Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immunohistochemical study on the distribution of creatine kinase subunits in early human embryos

Creatine kinase (CK) is a dimer composed of two immunologically distinct subunits, CK-M and CK-B, and takes part in the production of adenosine triphosphate. In the present study, the distribution of CK in the muscles and the nervous system was almost identical to that reported in older fetuses. However, in the epithelia of trachea and esophagus, CK-B immunoreactivity was apparent only in young embryos and decreased with the age of the embryo, while CK-M immunoreactivity was absent or weak in early stages and increased thereafter. In the surface ectoderm, CK-B was not detected immunohistochemically while CK-M was evident in early embryos and decreased as the embryonic stage advanced. Among the ectodermal derivatives, the lens placode was immunoreactive only to CK-M antibody at stage 13. This immunoreactivity decreased and finally disappeared along with the formation of the lens vesicle. In the urogenital system, mesonephric tubules were immunoreactive to both CK-B and CK-M antibodies, while mesonephric ducts were immunoreactive only to the CK-M antibody. Mesonephric glomeruli were not immunostained with these antibodies. These results in the urogenital system were found in all embryos examined. The present results suggest that the distribution of CK subunits in several organs of earlier embryos differs not only from that in adults, but also from that in older embryos and fetuses.
Learning set formation in a group of Guinea baboons (Papio papio): Importance of the behavioral variable measured

A recent report of one‐trial learning in a group of saddle‐back tamarins (Saguinus fuscicollis) conflicted with views of learning set formation based on traditional techniques employing isolated subjects. An experiment is reported in which a group of Guinea baboons (Papio papio) was given a series of discrimination and habit reversal tasks. Both one‐trial learning and learning set formation occurred. Analysis of spatial behavior revealed that the group learned in a single trial to discriminate stocked from unstocked zones. Improvement in successes (reinforced “digging”) was progressive but not rapid, indicating learning set formation. It appears that outcomes depend on the behavioral variables chosen.
Oral Administration of Artemisone for the Treatment of Schistosomiasis: Formulation Challenges and In Vivo Efficacy

Artemisone is an innovative artemisinin derivative with applications in the treatment of malaria, schistosomiasis and other diseases. However, its low aqueous solubility and tendency to degrade after solubilisation limits the translation of this drug into clinical practice. We developed a self-microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS), which is easy to produce (simple mixing) with a high drug load. In addition to known pharmaceutical excipients (Capmul MCM, Kolliphor HS15, propylene glycol), we identified Polysorb ID 46 as a beneficial new additional excipient. The physicochemical properties were characterized by dynamic light scattering, conductivity measurements, rheology and electron microscopy. High storage stability, even at 30 °C, was achieved. The orally administrated artemisone SMEDDS formulation was highly active in vivo in S. mansoni infected mice. Thorough elimination of the adult worms, their eggs and prevention of the deleterious granuloma formation in the livers of infected mice was observed even at a relatively low dose of the drug. The new formulation has a high potential to accelerate the clinical use of artemisone in schistosomiasis and malaria.
Basin‐Specific Pollutant Bioaccumulation Patterns Define Lake Huron Forage Fish

The Lake Huron ecosystem is unique among the Laurentian Great Lakes (USA/Canada) in that its surface area encompasses 3 distinct basins. This ecosystem recently experienced significant ecological restructuring characterized by changes in primary production, species dominance and abundances, and top predator energy dynamics. However, much of the evidence for this restructuring has been largely derived from biomonitoring data obtained from long‐term sampling of the lake's Main Basin. We examined polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations and the stable isotopes of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) in rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax), bloater (Coregonus hoyi), and round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) to determine spatial variability in these environmental markers as indicators of the ubiquity of trophic restructuring throughout Lake Huron. Stable isotopes indicated that North Channel fish occupied trophic positions between 0.5 and 1.0 lower relative to Main Basin and Georgian Bay conspecifics, respectively. Sum PCB concentrations for 41 congeners were highest for fish from the Main Basin (27.5 ± 3.0 ng g−1 wet wt) and Georgian Bay (26.3 ± 3.4 ng g−1 wet wt) relative to North Channel (13.6 ± 1.2 ng g−1 wet wt) fish. Discriminant functions analysis demonstrated basin‐specific PCB congener profiles with individual species also having distinct profiles dependent on their basin of collection. These bioaccumulation patterns among Lake Huron forage fish mirror those reported for lake trout in this lake and indicate that the degree of food‐web ecological restructuring in Lake Huron is not equivalent across the basins. Specifically, basin‐specific PCB congener profiles demonstrated that differences among Lake Huron secondary and top predator consumer species are likely dictated by cross‐basin differences in zooplankton community ecology and trophodynamics that can regulate the efficiencies of prey energy transfer and PCB congener bioaccumulation patterns in aquatic food webs. Environ Toxicol Chem 2020;39:1712–1723. © 2020 SETAC
Internet, unmet aspirations and the U-shape of life

The relationship between age and well-being is U-shaped. One recent explanation for this empirical pattern is related to unmet aspirations theory, pointing out that optimism bias decreases life satisfaction at younger ages, whereas pessimism bias increases it at later stages of life. This paper investigates the effects of Internet use on subjective well-being over the life cycle. Our model investigates the proposition that Internet use affects aspirations, and that this effect is relatively stronger at younger and older ages. To investigate moderation effects of Internet use on the U-shape of life, we use the Eurobarometer annual surveys for the years 2010 to 2016, which provide rich information for around 150,000 individuals in all European countries. We focus on the EU Digital Agenda policy program, and exploit exogenous variation in broadband Internet take-up across European countries to identify the causal effects of Internet on life satisfaction for different age groups. The results of 2SLS estimations for a recursive bivariate ordered probit model show that active Internet users have a different well-being pattern over the life cycle compared to less active users. Specifically, we find that Internet use makes the U-shape of life steeper. Country-level evidence on aspiration levels for different demographic and Internet user groups indicates that our empirical results are consistent with unmet aspirations theory.
Performance of non-invasive prenatal screening for sex chromosome aneuploidies and parental decision-making

P< 0.05 was considered statistically significant. In addiTo the Editor: Sex chromosomal aneuploidies (SCAs) are common chromosomal aberrations that are normally tion, positive predictive value (PPV) was calculated diagnosed after birth. It results in abnormal physical development or infertility. The prenatal incidence is as high as 1/435 and is usually identified by karyotyping. SCAs are characterized by an abnormal number of sex chromosomes and include monosomy (45, X), trisomy (47, XXX, 47, XXY, and 47, XYY), other aneuploidies and various forms of sex chromosome mosaicism. The phenotypes of SCA patients are diverse. The prenatal diagnosis of fetal SCAs affects the parents and there is a need for clinical counseling. What’s more, early diagnosis is important as it provides opportunities for early treatment and future healthcare for children with SCAs.
Assessment of the Retina of Plp-α-Syn Mice as a Model for Studying Synuclein-Dependent Diseases

Purpose Synucleinopathies such as multiple system atrophy (MSA) and Parkinson's disease are associated with a variety of visual symptoms. Functional and morphological retinal aberrations are therefore supposed to be valuable biomarkers for these neurodegenerative diseases. This study examined the retinal morphology and functionality resulting from human α-synuclein (α-Syn) overexpression in the transgenic Plp-α-Syn mouse model. Methods Immunohistochemistry on retinal sections and whole-mounts was performed on 8- to 11-week-old and 12-month-old Plp-α-Syn mice and C57BL/6N controls. Quantitative RT-PCR experiments were performed to study the expression of endogenous and human α-Syn and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH). We confirmed the presence of human α-Syn in the retina in western blot analyses. Multi-electrode array (MEA) analyses from light-stimulated whole-mounted retinas were used to investigate their functionality. Results Biochemical and immunohistochemical analyses showed human α-Syn in the retina of Plp-α-Syn mice. We found distinct staining in different retinal cell layers, most abundantly in rod bipolar cells of the peripheral retina. In the periphery, we also observed a trend toward a decline in the number of retinal ganglion cells. The number of TH+ neurons was unaffected in this human α-Syn overexpression model. MEA recordings showed that Plp-α-Syn retinas were functional but exhibited mild alterations in dim light conditions. Conclusions Together, these findings implicate an impairment of retinal neurons in the Plp-α-Syn mouse. The phenotype partly relates to retinal deficits reported in MSA patients. We further propose the suitability of the Plp-α-Syn retina as a biological model to study synuclein-mediated mechanisms.
Distribuição de genes cry de Bacillus thuringiensis isolados de solos do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

The Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) bacterium is characterized by the production of toxic protein to representatives of several insect orders, which are coded by cry genes. Due to this characteristic, more than 40.000 Bt strains were isolated and around 190 cry genes characterized. As the data on Bt are limited in Rio Grande do Sul, this research aimed the evaluation of the distribution of six Bt families of cry genes, in this state, that codify active proteins against insect-pest. The 46 isolates profiles of soil samples from Rio Grande do Sul were evaluated, by PCR with primers that detect cry1, cry2, cry3, cry7, cry8 and cry9 genes, and its respective proteins were analyzed by SDS-PAGE 10%. The presence of cry9 genes were detected in 47.82% of the isolates, followed by cry3 (15.21%), cry1 and cry7 (both with 6.52%) and cry2 (2.17%). Eight genetic profiles were identified, being the profile cry9 (39.13%) the most frequent one. The Bt proteic analysis identified 14 families of Cry protein that are possibly coded by the genes in these isolates, besides the unknown proteins that can characterize new cry genes. These isolates reveal the presence of genes that codify specific proteins against lepidopterans and coleopterans, which can be evaluated for its in vivo toxicity against insect-pest of the cultivated plants.
Ocean Optimism: Moving Beyond the Obituaries in Marine Conservation.

While the ocean has suffered many losses, there is increasing evidence that important progress is being made in marine conservation. Examples include striking recoveries of once-threatened species, increasing rates of protection of marine habitats, more sustainably managed fisheries and aquaculture, reductions in some forms of pollution, accelerating restoration of degraded habitats, and use of the ocean and its habitats to sequester carbon and provide clean energy. Many of these achievements have multiple benefits, including improved human well-being. Moreover, better understanding of how to implement conservation strategies effectively, new technologies and databases, increased integration of the natural and social sciences, and use of indigenous knowledge promise continued progress. Enormous challenges remain, and there is no single solution; successful efforts typically are neither quick nor cheap and require trust and collaboration. Nevertheless, a greater focus on solutions and successes will help them to become the norm rather than the exception. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Marine Science, Volume 13 is January 3, 2021. Please see http://www.annualreviews. org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
Contribution of water soluble organic matter from multiple marine geographic eco-regions to aerosols around Antarctica.

We present shipborne measurements of size-resolved concentrations of aerosol components across ocean waters next to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Orkney Islands and South Georgia Island, evidencing aerosol features associated to distinct eco-regions. Non-methanesulfonic acid Water Soluble Organic Matter (WSOM) represented 6-8% and 11-22% of the aerosol PM1 mass originated in open ocean (OO) and sea ice (SI) regions, respectively. Other major components included sea salt (86-88% OO, 24-27% SI), non sea salt sulfate (3-4% OO, 35-40% SI), and MSA (1-2% OO, 11-12% SI). The chemical composition of WSOM encompasses secondary organic components with diverse behaviors: while alkylamine concentrations were higher in SI air masses, oxalic acid showed higher concentrations in the open ocean air. Our online single-particle mass spectrometry data exclude a widespread source from sea bird colonies, while the secondary production of oxalic acid and sulfur-containing organic species via cloud processing is suggested. We claim that the potential impact of the sympagic planktonic ecosystem on aerosol composition has been overlooked in past studies, and multiple eco-regions act as distinct aerosol sources around Antarctica.
Induction of phenolics and defense-related enzymes in coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) roots treated with biocontrol agents

The effect of soil application of biocontrol agents (Pseudomonas fluorescens, Trichoderma viride and T. harzianum) in combination with chitin on induction of phenolics and defense enzymes in coconut roots infected with Ganoderma lucidum, the causal agent of Ganoderma disease, was investigated. Soil application of these biocontrol formulations in combination with chitin induced a significant increase in the activities of peroxidase (PO), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), chitinase and b-1,3-glucanase in the G. lucidum infected palms. Activities of both PAL and PO reached maximum levels within 3 d while the activity of PPO reached the maximum level 6 d after application of a mixture of P. fluorescens, T. viride and chitin. Isozyme analysis revealed that unique PO3 and PPO2 isozymes were induced in coconut palms treated with P. fluorescens + T. viride + chitin. Accumulation of phenolics was recorded 3 d after treatment and reached maximum levels 9 d after treatment application. Activity of chitinase was significantly increased from the third day after treatment imposition and continued to increase up to 9 to 12 d in all treatments. Chitinase isozyme analysis revealed that a unique Chit3 isoform was induced in coconut roots treated with P. fluorescens + T. viride + chitin. The b-1,3-glucanase activity was maximum 9 d after treatment application. The mechanisms by which P. fluorescens + T. viride + chitin reduced the incidence of Ganoderma disease in coconut may be related to its ability to induce defense mechanisms in coconut palms.
Goiabeira 'Paluma' sob diferentes sistemas de cultivo, épocas e intensidades de poda de frutificação

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of different fructification pruning times and intensities on the yield and fruit quality of 'Paluma' guava trees in two cultivation systems, in Pedro Canario, ES, Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized complete blocks in a split split plots scheme. The main plots were the cultivated systems (with and without irrigation), the split plots were the pruning times (November 10, 2005; December 9, 2005; January 13, 2006; and February 10, 2006), and the split split plots were the pruning intensities (heavy, medium and light). Plant yield, number of harvested fruits, and fruits medium weight were higher in irrigated plants. Independently of pruning time, plants subjected to heavy pruning provided the smallest yield and number of fruits per plant, however produced the higher fruit weight. The largest yield and number of fruits per plant occurred in plants subjected to medium and light pruning in February, while higher fruit weight occurred in plants pruned in December, regardless pruning intensity. Total soluble solids, titratable acidity and ratio were not affected by pruning intensity; however, those characteristics were affected by cultivate systems and pruning time.
Oral epithelial IL-22/STAT3 signaling licenses IL-17–mediated immunity to oral mucosal candidiasis

IL-22 signaling limits oral candidiasis via proliferation of basal epithelial cells and replenishment of an IL-17–responsive layer. Type 17 tag team Effective immune defense against invasive oral infections by the fungus Candida albicans relies heavily on the cytokine IL-17A and its ability to stimulate a coordinated antifungal response by the multilayered oral epithelium. Aggor et al. used a mouse model of oral candidiasis to investigate the contribution of IL-22, another cytokine produced by many type 17 lymphocytes, to antifungal immunity. The rapid induction of IL-22 after oral Candida infection enhanced IL-22–dependent proliferation of the basal epithelial layer, thereby sustaining the ability of suprabasal epithelial cells expressing IL-17 receptors to respond to IL-17A with induction of immune effectors capable of repelling fungal infection. These findings provide new mechanistic insights into the cooperative antifungal effects of IL-22 and IL-17A in defending the host against oral candidiasis. Oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC; thrush) is an opportunistic infection caused by the commensal fungus Candida albicans. Interleukin-17 (IL-17) and IL-22 are cytokines produced by type 17 lymphocytes. Both cytokines mediate antifungal immunity yet activate quite distinct downstream signaling pathways. While much is now understood about how IL-17 promotes immunity in OPC, the activities of IL-22 are far less well delineated. We show that, despite having similar requirements for induction from type 17 cells, IL-22 and IL-17 function nonredundantly during OPC. We find that the IL-22 and IL-17 receptors are required in anatomically distinct locations within the oral mucosa; loss of IL-22RA1 or signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in the oral basal epithelial layer (BEL) causes susceptibility to OPC, whereas IL-17RA is needed in the suprabasal epithelial layer (SEL). Transcriptional profiling of the tongue linked IL-22/STAT3 not only to oral epithelial cell proliferation and survival but also, unexpectedly, to driving an IL-17–specific gene signature. We show that IL-22 mediates regenerative signals on the BEL that replenish the IL-17RA–expressing SEL, thereby restoring the ability of the oral epithelium to respond to IL-17 and thus to mediate antifungal events. Consequently, IL-22 signaling in BEL “licenses” IL-17 signaling in the oral mucosa, revealing spatially distinct yet cooperative activities of IL-22 and IL-17 in oral candidiasis.
Deviating vertical distribution and increased conspicuousness of parasitized Calanus

Abnormally colored yellow and red Calanus spp. occurred in the Oslofjord (southeast Norway) in late summer. These specimens were infected with an extensive parasitic growth consisting of large branched hyphae‐like tubes filled with spores. This parasite has previously been referred to as Ichthyosporidium sp. (now Ichthyophonus, Ichthyosporea), and suspected to be a stage in the life cycle of the fish pathogen Ichthyophonus hoferi. This assumption was not supported by our examination. Infected copepods were virtually confined to the upper meter, while distribution of the uninfected specimens was much deeper. We argue that the change in color and distribution is induced by the parasite, facilitating nearsurface, visual predation, dispersal of spores, and, hence, increasing transmission to new hosts.
Implications of changes to commercial broiler and broiler breeder body weight targets over the past 30 years

Broiler breeder hens grow more efficiently and are leaner than ever before due to positive results from broiler genetic selection strategies. Quantitative feed restriction is used to limit excessive weight gain and maximize egg production and fertility. Over the past 30 years, broiler breeder body weight (BW) targets have undergone change, although the degree of change is small compared to the large increases in growth potential. As a result, the degree of feed restriction needed to maintain broiler breeder BW targets has increased, which is a welfare concern. The objective of this study was to examine current and historical broiler breeder BW targets for three major broiler companies to assess the extent of changes in BW targets over time and to explore potential reasoning behind shifts in these growth targets. By comparing breeder parent target BW profiles with corresponding potential broiler growth, changes in the apparent severity of feed restriction of the broiler breeder of this strain were calculated. Factors affecting the interpretation of degree of restriction values were discussed in combination with current initiatives underway to alleviate the severity of feed restriction. This information is intended to demonstrate how management of broiler breeder stocks has changed in time and to provide context for a realistic measure of the degree of feed restriction in broiler breeders.
Food Habits of American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in East Texas

Abstract American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) food habit data are important when establishing management strategies, as diet can directly influence growth rates, body condition, behavior, and reproduction. Diets of American Alligators are hypothesized to vary among habitats as well as geographically; however, few diet studies have been conducted outside of Florida and Louisiana. To address this information gap, 62 diet samples were obtained from alligators ranging in size from 94.7 cm to 386.0 cm (total length) from June 2006–September 2008 in inland freshwater wetlands in East Texas. A total of 33 different prey items (comprising 670 individual prey items) and 1 parasite were identified. Irrespective of size class, sex, and study site, >85% of individual prey items were invertebrates. Nearly all diet samples contained some sort of organic by-catch and/or non-food items (i.e., woody debris, aquatic plants, seeds, rocks, fishing tackle, etc.). Although alligator diets were similar between sexes, non-breeding (<183.0 cm in total length) alligators consumed more invertebrate prey items by biomass and percent occurrence than breeding-size alligators. In general, alligators forage opportunistically; therefore, most habitat-based, local, or geographic variability in food habits among populations are most likely influenced by food availability. As such, regional differences in food availability likely result in geographic variability in life-history characteristics such as growth rates and condition, important factors to consider when establishing management strategies.