Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HLA DQ and onchocerciasis in Ecuador: interactions between genetics and environment in an endemic infection

Due to its long exposure to infectious diseases, the human genome tends to be gradually modified through natural selection, especially at level of the Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) complex. The aim of this study is to explore HLA DQ variability in two populations (Cayapas Indians and Afro-Ecuadorians) living near one another in the same rain forest along the Cayapa river (northwestern Ecuador) and exposed to the same environmental stress, i.e. infection by O. volvulus. Two HLA class II loci (HLA DQB1 and HLA DQA1) of 211 unrelated individuals have been analyzed. HLA high-resolution molecular typing was performed by three different techniques: Sequence Specific Oligonucleotides hybridization (SSO), Sequence Specific Primer amplification (SSP) and direct Sequencing (Sequence Based Typing, SBT). The comparison between cases and controls in both populations shows the key role of several HLA DQA1 alleles in susceptibility and protection from O. volvulus infection. A potential protective allele against onchocerciasis, HLA DQA1*0401, is highlighted in both populations. Three different alleles seem to account for the different clinical display of onchocerciasis in these populations: HLA DQA1*0102 and *0103 in Afro-Ecuadorians and HLA DQA1*0301 in Cayapas Indians. In order to test the relationships among populations, an Amerindian and an African populations (Colorados Indians and Bamileke from Cameroon) have been typed to compare the HLA allelic pool by correspondence analysis and ML tree. This double approach confirms that the HLA system is a valuable tool to explore both immunogenetic differences and genetic relatedness among populations, improving the informative role of such genetic system. The correlation between HLA DQB1*0301 and the T allele of SNP rs1056315 was evaluated in order to detect the predictiveness of this SNP to infer the presence of DQB1*0301 allele. This is not confirmed in both population: it underline the needing to improve genetic association data to use tag SNP as predictive tool.
Mortality, production performance, water intake and organ weight of the heat stressed broiler chicken given savory (Satureja khuzistanica) essential oils through drinking water

An experiment was conducted to examine the effects on mortality, production performance, water intake (WI) and organ weight of Satureja khuzistanica essential oil (SkEO) using 720 one-day-old Arian broiler chicks in a 42-day trial. Experimental treatments were addition of 0 (control−), 200, 300, 400 and 500 mg/L SkEO or 500 mg/L polysorbate-80 (control+) into drinking water. The birds were kept under natural ambient temperatures 4–6°C above standard recommendation from days 22 to 42 of age. Addition of SkEO into drinking water at 200 and 500 mg/L decreased weight gain (P < 0.05) of the birds from days 29 to 35 of age with no differences in feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to control groups (P > 0.05). Addition of 300 and 500 mg/L SkEO into water increased mortality rate of the birds mainly from days 29 to 42 of age. The calculated European broiler index was greater for the birds receiving drinking water supplemented with 400 mg/L of SkEO compared with the other birds. In conclusion, administration of SkEO at 400 mg/L through drinking water to heat stressed broiler chickens may result in improved production performance efficiency.
ESTABLECIMIENTO DE ÍNDICES ESPECTRALES EN EL DIAGNÓSTICO NUTRIMENTAL DE NITRÓGENO EN MAÍZ

El conocimiento de las firmas espectrales en la valoracion de variables fisiologicas y nutrimentales, en tiempo real, es de gran utilidad en una agricultura competitiva y de mayor precision. El objetivo de esta investigacion fue determinar la viabilidad de usar un espectrometro de reflectancia activa e imagenes digitales, para recolectar informacion en tiempo real durante la fase exponencial de desarrollo del cultivo, para el diagnostico nutrimental de nitrogeno. Durante las etapas fenologicas del maiz V1, V2, V3 y V4, se monitoreo la reflectancia de la planta en siete bandas del espectro visible y cuatro del infrarrojo cercano, se tomaron imagenes para la determinacion del indice de area foliar (IAF) y se recolectaron muestras para el analisis de clorofila y nitrogeno. La aplicacion de los indices de vegetacion, como el modelo verde (810nm 880nm) (560nm 585nm)-1 y tasa normalizada (NDVI 560)/(NDVI 645), en la interpretacion de las firmas espectrales obtenidas mediante el espectrometro de reflectancia activa, es una herramienta que permite diagnosticar el estado de estres nutrimental para nitrogeno del cultivo en tiempo real, de manera sencilla, rapida, economica y antes de la percepcion visual
ESTUDIO DE LAS POBLACIONES MICROBIANAS DE LA RIZÓSFERA DEL CULTIVO DE PAPA (Solanum tuberosum) EN ZONAS ALTOANDINAS A STUDY OF POTATO (Solanum tuberosum) CROP RHIZOSPHERE MICROBIAL POPULATION IN HIGHLAND ZONES

A study was conducted to investigate the microbial populations of the most representative genera in the potato rhizosphere in Highland regions. Total bacteria population in the two sampling regions was always higher than the fungi population. The more alkaline soil pH in Puno region can explain this fact. We observed that Actinomycetes and Azotobacter spp. populations were influenced by pH and type of inorganic fertilization. Also the populations of Bacillus spp. were higher in the region with neutral pH; nevertheless its presence in acid pH zones confirms its adaptation to these conditions. A potato variety effect was also observed on the microbial rhizospheric population which confirms the influence of plant exudates on the rhizosphere. From the total 17 rhizosphere samples processed, we isolated 63 Bacillus spp. 29 (46%) of Huancavelica and 34 (54%) of Puno; 37 Actinomycetes, 32 (87%) of Huancavelica and 5 (13%) of Puno and 50 of Azotobacter spp. 37 (74%) of Huancavelica and 13 (26%) of Puno; in these two last cases a higher diversity was found in the rhizosphere of the region with acidic pH.
Effect of Cassava Based Diet On Lipids Concentration In Albino Rats Fed With Crude Oil Contaminated Diet

The study was carried out to ascertain the effect of a cassava based diet (gari) on lipid profile in albino rats fed crude oil contaminated diets by feeding diet contaminated with various concentrations of crude oil mixed with 20% gari to albino rats to determine the protective effect of gari. The lipid profile (Cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol and LDL cholesterol) were monitored in the animals. Gari feeding at 20% caused dose dependent reduction in Cholesterol and LDL cholesterol with dose dependent increases in Triglycerides and HDL cholesterol in gari fed albino rats compared with Petroleum fed albino rats (P<0.05) suggesting that gari reversed the effect of crude oil on changes in lipid profile. Dose dependent increase in cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and dose dependent decrease triglycerides and HDL cholesterol was observed in petroleum fed rats compared with their controls (P<0.05). The study showed that ingestion of petroleum contaminated diet caused increase cholesterol and LDL cholesterol and decreased triglycerides and HDL cholesterol, but supplementation of the diet with 20%Gari lowered the increased concentrations of cholesterol and LDL cholesterol observed in the Petroleum contaminated diet while increasing the triglycerides and HDL cholesterol concentrations. This study showed that feeding on gari diet caused reversed to changes in lipid concentration caused by crude petroleum.
Evaluation of focal adhesion kinase as a novel radiosensitising target

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase that is upregulated in a variety of human cancers. While there is evidence that FAK is implicated in a wide range of crucial cellular processes that are perturbed in malignancy including proliferation, cell cycle, adhesion and invasion, there is limited information regarding the role of FAK in radiation survival. We aimed to evaluate whether FAK is a novel radiosensitising target by studying clonogenicity in wt p53 FAK +/+ versus FAK -/- squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cell lines generated in this laboratory. Surprisingly, the absence of FAK was associated with increased radioresistance. In this particular context, FAK indirectly inhibits p53 mediated transcriptional regulation of p21 in response to ionising radiation. Why FAK should repress the pro-survival function of p53 is unclear, but this data indicates that inhibition of FAK in combination with radiation may not always be advantageous in the clinical setting and contributes to an increasing body of literature highlighting a close interaction between FAK and p53.
Human evolution in China : a metric description of the fossils and a review of the sites

In recent years, China has produced a wealth of hominid fossils that shed new light on the course of human evolution. This book--the first comprehensive treatment of these fossil finds--offers a brief description of Chinese paleoanthropology and documents all major Chinese sites. Original translations of Chinese-language materials and new analyses of numerous fossils are included. Each fossil description includes the fossil name and location of site; how, when, and by whom it was found; a detailed description; archaeological remains at the site; and floral and faunal content of the site. Students and researchers in human evolution, evolutionary biology, evolutionary anatomy, and archaeology will welcome this much-needed guide to a remarkable treasure trove of fossil remains.
Towards a better understanding of potential impacts of climate change on marine species distribution: a multiscale modelling approach

Aim In this paper, we applied the concept of ‘hierarchical filters’ in community ecology to model marine species distribution at nested spatial scales. Location Global, Mediterranean Sea and the Gulf of Gabes (Tunisia). Methods We combined the predictions of bioclimatic envelope models (BEMs) and habitat models to assess the current distribution of 20 exploited marine species in the Gulf of Gabes. BEMs were first built at a global extent to account for the full range of climatic conditions encountered by a given species. Habitat models were then built using fine-grained habitat variables at the scale of the Gulf of Gabes. We also used this hierarchical filtering approach to project the future distribution of these species under both climate change (the A2 scenario implemented with the Mediterranean climatic model NEMOMED8) and habitat loss (the loss of Posidonia oceanica meadows) scenarios. Results The hierarchical filtering approach predicted current species geographical ranges to be on average 56% smaller than those predicted using the BEMs alone. This pattern was also observed under the climate change scenario. Combining the habitat loss and climate change scenarios indicated that the magnitude of range shifts due to climate change was larger than from the loss of P. oceanica meadows. Main conclusions Our findings emphasize that BEMs may overestimate current and future ranges of marine species if species–habitat relationships are not also considered. A hierarchical filtering approach that accounts for fine-grained habitat variables limits the uncertainty associated with model-based recommendations, thus ensuring their outputs remain applicable within the context of marine resource management.
DIGESTIBILITY AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY IN VITRO OF SACHA INCHI (PLUKENETIA VOLUBILIS L.) PROTEINS

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the digestibility and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro of sacha inchi protein isolate. Methods: Proteins were analyzed using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Gastric digestibility was evaluated with pepsin at different pHs and at different relation enzyme/substrate. Anti-inflammatory activity in vitro of sacha inchi protein isolate was evaluated using denatured protein method with egg albumin. Results: A yield of 20.88% of protein isolate of defatted sacha inchi flour at pH 4.0 with a 93.1% of protein was obtained. 11S globulins were resistant to gastric and duodenal digestion. Sacha inchi protein isolate at pH 4.0 (1000 µg/ml) presents 78.13% of anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. Conclusions: Sacha inchi seed is a good source of proteins. 11S globulins are resistant to pepsin and pancreatin hydrolysis. Sacha inchi protein isolate has high anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. Keywords: Sacha inchi, Gastric digestion, Duodenal digestion, Globulins and albumins.
Irrigation and nitrogen use efficiency of Thuja occidentalis grown on sandy soils

A combined conifer growth - soil water and nitrogen balance model was calibrated to simulate dry mass production and partitioning, water and nitrogen demand and nitrogen losses for Thuja occidentalis grown for two years on a sandy soil. Light interception was successfully described by the row-of-cuboids method. A diffusion model was used to describe fine root growth. The combined model was used to explore nitrogen losses under irrigation and fertilization strategies for optimal dry mass production. Irrigation was frequently necessary for optimal dry mass production and depended highly on the actual weather conditions. The recommended fertilizer applications were sufficient. Nitrogen losses always exceed the European nitrate N-limit in the year of planting and by 80% in the second growing season when optimal irrigated and fertilized for dry mass production. Therefore, additional measures are necessary to develop conifer cropping systems on sandy soils within the framework of the EU nitrate-N limit.
Examining the Roles of Environment, Host, and Pathogen in the Host-Pathogen Relationship Between the Oyster Herpesvirus and the Pacific Oyster

The Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, an oyster species indigenous to Japan, has been introduced globally becoming the primary species of oyster cultured in many areas of the world. In Tomales Bay, California, seed mortalities have occurred in Pacific oysters nearly annually since 1993, and the oyster herpesvirus (OsHV), a virulent pathogen of larval and juvenile bivalves (particularly known in Pacific oysters) was first detected in 2002. Sentinel field studies (2000-2003) were conducted in Tomales Bay in order to better understand the role of environmental factors (temperature, phytoplankton, and salinity) and oyster health (measured using histology and/or OsHV-specific Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)) on Pacific oyster survival. Elevated temperatures were the only environmental factor consistently related to mortalities (2000-2003), and in 2003, elevated temperature means predicted OsHV presence (p < 0.005); OsHV presence predicted mortality (p=0.01). A separate survey conducted in 2003 detected OsHV in multiple species of bivalves grown in Tomales Bay (C. gigas, Ostrea edulis, C. virginica, C. sikamea, Mytilus galloprovincialis, and Venerupis phillipinarum) and C. gigas grown in nearby Drakes Bay using OsHV-specific PCR and/or quantitative PCR (qPCR); qPCR copy numbers were low in each species tested but were significantly greater in C. gigas (p < 0.0001) the only species that appear to be impacted by mortalities. To confirm the infectious etiology of OsHV detected in Tomales Bay, Pacific oyster larvae were exposed to either filtered homogenates from OsHV-infected Pacific oysters in Tomales Bay or uninfected oyster tissue. OsHV was detected and quantified only in oyster larvae exposed to OsHV using qPCR and reverse transcriptase qPCR, and confirmed using transmission electron microscopy. Taken together, data from field and lab-based experiments indicates an infectious disease (OsHV) acts in synergy with temperature to kill Pacific oysters in Tomales Bay, California. Preliminary gene identification of both upregulated host and OsHV genes in larvae exposed to OsHV was conducted using SOLiD sequencing and GeneFishing PCR. Genes identified may provide a foundation to better understand both host response and virus infection, ultimately better defining the hostpathogen relationship between OsHV and Pacific oysters.
Exterior characteristics of Dubrovnik sheep - Croatian endangered breed.

The aim of this work is to show exterior characteristics of the Dubrovnik sheep Croatian endangered sheep breed and to compare her with other Croatian sheep breeds. In the Republic of Croatia is grown 584 breeding heads of Dubrovnik sheep, which is only 0.14% of total breeding sheep. Breeding are stationed in Dubrovnik Neretva County, distributed in 27 registered breeders with the average herd size of 22 breeding head. The study was conducted with 30 Dubrovnik sheep during the summer feeding season. Sheep were fed on pasture, and upon returning to the barn were given hay (ad libitum). Weighing and sampling of exterior characteristics of sheep has been carried out in the morning before going out to pasture. Recorded an average body weight of Dubrovnik sheep was 45.80 kg, 62.58 cm height at withers and body length 65.07 cm. Compared with other Croatian sheep breeds Dubrovnik sheep is by the exterior characteristics medium-developed breeds. Indices of physical development of Dubrovnik sheep indicate good physical condition and sufficient nutrition. Although it can be said that the introduction in the meal some concentrated feed was necessary with the aim to improve productivity, especially in drought periods of the year.
Species Composition of the Epiphytic Diatoms on the Leaf Tissues of Three Zostera Species Distributed on the Southern Coast of Korea

The epiphytic diatom flora living on leaf tissues of Zostera marina, Z. japonica and Z. caespitosa at three study sites (Dadae, Gabae, and Jangmok) located in Geoje Island has been examined from July 2001 to March 2002 bimonthly. Total 81 species in 26 genera of diatoms have been observed on leaf tissues of the 3 Zostera species throughout the present study. Cocconeis spp. were predominant on Z. japonica, whereas Navicula spp. and Nitzschia spp. were predominant on Z. marina and Z. caespitosa. The community structure of the diatom assemblages varied according to the seagrass species. Species compositions of epiphytic diatoms appear to be closely related to morphology and lifespan of seagrasses.
Combined effects of mustard flour, acetic acid, and salt against Esherichia coli O157: H7 stored at 5 and 22°C

The combined effects of acetic acid and mustard flour were investigated to ascertain their impact on Escherichia coli O157:H7 stored at 5 and 22 degrees C. Samples were prepared with various concentrations of acetic acid (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1% [vol/vol]) combined with 10% (wt/vol) Baltimore or Coleman mustard flour and 2% (fixed; wt/vol) sodium chloride. An acid-adapted mixture of three E. coli O157:H7 strains (10(6) to 10(7) CFU/ml) was inoculated into prepared mustard samples that were stored at 5 and 22 degrees C, and samples were assayed periodically for the survival of E. coli O157:H7. The numbers of E. coli O157:H7 were reduced much more rapidly at 22 degrees C than at 5 degrees C. E. coli O157:H7 was rapidly reduced to below the detection limit (<0.3 log10, CFU/ml) after 1 day at 22 degrees C, whereas it survived for up to 5 days at 5 degrees C. There was no synergistic or additive effect with regard to the killing of E. coli O157:H7 with the addition of small amounts of acetic acid to the mustard flour. When stored at 5 degrees C, mustard in combination with 0.25 (M-0.25), 0.5 (M-0.5), and 0.75% (M-0.75) acetic acid exerted less antimicrobial activity than the control (M-0). The order of lethality at 5 degrees C was generally M-0.25 = M-0.5 < M-0.75 = M-0 < M-1. The addition of small amounts of acetic acid (<0.75%) to mustard retards the reduction of E coli O157:H7. Statistical reduction in populations of E. coli O157:H7 (P < 0.05) was enhanced relative to that of the control (mustard alone) only with the addition of 1% acetic acid. This information may help mustard manufacturers to understand the antimicrobial activity associated with use of mustard flour in combination with acetic acid.
Adhesion mechanisms of bacterial spores to solid surfaces

The initial adhesion of different Bacillus spores to solid surfaces was investigated. By changing environmental parameters and studying the subsequent adhesion, conclusions have been drawn concerning the different mechanisms responsible for adhesion. Bacillus species are common microorganisms and in food industry they are common food spoilers. The endospores they form are very resistant to heat, drying and chemicals. In this investigation, these endospores have been found very adhesive to different solid surfaces. It is suggested that their adhesiveness contributes to problems of contamination from Bacillus species. The surfaces of Bacillus spores were found to be highly hydrophobic. Hydrophobic interactions were shown to enhance their adhesion capacities, especially to hydrophobic surfaces. Electrostatic repulsion is another interaction of demonstrated importance. The adhesion process is, however, complex and other interactions are also involved, such as steric stabilization, solvation forces, van der Waals attraction, etc. Spores from some species have long appendages on the surface. These appendages were shown to enhance adhesion. The spore species found to have the highest adhesion capacity was B. cereus. This finding is of practical interest since B. cereus is considered a pathogen. B. cereus spores have several surface qualities that were found to enhance adhesion. The spores are relatively hydrophobic with low negative surface potential and surfaces covered with several long appendages.
Acanthocephalans Of The Genus Centrorhynchus (Palaeacanthocephala, Centrorhynchydae) From Birds Of Ukraine With The Description Of A New Species

Abstract The article presents the results of the investigation of material on the genus Centrorhynchus Lühe, 1911 stored in the collection of the Department of Parasitology, Schmalhauzen Institute of Zoology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Five species: Centrorhynchus aluconis, C. globocaudatus, C. spinosus, C. conspectus and C. polissiensis sp. n. were studied and described. Centrorhynchus polissiensis sp. n. , differs from all known species by the complex morphological characters, in particular, by the formula of proboscis hooks in combination with the number of large hooks with roots, by the number of hooks in anterior part of the proboscis, and by comparatively smaller eggs. C. polissiensis sp. n. is most similar to C. aluconis, C. conspectus and C. globocaudatus. The main differences between the species are in the proboscis armament, 13–17 hooks in a longitudinal row in C. aluconis, 16–18 hooks in C. conspectus vs 19–20 hooks in C. polissiensis sp. n. , and in the egg sizes, 56–65 × 28–30 for C. aluconis, 68–72 × 33–35 for C. conspectus vs 45–55 × 25 for C. polissiensis sp. n. C. polissiensis sp. n. differs from C. globocaudatus in shape and morphology of the proboscis hooks. We do not confirm the record of C. amphibius from birds of the territory of Ukraine. The data on synonymy, hosts and distribution in Ukraine and in the world are given for seven species of the genus recorded in Ukraine. Illustrated descriptions about the material of collection are presented for five species. We provide an identification key for nine species of the genus Centrorhynchus of the birds of the fauna of Ukraine and adjacent territories.
Zmiennosc genetyczna polskich izolatow wirusa RHD

The aim of the study was to evaluate the genetic changes of Polish RHDV strains collected between 1988--2000. Analyses were carried out by nucleotide sequencing of two PCR fragmeats of the genome encoding N--terminal portion of both capsid and non-structural proteins. Nucleptide and anino-acid sequence comparisons of the RHDV g'encme regions analyzed revealed a high genetic identity of the holstes. The maximum divergence of nucleotide was from 5.4 to 8% for three isolates characterized by difierent restiction profiles in a non-sfructural region. The phylogeetic analysis enabled the identification of two gengrunps assembled with German and Italian reference isolates.