Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Upregulation of hemolymph and tissue ferritin by dietary HgCl2 in the wax moth Galleria mellonella

The effect of Hg treatment on hemolymph and tissue ferritin in the wax moth Galleria mellonella was examined by western blotting. At 48 h after feeding HgCl2, the level of hemolymph ferritin increased approximately 1.8‐fold over that of control insects that were not fed HgCl2, while there was a small increase in tissue ferritin. Time series experiments showed that tissue ferritin had a typically saturated pattern, with a maximum level from 24 to 72 h, although it decreased 12 h following HgCl2 feeding, while hemolymph ferritin first decreased but subsequently increased. Tissue ferritin in the fat body, gut and Malpighian tubules, the main tissues of ferritin expression, was upregulated over time following treatment with Hg, and in particular, tissue ferritin in the gut increased by a large amount at 12–48 h. The results suggest that in G. mellonella, the ferritin‐inducible mechanisms following treatment with HgCl2 are different for hemolymph and tissue ferritin, as are their biochemical properties.
Food selection by ostrich in Southern Africa

We observed ostrich (Struthio camelus) in southern African savanna, desert grassland, arid shrubland, and fynbos (Mediterranean shrubland) to determine physical and chemical factors that influenced food selection. Natural diet information was needed to provide guidelines on carrying capacity of natural vegetation for ostrich and for improving rations for captive ostrich. Ostrich fed on green annual grasses and forbs when available. When these were not available they consumed leaves, flowers, and fruits from succulents and woody plants. Dead or woody material and animal matter (other than bone) were absent from the diet. Ostrich selected (P < 0.05) for fiber and against (P < 0.05) phenolics in forbs
PATHOGENESIS OF RESPIRATORY DISEASES: NEW SOLUTIONS TO OLD PROBLEMS?

A paradigm shift from genes to pathways to networks to systems biology is driving both ‘‘discovery’’ and traditional hypothesis-based biomedical research in the 21st century. Developing new techniques, updating old ones, and increasing reliance on infomatics are required facets of the shift. The international symposium ‘‘New Molecular Approaches for Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Respiratory Diseases’’ also is a reflection of the paradigm shift. During this timely symposium, the advantages and limitations of the new molecular approaches and examples of recent mechanistic insights will be discussed by international experts. The opening address will utilize examples of recent studies of the molecular carcinogenesis and molecular epidemiology of lung cancer.
Lactobacilli and Streptococci Activate NF-κB and STAT Signaling Pathways in Human Macrophages1

Gram-positive bacteria induce the production of several cytokines in human leukocytes. The molecular mechanisms involved in Gram-positive bacteria-induced cytokine production have been poorly characterized. In this work we demonstrate that both nonpathogenic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG and pathogenic Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococci) induce NF-κB and STAT DNA-binding activity in human primary macrophages as analyzed by EMSA. NF-κB activation was rapid and was not inhibited by a protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide, suggesting that these bacteria could directly activate NF-κB. STAT1, STAT3, and IFN regulatory factor-1 DNA binding was induced by both bacteria with delayed kinetics compared with NF-κB. In addition, streptococci induced the formation of IFN-α-specific transcription factor complex and IFN-stimulated gene factor-3 (ISGF3). STAT1 and STAT3 activation and ISGF3 complex formation were inhibited by cycloheximide or by neutralization with IFN-α/β-specific Abs. Streptococci were more potent than lactobacilli in inducing STAT1, ISGF3, and IFN regulatory factor-1 DNA binding. Accordingly, only streptococci induced IFN-α production. The activation of the IFN-α signaling pathway by streptococci could play a role in the pathogenesis of these bacteria. These results indicate that extracellular Gram-positive bacteria activate transcription factors involved in cytokine signaling by two mechanisms: directly, leading to NF-κB activation, and indirectly via cytokines, leading to STAT activation.
Energy Utilization of Four Strains of Commercial Layers and Influence on Suggested Dietary Methionine Level

Abstract Harms, R.H. , Russell, G.B. and Sloan, D.R. 2000. Energy utilization of four strains of commercial layers and influence on suggested dietary methionine level. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 18: 25–31. An experiment was conducted to compare the energy required to produce a g of egg content (EC) for four strains of commercial layers. Calculations were made to demonstrate the effect on the level of Met needed in the diet. The energy required to produce a g of EC was 6.60, 5.78, 6.09 and 6.35 kcal, respectively for the Hy-Line Brown, Hy-Line W36, Hy-Line W98 and DeKalb White hens. Therefore, the calculated requirement for percent of Met needed in the feed in this experiment (2799 kcal/kg) would be 0.254, 0.312, 0.276, and 0.260%, respectively for Hy-Line Brown, Hy-Line W36, Hy-Line 98 and DeKalb White.
AVALIAÇÕES DAS CONDIÇÕES HIGIÊNICAS SANITÁRIAS DAS CARNES COMERCIALIZADAS NA FEIRA LIVRE DO MUNICÍPIO DE CATOLÉ DO ROCHA-PB

The present study intended to assess the level of hygiene and sanitary conditions of establishments in the street market selling meat "in natura" Public Market in the town of Catole of the Rocha PB. The main focus of diagnosis was the places where they sell beef, pork, poultry and fish and where they are prepared for marketing. The survey was conducted during the months from May to June 2011, using an inspection checklist (checklist), which verified the conditions of marketing, storage conditions, hygiene of food handlers and the equipment and application direct questions of a questionnaire for evaluation of consumer satisfaction. The diagnosis hygienic-sanitary problems identified in boxes, equipment and utensils in handling practices and the quality of the products offered Such conditions are contrary to current sanitary legislation, compromise the quality of food, pose a risk to consumer health and highlight the demands for information from the marketer of food handling.
Overexpression of Bcl-2 Enhances LIGHT- and Interferon-γ-mediated Apoptosis in Hep3BT2 Cells*

LIGHT is a member of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily and is the ligand for LT-βR, HVEM, and decoy receptor 3. LIGHT has a cytotoxic effect, which is further enhanced by the presence of interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Although LIGHT/IFN-γ can activate caspase activity, neither benzyloxycarbonyl-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-fluoromethylketone nor benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethylketone can completely inhibit LIGHT/IFN-γ-mediated apoptosis. Moreover, overexpression of Bcl-2 further enhances LIGHT/IFN-γ-mediated apoptosis. It appears that LIGHT and IFN-γ act synergistically to activate caspase-3, with the resultant cleavage of Bcl-2, removal of the BH4 domain, leading to conversion of Bcl-2 from an antiapoptotic to a proapoptotic form in p53-deficient hepatocellular carcinoma Hep3BT2 cells. Thus, LIGHT seems to be able to override the protective effect of Bcl-2 and induce cell death. Although benzyloxycarbonyl-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-fluoromethylketone and benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethylketone can prevent the cleavage of Bcl-2 by LIGHT/IFN-γ, they only partially inhibit apoptosis in Hep3BT2 cells that are overexpressing Bcl-2. In contrast, both LIGHT/IFN-γ-mediated apoptosis and Bcl-2 cleavage are inhibited by free radical scavengers, indicating that free radicals may play an essential role in LIGHT/IFN-γ-mediated apoptosis at a step upstream of caspase-3 activation. These results suggest that LIGHT signaling may diverge into multiple, separate processes.
Migration and orientation in anuran amphibians

In anuran amphibians migratory behaviour is constrained by the demands of water balance and thermoregulation. Therefore, the migratory range of anurans amounts to 15 km at most. Adult anurans perform migrations, if important habitat resources (e.g. sites for reproduction, nutrition and hibernation) are spatially separated. Site fidelity to these spatial units is a common feature of most anurans. These general considerations are exemplified in the common European toad Bufo bufo. Directed movements such as migrations towards a breeding or home site require mechanisms of orientation. The spatial range of the homing ability coincides widely with the natural migratory range of each species. Many sensory systems are involved in the perception of orientation stimuli: the auditory, the olfactory and the visual system as well as the still unidentified system of magneto-perception. Vocalization of conspecifics, odours of ponds, landmarks, the positions of sun, moon and stars, polarization patterns of the sky and th.
Phosphorus digestibility in low-phytate barley fed to finishing pigs

Twenty-four crossbred barrows (Camborough 15 Line female × Canabred sire) weighing an average of 51.3 ± 5.1 kg were used in a trial conducted during two periods according to a completely randomized block design. The pigs were assigned to one of six dietary treatments comprised of a normal two-rowed, hulled variety of barley (CDC Bold) or three low-phytate genotypes selected to contain approximately 68, 41 or 3% of the normal level of phytate. A normal hulless barley (CDC Dawn) and a hulless genotype selected to contain 54% of the normal phytate content were also included. The diets fed contained 99.5% barley and 0.5% chromic oxide. The marked feed was provided for a 7-d acclimatization period, followed by a 3-d fecal collection. At the conclusion of the first replicate, the pigs were assigned to different treatments and the procedure was repeated resulting in eight observations per treatment. Selection for phytate content had no effects on the apparent fecal digestibility of dry matter, crude protein or g.
Identification of RANTES, MIP-1α, and MIP-1β as the Major HIV-Suppressive Factors Produced by CD8+ T Cells

Evidence suggests that CD8+ T lymphocytes are involved in the control of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in vivo, either by cytolytic mechanisms or by the release of HIV-suppressive factors (HIV-SF). The chemokines RANTES, MIP-1α, and MIP-1β were identified as the major HIV-SF produced by CD8+ T cells. Two active proteins purified from the culture supernatant of an immortalized CD8+ T cell clone revealed sequence identity with human RANTES and MIP-1α. RANTES, MIP-1α, and MIP-1β were released by both immortalized and primary CD8+ T cells. HIV-SF activity produced by these cells was completely blocked by a combination of neutralizing antibodies against RANTES, MIP-1α, and MIP-1β. Recombinant human RANTES, MIP-1α, and MIP-1β induced a dose-dependent inhibition of different strains of HIV-1, HIV-2, and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). These data may have relevance for the prevention and therapy of AIDS.
Mapping the microscale variability of microphytobenthos: Development of a hyperspectral imaging method

Microphytobenthos (MPB) is a grouping of microbial benthic phototrophs that inhabit the sediments of coastal regions. There are clear indications that MPB distributions exhibit profuse spatio-temporal variability on the scale of milli- to centi-meters, which corresponds to the spatial span of their proximal habitats. This microscale variability in MPB distributions escapes detection by most traditional measurement techniques. Analysis of the spatio-temporal aspects of MPB ecology is limited due to the inability of current methods to capture the MPB distributions with high spatial and temporal resolution. This doctoral study identifies a methodological gap in our ability to measure in situ MPB distributions at the microscale and attempts to rectify it through the development of a field instrument and measurement protocol that utilize hyperspectral imaging technology. The ecological applications of the novel ability to measure and visualize full-field patterns of MPB distribution with a high temporal resolution are explored in subsequent studies.
Rarity and species/area relationships of vascular plants in deciduous woods, western Norway - applications to nature reserve selection

The Rabinowitz s model of rarity was applied to a vascular plant census list from 60 deciduous woods in western Norway By applying information from distribution maps and plant sociological literature from western Norway it was possible to obtain data on geographical distribution, habitat specificity, and maximum local population size at the regional-scale of western Norway This enabled a comparison between rarity at the local scale and rarity at the regional scale At the local scale rarity was primarily due to narrow geographic distribution At the regional scale, however, the most frequent form of rarity was due to restricted habitat specificity The species/area relationship and the SLOSS effect for the rare species at the regional scale are compared with patterns involving the total species list It is shown that a single large wood supports fewer regional-scale rare species than do combinations of two small woods of equal area The species/area relationship for species with small population sizes at the regional scale has a different slope from the species/area relationship for all species Area is a better predictor of regional-scale rarity than is the number of common species
Respiratory function in adult mice lacking the µ‐opioid receptor: role of δ‐receptors

Mice lacking the µ‐opioid receptor (MOR) provide a unique model to determine whether opioid receptors are functionally interactive. Recent results have shown that respiratory depression produced by δ‐opioid receptor agonists is suppressed in mice lacking the µ‐opioid receptor. Here we investigated the involvement of µ‐ and δ‐opioid receptors in the control of ventilation and µ/δ receptor interactions in brainstem rhythm‐generating structures. Unrestrained MOR–/– and wild‐type mice showed similar ventilatory patterns at rest and similar chemosensory responses to hyperoxia (100% O2), hypoxia (10% O2) or hypercapnia (5%CO2−95%O2). Blockade of δ‐opioid receptors with naltrindole affected neither the ventilatory patterns nor the ventilatory responses to hypoxia in MOR–/– and wild‐type mice. In‐vitro, respiratory neurons were recorded in the pre‐Bötzinger complex of thick brainstem slices of MOR–/– and wild‐type young adult mice. Respiratory frequency was not significantly different between these two groups. The δ2 receptor agonist deltorphin II (0.1–1.0 µm) decreased respiratory frequency in both groups whereas doses of the δ1 receptor agonist enkephalin[D‐Pen2,5] (0.1–1.0 µm) which were ineffective in wild‐type mice significantly decreased respiratory frequency in MOR–/– mice. We conclude that deletion of the µ‐opioid receptor gene has no significant effect on ensuing respiratory rhythm generation, ventilatory pattern, or chemosensory control. In MOR–/– mice, the loss of respiratory‐depressant effects of δ2‐opioid receptor agonists previously observed in vivo does not result from a blunted response of δ receptors in brainstem rhythm‐generating structures. These structures show an unaltered response to δ2‐receptor agonists and an augmented response to δ1‐receptor agonists.
Body size and elevation: do Bergmann's and Rensch's rule apply in the polytypic bushcricket Poecilimon veluchianus?

One of the most fundamental differences between animals are size differences that are often prominent when comparing species, as well as the sexes within species. One important aim of evolutionary and ecological studies is therefore to understand the pattern of size variation. Bergmann's rule and Rensch's rule are two ideas that describe such general patterns. But whether or not these rules apply only in homoeothermic animals, or also in insects, is unclear because previous studies have shown opposing results. For two subspecies of Poecilimon veluchianus Ramme (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae), we demonstrate a pattern that is opposite to what is predicted by Bergmann's rule. Rensch's rule also does not seem to apply, as sexual size dimorphism (SSD) does not change even though body size decreases with elevation in these two taxa. Our data adds to an emerging pattern that the two rules are not universally applicable in insects.
Influence of age, body weight, parity and morphometric traits on litter size in prolific Black Bengal goats

Data on some linear traits along with age, body weight (BW) at breeding, parity and previous litter size (LZ) of 1008 pregnant Black Bengal goats were analysed using one-way Analysis of Variance. Higher age, heavier BW at breeding, higher parity order resulted more (P < 0.01) chance of triplet or quadruplet births as compared to that of single birth. Larger previous LZ resulted larger (P < 0.01) LZ in subsequent kidding. Most of the linear traits were higher (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05) in goats bearing multiple foetuses than in the goats bearing single foetus. The results of stepwise discriminant function suggested that heart girth, punch girth, BW, distance between trochanter major and pelvic triangle area might be the predictive indices for higher LZ.
Nutritional status of growing calves in district kupwara of Kashmir valley

A field study was conducted in nine villages, three each from Kupwara, Handwara and Karnah tehsils of Kupwara district to find out the nutritional (DM, DCP, TDN) value of feeds and fodders, existing feeding practices and nutritional status of dairy growing calves. For this purpose fifteen farm families from each of nine villages were randomly selected for the study. Data was collected from the selected farmers through a common questionnaire. The average body weight (kg) of calves was 40.91±2.07, 37.76±1.08 and 37.87±1.23kg in Kupwara, Handwara and Karnah tehsils respectively. The daily intake of concentrate (kg) for calves was 0.95±0.15, 0.78±0.08 and 0.27±0.04 in Kupwara, Handwara and Karnah tehsils respectively. The daily intake of roughage for calves were 1.83±0.16, 1.81±0.11and 1.37±0.14 in Kupwara, Handwara and Karnah tehsil respectively. The ration of the surveyed calves was excess in DM by 30.6, 30.0 and 29.4 per cent for the respective tehsils. The daily intake of DCP for calves was deficit by 29.5, 29.6 and 78.4 per cent for the respective tehsils. The daily intake of TDN of calves was 2.70, 14.7 and 11.7 per cent excess than that of their nutrient requirements for the respective tehsils All the farmers were found to add the basal diet with common salt and none of the farmers supplement mineral mixture with the ration of the calves.
Effect of salinity on some physiological variables of 11 chickpea genotypes under hydroponic conditions

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is highly sensitive to salinity and selection of chickpea genotypes that are moderately tolerant to salinity can help to expand chickpea cultivation in saline areas. Eleven chickpea genotypes were grown in a hydroponic system containing different NaCl concentrations (8 and 12 dS m) and control (Hoagland solution) in order to study the effects of salt stress on physiological traits. The results showed that with increasing salinity, the concentration of photosynthetic pigments, carotenoids, proline, soluble sugars and radical scavenging activity (DPPH) in leaves and roots was increased. Among the studied genotypes, MCC674, MCC759, MCC544 and MCC783 showed superiority in most traits. Genotypes that contain higher concentration of chlorophyll, carotenoids, soluble carbohydrates, proline and DPPH in shoots were more resistant to salinity. The correlation between physiologic traits and sodium concentration in leaves was positive. Production of photosynthetic pigments, carotenoids, proline, soluble sugars and DPPH was higher in sensitive genotypes. The resistance index in 12 dS m salinity stress showed that resistant genotypes to water stress (MCC760 and MCC333) were also resistant to salinity. But, in 8 dS m stress level, the MCC759 sensitive to aridity, was moderately resistant to salinity.
Purification and Characterization of an Extracellular Proteinase Having Milk-Clotting Activity from Enterococcus faecalis TUA2495L

Lactic acid bacteria (157 stock cultures) were screened for their ability to produce extracellular proteinase with milk-clotting activity. A strain identified as Enterococcus faecalis TUA2495L showed the highest ratio of milk-clotting activity (MCA) to proteinase activity (PA). The molecular weight of the purified enzyme from the strain was estimated to be 34–36 kDa by gel filtration and by SDS-PAGE. Its isoelectric point was about 5.4, and the Km value on casein (Hammarsten) was 0.61% (w/v). The optimum temperature was 70°C for MCA and 50°C for PA. The MCA increased with a decrease in the pH from 7.8 to 5.8 but the PA was optimum at pH 8.0–9.0. Both MCA and PA were stable within the pH range of 5.5–10.0. The enzyme was inhibited by heavy metal ions (Fe2, Cd2, Ni2, Cu2 and Al3), SDS and EDTA. Reactivation of the enzyme activity with Co2, Mn2 or Zn2 indicates the importance of these metals in the catalytic function of the enzyme. The enzyme was especially active on κ-casein, and SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the degradation patterns of κ-casein by Ec. faecalis enzyme and Mucor miehei milk-clotting enzyme were almost the same.
Modelling the future biogeography of North Atlantic zooplankton communities in response to climate change

Advances in habitat and climate modelling allow us to reduce uncertainties of climate change impacts on species distribution. We evaluated the impacts of future climate change on community structure, diversity, distribution and phenology of 14 copepod species in the North Atlantic. We developed and validated habitat models for key zooplankton species using continuous plankton recorder (CPR) survey data collected at mid latitudes of the North Atlantic. Generalized additive models (GAMs) were applied to relate the occurrence of species to environmental variables. Models were projected to future (2080–2099) environmental conditions using coupled hydroclimatix–biogeochemical models under the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) A1B climate scenario, and compared to present (2001–2020) conditions. Our projections indicated that the copepod community is expected to respond substantially to climate change: a mean poleward latitudinal shift of 8.7 km per decade for the overall community with an important species range variation (–15 to 18 km per decade); the species seasonal peak is expected to occur 12–13 d earlier for Calanus finmarchicus and C. hyperboreus; and important changes in community structure are also expected (high species turnover of 43–79% south of the Oceanic Polar Front). The impacts of the change expected by the end of the century under IPCC global warming scenarios on copepods highlight poleward shifts, earlier seasonal peak and changes in biodiversity spatial patterns that might lead to alterations of the future North Atlantic pelagic ecosystem. Our model and projections are supported by a temporal validation undertaken using the North Atlantic climate regime shift that occurred in the 1980s: the habitat model built in the cold period (1970–1986) has been validated in the warm period (1987–2004).