Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relevance of intra- and extracellular cyanotoxins for drinking water treatment

Bloom-forming cyanobacteria have been observed in eutrophic waterbodies including drinking water reservoirs all over the world. In this connection investigations about the relevance of intra- and extracellular cyanotoxins for drinking water treatment were carried out in laboratory- and pilot-scale experiments. An algae growth phase depended toxin release from cyanobacteria was obtained naturally caused from cultured cyanobacteria (Microcystis aeruginosa) and in a eutrophic reservoir containing Planktothrix rubescens. Results from laboratory-scale tests using cultivated cyanobacteria and pilot-scale experiments at a eutrophic reservoir underline the induced toxin release during conventional water treatment. Additional to the known toxin release using pre-oxidation, it was obtained the first time that the application of flocculation/filtration also effects in toxin release under the conditions investigated, possibly caused by turbulences in pipes and pressure gradients in filters. Bedeutung intra- und extrazellularer Cyanotoxine fur die Trinkwasseraufbereitung Die Beeintrachtigung der Trinkwasserqualitat infolge oftmals uberraschender Algenmassenentwicklungen stellt die Wasserwerke in vielen Landern der Welt vor erhebliche Probleme. In diesem Zusammenhang wurde das Verhalten intra- und extrazellularer Cyanotoxine im Prozess der Wasseraufbereitung anhand von Laborversuchen und an einer kleintechnischen Versuchsanlage untersucht. Die naturliche Freisetzung der Cyanotoxine wurde, abhangig vom Wachstumsstadium der Cyanobakterien, sowohl an einer Microcystis aeruginosa-Kultur als auch an einer mit Planktothrix rubescens belasteten eutrophen Talsperre nachgewiesen. Im Ergebnis von Labor- und kleintechnischen Versuchen an kultivierten bzw. naturlich vorkommenden Cyanobakterien wurde festgestellt, dass im Prozess der konventionellen Aufbereitung eine induzierte Toxinfreisetzung stattfindet. Neben der bereits bekannten Freisetzung bei der Voroxidation konnte erstmals auch die Freisetzung von Cyanotoxinen im Prozess der Flockung/Filtration, wahrscheinlich hervorgerufen durch Turbulenzen im Leitungssystem und Druckgradienten in Filtern, nachgewiesen werden.
Isolation and Antimicrobial Activities of Lactic Acid Bacteria Originated From Indonesian Local Goat’s Colostrum

The objectives of this study were to isolate lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from Indonesian local goat colostrum and to characterize their suitable properties for bacteriocin production. LAB was isolated from goat colostrum. The characterization of LAB was carried out based on the shape, colony dispersal, and catalase test. For antimicrobial activity, LAB was tested by a well diffusion method followed by an antimicrobial activity test against pathogenic bacteria B. cereus, E.coli, S. aureus and S. thypimurium. A total of 8 strains of LAB were successfully isolated from goat colostrum and coded CT1 to CT8. All the isolates were rod-shaped, single or paired colonies, negative catalase, and glucose fermenting LAB. The isolates consist of four L. casei, two L. brevis or L. plantarum, one L. rhamnosus, and one, L. paracasei. CT3 isolate has 84% similarity with L. plantarum and 14.3% with L. brevis 1while CT8 isolate is 71% similar to L. brevis 1 and 28.9% to L. plantarum. Purity evaluation showed that CT3 and CT8 were L. plantarum. Well difusion test showed that all LAB strains possess very solid resistances, with diameters over 17 mm, against B. cereus, E.coli, S. aureus and S. thypimurium. The average inhibitory resistance against B. Cereus, E.coli, S.aureus and S.typhimurium was was 17.68 mm, 19.38, 19.30 and 19.03 mm, respectively. LAB isolated from Indonesian local goat colostrum are potential candidates for bacteriocin-producing bacteria.
Activated αIIbβ3 on platelets mediates flow-dependent NETosis via SLC44A2

Platelet-neutrophil interactions are important for innate immunity, but also contribute to the pathogenesis of deep vein thrombosis, myocardial infarction and stroke. Here we report that, under flow, von Willebrand factor/glycoprotein Ibα-dependent platelet ‘priming’ induces integrin αIIbβ3 activation that, in turn, mediates neutrophil and T-cell binding. Binding of platelet αIIbβ3 to SLC44A2 on neutrophils leads to mechanosensitive-dependent production of highly prothrombotic neutrophil extracellular traps. A polymorphism in SLC44A2 (rs2288904-A) present in 22% of the population causes an R154Q substitution in an extracellular loop of SLC44A2 that is protective against venous thrombosis results in severely impaired binding to both activated αIIbβ3 and VWF-primed platelets. This was confirmed using neutrophils homozygous for the SLC44A2 R154Q polymorphism. Taken together, these data reveal a previously unreported mode of platelet-neutrophil cross-talk, mechanosensitive NET production, and provide mechanistic insight into the protective effect of the SLC44A2 rs2288904-A polymorphism in venous thrombosis. Summary Platelets that are primed following interaction with von Willebrand factor under flow mediated direct interactions with neutrophils via activated platelet integrin, αIIbβ3, and SLC44A2 on neutrophils. This interaction initiates signaling in a mechanosensitive manner that promotes neutrophil extracellular trap formation.
Tgfβ signaling is critical for maintenance of the tendon cell fate

Studies of cell fate focus on specification, but little is known about maintenance of the differentiated state. We find that TGFβ signaling plays an essential role in maintenance of the tendon cell fate. To examine the role TGFβ signaling in tenocytes TGFβ type II receptor was targeted in the Scleraxis cell lineage. Tendon development was not disrupted in mutant embryos, but shortly after birth tenocytes lost differentiation markers and reverted to a more stem/progenitor state. Targeting of Tgfbr2 using other Cre drivers did not cause tenocyte dedifferentiation suggesting a critical significance for the spatio-temporal activity of ScxCre. Viral reintroduction of Tgfbr2 to mutants was sufficient to prevent and even rescue mutant tenocytes suggesting a continuous and cell-autonomous role for TGFβ signaling in cell fate maintenance. These results uncover the critical importance of molecular pathways that maintain the differentiated cell fate and a key role for TGFβ signaling in these processes.
Effects of mannan oligosaccharide dietary supplementation on mortality, growth performance and carcass traits in meat Guinea pigs

ABSTRACT The effects of mannan oligosaccharide (MOS) as a dietary supplement on growth performance, carcass traits and mortality in meat guinea pigs were compared to a commonly used antimicrobial growth promoter (AGP, Zn-Bacitracin). The four experimental treatments were as follow: Control group (no additives); MOS 1 (1.5 g kg−1); MOS 2 (2 g kg−1) and AGP (0.1 g kg−1). The guinea pigs were housed in 40 floor pens containing a deep litter of woodchips (n = 100 animals in each trial; 10 animals per pen). Guinea pigs were all weaned on day 28 and their body weight was measured weekly. All animals were slaughtered at the end of fattening period (day 77) and carcass traits were evaluated. Significant differences against the control group were observed for traits studied (P < 0.05). Between MOS groups and AGP no significant differences were observed. In conclusion, the use of MOS could be a suitable replacement for antibiotic growth promoter to raise guinea pigs.
Tumour suppressor WT1 regulates the let-7-Igf1r axis in kidney mesenchyme

Wilms’ tumour 1 (WT1) is a transcription factor and a tumour suppressor, essential for the development and homeostasis of multiple tissues derived from the intermediate and lateral plate mesoderm. Germline WT1 mutations result in the eponymous paediatric kidney cancer, genitourinary anomalies and in some cases congenital diaphragmatic hernia One common feature in Wilms’ Tumours (WT), is upregulation of IGF2 through genetic and/or epigenetic mechanisms. Recent studies have identified both somatic and germline mutations in microRNA processing genes (MIRPG) in WT. Whether these different epigenetic and genetic causes converge on common targets and the mechanisms by which they act are still unclear. WT1 is involved in RNA binding and regulates the RNA stability of important developmental genes. We now show that WT1 interacts with let-7 family of microRNAs, and the absence of WT1 results in reduced levels of mature microRNA in cell lines and kidney mesenchyme. As a consequence, let-7 targets, including Igf1 receptor (Igf1r), are upregulated in the absence of Wt1, thus confirming the presence of a WT1-let7-Igf1r axis. These findings suggest a possible mechanism by which WT1 mutations lead to WT, and reinforce the idea that the perturbation of the microRNA and IGF signalling pathways are important contributing factors in the aetiology of WT.
Consequences of ship noise for camouflage, anti-predation, and movement in crabs.

The marine environment is becoming increasingly polluted, with unprecedented levels of anthropogenic noise changing the marine soundscape. Mounting evidence shows that exposure to this noise can cause numerous adverse effects across taxa. However, invertebrates, juveniles, and behaviours not dependent on acoustics have received relatively little attention. Furthermore, research into how individuals may cope with these pressures is lacking. I address these knowledge gaps through a series of laboratory-based playback experiments focussed on juvenile shore crabs (Carcinus maenas), using three noise treatments: ship noise, ambient underwater sounds (control), and ambient underwater sounds played at the same amplitude as the ship treatment (loud control). In chapter 2, I examined the effects of ship noise on brightness change; a strategy employed by juvenile shore crabs to increase their level of camouflage and reduce predation risk. Individuals were repeatedly exposed to one of the aforementioned noise treatments for 8 weeks. Photographs of individuals, taken regularly throughout, were analysed using a predator vision model to determine the level of brightness change and camouflage in an ecologically relevant context. Ship noise reduced the overall brightness change and camouflage, though it did not affect the change in brightness per moult. The level of growth per moult was reduced by ship noise however, and the timing of moulting events was delayed. In chapter 3 I investigated the effects of noise on antipredator behaviour (using the response to a simulated predator) and locomotion, including the frequency of pausing and directionality of movement. By comparing the effects between individuals with varying levels of previous noise exposure, I also tested for signs of acclimatisation. Ship noise reduced the likelihood of individuals responding to a predator and increased their latency of response. Locomotion was not disrupted, but individuals moved away from ship noise, positioning themselves in quieter areas. These findings were consistent for all individuals, regardless of their previous level of noise exposure. The negative consequences of anthropogenic noise in the marine environment are clearly not constrained to species or behaviours reliant on acoustics, as juvenile shore crabs exposed to ship noise suffered decreased levels of camouflage and reduced growth. Individuals also displayed maladaptive
Evaluating the granularity and statistical structure of lesions and behaviour in post-stroke aphasia

The pursuit of relating the location of neural damage to the pattern of acquired language and general cognitive deficits post-stroke stems back to 19th century behavioural neurology. Whilst spatial specificity has improved dramatically over time, from the large areas of damage specified by post-mortem investigation to the millimetre precision of modern MRI, there is an underlying issue that is rarely addressed, which relates to the fact that damage to a given area of the brain is not random but constrained by the brain’s vasculature. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to uncover the statistical structure underlying the lesion profile in chronic aphasia post-stroke. By applying varimax-rotated principal component analysis to the lesions of 70 patients with chronic post-stroke aphasia, we identified 17 interpretable clusters, largely reflecting the vascular supply of middle cerebral artery sub-branches and other sources of individual variation in vascular supply as shown in classical angiography studies. This vascular parcellation produced smaller displacement error in simulated lesion-symptom analysis compared with individual voxels and Brodmann regions. A second principal component analysis of the patients’ detailed neuropsychological data revealed a four factor solution reflecting phonological, semantic, executive-demand and speech fluency abilities. As a preliminary exploration, stepwise regression was used to relate behavioural factor scores to the lesion principal components. Phonological ability was related to two components, which covered the posterior temporal region including the posterior segment of the arcuate fasciculus, and the inferior frontal gyrus. Three components were linked to semantic ability and were located in the white matter underlying the anterior temporal lobe, the supramarginal gyrus and angular gyrus. Executive-demand related to two components covering the dorsal edge of the middle cerebral artery territory, while speech fluency was linked to two components that were located in the middle frontal gyrus, precentral gyrus, and subcortical regions (putamen and thalamus). Future studies can explore in formal terms the utility of these PCA-derived lesion components for relating post-stroke lesions and symptoms.
Antioxidant and immune system status, plasma lipid, abdominal fat, and growth performance of broilers exposed to heat stress and fed diets supplemented with pomegranate pulp (Punica granatum L.)

ABSTRACT Pomegranate pulp (PP), an antioxidant source, is a major by-product of pomegranate processing industry. Four-hundred and forty d-old broilers were randomly allocated to eight treatments consisting of five replicates. The birds were divided into one of 2×4 factorial experiments, including two controlled housing temperatures (21°C for 24 h/d thermoneutral, TN; or 37°C for 8 h/d heat stress, HS) and four PP levels(0, 40, 70, and 100 gram PP/Kg diet). Significant interactions were observed in body weight gain, FCR and production broiler index between PP and HS at 42 d. Heat stress decreased feed intake compare to control. The interaction between HS and PP significantly affects the concentration of uric acid, malondialdehyde, the enzyme activity of Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC; P < 0.05). The HS-birds had lower plasma protein, the enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase(SOD) compared to TN-birds. The abdominal fat and liver percentage were significantly affected by the interactions between HS and PP(P < 0.05). The PP diets reduced the plasma concentration of cholesterol and LDL compared to the control. It is concluded that HS shows reduced performance, total protein and antioxidant status of broilers, while PP at the levels higher than 7%, improves the performance, blood cholesterol, and antioxidant status of HS-birds.
Exercising behavior differences in users and non-users of dietary supplements by sportsmen in Lebanon

Introduction: The purpose of the study was to determine the prevalence of dietary supplement use, types of physical activities, and aims of supplements users and non-users, knowledge about their side effects, and changes reported due to dietary supplements use in the suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon. Methods: 220 male participants between the ages of 15 and 53 completed a questionnaire on the ingestion of dietary supplements and knowledge about their benefits and side effects. The study population was drawn from seven health and fitness clubs located in the suburbs of Beirut city. Results: Out of the 220 participants, 109 (49.5%) reported taking supplements; protein shakes were the most consumed (49.5%). Participants mainly engaged in strength exercises (56.7%), and users of dietary supplements were found to practice more than non-users. Users of dietary supplements mainly performed physical activity to build muscles while non-user aims were mainly to improve fitness and performance and to lose weight. Participants sought knowledge regarding dietary supplement use from the internet (24.6%), friends (21.1%), or coaches and personal trainers (24.6%), and rarely from licensed dietitians (1.8%). The greatest difference reported after the use of supplements was improved performance and muscle growth (12.8%). Knowledge about supplements was rated to be low and inaccurate, as 57.8% believed supplements have no side effects and 16.5% did not know what the side effects were. Conclusion: There is limited data on dietary supplement use from males in Beirut, Lebanon. This study provides data to contribute to the awareness on the use of dietary supplements specific to this population.
Adana ve Ankara aktarlarında satılan alıç çiçek ve yaprakları üzerinde morfolojik ve anatomik incelemeler

Genus of the Crataegus L. (Rosaceae) is deciduous trees or shrubs, usually with throns. Crataegi folium cum flore, consisting of dried flowering twig tips and leaves of Crataegus monogyna Jacq. , C. laevigata (Poiret) D. C. (=C. oxyacanthoides Thuill.) or other members of the Crataegus species (such as C. pentagyna Waldst. et Kit.). The drug is used treating cardiovascular diseases. In addition, there are studies that it is effective in arteriosclerosis, hypertension and hyperlipidaemia. The aim of this study is to identify morphological and anatomical characteristics of the materials sold under the name of Crataegi folium cum flore in herbalists of Ankara and Adana. For this purpose ten samples were collected from five herbalists in different locations of the both cities and presentation of these samples to the public were investigated. The morphological characteristics of the whole samples were determined and their photographs were taken. The powdered samples were examinated by using the microscope to determine their anatomical features. Furthermore the cross sections of leaves, pedicels, peduncules and powdered flower organs of C. monogyna and C. pentagyna which are collected from nature were investigated and compared with herbalists samples. In this study, both species of Crataegus were determined significantly different from each other with regard to anatomical and morphological features. As a result, being not characteristic for genus of the Crataegus has been identified star-shaped trichomes at Adana 2 sample
The Genetic Parameters Of Several Oats Cultivars Under The Influence Of The Biofertilizer (Humiforte) Spraying

A field experiment was conducted in the fields of the college of Agriculture - University of Anbar (alternative location) during winter seasons in 2015-2016 and 2016-2017. To study the effect of spraying with four concentrations of Humiforte 0, 2, 4 and 6 L.ha−1 on growth and yield of four Oats cultivars. The layout of the experiment was split plot design according to RCBD design with three replicates. The results showed the following: The characters of the yield and yield components of oats were studied in terms of performance and variability and calculated the values of genetic and environmental variability and the heterogeneity, phenotypic and inheritance. The highest percentage of genetic variations to the environment 7.2, 10.9 and 13, 7 for the flag leaf area and the number of grains by the raceme in both seasons. the highest percentage of heritability was found in flag leaf area reached 87.8%, 91.60 and the number of grains by the raceme which reached 92.72% and 87.36% in both seasons. The concentration of 6 L.ha−1 was superior compared to the other concentrations in plant height, leaf area, number of branches per plant, leaf content of chlorophyll, yield components and grain yield 6.01 and 6.29 ton.ha−1 in both seasons respectively. Genzaniya and Hamel cultivars gave the lowest number of days to reach the flowering stage, while Gensaniya cultivar gave the highest plant height, leaf area, chlorophyll leaf content, number of grains by raceme and grain yield 5.47 and 6.48 ton.ha−1 in both seasons respectively. However, Shefaa was superior in the weight of 500 grains in both seasons. The interaction between the study factors was significant in most of the studied characters. The treatment of Gensaniya at the concentration of 6 L.ha−1 gave the highest grain yield reached 6.86 and 7.22 ton.ha−1 in both seasons respectively. We conclude from this results that most components of the crop are more influenced by genetics factors. Therefore, we recommend the adoption of the number of grains per raceme in the assessment of productive capacity of the oats grains.
Climate variability regulates population dynamics of a threatened freshwater fish

Most predictions for the future climate in temperate ecosystems show longer periods of drought followed by more extreme precipitation events. These changes in flow regimes can strongly affect riverine fish populations; therefore, assessing the recovery of populations following these episodic events provides important information to help guide species management. This study investigated the dynamics of 5 spatially distinct riverine populations of the nationally endangered Macquarie perch Macquaria australasica in southeastern Australia from 2007-2018, a period that included the tail end of a decadal long drought followed by extreme fluctuations in river flow. Modelling catch rates and size trends, we found that 4 of the 5 populations showed some synchrony and underwent a slow recovery that was undetectable for several years. The largest increases in population size were driven by the survival of new recruits. Despite this general trend, we could only find a weak association between annual flow extremes and annual population change. This suggests intermediate variations in river flows may have a negligible influence on annual population change or are idiosyncratic in their effect within each waterway or on different life stages. The one population which did not follow this trend occurred in the largest waterway and was subject to legal recreational fishing, suggesting the magnitude of impacts of disturbance on populations occupying larger systems are reduced, and/or that recreational fishing hinders recovery rates following episodic disturbance events such as drought. Our results suggest that forecasting and management of long-lived freshwater fish must incorporate multi-year planning to include factors such as the maintenance of refuges, connectivity and increased protection of mature fish to aid recovery.