Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
P53 Expression in Response to Equigan Induced Testicular Injury and Oxidative Stress in Male Rat and the Possible Prophylactic Effect of Star Anise Extracts

Objectives: Equigan is an anabolic androgenic steroid that developed for veterinary use to improve the food producing animal growth rate through promoting protein synthesis and muscle growth. The current study aimed to investigate the possible prophylactic effect of star anise extracts (SAE) response of to Equigan induced testicular injury, oxidative stress, P53 expression in male rats. Materials and Methods: Forty adult male rats were equally divided into four groups. 1 Control Original Research Article El-Masry et al.; ARRB, 14(1): 1-8, 2017; Article no.ARRB. 34318 2 group, while 2 group were rats receive orally SAE for 12 weeks. 3 group include rats that injected intramuscularly with Equigan for 12 weeks while 4 th group were co-treated group where rats injected with Equigan and SAE for 12 weeks. Results: Testis sections in Equigan treated rat induced abnormal arrangement of spermatogenesis cycles; disturbance and decrease in the spermatogenic cells, many of a syncytial cells were detected with marked decrease in sperms numbers and moderate depleted and degenerated Leydig cells. Testicular immunohistochemical observation after Equigan intramuscular injections showed a significant increase of the apoptotic protein p53. Co-administration of SAE with Equigan improved the testicular injury and P53 alternations. Conclusions: SAE could scavenge free radicals and produce beneficial effects against Equigan damage in testis and P53 alternations.
The effects of caffeine, caffeic acid, and their combination on acetylcholinesterase, adenosine deaminase and arginase activities linked with brain function

This study evaluated the effects of caffeine, caffeic acid, and their combination on critical enzymes of brain function. Wistar male rats weighing an average of 205 g were divided into four groups (n = 5) and treated with these compounds for seven successive days. The results of the study revealed that the levels of nitric oxide, total thiol, nonprotein thiol, and acetylcholinesterase activities were increased while the levels of lipid peroxidation, arginase, and adenosine deaminase activities were decreased in animals treated with caffeine when compared to the control. These findings indicate that moderate short-term consumption of caffeine may be beneficial for brain function. Practical applications The results suggest that moderate short-term consumption of a combination of caffeine and caffeic acid can effectively improve brain function via improvements in the antioxidant status, decreased lipid peroxidation, and inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, adenosine deaminase, and arginase activities in the brain and cerebral cortex.
Oxalic Acid/Oxalates in Plants:From Self-Defence to Phytoremediation

Oxalic acid and oxalates are produced and present in plants in different amounts. Insoluble calcium oxalate plays a key role in regulating calcium concentration, which is important in the functioning of guard cells. Oxalates provide tolerance to aluminium toxicity to plants growing in acid soils. Both oxalic acid and calcium oxalate provide self-defence against insect pests and grazing animals. Oxalates are involved in phytoremediation of soils rendered toxic by heavy metals, like lead, cadmium, zinc, etc.
Proteomic analysis of Rhizobium isolates of Cajanus cajan [L.] Millsp

Legumes are major sources of protein and energy for both humans and domestic animals, and the legume-Rhizobium symbiosis is now the most widely managed agricultural system for biological nitrogen fixation. A large portion of the potentially arable land in many regions of the world is acidic, and soil acidity is frequently a major constraint for the cultivation of leguminous crops. Understanding the behavior of Rhizobium in acid soils is therefore important for successful nodulation, development of the nitrogen-fixing symbiosis, and ultimately enhancing crop yield. Soil acidity is widespread globally, accounting for about 40% of total arable soils. The optimum soil pH for plant production is one that is slightly acidic, at this pH soil microorganisms are most active and plant nutrients are readily available. At extremes of high (alkaline) and low (acid) pH, this delicate balance is disturbed and plant nutrients that were in adequate supply can become either deficient or toxic to plant growth. Some essential nutrients such as phosphorous, calcium, magnesium, and molybdenum become unavailable if the soil pH becomes too acid. Acidic conditions will result in a lowering of plant production in farming systems. This will result in reduced profitability and an increased reliance on fertilizers to sustain any form of productive agriculture. The present study focuses on the proteomic analysis of Rhizobium isolates of Cajanus cajan [L. ] Millsp. This objective was achieved by performing the Two-Dimensional Electrophoresis (2DE) using fourteen (14) different isolates of Rhizobium collected from various pH regimes of the state of Jharkhand. By the aid of growth curves plotted for all the isolates of Rhizobium, isolates were characterized as slow and fast grower under the acidic regime. 2D protocol was optimized to get good quality gels. Well demarcated, reproducible unique protein spots were observed in the gels by 2D electrophoresis.
Investigating the Functional Roles of LC8, CITFA, and RPB7 in the Multifunctional RNA Polymerase System of Trypanosoma brucei

of the Thesis Trypanosoma brucei, a member of the early diverged phylogenetic order Kinetoplastida, is a vector-borne parasite that causes lethal disease in both humans and livestock. Unfortunately, progress has been slow on developing new treatments, and there is a need for new therapeutics, as current therapies have issues of resistance, toxicity, and difficult administration. In order to design new therapeutics, molecules and interactions unique to the parasite must be detailed, in hopes that some will afford suitable drug targets. One unique process in T. brucei that might be targeted is RNA polymerase I-mediated transcription. T. brucei is unique in that RNA polymerase I not only transcribes ribosomal gene units, as in all other organisms, but is also used to transcribe gene arrays that encode its major cell surface proteins, namely the variant surface glycoprotein, or VSG in the mammalian bloodstream stage of the parasite. The importance of VSG to T. brucei is highlighted by the fact that interference with VSG mRNA rapidly halts bloodstream form culture growth and leads to the clearance of trypanosomes from infected mice. Thus, targeting proteins and interactions essential for VSG production is a valid strategy against T. brucei. Chapter II details an investigation of the interaction between LC8 and a class I transcription factor A (CITFA) subunit, CITFA2, which was the focus of my thesis work. Both of these proteins, and their interaction, are essential for VSG transcription and trypanosome viability, Justin K. Kirkham – University of Connecticut, 2017 and interrupting either protein or their interaction could be a potential anti-trypanosome therapy. Chapter III contains the generation of a method that allows for gene silencing using heterologous sequences, which was necessary for the work in chapter II. Chapter IV focuses on RPB7, an RNA pol II subunit, which was published to be utilized by RNA pol I for transcription. While this finding was intriguing, it contradicted our biochemical RNA pol I characterizations. Data presented in this chapter clearly demonstrated that RPB7 is not a subunit of RNA pol I and not required for the transcription process by this polymerase.
Residual biomass potential in olive tree cultivation and olive oil industry in Spain: valorization proposal in a biorefinery context

Olive crop and olive oil industry generates several residues, i.e . , olive tree pruning biomass (OTPB), extracted olive pomace (EOP) and olive leaves (OL) that could be used to produce high-added value products in an integrated biorefinery. OTPB is generated in the field as a result of pruning operation to remove old branches; EOP is the main residue of the pomace olive oil extracting industry after extraction with hexane of residual oil contained in olive pomace; and OL comes from the olive cleaning process carried out at olive mills, where small branches and leaves are separated by density. In this work, an analysis of the potential of OTPB, EOP and OL residues was addressed by estimating the production volumes at national level and the spatial distribution of these residues using geographic information system software. Information provided by public institutions and personal surveys to the industries was evaluated. Moreover, chemical analysis of the residues was undertaken and the results used to make a first assessment of valorization into biofuels such as bioethanol and bio based chemicals. Results show that close to 4.2 million tons/year of EOP, OL and OTPB derived from olive oil industry and olive tree cultivation in Spain could be available as a raw material for biorefineries in Spain. The analysis of the chemical characteristics indicates the relevant potential of these feedstocks for the production of bioethanol and other compounds such as phenols based on suitable processing and conversion routes, although techno-economic evaluations must be tackled to refine this approach.
Effect of Heat Treatment and Fermentation on Bioactive Behavior in Yoghurt Made from Camel Milk

In this study, the possibility to release bioactive peptides from camel milk using heat treatments and fermentation of camel milk was investigated. Camel milk was heated at 80°C for 30, 60, 90 and 120min. Samples of yoghurts after their fermentation and during storage were determined for proximate physicochemical and bioactive activities. Results showed that heat treatments and fermentation process, decreased significantly the pH (PPBacillus cereus (ATCC 9639), Escherichia coli (ACCT 8739) and Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538). For all the above, the non-standard heat treatment of camel’s milk and fermentation are necessary for a future application in dairy industry to produce a bioactive peptides.
Occurrence, distribution and possible sources of organochlorine pesticides in peri-urban vegetable soils of Changchun, Northeast China

ABSTRACT The characterizations of residue levels and sources of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in soils are necessary to evaluate the potential pollution and risks of OCPs to the ecosystems and human health. A total of 51 surface soil samples were collected from peri-urban vegetable fields of Changchun and 13 OCPs were analyzed to learn the composition, spatial distribution and sources. The concentrations were in the ranges of 0.94–107.8 ng g−1 for DDTs, 0.89–98.3 ng g−1 for HCHs, 0.22–18.20 ng g−1 for Chlordanes, nd–4.49 ng g−1 for aldrin and nd–9.66 ng g−1 for dieldrin, respectively. The total OCPs concentrations ranged from 2.44 to 177.1 ng g−1 and the higher residues were mainly distributed in northeast and southwest sites, as well as sites along the Yitong River. According to the concentrations and detection frequencies, DDTs and HCHs were the most dominant compounds. Compositional analysis and principal component analysis suggested that DDT, HCH and chlordane in most soil samples derived from historical application except the slight fresh introduction at some locations. There exist a variety of OCPs residues in peri-urban vegetable soils of Changchun, but it is still safe and suitable for agricultural production for the most part, and some specific locations with high OCPs residues ought to be a cause for concern.
The Critical period for weed control in spring maize in North-West India

Spring maize is becoming popular in Punjab state owing to its higher yield potential and is a new introduction. A field experiment was conducted at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana with 12 treatments viz. crop kept weedy for 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 DAS, crop kept weed free for 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 DAS, weed free throughout and weedy check. The weed density showed a linear progression as the weedy interval was increased from 30 to 40 days, 40 to 50 days and 50 to 60 days. The results showed that yield attributes and grain yield declined with the increased duration of crop- weed interference period and increased with long weed free durations. Significant reduction in grain yield was recorded with increased weed infestation from 30 to 60 DAS, however, the differences observed between 20 and 30 days weedy were statistically at par. This suggested the tolerance of weed interference up to 30 days in spring maize. The 60 days weed free treatment resulted in grain yield statistically same with that of weed free throughout but significantly better from all other weed free duration treatments. This marked the end of critical period of crop-weed competition in spring maize. A significant negative linear correlation was observed for weed biomass and grain yield. The critical period of crop-weed competition in spring maize started at 30 DAS and ended at 60DAS. This period needs immediate attention for the adoption of weed control measure.
Analysis of novel pathways in neurodegeneration using mouse and fly model organisms

The aim of this project was to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying movement disorders and to identify new genes involved in neurodegeneration. By genetic crossing two mutations identified in the Shakin' Stevens mouse, were separated into individual mouse strains. Both have provided important new insights into two pathways characteristic of neurodegeneration: The autophagy-lysosome pathway, a protein degradation pathway in the Nymphe mouse (nym/nym), and lipid metabolism defects in the Jabber mouse (jab/p). The nym homozygous mouse was identified as a novel mouse model of the lysosomal storage disorder mucolipidosis II (MLII) homozygous for a patient mutation in the GNPTAB gene. The novel mouse model of MLII more fully recapitulates the human pathology than the previously described Gnptab knock-out mouse. Histological analysis of the brain revealed for the first time progressive neurodegeneration in the cerebellum with severe Purkinje cell loss. In addition, based on similar features between Niemann-Pick type C disease and MLII, the nym homozygous mice were treated with 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin, a drug previously reported to rescue Purkinje cell death in a mouse model of NPC disease. No improvement in brain pathology was observed, demonstrating that cerebellar degeneration is not primarily triggered by loss of Npc2 function. The jab mouse model, harbouring a mutation in the small GTPase Arl1, was characterised as a novel model of chylomicron retention disease, a lipoprotein deficiency, and offered the opportunity to study a novel gene involved in the maintenance of lipid homeostasis and neurodegeneration, specifically demyelination in the peripheral nervous system. The jab mutation in Drosophila presented with characteristic features of the jab mouse, highlighting the functional conservation of Arl1 and validated the use of Drosophila for further studies. Interestingly, together with constitutively active and inactive mutants, pathology in lipid droplet formation and defective insulin signalling was associated with defective Arl1 function. Using Drosophila will enable further studies into Arl1's role in tissue specific function and help elucidate molecular pathway leading to demyelination. Thus, this work has highlighted the value of a phenotype-driven approach to investigate novel neurodegenerative pathways and their amenability to therapy.
Broiler Chicken’S Growth Rate In Three Different NocturnalLighting Regimes

An experiment of 35 days’ duration was designed using Completely Randomized Design to study broiler chicken growth rate in three different nocturnal lighting regimes, comprising, continuous darkness (0L: 12D), light (12:0D) and extended light (6L; 6D). The study was carried out at the Teaching and Research Farm of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology, Port Harcourt- Nigeria. A total of ninety unsexed broiler chickens were randomly distributed into the three lighting treatments at the end of three weeks of age. Each treatment replicated twice with 15 chickens per replicate. The broiler chickens were brooded together for 3 weeks on deep litter in an open-sided brooding house. Three 200 watts incandescent bulbs were used to provide a brooding temperature of 34-39°C. Black polythene sheets were used in covering the brooding pens to conserve heat and to maintain a uniform temperature. There was no light restriction during the brooding period. At the end of the third week, the birds were randomly distributed into three different lighting treatments of two replicates each with 15 birds per replicate. The three different lighting regimes were administered using a fluorescent tube between the hours of 6.00pm and 6.00am as follows: continuous light (12:0D), extended light (6L: 6D) and continuous darkness (0L: 12D). Black polythene materials were used to prevent light penetration from adjoining treatments during the night. Artificial light was provided by a 40 watt 'day light' fluorescent tube in each of the treatments. The parameters measured included body weight, body weight gain, daily feed consumption and feed conversion efficiency. The results obtained showed that there was no significant differences (P>0.05) in the weekly body weight and body weight gain in all the treatments. Also, feed conversion efficiency was not significantly different (P>5.0) in all the treatments. It was, therefore, concluded that since varying photoperiod has no significant effect on broiler growth rate, it will be wasteful for broiler farmers to incur additional cost of providing and /or extending the duration of light under similar geographical zones of this experiment. Therefore, artificial light is not recommended for a profitable broiler production.
Evaluation of complete rations containing Palm Kernel Meal (Elaeis guineensis) and Shea Nut Meal (Vitellaria paradoxa) in Sheep and Goats

An attempt has been made in the present study to investigate the effect of inclusion of palm kernel meal (PKM) and sheanut meal (SNM) by replacing the DORB in complete rations of sheep and goats. The nutritive value, plane of nutrition, nutrient digestibility and urinary purine derivatives excretion and efficiency of microbial protein synthesis were studied. The PKM contained 93.0, 95.0, 14.2, 34.6, 1.1, 45.1, 5.0 and 1.6% of DM, OM, CP, CF, EE, NFE, TA and AIA, respectively and the cell wall constituents (%) were 73.6, 55.9, 17.6, 25.4 and 29.0 for NDF, ADF, HC, cellulose and lignin, respectively. The GE value of PKM was 4.46 K.cal/g DM. The IVDMD and IVOMD values of PKM were 54.33% and 55.39, respectively. The SNM contained 90.0, 90.0, 15.5, 5.6, 1.4, 67.5, 10.0 and 3.6% of DM, OM, CP, EE, NFE, TA and AIA, respectively and cell wall constituents (%) were 60.6, 49.9, 10.6, 9.0 and 37.3 for NDF, ADF, HC, cellulose and lignin respectively. The GE value of the SNM was 4.44 K.cal/g DM. The IVDMD and IVOMD (%) values were 18.81 and 25.99, respectively.
Ikaros deficiency : from T -ALL to auto-immune disease

The Ikaros transcription factor is a critical regulator of lymphopoeisis. Ikaros is needed for the differentiation of B cell and plays an important role in tumor suppression in T cells. Contrary to the other Ikaros targeted mutant mice, the IkL/L mouse develops mature B cells after birth. With age, it develops Notch dependent tumors with similar mutations as thosefound in human T cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). Thus, the IkL/L mouse is an excellent model to study mature B cell activation and T-ALL tumor development. Here, we have shown that the deletion of the promoter and exon1 of the Notch1 gene in IkL/L T cells activates a cryptic promoter in the 3’ region which leads to the production of truncated, constitutively activated Notch1 proteins that accelerate tumorigenesis in the IkL/L mice. Moreover, we give evidence for the existence of LICs in the IkL/L tumors as we have found a specific subpopulation of cells with a frequency of 1 in 500 which show self-renewal capacity. In addition, we demonstrated that some tumor cells have the ability to efflux the Hoechst dye and that this side population is enriched in quiescent cells. Finally, we elucidate that IkL/L B cells display an enhanced activation of ERK and p38 after BCR stimulation that results in hyper-proliferation and the production of autoantibodies relatedto systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Our results suggest that Ikaros is a negative regulator of B cell activation.
Population size and structure of the African Softshell Turtle, Trionyx triunguis, in Dalaman, southwestern Turkey

We assessed the size of the population of the African Softshell Turtle, Trionyx triunguis, in Dalaman (Muğla, Turkey), which is considered to be the largest population of the species in the Mediterranean, by using the Jolly-Seber mark-recapture method. A total of 415 individuals were caught during the summer months of 2009 to 2011, of which 148 were recaptures. From 267 marked individuals, 148 (55%) were male, 69 (26%) were female and 50 (19%) were juveniles and subadults of indeterminate sex. The male:female ratio was calculated to be 2.14:1. By using Model A' of the Jolly-Seber mark-recapture method, which includes deaths but no immigration, the mean population size in Kükürt and Küçükdalyan (Kargın) lakes, together with Tersakan and Taşlıçay creeks, were estimated to be 396±36. Based on this estimation, the population density was calculated to be 14 turtles/ha. Approximately 67.4% of the estimated population was marked. The mean capture probability (p) and mean survival ratio (Φ) were 0.094±0.009 and 0.957±0.076, respectively. Our results showed that the species’ population size is larger than previously estimated based on visual counts. The status “Vulnerable” C2a of the IUCN Red Data Book categories seems therefore more appropriate for the Mediterranean subpopulation of Trionyx triunguis than “Endangered” C2a.
Dominating immune response Immunodominance and its significance in immunity

During the course of evolution, the immune system of higher vertebrates developed very sophisticated defence strategies. If a pathogen succeeds in invading an organism, two lines of defence become activated. The innate immunity constitutes the first and non-specific line, followed by the acquired immunity which specifically recognizes antigenic structures of the intruder. Of the many thousands of antigens that potentially can be presented to cells of the specific immune system, only a small fraction induces measurable responses. This immunodominance phenomenon results from a complex interplay of different factors which are still not fully understood. The question, why immunodominance developed and whether it serves a special purpose, is one of the hot topics in immunology.
Effect of priming on germination and seedling establishment of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) seeds

Seed priming with Rhizobium + Pseudomanas @ 10% for 12 hours recorded significantly higher germination percent (87%), speed of germination (77.11), shoot length (20.33 cm), root length (16.14 cm), seedling length (34.92 cm), seedling fresh weight (1200.3 mg), dry weight (150.4 mg), seedling vigour index – I (2225.37), seedling vigour index-II (11766.67). which is followed by seed priming with Rhizobium @ 10% for 12 hours (T3) and lowest was recorded in T0 (control).