In the last decade, an increasing number of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), chitin and chitosan applications have been reported. Their commercial demands have been extended to different markets, such as ...cosmetics, medicine, biotechnology, food and textiles. Marine wastes from fisheries and aquaculture are susceptible sources for polymers but optimized processes for their recovery and production must be developed to satisfy such necessities. In the present work, we have reviewed different alternatives reported in the literature to produce and purify chondroitin sulfate (CS), hyaluronic acid (HA) and chitin/chitosan (CH/CHs) with the aim of proposing environmentally friendly processes by combination of various microbial, chemical, enzymatic and membranes strategies and technologies.
ABSTRACT
The Ca2+‐dependent SOS pathway has emerged as a key mechanism in the homeostasis of Na+ and K+ under saline conditions. We have identified and functionally characterized the gene encoding ...the calcineurin‐interacting protein kinase of the SOS pathway in tomato, SlSOS2. On the basis of protein sequence similarity and complementation studies in yeast and Arabidopsis, it can be concluded that SlSOS2 is the functional tomato homolog of Arabidopsis AtSOS2 and that SlSOS2 operates in a tomato SOS signal transduction pathway. The biotechnological potential of SlSOS2 to provide salt tolerance was evaluated by gene overexpression in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. MicroTom). The better salt tolerance of transgenic plants relative to non‐transformed tomato was shown by their faster relative growth rate, earlier flowering and higher fruit production when grown with NaCl. The increased salinity tolerance of SlSOS2‐overexpressing plants was associated with higher sodium content in stems and leaves and with the induction and up‐regulation of the plasma membrane Na+/H+ (SlSOS1) and endosomal‐vacuolar K+,Na+/H+ (LeNHX2 and LeNHX4) antiporters, responsible for Na+ extrusion out of the root, active loading of Na+ into the xylem, and Na+ and K+ compartmentalization.
We have identified the SlSOS2 gene encoding a Calcineurin‐Interacting Protein Kinase in tomato and demonstrated that this gene is the functional homolog of Arabidopsis AtSOS2 (CIPK24). Overexpression of SlSOS2 was found to confer salt tolerance to transgenic tomato by regulating some Na+/H+ and (Na+,K+)/H+ transporters at the plasma membrane, tonoplast and intracellular membranes.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Obesity is associated with intestine dysbiosis and is characterized by a low-grade inflammatory status, which affects vascular function. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of a probiotic ...with immunomodulatory properties, Lactobacillus coryniformis CECT5711, in obese mice fed on an HFD (high-fat diet). The probiotic treatment was given for 12 weeks, and it did not affect the weight evolution, although it reduced basal glycaemia and insulin resistance. L. coryniformis administration to HFD-induced obese mice induced marked changes in microbiota composition and reduced the metabolic endotoxaemia as it decreased the LPS (lipopolysaccharide) plasma level, which was associated with a significant improvement in gut barrier disruption. Furthermore, it lowered TNFα (tumour necrosis factor α) expression in liver, improving the inflammatory status, and thus the glucose metabolism. Additionally, the probiotic reversed the endothelial dysfunction observed in obese mice when endothelium- and NO (nitric oxide)-dependent vasodilatation induced by acetylcholine in aortic rings was studied. It also restored the increased vessel superoxide levels observed in obese mice, by reducing NADPH oxidase activity and increasing antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, chronic probiotic administration for 2 weeks also improved endothelial dysfunction and vascular oxidative stress induced by in vivo administration of LPS in control mice fed on a standard chow diet. The results of the present study demonstrate an endothelial-protective effect of L. coryniformis CECT5711 in obese mice by increasing NO bioavailability, suggesting the therapeutic potential of this gut microbiota manipulation to prevent vasculopathy in obesity.
The endosomal LeNHX2 ion transporter exchanges H+ with K+ and, to lesser extent, Na+. Here, we investigated the response to NaCl supply and K+ deprivation in transgenic tomato (Solanum lycopersicum ...L.) overexpressing LeNHX2 and show that transformed tomato plants grew better in saline conditions than untransformed controls, whereas in the absence of K+ the opposite was found. Analysis of mineral composition showed a higher K+ content in roots, shoots and xylem sap of transgenic plants and no differences in Na+ content between transgenic and untransformed plants grown either in the presence or the absence of 120 mm NaCl. Transgenic plants showed higher Na+/H+ and, above all, K+/H+ transport activity in root intracellular membrane vesicles. Under K+ limiting conditions, transgenic plants enhanced root expression of the high‐affinity K+ uptake system HAK5 compared to untransformed controls. Furthermore, tomato overexpressing LeNHX2 showed twofold higher K+ depletion rates and half cytosolic K+ activity than untransformed controls. Under NaCl stress, transgenic plants showed higher uptake velocity for K+ and lower cytosolic K+ activity than untransformed plants. These results indicate the fundamental role of K+ homeostasis in the better performance of LeNHX2 overexpressing tomato under NaCl stress.
We have investigated the role of LeNHX2, an endosomal class‐II NHX transporter, in salt tolerance of tomato plants. Overexpression of LeNHX2 in tomato improves NaCl tolerance, decreased cytosolic K− and induced K− uptake by roots. The results suggest that LeNHX2 improves NaCl tolerance by regulating the activities of K− transport systems possibly through modulation of cytosolic K− levels.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
Artificial intelligence has experienced major developments in recent years and represents an emerging technology that will revolutionize the ways in which human beings live. This technology is ...already being introduced in the field of higher education, although many teachers are unaware of its scope and, above all, of what it consists of. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to analyse the scientific production on artificial intelligence in higher education indexed in Web of Science and Scopus databases during 2007–2017. A bespoke methodology of bibliometric studies was used in the most relevant databases in social science. The sample was composed of 132 papers in total. From the results obtained, it was observed that there is a worldwide interest in the topic and that the literature on this subject is just at an incipient stage. We conclude that, although artificial intelligence is a reality, the scientific production about its application in higher education has not been consolidated.
Summary
Photosynthesis and carbon fixation depend critically on the regulation of pH in chloroplast compartments in the daylight and at night. While it is established that an alkaline stroma is ...required for carbon fixation, it is not known how alkaline stromal pH is formed, maintained or regulated.
We tested whether two envelope transporters, AtKEA1 and AtKEA2, directly affected stromal pH in isolated Arabidopsis chloroplasts using the fluorescent probe 2ʹ,7ʹ‐bis‐(2‐carboxyethyl)‐5‐(and‐6)‐carboxyfluorescein (BCECF).
External K+‐induced alkalinization of the stroma was observed in chloroplasts from wild‐type (WT) plants but not from kea1kea2 mutants, suggesting that KEA1 and KEA2 mediate K+ uptake/H+ loss to modulate stromal pH. While light‐stimulated alkalinization of the stroma was independent of KEA1 and KEA2, the rate of decay to neutral pH in the dark is delayed in kea1kea2 mutants. However, the dark‐induced loss of a pH gradient across the thylakoid membrane was similar in WT and mutant chloroplasts.
This indicates that proton influx from the cytosol mediated by envelope K+/H+ antiporters contributes to adjustment of stromal pH upon light to dark transitions.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
The Active Healthy Kids Canada (AHKC) Report Card on Physical Activity for Children and Youth has been effective in
powering the movement to get kids moving
by influencing priorities, policies, and ...practice in Canada. The AHKC Report Card process was replicated in 14 additional countries from 5 continents using 9 common indicators (Overall Physical Activity, Organized Sport Participation, Active Play, Active Transportation, Sedentary Behavior, Family and Peers, School, Community and Built Environment, and Government Strategies and Investments), a harmonized process and a standardized grading framework. The 15 Report Cards were presented at the Global Summit on the Physical Activity of Children in Toronto on May 20, 2014. The consolidated findings are summarized here in the form of a global matrix of grades. There is a large spread in grades across countries for most indicators. Countries that lead in certain indicators lag in others. Overall, the grades for indicators of physical activity (PA) around the world are low/poor. Many countries have insufficient information to assign a grade, particularly for the Active Play and Family and Peers indicators. Grades for Sedentary Behaviors are, in general, better in low income countries. The Community and Built Environment indicator received high grades in high income countries and notably lower grades in low income countries. There was a pattern of higher PA and lower sedentary behavior in countries reporting poorer infrastructure, and lower PA and higher sedentary behavior in countries reporting better infrastructure, which presents an interesting paradox. Many surveillance and research gaps and weaknesses were apparent. International cooperation and cross-fertilization is encouraged to tackle existing challenges, understand underlying mechanisms, derive innovative solutions, and overcome the expanding childhood inactivity crisis.
BACKGROUND
Options to treat elderly patients (≥65 years old) newly diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) include intensive and attenuated chemotherapy, hypomethylating agents with or without ...venetoclax, and supportive care. This multicenter, randomized, open‐label, phase 3 trial was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of a fludarabine, cytarabine, and filgrastim (FLUGA) regimen in comparison with azacitidine (AZA).
METHODS
Patients (n = 283) were randomized 1:1 to FLUGA (n = 141) or AZA (n = 142). Response was evaluated after cycles 1, 3, 6, and 9. Measurable residual disease (MRD) was assessed after cycle 9. When MRD was ≥0.01%, patients continued with the treatment until relapse or progressive disease. Patients with MRD < 0.01% suspended treatment to enter the follow‐up phase.
RESULTS
The complete remission (CR) rate after 3 cycles was significantly better in the FLUGA arm (18% vs 9%; P = .04), but the CR/CR with incomplete recovery rate at 9 months was similar (33% vs 29%; P = .41). There were no significant differences between arms in early mortality at 30 or 60 days. Hematologic toxicities were more frequent with FLUGA, especially during induction. The 1‐year overall survival (OS) rate and the median OS were superior with AZA versus FLUGA: 47% versus 27% and 9.8 months (95% confidence interval CI, 5.6‐14 months) versus 4.1 months (95% CI, 2.7‐5.5 months; P = .005), respectively. The median event‐free survival was 4.9 months (95% CI, 2.8‐7 months) with AZA and 3 months (95% CI, 2.5‐3.5 months) with FLUGA (P = .001).
CONCLUSIONS
FLUGA achieved more remissions after 3 cycles, but the 1‐year OS rate was superior with AZA. However, long‐term outcomes were disappointing in both arms (3‐year OS rate, 10% vs 5%). This study supports the use of an AZA backbone for future combinations in elderly patients with AML.
Azacitidine improves 1‐year overall survival in comparison with a semi‐intensive chemotherapy schedule (FLUGA). The complete remission/complete remission with incomplete blood count recovery rate after 3 cycles is lower in an azacitidine arm than a FLUGA arm, but the best response achieved is similar for the 2 groups.
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BFBNIB, FZAB, GIS, IJS, KILJ, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, SBCE, SBMB, UL, UM, UPUK
In the current study, we examined the relationship between differentiation of self (DoS) and key relationship functioning variables among couples. This is the first study to test such relationships ...using a cross-cultural longitudinal approach (i.e., samples from Spain and the U.S.) while controlling for stressful life events-a key theoretical construct in Bowen Family Systems Theory.
A sample of 958 individuals (n = 137 couples from Spain, and n = 342 couples from U.S.) was used in cross sectional and longitudinal models to analyze the effects of a shared reality construct of DoS on anxious attachment, avoidant attachment, relationship stability, and relationship quality while considering gender and culture.
Our cross-sectional results indicated that men and women from both cultures experienced an increase in DoS over time. DoS predicted increased relationship quality and stability and decreased anxious and avoidant attachment in U.S. participants. Longitudinally, DoS predicted increased relationship quality and decreased anxious attachment for Spanish women and men, while it predicted greater relationship quality and stability and decreased anxious and avoidant attachment of U.S. couples. Implications of these mixed findings are discussed.
Higher levels of DoS are linked with a better couple relationship across time, despite varying levels of stressful life events. Although some cultural differences regarding the links between relationship stability and avoidant attachment exist, this positive link between differentiation and the couple relationship is mostly consistent across the U.S. and Spain. The implications and relevance for integration into research and practice are discussed.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
A growing body of theoretical and experimental evidence suggests that intramolecular epistasis is a major determinant of rates and patterns of protein evolution and imposes a substantial constraint ...on the evolution of novel protein functions. Here, we examine the role of intramolecular epistasis in the recurrent evolution of resistance to cardiotonic steroids (CTS) across tetrapods, which occurs via specific amino acid substitutions to the α-subunit family of Na,K-ATPases (ATP1A). After identifying a series of recurrent substitutions at two key sites of ATP1A that are predicted to confer CTS resistance in diverse tetrapods, we then performed protein engineering experiments to test the functional consequences of introducing these substitutions onto divergent species backgrounds. In line with previous results, we find that substitutions at these sites can have substantial background-dependent effects on CTS resistance. Globally, however, these substitutions also have pleiotropic effects that are consistent with additive rather than background-dependent effects. Moreover, the magnitude of a substitution’s effect on activity does not depend on the overall extent of ATP1A sequence divergence between species. Our results suggest that epistatic constraints on the evolution of CTS-resistant forms of Na,K-ATPase likely depend on a small number of sites, with little dependence on overall levels of protein divergence. We propose that dependence on a limited number sites may account for the observation of convergent CTS resistance substitutions observed among taxa with highly divergent Na,K-ATPases (See S1 Text for Spanish translation).
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