Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Multivalent sialic acid binding proteins as novel therapeutics for influenza and parainfluenza infection

In nature, proteins with weak binding affinity often use a multivalency approach to enhance protein affinity via an avidity effect. Interested in this multivalency approach, we have isolated a carbohydrate binding module (CBM) that recognises sialic acid (known as a CBM40 domain) from both Vibrio cholerae (Vc) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (Sp) NanA sialidases, and generated multivalent polypeptides from them using molecular biology. Multivalent CBM40 constructs were designed either using a tandem repeat approach to produce trimeric or tetrameric forms that we call Vc3CBM and Vc4CBM, respectively, or through the addition of a trimerization domain derived from Pseudomonas aeruginosa pseudaminidase to produce three trimeric forms of proteins known as Vc-CBMTD (WT), Vc-CBMTD (Mutant) and Sp-CBMTD). Due to the position and flexibility of the linker between the trimerization domain and the CBM40 domain, site directed mutagenesis was employed to introduce a disulphide bond between the monomers at positions S164C and T83C of the CBM40 domain in order to promote a stable orientation of the binding site for easier access of sialic acids. Data from isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) reveals that interaction of multivalent CBM40 proteins with α(2,3)-sialyllactose was mainly enthalpy driven with entropy contributing unfavorably to the interaction suggesting that these proteins establish a strong binding affinity to their ligand minimizing dissociation to produce stable multivalent molecules. However, using surface plasmon resonance (SPR), a mixed balance of entropy and enthalpy contributions was found with all constructs as determined by Van’t Hoff plots. This proved that binding does not occur through a simple protein-ligand interaction but through disruption of hydrophobic and/or ionic hydration that provide the driving force to the process. Interestingly, the valency of
A Guide to Southern Temperate Seagrasses

A Guide to Southern Temperate Seagrasses describes the exceptionally diverse seagrasses in the temperate parts of the southern hemisphere. This book introduces readers to the evolution, biology and ecology of the southern temperate seagrasses and presents a visual key to allow species identification using easily recognisable features. Detailed information is presented summarising the distinctive features of each species or 'complex', with brief notes about their taxonomy, reproduction and ecology. With information provided in a highly concise format, this book allows readers to rapidly identify a particular seagrass, as well as other species that it may easily be confused with, confirm that the species occurs in a certain area, and access general information on the biology and ecology of the species. It is a valuable resource for students, researchers, environmental consultants and both government and non-government agencies.
The α2β1 Integrin Is a Necessary Co-receptor for Collagen-induced Activation of Syk and the Subsequent Phosphorylation of Phospholipase Cγ2 in Platelets*

Although there are multiple potential collagen-binding proteins on platelets, the contribution of each to collagen-induced signaling events and platelet activation is unclear. We investigated which early platelet signaling events, if any, could be attributed specifically to the binding of collagen to one of its receptors, the α2β1 integrin. Treatment of platelets with collagen induced a rapid activation of the non-receptor tyrosine kinase, Syk, as measured by an increase in phosphorylation and kinase activity. Collagen also induced the rapid phosphorylation of phospholipase Cγ2 (PLCγ2). The phosphorylation of both Syk and PLCγ2, as well as platelet aggregation, was blocked by an anti-α2β1 integrin monoclonal antibody (P1E6), demonstrating that collagen binding to α2β1 is necessary for signaling. Cross-linking of the α2β1 integrin with stimulatory monoclonal antibody against either the β1 or α2 subunit stimulated the phosphorylation of both Syk and PLCγ2. However, antibody stimulation was dependent on co-stimulation of the FcγII receptor (CD32) since specific F(ab′)2 fragments did not induce Syk and PLCγ2 phosphorylation. Thus, these results suggest that occupancy of α2β1 by collagen is necessary, but that a co-receptor, in addition to α2β1, is required for these collagen-induced signaling events. Moreover, the P1E6 antibody did not inhibit all collagen-induced tyrosine phosphorylation events, demonstrating that collagen also induces phosphorylation events that are independent of the α2β1 integrin. In addition to Syk and PLCγ2, we identified the FcγII receptor (FcγRII) as being rapidly phosphorylated in response to collagen stimulation, even in the absence of antibodies. Finally, to determine if Syk activation precedes and directly contributes to the phosphorylation of PLCγ2, platelets were preincubated with the Syk-selective kinase inhibitor, piceatannol. A concentration of piceatannol that inhibited the phosphorylation and kinase activity of Syk, but had no effect on Src kinase activity, blocked the collagen-induced phosphorylation of PLCγ2 and also inhibited collagen-induced platelet aggregation. Our results begin to delineate a signaling pathway whereby occupancy of the α2β1 integrin is required, but not sufficient, for collagen-induced activation of Syk and the subsequent phosphorylation of PLCγ2. These events are necessary for platelet activation and aggregation in response to collagen.
Genetic distance estimation of local swamp buffaloes through morphology analysis approach.

Information about genetic distances among populations (geographics) of local swamp buffalo is less published. Genetic distance analysis was done among seven local swamp buffalo populations trhough a morphological analysis. Female and male buffaloes were observed for a total number of 905 hds, originating from the Provices of NAD (100 hds), North Sumatera (51 hds), Banten (180 hds), Central Java (203 hds), South Kalimantan (121 hds), NTB (200 hds), dan South Sulawesi (50 hds). Genetic variation among buffalo populations was calculated by discriminant function of Mahalonobis distance. Genetic distance was estimated by MEGA program. Morphometric measurements of female buffalo in North Sumatera were larger (P < 0,01) than those of buffaloes in Banten, South Kalimantan, NAD and South Sulawesi. Morphometric measurements of male buffalo in South Sulawesi were larger than those of buffaloes in Central Java, Banten, and NAD. Chest width was the highest different morphometric factor (0.969). Buffalo from NTB had the highest similarity (95.0%), followed by buffaloes from North Sumatera (74.51%) and South Sulawesi (74.19%); while the lowest one was from South Sulawesi (38.02%) and Banten (49.44%). Morphological distribution map indicated existence of three local swamp buffalo groups. Grup 1 was presented by buffalo from NTB, distributed in the II and III quadrants. Group 2 was presented by buffaloes from five locations (North Sumatera, Central Java, South Kalimantan, South Sulawesi, and Banten), distrributed in I and II quadrants, and a smaller part distributed in III and IV quadrants. Group 3 was presented by buffaloes from NAD and a smaller part from South Kalimantan and Banten, distributed in IV quadrant. The lowest genetic distance was identified between buffaloes in NAD and South Kalimantan (0.348), while the highest one was between buffloes in Banten and South Kalimantan (1.883). Based on phenogram tree structure, the observed local swamp buffaloes could be classified into 3 cluster, namely: Cluster 1 from South Kalimantan, NAD and Banten; Cluster 2 from South Sulawesi, Central Java and North Sumatera, and Cluster 3 from NTB. Key Words: Swamp Buffalo, Morphology, Discriminant Analysis, Genetic Distance
THE AMPHIBIAN FAUNA IN THE VILLAVICENCIO REGION OF EASTERN COLOMBIA

The Villavicencio Region, at the base of the eastern mountain range, harbors an amphibian fauna consisting of three caecilians, 45 frogs, and one salamander. This fauna includes 16 abundant species of frogs and toads that occupy open habitats and which do not invade forested areas of these lowlands. An additional 24 species require moist conditions and occur principally in areas supporting forests. Seven other species are species of the Andean slopes that have their lowest records in the lowlands. This local fauna is enriched in treefrogs and impoverished in terms of centrolenids and leptodactylids relative to the diversities of various amphibian groups in the country as a whole.
Taxonomic and Faunistic Studies of The Fauna of Pentatomidae (Heteroptera) in The Region of Edirne

Studies were carried out to establish the family of Pentatomidae within 50 localities in Edirne and its provinces during the seasons of spring, summer and autumn of 1992-1994. Thus, 7 species, 6 genus of Podopinae; 2 species, 2 genus of Asopinae; 25 species, 16 genus of Pentatominae and as a total of 34 species, 24 genus, 3 subfamilies, belong to the family of Pentatomidae were determined. Moreover, with regard to the locality numbers, Sciocoris (Aposciocoris) luteolus, Aelia virgata, Arma custos, Mustha spinosula and Neottiglossa bifida have also been accepted to have rare distribution. Whereas, Dolycoris baccarum, Carpocoris mediterraneus, C. purpureipennis, Eurydema ornatum, Ancyrosoma leucogrammes, Codophila varia and Aelia acuminata have been determined to be commonly distributed species. According to their nutritional regimes (except for the subfamily Asopinae), all species are phytophagous and feed on the species of Leguminosae, Compositae, Graminae, Umbelliferae, Cruciferae and Labiatae. However, while the species of Podopinae prefer the species of Umbelliferae; Eurydema and polyphagous species of Carpocoris choose the species of Cruciferae and Compositae respectively. Moreover Graminae species for genus Aelia and Leguminosae species for Eysarcoris inconspicuus and Piezodorus lituratus are the best chocies for nutrition. On the other hand, species of subfamily Asopinae, Arma custos and Zicrona coerulea both of which are predator, have not been observed during predation. The established species have long duration of an active period, from may to october. In this sense, distribution of species are highly different.
EL JARABE DE HENEQUÉN (AGAVE FOURCROYDES Lem.)

Se presenta evidencia de la obtención de jarabe a partir de henequén (Agave fourcroydes Lem.) y de algunas de sus características de composición. Se utilizaron piñas de henequén de 15 a 18 años de edad que se cocieron durante 4 h a una presión de 1.0 kg cm-2, las que posteriormente se molieron para extraer los jugos que luego se concentraron para obtener el jarabe. Los resultados señalaron que este jarabe contiene 85.7 % de fructosa y 13.7 % de glucosa, 3623 µg g-1 de calcio (Ca), 470 µg g-1 de magnesio (Mg), 665 µg g-1 de potasio (K), 99 µg g-1 de zinc (Zn), 36 µg g-1 de hierro (Fe), 24 µg g-1 de aluminio (Al), 8 µg g-1 de cobre (Cu), 2 µg g-1 de manganeso (Mn) y 1 µg g-1 de cromo (Cr). No se detectó arsénico (As), plomo (Pb) ni cadmio (Cd). Por su riqueza en fructosa, Ca, K y Mg, el jarabe de henequén puede incorporarse en la dieta humana. Este nuevo producto puede dar valor agregado a esta planta y favorecer su preservación.
Cellular Models for Liver Toxicity: keeping track of time

__Abstract__ As a direct result of the composition of our solar system, life on earth is continuously exposed to temporal changes to the environment. Apart from annual, seasonal and lunar cycles, we experience 24-hour light/dark and temperature cycles, caused by the rotation of the earth around its own axis. To cope with these cyclic changes organisms have acquired an internal timing mechanism with a periodicity of approximately 24 hour (Edery, 2000). This circadian clock (Lat. circa = near, dies = day) is an anticipatory mechanism that allows an organism to adjust behavior, physiology and metabolism (e.g. body temperature, sleep-wake cycle, blood pressure and locomotor activity) to the specific needs at defined stages over the day (Lowrey & Takahashi, 2004; Reppert & Weaver, 2002). The importance of circadian clocks is well illustrated by the fact that they evolved multiple times during evolution and are present in almost all life forms on earth, ranging from single cellular organisms (e.g. bacteria) to multicellular organisms (e.g. plants and animals) (Bell-Pedersen et al., 2005; Dunlap, 1999). Circadian clock research has largely focused on a series of model organisms, notably the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa, the plant Arabidopsis thaliana, the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster, zebrafish, rodents, and humans (Dunlap, 1999; Kantermann et al., 2007). Circadian rhythms are defined as being endogenous, self-sustained, persisting in the absence of any environmental cues (such as the light/dark cycle) and their close approximation to the period of the earth’s rotation (Pittendrigh, 1960).
The impact of climate change on the mistiming of bird- resource phenologies

As the climate continues to warm, phenologies of organisms across a variety of taxa are continuing to change. These changes are resulting in potential mismatches in resource acquisition. Specifically, migratory birds are experiencing population declines as a result of their food resources emerging at different times in their breeding grounds. I have shown how these food-timing mismatches are resulting in population declines in a range of migratory bird species, from passerines to shorebirds to hummingbirds. A failure to match their migration timing with resource availability in breeding grounds could result in significant population declines in migratory birds.
Stepping stones to Hawaii: a trans‐equatorial dispersal pathway for Metrosideros (Myrtaceae) inferred from nrDNA (ITS+ETS)

The majority of Hawaii's plants are derived from the south and west of the Pacific rim, suggesting that at least some of the founders have crossed the climatic discontinuity at the equator. However, the pathways of these dispersal events are not well understood. We sought to elucidate such a pathway for the plant genus Metrosideros Banks ex Gaertn. , which appears to have colonized Hawaii from New Zealand.
Controlling ‘bois noir’ disease on grapevine: does the timing of herbicide application affect vector emergence?

Bois noir is an important grapevine yellows disease that can cause serious economical losses in European grapevine production. Hyalesthes obsoletus Signoret (Hemiptera, Cixiidae) is the principal vector of bois noir in Switzerland and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is its favourite host plant species in vineyards. As bois noir disease can hardly be cured and direct control measures against H. obsoletus are ineffective, viticultural control practices target stinging nettle, the actual reservoir and source of both the pathogen and its vector. Currently, it is recommended to apply herbicides against stinging nettle at the end of the season to kill developing H. obsoletus nymphs. To verify if this late period of herbicide application is justified, stinging nettle patches were treated with glyphosate in the autumn, in the spring or were left untreated as a control. Herbicide applications at both dates controlled the growth of stinging nettle very well in the subsequent summer, although the autumnal treatment was slightly more efficient. To study glyphosate’s direct impact on the development of H. obsoletus nymphs, emergence traps were placed directly in the centre of treated and untreated stinging nettle patches. There was no significant difference among the three treatments in the total number of adults emerging. Thus, an aerial application of glyphosate in either spring or autumn did not inhibit the nymphs’ development on the roots of stinging nettle in the soil. Our results challenge current recommendations of applying herbicides against stinging nettle at the end of the season and suggest that stinging nettle could also be controlled in spring, alike other viticultural weeds.
TGF-β increases retinal endothelial cell permeability by increasing MMP-9 : Possible role of glial cells in endothelial barrier function

PURPOSE To determine transforming growth factor (TGF) beta effects on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) as a potential cause of the blood-retinal barrier breakdown at the onset of angiogenesis. Previously, glial cells were shown to play a role in the angiogenesis process and to express the angiogenic regulating factor TGF-beta, which becomes active under hypoxia conditions. Here, the authors demonstrate that retinal endothelial cells express MMP-9 when treated with TGF-beta or cocultured with glial cells and that both TGF-beta and MMP-9 increase endothelial cell permeability. METHODS Primary cultures of bovine retinal endothelial (BRE) cells grown on porous membranes were treated with TGF-beta or purified MMP-9, and permeability changes were assayed. The amount and distribution of the tight junction protein occludin also was analyzed by immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. Cell extracts or conditioned media from TGF-beta-treated BRE cells and from glial cell-BRE cocultures were analyzed for MMP-9 content by substrate gel electrophoresis (zymography) or Western blotting. RESULTS Both TGF-beta and MMP-9 increased the permeability of BRE monolayers and reduced the levels of the junction protein occludin. The effect of MMP-9 on permeability was rapid, but the TGF-beta-induced permeability required longer incubation and was blocked by anti-TGF-beta and anti-MMP-9 antibodies as well as by TGF-beta latency-associated peptide. Zymography showed that MMP-9 activity, which was very low or absent in untreated BRE cultures, was dramatically increased by TGF-beta as well as by coculturing with either astrocytes or Muller glial cells. Anti-TGF-beta antibody blocked the TGF-beta effect, but not the coculture effect on MMP-9 production. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate a direct correlation between TGF-beta-induced MMP-9 activity and increased endothelial cell permeability. Moreover, endothelial cell production of MMP-9 is regulated by glial cells through expression of TGF-beta or by direct cell-to-cell contact. During retinal disease, glial cell production of active TGF-beta may contribute to breakdown of the blood-retinal barrier by stimulating endothelial cell MMP-9 production.
Anti-predator behaviour of Guereza colobus monkeys (Colobus guereza)

Chapter 1: General Introduction. Vocal animal communication: human language from a comparative perspective. Animal communication systems vs Human language. Communication and signal content. Discontinuity and continuity. Comparative method. Recapitulation: capacities needed for human language. Definitions. Defining characteristics of human language in animal communication. Recent work: syntax. Recent work: semantics. Recent work: intentionality and vocal flexibility. Recent work: vocal learning. Predation risk and vocal flexibility. Main aims of study and thesis outline. Chapter 2: Methodology. Study species. The colobine family. Vocal behaviour of black-and-white colobus monkeys. Roaring: the species-specific loud call. Study area and field sites. The Budongo Forest Reserve. Study sites. Kaniyo Pabidi. Sonso. Predator abundance, predation risks, predator hunting techniques, Guereza anti-predator behaviour. Predator abundance and predation risks. Predator hunting techniques. Behavioural response characteristics during natural predator encounters. Data collection. Field periods. Study populations. Experimental protocol. Acoustic model experiments. Visual model experiments. Behavioural data and additional information. Data analyses. Chapter 3: Morning chorus roaring. Introduction. Part 1: Ecological factors influencing morning calling behaviour in Guerezas. Methods. Results. Part 2: Playback experiments with morning choruses. Methods. Results. Discussion. Chapter 4: Acoustic predator model experiments in Kaniyo Pabidi. Introduction. Methods. Results. Discussion. 1 2 2 2 2 4 6 6 7 8 8 9 18 19 20 22 25 25 25 28 33 36 37 40 40 43 47 47 51 52 54 54 54 55 56 58 59 60 65 65 68 68 69 72 72 73 76
Tratamento crônico com extrato alcoólico de Pterogyne nitens não melhora parâmetros clássicos do diabetes experimental

Kaempferitrin (a flavonoid) and galegin (an alkaloid) have been indicated as hypoglycemic agents. Leaves of Pterogyne nitens, which contain both compounds, might be antidiabetic. We therefore treated diabetic rats with these leaves to observe the effects on their glycemia and physiological variables. Streptozotocin-diabetic rats were given ethanolic extract of the leaves (76 mg in 0.5 mL 10% glycerol) (DTPn), twice a day by gavage for 32 days. Diabetic controls were given 0.5 mL 10% glycerol (DTG), insulin (2.5 U in 0.3 mL) (DTI) or 0.5 mL water (DTA). During this treatment, we measured level of glycemia, the body weight, daily food and water intake and urine volume, once each week. The results for the DTPn, DTG and DTA groups all differed significantly from these for the DTI group. The latter exhibited greater body weights and lower physiological variables and glycemia than the groups DTPn, DTG and DTA, all of which gave similar results. From the data for DTI rats, we conclude that the study model was appropriate. Therefore, the plant extract (plus glycerol) neither improved nor worsened the diabetic state of the rats. It is possible that this plant might ameliorate diabetes experimental if the dose of extract, treatment route or severity of induced diabetes were altered.
Increased rainfall ameliorates the negative effect of trampling on the growth of High Arctic forage lichens

Recolonisation of trampled lichen pastures in the High Arctic is dependent on the regrowth from small fragments of lichen thalli. Intact lichens have been shown to grow most rapidly during periods of sustained moisture caused by rainfall or cloudy days. Climate change models for Arctic areas predict wetter summers, milder winters and greater stochastic variability. Therefore we hypothesised that the growth of both damaged and intact Svalbard reindeer forage lichens would be increased under the future climatic scenarios. The effects of rainfall frequency, increased precipitation, and simulated cloud cover on relative growth rate (RGR) of Cetraria delisei, C. islandica and C. nivalis, from NW Svalbard were examined under controlled conditions. Low light did not depress RGR, suggesting that shading provided by increased cloud cover would not affect the lichen growth. The ability to gain mass and the RGR was lower in cut thalli than intact thalli under most watering regimes. Frequency of watering was the most important factor influencing growth, but this also interacted synergistically with quantity. Damaged thalli watered frequently grew significantly more than intact thalli watered less frequently. These results suggest that an increase in summer precipitation as predicted by climate modelling would increase the growth rate of fragmented thalli and may help to ameliorate the damage done to the lichen thalli by reindeer trampling and grazing.
Effect of deadwood position on saproxylic beetles in temperate forests and conservation interest of oak snags

1. Intensive forestry has drastically reduced the volume of standing deadwood, even more than total deadwood volume. It has been demonstrated in boreal forests that snags have a high conservation value for many saproxylic species and that the lying or standing aspect of the deadwood makes a difference. The conservation of saproxylic beetles in the changing deadwood landscape of temperate managed forests depends on a deeper understanding of the ecological value of forest stand legacies.