Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alcohol Drinking Exacerbates Neural and Behavioral Pathology in the 3xTg-AD Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that represents the most common cause of dementia in the United States. Although the link between alcohol use and AD has been studied, preclinical research has potential to elucidate neurobiological mechanisms that underlie this interaction. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that non-dependent alcohol drinking exacerbates the onset and magnitude of AD-like neural and behavioral pathology. We first evaluated the impact of voluntary 24-h, 2-bottle choice home-cage alcohol drinking on the prefrontal cortex and amygdala neuroproteome in C57BL/6J mice and found a striking association between alcohol drinking and AD-like pathology. Bioinformatics identified the AD-associated proteins MAPT (Tau), amyloid beta precursor protein (APP), and presenilin-1 (PSEN-1) as the main modulators of alcohol-sensitive protein networks that included AD-related proteins that regulate energy metabolism (ATP5D, HK1, AK1, PGAM1, CKB), cytoskeletal development (BASP1, CAP1, DPYSL2 [CRMP2], ALDOA, TUBA1A, CFL2, ACTG1), cellular/oxidative stress (HSPA5, HSPA8, ENO1, ENO2), and DNA regulation (PURA, YWHAZ). To address the impact of alcohol drinking on AD, studies were conducted using 3xTg-AD mice that express human MAPT, APP, and PSEN-1 transgenes and develop AD-like brain and behavioral pathology. 3xTg-AD and wildtype mice consumed alcohol or saccharin for 4 months. Behavioral tests were administered during a 1-month alcohol free period. Alcohol intake induced AD-like behavioral pathologies in 3xTg-AD mice including impaired spatial memory in the Morris Water Maze, diminished sensorimotor gating as measured by prepulse inhibition, and exacerbated conditioned fear. Multiplex immunoassay conducted on brain lysates showed that alcohol drinking upregulated primary markers of AD pathology in 3xTg-AD mice: Aβ 42/40 ratio in the lateral entorhinal and prefrontal cortex and total Tau expression in the lateral entorhinal cortex and amygdala at 1-month post alcohol exposure. Immunocytochemistry showed that alcohol use upregulated expression of pTau (Ser199/Ser202) in the hippocampus, which is consistent with late stage AD. According to the NIA-AA Research Framework, these results suggest that alcohol use is associated with Alzheimer’s pathology. Results also showed that alcohol use was associated with a general reduction in Akt/mTOR signaling via several phosphoproteins (IR, IRS1, IGF1R, PTEN, ERK, mTOR, p70S6K, RPS6) in multiple brain regions including hippocampus and entorhinal cortex. Dysregulation of Akt/mTOR phosphoproteins suggests alcohol may target this pathway in AD progression. These results suggest that nondependent alcohol drinking increases the onset and magnitude of AD-like neural and behavioral pathology in 3xTg-AD mice.
Transcriptomic Responses of Dove Tree (Davidia involucrata Baill.) to Heat Stress at the Seedling Stage

The dove tree (Davidia involucrata Baill.), a tertiary relic species, is adapted to cool climates. With the progression of global warming, high-temperature stress has become the primary environmental factor restricting geographic distribution, ex situ conservation, and landscape application for D. involucrata resources. However, the detailed molecular events underlying D. involucrata responses to heat stress are poorly understood. Here, we conducted RNA-Seq-based gene expression profiling in D. involucrata seedlings during the time course of a 42 °C heat treatment (0, 1, 6, and 12 h). After de novo assembly, we obtained 138,923 unigenes, of which 69,743 were annotated in public databases. Furthermore, 19,532, 20,497 and 27,716 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified after 1 h (HS1), 6 h (HS6), and 12 h (HS12) of heat treatment in comparison to 0 h (HS0), respectively. Based on a KEGG enrichment analysis, the two pathways “protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum” and “plant hormone signal transduction” are hypothesized to play vital roles during heat response in D. involucrata, and their potential interactions during heat stress are also discussed. In addition, 32 genes encoding putative heat shock transcription factors (Hsfs) were found to be associated with the response of D. involucrata to heat stress. Finally, the expression patterns of eight heat-responsive genes derived from qRT-PCR were in agreement with their transcript level alterations, as determined by a transcriptome analysis. Taken together, our transcriptomic data provide the first comprehensive transcriptional profile affected by heat stress in D. involucrata, which will facilitate further studies on the improvement of heat tolerance in this rare and endangered species.
L-Arginine Supplementation Alters Maternal Blood Biochemical Attributes and Milk Composition Relative to Neonatal Traits of Najdi Ewes

In a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, 3 levels of L-arginine (0, 75 and 150 mg/kg BW per day) were tested at two stages of pregnancy (Early 60 days vs. Late 60 days) on the maternal blood metabolites and postnatal milk composition relative to the newborn traits of Najdi ewes. Thirty adult pregnant Najdi ewes were randomly assigned into 6 treatments (n = 5). Control early (CE) ewes were orally administered 50 mL normal saline (0.9% NaCl) daily during the first 60 days of pregnancy; control late (CL) ewes were similar to CE except saline was given at the last 60 days of pregnancy; low dose of L-arginine at early pregnancy (LE); low dose of L-arginine at late pregnancy (LL); high dose of L-arginine at early (HE) and high dose of L-arginine at late pregnancy (HL). Blood and milk samples were collected on a weekly basis. Data of lambing and newborn traits were considered. There were non-significant differences in litter size due to L-arginine; however lamb birth and weaning weights increased by 35% in LE-ewes. Arginine did not change blood protein and albumin. Low arginine decreased lipid fractions, creatinine, urea, and milk fat; however, it increased AST, ALT, milk lactose and milk ash. Administration of L-arginine at 75 mg/Kg BW per day for 60 days at an early gestation in ewes improved the maternal body health and milk composition for the welfare of the neonates.
Investigation of anti-Neospora caninum antibodies and disease-related risk factors in goats

Neospora caninum is a parasitic protozoan that causes abortion, stillbirth, and premature culling in goats. The aims of this study were (i) to determine the prevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies in goats in the Adana province of Turkey(ii), to identify risk factors for the disease, and (iii) to provide collective data on goat neosporosis. For this purpose, 383 sera were collected from goats of different breeds, ages, and sexes from 15 counties of Adana. A commercially available c-ELISA test kit was used to detect anti-N. caninum antibodies. To identify risk factors that influence the prevalence of neosporosis, an oral survey was conducted, and the data collected were evaluated by the logistic regression analysis. The prevalence was determined as 8.9% (34/383) at the individual level and 66.6% (10/15) at the flock level. Statistical analysis indicated that the co-presence of sheep, the animals’ being of pure breed and the purchasing of animals from different flocks are the factors that increase the prevalence of neosporosis, while feeder disinfection decreases it.
Genetic Evaluation for Fruit Yield and Related Traits in Parthenocarpic Cucumber

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L., 2n=2x=14), is one of the most economically valuable vegetable species of the family Cucurbitaceae. It is believed to be originated in India (Harlan, 1975) because of the fact that its progenitor Cucumis sativus var. hardwickii, is found in the foot hills of the Himalayan mountains and is being used by International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 9 Number 10 (2020) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
First report case with negative genetic study (array CGH, exome sequencing) in patients with vertical transmission of Zika virus infection and associated brain abnormalities

Introduction Zika virus (ZIKV) is a little-known emerging mosquito-borne flavivirus. The perinatal ZIKV infection was associated with birth defects during the Brazilian outbreak. There was an increased risk of intrauterine transmission of the virus and a marked increase in the number of newborns with microcephaly. We report on two such cases. Case Report The first case was a 25-year-old pregnant woman from Colombia who became acutely ill with general symptoms during the tenth week of gestation, followed by severe generalized itching and maculopapular rash for approximately five days. This case was reported during the epidemic stage of the ZIKV infection in Colombia. At 23.3 gestational weeks, ultrasonography showed abnormal intracranial anatomy with cerebral ventriculomegaly, microcephaly, and parenchymal calcification. Given the grave prognosis, the patient elected to terminate the pregnancy at 25 gestational weeks. The second case was a 24-year-old pregnant woman who became acutely ill during the 17th week of gestation, which corresponded with the ZIKV epidemic in Colombia. At 30.5 gestational weeks, ultrasonography showed isolated fetal cerebral ventriculomegaly. We detected ZIKV in the amniotic fluid; however, the virus was not detected in the urine or serum of the mother or fetus. Tests for dengue virus, chikungunya virus, Toxoplasma gondii, rubella virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, HIV, hepatitis B and C, and parvovirus B19 were all negative. Different samples obtained from the placenta, amniotic liquid, and cerebrospinal fluid were positive for viral isolation of ZIKV RNA using TaqMan RT-PCR. Additionally, the parents and fetuses were tested for genetic diseases using whole exome sequencing and array CGH to rule out possible genetic syndromes that produce these congenital abnormalities. Conclusion These were the first cases in Colombia to show early vertical transmission of ZIKV and the first cases associated with congenital cerebral abnormalities in which molecular, infectious, and genomic tests were performed.
Growth of ponderosa pine stands in relation to mountain pine beetle susceptibility

Obedzinski, R.A. ; Schmid, J.M. ; Mata, S.A. ; Olsen, W.K. ; Kessler, R.R. 1999. Growth of ponderosa pine stands in relation to mountain pine beetle susceptibility. Gen. Tech. Rep. RMRS-GTR-28. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station.
Breaking seed dormancy of Tulipa scardica Bornm. and Tulipa kosovarica Kit Tan, Shuka & Krasniqi by pre-chilling, plant growth regulators and some chemical treatments

Tulipa scardica and T. kosovarica are rare, endemic and endangered plants in Kosovo. This research was carried out to study the dormancy breaking treatment in Tulipa scardica and T. kosovarica seeds by pre-chilling and various concentration of potassium nitrate (KNO3), gibberellic acid (GA3), kinetin, thiourea and sulfuric acid (H2SO4). The experiment was conducted with untreated seeds (without stratification) and with stratified seeds (8 weeks) and treated with different concentration of some chemicals and plant growth regulators. Results showed that the final germination percentage (FGP) of seeds without stratification at both Tulipa plant species was zero, while germination was enhanced by pre-chilling (stratification) especially after treatment of these seeds by above mentioned treatments. Both Tulipa species showed an increase in mean germination time (MGT), an indication of slower germination, as different chemicals or plant growth regulators increased. Depending on treatments, germination was ranging from 80 % to 90 %, the maximum germination was detected in seeds treated with KNO3, GA3, and their combination, while the minimum germination in seeds without treatments and treated with thiourea. The conservation of these plants in botanic gardens by cultivation or propagation for commercial use as ornamental plants could give an effective contribution to the conservation of these plants.Abbreviations: KNO3 – potassium nitrate; GA3 - gibberellic acid; H2SO4 – sulfuric acid; FGP – final germination percentage; MGT – mean germination time
Borrowing external information to estimate angler size selectivity: model development and application to Murray cod

Estimating the size selectivity of fishery users and sampling methods can be difficult to achieve due to data limitations. However, these limitations can be moderated by borrowed information from other sources such as other systems, times, and species. Here we develop a model that integrates an externally sourced boat electrofishing length–vulnerability model with internally sourced boat electrofishing and angling catch data to estimate length-dependent vulnerability of fish to angling in a data-limited situation. We apply the model to Murray cod (Maccullochella peelii) as an example and show that angling for Murray cod selectively captures a narrow range of sizes that includes medium to large size fish. Although boat electrofishing also followed a similar pattern, the range of fish sizes vulnerable to capture was much broader, including a more uniform vulnerability of all size classes evaluated. Understanding the length selectivity to capture has key implications for effective determination of fisheries regulations, as well as interpreting monitoring data. Thus, we see this modelling approach as a good option when more informative data are not available to support the estimation process.
Intake of Radionuclides in the Trees of Fukushima Forests 1. Field Study

The earthquake and tsunami on 11 March 2011 led to a meltdown followed by a hydrogen explosion at the Fukushima–Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan, causing the dispersal of abundant radionuclides into the atmosphere and ocean. The radionuclides were deposited onto trees and local residences in aerosol or gaseous forms that were partly absorbed by rain or melting snow. Here, we show that the radionuclides attached to the surfaces of trees, in which some radiocesium was incorporated into the xylem through ray cells and through symplastic pathways. The level of incorporated radiocesium varied based on tree species and age because of the ability of radiocesium to attach to the surface of the outer bark. After four years, the radiocesium level in the forest has been decreasing as it is washed out with rainwater into the sea and as it decays over time due to its half-life, but it can also be continuously recycled through leaf tissue, litter, mulch, and soil. As a result, the level of radiocesium was relatively increased in the heartwood and roots of trees at four years after the event. In private forest fields, most trees were left as afforested trees without being used for timber, although some trees were cut down. We discuss an interdisciplinary field study on the immediate effects of high radiation levels upon afforested trees in private forest fields.
Parasitic fauna of Hyphessobrycon takasei and Hyphessobrycon amapaensis (Osteichthyes: Characidae), ornamental fish of two basins from Amapá state, Brazil

This study compared the parasites fauna of Hyphessobrycon takasei and H. amapaensis from hydrographic basins in Amapa state, Brazil. Of the 42 H. takasei examined, 95.2% were parasitized by one or more species such as Dactylogyridae gen. sp. , encysted metacercariae of digenean, adults and larvae of Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus and larvae of Camallanus sp. A total of 224 parasites were collected from H. takasei, and there was a dominance of nematode species and dispersion pattern aggregated of parasites. The species richness of parasites varied of 0 to 3 species, Brillouin index of 0-0.97 and evenness of 0-0.70. Of the 32 specimens of H. amapaensis examined, 28.1% were parasitized by Camallanus sp. larvae, which presented random dispersion pattern. For H. takasei, no correlation of host length with Brillouin diversity and species richness of parasites was found. The presence of these nematode species and metacercariae of digenean indicates that these fish may act as intermediate hosts. This is the first study to gather information about the parasite fauna of these endemic fish from the eastern Amazon, providing records that contribute new reports on occurrence of parasite species in new localities. This study on parasites of H. takasei and H. amapaensis may help prevent the introduction of parasites in other regions of the country, as well as in other countries due to aquarium fish. Since the ornamental fish exportation from the Brazil is largely dominated by wild Amazonian species, biosecurity export conditions should be require all exported fish to be inspected and certified to show no clinical signs of parasite and diseases. Lastly, this knowledge on the parasitic epidemiology may help improve the health and quality of these fish being exported from the Amazon region, reducing losses on all stages of this production chain.
The biochemical alternations of Galleria mellonella hemolymph following induction of immune response

The present study investigated the quantitative assessments of hemolymph biochemical composition at different developmental stages of Galleria mellonella post-injection with a sub-lethal concentration of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). The estimated LC50 values were 1.3×10, 5.9×10 and 4.6×10 cells/ml for the larvae, pupae, and adults, respectively. Pupae were highly resistant, while the adults showed more susceptibility without any effect of sex on the response. The levels of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins were of great value during the larval stage, followed by a reduction in the pupal stage finally a sharp decline had been observed in the adult ones. A time-dependent study revealed that the carbohydrate levels augmented significantly (P<0.05), while the levels of lipids and proteins reduced significantly at all developmental stages and there were no significant differences between males and females in their responses. Pupae and adults developed from previously treated stages showed no significant changes (P≥0.05) than treated insects. Finally, we deduced that adult was the more susceptible stage to begin the control strategies and the immune activation in the G. mellonella was transstadially transmitted from larvae to pupae and adults emerged from primary challenged stage.
Comparative Effect Of Bio Fertilizers Under Drip Fertigation System On Nutrient Uptake And Yield Performance In The Green Gram, Vigna Radiata

A fi eld experiment was carried out on the effect of bio fertilizers under drip fertigation system on nutrient uptake and yield performance in Green gram Vigna radiata. It was conducted at water technology centre fi elds, college farm, College of Agriculture, PJTSAU, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, Telangana during kharif 2016 – 2017 with one of the objectives of nutrient uptake and yield performance of Green gram, variety (MGG – 295) under drip fertigation system. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications along with 10 treatments. The liquid bio inoculants viz., Rhizobium and PSB were used under drip fertigation system. The results of the fi eld experiment indicated that the treatment T6 with combination of 100 % RDF along with LBBF drip fertigation recorded signifi cantly highest N, P and K uptake were 62.23, 26.60 and 51.33 kg ha-1 respectively and signifi cantly highest seed yield (1019.50) kg ha-1 recorded with treatment (T6) when compared to all the treatments. Further, the percent of seed yield increased over control by 23.93 %.
Validating a simulation environment for floating lidar systems

Assessing the uncertainty of floating lidar systems for different wind and wave climates is a difficult task. One possible solution to close this gap is a validated simulation environment for floating lidar systems. An approach for such a simulation environment is being developed within the German research project MALIBU and will be presented. This paper gives an overview about the simulation model which is being developed and shows ideas and first results regarding the validation aspects for the moving lidar environment. Furthermore an outlook for further steps regarding the validation of the complete simulation model for a floating lidar system (FLS) is being given.
Microbial contamination and polyethylene packaging of some fruits and vegetables retailed at Akure and Ado Ekiti, South Western Nigeria

This study was carried out to reveal microbial contaminants on some selected ready-to-eat fruits and vegetables (eggplant, apple, tiger nut, bitter kola, cola nut, date and carrot) vended at motor parks, busy roads and local markets in Akure and Ado Ekiti metropolis (South Western Nigeria). It also evaluated the effectiveness of polyethylene packaging in controlling microbial contamination of these foods using product shelf life indices as criteria. Bacteria contaminants were isolated from samples and characterized using standard microbiological methods. Samples were also disinfected and stored in 1, 4, 7, 10 and 13 µm thick polyethylene bags at 29°C and 84% RH for 10 days. Result showed that cola nut, carrot, eggplants and tiger nut sold at all wholesale and retail points studied (100%) were contaminated. Apple and bitter kola at wholesale points were however free of microbial contaminants as was also observed for apple at two of its retail points (20%) and bitter kola at only one of the ten retail points studied (10%). Staphylococcus spp. was the most frequently isolated, followed by Klebsiela spp. , others include Proteus, Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Serratia and Streptococcus species. Storage of bitter kola, eggplant and date in 7, 10 and 13 µm thick polyethylene films extended shelf life for ten days in ambient temperature of the tropics, while 1 and 4 µm were best for carrot under the same condition. Contrariwise, cola nuts stored in the different polyethylene thicknesses studied became discoloured during storage. Packaging of bitter kola, eggplant, date and carrot in polyethylene prevented microbial contamination and extended shelf life during retailing. Key words: Ready-to-eat, microbial contaminants, polyethylene bags, storage.
A review of the polysaccharide, protein and selected nutrient content of Auricularia, and their potential pharmacological value

Auricularia is a key genus among edible macrofungi, sourced as either wild or cultivated mushrooms. Auricularia species are utilized as nutrient-rich foods and medicinal resources, with particular prominence in Traditional Asian Medicine. Cultivated Auricularia species can be grown under a wide range of conditions, allowing for production volumes worldwide. Although Auricularia species are used predominantly within the food industry, there is strong potential for their use in the production of therapeutic drugs, thus making it necessary to identify relevant bioactive compounds and further our understanding of its pharmacological properties. Carbohydrates are the major nutritional constituent of edible Auricularia species in addition to proteins, fat, fibre, ashes vitamins and minerals. This review discusses polysaccharides as one of the major active compounds found in edible Auricularia species in relation to their nutritional value, extraction methods, and pharmacological properties. Current methods of evaluating the pharmacological effects of compounds derived from Auricularia include in vitro assays, in vivo animal models, as well as several human clinical trials. Potential medical applications for these compounds include the production of novel therapeutic drugs for treating diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders.