Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immunohistochemical study of CD44 and CD24 as cancer stem cell markers and their prognostic role in invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast

BackgroundCancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to have the characteristics of self-renewal, and hence could be responsible for tumor formation and progression. CD44 and CD24 are the most widely used markers for identifying CSCs in breast carcinomas. AimThis work aimed to detect CSCs and evaluate their prognostic significance in the available types of invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast using CD44 and CD24 markers. Materials and methodsCD44 and CD24 expressions were evaluated immunohistochemically in 80 cases of previously diagnosed invasive ductal carcinoma, and then the cases were classified as CD44/CD24 phenotypes. ResultsCD44 expression was detected as membranous brownish staining in 57.5% of cases. Its expression was significantly higher in grade III and in triple-negative tumors, and tended to be higher among tumors with high TNM stage. CD24 expression was detected as cytoplasmic staining in 47.5% of studied cases. No significant correlation was reported between its expression and histological types, grading, and TNM stages. However, its expression was lowest in triple-negative tumors. A significant correlation was observed between CD44+/CD24− phenotype and histological subtypes, tumor grades, and molecular types of tumors. ConclusionCD44 expression was significantly higher in grade III and triple-negative tumors, indicating poor prognosis. CD24 expression was decreased in grade III and triple-negative tumors. CD44+/CD24− phenotype was higher among grade III and triple-negative tumors. Thus, CD44/CD24 status can be useful for identifying subgroups of breast cancer patients with different clinical behavior.
Efficacy of Plant Oils and Oil Cakes against Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn Causing Collar Rot and Web Blight of Cowpea under in vitro Conditions

Cowpea [Vignaunguiculata (L.) Walp], an important leguminous crop of Kerala, is cultivated in the uplands and in rice fallows. The fresh pods are consumed as vegetable while the dried seeds are also utilized in cooking. All the above ground parts provide a good source of animal fodder. The semi-erect bush cowpea spread over the ground as a mulch and provide a protective cover from soil erosion and also suppress weed growth. Soil fertility restoring capacity makes it an essential component of almost all cropping systems. The cultivation of the crop is affected by collar rot and web blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn in all its growth stages which results in severe crop and yield loss (Lakshmanan et al., 1979). Under congenial climatic conditions, collar rot symptom of the disease is more prevalent than web blight symptoms. It is often difficult to control ubiquitous soil and root-inhabiting pathogens like R. solani that survive saprophytically in soil organic matter and exist for long periods in the absence of a host plant in the form of sclerotia, except with the elaborate and repeated use of fungicides International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 7 Number 01 (2018) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Interleukin-10 gene promoter polymorphism as a potential host susceptibility factor in Pakistani patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease, which causes the death of nearly three million humans and eight million cases worldwide annually. Pakistan ranks the seventh position globally in terms of mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. TB susceptibility has been associated with cytokines polymorphism in different populations. Single nucleotide polymorphisms within the promoter region of interleukin-10 (IL-10) gene have been associated with altered levels of circulating IL-10, a Th2 cytokine that plays a key role in the pathogenesis of TB. We analyzed the frequencies of IL-10 promoter polymorphisms in 82 TB patients and 99 healthy Pakistani subjects using amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMS-PCR) and results indicate that the allelic frequencies for the IL-10 -1,082 G/A, -819 C/T and -592 C/A did not differ significantly between the two groups. However, an association was found between TB occurrence and the IL-10 −1,082 GG genotype (p = 0.006, OR = 6.03), while the -1,082GA was predominant in healthy subjects (p = 0.013, OR = 0.29). Haplotype frequencies were similar in sick and health people. The diplotype GCC/ATA (intermediate IL- 10 producer) predominates in Pakistani population, while the GCC/GTA (high) was associated with TB (p = 0.03, OR = 6.7) and GTA/ATA (intermediate) with healthy subjects (p = 0.03, OR = 0.23). Our findings therefore corroborates that the polymorphisms in IL-10 gene affect susceptibility to TB and increase risk of developing the disease. Key words : Interleukin-10 (IL-10), polymorphism, tuberculosis, susceptibility.
Relationship Between TNF-238G>A Polymorphism and Predisposition to Pulmonary Tuberculois Infection in The Indonesian Population (A Pilot Study)

Previous studies suggested that genetic factors exerted huge influence in susceptibility to Tuberculosis. Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-a), which is encoded by the TNF gene, play a role on pulmonary macrophage function in isolating and controlling Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Polymorphisms on the promoter region of the TNF gene have been predicted to affect its transcriptional activity. Therefore, these polymorphisms are an excellent candidate to further study the role of TNF-a in susceptibility to Tuberculosis. 100 pulmonary tuberculosis patients (case) and 100 healthy individuals (controls) were recruited for this pilot study. DNA samples from cases and controls were genotyped for the TNF -238G>A SNP (rs361525) using LightSNip genotyping assay. Our results showed no significant difference in the distribution of TNF -238 genotypes in case and control subjects (P = 0.4335). Further investigation on TNF -238 allele frequencies between case and control studies also yields no significant difference (P=1.000; OR=1.000; %95CI [0.246597 – 4.055200]) which may suggest that there are no association with predisposition to Tuberculosis infection. In conclusion, this pilot study showed that the TNF -238G>A SNP is not associated with susceptibility to Tuberculosis.
Manipulation of agro-management practices for weed control and enhancing wheat productivity.

Zero tillage and narrow row spacing can interactively supplement the herbicide performance in Wheat. Field studies were undertaken to evaluate the effect of tillage systems [zero tillage (ZT) and conventional tillage (CT)], row spacing (11.25, 15.00 and 22.50 cm), and herbicide application on weed dynamics and productivity of wheat in triplicated RCBD split-split arrangement. Results depicted that ZT reduced total weed density by 21% and dry biomass by 24% and 17% as compared with CT system during 2010-2011 and 2011-2012, respectively at 60 days after sowing (DAS). Application of herbicides also recorded up to 70% suppression of weed density and dry biomass at 60 DAS. Efficient weed control achieved by herbicide application in crop sown under ZT in narrow row spacing (11.25 cm), that recorded higher grain yield and yield components. Among herbicide treatments, isoproturon+carfentrazone application was found most effective treatment in improving wheat grain yield and its components. Application of isoproturon+carfentra zone gained maximum net benefits (Rs. 148281 and 148838 ha -1 during 2010-2011 and 2011-2012, respectively) under ZT system and row spacing (11.25 cm). Conclusively, ZT, narrow row spacing and isoproturon+carfentrazone application reduced weed growth and enhanced wheat grain yield, suggesting that these approaches could contribute to weed management in wheat fields.
A Contribution to the Taxonomy of Rhizochaete (Polyporales, Basidiomycota)

Abstract Rhizochaete is a small genus of crust fungi that is closely related to Phanerochaete. A new species Rhizochaete belizensis is described, and three new combinations are proposed. Morphological studies and molecular sequence data from two nuclear ribosomal DNA regions (ITS and LSU) support the recognition of R. belizensis which is closely related to R. radicata. Analyses of sequence data also support the transfer of Phanerochaete flava to Rhizochaete. Phanerochaete percitrina from Cameroon and Peniophora rhizomorpho-sulphurea from India are transferred to Rhizochaete based on morphological studies of type specimens. Phanerochaete rubescens from Taiwan is placed in synonymy under R. borneensis. In addition, Phanerochaete mauiensis is redescribed and illustrated. A key to 13 accepted species of Rhizochaete and three morphologically similar species is presented.
The Effect of Consumption of a Nopal Cactus Fruit Juice on C-Reactive Protein Levels in Healthy Adults: Results from a Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Clinical Pilot Study

The Nopal cactus grows widespread in many parts of the world, and in some areas is considered a noxious weed. In addition to the use of the stems and leaves (also called pads or cladodes) and fruits (prickly pears) as food, Nopal has a long use in traditional folk medicine. The fruit shares some constituents with the stems, and contains additional unique polyphenols and betalain pigments with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. A randomized, double-blind, controlled, parallel-arm human study was performed to compare consumption of Nopal fruit juice (NFJ) to control (apricot) juice. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and uric acid were measured at baseline and after 8 and 12 weeks. Reduced CRP levels were seen in both the NFJ and control groups. The 21.0% reduction at 8 weeks in the NFJ group was significantly more robust than the 6.6% reduction in the control group (P <.05). The reduced CRP level within the NFJ group was highly significant at 8 weeks (P <.0001), and remained reduced by 10.6% at 12 weeks compared to baseline (P <.065). The CRP reduction was not significant within the control group. There was no significant difference in uric acid levels between the groups at either 8 or 12 weeks. The 5.2% increase in uric acid levels within the control group was highly significant at 8 weeks (P <.0003), remaining significant at 12 weeks (P <.04). In contrast, a transient 3.6% increase in uric acid in the NFJ group at 8 weeks (P <.02) returned almost back to baseline levels at 12 weeks. Consumption of NFJ was associated with significant reduction in the CRP inflammatory biomarker while maintaining uric acid well within healthy range. Original Research Article Jensen; EJNFS, 6(1): 1-9, 2016; Article no.EJNFS. 2016.001 2
“Gyracanthus” sherwoodi (Gnathostomata, Gyracanthidae) from the Late Devonian of North America

ABSTRACT. New fossils of “Gyracanthus” sherwoodi Newberry, 1889 are described primarily from the Late Devonian Red Hill site and Metzger's Quarry (Catskill Formation, late Famennian) of Clinton and Sullivan Counties in central Pennsylvania. The fossils include ornamented prepectoral ventral plates, pectoral, pelvic, and dorsal fin spines, elements of the endoskeletal shoulder girdle (procoracoid and scapulocoracoid), scales, and possible anal fin spines. We distinguish between anterior and posterior dorsal fin spines. A growth series of elements, described for the first time for a gyracanth, show that the adults of this taxon reached about a meter in length, and juveniles already had ossified endoskeletal pectoral elements at body lengths 300–400 mm. The mainly cartilaginous skeleton, paired fin spines, shoulder girdle structure, and scale growth are consistent with gyracanthids being stem chondrichthyans. “Gyracanthus” sherwoodi lived in non-marine conditions in the eastern Laurentian rivers and deltas.
Interactive effects of coffee bean supplementation and waterborne zinc toxicity on growth performance, biochemical variables, antioxidant activity and zinc bioaccumulation in whole body of common carp, Cyprinus carpio L.

Roasted coffee powder (RCP; Coffea arabica) is usually used as a beverage for human but there are few attempts to use it as a natural feed supplement in fish diets. In this study, common carp, Cyprinus carpio L. , (11.8 ± 0.09 g) were reared in zinc (Zn)-containing water at concentrations of 0.0 or 5.0 mg/L and cosupplemented with 0.0 or 1.0 g RCP/kg diet for 6 weeks to investigate effects of RCP supplementation, Zn exposure and their interaction on fish performance, biochemical variables, antioxidant activity and Zn bioaccumulation in whole fish body. Fish growth and feed intake were significantly affected by RCP supplementation, Zn toxicity and their interaction. However, fish fed a RCP-supplemented diet did not exhibit better performance than those fed the RCP-free diet and both diets produced higher fish performance than the Zn-toxicated fish. It is noticed that RCP supplementation to Zn-toxicated fish enhanced their growth, and feed utilization as compared to Zn-toxicated fish alone. Fish fed control and RCP-enriched diets showed no significant differences in biochemical variables, which were significantly altered due to waterborne Zn toxicity. Moreover, Zn reduced significantly; meanwhile, RCP supplementation increased significantly superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. Notably, Zn exposure could reduce fish growth and antioxidant activity and increase Zn deposition in whole fish body. And RCP intake could enhance the antioxidant activity exerting a protective effect against Zn toxicity, thereby reducing Zn bioaccumulation in whole fish body.
Redescription of the Oldest Crown Clade Penguin: Cranial Osteology, Jaw Myology, Neuroanatomy, and Phylogenetic Affinities of Madrynornis Mirandus

ABSTRACT Madrynornis mirandus, one of the few fossil penguins known from a nearly complete articulated skeleton, represents a key taxon for understanding the stem-crown transition in penguins. Despite the wealth of morphological character data preserved in the holotype specimen, the phylogenetic placement of this early late Miocene taxon has remained controversial. Reexamination of the Madrynornis mirandus holotype provides support for placement within the penguin crown clade. However, this placement is highly sensitive to the molecular signal and Madrynornis falls just outside the crown clade when molecular data are excluded. The neuroanatomy of Madrynornis shares many derived features with extant penguins, including an airencephalic brain shape, highly reduced bulbus olfactorius, and absence of an interaural pathway. However, the brain endocast differs from all surveyed extant species in that the eminentia sagittalis (wulst) is less caudally expanded, the tectum opticus is relatively less developed, and the flocculus is stouter and more laterally disposed. The cranial osteology and reconstructed jaw myology of Madrynornis suggest a primarily piscivorous diet, which likely characterizes the clade uniting Madrynornis, Inguza, Eudyptula, and Spheniscus.
Weltmarktentwicklung und Produktionsstrukturen in der Milchwirtschaft

In diesem Beitrag werden die internationalen Trends der Milcherzeugung dargestellt und Einschatzungen fur die Zukunft abgeleitet. Europa ist zwar immer noch eine Schwerpunktregion der globalen Milchwirtschaft, doch haben die anderen Erdteile in den vergangenen zwei Jahrzehnten stark an Bedeutung gewonnen. Der Weltmarkt wird in den kommenden Jahrzehnten weiterhin expandieren. Die Weltmarktpreise, die inzwischen auch fur den EU-Markt masgeblich sind, werden tendenziell steigen. Das Bestandsgrosenwachstum ist bisher stetig verlaufen. Die starke Ausbreitung arbeitsteilig organisierter Grosbetriebe in den USA konnte darauf hindeuten, dass auch fur einige EU-Regionen eine derartige Beschleunigung bevorsteht. Der Strukturwandel fuhrt aber nicht zwangslaufig zu einer Konzentration der Milchproduktion in jenen Regionen, in denen Grosbetriebe dominieren. Die Wettbewerbschancen der deutschen Milcherzeugung in einem starker liberalisierten Milchmarkt werden als uberwiegend gunstig eingeschatzt.
The Effect Of Dietary Manipulation Of Protein And Energy Levels During The Growing Period On Egg-Type Pullet Growth And Laying Performance

A (3 × 3) factorial arrangement was used in a completely randomized design to study the effect of early nutrition on pullet growth and subsequent egg production. Three levels of protein and three levels of energy during stages of pullet growth (starter 0 to 6 wk, grower 7 to 12 wk, and developer 13 to 18 wk of age) and their effect on growth and laying performance (19 to 66 wk of age) were evaluated. In all phases of growing period, control levels of protein (P2) and energy (E2) were set according to NRC (1994), and the other levels were higher (P3 and E3) and lower (P1 and E1). A total of 9 treatments in each phase of the growth period were employed (P1=16, P2=18, and P3=20% CP) and (E1 = 2650, E2 = 2850, and E3 = 3050 kcal of ME/kg of diet) starter, (P1 = 14%, P2 = 16%, and P3 = 18% CP) and (E1 = 2650, E2 = 2850, and E3 = 3050 kcal of ME/kg of diet) grower, and (P1 = 13%, P2 = 15%, and P3 = 17% CP) and (E1 = 2700, E2 = 2900, and E3 = 3100 kcal of ME/kg of diet) developer. Each treatment was replicated three times with ten birds each. Treatments in the factorial arrangement were kept the same for bird groups in every phase but at 19 week of age all groups were shifted to the layer diet up to 66 week of age. Diets ingredients used were sorghum (Feterita), groundnut cake, sesame cake, and wheat bran. Body weights (BW), body weight gain (BWG), feed consumption (FC), feed
Rice Water Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) Population Dynamics in Louisiana

The rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel, has long been an important pest of rice in the U.S. and has recently emerged as a pest of rice in Asia. A systematic study of the life history and population dynamics of this insect was conducted during the 2002 growing season at the Louisiana State University Rice Research Station, Crowley, Acadia Parish, LA, an area where it is a particularly severe pest. By monitoring weevil populations using collections from overwintering sites, from plots of rice planted throughout the growing season, and from light traps, and by dissecting collected weevils to assess the conditions of their fat bodies, flight muscles and ovaries, we concluded that a portion of the weevil population in Louisiana is univoltine, another portion is bivoltine, and another portion may pass through multiple generations if young rice is continually available. However, only one generation of weevils developed in a single rice field. Adult weevils invaded rice fields in apparently larg.
The roles of microRNAs in the anti-cancer effects of sulforaphane from cruciferous vegetables

Colorectal cancer is an increasingly important cause of mortality, whose incidence is inversely correlated with cruciferous vegetable consumption, from which can be obtained isothiocyanates such as sulforaphane. These are well-characterised regarding their cytoprotective and anti-tumour effects, thus believed to contribute to the observed diet-risk correlation; great interest lies in their potential use for chemoprevention and/or improvement of chemotherapy. While some mechanisms of action are well-established, such as their induction of antioxidant responses via the Nrf2 pathway, questions remain regarding its other mechanisms of action that appear to be vast and complex, more knowledge of which could shine a light upon means of safe and effective clinical application. There is evidence that sulforaphane can modulate the expression of microRNAs, which play major roles in development and disease by regulating gene expression, particularly in carcinogenesis. This study explored sulforaphane-induced microRNA modulation in adenocarcinoma Caco-2 and non-cancerous CCD-841 colorectal cells, and the potential role of such in the interactions between sulforaphane and colorectal carcinogenesis. The experimental system was initially validated by confirming the expected induction of Nrf2 and Nrf2- controlled genes at the mRNA and/or protein levels, by sub-cytotoxic doses of sulforaphane. Based upon data from the following miRNA-Seq-based expression profiling and individual microRNA assays, sulforaphane upregulated let-7f-5p and let-7g-5p expression in Caco-2 but not in CCD-841 cells, and upregulated miR-10a-5p and downregulated miR-193b-3p in Caco- 2. The direct interaction of let-7f-5p with computationally-predicted mRNA-3’- UTR binding sites of cell division cycle 25 homolog A and high-mobility group AT-hook 2 was confirmed by luciferase assays. Future experiments to confirm the effects of sulforaphane and/or let-7f-5p on these genes at the protein/mRNA levels could be informative, as could tests for synergistic and/or antagonistic interactions between sulforaphane and let-7f-5p. Insights from such experiments could eventually lead towards the development of more effective chemopreventative and chemotherapeutic strategies based upon sulforaphane and/or specific microRNA mimics/inhibitors.
Seed production of sugar maple and American beech in northern hardwood forests, New Hampshire, USA

Mast seeding is the synchronous production of large seed crops in plant populations and for many tree species is known to be determined by the interaction between weather cues and internal plant resources. We use a 24-year record of seedfall for sugar maple (Acer saccharum Marsh.) and American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) across a northern hardwood forest landscape to quantify their masting patterns and explore the relationship between mast years, resources, and weather cues, particularly the difference between summer temperatures in the two years prior to the seedfall year (ΔT). We found clear evidence of masting in these species, and mast years were often coincident in the two species; masting was best predicted by ΔT or ΔT plus previous-year seedfall. We saw no evidence for correspondence of masting in these trees to precipitation cues. A soil calcium addition modified elevation effects on seed production. Clarification of the controls on mast seeding for these important tree species will aid in pre.
Inquérito Ectoparasitológico em galinhas caipiras, Gallus gallus domesticus L., do município de Apodi, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil

A ocorr e ncia e a import â ncia de ectoparasitos para a avicultura no Munic i pio de Apodi s a o desconhecidas. Objetivouse identificar os ectoparasitos que ocorrem nas galinhas caipiras, Gallus gallus domesticus L. , criadas em sistema extensivo no munic i pio de Apodi, Estado do Rio Grande do Norte. Entre julho e outubro de 2008, 80 aves adultas, sem distin ca o de sexo, idade, plumagem ou linhagem, foram examinados para presen c a de ectoparasitos. Os esp e cimes coletados foram conservados a lcool 70 o GL e enviados a Universidade Federal Rural do Semi- A rido para identifica ca o. Das aves examinadas, 73,75% estavam infestadas, as quais 47,46% apresentaram parasitismo misto. Os ectoparasitos identificados foram: Dermanyssus gallinae , Menopon gallinae , Menacanthus pallidulus , M. stramineus , Lipeurus caponis , Columbicola columbae , Goniocotes gallinae , Goniodes gigas e G. dissimilis. Conclui-se que as galinhas caipiras criadas no munic i pio de Apodi, apresentaram diferentes esp e cies de ectoparasitos, que podem interferir diretamente no desempenho produtivo das mesmas.