Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Avaliação da suscetibilidade de Rhodotorula mucilaginosa frente a associações de antifúngicos com fármacos diversos

New therapies and medical progress have led to emerging fungal infections by Rhodotorula mucilaginosa in immunocompromised patients. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the susceptibility profile of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, verify the ability of this species to change its susceptibility profile after exposure to high concentrations of AMB, and compare the antifungal activity of AMB or voriconazole (VCR) plus combinations of non-antifungal medications against the two groups of R. mucilaginosa. Thirty-five strains of R. mucilaginosa isolated from patients were studied. The isolates were identified based on microbiological and molecular methods. We defined group I to be the original strains isolated from patients and group II as the same strains after in vitro exposure to AMB. AMB exposure was assayed according to Fekete-Forgács et al., with some modifications. Susceptibility tests were performed using the broth microdilution method (CLSI M27-A3). AMB, caspofungin, fluconazole (FLC), and VRC were tested alone and ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, amlodipine, cyclosporine A, fluoxetine, ibuprofen, simvastatin, and warfarin were tested in combination with AMB or VRC, using the broth microdilution checkerboard technique. All group I isolates were susceptible to low concentrations of AMB. Susceptibility to VRC was quite poor. FLC and CAS exhibited no activity against R. mucilaginosa. Prolonged exposure to AMB changed the susceptibility of the isolates. The susceptibility tests with strains from group II showed high minimal inhibitory concentration (MICs) for AMB and the inhibition by VRC required more elevated MICs. In group I, the combination AMB + ibuprofen demonstrated the highest number of synergistic interactions. In group II, the most synergistic interactions was AMB + simvastatin. In group I, When VCR was combined with levofloxacin, a strong synergism was demonstrate against R. mucilaginosa isolates. In group II, VRC + cyclosporine A combination demonstrated a potent synergism. Treatments for R. mucilaginosa are restricted and a multidrug approach seems to be an alternative by administering novel chemical entity drugs with drugs currently on the market simultaneously.
Intrahousehold Allocation and Bargaining Power: Evidence from Chile

Until 1999, children born out of wedlock in Chile had fewer child support rights than those born to married couples. I interpret a change in this law as an increase in the household bargaining power of women in cohabiting relationships. Using a panel of cross-sectional data, I find a decrease of 1.8 percentage points in the probability of working among men and an increase of 1.2 percentage points in school attendance of children under 19. These results provide evidence that contradicts the predictions of the unitary household model as well as the Nash bargaining model. The labor market outcomes support a model in which a reduction in men’s relative bargaining power is understood as a tax on their wages.
eIF4A is stimulated by the pre-initiation complex and enhances recruitment of mRNAs regardless of structural complexity

eIF4A is a DEAD-box RNA-dependent ATPase thought to unwind RNA secondary structure in the 5′-untranslated regions (UTRs) of mRNAs to promote their recruitment to the eukaryotic translation pre-initiation complex (PIC). We show that eIF4A’s ATPase activity is markedly stimulated in the presence of the PIC, independently of eIF4E•eIF4G, but dependent on subunits i and g of the heteromeric eIF3 complex. Surprisingly, eIF4A accelerated the rate of recruitment of all mRNAs tested, regardless of their degree of structural complexity. Structures in the 5′-UTR and 3′ of the start codon synergistically inhibit mRNA recruitment in a manner relieved by eIF4A, indicating that the factor does not act solely to melt hairpins in 5′-UTRs. Our findings that eIF4A functionally interacts with the PIC and plays important roles beyond unwinding 5’-UTR structure is consistent with a recent proposal that eIF4A modulates the conformation of the 40S ribosomal subunit to promote mRNA recruitment.
Scientific opinion on the effect assessment for pesticides on sediment organisms in edge-of-field surface water

The EFSA Panel on Plant Protection Products and their Residues (PPR Panel) was tasked to revise the Guidance Document (GD) on Aquatic Ecotoxicology under Council Directive 91/414/EEC (SANCO/3268/2001 rev. 4 (final), 17 October 2002). This scientific opinion of the PPR Panel is the second of three requested deliverables within this mandate. The scientific background for the risk assessment on sediment organisms in edge-of-field surface waters is provided, with reference to benthic ecology and ecotoxicology, available test protocols and current knowledge on exposure and effects of sediment-bound plant protection products (PPPs). The scientific opinion provides approaches on how to derive regulatory acceptable concentrations (RACs) for sediment organisms and exposure to active substances of PPPs and transformation products of these substances, and how to link them in a tiered approach to predicted environmental concentrations (PECs) for the sediment compartment. A list of uncertainties in relation to such approaches is given.
The toxicity of physically and chemically dispersed fuels to Antarctic marine invertebrates

The risk of a major marine fuel spill in Antarctic waters is increasing, yet there are currently no adequate response methods to deal with such an event. Chemical fuel dispersants have not previously been used in Antarctica, but may offer an alternative solution for spill management. Very few data on the toxicity of physically and chemically dispersed fuels and fuel dispersants to Antarctic marine species are available, thus preventing informed management decisions. This research investigated the toxicity of three fuels commonly used in Antarctica (Special Antarctic Blend diesel, marine gas oil and an intermediate fuel oil) and of three dispersants approved for use in Australian waters (Ardrox 6120, Slickgone LTSW and Slickgone NS). Experiments were conducted on common Antarctic nearshore invertebrates including sea urchins (Sterechinus neumayeri), polychaetes (Ophryotrocha orensanzi), nemerteans (Antarctonemertes sp.) and amphipods (Paramoera walkeri). Chemically dispersed fuel treatments contained greater proportions of higher molecular weight hydrocarbon compounds than did physically dispersed fuel treatments. Toxicity was highly correlated with dispersant type. Ardrox 6120 was the most toxic dispersant with and without fuel, followed by Slickgone LTSW. Slickgone NS was by far the least toxic and appeared to be the most effective at dispersing fuels in cold water. Dispersant type dictated toxicity relationships between physically and chemically dispersed fuel to S. neumayeri, O. orensanzi and Antarctonemertes sp. , and results showed that chemically dispersed fuels were consistently more toxic when created using Ardrox 6120 or Slickgone LTSW in comparison to physically dispersed fuels. In contrast, physically dispersed fuels were more toxic compared to chemically dispersed fuels created using Slickgone NS. Differences in toxicity were apparent between P. walkeri and the other species tested. Physically dispersed fuels were consistently more lethally toxic to P. walkeri than chemically dispersed fuels and toxicity appeared to be largely influenced by the hydrocarbon composition of water accommodated fractions. Paramoera walkeri appeared to be more sensitive to lighter hydrocarbon fractions, specifically those encompassing known toxicants including naphthalenes, hence further research is needed to identify toxicity responses to different hydrocarbon compounds. Larval and juvenile life stages of S. neumayeri and P. walkeri were more sensitive to hydrocarbons than early embryonic and adult life stages respectively. This work represents the first study assessing the toxicity of physically and chemically dispersed fuels and fuel dispersants to a range of Antarctic marine invertebrates. These data provide valuable information for decision making to minimise impacts to marine species following a marine fuel spill event in Antarctica.
Biological studies on the true spider, artema atlanta walckenaer, 1837 (Araneida: Pholcidae) when fed on different prey species

Biological aspects of the spider species, Artema Atlanta Walckenaer, 1837 was studied at constant conditions in laboratory (25±2 °C and 60-70% R.H.) when fed on four prey. Larva of the vinegar fly, Drosophila melanogaster and the fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata. were introduced to the first and second spiderlings, stored grain worm moth, Ephestia kuehniella and the vinegar fly, Drosophila melanogaster introduced to the third and fourth spiderlings and house flies, Musca domestica, stored grain worm moth, Ephestia kuehniella and the vinegar fly, Drosophila melanogaster introduced to the fifth and sixth spiderlings. Incubation period averaged 11.5 ± 1.20 days. The preoviposition period was 19.81 days before laying eggs, while the oviposition period averaged 32.8 ± 3.77days; the post-oviposition period averaged 134.9 ± 3.72 days.
Trophic ecology of the chihuil sea catfish (Bagre panamensis) in the south-east Gulf of California, México

The trophic ecology of the chihuil sea catfish Bagre panamensis was studied through high-resolution variations in its feeding habits and trophic position (TP) in the SE Gulf of California, relevant to sex, size and season. The combined use of stomach content (SCA) and stable isotope analysis (SIA) allowed us to perform these analyses and also estimate the TP of its preys. Results of this study show that the chihuil sea catfish is a generalist and opportunistic omnivore predator that consumes primarily demersal fish and peneid shrimps. Its diet did not vary with climatic season (rainy or dry), size or sex. Results from the SIA indicated high plasticity in habitat use and prey species. The estimated TP value was 4.19, which indicates a tertiary consumer from the soft bottom demersal community in the SE Gulf of California, preying on lower trophic levels, which aids in understanding the species' trophic role in the food web. Because this species and its prey are important to artisanal and industrial fisheries in the Gulf of California, diet assimilation information is useful for the potential establishment of an ecosystem-based fisheries management in the area.
Can latitudinal richness gradients be measured in the terrestrial fossil record?

Abstract. Studying the deep-time origins of macroecological phenomena can help us to understand their long-term drivers. Given the considerable spatiotemporal bias of the terrestrial fossil record, it behooves us to understand how much biological information is lost. The aim of this study is to establish whether latitudinal diversity gradients are detectable in a biased terrestrial fossil record. I develop a simulated fossilization approach, weighting the probability of terrestrial mammal species appearing in the fossil record based on body size and geographic-range size; larger species with larger range sizes are more likely to enter the fossil record. I create simulated fossil localities from the modern North American mammal record. I vary the percentage of species successfully fossilized and estimate the magnitude of the latitudinal diversity gradient (slope of the richness gradient and degree of species turnover). I find that estimates of the latitudinal diversity gradient are sensitive to the loss of species with small body size and geographic-range sizes. In some cases, simulated fossil-record bias completely obliterates evidence of declining richness with latitude, a phenomenon that is not ameliorated by the application of nonparametric richness estimation. However, if the rate of preservation is medium (50% of species) to high (75% of species), the magnitude of the latitudinal diversity gradient can be reliably estimated. Similarly, changes in the diversity gradient estimates are largely explained by differences in the diversity—climate relationship among iterations, suggesting that these relationships may be measurable in the fossil record.
Are stem nectaries common in Gentianaceae Juss.

Extrafloral nectaries (EFNs) are specialized structures that produce and release nectar and are located on leaves, cotyledons and, more seldomly, stems. Peculiar leaf nectaries have been described for thirty-three Neotropical species of Gentianaceae, while stem nectaries have been reported for only nine. The aim of this study was to verify the occurrence of stem EFNs within Gentianaceae and investigate the existence of a correlation between their occurrence and the geographical distribution of species. Samples of internodal regions from field and herbarium specimens were submitted to standard light microscopy techniques. Data regarding the geographical distribution of species were acquired from herbarium specimens and the literature. A total of 37 species were investigated, representing 25 genera distributed among five tribes. Nectaries, composed of modified epidermal cells, were observed in 16 species restricted to the Neotropical tribes Helieae, Saccifolieae, Potalieae and Coutoubeinae; exceptions were Cicendia quadrangularis and Zygostigma australe, which both occur in the Neotropics but do not possess EFNs. These results demonstrate that stem EFNs are common among Neotropical taxa of Gentianaceae, and are typically absent from taxa in temperate regions.
[Current Accounts in the Long and the Short Run]: Discussion

The evidence that Kraay and Ventura have presented is intriguing. It suggests that the current account is an important buffer for shocks in the short run, but is relatively little affected by shocks in the long run. In other words, saving and investment are closely tied in the long run, but not the short run. The evidence begs for a theory. In my view models that endogenously introduced home bias are likely to be most fruitful for understanding these stylized facts. Along this line it would also be interesting to explore the implications of Obstfeld and Rogoff (2000), who have suggested trade costs as the source of all major puzzles in international macroeconomics, including the portfolio-home-bias and Feldstein-Horioka puzzles.
Antimicrobial evaluation of various leaves extracted samples of nettle desert (Forsskaolea tenacissima L.)

The present study evaluates the anti-microbial activity of three different crude extracts (ethanol, aqueous and n-hexane) of Forsskaolea tenacissima L. leaves against gram negative and gram positive bacteria and fungi using well diffusion method. N-hexane extract showed tremendous inhibition of 12mm (80% ZI) and 10mm (71.42% ZI) against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtillis at 1000 μg/ml concentration. Similarly, aqueous extract at the concentration of 1000 μg/ml reduced the growth of Xanthomonas maltophilia and Escherichia coli as 11mm (68.75% ZI) and 9mm (60.00%), respectively. However, ethanol extract showed good activity of 12mm (75.00%) against Clavibacter michiganense Aqueous extract showed 9mm (75.00%) against Acromonium alternatum at 1000 μg/ml. Rhizopus stolinifer and Trichoderma reesei both were found sensitive to aqueous extract, which showed 11 and 8mm (68.75 and 57.14% ZI) at 1000 μg/ml concentration, respectively. The growth of Aspergillus niger was inhibited by ethanol extract through 9mm (56.25% ZI) at the concentration of 1000 μg/ml. The above study determined the medicinal importance of Forsskaolea tenacissima.
Effects of probiotic and whey powder supplementation on growth performance, microflora population, and ileum morphology in broilers

ABSTRACT A study was conducted to examine how supplementation using probiotics and whey powder affects microflora population, ileum morphology, and growth performance in broilers. In this experiment, 400 one-day-old male chickens were randomly assigned into four groups: the control group (CON), the probiotics group (0.2%) (PRO), the whey powder group (4%) (WHP), and a group that received a combination of probiotics (0.2%) and whey powder (4%) (PRO-WHP). Microflora populations as well as ileum morphology were assessed on day 42 and growth performance parameters were measured at the end of the rearing period (day 42). The findings indicated that the PRO-WHP group had the largest Lactobacillus count (P < .05) while the lowest Escherichia coli count was found in the WHP. No significant difference was found between the PRO group and the WHP (P > .05) for villus:crypt ratio. The largest feed intake and body weight gain were observed in the PRO-WHP group. In addition, the PRO-WHP group had the best feed conversion ratio, but was not significantly different from the PRO and the WHP groups. Our experiment indicated that adding whey powder alone or in combination with probiotics can improve broiler performance by modifying intestinal microflora and changing intestinal morphology.
7 General and Pathway-specific Regulatory Mechanisms Controlling the Synthesis of Amino Acid Biosynthetic Enzymes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

I. INTRODUCTION The regulation of genes encoding amino acid biosynthetic enzymes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae involves a complex interplay between numerous control mechanisms. Most of these genes are subject to a cross-pathway regulatory system known as general amino acid control that increases their expression under conditions of amino acid starvation. Gcn4p is the direct positive regulator of gene expression in this system. Additional regulatory elements are required for efficient basal expression during growth in minimal medium, and in one case, the basal control element functions in a second cross-pathway regulatory system that responds to the level of inorganic phosphate in the medium. In addition to these mechanisms, many amino acid biosynthetic genes are subject to pathway-specific controls that reduce enzyme expression when the amino acid endproduct of the pathway is present in the medium. In some instances, pathway-specific repression can override derepression by Gcn4p under starvation conditions in which the endproduct of that particular pathway is not limiting. Thus, the existence of pathway-specific regulation can sometimes make it difficult to determine whether or not a given gene is subject to general amino acid control. In this chapter, the regulatory elements involved in determining basal expression and general amino acid control are discussed first, followed by a description of pathway-specific repression mechanisms and the interplay between cross-pathway and amino-acid-specific controls. Regulatory mechanisms that modulate enzyme activity rather than enzyme synthesis, such as endproduct inhibition, are not discussed in this chapter; for a thorough review of this topic, see Jones and Fink (1982).
Comment

Most analyses of the fi nancial crisis of 2007 to 2009 highlight the importance of disruptions in the fi nancial intermediary sector in driving asset prices and macroeconomic outcomes. There has been a growing empirical literature documenting the ways in which the fi nancial intermediary shock played out during the crisis. This paper adds to that literature by presenting a novel set of facts on the substitution between bond and bank fi nance over the crisis. In addition, and building on earlier work by Tobias Adrian and Hyun Shin, the paper takes a stand on the key stylized facts that characterize the behavior of the fi nancial intermediary sector, sketching a model that is consistent with these facts. I view the latter dimension of the paper as particularly important because in order for the macrofi nance research efforts of the last few years to yield fruit, researchers must agree upon an essential set of facts that must be matched by a macrofi nance model. In my comments, I fi rst summarize the key facts documented by the paper and the authors’ interpretation / model of these facts. Second, I bring to bear some other evidence concerning the fi nancial intermediary sector, and offer a slightly different interpretation of recent events. Finally, I conclude by offering my own list of key stylized facts on which researchers should focus.
A Candidate Gene in an Ecological Model Species: Phosphoglucose Isomerase (Pgi) in the Glanville Fritillary Butterfly (Melitaea cinxia)

The Glanville fritillary butterfly inhabits fragmented landscapes in the Åland Islands, Finland, where the long-term persistence of this classic metapopulation depends on frequent re-colonisation events. A number of studies have focused on understanding how dispersal propensity varies within this system, what the underlying mechanisms are, and how variation in dispersal influences metapopulation dynamics. In the mid-2000s the focus turned to a potential candidate gene, phosphoglucose isomerase (Pgi) that was soon found to have effects on phenotypic performance of individuals in regard to their dispersal potential but also other key life-history traits. Variation in Pgi has further been shown to affect population dynamics. Here we review 30 research papers in which associations of Pgi polymorphism with metabolic rate, mobility, fecundity, lifespan, and population growth rate in the Glanville fritillary are discussed. The studies highlight the role of environmental variation and landscape structure in maintaining genetic polymorphism in this study system.
Grave Markers

Comparison of mortuary data from the Middle and Early Upper Paleolithic archaeological record shows that, contrary to previous assessments, there is much evidence for continuity between the two periods. This suggests that if R. H. Gargetts critique of alleged Middle Paleolithic burials is to be given credence, it should also be applied to the burials of the Early Upper Paleolithic. Evidence for continuity reinforces conclusions derived from lithic and faunal analyses and site locations that the Upper Paleolithic as a reified category masks much variation in the archaeological record and is therefore not an appropriate analytical tool. Dividing the Upper Paleolithic into Early and Late phases might be helpful for understanding the cultural and biological processes at work.
Myocellular lipid droplets and insulin sensitivity: a microscopy approach

Insulin resistance lies at the basis of type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is often paired with increased fat deposits in muscle tissue, which some people claim to be the cause; however, highly trained and insulin-sensitive athletes also store a lot of fat in their muscles, which serves to counter this causal relationship. This dissertation examines the distinct characteristics of fat accumulation in insulin-sensitive and insulin-resistant states using techniques such as microscopy. The most important conclusion is that normal lipid droplets that come into contact with the protein PLIN5 are associated with higher insulin sensitivity.
Comment

This is a rich and provocative paper, full of ideas and insights on how to use panel data on industries and sectors to test models of nominal rigidities and their implications for labor markets. Without doing proper justice to all that is in this paper, I would summarize its contribution as providing two empirical facts and an argument. The fi rst fact is that expenditures on durables fall proportionately by more than expenditures on nondurables in a recession. Theoretically, expenditures on durables are a small fraction of the stock of the durable, a direct consequence of small rates of depreciation of the stocks. Therefore, if consumers want to keep the level of their stock of durables in line with the level of their consumption of nondurables, they have to proportionately decrease the expenditure on durables by more than the expenditure on nondurables. Empirically, it is well known that aggregate durable spending is more volatile than nondurable spending over the business cycle. The authors further show that there is a statistically signifi cant positive correlation between the durability of a sector and the cyclicality of employment or expenditures in that sector. Second, the authors estimate the following regression equation: