Search results for "genetics [Genetic Variation]"

In Situ Polyphosphate Nanoparticle Formation in Hybrid Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Karaya Gum Hydrogels: A Porous Scaffold Inducing Infiltration of Mesenchym…

2018

Abstract The preparation and characterization of a porous hybrid cryogel based on the two organic polymers, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and karaya gum (KG), into which polyphosphate (polyP) nanoparticles have been incorporated, are described. The PVA/KG cryogel is prepared by intermolecular cross‐linking of PVA via freeze‐thawing and Ca2+‐mediated ionic gelation of KG to form stable salt bridges. The incorporation of polyP as amorphous nanoparticles with Ca2+ ions (Ca‐polyP‐NP) is achieved using an in situ approach. The polyP constituent does not significantly affect the viscoelastic properties of the PVA/KG cryogel that are comparable to natural soft tissue. The exposure of the Ca‐polyP‐NP w…

Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Natural History of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

2002

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma is increasing in many countries. The estimated number of new cases annually is over 500,000, and the yearly incidence comprises between 2.5 and 7% of patients with liver cirrhosis. The incidence varies between different geographic areas, being higher in developing areas; males are predominantly affected, with a 2:3 male/female ratio. The heterogeneous geographic distribution reflects the epidemiologic impact of the main etiologic factors and environmental risk, which are the hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) viruses. The percentage of cases of hepatocellular carcinoma attributable to HBV worldwide is 52.3% and is higher in Asia where the serop…

Epigenetic Status of an Adenovirus Type 12 Transgenome upon Long-Term Cultivation in Hamster Cells

2007

ABSTRACT The epigenetic status of integrated adenovirus type 12 (Ad12) DNA in hamster cells cultivated for about 4 decades has been investigated. Cell line TR12, a fibroblastic revertant of the Ad12-transformed epitheloid hamster cell line T637 with 15 copies of integrated Ad12 DNA, carries one Ad12 DNA copy plus a 3.9-kbp fragment from a second copy. The cellular insertion site for the Ad12 integrate, identical in both cell lines, is a >5.2-kbp inverted DNA repeat. The Ad12 transgenome is packaged around nucleosomes. The cellular junction is more sensitive to micrococcal nuclease at Ad12-occupied sites than at unoccupied sites. Bisulfite sequencing reveals complete de novo methylation i…

Lactococcal 949 group phages recognize a carbohydrate receptor on the host cell surface

2015

ABSTRACT Lactococcal bacteriophages represent one of the leading causes of dairy fermentation failure and product inconsistencies. A new member of the lactococcal 949 phage group, named WRP3, was isolated from cheese whey from a Sicilian factory in 2011. The genome sequence of this phage was determined, and it constitutes the largest lactococcal phage genome currently known, at 130,008 bp. Detailed bioinformatic analysis of the genomic region encoding the presumed initiator complex and baseplate of WRP3 has aided in the functional assignment of several open reading frames (ORFs), particularly that for the receptor binding protein required for host recognition. Furthermore, we demonstrate th…

Uptake and Metabolism of ?-Carotene Isomers in Rats

1993

Rapid laccolith intrusion driven by explosive volcanic eruption

2016

Magmatic intrusions and volcanic eruptions are intimately related phenomena. Shallow magma intrusion builds subsurface reservoirs that are drained by volcanic eruptions. Thus, the long-held view is that intrusions must precede and feed eruptions. Here we show that explosive eruptions can also cause magma intrusion. We provide an account of a rapidly emplaced laccolith during the 2011 rhyolite eruption of Cordón Caulle, Chile. Remote sensing indicates that an intrusion began after eruption onset and caused severe (>200 m) uplift over 1 month. Digital terrain models resolve a laccolith-shaped body ∼0.8 km3. Deformation and conduit flow models indicate laccolith depths of only ∼20–200 m and ov…

Prenatal androgen exposure modulates cellular and humoral immune function of black-headed gull chicks

2005

Avian eggs contain considerable amounts of maternal yolk androgens, which have been shown to beneficially influence the physiology and behaviour of the chick. As androgens may suppress immune functions, they may also entail costs for the chick. This is particularly relevant for colonial species, such as the black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus), in which the aggregation of large numbers of birds during the breeding season enhances the risk of infectious diseases for the hatching chick.To test the effect of maternal yolk androgens on the chick's immune function, we experimentally manipulated, in a field study, yolk androgen levels within the physiological range by in ovo injection of either a…

Salmo salar fish waste oil: Fatty acids composition and antibacterial activity

2020

Background and aims Fish by-products are generally used to produce fishmeal or fertilizers, with fish oil as a by-product. Despite their importance, fish wastes are still poorly explored and characterized and more studies are needed to reveal their potentiality. The goal of the present study was to qualitatively characterize and investigate the antimicrobial effects of the fish oil extracted from Salmo salar waste samples and to evaluate the potential use of these compounds for treating pathogen infections. Methods Salmo salar waste samples were divided in two groups: heads and soft tissues. Fatty acids composition, and in particular the content in saturated (SAFAs), mono-unsaturated (MUFA…

The role of soils in regulation and provision of blue and green water

2021

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6 aims for clean water and sanitation for all by 2030, through eight subgoals dealing with four themes: (i) water quantity and availability, (ii) water quality, (iii) finding sustainable solutions and (iv) policy and governance. In this opinion paper, we assess how soils and associated land and water management can help achieve this goal, considering soils at two scales: local soil health and healthy landscapes. The merging of these two viewpoints shows the interlinked importance of the two scales. Soil health reflects the capacity of a soil to provide ecosystem services at a specific location, taking into account local climate and soil condit…

Effects of different circuit training protocols on body mass, fat mass and blood parameters in overweight adults

2017

Benefits of exercise are known for a long time, but mechanisms underlying the exercise mode recommendations for specific chronic cardiovascular diseases remain unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of different circuit training protocols in order to determine which is the best for weight loss and for specific overweight- related disorders. Forty-five female sedentary overweight participants from 20 to 50 years (average 31.8±11.2) were enrolled and assigned to three different groups; each group was compared with a control normal-weight group. Three different circuit protocols were randomly assigned to each overweight group: aerobictone- aerobic (ATA), aerobic-circuit-aero…