Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adipose stem cells on the basis of tumor transformation

Introduction: Adipose tissue represents an abundant source of mesenchymal stem-like cells. Adipose-derived stem cell progenies have been investigated and used in regenerative medicine for decades. In the last few years, they have been used to “enrich” lipoaspirates in fat grafting techniques, in an attempt to boost the regenerative potential of adipose tissue when used as autologous “filler”. Materials and Methods: 50 adipose tissue samples from lipoaspirates and subcutaneous breast tissue biopsies were used to generate adipose floating spheroid cell (ASphC) lines. ASphC were characterized for the expression of putative mesenchymal stem cell markers and used in vitro to test their multilineage potential. Furthermore, ASphCs were seeded on dermal regeneration template (Integra®) and implanted into the T8 vertebral laminectomy site of immunocompromised mice. Results: Here, we show that the majority of ASphCs are in a quiescent state and express the putative surface stem cell marker CD271. Unlike CD271cells, CD271+ ASphCs grew indefinitely in vitro as undifferentiated spheres in serum-free medium, maintaining their multilineage differentiation potential ability. Importantly, p107, a functional adipose stem cell marker, is strictly expressed in ASphCs and barely present in their differentiated mesenchymal lineages. These sphere cells display an enhanced ability in vitro to differentiate into distinctive end-stage cell types, such as osteoblasts, chondrocytes and adipocytes. Gene expression profiling analysis indicated that ASphCs are endowed with stem cell potential that is gradually lost during specific differentiation. Finally, ASphCs facilitate bone inter body repair and regeneration after laminectomy. Conclusions: We conclude that ASphCs possess a pronounced in vivo activity to regenerate the bone injury. Overall, ASphCs represent a heterogeneous population of stem-like cells harbouring multilineage differential potential and representing a prospective promising tool in cell therapy and tissue engineering.
Exploring the origin and maintenance of biodiversity : insights from the bilaterally asymmetrical cichlid fish Perissodus microlepis

The scale-eating cichlid fish Perissodus microlepis is a textbook example for bilateral asymmetry due to its left or right-bending heads and of negative frequency-dependent selection that is proposed to maintain this stable polymorphism. The mechanisms that underlie this asymmetry remain elusive. Several studies had initially postulated a simple genetic basis for this trait, but this explanation has been questioned, particularly by reports observing a unimodal distribution of mouth shapes. We hypothesize that this unimodal distribution might be due to a combination of genetic and phenotypically plastic components. Here we expanded on previous work by investigating a formerly identified candidate SNP associated to mouth laterality, documenting inter-individual variation in feeding preference using stable isotope analyses, and testing their association with mouth asymmetry. Our results suggest that this polymorphism is influenced by both a polygenic basis and inter-individual non-genetic variation, possibly due to feeding experience, individual specialization and intra-specific competition. We introduce a hypothesis potentially explaining the simultaneous maintenance of left, right, asymmetric and symmetric mouth phenotypes. Future studies will have to further tease apart the relative contribution of genetic and environmental factors and their interactions in an integrated fashion. Introduction The external morphology of animals is typically symmetric; the occurrence of conspicuous and stable asymmetry (departure from symmetry in morphology) or handedness (lateralized behavior) is rare in both vertebrates and invertebrates. The evolutionary forces and the underlying genetic and developmental mechanisms underlying most asymmetries remain unclear (Palmer 2016; Uzoigwe 2013). Bilateral asymmetries, where left or right individuals
Teste de tetrazólio em sementes de pinhão-manso.

In recent years, demand and marketing of jatropha seeds increased, demanding the establishment of state and federal standards and developing appropriate methodologies for evaluating the quality of seeds. The tetrazolium test has become an important alternative for it's efciency and speed in determining the viability and vigor of the seeds, allowing to obtain results in less than 24 hours. Aiming to standardize a methodology for conducting the tetrazolium test in seeds of Jatropha curcas in evaluating the physiological quality. The initial evaluation of Jatropha curcas seeds was performed through standard germination, rst count germination, emergence and emergence speed index. Two experiments were conducted: the rst was conducted in a completely randomized design in a factorial scheme 4 x 4, where were tested four methods of preparation of the seed (seed-coats intact, whole seed, pre-soaked coated seed, coated seed distal cut on the region opposite to the caruncle, and whole seed, pre-soaking without the seed coat) and four concentrations of the tetrazolium (0,25%, 0,5%, 0,75% and 1,0%). For the evaluation of viability, seeds were sectioned longitudinally in the opening of the cotyledons. The most promising results in the rst trial were used as samples of the second test, which was also conducted in a completely randomized design in a factorial 3 x 3 (three times of immersion in tetrazolium solution 2, 4 and 6 hours and three concentrations – 0,25%, 0,5% and 0,75%), being that for the evaluation of the seeds were longitudinally sectioned transverse to the opening of the cotyledons. The second test was conducted at 2 temperatures (30oC and 40°C), being independent trials. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the tetrazolium test in jatropha seeds should be carried out at 0,5% concentration, within 6 hours of immersion at 40oC. The seeds should be pre-soaked with the seed coat, followed by it's removal for immersion in tetrazolium solution, using the longitudinal cut in the transverse direction of the opening of the cotyledons to evaluate the viability.
Effects of dietary supplementation with cupreous N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) chelate and copper sulfate on growth performance, serum biochemical profile and immune response, tissue mineral levels and fecal excretion of mineral in weaning piglets

ABSTRACT This experiment was conducted to measure the effects of dietary supplementation with copper sulfate and cupreous N-carbamylglutamate chelate (NCG-Cu) on the growth performance, serum biochemical profile and immune response, tissue mineral levels and fecal excretion of minerals of weaning piglets. Eighteen 28-d-old healthy weaning piglets (initial body weight = 6.34 ± 0.10 kg) were individually housed and randomly assigned to receive one of three diets containing no copper in either form (Control), 650 g/t copper sulfate (650 g/t Cu group) or 640 g/t NCG-Cu (640 g/t NCG-Cu group) in the final feed for 14 days. These data indicate that 640 g/t NCG-Cu was as effective as 650 g/t Cu for stimulating growth, immune response, and improving F/G in weaning piglets. Fecal Cu excretion decreased in piglets from the 640 g/t NCG-Cu group, which received 160 mg/kg Cu compared with the fecal CU excretion observed in the piglets from the 650 g/t Cu group, which also received 160 mg/kg Cu. Therefore, 640 g/t NCG-Cu of dietary Cu, may provide an effective environmental alternative to 650 g/t Cu in weaning piglets. Abbreviations: ADFI: average daily feed intake; ADG: average daily gain; ALB: albumin; ALP: alkaline phosphatase; ALT: alanine aminotransferase; AST: aspartate amino transferase; CK: creatine kinase; CREA: creatinine; D-BIL: direct-acting-bilirubin; F/G: feed/gain ratio; GLB: globulin; GLU: blood glucose; IgA: immunoglobulin A; IgG: immunoglobulin G; LDH: lactate dehydrogenase; NCG: N-carbamylglutamate; T-BIL: total bilirubin; TC: total cholesterol; TP: total protein; urea: Urea; UA: urate
A Reassessment of the Postcanine Dentition and Systematics of the Tritylodontid Stereognathus (Cynodontia, Tritylodontidae, Mammaliamorpha), from the Middle Jurassic of the United Kingdom

ABSTRACT Tritylodontidae was a successful advanced cynodont clade with a close relationship to mammals, but falling outside the clade Mammaliaformes. Stereognathus ooliticus was the first tritylodontid to be named and described in 1854, but since then no comprehensive description for this species has been produced. A second species, S. hebridicus, was named in 1972 and diagnosed based solely on size difference, being larger than the S. ooliticus holotype. We reexamined all postcanine tooth material attributed to the genus Stereognathus to test the species diagnosis and identify diagnostic morphological characters for this genus. We find no statistical difference in size distribution between S. ooliticus and S. hebridicus postcanine specimens. Specimens previously attributed to the different species fall along an ontogenetic spectrum of size, with no clear clustering. Morphologically, we affirm many previously described features for Stereognathus and identify new morphological features in upper and lower postcanines. We find no morphological features to distinguish these two species, and therefore we synonymize S. hebridicus under S. ooliticus. We reevaluate the scoring of S. ooliticus in previous phylogenetic analyses, generating a new tree using rescored Stereognathus characters. Finally, we suggest that similar reevaluations and redescriptions of other poorly described tritylodontid material are necessary to further clarify relationships among Tritylodontidae and the evolution of characters in derived genera such as Stereognathus.
Assessing Gulf Coast Tick, Amblyomma maculatum Koch (Acari:Ixodidae) Population Changes in Texas using the U.S. Drought Monitor Classification Scheme

ii DEDICATION . iv ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . v NOMENCLATURE . viii TABLE OF CONTENTS . x LIST OF FIGURES . xiii LIST OF TABLES . xiv 1. INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Abiotic Factors Affecting Ixodid Tick Survivorship . 1 1.2 Use of Environmental Variables in Tick Modeling . 3 1.3 Current Drought Indices and Indicators . 5 1.3. 1 Palmers Drought Severity Index (PDSI) . 6 1.3. 2 U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) . 6 1.3. 3 National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) – Dead Fuel Moisture . 7 1.4 Amblyomma maculatum – A Tick of Concern . 9 1.4. 1 Factor in Primary Screw Worm Infestation in Texas . 11 1.4. 2 Human Impact – Vector of Rickettsia parkeri . 12 1.4. 3 Animal Impact – Vector of Hepatazoon americanum . 13 1.4. 4 Veterinary and Economic Impact – Vector Potential for Ehrlichia ruminantium . 14 1.5 Description of Study Area . 17 1.6 Study Objectives . 19 2. CHARACTERIZATION OF TICK COLLECTION DATA . 21 2.1 Introduction . 21 2.2 Methods . 22 2.2.1 Data Characterization . 22 2.2.2 Data Analysis – Repeated Measures Modeling Using PROC MIXED . 24 2.3 Results . 24 2.4 Discussion . 25
Report of the Working Group on Pathology and Diseases of Marine Organisms (WGPDMO)

The brown shrimp (Crangon crangon) supports a very important fishery in Europe (over 25,000 t, value 80 M ECU in 2000). Through the course of histopathological screening of crustaceans from the Clyde estuary, western Scotland, for the biological effect of contaminants, we have discovered a highly prevalent (up to 100 %) non-occluded intranuclear bacilliform virus (IBV) infection in the hepatopancreatic tubule epithelia and midgut epithelia of wild C. crangon. This is the first report of an IBV in this family. We have termed this virus Crangon crangon bacilliform virus (CcBV). Histological and ultrastructural observations suggest that this virus is similar to other IBVs (or non-occluded baculoviruses) previously described from crabs and penaeid shrimps. Virus-infected epithelial cells contained eosinophilic, hypertrophied nuclei with marginated chromatin. The basement membrane of infected cells was often separated from that of its neighboring cells and their nuclei appeared apoptotic. In heavily infected shrimp, apoptotic cells were expelled into the lumen of the hepatopancreatic tubule or the midgut. Following this stage, some hepatopancreatic tubules became degenerate, with remnants of the basement membrane and myoepithelial lining remaining. Transmission electron micoscopy of hypertrophic nuclei revealed the presence of rod-shaped and cylindrical, envelope-bound virions. These virions did not form arrays and were not encapsulated within occlusion bodies but did appear to be partially occluded in an amorphous matrix which corresponded to a granular viroplasm. The ultrastructure, morphology and size of the nucleocapsid and of the complete virion associated them most closely with the intranuclear bacilliform viruses (IBVs) previously reported from other decapod crustaceans. Due to the pathological manifestation of IBV infection in C. crangon, it seems likely that it can act as a population modulator, particularly at sites where infection prevalence is high, such as that observed in the Clyde estuary. ICES WGPDMO Report 2004 56 ANNEX 9 EPIDEMIOLOGICAL METHODS FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF DISEASES AND POPULATION EFFECTS RISK W. Wosniok, Institute of Statistics, University of Bremen, Germany S.W. Feist, CEFAS, Weymouth, UK T. Lang, Federal Research Centre for Fisheries, Cuxhaven, Germany
Volumetric analysis of airborne pollen grains in the city of Uşak, Turkey

Airborne pollen in Usak, a province in Turkey, was studied for two years (from 1 February 2014 to 31 January 2016) using the volumetric method and the most recent pollen data of the region were obtained. During the study, 23,915 pollen grains were detected. The pollens detected belonged to 53 taxa. Of the 53 taxa, 28 were woody and 25 were herbaceous. Of the pollen grains detected, 86% (20,565 pollen grains) were from woody plants, 4.74% (1133 pollen grains) belonged to Poaceae, and 8.65% (2071 pollen grains) were from other herbaceous plants, whereas 0.61% (146 pollen grains) were unidentified pollen grains. Of the woody taxa, those whose pollen grains comprised more than 1% each of the total number of pollen grains during the study were Quercus (32.60%), Pinaceae (31.96%), Cupressaceae/Taxaceae (10.22%), Fraxinus (5.47%), and Platanus (1.12%), whereas of the herbaceous taxa, those whose pollen grains comprised more than 1% each of the total number of pollen grains were Poaceae (4.74%), Amaranthaceae (1.82%), Plantago (1.59%), and Rumex (1.18%). In the two-year period, the highest airborne pollen concentrations were recorded in May (47.30%), followed by April (27.64%) and June (10.47%). The results obtained in the study indicated that the dominant airborne pollen types detected in Usak generally had allergenic effects at moderate or high levels and that these taxa reached the highest amount in May.
Silencing of the phosphofructokinase gene impairs glycolysis and causes abnormal locomotion in the subterranean termite Reticulitermes chinensis Snyder

Phosphofructokinase (PFK) is a rate‐limiting enzyme in glycolysis, but its linkage with locomotion in termites is not well understood, despite the demonstrated involvement of this gene in the locomotion of different animals. Here, we investigated the effect of the pfk gene on locomotion in the subterranean termite Reticulitermes chinensis Snyder through RNA interference and the use of an Ethovision XT tracking system. The knockdown of pfk resulted in significantly decreased expression of the pfk gene in different castes of termites. The pfk‐silenced workers displayed higher levels of glucose but lower levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and decreased activity of the PFK enzyme. Furthermore, abnormal locomotion (decreased distance travelled, velocity and acceleration but increased turn angle, angular velocity and meander) was observed in different castes of pfk‐silenced termites. We found caste‐specific locomotion among workers, soldiers and dealates. Additionally, soldiers and dealates showed higher velocity in the inner zone than in the wall zone, which is considered an effective behaviour to avoid predation. These findings reveal the close linkage between the pfk gene and locomotion in termites, which helps us to better understand the regulatory mechanism and caste specificity of social behaviours in social insects.
Polymorphism and inconsistencies in the taxonomy of Diplodinium anisacanthum da Cunha, 1914 (Ciliophora, Entodiniomorphida, Ophryoscolecidae) and taxonomic notes on the genus Diplodinium Schuberg, 1888

The genus Diplodinium includes 31 species of ophryoscolecid ciliates with two retractable ciliary zones in the anterior end of the body, with no skeletal plates, inclined macronucleus and two contractile vacuoles. They have a broad geographical distribution and low host specificity. The genus has several taxonomic inconsistencies, mainly due to polymorphism of most species. Diplodinium anisacanthum is a case of taxonomic inconsistency in the genus. It presents polymorphism in posterior end of the body, so it is considered a polymorphic species or seven distinct species. This study presents the morphological characterization of six D. anisacanthum morphotypes based on general morphology, morphometric analysis and oral infraciliature characterization and taxonomic notes on the genus Diplodinium . The morphological and morphometric characterization of D. anisacanthum showed great similiarities among morphotypes suggesting that these ciliates constitute a single species with polymorphisms. A brief review conducted highlights the inconsistencies in the taxonomy of the genus Diplodinium and demonstrates the need for recent studies with representatives of the genus. There is no information on how polymorphism of Diplodinium anisacanthum morphotypes correlates to molecular data, since there are only two sequences of this species available in the GenBank database.
Population viability and conservation of grey parrots psittacus erithacus on the island of Príncipe, Gulf of Guinea

Parrots are among the most endangered birds in the world, owing to the international pet trade, and habitat degradation. Grey Parrot Psittacus erithacus, the most traded wild-caught species, has suffered a steep decline across its vast African range. This PhD investigates Grey Parrot’s ecology to understand the mechanisms by which harvest and habitat loss affect populations. The island of Principe was chosen as a study area owing to its healthy Grey Parrot population, its tradition of parrot harvest and the disturbed-to-pristine range of habitats. Parrot densities were exceptionally high (mean±SE: 53±3 parrots km-1), and their distribution within the island was shown to change significantly between pre- and post-breeding season. The presence of nest tree species was the best predictor of densities in the former (F=2.99, p=0.07), while slope and food tree species were in the latter (F=3.0, p<0.05 and F=8.04, p<0.01). Variation in habitat use across seasons highlights the importance of opportunely timed surveys, and the need of preserving a matrix of habitats. Three simple and inexpensive methods were tested, which may be useful where more precise methods cannot be used. Simple encounter rates were shown to be a workable proxy for actual densities: a relationship was found between the two (R2=0.8, df=9, p=0.01). Long watches proved to be far less accurate and suitable only in limited cases (i.e. enough vantage points overlooking small areas and numerous encounters). Counts along flyways were suggested to be a good monitoring method, although further testing is required. Nest densities were found to be very high (mean±SE: 16.8±7.9 and 72.4±26.2 nests km-2 in secondary and primary forest respectively) compared to those elsewhere. The habitat characteristics measured didn’t affect productivity, suggesting that cavity characteristics may be more important. The best demographic data available on the species, were used to build a Population Viability Model to investigate its population dynamics in the face of harvest and habitat loss. In Principe, Grey Parrots were shown to have increased rapidly after a trade ban was put in place, highlighting the recovery potential of the species. Harvest alone was shown to be harmless only when small quotas (e.g. 600 chicks year-1) are yielded from large populations, while habitat loss lowered the predicted maximum population size. The interaction of these threats can be much more unpredictable. The effects of harvest are worsened if poorly regulated or techniques that include the harvesting of adults are used. Extinctions were predicted to occur with significant delay (≥40 years), and the conservation implications were discussed. Finally, the contribution of this thesis to the understanding of Grey Parrots ecology and conservation is highlighted and research priorities identified.
Expression and clinical significance of threonine and tyrosine protein kinase (TTK) in osteosarcoma

Background: The purpose of the present study was to detect the expression level of threonine and tyrosine protein kinase (TTK) in osteosarcoma (OS) and investigate whether TTK could be a biomarker for early diagnosis or even a molecular targeted therapy for OS. Methods: First, by using GEO dataset we analyzed the expression level of TTK in sarcoma. Then, by using immunohistochemistry (IHC) we investigated the TTK expression in tissue microarrays (TMAs) to verify the results. Next, we suppressed TTK expression in MG-63 and U2-OS cell lines, protein expression were analyzed by Western blot respectively as well as cell viability and migration were evaluated by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) and transwell chamber assay. Finally, proteins that are associated with MAPK signal pathway were detected by Western blot. Results: GEO dataset revealed that TTK expression in normal bone tissue was significantly lower than that in sarcoma. And the result of IHC verified the higher expression of TTK in OS. In MG-63/siTTK and U2-OS/siTTK cells, the expression levels of TTK down-regulated significantly and the proliferation and migration were decreased with apoptosis increased compared to MG-63 and U2-OS cells. Additionally, MAPK signal pathway related protein expressions were reduced obviously. Conclusions: TTK expression in OS tissue was significantly higher than in normal tissue, it may provide additional help for the early diagnosis or even therapeutic target of OS. In addition, the internal mechanism still needs further investigation.
Impact of coronavirus disease 2019 on organ donation and transplantation in France

With 187 919 cases and 30 265 deaths by July 31, 2020, France was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the two-month confinement that began in mid-March. Although donor-to-recipient transmission and increased recipient mortality had been suggested by then, transplant-specific data were scarce [1-6]. The French transplant agency (ABM), acting with the public health council and scientific societies, recommended prophylactic measures, authorising procurement only for donors with negative SARS-CoV-2 screening in the 24 hours before procurement, no COVID-specific lung abnormality on CT scan and no clinical symptoms of or exposure to it in the previous 28 days. Each recipient's transplantation risks and benefits were reassessed in this context. Kidney, intestinal, pancreatic, islet cell and tissue transplantations were temporarily suspended, except for paediatric grafts and combined transplants.