Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pig‐to‐human xenotransplantation: The expression of Galα(l–3)Gal epitopes on pig islet cells

Abstract: Previous histological studies of porcine tissues using the Galα(l–3)Gal specific lectin, IB4‐biotin, and an immunoperoxidase technique demonstrated the widespread distribution of Galα(l–3)Gal in pigs—particularly in the endothelium of all vessels and in the parenchyma of liver and kidney. An exception was the endocrine (islets) and exocrine tissue of the pig pancreas—adult islets did not express Galα(l–3)Gal and apart from ducts, and the exocrine pancreas was also nonreactive. Because of the potential use of islet xenotransplantation for the treatment of diabetes, a more extensive study was undertaken of fetal pancreas and of cultured islet cell clusters. Like the adult pancreas, islets from fetuses at term or earlier, essentially did not express Galα(l–3)Gal; however, during culture, under a variety of conditions, they became strongly reactive with IB4 and expressed large amounts of Galα(l–3)Gal. Staining for pancreatic hormones (insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin) demonstrated that true islets were being examined, although double staining for insulin and Galα(l,3)Gal indicated that cells secreting insulin were not Galα(l–3)Gal positive. The origin of the Galα(l–3)Gal+ cells is not apparent, nor is whether they are precursors of hormone secreting cells. It was of interest that, after transplantation to nude mice and allowing for maturation, the islets resembled the adult phenotype and were Galα(l–3)Gal negative. The implications of the findings are not clear but indicate that some cells in the cultured fetal islet (other than insulin secreting cells) could be the target of antibody mediated destruction.
Replacement of fishmeal by low‐cost animal protein as a quality fish feed ingredient for indian major carp, labeo rohita, fingerlings

Five formulated diets containing 350 g kg-1 crude protein were prepared replacing 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of the fish meal content which silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori) and clam meat as a dietary protein source, and were fed to Indian major carp (Labeo rohita) fingerlings of 2.0–2.2 g size under laboratory conditions. A growth study over a period of 90 days showed that a diet containing 50% of its protein as fishmeal had significantly higher (P≤0.05) growth with values of 1.64, 1.92, 1.48 for specific growth rate, food conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio, respectively. Significantly lower growth (P≤0.05) was observed with diets having all or none of its protein as fish meal. This experiment with Labeo rohita fingerlings revealed a significantly better utilisation of the diet when half the protein in a fishmeal diet was replaced by protein in the form of silkworm pupae and clam meat.
Photosynthetic gas exchange and antioxidative system in common bean plants infected by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum and supplied with silicon

This study investigated the effects of silicon (Si) on the resistance of common bean plants to anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum. The plants were grown in a nutrient solution containing 0 (control) or 2 mM Si (+Si) and both photosynthesis and antioxidative metabolism levels were evaluated. The Si concentrations in the leaf tissues of +Si plants increased by 33% in comparison to those of control plants. Anthracnose severity was reduced by 34% in +Si plants in comparison to control plants. The net carbon assimilation rate, stomatal conductance to water vapor and transpiration rate values were significantly higher in +Si plants than in control plants. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and glutathione reductase (GR) tended to be higher in +Si plants than in control plants. The hydrogen peroxide concentration was significantly lower in +Si plants than in control plants. In conclusion, the Si supply was associated with lower anthracnose severity and up-regulation of antioxidant enzymes, which in turn might be associated with better gas exchange in +Si plants. The impaired photosynthetic performance in +Si plants was associated with stomatal limitations, whereas in control plants those impairments likely reflected dysfunctions at the level of biochemical reactions involved in CO2 fixation.
UTILIZATION OF BIO-MOS® MANNAN OLIGOSACCHARIDE AND BIOPLEX® COPPER IN BROILER DIETS

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of combinations of antibiotics, mannan oligosaccharides, and organic forms of copper in the diet of broilers. Male broilers in litter floor pens were fed nutritionally complete diets with a 2 x 2 x 3 arrangement of treatments including two antibiotic programs (none; 55 mg/kg bacitracin methylene disalicylate from 0 to 42 d followed by 16.5 mg/kg virginiamycin to 63 d), two levels of mannan oligosaccharide (none; 1 g/kg Bio-Mos® from 0 to 42 d followed by 0.75 g/kg to 63 d) and three copper programs (none; copper sulfate to provide 250 mg/kg from 0 to 42 d followed by 62.5 mg/kg to 63 d; Bioplex® Cu to provide 55 mg/kg from 0 to 42 d followed by 27.5 mg/kg to 63 d). This resulted in a total of 12 experimental treatments, each fed to eight pens of 50 male chicks. Birds and feed were weighed at intervals during the study and samples of birds processed at 63 d to determine dressing percentage and parts yield. Body weight and feed conversion at 21 d was significantly improved by addition of the antibiotics but did not prove to be significantly improved at later ages. Addition of copper from either copper sulfate or Bioplex® Cu had no significant effect on any parameter tested. Addition of Bio-Mos® at the levels tested had no significant effect on any parameter but did interact with some of the other factors. Carcass characteristics were not improved by any of the factors tested. It is possible that the level of Bio-Mos® used in this study was not sufficient to elicit a positive response.
RAPID PLANT REGENERATION FROM NODAL EXPLANTS OF Spilanthes acmella (L.) MURR. - AN ENDANGERED MEDICINAL PLANT

Excised nodal explants of Spilanthes acmella (L.) Murr. , 'Toothache Plant' proliferate rapidly in vitro on MS medium containing 0.5- 2.0 mg/l of BAP. Rapid and prolific shoot proliferation occurred. Regenerated shoots vary considerably in size (3-10 cm long) and relative stage of development, with some (50%) producing adventitious roots without transferal to a separate rooting medium. With maximum possibility of adventitious roots induction was induced from middle order nodes (3 rd to 5 th node from apex) obtained from 3 months oldin vivo plant on full-strength MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l BAP under the photoperiod of 18-h. The possibility of adventitious roots induction directly from regenerated shoot was greatly influenced by the concentration of BAP, photoperiod, age of donor plant and nodal position on stem.
Islet Xenotransplantation and Xeno-antigenicity: studies in a preclinical model

textabstractShortage of human donor organs is the major limiting factor for clinical islet allotransplantation. Xenotransplantation, using the pig as the source of islets is considered a potential solution to this problem. Since the development of pigs homozygous for I±1,3-galactosyltransferase gene-knockout (GT-KO), renewed interest exists in the possibility of pig to primate xenotransplantation. This study involved several aspects of islet xenotransplantation in a pig to nonhuman primate model, and xenoantigenicity of donor pig tissue. The first aim was to review the current state of pig to nonhuman primate islet xenotransplantation. The second part focused on the presence of preformed (natural) xeno- antibodies in primate sera against wild-type (WT) pig and GT-KO pig cells. The xeno-antibodies against WT pigs are directed towards both GalI±1,3Gal (Gal) and nonGalI±1,3Gal (nonGal) epitopes on pig cells. The availability of GT-KO pigs enabled us to study the presence of nonGal antibodies in baboons, cynomolgus monkeys and humans. Different aspects have been studied: The incidence and cytotoxicity of preformed anti-nonGal antibodies have been monitored in these three species. We investigated the development of an elicited nonGal antibody response after GT-KO organ transplantation in baboons. Additionally, the potential difference in anti-nonGal antibody levels in allosensitized compared to nonsensitized humans have been assessed. And we have studied specifically the development of nonGal antibodies in infant humans and infant baboons. The possible implications for clinical xenotransplantation are addressed. The next project was to study porcine islet xenotransplantation in vivo in a nonhuman primate model. The first step was to establish a safe model for induction of diabetes in cynomolgus monkeys. We were then able to study the intraportal transplantation of WT and GT-KO pig islets in diabetic cynomolgus monkeys. An attempt was made to overcome the destruction of a large number of islets shortly after intraportal transplantation (described as Instant Blood-Mediated Inflammatory Reaction [IBMIR] by the Uppsala group), by investigating different ways to reduce this early graft loss. The last aim was to evaluate future perspectives. The current position of clinical islet xenotransplantation is discussed, and a possible alternative to islet xenotransplantation, i.e. islet cell regeneration, is described.
Muscle Growth and Meat Quality

Abstract Although poultry products are diverse, the general trend is for portioned and further-processed products to increase their market share. In this context, technological quality of poultry meat is an important aspect. It is largely determined by the acidification process of the meat postmortem. Defects in meat acidification have been described in poultry, and the purpose of this report was to evaluate whether they are linked to growth rate or stress susceptibility and whether they are under genetic control.
Resistance management strategies in malaria vector mosquito control. A large‐scale field trial in Southern Mexico

A resistance management programme comparing rotations, mosaics and single use of insecticides for residual house-spraying against the insect vectors of malaria is being carried out in Southern Mexico. The area was chosen because of its prior history of insecticide use, relatively sedentary vector, and physical features of the area which limit inward migration of insects to the study area. A high level of resistance to DDT and low levels of organophosphorus (OP), carbamate and pyrethroid resistance were detected by WHO discriminating-dose assays in field populations of Anopheles albimanus in the pre-spray period in the region where this resistance management project is being undertaken. After the first year of spraying, resistance, as measured by a discriminating-dose assay, was still at a high level for DDT and had risen for all the other insecticides. Biochemical assays showed that DDT resistance was primarily caused by elevated levels of glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity leading to increased rates of metabolism of DDT to DDE. The numbers of individuals with elevated GST and DDT resistance were well correlated, suggesting that this is the only major DDT resistance mechanism in this population. The carbamate resistance in this population was conferred by an altered acetylcholinesterase (AChE) mechanism. The level of resistance in bioassays correlated well with the frequency of individuals homozygous for the altered AChE allele. This suggests that the level of resistance conferred by this mechanism in its heterozygous state is below the level of detection of the bioassay. The low levels of OP and pyrethroid resistance could be conferred by either the elevated esterase or monooxygenase enzymes. The esterases, however, are elevated only with p-nitrophenyl acetate (PNPA), and are unlikely to be causing broad-spectrum OP resistance. The altered AChE mechanism may also be contributing to the OP but not the pyrethroid resistance. There were significant differences in some resistance gene frequencies for insects obtained by different indoor and outdoor trapping methods. To determine whether the different sampling methods were effectively sampling the same interbreeding population, RAPD analysis of insects obtained by different collection methods in different villages was undertaken. There was no observed variability in the RAPD patterns for the different mosquito samples with a number of primers.
Concentrations of Circulating β-Chemokines Do Not Correlate with Viral Load in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Individuals

ABSTRACT The CC or β-chemokines MIP-1α, MIP-1β, and RANTES are the primary components of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-suppressive soluble factors in vitro. We studied the relationship between the concentrations of MIP-1α, MIP-1β, and RANTES in plasma and HIV viral load in HIV-infected subjects. The HIV-positive patient group (n = 140) had significantly lower concentrations of all three β-chemokines (MIP-1α,P < 0.0005; MIP-1β, P < 0.005; RANTES, P < 0.0005) than the control group (n = 58 for MIP-1α, n = 27 for MIP-1β, and n = 59 for RANTES). In addition, we divided the patient group into three subgroups (high, moderate, and low) based on the number of HIV-1 RNA copies in the plasma (as measured by quantitative HIV RNA PCR). Again, all three subgroups had significantly lower concentrations of the β-chemokines than the HIV-negative control group. However, there was no significant difference in plasma β-chemokine concentrations among the three subgroups within the patient group (P < 0.3). Although our results demonstrate that HIV-infected individuals had significantly lower concentrations of circulating β-chemokines than healthy uninfected control subjects, we found no correlation between the concentrations of β-chemokines in plasma and HIV-1 viral load in HIV-infected individuals.
Postcranial Anatomy of Platypterygius americanus (Reptilia: Ichthyosauria) from the Cretaceous of Wyoming

ABSTRACT Ichthyosaurs remains from the Albian and Cenomanian of Wyoming have been assigned to Platypterygius americanus, but apart from structures of the distal humerus, few other unequivocal character states have been proposed to differentiate this species from its congeners. The purpose of this study was to reevaluate the postcranial morphology of Platypterygius americanus, in order to assess the validity of this species and distinguish postcranial traits relevant for specific diagnoses. Several applicable features were identified, including the location of extrazeugopodial facets on the distal humerus and femur, shape of the intermedium, relative degree of fusion within the atlas-axis complex, number of presacral centra, and varying lengths of the anterior caudal centra. Comparative assessment suggests that Platypterygius americanus is a valid taxon, and that it is possible to differentiate the various Platypterygius spp. independent of stratigraphical and/or geographical occurrence data. Nevertheless, a future review of cranial morphology in all Platypterygius spp. is necessary to bolster these conclusions.
Dramatic Rises of Melatonin and 5-Methoxytryptamine in Gonyaulax Exposed to Decreased Temperature

The dinoflagellate Gonyaulax polyedra was previously shown to undergo asexual encystment in response to decreased temperature (15° instead of 20°C rearing temperature) in combination with short-days, a response which can be mimicked by melatonin and, much more efficiently, by 5-methoxytryptamine (= 5-MT). We demonstrate that these cyst-inducing conditions lead to enormous accumulations of the two methoxyindoleamines. The circadian rhythmicity of melatonin is maintained for the two days usually preceding cyst formation, though, at an elevated level. Transiently, very high concentrations of melatonin can occur, eventually exceeding 1 millimolar. These extreme concentrations decay rapidly; during this decline, 5-MT and 5-methoxytryptophol appear in large amounts. The concentrations of 5-MT which are measured during this process are higher than those required for cyst induction by the exogenous indoleamine.
Milk acidity, curd firming time, curd firmness and protein and fat losses in the Parmigiano-Reggiano cheesemaking

Riassunto Acidità del latte, tempo di rassodamento, consistenza del coagulo e perdite di grasso e di proteina nella caseificazione a Parmigiano-Reggiano. – Sono state condotte 102 prove di caseificazione presso 3 caseifici in provincia di Parma. I campioni di latte sono stati prelevati da altrettante caldaie della capacità di 1100 kg ciascuna. Sui corrispondenti 102 campioni di siero sono stati determinati sostanza secca, grasso, proteina e curd fines (particelle di cagliata). Le perdite di grasso e di proteina sono state pari a 17,50 e 26,82%, rispettivamente. Il contenuto di curd fines è risultato di 108 mg per kg di siero. I parametri curd fines e perdita di proteina sono risultati correlati negativamente con l’acidità titolabile e con la consistenza del coagulo. Gli stessi sono risultati correlati positivamente con il tempo di rassodamento del coagulo. Ciò dimostra il ruolo primario che questa caratteristica svolge nel determinismo delle proprietà reologiche della cagliata nella produzione del Parmigiano-Reggiano.
The timing of nitrogen application for spring barley

Summary Three experiments were carried out in which nitrogen was applied to spring barley (cv. Midas) either all in the seed bed or as a divided dressing with 10 or 25 kg/ha in the seed bed and 50 or 60 kg applied at emergence or 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 or 70 days after emergence. Applying part of the nitrogen as a top dressing up to 30 days after emergence and 50 days after emergence had no significant effects on the grain and straw yields respectively, compared with applying all the nitrogen in the seed bed. Grain yields were progressively reduced with top dressings from 40 days after emergence (first node stage) onwards. Applications at 60 or 70 days did not give more grain yield than the no-nitrogen control, but gave straw yields which were intermediate between the no-nitrogen and seed-bed nitrogen treatments. Top dressing at 40 days after emergence stimulated tiller survival but did not improve grain yield because there were fewer grains per ear. Thousand-grain weights were lowest with top dressings at 50 days after emergence and grain nitrogen increased progressively with delay in top dressings from 30 days after emergence onwards.
Turning it up a Notch: cross-talk between TGFβ and Notch signaling

Signaling through both the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily of growth factors and Notch play crucial roles during embryonic pattern formation and cell fate determination. Although both pathways are able to exert similar biological responses in certain cell types, a functional interaction between these two signaling pathways has not been described. Now, three papers provide evidence of both synergy and antagonism between TGFβ and Notch signaling.1–3 These reports describe a requirement for Notch signal transducers in TGFβ- and BMP-induced expression of Notch target genes, as well as in BMP-controlled cell differentiation and migration. These papers uncover a direct link between the Notch and TGFβ pathways and suggest a critical role for Notch in some of the biological responses to TGFβ family signaling. BioEssays 27:115–118, 2005. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Genetic analysis of variation for grain yield and protein concentration in two wheat crosses

Grain yield and protein concentration are two of the more important criteria for wheat breeding in Queensland. Three aspects of the inheritance of both of these traits can have an impact on achieving genetic progress: (i) the magnitude and form of the genetic correlation between the traits, (ii) the magnitude of genetic variation and genotype × environment interactions, and (iii) the importance of epistasis in genetic variation. These 3 factors were examined for 2 crosses in a multi- environment trial conducted in Queensland in 1989. Negative genetic correlations were found between grain yield and protein concentration in both crosses. Genetic variation and genotype × environment interactions were found to be important for both traits. There was little evidence for the existence of significant additive × additive epistasis for either trait and the genotype × environment interactions were predominantly additive × environment in nature. From both crosses, progeny combining the high yield and high protein levels of the parents were identified. This suggests that there was a degree of independent segregation of the genes controlling grain yield and protein concentration in both crosses. Therefore, simultaneous genetic progress for yield and protein concentration is possible in Queensland environments.
Immunohistochemical Distribution of CD9, Heparin Binding Epidermal Growth Factor-like Growth Factor, and Integrin α3β1 in Normal Human Tissues

The tetra-membrane-spanning protein CD9 forms a complex with a membrane-anchored heparin binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) and integrin α3β1 in some human and monkey cell lines. We show here the immunohistochemical distribution of CD9, HB-EGF, and integrin α3β1 in normal human tissues. Distribution of CD9, HB-EGF, and integrin α3β1 was similar in various tissues, including transitional epithelium, squamous epithelium, thyroid follicular epithelium, adrenal cortex, testis, smooth muscle, and stromal fibrous tissue. However, distribution of the three proteins did not coincide in some tissues, such as lung, liver, kidney, gastric and intestinal epithelium, pancreas, salivary gland, and ovary. In striated muscle, including cardiac muscle, CD9 was present not in the muscle cells themselves but in the endomysium and perimysium, whereas HB-EGF was distributed in the muscle cells themselves. CD9 was distributed in the myelin, but HB-EGF was found in the axon of the peripheral and central nervous systems. Coincident distribution of integrin α3β1 with others was not observed in muscles and neural tissues. In conclusion, there is a possibility of complex formation and functional cooperation of CD9 with HB-EGF and/or integrin α3β1 in several tissues.
Effect of food concentration on growth, reproduction and survivorship of Bosmina longirostris (Cladocera).: An experimental study

SUMMARY. 1. Body growth, reproduction and survivorship of Bosmina longirostris were monitored at four food concentrations (0.05, 0.10, 0,25 and 2.50 ing Cl−1) to examine the extent to which food concentration affects these life-history parameters. 2. Food concentration had a significant effect on growth, and most of the reproductive parameters (size and age at maturation, brood size, instar duration and egg development time). More than 60% of animals died before maturation at the lowest food concentration, although most animals survived until maturation at other food concentrations. 3. Change in life-history parameters resulted in a decrease in rate of population growth (r) from 0.310 to 0.020 day−1 with decreasing food concentration, showing that this cladoceran is highly food-limited in many lakes. 4. Importance of the effect of food concentration on egg development time was emphasized in relation to analysis of natural populations.
Influence of air pollution on quantities of caffeic acid isolated from leaves of Phaseolus vulgaris.

Phenolic composition was significantly altered in Tempo bean leaves cultured in polluted ambient air. Fluorescent compounds were concentrated in the reddish-brown leaves. Caffeic acid concentrations were present in injured leaves at twice the concentration detected in healthy leaves. An anthocyanin could not be detected in injured leaves. Air pollutants are now known to affect phenolic metabolism in plants, as do plant pathogens and other physiological stress factors.