Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mineral oil as a repellent in comparison with other control methods for citrus brown snail, Caucasotachea lencoranea.

The efficacy of mineral oil and snail copper repellent tape for the control of the citrus brown snail Caucasotachea lencoranea Musson were compared with chemical bait molluscides, iron phosphate and methaldehyde ̧ in a commercial citrus orchard in Northern Iran. The number of snails on citrus trees was monitored 10 days after the application of treatments at an interval of 9 to 10 day up to harvest time. Analysis of variance among the treatments in the first experiment showed that there were significant differences between treatments and control. The mineral oil and copper barrier with 17.27 and 26.66% of the counted snail on trees respectively were more effective rather than methaldehyde and iron phosphate with 47.39 and 52.2%, correspondingly. In a second experiment, the average population of snails on 300 trees treated with mineral oil and methaldehyde were 3.05 and 9.12 snails, respectively. On the contrary, this number in control plants was approximately 15.5 snails per each tree. Analysis of data by dunett T3 test shows significance difference between the treatments. The control efficacies of the mineral oil and methaldehyde were 80.34 and 41.2%, respectively, 60 days post treatments. Results were discussed in terms of a sustainable, integrated pest management system.
The in Vitro Effect of Chloramphenicol and Salicylate on Erythrocytes of Patients with Favism

INTRODUCTION: Although many other red blood cell (RBC) enzyme deficiencies are now known (1,2) . Glucose 6phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency still reigns as the most common of all clinically significant enzyme defects, not only in hematology, but in human biology as a whole. Biochemical characterization has led to the description of no less than 442 variants of (G6PD) believed to be distinct. Two hundred ninety nine of these were characterized by methods agreed upon
Effect of starvation on growth, histology and ultrastructure of digestive system of juvenile red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii Girard)

The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of 20 d starvation on growth, survival, histomorphology and ultrastructure changes in the digestive system of juvenile red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii). Juveniles were divided into two groups: a food-deprived group and a control group at 9 day after hatch (DAH). Individuals were sampled at 14, 20, 29 DAH. During the 20 d fasting period, the mean body weight and total body length of crayfish fluctuated around 10.17 mg and 8.12mm respectively, and the mortality was zero. Histomorphological changes of digestive system were observed in the food-deprived group after 20 days of starvation: the esophagus and stomach walls were thinning, the epithelium atrophied to cuboidal, nuclei were darker and smaller, and nucleolus was difficult to observe; the midgut and hindgut showed wider volume, thinning wall, atrophied epithelial and muscularis and shorter ridges; and hepatopancreas tubule lumens were wider, the lipid droplets in R-cells were smaller and less, and the quantity of typical B-cells decreased. Changes in the ultrastructure of starved crayfish were also observed: the mitochondria of midgut epithelium and R-cells were swollen and vacuolated, and the ridges of which were fractured and reduced. In addition, the electron density of cytoplasmic matrix of R-cells decreased, and the quantity of glycogen granules and lipids also decreased. Changes in the ultrastructure of B-cells were similar to those of R-cells. Though degeneration in histological structure and function of digestive organs were obvious during starvation, juvenile P. clarkii was able to endure a relative long-term starvation.
The Functional Integration of Adult-born Granule Cells into Dentate Gyrus Circuitry

New neurons are generated throughout adulthood in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. The aim of the current study was to address whether differences in the morphological complexity of adult-born granule cells affect their integration into existing dentate gyrus circuitry. To selectively label proliferating cells, we injected a CAGretrovirus into the dentate gyrus of mice. Either 10, 20, 40, or 80 days following viral infection, mice were injected with pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) to induce hippocampal activation, and expression of the immediate early gene c-fos was used as a marker of activated neurons. We then compared morphological features of neurons across age groups and between Fos+ and Fosneurons within each age group. We found that dendritic length and branch number increased from 10 to 20 days post infection. Unexpectedly, we also found that dendritic length and branch number decreased from 20 to 40 days post infection, suggesting that the maturation of adult-generated neurons is associated with an active pruning process. Furthermore, we found no significant differences in morphological complexity between Fos+ and Fosneurons, suggesting that dendritic morphology does not influence integration into dentate gyrus circuitry.
Effect of EDTA on biofilm formation and antibiotic susceptibility of multidrug resistant uropathogenic Escherichia coli clinical isolates in Egypt

Urinary tract infections are mainly caused by uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC). Biofilm-producer UPEC tends to have a high level of resistance to antibiotics and this leads to recurrent episodes of urinary tract infections. The study tested the effect of a non-antibiotic adjuvant, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on the bacterial susceptibility to antibiotics and biofilm formation by multidrug resistant (MDR) strong biofilm producer UPEC from Egypt. The ability for in vitro biofilm formation was detected in 88 MDR UPEC isolates in the absence and presence of two concentrations of EDTA (10 and 20 mM). The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the tested antibiotics were detected in the presence and absence of sub-inhibitory concentration of EDTA (2 mM) by the two-fold broth microdilution method. The effect of polyvinylchloride gelatin-EDTA coat on biofilm formation by strong and moderate biofilm producers was tested. The addition of 2 mM EDTA to antibiotics resulted in a decrease in the antimicrobials MIC values with the highest effect recorded with Meropenem (81.6%) and Nitrofurantoin (61.4%). EDTA with concentrations (10 and 20 mM) and Gelatin-EDTA coat inhibited biofilm formation by strong and moderate biofilm producing UPEC by 45.8, 78.8, and 81.1%, respectively. The combination of Carbapenems with EDTA in parenteral preparations to treat life threatening infections could greatly improve the clinical outcome. There is a continuous need for the development of new strategies for treatment of MDR biofilm-producer UPEC. Novel approaches to control microbial biofilm are needed. Key words: Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), Escherichia coli, biofilm, antibiotic resistance.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers for Viola mirabilis (Violaceae) using a next‐generation sequencing platform

We isolated and characterized microsatellite loci in Viola mirabilis (Violaceae), an endangered species from South Korea. Twenty-three polymorphic microsatellite loci were developed and tested in Korean, Chinese and Japanese populations. The number of alleles per locus varied from two to eight. The observed and expected heterozygosities within the three populations were 0.000–0.625 and 0.469–0.695, respectively. A total of six loci in the Korean population, one locus in the Chinese population and seven loci in the Japanese population deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. We expect that these newly developed microsatellite markers will contribute to understanding the phylogeography and population genetics of V. mirabilis, which will aid in developing conservation strategies for this species.
Effect of High Fat Diet on Hindbrain Prolactin-Releasing Peptide Neurons and Satiety

Rats fed high fat diet (HFD) eat larger meals compared to chow-fed rats before the onset of obesity, suggesting a reduced sensitivity to endogenous satiety signals (e.g., cholecystokinin (CCK)). CCK is released in response to nutrient absorption at the proximal small intestine and activates CCK receptors expressed on vagal afferents innervating gut mucosa, which then relay signals to the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), the site where vagal afferents terminate. Within the caudal NTS (cNTS), the A2 noradrenergic (NA) neuronal population is important for the regulation of food intake. Lesions of hindbrain A2 NA neurons eliminate the intake suppressive effects of CCK, suggesting that they play an important role in relaying satiety signals arising from the gut. A subset of A2 NA neurons is positive for prolactin-releasing peptide (PrRP), which suppresses food intake and body weight. This study investigates the effects of acute and chronic (2 and 7 weeks, respectively) HFD maintenance on the activation of hindbrain PrRP+ neurons and satiety. We tested the hypotheses that exposure to HFD blunts the ability of CCK to recruit PrRP neurons in the cNTS (experiment 1), and that chronic HFD exposure attenuates CCK’s satiating effects by reducing recruitment of PrRP neurons in the cNTS (experiment 2). Both acute and chronic HFD-fed rats consumed significantly more calories and gained more weight compared to chow-fed rats. In experiment 2, behavioral testing revealed a trend towards an attenuation of CCK’s intake suppressive effects in HFD-fed compared to chow-fed rats after 1 week and 6 weeks of diet exposure. Finally, after 2 or 7 weeks, animals were sacrificed after injections of saline (2mL), 1μg/kg or 5μg/kg CCK, or no injection and brains were assessed for cFos and PrRP immunolabeling. Our data provide evidence that after chronic HFD maintenance, PrRP+ neuronal signaling at the level of the NTS is implicated, suggesting that the activity of the PrRP+ population is impaired and contributes to the hyperphagia and increased weight gain observed in the rats fed HFD.
Gene expression changes in response to E2F1

The p16/RB/E2F regulatory pathway, which controls transit through the G1 restriction point of the cell cycle, is one of the most frequent targets of genetic alterations in human cancer. Any of these alterations results in the deregulated expression of the transcription factor E2F, one of the key mediators of cell cycle progression. Under these conditions, E2F1 also participates in the induction of apoptosis by a p53-dependent pathway, and independently of p53. Recently, we identified the p53-homolog p73 as a first direct target of p53-independent apoptosis. Here, we used a cDNA microarray to screen an inducible E2F1-expressing Saos-2 cell line for E2F1 target genes. Expression analysis by cDNA microarray and RT–PCR revealed novel E2F1 target genes involved in E2F1-regulated cellular functions such as cell cycle control, DNA replication and apoptosis. In addition, the identification of novel E2F1 target genes participating in the processes of angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis supports the view that E2F1 plays a central role in many aspects of cancer development. These results provide new insight into the role of E2F1 in tumorigenesis as a basis for the development of novel anti-cancer therapeutics.
How can island communities deal with environmental hazards and hazard drivers, including climate change?

SUMMARY This paper provides a critiquing overview of how island communities deal with environmental hazards and hazard drivers, including climate change. The key activity is disaster risk reduction including climate change adaptation, for which many concepts and techniques have emerged from island studies. Although these concepts and techniques are not exclusive to island contexts, this paper focuses on island communities in order to illustrate the importance of human actions in causing and dealing with disasters involving environmental hazards. This point is demonstrated by examining key human and physical geography characteristics representing ‘islandness’: population, area, geomorphology and connectedness. The characteristics are not mutually exclusive, but island stereotypes emerge as small and static populations, small resource areas, highly volatile and changing geomorphology and limited connectedness. In exploring exceptions and diversities amongst islands, stereotypes are sometimes seen and sometimes not seen in reality. Advantages and disadvantages are demonstrated for different island settings dealing with environmental hazards and hazard drivers.
Apolipoprotein A4 of primates

Monkey apoA-I was isolated by ultracentrifugation or immunoprecipitation and analyzed by isoelectric focusing and two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The plasma apoA-I of 26 Old World monkeys (1 2 cynomolgus and 14 rhesus), 40 New World monkeys (8 cebus, 8 squirrel, 8 spider, 8 owl, and 8 marmosets), 6 prosimians (lemurs) and 10 apes (5 gibbons and 5 chimpanzees) were compared with each other as well as with human apoA-I. These analyses showed that monkey apoA-I contained one major and one to three minor (two basic and one acidic) isoproteins. The basic and acidic minor isoproteins differed by +2, +1, and -1 charges from the major apoA-I isoprotein designated apoA-I*. We have observed profound differences among the apoA-I electro- phoretic patterns of the various primate species studied. The apparent isoelectric points of the major isoproteins of apoA-I of prosimians, Old World monkeys, New World monkeys, chimpanzees, gibbons, and humans were 5.70, 5.80, 5.35, 5.64, 5.42, and 5.64, respectively. The entire apoA-I isoprotein pattern of prosimians, Old World monkeys, chimpanzees, gibbons, and New World monkeys with respect to humans was shifted by approximately +1.5, +0.5, 0, -2.0, and -2.5 charges, respectively. The apoA-I synthesized by organ cultures of cynomolgus monkey intestine and liver overlaps on the two- dimensional system with the corresponding most basic minor plasma apoA-I isoprotein designated apoA-12. lB These findings suggest: a) that monkey apoA-I is secreted as a proform and is subsequently modified in plasma, and b) the charge differences among apoA-I of the different nonhuman primate species and of humans are consistent with structural apoA-I gene mutations that occurred during the evolution of primates. -Nicolosi, R. J., and V. 1. Zannis. Apolipoprotein A-I of primates. J. Lipid Res. 1984. 25 879-887.
Comparative observations on selected probiotics and olaquindox used as feed additives for piglets around weaning

Zusammenfassung Vergleichende Untersuchungen zur Wirkung einiger Probiotika und von Olaquindox bei Absatzferkeln. I. Der Einsus auf bakterielle Stoffwechselprodukte im Darmtrakt auf Blutparameter und Wachstum In zwei Versuchen mit 90 Ferkeln wurde der Effekt von Milchsaurebakterien (LAB) und/oder nicht absorbierbaren Zuckern (NAS) bzw. Olaquindox (O) auf die intestinale Umgebung, einige Blutparameter, das Wachstum und die Futteraufnahme untersucht. Die Verabreichung von Olaquindox fuhrte zu einem Anstieg der NH3- und Buttersaure-Konzentration im Intestinum im Vergleich zu den Kontrolltieren und den Tieren, die LAB und/oder NAS erhielten. Die Behandlung mit Probiotika zeigte keinen Einflus auf den pH-Wert und den Gehalt an organischen Sauren. Keine der genannten Behandlungen zeigte eine Veranderung der Blutparameter. Allerdings war der Globulingehalt im Plasma nach O-Verabreichung tendenziell erniedrigt. Im Versuch 1 fuhrte die Supplementierung mit Olaquindox zu hoherem Wachstum (p < 0,001) und hoherer Futteraufnahme (p < 0,01). Bei der Verabreichung von LAB und/oder NAS konnten im Vergleich zu den O-Tieren keine solchen Effekte beobachtet werden, wohl aber im Vergleich zu den Kontrolltieren. Im Versuch 2 fuhrte die Verabreichung von O bzw. LAB und/oder NAS zu einer besseren Wachstumsleistung im Vergleich zu den Kontrollen nach dem Absetzen. Der Effekt von Olaquindox scheint demnach die Verhaltnisse im Darmtrakt bzw. Stoffwechselprozesse (erhohte Futteraufnahme) positiv zu beeinflussen. Bei gut funktionierender intestinaler Flora erscheinen die Effekte von LAB und/oder NAS auf intestinale Parameter und Wachstumsleistung verhaltnismasig gering zu sein.
Transcriptional Analysis of Masson Pine (Pinus massoniana) under High CO2 Stress

To explore the molecular mechanism of the response of Masson pine (Pinus massoniana), the main coniferous tree in southern China, to high CO2 stress, transcriptome sequencing was carried out to analyze the genome-wide responses of annual seedlings under different durations (0 h, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h) of high CO2 stress. The results showed that a total of 3080/1908, 3110/2115 and 2684/1483 genes were up-/down-regulated after 6 h, 12 h and 24 h of treatment, respectively, compared with control check group (CK, 0 h). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that most of these differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were enriched in energy metabolism, carbohydrate synthesis, cell wall precursor synthesis and hormone regulation pathways. For energy metabolism, the expression of most genes involved in photosynthesis (including the light reaction and Calvin cycle) was generally inhibited, while the expression of genes related glycolysis, the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and PPP pathway was up-regulated. In addition, the increase in the CO2 concentration induced the up-regulation of gene expression in the sucrose synthesis pathway. Among all starch synthesis genes, GBSS (granule-bound starch synthase) had the highest expression level. On the other hand, during the synthesis of hemicellulose and pectin (cell wall precursor substances), the expression levels of GMD (GDP-mannose 4,6-dehydratase), MGP (Mannose-1-phosphate guanylyl transferase) and RHM (Rhamnose biosynthetic enzyme) were the highest, suggesting that the synthesis of the raw materials hemicellulose and pectin in Masson pine under stress were mainly supplied by GDP-Man, GDP-Fuc and UDP-Rha. Finally, stress inhibited gene expression in the ABA (Abscisic Acid) synthesis pathway and induced gene expression in the GA (Gibberellin), SA (Salicylic acid), BR(Brassinolide) and MeJA (Methyl Jasmonate) pathways. Stomatal switches were regulated by hormonal interactions. This experiment elaborated on the response and molecular mechanism of Masson pine to CO2 stress and aided in screening carbon sequestration genes for the corresponding molecular research of Masson pine in the future.
The Role of 22 Genes Expression in Bladder Cancer by Adaptive LASSO

Background: Genetic expression has been frequently considered as an efficient method for early diagnosis of cancer. In this study, we examined the simultaneous effect of 22 genes on contribution to bladder cancer. Objectives: Since these 22 genes are known as the most important risk factors in many cancers, we aimed to investigate them as potential effective genes in bladder cancer. Methods: The data consist of 25 patients with bladder cancer (the case group) and 23 matched healthy individuals as a control group. Univariate analysis was performed and differences between two groups were analyzed through the independent T-test. A multivariate gene expression model was implemented using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and Adaptive LASSO regression. Standard error of coefficients was obtained using the bootstrap method. We used two methods for classification and compared areas under the curve (AUC), using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Results: Independent T-test showed that 11 genes had a significant difference between the two groups. Also multivariate analysis using the LASSO revealed that 12 genes have a significant effect on bladder cancer and adaptive lasso regression represented SDF1, CTLA-4, Her2 and IL-23 genes as the most effective genes. The AUC for LASSO and Adaptive LASSO were 0.71 and 0.89, respectively which was statistically significant (P = 0.009). Our multivariable results for SDF1, CTLA-4 and IL-23 confirm the findings of many studies in this field. Conclusions: Among all genes were examined, SDF1, CTLA-4, Her2 and IL-23 which were selected by the two methods has the greatest contribution to bladder cancer.
Diet Analysis of Wetland Passerine Nestlings Using Neck Collars or Faecal Sampling Produces Similar Results

Two methods are commonly used to study the diet of nestling passerines: the neck collar method and faecal sampling. Most studies apply either method, however, few methodological studies comparing both methods exist and are mainly limited to farmland birds. Furthermore, existing methodological studies only include high-level taxonomic diet categories. Here, we compared both methods using two wetland species, the Reed Bunting Emberiza schoeniclus and the Sedge Warbler Acrocephalus schoenobaenus, and included family level as a lower taxonomic prey level. We found no differences between the two methods in the dietary composition of high-level taxonomic categories (mainly orders) and only small differences in some orders at the family level. Hence, we recommend using the less invasive and easily accessible faecal sampling method rather than the use of neck collars in diet composition studies.
Antibiotics Impair Murine Hematopoiesis by Depleting Intestinal Microbiota

Background . Bone marrow suppression is an adverse effect associated with many antibiotics, especially when thay are administered for prolonged treatment courses. Methods . Recent advances in our understanding of steady-state hematopoiesis have allowed us to explore in detail the effects of antibiotics on hematopoietic progenitors in a murine model. Results . Antibiotic-treated mice exhibited leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocyto-sis. Analysis of leukocytes with ﬂ ow cytometry revealed pronounced pan-lymphope- nia, with reduction of the CD4:CD8 T cell ratio. Bone marrow progenitor analysis revealed severe depletion of multipotent progenitors across all subtypes. In contrast, hematopoietic stem cells were stable during antibiotic therapy, based on both pheno-typic analysis and bone marrow transplant assays. Despite severe suppression of lym- phoid cells in the periphery and their precursors in the marrow, naïve CD8 + T cells were increased in bone marrow. Reductions in progenitor activity were not observed when cells were directly incubated with antibiotics, suggesting that these effects are in-direct. Given the known interactions between the intestinal microbiome and hemato- poiesis, we investigated its role in antibiotic-associated effects. Hematopoietic changes were associatedwith asigni ﬁ cant reduction ofthe fecal microbiome, and were partially rescued by fecal microbiota transfer. Further, mice raised in germ-free conditions had hematopoietic abnormalities similar to those seen in antibiotic-treated mice, and an- tibiotic therapy of germ-free mice caused no additional abnormalities. Conclusion . Our ﬁ ndings suggest that antibiotics suppress hematopoiesis not through direct toxic effects on progenitors, but by depleting intestinal microbiota.
Olfactory representation in the honey bee antennal lobe: Investigations on a filter's functions and dysfunctions.

The honeybee, Apis mellifera, is an established model for the study of olfactory processing, olfactory learning and memory, and the related plasticity. The primary centre for olfactory processing in the bee brain, the antennal lobe, has a very important function in odour coding and odour discrimination. Nevertheless, both its structure and its function are plastic. In this thesis, I analysed the structural antennal lobe plasticity related to associative learning, and that related to a non-associative experience, i.e. prolonged odour exposure, in the adult honeybee. Subsequently, I analysed the functional modification taking place in the latter case within the output units of the antennal lobe, showing that parallel structural and functional changes occur. In the last part of the thesis, I focused on the effects of a common neonicotinoid pesticide, imidacloprid, on antennal lobe function and the discrimination abilities of honeybees. I demonstrated that both are strongly impaired in the acute treatment of the brain with such substance.