Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of galanin-inhibited insulin release

In the insulin-secreting beta cell line Rin m 5F, galanin, a newly discovered ubiquitous neuropeptide, inhibited, by 50%, the stimulation of insulin release induced by gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) or forskolin, i.e. two cAMP-generating effectors. In contrast, it failed to decrease the stimulation of insulin release elicited by either the Ca2+-mobilizing agent, carbamoylcholine, or by dibutyryl-cAMP. Concomitantly, galanin inhibited the GIP-and forskolin-stimulated cAMP production. Furthermore, adenylate cyclase in membranes from Rin m 5F cells was highly sensitive to galanin, which exerted a marked inhibitory effect on the forskolin-stimulated enzyme activity. All these galanin effects were observed at low physiological doses, in the nanomolar range. Overnight treatment of the Rin m 5F cells with pertussis toxin completely abolished the inhibitory effect of galanin on insulin release, cAMP production and adenylate cyclase activity. Moreover, pertussis toxin specifically ADP-ribosylated a 39-kDa protein present in membranes from those cells. Taken together, these data show that the galanin inhibition of insulin release most likely occurs through the inhibition of adenylate cyclase, involving a petussis-toxin-sensitive inhibitory GTP-binding regulatory protein.
Can Right Heart Parameters of Runners Participating in High Altitude Race be Influenced by Training Altitude or Have Any Impact on Their Performances

Objectives: This work was aimed at investigating, by means of ultrasonography, the influence of training altitudes on haemodynamic parameters of the right heart and the impact of these parameters on the performances of runners participating in endurance races. Experimental Design: This was a cross-sectional study. Place and Duration of the Study: The study was carried out in Cameroon. Echocardiographic parameters were recorded at the Regional Hospital annex of Buea (Cameroon) on the 12 th and 13 th February while race times were recorded at Molyko Stadium of Buea, on the 15 th February 2014. Methodology: Out of 241 runners who finished the senior Mount Cameroon Race of Hope, 68 who were at least at their second participation, had voluntarily participated in the study. Right heart parameters such as the Mid Right Ventricle Diameter (MRVD), the right ventricle Base-To-Apex Length (BAL), the Right Wall Motion (RWM), the Free Wall Thickness (FWT), the tricuspid annular plan systolic excursion (TAPSE) were collected through 2D transthoracic ultrasonography. Mann-Withney or Kruskal-Wallis tests and Spearman’s correlation were used for statistical analysis. The significance level was set at p-value<0.05. Results: Performances improved with the increasing number of participation in the race. From all the above echocardiographic parameters only the values of TAPSE were significantly different (p=0.035), with respect to genders (1.8±0.3 vs. 1.6±0.3 cm/m 2 , for males and females respectively). The Spearman’s correlation analysis did not show any relationship between training altitude and MRVD (r=-0.19; p=0.19), TAPSE (r=0.14; p=0.35) or FWT (r=-0.04; p=0.77). However, there was a correlation, although weak, between training altitude and BAL (r=-0.33; p=0.02). BAL decreased as training altitude was getting higher. None of these haemodynamic parameters seemed to impact the performances of runners. Conclusion: The training altitudes can impact right ventricle BAL, but not TAPSE and the latter is affected by gender. However, these parameters seem not to impact the performances of high altitude endurance
Antioxidant Active Packaging with Soy Edible Films and Oregano or Thyme Essential Oils for Oxidative Stability of Ground Beef Patties

The effectiveness of soy-based edible films (EF) incorporated with essential oils (EO) from oregano (OR, Oreganum heracleoticum L.) or thyme (TH, Thymus vulgaris L.) applied on oxidative stability of ground beef patties (GBP) was investigated at 4C for 12 days. Higher antioxidant activity by OR than TH EO was determined with a 2,2'-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging assay. Induction time of oxidation measured with the Rancimat test in lipids of GBP was extended with the addition of EOs to EFs. Lower peroxide and free fatty acidity (P < 0.05) values were determined with OR-EF or TH-EF, particularly at later stages of storage. Incorporation of EO from OR or TH into the EFs resulted in reduced, but acceptable, redness (a*) values (P < 0.05) in ground beef. This study suggests that the addition of OR or TH EOs into EFs as an antioxidant active packaging is effective in retarding oxidative changes in meats. Practical Applications Oxidation reactions are among the most important factors responsible for loss of quality in meat products. Packaging using edible films (EFs) with the inclusion of natural plant extracts is becoming a promising active packaging approach to control oxidative changes in food products during storage. This study was focused on the inclusion of thyme or oregano essential oils (EOs) into EF formulation to control oxidative changes in ground beef patties. Results indicate that inclusion of EOs as antioxidants into soy-based EFs offers great potential in industrial applications for controlling oxidative changes in the manufacture of natural meat products.
Systematics and evolution in the West Indian iguanid genus Cyclura

Throughout the Greater Antilles, the Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, the Bahama Islands, and the Turks and Caicos islands occurs a group of moderate to very large lizards of the iguanid genus Cyclura. These ground iguanas form a conspicuous element of the herpetofaunas of their respective islands. In some areas, the ground iguanas are still very abundant, in others somewhat less so, and in still others they have either become recently extinct or are known only from fossils. Fourteen species are currently recognized, with the largest percentage occurring in the Bahamas Islands. There has been no recent taxonomic treatment of the genus. That of BARBOUR & NOBLE (1916) was the only systematic study, and these authors were very greatly hampered by far from adequate material of many taxa. They examined a total of 22 specimens and named four species, each on the basis of a single individual. We on the other hand have examined 378 preserved specimens. As might be presumed, the characteristics which BARBOUR & NOBLE employed to distinguish species are not always confirmed when longer series of specimens are studied. Accordingly, diagnoses of species of Cyclura may not easily be made solely on the basis of absolute differences in head scutellation or other scale features – the amount of variation in any series is often so great that we have found it impossible to maintain several currently recognized species on absolute scale differences. Rather, scale modalities have been used in part to diagnose taxa. In addition, color and pattern of both adults and juveniles (especially the latter) reveal relationships which would perhaps be more obscure if these data were not available. Nevertheless, there are many problems remaining within the genus, and we feel that our treatment of the various taxa may well be modified as more material is accumulated. We have adhered to a via media in our taxonomic treatment; we have described no new subspecies (although in some cases there are differences which in other iguanid genera suggest subspeciation) but on the other hand we have maintained all names presently in use (although in some cases the subspecies remain rather poorly defined). We have not hesitated to express our opinions in the soundness of our own interpretations in these cases. We have been able to examine such a large quantity of specimens only through the cooperation of the curatorial personnel at several museums, both in the United States and abroad. There exist many other specimens of Cyclura in American collections which we deliberately did not choose to examine; these specimens are often with imprecise locality or other data and are lizards that died in public or private collections and were later preserved. Much of the material we have examined is in the collection of the senior author (Albert Schwartz Field Series – ASFS); specimens formerly in the collection of the junior author have now been catalogued in the ASFS. Between us, we have seen living examples of all but four taxa which we recognize herein.
A scanning electron microscopic study of the seed coat structure of Curtia Chamisso & Schlechtendahl and Hockinia Gardner (Gentianaceae)

The six species of Curtia, including a hitherto undescribed species published here, as well as the monotypic genus Hockinia can be distinguished from each other by the seed coat structure. The anticlinal walls and the cuticle provide the most useful information. Curtia tenuifolia appears to be a complex species, but subsp. tenella can be readily separated from this complex by the seed coat structure. Heterostyly has been found in C. tenuifolia subsp. tenuifolia, C. obtusifolia, and Hockinia montana, but differences in seed coat structure can not be correlated with long-, short-, and equal-styled flowers. The differences in seed coat structure, the length of the seeds, and the number of cells per seed plead for maintaining Hockinia (closely related to Curtia) as a distinct genus. One new species of Curtia is described and a new combination is made.
Species, elevation, and diameter affect whitebark pine and lodgepole pine stored resources in the sapwood and phloem: implications for bark beetle outbreaks

Stored resources in trees reflect physiological and environmental variables and affect life history traits, including growth, reproduction, resistance to abiotic stress, and defense. However, less attention has been paid to the fact that stored resources also determine tissue nutritional quality and may have direct consequences for the success of herbivores and pathogens. Here, we investigated whether stored resources differed between two hosts of the mountain pine beetle (Dendroctonus ponderosae Hopkins, 1902): lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Douglas ex. Loudon), a common host, and whitebark pine (Pinus albicaulis Engelmann), a more naive host that grows at higher altitudes. Phloem and sapwood were sampled in small- and large-diameter trees at two elevations, and nitrogen, phosphorus, nonstructural carbohydrates, and lipids were measured. We found that concentrations of stored resources increased with elevation and tree diameter for both species and that whitebark pine had thicker phloem than lodgepole pi.
Tissue histology and antioxidant defense system in female rats exposed to sun rays

Although considerable distance separates the earth and the sun- the star at the center of the Solar System- yet its harmful effects after excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays of the sun have been identified as a cause of many pathological conditions. The role of lipid peroxidation in various disease states has also been highlighted. The aim of the study is to investigate whether 4 hourly exposure to sunlight is capable of inducing tissue damage that is oxidative stress-mediated. Fourteen female Wistar rats of 13 weeks of age were distributed into 2 groups. Sun-exposed rats were left in an open place without any form of sun-screen for protection against sunlight. Blood was collected from the animals by retro-orbital bleeding. The serum obtained was used for the estimation of activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione S transferase, glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase, as well as levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), and reduced and oxidized glutathione. Sections of the brain, lung, heart, and ileum were processed and stained with haematoxylin and eosin (H&E). Statistical analysis was carried out using the Student’s t test. P ≤ 0 . 05 was considered significant. Results showed that there were significant increases in serum levels of MDA and GSSG as well as significant decreases for GSH, Gln-px and SOD, an indication of the involvement of oxidative stress in histologic changes recorded for some of these tissues. Histologic changes like mild congestion of the coronary vessel (heart) as well as mild pulmonary congestion (lung). The absence of histolgic changes in tissues like kidney and liver even when some of the oxidative stress markers were significantly different and suggestive of free radical generation, may be as a result of the fact that free- radical are highly reactive with very short half-lives, which means they combine almost immediately after their production in situ.
Effect of weight loss on lipid metabolism in the mature horse (814.4)

Obesity currently affects over half of the nation’s horses, and causes concern as it poses increased disease risks and impairs various metabolic functions. Weight loss is considered a viable option to correct these maladies. Our objective was to determine if weight loss affected markers of lipid metabolism. Eight, mixed sex horses (5‐19 yr) were kept at an obese body condition score (BCS, 7‐8) for two weeks, then entered a six week period of 30% caloric restriction and light exercise to reach a moderate BCS (5). Blood samples collected every other week were analyzed for non‐esterified fatty acid (NEFA) and triglyceride concentration. Neck fat biopsies were also collected for ex vivo lipolysis analysis and media were analyzed for NEFA and free glycerol release. Plasma triglyceride and serum NEFA did not differ due to change in BCS or percent weight loss. Lipolysis, as indicated by release of NEFA, was decreased by change in BCS (p=0.01) and tended to be decreased by percent weight loss (p=0.07). Glycerol release was correlated (r=0.47, p=0.001) with NEFA release, but not significantly altered by change in BCS or percent weight loss. As an indicator of fatty acid oxidation, acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase mRNA expression was measured in skeletal muscle, but was not significantly affected. Therefore, as these horses transitioned to a leaner phenotype they exhibited only minor changes in lipid metabolism, indicating that while overweight they were not unhealthy.
Physiological and Growth Responses to Irrigation of a Newly Established Hedgerow Olive Orchard

Olive production in the first few years after planting depends on how the canopy covers the hedgerow and develops flowers. Therefore, optimum irrigation management should look for the minimum amount of water required for maximum growth and bud initiation. The response of a young hedgerow olive orchard to different irrigation strategies was recorded for 3 years after planting in 2003. Observations included stem water potential (stem), leaf conductance (gl), shoot and trunk growth, canopy development, and flowering. During the first year, olives received 74 mm of irrigation. During the second and third years, three irrigation treatments (T2, T3, and T4) were scaled back from a control (T1) that was irrigated to maintain soil close to water-holding capacity. T1 received 56 and 106 mm of irrigation in the second and third years, respectively. Treatments T2, T3, and T4 received 82%, 64%, and 46% of the water applied to T1 in the second year and 76%, 72%, and 29% in the third year of growth, respectively. Trees in T1 displayed different physiological and growth behaviors between years. stem, gl, and shoot growth were 131%, 31%, and 56% lower in the third than in the second year, respectively. Irrigation treatment had no significant effect on evaluated parameters in the second year, except on stem in T4 that fell below that of the other treatments in late September. In the third year, shoot growth, trunk diameter, and leaf area density in T4 decreased 52%, 13%, and 31% compared with T1, respectively. Nevertheless, external surface area and canopy volume were not significantly affected by irrigation treatment. The start of flowering, recorded in the third and fourth years, was not significantly affected by the irrigation received in previous years. Because water stress did not advance flowering, maximum growth should be the main objective in irrigation management of young olive orchards. No differences were observed between T3 and T1 in any of the vegetative, canopy development, or inflorescence parameters recorded, although stem and gl were significantly lower in T3. During the second and third years, T3 can be considered the most efficient irrigation treatment with 36 and 76 mm of irrigation for each year, respectively
Evaluation of the Modifications in the Inflammatory Response Promoted by Obesity in Monosodium Glutamate-induced Obese Rats

Aims: The purpose of this work was to investigate the inflammatory response changes caused by obesity in an experimental model of glutamate-induced obesity in rats. Methodology: Wistar rats were injected, subcutaneously, with 4 g/kg of monosodium glutamate (MSG group) on days 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 of life. At the age of 3 months, the male rats were tested for obesity, measuring the Lee Index, the periepididymal and retroperitoneal fat deposits, serum corticosterone, glucose, insulin tolerance, and lipid profile. The acute inflammatory response was evaluated using paw edema (induced by carrageenan or dextran), pleurisy (induced by pleural injection of carrageenan), increasing in vascular permeability (induced by intradermal injection of histamine, bradykinin, and serotonin) and leukocyte count in peripheral blood and pleural exudate. Original Research Article The chronic inflammatory response was evaluated by the cotton pellet-induced granuloma and air pouch methods. Place and Duration of Study: Our study was carried out at Laboratory of Inflammation (State University of Maringá, Brazil) from January to December 2015. Results: The MSG group presented an increase in both Lee Index and the fat deposits, glucose intolerance, high blood corticosterone levels, and insulin resistance, characterizing obesity. The paw edema was reduced in MSG group. The vascular permeability response induced by mediators of the inflammatory response (histamine, bradykinin, and serotonin) was not altered. The leukocyte migratory capacity to the pleural cavity was reduced in MSG group with the reduction of the circulating leukocyte number. Conclusion: Our data provide evidence that acute inflammatory response is decreased in MSG animals, demonstrating the modification of the immune response caused by obesity. These changes in the innate immune response cannot be related to loss of responsiveness of tissues to inflammatory mediators. The decreasing in the blood leukocyte number associated with high levels of corticosterone were partially responsible for the suppression of acute inflammatory response.
Immunohistochemical detection of myosin heavy chain isoforms in human cremaster muscle

Cremaster muscle (CM) forms a thin network of fascicles, around the spermatic cord and testis, connected by loose areolar tissue forming the cremasteric fascia. CM has a non somitic embryologic origin, as it derives from mesenchymal differentiation of the gubernacular tip (1). Thus it is not to be considered a passive extension of internal oblique muscle. CM is composed both of striated and smooth muscle cells; it is innervated by genitofemoral nerve (2). Its striated fibres, in contrast with skeletal muscles, present with a multifocal innervation by multiple neuromuscular synapses (3). Myosin isoforms are the major determinant of the contractile and biochemical heterogeneity of skeletal muscle fibers. Non somitic muscles, such as extrinsic ocular muscles, show a distinct pattern of myosin heavy chains distribution. The aim of our study was to characterize the expression of myosin isoforms in CM fascicles; biopsy samples were obtained from cases of cryptorchidism, retractile testis and inguinal hernia, undergoing surgery. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the previously identified type 1 predominance (1) and showed a high occurrence of hybrid fibres, coexpressing two or more myosin isoforms. In contrast with age-matched limb muscles, persistence of developmental/neonatal myosin heavy chains was detected, beyond the determined timecourse of physiological shifting from immature isoforms (4). On the basis of shared peculiar embryological derivation, expression of superfast extraocular myosin MyH13 was also investigated on CM specimens, showing sarcoplasmic reactivity, undetectable in limb muscles. The high share of hybrid fibres, the persistence of immature myosin and MyH13/MyHCslow coexpression are peculiar features, suggesting a functional/biochemical individuality of CM, related with multiple innervation and distinct embryological development.
Description of a New Species of the Rhinolophus trifoliatus-Group (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae) from Southeast Asia

A new species of woolly horseshoe bat in the Rhinolophus trifoliatus species group is described from Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. Two specimens from Central and West Kalimantan, Indonesia are referred to this species. A fourth specimen from western Thailand is referable to this species but on the basis of ~10% genetic divergence at the cytochrome oxidase-I gene is described as a separate subspecies. Morphologically and acoustically the two subspecies are similar. With a forearm length of 52.90–54.70 mm, a skull length of 24.27–26.57 mm and a call frequency of 49.2–50.0 kHz, the new species overlaps in size and call frequency with the sympatric R. trifoliatus. However, it differs significantly in having a dark noseleaf and a uniformly dark brown pelage, resembling, but being intermediate in size between R. sedulus and R. luctus, which have a skull length of 18.99–20.17 and 26.35–32.07 mm, respectively. It also differs from R. trifoliatus in the shape and size of the rostral inflation. It can be distinguished from R. beddomei (forearm length 55.00–63.44 mm) and R. formosae (forearm length 53.85–62.40 mm), which are endemic to the Indian Subcontinent and Taiwan, respectively, by its relatively smaller body size. Acoustic and genetic data are included in the comparison between the species. Both character states support the conclusions based on morphology. Further surveys in intact evergreen forest together with a re-examination of museum specimens may reveal that this species is widespread in Southeast Asia.
The effect of salinity on buoyancy, size and development of flounder eggs

Abstract Size and buoyancy of flounder eggs are markedly altered when ripe females are transferred from 34.5 ‰ to 5 ‰ salinity. After 3 weeks in low salinity the buoyancy is reduced from 31 to 23 ‰ salinity and the egg-volume increased with 17 %. The results are discussed on the basis of osmotic adjustment of the internal fluids. Flounder eggs from Bergen never develop in salinities lower than 11 ‰. Eggs from Finnish waters, 6.5 ‰ salinity, are fertilized in this salinity and develop at the bottom. Ecological aspects are discussed.