Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Within‐community environmental variability drives trait variability in species‐rich grasslands

Aims Spatial environmental heterogeneity has been considered an important coexistence mechanism, because environmental variation enables different species to co-occur. We predict if functional differences are important for coexistence, then both species and functional diversity should be positively related to environmental heterogeneity. Location 33 dry calcareous grassland sites in Estonia. Methods In each site, we established a transect (10 x 0.1 m), consisting of 100 quadrats (10 x 10 cm). In each quadrat, we recorded species richness and composition, and measured soil depth, moisture, and light availability. We collected data on 8 traits from most of the species found across the sites. We calculated functional diversity (FD) at the quadrat scale, and compared the observed-FD to that expected at random using two null models. The first null model used all the species that occurred in the transect in the randomisations, to determine environmental filtering from the transect to the quadrat. The second null model restricted the species used in the randomisations to those species whose trait range was within the range of the observed values in the quadrat, to detect evidence for niche partitioning. Quadrat mean trait values and variability in functional composition were then related to small-scale mean environmental conditions and heterogeneity respectively. Results We found convergent patterns in biomass, specific leaf area, specific root length, and clonality compared to randomised communities that included all species occurring in the transect, and we found divergence in height and leaf area using the range restricted null model. Hence, we found patterns consistent with environmental filtering and niche partitioning depending on the traits considered. Quadrat mean traits were significantly correlated with the measured environmental variables, with the main trend being a positive relationship between size-related traits and soil resources, and a negative relationship between these traits and light availability. Trait variability in height, leaf area, leaf dry matter content, specific root length and clonality was positively related to soil depth heterogeneity. There was a trend for species richness to be negatively related to environmental heterogeneity. Conclusions Co-occurring species were more similar in several traits partly due to micro-environmental filtering in response to variability in soil depth. While environmental heterogeneity increased trait variability, negative relationships with species richness were observed. Hence, niche partitioning does not appear to be important for the maintenance of high small-scale species richness in these grasslands. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
日本ウズラ(Coturnix coturnix japonica)から分離した Eimeria tsunodai の病原性と薬剤感受性について

前報で,Eimeriatsunodaiの形態,生物学的性状,発育環,宿主特異性について報告した. 今回は病原性を観察するため,3,15,30日令の日本ウズラに1. 44×102N1.08×106のE. tsunodaiの成熟オーシストを感染させた. E,tsunodaiのオーシストを103個以上感染させた場合,体重の増加が著しく妨げられ,104個以上の感染群では,斃死率が50%以上であった. 血便と貧血を主徴とした症状は,E. tenclla寄生によるニワトリの症状に酷倣していた. また,E. tsunodai人工感染日本ウズラを用いて,Am-pr011um(AM),methylbcnzoquate(MB),C10pidol(CP),Sulfadimethoxinc(SDM)およびSulfamo-nomethoxine(SMM)に対する薬剤感受性を検討した. 試験の結果,AM,0.12%;MB,0.04%:CP,0.125%を飼料に添加,7日間連用した群,SDMおよびSMMを0. 05%3日間投与した群で,E. tsunodaiの増殖が阻止された. 鶏の盲腸コクシジウム(E.tenella)とE. tsunodaiとでは,薬剤感受性の点で大きな差異を認めた.
Unrestricted somatic stem cells differentiation into hepatic-like cells in a three dimensional arrangement

Reports describing the human cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUSSCs) hepatocytic differentiation potential are rare and there is no report describing fibrin base 3D culture of hepatocyte-like cells differentiated from cord blood unrestricted somatic stem cells. Hepatocyte-like differentiated stem cells has the potential to provide compensation for acute liver failure patients. Therefore, we characterized cord blood Unrestricted Somatic Stem Cells (USSC) and their hepatocyte differentiation capabilities for functional liver support in a three dimensional arrangement. Moreover, three-dimensional (3D) network and its distribution to grow and differentiate stem cells in so far as possible mimic to native tissue holds huge potential in liver tissue engineering. In this study, we isolate USSCs from human cord blood and validate them with flow-cytometry. Briefly, we differentiated cells using DMEM containing FGF4, Activin A, HGF and 2% FBS into hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) in two conditions; 3D state in biocompatible fibrin Hydrogel and or conventional culture (2D) in polystyrene plates for 21 days. Immuncytochemical and gene expression analysis revealed the expression of KRT18, KRT19, albumin, Sox17, FoxA2 and Prox1 increased in 3D fibrin culture compared to 2D conventional culture. In combination, these data reveal that using 3D networks can resemble near natural tissue properties for effective generating HLCs which used to cell replacement in the future. As well as, USSC represent a stem cell source with a substantial hepatic differentiation capability which hold the possible for clinical applications.
Algunos factores ambientales que afectan el crecimiento hasta el destete de animales GYR en la región de la huasteca potosina

La informacion correspondiente a 473 registros de produccion de las crias de la raza GYR nacidas entre los anos de 1970 a 1975, fue analizada para evaluar el comportamiento de estos animales bajo condiciones tropicales de la Huasteca Potosina
Work addiction, work engagement, job burnout, and perceived stress: A network analysis

Introduction Recently, the network theory of mental disorders has been used to conceptualize work addiction as a dynamic system of symptoms in direct relationships. This study aimed to extend previous work by investigating the direct relationships of work addiction symptoms with dimensions of work engagement, job burnout, and perceived stress. Methods These phenomena were measured with the Bergen Work Addiction Scale, the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, the Maslach Burnout Inventory–General Survey, and the Perceived Stress Scale. The sample comprised 676 working Poles with a mean age of 36.12 years (SD = 11.23). The network analysis followed the guidelines for estimating psychological networks from cross-sectional data. Results Work engagement and job burnout were more closely associated with each other than with work addiction which supports the notion that engagement and burnout represent polar opposites of the same construct and that work addiction is a separate phenomenon, related to both work engagement and job burnout via specific pathways. The symptoms of work addiction were connected with other phenomena through four direct relationships: (1) mood modification—absorption, (2) mood modification—stress, (3) withdrawal—absorption, and (4) problems—exhaustion. Discussion These findings narrow down and specify hypotheses regarding potential mechanisms leading from engagement to addiction and from addiction to burnout. The possible mechanisms focus on the absorption component and mood modification related to efforts focused on alleviating chronic stress and negative emotional states. In turn, problems arising from work addiction may lead to exhaustion. Future studies investigating these mechanisms in detail may enable proper prevention programs and therapeutic interventions.
Effect of processing conditions on the bioactive compounds and biological properties of bee pollen

Bee pollen has had a valued place in traditional medicine for centuries, even though its use in modern medicine is still limited by the lack of scientific evidence. In this study, we characterized and compared nine types of bee pollen, submitted to two preservation methods (lyophilization and drying), in relation to the content of phenolic compound and total flavonoids. The biological properties were also evaluated and compared. Pollen analysis allowed us to classify two samples as heterofloral, whilst the remaining were monofloral. The concentrations of flavonoid and phenolic compounds were greater in the lyophilized samples. Even though all samples presented antimicrobial activity, the lyophilized ones induced stronger inhibition against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. For the yeasts studied, the difference between the two preservation procedures was not so relevant. The antioxidant activity was also greater in the lyophilized samples. Antimutagenic capacity was observed in all samples, independently of the preservation method, even though some bee pollen types decreased the number of gene conversion and mutant colonies more efficiently. In conclusion, the results suggest that lyophilization is better to preserve the bioactive compounds and biological properties of this natural product.
The electron-microscopic picture of postnatal development of oligodendroglia.

: Ultrastructural studies were carried out on the oligodendroglia in the corpus callosum of rat brain in different periods of the animal's extrauterine development. These investigations showed a possibility of distinguishing in the early stages of ontogenesis three forms of oligodendroblasts differing from one another by electron density and the organelle content of the cytoplasm. The beginning of the production of medullary sheaths was noted as early as the first day after birth and the termination of the morphological phase of this process was recorded on the 8th day of postnatal ontogenesis. Moreover, it was found that on the 17th day of the rat's life the process of differentiation of oligodendroglia in the corpus callosum comes to an end.
Is there a tiller morphology ideotype for yield differences in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

The objectives of this study were to measure the variability in ‘realized’ tiller morphology and identify whether there are emergent generalizations about a tiller ideotype for productivity or survival. Morphological traits during the vegetative growth stage were measured for 2 years in the field for eight perennial ryegrass cultivars: six diploid and two tetraploid cultivars under low and high nitrogen fertilizer (50 and 225 kg N ha−1 year−1 respectively). Traits measured were lamina width, length and area; pseudo-stem length and diameter; an index of tiller shape; tiller dry weight; tiller density; and herbage mass. Almost all the traits differed significantly between cultivars and significant correlations were found between the 2 years. Principal component analysis identified that tiller morphology and dry-matter yield were independent. No trait associations indicating alternative cultivar-specific tiller morphologies were detected but cultivars differed in tiller size. The patterns of change between the 2 years indicated a possible morphological trajectory as swards age. The genetic compensatory relationship between tiller size and density had a 1:1 slope, indicative of constant yield. This implies that larger tillers would be more leafy, and higher leafiness of tetraploid over diploid cultivars was confirmed by the leaf:non-leaf ratio and tiller shape index.
Mechanical ventilation in snake envenomation of dogs and cats

Envenomation by snakes in Elapidae and Viperidae families have been associated with respiratory failure in dogs and cats. Mechanical ventilation may be required for hypoventilation due to neuromuscular paralysis or hypoxemia due to pulmonary hemorrhage or aspiration pneumonia. Median incidence of dogs and cats with snake envenomation that require mechanical ventilation is 13% (0.06–40%). Standard treatment of snake envenomation in dogs and cats includes prompt administration of appropriate antivenom and management of envenomation complications such as coagulopathy, rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney injury. When mechanical ventilation is required, overall prognosis is good with appropriate treatment. Standard anesthetic protocols and mechanical ventilator settings are generally appropriate, with lung protective ventilation strategies typically reserved for patients with pulmonary disease. Median survival to discharge for cats and dogs with elapid envenomation is 72% (76–84%) with 33 h (19.5–58 h) median duration of mechanical ventilation and 140 h (84–196 h) median hospitalization. This article reviews indications for mechanical ventilation in cats and dogs with snake envenomation, and discusses ventilator settings, anesthetic and nursing considerations, complications and outcomes specific to this disease.
Identifying molecular and functional similarities and differences between human primary cardiac valve interstitial cells and ventricular fibroblasts

Introduction: Fibroblasts are mesenchymal cells that predominantly produce and maintain the extracellular matrix (ECM) and are critical mediators of injury response. In the heart, valve interstitial cells (VICs) are a population of fibroblasts responsible for maintaining the structure and function of heart valves. These cells are regionally distinct from myocardial fibroblasts, including left ventricular cardiac fibroblasts (LVCFBs), which are located in the myocardium in close vicinity to cardiomyocytes. Here, we hypothesize these subpopulations of fibroblasts are transcriptionally and functionally distinct. Methods: To compare these fibroblast subtypes, we collected patient-matched samples of human primary VICs and LVCFBs and performed bulk RNA sequencing, extracellular matrix profiling, and functional contraction and calcification assays. Results: Here, we identified combined expression of SUSD2 on a protein-level, and MEOX2, EBF2 and RHOU at a transcript-level to be differentially expressed in VICs compared to LVCFBs and demonstrated that expression of these genes can be used to distinguish between the two subpopulations. We found both VICs and LVCFBs expressed similar activation and contraction potential in vitro, but VICs showed an increase in ALP activity when activated and higher expression in matricellular proteins, including cartilage oligomeric protein and alpha 2-Heremans-Schmid glycoprotein, both of which are reported to be linked to calcification, compared to LVCFBs. Conclusion: These comparative transcriptomic, proteomic, and functional studies shed novel insight into the similarities and differences between valve interstitial cells and left ventricular cardiac fibroblasts and will aid in understanding region-specific cardiac pathologies, distinguishing between primary subpopulations of fibroblasts, and generating region-specific stem-cell derived cardiac fibroblasts.
Regulation of differentiation-specific genes by the Drosophila RB, E2F, and Myb-interacting proteins complex (dREAM)

OF THE DISS ERTATION ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENT iv TABLE OF CONTENTS v LIST OF FIGURES viii LIST OF TABLES x CHAPTER I Introduction 1. E2F/RB family of proteins are transcription factors that regulate the cell cycle 2 2. Members of E2F/RB system 4 A. E2F proteins in mammalian systems 4 (i) Activator E2F proteins (E2F1-3) 4 (ii) Repressive E2F proteins (E2F4-5) 7 (ii) Repressive E2F proteins with distinct repression mechanisms (E2F6, 7, 8) 7 B. DP proteins are required for DNA b inding of E2Fs 8 C. RB family proteins regulate E2Fs. 9 D. Homologs of E2F and RB in worms and flies 12 3. Cell cycle regulation of E2F and RB 16 A. CDK mediated phosphorylation of RB family o f proteins is important for the G1/S transition . 16 B. CDK inhib itors regulate CDK activity, and thus E2F/RB functions 18 4. Mechanisms of transcriptional regulation by RB/E2F family members 21 A. E2F proteins activate transcription 21 B. E2F/RB proteins repress transcription 22 (i) Passive repression 22 (ii) Active repression by chromatin remodeling 22 5. Biological Functions of E2F/RB family proteins 28 A. Functions of E2F/RB 28 B. E2F/RB proteins control the cell cycle 28 (i) E2F/RB regulates the cell cycle at the G1/S transition 28 (ii) E2F/RB regulates the cell cycle beyond G1/S transition 30 C. E2F/RB proteins regulate apoptosis 31 D. Regulation of d ifferentiation and developmental p rocesses 35 6. Cell cycle-independent functions of E2F and RB 39 A. Regulation of d ifferentiation specific genes 39 B. Regulation of Apoptotic genes 43 7. dREAM complex dependent repression 44
INFLUENCE OF SOURCE AND LEVEL OF DIETARY OIL SEEDS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF LACTATING GOATS.

Thirty lactating Zaraibi goats in mid lactation were randomly assigned into five groups, six in each to evaluate two different sources and levels of canola or sunflower seeds. Five experimental diets were formulated to study their effects on digestion coefficients, some rumen parameter, some blood constituents and milk production and its components. The first group received a diet with no supplemented oil seeds (control), 2 nd received a diet containing 5% canola seeds (LCS), 3 rd received a diet containing 10% canola seeds(HCS), 4 th received a diet containing 7% sunflower seeds (LSFS) and 5 th received a diet containing 14% sunflower seeds(HSFS). The obtained results indicated that digestibility coefficients of DM, OM and EE and the nutritive value in terms of TDN% were increased but CF digestibility coefficient were decreased by using canola and sunflower seeds in diets. The differences among all the experimental diets in the digestibility coefficients of CP and NFE and the nutritive value in term of DCP% were not significant. The digestibility coefficients of DM and OM were similar among the tested diets containing canola and sunflower seeds. On the other hand, digestibility coefficient of EE increased and but that of CF decreased as the level of canola or sunflower seeds were increased in the diet. No significant differences were noticed with respect to ruminal pH values among the tested diets. The concentrations of ruminal total volatile fatty acids (VFA's), acetic acid and the ratio of acetate to propionate were increased, but NH3-N, propionic acid and butyric acid were decreased for goats fed canola or sunflower diets than those fed the control diet. The improvements in rumen parameters for goats fed high canola seeds were more than the other tested diets. No significant differences were noticed in plasma urea nitrogen, albumin and globulin concentrations among the tested diets. The highest values of plasma total protein were recorded with diet contained high canola seeds and the lowest value was recorded with the control diet. Yields of milk, 4% fat corrected milk (4% FCM) and its components were improved ((P<0.05) when goats were fed diets contained canola or sunflower seeds than those fed the control diet. The improvements were more pronounced as the levels of canola or sunflower seeds were increased in the diet. Within the milk fat, the concentration of saturated fatty acids (FA) was reduced and unsaturated FA was increased in response to dietary oil seeds. The concentrations of saturated FA were decreased, but unsaturated FA was increased as the level of canola or sunflower seeds were increased in the diet. Feed cost per one kg 4% FCM decreased by 11.61%, 10.97%, 9.03% and 8.39% for goats fed HCS, HSFS, LCS and LSFS, respectively. Accordingly, economic efficiency value was the best with HCS diet followed by HSFS diet and then LCS and LSFS diets.
Study of DNA methylation dynamics in a model of differential developmental competence in the ovine species

DNA methylation is an important epigenetic mark that plays a role in gene regulation by the addition of a methyl group to CpGs in the DNA. Despite being relatively stable in somatic cells, DNA methylation is subject to reprogramming during embryo development and gametogenesis. Aim of this work was to evaluate different aspects of DNA methylation in relation to oocyte quality in the ovine species. A model of differential developmental competence consisting in ovine oocytes and in vitro produced (IVP) embryos derived from prepubertal (P) and adult (A) donors was used. The methylation dynamics were analysed in terms of gene expression of a panel of genes involved in DNA methylation reprogramming (DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs), ten-eleven translocation dioxygenases (TET) and methylbinding proteins (DMB) and immunolocalization of TET3 protein, 5-methylcytosine (5-mc) and 5-hydroxymethylcitosine (5-hmc). Gene relative quantification was performed by RNA reverse transcription followed by Real-Time PCR. Pools of growing oocytes at different diameter (70/90 µm, 90/110 µm, 110/130 µm), germinal vesicles (GV), IVM metaphase II (MII) oocytes, IVP embryos at two (2C) and four cell (4C) stage and blastocysts derived from P and A donors were analysed. The analysis in growing oocytes revealed that DNMT1, DNMT3B, TET1 and TET3 transcript abundance increases in relation to oocyte diameter, suggesting that synthesis and storage occur during the final stage of oocyte growth. P-GV oocytes present lower expression level of TET1, TET2 and TET3 (ANOVA; P 0.05). These observations confirm different gene expression patterns in our model. Immunolocalization was performed by direct immunofluorescence. TET3 immunostaining revealed the presence of the protein only in the cytoplasm of early embryos (2C and 4C) from both P and A animals. The analysis of global DNA methylation showed high levels in all analyzed samples. Interestingly, pronuclear (PN) stage zygotes displayed a decrease in 5-mC signal in male PN compared to maternal PN from both young and adult animals; conversely, hydroxymethylation signal was scattered evident throughout the chromatin of all analyzed samples; the analysis of zygotes revealed 5-hmc signal only in male PN. Observations demonstrate that male PN undergoes a decrease in methylation and an increase in DNA hydroxylation suggesting that also in sheep an active DNA demethylation occurs soon after fertilization. Our results are in accordance with the recent hypothesis that the acquisition of epigenetic modifications may be involved in the gaining of oocyte competence during its growth. They indicate that epigenetic mechanisms may affect oocyte quality and pave the way to better understanding methylation dynamics during sheep pre-implantation development.
Advances in molecular and cell therapy for immunotherapy of cholangiocarcinoma

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly malignant tumor of the hepatobiliary system that has failed to respond to many traditional therapies to a certain extent, including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In recent years, the new therapeutic schemes based on immunology have fundamentally changed the systemic treatment of various malignant tumors to a certain extent. In view of the immunogenicity of CCA, during the occurrence and development of CCA, some immunosuppressive substances are released from cells and immunosuppressive microenvironment is formed to promote the escape immune response of its own cells, thus enhancing the malignancy of the tumor and reducing the sensitivity of the tumor to drugs. Some immunotherapy regimens for cholangiocarcinoma have produced good clinical effects. Immunotherapy has more precise characteristics and less adverse reactions compared with traditional treatment approaches. However, due to the unique immune characteristics of CCA, some patients with CCA may not benefit in the long term or not benefit at all after current immunotherapy. At present, the immunotherapy of CCA that have been clinically studied mainly include molecular therapy and cell therapy. In this article, we generalized and summarized the current status of immunotherapy strategies including molecular therapy and cell therapy in CCA in clinical studies, and we outlined our understanding of how to enhance the clinical application of these immunotherapy strategies.