Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Potential of probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum 2621 for the management of infertility.

Background: Infertility outcomes may be associated with the infections that would lead to morphological defects of spermatozoa in vitro. The purpose of this work was to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum 2621 (L. plantarum) on adherence of sperm agglutinating Escherichia coli (E. coli) in vitro and in vivo as well as its effect on fertility outcome. Materials and Methods: Interference of E. coli adherence to vaginal epithelial cells (VECs) by L. plantarum was studied by carrying out different assays such as exclusion, competition and displacement. Further, in vivo study was carried out in mouse model to Original Research Article British Microbiology Research Journal, 4(12): 1585-1596, 2014 1586 evaluate the effect of presence of L. plantarum against E. coli and its effect on fertility outcome by administering intravaginally at one hour interval between L. plantarum (10c.f.u./20μl) and different concentrations of E. coli (10,10, and 10 c.f.u/20 μl) for ten consecutive days. Results: 116•8 bacteria/VEC adhesion levels were observed for L. plantarum 2621 whereas values for E. coli were 60•5 bacteria/VEC. L. plantarum interfered to different extents with the adherence of E. coli. L. plantarum 2621 decreased the adhesion by displacement and competition in a significant level (90.3% and 68.5% of inhibition). L. plantarum 2621 also excluded the E. coli attached to VEC (25.8% of inhibition). Upon mating and completion of gestation period 100% fertility was observed with 10c.f. u. /20μl L. plantarum and 10 c.f. u/20μl E. coli, whereas 100% females were infertile when administered with 10 c.f. u/20μl of E. coli alongwith 10c.f. u. /20μl L. plantarum and only 50% fertility outcome was observed with 10 c.f. u/20μl E. coli. Conclusion: Results indicated that L. plantarum displaces colonization of E. coli and endows competition that resulted in reinforcement of natural microflora and affects fertility outcome depending on the presence and count of E. coli.
Molecular and morphological evidence for and against gene flow in sympatric apomicts of the North American Crepis agamic complex (Asteraceae)

The study of sympatric populations of closely related plant species often reveals evidence of hybridization. Mechanisms that reduce outcrossing (e.g., selfing, apomixis) may allow co-occurrence without gene flow. In this study, we describe patterns of genetic variation in two contact zones, each comprising three closely related morphological types, that key to three distinct species in the North American Crepis agamic (apomictic) complex. We used RAPD markers to characterize individuals from two sites: one in northern California (Sardine Lookout) and another in northwestern Oregon (Summit Road). At Sardine Lookout, we discerned a total of four multilocus genotypes, two in one species, and one each in the other two species. Our findings suggest that distinct morphological types are maintained by absolute barriers to gene flow at this site. At Summit Road, we found greater genotypic diversity, with a total of 24 genotypes across 30 indi- viduals. One of the morphological types was clearly genetically differentiated from the other two, with no variable markers shared with other species at this site. The two remaining species showed evidence of gene flow, with no unique markers discerning them. Morphological data tend to support this conclusion, with univariate and multivariate analyses indicating a pattern of variation spanning the two species. Taken together, these patterns suggest that contact zones need not represent hybrid zones, and that apomixis can serve as an effective barrier to gene flow that may allow for stable coexistence of close relatives.
Seed moisture content, storage, viability and vigour

Vertucci and Roos (1990) have proposed that moisture contents in equilibrium with 19-27% relative humidity (RH) are optimal for the longevity of orthodox seeds in storage whereas we have suggested that those in equilibrium with about 10-11% RH maximize the benefit to longevity from seed desiccation (Ellis et al., 1989, 1990a,b; Roberts and Ellis, 1989). These different recommendations are discussed here, not only for scientific interest, but because immediate decisions on conditions for long-term seed storage for genetic conservation cannot be avoided since they are already implicit in current practice. Drying increases the longevity of orthodox seeds in a predictable way (Roberts, 1973), and it has long been known that they can survive considerable desiccation; for example, neither the viability nor the vigour of seeds of five gramineous species was adversely affected by drying to 1 % moisture content (Harrington and Crocker, 1918). Moreover, desiccation to very low moisture contents, typically to 1-2%, can be advantageous to longevity (Evans, 1957; Nutile, 1964). Because of the long periods required for loss of viability in dry seeds, however, knowledge of the moisture content(s) at which orthodox seed longevity is maximal has been lacking. The effect of seed moisture content on longevity can be quantified by a negative logarithmic relation (Ellis and Roberts, 1980a). This relation continued down to 2.1% moisture content in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) stored at 50°C, but 4 years of experimental storage was required to obtain a seed survival curve in this environment (Ellis et al., 1986). And so in more recent work we have stored seeds at 65°C to obtain complete seed survival curves at low moisture contents within 6-12 months. By so doing we detected a low-moisture-content limit (mc) to the negative logarithmic relation between seed longevity and moisture in air-dry storage and more often than not we found that desiccation below mc (by 1-3%) had no further effect on longevity (Ellis et al., 1988, 1989, 1990a,b). These investigations in diverse species exposed considerable variation in the value of mc which appears to result from differences in seed
A Complete Skull of Allodaposuchus precedens Nopcsa, 1928 (Eusuchia) and a Reassessment of the Morphology of the Taxon Based on the Romanian Remains

Abstract A new eusuchian skull from the Maastrichtian locality of Oarda de Jos in the southwestern Transylvanian Basin of Romania represents the best-preserved known specimen of Allodaposuchus precedens Nopcsa, 1928. This new fossil allows us to clearly characterize the skull morphology of A. precedens and to reject the idea, as recently suggested, that the taxon could be considered a nomen dubium. Parsimony analysis confirms earlier phylogenetic hypotheses based on the fragmentary holotype from the Maastrichtian of Valioara in Haţeg Basin (Romania), as well as on putative conspecific remains from approximately coeval localities in Spain and France: A. precedens is a non-crocodylian eusuchian. However, some relevant morphological traits differ from what was previously reported for this taxon: the external naris is large and anterodorsally directed; the lateral profile of the skull is not festooned in dorsal view; the suborbital fenestrae reach the eighth alveolus; the postorbital bar is not massive and inset from the jugal margin; the skull table is approximately planar or medially concave and does not markedly overhang the supratemporal fenestrae; the exoccipitals are not significantly involved in the basioccipital tubera. Because the condition of most of these characters was unknown in the holotype, the morphology of the taxon was previously evaluated on non-Romanian remains only. The morphological discrepancies between Romanian and western European fossils could suggest the presence of different taxa, possibly of infra-generic rank. Allodaposuchus and presumably Hylaeochampsa are the only eusuchians showing a laterally open cranioquadrate passage.
Fluctuating Asymmetry of the Oriental Fruit Fly (Dacus dorsalis) during the Process of Its Extinction from the Okinawa Islands

Fluctuating asymmetry (FA), small random deviations be-tween the left and right sides of normally bilaterally sym-metrical characters, has been suggested as a measure ofdevelopmental stability in stressed populations becauseFA often increases with decreasing genetic variation(Palmer & Strobeck 1986) and increasing environmentalstress (Parsons 1990, 1992; Clarke 1993). For these same reasons conservation biologists see FAas a useful tool in assessing the status of endangered spe-cies (Leary & Allendorf 1989). In several species of ani-mals, small populations show higher FA than larger, localpopulations of the same species (Soule 1979; Picton et al.1990; Hutchison & Cheverud 1995) or of different spe-cies within the same genus (Wayne et al. 1986; Hutchison& Cheverud 1995). But such comparative methods can-not exclude the effects of environmental heterogeneityand inherent variability in developmental stability be-tween populations. What is needed to determine the use-fulness of FA as an indicator of the stress felt by a smallpopulation is a data set showing temporal changes in FAduring the course of population extinction.The eradication of the Oriental fruit fly (
Antioxidant properties of polar and non‐polar extracts of some tropical green leafy vegetables

BACKGROUND: The higher consumption of vegetables and fruits could be a practical approach to the management of oxidative stress. The present study sought to compare the antioxidant properties of polar and non-polar constituents of some tropical green leafy vegetables (Struchium sparganophora, Amaranthus cruentus, Telfairia occidentalis, Ocimum gratissimum, Talinium triangulare, Cnidoscolous aconitifolius and Vernonia amygdalina). RESULTS: The polar antioxidant constituents (total phenol (3330–17 572 mg kg−1), total flavonoid (1668–4306 mg kg−1) and vitamin C (224–642 mg kg−1)) were higher than the non-polar antioxidant constituents (total phenol (703–3115 mg kg−1), total flavonoid (130–1303 mg kg−1) and carotenoids (132–1303 mg kg−1)). Furthermore, the polar extracts had a significantly higher (P < 0.05) 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging ability (except T. triangulare), total antioxidant capacity, reducing power (except T. triangulare and A. cruentus) and Fe(II) chelating ability (except C. aconitifolius and S. sparganophora). However, the polar and non-polar extract of O. gratissimum had the highest antioxidant properties while that of T. triangulare had the least antioxidant properties. CONCLUSION: The polar extract of most of the vegetables had higher antioxidant properties than the non-polar extract, with O. gratissimum extracts having the highest antioxidant properties. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Aluminum Homeostasis in Man

Aluminum is the most prevalent metal found in nature and represents the third most abundant element of the earth's crust. In light of man's wide exposure to aluminum compounds, a review of the literature was undertaken to determine the extent of the available literature concerning the absorption, distribution, excretion, and metabolism of aluminum in man. In relative terms, the gastrointestinal tract is the major portal of entry for aluminum. The lungs play only a minor role, and there is no evidence to suggest that the dermal absorption of aluminum occurs. The gastrointestinal tract is only very slightly permeable to aluminum and provides a relatively effective barrier to its absorption. In the blood, aluminum is primarily bound to serum proteins (80%); however, a sufficient concentration of dialyziable or “free” (20%) aluminum exists to provide for its distribution. Aluminum can be found in every tissue and a normal body content of aluminum for reference man can now be calculated at 0.295 g. Present data suggest that bone may offer a major site of aluminum deposition. Urine provides at least one mechanism of aluminum excretion. However, aluminum's low renal clearance rate (2 ml/min) clearly suggests that other more efficient mechanisms for excretion exist. In fact, preliminary data indicate that bile may play some as yet undefined role in the removal process. The lack of a biologically convenient radiolabeled form of aluminum has severely handicapped the elucidation of aluminum metabolism. The chemical form of aluminum in blood, urine, or the tissues remains unknown. The liver is believed to play some role in aluminum metabolism, but no direct proof of this is available at present.
Restricted κ/λ light chain ratio by flow cytometry in germinal center B cells in hashimoto thyroiditis

To determine the diagnostic significance of the kappa/lambda ratio in germinal center (GC) B cells in Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT), we used 4-color flow cytometry to immunophenotype 27 samples (21 patients) of well-characterized HT B-cell clonality was analyzed further by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the immunoglobulin heavy chain (IgH) and bcl-2/IgH fusion genes using DNA extracted from aspirate smears and/or paraffin-embedded tissues. By flow cytometric analysis, the CD10+ GC B cells had a higher mean +/- SD kappa/lambda ratio than the CD10- B cells (5.1 +/- 3.3 vs 2.0 +/- 0.8; P < .0001, Student t test). In 18 samples (67%), CD10+ GC B cells had a kappa/lambda ratio greater than 3.07 (the upper limit of kappa/lambda ratio reported in reactive nodes; range, 3.2-14.4 in the 18 cases). Cases tested by PCR showed no evidence of a clonal proliferation. None of 21 cases developed lymphoma during clinical follow-up of up to 3 years. The kappa/lambda ratio of CD10+ GC B cells in HT can be skewed markedly beyond that reported in reactive lymph nodes. This finding frequently is present in HT. Pathologists should be familiar with this phenomenon to prevent misdiagnosis of follicular lymphoma in patients with HT.
Modeling stem volume growth of Qinghai spruce (Picea crassifolia Kom.) in Qilian Mountains of Northwest China

Qinghai spruce (Picea crassifolia Kom.), the dominant species in Qilian Mountains of Northwest China, has an important role in ecological service function, especially in carbon sequestration. The current work simulated stem volume growth of Qinghai spruce at individual and stand levels using a widespread bio-geochemical cycle (BIOME-BGC) model and considering the crown projection area (CPA). CPA was introduced because photosynthesis was only carried out on the vegetation canopy. The results showed that: (1) the CPA-simulated stem volume of individual Qinghai spruce in the three sites fitted well with the observed stem volume; (2) the introduction of CPA corrected the over-predicted stem volume for relatively younger stands and the under-predicted stem volume for relatively older stands in BIOME-BGC; and (3) meteorological factors may be crucial parameters that influence the model accuracy, aside from CPA. Therefore, CPA should be considered in correcting the carbon simulated by BIOME-BGC, and the meteorological data should be improved to obtain high-accuracy BIOME-BGC outputs.
Transferring of Sclerotinia resistance from wild into cultivated sunflower: Combining of conventional and laboratory techniques

Five populations of each H. molis, H. maximiliani, H. rigidus and H. tuberosus were screened for resistance to stem form of Sclerotinia. On the basis of the results obtained by screening, nine crosses of resistant populations with either other wild species populations or with cultivated sunflower were made. As in some crosses a small quantity of seed was produced and the seeds germinated poorly, modified tissue culture methods were used to enhance germination and produce clones of interesting plants. These methods were found to be efficient both for seed germination and plant production and multiplication.
Genetic variation in the mitochondrial and nuclear DNA of the Japanese conger Conger myriaster.

: Although essential for fisheries resources management, little is known about the population structure of the Japanese conger Conger myriaster. To search for useful molecular markers for the study of population structures, mitochondrial (mt) and nuclear DNA diversities in the Japanese conger were examined using DNA sequencing and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis, respectively. A region spanning from part of the 3′ end of the cytochrome b gene to the central part of the control region (~585 base pairs/individual) was sequenced for 73 individuals from five different localities around Japan. A total of 99 variable positions were found, and a total of 67 haplotypes were identified in the 73 individuals. The average sequence differences within samples (1.8–2.4%) was comparable to those between samples (1.9–2.3%). The results of a hierarchical analysis of the sequence data did not suggest clear genetic subdivision among the local samples. Although a total of 499 bands were detected in the AFLP analysis from 58 individuals with three primer sets, no genetic structuring could be suggested. Nonetheless, to elucidate the subtle structure of populations, if any, many more individuals from more localities should be examined in detail. The genetic variations detected in the present study would serve as useful molecular markers for such studies.
Nucleoside uptake in male germ cells of the polychaete Nereis virens

Summary Uptake of inosine and guanosine was measured in male germ ceils of the polychaete Nereis virens at different stages of development. In spermatogonia I (spg I) and spermatid stages, total inosine uptake at 12°C and ambient concentrations of 100 μmol/1 was relatively low (10–50 nmol·ml of packed cell volume pcv−l·h−1). A rapid increase (150–300 nmol·ml of pcv-1·h−1) was found during transition from spg I to spg II with a subsequent decline to low values (10–30 nmol·ml of pcv−1·h−1) in spermatocyte and spermatid stages. This transient increase may be related to the proliferative activity of spg I stages leading to spg II stages, which increases the demand of purine precursors for nucleic acid synthesis. Inosine uptake of spermatozoa stages was extremely variable, and high uptake rates (10–300 nmol·ml of pcv−1·h−1) were found in some, but not in all, cases. In all stages the uptake rates for guanosine remained at a lower level (below 75 nmol·ml of pcv−1·h−1), and no clear stage specific pattern was ev.
Effect of Non - Genetic Factors on Production Traits in Deoni Cows

The research was conducted to evaluate the effect of non - genetic factors on production traits in Deoni cattle. Data representing 114 Deoni cows from 211 total records of lactation over a 30 years period were analysed to determine the effect of age at first calving, season of calving and period of calving on production traits. The overall least squares means of lactation milk yield, peak milk yield, days to reach peak milk yield, lactation period and dry period were 358.31  27.18, 3.14  0.18, 44.81  2.52, 213.90  13.74 and 211.93  26.23. The age at first calving were significant effect on lactation milk yield, peak milk yield and days to reach peak milk yield, whereas non significantly affected on lactation period and dry period. All sources of variation for season of calving on production traits were non significant. The period of calving had significant effect on lactation milk yield, peak milk yield and dry period, whereas non significantly affected on days to reach peak milk yield and lactation period. Keyword: CCBP, Deoni, Genetic factors, Production, Traits,
A new species of Agrostis (Gramineae) in the A. alpina complex

Abstract A new species of Agrostis L. ( A. barceloi ) is described from the northern mountains of Mallorca (Balearic Islands). The new taxon belongs to sect. Agrostis and is mainly related to A. alpina Scop. and A. schleicheri Jord. & Verl. on morphological grounds. However, A. barceloi differs from A. alpina by its narrowly-lanceolate inflorescence, with panicle branches erect during and after anthesis, non-scabrid leaves, and by smaller lemmas and others. The new species is distinguished from A. schleicheri by the smaller spikelets, lemma, palea, and anthers. In addition, A. barceloi is tetraploid (2 n =28), and differs cytologically from the diploid A. alpina (2 n =14) and the hexaploid A. schleicheri (2 n =56).
Varietal role in the management of the larger grain borer, Prostephanus truncatus (horn) in stored maize

The study determined the amount of haemolymph vitellogenin (Vg) of the Larger Grain Borer (LGB), Prostephanus truncatus (Horn) vitellogenic females reared on different maize varieties. The varieties were ZM 521, ZM 421, ECAVL1-DLN, WEEVIL A, LOCAL 1 and LOCAL 2. Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate-Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (SDS - PAGE) was conducted on the insect haemolymph. F1 LGB adults from each variety were used to determine Indices of Susceptibility (IS) of the varieties to the insect pest attack. Percentages of Vg from female insects and IS were in the order ZM 521>ZM 421> ECAVL1-DLN>WEEVIL A >LOCAL 1>LOCAL 2. Weight losses of the varieties after F1 emergence were recorded. Findings showed that the IS and the weight losses were highest in ZM 521 and lowest in LOCAL 2. ANOVA indicated significant differences in the IS, weight loses and Vg levels of insects among the varieties. IS and Vg were positively correlated. Varying Vg levels reflect reproductive capacity of P. truncatus and therefore used to identify resistant maize grains. It is concluded that resistant varieties play a great role in stored maize pest management by reducing LGB populations below economic injury levels (EIL). Tanzania Journal of Science Vol. 32 (2) 2006: pp. 13-22
Immobilization of Mucor javanicus lipase by entrapping in alginate-silica hybrid gel beads with simultaneous cross-linking with glutaraldehyde

Mucor javanicus lipase was entrapped in alginate-silica hybrid gel beads with or without simultaneous cross-linking with glutaraldehyde. The activity and recovery of activity on immobilization of the enzyme entrapped in the hybrid beads were 1.4 and 1.7 times higher than those of the enzyme entrapped in the simple alginate beads. Entrapment with simultaneous cross-linking in the hybrid beads further improved the enzyme activity (1.6 times) and activity recovery (1.7 times) compared to those of the enzyme entrapped in the hybrid beads without simultaneous cross-linking. The leakage of the enzyme entrapped in the hybrid beads with simultaneous cross-linking was only 50% that of the enzyme entrapped in the simple alginate beads.
A flexible maximum likelihood approach for fitting growth curves to tagrecapture data

We describe a novel maximum likelihood method for fitting general growth curves to tagrecapture data. The growth model allows for the asymptotic length and the time to tagging to vary from individual to individual, with other parameters being fixed. Unlike the Fabens approach, we do not take differences to fit the parameters, but instead model the joint density of the release and recapture lengths. We simulate data to examine the bias and precision of the estimated parameters obtained using our fitting method. We include simulations for which the time to tagging model is incorrect, but find that the growth curve is usually still fitted with small bias. Furthermore, we introduce a new growth curve that allows for different growth rates for juveniles and adults. The new growth curve needs sufficient data coverage before and after the transition from juvenile to adult for all parameters to be estimated precisely. We illustrate the method on real data by fitting this new growth curve to southern bluefin tuna.
Biosynthesis of Isoprenoids. A Rapid Method for the Preparation of Isotope-Labeled 4-Diphosphocytidyl-2C-methyl-d-erythritol

4-Diphosphocytidyl-2C-methyl-d-erythritol serves as an intermediate in the nonmevalonate pathway of isoprenoid biosynthesis. The compound has been prepared in millimole quantity by a sequence of one-pot reactions using 13C-labeled pyruvate and dihydroxyacetone phosphate or 13C-labeled glucose as starting materials and recombinant enzymes of the nonmevalonate isoprenoid pathway as catalysts. The method has been used for the preparation of various 4-diphosphocytidyl-2C-methyl-d-erythritol isotopomers in high yield.