Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of pulsed electric fields on bioactive components, colour and flavour of green tea infusions

Summary Green tea is an unfermented tea containing a higher quantity of bioactive components. In this paper, the effects of pulsed electric field (PEF) treatments on the bioactive components (polyphenols, catechins and free amino acids), colour and flavour of green tea infusions were studied. PEF as a promising non-thermal sterilisation technology could efficiently retain polyphenols, catechins and original colour of green tea infusions with electric field strength from 20 to 40 kV cm−1 for 200 μs. PEF treatments caused a significant increase in the total free amino acids of green tea infusions. The total free amino acids increased by 7.5% after PEF treatment at 40 kV cm−1. The increase in total amino acids induced by PEF treatment, especially to theanine, is beneficial for the quality of commercial ready-to-drink green tea infusion products. There was no significant effect of PEF treatment at 20 or 30 kV cm−1 on flavour compounds of green tea infusions. However, PEF treatment caused losses of volatiles in green tea infusions to different extents when PEF dosage was higher than a critical level. The total concentration of volatiles lost was approximately 10% after PEF treatment at 40 kV cm−1 for 200 μs.
Phenotyping and Genetic Analysis of Root and Shoot Traits of Recombinant Inbred Lines of Bread Wheat Under Well-Watered Conditions

Phenotyping root traits and understanding their inheritance are critical for crop improvement, as the root system plays an important role in crop performance under well-watered and drought conditions. A set of 118 F8 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) derived from the cross Iran #49 (a landrace) × Yecora Rojo (a standard variety) plus the two parents was used to phenotype root traits at mid-tillering stage and at physiological maturity in sand-tube experiments under well-watered conditions. Iran #49 and Yecora Rojo were different for grain yield per plant (20.4 vs.13.8), shallow-root weight per plant (5.3 vs. 1.3 g, roots developed between 0 and 30 cm), deep-root weight per plant (4.5 vs. 0.5 g, roots developed below 30 cm), and root biomass per plant (9.8 vs. 1.8 g). Although there were significant differences among the RILs for number of roots longer than 30 cm, total length of roots longer than 30 cm, longest root, shallow-root weight, deep-root weight, and root biomass, the estimate of narrow-sense heritability was relatively low for shallow-root weight (26%), deep-root weight (14%), and root biomass (22%) at mid-tillering stage. At maturity, the estimate of heritability for these root traits was 81%, 79%, and 83%, respectively. Additive × additive epistasis was detected for deep-root weight at maturity. Genotypic differences in root traits among the RILs were highest at maturity. The root traits measured at mid-tillering and at maturity showed significant, but weak correlation coefficients ranging from 0.20 to 0.40. Grain yield per plant showed significant genotypic correlation with root traits at maturity. Harvest index showed strong negative correlation with root traits ranging from −0.69 to −0.78. Our studies indicated that the appropriate time for phenotyping root traits in wheat is at maturity.
NMR-based metabolomics reveals distinct pathways mediated by curcumin in cachexia mice bearing CT26 tumor

Background: cachexia is common in cancer patients, with profound metabolic abnormalities in response to malignant growth of cancer and progressive catabolism of host. Previous studies showed pharmacodynamics efficacy of curcumin in the prevention and treatment of cancer cachexia. However, the metabolic regulation effect is still unknown. Methods: we employed a proton NMR-metabonomics method to investigate the metabolic features of cancer cachexia and the contribution of curcumin to serum metabolites in a mouse model bearing CT26 tumor. Results: curcumin treatment (200 mg per kg per day) resulted in 13.9% less body weight loss and conserved mass of epididymal fat, muscle gastrocnemius and muscle tibialis anterior 91.4%, 11.5%, and 13.7% respectively in cancer cachexia mice. Proton NMR-based metabolomics revealed the altered metabolic profile and found 25 sensitive metabolites associated with cancer cachexia. Moreover, curcumin treatment resulted in metabolic reprogramming including decrease of phenylalanine, alanine, carnosine, carnitine, taurine, S-sulfocysteine, citrate, malate, glucose, and increase of citrulline, valine, isoleucine, methionine, glycine, acetoacetate and lactate. The pathway analysis showed that the main metabolic regulation of curcumin involved the metabolism of valine, leucine and phenylanaline, and synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies. Conclusions: these altered metabolic pathways imply a highly specific metabolism regulation of curcumin and raise the possibility for its therapeutic effect on alleviating cachexia hypermetabolism.
Steam-Cooking and Dry Heating Produce Resistant Starch in Legumes

Starch was isolated from either raw or steam-heated black, red, and lima beans. Isolates from steam-heated legumes were rich in indigestible (resistant) starch (19-31%, dmb), a fact not observed when raw seeds were used. Similarly, resistant starch measured directly in conventionally and high-pressure steamed beans was 3-5 times higher than in the raw pulses, suggesting retrogradation as the major mechanism behind the reduction in digestibility. Thus, steam-heating comes forth as an effective way to produce resistant starch in legumes. Prolonged steaming as well as short dry pressure heating decreased the enzymatically assessed total starch content of whole beans by 2-3% (dmb), indicating that these treatments may induce formation of other types of indigestible starch.
Dysregulation of Monocytic Nuclear Factor-κB by Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein

Abstract Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB)/Rel transcription factors may be involved in atherosclerosis, as is suggested by the presence of activated NF-κB in human atherosclerotic lesions. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of oxidized LDL (oxLDL) on the NF-κB system in human THP-1 monocytic cells as well as adherent monocytes. Our results demonstrate that short-term incubation of these cells with oxLDL activated p50/p65 containing NF-κB dimers and induced the expression of the target gene IL-8. This activation of NF-κB was inhibited by the antioxidant and H2O2 scavenger pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate and the proteasome inhibitor PSI. The oxLDL-induced NF-κB activation was accompanied by an initial depletion of IκB-α followed by a slight transient increase in the level of this inhibitor protein. In contrast, long-term treatment with oxLDL prevented the lipopolysaccharide-induced depletion of IκB-α, accompanied by an inhibition of both NF-κB activation and the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β genes. These observations provide additional evidence that oxLDL is a potent modulator of gene expression and suggest that (dys)regulation of NF-κB/Rel is likely to play an important role in atherogenesis.
Challenges for Managing Fisheries on Diverse Coral Reefs

Widespread coral reef decline has included the decline of reef fish populations, and the subsistence and artisanal fisheries that depend on them. Overfishing and destructive fishing have been identified as the greatest local threats to coral reefs, but the greatest future threats are acidification and increases in mass coral bleaching caused by global warming. Some reefs have shifted from dominance by corals to macroalgae, in what are called “phase shifts”. Depletion of herbivores including fishes has been identified as a contributor to such phase shifts, though nutrients are also involved in complex interactions with herbivory and competition. The depletion of herbivorous fishes implies a reduction of the resilience of coral reefs to the looming threat of mass coral mortality from bleaching, since mass coral deaths are likely to be followed by mass macroalgal blooms on the newly exposed dead substrates. Conventional stock assessment of each fish species would be the preferred option for understanding the status of the reef fishes, but this is far too expensive to be practical because of the high diversity of the fishery and poverty where most reefs are located. In addition, stock assessment models and fisheries in general assume density dependent populations, but a key prediction that stocks recover from fishing is not always confirmed. Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) has far too many weaknesses to be a useful method. The ratio of catch to stock and the proportion of catch that is mature depend on fish catch data, and are heavily biased toward stocks that are in good condition and incapable of finding species that are in the worst condition. Near-pristine reefs give us a reality check about just how much we have lost. Common fisheries management tools that control effort or catch are often prohibitively difficult to enforce for most coral reefs except in developed countries. Ecosystem-based management requires management of impacts of fishing on the ecosystem, but also vice versa. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been a favorite management tool, since they require little information. MPAs are excellent conservation and precautionary tools, but address only fishing threats, and may be modest fisheries management tools, which are often chosen because they appear to be the only feasible alternative. “Dataless management” is based on qualitative information from traditional ecological knowledge and/or science, is sufficient for successful reef fisheries management, and is very inexpensive and practical, but requires either customary marine tenure or strong governmental leadership. Customary marine tenure has high social acceptance and compliance and may work fairly well for fisheries management and conservation where it is still strong.
HIGH ENCYSTMENT SUCCESS OF THE DINOFLAGELLATE SCRIPPSIELLA CF. LACHRYMOSA IN CULTURE EXPERIMENTS

 1

Close to 100% encystment efficiency and a yield above 105 cysts·mL−1 were routinely achieved in full strength f/2 medium‐based batch cultures (883 μM NO3− and 36 μM PO4−3) of the marine dinoflagellate Scrippsiella cf. lachrymosa Lewis. Increases in cell density led to nutrient depletion in this enriched medium, which was the most likely cause for initiation of cyst formation. Lowering the concentration of either nutrient to 1/10 the initial levels decreased the encystment efficiency, whereas use of ammonium as the N source resulted in both low cell yield and low encystment efficiency. The mandatory dormancy period was ca. 60 days and was not affected by cold dark storage of the cysts. Cysts produced in the initial phase of sexual reproduction were relatively large (length 47 μm, width 31 μm) with a heavy calcareous cover. Cysts produced thereafter lacked apparent calcareous cover and were smaller (length 29 μm, width 19 μm). The decrease of cyst volume (by a factor of 0.24–0.4) suggested strong resource limitation during the course of encystment. However, after the mandatory dormancy period, germination success of the smaller cysts was higher (80%), compared with the larger cysts that had been produced initially (50%). Germling survival (74%) was independent of cyst type but was enhanced by higher nutrient concentration during incubation. The ratio of initial nutrient concentration in the medium to the cyst yield was used as a proxy to estimate the cellular nutrient quota. The conservative estimates of 9 pmol N·cyst−1 and 0.4 pmol P·cyst−1 obtained in this manner are at the low end of the range of previous published estimates for other dinoflagellate cysts. Given the high encystment observed in laboratory experiments, we have no reason to assume an inherently lower encystment success in dinoflagellate field populations. Our results do not challenge the low nutrient paradigm for dinoflagellate sexuality. We believe that the high encystment success and cyst yield of this particular species is at least partly due to its ability to achieve very high cell densities in cultures, which evidently leads to nutrient depletion even in f/2 medium.
Ecology and morphological characterization of gametophyte and ‘Chantransia’ stages of Sirodotia huillensis (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) from a stream in central Mexico

The morphology and phenology of Sirodotia huillensis was evaluated seasonally in a central Mexican first‐order calcareous stream. Water temperature was constant (24–25°C) and pH circumneutral to alkaline (6.7–7.9), and calcium and sulfates were the dominant ions. The gametophyte stages were characterized by the presence of a distinctive mucilaginous layer, a marked difference in phycocyanin to phycoerythrin ratio between female and male plants, and the presence of a carpogonia with a large trichogyne (>60 µm). Occasionally three capogonia were observed on a single basal cell. The ‘Chantransia’ stages were morphologically similar to those described for the other members of Batrachospermales. A remarkable observation was the formation of dome‐shaped structures, consisting of prostrate filaments that are related with the development of new gametophytes. Chromosome numbers were n = 4 for fascicle cells, cortical filament cells and dome‐shaped cells, and 2n = 8 for gonimoblast filament cells and ‘Chantransia’ stage filaments. Gametophytes and ‘Chantransia’ stages occurred in fast current velocities (60–170 cm/s) and shaded (33.1–121 µmol photons/m2/s) stream segments. The population fluctuated throughout the study period in terms of percentage cover and frequency: the ‘Chantransia’ stages were most abundant in the rainy season, whereas gametophytic plants had the highest frequency values during the dry season. These results were most likely a result of fluctuations in rainfall and related changes in current velocity. Some characteristics of this population can be viewed as probable adaptations to high current velocities: the mucilaginous layer around plants that reduces drag; potential increase in fertilization by the elongate and plentiful trichogynes and abundant dome‐shaped structures producing several gametophytes.
Nuclear Behaviour in the Malpighian Tubes of Triatoma infestans (Reduv., Hemiptera)

Nymphal Malpighian tubes of Triatoma infestans Klug have polyploid nuclei, as other insect groups. These nuclei, however, show heterochromatic bodies which have the number of replication steps not always in accordance with the euchromatin ones, in what they are similar to the Diptera. The nuclear volume does not follow the same increase in the DNA content per nucleus.
Metal content of Dendrobaena rubida (Oligochaeta) in a base metal mining area

Metal analysis of soils collected near disused lead and zinc mines showed high concentrations of total iron, zinc, lead and available lead, together with free iron. Field and experimental studies on the metal content of the earthworm Dendrobaena rubida (Savigny) living in soils of high and low metal levels showed that the earthworms probably regulated the iron and zinc content of the tissues but retained lead. It is tentatively suggested that soil calcium may influence the uptake of metals by D. rubida while the results for tissue lead content appeared to show a direct effect of calcium on lead by the regulation of endogenous tissue calcium.
The link between feeding ecology and lead poisoning in white‐tailed eagles

Lead poisoning affects numerous threatened raptors and is a major cause of death in white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla). A major reason for intoxication is assumed to be lead fragments ingested while feeding on game animals killed by lead-based projectiles. However, empirical evidence on the relevance of carrion in raptor diets remains scarce. We therefore investigated the link between raptor feeding ecology and lead poisoning, with white-tailed eagles as a model species for scavenging birds. We collected data on seasonal diet composition and food availability of 7 territorial white-tailed eagle pairs in northeastern Germany. We also analyzed stomach contents (SCs) of 126 eagles found dead from 1996 to 2008 throughout Germany. Multiple regression models revealed that fish were the primary prey for eagles, and waterfowl and carcasses of game mammals comprised a large portion of alternative diet components. Eagles used individual foraging tactics, adjusted to local food supply, to maximize profitability. They showed a type II functional response to fish availability. When fish availability sharply declined, eagles switched to waterfowl and carrion. The consumption of game mammal carrion increased over autumn and winter and was positively correlated with a concomitant seasonal increase in the incidence of lead poisoning in eagles throughout Germany. The stomachs of lead-poisoned eagles predominantly contained game ungulate remains. These results indicate that carcasses of game mammals were the major sources of lead fragments. The link between raptor feeding ecology and lead poisoning is the specific functional response of raptors to changing food availability or poor habitat quality, leading to scavenging on lead-contaminated carrion. This shows that carrion constitutes a considerable threat to white-tailed eagles and other birds with similar feeding habits as long as it contains lead bullet fragments. Conservation management of scavenging birds would be substantially improved if carrion was free of lead bullet fragments. One method to achieve this is the widespread introduction of lead-free ammunition. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Factors affecting hörn growth in male Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica)

La variation de l'allongement annuel des cornes du bouquetin d'Espagne (Capra pyrenaica Schinz, 1838) a ete etudiee sur 47 crânes de mâles adultes provenant de la Sierra de Cazorla. Si nous considerons que chaque segment sur la corne represente la croissance en une annee, on peut presenter trois hypotheses pour expliquer les facteurs responsables de l'introduction de variations dans le developpement des cornes: determination prealable de la croissance, developpement lie a l'âge, et facteurs de l'environnement determines par l'indice de secheresse (XI). Selon les resultats, les trois facteurs ont une relation avec la variation de la croissance annuelle des cornes, bien que l'âge soit le meilleur indicateur.
Freshwater gastropods from early voyages into the Indo-West Pacific: The ‘melaniids’ (Cerithioidea, Thiaridae) from the French ‘La Coquille ’ circumnavigation, 1822–1825

Louis Duperrey's voyage with the corvette ‘Coquille ’ in 1822–1825 was one of the most successful explorations by the French in the South Pacific. Next to other natural history objects, the surgeon-naturalists on board also collected molluscs, which were later described scientifically. Among these specimens were the first freshwater cerithioidean gastropods found in the western Pacific. While natural history objects brought back by earlier French expeditions from the South Pacific had hardly found scientific consideration in a systematic fashion, the specimens from the ‘Coquille ’ were among the first that were described as a lasting contribution to systematics and malacology. We found the dozen freshwater gastropods then considered as ‘Melania ’ species by the naturalist-voyager and zoologist Rene-Primevere Lesson in 1831 to be still extant (with only two exceptions) in the Museum National d'Histoire Naturelle in Paris (MNHN) and, in one case, in the Museum d'Histoire Naturelle in Geneva (MHNG). These name-bearing types are here figured for the first time. Based on the original material and its description, we re-evaluate the exact type localities and the taxonomic status of all 12 of Lesson's ‘melaniids’, which are here assigned to the Thiaridae. They form the foundation on which subsequent revisions and evaluations of the zoogeography and phylogeny of these thiarids will rest that are today used as model organisms in evolutionary systematics. (© 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Sensory evaluation for broiler meat after addition Slovak bee pollen in their feed mixture

The study aimed to investigate the impact of Slovak bee pollen as supplement dietary in different doses (1000, 1500, 2500, 3500 and 4500 mg.kg -1 of feed mixture) on the sensory quality of broiler chickens. The study was carried out 180 one day-old chickens, which were divided into 6 groups (n=30). From each halves were separately sensory evaluated part from a thigh and breast. Samples of heat treated meat were evaluated by a 6 member semi-trained panel of laboratory co-workers. Panelist s evaluate aroma, juiciness, taste and tenderness on 5 point hedonic scale where 1 (the worst) and 5 (the best) were the extremes of each characteristic. The values of aroma, taste, juiciness and tenderness in breast and thigh muscles were higher in experimental groups in compare to control. The bee pollen has a positive impact on the taste, aroma, juiciness and tenderness of chickens thighs and breasts. Although the value of shear force in chicken thigh was significantly highest in E2 samples, addition of bee pollen to the diet for broiler chickens had no significatly negative effect on the thigh tenderness. Baking losses, as the second technological parameter, were also not significantly affected by nutrition with bee pollen supplement.
Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) on gene expression: Possible relevance to neurological disorders and age‐associated cognitive impairment

Ginkgo biloba leaf extract (EGb 761), which contains many constituents, including flavonoid glycosides and terpenoids (ginkgolides, bilobalide), is used to treat cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular insufficiency, as well as cognitive impairment and other symptoms of dementia. Recent studies have indicated that these therapeutic effects of EGb 761 probably involve modification of the expression of many genes by actions involving several of its active constituents. As examples: EGb 761 and its ginkgolide B constituent inhibit the expression of the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor in the adrenal cortex and decrease circulating levels of corticosterone in the rat, effects that provide a mechanism for explaining the “antistress” action of the extract. Both the flavonoid and terpenoid constituents of EGb 761 decrease the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), supporting an action of the extract of opposing the deleterious effects of excessive formation of NO. EGb 761 upregulates several genes that encode vital antioxidant enzymes, including heme oxygenase‐1 and the regulatory and catalytic subunits of γ‐glutamyl‐cysteinyl synthetase. Dietary treatment of mice with EGb 761 upregulates the expression of genes encoding neuronal tyrosine/threonine phosphatase 1 and microtubule‐associated tau in the cerebral cortex, findings that are of interest since these proteins are associated with the intracellular neurofibrillary tangles found in the brain in Alzheimer's disease. Bilobalide upregulates two mitochondrial‐DNA‐encoded genes, subunit III of cytochrome c oxidase and subunit ND1 of NADH dehydrogenase, indicating a fundamental mechanism that may underlie EGb 761‐induced neuroprotection. Collectively, such results indicate that the therapeutic effects of EGb 761 on cognitive impairment (dementia) may involve its action of altering gene expression. Drug Dev. Res. 57:214–235, 2002. 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.