Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Muscle mitochondria dysfunctions in Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy

Spinal and Bulbar Muscular Atrophy (SBMA), also known as Kennedy’s Disease, is an X-linked recessive disorder, affecting only males, characterized by loss of motor neurons in the spinal cord and brainstem. Patients may also show signs of androgen insensitivity, including gynaecomastia, reduced fertility, and testicular atrophy. The molecular basis of SBMA is the expansion of a trinucleotide CAG repeat in the first exon of the Androgen Receptor (AR) gene, that results in an elongated polyglutamine (polyQ) tract in the translated protein. Recent reports suggest a primary role of muscle in SBMA pathogenesis and the presence of mitochondrial alteration in SBMA neuronal cells, knock-in mice and patients. The aim of this study was to investigate mutant AR effects on mitochondrial parameters in muscle tissue from 19 SBMA patients compared to sex and age-matched 18 control subjects. In SBMA muscle, AR protein levels were significantly increased in nuclei and significantly halved both in total lysate and in the cytosolic fraction as compared to controls. The altered distribution of AR in SBMA muscle tissue was associated with a 30-40% reduction of mitochondrial mass, measured as: mtDNA copy number, citrate synthase (CS) activity and dark blue area in muscle cross sections stained for NADH-DH. OXPHOS activity, normalised to CS, was normal. The reduced mitochondrial amount was correlated neither with atrophy and hypertrophy index nor with a decreased mitochondrial biogenesis. Rather, it was associated with an enhanced mitochondrial degradation through mitophagy, measured by biochemical and morphological assays. To explain mitophagy activation in SBMA muscle tissue, we evaluated mitochondria membranes composition through mass spectrometry. We found significant homogeneous decreased levels at 50% of all the cardiolipin molecular species in SBMA mitochondrial membranes, associated to a probably compensatory 1.5 and 2-fold increase in phosphatidyilethanolamine and phosphatidylserine amount, respectively. The reduced cardiolipin levels was related to a decreased expression levels of cardiolipin synthase gene, involved in the biosynthesis of immature cardiolipin. In conclusion, for the first time, we showed a cause-effect mechanism of nuclear accumulation of polyQ AR linked to a reduction of mitochondrial mass in the muscle from SBMA patients, associated to an alteration of the mitochondrial membranes structure. Future studies will be needed to elucidate the exact mechanism behind these abnormalities. Given the central role of mitochondria in cell bioenergetics and apoptosis, improvement of mitochondrial function is worth considering as a possible therapeutic approach to SBMA.
A glycoprotein elicitor isolated from Colletotrichum falcatum induces defense mechanisms in sugarcane leaves and suspension-cultured cells

A high molecular weight elicitor was isolated from the mycelial walls of Colletotrichum falcatum, the red rot pathogen, and partially purified by gel filtration using Sephadex G-200. The elicitor appears to be a glycoprotein and the activity of elicitor resides in the carbohydrate moiety. The partially purified elicitor induced the accumulation of phenolics and the activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) and peroxidase (PO) in sugarcane leaves and suspension-cultured cells. Significant increase in the enzyme activities and phenolic content was observed 1 h after elicitor treatment in both cells and leaves. Phenolic content and enzyme activities consistently increased and the maximum increase was recorded 96 h after elicitor treatment. Sugarcane cells in culture responded to C. falcatum elicitor in a manner similar to sugarcane leaves.
Reliability of Several Microorganisms to Indicate the Presence of Salmonella in Natural Waters

A new index of microbiological quality of natural waters based on the coliphage test is proposed. Levels of coliphages corresponding to the concentrationgs of coliphages (Phgs) lower than 300 pfu/100 ml warrant a good microbial quality of waters affected with fecal pollution. In waters with industrial and domestic pollution Salmonella percentages higher than 5 % were detected even when this proposed index (Ph95) was applied. Thus the direct detection of the pathogen could be more useful in this case.
Simulated effects of the beaver on vegetation, invertebrates and ducks

The effect of beaver flood on the riparian vegetation, aquatic invertebrates and water fowl broods of a creek was studied in southern Finland in a barren watershed area. The vegetation and invertebrate communities, as well as waterfowl brood use, in a section of a creek were monitored before artificial damming in 1984 and thereafter during the first three years of inundation (1985-1987). The flooding tolerance of floodplain trees differed markedly. As early as 1985, grey alders exhibited pronounced signs of stress, whereas willows were still in fairly good condition in 1987. Most of the macrophyte stands became considerably thinner during the three years of inundation, although the species composition was not radically altered. Potentilla palustris tolerated flooding very well. The benthic invertebrate communities of the littoral and river bed changed in slightly different direc tions during inundation. In the littoral, the most numerous forms were chironomids and Asellus. In the river bed Pisidium abounded, together with chironomids. The limnic forms of the littoral, particularly Eurycercus, were most abundant during the first year of flooding. The study suggests that the beaver can act as a keystone species by affecting the structure of riparian communities. The waterfowl can take advantage of these changes.
Fate of microphytobenthos nitrogen in subtropical subtidal sediments: A 15N pulse‐chase study

Microphytobenthos (MPB) are an important nitrogen (N) sink in coastal systems, but little is known about the fate of this N after it has been assimilated. We used an in situ 15N pulse‐chase experiment in subtidal sands to follow the assimilation, trophic transfer, transformation, and flux pathways of MPB‐N over 33 d. Throughout the study MPB dominated 15N uptake, on average representing only 18.1% of the biomass but 63.9% of the 15N within 0–2 cm sediment. Following assimilation, 15N was rapidly transferred to deeper sediment, with 32.1% below 2 cm and 16.5% below 5 cm after 60 h. In contrast to MPB, bacteria represented 39.5% of sediment biomass but accounted for only up to 27.3% of assimilated 15N. Foraminifera accumulated and stored 15N more than bacteria; their contribution to the 15N remaining in 0–2 cm sediment at the end of the study was more than double their biomass contribution. Thirty‐three days after the 15N was assimilated by MPB 27% remained in the sediment, 16.5% had been effluxed as NO3− , 20.8% had been effluxed as NH4+ , 20.7% had been effluxed as N2 and 15.1% was missing. Most (12.6%) of 15N label that was missing at the end of the study was probably lost as dissolved organic N (DON) fluxes. Of the 15N remaining in 0–2 cm sediment, 80.4% was in MPB, 2.7% in bacteria, 1% in foraminifera and the remaining 15.9% was uncharacterized. Overall there was little benthic trophic transfer with most of the MPB‐assimilated N remineralized over 33 d.
Peristenus digoneutis (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a parasite of Lygus lineolaris (Hemiptera: Miridae) in northeastern United States alfalfa, and the need for research on other crops

The tarnished plant bug (TPB), Lygus lineolaris (Palisot), damages a wide variety of important crops in North America. Peristenus digoneutis Loan, a European parasite established to provide biological control of this plant bug, has reduced TPB numbers in alfalfa for ten years. Damage to apple fruit in New Hampshire during the same time period has been reduced by 63%, and it appears that biological control is responsible for this decrease. Moderate to high parasitism rates by P. digoneutis have also been observed in strawberries, vetch, red clover, and weeds. P. digoneutis is dispersing on its own, and has been found in 62 counties in eight states, and in Canada. Additional research is needed on the parasitism of L. lineolaris on apples and other crops, and on movement of the parasite into new areas.
Dengue and chikungunya coinfection : the emergence of an underestimated threat

Both Dengue (DENV) and Chikungunya (CHIKV) viruses can be transmitted by Aedes mosquito species and the diseases that they cause have several clinical symptoms in com‐ mon. Co-circulation of DENV and CHIKV is increasing around the world and must therefore be considered as an emerging threat with an important public health concern. At present, very little is known about the clinical manifestations and biological conse‐ quences of coinfection by both viruses. Thus, numerous questions such as clinical severi‐ ty and dynamics of viral replication of DENV and CHIKV coinfections, as well as vectorial competence, have yet to be addressed in this important and challenging re‐ search area. The ensuring knowledge will enhance the clinical surveillance and the devel‐ opment of diagnostic tools able to differentiate DENV and CHIKV in order to early detect virus invasion and local transmission, as well as to improve patient care and timely con‐ trol measures. In this review, we highlight the current knowledge on DENV and CHIKV coinfections. We also discuss research perspectives and challenges in order to further un‐ derstand the ecology and biology of this phenomenon.
Performance of legume–grass mixtures in the West Balkan region

ABSTRACT Three perennial legumes (alfalfa, red clover and birdsfoot trefoil) and four cool-season perennial grasses (orchardgrass, tall fescue, Italian ryegrass and red fescue) were grown in legume–grass combinations and in pure stands of individual species, at three locations in the West Balkan region (Novi Sad, Banja Luka and Pristina) in the period from 2012 to 2015. The study evaluated dry matter yield, legume–grass–weed proportion and forage quality. High annual forage yield of legume–grass mixtures can be obtained with proper selection of species and an appropriate legume–grass ratio. However, high and stable yield, particularly in the case of grasses, depends on the amount and schedule of precipitation as well as the cutting time. The mixtures and legume pure stands achieved better forage production both per cutting and on the annual basis and had better forage quality than grass pure stands.
Gut bacterial community structure of two Australian tropical fruit fly species (Diptera: Tephritidae)

The community structure of the alimentary tract bacteria of two Australian fruit fly species, Bactrocera cacuminata (Hering) and Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt), was studied using a molecular cloning method based on the 16S rRNA gene. Differences in the bacterial community structure were shown between the crops and midguts of the two species and sexes of each species. Proteobacteria was the dominant bacterial phylum in the flies, especially bacteria in the order Gammaproteobacteria which was prominent in all clones. The total bacterial community consisted of Proteobacteria (more than 75% of clones), except in the crop of B. cacuminata where more than 50% of clones belonged to Firmicutes. Firmicutes gave the number of the secondary community structure in the fly’s gut. Four orders, Alpha-, Beta-, Deltaand Gammaproteobacteria and the phyla Firmicutes and Actinobacteria were found in both fruit fly species, while the order Epsilonproteobacteria and the phylum Bacteroidetes were found only in B. tryoni. Two phyla, Actinobacteria and Bacteroidetes, were rare and less frequent in the flies. There was a greater diversity of bacteria in the crop of the two fruit fly species than in the midgut. The midgut of B. tryoni females and the midgut of B. cacuminata males had the lowest bacterial diversity.
Atividade antifúngica e possível mecanismo de ação do óleo essencial de folhas de Ocimum gratissimum (Linn. ) sobre espécies de Candida

Ocimum gratissimum (Linn.) is a medicinal plant popularly known as “wild basil” widely used in traditional medicine. The plant has numerous compounds, and eugenol is the major constituent of its essential oil and likely responsible for its antimicrobial activity. The aim of this study was to determine the antifungal activity and the potential mechanism of action of the essential oil extracted from the leaves of O. gratissimum L. (OEOg) against standard strains of Candida. The following experiments were performed: determination of Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), determination of the effect of exposure time to OEOg; evaluation of the modulating effect of OEOg in antifungal (ATF) activity for clinical use; determination of the effects of the OEOg on different growth phases of Candida spp; determination of crystal violet (CV) uptake and the microculture of yeast technique. OEOg showed good antifungal activity against Candida, being able to reduce microbial growth during 24 hours of contact and also the number of viable cells at all stages of growth. OE positively modulates the activity of ketoconazole for C. tropicalis ATCC 13803. Increased uptake of CV and also the inhibition of Candidavirulence factors were also observed, which indicates the occurrence of damage in the cell envelope. These findings, coupled with the low toxicity of OEOg on human erythrocytes, indicate that “wild basil” is a promising plant for the development of a new drug with a potential activity to treat fungal diseases.
The physiological relevance of the G protein-coupled receptor P2Y14

UDP-sugars were identified as extracellular signaling molecules, assigning a new function to these compounds in addition to their well defined role in intracellular substrate metabolism and storage. Previously regarded as an orphan receptor, the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) P2Y14 (GPR105) was found to bind extracellular UDP and UDP-sugars. Little is known about the physiological functions of this GPCR. To study its physiological role we used a gene-deficient (KO) mouse strain expressing the bacterial LacZ reporter gene to monitor the physiological expression pattern of P2Y14. We found that P2Y14 is mainly expressed in pancreas and salivary glands and in subpopulations of smooth muscle cells of the gastrointestinal tract, blood vessels, lung and uterus. Among other phenotypical differences KO mice showed a significantly impaired glucose tolerance following oral and intraperitoneal glucose application. An unchanged insulin tolerance suggested altered pancreatic islet function. Transcriptome analysis of pancreatic islets showed that P2Y14 deficiency significantly changed expression of components involved in insulin secretion. Insulin secretion tests revealed a reduced insulin release from P2Y14-deficient islets highlighting P2Y14 as a new modulator of proper insulin secretion. Although the physiological function is known for many members of the family of GPCR, functional ligands have not been identified yet for more than one hundred so-called orphan receptors. In the past years, academic research groups and pharmaceutical companies engaged in large-scale deorphanization efforts for these receptors employing ligand screening studies and analyses of receptor-deficient mouse models (1). One of these studies revealed P2Y14 (formerly named GPR105)
Thermophilous fringe communities as an indicator of vegetation changes: a case study of the “Murawy Dobromierskie” steppe reserve (Poland)

Abstract In this paper, changes of the non-forest xerothermic vegetation of the “Murawy Dobromierskie” steppe reserve which occurred in the period 1993-2012 are examined. The material comprises 50 relevés, of which 43 date from 2012 and the other 7 - from 1993. Reléves were arranged in 5 analytic tables. A synoptic table was also compiled, and for each syntaxonomical species group distinguished, values of the cover coefficient (C), the collective group share index (G), and the systematic group value (D) were estimated and compared. On the basis of the obtained results, a significant decline in abundancy and/or constancy was observed within the following groups: Ch. Artemisietea vulgaris, Ch. Cirsio-Brachypodion pinnati, Ch. Festuco-Brometea, Ch. Geranion sanguinei, Ch. Koelerio-Corynephoretea, and Ch. Origanetalia and Trifolio-Geranietea sanguinei, whereas for the taxa of the Rhamno-Prunetea, a notable increase in the share of the reserve vegetation was recorded. A sizeable expansion of the moss layer was also observed in this period. The results are discussed with special regard to differences in the methodical background of both field studies.
Combined effect of deficit irrigation and potassium fertilizer on physiological response, plant water status and yield of soybean in calcareous soil

ABSTRACT A 2-year field experiment (2013 and 2014) was conducted in calcareous soil (CaCO3 19.2%), on soybean grown under three irrigation regimes 100%, 85% and 70% of crop evapotranspiration combined with three potassium (K2O) levels (90, 120 and 150 kg ha−1). The objective was to investigate the complementary properties of potassium fertilizer in improving soybean physiological response under water deficit. Plant water status (relative water content RWC, chlorophyll fluorescence Fv/F0 and Fv/Fm), had been significantly affected by irrigation or/and potassium application. Potassium improved growth characteristics (i.e. shoot length, number, leaf area and dry weight of leaves) as well as physiochemical attributes (total soluble sugars, free proline and contents of N, P, K, Ca and Na). Yield and yield water use efficiency (Y-WUE) were significantly affected by irrigation and potassium treatments. Results indicated that potassium application of 150 and 120 kg ha−1 significantly increased seed yield by 29.6% and 13.89%, respectively, compared with 90 kg ha−1 as average for two seasons. It was concluded that application of higher levels of potassium fertilizer in arid environment improves plant water status as well as growth and yield of soybean under water stress.
Comparison of Thermal Performance Equations in Describing Temperature-Dependent Developmental Rates of Insects: (II) Two Thermodynamic Models

Abstract There are many descriptive statistical models describing the temperature-dependent developmental rates of insects without derivation of biophysical processes; thus, it is difficult to explain how temperature affects development from the thermodynamic mechanisms. Fortunately, two mathematical models (the Sharpe–Schoolfield–Ikemoto [SSI] model and Ratkowsky–Olley–Ross [ROR] model) based on thermodynamics have been built to explain temperature-dependent reaction rates. Despite their differences in construction, both models produce similar functions when used to describe the effect of temperature on the probability of a theoretical rate-controlling enzyme that is in its active state. However, the previous fitting method of the SSI model was unable to achieve global optimization of parameter estimates; that of the ROR model usually underestimates the maximal probability of the rate-controlling enzyme that is in its active state, as found in some empirical data sets. In the present study we improved the fitting methods for these two models. We then used these two models to fit 10 data sets from published references. We found the models based on the improved fitting methods agree with the empirical data well and predict that the maximal probabilities of the rate-controlling enzyme that is in its active state are close to 1. The SSI model produces a slightly better goodness-of-fit value for the model than the ROR model, whereas the latter predicts a more symmetrical curve for the probability of the rate-controlling enzyme that is in its active state. If thermodynamic parameters of two or more different species are to be compared, we recommend that researchers use one or the other of these two models and follow the same fitting methods for all species.
Uji Ketahanan Anggrek Hibrida Phalaenopsis terhadap Penyakit Busuk Lunak yang Disebabkan oleh Dickeya dadantii

ABSTRACT One of the most popular orchids and cultivated by Indonesia and other countries is Phalaenopsis. The main disease of Phalaenopsis orchids in Indonesia is soft rot caused by bacteria Dickeya dadantii. The purpose of this study was to know the resistanctcy of Phalaenopsis hybrid to soft rot disease. The experiment was conducted at the Bacterial Plant Laboratory, Department of Plant Protection, the Greenhouse of Leuwikopo, Bogor Agricultural University, and the plastic house of Alam Sinar Sari Dramaga, Bogor from June 2014 to February 2015. The experimental design was randomized block design with three replications. Five genotypes of hybrid Phalaenopsis were tested, namely Phal. KHM 205, Phal. KHM 1126, Phal. KHM 1318, Phal. AMP 17, and Phal. KHM 2249. Phal. amabilis, Phal. esmeralda, Phal. amboinensis, and Phal. cornu-cervi were used as controls. The resistance testing was performed by inoculating bacteria D. dadantii on leaves of the orchids. The results showed all Phalaenopsis hybrid showed disease symptoms after inoculation. Phal. KHM 2249 had the lowest number of fallen leaves and the highest number of survive plants compared to the other hybrid Phalaenopsis. Survival rate was likely related to peroxidase activity and leaf thickness. Keywords: fallen leaves, leaf thickness, peroxidase, Phalaenopsis
Chemical Composition of and Listeria monocytogenes Survival in White Pickled Cheese.

White pickled cheese was made from pasteurized milk with 8% salt and preserved in the whey at 4°C. About 5.0 log10 CFU/ml cells of Listeria monocytogenes were inoculated into milk, and the survival of the pathogen was studied during the storage period. The chemical composition of the cheese was also determined. L. monocytogenes were not inhibited by 8% salt, but lactic acid bacteria were unable to grow and produce acid to inhibit L. monocytogenes . During ripening, the pH never decreased below 6.0. While fat, protein, total solids, and ash contents decreased in curd during ripening, the acidity and salt did not change. In cheese whey, fat, protein, acidity, and salt showed a slight increase, while total solids and ash contents were unchanged.
Milking Management Practices Followed In Selected Areas of the Kottayam District of Kerala State

Abstract A survey was conducted to study milking management practice followed by 60 dairy farmers with average herd size of 7.25, majority of them rearing crossbred cattle in the Kottayam district of Kerala state (2010 - 2011). Majority (73.33%) of dairy farmers were following full hand method, 18.33 per cent and 8.33 per cent were following knuckling and machine milking respectively as method of milking. All the dairy farmers were practicing two times milking a day; none of the dairy farmers was following three times milking schedule. About 68.33% of dairy farmers were practicing udder massaging and feeding concentrate and 31.66 percent were practicing calf suckle reflex for let down of the milk. Only 11.67% of the dairy farmers milking their animals in separate and dry places however all farmers were regularly cleaning milk utensils and washing udder before milking as clean milk production practice. The study indicates milking management practice in majority of the dairy farmers is satisfactory but there is a scope for further improvement in milk production practices by creating awareness.