Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Biogenesis and functions of phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylthreonine in Toxoplasma gondii

Toxoplasma gondii is arguably the most succesful parasite in Earth and a major cause of abortion and opportunistic infections in humans and livestock. Understanding the metabolic flexibility of this parasite is essential to comprehend its adaptability. Lipids are basic components of biological membranes. However, in the last decades non-customary roles for lipids beyond membrane biogenesis have been recognized. Here we report for the first time phosphatidylthreonine (PtdThr) as a major phospholipid in T. gondii and show its relationship with its archetypical analog, phosphatidylserine (PtdSer). We also identify a novel parasite enzyme (TgPTS), which diverged from the mainstream PtdSer-synthase family to produce this otherwise rare lipid. Genetic ablation of TgPTS not only abolished PtdThr synthesis, but also impaired severely the lytic cycle of T. gondii, particularly the egress but also the invasion into host cells without affecting the parasite replication. Our work indicates that, either a lower Ca pool and/or a diminished Ca mobilization from the parasite endoplasmic reticulum cause a reduced gliding motility, which underlies the observed phenotypes. Moreover, the mutant parasites lacking PtdThr (Δtgpts) are avirulent and exert full protection against both, acute and chronic toxoplasmosis in a murine model. These results highlight the importance of parasite lipids as therapeutic targets and of genetically-attenuated strains in the development of effective vaccines against coccidian parasites. Our work also identified the parasite enzyme that is responsible for PtdSer synthesis in T. gondii (TgPSS). Contrary to TgPTS, we were unable to ablate TgPSS gene, suggesting its essentiality for T. gondii. By using a degradation-domain internal tagging approach, we were however able to downregulate TgPSS protein, which translated into a 60-70% reduction in PtdSer synthesis and content in T. gondii, without perturbing significantly the parasite fitness in both, wild-type and Δtgpts strains. Lipid analyses show that T. gondii can recompense for the reduction in PtdSer by increasing proportionally the levels of phosphatidylinositol, and for the loss of PtdThr by upregulating its PtdSer synthesis. Taken together, these results demonstrate the metabolic flexibility of T. gondii regarding its anionic phospholipid metabolism to maintain a normal membrane biogenesis and parasite replication. However, such compensatory mechanisms are unable to complement for the abscence of PtdThr concerning virulence, egress and invasion, demonstrating that T. gondii has evolved TgPTS and its product, PtdThr, as an adaptation to optimize its parasitic lifestyle.
Comparison of English Language Rhythm and Kalhori Kurdish Language Rhythm

Investigating on quantitative features of languages rhythm is a recent issue that attracts the attention of linguists. Interval-based method is a method of studying the rhythmic quantitative features of languages. This method use Pairwise Variability Index (PVI) to consider the variability of vocalic duration and inter-vocalic duration of sentences which leads to classification of languages rhythm into stress-timed languages and syllable-timed ones. This study aims to consider the rhythm of British English and Kalhori Kurdish, which is spoken in some part of west of Iran, based on interval-based method. In order to reach this aim the duration variability of vocalic interval and inter-vocalic interval of English and Kalhori Kurdish are measured by PVI. Afterward the outcomes of this study were compared to the existed results of other languages. The results of this research demonstrated that the rhythmic quantitative features of these two languages are placed among stress-timed languages. Keywords: Rhythm, interval-based method, syllable-timed, stress-timed
Sinopsis de las especies argentinas del género Adiantum (Pteridaceae, Pteridophyta)

Adiantum comprises seventeen taxa in Argentina: Adiantum chilense Kaulf. , A. chilense var. scabrum (Kaulf.) Hicken, A. chilense var. sulphureum (Hook.) Giudice comb. nov., A. digitatum C. Presl ex Hook. , A. filiforme Gardn. , A. latifolium Lam. , A. lorentzii Hieron. , A. macrophyllum Sw. , A. orbignyanum Mett. ex Kuhn, A. pectinatum Kuntze ex Ettingh. , A. pseudotinctum Hieron. , A. raddianum C. Presl, A. serrato-dentatum Willd. , A. tetraphyllum Willd. , A. thalictroides Willd. ex Schltdl. , A. thalictroides f. bottini Giudice & Nieto y A. thalictroides var. hirsutum (Hook. & Grev.) de la Sota. A dichotomus key, descriptions, synonym and geographic distribution are also given.
Studies in the Leguminosae— Papilionoideae of southern Africa

Six African species of Psoralea are transferred to Cullen Medik. : C. biflora (Harv.) C. H. Stirton, C. holubii (Burtt Davy) C. H. Stirton, C. drupacea (Bunge) C. H. Stirton, C. jaubertiana (Fenzl) C. H. Stirton, C. obtusifolia (DC.) C. H. Stirton and C. plicata (Del.) C. H. Stirton. Psoralea patersoniae Schonl. based on an introduced garden plant is placed under synonomy of Cullen corylifolia (L.) Medik. The following new names are published: Lebeckia waltersii C. H. Stirton of subgenus Plecolobium C. H. Stirton; Bituminaria bituminosa (L.) C. H. Stirton of subgenus Bituminaria and B. acaulis (Stev.) C. H. Stirton of subgenus Christevenia Barneby ex C. H. Stirton; Rhynchosia arida C. H. Stirton; Eriosema gunniae C. H. Stirton, E. preptum C. H. Stirton and E. transvaalense C.H. Stirton. Eriosema capitatum E. Mey. is placed in synonomy with Psoralea tomentosa Thunb. , but as P. tomentosa Thunb. is a later homonym of P. tomentosa Cav. it should be referred to P. sericea Poir.
Teores crescentes de proteína bruta em dietas à base de cana-de-açúcar para novilhas Holandês x Gir

iv CAPITULO 1 – CONSIDERACOES GERAIS 01 1 Introducao 01 2 Revisao de literatura 02 2.1 Pecuaria leiteira brasileira 02 2.1. 1 Criacao de novilhas leiteiras 04 2.2 Cana-de-acucar na alimentacao animal 08 2.2.1 Cana forrageira 11 2.3 Proteina na dieta de ruminantes 12 3 Objetivos gerais 16 4 Referencias 18 CAPITULO 2 METABOLISMO E PARAMETROS RUMINAIS DE NOVILHAS MESTICAS ALIMENTADAS COM CANA FORRAGEIRA E TEORES CRESCENTES DE PROTEINA BRUTA NA DIETA 26 1 Introducao 27 2 Material e metodos 28 2.1 Analises laboratoriais 33 2.2 Analises estatisticas 34 3 Resultados e Discussao 35 4 Conclusoes 50 5 Referencias 50 CAPITULO 3 CONSUMO, DESENVOLVIMENTO PONDERAL E CONVERSAO ALIMENTAR DE NOVILHAS MESTICAS ALIMENTADAS COM TEORES CRESCENTES DE PROTEINA BRUTA NA DIETA 55 1 Introducao 56
An In Vitro Method to Rescue Embryos of Horseradish, a Reputedly Sterile Plant

ABSTRACT Horseradish has been reported to be frequently sterile and therefore difficult to improve by traditional sexual crosses. In this paper we report a simple method to perform embryo rescues on Murashige and Skoog medium without growth regulators. We then demonstrate the usefulness of the method by making crosses and self-pollinated seeds of several horseradish lines, rescuing the embryos in vitro, and growing the seedlings in soil in a greenhouse. Seedlings obtained in these experiments are being prepared for field plantings. We hope that this simple procedure will speed worldwide efforts to improve horseradish germplasm.
Estudio molecular de una nueva cepa de morbillivirus de cetáceo aislada de un calderon tropical

Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) is the most pathogenic virus in cetaceans. It includes three strains whose names refer to the species of odontocete from which it was initially isolated: Dolphin morbillivirus (DMV), Porpoise morbillivirus (PMV) and Pilot Whale morbillivirus (PWMV). The aim of this work was to complete a molecular characterization of a new strain of CeMV obtained from the brain of a short finned pilot whale stranded dead around Canary Islands with lesions compatible with morbilliviral disease. Phylogenetic trees including sequences of all the morbillivirus species have shown a higher homology with PWMV, so this strain is tentatively named “PWMV II”. Moreover, from the phylogenetic trees analysis and an exhaustive bibliographical review we propose new names for the CeMV strains:“CeMV-1” for DMV, “CeMV-2” for PMV and “CeMV-3” for PWMV.
Using Exogenous Enzymes to Increase the Nutritional Value of Soybean Meal in Poultry Diet

Soybean meal is by far the most widely used protein source in animal feed all over the world. It is estimated that about 63% of all protein sources used in animal feed is from soybean meal while 98 % of the plant protein used in poultry feeds is from soybean meal in the U.S. (Soybean meal INFO center, 2010). The major reasons for the popularity of soybean meal in poultry and swine feed include: 1) compared with other plant protein sources, soybean meal is not only rich in protein (44 48%), but also can provide a complete protein with almost all essential amino acids for animals (Table 1); 2) the development of heating process to denature the anti-nutritional factors, especially trypsin inhibitors in soybean; 3) the discovery and production of vitamins by using chemical synthesis and fermentation. Six decades ago, animal protein was an essential ingredient in animal feed for providing not only protein, but also minerals and vitamins, especially vitamin B12; 4) further reduction of animal protein in the feed due to the concern of the health and safety of animal byproducts and the concern of phosphorus load in animal waste; 5) modern poultry and swine producing system restricted the use of other plant protein source, such as milling byproducts in animal feed; 6) computer based least-cost feed formulation program proved that the corn and soybean meal based simple diet fortified with vitamins, minerals and methionine is the least cost in producing broiler chicks and turkeys in the U.S. The simplicity of the diet can also reduce the cost and time associated with purchasing, storing and handling more ingredients.
Isofixation Curves As a Method of Standardizing Quantitative Complement-Fixation Tests

The purpose of the present report is to call attention to the “isofixation curves,” which can be constructed from a box titration of serum and antigen in the presence of fixed amounts of complement, and the value such curves may have in defining the relationships between antigen and antibody in a variety of complement-fixation systems. The principles have been implicit in earlier work 1 but their full usefulness may be greater than has been appreciated. Materials and Methods. Sera . The sera used in each test are indicated in the figures. Sera were inactivated at 56°C for 30 min and dilutions were made in normal pooled sera or saline. Antigens . The antigens were prepared according to specifications given elsewhere (2–12). Dilutions were made in borate salt solution, pH 7.6 (13). Complement . Pooled guinea pig sera titrated in 50% hemolytic units with maximally sensitized sheep cells were used.
The role of HLA-B27 in the pathogenesis of spondyloarthritis

The Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-B27 is a Major Histocompability Complex (MHC) class I antigen that is strongly associated with development of a group of closely related arthritic diseases, collectively known as the spondyloarthropathies (SpA). However, the mechanism by which HLA-B27 confers this susceptibility is unclear. Studies have shown that HLA-B27 heavy chains can form classical heterotrimers associated with peptide and 2microglobulin (B27HT), and also non-classical heavy chain homodimers (B272). B272 assemble intracellularly during maturation and are also expressed at the cell surface following endosomal recycling of B27HT. A pathogenic role for B272 has been proposed in two of the current theories of pathogenesis: the B27 homodimer theory and the B27 misfolding and UPR theory. Yet, determinations of the extent, distribution, and triggers of B272 expression, as well as the functional consequences of its receptor interactions in AS pathogenesis, have been hampered by the lack of a specific detection reagent. Therefore, to investigate the role of B272 in AS, we generated a novel antibody to B272 – HD6 – using phage display technology, which binds to in vitro refolded B272 but not B27HT complexes by ELISA. This thesis provides evidence that HD6-reactive molecules, which include B272, are expressed at the cell surface in both cell lines and in the context of a disease setting. Recognition is B27-specific and strongly correlated with the magnitude of B27 expression, which could account for the lack of staining in some cell subsets. Moreover, staining was comparable in cell lines expressing the diseaseassociated B*27:05 and the less disease-associated subtype B*27:09. In addition, I have shown cells expressing physiologic levels of B27, including EBV-transformed BCLs and AS patient PBMCs, are capable of expressing the HD6 epitope upon low pH treatment. Interestingly, these „acid-inducible HD6‟ molecules were absent from cells lacking a functional PLC. Finally, I have shown that HD6-reactive molecules can derive from pre-existing folding B27 molecules at the cell surface, which may be inhibited by the addition of exogenous B27binding peptides. These findings are consistent with a mechanism of pathogenesis involving the surface expression and recognition of B272 and/or other aberrantly folded forms of B27, as proposed in the homodimer theory. HD6 will be a powerful tool to address the potential pathogenic role of B272 in SpA and may additionally have therapeutic potential.
Effect of the Horticultural Therapy on Hand Function of Demented Elders

In order to examine the effect of horticultural therapy on hand function of demented elders, the present study applied horticultural therapy to demented elders who were able to use both of their hands. The horticultural therapy program (HTP) included various works in need of delicate hand motions for strengthening the demented elders' hand function. Hand function was evaluated in terms of pinch and grip. The pinch of the right hand was changed from 2.90 kg pre-HTP to 3.97 kg post-HTP (p
Crustacea, Decapoda, Caridea, Alpheidae, Alpheus simus Guérin-Méneville, 1856: further report from Brazilian waters

The rock-boring snapping shrimp Alpheus simus Guerin-Meneville, 1856 is an inhabitant of shallow water reef habitats, from Florida and Yucatan throughout the West Indies (from Cuba to Barbados and Curacao) south to Brazil (Abrolhos Bank, Bahia) (Chace 1972; Christoffersen 1979). In this species, the rostrum is absent, a feature distinguishing it from all other Brazilian species of the genus Alpheus Fabricius, 1798. Moreover, the ocular hoods are rounded and unarmed, and the front is slightly emarginated between them (Chace 1972). Until now, A. simus was known from Brazil based on a single record by Christoffersen (1979). His material, referred to as Thunor rathbunae (Schmitt, 1924), was collected by R/V "Calypso" in 1961 (Sta. 85), between Santa Barbara Island and Siriba, Abrolhos Archipelago, Bahia, between 2-5 m, on sand and calcareous algae bottoms (Christoffersen 1979).
In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Helicobacter pylori Activity of Natural Products

Since old times plants have been a resource used by human beings an important sources of biologically active products. Recently, efforts have been made in order to identify new antiulcerogenic drugs from natural sources, having as the main target the Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium considered as the most important etiological agent of the human peptic ulcer. It has been shown to be a rich source of bioactive substances, having antifungal, gastroprotective, analgesic, anti-HIV, antibacterial, antitumoral properties and inhibitor of gastric H+,K+-ATPase and angeotensin-converting enzyme. This chapter aims to demonstrate methods anti-Helicobacter pylori in vitro and in vivo for screening of plant extracts. Helicobacter pylori was identified in 1982 by Marshall and Warren (1984) and quickly became the subject of countless microbiological, histological, epidemiological, immunological, ecological and clinical studies (Vaz, 2005). This organism has its nomenclature revised, starting with Campylobacter pyloridis, and a correction of the name was originally Greek to Latin, Campylobacter pylori (Marshall and Goodwin, 1987) and organisms like Campylobacter. Taxonomic studies have led to reclassification, resulting in the name Helicobacter pylori (Goodwin and Armstrong, 1990). H. pylori is a bacillus, Gram negative, microaerobic, spiral and curved (Dunn et al. 1997). It has two to six flagella that provide motility to it to resist the rhythmic contractions of stomach and penetrate the gastric mucosa. It has 2.4 to 4.0 mm in length and 0.5 to 1.0 mm in width (Brown, 2000). The identification and isolation of Helicobacter pylori allowed for a considerable development of knowledge about peptic ulcer (Marshall and Warren, 1984). This pathogen is considered the main etiological agent of human peptic ulcer, with a worldwide prevalence rate of about 40% in developed countries and over 80% in developing countries (Shi et al., 2008). H. pylori produces a number of virulence factors that may have different associations with the disease. The establishment of chronic infection may be influenced by host genetic factors as well as the blood group ABO and Lewis-blood group antigen and differences in susceptibility to particular strains of H. pylori (Brown, 2000). To establish and maintain the infection, H. pylori expresses a variety of different types of maintenance factors that allow bacteria to colonize and remain within the host and virulence factors, which contributes to the pathogenic effects of bacteria, with emphasis on gastric inflammation, mucosal barrier disruption gastric and changes in gastric physiology (Dunn
Isolation and characterization of microsatellites loci in the lemon (Citrus limon)

This study reports the isolation and characterization of seven polymorphic microsatellite loci in Citrus. The loci were isolated from two libraries constructed from genomic DNA nonenriched for TC and AC repeats and enriched for AC repeats. These markers yielded four to nine alleles per locus (mean 6.14) in a survey of 32 Citrus cultivars. Average observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.43 to 0.72. The levels of polymorphism found in this study suggest that these microsatellite loci can become an important tool for genetic studies in Citrus.
Current status of Citrus tristeza virus incidence and its spatial distribution in citrus growing geographical zones of India

Citrus tristeza virus (CTV), a member of genus Closterovirus, is an important pathogen which has destroyed more than one million citrus trees in India till date. Survey was conducted in commercial Citrus sp. covering all the citrus growing geographical zones of India. For detection of CTV and estimation of disease incidence, direct antigen coated- enzyme linked immuno-sorbent assay (DAC-ELISA), reverse transcription- polymerase chain reaction and nucleotide sequence analyses were employed. The overall CTV incidence of 26.3% in Vidarbha region, 47.1-56.0% in Northeast (Asom, Meghalaya, Sikkim and the Darjeeling hills), 36-50% in South (Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka) and 16-60% in North-Northwest (Uttarakhand, Delhi and Punjab) were reported. CTV titre in infected tree samples of different locations was measured by ELISA . The high titre was observed in Kagzilime (C. aurantifolia) and sweet orange (C. sinensis) but low in mandarin (C. reticulata). Nucleotide sequence of 5’ORF1a fragment of CTV genome of nine representative CTV isolates, Kat-8, RA-3, B-6, Dh-1, An-9, TP-4, Pant-3, MU-2 and As-2 from all the citrus growing regions surveyed were analysed. The present Indian isolates showed 78-98% identities among them, and placed in different clusters in phylogenetic analysis. This is for the first time an overall incidence of CTV and its spatial distribution in citrus growing geographical zones of India were reported. Findings presented in this study will help in understanding epidemiology and formulating molecular based management strategy.
ApoB 3’HVR Polymorphism a Genetic Variation in Indian Subcontinent

Abstract Apo B 3’ hyper variable region (Apo B 3’ HVR) is a highly polymorphic and hence an informative marker. It could be an ideal candidate to study the genetic heterogeneity among different population groups of Indian subcontinent. It is one of the marker for which numerous population data is available. This makes Apo B 3’HVR an ideal locus for a pilot study to investigate the relationships between different populations and the micro-evolutionary processes leading to their present day distribution. In the present study, we have studied ApoB3’HVR among North Indians and South Indians and have compared these populations on the basis of within group and between group diversity. For this purpose we have selected 600 North Indians and 200 South Indians at random. Total 21 segregating alleles were detected in our population groups. The average observed heterozygosity was quite high (avg.0.753) suggesting high diversity at ApoB’3HVR locus. Low value of average Gst (0.0005) and Fst (0.035) reflects non-significant deviation of heterozygosity between the two groups. On comparing our study populations with central Indian non tribal and tribal groups, it was found that there is relative homogeneity among the three non tribal groups and on computing genetic distances between the four groups, it was observed that tribal significantly differ from the three non-tribal groups. On comparing with other world populations grouped in continental groups, it was clear that greater diversity was observed for Africans followed by the Europeans and Asians. There was relative homogeneity among the continental groups. North Indians and South Indians were found closure to the Asians while non tribal Central Indians clustered with the Eurpeans. We are further testing these observations, by incorporating more realistic demographic models and by using mt-DNA for maternal lineages and Y-chromosome markers for paternal lineages.
Plant Hormones and Initiation of Legume Nodulation and Arbuscular Mycorrhization

ABA Abscisic acid AM Arbuscular mycorrhizae AMF Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi bit1 Branching infection threads 1 CCaMK Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase CRE1 Cytokinin receptor DMI1/2/3 Doesn’t make infections DNF1/4/5/7 Does not fix nitrogen EFD Ethylene response factor required for nodule differentiation EIN Ethylene insensitive ENOD Early nodulation gene ERN1/2/3 ERF required for nodulation GA Gibberellins HCL Hair curling HMGR1 3-hydroxyl 3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase 1 IGN1 Ineffective greenish nodules IPD3 Interacting protein of DMI3 IT Infection thread itd1/3/4 Infection thread deficient JA Jasmonic acid LATD Lateral root organ-defective LCO Lipochitooligosaccharide LHK1 Lotus histidine kinase lin Lumpy infections