Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Centrally Administered Methionine or Related Compounds on Feeding Behavior in Chicks

Abstract Bungo, T. and Shiraishi, J. 2010. Effect of centrally administered methionine or related compounds on feeding behavior in chicks. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 38: 197–200. The effects of intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of methionine (150–600 mg), and the related compounds, taurine (125–500 mg) or S-adenosyl-L-methionine (1–100 mg) were investigated using neonatal chicks. L-Methionine (600 mg) and D-methionine (300 and 600 mg) significantly increased food consumption at 30 min post injection. Taurine, one of the metabolites of methionine, failed to accelerate feeding behavior in chicks. In addition, S-adenosyl-L-methionine (100 mg), which is synthesized from methionine, tended to depress food intake in ad libitum chicks. These findings indicate the involvement of methionine as a chemical mediator in the regulation of food intake in chicks.
Cellular and molecular physiopathology of congenital toxoplasmosis: The dual role of IFN-γ

SUMMARY Toxoplasma gondii is one of the few pathogens that can cross the placenta. Frequency and severity of transmission vary with gestational age. While the control of acquired toxoplasmosis is already well explored, the control of materno-foetal transmission of the parasite remains almost unknown. This is partly due to the lack of an animal model to study this process. This review summarises the studies which have been undertaken and shows that the mouse is a valuable model despite obvious differences to the human case. The paramount role of the cellular immune response has been shown by several experiments. However, IFN-γ has a dual role in this process. While its beneficial effects in the control of toxoplasmosis are well known, it also seems to have transmission-enhancing effects and can also directly harm the developing foetus. The ultimate goal of these studies is to develop a vaccine which protects both mother and foetus. Therefore, it is useful to study the mechanisms of natural resistance against transmission during a secondary infection. In this setting, the process is more complicated, involving both cellular and also humoral components of the immune system. In summary, even if the whole process is far from being elucidated, important insights have been gained so far which will help us to undertake rational vaccine research.
Inheritance of A and B Glandular Trichome Density and Polyphenol Oxidase Activity in Diploid Potatoes

Glandular trichomes from some Solanum species have suppressed infestation by insects including green peach aphid, which is a main vector of potato virus Y (PVY) and potato leaf roll virus (PLRV), both of which contribute to a serious loss in potato production. Eight Solanum phureja Juz. et Buk. -S. stenotomum Juz. (Phu-Stn), three S. berthaultii Hawkes (Ber), nine F 1 ((Phu-Stn) x Ber), fifteen backcross (BC) ((Phu-Stn) x F 1 ), and seventeen reciprocal BC (BC R ) (F 1 x (Phu-Stn)) families were evaluated to determine the genetic variability and heritability of A and B glandular trichome density and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activity. Experiments were carried out in completely randomized and randomized complete-block designs in the greenhouse. Genetic analysis was done using half-sib family and parent-offspring regression analysis. Phu-Stn showed a higher density of A trichomes than Ber and F 1 , while the BC and BC R had densities of A trichomes similar to Phu-Stn. B trichomes were not observed in Phu-Stn. Ber showed a high B trichome density, which was transmitted to the F 1 . In the BC, B trichomes were almost absent, but, in the BC R , the density of B trichomes was higher than that of BC. Ber and F 1 had similar or higher PPO activity than Phu-Stn. PPO activity decreased in the BC, but, in the BC R , it was high and similar to Ber and F 1 . Broad-sense heritability estimates for A and B trichome density and PPO activity were from medium to high (0.48 to 0.77) in Phu-Stn, Ber, and F 1 . Narrow-sense heritability estimates for A and B trichome density and PPO activity were very low (0.04 to 0.24) in BC and BC R. In the BC families, additive genetic variance was very low for A and B trichome density and PPO activity. Half-sib family selection based on progeny testing and combined with BCs to Phu-Stn in subsequent generations would be a suggested breeding procedure to improve these traits. Phenotypic correlations between A and B trichome densities were 0.26 (F 1 ) and 0.44 (BC R ), between A trichome density and PPO activity 0.20 (F 1 ) and 0.31 (BC R ), and between B trichome density and PPO activity 0.04 (F 1 ) and 0.27 (BC R ). Positive associations found between traits might facilitate simultaneous improvement for high levels of A and B trichome density and PPO activity.
Detection of tomato leaf curl virus resistance and inheritance in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

SUMMARY Tomato leaf curl virus (TLCV) is a major viral disease in tomato that causes quantitative and qualitative losses to the crop. One hundred and fifty three tomato genotypes were screened for three consecutive years (2006–09) under glasshouse and field conditions for TLCV resistance. The incidence of disease was higher during the Rabi season as compared to the Kharif season trials. The reactions of different genotypes were studied by artificial inoculation. Based on the coefficient of infection, nine genotypes (viz. EC-520049 (Solanum chmielewskii), EC-520058, EC-520060 and EC-520061 (S. habrochaites), EC-520070, EC-520071, EC-520077, EC-520079 (S. pimpinellifolium) and H-88-78-1(S. lycopersicum; a derivative of S. habrochaites f. glabratum) were found to be highly resistant in both environments. H-88-78-1 was used for inheritance studies during 2008–10. Using F2 Mendelian segregation, populations showed a 3 (resistant):1 (susceptible) ratio for TLCV disease and were proposed to have both additive and dominant non-allelic gene interactions for various traits.
Effects of Environmental Factors on Seed Germination and Emergence of Smutgrass (Sporobolus indicus) Varieties

Abstract Smutgrass is an invasive warm-season perennial bunch-type grass native to tropical Asia. The two varieties of smutgrass prevalent in Florida are small smutgrass and giant smutgrass. Laboratory seed germination experiments were conducted on both smutgrass varieties to determine the effect of various environmental factors on germination and emergence. The average germination rate for both varieties was 88% at 30/20 C day/night temperatures. Seed germination for both varieties was greater under simulated temperature flux than at constant temperatures. Seed of both varieties germinated at four simulated Florida temperature fluxes (22/11, 27/15, 33/24, and 29/19 C day/night), although the germination of small smutgrass and giant smutgrass was reduced at 33/24 and 22/11 C, respectively. Germination of small and giant smutgrass under dark conditions was 27 and 53%, respectively. Both smutgrass varieties germinated over a wide range of pH values. Small and giant smutgrass germination was inhibited at water potentials below −0.2 MPa and when small smutgrass seed was placed below the soil surface. Emergence of giant smutgrass seed did not occur below 3 cm. Both smutgrass varieties germinated over a broad range of environmental conditions, indicating their capability of year-round germination; however, germination is only likely to occur under field conditions during the summer growing season when rainfall is prevalent. These results indicate that both species have the ability to germinate over a wide range of environmental conditions but that germination is inhibited by moisture stress and depth of burial. Considering that giant smutgrass prefers higher temperatures than small smutgrass, the advent of rainfall from June through September is conducive for germination. Practices that focus on the germination pattern of smutgrass could lead to better long-term management of smutgrass in Florida. Nomenclature: Smutgrass, Sporobolus indicus (L.) R. Br. SPZIN; small smutgrass, Sporobolus indicus (L.) R. Br. var. indicus; giant smutgrass, Sporobolus indicus (L.) R. Br. var. pyramidalis (P. Beauv.) Veldkamp.
8-METHOXYPSORALEN SUPPRESSES PRODUCTION OF OVARIAN AROMATASE PROTEINS

Abstract 8-Methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) is a natural plant biosynthetic metabolite found in produce. Its synthetic form is also widely used in combination with ultraviolet A irradiation in skin photochemotherapy, a procedure called psoralen ultraviolet A (PUVA). This compound has been implicated in a number of adverse reproductive effects in the Wistar rat, including decreased birth rate as a result of decreased ovulations, reduction in levels of circulating 17-β estradiol, and reduction in the granulosa cell population in antral ovarian follicles. The present study examines the potential for decreased production of aromatase (cytochrome P450 19) proteins in the ovaries as a mechanism of 8-MOP-mediated toxicity. Aromatase proteins were measured by Western blotting as a possible origin of decreased estradiol, and estradiol production was measured by radioimmunoassay. Significant decreases in both aromatase proteins and estradiol levels were observed. These results, which are also supported by a decrease in pituitary weight and, possibly, pituitary function, show the potential for 8-MOP-mediated infertility and may explain, in part, adverse reproductive effects reported in humans undergoing PUVA. The findings are consistent with previous observations and with the hypothesis that 8-MOP may affect reproductive function by adversely impacting organs in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
INFLUENCE OF AGE OF ROOTS ON THE PATTERN OF VESICULAR‐ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL INFECTION IN LEEK AND CLOVER

Summary The effect of the age of roots on their susceptibility to infection by a vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus was compared in leek (Allium porrum L.) and clover (Trifolium parviflorum Ehrh.). Plants were grown in soil lacking mycorrhizal fungi for up to 21 d (clover) or 32 d (leek) and then transplanted into soil infested with Glomus mosseae (Nicol. and Gerd.) Gerdemann and Trappe. The pattern of infection which occurred was compared with that in plants grown continuously in infested soil. Leek roots up to 32 d old retained their susceptibility to infection whereas clover roots as young as 5 d old had become almost completely immune to penetration by G. mosseae and those which were 21 d old did not become infected at all. The most proximal part of the roots (9 mm in leek and 21 mm in the main root of clover) always remained uninvaded. A difference between leek and clover was also observed in the distance of the most distal entry point from the root tip (10 and 1 mm, respectively). Some examples of host resistance to infection are described. One clover plant was not colonized by G. mosseae despite the formation of many entry points.
Test of viability measures in starved, sedimentary, anaerobic bacterial isolates and in a temperature stressed estuarine sedimentary microbial community : insights for deep biosphere studies

Marine sediments harbour vast and diverse prokaryotic communities. With ongoing burial and ageing of respective sediment layers, however, available organic matter becomes more recalcitrant. Thus, sedimentary microorganisms face starvation and ultimately death. Nonetheless, live and active cells are present in old and deeply buried sediments, up to 111 Ma (Roussel et al., 2008). During IODP Leg 307 an organic-matter poor, cold-water, buried coral carbonate mound was sampled. Nineteen isolates, mainly Proteobacteria, were obtained from the mound and surrounding sediments. Additionally, one putative new species belonging to the genus Ornithinimicrobium (Actinobacteria) was isolated. Strains were subsequently phylogenetically and phenotypically characterised. Selected isolates and other sedimentary bacteria were subsequently subjected to anaerobic starvation-survival experiments and their responses to substrate limitation were compared to those of near-surface relatives. All strains survived long periods of starvation (incubated up to 3 years). This was confirmed by constant total cell counts and only slowly increasing proportions of dead cells (20% after one year). Culturability and FISH detectability decreased with time but radiotracer experiments conducted after starvation confirmed viability and potential metabolic activity of many strains. No significant correlations between FISH detectability and other viability measures occurred. Instead starvation time was significantly positively correlated with percentages of dead cells and inversely with culturability. Pure culture starvation experiments were complemented by a study on an estuarine, surface-sediment microbial community, which was stressed in sediment slurry sequential heating experiments. This mimicked burial and resulted in decreasing total counts, culturability, and FISH detcctability but these were still present even after heating to 90 °C. Temperatures above 42 °C were significantly correlated with the reduction of total cells and FISH detectability This project showed that marine sedimentary microbes maintain high levels of viability and culturability during long-term anaerobic starvation and during sequential heating to mimic burial this is consistent with the large cell population in sub-seafloor sediments.
Medidas biométricas obtidas in vivo e na carcaça de ovelhas de descarte em diferentes estágios fisiológicos

RESUMO - Objetivou-se determinar as medidas in vivo e na carcaca de ovelhas de descarte abatidas em diferentes estagios fisiologicos, assim como as possiveis correlacoes entre essas medidas objetivas (in vivo e na carcaca) e o peso corporal ao abate e da carcaca fria. Foram utilizadas 21 ovelhas da raca Santa Ines, distribuidas nos seguintes estagios fisiologicos: OL = ovelhas mantidas por 60 dias em lactacao com seus cordeiros e abatidas um dia apos o desmame dos mesmos; OSC = ovelhas que foram mantidas por 60 dias em lactacao com seus respectivos cordeiros e mais um periodo aproximado de 30 dias sem os cordeiros e posteriormente abatidas; e ONP = ovelhas que permaneceram por 60 dias em confinamento e que nao pariram durante o ano. Nao se observou diferenca entre os estagios fisiologicos na maioria das caracteristicas medidas in vivo e na carcaca. O perimetro da garupa determinado na carcaca e o perimetro toracico, as larguras do peito e da garupa obtidos in vivo mostraram-se altamente correlacionados aos pesos corporal e de carcaca fria dos animais. Portanto, essas medidas podem auxiliar na determinacao do peso corporal de ovelhas em diferentes estagios fisiologicos.
Supplementation for beef cattle on Marandu grass pastures with different herbage allowances

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of beef heifers on Stapf. cv. Marandu grass pastures that were managed at three herbage allowances under continuous grazing with a variable stocking rate and were provided with mineral mix supplement or supplements with energy and protein. Seventy-two test heifers and 48 put-and-take heifers were used in a randomised design in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement [three herbage allowances (1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 kg of green dry matter/kg of bodyweight, and two supplementation levels (mineral mix or 0.3% bodyweight of a mineral–protein–energy supplement)], with two replicates per treatment (paddocks), to maintain the pre-established forage allowance. No significant difference was observed in the gain per hectare as a function of the herbage allowance, but 2.5 kg green dry matter/kg bodyweight provided the greatest average daily gain of bodyweight (0.605 kg/animal/day). The energy/protein supplementation provided the greatest average daily gain compared with animals fed only the mineral mix. The supplements in the diet of beef heifers fed at 0.3% of bodyweight increased bodyweight gains without compromising the gain per hectare at different herbage allowances.
Pre-screening of filamentous fungi isolated from a contaminated site in Southern Brazil for bioaugmentation purposes

Four Aspergillus sp. strains were isolated from contaminated soil in Rio Grande, Southern Brazil. The biodegradation potential of these strains was evaluated using a simple method involving the determination of colony growth rates on plates containing a specific hydrocarbon or petroleum derivative as the only carbon source. The LEBM1 strain presented a high tolerance level to BTX. It was the only strain capable of growth on all the media, with growth rates varying from 1.3 to 2.2 mm/day. The LEBM2 strain presented the potential for phenol degradation, while the LEBM3 strain could be used for gasoline, diesel oil, hexane and chlorobenzene.
Habitat characteristics of American woodcock nest sites on a managed area in Maine

We measured characteristics of habitat near 89 nests of American woodcock (Scolopax minor) and 100 randomly selected points on Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, Calais, Maine, an area managed for woodcock. At nest sites, basal area was lower (P 0.05) or between sites of successful nests and nests destroyed by predators, although the large variances of the variables reduced our power to detect differences. Habitat around sites of renests differed from sites of first nests. Sites around first nests had lower basal area of dead trees (P = 0.05) and higher stem densities of aspen (P = 0.03) and cherry saplings (Prunus spp.) (P = 0.001), and viburnum (Viburnum spp.) (P = 0.05), while renest sites had taller trees (P = 0.02). The change from nest sites in areas dominated by alders and tree-size gray birch used in 1977-80 to sites dominated by sapling trees, especially aspen, used during 1987-90 suggests that woodcock in the expanding population at the refuge are selecting nest sites created by habitat management since 1979.
Role of stigmasterol treatment in alleviating the adverse effects of salt stress in flax plant

The results revealed that application of stigmasterol to salt - stressed flax plants causing significantly increased in growth parameters, membrane stability index, photosynthetic pigment and carbohydrate contents compared with salt-stressed plants untreated with stigmasterol. The level of antioxidant system components (catalase, ascorbic acid peroxidase) and reduced glutathione with increased in response to stigmasterol treatment. Enhanced antioxidant activities helped to decrease oxidative damage from salt and develop tolerance against salt stress in stigmasterol – treated flax plants. Stigmasterol treatment increase in the degree of salt tolerance by improvement of the membrane stability index, photosynthetic activity and carbohydrate contents. The data provided evidence that seeds soaking in stigmasterol reduced the adverse effects of salt stress on flax plants by stimulation of the antioxidant system as a stress protection mechanism.
GROWTH AND DIET OF INTRODUCED COREGONID FISH COREGONUS PELED (GMELIN) AND COREGONUS LAVARETUS (L.) IN TWO BELGIAN RESERVOIR LAKES

Introduced Coregonus lavaretus L. and Coregonus peled Gmelin populations in the Robertville and Butgenbach Reservoir lakes (Belgium) were studied in order to assess their adaptation to their new habitat. We considered the evolution of abundance, biomass, size distribution structure, growth parameters and diet. Maximal temperature values are acceptable for C. peled but slightly too high for an optimal development of C. lavaretus. In order to remain in their acceptable range for dissolved oxygen, the coregonids must stay in surface water during stratification, although water temperature is largely above their optimum in these water layers. Length frequency diagrams established for C. peled in both lakes show only older cohorts, which indicate that there is no natural reproduction. Slope coefficients for C. peled in both lakes indicate an allometric growth (b<3), length increasing proportionally more rapidly than weight. C. lavaretus shows a broad diet spectrum with 14 categories whereas C. peled seems to have a more narrow diet spectrum. In our case C. peled shows an essentially zooplankton oriented diet in both lakes. In conclusion, the Butgenbach and Robertville reservoir lakes seem to meet the habitat requirements of C. lavaretus and C. peled in terms of growth capacities and diet composition. On the other hand, the conditions necessary for the natural reproduction of these two species do not seem to be totally fulfilled, probably due to the trophic status and the fluctuations of the water level as consequence of reservoir operations.
Morphogenesis of Adult Traits during the Early Development of Mespilia globulus Linnaeus, 1758 (Echinodermata: Echinoidea)

We observed the development of Mespilia globulus L. (Temnopleuridae) and Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus A. Agassiz, 1863 (Strongylocentrotidae) and focused on the formation of adult traits by light and scanning electron microscopy. In M. globulus, a primary pore canal constructing a part of the adult water vascular system appeared at the left and right coelomic sacs in the prism stage. The left and right primary pore canals respectively elongated to the left lateral and right dorsal ectoderm and opened to the outside, and then the right one disappeared until the 2-armed larval stage. On the other hand, the primary pore canal of prisms of H. pulcherrimus formed on the left side only. We first confirmed the existence of different types of asymmetrical primary pore canal formation at the prism stage in sea urchins. In 2-armed larvae of M. globulus, a cell mass was formed by invagination and pinching off of the left oral ectoderm. At the 6-armed larval stage, the developing cell mass attached to the hydrocoel, and together they formed an adult rudiment. In contrast, the left larval ectoderm of 6-armed larvae of H. pulcherrimus began to invaginate between the postoral and postdorsal arms and formed an amniotic cavity. The amniotic cavity had attached to the hydrocoel by the 8-armed larval stage for adult rudiment formation. This is the 1st report describing how adult rudiment formation depends on the cell mass in the early larval stage of M. globulus larvae. From these results, we propose that asymmetrical primary pore canal formation is initiated in the embryonic stage with some modifications in formational modes among species, and that the heterochronical start of adult rudiment formation by the cell mass may allow a sufficient period to develop and protect the rudiment.
Reproductive biology of the Ilex species (Aquifoliaceae) in Hong Kong, China

Fourteen wild species of shrubs and trees in the dioecious genus Ilex occur in Hong Kong (22°N, 114°E). All species flowered and formed fruits once each year. Sex ratios at flowering were male biased in all but one large population studied and, in most cases, this bias could not be explained by earlier flowering in males or higher female mortality. Apis cerana accounted for >87% of flower visits in all species and there was a significant positive relationship across species between the number of visits per flower per hour and the estimated mean number of flowers on a plant. The large green fruits of Ilex chapaensis Merr. were consumed only by masked palm civets, Paguma larvata, while the red or black fruits of other species were consumed by birds. The rate of fruit removal across species was positively related to sugar content and negatively related to phenolic and saponin contents. The mean number of pyrenes per fruit was 4.0–6.2 and the mean percentage of pyrenes containing seeds was 49%–90%. Most embry.