Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of lactate on myometrial contractility

Strong coordinated uterine contractions are needed in labour and the mechanisms that govern this are well understood. However when these contractions are weak or uncoordinated, labour cannot progress normally. This is termed dysfunctional labour and it accounts for ~20% of all caesarean sections (CS) in the UK. Currently the only treatment available is oxytocin, however this does not reduce the incidence of CS. Lactate is significantly increased in myometrial capillary blood during dystocia suggesting it may be impairing force production, but there are no functional data on the effect of lactate on myometrial contractility. The aims of this work were to a) investigate the effect of lactate and its mechanism of action on myometrial contractility using both human myometrium and an animal model. The effect on spontaneous and oxytocin-stimulated contractions was also examined and b) investigate the presence of lactate transporters MCT-1 and MCT-4 in rat myometrium throughout gestation and in human myometrium was looked at. Lactate, dose-dependently and significantly, decreased spontaneous contractility in rat and human myometrium. Weak acids butyrate, propionate, and pyruvate also significantly reduced contractions in a dose-dependent manner. The effects of lactate were reduced in the presence of oxytocin but not abolished. The effect on pregnant myometrium was greater than in non-pregnant, and was shown to increase towards term in the animal model. In labouring myometrium, there was little effect of lactate on contractility. Using the animal model to investigate lactate’s mechanism in the myometrium, tissue strips were loaded with either Indo-1 AM (a Ca2+ sensitive indicator) or Carboxy SNARF-AM (a pH sensitive indicator). Lactate inhibited Ca2+ transients and had little effect on force when a Ca2+ channel agonist was present. Lactate decreased pHi in a dose dependent manner and this drop in pHi was reduced when the tissue was stimulated by oxytocin or in labour. Both MCT-1 and MCT-4 were found to be present in rat and human myometrium, with MCT-1 at a higher amount in pregnant myometrium. From this work I have shown that lactate in the physiological range potently decreases spontaneous contractility in both rat and human myometrium. The effects of lactate were reduced in the presence of oxytocin or labour but still produced significant decreases and this may be due the difference in alteration of pHi. Other weak acids produce similar effects to lactate suggesting its mechanism of action is not via lactate’s role in metabolism. Lactate inhibited Ca2+ transients, which could be due to a fall of pHi, as it has previously been demonstrated that intracellular acidification decreases Ca2+ current through L-type Ca2+ channels. The difference in MCT-1 and MCT-4 expression between non-pregnant and pregnant tissue may indicate a role in labour. I suggest that differences in myometrial lactate in women can lead to accumulation of extracellular lactate, which as we have shown, will reduce myometrial contractions and could therefore contribute to dysfunctional labour.
Carcass and meat characteristics of crossbred steers submitted to different nutritional strategies at growing and finishing phases.

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of different nutritional strategies at growing and finishing phases on carcass and meat characteristics from 24 crossbred steers predominatly Holstein, slaughtered at 15 months of age and with 395.00kg of body weight. At the growing phase, the animals were maintained on Brachiaria brizantha pasture with two levels of supplementation in amounts equivalent to 0.5 or 1.0% of body weight. Subsequently, the animals were finished in feedlot with diets composed of 50 or 80% of concentrate. The high level of the concentrate at the finishing phase increased significantly (P<0.05) the hot carcass yield (50.16 vs. 48.62%). The lowest level of supplementation at the growing phase resulted in higher (P<0.05) percentage of carcass fat (25.61 vs. 23.39%) but it did not influence the percentage of muscle and bone. The high level of supplementation at the growing phase provided higher (p<0.05) meat tenderness, required less shear force (4.72 vs. 6.66kg cm-3) and lighter red meat (3.88 vs 2.89 points). The high feeding level during the growing phase was more interesting because it affected positively some important carcass and meat characteristics, especially tenderness.
In vitro and in vivo studies on the antioxidative activities, membrane stabilization and cytotoxicity of water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica Forsk) from Ibaji Ponds, Nigeria.

In this study, possible antioxidant activities membrane stabilizing potential and cytotoxicity of ethanol extract from water spinach (Ipomoea aquatical Forsk) leaf and stem were examined. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, nitric oxide radical, invivo antioxidant enzyme activity assay were carried out to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the extract. The antioxidant activity of the methanol extract increased in a concentration dependent manner. In DPH radical scavenging assays the IC50 value of the extracts were 33.188 and 672.376 (μg/ml) for the stem and leaf respectively. The plant inhibited the nitric oxide radicals generated from sodium nitroprusside with IC50 of 142.52 and 156.99 (μg/ml) for the stem and leaf respectively as opposed to 0.0161 (μg/ml) for vitamin C. The total polyphenolic constituent could be contributory to the antioxidant activity observed. The plant extracts are less toxic (LC50 = 160.8664 and 111.419 μg/ml) for the leaf and stem respectively when compared to the reference standard (potassium dichromate, LC50 = 44.20 μg/ml). The membrane stabilizing activity of the extracts compare favourably with that of the standard anti-inflammatory drug used (indomethacin). The results obtained in the present study indicate that Ipomoea aquatica can be a good source of anti-inflammatory drug, relatively safe for consumption as utilized and some what a source of natural antioxidants agent.
Physicochemical and Textural Characteristics of Expanded Finger Millet

The decorticated finger millet was subjected to high temperature short time treatment to prepare the expanded product. The product with 5.64 expansion ratio showed a cream color and was very light in weight with a bulk density of 0.14 g/ml and contained 4.69 g/100 g protein, 0.74 g/100 g ether extractives, 72 g/100 g carbohydrates, 11 g/100 g dietary fiber, and 190 mg/100 g calcium. The expanded millet was a crisp product with very low compression values (2.14 N) and contained two thin concentric layers with a vacuole inside. The pasting profile of the product revealed substantial initial viscosity and negligible set back viscosity. The functional and textural properties indicated the possible usage of the product in snacks and supplementary foods.
Protein complexes in neurodegenerative diseases

I DECLARATION . III ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . IV FIGURES . V TABLES . VI ABBREVIATIONS . VII TABLE OF CONTENTS . IX 14-3-3 PROTEINS, LIPID RAFTS AND NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES . 1 1.1. 14-3-3 Proteins . 2 1.1.1. Identification and Characterisation of 14-3-3 Proteins . 2 1.1.2. The Crystal Structure of 14-3-3 . 5 1.1.3. 14-3-3 Isoforms . 9 1.1.4. 14-3-3 and Neurodegenerative Diseases . 18 1.2. Lipid Rafts . 29 1.2.1. What are Lipid Rafts? 29 1.2.2. Lipid Raft Composition . 30 1.2. 3. Lipid Rafts and Neurodegenerative Diseases . 34 1.3. Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 (SCA1) . 39 1.3. 1. Clinical Effects of SCA1. 39 1.3. 2. Disease Pathology . 41 1.3. 3. Ataxin-1 and 14-3-3 . 48 1.4. Aims of Project . 53 MATERIALS AND METHODS . 55 2.1. Molecular Biology . 55 2.1.1. Agarose Gel Electrophoresis . 56 2.1.2. Primer Design . 56 2.1.3. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with Pfu Polymerase . 57 2.1.4. Restriction Digest . 58 2.1. 5. Gel Extraction . 59 2.1. 6. Ligation of Insert DNA into Vector DNA. 59 2.1. 7. Preparation of Competent Bacteria . 60 2.1. 8. Transformation of Bacteria . 60 2.1. 9. Production of Glycerol Stocks . 61 2.1.10. Purification of Plasmid DNA . 61 2.1.11. Quantification of Plasmid DNA. 61 2.2. Expression and Purification Techniques . 62 2.2.1. Expression of Recombinant Proteins . 63 2.2.2. Immobilised Metal Affinity Chromatography (IMAC) by Gravity Flow . 64 2.2. 3. Ion-Exchange Chromatography . 68 2.2. 4. Gel Filtration Chromatography . 68 2.2. 5. Concentration and Storage of Proteins . 69
Effect of Tillage Level and Herbicides on Weed Control and Yield of Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) in the Pacific Northwest

Studies were conducted to determine the effects of tillage level on weed control and yield of asparagus grown on a sandy loam soil under sprinkler irrigation. Without herbicides, horseweed and kochia populations increased in no-till asparagus production over a 3-yr period, compared to asparagus that was rototilled either once in the spring or once in the spring and again at layby. Without herbicides, hairy nightshade populations increased most when asparagus was rototilled both in the spring and at layby. Volunteer asparagus was controlled best when herbicides and tillage were combined in the spring and again at layby. Common groundsel was controlled without herbicides by rototilling both in the spring and at layby. Diuron at 1.4 kg ai/ha plus prodiamine at 1.4 kg/ha or metribuzin at 0.9 kg/ha plus norflurazon at 2 kg/ha controlled all weeds under all three tillage levels when split-applied in the spring and at layby. Tillage level had no effect on total asparagus spear number or weight if tillage was performed in mid March before asparagus emergence.
Investigating Methods to Control Piute Ground Squirrels in Irrigated Crop Ground (Poster)

Author(s): Frey, Nicki; Nelson, Mark | Abstract: Piute ground squirrels, a subspecies of Townsends ground squirrels, are adapted to the Great Basin, which is characterized by extreme seasonal temperatures and highly variable precipitation that concentrates plant growth between February and July. Current available methods to manage ground squirrel populations in southern Utah were ineffective. We tested spot treating ground squirrel burrows with either Ditrac or Rozol, spot treatment of Ditrac compared to Rozol via bait stations, treating cabbage with zinc phosphide and baiting in fallow corners of irrigated agriculture, and spot treating with Rozol in early spring as possible methods to manage this subspecies of ground squirrel. Spot treating ground squirrel burrows with Ditrac and Rozol in early spring resulted in a decrease in the number of squirrels and active burrows counted. Spot treating with Ditrac and using Rozol bait stations in mid-spring did not result in a decrease in the number of squirrels and active burrows counted. Finally, using a 2% zinc phosphide solution baited with cabbage during the early summer resulted in a decrease in both squirrel numbers and active burrows, with minimal above-ground carcasses. Although early spring is not a common time to use grain-based bait, this method is effective at reducing ground squirrel numbers in alfalfa fields in Utah. Furthermore, using zinc phosphide is a possible new control method for Utah. Future research with larger sample size, in additional areas with this species is recommended.
Viability studies of Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pf 1 in liquid formulation, its effect on plant growth and on root knot nematode, Meloidogyne incognita

Viability of Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pf 1 in liquid formulation amended with different chemicals was studied for a period of one year. Among the amendments tested, NB with 10 mM glycerol showed maximum viability of Pf 1 cells (360 days). Similarly, in stickers, NB with starch (2%) showed the maximum viability of Pf 1 cells (240 days). Plant growth promotion studies carried out in tomato cv Co3 under roll towel and pot culture method revealed that fifth day old culture of Pf 1 showed enhanced plant growth when compared with other subsequent day old cultures. Under in vitro studies against Meloidogyne incognita, the same fifth day old culture at its 25 per cent concentration recorded the least egg hatching and maximum juvenile mortality. However, the efficiency of different days old cultures remained effective over control for a period of one year when stored as liquid formulation along with chemical amendments.
Body ornamentation in dynamic scenes: Ritual and headdresses in the dynamic figure rock art of western arnhem land, Australia

Depictions of material culture in rock art provide unique insights into life during the deep past, often absent from the excavated archaeological record. Moreover, when these depictions are part of anthropomorphic scenes and compositions, such as the Dynamic Figures of western Arnhem Land, archaeologists can investigate the complex relationships between the uses of material culture and past activities. This paper explores the various depictions of headdresses in Dynamic Figure art and how they marked information about the role(s) of anthropomorphs within these scenes. Attributes of Dynamic Figure art indicate that it has a ritual context and this paper uses relevant ethnographic and anthropological sources to consider how this rock art can inform us about the lives of people in this period. Dynamic Figure art has some of the most extensive depictions of anthropomorphs and scenes found anywhere in the world and this study further highlights the extent of information contained within these scenes about life in the past.
Studies of the Diversity of Lactobacillus spp. in Fecal Samples Using PCR and Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis

Allergic diseases, for example asthma and eczema, are nowadays considered belonging to the most common chronic diseases amongst children in the West, but the cause for this increase in allergy prevalence is unknown. Since studies have indicated a connection between children's exposure of microorganisms during infancy and risk of developing allergic disease, it is suggested that this exposure is a crucial factor in question of allergy development or not. Other studies have established differences in microflora composition between healthy children and children with allergic disease, and several studies have shown that probiotic therapy can give positive results in both prevention and treatment of allergic diseases. The aim of this master's thesis was to develop a method, using PCR and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis, to study the diversity of Lactobacillus spp. in fecal samples retrieved from a study of the probiotic strain L. reuteri ATCC 55730. The developed method was successful in detecting lactobacilli in fecal samples, but three other bacterial genera commonly found in humans were also amplified. Comparison of average numbers of detected bacterial strains and lactobacilli strains between samples belonging to the probiotics and placebo groups, respectively, showed higher numbers for the probiotics group. Also, the only fecal samples that contained L. reuteri belonged to the probiotics group. Although the results are far from statistically significant, they support the theories that probiotics may influence the intestinal microbiota.
The effect of artificial rearing on the development of sucking behaviour, performance and stress reactivity in dairy calves

Material and methods In three experiments, dairy calves were reared either artificially using either age-dependent or concentrate intake dependent weaning schedules or with restricted or unrestricted contact to the mother, respectively. Sucking behaviour, performance, stress reactivity and rumen development were analysed by behavioural observations, recording of health state and weight gain, a separation as well as a social confrontation test.
Contribution of integrins and actin regulators to human dendritic cell podosome biology

Dendritic cells (DC) are key cells of the innate immune system required to prime adaptive immunity. Migration is central to their function to enable immune surveillance of the whole body and for prompt activation of the adaptive immune system. Immature DC assemble specialised actin structures called podosomes which are thought to be critical for efficient adhesion-mediated migration. Podosomes are, therefore, considered to be essential for DC function. Despite the great increase in literature regarding podosomes and related structures over recent years, still much is unknown about critical components, regulation and function of these structures in DC. Cytoskeletal studies of DC have been complicated by the fact that tools commonly employed for biological manipulation may constitute activation stimuli for DC and dramatically alter the DC cytoarchitecture. A panel of human THP1DC knock-down cell lines was generated using RNAi technology targeting factors suspected or known to be important for podosome formation and/or function such as the integrins CD18 and CD29 and the actin regulators HS1, WASp and WIP. Results obtained from functional analysis of the knock-down cell lines confirm CD18 to be specifically recruited to the DC podosomes and to be essential for their assembly. On the contrary, CD29 knock-down did not attenuate podosome assembly, even when reduced to levels that resulted in a defect in static adhesion. As previously reported, WASp and WIP expression was demonstrated to be necessary for podosome formation. Furthermore, a role for the cortactin homolog HS1 in CD18 activation in myeloid cells is suggested, as HS1 knock-down resulted in defective CD18-dependent adhesion and reduced podosome formation when cells were plated on ICAM but not on fibronectin. The results presented here define a robust method for manipulating immature DC for cytoskeletal studies and advance our current understanding of the regulation of podosome assembly in human DC.
Appressorium induction by topographical signals in six cereal rusts

Using polystyrene replicas of microfabricated silicon wafers bearing multiple 1.5 μm spaced, 2.0 μm wide ridges (=2.0 μm spaced, 1.5 μm wide grooves) of different heights (0.116–2.4 μm), appressoria were induced in six cereal rusts (Puccinia graminisf. sp.tritici, P. graminisf. sp.avenae, P. graminisf. sp.secalis, P. reconditaf. sp.tritici, P. coronataf. sp.avenaeandP. hordei). The pattern of response to different ridge heights was not correlated with either host or rust species. OnlyP. graminisf. sp.secalisformed significantly large numbers of appressoria (<65.0% differentiation) on singles ridges spaced 50 μm apart. Formation of appressoria on host leaves was found to be very efficient, with 92–95% of germlings encountering stomata differentiating appressoria over them. On polystyrene replicas of host leaves, however, the efficiency was much less and varied significantly between rusts (4–63% differentiation). Again, the variation was not correlated with host or rust species. Our results indicate that whilst topographical signals are sufficient to induce appressoriain vitro,host topography alone is not sufficient to explain the high efficiency of appressorium induction observedin vivo.
Herbivory damage on oak seedlings at the edge of cloud forest fragments

Herbivory damage on Quercus xalapensis Humb. et Bonpl. seedlings was experimentally determined in two cloud forest fragments (Veracruz, Mexico), one with an abrupt edge (forest contiguous to a one-year old stand), and another with a soft edge (forest contiguous to a 10 year-old stand). Sets of seedlings were planted in transects parallel to the border. The experiments were conducted in the warm-dry (April-May) and warm-wet (July-August) seasons. Herbivory damage was measured at the beginning and at the end of each season. Weekly, microclimatic variables were measured in the same positions in which seedlings were planted. During the wet season, herbivory was similar at different distances from the border (ca. 2%), but during the dry season, herbivory was higher at the forest border (2.75-11.75%) than at the old-field (0.50-0.75%). Herbivory and air temperature were higher, and air humidity and soil water content were lower in the abrupt than in the soft edge. Our results suggest that herbivory levels on oak seedlings depend on modulating factors such as the edge type and the season of the year.
A Study on the Phytoplankton in the Paldang Dam Reservoir III. The Changes of Diatom Community Structure

The seasonal changes of diatom community structure was investigated at four stations in the Paldang Dam Reservoir from April, 1994 to October, 1995 at bimonthly interval. Total number of diatom species identified were 87 spp. Compared with other previous studies, the total number of diatom species occurred has decreased gradually. There was a bimodal pattern showing maximum of diatom standing crops on June and December at the all investigated stations except for the station 2 in October 1995, and the continuous increase of diatom standing crops size, and the change of diatom blooming periods from March and July to April-June and December. The major dominant species was Aulacoseira species during the investigation periods and especially Stephanodiscus species was a major dominant species during winter. The dominance of Aulacoseira species and Stephanodiscus species in the Paldang Dam Reservoir meant that the water body revealed a eutrophic status to a considerable extent.
CD4 T Cell-Mediated Lysis and Polyclonal Activation of B Cells During Lymphocytic Choriomeningitis Virus Infection: A Dissertation

CD4 T cells and B cells are cells associated with the adaptive immune system. The adaptive immune system is designed to mount a rapid antigen-specific response to pathogens by way of clonal expansions of T and B cells bearing discrete antigen-specific receptors. During viral infection, interactions between CD4 T cells and B cells occur in a dynamic process, where B cells that bind to the virus internalize and degrade virus particles. The B cells then present viral antigens to virus-specific CD4 T cells that activate the B cells and cause them to proliferate and differentiate into virus-specific antibody-secreting cells. Yet, non-specific hypergammaglobulinemia and the production of self-reactive antibodies occur during many viral infections, and studies have suggested that viral antigen-presenting B cells may become polyclonally activated by CD4 T cells in vivo in the absence of viral engagement of the B cell receptor. This presumed polyclonal B cell activation associated with virus infection is of great medical interest because it may be involved in the initiation of autoimmunity or contribute to the longterm maintenance of B cell memory. In order to directly examine the interactions that occur between T cells and B cells, I asked what would happen to a polyclonal population of B cells that are presenting viral antigens, if they were transferred into virus-infected hosts. I performed these studies in mice using the well-characterized lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) model of infection. I found that the transferred population of antigen-presenting B cells had two fates. Some antigen-expressing B cells were killed in vivo by CD4 T cells in the first day