities in the Czech Republic. The data in the paper were collected by means of a questionnaire applied to towns and villages in the Czech Republic. The existence of brownfields in regions can have a negative impact on the development of the relevant area, such as villages, towns or higher-level administrative units. The research took place from 9 July 2018 to 31 January 2019. The rate of return on the primary research was 43.2% of the respondents. The results showed that brownfields mainly occur in former industrial regions. The predominant form of ownership of abandoned buildings and grounds was private ownership. It can be stated that agricultural, industrial activity and former civic amenities dominated in the previous use. Last but not least, the study points to regional differences that are noticeable between municipalities and cities in individual NUTS 3 regions in connection to the issue of brownfields.

Crosstalk between KRAS, SRC and YAP Signaling in Pancreatic Cancer: Interactions Leading to Aggressive Disease and Drug Resistance

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the predominant form of pancreatic cancer, remains a devastating disease. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent literature on mechanistic and translational developments that advance our understanding of a complex crosstalk between KRAS, YAP and Src tyrosine kinase family (SFK) in PDAC development and maintenance. We discuss recent studies indicating the importance of RAS dimerization in signal transduction and new findings showing that the potent pro-oncogenic members of the SFK phosphorylate and inhibit RAS function. These surprising findings imply that RAS may not play a crucial role in maintaining certain subtypes of PDAC. In support of this interpretation, current evidence indicates that the survival of the basal-like subtype of PDAC is less dependent on RAS but relies, at least in part, on the activity of YAP/TAZ. Based on current evidence, we propose that SFK propels PDAC cells to a state of high metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and reduced dependence on KRAS signaling, salient features of the aggressive basal-like/squamous subtype of PDAC. Strategies for PDAC treatment should consider the opposite effects of tyrosine phosphorylation on KRAS and SFK/YAP in the design of drug combinations that target these novel crosstalk mechanisms and overcome drug resistance.

Regulation of Tocopherol Biosynthesis During Fruit Maturation of Different Citrus Species

Tocopherols are plant-derived isoprenoids with vitamin E activity, which are involved in diverse physiological processes in plants. Although their biosynthesis has been extensively investigated in model plants, their synthesis in important fruit crops as Citrus has scarcely been studied. Therefore, the aim of this work was to initiate a physiological and molecular characterization of tocopherol synthesis and accumulation in Citrus fruits during maturation. For that purpose, we selected fruit of the four main commercial species: grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), lemon (Citrus limon), sweet orange (Citrus sinensis), and mandarin (Citrus clementina), and analyzed tocopherol content and the expression profile of 14 genes involved in tocopherol synthesis during fruit maturation in both the flavedo and pulp. The selected genes covered the pathways supplying the tocopherol precursors homogentisate (HGA) (TAT1 and HPPD) and phytyl pyrophosphate (PPP) (VTE5, VTE6, DXS1 and 2, GGPPS1 and 6, and GGDR) and the tocopherol-core pathway (VTE2, VTE3a, VTE3b, VTE1, and VTE4). Tocopherols accumulated mainly as α- and γ-tocopherol, and α-tocopherol was the predominant form in both tissues. Moreover, differences were detected between tissues, among maturation stages and genotypes. Contents were higher in the flavedo than in the pulp during maturation, and while they increased in the flavedo they decreased or were maintained in the pulp. Among genotypes, mature fruit of lemon accumulated the highest tocopherol content in both the flavedo and the pulp, whereas mandarin fruit accumulated the lowest concentrations, and grapefruit and orange had intermediate levels. Higher concentrations in the flavedo were associated with a higher expression of all the genes evaluated, and different genes are suitable candidates to explain the temporal changes in each tissue: (1) in the flavedo, the increase in tocopherols was concomitant with the up-regulation of TAT1 and VTE4, involved in the supply of HGA and the shift of γ- into α-tocopherol, respectively; and (2) in the pulp, changes paralleled the expression of VTE6, DXS2, and GGDR, which regulate PPP availability. Also, certain genes (i.e., VTE6, DXS2, and GGDR) were co-regulated and shared a similar pattern during maturation in both tissues, suggesting they are developmentally modulated.

Clinical Features of Sporotrichosis

Sporotrichosis is a mycosis caused by Sporothrixschenckii complex. Generallyoccurs by traumatic inoculation. It has a wide variety of clinical presentations and can affect the skin, lungs, bones, joints and other organs. The paper reviews the current scientific literature data on sporotrichosisand the different clinical presentations. Results: Sporotrichosis is classified as primary cutaneous disease, with three main clinical presentations: lymphocutaneous, fixed-cutaneous and disseminated; and the systemic disease. The predominant form is lymphangitic sporotrichosis, which represents 60-80% of cases in Mexico.

Frequency of sharp wound debridement in the management of diabetes-related foot ulcers: exploring current practice

Background Conservative sharp wound debridement (CSWD) is fundamental to wound bed preparation. Evidence-based practice guidelines strongly recommend frequent CSWD of diabetes-related foot ulcers (DFU) based on expert opinion and observational studies which suggest that more frequent debridement is associated with better healing outcomes. Aim To document current practice with regards to CSWD of DFU and whether this is performed at every visit, how often and what factors determine debridement frequency. Method Survey data were collected and managed using REDCap electronic data tools, a secure, web-based application. The survey was distributed through podiatry managers and relevant clinical networks between October 2017 and February 2018. Results One hundred clinicians opened the survey and seventy-five surveys were completed by n = 53 NSW Health (Australia) employed podiatrists (representing 41% of all NSW Health podiatrists), 11 privately practicing podiatrists, and 11 nurses. Most (n = 47) worked in metropolitan areas versus regional/remote (n = 28). CSWD was the most frequently used debridement method, performed at every visit by most (84%) of podiatrists. Callus, slough and infection presence were the top 3 most important determinants of frequency, with staff time (a limiting factor) ranking 4th. Regional/remote podiatrists practiced less frequent debridement compared with those in metropolitan areas (debridement every 2 weeks or less = 71% regional podiatrists versus 45% metropolitan podiatrists) (p = 0.024). Conclusion and clinical implications CSWD was the predominant form of debridement used with debridement occurring at every treatment visit for most of the clinicians surveyed. Debridement frequency was determined by clinical wound indications and staffing resources, with regional/remote podiatrists providing debridement less often than their metropolitan colleagues.

Estrogen receptor actions in colitis

In recent years, researchers have demonstrated that estrogen and its receptors, aside from their role in regulating several biological functions, contribute to the development and progression/severity of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). IBDs include both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). Epidemiological data indicate a clear difference in the incidence, severity, and complications of IBDs between sexes. Men present a higher risk of developing colitis than women and a higher risk of developing colorectal cancer, a common complication of this condition. However, fluctuations of estrogen levels have yielded inconsistent data, where oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy have been associated with an increased risk of IBDs in premenopausal women but significantly reduce disease activity after menopause. Likewise, improvement of symptoms related to CD has been reported during pregnancy, but not in UC, who often experience worsening symptoms. In the colonic epithelium, estrogen receptor β (ERβ) is the predominant form of the protein expressed, and it helps maintain normal epithelial function and organization. Preclinical data suggest that ER expression and activation via estrogen confers different responses on disease severity depending on the model used to induce colitis, which may reflect what is observed in patients with IBDs. Hence, this review aims to provide an overview of estrogen and its receptors, particularly ERβ, in the pathophysiology of IBDs.

Sull’umiltà nella Commedia

Dante deals specifically with the theme of humility only in the canto of the superbs ( Purgatory, X–XII). Still, the topic permeates the entire poem, from the moment Vergil invites Dante to follow him. Obedience is the predominant form that humility takes in Inferno. In Purgatory, it determines the choral forms of the language (prayer and singing), but it manifests itself most spectacularly in the Earthly Paradise procession, which takes the shape of a Cross, the highest symbol of humility in Christ and of Christianity. In Paradise, it is present in some key episodes (that of Cato, of St. Francis, and Dante’s theological exam). Yet, it is continuously signified in the language of image-symbols’ configuration that the blessed souls take in each heaven. Finally, it is humility that allows the Pilgrim to see God with his physical senses, which provide the lowest and most concrete form of knowledge, and yet the most sublime one.