Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of commercial arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculants on micropropagated early globe artichoke during the acclimatization stage

During the last years, mycorrhizal symbiosis has been used in many micropropagated horticultural crops in order to improve the acclimatization of in vitro plantlets. This root symbiosis, in facts, increases survival and growth rates of plants reducing the transplanting shock and biotic and abiotic stresses. Our previous results on micropropagated artichoke demonstrated the practice of mycorrhizal pure inoculum is effective in improving the quality of the artichoke micropropagated plantlets. The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of two commercial arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculants available in the market (Aegis - Glomus intraradices Italpolline and Symbivit® MYBATEC Ltd.) in promoting mycorrhizal colonization and to analyze the survival and growth of globe artichoke plantlets coming from micropropagation during the acclimatization stage. The trial was carried out in greenhouse on rooted shoots of Cynara cardunculus L. var. scolymus (L.) Fiori) cultivar 'Violet de Provence' obtained in vitro. At the time of the transplant, the microplants were inoculated with two commonly available commercial mycorrhizal inoculants with different fungal composition. Ex vitro survival (%) was measured 30 days after mycorrhizal inoculation. At the same time and at the end of the study (90 days) growth parameters were determined for each plant. Mycorrhizal colonization was evaluated microscopically after clearing the roots in 10% KOH and staining them with trypan blue in lactic acid. The results on early cultivar of artichoke 'Violet de Provence' showed survival rates and measures of morphological parameters comparable, therefore the adoption on large scale of commercial inoculants tested appears very interesting.
Avaliação da epífora de cães usando dacriocistografia e tomografia computadorizada

Epiphora evaluation can be done through clinical exams, lachrymal excretion tests, contrasted exams, like radiologic evaluation and tomography studies; those last two allow a detailed analysis of the structures. The present study had as the objective to evaluate the lacrimal drainage system through radiography and contrasted computed tomography, which were made with animals presenting epiphora, comparing them to healthy animals, without the mentioned condition. Twenty dogs were used for tests, from a variety of breeds and coatings, males and females, weight varying from 1kg to 20kg, ages varying from 0.7 to 8 years old, presenting epiphora (epiphora group - GE*). As a control group (GC*) 15 dogs were used, with no clinical alterations of naso-lachrymal drainage system, from different breeds and coatings, males and females, weighing from 1kg to 20kg and ages varying from 0.7 to 8 years old. It was propoused the division of the lacrimal drainage system in four regions. On region 1, the GE had 29 (76.3%) animals with dilation visualized by the RX and 32 (84.2%) by CT, the GC, 4 (12.5%) in the RX and 1 (3.1% ) CT showed dilation. In region 3, 13 (34.2%) dogs showed dilatation of the DLN in RX and 14 (36.8%) on CT, and 21 (55.3%) nasolacrimal duct communication with the sinus and the X-ray 28 (73.7%) by CT. For the CG, 15 (46.9%) the X-ray and 22 (68.7%) by CT had nasolacrimal duct communication with the nasal sinus. It has been concluded that dilations can also be observed in some dogs with no clinical signs of disease; nasolacrimal duct communication to sinus does not indicate epiphora causing alteration, as it is present in animals with and without affection; the present study data confirm that DCG itself can provide important informations, in a similar manner to CT, and should resort to it just in case of doubts about bone lesions, fractures and foreign bodies undetected at first.
Effects of rearing system on performance, animal welfare and meat quality in two pig genotypes

The effects of an alternative rearing system (O) for growing-finishing pigs (sawdust-shave bedding with free outdoor access, 2.4 m²/pig) compared to a conventional (C) one (slatted floor, 0.65 m²/pig) were evaluated for performance, animal welfare and meat quality in two (Duroc or synthetic line crossbreds) genotypes. Trials were conducted in spring and winter, each involving one pen of 10 pigs / genotype / system (a total of 40 pigs / season). No significant interactions between rearing system and genotype were observed on any of the traits evaluated. On the whole, the O pigs spent 40% more time on exploratory activities, in particular towards the bedding, suggesting an improved animal welfare with the O system. Urine levels of cortisol and catecholamines in the O were similar with those in C pigs at 70kg. The O pigs exhibited a 6% increase in growth rate and were 5kg heavier at slaughter at the same age. Back fat depth and lean meat content, as well as plasma ACTH and cortisol, and urine cortisol and catecholamines levels at slaughter were not significantly affected by the rearing system. The O pigs exhibited similar pH1 and pHu values, higher drip losses, but also higher intramuscular fat contents. The O system improved loin juiciness, but did not influence other eating quality traits.
Molecular and immunological characterization of Lp1, the 34 kDa outer membrane lipoprotein of Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Abstract Polysaccharide-based vaccine for Pseudomonas aeruginosa has failed due to toxicity of lipid-A portion in liposaccharide. As a result, efforts to develop vaccine against P. aeruginosa have mostly focused on outer membrane protein (OMP). Vaccine candidates based on P. aeruginosa OMP have emerged in the form of purified recombinant protein, as alternative strategy for vaccine development. In the present study, we have determined the immunogenicity and protective capacity of Lp1 protein (as antigen). For this work we have cloned lp1 gene (897 bp) into the pET32a expression vector and after expression a 34 kDa recombinant protein was obtained by induction with 0.5 mM isopropyl β-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside. The antigen was obtained as a recombinant protein in E. coli, purified and used to immunize mice. The antiserum developed against the lp1 antigen was capable to recognize the antigen by western blotting. After immunization, recombinant Lp1 induced bactericidal antibodies. These results suggest that Lp1 is a novel antigen worth to be included in a broadly protective P. aeruginosa vaccine.
A Rapid and Inexpensive Test for Determining Optimal Hydrothermal Timing for Priming Lettuce Seed

The requirements for and results from priming lettuce seed can vary according to age, vigor, and thermosensitivity of the seed. This investigation determined the optimal hydrothermal timing for priming lettuce seeds, inde pendent of cultivar, seed lot, and storage using an inexpensive gel assay for the enzyme endo-s-mannanase (EBM). Two lettuce cultivars 'Bennett' and 'Connick' and two seed lots of each were used. Seeds were primed in an aer ated -1.2 MPa polyethylene glycol 8000 (PEG) solution at 15 °C in constant light, and were sampled at 24 h, 48 h, or 72 h. Enzyme activity for each lot at each priming duration was determined by a single-seed gel assay for EBM. At 36 °C, germination of primed seeds was over 90%, while non-primed seeds germinated at 40%. EBM activity was non-detectable in dry seeds and in less than 5% of the seeds primed for 24 h. After priming for 48 h or 72 h, 30% or more of the micropylar section of the whole seed exhibited EBM activity, regardless of seed lot or cultivar. Since the percentage of seeds exhibiting EBM in the whole endosperm after 48 h or 72 h of priming were similar but total percent and rate of germination at 36 °C were optimal after 48 h of priming, 48 h was considered the optimal hydrothermal priming time. EBM activity was observed in 25% of seeds at 48 h priming duration. Therefore, it was proposed if at least 25% of seeds exhibit EBM activity, optimal hydro thermal time is achieved. The EBM test was estimated to cost $11.56 per 1000 seeds. This price does not include facilities or equipment costs. Determining
Faculty Opinions recommendation of Plakophilin-2 loss promotes TGF-β1/p38 MAPK-dependent fibrotic gene expression in cardiomyocytes.

mixed loss of the protein (PKP2) in growth factor β 1 (TGF- β 1) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, which together coordinate a transcriptional program that results in increased expression of profibrotic genes. expression of Desmoplakin (DP) is lost upon PKP2 knockdown and that restoration of DP expression rescues the activation of this TGF- β 1/p38 MAPK transcriptional cascade. Tissues from PKP2 heterozygous and DP conditional knockout mouse models also exhibit elevated TGF- β 1/p38 MAPK signaling and induction of fibrotic gene expression in vivo. These data therefore identify PKP2 and DP as central players in coordination of desmosome-dependent TGF- β 1/ p38 MAPK signaling in cardiomyocytes, pathways to play a role in types of cardiac
Freeze tolerance differs between two ecotypes of Paspalum vaginatum (Poaceae)

Morphological and physiological responses to freezing were evaluated in two ecotypes of the perennial turfgrass Paspalum vaginatum. Leaf extension rate, number of active meristems, leaf water potential and net photosynthesis were measured on plants of both a commercial cultivar, 'Sea Isle 2000', and a wild ecotype from the Flooding Pampa grasslands of Argentina. Plants were propagated by cloning, cultivated in pots, and examined during 18 consecutive days under two treatments: a non-frozen control treatment (15.5±7 oC) and a frozen treatment with two stages: Stage 1 with four hours of freezing stress for 10 nights (-5oC), and Stage 2 with 12 hours of freezing stress for eight nights (five nights at -5oC and three nights at -8oC). After these treatments, plants were returned to the outside environment to evaluate shoot injury and post-freezing recovery. Leaf water potential, net photosynthesis and leaf extension rate were significantly higher in the wild ecotype than in the commercial cultivar. Meristem density was reduced after freezing in both ecotypes, but was more pronounced in the commercial cultivar (98.5%) than in the wild ecotype (80%). Thus, the two ecotypes coming from different environments, exhibited different morphological and physiological responses to exposure to freezing temperatures.
Andrology: Acrosome reaction induced in a limited population of human spermatozoa by progesterone (Ca2+-dependent) and ATP (Ca2+-independent)

We examined the kinetics of the acrosome reaction induced in human spermatozoa by progesterone (Ca 2+ -dependent) and adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP ; Ca 2+ -independent). ATP and progesterone did not induce the acrosome reaction unless spermatozoa were incubated in a capacitation medium. ATP exhibited a constant induction of the acrosome reaction regardless of the incubation period, while progesterone began to induce the acrosome reaction after ≥6 h of incubation. At 24 h of incubation, the percentages of spermatozoa in which the acrosome reaction had been induced by both progesterone and ATP were almost equal. To determine whether a limited population of human spermatozoa was reactive to both progesterone and ATP, we employed an MH61 bead binding method. When the acrosome-reacted spermatozoa were removed with MH61 beads, their percentage in the sperm suspension was decreased to <3%. At 24 h of incubation, progesterone and ATP induced the acrosome reaction in 12.0 and 10.0% of spermatozoa, respectively. After MH61 bead binding was performed, the remaining spermatozoa did not react to the other activator (progesterone < ATP, ATP → progesterone). These findings indicate that only a limited population of human spermatozoa has the potential to undergo the acrosome reaction when stimulated by both progesterone and ATP.
Extracellular alkalinization and oxidative burst induced by fungal pectin lyase in tobacco cells are not due to the perception of oligogalacturonide fragments

Pectin lyase (Poly [methoxygalacturonide] lyase, EC 4.2.2.10.) from Aspergillus japonicus is one of the pectin-degrading enzymes able to release plant cell wall fragments. Suspension cultured Nicotiana tabacum cells react to the purified enzyme by rapid extracellular alkalinization and oxidative burst. The responses induced by purified pectin lyase were different from those activated by oligogalacturonides. One striking difference was the strong inhibition of the oligogalacturonide-induced alkalinization response by 6-dimethylaminopurine or by iodonium diphenyl, in comparison to the slight inhibition of the corresponding responses induced by pectin lyase. The establishment of a refractory state, i.e. the failure of the cells to react to a second dose of the same stimulus, has been used to further differentiate the action mode of purified pectin lyase and oligogalacturonides. Cells were completely refractory to a second injection of oligogalacturonides, although they fully responded to a subsequent addition of pectin lyase after oligogalacturonide action. Equivalent results were observed in the case of a first injection of pectin lyase followed either by addition of pectin lyase or oligogalacturonides. Hydrolysis products were prepared from tobacco cell walls treated with pectin lyase. The produced fragments were able to induce pH and oxidative responses completely identical to those previously shown elicited by purified oligogalacturonides. Furthermore, cells were refractory to the action of purified oligogalacturonides after a first injection of hydrolysis products, although they still responded to a subsequent addition of pectin lyase. Together, the results indicate that extracellular alkalinization and oxidative burst induced by fungal pectin lyase are not due to the perception of oligogalacturonide fragments. The two molecules represent different chemical stimuli, with at least partly differing transduction pathways.
Genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance studies in vegetable cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]

Sixty diverse genotypes of vegetable cowpea were evaluated during summer 2013 for genetic parameters viz., genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance. Analysis of variance revealed significant differences among the genotypes for all the 12 characters studied. The highest range of variation was observed for green pod yield per plant followed by ten pod weight, number of pods per plant and plant height. Higher values of PCV than GCV were observed for green pod yield per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length and number of seeds per pod which indicates partly interaction of the genotypes with the environment or other environmental factors influencing the expression of these characters. The value of PCV and GCV more or less equal were observed in the remaining characters which indicated that these characters were less influenced by the environment. High heritability along with high genetic advance was observed for green pod yield per plant, plant height, pod length, pod width, number of seeds per pod, number of pods per plant, ten pod weight, number of pods per cluster and hundred fresh seed weight indicating that these traits were mainly governed by additive gene action and responsive for further improvement of these traits.
SCREENING OF GROUP B STREPTOCOCCUS AGALACTIAE VIRULENCE FACTORS (SCPB, SIP, CFB) IN IRAQI PREGNANT WOMEN

We collected one hundred eighty nine from pregnant female this collection was from different age and different hospital after that we confirmed diagnosis by Vitek system and PCR amplification. We worked CAMP confirmed test to detected SGB after that we used genotyping identification to diagnosed V.F on all bacteria that appear positive to CAMP factor from result showed all bacteria that produce CAMP protein encoded by Cfb gene and consider major gene to encoded for CAMP factor, the other result used other V.F on this bacteria example C5a & sip gene. Keyword: Streptococcus, GBS, CAMP test, Cfb, C5a and sip genes
Connectivity and complexity in landscapes and ecosystems

The connectivity of sites in a landscape affects both species distribution patterns and the dynamics of whole ecosystems. Dispersal tends to produce clumped distributions, which promote species persistence and provide a possible mechanism for maintaining high species richness in tropical rainforests and other ecosystems. Simulations of multi-species systems show that, below a critical rate, disturbance regimes have little impact on species richness. With super-critical rates of disturbance the rate of decrease in species richness depends on the balance between the rate of disturbance and dispersal range. Theoretical and simulation studies discussed here reveal that landscape connectivity falls into three distinct classes: connected, disconnected, and critical. Landscape processes are inherently unpredictable when connectivity lies within the critical range. Critical levels of connectivity lead to phase changes in the behaviour of many ecosystem processes. For instance epidemics, fire spread and invasions by exotic plants or animals are all suppressed if inter-site connectivity is too low. Conversely, genetic drift within individual populations is an order of magnitude greater if connectivity is sub-critical.
The burrowing behaviour and diet of thyasirid bivalves from Bonne Bay, NL

Thyasirids are an interesting model group due to the presence of sulfur-oxidizing symbionts in some species but not all. Symbiotic thyasirids form numerous burrows (i.e. pedal tracts) to obtain sulfides. Asymbiotic thyasirids were not expected to produce similar burrows as they have no need for sulfides. Comparisons of the burrowing behaviour of symbiotic and asymbiotic thyasirids from Bonne Bay, Newfoundland were made. Unexpectedly, no differences in burrowing depth, number or length of pedal tracts were found between symbiotic and asymbiotic thyasirids. To explore whether pedal tracts of asymbiotic thyasirids might be used for "farming" chemoautotrophic bacteria, we performed stable isotopic analysis (carbon and nitrogen). As expected, the symbiotic taxon consumes mainly thiotrophic bacteria, and one of the asymbiotic taxa consumes mainly suspended material. Contrary to expectations, the other asymbiotic taxon consumed mainly thiotrophic bacteria, in a greater proportion than the symbiotic taxon, indicating that “microbial farming” is likely occurring for that taxon.
Production of superoxide anion by bovine pulmonary macrophages challenged with soluble and particulate stimuli.

: The effects of opsonized zymosan, phorbal myristate acetate, and live Pasteurella haemolytica on superoxide anion production by bovine pulmonary macrophages were determined. The anion responses were dose-dependent for all stimuli, except for unopsonized P haemolytica. The effect of viable P haemolytica on macrophage viability was related to bacterial dosage and the presence of opsonizing antibody. Superoxide responses varied directly with the dose of opsonized live P haemolytica, but indirectly with macrophage viability.
Production potential and economic viability of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan) + groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) intercropping in Indo-Gangetic plains

A field experiment was conducted during the rainy season of 2000 and 2001 at New Delhi, to evaluate the intercropping of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. ] under assured irrigation facilities. The pigeonpea yield remained unaffected by intercropping of groundnut. However, sole groundnut gave significantly higher pod yield (2.45 tonnes/ha) than intercropped groundnut (0.37-0.46 tonne/ha). The planting pattern of pigeonpea did not affect the yield of intercropped groundnut. When compared with sole pigeonpea, pigeonpea 60 cm + 2 rows of groundnut recorded higher pigeonpea-equivalent yield (2.594 tonnes/ha), land-equivalent ratio (1.3) and nutrient uptake (265.3 kg N and 26.1 kg P/ha), whereas pigeonpea 30/90 cm + 2 rows of groundnut recorded the highest net return (Rs 26 999) and benefit : cost ratio (2.6). Both the crops in sole and intercropped systems showed marked increase up to 17.2 kg P/ha in respect of yield (pigeonpea, 2.14 tonnes/ha; groundnut, 0.97 tonne/ha), pigeonpea-equivalent yield (2.50 tonnes/ha) and nutrient uptake (210.7 kg N and 19.8 kg P/ha in pigeonpea, 89.5 kg N and 10.8 kg P/ha in groundnut) over no phosphorus. However, the highest net return was obtained with 34.4 kg P/ha (Rs 26 615), whereas the highest benefit : cost ratio (2.5) was realized with 17.2 kg P/ha + phosphate-solubilizing bacteria.
Nanoneis, a newly recorded diatom genus from China and Nanoneis longta sp nov

Nanoneis was identified as a newly recorded diatom genus for China under transmission electron microscope (TEM) in the water samples from the East China Sea and Huanghai Sea (Yellow Sea). The valves of this diatom are bilaterally symmetrical and have a raphe extending through the middle of the valve from one pole to near the center. The raphe of the opposite valve on the same cell extends from the other pole to near the center. The alveoli or ribs of the valve face continue around the valve mantle. Two species were described in this paper, including Nanoneis longta sp. nov. as a new species and Nanoneis hasleae as a new recorded species for China. They have some distinctly different characteristics in the shape of valve surface, the ratio of length to width and the density of alveoli or ribs on valve face. Detailed description of the taxonomic characteristics with TEM photographs of these two species and their ecological distributions were given in this paper. N. longta sp. nov.: cells are narrowly linear in valve view and bilaterally symmetrical with convexity being present in the apices and in the middle of the valve. Cell length 10-12 μm, width 1.0-1.5 μm. The ratio of length to width is about 10:1. Valve structure consisting of thickened ribs perpendicular to the apical axis alternating with thin areas, alveoli, in the greater length of the valve. Ribs and alveoli radically arranged in apical parts of valves. The density of the transapical ribs is approximately 60 in 10 μm. A simple raphe located in the middle of valve, extending from one pole to a point near to the median part of the valve. The opposite valve on the same cell with the raphe extended from the opposite pole to near the center. The specimens were collected from a 20-m layer at latitude 29o 6' 31'' N, longitude 126o 57' 72'' E, in Nov., 2000.
Response of picophytoplankton to a warm eddy in the northern South China Sea

Abstract We investigated the distribution of several picophytoplankton groups (Prochlorococcus, Synechococcus, and picoeukaryotes) in relation to a warm eddy in the northern South China Sea in summer 2012. An anticyclonic eddy centered on 117°E longitude was identified during the sampling period using satellite data and hydrologic mapping. The layer of maximum Prochlorococcus and Synechococcus abundance within the eddy core dropped from 50 to 75 m, which was consistent with the subsurface chlorophyll a maximum. The water-column integrated abundance of Prochlorococcus, Synechococcus, and picoeukaryotes in the eddy core (9.67±0.23, 1.56±0.04, and 0.28±0.01 × 103 cells ml-1, respectively) was significantly lower (P<0.05) than that of the reference stations (25.10±2.32, 2.71±0.63, and 0.92±0.15 × 103 cells ml-1, respectively), and the abundance of Prochlorococcus in the core was also significantly lower than that at eddy edges (15.75±1.78 × 103 cells ml-1). However, there were no differences in the water-column integrated Chl a between the eddy core and edge. Our findings show that the warm eddy led to the reduced picophytoplankton abundance, especially of Prochlorococcus and picoeukaryotes, causing the layer of maximum picophytoplankton abundance to differ from that of the subsurface Chl a maximum.