Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Accumulation of solvent-soluble and solvent-insoluble antioxidant phenolics in edible bean sprouts: implication of germination

Background: Edible bean sprouts are popular fresh vegetables widely recognized for their nutritional quality. However, while their antioxidant capacity and phenolic composition in both solvent-soluble and solvent-insoluble extracts has not been systematically evaluated. Methods: The antioxidant capacity and phenolic composition in both solvent-soluble and solvent-insoluble fractions of 12 cultivars of edible bean sprouts were evaluated, and relationships of antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content were also analyzed. Results: Sprouts demonstrated a wide range of antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content, with lower but substantial antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content in the solvent-insoluble fractions. Highest levels were found in the green mung bean sprout. Phenolic compounds, such as catechin, ellagic acid, ferulic acid, gallic acid and p -coumaric acid were widely detected in these sprouts. Additionally, a positive correlation was discovered between antioxidant capacity and total phenolic content in these edible bean sprouts. Conclusions: Germination generally resulted in the accumulation of antioxidant phenolics in the most edible bean sprouts. Edible bean sprouts with high antioxidant phenolics can be valuable natural sources of dietary antioxidants for the prevention of oxidative stress-related chronic diseases. Keywords: Bean sprout, Germination, Antioxidant capacity, Radical scavenging capacity, Phenolic composition, Solvent-insoluble phenolics
Destruxin A production by Metarhizium brunneum strains during transient endophytic colonisation of Solanum tuberosum

ABSTRACT Metarhizium spp. are known to produce destruxin A (dtx A) and can act as endophytes. Data regarding the fate and behaviour of secondary metabolites in the environment are necessary for registration. Endophytic colonisation and dtx A production on potato plants were monitored at 24, 48, 72, 96 and 120 h after inoculation with Metarhizium brunneum strains (BIPESCO5 and EAMa 01/58-Su). Both strains were recovered from leaves, stem, tuber and root fragments of fungal-challenged potato plants. Although a similar colonisation was observed for both strains, there were differences in percentages in different parts of the plants, with the higher values occurring in the leaves at 96 h for EAMa 01/58-Su (83.3%) and BIPESCO5 (81.6%), and the lower ones, 10–13.3%, observed in tubers and roots at 72, 96 and 120 h post-inoculation for both strains. For strain EAMa 01/58-Su, dtx A was quantified at 24 h (2.49 ± 1.7 and 2.0 ± 1.4 µg/kg, respectively), and the same concentration was found in both tuber and root at 96 h (2.5 ± 1.7 µg/kg); for BIPESCO5, the concentrations differed in tuber at 24 h and in root at 48 h (6.8 ± 4.8 and 2.1 ± 1.4 µg/kg, respectively). The concentration of dtx A in plant tissues was very low compared to the colonisation levels, suggesting that dtx A production by the fungus may be temporary and that the compound might degrade rapidly.
Title: Locus-Specific DNA Methylation Reprogramming during Early Porcine Embryogenesis 1 Short title: Diverse DNA Methylation Patterns in Pig Embryos

During early mammalian embryogenesis, there is a wave of DNA demethylation post fertilization and de novo methylation around implantation. The paternal genome undergoes active DNA demethylation whereas the maternal genome is passively demethylated after fertilization in most mammals except sheep and rabbits. However, the emerging genome-wide DNA methylation landscape has revealed a regulatory and locus-specific DNA methylation reprogramming pattern in mammalian preimplantation embryos. Here we optimized a bisulfite sequencing protocol to draw base-resolution DNA methylation profiles of several selected genes in gametes, early embryos and somatic tissue. We observed locus-specific DNA methylation reprogramming in early porcine embryos. First, some pluripotency genes (POU5F1 and NANOG) followed a typical wave of DNA demethylation and remethylation whereas CpG-rich regions of SOX2 and CDX2 loci were hypomethylated throughout development. Second, a differentially methylated region (DMR) of an imprint control region (ICR) in IGF2/H19 locus exhibited differential DNA methylation which was maintained in porcine early embryos. Third, a centromeric repeat element retained a moderate DNA methylation level in gametes, early embryos and somatic tissue. The diverse DNA methylation reprogramming during early embryogenesis is thought to be possibly associated with the multiple functions of DNA methylation in transcriptional regulation, genome stability and genomic imprinting. The latest technology such as oxidative bisulfite sequencing to identify 5-hydroxymethylcytosine will further clarify the DNA methylation reprogramming during porcine embryonic development. Summary Sentence: The DNA methylation reprogramming in early porcine embryos is locus-specific and may be associated with multiple functions of DNA methylation in transcriptional regulation, genomic imprinting and genome stability.
Growth Performance of GMT and Mixed Sex Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus on Natural and Supplemental Feeds

Attention has been focused on genetically-improved stocks and strains of tilapia. A greenhouse recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) of three 540 L tanks stocked with 100 37.2 g genetically male tilapia (GMT) Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, and three identical tanks with the same number of 38.1 g mixed sex Nile tilapia, was used to measure response to floating 3.0 mm catfish pellets (32 % protein) fed once per day at four different rates based on body weight day (2-4 % BW day). Feed rate and amount were changed every 14 days based on growth measurements. For growth comparisons on natural feeds (primarily phytoplankton), two 10.5 m net pens were each stocked in August with 105 7.7 g Nile tilapia m of each group in each of two 1.0 ha blue catfish Ictalurus furcatus fingerling ponds and not fed. Fish were harvested in November. GMT fish outperformed mixed sex fish on both feed sources, and at most feed rates. In RAS trials at 2, 2.5, 3.0 and 4.0 % BW feeding, percentage growth day was 1.95, 2.11, 2.21 and 3.31 for GMT, and 1.60, 2.22, 1.97 and 2.86 for mixed sex; and the associated food conversion ratio (FCR) was 1.54, 1.37, 1.37 and 1.04 and 1.64, 1.35, 1.42 and 1.20, respectively. At harvest in net pens, GMT fish were 25 % larger than mixed sex. Growth was 1.3 and 1.0 g day on natural food sources for GMT and mixed sex, respectively. * Tel. : +1 870 575 8145; Fax: +1 870 575 4639 E-mail address: pperschbacher@uaex.edu Asian Fisheries Science 20(2007):425-431 426
Chemical components and biological activities of two freshwater green algae from Ordu, Turkey / Türkiye’nin Ordu ilinden iki tatlı su yeşil alglerinin kimyasal bileşenleri ve biyolojik aktiviteleri

Abstract Objective: Scientists are looking for new resources which have biological activities. The present study was planned to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of ethanol and acetone extracts, as well as the volatile compounds of two freshwater green algal species Spirogyra spp. and Zygnema stellinum (Vaucher) C. Agardh belonging to Zygnemaphyceae (Conjugatophyceae) obtained from Ordu University Campus wetlands. Methods: The extracts were tested in vitro for their antimicrobial effects using disc diffusion method. Total phenolic content and the antioxidative activity according to FRAP and DPPH methods of the extracts were also determined. The secondary metabolites from the investigated extracts were identified using GC-MS. Results: The extracts dramatically inhibited almost all tested microorganisms. The antimicrobial activity of the acetone extract of the Zygnema against C. albicans was found as more higher than positive control Nystatin. In accordance with antimicrobial activity, the highest total phenolic content was also determined in the presence of the acetone extract of the Zygnema. Furthermore the highest FRAP value and the lowest EC50 (mg/mL) value were calculated for the same extract. The main components of the all consisted of dimethyl and diethyl ester of 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid. However, the abundance of these metabolites in the extracts was not associated with antimicrobial or antioxidant activity. Biological activities of these algal species could be attributed to chemicals such as 1-Pentadecene and 1-Tetradecene which were present in smaller amounts. Conclusion: Investigated algal species can be evaluated to use in biotechnological applications such as food industry and medicine.
Análise fitoquímica e atividade alelopática de extratos de Eragrostis plana Nees (capim-annoni)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos alelopaticos de Eragrostis plana Nees (capim-annoni) sobre a germinacao e crescimento inicial de Zea mays L. , Avena sativa L. , Lolium multiflorum Lam . , Trifolium pratense L . , Lotus corniculatus L. e, identificar e quantificar compostos quimicos presentes no extrato de capim-annoni. No teste alelopatico utilizou-se o extrato aquoso e na identifi cacao e quantifi cacao dos compostos quimicos a metodologia do extrato metanolico e da infusao. Os componentes encontrados no extrato da planta foram: acido elagico, acido cafeico, acido clorogenico, rutina e epicatequina. Como resultado, o extrato de capim-annoni mostrou efeito alelopatico reduzindo e/ou inibindo a germinacao de sementes, o indice de velocidade de germinacao e o desenvolvimento inicial das plântulas em todas as especies testadas. Este efeito possivelmente deve-se a presenca dos compostos fenolicos e flavonoides.
Epigenetic regulation of thyroid development

Focusing on the molecular mechanisms of normal and abnormal thyroid development, this work had two main aims: 1) To establish a flow cytometry protocol for the developing and adult murine thyroid. 2) To analyze whether epigenetic mechanisms are regulating thyroid development. Project 1: A new tool for thyroid research: Flow cytometry of the thyroid gland The thyroid is composed of endocrine epithelial cells, blood vessels and mesenchyme. However, no data exist so far on absolute cell numbers, relative distribution, and proliferation of the different cell populations of the thyroid. First, we established a gating strategy for flow cytometry that is able to identify seven distinct cell populations in the embryonic and adult thyroid. Second, a detailed analysis of cell populations in vivo revealed unexpected frequencies and cell growth dynamics of the different cell populations at distinct embryonic stages and in adult tissues, extending our current knowledge on normal thyroid development. Finally, a yet unknown and uncharacterized cell population present in embryonic and adult thyroids at a frequency between 5-20% has been identified, that needs further detailed characterization. In summary, our approach provides a useful new tool for cell function analyses in murine thyroid disease models. Project 2: A new concept: Epigenetic regulation of thyroid development Abnormal thyroid development results in thyroid dysgenesis (TD). TD causes congenital hypothyroidism in neonates. Monozygotic twin are discordant for TD, suggesting epigenetic mechanisms. This epigenetic concept is further supported by disrupted histone acetylation in thyroid cancer and pathologic development of organs after inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDAC). To investigate the role of HDACs for normal and abnormal thyroid development, we first documented physiological dynamic changes of HDAC activity, HDAC expression and histone acetylation in the thyroid between E13.5-E17.5 in vivo. Second, we investigated the effect of HDAC inhibition on thyroid development in an ex vivo embryonic thyroid culture model. HDAC inhibition induced decreased HDAC activity and increased histone acetylation. HDAC inhibition resulted in profoundly disordered thyroid development compatible with all aspects of TD: reduced follicle formation, decreased endocrine cell mass, and disturbed angiogenesis. Hence, our data supports the concept of epigenetic regulation of thyroid development, and suggests a new molecular mechanism of TD.
Molecular epidemiological study of extended spectrum betalactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria from teaching and district general hospitals within Hampshire

This study provided epidemiological and molecular information regarding multi-resistant ESBL-producing bacteria over two years, assessed the effects of antimicrobial agents on intestinal microbiota resistance and identified potential environmental sources of ESBL contamination. The most prevalent bacterial species to express ESBL resistance was Escherichia coli [85% in 2010 and 84% in 2012]. Other species included members of Enterobacter, Klebsiella, Citrobacter and Proteus. An increase in resistance to nine antibiotics [amoxicillin 1%, coamoxiclav 14%, meropenem1%, cefotaxime 9%, ertapenem 2%, ceftazidime 7%, tigecycline 5%, cefuroxime 8% and gentamicin 6%] was observed, indicating that multi-resistant infections had increased over the sampling period. Multiplex PCR revealed that the CTX-M determinant was most prevalent [38% in 2010 and 27% in 2012], followed by TEM then SHV. Double resistance determinants were identified in 68% of the total isolates. A statistical relationship was determined between joint expression of TEM and SHV and patient age [p=0.0174], suggesting that resistance initially presents within the elderly population. ERIC-PCR analysis was used to identify clonal relationships between the isolates. Ten potential clonal groups were identified; however phylogenetic analysis revealed that antibiotic selection and conjugation was taking place simultaneously, with a turnover of isolates observed between the two year cohorts. Results obtained from the simulated colon model suggested that the receipt of antibiotics may contribute to the overall resistance of the gut microbiota. Increases in co-amoxiclav, amoxicillin and trimethoprim resistance was observed after dosing, while gentamicin remained stable. One hundred and thirteen non clinical samples [animal faeces and food products] were analysed to determine ESBL presence. ESBL producing isolates were recovered from 32% of the animal faecal and 60% of food product isolates, AmpC was also present in 15% of the faecal and 12% of the food product isolates. Sequence analysis of the SHV and CTX determinants revealed relationships between determinants associated with both animal and human infections.
Convergence in the Shape of Frog Toepads

Convergent evolution is the process in which unrelated species have independently evolved to have similar traits as each other despite not having a recent common ancestor. For example, species of anurans are highly diverse, yet there are great resemblances in the structure of toepads amongst unrelated frogs. Many studies have focused on the size of the toepads and adhesion. However, none have studied the actual shape of the toepads. We studied a total of 624 individual museum specimens from 167 different species. We took pictures of the toepads of every specimen and made an outline of the shape. Our analyses showed convergence in the shape of toepads because most species had the same relative shape despite being from different microhabitats. However, there were unique shapes that diverged from the typical shape. The species that had these unique shapes weren’t closely related, and therefore independently evolved the unique shapes.
Genetic and phenotypic parameters for productive traits in the first three lactations of Khuzestan buffaloes in Iran

The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for milk and fat yields in Khuzestan buffaloes of Iran. A total of 5 258 production records of the first three lactations of the Khuzestan buffaloes obtained from the Animal Breeding Centre of Iran between 1993 and 2009 were used for the analysis. Genetic parameters were estimated by the multivariate restricted maximum-likelihood (REML) procedure in the Wombat program. The averages of milk and fat production were 2 220.0 kg and 137.6 kg for first lactation; 2 236.8 kg and 137.9 kg for second lactation; and 2 303.6 kg and 143.3 kg for third lactation, respectively. Heritability estimates for milk and fat yields were 0.06 and 0.24 for the first; 0.06 and 0.28 for the second and 0.26 and 0.47 for the third lactation, respectively. Genetic correlation estimates between first and second, first and third, and second and third lactations were 0.77, 0.67 and 0.79 for milk and −0.61, −0.21 and −0.25 for fat yields. These estimates for milk yield are consistent with previous estimates obtained from animal models. Milk production of different lactations is essentially the same trait genetically and combining all lactation records as a single trait is appropriate. On the other hand, negative genetic correlations for fat yield in different lactations indicated that fat yields in all lactations were determined by different genes.
A meta-analysis of mediating mechanisms between employee reports of human resource management and employee performance: different pathways for descriptive and evaluative reports?

Abstract A substantial body of research has examined how employee reports of human resource management (HRM) practices relate to employee performance, yet it only acknowledges to a limited extent that different types of employee reports of HRM exist. This study differentiates descriptive reports of HRM practices which reflect employee experiences of the implementation of HRM activities and evaluative reports of HRM practices that gauge employees’ judgement of their effectiveness, quality and/or utility. By applying a meta-analytical approach, we find that descriptive reports of HRM practices are more positively related to personal and job resources (e.g. skills, empowerment, and supportive relationships) and that evaluative reports of HRM practices are more positively related to job attitudes (i.e. job satisfaction and commitment). We further find that personal/job resources and job attitudes partially mediate the positive relationship between employee-reported HRM practices and employee performance. We recommend that future studies distinguish between different types of employee reports of HRM, more clearly conceptualize the notion of employee-reported HRM practices, and examine the differential relationship between descriptive versus evaluative employee reports of HRM practices and employee outcomes.
Evaluation of different detection assays for use in Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli assessment programs

Ratoon stunting disease (RSD) caused by Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli is a major constraint to sugarcane production worldwide. Importation of infected germplasm exposes Nigeria to risk of introduction of the pathogen since it has no unique external and internal symptoms. Therefore, different detection techniques were investigated. L. xyli subsp. xyli inoculated and uninoculated sugarcane varieties comprising susceptible (CP72-1210), moderately resistant (CP80-1743), most commonly grown (Co957, Co997, SP71-6180, Co62175, chewing cane, B47419, Co6806) and locally bred (NCS001, NCS002, NCS003, NCS005, NCS006, NCS007, NCS008, ILS001 and ILS002) were evaluated in the screenhouse for both plant crop and ratoon crop. RSD detection assays of PCR on leaf and stalk saps, evaporative-blot enzyme immunoassay (EB-EIA) on sap from stalk and tissue-blot enzyme immunoassay (TB-EIA) on stalk were carried out using inoculated and uninoculated varieties. L. xyli subsp. xyli was not detected in any of the uninoculated varieties. In inoculated varieties, L. xyli subsp. xyli was not detected by PCR in leaf extracts but was detected by EB-EIA, TB-EIA and PCR in stalk extracts from all the varieties in both plant crop and ratoon crop. Evaporative-blot enzyme immunoassay is recommended for quarantine detection of RSD bacterium in stalk because it is simple, less costly, sap used for detection can be stored for a long time and result read rapidly with a microplate reader compared to counting visually with stereo microscope in TB-EIA. PCR is much more expensive and accurate; it can be used to confirm results that are either questionable or negative from these serological techniques. Keywords: Ratoon stunting disease, Leifsonia xyli subsp. xyli detection, Sugarcane varieties, Nigeria
Isoflurane sparing effect of diazepam and midazolam to xylazine-ketamine induction and isoflurane maintenance in goats

The clinical study was undertaken to assess the isoflurane sparing effect of diazepam and midazolam during isoflurane anaesthesia in goats. The study was conducted in 12 clinical cases of goats randomly divided into two equal groups. In all the animals, xylazine hydrochloride was administered at the dose rate of 0.05 mg per kg body weight intramuscularly. In group I and II, diazepam and midazolam were administered at the dose rate of 0.5 mg per kg body weight i.v. respectively, prior to induction of anaesthesia. Anaesthesia was induced with ketamine hydrochloride at the dose rate of 5 mg per kg body weight i.v. and was maintained with isoflurane employing rebreathing circuit. The end-tidal isoflurane concentration required to maintain surgical plane of anaesthesia was significantly lower in group II (0.82 ± 0.03 per cent) indicating that inclusion of midazolam in the anaesthetic protocol had significant (28 per cent) isoflurane sparing effect.
The rheological properties of yoghurt with incorporated whey protein aggregates/polymers

A substitution of milk proteins with single (shWPP) and double-heated whey proteins polymers (dhWPP) and its influence on rheological properties was investigated. Inoculated samples were measured by oscillatory rheometry, and the fermentation process was monitored for 4 h at 45°C followed by cooling to 4°C. A TA-XT2i Texture Analyser and the Brookfield DV-II+ Viscometer were used to investigate texture and viscosity of set yoghurt. Incubation time of yoghurt with incorporated dhWPP was similar to that of yoghurt fortified by skim milk powder (SMP), however, WPP yoghurts exhibited levels of storage modulus G' that were 4 times higher. Yoghurt fortified by addition of 1% WPP was more elastic than yoghurt with 1% SMP. The hardness of yoghurt with 1% dhWPP was measured by texture analyser and was about 114.53 g compared to 37.98 g for the sample containing 1% SMP. Increase of the whey protein aggregates/polymers content in yoghurts to 4% caused significant increase of yoghurt hardness. Yoghurts fortified with 4% SMP produced only minor increases in hardness. Addition of whey protein aggregates/polymers increased adhesiveness and gumminess of yoghurts compared to yoghurts made with SMP. Incorporation of whey protein aggregates/polymers can be a cost-effective process and the obtained yoghurt has lower lactose content.