Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cyclooxygenase 2- and prostaglandin E2 receptor EP2-dependent angiogenesis in ApcΔ716 mouse intestinal polyps

To investigate angiogenesis during intestinal polyp development, we determined the microvessel density (MVD) in polyps of Apc knockout ( Apc Δ 716 ) mice, a model for human familial adenomatous polyposis. We scored MVD also in several compound mutants carrying Apc Δ 716 , namely, mice with an additional mutation in Smad4 , in which the polyps progress into invasive adenocarcinomas; mice with a cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 gene ( Ptgs2 ) mutation, in which adenoma growth is suppressed; and mice with prostaglandin E2 EP receptor gene mutations. In both simple Apc Δ 716 and compound Apc Δ 716 Smad4 mutants, MVD increased in a polyp size-dependent manner only in the polyps expanded beyond a threshold of about 1 mm in diameter. These results indicate that tumor angiogenesis is stimulated only after tumors grow to a certain size, and this angiogenic switch is common to both benign adenomas and malignant adenocarcinomas. In Apc Δ 716 polyposis attenuated by the COX-2 gene mutation, in contrast, MVD did not increase even in polyps larger than 1 mm. The same phenomenon was observed in the compound mutant mice with Apc Δ 716 and the EP2 receptor gene mutations, but not in other EP compound mutants. We also immunohistochemically studied COX-2 and angiogenic factors, vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor. Interestingly, expression of these proteins was also increased in polyps larger than 1 mm. These results suggest that, in both benign and malignant mouse intestinal tumors, stromal expression of COX-2 results in elevated prostaglandin E2 levels that stimulate cell surface receptor EP2, followed by induction of vascular endothelial growth factor that causes tumor angiogenesis.
Fractionation of wheat distillers' dried grains and solubles by particle size and density improves its digestible nutrient content for rainbow trout

Reveco, F. E. and Drew, M. D. 2012. Fractionation of wheat distillers' grains and solubles by particle size and density improves its digestible nutrient content in rainbow trout. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 92: 197-205. The nutritional value of wheat distillers' dried grains and solubles (WDDGS) in aquaculture is poor because of its relatively low crude protein (CP) and high fibre content. In this study WDDGS was fractionated using grinding, sieving and elutriation sequentially. The WDDGS was ground in a hammer mill using a 3-mm screen and sieved using six sieves (20M, 30T, 40T, 50T, 60M and 80M) into seven fractions (>841, 590-840, 426-589, 298-425, 251-297, 178-250 and<177 µm). Elutriation was then performed to further fractionate based on particle shape and density. The higher density sub-fractions from the three smallest particle size fractions were mixed to produce a fractionated WDDGS containing 20.7 MJ kg-1 gross energy (GE), 454.6 g kg-1 CP, 260.4 g kg-1 neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and 93.2 g kg-1 acid detergent fibre (ADF). The digestibility of the unprocessed and fractionated WWDGS products was assessed in rainbow trout. Apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of DM, GE, acid ether extract (AEE), ash and amino acids (AA) did not differ between the unprocessed material and the fractionated WDDGS (P>0.05). However, the ADC of CP was higher for fractionated WDDGS (0.88) than the unprocessed WDDGS (0.85) (P<0.05). This fractionation scheme can be used to improve the nutritional value of WDDGS for rainbow trout.
Fine‐scale habitat preferences influence within‐river population connectivity: a case‐study using two sympatric New Zealand Galaxias fish species

Summary Understanding the ecological factors governing population connectivity in freshwater systems represents an ongoing challenge for aquatic biologists. We used genetic analysis to test the hypothesis that fine-scale habitat preferences can influence within-river connectivity patterns in freshwater-limited fishes. Genetic variation among sampling sites within systems was compared for co-distributed fish taxa Galaxias gollumoides (low-velocity pool/swamp habitat) versus an undescribed species, Galaxias ‘southern’ (high-velocity riffle habitat), using ϕ statistics. These analyses incorporated 1624 bp of mtDNA from 429 galaxiid specimens, encompassing 95 localities across four river systems in Southland, New Zealand. Although similar numbers of haplotypes per river were detected in both taxa, spatial partitioning of this genetic variation within rivers was significantly stronger for G. gollumoides (mean ϕST = 0.539) than for G. ‘southern’ (mean ϕST = 0.142). Within-catchment genetic divergence values were also higher for the former species. These finding suggest that a combination of main-channel habitat continuity and high water velocity facilitates relatively high connectivity in G. ‘southern’, whereas G. gollumoides populations are genetically isolated in fragmented low-velocity habitats. We conclude that population connectivity can be strongly influenced by habitat preference, leading to profound differences in the phylogeography, diversity and conservation status of freshwater fish lineages.
Medicago truncatula ecotypes A17 and R108 show variations in jasmonic acid/ethylene induced resistance to Macrophomina phaseolina

Abstract The soilborne necrotrophic fungal pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina (Tassi) Goid causes charcoal rot disease in many economically important crops. There are no effective control methods for this disease and no completely disease-resistant cultivar has been identified in crop species against M. phaseolina, including alfalfa, soybean and sorghum. In our previous study, we have established a pathosystem using the model legume Medicago truncatula to study the molecular interactions between the pathogen and its host. In this study, we investigated the possible variability in host response to M. phaseolina infection among different Medicago ecotypes. We found that disease progression in different ecotypes had little variation, and no ecotype was identified that showed resistance. We have previously found that methyl jasmonate (MJ) and ethylene (ET) could induce partial resistance in Medicago ecotype A17 against M. phaseolina. Here, we compared the disease progression after MJ or ET treatment between A17 and R108, another commonly used ecotype. Unlike A17, our results showed that R108 plants treated with MJ and ET did not show any induced resistance to M. phaseolina. The possible molecular mechanisms that led to these variations are further discussed.
Performance of palm-based fat blends with a low saturated fat content in puff pastry

Four fat blends based on palm fractions in combination with high oleic sunflower oil (HOSF) with a relatively low saturated fatty acid content (29.2±0.85%, i.e. less than 50% of that of butter) were prepared. The saturated fat was located in different triacylglycerols (TAG) structures in each blend. Principal saturated TAG were derived from palm stearin (POs, containing tripalmitoyl glycerol - PPP), palm mid fraction (PMF, containing 1,3-dipalmitoyl-2-oleoyl glycerol - POP) and interesterified PMF (inPMF, containing PPP, POP and rac-1,2-dipalmitoyl-3-oleoyl glycerol - PPO). Thus, in blend 1, composed of POs and HOSF, the saturates resided principally in PPP. In blend 2, composed of POs, PMF and HOSF, the principal saturate-containing TAG were PPP and POP. Blend 3, composed of inPMF and HOSF, was similar to blend 2 except that the disaturated TAG comprised a 2:1 mixture of PPO:POP. Finally, blend 4, a mixture of PMF and HOSF, had saturates present mainly as POP. The physical properties and the functionality of blends, as shortenings for puff pastry laminated in a warm bakery environment (20-30°C), were compared with each other, and with butter. Puff pastry prepared with blend 1 (POs:HOSF 29:71) and blend 4 (PMF:HOSF 41:59), was very hard; blend 2 (POs:PMF:HOSF 13:19:68) was most similar to butter in the compressibility of the baked product and it performed well in an independent baking trial; blend 3 (inPMF:HOSF 40:60) gave a product that required a higher force for compression than butter.
Comparison of ryegrass and red clover on the fermentation pattern, microbial community and efficiency of diet utilisation in the rumen simulation technique (Rusitec)

An in vitro experiment was designed to investigate the effects of incubating two forages with a different energy/nitrogen (N) ratio [perennial ryegrass (GR) vs red clover (RC)] on the efficiency of N utilisation by rumen microbes. Second-cut forages were incubated in artificial rumen fermenters (n = 8). Ryegrass represented a supply of quickly available N and energy for the rumen microorganism which led to a rapid fermentation and bacterial growth 2–4 h after feeding. Ryegrass also promoted greater numbers of anaerobic fungi, methanogens and cellulolytic bacteria, which tended to increase neutral detergent fibre disappearance, gas production, volatile fatty acid and methane production than observed using RC diets. On the contrary, RC provided slowly degradable N and energy, which led to a relatively slow bacterial growth (4–8 h after feeding). In terms of diet utilisation, RC diets promoted a higher N outflow (mainly as undegraded-N) and efficiency of microbial protein synthesis per organic matter disappeared. Even so, microbial protein yield was similar on both diets indicating a better N capture by microorganisms fed GR than in those fed RC diets. The use of 15N-labelled forages demonstrated that this high ammonia incorporation by bacteria-fed GR occurred mainly during the early fermentation coinciding with the highest bacterial growth. In conclusion, this experiment demonstrated that the use of isotopic labelling combined with molecular techniques provided an insight into forage utilisation by the rumen microbes; GR diets led to a better efficiency of N utilisation compared with RC; moreover the lower N outflow on GR diets may be partially compensated for a higher proportion of microbial protein leaving the system and the greater volatile fatty acid production. These findings seem to indicate that RC grazing may increase the N pollution compared with GR without substantial improvements on the rumen function, however this must be confirmed in vivo.
Spatio-temporal variability in rangeland conditions associated with climate change in the Altun Mountain National Nature Reserve on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau over the past 15 years

One of the focuses of global change research is on the impact of climate change on alpine vegetation. The Altun Mountain National Nature Reserve is the largest alpine desert rangeland reserve in China to protect wild endangered ungulate species. This paper aims to detect changing trends in rangeland conditions in this region. Temporal changes in the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) for the rangelands in the Altun Nature Reserve and its correlation with climatic variables were studied over the period from 1998 to 2012. Based on the NDVI index and using ArcGIS spatial analyst, the areas of likely rangeland degradation and areas of improved in rangeland condition were identified using linear regression analysis. The results showed that NDVI values were relatively low, varying from 0.04 to 0.1, and there existed distinct monthly changes. The highest NDVI values were exhibited in August. Generally, the NDVI showed an increasing trend over time with several annual fluctuations. High values were distributed mainly in the core area of the nature reserve. Trend analysis showed that vegetation near rivers and lakes was most likely to be degraded but, overall, the vegetation conditions improved over the 15 years of the study, which meant an improvement in the habitats of key wild ungulate species. Precipitation and temperature had a significant linear positive correlation with NDVI, which suggested that they were the main driving forces for rangeland improvement. The vegetation at the edge of the protected areas appeared degraded due to human activities.
Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells Generated After a Short-Term Culture with IFN-α and Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Stimulate a Potent Epstein-Barr Virus-Specific CD8+ T Cell Response1

Cellular immune responses are crucial for the control of EBV-associated lymphoproliferative diseases. To induce an anti-EBV cell-mediated immunity, we have used dendritic cells (DCs) generated by a 3-day culture of human CD14+ monocytes in the presence of GM-CSF and type I IFN (IFN-DCs) and pulsed with peptides corresponding to CTL EBV epitopes. The functional activity of IFN-DCs was compared with that of APCs differentiated by culturing monocytes for 3 days with GM-CSF and IL-4 and indicated as IL-4-DCs. Stimulation of PBLs from EBV-seropositive donors with EBV peptide-pulsed autologous IFN-DCs resulted in a stronger expansion of specific T lymphocytes producing IFN-γ with respect to stimulation with peptide-loaded IL-4-DCs, as assessed by ELISPOT assays. When purified CD8+ T cells were cocultured with EBV peptide-pulsed IFN-DCs or IL-4-DCs, significantly higher levels of specific cytotoxic activity were observed in CD8+ T cell cultures stimulated with IFN-DCs. Injection of peptide-pulsed IFN-DCs into SCID mice transplanted with autologous PBLs led to the recovery of a significantly greater number of EBV-specific human CD8+ T cells from the spleen and the peritoneal cavity with respect to that recovered from mice injected with peptide-pulsed IL-4-DCs. Moreover, a significant delay in lymphoma development was observed when peptide-pulsed IFN-DCs were injected into SCID mice reconstituted with PBMCs endowed with a high capability of lymphoma induction, whereas injection of unpulsed IFN-DCs was ineffective. Our results indicate that IFN-DCs efficiently promote in vitro and in vivo the expansion of CD8+ T lymphocytes acting as cytotoxic effectors against EBV-transformed cells.
Assemblages of reef fish settling on artificial substrates: effect of ambient habitat over two temporal scales

Artificial habitats provide a unique opportunity to investigate how habitat characteristics structure juvenile fish assemblages after settlement. We quantified the differences between assemblages of juvenile fish on artificial substrates moored in macroalgal beds, seagrass beds or coral patches over two temporal scales that corresponded to a short (48 h) and a longer (>2 weeks) immersion time, respectively. The highest abundances were obtained from artificial habitats moored in seagrass beds, whatever the immersion time was. Total abundances of juveniles increased 3-fold between a short and a long immersion, suggesting a net accumulation of individuals with time. Moreover, significant differences in juvenile fish assemblage structure were observed between habitats and between immersion times. Artificial habitats may reflect species-specific habitat preferences at settlement at a meso-scale; however, caution must be paid to the effects of ambient habitat and post-settlement processes on juvenile fish assemblages observed on artificial habitats.
Isolation and Characterization of Aniline-Degrading Bacteria

Six isolated strains degrading aniline were selected, identified and designated as pseudomonas putida K6, Pseudomonas acidovorans K82, Achromobacter gr. D. V. K24, Achromobacter xylosocidans K4, Moraxella sp. K21 and Moraxella sp. K22. All of them degraded 1000 ppm aniline completely within 30 to 36 hours. Most of these strains are resistant to antibiotics more than one, but Moraxella sp. has not any antibiotic marker tested. Most strains except for P. acidovorans K82 were shown to have resistance to the heavy metal ions such as Ni, Cu, Li, Ba, Co, etc. but not to Hg to which only P. putida K6 was resistant. M. sp. K21 was capable of degrading aniline to a maximum concentration of 2500 ppm without any repression. The incubation of the cell in limited pH ranges (4-8) had no great effect on aniline degradation. The addition of bactopeptone to the minimal media promoted the speed of aniline degradation, but the addition of glucose rather repressed the rate of aniline degradation. Through enzyme assay, A. gr. D. V. K 24 was shown to degrade aniline through artho-pathway and formed . betha. -ketoadipate as intermediate metabolite.
IKKα, IKKβ, and NEMO/IKKγ Are Each Required for the NF-κB-mediated Inflammatory Response Program*

The IKKβ and NEMO/IKKγ subunits of the NF-κB-activating signalsome complex are known to be essential for activating NF-κB by inflammatory and other stress-like stimuli. However, the IKKα subunit is believed to be dispensable for the latter responses and instead functions as an in vivomediator of other novel NF-κB-dependent and -independent functions. In contrast to this generally accepted view of IKKα's physiological functions, we demonstrate in mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) that, akin to IKKβ and NEMO/IKKγ, IKKα is also a global regulator of tumor necrosis factor α- and IL-1-responsive IKK signalsome-dependent target genes including many known NF-κB targets such as serum amyloid A3, C3, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-11, IL-1 receptor antagonist, vascular endothelial growth factor, Ptx3, β2-microglobulin, IL-1α, Mcp-1 and -3, RANTES (regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted), Fas antigen, Jun-B, c-Fos, macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Only a small number of NF-κB-dependent target genes were preferentially dependent on IKKα or IKKβ. Constitutive expression of a trans-dominant IκBα superrepressor (IκBαSR) in wild type MEFs confirmed that these signalsome-dependent target genes were also dependent on NF-κB. A subset of NF-κB target genes were IKK-dependent in the absence of exogenous stimuli, suggesting that the signalsome was also required to regulate basal levels of activated NF-κB in established MEFs. Overall, a sizable number of novel NF-κB/IKK-dependent genes were identified including Secreted Frizzled, cadherin 13, protocadherin 7, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-β and -δ, osteoprotegerin, FOXC2 and FOXF2, BMP-2, p75 neurotrophin receptor, caspase-11, guanylate-binding proteins 1 and 2, ApoJ/clusterin, interferon (α and β) receptor 2, decorin, osteoglycin, epiregulin, proliferins 2 and 3, stromal cell-derived factor, and cathepsins B, F, and Z. SOCS-3, a negative effector of STAT3 signaling, was found to be an NF-κB/IKK-induced gene, suggesting that IKK-mediated NF-κB activation can coordinately illicit negative effects on STAT signaling.
The role of direct chilling injury and inoculative freezing in cold tolerance of Amblyomma americanum, Dermacentor variabilis and Ixodes scapularis

Abstract. Supercooling points and chill tolerance were compared among nymphs and adults of the ixodid ticks Dermacentor variabilis, Amblyomma americanum and Ixodes scapularis (Acari: Ixodidae). Supercooling points in the range of <‐22 to ‐18°C were observed for nymphs, and ‐22 to ‐8°C for adults.The lower lethal temperatures observed under dry conditions, ‐14 to ‐10°C, were warmer than the supercooling points, but still much colder than ‐4.8°C, the lowest temperature recorded from a likely tick habitat in southwestern Ohio.Based on our experiments, spontaneous freezing and direct chilling injury are not significant mortality factors in these species in the field.Mortality was observed between ‐5 and ‐3°C for A.americanum and D.variabilis nymphs chilled for 2 h while in direct contact with ice.This mortality is probably due to inoculative freezing.Given the requirement for a rather humid microhabitat for off‐host survival, these findings suggest that inoculative freezing is an important cause of overwintering mortality in these medically important species.
Epilithic chironomid larvae and water enrichment: is larval distribution explained by epilithon quantity or quality?

Abstract The effects of nutrient enrichment of stream water on epilithic chironomid larval assemblages were examined during spring in a Mediterranean catchment. Three reaches that differed in degree of enrichment were selected for comparison. Water chemistry, epilithon biomass (as ash-free dry mass [AFDM]), epilithic algal biomass (as chlorophyll a [chl a]), algal biovolumes, and algal composition were analyzed to determine their association with density and taxonomic composition of epilithic chironomids. Kendall's τ coefficient of rank correlations and canonical correlation analysis were used to evaluate correlations between the chironomid and algal assemblages. Significant correlations were found between chironomid larval densities and total algal cell densities and biovolumes. Chironomid larval densities were not significantly correlated with chl a or AFDM. Several contrasting trends were identified in the relationships between chironomid and algal assemblages. Densities of fixed-tube scrapers, such as Eukiefferiella claripennis and Cricotopus bicinctus, were strongly correlated with biovolumes of Rhodophyceae and Diatomophyceae, whereas densities of free-living scrapers, such as Thienemaniella, were slightly correlated with Chlorophyceae biovolume. Therefore, nutrient enrichment strongly influenced epilithic chironomid assemblage structure through its effects on biovolumes and cell densities of the epilithic algal assemblages.
Transgenic Tobacco Expressing a Modified VP6 Gene Protects Mice Against Rotavirus Infection

: Elevated expression of the rotavirus VP6 antigen in transgenic plants is a critical factor in the development of a safe and effective rotavirus vaccine. Using codon optimization, a gene that encodes the inner capsid protein VP6 of the human group A rotavirus was synthesized (sVP6). The VP6 and sVp6 genes were transformed into tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) plants using Agrobacterium tumefaciens. The expression level of the sVP6 gene in transgenic plants was 3.8–34-fold higher than that of controls containing the non-modified VP6 gene, accounting for up to 0.34% of the total soluble protein (TSP). Then, BALB/c female mice that had been gavaged weekly with 10 mg TSP containing 34 μg VP6 protein, in which VP6-specific serum IgG and mucosal IgA antibodies were investigated. The severity and duration of diarrhea caused by simian rotavirus SA-11 challenge were reduced significantly in passively immunized pups, which indicates that anti-VP6 antibodies generated in orally immunized female mice can be passed onto pups and provide heterotypic protection. An edible vaccine based on the VP6 of human rotavirus group A could provide a means to protect children and young animals from severe acute diarrhea. (Managing editor: Li-Hui ZHAO)
Influence of ingested lead on body mass of wintering canvasbacks

The authors determined the prevalence of lead shotgun pellets in gizzards of canvasbacks (Aythya valisineria) collected at Catahoula Lake and the Mississippi River Delta, Louisiana, during winter 1987-88 to assess the influence of ingested lead shot on canvasback body mass. The prevalence of ingested lead shot was significantly higher at Catahoula Lake (27%) than at the Mississippi River Delta (4%). Canvasbacks collected at Catahoula Lake showed significant differences in prevalence of ingested lead shot by age and month. The authors attributed age-related and seasonal variations to differences in foraging effort and exposure time. Body mass of canvasbacks at Catahoula Lake, after accounting for age, monthly variation, and body size, was significantly reduced (120 g or 10%) in birds that had lead shot in their gizzards.