Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
State of the art of genetic diversity research in Jatropha curcas

Jatropha curcas (Euphorbiaceae) is a mesoamerican plant. However, till date, it is extensively grown in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The seeds have high oil content, which can be transformed into biodiesel. In the present review, the geographical origin of J. curcas is discussed, then, advances of research in the genetic diversity are summarized and contrasted. Proposed future research in this species include: (a) the collection and characterization of germplasm around the world, including the center of origin, (b) the study of the genetic variation within the context of population genetics, using morphological, chemical and molecular markers, (c) the use of genome information from other Euphorbiaceae, and subsequently (d) crop breeding to increase oil productivity. Key words: Jatropha, Mexico, molecular markers, population genetics.
Effects of naoshuning on the plasma TNF-α, IL-1β and ICAM-1 levels in a rat brain ischemia-reperfusion injury model

To investigate the effects of naoshuning on plasma TNF-α, IL-1β and ICAM-1 levels in a rat brain ischemia-reperfusion injury model. 72 rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=18): Sham group, ischemia-reperfusion (IR) group, naoshuning group and ginaton group. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was performed in rats for 2 h followed by 1, 7 and 14 days of reperfusion. Animals were sacrificed and the plasma levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and ICAM-1 were detected by ELISA and radioimmunoassay. After brain ischemia-reperfusion injury, the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and ICAM-1 in the plasma of rats in IR group were significantly higher than that in sham group (p<0.05); after the treatment with naoshuning, the contents of TNF-α, IL-1β and ICAM-1 in the plasma was significantly decreased when compared with those in the remaining groups (P<0.05). When compared with the MCAO group, the TNF-α, IL-1β and ICAM-1 levels in naoshuning group was decreased after injury (P<0.05). Naoshuning can decrease the secretion of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β) and adhesion molecules (ICAM-1), improving brain ischemia reperfusion injury.
Novel method to concurrently sample the planktobenthos and benthos

The planktobenthos is an important area with unique environmental conditions that represents the immediate link between the benthos and the water column, yet it has never been deliberately sampled concurrently with the benthos. We have developed a new sampling method to allow concurrent collection of benthic and planktobenthic specimens. The Mounted Assembly for Planktobenthic Sampling (MAPS) uses a novel trilayered net with a seafloor‐triggered opening and closing mechanism attached to an epibenthic sled. The MAPS was deployed on the Carnarvon Shelf off Western Australia and was successful at separately sampling both benthic and planktobenthic fauna. A wide variety of epibenthic and infaunal animals were collected from the sled, and planktobenthic animals such as mysids were identified from all three nets. The trilayered net was particularly effective at collecting a broad range of planktobenthic organisms, including smaller fragile larvae and adults that may have otherwise been destroyed during collection in a single net or grab. The number of species in planktobenthic and benthic samples was correlated, although the strength and significance of this relationship varied among taxonomic groups, suggesting that rich benthic assemblages are linked to rich planktobenthic assemblages. Importantly, the MAPS is a value‐adding method, collecting two sample sets for the cost of one, and can be modified for use on a wide variety of benthic sleds to target a range of organisms. The concurrent collection of planktobenthic and benthic biota will contribute to a range of research areas, including larval ecology, nutrient cycling, and surrogacy research for habitat mapping.
Characterization of a soluble factor released by Trypanosoma brucei sp that induced arginase activity in macrophages

Abstract Extracellular trypanosomes can modulate the immune cell function through parasite soluble factor (PSF) that induce arginase activity. In this report, we aimed to identify the soluble factor that induce arginase in macrophages. Macrophage arginase was induced by Trypanosoma brucei gambiense and by their PSF in vitro. We also identified a 120-130 kDa protein as the main arginase-inducing factor in the PSF. This factor consists in a dimer of 60-65 KDa proteins, which do not stimulate the induction of arginase individually. The identification of a such marker of immune dysregulation observed during Human African trypanosomiasis may help in the amelioration of diagnosis. Keywords: PSF, arginase induction, macrophages, Trypanosome brucei sp, in vitro. RESUME Les trypanosomes extracellulaires peuvent moduler la fonction des cellules immunitaires en secretant des facteurs solubles parasitaire (PSF) qui induisent l'activite de l'arginase. L’identification de la fraction du PSF qui induit l’arginase macrophagique est necessaire dans l’objectif de la mise au point d'un diagnostic precoce de la maladie. Les trypanosomes ont ete obtenus a partir de souris infectees, la purification des parasites est faite sur une colonne de DEAE-cellulose. Les parasites ont ete cultives dans un milieu minimum a 37°C contenant 5% de CO 2 pendant 2 heures. Le surnageant contenant le PSF est utilise pour activer l'arginase macrophagique. L’analyse du PSF sur la colonne de chromatographie d'affinite et l'electrophorese suivie de Western blot a montre une bande d'environ 120 kDa qui se divise en deux apres le traitement pour donner une bande de 60 KDa. Cette premiere bande tres labile, serait la molecule inductrice de l’arginase qui peut etre utilisee comme marqueur de cette maladie. La grande difficulte de la trypanosomose est liee au fait que le diagnostic precoce reste incertain et de nombreux patients echappent aux suivis. Cette etude pourrait permettre la mise au point d’une methode de diagnostic de la maladie du sommeil. Elle permettra de trouver un moyen simple et fiable de diagnostic precoce de la maladie. Cette etude se poursuivra avec l'utilisation de composants purifies ou non de PSF pour la campagne de prospection serologiques dans les zones endemiques. Mots clees: PSF, induction arginase, macrophages, Trypanosome brucei sp, in vitro .
Biogeographical patterns in the diet of an opportunistic predator: the red fox Vulpes vulpes in the Iberian Peninsula

Biogeographical diversity is central to the trophic ecology of predators. Under- standing the biogeographical trophic patterns of generalist predators, such as the red fox Vulpes vulpes, is particularly challenging because of their wide distribu- tions, broad trophic spectra and high ecological plasticity, which often generate conflicts with humans. 2. We reviewed 55 studies from the Iberian Peninsula concerning the diet of the red fox to describe its trophic patterns from a biogeographical perspective. 3. We considered the frequency of occurrence of seven food groups and charac- terized each study site according to environmental variables. We tested relation- ships between geographical variables and each food group independently, and assessed the consumption of lagomorphs in relation to the other food groups. We also tested the relationships between trophic diversity, the main food groups, lati- tude and altitude, and finally investigated changes in the consumption of all food groups in relation to habitat type and seasonality. 4. We found a latitudinal pattern in the diet of the red fox, which was character- ized by a greater consumption of lagomorphs and invertebrates in southern areas, and a higher intake of small mammals and fruits/seeds in northern regions. Addi- tionally, the consumption of invertebrates increased from east to west, while fruit/ seed consumption increased from west to east. Consumption of lagomorphs decreased, and of small mammals increased, with altitude. Trophic diversity was not associated with geographical variables. The intake of lagomorphs and small mammals was greatest in Mediterranean scrub and forest, respectively. Reptiles and invertebrates were consumed mostly during summer; fruits/seeds in autumn. 5. Iberian red foxes show variation in their feeding habits associated with envi- ronmental variables, which are in turn associated with the availability of their main prey. Foxes select rabbits where they are abundant, and feed on small mammals and fruits/seeds where lagomorphs are scarce. bs_bs_banner
Phylogenetic relationships in Auriculariales and related groups: hypotheses derived from nuclear ribosomal DNA sequences

In order to estimate phylogenetic relationships in the Auriculariales sensu Bandoni (1984) and allied groups we have analysed a representative sample of species by comparison of nuclear coded ribosomal DNA sequences, applying models of neighbour joining, maximum parsimony, conditional clustering, and maximum likelihood. Analyses of the 5’ terminal domain of the gene coding for the 28 S ribosomal large subunit supported the monophyly of the Dacrymycetales and Tremellales, while the monophyly of the Auriculariales was not supported. The Sebacinaceae, including the genera Sebacina, Efibulobasidium, Tremelloscypha, and Craterocolla, was confirmed as a monophyletic group, which appeared distant from other taxa ascribed to the Auriculariales. Within the latter the following subgroups were significantly supported: (1) a group of closely related species containing members of the genera Auricularia, Exidia, Exidiopsis, Heterochaete, and Eichleriella; (2) a group comprising species of Bourdotia and Ductifera; (3) a group of globose-spored species of the genus Basidiodendron; (4) a group that includes the members of the genus Myxarium and Hyaloria pilacre; (5) a group consisting of species of the genera Protomerulius, Tremellodendropsis, Heterochaetella, and Protodontia. Additional analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the species contained in group (1) resulted in a separation of these fungi due to their basidial types.
The impact of orthodontic treatment on the dental occlusion and oral health-related quality of life of individuals with cleft lip and/or palate

Abstract Background Children with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) are a special group of orthodontic patients. Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is an important aspect of treatment outcome that is becoming popular in its application in orthodontics, but its relationship with clinical treatment outcomes remains unclear. Objectives To compare OHRQoL and clinical treatment outcomes of a sample of children with cleft lip and/or palate and non-cleft children before and after orthodontic treatment in order to determine whether there is an association between the two outcome measures. Methods A prospective observational longitudinal study was conducted of 60 consecutive adolescent patients (33 CL/P and 27 non-cleft) who received orthodontic treatment at Christchurch Hospital, New Zealand. The two outcome measures were a self-reported OHRQoL outcome assessed by the short form 8 item Child Perception Questionnaire (CPQ-ISF 8) and an orthodontic treatment outcome assessed by the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) index. Results Both CL/P and non-cleft groups had comparable pretreatment malocclusion severity with similar baseline and end of treatment OHRQoL. Although both groups showed similar improvements in OHRQoL following orthodontic treatment, the non-cleft group had significantly greater improvement in their PAR outcome. There was no association detected between OHRQoL and the PAR improvement. Conclusion Both study groups had similar OHRQoL changes following orthodontic treatment despite the non-cleft group having better orthodontic treatment outcomes. There is a lack of correlation between the patient’s self-assessment OHRQoL and clinically based orthodontic treatment outcomes.
Characterization of Opioid Receptors Modulating Neurogenic Contractions of Circular Muscle from Porcine Ileum and Evidence That δ- and κ-Opioid Receptors Are Coexpressed in Myenteric Neurons

Opioid receptors (ORs) in the myenteric plexus mediate the antimotility actions of opioids in the small intestine. In this study, ORs modulating neurogenic circular muscle contractions in the porcine ileum were characterized by pharmacological and immunohistochemical approaches. Circular muscle-myenteric plexus strips manifested tetrodotoxin- and atropine-sensitive contractions during (ON) and after (OFF) electrical field stimulation. The κ-OR agonists U-50,488H and U-69,593 inhibited ON contractions (pIC 50 = 7.61 and 8.22, respectively). U-69,593 action was inhibited by the κ-OR antagonist norbinaltorphimine with an antagonist equilibrium constant ( K e ) of 4.2 nM. Selective δ-OR agonists [d-Ala 2 ]-deltorphin II, DSLET, DADLE, SNC80, and DPDPE inhibited OFF contractions (pIC 50 = 9.17, 8.63, 8.50, 8.26, and 7.47, respectively). The selective δ-OR antagonist naltriben reduced the inhibitory actions of SNC80 and DSLET with respective K e values of 2.3 and 3.0 nM. In addition, norbinaltorphimine inhibited the actions of these agonists with respective K e values of 0.7 and 4.2 nM. The μ-OR agonists DAMGO, loperamide, or morphine exhibited relatively low activities in inhibiting ON and OFF contractions. Using primary antisera directed toward cloned opioid receptors, δ-OR immunoreactivity was observed to be localized alone or in combination with κ-OR immunoreactivity in myenteric neurons; μ-OR immunoreactivity was absent. The results suggest that myenteric δ- and κ-opioid receptors mediate the antitransit effects of opioids in the porcine small intestine. These receptors may be functionally coupled in a subpopulation of myenteric neurons.
ULTRASTRUCTURE OF GYMNODINIUM AUREOLUM (DINOPHYCEAE): TOWARD A FURTHER REDEFINITION OF GYMNODINIUM SENSU STRICTO

Examination of the ultrastucture of the unarmored dinoflagellate Gymnodinium aureolum (Hulburt) G. Hansen (syn: Gyrodinium aureolum Hulburt) revealed the presence of nuclear chambers, which are specialized differentiations of the nuclear envelope, similar to those described in the type species of Gymnodinium, G. fuscum (Ehrenberg) Stein and certain other Gymnodinium species. The nuclear pores were restricted to these chambers. In the flagellar apparatus a nuclear fibrous connective linked the longitudinal microtubular root and the nucleus. This structure had so far been observed only in Gymnodinium spp. and in the heterotrophic species Actiniscus pentasterias (Ehrenberg) Ehrenberg, Nematodinium armatum (Dogiel) Kofoid et Swezy and Polykrikos kofoidii Chatton. Another unusual feature of G. aureolum was the presence of a striated fiber in the longitudinal flagellum, a feature previously only found in Ceratium furca (Ehrenberg) Claparède et Lachmann and C. tripos (O.F. Müller) Nitzsch. Gymnodinium aureolum also possessed a prominent ventral protrusion associated with the peduncle and containing electron opaque material. It is concluded that G. aureolum belongs to the Gymnodinium sensu stricto group. This may be a temporary classification, however, because G. aureolum and its allies differ from the type species G. fuscum by the presence of a transverse striated root, striated collars, trichocysts, and a peduncle.
The usefulness of accrual-based financial statements at local government

Like other countries in the world, Indonesia is also undergoing public financial management reforms. This reform was marked by a change in Government Accounting Standards (SAP) from a cash basis to an accrual basis as stipulated in Government Regulation Number 71 of 2010. However, after decades of public financial management reform, this accrual accounting model has been criticized because the resulting financial information has not been able to meet the necessities of its users. But some previous research prove that accrual-based financial statements have provided usefulness for its users. The purpose this investigation is to give empirical proof regarding the usefulness of accrual basis financial statements in decision making, and factors that will improve financial reporting quality in local governments.
Stochastic Models in Population Genetics: The Impact of Selection and Recombination

We consider gene genealogies from populations under selective pressure and take into account that genes can be reassembled during the reproduction process due to recombination. The main result is the derivation of an approximate distribution of the ancestral relationships of neutral genes in a sample taken out of a population after a so-called selective sweep. Such a sweep occurs if an advantageous mutation appears in one individual and then spreads in the population such that after some number of generations every individual in the population has this advantageous gene expression at the locus under selection. In this thesis, we investigate two different ways of modeling the evolution of a population which experiences such a selective sweep. The first model is a Moran model with selection and recombination and in particular constant population size N over time. Here, the resulting approximation holds true up to terms of order 1/log(N). The second approximation is based on a so-called Darwinian model with varying population size and birth and death rates depending on the current state of the population and the genetic type of an individual at the locus under selection. In this case, the approximate distribution is given in the limit of K to infinity, where K is the carrying capacity reflecting the ability of the environment to provide resources for a population. In the final chapter of the thesis, we briefly consider Lambda-coalescent processes which can be used to model genealogies of populations with skewed offspring distributions. In particular, we here describe a spatial algorithm on how to generate an ancestral recombination graph starting from such a general coalescent process.
Gibberellins are required for embryo growth and seed development in pea

The gibberellin (GA) biosynthesis mutants lh-1 and lh-2 have been used to examine the physiological role of GAs in pea seed development. The LH protein is required for the three-step oxidation of ent-kaurene to ent-kaurenoic acid early in the GA biosynthesis pathway. The allele-specific interaction of lh-1 and lh-2 with chemical inhibitors of these three steps suggests that LH encodes the multi-functional GA biosynthesis enzyme ent-kaurene oxidase. Unlike the lh-2 mutation which reduces seed weight and decreases seed survival by ∼50% compared with wild-type plants, the lh-1 allele has a transient effect on embryo and seed growth and only slightly increases seed abortion. These seed phenotypes parallel the effects of the two mutant alleles on GA levels in young seeds. Detailed examination of the growth of lh-1 seeds reveals homeostatic regulation of GA-promoted embryo and seed growth. Although GA-deficient seeds grow more slowly than WT seeds, decreased assimilate availability to the developing seeds is not the primary reason for the altered seed development. Instead, GAs act to promote some process(es) required for embryo and seed growth and only indirectly influence the distribution of assimilates. How GA deficiency causes seed abortion is not known but it may simply be a consequence of reduced seed or embryo growth rate. These results demonstrate that even relatively small changes in the levels of GAs in young seeds can alter seed development and suggest that the available GA-related mutants may represent only a subset of all possible mutants with reduced GA levels or GA signalling.
Effects of Landscape Structure on Male Density and Spacing Patterns in Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) Depend on Winter Severity

ABSTRACT. The influence of landscape structure on abundance or spacing patterns of generalist bird species may be nonlinear and vary annually depending on the severity of environmental conditions. The Eastern Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo sylvestris) is a generalist forest species that experiences high mortality when snow reduces food availability. Although increasing amounts of cornfield habitat may benefit Wild Turkeys by providing an alternate food source, reduced forest cover or elevated levels of forest fragmentation associated with increased corn (Zea mays) production could be detrimental. We evaluated the hypothesis that spring density of male Wild Turkeys increases with the amount of corn habitat as long as forest cover remains a dominant landscape component and that this increase is more prominent following a winter with thick snow accumulations. We performed point counts and corrected for imperfect detection in 2003 and 2004 at 130 randomly distributed sites in southern Québec. After a mild winter, male density peaked in landscapes characterized by 25–50% forest cover and a large amount of edge between forest and open habitats. After a harsh winter, male density decreased with annual crop cover when forests represented <20% of the landscape and increased when they represented >40%. Male aggregation was higher and increased with male density at a slower rate than if individuals had been randomly distributed, yet landscape structure had only a marginal effect on aggregation. Our results suggest that Wild Turkeys' response to landscape structure depends on environmental conditions and that this generalist forest species benefits from cornfields where forest cover is fragmented but abundant.
The first catenicellid (Bryozoa, Ascophora) from Mediterranean shallow waters: a hidden resident or a new immigrant?

Catenicella paradoxa sp. nov. is described from Mediterranean shallow bottoms. Colonies are small, rooted, erect and articulated, each segment either sterile unizooidal or bizooidal, or fertile bizooidal. Basal parts consist of an “articulated basal complex”, sometimes related to thick encrusting tubes, invariably followed by morphologically ordinary zooids belonging to each type of segment. The hypotheses of small separate colonies or subcolonies from a network of encrusting tubes are discussed, but relationships with the substratum remain unclear. The species represents the first known Mediterranean catenicellid, a family taxon with a warm, mostly Australasian present-day distribution. Nevertheless, catenicellids and Catenicella species have a long history in the European area from the Middle Eocene to the Early Pleistocene, with at least four different species. In this context, the meaning of C. paradoxa sp. nov. is discussed, bearing in mind problems of species spreading in relation to global warming and human activities.
Cardioprotective effects of Curcuma longa L. extracts against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats

This study was designed to investigate the possible mechanisms whereby Curcuma longacould protect against cardiotoxicity induced by doxorubicin. Administration of doxorubicin (15 mg/kg i.p.) induced cardiomyopathy manifested by significant elevation in serum creatine kinase MB (Ck-MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities. In addition, cardiotoxicity was further confirmed by significant increase in each of serum and cardiac malondialdehyde (MDA) level, serum iron and nitric oxide concentrations, cardiac calcium level, catalase and glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase activities as well as by the noticeable reduction in cardiac total antioxidant capacity, vitamin C levels and blood glutathione (GSH) concentration. Oral administration of Curcuma longa ethanolic or water extract (200 mg/kg) prior to doxorubicin produced a significant protection which was evidenced by significant reduction in mortality, CK-MB and LDH -activities. Moreover, they significantly increased GSH markedly, decreased cardiac calcium, and cardiac and serum MDA. In addition, both extracts significantly reduced serum nitric oxide, increased cardiac ascorbic acid, and ameliorated the antioxidant enzymes activities. In conclusion, Curcuma longa extracts renders resiliency against doxorubicin cardiotoxicity due to their contents of polyphenolic compounds that might serve as novel adjuvant therapy with doxorubicin. Key words: Curcume longa L. , doxorubicin, cardiotoxicity, antioxidants.