Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The ASP and C5L2 pathway: another bridge between inflammation and metabolic homeostasis

Abstract Hormones secreted from the adipose tissue, termed adipokines, have been extensively studied in the past two decades and this work has triggered a paradigm shift. Previously considered to be a passive organ exclusively devoted to storage, adipose tissue is now seen as a major endocrine modulator of energy homeostasis. Acylation-stimulating protein (ASP) is one of these adipokines and it interacts with its receptor C5L2 to induce several anabolic effects. Both ASP and C5L2 are also closely linked with the immune system. However, few studies have examined the duality of roles observed with ASP and C5L2. This article aims to demonstrate the potential roles of ASP and C5L2 in metabolic homeostasis and inflammation and to discuss the relationships of these two parallel systems.
Testing Bergmann’s rule in the presence of potentially confounding factors: a case study with three species of Galerida larks in Morocco

Aim To test Bergmann’s rule (which predicts a larger body size in colder areas within warm‐blooded vertebrate species) in three partially sympatric species of larks (Galerida theklae, Galerida cristata and Galerida randonii) that occur in Morocco.
A Review of the Mustelid-Infesting Fleas in the Family Ceratophyllidae (Insecta: Siphonaptera)

ABSTRACT The three ceratophyllid taxa known to contain specific ectoparasites of mustelid hosts of the genera Mustela Linnaeus, 1758, and Martes Pinel, 1792, are discussed. The subgenera Kueichenlipsylla Smit, 1983, Paracallopsylla Ioff, 1936, and Rosickyiana Smit, 1972, are elevated to generic status. Individual accounts include generic diagnoses, more detailed descriptions of both sexes, where available, and illustrations of diagnostic characters employed in separating the genera. A key is provided that separates both the genera and the species involved. These are: Kueichenlipsylla atrox (Jordan, 1925), known only from the Canadian Sub-Region of the Nearctic Region; Paracallopsylla kaznakovi (Wagner, 1928), restricted to the higher elevations of Central Asia; and Rosickyiana lunata (Jordan and Rothschild, 1920), known from a number of collections from western Europe, east to Alaska and central Canada. The status of these taxa is reviewed and their modified nomenclatural ranking proposed. New synonymy is proposed for Ceratophyllus tundrensis Holland, 1945, as a junior synonym of Rosickyiana lunata (Jordan and Rothschild, 1920).
FISH MUCUS: IN SITU MEASUREMENTS OF POLYMER DRAG REDUCTION

The external layer of mucus on fish was investigated as a drag reducing polymer. Comparing velocity profiles for water flow over rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri) and wax models of trout with and without hydrodynamically smooth surfaces revealed that the integumental mucous secretion can significantly reduce the rate of momentum transfer through the boundary layer. The difference in momentum transfer is expressed as a reduction in friction drag and discussed in view of the overall drag experienced by fish.
Wnt/β-Catenin Is Essential for Intestinal Homeostasis and Maintenance of Intestinal Stem Cells

ABSTRACT The Wnt signaling pathway is deregulated in over 90% of human colorectal cancers. β-Catenin, the central signal transducer of the Wnt pathway, can directly modulate gene expression by interacting with transcription factors of the TCF/LEF family. In the present study we investigate the role of Wnt signaling in the homeostasis of intestinal epithelium by using tissue-specific, inducible β-catenin gene ablation in adult mice. Block of Wnt/β-catenin signaling resulted in rapid loss of transient-amplifying cells and crypt structures. Importantly, intestinal stem cells were induced to terminally differentiate upon deletion of β-catenin, resulting in a complete block of intestinal homeostasis and fatal loss of intestinal function. Transcriptional profiling of mutant crypt mRNA isolated by laser capture microdissection confirmed those observations and allowed us to identify genes potentially responsible for the functional preservation of intestinal stem cells. Our data demonstrate an essential requirement of Wnt/β-catenin signaling for the maintenance of the intestinal epithelium in the adult organism. This challenges attempts to target aberrant Wnt signaling as a new therapeutic strategy to treat colorectal cancer.
Evaluation of H9N2 avian influenza virus dissemination in various organs of experimentally infected broiler chickens using RT-PCR.

Summary Widespread occurrence of H9N2 low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) viruses in many Asian countries during the past decade has resulted in the need for evaluation of the pathogenesis of H9N2 virus infection. In this study, tissue tropism and dissemination of A/Chicken/Iran/772/1998(H9N2) virus throughout the body of broiler chickens were investigated. The clinical signs, gross lesions and antibody titer of the infected chicks were also monitored. Fifty one-day-old commercial broiler chicks were divided randomly into two groups (forty chicks in the experimental and ten chicks in the control group). At the age of five weeks the chicks in the experimental group were inoculated intranasally with the virus. The samples from various tissues were collected at 1, 3, 6 and 9 days post-inoculation (DPI). We used reverse transcriptase/polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay to evaluate the virus dissemination. Chickens exhibited mild respiratory signs, depression and 5% mortality. Viral RNA was detected in the kidneys on days 3, 6 and 9 PI. The virus was also found in the spleen, trachea and lungs on days 3 and 6 PI. Viral RNA was observed only on day 6 PI in feces. The most remarkable clinical signs and virus detection appeared on day 6 PI. Overall, out of 22 samples taken from each organ of the experimental (dead plus euthanized) birds, 4, 5, 11, 4, and 5 samples from trachea, lungs, kidneys, spleen and feces showed viral RNA, respectively. We could not trace the virus in the blood and pancreas. Data indicated that the number of infected chickens and viral RNA detection from tissues was reduced with increasing antibody titer on day 9 PI. Our findings suggest that the virus has tissue tropism for respiratory, urinary, lymphoid and digestive systems.
Using natural strontium isotopic signatures as fish markers: methodology and application

To distinguish Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) populations in tributaries of the Connecticut River, we studied the incorporation and stability of Sr isotopes in juvenile salmon. We established the geologic basis for unique isotopic signatures in 29 salmon sites. Stream-specific Sr isotopic ratios (87Sr/86Sr) were found in calcified tissues of salmon parr within 3 months of stocking. We found little seasonal variation in the Sr signatures of stream water or fish tissue. There were no significant differences among the Sr signatures of otoliths, scales, and vertebrae. For mature salmon raised under constant conditions, 70% of the Sr isotopic signature in calcified tissues was derived from food sources. We developed a criterion for identifying moving fish based upon the isotopic variability of genetically marked fish. Applying this criterion to our streams, 7% of the fish in our study had incorporated Sr from multiple streams. Strontium isotopes distinguished all 8 regions in the White River basin and 7 of the .
Localisation régionale et subcellulaire du récepteur EphA7 dans l'hippocampe et le cervelet du rat adulte

compatible avec l'hypothèse d'un rôle d'EphA7 dans le maintien ou la fonction de certaines synapses du SNC adulte. Abstract EphA7 is a member of the Eph receptor tyrosine kinase family. It plays multiple roles during central nervous system development. In adult brain, EphA7 is still strongly expressed in certain regions, notably regions known to undergo active synaptic plasticity, such as the hippocampus and cerebellum. To examine the regional and cellular localization of EphA7 in adult brain, we used in situ hybridization as well as immunohistochemistry for light and electron microscopy. By in situ hybridization, the strongest signal was in hippocampus, notably the main cell layers of CA1, CA3 and dentate gyrus, and in cerebellar cortical Purkinje cells. However, moderate mRNA levels were found in habenula, striatum, amygdala, cingular, piriform and entorhinal cortex and in the cerebellar cortex. After immunoperoxydase labeling, EphA7 appeared enriched in the neuropil layers of CA1, CA3 and DG as well as in Purkinje cell somata of the cerebellar cortex. In all examined layers of hippocampus and cerebellum, dendritic spines, dendrites, unmyelinated axons, axon terminals and some astrocytic leaflets were immunopositive for EphA7. Neuronal cell bodies of pyramidal, granular and Purkinje cells also showed some immunoreactivity, which was mainly intracellular. EphA7-labeled dendritic spines and dendrites represented the most frequently labeled components. The vast majority of labeled dendritic spines established asymmetric synapses with unlabeled axon terminals and thus displayed features of excitatory synapses. The dual preferential localization of EphA7 in dendrites and in the post-synaptic densities of dendritic spines provides morphologic v evidence in support of the hypothesis that EphA7 plays a key role in adult CNS synaptic maintenance or function.
Invasive Fallopia × Bohemica Interspecific Hybrids Display Different Patterns in Secondary Metabolites

Abstract Plant secondary metabolites are important traits that can benefit an invasive plant in its new environment. In the case of rapid evolution in the invaded area, the chemical weapons of introduced plants may diversify, and novel combinations or extreme concentrations of these secondary metabolites may be expressed. The invasive Fallopia species complex (F. japonica, F. sachalinensis, and the F. × bohemica interspecific hybrids) is a good model to assess how chemical traits can vary during post-introduction evolution. We analyzed and compared the composition of secondary metabolite extracts in F. × bohemica hybrids and in the parental species grown in the introduced area. HPLC-DAD profiles were obtained for each Fallopia species, and the main peaks of the HPLC chromatograms represent phenolic compounds. Analyses based on secondary metabolite profiles showed that F. × bohemica hybrids are closer to F. japonica. The F. × bohemica hybrids expressed the compound families described in F. japonica and F. sachalinensis, with quantitative variations between them. Hybrid chemical cocktails showed a diversification of chemical weapons. Furthermore, transgressive segregation was observed. Three dianthrones were identified for the first time in a Fallopia species and were more highly expressed in F. japonica and F. × bohemica hybrids. These results suggest an evolution in the chemical traits of Fallopia taxa in invaded areas such that certain genotypes may well have acquired new chemical cocktails resulting from post-introduction hybridizations.
Exploitation d’un modèle de souris interspécifiques, recombinantes et congéniques pour la cartographie de QTL de la fertilité mâle et pour l’étude de la régulation génique testiculaire dans le contexte d’un génome mosaïque

Afin de positionner des QTL de fertilite mâle, nous avons utilise un ensemble de lignees interspecifiques, recombinantes et congeniques (IRCS). Nous avons positionne 8 QTL influencant les parametres : poids testiculaire, et prostatique, morphologie et vitalite des spermatozoides. Nous avons cible notre etude sur une lignee IRCS portant un QTL implique dans une reduction du poids testiculaire, et une teratozoospermie sur le chromosome 11. L'analyse en cartographie fine nous a permis de proposer une region candidate de 4 genes significativement exprimes dans le testicule. Par ailleurs, nous avons conduit une analyse du transcriptome testiculaire de trois lignees IRCS et des lignees parentales qui a montre comment des genes spretus etaient regules lorsqu'ils etaient introgresses dans un genome musculus. Cette etude nous a permis d'amorcer une reflexion sur la tolerance d'un genome vis-a-vis des flux de genes entre especes voisines dans la constitution d'un genome mosaique.
Microbial sulfate reduction in littoral sediment of Lake Constance

Abstract Porewater concentrations of SO 4 2− and NO 3 − , the depth distribution of FeS, FeS 2 and organically bound sulfur, and the spatial distribution and intensity of dissimilatory microbial sulfate reduction were studied at a littoral site in Lake Constance. Porewater sulfate concentrations dropped steeply from about 300 μM at the surface to 10–20 μM at 5–6 cm depth. Free H 2 S could not be detected in porewater samples. Of the total sediment sulfur 53% was present in an organically bound form, 41% as pyrite and S 0 and only 6% as acid volatile sulfur (FeS). The concentrations of dissolved anions and the rates of sulfate reduction showed intensive short- and long-term variations consistent with the strong seasonal changes of temperature and water level. Sulfate reduction rates were lowest just after the spring thaw (ca. 300–400 nmol cm −2 day −1 ), but increased strongly toward summer and reached a maximum of more than 2000 nmol cm −2 day −1 in September. The zone of most intense sulfate reduction was restricted to the upper 3 cm of the sediment with a distinct maximum at a depth of 1–2 cm. In deeper zones sulfate reduction rates declined markedly. The apparent activation energy of sulfate reduction, determined by slurry experiments, was 54.1 kJ mol −1 ; the corresponding Q 10 -value was 2.25 (between 5 and 15°C). Concentrations of sulfate greater 60 μM did not increase rates in sediment slurries. The relation between sulfate reduction rates and sulfate concentration was not in accordance with Michaelis-Menten saturation kinetics. Thiosulfate or nitrate added to sediment slurries was rapidly consumed with rates of 2620 nmol cm −3 day −1 and 59800 nmol cm −3 day −1 , respectively. Sulfate was formend parallel to the decrease of thiosulfate, most likely due to bacterial thiosulfate disproportionation.
Diet and Estrogen Status: The Cruciferous Connection

Cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli, have been cultivated since antiquity as medicinal plants. Once ingested, the Cruciferae release unique phytochemical constituents able to modify the activity of cellular enzymes effecting carcinogen clearance and estrogen metabolism. The most active of these phytochemicals with regard to estrogen is the dietary indole, diindolylmethane. Understanding the dietary influences of cruciferous phytochemicals on estrogen status provides a basis for nutritional approaches to estrogen-related concerns that accompany aging in women and men.
BACTERIA INDUCED POLYMORPHISM IN AN AXENIC LABORATORY STRAIN OF ULVA LACTUCA (CHLOROPHYCEAE) 1

A laboratory culture of Ulva lactuca L. purified with antibiotics in 1958 can assume different morphologies. In synthetic media of the ASP type it grows as a pin‐cushion composed of uniseriate branching filaments. Only occasionally some finger‐like germlings appear which, after a few millimeters growth, disintegrate and originate the branched uniseriate filaments. Many strains of marine bacteria, isolated from Ulva and other seaweeds collected in nature or from laboratory cultures, when grown together with this axenic Ulva, induced growth of long thin Enteromorpha‐like tubes (active bacteria). Other bacterial strains have no visible morphological effect on the Ulva (inactive). Combinations of several active and inactive bacterial strains result in flat ribbons which can be wide or narrow and with distromatic portions intercalated between tubular portions. No combination has so far induced the axenic Ulva to produce the typical expanded foliose thallus. Bacterial filtrates are inactive; syntrophic growth seems indispensable. The bacterial strains lose the ability to induce morphogenic effects on the axenic Ulva when grown for several transfers in organic marine media and regain it by growing with Ulva for several transfers in synthetic mineral media. Each partner appears therefore to be dependent on the metabolites produced by the other. The perpetuation of a wide morphological versatility of this laboratory strain of Ulva after 15 yr maintenance under under artificial conditions emphasizes the phylogenetic importance of this versatility.
The oceanic fixed nitrogen and nitrous oxide budgets: Moving targets as we enter the anthropocene?*

New data force us to raise previous estimates of oceanic denitrification. Our revised estimate of ~ 450 Tg N yr -1 (Tg = 10 12 g) produces an oceanic fixed N budget with a large deficit (~ 200 Tg N yr -1 ) that can be explained only by positing an ocean that has deviated far from a steady-state, the need for a major upwards revision of fixed N inputs, particularly nitrogen fixation, or both. Oceanic denitrification can be significantly altered by small re-distributions of carbon and dissolved oxygen. Since fixed N is a limiting nutrient, uncompensated changes in denitrification affect the ocean´s ability to sequester atmospheric CO 2 via the "biological pump". We have also had to modify our concepts of the oceanic N 2 O regime to take better account of the extremely high N 2 O saturations that can arise in productive, low oxygen waters. Recent results from the western Indian Shelf during a period when hypoxic, suboxic and anoxic waters were present produced a maximum surface N 2 O saturation of > 8000%, a likely consequence of "stop and go" denitrification. The sensitivity of N 2 O production and consumption to small changes in the oceanic dissolved oxygen distribution and to the "spin-up" phase of denitrification suggests that the oceanic source term for N 2 O could change rapidly.
Effect of fire severity on regeneration success in the boreal forest of northwest Québec, Canada

ABSTRACT Fire regimes in the boreal forest are dominated by crown fires that burn over large areas. However, these fires rarely burn forest stands entirely and with the same intensity throughout, resulting in a mosaic of vegetation burnt to varying degrees of severity. The objectives of this study were to: (1) assess regeneration of tree species six or seven years after fire in relation to crown fire severity in non-salvaged jack pine and black spruce stands, and (2) assess establishment preferences of seedlings on the different types of germination beds created by fire. Logistic regressions indicated that seed trees abundance influenced regeneration success. The relationship between fire severity at the crown level and regeneration success was not significant, although seedling recruitment appeared limited in areas where severity was light to moderate. Poisson regressions showed that seedlings preferentially establish on mineral soil, and that woody debris seem to be a good substrate for germination and survival. Seedlings establish more frequently and grow better where thickness of residual organic matter is lowest. Crown fire severity, combined with severity at ground level may therefore be a good indicator of regeneration success in coniferous stands.
Characterisation of a windbreak system on the south coast of Western Australia. 2. Crop growth

This paper, which is the second in a series of three, describes dryland crop growth and yields in a windbreak bay in south-western Australia and relates changes to microclimate modification by the windbreaks. Over the 4 years of this trial, above ground biomass and the development rate of crops 3-20 times the tree height from the windbreak (H) were similar to crops growing in unsheltered conditions (more than 20 H from the windbreaks). Grain yield was 16-30% higher between 3 H and 20 H than at more than 20 H in 1994, the driest year on record for the district, in other years yield was largely unchanged. In contrast, above ground biomass growth was consistently less within 3 H than further from the windbreaks and grain yield within 3 H was 19-27% less than unsheltered yield. Water use by the trees is the most likely cause of reduced yield within 3 H. Over the 4 years, mean grain yield between 0.5 H and 20 H was 3.8% greater than yield at more than 20 H. This increase was largely due to the yield increase in 1994. As 5.4% of the paddock was directly occupied by, or uncropped next to, the windbreaks, there was a net yield decrease of 2.8% over 4 years compared to estimated production from a similar area with no windbreaks. The principle benefits of the windbreaks were reducing evaporative demand in extremely dry years and protection against extreme wind events. These benefits must be weighed against the costs of establishing and maintaining windbreak systems.
Toxic Metals and Plants

Cadmium is a non essential element that negatively affects the plant growth and development. It is highly soluble in water. It has been reported that uptake, transport, and subsequent distribution of nutrient elements by the plants can be affected by the presence of Cd ions. In general, Cd has been shown to interfere with the uptake, transport, and use of several elements (Ca, Mg, P, and K) and water by plants. Cd reduces the absorption of nitrate and its transport from roots to shoots, by inhibiting nitrate reductase activity in the shoots. Nitrogen fixation and primary ammonia assimilation decreased in nodules of soybean plants during Cd treatments. Metal toxicity can affect the plasma membrane permeability, causing a reduction in water content. Cd involved destruction of nucleic acids, cell membrane, lipids, and proteins; reduction of protein synthesis; and damage of photosynthetic proteins, which affects growth and development of the whole organism. Cadmium treatment induces lypooxygenase with the simultaneous inhibition of antioxidative enzymes, SOD, CAT.
Do aphids infected with entomopathogenic fungi continue to produce and respond to alarm pheromone?

Abstract The response of pea aphids, Acyrthosiphon pisum, to aphid alarm pheromone was not modified by infection with Beauveria bassiana. Approximately 50% of uninfected and infected aphids responded to synthetic alarm pheromone. The simulated attack of aphids infected with B. bassiana did not elicit a response in uninfected aphids. Preliminary air entrainment experiments of both uninfected aphids and aphids at different stages of B. bassiana (generalist pathogen) or P. neoaphidis (obligate pathogen of aphids) demonstrated that B. bassiana infected aphids produced less alarm pheromone than uninfected aphids and, conversely, P. neoaphidis infected aphids produced more alarm pheromone than uninfected aphids. These results are discussed with particular emphasis on the different life history strategies of these two pathogens. We hypothesise that the obligate, specialist pathogen, P. neoaphidis, is under greater selection pressure to increase pathogen transmission and survival resulting in modified host behaviour, than the generalist pathogen, B. bassiana.
Sex ratio of the cyclic parthenogen Daphnia magna in a variable environment

The relationship between environmental factors, sex ratio and mating system in Daphnia magna was examined, and the adaptiveness of environmental sex determination over ametic sex determination was explored. Monthly sexual sex ratios (males over total number of males and sexual females) ranged from 0.31 to 1.0, the three-year average equalling 0.61. However, if only the samples collected during the period of frequent sexuality from August to October are included, the sexual sex ratio becomes equal, 0.51. Sexual sex ratios varied real between samples during the same period and the standard errors appeared highest in July ad August. Typical of suck times is some uncertainty in the environment, and the environmental cues can be contradictory. Sex expression in Daphnia appears to be determined by responses to complicated interactions between different environmental factors, which adaptively alter the sex ratio. The longterm sexual sex ratio of Daphnia aproaching the equilibrium 1:1, despite environmental sex %termination, gives support for Fisier's classic theory of equal parental investment in both sexes. An equal sex ratio is advantageous also during periods of small population size because it maximizes the effective population size.