Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Marine Biotoxins of Algal Origin and Seafood Safety

Abstract Harmful algal blooms occur with the unchecked proliferation of algae in the marine environment, which oftentimes results in the production of hazardous marine biotoxins. Marine biotoxins are produced by several dinoflagellate and diatom species (e.g., Alexandrium, Gymnodinium, Gonyaulax, Pyrodinium, Protogonyaulax, Dinophysis, Prorocentrum spp., and Pseudonitzchia spp.). Significant human health effects have been reported after exposure to these toxins, including disease syndromes such as Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP), Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning (NSP), Ciguatera Fish Poisoning (CFP), Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP), and Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning (DSP). Of more recent interest has been the emergence of newly discovered toxic dinoflagellates caused in part by the increase in human and environmental interactions along coastal waters. Most notably, Pfiesteria piscicida and Pfiesteria-like organisms have been associated with numerous fish kills and have stimulated public concern over the potential threat these organisms may have on human health and seafood safety. This paper reviews the current literature on marine biotoxins of algal origin, with particular attention to public health issues associated with seafood safety.
In Vivo Formation of 8-Epi-Prostaglandin F2α Is Increased in Hypercholesterolemia

Abstract F2-isoprostanes are bioactive prostaglandin (PG) -like compounds that are produced from arachidonic acid through a nonenzymatic process of lipid peroxidation catalyzed by oxygen free-radicals. 8-Epi-PGF2α may amplify the platelet response to agonists, circulates in plasma, and is excreted in urine. We examined the hypothesis that the formation of 8-epi-PGF2α is altered in patients with hypercholesterolemia and contributes to platelet activation in this setting. Urine samples were obtained from 40 hypercholesterolemic patients and 40 age- and sex-matched control subjects for measurement of immunoreactive 8-epi-PGF2α. Urinary excretion of 11-dehydro-thromboxane (TX) B2, a major metabolite of TXA2, was measured as an in vivo index of platelet activation. Low-dose aspirin, indobufen, and vitamin E were used to investigate the mechanism of formation and effects of 8-epi-PGF2α on platelet activation. Urinary 8-epi-PGF2α was significantly ( P =.0001) higher in hypercholesterolemic patients than in control subjects: 473±305 versus 205±95 pg/mg creatinine. Its rate of excretion was inversely related to the vitamin E content of LDL and showed a positive correlation with urinary 11-dehydro-TXB2. Urinary 8-epi-PGF2α was unchanged after 2-week dosing with aspirin and indobufen despite complete suppression of TX metabolite excretion. Vitamin E supplementation was associated with dose-dependent reductions in both urinary 8-epi-PGF2α and 11-dehydro-TXB2 by 34% to 36% and 47% to 58% at 100 and 600 mg daily, respectively. We conclude that the in vivo formation of the F2-isoprostane 8-epi-PGF2α is enhanced in the vast majority of patients with hypercholesterolemia. This provides an aspirin-insensitive mechanism possibly linking lipid peroxidation to amplification of platelet activation in the setting of hypercholesterolemia. Dose-dependent suppression of enhanced 8-epi-PGF2α formation by vitamin E supplementation may contribute to the beneficial effects of antioxidant treatment.
Malolactic Fermentation in Grape Musts by a Genetically Engineered Strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Malate enters Saccharomyces cerevisiae by simple diffusion. Due to the lack of a malate transporter and the low affinity of the S. cerevisiae malic enzyme, this yeast is unable to degrade malate efficiently. We have constructed a malolactic yeast strain by co-expressing the malate permease gene ( mae1 ) of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe and the Lactococcus lactis malolactic gene ( mle S) in S. cerevisiae . The recombinant strain of S. cerevisiae transported malate and actively metabolized malate to lactate within three days in Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz grape musts at 20°C. The malolactic fermentation in Chardonnay grape must was completed within seven days at 15°C. The efficient degradation of malate in grape musts is important to wineries and the availability of malolactic yeasts will allow the early application of cellar operations for storage and aging of wine.
Control of Flowering by Phloem Exudate from Cotyledons of Ipomoea tricolor II. Low Molecular Weight Flower-inhibiting Substance(s)

The phloem exudate prepared from the cotyledons of Ipomoea tricolor strain Heavenly Blue seedlings that have been exposed to a single 16 h dark period induced flowering in cultured apices excised from non-induced seedlings. When the phloem exudate was dialyzed and separated to 3 fractions such as low ( (cid:6) 1,000), middle (1,000 (cid:1) 10,000), and high ( (cid:7) 10,000) molecular weight, both low and high molecular weight fractions had flower-inducing activities, but not middle fraction. The low molecular weight fraction was further separated and examined the nature of flower-inducing substance(s). The substance(s) was heat-stable and the highest rate of floral bud induction was obtained with 3 (cid:1) g freeze dry weight mL (cid:8) 1 . From the results of solvent participation and ion exchange chromatography, the substance(s) was high polar, seemed to be acidic, and the flower-inducing activity only increased from 3- to 10-fold.
Foraging nine-spined sticklebacks prefer to rely on public information over simpler social cues

Social animals can observe others' behavior and in the process acquire information of varying quality about a given resource. Theoretical models predict that blind copying of others' behavior is more likely when individuals are only able to observe the decisions (here "social cues") of others rather than the cues (here "public information") on which such decisions are based. We investigated information use by nine-spined sticklebacks (Pungitius pungitius) in a two-patch foraging context. Social cues were provided by the number of demonstrator fish present at each patch (two versus six), which either conflicted with the demonstrators' observed feeding rate at each patch (public information) or was the only information available. Consistent with predictions, observers preferred the patch previously associated with six demonstrators when social cues were the only available source of information but preferred the patch previously associated with two demonstrators ("rich" patch) when also provided with public information. On the bases of these experiments, we argue that it is because these fish preferentially base decisions on public information rather than social cues that they can potentially avoid engaging in erroneous informational cascades. Thus, the availability of public information can help social animals make adaptive decisions. Copyright 2005.
Snails as meat source: Epidemiological and nutritional perspectives

The microbiological (epidemiological), proximate and mineral element composition of the different species of snails (Achatina fulica, Limcolaria sp. and Helix pomatia) obtained from three different market in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state were investigated. Total bacterial count ranged from 1.00 - 1.50 x 108 cfu/g, Coliform count ranged from 1.68 - 2.20 x 107 cfu/g, Salmonella/Shigella count ranged from 5.2 - 8.2 x107cfu/g, lactic acid bacteria count ranged from 1.03 - 1.30 x 108 cfu/g and fungi count ranged from 7.3 x 107 to 1.00 x 108 cfu/g. The organisms isolated were Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus spp. , Escherichia coli, Micrococcus luteus and Bacillus cereus while the fungal isolates were Aspergillus terrus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Absidia sp. , Fusarium oxysporum, Eurotiumsp. and Aspergillus flavus. The results showed that Helix pomata have the highest microbial load of 2.20 x 108 cfu/g. The proximate analysis showed that African giant snail (Achatina fulica) was nutritionally richer than the other snails. Mineral determination also showed that African giant snail had the highest amount of minerals. It was generally observed that snails though nutritionally rich are reservoirs of pathogenic microorganisms which are of public health importance. Key words: Microbiological, proximate, mineral composition, coliform, Helix pomata
Influence of water hardness, pH, and alkalinity on the mechanisms of copper toxicity in juvenile rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri

Juvenile rainbow trout were exposed to 25–400 μg copper∙L−1 for 24 h. Water hardness, pH, and alkalinity were varied independently at a constant [Na+]. Net and unidirectional sodium fluxes were measured in hard and soft, low-alkalinity water and in hard, high-alkalinity water at neutral pH and pH 5.0. In low alkalinity water, Na+ uptake (Jin) was inhibited at copper concentrations as low as 25 μg∙L−1, and sodium efflux (Jout) was stimulated above 100 μg∙L−1. High-alkalinity water significantly reduced the effects of copper on Jin and Jout, but there was no significant effect of increasing water hardness. The effects of pH 5.0 and copper were additive from 25 to 100 μg∙L−1, but a pure copper effect was found from 200 to 400 μg∙L−1. Fish died when they had lost about 50–55% of their exchangeable Na+ pool. Water hardness and alkalinity had no effect on the apparent uptake of copper, but copper uptake was reduced by about 50% at pH 5.0.
User requirements and visualizations for a multi-facet search task in the domain of travel

A search task in the domain of travel can be complex and is characterized by its wide variety of properties and many facets. Providing full insight in the available search products and their facets creates challenges for creating suitable interfaces and search applications. We did an explorative study into a travel search task and conducted the study in three phases: a first phase in which we gained insight in the domain of travel and its possibilities and challenges in interfaces; a second phase where we did a user study for identifying the user requirements for the search task; and a last phase where we translated these user requirements into several mock-ups and evaluated them by a think aloud walk through method. In the first phase we set the scene for searching in travel by proposing an information search model in a travel perspective. In the second phase of the study yielded in the following list of requirements: users want to set prior properties, self compose their trip, start in multiple points, get insight in the facets and are interested in opinions of peers and background information. In the final phase of the study we confirmed these requirements and further explored the requirement of creating insight in the facets by creating several visualizations. We discovered that advanced visualizations can be difficult to understand, but can help the user in gaining insights and help finding the final items
Genetic and geographical structure in grapevines from northwestern Spain

The grapevine germplasm bank from Estacion de Viticultura e Enoloxia de Galicia contains 110 accessions collected from more than 100-year-old grapevines from northwestern Spain. We identified 60 different genotypes (among which ‘Pinot Noir’ and ‘Shyrah’ were included as references) with 32 polymorphic microsatellites (SSRs), 21 of which were unlinked SSRs and without null alleles, which were used to detect genetic structure. We found four reconstructed populations that were highly differentiated by analysis of molecular variance (18.3%): (i) western Galician group (‘Caino Bravo’); (ii) eastern Galician group (‘Merenzao’); (iii) Castilian group (‘Garnacha’) and (iv) southern Spanish group (‘Moscatel’). The greatest genetic differentiation was found between the western Galician/eastern Galician groups and the southern Spanish/Castilian groups, with Fst > 0.13. Western and eastern Galician groups contained most of the ancient Galician cultivars (86%) and included ancestors from central Europe, such as ‘Pinot Noir’ and ‘Shyrah’ in the western Galician group and the introgressant ‘Merenzao’ (French ‘Trousseau’) in the eastern Galician group; the Castilian and southern Spain groups included traditional cultivars from central and southern Spanish and suggest a further introduction of those cultivars in northwestern plantations. Genetic structure corresponded with East-to-West geographical differentiation in the northern Iberian Peninsula, following the old path to Santiago de Compostela from France, with the southern Spanish and Castilian groups in the East (Castilian plateau and southern Spain), the eastern Galician group and the western Galician group in the West. Five new relationships were discovered: ‘Caino Bravo’/‘Caino Longo2’, ‘Albarin Tinto’/‘Torrontes1’, ‘Treixadura’/‘Treixadura Francesa’, ‘Moscatel’/‘Moscatel de Bago Miudo’ and ‘Moscatel’/‘Moscatel de Hamburgo’, indicating that hybridisation and further selection by growers have been the origin of most of the genetic diversity found in northwestern Spain.
Ambras syndrome or Hypertrichosis Universalis, does it really matter?

Baumeister et al. (1) first described a form of hypertrichosis universalis congenita with unique phenotypic features and proposed to name it Ambras syndrome, referring to the first ‘documented’ cases who lived in the 16th century and whose portraits are shown in the Austrian castle of Ambras. In the same paper, Baumeister et al. also reported nine other ‘well-documented’ persons with Ambras syndrome. However, 6 out of the 10 mentioned patients were described and/or portrayed in the 16th, 17th, 19th and the beginning of the 20th century. The diagnosis of Ambras syndrome in all these cases was based on the analysis of the phenotypic features of patients, photographs and even paintings. Undoubtedly our patient fails to fit all the phenotypic diagnostic criteria (2). As correctly suggested by Baumeister she does not present with hypertrichosis of ears and the pattern of hair distribution is not identical to that of the previous ‘well-documented’ cases. Our case, however, shows some additional features, such as facial and particularly nasal abnormalities that are not present in the ‘mere’ hypertrichosis universalis. In addition, the chromosome abnormality of our patient involves the locus 8q22, which was found to be inverted in the only case of ‘typical’ Ambras syndrome with kariotype alterations reported to date (1). Finally, it is without question that our patient is strikingly similar to the daughter of Petrus Gonzales reported as Figure 5a in the paper of Baumeister et al. (1). Modern genetics teaches us that identical mutations result in highly variable combinations of clinical features: phenotypic heterogeneity (3). The fact that all these cases share a rare phenotype, with small differences, and the even more interesting finding of the involvement of the same chromosome locus in two of these patients (8q22) should lead to further research on the gene mapping of that locus.
Influence of temperature on the relationship between oxygen- and fluorescence-based estimates of photosynthetic parameters in a marine benthic diatom (Cylindrotheca closterium)

In this paper we investigate the temperature sensitivity of the photosynthetic process of the benthic diatom Cylindrotheca closterium grown in light-limited turbidostat cultures at two different growth rates. Photosynthesis was measured as the rate of oxygen evolution and as the photosystem II (PSII) electron transport rate (ETR). The photosynthetic efficiency (a), as measured by both methods, was rather insensitive to temperature, and decreased significantly only at the extreme temperatures used (5 and 35°C). The maximum PSII quantum efficiency (Fv/Fm) showed a small but significant trend of reduction with increasing temperature. However, the maximum rate of photosynthesis (PB max and ETRmax) was extremely temperature sensitive. The effect of temperature on the relationship between PB and ETR was limited to the most extreme temperatures investigated; deviations from linearity were most extreme at 5°C and different conversion factors were observed at 5 and 35°C. A short-term change in temperature (10–30°C), as might be experienced during emersion on a European tidal flat, will not significantly affect the relationship between PB and ETR. However, care should be taken when using a single conversion factor between PB and ETR at the extremes of the temperature range. We have also shown that algal absorption measurements are important for correct calculation of ETR. The facts that different species seem to have different conversion factors and that changing environmental conditions will affect the absorption capacity and growth rate of the microphytobenthos (MPB) community suggest that it is wise to perform further calibrations of the relationship in the field before use in primary production modelling. Variable fluorescence measurements are quick and non-invasive and, with knowledge of the absorption properties of the MPB community, allow the quantification of photosynthetic parameters across large areas. Hence they are potentially useful for improving our estimates of ecosystem scale primary production.
Movement responses by wolves to industrial linear features and their effect on woodland caribou in northeastern Alberta

Woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) populations are declining across most of their range. Predation by wolves (Canis lupus) is believed to be the main proximate cause of these declines. However, it has been hypothesized that recent forestry and energy sector activity in caribou range ultimately might have caused population declines by altering wolf-caribou relationships. We tested the hypothesis that industrial linear features influence wolf movements in woodland caribou range in northeastern Alberta, resulting in increased wolf-caused caribou mortalities close to these features. Using step selection functions (SSF) and observed vs. simulated wolf movement paths, we found that wolf movement was influenced by natural linear features (rivers and streams) throughout the year, possibly because they provide ease of travel and high prey abundance. Wolf movement was further influenced by industrial linear features, but use of these features differed depending on line- type and season. Wolves showed strong selection for steps closer to conventional seismic lines during the snow-free season. Likewise, observed wolf movement paths followed conventional seismic lines more closely than simulated paths during snow-free months. Use of seismic lines as movement corridors might result in wolves hunting in caribou-preferred habitats (bogs and fens) more frequently than they did historically, particularly in the snow-free season when most caribou mortalities occur. However, we found no evidence that caribou mortalities occurred closer to industrial linear features than did live caribou. We conclude that wolf use of seismic lines increases predation risk for caribou close to these features, resulting in caribou avoidance of linear developments and thus functional loss of otherwise suitable habitat for caribou.
Drug conjugates with albumin and transferrin

Transferrin and albumin are potential macromolecular carriers for improving biodistribution, pharmacokinetic profile and targeting potential of drugs in general. Although the tissue distribution of transferrin and albumin is naturally influenced by their biology and functional role, a series of investigations have shown that the anatomical and physiological characteristics of tumour tissue can serve as a 3D target and mediate the uptake of these serum proteins. This review covers the patent literature on the development of transferrin and albumin drug conjugates from 1985 onwards, with emphasis on the patent applications from the past 2 - 3 years. Initially, antitumour and antiviral agents were conjugated with both proteins and early clinical trials have been performed with transferrin conjugates of cisplatin and doxorubicin, with adenine arabinoside monophosphate conjugated to lactosaminated albumin and with methotrexate bound to albumin. New approaches have concentrated on forming a drug albumin conjugate in vivo, by selectively binding drug derivatives to circulating albumin after iv. administration. Clinical trials with an albumin-binding doxorubicin prodrug and a long acting opioid component are being initiated or are in progress.
Effect of Aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis) gel extract on re- polarization state of myocardium in albino rat

Objective : Aloe vera is a well known medicinal plant contents with over 75 different ingredients, anthraquinones, saponins, and sterols. Recent studies showed that it is a potent hypolipedimic, hypoglycemic and antioxidant. In present study we investigated the dose dependent effect of aloe vera gel on repolarization state of myocardium, heart rate, QRS complex and QT interval using electrocardiograph in albino rats. Method : A total of 24 male albino rats were divided into four groups, one control and three experimental. An aqueous solution of Aloe barbadensis was prepared by taking fresh leaf of aloe plant. Animals of all the groups were anesthetized and were treated (i.p.) with aloe vera gel extract in doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg body weight in experimental groups I, II and III, respectively. Electrocardiograms were recorded at 0 (basal), 15 and 30 min after injection of aloe vera/ saline.
Physiological Responses of Pepper to Salinity and Drought

Production of vegetable crops can be limited by saline irrigation water. The variability of crop salt tolerance under different environmental conditions requires species-specific and environment-specific field evaluations of salt tolerance. Data on field performances of vegetable crops grown on soils that have been irrigated with saline water for many years are lacking. In this study we analyzed the long-term effect of irrigation with saline water on soil properties and on responses of field-grown pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) plants in these soils. Yield, gas exchanges, water relations, and solute accumula- tion were measured in plants grown under three different irrigation treatments: a nonsalinized control (ECw = 0.5 dS·m -1 ) and two concentrations of commercial sea salt, corresponding to ECw of 4.4 and 8.5 dS·m -1 , respectively. In addition, a nonwatered drought stress treatment was included. Irrigation water with an EC of 4.4 dS·m -1 resulted in 46% reduction in plant dry weight (leaves plus stem) and 25% reduction in marketable yield. Increasing the electrical conductivity of the irrigation water to 8.5 dS·m -1 caused a 34% reduction in plant dry weight and a 58% reduction in marketable yield. Leaf and root cellular turgor and net CO2 assimilation rates of leaves in salt-stressed plants decreased along with a reduction in leaf area and dry matter accumulation. High concentrations of Na + and Cl - in the irrigation water did not significantly alter the level of K + in leaves and fruit. In contrast, drought stressed plants had higher concentrations of leaf K + compared to well watered control plants. These results indicate that Na + and K + may play similar roles in maintaining cellular turgor under salinity and drought stress, respectively. The regulation of ion loading to the shoots was most likely functionally associated with physiological modifications of the root/shoot ratio that was substantially smaller in salinized vs. drought stressed plants. From an agronomic perspective, irrigation with moderately saline water (4.4 dS·m -1 ) it is recommendable, compared to no irrigation, to obtain an acceptable marketable yield in the specific environment considered.