Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pathogenicity of Foodborne, Environmental and Clinical Isolates of Listeria Monocytogenes in Mice

Foodborne, environmental and clinical isolates of Listeria monocytogenes and other Listeria species were screened for pathogenicity in immunocompromised mice. Of 218 isolates of L. monocytogenes, 203 were pathogenic and 15 were nonpathogenic. All non-monocytogenes species were nonpathogenic. Pathogenic isolates were hemolytic for sheep blood. In contrast, many nonpathogenic isolates were weakly hemolytic, but were CAMP positive. Lethal doses (LD50) of pathogenic isolates were 5-480 cells for immunocompromised mice and 7.2 × 105 to 8.4 × 107 for nonimmunocompromised mice; whereas LD50s for nonpathogenic isolates were > 108 cells in both immunocompromised and nonimmunocompromised mice. Selected test isolates of L. monocytogenes were serotyped; the most common serotypes were 1/2b, 1/2a, 3a and 4b. The initial source and serotype of the isolate appeared not to be related to pathogenicity in immunocompromised mice. However, hemolytic activity was related to pathogenicity.
Comparisons Between X-ray Film- and Phosphorescence Imaging-Based Autoradiography for the Visualization of Herbicide Translocation

Autoradiography is a radioisotope-based technique that allows absorbed and translocated herbicide to be visualized. Autoradiographs are traditionally produced with X-ray film and exposure times of several weeks. Phosphorescence imaging (PI) was investigated as an alternative autoradiography procedure. Smallflower morningglory plants were root-exposed to a series of 14C-atrazine concentrations, producing a series of increasing foliar radioactivity concentrations (i.e., dosage) that ranged from marginal to excessive with respect to autoradiography. Autoradiographs were subsequently produced from these 14C-atrazine-dosed plants using both the X-ray film and the PI technique. Autoradiographs from both techniques were of excellent quality and nearly identical when the dosage was ∼20 to 70 Bq/mg. However, PI produces an acceptable image in dosages either above or below this optimum range. A 1-d exposure time was sufficient with PI, and longer exposure times were not detrimental to image quality. In contrast, a 3-wk exposure time was required with X-ray film. Autoradiographs of selected herbicides are presented to further demonstrate the utility of PI. Nomenclature: Atrazine; smallflower morningglory, Jacquemontia tamnifolia (L.) Griseb IAQTA.
Bone Position and Ligament Deformations of the Foot From CT Images to Quantify the Influence of Footwear in ex vivo Feet

The mechanical behavior of the foot is often studied through the movement of the segments composing it and not through the movement of each individual bone, preventing an accurate and unambiguous study of soft tissue strains and foot posture. In order to describe the internal behavior of the foot under static load, we present here an original methodology that automatically tracks bone positions and ligament deformations through a series of CT acquisitions for a foot under load. This methodology was evaluated in a limited clinical study based on three cadaveric feet in different static load cases, first performed with bare feet and then with a sports shoe to get first insights on how the shoe influences the foot's behavior in different configurations. A model-based tracking technique using hierarchical distance minimization was implemented to track the position of 28 foot bones for each subject, while a mesh-morphing technique mapped the ligaments from a generic model to the patient-specific model in order to obtain their deformations. Comparison of these measurements between the ex vivo loaded bare foot and the shod foot showed evidence that wearing a shoe affects the deformation of specific ligaments, has a significant impact on the relative movement of the bones and alters the posture of the foot skeleton (plantar-dorsal flexion, arch sagging, and forefoot abduction-adduction on the midfoot). The developed method may provide new clinical indicators to guide shoe design and valuable data for detailed foot model validation.
Distribution of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia in an Australian population

Background, aim: The present study describes (i) the natural distribution of the three putative periodontopathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in an Australian population and (ii) the relationship between these organisms, pocket depths and supragingival plaque scores. Methods: Subgingival plaque was collected from the shallowest and deepest probing site in each sextant of the dentition. In total, 6030 subgingival plaque samples were collected from 504 subjects. An ELISA utilising pathogen-specific monoclonal antibodies was used to quantitate bacterial numbers. Results:: A. actinomycetemcomitans was the most frequently detected organism (22.8% of subjects) followed by P. gingivalis and P. intermedia (14.7% and 9.5% of subjects respectively). The majority of infected subjects (83%) were colonised by a single species of organism. A. actinomyceteincomitans presence was overrepresented in the youngest age group but under-represented in the older age groups. Conversely, P. gingivalis and P. intermedia presence was under-represented in the youngest age group but over-represented in the older age groups. Differing trends in the distribution of these bacteria were observed between subjects depending upon the site of the infection or whether a single or mixed infection was present; however, these differences did not reach significance. Bacterial presence was strongly associated with pocket depth for both A. actinomyceteincomitans and P. gingivalis. For A. actinomycetemcomitans, the odds of a site containing this bacterium decrease with deeper pockets. In contrast, for P. gingivalis the odds of a site being positive are almost six times greater for pockets >3 ram than for pockets less than or equal to3 nun. These odds increase further to 15.3 for pockets deeper than 5 mm. The odds of a site being P. intermedia positive were marginally greater (1.16) for pockets deeper than 3 mm. Conclusions: This cross-sectional study in a volunteer Australian population, demonstrated recognised periodontal pathogens occur as part of the flora of the subgingival plaque. Prospective longitudinal studies are needed to examine the positive relationship between pocket depth and pathogen presence with periodontal disease initiation and/or progression.
Physiological Responses of Tomato Seedlings (Lycopersicon Esculentum) to Salt Stress

Tomato seedling was treated under different concentration of NaCl ranged from 0 to 300 mM. Effects of salt stress on the content of growth and osmotic adjustment substance, the superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) activities and generation rate of O2 . - of tomato seedling were studied. The result showed that the content of fresh weight (FW), dry weight(DW), K + , K + / Na + and soluble sugar(SS) decreased with the increasing of NaCl concentration. Conversely, the contention of Na + , Proline and malondialdehyde (MDA), SOD, POD, CAT and APX activities and generation rate of O2 . - increased. Growth of seedling shoots was suppressed by salt treatment. Osmotic adjustment substance play a critical role in the growth of tomato seedling under the condition of salt stress, and meanwhile the continual increasing bioactivity of antioxidant enzymes could scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) resulted from salt stress to exert the existence of tomato seedling.
Construction and morphogenesis of the chiral ultrastructure of coccoliths from the marine alga Emiliania huxleyi

Electron microscopy was used to study the developmental stages in coccolith biomineralization for the marine alga Emiliania huxleyi, with particular reference to the formation of the chiral ultrastructure. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the earliest stages in coccolith formation are characterized by an elliptical proto-coccolith ring of discrete single crystals of calcite. These initial crystals appear to be deposited with alternating radial (R) and vertical (V) orientations (the V/R nucleation model). Scanning electron microscopy showed that the R-crystals initially develop in the vertical direction to form rhombic plates, possibly with rhombohedral (1̄018} faces, and a Z-shaped cross section. When viewed from above the cell, further growth involves an anticlockwise tangential extension from each R-crystal which overlaps the neighbouring R-crystal on the inner rim and generates the morphological handedness. The result is an apparent inner and outer tube cycle of R-crystals with opposite imbrication. Subsequent growth of the plate-like extension occurs radially inwards, towards the foci of the elliptical ring, whereas the external surface develops outwards, in a direction perpendicular to the {1ˉ018} face, to form the shield elements. Tracings of elements for mature coccoliths revealed a c-axis distribution that was best modelled by an offset of this axis by approximately 20° to the normal for the local tangent. The chiral ultrastructure suggests that the calcite crystals are enclosed within vesicles which are themselves laid down in a chiral arrangement. Implications for the V /R model are discussed.
Period and Repeatability of Blood Sampling in Reared Grasscutter (Thryonomys Swinderianus Temminck. 1827) in Benin

The present study aims to clarify the period and repeatability of blood sampling in subadult grasscutters to promote its health monitoring through blood tests. Eight subadult male grasscutters aged 6 of months from Benin were used. Through blood samples, haematological and biochemical parameters were determined. Lymphocytes were increased more in the morning compared in the evening. In contrast, glucose, total protein and triglycerides were lower in 6 hours compared to 18 hours. For repeatability, MCH and MCHC showed high values in 3 ml compared to 6 ml. Total protein, total cholesterol, transaminase (GPT) and phosphorus were lower for 6 ml compared to 3 ml that is contrary to glucose. The study showed that there are many changes in haematological and biochemical parameters according to the period and repeatability of blood sampling in reared subadult grasscutters. For this purpose, the period of blood sampling which is the most suitable is the morning. In addition, subadult grasscutters can be taken more than once for a blood volume of 3 ml which is not the case for blood volume 6ml.
Effect of a salt-osmotic upshock on the edaphic microalga Neochloris oleoabundans

Abstract. The edaphic microalga Neochloris oleoabundans (isolated from desert soil) was subjected to a salt-osmotic shock from 0 to 0·6 kmol m−3 NaCl. The effect of the osmotic upshock on the cell composition was determined. The cell dry weight and the lipid, glycerol and soluble amino acids contents remained unchanged during 5d of osmotic upshock. The protein content increased after 2d of initial osmotic shock, and it appears to be a long-term haloadaptation process of the cells. The most important short-term effects of salt osmotic upshock were a decrease in polysaccharide content and an increase in the soluble carbohydrate content of Neochloris oleoabundans cells. Within the first 4h after the initial shock, there was a transfer of carbon units from polysaccharides to sucrose which was independent of photosynthesis. The increase of intracellular concentration of sucrose contributed to cell osmoregulation.
Effect of apple polyphenol on oxidative stability of sliced cooked cured beef and pork hams during chilled storage.

The effects of apple polyphenol (AP) on color, lipid and protein oxidation in sliced cooked cured hams (SCCHs) made of pork and beef during chilled storage were investigated. SCCH samples with no antioxidant added and those treated with vitamin C were used as controls. The results indicated that addition of 500 ppm AP to the samples significantly inhibited discoloration in pork SCCH, but not in beef; all the AP treatments (with 300, 500 and 1,000 ppm AP) successfully inhibited lipid oxidation of both pork and beef SCCHs with the lipid of pork SCCH more effectively protected than that of beef SCCH. However, no effect on protein oxidation as measured carbonyl group accumulation was observed in both pork and beef SCCH treated with AP at the dose used in this study. AP was generally an effective antioxidant. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The results of the present study indicate that apple polyphenol (AP) may be used to retain the quality of hams in chilled storage and of other meat products in quality storage. However, different concentrations of AP have different effects on stored meat products, and the same concentration of AP may produce different effects on different meat products. Therefore, a test should be performed before application of AP to a specific meat product in meat industry.
Recent progress of soybean protein foods: Chemistry, technology, and nutrition

Abstract The most important chemical reactions during the process of soybean protein foods are the intermolecular reactions among the residues exposed on the surface of the protein molecules through the denaturation process. In native soybean protein molecules, most amino acid residues responsible for the reactions—such as cysteine (‐SH), cystine (S‐S), and hydrophobic amino acid residues—are buried in the inside region of the molecule, inaccessible to water. These residues become reactable with each other through the exposure from the inside by heat denaturation during processing. The unique textures of soybean protein foods, such as tofu, kori‐tofu, yuba, and texturized products produced by extruder, etc., are the results of both the intermolecular interchange reaction between the exposed ‐SH and S‐S groups and the intermolecular hydrophobic reaction among the exposed hydrophobic amino acid residues. The exposure of amino acid residues is also important for the hydrolysis of soybean proteins by enzymes,.
Description of Skermanella parooensis gen. nov., sp. nov. to accommodate Conglomeromonas largomobilis subsp. parooensis following the transfer of Conglomeromonas largomobilis subsp. largomobilis to the genus Azospirillum

As a consequence of the transfer of the type species Conglomeromonas largomobilis subsp. largomobilis to the genus Azospirillum, the name of the genus Conglomeromonas must be changed in accordance with Rule 37a(1) of the International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria. Consequently, it is proposed that the subspecies Conglomeromonas largomobilis subsp. parooensis be transferred to the genus Skermanella gen. nov. as the type species Skermanella parooensis gen. nov., sp. nov. This taxon belongs to an isolated subline of descent in the Azospirillum branch of the α-Proteobacteria. The spelling of the specific epithet of Azospirillum largomobile is corrected to Azospirillum largimobile.
Métodos de coleta de fezes e determinação dos coeficientes de digestibilidade da fração protéica e da energia de alimentos para o pacu, Piaractus mesopotamicus (Holmberg, 1887)

To improve the pacu (Piaracatus mesopotamicus) feeding in the growth phase, it's necessary to know the digestibility of the ingredients used in his diets. Initially, four fecal collection methods were analyzed (dissection, stripping, Guelph and modified Guelph), based on precision and versatility and also the most efficient time among fecal collection of the Guelph sedimentation systems, through crude protein digestibility coefficient of pacu basic diet. There was no difference among the fecal collection methods while the intervals of time among the collections were significantly different, which may interfere in the protein digestibility results. In a second stage, five proteins concentrated of animal origin, five of vegetable origin and four energetic were studied for estimating protein and energy digestibility coefficients using the stripping method. The rations contained 69.5% of a reference diet, 30.0% of the ingredient test and 0.5% of Cr2O3. In a general way, crude protein digestibility coefficients were high and did not differ from the wheat meal (93.89%) and feather flour (75.73%), respectively. However, blood and yeast showed lower crude protein digestibility (57.72% and 68.86%), respectively. Gross energy digestibility coefficients varied considerably among the feedstuffs, showing high values (above 90%) for the sorghum, rice meal and raw and toasted soy and lower values (smaller than 70%) for poultry by-product and blood meal, soybean meal, cotton and yeast. However, with regard to the fecal collection methods, the results showed that anyone can be adopted with safety for digestibility determination, if used accurately. In a general way, most of protein concentrate can be used as a very good protein source, except for blood meal and the yeast. The energy concentrate revealed to be a source of energy in pacu diets.
Freshwater food webs control carbon dioxide saturation through sedimentation

Carbon cycling in lakes has been studied both in terms of the magnitude and global significance of carbon released to the atmosphere and carbon stored in the sediments. Interestingly, to the best of our knowledge there have been no studies examining whether instantaneous measures of carbon flux are directly related to how much carbon is being drawn down to the sediments. Here, we show that the saturation of CO2 in the water column is negatively related to the sedimentation rate. We, therefore, suggest that sedimentation should be explicitly considered as a factor directly controlling CO2 flux from freshwaters. Furthermore, we show that food webs and nutrients can alter CO2 flux by changing sedimentation. Oceanographers have long recognized the interaction between biota and sedimentation in the carbon dynamics of the ocean, a mechanism referred to as the biological pump. Our experiments rigorously test sedimentation and food web structure as factors controlling CO2 saturation and suggest a common framework for freshwater and marine systems.
Field Evaluation of Meadowfoam (Limnanthes alba) Seed Meal for Weed Management

Abstract Meadowfoam seed meal (MSM), a by-product after oil extraction, has potential uses for crop growth enhancement or weed control. The herbicidal effect of MSM is the result of a secondary metabolite, glucosinolate glucolimnanthin (GLN). Field evaluations were conducted using concentrations of 3, 5, and 7% by weight and two forms (nonactivated and activated) of MSM applied as soil amendments. No injury was observed on lettuce transplanted 7 d after MSM incorporation in 2011. Activated MSM at 7% reduced weed emergence up to 71%. Lettuce leaf N content was at least 8.5-fold greater in MSM treatments compared to the untreated control. Greater soil nitrate levels correlated with greater weed biomass in MSM-amended plots. Isothiocyanate, a potent herbicidal compound, was detected in soil incorporated with 7% activated MSM. In 2012, 2.86 g m−2 of activated MSM, applied as a split or single dose, was evaluated for weed control efficacy and crop injury response. The split MSM application provided weed control similar to that from the single MSM application. The split and single MSM applications inhibited spiny sowthistle emergence more than 95% compared to the untreated control. A single application of activated MSM as a PRE soil amendment suppressed weeds and increased lettuce yield. Nomenclature: meadowfoam, Limnanthes alba Hartw. ex Benth; spiny sowthistle, Sonchus asper (L.) Hill SONAS.
EFFECT OF PECTIN-BASED COATING ON THE KINETICS OF QUALITY CHANGE ASSOCIATED WITH STORED AVOCADOS

Undesirable storage conditions lead to physical and chemical quality loss in stored avocados, which affect its consumer acceptability. Studies aimed at quantifying the extent of quality changes under different storage conditions are valuable for minimizing the deleterious effect on product quality. The objective of this study was to quantify the effect of pectin-based coating on the kinetics of quality change in stored avocados. Avocados were coated with a pre-evaluated pectin-based emulsion and stored at three temperatures (5, 10 and 20C) for various times. At selected storage times, samples were removed and evaluated for quality parameters (physical: texture and color; chemical: ascorbic acid, pH, titrable acidity and total soluble solids; and physiological: respiration rate). Results revealed that avocados became softer and darker with the passage of time, and higher temperatures resulted in more rapid changes in the different quality parameters. The rate of CO2 evolution at the climacteric peak in control samples was 287, 253 and 186 mL/(kg·h) at 20, 15 and 10C, respectively, reached after 6, 12 and 16 days, while in coated samples, the peak values of 232, 210 and 152 mL/(kg·h) were reached after 8, 14 and 22 days, respectively. Control fruits lost 5.2, 6.8 and 11.5% of their original weight during 7 days of storage at 10, 15 and 20C, respectively, while coated fruits lost 3.8, 4.5 and 9.1% under the same conditions. A zero-order model was used for DE, and a first-order model was used for L value. Coating extended the shelf life to over a month at 10C. The textural softening of
Changes in the essential oil constituents of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) as influenced by soil and foliar levels of N and P

In a split-plotfield trial, the effect of foliar (F) application of 0 or 20 kg N, 2 kg P or 20 kg N + 2 kg P ha−1.was studied on the composition (analysed by GLC) and yield of fennel essential oil constituents grown with two soil (S) levels (60 kg N + 27 kg P and 90 kg N + 0 kg P ha−1). Camphene and dfenchone, both being bicyclic monoterpenes, and d-α-pinene, another bicyclic monoterpene showed a similar trend (R = 0.87) and their contents were maximum with FN20P2 at both soil levels. Methylchavicol and anethole (Phenylpropanoids) exhibited parallel trends (R = 0.56), with the control giving higher values at both soil levels. Interestingly, there was a negative correlation between some of the constituents, e.g. anethole versus d-fenchone (R = −0.99), anethole versus camphene (R = −0.87), and methylchavicol and d-α-pinene (R = −0.71), suggesting that the synthesis of the one constituent was at the expense of the other. Soil application of N and P enhanced the contents (%) of the phenylpropanoids (anethole .
Population dynamics and reproductive output of the non-indigenous crab Charybdis hellerii in the south-eastern Caribbean Sea

Charybdis hellerii is one of several poorly known non-indigenous crabs in the Caribbean. In this study we report on the reproductive dynamic of a shallow subtidal population that invaded Isla Margarita, Venezuela, south-eastern Caribbean Sea > 15 years ago and has persisted in the region up to date. Male and female crabs, both large and small, were found year-round at the study site. The size–frequency distribution indicated a lifespan of 2–3 years. Charybdis hellerii reproduces continuously but with very low intensity during the year. Small individuals (<25 mm carapace length) were uncommon and intermittently found during the study period. Sex-ratio varied between 0.1 and 0.65 (mean ± SD = of 0.46 ± 0.14) and did not differ significantly from 1:1 ratio during most of the year. The size of the smallest brooding female was 36.81 mm carapace width (CW). Behavioural size at first maturity (movable abdomen) in males and females was estimated to be 22.39 mm CW (confidence limits: 18.35–24.72) and 37.43 mm CW (35.55–39.09), respectively. Reproductive output, estimated as the ratio of embryo to female body dry mass, varied between 0.052 and 0.084 (0.07 ± 0.008). Also, reproductive output was size-dependent with large females allocating proportionally less resources to egg production than small females. The reproductive schedule here reported for C. hellerii disagrees with the generalized idea of exotic populations ‘thriving’ in an environment free of natural enemies (e.g. predators, competitors and diseases).