Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of Brimonidine Tartarate on Circulating Retinal Spreading Depression

Purpose: Spread depression (SD) was originally described by Leao (1944) in the rabbit cerebral cortex and first identified on retina by Gouras (1958). SD is widely associated with neuronal damage. SD can also be seen in the retina as a propagating depolarization wave. While it spreads through retina, electrical and intrinsic optical signs can be measured. The circulating spreading depression is a unique model in which once the first stimulus is done, it continuously propagates through the tissue. The main purpose of this paper is to identify if brimonidine tartarate (BT) is able to reduce, or even stop the spreading phenomena. Methods: We performed 9 experiments on fragments of retinal preparations of White Leghorn chicks from 3 to 8 days after hatching. Immediately after decapitation the eyeballs were removed and sectioned along the equator. Fragments of retina were transferred to a chamber and infused with modified Ringer solution (RS) driven by a peristaltic pump in order to maintain the RS flowing at a rate from 0.8 to 0.85 ml/min. The temperature in the chamber was set at 30°C by means of a thermostatic bath. RS composition (in mM) was: NaCl 100.0, KCl 6.0, CaCl2 1.0, MgSO4 1.0, NaHPO4 1.0, NaHCO3 30.0 and glucose 20.0. The presence or absence of SD was detected by recording its concomitant slow voltage variations through two pore electrodes connected to a Grass polygraph. All experiments started with a control procedure. Firstly, the retina infused with RS was mechanically stimulated by a sharpened tungsten wire, triggering a SD. After 9 minutes the infusion was changed to RS containing 0.1% brimonidine tartarate (0.1% RS/BT) for 9 minutes. After that, the infusion was once more changed for a RS containing 0.2% brimonidine tartarate (0.2% RS/BT). Results: Our data demonstrated that brimonidine tartarate (0.1% RS/BT) reduces the amplitude of the negative potential shift from 25.89±2.66mV to 21.44±2.11mV; and with 0.2% RS/BT the SD is blocked. The time interval between two passages through the same electrode was increased from 59.17±0.95sec to 78.78±2.26sec (0.1% RS/BT). Although the main BT pathway effect is still not well known, it is clear its powerful effect. The recent association of SD to many traumatic disorders of the central nervous tissue leads us to wonder how BT blocks SD. Possibly, BT acts as a neuroprotector drug. Conclusions: Brimonidine tartarate (0.1% RS/BT) was able to reduce the negative potential shift from 25.89±2.66mV to 21.44±2.11mV. With 0.2% RS/BT the SD was blocked.
Cardiac contraction and the pressure-volume relationship

Introduction Chamber pressure-volume relation vs. muscle force-length relation Physiologic determinants of the ventricular pressure-volume relationship Energetics of the heart on p-v diagram Cardiovascular interactions Clinical use and limitation of ventricular ESPVR Effects of growth and ageing of organism on ESPVR Methods of studying the pressure volume relationship Index.
On the helminthofauna of wild mammals (Rodentia, Insectivora ans Lagomorpha) in Azores archipelago (Portugal)

Helminthes parasites, des Mammiferes sauvages (Rongeurs, Insectivores et Lagomorphes) de l'Archipel des Acores (Portugal). Le present travail concerne l'etude faunistique et ecologique de l'helminthofaune de Mammiferes sauvages de l'Archipel des Acores. 103 Rongeurs (Rattus rattus L., 1758 et Mus musculus L., 1758), 9 Insectivores (Erinaceus europaeus L., 1758) et 19 Lagomorphes (Oryctolagus cuniculus L., 1758) Qnt ete analyses. Les hotes ont ete captures dans differents biotopes de trois iles (Sao Miguel), Terceira et Flores). 27 especes d'Helminthes (3 Trematodes, 5 Cesto, 18 Nematodes et 1 Acantocephale) ont ete recoltees. Toutes les prevalences d'infestation sont elevees et les differences entre,les iles ne sont pas significatives. Les helminthofaunes montrent les caracteristiques habituelles des parasitofaunes des hotes dans les iles colonisees recemment.
The molecular basis of adaptive evolution in yeast : response to ethanol

Ethanol tolerance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a complex polygenic trait. As a toxin, ethanol damages multiple cell constituents as well as being both a substrate and product of the metabolism of S.cerevisiae. This complexity has made ethanol tolerance difficult to study. Deletion screens have identified hundreds of genes that impair ethanol tolerance by their absence and hence might help survival in high ethanol environments. Similarly, expression studies have revealed genes that respond to ethanol shock, but it is unclear whether those genes are likely targets for improvement of ethanol tolerance in strains growing normally. In addition, those yeasts that are currently commercially exploited for their high ethanol tolerance in the brewing and bioethanol industries are commonly aneuploid or polyploid which makes it difficult to correlate particular features of their genotype with the ethanol tolerant phenotype.Experimental evolution can reveal genetic changes that change competitive fitness. It is practical to run numerous competitions in parallel between isogenic S.cerevisiae strains for hundreds of generations under ethanol stress, after which whole genome sequencing can identify the genetic changes. Fluorescent tagging of those strains can reveal small changes in population dynamics.We propagated 144 populations in batch culture for between 100 and 200 generations under 4 ethanol regimes (0%, 4.5%, 6.5% and ramped 0-10%). We monitored the progress of evolution by using mixtures of two fluorescently tagged, but otherwise isogenic, haploid, ho? (site-specific endonuclease deletant) founder strains (DeLuna et al 2008). Population dynamics measured using fluorescently labelled strains indicated that changes had occurred in competitive fitness due to adaptive evolution. Cell-size measurement and flow cytometry showed that evolved populations were diploid or triploid and the transition to higher ploidy occurred more rapidly with increasing ethanol stress. During the experimental evolution three strains evolved the capacity to grow on organic acids. We have sequenced the complete genomes of eight evolved strains. These strains are confirmed as being diploid, but not aneuploid. Sequencing of evolved strains revealed mutations that have not been previously characterised in deletion or expression studies of ethanol or organic acid tolerance in S.cerevisiae. Both increasing ploidy, to produce triploids as well as diploids, and the acquisition of organic acid tolerance under ethanol stress are unexpected outcomes that have implications for future work.
Evaluation de deux méthodes pour optimiser la fertilisation azotée des grandes cultures

Apporter la juste dose d’engrais azote en complement de l’offre en azote (N) du sol pour couvrir les besoins de la culture permet a la fois d’optimiser la production agricole et de limiter les impacts environnementaux. Cependant, la dose optimale varie fortement en fonction des conditions culturales et pedoclimatiques de la parcelle, en raison des nombreux facteurs influencant le cycle de l’azote et de leurs interactions. Ainsi, il est difficile pour un agriculteur de prevoir cette dose. Il est donc necessaire de developper des outils d’aide a la decision, simples d’utilisation et fiables, permettant de calculer cette dose optimale. Evaluation de deux methodes pour optimiser la fertilisation azotee des grandes cultures
Caracterização morfológica da subplacenta em cutia (Dasyprocta leporina)

RODRIGUES, R.F. Morphologic characterization of the subplacenta in agouti (Dasyprocta leporina). [Caracterização morfológica da subplacenta em cutia (Dasyprocta leporina)]. 2005. 93 f. Tese (Doutorado em Ciências) – Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, 2005. The agouti Dasyprocta leporina is a rodent belongs to the suborder hystricomorph, and may be found in all national territory. The hystricomorph has one specific structure on the placenta, the subplacenta. In this research 9 (nine) placentae of agouti were studied, in three different gestation age (early, middle and late). The study consisted of placental morphologic analysis by light and electron microscopy, associated with cytochemical, immunohystochemistry and microvascularization techniques. The subplacenta of agouti is localized on the apical part of the chorioallantoic placenta, separated by a mesenchyme and inserted on the uterus wall. Histologically the subplacenta consisted of lamear structures where the axis was formed by mesenchyme. On this structure the epithelial formation of the cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast was found. In the region between suplacenta and decidua the multinucleate giant trophoblast cells were observed, cytokeratin immunostaining. The endothelial cells on the arterial vessels showed intense positive reaction to vimentin and also the mesenchyme from axis of the lamelae. The cytotrophoblast on the lamelae and some cells of the syncytiotrophoblast showed PCNA positive reaction, principally in middle part of gestation. The ultra-structure analysis of the subplacenta showed two cells populations on the lamelae: the cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast. The vascularization analyzed by scanning electron microscopy of the Mercox and by colored latex perfusion demonstrated only fetal vessels on the subplacenta originated from fetal artery. The fetal artery, after branched in a net of capillaries, run to lobules of the principal placental, and this behavior suggest a type of portal circulation.
Current Concepts and Translational Uses of Platelet Rich Plasma Biotechnology

A two-decade long research has expedited knowledge about tissue repair mechanisms, and the field of Regenerative Medicine is gaining ground stimulated by novel insights and the development of therapeutic biotechnologies, intending to restore tissue architecture and functionality. Regenerative Medicine technologies concern not only traumatic tissue injuries but also involve the biological manipulation of pathological conditions aiming to drive tissue circumstances to normal, i.e. the recovery of tissue homeostasis.
Functional Analysis and Characterization of Epstein Barr Virus Latent Membrane Protein 2b

Epstein Barr virus persists in the human host by establishing a latent infection following primary infection. The virus periodically reactivates; producing virus that can infect new cells or be shed in saliva to infect new hosts. EBV is also implicated in malignant B cell proliferation in the immunocompromised and a variety of haemopoetic cancers, indicating that it is of public health significance.The LMP2 gene of EBV encodes 2 protein isoforms: a 497aa protein (LMP2a) and a 378aa protein (LMP2b). These isoforms are identical, with the exception of an N-terminal cytoplasmic signaling domain of 119aa encoded in the LMP2a exon 1. The remaining residues (including the entirety of LMP2b) encode an integral membrane protein consisting of 12 transmembrane spanning regions with short alternating intracellular and extracellular connection loops.Most research on the LMP2 isoforms has focused on the LMP2a protein and it's role in blocking B-cell receptor mediated signaling, degradation of associated proteins, and transformation. LMP2b, lacking the obvious signaling domain, has been largely ignored. Recently studies have suggested that LMP2b is a negative regulator of LMP2a.In the following studies, we have evaluated the contribution of LMP2b to the block in BCR signaling using LMP2b expressing BJAB cell line. Our results demonstrate that LMP2b has the ability to singularly block BCR signaling.LMP2 proteins have been described at both the plasma membrane as well as in the intracellular membranes of cells. Our studies indicate that the intact 12-TM region of the LMP2 proteins is necessary for intracellular localization. Through progressive deletions of 2TM segments from both the N- and C-terminal ends of the protein, we find that an intact 12-TM domain is necessary for localization, and there are at least 2 domains required for multimerization.The role of LMP2 in immortalization is also contested, with groups reporting that LMP2a is both necessary and dispensable for immortalization. We utilized an established system of recombinant EBV construction to demonstrate that LMP2a, but not LMP2b plays a role in establishment and maintenance of viral latency.Taken together, these results indicate a function for LMP2b in signaling and immortalization separate from LMP2a.
Reproductive Behavior and Underwater Calls in the Emei Mustache Toad, Leptobrachium boringii

The Emei mustache toad, Leptobrachium boringii (Megophryidae), is terrestrial but breeds in permanent streams. Primarily, it has a polygynous mating system and polyandry also occurs. The species vigorously defends submerged nest sites. We report on a reproductive study at Mt. Emei, western China conducted in 2004, 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2011 during the breeding season. Males produce both advertisement and courtship calls underwater, and the latter differs from the former in having an additional trill-like last note of low intensity. Females might determine the oviposition location and hence the egg mass location. A low, submissive posture can be adopted by the male to avoid being attacked by other males. When fighting, the maxillary nuptial spines are employed as weapons, and males hold their opponents on their spines with the forelimbs that enlarge during the breeding season. Male body size and the quantity of fight wounds on its ventral side are positively correlated. Satellite male mating might exist in L. boringii. Additionally, underwater calls from another population of this species and a population of L. leishanense generally are similar to those of the population from Mt. Emei.
Antibacterial action of eri (Samia ricini) sericin against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.

Silk sericin is a family of water-soluble proteins extracted from the silkworm cocoon. Studies have been attempted to recycle the sericin waste from mulberry Bombyx mori sericulture to develop value-added products in the biomedical, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries. Accordingly, a wild species of the non-mulberry silkmoth called eri (Samia ricini), has been promoted, especially in northeastern Thailand. Thus, increased production of sericin-containing wastewater from eri sericulture is predicted in the near future. Technical knowledge must be developed to support utilization of eri sericin in biotechnological industries. This work characterizes the antibacterial action of eri sericin in the representative Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria models. The potency of eri sericin as an antibacterial agent was demonstrated by the disc diffusion assay and criticaldilution micromethod, as well as by evaluating the effect of eri sericin on bacterial growth. The action of the potent eri sericin was found to be bactericidal. Scanning electron microscopic analysis determined significant morphological alterations at the cellular level in both E. coli and S. aureus.
Defence responses of non-mycorrhizal and mycorrhizal seedlings of Pinus sylvestris L. to fungal pathogens

﻿ The defence mechanisms expressed in roots of Pinus sylvestris seedlings challenged with fungal pathogens were investigated, and a comparison was made between the expression of defences in non-mycorrhizal and mycorrhizal seedlings. Papillae were formed by cortical cells of non-mycorrhizal seedlings infected with Cylindrocarpon destructans. Histochemical evidence was obtained for pectic materials comprising an important polysaccharide component of these structures, and for the deposition of polyphenolic compounds also. Proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE) microanalysis indicated that insoluble calcium levels were elevated in papillae relative to normal cell walls. Although papillae appeared important in protecting cortical cells against penetration by fungal hyphae, a primary role for the wall appositions in the resistance of seedlings of Scots pine against root pathogens could not be proven. Although phytoalexins were not detected in the roots of Scots pine seedlings following infection with C. destructans , the mean content of an abietic acid fraction (comprising six compounds, of which only dehydroabietic acid could be positively identified), increased from 5.2 to 9.7mg g -1 dry weight. This fraction exhibited some antifungal activity. -related proteins induced de novo by infection could not be detected, but several constitutive apoplastic proteins, including some with chitinase activity, appeared to increase in the needles of root-infected seedlings. The formation of ectomycorrhizae with Pisolithus tinctorius, Suillus bovinus and Hebeloma crustuliniforme did not itself induce papilla formation in the roots of P. sylvestris. Evidence was obtained to suggest that the response was suppressed when mycorrhizal seedlings were challenged with C. destructans. Results highly suggestive of the induction of systemic resistance in P. sylvestris seedlings, consequent upon mycorrhizal infection, were obtained. In seedlings grown in vitro the survival rate of mycorrhizal seedlings challenged aerially with Botrytis cinerea was 37.5% compared with 7.1 in seedlings grown gnotobiotically. However, the physiological mechanisms by which this protection was imparted remain to be determined.
Selectivity of penaeid trap nets in south-eastern Australia

Two experiments were done to estimate the selectivity of commercial and modified trap-net configurations in New South Wales (NSW), southeastern Australia. In the first experiment, a commercial trap net made entirely from 25 mm mesh and designed for use in shallow water was alternatively fished with a fine-meshed (9.5 mm netting) trap net (used as a control). In the second experiment, two trap-net configurations designed for use in deeper water and comprising the same anterior section (made from 25 mm mesh), but with different bunts made from (i) the conventional 25 mm mesh and (ii) 31 mm mesh were alternately fished against the control. Both of the conventional trap nets (comprising 25 mm mesh throughout) had low amounts of bycatch and similarly selected eastern king Penaeus plebejus , greasyback Metapenaeus bennettae and school prawns Metapenaeus macleayi across narrow selection ranges (< 3.4 mm) and at 50% retention lengths (between 18.53 and 21.50 mm) that were larger than the average commercially-accepted sizes (15-17 mm CL). Analyses of the selectivities and relative efficiencies of the trap-net configurations comprising the 25 and 31 mm bunts showed no benefit, in terms of maintaining prawn catches and reducing unwanted bycatch, associated with increasing mesh size in these gears. The utility of trap nets for selectively harvesting penaeids is discussed. We conclude that this type of fishing gear appears to have few deleterious impacts.
Intestinal histology of newborn goat kids fed lyophilized bovine colostrum

Enteric histology of newborn goat kids fed lyophilized bovine colostrum (LBC) was studied. At 0, 7, and 14 h of life 15 male newborns received 5% of body weight of lyophilized bovine colostrum and 14 male newborns goat colostrum (GC), both with 55 mg/ml of IgG. Samples of duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were collected at 18, 36, and 96 h of life for analyses of villus height, crypt depth, muscle layer thickness, partial volume of the absorptive mucosa (Vv), density of the absorptive mucosa (Sv), and quantification of goblet cells. Three animals were sampled without colostrum intake (0 h). The histomorphometry was not different between GC and LBC in all segments. In the jejunum, the villus height differed in sampling times (36 h > 0 h and 18 h). The maximum villus height was observed in the jejunum. In the jejunum, crypt depth differed in the sampling times (96 h > 0 and 18 h). Interaction between intestinal segment and sampling times was observed to crypt depth (duodenum 18 h > jejunum 18 h and duodenum 96 h > ileum 96 h). In the ileum, the muscle layer thick - ness differed in the sampling times (36 h > 0 and 18 h and 96 h > 0 h). The greatest thickness of muscle layer was observed in the duodenum and at 96 h the muscle layer was thicker than at 18 h. The ileum showed the highest Vv at 36 h. The Vv was the highest in the jejunum and higher at 36 h than at 96 h. In the jejunum, an interaction between the treatment and sampling times to goblet cells number (LBC 18 h LBC 96 h) was observed. The ileum showed the greatest number of goblet cells. The ingestion of lyophilized bovine colostrum did not determine any consequences for enteric histology in the first 4 days of goat kids' life.
Effectiveness of Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance (CO-OP) to Improve Handwriting Performance in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder

BACKGROUND: Handwriting competence is frequently affected, consequently affecting legibility of written output and thus affecting academic achievement. Cognitive Orientation to (daily) Occupational Performance (CO-OP) is an intervention that facilitates motor skill acquisition in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). AIM OF THE STUDY: Therefore the aim was to determine the effectiveness of Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance (CO-OP) to improve handwriting performance in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD). METHODOLOGY: A quasi-experimental study design was adopted. Thirty four children with DCD with handwriting difficulties were screened and assigned into experimental and control group. DCD Questionnaire was used as screening tool, COPM, PQRS, Beery Buktenica developmental scale for visual motor integration, visual perception and motor coordination and ETCH – M were used as the outcome measures. The children in the experimental group were given CO-OP intervention, whereas the control group were given handwriting practice as homework. The duration of intervention was 45 minutes once a week. They were asked to practice the strategies at classroom as well at home during the rest of the days of the week. RESULTS: Children in the CO-OP group showed a significant difference in COPM from baseline to week 12 in performance and satisfaction, PQRS score (p < 0.05), indicating improvement in performance. Additional skills of VMI, VP and MC (p < 0.05), showed a significant increase in the CO-OP group compared to control group. There was a significant improvement in word, letter and numeral legibility (p < 0.05) at post intervention in comparison to the control group. CONCLUSION: This finding proves that Cognitive Orientation to Occupational Performance approach improves handwriting performance in children with Developmental Coordination Disorder.
SOLARIZATION OF GREENHOUSE SOIL FOR PREVENTION OF PYTHIUM ROOT ROT IN ORGANICALLY GROWN CUCUMBER

Soil solarization in greenhouse tests was carried out in 1995-1997 by covering pre-irrigated soil with transparent plastic sheets to prevent root rot caused by the Pythium species in organically grown cucumber, where P. ultimum was the main cause of root rot. Densities of naturally occurring Pythium in the upper 10 cm soil layer were determined before, during and after solarization. Pythium was reduced considerably after four weeks in experiments 1 and 2 and after two weeks in experiment 3. Pythium was not recorded in solarized plots, but was still present in non-solarized plots. The mean of daily maximum soil temperatures measured 10 cm below soil surface was 38-43°C in solarized plots compared to 31-37°C in non-solarized plots during the first 14 days of the experimental period. Pythium root rot was negligible 13 weeks after solarization of the soil, whereas serious disease symptoms were seen on plants grown in non-solarized soil. This investigation showed that solarization in the summertime could reduce Pythium root rot, even in the temperate climate of Denmark.