Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anti-Angiogenic Effectiveness of the Pomegranate Against Benzo(a)Pyrene Induced Lung Carcinoma in Mice

Pomegranate, a constituent of flavonoids, ellagitannins and ellagic acid is exposed to exert compelling anti-carcinogenic effects. In the present study, we examined the anti-angiogenic and anti-tumorigenic potential of pomegranate juice on benzo(a)pyrene-induced mice lung carcinoma by analyzing the SOD and CAT anti-oxidants, MDA for oxidative stress and the marker of angiogenesis (CD34). Oral administration of pomegranate (10% w/v) to Swiss albino mice suppressed the development of lung carcinoma by disappointment MDA, histopathological lesions and the Micro-Vessels Density (MVD). The significant correlation (p<0.05) was present in an improvements the SOD and CAT anti-oxidants. The results obtained from the present study show that pomegranate inhibits the development of mice lung carcinogenesis through its ability to induce apoptosis and disappointment the formation of new vessels (angiogenesis). Our present findings were that the protective benefits of pomegranate juice may be due in part to its potent anti-oxidant properties and ability to reduce oxidative stress, histopathological injuries by suppressing the formation of reactive oxygen species and protecting the anti-oxidant mechanism and inhibition of MVD. So, this study suggested that the pomegranate is anti-angiogenic effectiveness in the benzo(a)pyrene induced lung carcinoma in mice.
TEMPERATURE TOLERANCES OF TROPICAL SHALLOW-WATER ECHINOIDS (ECHINODERMATA) AT ELAT (RED SEA)

ABSTRACT The temperature tolerances of Echinometra mathaei, Diadema setosum, Tripneustes grattila, and Echinothrix calamaris were ascertained by measuring the time required for inverted individuals to right themselves after exposure to a range of temperatures (12–35°C) for varying periods of time. Ability to recover from exposure to an experimental temperature was also measured after a return to the environmental temperature (27°C). Echinometra mathaei and D. setosum are functionally more eurythermal than T. gratilla or Echinothrix calamaris. Echinometra mathaei was most tolerant to high temperatures. In all cases, the sea urchins were more tolerant of temperatures below than above environmental temperature.
Manganese Cytotoxicity Assay on Hippocampal Neuronal Cell Culture

[Abstract] Compared to an in vivo experiment, neuronal cell cultures are immediately accessible to observation and manipulation. In this protocol, we describe a technique to evaluate the cytotoxicity of a metal, manganese (Mn 2+ ), on hippocampal neuronal cell cultures. Interestingly, this protocol is easily adaptable to any type of primary culture (e.g., cortical neurons) and any type of toxic compound (e.g., chemical product). This protocol is similar to “Neuron-enriched Cultures (Method 2)” protocol (Gao, 2011).
Occurrence of Salmonella in Porcine Liver in Northern Ireland.

Pork livers from four pork processing plants in Northern Ireland were studied to assess their contamination by salmonellae. Additionally, aerobic plate counts (APC) and counts of Enterobacteriaceae were made. One hundred twenty livers were sampled immediately after evisceration and 110 sampled after being chilled overnight in the commercial premises. No salmonellae were detected. Geometric mean values for the APC were 1.6 × 104 and 3.1 × 105 CFU/g for fresh and chilled livers, respectively. Homologous geometric mean values for Enterobacteriaceae were 7.9 × 102 and 6.0 × 102 CFU/g, respectively.
Immune cell landscape analysis reveals prognostic immune cells and its potential mechanism in squamous cell lung carcinoma

Background Squamous cell lung carcinoma (LUSC) was closely associated with smoking which was known to have a distant immunosuppression effect. In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship between immune cells and clinical outcomes of LUSC patients with smoking history. Methods The immune cell infiltration and RNA expression profiles of LUSC patients were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Then, the correlation between immune cell infiltration and clinical characteristics was explored. According to the level of immune cell infiltration, LUSC patients with smoking history were divided into high or low group to screen the differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs. The prediction of target genes was performed by miRanda. Finally, the prognostic value of a certain signature was confirmed in an independent dataset. Results Higher abundance of tumor-infiltrating T follicular helper (Tfh) cells together with a lower abundance of resting memory CD4 T cells had been found in LUSC current reformed smokers for ≤15 years and current smoking patients. Moreover, Tfh cell infiltration was not only associated with better overall survival (OS) but also varied from different degrees of TNM stage. Low expression of lncRNA PWRN1 and its potential regulating genes DMRTB1, PIRT, APOBEC1, and ZPBP2 were associated with better OS. Combining PWRN1 and four regulating genes as a signature, patients with higher-level expression of the signature had shorter survival time in not only the TCGA but also in the GEO dataset. Conclusions It was found that Tfh cells presented higher infiltration in LUSC current reformed smokers for ≤15 years and current smokers, while resting memory CD4 T cells had lower infiltration. The signature consisting of PWRN1 as well as its predicted targeted mRNAs was dysregulated in different levels of Tfh cell infiltration and might indicate patients’ OS.
Biosensors for On-the-spot Detection of Bacteria from Foods

Recently there have been extensive research activities on the development of on-the-spot detection technologies for bacteria from foods due to growing high demand for food safety. In particular, on-the-spot detection devices using biosensors with rapid, highly sensitive and multiplexed sensing capability are promising for portable or mobile applications. Firstly, issues related to on-the-spot bacteria detection are discussed. Then, detection methods for bacteria, types of biosensors depending on transducing principle and receptors, and platforms for integration of biosensors and signal readers are reviewed. Finally, prospects for development of on-the-spot detection devices are summarized.
Syringaldazine peroxidase stimulates lignification by enhancing polyamine catabolism in wheat during heat and drought stress

Six wheat cultivars, namely PBW 343, PBW 550 (stress susceptible), PBW 621, PBW 175 (drought tolerant), C 306 and HD 2967 (heat tolerant), were used in this study to evaluate the effect of heat and drought stress on the activities of peroxidases (POXs), diamine oxidase (DAO), polyamine oxidase (PAO) and arginine decarboxylase (ADC) and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) in relation to contents of polyamines (PAs), lipid peroxide and lignin. High temperature (HT) elevated activities of syringaldazine peroxidase (SPX), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) and coniferyl alcohol peroxidase (CPX) in heat tolerant cultivars while, drought stress accentuated ADC/ODC activities in drought tolerant cultivars. Both heat and drought stress enhanced activities of DAO and PAO alongwith contents of H2O2 in PBW 175 and C 306. Amongst studied POXs, SPX activity was relatively more and coincided well with lignin content under HT stress while, the levels of ADC/ODC paralleled with putrescine and spermidine contents under drought stress. Higher build up of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in cultivars PBW 343 and PBW 550 indicated their membrane instability during both the stresses. Our results revealed that SPX mediated lignification leading to higher cell wall rigidity under heat stress and drought increased PAs involved in ROS scavenging due to presence of positive charges which can bind strongly to the negative charges in cellular components such as proteins and phospholipids and thereby stabilize the membranes under stress conditions.
Investigations into the Biological Roles of the E3 ligase Ariadne 2/TRIAD1

Investigations into the Biological Roles of the E3 ligase Ariadne 2/TRIAD1 Amy Erica Lin Doctor of Philosophy 2010 Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto The process of ubiquitination plays an essential role in numerous cell functions, including apoptosis and the induction of immune responses. Ariadne 2 is a RING finger E3 ligase and is part of the highly conserved RBR (RING-B-Box-RING) superfamily, however, little is known of its function in mammalian systems. To further examine the physiological role, Ariadne 2 deficient mice were generated. In a mixed background, Ariadne 2 deficient (Arih2) mice die prematurely after birth however lethality is not fully penetrant. Adult mice that escape lethality have lower body weight and reduced viability due to an apparent lymphoproliferative disorder. In a C57BL/6 background, Ariadne 2 deficiency leads to a fully penetrate embryonic lethality, occurring after embryonic day 16.5. Arih2 foetal liver have reduced cellularity and increased apoptosis, however haematopoietic cells are capable of differentiating into myeloid and granulocytic progenitors and can fully reconstitute lethally irradiated Rag1 recipient mice. These Rag1Arih2 chimeras recapitulate the lymphoproliferative disorder observed in the mixed background Arih2 mice. Further analysis show Rag1Arih2 chimeras display increased number of lymphocytes, granulocytes, macrophages and dendritic cells, increased serum immunoglobulin levels and
Roles of protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP-PEST in innate immune cells

PTP-PEST (protein tyrosine phosphatase - proline-, glutamic acid-, serine- and threonine-rich; also named PTPN12) is an intracellular protein tyrosine phosphatase highly expressed in non-immune and immune cells. PTP-PEST was previously reported to be a critical regulator of cytoskeletal reorganization, cell adhesion and migration in non-immune cells. Moreover, PTP-PEST has a role as tumor suppressor in several types of human solid tumors. Recently, the roles of PTP-PEST in immune cells have also been clarified, using a cell type-specific conditional PTP-PEST-deficient mouse. In T cells, PTP-PEST has an essential role in secondary T cell activation, inhibition of T cell anergy and induction of autoimmunity. The data presented in this thesis address the roles of PTP-PEST in innate immune cells, including macrophages and dendritic cells. Macrophages are innate immune cells that efficiently eliminate pathogens, tumor cells and cell debris, largely through phagocytosis and cytokine production. Under special conditions, they can also undergo cell-cell fusion to form multinucleated giant cells and osteoclasts, which have been implicated in elimination of pathogens or foreign bodies and bone resorption, respectively. Using a macrophage-targeted PTP-PEST-deficient mouse, I show that PTP-PEST is a critical positive regulator of macrophage fusion into multinucleated giant cells in response to interleukin-4 (IL-4). Using a macrophage cell line (RAW264.7), I provide evidence that PTP-PEST is also important for macrophage fusion into osteoclasts in response to RANKL (receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand). Further studies indicate that the critical role of PTP-PEST in macrophage fusion is due to its involvement in the control of migration and adhesion of macrophages during the fusion process. This function correlates with the ability of PTP-PEST to regulate the extent of tyrosine phosphorylation of the protein tyrosine kinase, Pyk2, and the adaptor molecule, paxillin.Dendritic cells are the most efficient antigen-presenting cells in the body. They are able to capture and process antigens in peripheral tissues. Upon maturation in response to inflammatory stimuli, they then migrate to lymphoid tissues, where they are able to present processed antigens to antigen-specific T cells. This cascade enables initiation of T cell-dependent immune responses. Using a dendritic cell-targeted PTP-PEST-deficient mouse, I observe that PTP-PEST is crucial for the capacity of dendritic cells to initiate T cell-dependent immune responses and immune pathology in vivo. This function is due in part to a minor role of PTP-PEST in antigen capture, processing or both. More significantly, it is also caused by an essential role of PTP-PEST in dendritic cell migration from peripheral tissues to lymphoid tissues. As is the case for macrophages, this activity correlates with the aptitude of PTP-PEST to control tyrosine phosphorylation of Pyk2 and paxillin.Together, the new findings described in this thesis provide strong evidence that PTP-PEST…
Desirable turfgrass attributes for cultivation under Brazilian conditions: a proposition

Turfgrass cultivation is a multi-purpose popular practice, associated with life quality of urban populations in consequence of its capability of providing safe, pleasant environments, suitable for recreational and sportive activities. Additionally, it plays relevant environmental functions. For these reasons, turfgrasses constitute an important segment of the agribusiness in many countries. In Brazil, the importance of this type of cultivation has increased in spite of the reduced number of available turfgrass cultivars. Research programs aiming the exploitation of his ample genetic diversity could promote Brazil to the forefront of this type of agriculture in the tropical world. In this work, we discussed and proposed degrees of relevance for different characteristics of grass plants destined for use as permanent ground coverage under a variety of Brazilian situations.
On the distribution and taxonomy of bats of the Myotis mystacinus morphogroup from the Caucasus region (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)

Petr BENDA*, Suren GAZARYAN, Peter VALLO Department of Zoology, National Museum (Natural History), Prague, Czech Republic Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic UNEP/EUROBATS Secretariat, United Nations Campus, Bonn, Germany Institute of Vertebrate Biology, Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Brno, Czech Republic Institute of Evolutionary Ecology and Conservation Genomics, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
In-vitro activity of artemether, lumefantrine, dihydroartemisinin and piperaquine against Plasmodium falciparum clinical isolates transported in a formulated transport medium and EDTA from Chulaimbo sub-county Hospital

Introduction: Development of resistance to antimalarials has emerged as one of the greatest challenges facing malaria control today. In vitro drug sensitivity relies on the growth of plasmodium in the presence of the antimalarials. Any delay beyond 24 hours in performing the assay results in decreased parasite viability and subsequent IC 50 values. Fresh isolates brought in for assay from collection sites situated far from the laboratory require a medium to keep the parasites viable in order to produce results which more accurately reflect intrinsic antimalarial drug resistance. Objective: To evaluate the use of a formulated transport medium (TM) in maintaining the viability of plasmodium during storage at 4 0 C against a panel of antimalarials, compared to the conventional EDTA anticoagulant. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Blood samples positive for Plasmodium falciparum by light microscopy were transported to the laboratory using TM and the conventional EDTA anticoagulant as control. Using 322 Plasmodium falciparum isolates from patients attending outpatient clinic at Chulaimbo sub county hospital, SYBR Green 1 in vitro assay IC 50 was done against artemether, lumefantrine, dihydroartemisinin and piperaquine. Results: The mean IC 50 values for drugs were not significantly different in either EDTA or TM samples. Similarly, there was no significant correlation between samples which were transported in EDTA except for the Artemisinin derivative DHA which had a significant correlation with ART (r = 0.123, p =0.03), LUM (r = 0.1382, p =0.01), and PPQ (r = 0.1281, p =0.02) and also in TM between DHA and LUM (r=0.1229, p=0.03). Conclusion: Similarity obtained in median IC 50 between samples in EDTA anticoagulant and TM warrants its continued use. However, DHA significant correlation with most of the drugs used, calls for more research to expound on this finding. Keywords: Isolates, transport medium, EDTA, susceptibility, inhibitory concentration 50, resistance.
Genetic evidence for central‐marginal hypothesis in a Cenozoic relict tree species across its distribution in China

This study tests predictions of the central‐marginal (C‐M) hypothesis using geographical patterns of genetic variation in a Cenozoic relict tree species Euptelea pleiospermum. Additionally, we explore the extent to which post‐glacial recolonization and landscape barriers created by topographical heterogeneity shape spatial genetic variation.
After-life effects: living and dead invertebrates differentially affect plants and their associated above- and belowground multitrophic communities

Above–belowground (AG–BG) studies typically focus on plant-mediated effects inflicted by living organisms. However, animal cadavers may also play an important role in AG–BG interactions. Here, we explore whether living and dead foliar-feeding and soil-dwelling invertebrates differentially affect plants and their associated AG and BG multitrophic communities. In a mesocosm study we separated effects of living and dead locusts (AG herbivores) and earthworms (BG detritivores) on experimental multitrophic communities consisting of eight plant species, an AG aphid and parasitoid community and a BG nematode community. We measured root and shoot biomass and determined plant community composition and densities of aphids, parasitoids and nematodes. Living locusts decreased total shoot and root biomass in the mesocosms, whereas living earthworms enhanced total root biomass. Cadavers of both invertebrates strongly increased total root and shoot biomass, and changed the plant community composition mainly via enhanced growth of grasses. Earthworm cadavers affected plant biomass and community composition more strongly than their living counterparts, while this was reversed for locusts. Structural equation models showed that aphids and parasitoids were influenced via changes in plant community composition. Nematode densities in the soil, especially those of bacterivorous and entomopathogenic nematodes, were strongly increased by dead invertebrates, but unaffected by living ones. We conclude that effects of invertebrates on plant growth and densities of AG and BG organisms strongly depend on whether the invertebrates are dead or alive. Remarkably, invertebrate cadavers may inflict even stronger effects than their living counterparts. Hence, our study reveals an important, but often neglected, role of animal cadavers in AG–BG studies.
Variation in fatty acids throughout the developmental stages of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. leaves

Abstract The n-hexane extracts of young, mature and senescent leaves of Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp. , commonly known as cowpea, were analysed by thin-layer chromatography (TLC), gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID) and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS), and revealed 12, 14 and 12 free fatty acids representing approximately 3.2, 4.5 and 2.5 mg per 100 g of leaf tissue in young, mature and senescent leaves, respectively. After extraction of surface-wax free fatty acids, the chloroform : methanol : water extracts of three types of leaf were analysed by TLC, GC-FID and GC-MS, and 15 fatty acids were detected, accounting for approximately 15.5, 24.0 and 9.4 mg in young, mature and senescent leaves, respectively. Palmitoleic, heptadecanoic and docosanoic acids were the predominant free fatty acids in young, mature and senescent leaves, representing approximately 1.4, 1.3 and 0.8 mg per 100 g leaf tissue, respectively; whereas myristic, tridecanoic and pentadecanoic acids were the least abundant free fatty acids in young, mature and senescent leaves, accounting for approximately 1.5, 20.6 and 25.2 μg per 100 g leaf tissue, respectively. Palmitoleic acid was the predominant fatty acid without surface-wax free fatty acids in young, mature and senescent leaves, accounting for approximately 8, 16.9 and 4.8 mg, respectively. Nonadecanoic acid was the least abundant fatty acid in young and senescent leaves without surface-wax free fatty acids representing approximately 64 and 43 μg per 100 g leaf tissue, respectively; whereas lauric acid was the least abundant fatty acid in mature leaves (40 μg per 100 g leaf tissue).
Genetic factors driving attachment of bacteria to environmental particles

Modeling the fate and transport of bacteria in water bodies is important for reducing outbreaks of water-borne diseases. However, limited understanding of microbial-particle interactions has led to the diminished accuracy of modeling efforts. The collective work from this thesis attempts to identify genetic factors involved in the attachment of the aquatic fecal indicator organism E. coli to sediment particles. Seventy eight distinct E. coli strains isolated from sediment and water of a local stream were tested for cell properties and attachment propensity to three model particles under environmentally relevant conditions. The results demonstrate that isolates from sediment and the overlying water column possess different cell properties and that attachment ability is influenced by both strain type (genotype) and particle type. We proceeded to analyze the roles of surface structures in bacteria-particle interactions through proteomic analysis and molecular manipulations. We found species-wide variation of outer membrane protein A (OmpA) among our E. coli collections and the five different versions of OmpA differ primarily on the extracellular loops. Moreover, the polymorphism of OmpA is associated with heterogeneity in cell surface properties and attachment ability to an organic particle, corn stover. We further characterized the five versions of OmpAs through constructing strains differing only in OmpA sequence and conducting property measurements and attachment assays. The results confirmed that OmpA plays a major role in determining cell properties such as zeta potential and hydrophobicity, as well as attachment to environmental particles. Through investigation of the distribution of different OmpA among our E. coli collections, we found that isolates from sediment are more diverse than those from the water column, in terms of the