Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of biliary drainage upon the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver

SUMMARY Synthesis of cholesterol and fatty acids was measured in vitro in the livers of rats from which the bile had been drained for various periods of time, and in control rats with normal enterohepatic circulation. Cholic and chenodeoxycholic acids were excreted at an initial rate of more than 5 mg per hour. The rate fell rapidly to a minimum, followed by a secondary rise beginning between the twentieth and thirtieth hour after cannulation. After draining the bile for 12 hours or longer, there was an increase in the synthesis of cholesterol from acetate, but not from mevalonate, and a slight depression of fatty acid synthesis. Liver cholesterol content was unchanged. Although these data suggest that the increased production of bile acids may be secondary to an increase in cholesterol synthesis, other explanations cannot be excluded. When the common bile duct of a rat is drained continuously, the rate of excretion of bile acids decreases during the first day (l) and then increases (a), reaching a plateau by about the third day after cannulation. Thompson and Vars (2) assumed that the early fall in the rat.e of excretion was due to temporary damage to the liver caused by the operation, and that the plateau value indicated the normal rate of bile acid formation in the intact animal. Eriksson (3), however, has put forward evidence that t,he normal rate is represented by the minimum value observed toward the end of the first day, and that the plateau value represents an abnormally high rate of formation, brought about by the continual removal of bile acids through the cannula. All the bile acids are derived from cholesterol. Moreover, oxidation to bile acids is the most important pathway for the elimination of cholesterol in rats (4). A marked increase in bile-acid formation, such as that supposed by Eriksson to occur after cannulation of the bile duct, should therefore be accompanied by an increase in the synthesis of cholesterol, provided that there is no corresponding decrease in the cholesterol c*ontaent of the liver.
Individual and environmental determinants of early brood survival in black grouse Tetrao tetrix

Abstract In black grouse Tetrao tetrix the survival of juveniles from hatching until recruitment is a critical determinant of population growth. The proportion of juvenile survivors from hatching until recruitment declines continually, but juvenile mortality rates are commonly highest during approximately the first 10 days after hatching. Likely causes of mortality include adverse weather, predation and availability of food. Little is known, however, about how individual properties, such as body mass of hen or chicks and properties of the brood rearing environment (e.g. vegetation characteristics or weather conditions) interact with each other and/or with fluctuating levels of predator abundance in determining early brood survival, simply because such data are very scarce. Using an information-theoretic approach, our paper identifies determinants of early daily survival rates of black grouse chicks in a managed forest landscape of central Finland. During the three years of our study, the proportion of hens losing their broods within 10 days after hatching varied between 0.08 and 0.36. The variation in daily survival rates of chicks was largely mediated by a combination of four key explanatory variables. Brood survival clearly increased with the extent of bilberry Vaccinium myrtillus cover, and was further affected by interactions of temperature and hatching date as well as temperature and chick body mass. Low temperatures consistently resulted in lower daily survival rates. An increase in temperature, however, was more beneficial for early hatchers and heavy chicks. There was no difference in survival between broods from yearling and adult hens and we found no effect of predator density, be it as main effect or as interaction with other variables, on the daily survival rates of chicks. Improving black grouse breeding success can be regarded as a key management target which may be critical for their recovery. Our results suggest that such management should favour protection or local recovery of bilberry, as well as integrate weather and climate changes into the equation of hunting management.
Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) mediates 6‐ hydroxydopamine‐induced neuronal death

The causes of sporadic Parkinson's disease (PD) are poorly understood. 6‐Hydroxydopamine (6‐ OHDA), a PD mimetic, is widely used to model this neurodegenerative disorder in vitro and in vivo; however, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely elucidated. We demonstrate here that 6‐ OHDA evoked endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which was characterized by an up‐regulation in the expression of GRP78 and GADD153 (Chop), cleavage of procaspase‐12, and phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor‐2 a in a human dopaminergic neuronal cell line (SH‐SY5Y) and cultured rat cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs). Glycogen synthase kinase‐3 β (GSK3β) responds to ER stress, and its activity is regulated by phosphorylation. 6‐OHDA significantly inhibited phosphorylation of GSK3β at Ser9, whereas it induced hyperphosphorylation of Tyr216 with little effect on GSK3β expression in SH‐SY5Y cells and PC12 cells (a rat dopamine cell line), as well as CGNs. Furthermore, 6‐OHDA decreased the expression of cyclin D1, a substrate of GSK3β, and dephosphorylated Akt, the upstream signaling component of GSK3β. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), an ER stress‐responsive phosphatase, was involved in 6‐OHDA‐induced GSK3β dephosphorylation (Ser9). Blocking GSK3β activity by selective inhibitors (lithium, TDZD‐8, and L803‐mts) prevented 6‐OHDA‐induced cleavage of caspase‐3 and poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP), DNA fragmentations and cell death. With a tetracycline (Tet)‐controlled TrkB inducible system, we demonstrated that activation of TrkB in SH‐ SY5Y cells alleviated 6‐OHDA‐induced GSK3β dephosphorylation (Ser9) and ameliorated 6‐OHDA neurotoxicity. TrkB activation also protected CGNs against 6‐OHDA‐induced damage. Although antioxidants also offered neuroprotection, they had little effect on 6‐OHDA‐induced GSK3β activation. These results suggest that GSK3β is a critical intermediate in pro‐apoptotic signaling cascades that are associated with neurodegenerative diseases, thus providing a potential target site amenable to pharmacological intervention.
FISHERY OF THREADFIN BREAMS AT WALTAIR WITH NOTES ON SOME ASPECTS OF BIOLOGY OF NEMIPTERUS MESOPRION (BLEEKER)

At Waltair, during 1980.82, threadfin breams were abundant in the catches of private trawlers during the fint half of the year. The average annual landings were 895 toimes. Nemipterus mesoprion is carnivorous subsisting mainly on crustaceaos and teleosts. Among crustaceans young prawns, crabs and Squilla sp. are dominant. Studies on growth rate of N. mesoprion showed that the fishery was supported mainly by fishes measuring 70-140 mm. The species showed a monthly growth rate of 10 mm in fishes measuring 70-140 mm. It was also observed that the percentage contribution of males was more than the females.
POSITIVE FEEDBACK AND THE DEVELOPMENT AND PERSISTENCE OF ECOSYSTEM DISRUPTIVE ALGAL BLOOMS 1

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have occurred with increasing frequency in recent years with eutrophication and other anthropogenic alterations of coastal ecosystems. Many of these blooms severely alter or degrade ecosystem function, and are referred to here as ecosystem disruptive algal blooms (EDABs). These blooms are often caused by toxic or unpalatable species that decrease grazing rates by planktonic and benthic herbivores, and thereby disrupt the transfer of nutrients and energy to higher trophic levels, and decrease nutrient recycling. Many factors, such as nutrient availability and herbivore grazing have been proposed to separately influence EDAB dynamics, but interactions among these factors have rarely been considered. Here we discuss positive feedback interactions among nutrient availability, herbivore grazing, and nutrient regeneration, which have the potential to substantially influence the dynamics of EDAB events. The positive feedbacks result from a reduction of grazing rates on EDAB species caused by toxicity or unpalatability of these algae, which promotes the proliferation of the EDAB species. The decreased rates also lower grazer‐mediated recycling of nutrients and thereby decrease nutrient availability. Since many EDAB species are well‐adapted to nutrient‐stressed environments and many exhibit increased toxin production and toxicity under nutrient limitation, positive feedbacks are established which can greatly increase the rate of bloom development and the adverse effects on the ecosystem. An understanding of how these feedbacks interact with other regulating factors, such as benthic/pelagic nutrient coupling, physical forcing, and life cycles of EDAB species provides a substantial future challenge.
An in silico study of the genes for the isoflavonoid pathway enzymes in soybean reveals novel expressed homologues.

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] is an important source of isoflavones used by the nutraceutical industry. The soybean genome (2n = 40, 975 Mb) has recently been sequenced, and over a million (redundant) gene tags (expressed sequence tags, ESTs) are available in public databases. Using bioinformatics, we investigated five key enzymes of the isoflavonoid pathway (i.e., chalcone isomerase, isoflavone synthase, 2-hydroxyisoflavanone dehydratase, isoflavanone-7-O-glycosyltransferase, and isoflavone-7-O-glucoside-6′′-O-malonyltransferase) to gain a better understanding of which gene homologues are expressed. Contiguous sequences (contigs) were assembled from EST data to represent the specific genes and were subsequently used to predict and verify known and novel gene homologues in the recently released chromosome-based assembly of the soybean genome. Novel transcripts for 2-hydroxyisoflavanone dehydratase and isoflavone-7-O-glucosyltransferase were discovered in these data and in silico expression profiles are.
Effect of Recombinant Human Growth Hormone in the Treatment of Visceral Fat Accumulation in HIV Infection

Summary: HIV‐associated lipodystrophy often includes excess accumulation of visceral fat. Recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) is a potential treatment for the excess visceral fat. Prospective, open‐label trials of 24 weeks of rhGH 6 mg/d and 24 weeks of 4 mg every other day were conducted with an intervening washout period of 12 weeks. Thirty HIV‐positive participants (26 men and 4 women) with visceral adiposity were enrolled. The main outcome measure was change in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) on whole‐body magnetic resonance imaging scan. Changes in wholebody subcutaneous adipose tissue and skeletal muscle, glucose metabolism, serum lipids, and quality of life were also assessed. Despite stable body weight, VAT decreased in evaluable subjects an average of 42% with rhGH 6 mg/d (n = 24; p < .001) and 15% with 4 mg every other day (n = 10; p < .01) after 12 weeks, with trends toward further decreases after an additional 12 weeks at each dose. Subcutaneous adipose tissue also decreased, but proportionately less and not significantly on the lower dose. Skeletal muscle increased. Body composition rebounded to or near baseline after the washout period. Effects on lipids were inconsistent. Total cholesterol levels fell on the higher dose only, whereas high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels increased on the lower dose only, and there was no effect on triglyceride levels. Joint pain was the most common adverse event, and was reflected in subjective quality of life measurements as an increase in bodily pain. Insulin sensitivity fell, and 4 participants developed diabetes. Other adverse events included cancer of unknown relationship to treatment in 3 participants. Levels of distress decreased after 24 weeks on the higher dose. In conclusion, rhGH effectively reduces the excess visceral adipose tissue often associated with HIV fat redistribution/lipodystrophy. However, frequent adverse effects warrant controlled studies and careful patient monitoring, especially regarding glucose tolerance.
Genetic typing of Trypanosoma cruzi isolates from different hosts and geographical areas of western Venezuela

A total of 72 Trypanosoma cruzi isolates from different hosts and geographical regions of western Venezuela, where Chagas disease is endemic, were typed using ribosomal and mini-exon gene markers. The isolates were obtained from wild, peridomestic and domestic sources including triatomine-bugs, human acute chagasic patients and other mammals. Results showed that T. cruzi two major phylogenetic lineages, T. cruzi I and T. cruzi II were present. However, a remarkable predominance of T. cruzi I (96%) over T. cruzi II (4%) was observed. The present results suggest that in western Venezuela circulation of both T. cruzi I and T. cruzi II isolates is independent from the source of isolation and the geographical area where they occur, with predominance of T. cruzi I. The epidemiological significance of the present results is discussed.
Impact of various lighting source (incandescent, fluorescent, metal halide and high pressure sodium) on the production performance of chicken broilers.

Light is an important aspect of an animal’s environment. Avian as well as mammalian species respond to light energy in a variety of ways. Recent research has indicated that light source may affect body weight, immune response, livability and health status. Broiler behavior is strongly affected by light sources. So the present project was designed to study the effect of light sources on the production performance of broilers. For this purpose, 500 day-old broilers purchased from the local market were reared for three days (adaptation period) in one group. Then these were randomly divided into five experimental groups each comprising of 100 birds. Group A was given 25.incandescent light (INC), Group B was given fluorescent light (FC), Group C was given metal halide light (MH), Group D was given high pressure sodium light (HPS) and Group E was given no light source (control). Performance trial in terms of measurement of weekly body weight, weekly feed consumption, feed conversion ratio (FCR), daily water consumption and mortality were checked. Among various lighting sources, MH proved the best light source regarding main parameters of production performance.
First molecular characterisation of Giardia duodenalis infection in dairy goats in Brazil

The aim of this study was to perform the first molecular genotyping of Giardia duodenalis from goats in Brazil, in order to assess the risk for zoonotic transmission. Samples were collected from two dairy goat farms (Saanen breed) located in the city of Niteroi in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Goat faecal samples (n = 58) were collected directly from the rectums of all animals up to one year of age and were subjected to centrifuge-flotation in sugar saturate solution. Nested-PCR and sequencing using β-giardin and tpi gene targets was performed on positive samples. Seventeen out of fifty-eight (29.31%) faecal samples were positive for Giardia duodenalis cysts, all belonging to the same farm. Only eight isolates were successfully sequenced (eight samples for β-giardin and four samples for tpi), all belonging to genotype E. Two types of sequences were identified for each locus within isolates from the current study, which exhibited sequence heterogeneity with variable numbers of single nucleotide polymorphisms. The present study contributes to a better understanding of the molecular epidemiology of this parasite.
Mycoflora and Aflatoxins in Soil, Eggshells, and Failed Eggs of Chelonia mydas at Ras Al-Jinz, Oman

ABSTRACT Eight genera and 14 species of fungi were isolated from soil and eggshells samples collected from the nesting site of the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) at Ras Al Jinz Reserve, Oman. The genus Aspergillus was the commonly represented, including 6 species: A. flavus, A. niger, A. terrus, A. nidulas, A. fumigatus, and A. ochraceus. Seventy-five percent of A. flavus strains isolated from eggshells were aflatoxigenic, producing aflatoxins in a concentration range of 0.3–28 ppb. The growth of fungi on turtle eggs and secretions of mycotoxins may affect embryonic development and possibly contribute to the green turtle egg mortality.
Keragaman Genetik Kelapa Sawit (Elaeis Guineensis Jacq.) Asal Angola Menggunakan Marka SSR

ABSTRACT Effort to increase productivity and other elite characters in Indonesia oil palm breeding program is facing a problem because of the narrow genetic diversity. To broaden the genetic diversity, germplasm exploration has been done in Angola, Central Africa. The objective of this research was to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of Angola originated oil palm germplasm based on 20 SSR markers. The plant materials used were 27 accessions consisted of 136 palms planted in Riau, Sumatera. The DNA was isolated and amplified using PCR. Phylogeny analysis was constructed using Unrooted Neighbor-Joining by DARwin software 6.0. 8. The result showed that polymorphic information content (PIC) value is 0.55 (0.17 to 0.75 for each locus) with 102 total number of alleles. Genetic diversity between individuals was higher compared to the genetic diversity within accessions or regions and between accessions or regions. Phylogenetic analysis of 27 accessions showed that accessions were divided into three main groups. Every group containing individuals originated from 5 spatial distribution regions. Principal coordinates analysis (PCoA) showed that accessions were distributed in one structure. Using more primers and samples to get more representative data is recommended for the following research. Keywords: allele, locus, germplasm, molecular marker, polymorphic
REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE, OVARIAN DEVELOPMENT, AND VERTEBRATE-TYPE STEROIDS PROFILE IN THE FRESHWATER PRAWN MACROBRACHIUM ROSENBERGII

Abstract This study is intended to characterize the ovarian development and hemolymph vertebrate-type steroids concentration during the reproductive cycle of the freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii. A five-stage classification based on the external observation of the ovary's size and color as seen through the tegument was used. The results showed the existence of a direct correspondence between the ovarian stages and the gonadosomatic index, the oöcyte diameter, and the characteristics of ovarian histology. In each stage total bleeding of the prawns was conducted and the hemolymph concentrations of 17β-estradiol (E2), testosterone (T) and 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP; conjugated and unconjugated) were determined by solid-phase radioimmunoassay (RIA). High levels of unconjugated 17-OHP, relatively constant concentrations of unconjugated T, and null concentration of unconjugated E2 were found throughout the five stages considered. Nonetheless, low levels of E2 were determined in all stages, in conjugated (glucoronide) form. The highest levels were obtained in stage II and III (18.14 ± 14.52 pg/ml hemolymph) and progressively declined in the other stages (7.53 ± 6.76 pg/ml hemolymph). These results point out the possible involvement of vertebrate-type steroids in the endocrine regulation of the Macrobrachium rosenbergii's ovarian cycle. To our knowledge this is the first study concerning the vertebrate-like steroid levels throughout the ovarian cycle and is a step needed to characterize the hemolymph profile of these steroids in order to elucidate the possible role in the regulation of the reproductive crustacean cycle.
Live Analysis of the Role of B cells in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

During the last years it has become increasingly clear that autoantigen-specific B cells play a pathogenic role in multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). However, their exact mode of action is still a matter of debate. Understanding the mechanisms of B cell contribution to the pathogenesis of MS is crucial for the development of novel specific and efficient therapies. Here we used intravital two-photon microscopy (2PM) to track myelin-reactive T and B cells during EAE development induced by recombinant rat myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (rrMOG). We demonstrate that the presence of autoimmune B cells accelerated the invasion of pathogenic T cells into the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in an earlier clinical manifestation of the disease. Our data strongly suggest that MOG-specific B cells were dispensable for the priming of autoimmune T cells in the secondary lymphoid organs. Furthermore, we demonstrate that B cells did not infiltrate the CNS and therefore could not be held responsible for antigen presentation in the CNS and the re-activation of effector T cells. Instead, our data provide evidence that autoantibodies are the pathogenic “weapon” of autoimmune B cells. MOG-specific B cells deficient in the transcription factor XBP-1 and so unable to secrete antibodies had no pathogenic effect on the EAE development. Furthermore, an intravenous transfer of anti-MOG antibody mimicked the disease-promoting effect of B cells. By 2PM we could demonstrate that the anti-myelin antibody accumulated in the meningeal phagocytic cells which are situated at a strategically favorable anatomical location at the boundary between the periphery and the CNS, with access to peripheral circulating encephalitogenic T cells and possibly to endogenous myelin antigens. In summary, our study provides evidence that autoantibodies produced by MOG-specific B cells accelerate the disease onset of EAE by playing a critical role in the initiation of effector T cells invasion into the CNS.
Redescriptions of Two Ampithoid Amphipods, Ampithoe lacertosa and A. tarasovi (Crustacea: Amphipoda), from Korea

Two ampithoid species, Ampithoe lacertosa Bate and A. tarasovi Bulycheva, are redescribed. A. tarasovi has been misidentified as A. lacertosa in Korea. A. tarasovi can be distinguished from A. lacertosa in having the following characteristics: the apical and medial lobes of outer lobe are separated in the lower lip, the carpus of male gnathopod 1 is about 1.4 times as long as the propodus, the palm of male gnathopod 2 has a sloped quadrate hump and a posterodistal tooth, the peduncle of uropod 3 is approximately 2 times as long as the rami, and the length of the carpus is longer than that of the propodus of female gnathopod 1. This study provides detailed descriptions and figures for both species. A. tarasovi is reported for the first time as a member of the Korean fauna.