Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Two amide glycosides from Portulaca oleracea L. and its bioactivities

Abstract Two novel amide glycosides, named oleraciamide E (1) and oleraciamide F (2), were isolated from the Portulaca oleracea L. Their structures were determined by means of 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic and UHPLC-ESI-TOF-MS methods. Oleraciamide E (1) exhibited anticholinesterase activity with IC50 values of 52.43 ± 0.33 μM, and presented scavenging activity in 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical quenching assay, with the IC50 values of 24.64 ± 0.33 μM. Graphical Abstract
Monitoring of a Seedling Planting Restoration in a Permanent Preservation Area of the Southeast Atlantic Forest Biome, Brazil

The Atlantic Forest biome is a biodiversity hotspot with only 13% of its native vegetation cover remaining in Brazil. Forest restoration is an important process for the re-establishment of biodiversity and the preservation of water resources in degraded areas, like riparian forests. Monitoring is an essential step of restoration, because the periodic evaluation of indicators allows researchers to analyze the effectiveness of applied techniques. This study aimed to evaluate the environmental quality of a seedling planting (active restoration) in a Permanent Preservation Area (PPA) of the Southeast Atlantic Forest biome, through a monitoring protocol, within a year. More specifically, we aimed to investigate the following questions: (1) do some ecological groups or families grow more than others? and (2) is the cover of exotic grasses negatively influencing forest regeneration? Data were collected during November 2017 and April (interval represents five months of wet season) and October 2018 (six months of dry season). Eight plots of 9 × 18 m were established and all individuals were identified and measured (diameter at ground level (DGL), height (H), and canopy diameter (CD)). Exotic grass cover and richness of regenerating species were also recorded. We registered 119 individuals during the three inventories, distributed in 35 species and 14 families. Results indicate an inverse association between exotic grasses and the presence of recruits in the area. Thus, exotic grass control may be needed while the forest canopy is not closed. A significant growth of individuals in the whole study period, especially during the wet season, was detected. Legumes grew more in trunk and canopy diameter (Anadenanthera colubrina (Vell.) Brenan and Inga vera Willd. subsp. affinis (DC.) T. D. Penn. had the biggest growth, respectively) than non-legumes during wetter months and within a year. Pioneers had greater height increase compared to non-pioneers only during wetter months. Legumes may be important species to be used in other young tropical forest restoration areas.
Size Effect on the Elastic Mechanical Properties of Beech and Its Application in Finite Element Analysis of Wood Structures

Elastic constants of wood are fundamental parameters used in finite element analysis of wood structures. However, few studies and standards regulate the dimensions of sample used to measure elastic constants of wood. The size effect on mechanical properties (i.e., elastic constants and proportional limit stresses) of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) wood was studied with five different sizes samples. The data of experiments were inputted into a finite element model of self-designed chair and the loading capacity of chair was investigated by finite element method (FEM) and experiment. The results showed that nonlinear relationships were found between proportional limit stresses, cross-sectional area, and height of specimen by response surface method with R2 greater than 0.72 in longitudinal, radial, and tangential directions. Elastic moduli and shear moduli increased with the height of specimen when cross-sectional area was kept constant, and decreased with an increased cross-sectional area of specimen, when the height was a constant, while the trends of Poisson’s ratio were not as expected. The comparisons between experiment and FEM suggested that the accuracy of FEM simulation increase with the raise of width-height ratio (≤1) of specimens used to determine the elastic constants. It is recommended to use small cubic wood specimen to determine the elastic mechanical properties used for finite element analysis of beech wood structures. Further research to find optimized wood specimen dimensions to get mechanical properties for FEM is quite necessary.
Forest rehabilitation and its role in bird conservation in El Porvenir, Hidalgo, Mexico

Introduction: Conserving terrestrial ecosystems in good condition is a global challenge. In Mexico, forest rehabilitation is a widely used practice to achieve this task. Objective: To analyze the effect of forest rehabilitation on avifauna parameters (richness, abundance and diversity) and its relationship with vegetation structure. Materials and methods: The study was conducted in El Porvenir, Hidalgo, Mexico, in areas under forest rehabilitation with Pinus greggii Engelm. ex Parl. aged 5(R5), 12(R12) and 14(R14) years, and in a Pinus cembroides Zucc. forest as a reference site (RS). Sampling was done using a systematic grid design. Avifauna presence was monitored under two schemes: fixed-radius point counts and capture by constant-effort mist-netting. The tree structure was characterized by the point-centered quarter method. Differences between conditions were tested with a permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA). Results and discussion: The RS had the highest bird richness (34) and showed significant differences (P = 0.0003) with rehabilitation conditions. The distribution of abundance in R5 and R14 was fitted to a geometric model, R12 to a logarithmic model and RS to a log-normal one, exhibiting significant differences among them (P = 0.033). Bird diversity presented differences between conditions (P = 0.005); the maximum similarity was between R14 and RS. The older the forest rehabilitation age, the more the vegetation structure and bird parameters increased. Conclusion: The areas under forest rehabilitation function as reservoirs for the maintenance and conservation of avifauna in disturbed environments.
The Late Triassic archosaur ichnogenus Brachychirotherium: first complete step cycles from Morocco, North Africa, with implications for trackmaker identification and ichnotaxonomy

ABSTRACT Complete trackways of the Late Triassic archosaur ichnogenus Brachychirotherium are extremely rare and thus far mostly known from North America, though isolated imprints are abundant. Complete step cycles have been found on the upper and lower bedding surfaces in laminated mudstones and fine-grained sandstones of the lowermost part of the Machraa Abbass Member of the Oued Oum Er Rbiaa Formation (Late Triassic). This is the first complete trackway of the ichnogenus in North Africa. The tetrapod footprints are assigned to B. parvum and B. thuringiacum, based on the presence of diagnostic features of these ichnospecies, such as the orientation of pedal digit V. Supposed trackmakers are archosaurs of the crocodile stem-group (Crurotarsi) that were widely spread over the Triassic Pangea. Associated tetrapod ichnofauna from the unit consists of small-sized Rhynchosauroides (archosauromorph/lepidosauromorph) tracks.
Long non-coding RNAs regulation of therapeutic resistance

Non-protein coding RNAs have emerged as a regulator of cell signaling and cancer progression through regulation of cell proliferation, metastatic burden, and cancer stem cell capacity. A subtype of non-protein coding RNA is long non-protein coding RNA (lncRNA). Besides their aforementioned roles in cancer cell biology, dysregulation of lncRNAs contribute to resistance to therapeutic treatments. A couple of important therapeutic classes are chemotherapy and targeted/hormone therapies. This review highlights the variety of malignancies affected by lncRNA dysregulation and the underlying mechanism causing therapeutic resistance.
Effects of enriched housing on the neuronal morphology of mice that lack zinc transporter 3 (ZnT3) and vesicular zinc

In the central nervous system, certain neurons store zinc within the synaptic vesicles of their axon terminals. This vesicular zinc can then be released in an activity-dependent fashion as an intercellular signal. The functions of vesicular zinc are not entirely understood, but evidence suggests that it is important for some forms of experience-dependent plasticity in the brain. The ability of neurons to store and release vesicular zinc is dependent on expression of the vesicular zinc transporter, ZnT3. Here, we examined the neuronal morphology of mice that lack ZnT3. Brains were collected from mice housed under standard laboratory conditions and from mice housed in enriched environments – large, multilevel enclosures with running wheels, numerous objects and tunnels, and a greater number of cage mates. Golgi-Cox staining was used to visualize neurons for analysis of dendritic length and dendritic spine density. Neurons were analyzed from the barrel cortex, striatum, basolateral amygdala, and hippocampus (CA1). ZnT3 knockout mice, relative to wild type mice, exhibited increased basal dendritic length in the layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons of barrel cortex, independently of housing condition. Environmental enrichment decreased apical dendritic length in these same neurons and increased dendritic spine density on striatal medium spiny neurons. Elimination of ZnT3 did not modulate any of the effects of enrichment. Our results provide no evidence that vesicular zinc is required for the experience-dependent changes that occur in response to environmental enrichment. They are consistent, however, with recent reports suggesting increased cortical volume in ZnT3 knockout mice.
Brainstem pathology in SIDS and in a comparative piglet model

s arising from this thesis Machaalani R. , K.A Waters, (2003) Implication of NMDA receptors in IHH induced neuronal death. Australian Neuroscience Society. 23 Annual Meeting, Adelaide, SA, Australia. Machaalani R. , K.A Waters, (2002) NMDA receptor 1 (NR1) mRNA is increased in the mid medulla of SIDS infants. College of Health Sciences and Medical Foundation Research ConferenceFROM CELL TO SOCIETY 3, Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia. Machaalani R. , K.A Waters, (2002) Increased NMDA (NR1) expression in SIDS open medulla. 17 SIDS International conference, Florence, Italy. Machaalani R. , G. Velingos, K.A. Waters, (2002) Piglet as a model of SIDS: Neuronal apoptosis induced by intermittent hypercapnic hypoxia. 17 SIDS International conference, Florence, Italy. Machaalani R. , K.A. Waters, (2002) Neuropathology of Piglets as a model of SIDS. 14 Biennial meeting of the International Society for Developmental Neuroscience ISDN, Sydney, NSW, Australia. (Note. Further reported by Laura Spinney on BioMedNet (www. bmn.com) Feb 2, 2002) Machaalani R. , K.A Waters, (2001) The use of non-radioactive in situ hybridization to localize and quantify the mRNA of NMDA in piglet brainstem. International Society for Neurochemistry RioSatellite Symposium: “Cell Communication in the Nervous System-Function and Dysfunction”, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Machaalani R. , K.A Waters, (2000) Characteristics of a dataset for studying the neuropathology of SIDS. College of Health Sciences and Medical Foundation Research ConferenceFROM CELL TO SOCIETY 2, Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia.
The complete mitochondrial genome of Cynoglossus interruptus and its novel rearrangement (Pleuronectiformes: Cynoglossidae)

Abstract The complete mitochondrial genome was determined for the Cynoglossus interruptus belonging to the family Cynoglossidae. The length of the complete mitochondrial genome is 17,262 bp, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and a control region. The gene rearrangement related to tRNAGln and a control region gene were found, forming the gene order of CR-Ile-Gln-Met. Phylogenetic analysis using mitochondrial genomes of 12 species showed that C. interruptus formed a well-supported monophyletic group with other Cynoglossus species.
Ripening Indices, Olive Yield and Oil Quality in Response to Irrigation With Saline Reclaimed Water and Deficit Strategies

The 70% worldwide surface of olive orchards is irrigated. The evaluation of non-conventional water resources and water-saving techniques has gained importance during the last decades in arid and semiarid environments. This study evaluated the effects of irrigation with two water sources: low-cost water DEsalination and SEnsoR Technology (DESERT) desalinated water (DW) ECw ∼1 dS m−1) and reclaimed water (RW) (ECw ∼ 3 dS m−1) combined with two irrigation strategies: full irrigation (FI) (100% of ETc) and regulated deficit irrigation (RDI, 50% of ETc) on fruit yield, ripening indices, and oil yield and quality of olive trees cv Arbosana planted in Mediterranean conditions. Our results showed that RW without water restrictions increased the fruit yield by 35% due to a slight increase in the fruit weight and, mainly, to a greater fruit set than the control trees; although this did not result in a higher oil yield (g tree−1) since the oil content per fruit dry weight was reduced. The RDI strategy did not decrease the fruit yield despite the fact that olive weight tended to decrease, and it increased the oil yield by ∼14.5%. The combination of both stresses (RW and RDI) neither decreased the fruit yield; however, it significantly reduced oil yield (25% less in 2018) since oil content per fruit dry weight was strongly reduced (40%) compared to control trees. Both RDI treatments, regardless water source, determined acidity levels in olive paste lower than in FI treatments; however, it reduced oil extractability and fatty yield. The finding about oil quality indicated that olive exposure to RW, regardless of the water amount, decreased oil quality mainly due to the reduction of oleic acid and the increase of C18:2/C18:3 ratio and peroxides; on the contrary, both RW and RDI improved the total polyphenols. In all cases, the parameters met the legislation. In short, with appropriate management, RW and RDI have great potential to manage oil olive production; nevertheless, studies subjected to long-term use of these techniques should be experienced to ensure the sustainability of oil yields and quality.
Potential and Pitfalls of the DNA Metabarcoding Analyses for the Dietary Study of the Large Japanese Wood Mouse Apodemus speciosus on Seto Inland Sea Islands

Abstract. We assessed the dietary profile of the large Japanese wood mouse (Apodemus speciosus) inhabiting the islands of the Seto Inland Sea and adjacent areas by DNA metabarcoding analyses of feces with the chloroplast trnL (UAA) P6 loop intron region and the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene as DNA-barcoding markers. The results indicated that A. speciosus consumed a variety of food items. Fagaceae (Quercus sp.) and Rosaceae were frequently utilized plant families, and the Lepidoptera (Noctuidae) was the frequently utilized animal family. The acorn-producing Quercus species was found to be a fundamental diet, while Rosaceae might be characteristic in temperate regions. The high dependence on the Noctuidae moths as an animal dietary component implies that A. speciosus may be reducing the pest abundance in orchards. Technical pitfalls surrounding the DNA metabarcoding methods for feces of the small rodent were also discussed.
Histological study of the interaction of the Escherichia with the epithelium of the small intestine of rats

Provides data for the study of morphological changes in the interaction of pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microorganisms with the intestinal epithelium. The ability of strains of E.coli to infestations in the gastrointestinal tract in laboratory animals was studied. Studies in rats found that E.coli penetriruated crypt cells. Thus, E.coli penetrate into the cell of rats, after violating the integrity of plasma membrane. Indicated that they are located in cytoplasm freely, not in the original vakuola as guinea pigs.
Influence of diesel fuel contamination on Xanthium strumarium L. germination and growth

Abstract In this study, the effects of diesel fuel contamination on common cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L.) seeds have been investigated. Five levels of contamination were used (0 g, 2.5 g, 5 g, 7.5 g, and 10 g diesel per 100 g of substrate). Germination was significantly reduced only at 7.5 g and 10 g diesel and the highest percentage germination (97%) was recorded at 5 g diesel. Diesel contamination caused a significant reduction in shoot length, but the decline began to be important at 7.5 g diesel. The root length was positively influenced by diesel fuel contamination, the shortest root (12.89 cm) was observed in the control and the longest (19.92 cm) at 5 g diesel. Xanthium strumarium seeds germinated successfully at different levels of contamination, its root length seemed to take advantage of the diesel fuel contamination and its shoot length was mostly affected by the high contamination levels. Therefore, we can propose this plant species as a potential candidate for the phytoremediation of sites contaminated with diesel. Furthermore, the results could help improve our understanding of the behavior of X. strumarium, and its ability to germinate and grow in different soil conditions.
Supplementation of Rice Flour With Carrot, Date Palm and Defatted Soybean Flours for Enhanced Nutritional, Antioxidants and Physicochemical Properties

The nutritional, antioxidants and physicochemical properties of rice flour is being improved by the addition of carrot, date palm and defatted soybean flours. The effect of the addition of defatted soy bean (5 15%), carrot (5 15%) and date palm (10 20%) flours on the chemical compositions; antioxidants and functional properties; and pasting characteristics of rice-based composite flour were investigated. While defatted soy beans (15%) resulted in the highest protein content (17.86%), blend with highest carrot flour inclusion had the highest ash (1.88%) and crude fiber (1.93%) contents. The sample with highest carrot inclusion (15%) had the best antioxidant and functional properties followed by the sample with soy bean incorporation from 10 to 15%. The same sample with 15% carrot inclusion had the second best pasting characteristics, next to that of 100% rice flour sample. It was noted that the samples consisting date palm (80% rice and 20% date palm flours; 80% rice, 5% soybean, 5% carrot and 10% date palm flours) had the least chemical composition together with the least functional and antioxidant properties. However, the sample with date palm incorporation had the third best pasting properties while 100% rice flour had the best pasting properties. Overall, carrot flour incorporation resulted in rice based composite flour with the best fibre and minerals contents; functional and antioxidants properties closely followed by sample with 10-15% soybean incorporation.
Preliminary morphological characterization and evaluation of selected Bambara groundnut [Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.] genotypes for yield and yield related traits

Forty nine (49) Bambara groundnut genotypes derived from single plant selection of diverse origin were evaluated for yield and yield components using 26 yield and yield related traits. Highly significant (P<0.001) differences were detected among the genotypes for canopy spread, petiole length, weight of biomass, seed weight and seed height, while seedling emergence, pod weight, seed length and seed width were significantly different (P<0.05). Principal component analysis identified nine influential components whereby PC1 and PC2highly contributed to the total variation at 19% and 14%, respectively. Leaf colour at emergence, petiole colour, leaf joint pigmentation and calyx colour were highly correlated with PC1, while seed length, seed width and seed height had strong association with PC2. Both the principal component and cluster analyses displayed common association among most of the genotypes for agronomic and seed yield traits. Genotypes that showed high seed yield performance and greater biomass production can be tested for large-scale production, breeding or germplasm conservation.
Effect of Season and Ovarian Morphology of Egyptian Buffalo on Oocyte Quality and In Vitro Maturation Rate

The aim of the current study was to investigate the effect of season, follicle size and corpus luteum (CL) on yield, quality and in vitro maturation of Egyptian buffalo oocytes. Ovaries were collected from abattoirs allover the year and cumulus oocytes complexes (COCs) were aspirated from visible small (≤3 mm), medium (3-6 mm) and large (>6 mm) follicles of normal ovaries. Ovaries were classified according to bearing CL into with and without CL. Oocytes quality were classified into good, fair, poor and denuded. Only good and fair quality oocytes were used for in vitro maturion in TCM-199 medium supplemented with 10% FCS, 10 µg/ml ovine FSH, 10 IU/ml hCG, 1 µg/ml Estradiol and 1% antibiotic antimycotic mix. Results revealed that a significant difference between the four seasons with significant increase of oocyte yield, quality and maturation for winter and spring than autumn and summer seasons. Oocytes aspirated from medium sized follicles (3-6 mm) were of higher in quality and maturation rate than large (>0.6) and small size follicles (≤ 3 mm). Recovery rate, quality and maturation rate of oocytes were higher for ovaries without CL than ovaries with CL. In conclusion, the winter season, medium sized follicles and ovaries without CL showed positive effects on recovery rate, quality and in vitro maturation of buffalo oocytes.
Differential gene expression identifies KRT7 and MUC1 as potential metastasis-specific targets in sarcoma

Background Despite numerous discoveries regarding the molecular genesis and progression of primary cancers, the biology of metastasis remains poorly understood. Compared to very large numbers of circulating tumor cells that are now known to accompany nearly all cancers, a relatively limited number of lesions actually develop in most patients with metastases. We hypothesized that phenotypic changes driven by differential gene expression in a finite subpopulation of tumor cells render those cells capable of metastasis and sought to identify key pathways through analysis of gene expression in primary and metastatic lesions from the same patients. Methods We compared whole-genome expression in 4 matched samples of primary and metastatic sarcoma, then evaluated candidate genes with differential expression via quantitative PCR in 30 additional matched sets, tumor tissue immunostaining, siRNA loss-of-function in a sarcoma cell migration assay, and clinical correlation with overall and disease-free survival after metastasectomy. Results Comparison of microarray signals identified differential expression of cell adhesion genes, including upregulation of KRT7 and MUC1 in metastases; KRT7 and MUC1 upregulation was confirmed in 22 (73%) and 20 (67%) matched sets of metastatic/primary tumors, respectively. Silencing of KRT7 and MUC1 via targeted siRNAs suppressed sarcoma cell migration in vitro, and a significant correlation (two-sided) was observed between both KRT7 and MUC1 expression in metastases and overall patient survival. Conclusion KRT7 and MUC1 may play a significant role in enabling sarcoma metastasis, and they may therefore be important prognostic biomarkers as well as potential targets for therapeutic prevention of metastasis.