Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Development of Physiologically Relevant Cell Culture Models for Intestinal Enterovirus Infection

Enteroviruses are small, single stranded RNA viruses that are spread via the fecal-oral route and encounter the small intestinal epithelium as their primary site of infection. This family of pathogens, including poliovirus, coxsackieviruses, and echoviruses, is responsible for pediatric and neonatal infections with severe and often fatal outcomes. Echovirus 11 can cause particularly devastating neonatal infections, resulting in enteroviral sepsis, meningitis, and hepatic failure. In order to gain access to sites where severe virally-induced disease occurs, enteroviruses must first overcome the defenses of the epithelial barrier of the small intestine. The human small intestine is a complex organ made up of a variety of specialized, differentiated sub-cell types. Research of enterovirus infection at this important primary barrier to infection is limited by the fact that no accurate in vitro model of infection exists, nor does an animal model that recapitulates the natural gastrointestinal (GI) route of infection. Here, I utilize two recently developed cell culture models designed to better represent the human small intestinal epithelium as it exists in vivo, in order to characterize enterovirus infection at this important entry portal. First, I describe the use of a bioreactor and microscaffold beads for culturing intestinal cell lines 3-dimensions (3-D). The resulting polarized cell cultures, with enhanced brush borders and upregulated expression of intestinal genes, were used to model coxsackievirus B (CVB) infection. Secondly, human intestinal enteroid cultures, derived from primary intestinal crypts, were used as an ex-vivo cell model. These cells proliferate and differentiate into the repertoire of epithelial cell sub-types found in the human small intestine in-vivo. Human enteroids were used to study epithelial infection by different enteroviruses. In differentiated cultures, we find that the absorptive enterocyte and enteroendocrine cell lineages are highly permissive to echovirus 11 infection, while goblet cells were restrictive to infection. Contrary to infection in traditional cultures of immortalized intestinal cell lines, we find that enteroids derived from the primary intestinal stem cells produce robust antiviral signaling in response to echovirus 11 challenge. In summary, the models for intestinal infection presented in this dissertation will allow for novel enterovirus studies not previously possible in undifferentiated cell lines.
Interpreting the Feeding Ecology of Southern Hemisphere Humpback Whales through Biochemical Assessment

Southern hemisphere humpback whales are high-fidelity krill predators relying on high Antarctic krill biomass to survive and undergo successful reproduction. During the austral summer, humpback whales consume large quantities of krill and build up their blubber reserves. The rest of the year is spent migrating to temperate waters and back while relying on accumulated energy reserves. This expected reliance on Antarctic krill underpins our understanding of Southern hemisphere humpback populations. Their Northern hemisphere counterparts are however known to be more flexible in their feeding habits, and recent work has shown that the Southern hemisphere populations are capable of a certain feeding plasticity, with multiple visual reports of supplementary feeding during the migration, and evidence of anomalous feeding observed in baleen plates. Due to the dependency of Antarctic krill on sea-ice duration and extent for its larval recruitment, the entire Antarctic sea-ice ecosystem is expected to destabilise in a changing climate. The resulting effects on high-fidelity krill predators, such as humpback whales, are unknown. Detailed, long-term information regarding current and past diet, migration and metabolism of humpback whales are needed to successfully assess possible trophodynamic variability, and to differentiate between the natural feeding plasticity of this species and population responses to climate driven environmental change. This thesis aims to evaluate whether Australian humpback whale populations display feeding plasticity in their prey choice and/ or feeding locations.
A preliminary investigation of anticancer activity of novel benzothiazole derivatives against A549 lung carcinoma cell line

Abstract Objective(s) In this study, it was aimed to synthesize new chemotherapeutic agents based on known antiproliferative properties of benzothiazol-2-amine moiety. The antitumor activity of the newly synthesized compounds was determined against A549 lung cancer cell lines. Methods Eighteen compounds were obtained by two steps synthetic route. The anticancer potency of the compounds were detected using MTT assay and flow cytometric analysis on A549 cell line. Some physicochemical properties of the compounds were calculated, virtually. Results Compounds 15 and 18 showed the highest cytotoxic activity even than cisplatin. Also, it was determined that compound 18 caused 19.1% (early and late) apoptosis whereas cisplatin caused 21.6% (early and late). Conclusion Considering the calculated virtual data, eighteen new compounds were found within the boundaries of Lipinski rule of five to be an oral drug. Besides, the most potent compounds 15 and 18 were detected that both have 1-methylbenzimidazole structure, and also methoxy and ethoxy substituents on benzothiazole ring.
Alternative mating tactics and tactical deception: Is the common cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis) nothing but a common cheat?

Alternative mating tactics (AMTs) are common in the animal kingdom, yet much work remains before their evolution and role in driving sexual selection is fully understood. Utilizing features of citizen science, we present compelling evidence that a third species in the cuttlefish genus Sepia (Cephalopoda) possess males who use sneaky mating and female mimicry as alternative strategies to conspicuous signalling and fighting. We also present new evidence of large aggregations (n~30) in this species that possibly drive alternative mating strategies. Lastly, we provide footage of an opportunistic sneaky copulation in this species. We believe that alternative mating tactics may be more common in this genus than previously recorded (based on observations presented here and a search of the literature for similar life history, environmental and behavioural factors found in other species within the Sepia genus), and as much of their captive husbandry is well known, they could an ideal system for studying the evolution of alternative reproductive strategies.
Recovery of Pectinase Obtained by Solid-State Cultivation of Agro-Industrial Residues

Abstract This work aimed to optimize the process parameters for exo-polygalacturonase (exo-PG) recovery and production from Aspergillus niger ATCC 9642. Different types of solvents and extraction solutions (distilled water, NaCl, Tween 80, citrate buffer, and acetate buffer) have been evaluated for enzymes recovery using agitation (12 to 348 rpm), time (4.8 to 55.2 min), temperature (13.2 to 46.8°C), and extraction cycles (10 cycles). Our work's maximum exo-PG activity was 23 U/gwm (68 U/gdm), obtained after 192 h of bioproduction with 9 g orange peel, 4 g corn steep liquor, and 7 g wheat bran concentrations, at 30°C, and 5 × 106 spores/gwm. The maximum recovery was obtained using NaCl (0.1 mol/L) as solvent at a 5:1 (v:w) ratio, 30-55 min, 180 rpm, in one extraction cycle. Optimum pH and temperature for crude enzyme extract were 4.5 and 55°C, respectively.
14 Ribosomal Protein S6 Phosphorylation and Signal Transduction

Growth factors, acting through single transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptors or G-protein-coupled serpentine receptors, induce cells in the animal and in culture to exit the G 0 state of the cell cycle, progress through G 1 , synthesize DNA, and divide (Bourne et al. 1990; Cantley et al. 1991). This process is accomplished through the coordinate activation of a number of metabolic events (Pardee 1989). It has become evident during the last 5–10 years that the major intracellular mediator of these events is protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation (Krebs 1994). The realization of the importance of this regulatory mechanism to cell growth has focused a great deal of attention on the identification of substrates and the signaling pathways that control cell cycle progression (Egan and Weinberg 1993; Downward 1994). One of the early obligatory metabolic events involved in the induction of cell growth is the activation of protein synthesis (Pardee 1989), a process that proceeds through a complex set of steps involving a large number of translational components (see Morley and Thomas 1991), including initiation factors, tRNA Met , mRNA, and the 40S and 60S ribosomal subunits. The rate-limiting event in increased protein synthesis is thought to be the recognition and binding of mRNA by the 43S ribosomal preinitiation complex, a step that also requires a family of initiation factors termed 4A, 4B, and 4F (Sonenberg 1994; see Mathews et al.; Sonenberg; both this volume). In turn, this process is thought to be regulated by the concerted phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of key translational components (see Morley and Thomas.
Willow Short Rotation Coppice Trial in a Former Mining Area in Northern Spain: Effects of Clone, Fertilization and Planting Density on Yield after Five Years

A willow short rotation coppice (SRC) trial was conducted on former mining land in northern Spain over a period of five years, with the purpose of evaluating the effects on yield of two planting densities (9876 and 14,815 cuttings ha−1), three treatments (control, two levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer (NPK) plus weed control) and three willow clones (Bjorn, Inger, Olof). The area was subsoiled, ploughed, harrowed and fertilized with NPK before trial establishment. A randomized block design was applied, with three replications of each treatment in a total of 54 plots, each of an area of 400 m2. The effects of the interactions between the various factors on yield and other growth parameters were also studied. The clone factor significantly affected the number of shoots per stool (greatest for the Inger clone) and the Olof clone, which showed the lowest mortality rate and produced the largest trees and largest quantity of biomass. The combined application of fertilizer and herbicide also significantly increased the values of all response variables considered, except the mortality rate. The planting density did not significantly affect the response variables. Clone × treatment interactions were significant for the shoots per stool, height, diameter and biomass variables, and the Olof clone displayed the highest height and diameter growth and yield. The results obtained in the first rotation indicate that the Olof clone adapted well to the trial conditions and therefore would be appropriate for producing biomass in abandoned mine land in Asturias. These findings will help in the development of strategies for the establishment and management of SRC on marginal land.
China’s Natural Forest Protection Program: Progress and impacts

This is a brief review on the progress and impacts of China’s Natural Forest Protection Program that was initiated in response to massive flooding in 1998 of the major river basins of China. The program was heavily financed by the central government and was a success in terms of three program goals: timber harvest control in the natural forests; increase in the total area of forest protection; and, the successful resettlement of forest workers who were affected by reduced harvests. The ecological, social, and economic impacts of the program are discussed.
The effect of distillation conditions and alcohol content in ‘heart’ fractions on the concentration of aroma volatiles and undesirable compounds in plum brandies

This study investigates the effect of double- or single-stage distillation and different alcohol content in ‘hearts’ (middle fractions) on the distribution of aroma volatiles and undesirable compounds (methanol, hydrocyanic acid, ethyl carbamate) during distillation of plum brandies. Irrespective of the distillation method used, the first fractions (‘heads’) included mainly aliphatic aldehydes, acetals and esters as well as higher alcohols (1-propanol, 2-methyl-1-propanol, 1-butanol, 2-methyl-1-butanol and 3-methyl-1-butanol). Furfural, 1-hexanol, benzyl alcohol, 2-phenylethanol and ethyl carbamate occurred in relatively high concentrations in the ‘tail’ fractions. Increasing the concentration of alcohol in the heart fractions from 70 to 90% v/v resulted in a gradual decrease in the concentration of all detected volatile compounds. Compared with single-stage distillation, double distillation produced heart fractions with lower concentration of acetaldehyde and benzaldehyde and with higher contents of furfural and esters, such as isobutyl acetate and isoamyl acetate. There was a statistically significant increase in the amounts of methanol and ethyl carbamate obtained from double distillation compared with similar fractions derived from the single-stage process. However, in all fractions these compounds occurred in concentrations much lower than the limits specified by EU regulations. The heart fraction from the double-stage process with 83% v/v alcohol content received the best scores for aroma and flavour. Copyright © 2017 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling
In Vitro Studies of freshwater Teleost Ionoregulation in the Common Killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus), Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Rainbow Trout (Onocorhynchus mykiss)

Largely through the use of in vitro preparations there is now a generally accepted theory for ion transport for the seawater (SW) gill. However, to date there is no generally accepted freshwater (FW) model for the mechanisms ofNaCl transport in the teleost gill. By using an Ussing chamber approach with the opercular epithelia of Fundulus heteroclitus and Oreochromis niloticus, and the urinary bladder of Oncorhynchus mykiss, all acclimated to FW, we hoped to establish one as a possible model for the study ofFW ion regulation. FW Fundulus opercular epithelia displayed a serosal negative transepithelial potential (VJ of-43.9 mV, transepithelial conductance (GJ of 1.94 mS·cm-, and active transport ofclfrom the mucosal FW against a strong electrochemical gradient. Na+ movement was dominated by passive diffusion. The opercular epithelia ofFundulus adapted to 10% SW exhibited properties similar to SW Fundulus by actively extruding clwhile Na+ moved passively into the mucosal 10% SW. With FW bathing the mucosal surface, FW Oreochromis opercular epithelia displayed a serosal positive Vt of +8.0 mV, Gt of 1.78 mS·cm-, and active reabsorption ofNa+, Cland Ca+ against large electrical and/or chemical gradients. The FW Oreochromis opercular epithelia is the only FW in vitro preparation to date that exhibits active absorption (albeit at small absolute rates) ofboth Na+ and Cl-. FW 0. mykiss urinary bladders mounted in vitro under symmetrical saline conditions exhibited a transepithelial conductance (GJ of-9.15 mS·cmand
Effects of Cassava (Manihot Esculenta Crantz) Root Meal in Diets Containing Corn Dried Distillers Grains With Solubles on Production Performance, Egg Quality, and Excreta Noxious Gas Emission in Laying Hens

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to evaluate effects of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) root meal (CRM) in laying hen diets containing corn dried distiller grains with soluble (DDGS) on production performance, egg quality, and excreta noxious gas emission. Two hundred and forty Hy-Line brown laying hens (40 weeks of age) were randomly divided into 1 of 4 dietary treatments (10 replications with 6 hens per replication) for 6 weeks. The dietary treatments were as follows: 1) corn-based diet (CON); 2) diet containing 10% CRM and 8% DDGS (CRM10); 3) diet containing 20% CRM and 8% DDGS (CRM20); 4) diet containing 30% CRM and 8% DDGS (CRM30). The inclusion of 30% CRM in the diet containing 8% DDGS significantly decreased (p 0.05) the egg quality with the exception of decreased (p<0.05) egg yolk color when 30% of CRM was included in laying hens diet. CRM20 and CRM30 dietary treatments tended to decrease ammonia emission compared with CON dietary treatment (p=0.08). In conclusion, the results of the current study demonstrated that CRM may be incorporated to a concentration of 20% in laying hen diets containing 8% DDGS without detrimental effects on production performance and egg quality. Furthermore, the addition of 20% and 30% CRM in laying hen diets containing 8% DDGS tended to reduce the excreta ammonia emission.
Computational aspects of parvalbumin-positive interneuron function

The activity of neurons is dependent on the manner in which they process synaptic inputs from other cells. In the event of clustered synaptic input, neurons can respond in a nonlinear manner through synaptic and dendritic mechanisms. Such mechanisms are well established in principal excitatory neurons throughout the brain, where they increase neuronal computational ability and information storage capacity. In contrast for parvalbumin-positive (PV+) interneurons, the most common cortical class of in- hibitory interneuron, synaptic integration is thought to be either linear or sub-linear in nature, facilitating their role as mediators of precise and fast inhibition. This thesis addresses situations in which PV+ interneurons integrate synaptic inputs in a nonlinear manner, and explores the functions of this synaptic processing. First, I describe a form of cooperative supralinear synaptic integration by local excitatory inputs onto PV+ interneurons, and I extend these results to show how this augments the computational capability of PV+ cells within spiking neuron networks. I also explore the importance of polyamine-modulation of synaptic receptors in mediating sublinear synaptic integration, and discuss how this expands the array of mechanisms known to perform similar functions in PV+ cells. Finally, I present work manipulating PV+ cells experimentally during epilepsy. I consider these findings together with recent scientific advances and suggest how they account for a number of open questions and previously contradictory theories of PV+ interneuron function.
Unusual varieties and duplication of Rig-I like receptors encoded in the marine mollusk, Crassostrea gigas

RIG-I like receptors (RLRs) play key roles in sensing non-self nucleic acids in cytoplasm and trigger antiviral innate immune response in vertebrates and human body. Here we carried out in silico analysis to identify and investigate the putative RLRs encoded in the genome of marine mollusk, Crassostrea gigas (cgRLRs), an invertebrate species. We found the unusual duplication and varieties on domain architecture of putative cgRLRs encoded in the genome of C. gigas. Three putative cgRLRs (accessions numbers are EKC24603, EKC31344.1 and EKC38304.1 on GenBank), have the similar domain architecture with that of human RIG-I or MDA5, and one protein (EKC34573.1) with that of human LGP2; The fifth putative cgRLRs (EKC38303.1) is somewhat similar with human RIG-I/MDA5 except that it has only one caspase activation and recruitment domain (CARD) in its N-terminal. Other nine proteins were identified to be partialy similar with RLRs while with the incomplete sequences, which maybe reflect the events of partial duplication of cgRLRs genes occurred in the oyster genome.
The Effect of Garlic on Murine Schistosomiasis Mansoni: A Histological and Ultrastructural Study on the Ileum

This investigation has been designed to appraise the antibilharzial efficacy of garlic. Adult male Swiss albino mice were allocated into two main groups; the first group was non-infected and killed after 6 weeks, while the second one was infected with S. mansoni cercariae and divided into 2 equal halves to be sacrificed at 6 and at 12 weeks post-infection. The non-infected and infected groups were divided into three subgroups: I. non-treated, II. treated with 50 mg/kg of garlic extract, and III. treated with 100 mg/kg of garlic extract. Ileal histological and ultrastructural examinations were performed. In non-infected mice treated with garlic (50 mg/kg), the histological changes in the inspected organs were generally mild. Concurrently, the high dose of garlic (100 mg/kg) induced an increment in the cellularity of the lamina propria of intestinal villi of this group. Electron microscopy of the enterocytes showed dilated granular endoplasmic reticulum, opaque mitochondria, multilamellar bodies and increased number of lysosomes and detached ribosomes. In infected mice, infection resulted in muscular thickening, crypt hyperplasia, villous atrophy as well as enterocytic hyperplasia and degenerative alterations, along with goblet cell hypertrophy and hyperplasia in ileum of schistosomiced animals. Treating infected mice with the low dose of garlic resulted in the diminution of the histopathological changes of schistosomiasis. Conversely, no major differences were detected in the histological and ultrastructural observations following the administration of 100 mg/kg of garlic after infection as compared to the non-treated infected groups. So, it is concluded that garlic in low doses has a powerful antibilharzial effect.
Morphological and molecular systematics of the ‘Monanchora arbuscula complex’ (Poecilosclerida : Crambeidae), with the description of five new species and a biogeographic discussion of the genus in the Tropical Western Atlantic

Abstract. Monanchora Carter, 1883 is a genus of shallow-water marine sponges comprising 16 species distributed worldwide, two of them in the Tropical Western Atlantic (TWA): M. arbuscula (Duchassaing & Michelotti, 1864) and M. brasiliensis Esteves, Lerner, Lôbo-Hajdu & Hajdu, 2012. The former species stands out as one of the most variable demosponges, and is very similar in spicule complement and in secondary metabolite chemistry to the Mediterranean/eastern Atlantic Crambe crambe (Schmidt, 1862), type species of Crambe Vosmaer, 1880. The aim of the present study was to revise the genus Monanchora in the TWA. In addition, we critically analyse the monophyly of Crambe and Monanchora. Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference analyses of 28S and 16S rRNA sequences of the latter genera, and a redescription of the ‘M. arbuscula complex’, revealed three species: M. arbuscula s.s. , M. coccinea, sp. nov. and a new species of Acarnidae – Iophon parvachela, sp. nov. Three other new species from the TWA previously assigned to Monanchora were revealed by morphological analyses, and are also described: M. bahamensis, sp. nov., M. megasigmifera, sp. nov. and a new species of Chondropsidae – Batzella catarinensis, sp. nov. A key for species identification is provided. Our results suggest that the Eastern Brazil and Southeastern Brazil Ecoregions may represent centres of diversity for Monanchora in the TWA.