Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Salt balance in ewe's and goat's milk during storage at chilling and freezing temperatures

This article examines the change in salt balance in the soluble fraction of ewe's and goat's raw milk over storage periods from 1 to 7 days, at 3 and 7 °C. It also examines the balance of salts in identical samples frozen and stored at -18 °C for 3 months. Renneting properties were determined in all treatments. Phosphorus and divalent cations contents of the soluble phase increased over chilled storage, particularly in goat's milk. In this milk, after storage for 2 days at 3 °C, the levels of serum Ca, Mg, and P had increased by 10.3, 3.1, and 9.4%, respectively. As pH dropped, after 4 days, there was a considerable increase in the presence of these elements in the soluble phase. In milk samples of both species kept in frozen storage, colloidal phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium contents increased slightly. Renneting properties were less affected in frozen than in chilled samples.
The strength of guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) egg shells

Synopsis The strength of guinea fowl egg shells has been studied by piercing and snapping methods and the results were compared with those from the domestic hen. Guinea fowl egg shells are stronger and thicker than egg shells from the domestic hen and the shells are stronger even after allowing for their greater thickness. The difference in snapping strength between shells of the two species is far greater when the shells are snapped inwards than when they are snapped outwards. Studies of the crystal structure, histological structure and chemical analysis revealed interesting differences between the two types of shell but it was not possible to say which of these differences accounted for the differences in strength.
Intestinal Permeability in Children with Celiac Disease after the Administration of Oligofructose-Enriched Inulin into a Gluten-Free Diet—Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Pilot Trial

Abnormalities in the intestinal barrier are a possible cause of celiac disease (CD) development. In animal studies, the positive effect of prebiotics on the improvement of gut barrier parameters has been observed, but the results of human studies to date remain inconsistent. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of twelve-week supplementation of a gluten-free diet (GFD) with prebiotic oligofructose-enriched inulin (10 g per day) on the intestinal permeability in children with CD treated with a GFD. A pilot, randomized, placebo-controlled nutritional intervention was conducted in 34 children with CD, being on a strict GFD. Sugar absorption test (SAT) and the concentrations of intestinal permeability markers, such as zonulin, intestinal fatty acid-binding protein, claudin-3, calprotectin, and glucagon-like peptide-2, were measured. We found that the supplementation with prebiotic did not have a substantial effect on barrier integrity. Prebiotic intake increased excretion of mannitol, which may suggest an increase in the epithelial surface. Most children in our study seem to have normal values for intestinal permeability tests before the intervention. For individuals with elevated values, improvement in calprotectin and SAT was observed after the prebiotic intake. This preliminary study suggests that prebiotics may have an impact on the intestinal barrier, but it requires confirmation in studies with more subjects with ongoing leaky gut.
Distribution and abundance of Indo‐Pacific humpback dolphins in Leizhou Bay, China

Abstract The Indo‐Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) is under severe threat in Chinese waters. Only four small populations of this dolphin are known to survive in the East China Sea and South China Sea. We conducted exploratory surveys from June to September 2005, and found a population of humpback dolphins in Leizhou Bay. Thirty‐eight individuals were identified and catalogued, of which 26 were photographed and re‐identified on more than one occasion, and nine were sighted on five or more occasions each. Our preliminary estimate of the size of the Leizhou population is about 237 individuals, second only to the Pearl River estuary population. We suggest that Leizhou Bay has the potential to serve as a “humpback dolphin sanctuary” in Chinese waters.
Geographic Variation in the Brook Stickleback, Culaea inconstans, and Notes on Nomenclature and Distribution

Clinal variation in dorsal and pelvic spine lengths was observed in the brook stickleback, Culaea inconstans, in an examination of 1366 specimens from 62 localities. Mean spine length was longest in the Wisconsin to Ohio area and generally decreased to the west, north, and east of this area. Shortest spines were observed in the northwestern part of the range of the species. A population in New Mexico, believed to be relict, was highly variable, but most specimens had long spines. Pelvic spines, and the supporting skeleton, were absent in most specimens from five localities in Alberta. Pelvic skeleton size and body depth were generally greatest in the area east of Wisconsin and least in the northwestern part of the range. Although C. inconstans is generally described as being naked, a series of about 30–36 small bony scutes was found along the lateral line in all populations examined. No marked geographic variation was observed in number of pectoral rays, caudal rays, soft dorsal-fin rays, soft anal-fin ra.
The role of B cells in heart failure and implications for future immunomodulatory treatment strategies

Despite numerous demonstrations that the immune system is activated in heart failure, negatively affecting patients' outcomes, no definitive treatment strategy exists directed to modulate the immune system. In this review, we present the evidence that B cells contribute to the development of hypertrophy, inflammation, and maladaptive tissue remodelling. B cells produce antibodies that interfere with cardiomyocyte function, which culminates as the result of recruitment and activation of a variety of innate and structural cell populations, including neutrophils, macrophages, fibroblasts, and T cells. As B cells appear as active players in heart failure, we propose here novel immunomodulatory therapeutic strategies that target B cells and their products.
Long-Distance Movement of mRNAs in Plants

Long-distance transport of information molecules in the vascular tissues could play an important role in regulating plant growth and enabling plants to cope with adverse environments. Various molecules, including hormones, proteins, small peptides and small RNAs have been detected in the vascular system and proved to have systemic signaling functions. Sporadic studies have shown that a number of mRNAs produced in the mature leaves leave their origin cells and move to distal tissues to exert important physiological functions. In the last 3–5 years, multiple heterograft systems have been developed to demonstrate that a large quantity of mRNAs are mobile in plants. Further comparison of the mobile mRNAs identified from these systems showed that the identities of these mRNAs are very diverse. Although species-specific mRNAs may regulate the unique physiological characteristic of the plant, mRNAs with conserved functions across multiple species are worth more effort in identifying universal physiological mechanisms existing in the plant kingdom.
Peer Sharing Facilitates the Effect of Inquiry-Based Projects on Science Learning

ABSTRACT Authentic assessment exercises are similar to real-world tasks that would be expected by a professional. An authentic assessment in combination with an inquiry-based learning activity enhances students' learning and rehearses them for their future roles, whether as scientists or as informed citizens. Over a period of 2 years, we experimented with two inquiry-based projects; one had traditional scientific inquiry characteristics, and the other used popular culture as the medium of inquiry We found that activities that incorporated group learning motivated students and sharpened their abilities to apply and communicate their knowledge of science. We also discovered that incorporating popular culture provided “Millennial” students with a refreshing view of science learning and increased their appetites to explore and elaborate on science.
Diversité floristique et biologie des adventices de la région du Tadla (Maroc)

Resume: Summary: Zusammenfassung Dans le but d'inventorier les adventices des cultures de la region du Tadla (Maroc Central), 345 champs cultives ont fait l'objet de releves phytoecologiques. Trois cent trente especes adventices appartenant a 50 familles botaniques ont ainsi pu etre identifiees: 84% sont des dicotyledones (essentiellement Compositae, Leguminosae, Cruciferae, Caryophyllaceae, et Umbelliferae) et 73% sont des annuelles. Une breve etude agronomique a permis de distinguer 70 especes ayant une nuisibilite non negligeable vis a vis des differentes cultures de la region. Inventory and biology of cropland weeds of the Tadla region (Morocco) An inventory of cropland weeds of the Tadla region (Central Morocco) was made, based on samples from 345 cultivated fields. Three hundred and thirty species were identified, belonging to 50 botanical families: 84% of the species were dicots (mainly Compositae, Leguminosae, Cruciferae, Caryophyllaceae, and Umbelliferae), and 73% were annuals. Seventy species are important cropland pests. Ueber die Floristik und Biologie der Unkrauter in der Region von Tadla (Marokko) Ziel dieser Studie war eine Inventaraufnahme der Ackerunkrauter in der Region Tadla (Zentral-marokko); zu diesem Zweck wurden in 345 Feldkulturen phytookologische Bestandesaufnahmen durchgefuhrt. Dabei wurden 330 Unkrautarten aus 50 Familien identifiziert; davon waren 84% Dikotyledonen (hauptsachlich Compositen, Leguminosen, Cruciferen, Caryophyllaceen und Umbelliferen) und 73% Anuelle. 70 Arten verursachten in verschiedenen Kulturen starke Schadigungen.
Starch metabolism in developing strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) fruits

Fruit starch reserves can be an important contributor to the sugar content of some ripe fruit, and despite the relatively high financial premiums (compared to other fruit) commanded by ripe strawberries, neither their starch or sugar biochemistry has been examined in detail. This study assessed the rate of starch biosynthesis and breakdown in developing strawberry and sought to determine the temporal changes in the activities of selected enzymes known to be involved in sucrose-starch interconversions. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that starch levels appeared greatest in immature strawberry (Fragaria×ananassa, cv. Elsanta) at 7 days postanthesis, as evidenced by a decrease in the number of cells containing starch granules as ripening progressed. Levels of key enzymes of starch and sugar metabolism estimated using Western blotting and enzyme activity analysis showed that activities did not correlate with antigen levels. In particular, enzyme activity recovery experiments indicated that losses were due to non-proteinaceous inhibitors, and in particular protein binding: highlighting the potential for misinterpretation of enzyme activity data gathered from ripening (strawberry) fruit tissue extracts. Consequently, in vitro experiments using [U-14C] glucose revealed that incorporation to starch is low (11%) at the earliest developmental stages when starch content is greatest. Starch synthesis rate then declines to non-detectable levels as fruit expand and ripen. These results show that starch accumulates extremely early in the fruit formation process and that starch degradation predominates during fruit growth and development. We estimate that breakdown of transient starch can contribute up to 3% of the sugar accumulated in ripe fruit.
Susceptibilities to carbapenems and presence of cphA gene on food-borne Aeromonas

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to determine the susceptibilities of food-borne Aeromonas to carbapenems, as well as to investigate the presence of a metallo carbapenemase-encoding gene, named cphA. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) was determined following NCCLS standards. All the tested microorganisms were susceptible to imipenem, meropenem and biapenem. However, a strong inoculum size effect on carbapenem MICs was observed for most of the strains. Six strains, out of seven, showed the presence of metallo--β−lactamases but cphA gene was detected in only two strains of A. veronii bv. sobria . Key words: metallocarbapenemase, cphA gene, food borne Aeromonas . * Author for correspondence INTRODUCTION Evolution of bacterial resistance to antibiotics in humans, animals and the environment is the result of the interaction between the exposure to antibiotics, selection of microorganisms carrying primordial genes of resistance, and transmission of resistance genes between bacteria. Selective effects occur in selective compartments, where particular antibiotic concentrations result in a differential growth rate of resistant bacterial variants (Baquero et al., 1998) This may happen even at very low antibiotic concentrations able to select low-level-resistant bacteria. Analysis of selective environment-related antibiotic-host-bacteria interactions is essential to understand the biology of antibiotic resistance. (Baquero et al., 1998) To anticipate emergence of resistance, it is necessary to better understand the genetics and biochemistry of resistance mechanisms and to develop methodologies to foresee their evolution at the individual or population level (Baquero et al., 1998). Most retrospective and prospective studies show that after the introduction of an antibiotic, the level of resistance increases both among pathogenic bacteria and in commensal bacteria (van den Bogaard and Stobberingh, 2000). Moreover, commensal bacteria constitute a reservoir of resistance genes for (potentially) pathogenic bacteria. Their level of resistance is considered to be a good indicator for selection pressure by antibiotic use and for resistance problems to be expected in pathogens. Aeromonas strains have been found to be able to produce up to three different β-lactamases
An Approach to the Diagnosis and Treatment of Depleted Pacific Salmon Populations in Pacific Northwest Watersheds

Abstract We propose an approach to the development of restoration programs for Pacific anadromous salmon that recognizes the importance of an ecosystem perspective. Important concepts such as habitat complexity and self-organizing capacity of the stock are reviewed. A planning process comprised of six steps is described. The approach includes a comparison of historic and current habitat complexity and connectivity and intrapopulation life history diversity. Uncertainties are incorporated into the planning process through assumptions that are clearly identified. Risk of project failure is determined through a qualitative or quantitative weighing of the critical uncertainties. We emphasize the concept that restoration planning is an iterative process that must be continued after implementation.
Physiological Characteristics of Vertically-Stratified Lyngbya wollei Mats

ABSTRACT Massive floating and benthic mats of the filamentous blue-green alga, Lyngbya wollei, occlude small lakes and shallow coves of large reservoirs, especially in the southeastern United States. In situ standing crops (up to 6.66 kg fresh weight m−2), seasonal vertical distribution (surface, benthic and mid-depth suspended) and metabolic characteristics of L. wollei mats in Marten's Pond, S.C. are described and compared with midsummer infestations in three other southeastern impoundments. The dense floating mats which are the most visible manifestation of infestations limit irradiance available to subsurface filaments; less than 2% of incident irradiance penetrates surface mats. Surface filaments containing minimal chlorophyll a and abundant myxoxanthophyll are photosynthetically inactive, whereas subsurface filaments having greater concentrations of phycobilins and chlorophyll a are most active in photosynthesis. L. wollei is perennial because virtually all of the summer biomass overwinters on the l.
Effect of the maize-derived compounds DIMBOA and MBOA on growth and digestive processes of european corn borer (Lepidoptera : Pyralidae)

The maize derived growth inhibitor, 2,4-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-l,4-benzoxazin-3-one (DIMBOA), and one of its degradation products, 6-methoxybenzoxazolin-3-one (MBOA), were assessed for their mode of action on larvae of the European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hubner). Nutritional indices computed for larvae administered the compounds in their diets showed that DIMBOA reduced the approximate digestibility of food and that MBOA reduced the efficiency of conversion of digested food. The results suggested that DIMBOA acts primarily as a digestive toxin and that the effects of MBOA occurred after digestion. Based on measurements of hydrolysis of artificial protease substrates, inclusion of DIMBOA or MBOA in diet ingested for 48 h or with crude gut homogenates reduced the activity of trypsin. Inclusion of DIMBOA decreased the activity of chymotrypsin on artificial substrates. DIMBOA inhibition of partially purified larval corn borer chymotrypsin was noncompetitive.
Selection of new clones of linalool chemotype from genetic recombination in Lippia alba

The aromatic and medicinal species Lippia alba is vigorous and rugged native to the South America (Atlantic Rainforest). Because it is an allogamous and self-incompatible species, natural populations have high morphological and chemical variability. This work had as objective to conduct a preliminary screening to identify new promising clones from a novel (recombinant) base population of Lippia alba with regard to its agronomic and phytochemical traits, using the linalool oil or chemotype as model. The two superior linalool clones, obtained by collection, were used as controls. Traits evaluated included: dry mass of leaves (DML), oil yield percentage (EOY%), oil production per plant (OP), and linalool percentage (LN%). Forty linalool chemotype clones were evaluated in three experiments, in a random block design with four replicates and four cuttings (clones) per plot. Besides means comparisons, multivariate analysis was used in order to aid in the preliminary selection of clones. There were positive correlations from moderate to strong for DML vs. EOY%, OP vs. EOY% and DML vs. OP. Linalool clones superior or similar to both controls were identified for the DML, EOY%, OP, and LN% traits (univariate analyses), aimed at further validating experimentation. Five distinct groups were defined in the cluster analysis (UPGMA), each containing subgroups as well.
Non-Neutral Evolution: Theories And Molecular Data

Alternatives to the neutral theory-- John Gillespie Patterns of polymorphism and between species divergence in the enzymes of central metabolism-- Walter F. Eanes Molecular population genetics in Drosophila pseudoobscura: three future directions-- Steve W. Schaeffer Selection, recombination, and DNA polymorphism, and DNA polymorphism in Drosophila-- Charles F. Aquadro, David J. Begun and Eric C. Kindahl Effects of genetic recombination and population subdivision on nucleotide sequence variation in Drosophila ananassae-- Wolfgang Stephan Polymorphism and divergence in regions of low recombination in Drosophila-- Montserrat Aguade and Chuck Langley Inferring selection and mutation from DNA sequences: the McDonald-Kreitman test revisited-- Stanley A. Sawyer Detecting natural selection by comparing geographic variation in protein and DNA polymorphism-- John H. McDonald A neutrality test for continuous characters based on levels of intraspecific divergence-- Andrew G. Clark Estimation of population parameters and detection of natural selection from DNA sequences-- Wen-Hsiung Li and Yun-Xin Fu Using maximum likelihood to infer selection from phylogenies-- Brian Golding Gene trees with background selection-- Richard R. Hudson and Norman L. Kaplan Phylogenetic analysis on the edge: the application of cladistic techniques at the population level-- Robert DeSalle and Alfried Vogler The divergence of halophilic superoxide dismutase gene sequences: molecular adaptation to high salt environments-- Patrick P. Dennis Mitochondrial haplotype frequencies in oysters: neutral alternatives to selection models-- Andrew T. Beckenbach Gene duplication, gene conversion and codon bias-- Donal A. Hickey, Shaojiu Wang and Charalambos Magoulas Genealogical portraits of speciation in the Drosophila melanogaster species complex-- Jody Hey and Richard M. Kliman Genetic divergence, reproductive isolation and speciation-- RamaS. Singh and Ling-Wen Zeng Polymorphism at Mhc loci and isolation by the immune system in vertebrates-- Naoyuki Takahata.
Comparative physical and nutritive characteristics of ostrich eggs

The physical characteristics and chemical composition of ostrich eggs are reviewed in the process of investigating their suitability for table consumption. Some comparisons are made between ostrich eggs and those of other avian species, and it is concluded that their physical appearance may make them attractive to consumers. The extremely strong shells of ostrich eggs make them very resistant to breakage during handling and transportation, while also serving as a basis for the making of curios. The limited data available indicate that the contents of ostrich eggs is similar to that of other avian species in terms of the proportion of main components and chemical composition. Although the production of fresh ostrich eggs for consumption is currently not seen as having great potential, there appears to be no reason why those not used as hatching eggs should not be utilized for table consumption.
Perspective of Medical Students on the COVID-19 Pandemic: Survey of Nine Medical Schools in Uganda

Background The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is a global public health concern affecting over 5 million people and posing a great burden on health care systems worldwide. Objective The aim of this study is to determine the knowledge, attitude, and practices of medical students in Uganda on the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We conducted an online, descriptive cross-sectional study in mid-April 2020, using WhatsApp Messenger. Medical students in 9 of the 10 medical schools in Uganda were approached through convenience sampling. Bloom’s cut-off of 80% was used to determine good knowledge (≥12 out of 15), positive attitude (≥20 out of 25), and good practice (≥12 out of 15). Results The data of 741 first- to fifth-year medical students, consisting of 468 (63%) males with a mean age of 24 (SD 4) years, were analyzed. The majority (n=626, 84%) were pursuing Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degrees. Overall, 671 (91%) had good knowledge, 550 (74%) had a positive attitude, and 426 (57%) had good practices. Knowledge was associated with the 4th year of study (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 4.1, 95% CI 1.6-10.3; P<.001). Attitude was associated with the female sex (aOR 0.7, 95% CI 0.5-1; P=.04) and TV or radio shows (aOR 1.1, 95% CI 0.6-2.1; P=.01). Practices were associated with the ≥24 years age category (aOR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1-2.1; P=.02) and online courses (aOR 1.8, 95% CI 1.1-3.2; P=.03). In total, 592 (80%) medical students were willing to participate in frontline care if called upon. Conclusions Medical students in Uganda have sufficient knowledge of COVID-19 and will be a large reservoir for health care response when the need arises.