Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Patulin and citrinin production in apple and pear fruits by Penicillium expansum strains collected from Jammu

An investigation was conducted to elucidate differential toxigenic behaviour of Penicillium expansum strains towards various cultivar varieties of pome fruits viz., apple and pear. One hundred and six isolates of P. expansum strains (77 from infected apples and 29 from infected pears) were isolated and screened against respective host cultivars. Thin layer chromatographic analysis showed that 58.4 percent of the P. expansum strains obtained from diseased apples were positive for both citrinin and patulin production, whereas 15.6 percent produced only citrinin, 22.1 percent produced patulin alone and 3.9 percent were atoxigenic. These toxigenic strains produced variable amount of patulin (14.75-40.08 mg/kg) and citrinin (0.10-8.04 mg/kg) in the infected fruits of various apple cultivars. In contrast, pears were found to be infected with only 24 percent toxigenic P. expansum strains that were positive for both citrinin and patulin production, whereas 37.9 percent were positive for only citrinin, 24.1 percent produced only patulin and 13.8 percent were atoxigenic. The level of patulin and citrinin produced by the toxigenic strains in pear cultivars ranged from 11.75-67.50 mg/kg and 0.06-7.02 mg/kg respectively. HPLC analysis of patulin from healthy area surrounding the P. expansum rotten area in apples was performed and it was noted that this mycotoxin could migrate to the surrounding non-rotted area in large amount (0.65 to 22.75 mg/kg). These high values show that even the surrounding non-rotted areas of apples heavily infected with blue mold are not fit for consumption.
The influence of overhead shade on the shade mortality of Abies xborisii-regis Mattf. seedlings and saplings in the central Rhodope mountains of north-eastern Greece

Abstract In order to examine how overhead shade affects the shade mortality of Abies xborisii-regis Mattf. seedlings and saplings in the central Rhodope mountains of Greece, two plots of 0.1 ha were established in two stands. In each plot, diameter in cm and height in m of all living trees was recorded. Over 50 increment cores and cross sections were used to determine the stand age structure. Moreover, in an area of 0.15–0.2 ha in each stand, all dead A. xborisii-regis trees were cut, and categorized according to their position in the vertical stand structure. In 91 of them, the ring width was measured, to the nearest 0.01 mm, in the stem base radius. The dead A. xborisii-regis trees showed high persistence in deep shade and very low growth rates. The various overhead shade regimes, as a result from the stand's vertical profiles, strongly affected the shade mortality of A. xborisii-regis seedlings and saplings. The major influence refers to the vertical arrangement of dead A. xborisii-regis trees in relation to the stand storeys. Consequently, it was the different overhead shade regimes that most strongly determined the growth pattern of the dead trees in the last years of their life. In particular, most of the dead A. xborisii-regis trees were close to living A. xborisii-regis trees, and died through lasting suppression. The top and branches of the dead trees were just below the foliage of taller living trees belonging to the same stratum. On the contrary, in the case of dead A. xborisii-regis trees whose branches and top were far below a stratum created by the foliage of living trees, only 32% died through lasting suppression, the rest experienced at least one growth increase, in terms of ring width, or the synergistic effect of a growth increase and a growth reduction, in the last 5 years of their life.
ATP-independent Activation of Natriuretic Peptide Receptors*

Natriuretic peptide receptor A (NPR-A) is an essential cardiovascular regulator that is stimulated by atrial natriuretic peptide and B-type natriuretic peptide, whereas natriuretic peptide receptor B (NPR-B) stimulates long bone growth in a C-type natriuretic peptide-dependent manner. Many reports indicate that ATP is essential for NPR-A and NPR-B activation. Current models suggest that natriuretic peptide binding to receptor extracellular domains causes ATP binding to intracellular kinase homology domains, which derepresses adjacent catalytic domains. Here, we report 100-fold activations of natriuretic peptide receptors in the absence of ATP. The addition of a nonhydrolyzable ATP analog had no effect at early time periods (measured in seconds) but increased cGMP production about 2-fold after longer incubations (measured in minutes), consistent with a stabilization, not activation, mechanism. These data indicate that ATP does not activate natriuretic peptide receptors as has been repeatedly reported. Instead, ATP increases activity primarily by maintaining proper receptor phosphorylation status but also serves a previously unappreciated enzyme stabilizing function.
Biogeographic patterns and cryptic speciation in bryophytes

Bryophytes (mosses, liverworts, hornworts) typically have broad geographical distributions that span two or more continents. Many species show classic patterns of disjunction that are similar to those found in many other groups of organisms (e.g. eastern Asia–eastern North America), and which are thought to result from fragmentation of previously continuous ranges (i.e. vicariance). However, in the bryophytes, these disjunctions often occur at the infra‐specific level and suggest that morphological uniformity may belie complex underlying genetic structure. Recent demonstrations of cryptic speciation, revealed by analyses of isozymes and DNA sequence variation, support the interpretation that genetic subdivision has occurred within some morphologically uniform species. Evidence for cryptic or nearly cryptic speciation exists for seven species of liverworts and seven mosses. In most (but not all) cases, cryptic species have broadly overlapping geographical ranges, although many are ecologically differentiated. Future work should focus on species that display ‘classic’ patterns of disjunction at higher taxonomic levels in other organisms (e.g. eastern North America–eastern Asia, eastern or western North America–Europe, Gondwanic), and should utilize explicitly phylogenetic approaches.
Interacting effects of copper, nitrogen and ultraviolet radiation on the physiology of three south Pacific kelps

Coastal ecosystems currently face multiple environmental impacts, such as nutrient loading, chemical contamination and enhanced ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Large kelps dominate many rocky shores worldwide and their capacity to handle environmental stress could have major consequences for these systems. The impacts of the interaction of copper (150 μg L–1), nitrate (350 μM) and short-term UV radiation on the physiological responses (photosynthetic activity, contents and anti-oxidant activity of phlorotannins) of three large kelps, Macrocystis pyrifera, Lessonia nigrescens and Durvillaea antarctica, from the coast of Chile were studied during a 2-week laboratory exposure. Macrocystis accumulated the most copper in its tissues, which decreased under nitrate-enriched conditions. Inhibition of photosynthetic activity by copper was observed in all three species (11–30%) after 12 days of incubation, with the strongest response in Lessonia. Nitrate enrichment mitigated the inhibitory effect of copper on photosynthesis in all three species. Soluble phlorotannin content decreased under copper and/or nitrate-enriched conditions with additional short-term UV exposure, particularly in Durvillaea, in which the strongest increase in the anti-oxidant activity of soluble phlorotannins was observed. Overall, the observed physiological responses reflect differences in morpho-functional processes and habitat characteristics of the three kelps and the importance of the interactions of multiple environmental factors.
Probiótico com levedura na alimentação da tilápia do Nilo, durante o período de reversão sexual, cultivada em água de tanque de cultivo

This experiment objectified to evaluate the Saccharomyces cerevisiae as probiotic in rations for the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) during sexual reversion period. Were distributed 320 larvae in a completely randomized design with two treatments and eight replications in 25 L aquarium. The treatments consisted of a commercial ration for tilapia during sexual reversion added 0.1% of S. cerevisiae (1010 S. cerevisiae CFU/g of product) and another one without the inclusion of the probiotic. Fingerlings had been counted, measured and weighed after 29 days, two fingerlings from each treatment, were randomized chosen and has their liver weighed for hepatic-somatic index determination. For microbiological studies, two samples of the water of the aquaria and one larvae of each aquarium had been carried through, in days 5 and 29 of the experiment. The number of total mesophilic bacterial did not present significant difference between the larvae of the first collection and nor between the water samples of the two carried through collections. For the second collection it had significantly higher difference in the counting for TP larvae. Any total coliforms appear in samples of water and larvae. The performance and survival were not influenced by the inclusion of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (P>0.05). Hepatic-somatic index had a significant difference (P<0.01) between treatments, being smaller to the TP than TT. The inclusion of S. cerevisiae in feed of Nile tilapia, during the period of sexual reversion, promotes intestinal colonization and reduction in hepatic-somatic index.
Probable trajectories associated with the transport of Ochlerotatus albifasciatus during a strong wind event in Buenos Aires city (Argentina)

Because of its capacity to infect human beings and domestic animals with a number of different viruses, the study of the mosquito Ochlerotatus albifasciatus (Macquart, 1938, (Diptera: Culicidae)) assumes great importance from the point of view of sanitation. It is a well‐known fact that the abundance of this species peaks after drought periods in the provinces of Buenos Aires and Cordoba. This article aims at explaining the presence of the high abundance of adult O. albifasciatus in Buenos Aires city in February 2005. As no breeding immatures were recorded during the previous weeks, the most likely hypothesis was that mosquitoes entered the city from breeding sites located in the outskirts. Wind observations, the existing knowledge on this species biology, atmospheric dynamic models, and meteorological data were used to support this hypothesis and identify the sources.
Tillage × Rotation × Management Interactions in Corn

Although corn (Zea mays L.) yields following soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] or wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) exceed yields of continuous corn, continuous corn is common in the northeastern USA A because of demand for corn by the dairy industry. We evaluated corn under different tillage (moldboard plow, chisel, and ridge), rotation (continuous corn, soybean-corn, soybean-corn-corn, and soybean-wheat/red clover (Trifolium pratense L.)-corn), and management systems (high and low chemical input) for 6 yr to determine optimum cropping systems for corn. In moldboard plow, corn in soybean-wheat/ red clover-corn (9.2 Mg ha -1 ) and soybean-corn (8.5 Mg ha -1 ) rotations under low chemical yielded greater than continuous corn under high chemical management (7.9 Mg ha -1 ). In chisel tillage, corn in the soybean-corn rotation yielded greater under high chemical (8.9 Mg ha -1 ) and similarly under low chemical (7.9 Mg ha -1 ) compared with continuous corn under high chemical management (7.6 Mg ha -1 ). In ridge tillage, corn in soybean-corn or first-year corn in soybean-corn-corn rotations yielded greater under high chemical (8.1 Mg ha -1 ) but less under low chemical (6.3 and 6.8 Mg ha -1 , respectively) compared with continuous corn under high chemical management (7.5 Mg ha -1 ). Growers under similar environmental conditions to this study can increase corn yields while reducing inputs by adopting soybean-wheat/red clover-corn and soybean-corn rotations in mold-board plow or a soybean-corn rotation in chisel tillage. In ridge tillage. growers could adopt soybean-corn or soybean-corn-corn rotations. which would increase corn yields but not reduce inputs when compared with Continuous corn.
Effect of age and sex on the sensitivity of antennal and palpal olfactory cells of houseflies

The olfactory system of newly emerged houseflies (Musca domestica L.; Diptera, Muscidae) is already functional; very few differences compared to sexually mature houseflies exist for the responses to 1‐octen‐3‐ol, amylacetate, 2‐pentanone, 3‐methylphenol, R‐limonene, muscalure, and 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐3‐one. Sex differences are also almost absent, except for a higher sensitivity of females to acetic acid. Large differences exist between the sensitivity of antennae and palps to different odours. Antennae are sensitive to all odours tested. Palps are mainly sensitive to 3‐methylphenol and 2‐pentanone, both in percentage of responding cells and in response level. The sensitivity to amyl acetate was similar in palps and antennae. The responses to other odours were low in the palps. We conclude that traps baited with attractive odours may lure houseflies of all ages and both sexes.
ANTIOXIDANT ENZYME RESPONSE AND REACTIVE OXYGEN SPECIES PRODUCTION IN MARINE RAPHIDOPHYTES 1

Raphidophytes (class Raphidophyceae) produce high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), yet little is known regarding cellular scavenging mechanisms needed for protection against these radicals. Enzymatic activities of the antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were measured in conjunction with the production of superoxide (O2•−) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in batch cultures of five different raphidophytes species during early exponential, late‐exponential, and stationary growth phases. The greatest concentrations of O2•− per cell were detected during exponential growth with reduced levels in stationary phases in raphidophytes Heterosigma akashiwo (Hada) Hada ex Y. Hara et Chihara, Chattonella marina (Subrahman.) Y. Hara et Chihara, and Chattonella antiqua (Hada) Ono (strain 18). Decreasing trends from exponential to stationary phases for SOD activity and H2O2 per cell were observed in all species tested. Significant correlations between O2•− per cell and SOD activity per cell over growth phase were only observed in three raphidophytes (Heterosigma akashiwo, Chattonella marina, and Chattonella antiqua strain 18), likely due to different cellular locations of externally released O2•− radicals and intracellular SOD enzymes measured in this study. CAT activity was greatest at early exponential phase for several raphidophytes, but correlations between H2O2 per cell and CAT activity per cell were only observed for Fibrocapsa japonica Toriumi et Takano, Chattonella antiqua (strain 18), and Chattonella subsalsa Biecheler. Our results suggest that SOD and CAT play important protective roles against ROS during exponential growth of several raphidophytes, while other antioxidant pathways may play a larger role for scavenging ROS during later growth.
Decreased β‐Isomerization of the C‐Terminal Telopeptide of Type I Collagen α1 Chain in Paget's Disease of Bone

In Paget's disease of bone, the normal lamellar bone is replaced by a woven structure with an irregular arrangement of collagen fibers. In this study, we investigated whether the degree of β‐isomerization within C‐telopeptide of α1 chain of type I collagen was altered in Paget's disease compared with other bone diseases with no alteration of bone structure. In Paget's disease (n = 26), but not in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism (n = 6) or hyperthyroidism (n = 17), the urinary excretion of nonisomerized (α) fragments derived from degradation of type I collagen C‐telopeptide (CTX) was markedly increased compared with β‐isomerized CTX (+ 13‐fold vs. + 3.5‐fold over controls) resulting in an urinary α CTX/β CTX ratio 3‐fold higher than in controls (2.6 ± 1.0 vs. 0.8 ± 0.3, p < 0.001). In five pagetic patients in complete remission, as demonstrated by normal total alkaline phosphatase activity, the α CTX/β CTX ratio was normal. The immunohistochemistry of normal and pagetic human bone sections showed a preferential distribution of α CTX within woven structure, while lamellar bone was intensely stained with an anti–β CTX antibody, suggesting a lower degree of β‐isomerization of type I collagen in the woven pagetic bone. In collagenase digest of human bone specimens, we found a lower proportion of β‐isomerized type I collagen molecules in pagetic bone (40% of β CTX) than in normal bone taken from trabecular (68%) and cortical compartments (71%). In conclusion, we found that in Paget's disease the α CTX/β CTX ratio in bone and in urine is markedly increased. This altered β isomerization can be accurately detected in vivo by measuring urinary degradation products arising from bone resorption.
An X-chromosome RNA-binding motif protein (RBMX) is required for proper kinetochore formation

RBMX is an RNA-binding motif protein identified as a component of purified human metaphase chromosomes. We have analyzed the functional significance of RBMX by electron microscopy (EM) in combination with RNA interference (RNAi). We revealed that depletion of RBMX results in the accumulation of mitotic cells. EM investigation further showed that RBMX depletion leads to an increase in the fuzzy ball structure that is reminiscent of the prekinetochore. It is most probably due to the result of disruption at early stages of kinetochore maturation, so that kinetochore differentiation into the authentic trilaminar morphology is disturbed. The present EM data illuminated the importance of RBMX in kinetochore formation for subsequent stable microtubules interaction.
Nutritional, physiological and haematological responses in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) juveniles fed detoxified Jatropha curcas kernel meal

Jatropha curcas is a multipurpose and drought-resistant tree, widespread throughout tropics and subtropics. Its seeds are rich in oil and protein. It is being promoted as a biofuel plant. Jatropha kernel meal obtained after oil extraction is an excellent source of protein [580-660 g kg⁻¹ crude protein (CP)]. However, the presence of toxic and antinutritional constituents restricts its use in fish feed. Jatropha kernel meal was detoxified. Using Oncorhynchus mykiss juveniles, a 12-week experiment was conducted to evaluate the nutritional quality of detoxified Jatropha kernel meal (DJKM). Oncorhynchus mykiss juveniles (36, av. wt. 4.2 ± 0.4 g) were distributed into three groups with 12 replicates and fed isonitrogenous (CP 450 g kg⁻¹) diets: control [fish meal (FM)-based protein], J₅₀ and J₆₂. ₅ (50% and 62.5% of fishmeal protein replaced by DJKM). Growth performance, apparent lipid conversion, hepatosomatic index, nutrients and energy digestibilities; efficiency of digestible nutrients and energy; and glucose and creatinine levels in blood were statistically similar (P > 0.05) for control and J₅₀ but were higher (P < 0.05) than for J₆₂. ₅. Opposite trend was observed for phosphorus, sodium, albumin and total protein in blood. Feed conversion ratio, protein efficiency ratio, protein productive value, energy retention, gastro somatic index, muscle lipid peroxide; and red and white blood cells, haematocrit, haemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration; alkaline phosphatase and alanine transaminases activity, globulin, total bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen, calcium and potassium in blood and lysozyme activity in serum did not differ significantly among the groups. Intestinal enzyme activities; and plasma and muscle cholesterol levels for control were higher (P < 0.05) than for DJKM groups, while opposite trend was observed for relative intestinal length (mm g⁻¹). Conclusively, performance of J₅₀ group was similar to control group and, thus, is recommended as the optimal diet for rainbow trout.
CUTANEOUS BASOPHIL HYPERSENSITIVITY

Delayed onset erythematous skin reactions elicited in guinea pigs early in the course of sensitization with azobenzenearsonate-protein conjugates or with protein antigens in incomplete Freund's adjuvant or in saline were found to have a characteristic morphology which sets them apart from delayed hypersensitivity and the classic antibody mediated reactions. The principle feature was massive dermal infiltration with basophilic leukocytes. Mononuclear cells of several types including activated and small lymphocytes, monocytes, macrophages, and blast cells were also present. Such reactions have in the past been designated Jones-Mote hypersensitivity, but we prefer the descriptive term cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity (CBH) for the reasons given. Occasional basophils extruded their granules, and individual granules, retaining their characteristic ultrastructure, were commonly seen in the interstitium. However, intercellular junctions between endothelial cells were closed except during cell emigration and there was no morphologic evidence of an histamine-like effect. The majority of basophils, moreover, did not degranulate but underwent nuclear pyknosis and cytoplasmic degeneration and were phagocytosed by macrophages. Phagocytosed basophil granules retained their ultrastructure. Skin tests performed at late intervals after sensitization had a different time course and morphology. Animals sensitized with protein antigens in complete Freund's adjuvant developed delayed hypersensitivity; however, reactions elicited in such animals at early (but not late) intervals after sensitization contained a prominent basophil component. We interpret such reactions to be a mixture of delayed hypersensitivity and cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity. The function of the basophil in CBH and its relation to the mononuclear cells which accompany it are unknown, and various possibilities are discussed. We conclude that cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity is a distinct immunologic and morphologic entity, occurring early in the course of sensitization with protein antigens incorporated in any of several vehicles. The mechanism of the reaction is presently unknown, and a general hypothesis to explain its pathogenesis has been proposed.
Caracterização e atividade antibacteriana de óleos essenciais de plantas condimentares e medicinais contra Staphylococcus aureus e Escherichia coli

ABSTRACT: Essential oil characterization and its antibacterial activity from culinary and medicinal plants against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Essential oils are plant secondary metabolites with different biological properties, such as action against microorganisms, being majorly important to the food industry. The minimal inhibitory concentrations (CMI) of these oils for several bacteria should be determined. CMIs vary according to the oil used, the major compounds and the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of the bacteria. In this research, the essential oils of the plants Satureja montana L. , Cymbopogon nardus L. and Citrus limonia Osbeck were chemically characterized, and CMI was determined for the Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 2592 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 bacteria. The CMI for all oils against E. coli was at 1.5%, and S. aureus was sensitive to the 5.0% concentration of the S. montana oil, and the CMI achieved was equivalent to 1.5% when essential oils of other plants were used. In the chemical composition, the major components for the