Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cereal Foods and Health : New results and science-based nutrition guidelines

Recent epidemiological studies, in populations with higher intakes of whole grain, have extended and confirmed the evidence from previous findings showing an association between whole grain cereal or cereal fibre consumption and prevention of several non-communicable diseases. Although the results from human intervention studies are not all consistent, we now have greater insights into possible mechanisms for whole grain effects and these should justify attempts to conduct larger trials. Whole grain cereals contain a vast array of nutrients and bioactive compounds, some of which are more bioavailable after processing. However, the effect of the whole food may be more than the sum of its parts. Many factors play a role including other meal components, the physiology and genotype of the consumer and their gut microbiota. For progress to be made, researchers need to characterise whole grain and its active components more accurately and to understand how all factors interact to affect metabolic and physiological functions well beyond the gut. Recent dietary guidelines have emphasised the consumption of cereal fibre and fibre rich whole grain; the expansion of the evidence base should lead to more specific guidelines for cereal food consumption at the population level.
Ecological factors favouring green leafhopper (Nephotettix virescens) population in rice (Oryza sativa)

Peak occurrence of green leafhopper (Nephotettix virescens (Distant)] on rice (Oryza sativa L.) was noted during September and October in 1991-93. The species composition studied revealed that N. virescens dominated over N. nigropictus (Stal.) during all the peak occurrences in the light-trap as well as field collections. Influence of weather factors on green-leafhopper population for the spring, autumn and winter seasons showed positive association with relative humidity and negative with minimum temperature. Multiple regression equation fitted also showed 68, 77 and 63% association for these 3 seasons respectively to the agro-meteorological factors.
Virulence factors of Helicobacter suis with emphasis on γ-glutamyl transpeptidase

Helicobacter (H.) suis colonizes the stomach of the majority of pigs as well as a minority of humans worldwide. Infection causes chronic inflammation in the stomach of the host, however without an effective clearance of the bacteria. Currently, no information is available about possible mechanisms H. suis utilizes to interfere with the host immune response. This study describes the effect on various lymphocytes of the γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) from H. suis. Compared to whole cell lysate from wild-type H. suis, lysate from a H. suis ggt mutant strain showed a decrease of the capacity to inhibit Jurkat T cell proliferation. Incubation of Jurkat T cells with recombinantly expressed H. suis GGT resulted in an impaired proliferation, and cell death was shown to be involved. A similar but more pronounced inhibitory effect was also seen on primary murine CD4 T cells, CD8 T cells, and CD19 B cells. Supplementation with known GGT substrates was able to modulate the observed effects. Glutamine restored normal proliferation of the cells, whereas supplementation with reduced glutathione strengthened the H. suis GGT-mediated inhibition of proliferation. H. suis GGT treatment abolished secretion of IL-4 and IL-17 by CD4 T cells, without affecting secretion of IFN-γ. Finally, H. suis outer membrane vesicles (OMV) were identified as a possible delivery route of H. suis GGT to lymphocytes residing in the deeper mucosal layers. Thus far, this study is the first to report that the effects on lymphocytes of this enzyme, not only important for H. suis metabolism but also for that of other Helicobacter species, depend on the degradation of two specific substrates: glutamine and reduced glutatione. This will provide new insights into the pathogenic mechanisms of H. suis infection in particular and infection with gastric helicobacters in general.
Partial characterisation of pilchard herpesvirus and the associated disease in pilchards

In 1995 and again in 1998, millions of pilchards (Sardinops sagax neopilchardus) were found dead or dying off the coast of Australia and also in New Zealand. The epizootics moved progressively, at a rapid speed against the prevailing currents. A previously unrecognised herpesvirus, Pilchard herpesvirus (PHV), was identified as the causative agent. Until recently, rapid and sensitive methods to detect PHV were not available and based on a previously identified and conserved 373 bp region of the genome, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), in situ hybridisation and real-time PCR methods were developed for the specific detection of PHV in formaldehyde-fixed and frozen tissues of pilchards. Real-time PCR was shown to have greater sensitivity than a conventional PCR and in situ hybridisation for the detection of PHV infection. The PCR assay and sequence analysis of the amplification products was used to compare the 373 bp region of the genome from strains obtained during the 1995 and 1998 epidemics. Significant differences between the strains were not detected.Additional sequence data was obtained adjacent to the 373 bp of known PHV sequence, which did not match any sequence in any of the genetic databases, and this will be invaluable for further study of the pilchard herpesvirus and the development of improved detection methods. The molecular-based methods of virus detection developed were applied to a re- examination of virus in paraffin-embedded tissues taken from fish during an attempt to transmit the virus to wild caught pilchards in 1999. The results obtained confirmed previously equivocal results that transmission of PHV to wild caught pilchards was achieved, although this experiment failed to demonstrate thattransmission of the virus resulted in severe lesions typical of those seen in the epizootics. Using formaldehyde-fixed samples from fish collected during the 1998 PHV epizootic, virus was detected in fish collected 4 days prior to the occurrence of the epizootic even though the fish then appeared clinically normal, during the epizootic, and 8 days after mortalities had ceased. An investigation of wild pilchards collected from 4 Australian pilchard sub-populations using real-time PCR demonstrated that PHV was present in the gills of 13.75% of 800 fish sampled, indicating that the virus is now endemic in the Australian pilchard population. Variation in the prevalence of PHV infection in the 4 subpopulations was detected, higher in western and southern populations than in populations from the east coast. The endemic nature of PHV infection in the pilchard population explains why there have been no further epizootics with mass mortalities since 1998.
Resistance To Onion Thrips (Thrips Tabaci Lindeman) And Incidence Of Iris Yellow Spot Virus In Onions

1 Resumen (Spanish). 2 Introduction.2 Taxonomy, Origin, Host Range and Geographic Distribution of T. tabaci.3 Morphology, Development and Reproduction of T. tabaci.4 Seasonal Patterns of T. tabaci on Hosts in the Onion Cropping System.8 Environmental Effects on T. tabaci Outbreaks.11 Damage Caused by T. tabaci on Onion.12 Treatment Guidelines for T. tabaci on Onions.14 Management of T. tabaci in Onions.15 Chemical Control.16 Biological Control.18 Cultural Control.21 Host Plant Resistance.23
A View on Pathogenesis of ≪Vicious Cancer Progression Cycle≫

Unrestricted tumor growth requires a permanent supply of glucose that can be obtained from cancer-stimulated hepatic glucose production and/or glucose redirecting from host insulin resistant tissues to cancer cells. This study proposes a mechanism based on metabolic and hormonal changes that may provoke glucose delivery to cancer cells through two interconnected “vicious cycles” whose continuous activity drives cancer progression. As follows from the proposed here feedback model, these “vicious cycles” result from cancer-mediated manipulation of host glucose sensors. The derived conclusions contribute to a better understanding of cancer pathogenesis and identifying potential therapeutic targets.
Analysis of glued laminated beams performance of parica species (Schizolobium Amazonicum Huber ex. Ducke).

In response to the great world-wide pressure to preserve the Amazon Forest, native species planted forests are growing and becoming economically viable in the northern region of Brazil. Amongst the diverse planted species, parica (Schizolobium Amazonicum Huber ex. Ducke) is considered as a pioneer species. The main objective of this paper was to study the glued laminated timber (GLT) beams performance within this species; using adhesives of Resorcinol Formal-dehyde and Emulsion Polymerized isocyanate commercialized in Brazil. The pieces were graded by non-destructive test (ultra-sound) the laminated board with larger dynamic modules of elasticity being used, on the upper third face and lower third face of the beams. Timber beams of parica were selected randomly for comparing the performances. The strength tests were four-point bending, verifying the shear and tension strenght of the glue lines, too. It was verified, with 95% of confidence, that all beams have the same performance. The shear rupture values were smaller than the glue lines strength (resorcinol-formaldehyde adhesive by 2,97 MPa and isocyanate by 2,91 MPa). Based on these values, it is possible to recommend this species for producing GLT beams with C-20 strength class design as having a compatible performance to timber beams.
Développement de systèmes membranaires modèles pour la vacuole parasitophore de Toxoplasma gondii : Interactions des protéines de granules denses (protéines GRA) avec des vésicules unilamellaires

Les proteines GRA sont secretees par le parasite intracellulaire Toxoplasma gondii dans la vacuole parasitophore, ou elles interagissent pour la plupart avec deux systemes de membranes tubulaires : les tubules sequestrant des organites de l'hote (HOSTs) et le reseau de nanotubes membranaires (RNM). Bien que la plupart des proteines GRA contiennent des domaines transmembranaires potentiels, elles sont secretees sous des formes solubles et ne s'associent a des membranes qu'une fois qu'elles ont atteint leurs membranes-cibles dans la vacuole. Cette propriete inhabituelle nous a amenes a les considerer comme des modeles interessants pour l'etude d'interactions proteinemembrane. J'ai developpe deux approches experimentales pour etudier les interactions des proteines GRA, extraites du parasite ou de la vacuole, avec des membranes-modeles. Premierement, des approches biochimiques m'ont amenee a caracteriser les formes de solubilisation des proteines GRA et leur association avec les membranes des petites vesicules unilamellaires (SUVs). Deuxiemement, j'ai developpe une approche par spectroscopie de fluorescence, de proteines GRA associees aux membranes de vesicules unilamellaires geantes (GUVs). Les resultats fournissent des elements de reponse qui (1) aident a decrypter le trafic des proteines dans le parasite et dans la vacuole et (2) ouvrent la voie pour la mise en place d'un systeme in vitro pour l'etude de la maturation de la vacuole parasitophore et de ses membranes tubulaires internes.
Differential gene exchange between parapatric morphs of Littorina saxatilis detected using AFLP markers

Speciation requires the acquisition of reproductive isolation, and the circumstances under which this could evolve are of great interest. Are new species formed after the acquisition of generalized incompatibility arising between physically separated populations, or may they arise as a result of the action of disruptive selection beginning with the divergence of a rather restricted set of gene loci? Here we apply the technique of amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis to an intertidal snail whose populations display a cline in shell shape across vertical gradients on rocky shores. We compare the FST values for 306 AFLP loci with the distribution of FST estimated from a simulation model using values of mutation and migration derived from the data. We find that about 5% of these loci show greater differentiation than expected, providing evidence of the effects of selection across the cline, either direct or indirect through linkage. This is consistent with expectations from nonallopatric speciation models that propose an initial divergence of a small part of the genome driven by strong disruptive selection while divergence at other loci is prevented by gene flow. However, the pattern could also be the result of differential introgression after secondary contact.
MECHANICAL STRENGTH OF SEALED-CURED NEAT CEMENT-PASTE

The strength of Portland cement concrete is dependent on the strength of the cement paste binding the aggregates together. An understanding of the cement paste is the first step to assess the concrete strength. To this end, a program for strength testing of cement paste was implemented for water to cement ratios of 0.35 and 0.40. The compressive strength was evaluated using two inch cubes and four inch diameter cylinders; while the tensile strength evaluation was based on flexure and direct tension tests. All the specimens were cured in the mold the first day, followed by curing in sealed vacuum bags for the remaining of the time. The total curing time ranged from three, seven, fourteen and twenty-eight days. Three replicate specimens were prepared, cured, and tested for each combination of water to cement ratio, type of specimen, and time of curing. The results of the testing program show that while the compressive strength increases for increasing curing time, the tensile strength shows a consistent decline. These results indicate that the sealed curing forced that further hydration caused “self-desiccation” of the CSH, inducing new cracks or extension of existing cracks that would be responsible for the loss of tensile strength.
Airborne fungi in a dairy barn with emphasis on microclimate and emissions

The aim of the study was to determine fungi count in a dairy barn and its immediate environment and to help establish borderline values in line with EU recommendations on airborne emissions from animal housing. A Merck MAS-100 air sampler was employed with respective nutrient agar for the capture, incubation and counting of airborne fungi. Air temperature, relative humidity and air velocity were simultaneously determined by a Testo 400 device. Air sampling was done once a week in the morning (at 7:30), in the middle of the day (at 12:30) and in the evening (at 18:30), during two autumn months. Within the barn, measurements were performed in the animal housing area along the feedlot and outside the barn at a distance of 5 m, 25 m and 50 m, downwind and upwind from the barn. The mean values of total airborne fungi count in the barn air were 5.85×104 /m3 in the morning, 5.52×104 CFU/m3 at noon, and 6.01×104 CFU/m3 in the evening. The fungi count showed a statistically significant decrease as close as 5 m to the barn (P<0.05). The microclimate parameters measured in the barn were within the standard values for dairy barn indoor atmospheres.
The chromosomes of three species of the Nasonia complex (Hymenoptera, Pteromalidae): with 1 figure and 2 tables

Die Ergebnisse der Untersuchung des Karyotyps der Schwesterarten Nasonia vitripennis (Walker, 1836), N. longicornis Darling, 1990 und N. giraulti Darling, 1990 werden mitgeteilt. Fur die beiden letztgenannten Arten liegen bisher keine karyologischen Daten vor. Die Karyotypen der drei untersuchten Arten mit n=5 und 2n=10 bestehen aus metacentrischen Chromosomen. Die Verteilung des konstitutiven Chromatins scheint in der Gattung Nasonia Ashmead, 1904 ebenfalls sehr einheitlich zu sein. Demgegenuber ergab die Morphometrie der Chromosomen statistisch signifikante Unterschiede zwischen den drei Arten. Die vorliegenden Daten entsprechen der Abfolge der Artenspaltungen im Nasonia-Komplex, die auf der Basis molekulargenetischer Untersuchungen festgestellt wurde.
Régulation post-transcriptionnelle du gène unc-54 de Caenorhabditis elegans identifiée in vivo par un système de double rapporteurs fluorescents

Le developpement de Caenorhabditis elegans est finement regule et aboutit au nombre constant de 959 cellules par individu. Une partie de ces regulations repose sur les microARN, ARN simple brin d’environ 22 nucleotides. Ils peuvent diminuer l'expression des genes en ciblant des sequences homologues dans les regions 3' non transcrites (3'UTR) des ARN messagers. Pour determiner l'impact de cette regulation, nous utilisons une methode permettant de visualiser in vivo une difference d'expression induite post-transcriptionnellement. Cette methode se base sur l'utilisation de deux proteines fluorescentes : la GFP (verte) et la mCherry (rouge) exprimees sous le controle du promoteur du gene d'interet. La mCherry est suivie par un 3'UTR controle et reflete l'activite du promoteur. La GFP est suivie par le 3'UTR du gene d'interet et subit les memes regulations que le gene endogene. La difference d'expression entre les deux proteines devrait donc refleter la regulation s'operant sur le 3'UTR du gene. La transparence de C. elegans permet de localiser les proteines rapportrices par microscopie en fluorescence a tous les stades du developpement dans l'organisme entier. Initialement, le 3'UTR du gene unc-54 (myosine de type II) a ete choisi comme controle. Le rapporteur bicolore a revele une regulation s’operant sur unc-54 3’UTR jusqu’ici consideree comme permissif. La regulation observee s’opere dans les muscles et les neurones ADF. La caracterisation de cette regulation a permis de mettre en evidence le role potentiel de mir-1820. Le profil d’expression de mir-1820 a pu etre etabli grâce a une fusion avec la GFP et correspond au profil des regulations observees sur unc-54 3’UTR.
Regulation of calcium-permeable AMPA receptors in glia

AMPA receptors (AMPARs) mediate majority of excitatory synaptic transmission, and are involved in fast neuronal glial signaling in the central nervous system (CNS). These receptors are tetrameric assemblies that function as homomeric or heteromeric combinations of four AMPAR subunits (GluA1-4). Many key AMPAR properties are determined by the GluA2 subunit, the absence of which renders the AMPAR calcium permeable. Calcium permeable AMPARs (CP-AMPARs) are relatively widespread in the CNS being present in certain neurons and many glia. The calcium permeability of neuronal AMPARs is known to be relatively plastic, changing during development and following high frequency synaptic activity. It is clear that calcium permeable AMPARs play an important role in normal functions of Bergmann glia and oligodendrocyte precursor cells, however factors that regulate the CP-AMPAR in glial cells are still poorly understood. Little is known about the transmembrane auxiliary AMPA subunit (TARPs) present in glial cells. In Chapter 3 of this thesis, I consider the role of transmembrane AMPAR regulatory proteins (TARPs) in controlling AMPAR channel properties and trafficking. In particular, these experiments identify γ-5 as a novel TARP that occurs mainly in glial cells, and is present at high levels in Bergmann glia. Functionally, this TARP appears selective for long form AMPAR subunits (predominantly calcium permeable). My experiments also demonstrate that γ-5 co-localizes with a late endosome protein. Uniquely, γ-5 appears selective for the trafficking of GluA2, and is dependent on the protein SAP97 for trafficking and/or localisation. Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), which are responsible for the formation of myelinating cells in the CNS, form a large proportion of the glial cells present in developing brain. OPCs are vulnerable to cell death in conditions such as periventricular white matter damage (hypoxic-ischemic white matter injury) in newborns. In Chapter 4, I have investigated factors that regulate calcium permeable AMPARs in OPCs, including mGluRs and purinergic receptors. Surprisingly I find that these receptors regulate calcium permeable AMPARs. This chapter identifies key mechanisms underlying this switch in AMPAR subtype, including the TARP γ-2 (Stargazin) that is involved in mGluR-induced ‘plasticity’ of AMPARs in OPCs. The experiments described in the final chapter, investigates the transmembrane AMPAR regulatory protein cornichon-3 (CNIH3). In this thesis I identified that the AMPAR regulatory protein cornichon-3 (CNIH3) is expressed at the cell surface in OPCs and that when over-expressed can influence their AMPAR channel properties.
Augmentation of endothelium‐dependent vasodilatory signalling improves functional sympatholysis in contracting muscle of older adults

The ability of contracting skeletal muscle to attenuate sympathetic vasoconstriction (functional sympatholysis) is critical for maintaining blood flow during exercise‐mediated sympathoexcitation. Functional sympatholysis and endothelial function are impaired with ageing, resulting in compromised blood flow and oxygen delivery to contracting skeletal muscle during exercise. In the present study, intra‐arterial infusion of ACh or ATP to augment endothelium‐dependent signalling during exercise attenuated α1‐adrenergic vasoconstriction in the contracting muscle of older adults. The vascular signalling mechanisms capable of functional sympatholysis are preserved in healthy ageing, and thus the age‐related impairment in functional sympatholysis probably results from the loss of a functional signal (e.g. plasma [ATP]) as opposed to an intrinsic endothelial dysfunction.
Peer tutoring in clinical communication teaching: the experience of 1st year students and their peer tutors

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. This study explored the impact of peer tutoring in Clinical Communication teaching as it was expressed in the views of Year 1 students and their Peer Tutors at Imperial College London. Methods: a mixed methods approach was used combining questionnaires and focus groups. Quantitative findings were analysed using SPSS v23 and qualitative findings were analysed using Framework Methodology. Results: the findings suggest a very positive experience for both Year 1 students and their Peer Tutors with the former reporting feeling supported to practice and improve on their Clinical Communication Skills in a collaborative environment, being taught and learning from peers who would share their past educational experiences. No significant differences were found between students taught by Peer Tutors and those taught by Course Tutors. Peer Tutors on the other hand, reported an equally positive experience, which gave them an insight into teaching, improved their leadership and feedback skills, enhanced their confidence and helped them reflect on their own Clinical Communication skills. Conclusion: peer tutoring has many advantages as an educational method in medical education and Clinical Communication teaching and should be promoted in medical curricula.