Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Micronutrient and Reduction of Oxidative Stress in Spermatozoas

The integrity of spermatozoa in the seminal fluid given its parameters (motility, concentration, morphology and vitality) is important for the reproductive function. The oxidative stress can adversely affect the quality of the semen, which causes the damage and dysfunction of the sperm. Thus, a literature review based on Pubmed was held seeking studies that aimed to improve the quality of sperm with the use of antioxidants. The use of certain vitamins and minerals seem to affect the sperm quality. Literature data on single or combined oral use of these micronutrients in improving semen parameters and fertility potential are limited and scarce. Thus, it is essential to develop new studies that enable micronutrient dosages settings, as well as their combinations in improving sperm quality. The use of oral antioxidants has proved to be a promising strategy for a non-invasive treatment that reduces the need to use assisted reproductive technologies; providing lower costs in the management of male infertility.
In Vitro Germination and Establishment of Some Strawberry Species

Seed from three octoploid (2n = 8x = 56) Fragaria species [F. × ananassa Duch. , F. chiloensis (L.) Duch. , and F. virginiana Duch. ] and three diploid (2n = 2x = 14) species (F. vesca L., F. viridis Duch., and F. daltoniana J. Gay) were placed in vitro on water agar (WA) and ex vitro on 1 sand : 1 sphagnum (v/v) mix. Seed of the octoploid species germinated best regardless of medium. Octoploid species also exhibited better establishment on modified Boxus proliferation medium than the diploids. Five in vitro germination media were tested for F. vesca and F. × ananassa. Fragaria × ananassa germinated best when WA, or WA + sucrose (Su) + 0.1, or 0.05 strength Boxus proliferation nutrients (Nu) was used as the germination medium. Fragaria vesca showed no difference in germination on Su or Nu. However, establishment of F. vesca on proliferation medium was improved if Nu was included in the germination medium. Data indicated that selection for diploid genotypes with good in vitro establishment is possible.
Laser Microdissection Reveals Differential Up-Regulation of IFN-γ Signaling Cascade in Attacked versus Nonattacked Myofibers

Sporadic inclusion body myositis (IBM) is a muscle disease with two separate pathogenic components, degeneration and inflammation. Typically, nonnecrotic myofibers are focally surrounded and invaded by CD8 + T cells and macrophages. Both attacked and nonattacked myofibers express high levels of human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) molecules, a prerequisite for antigen presentation to CD8 + T cells. However, only a subgroup of HLA-I + myofibers is attacked by immune cells. By using IHC, we classified myofibers from five patients with sporadic IBM as attacked (AIBM) or nonattacked (NIBM) and isolated the intracellular contents of myofibers separately by laser microdissection. For comparison, we isolated myofibers from control persons (HCTRL). The samples were analyzed by microarray hybridization and quantitative PCR. HLA-I up-regulation was observed in AIBM and NIBM, whereas HCTRL were negative for HLA-I. In contrast, the inducible chain of the interferon (IFN) γ receptor (IFNGR2) and several IFN-γ–induced genes were up-regulated in AIBM compared with NIBM and HCTRL fibers. Confocal microscopy confirmed segmental IFNGR2 up-regulation on the membranes of AIBM, which positively correlated with the number of adjacent CD8 + T cells. Thus, the differential up-regulation of the IFN-γ signaling cascade observed in the attacked fibers is related to local inflammation, whereas the ubiquitous HLA-I expression on IBM muscle fibers does not require IFNGR expression.
Morchella inoculation in situ: first record in Mexico

The first case of obtaining Morchella in Mexico by inoculation in situ is presented. This mushroom is economically important for its high demand in the domestic and international market, but despite the fact that some patents for commercial production have been generated; their production still depends essentially on field harvesting. An experiment was conducted in the laboratory to evaluate the mycelial growth of two species of Morchella in four types of grains (corn, oats, wheat and rye), to determine which is the most appropriate inoculant agent. The strains used were: M. esculenta (IE-750) and M. conica (IE-815, 817-IE, IE-816 and IE-814), of which the best treatment was IE-817 in rye, which was subsequently injected into the soil of a piece of land located in a cloud forest mountain disturbed (with predominance of species of the genus Inga, Liquidambar, and Sambucus). As a result three fruiting periods were obtained between in 2009 and 2011. This indicates the possibility of obtaining this mushroom through production strategies in situ, which would trigger a new approach to production under a mycosilviculture scheme.
Muskmelon and Sweet Corn Production with Legume Cover Crops

Winter legume cover crops have been successfully used to meet N needs of many summer crops, but they are not being used extensively in Virginia and the mid-Atlantic region, especially for specialty crops such as muskmelon and sweet corn. The objective of these studies was to determine the potential of winter legume cover crops in meeting N needs of muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) and sweet corn (Zea mays L.). Comparisons of performances of muskmelon and sweet corn, grown after lupin (Lupinus albus L.), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.), Austrian winter pea ([AWP] Pisum arvense L.), and control fertilized with 112 kg N ha -1 , and unfertilized control were made during 1999, 2000, and 2001. The interactions between cover crop treatments and years were, generally, significant. The muskmelon fruit yields were 53.6, 45.0, 23.1, 13.0, and 5.6 Mg·ha -1 during 1999; 27.8, 26.3, 8.6, 5.8, and 2.2 Mg·ha -1 during 2000; and 41.1, 39.9, 25.5, 21.4, and 2.1 Mg·ha -1 during 2001 respectively for lupin, hairy vetch, AWP, 112 kg N ha -1 , and control. Similar results were obtained for number and size of muskmelon fruits. The sweet corn ear yields (Mg·ha -1 ) were 8.5, 5.6, 3.1, 1.5, and 0.7 during 1999; 5.2, 3.9, 4.0, 4.8, and 1.2 during 2000; and 2.6, 2.4, 1.9, 2.0, and 0.9 during 2001, respectively for lupin, hairy vetch, AWP, 112 kg N ha -1 , and control. White lupin and hairy vetch, as winter cover crops, were superior than AWP and 112 kg N ha -1 for sweet corn ear number and size, and plant height. These results demonstrated that winter legume crops, especially lupin and hairy vetch, can be excellent winter cover crops for meeting N needs of muskmelon and sweet corn.
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Leptin’s Metabolic Effects

1 Chapter 1: Introduction 3 Obesity as a Global Health Problem 3 Nature vs. Nurture, A Closer Look at the Causes of Obesity 8 Body Energy Homeostasis 13 Discovery of Leptin and its Receptor 17 Leptin’s Role in Body Weight Regulation 25 Obesity, Energy Expenditure, and the Role of Leptin 31 Chapter 2: Methods 39 Chapter 3: Results 56 Quantitation of Leptin’s Effects on Thermogenesis and Metabolism 56 Leptin Levels Influence Hepatocyte Metabolism 59 Leptin Inhibits Hepatic Mitochondrial State Two, Four, and FCCP Rates 63 Leptin Inhibits the Hepatic Substrate Oxidation System 70 Leptin’s Effects on Liver Metabolism Are Independent of its Effects on Hepatic Fat Stores 76 Leptin Levels Influence Mitochondrial Morphology 81 Proteomic Changes Underlying Leptin’s Effects on the Liver 85 Leptin’s Effects on Hepatic Mitochondrial Lipids 89 Leptin’s Effects on Hepatic Reactive Oxygen Species 91
Effect of faba bean tannins on nutrient absorption in the small intestine of rat

The aim of the work was to study the effect of tannin rich extract of phenolics from faba bean seed hulls on glucose and methionine absorption from the small intestine of rats. The extract obtained by extraction of faba bean seed hulls with 70% aqueous acetone contained, after lyophylization, 49.5% proanthocyanidins. The presence of proanthocyanidin oligomers was confirmed chromatographically. In biological experiments, the effect of the extract obtained and of chemically pure tannins on the absorption of glucose, methionine and water in the small intestine of rat was determined using gut perfusion and everted sacs method. Proanthocyanidins from the Nadwislanski faba bean seed hulls administered to the rat gut in the amount corresponding to the content of these compounds in daily diet with 20-40% faba beans content had no significant effect on glucose or methionine absorption but they increased water absorption. Significant lowering of glucose and methionine absorption took place when perfusion fluid was supplemented with analogical amount of chemically pure tannins.
Evaluation en milieu naturel de l'activité larvicide de Bacillus thuringiensis sérotype H-14 SUR Culex quinquefasciatus Say, 1823 et Anopheles gambiae Giles, 1902 s.l. (Diptera: Culicidae) en Afrique de l'Ouest

En Cote-d'Ivoire et en Haute-Volta le traitement des gites larvaires a Culex quinquefasciatus et Anopheles gambiae par le serotype H-14 de Bacillus thuringiensis formule en suspension concentree Sandoz 402I a donne les resultats suivants: quel que soit le gite considere et quel que soit la concentration utilisee, l'activite larvicide du Teckuar n'exede pas 5 jours
TGF-b and cancer

TGF-bsignalingregulates tumorigenesisand inhumancancer itssignalingpathways areoftenmodifiedduringtumorprogression.Priorto initiation and early during progression TGF-b acts upon the epithelium as a tumor suppressor, however at later stages it is often a tumor promoter. Over the years, many studies have focused on the epithelial cell autonomous role for TGF-b, however, TGF-b is not strictly limited to this compartment in vivo. Recent studies addressing TGF-b mediated stromal‐epithelial interactions have significantly improved our understanding related to the regulation of cancer. In addition, stromal fibroblast cell autonomous effects have been observed in response to TGF-b stimulation. According to the current literature and experimental evidence, TGF-b is a potent ligand that regulates carcinoma initiation, progression and metastasis through a broad and complex spectrum of interdependent interactions. # 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Cellular Senescence and DNA Synthesis in Human Cataractous Lens Epithelial Cells

Lens epithelia maintain the ability to proliferate and differentiate into new lens fibers throughout the whole life span. Besides, almost all the metabolic, synthetic and transport processes of the lens occur in them. Thus, malfunction in this part is often discussed in connection with the pathogenesis of cataract. In our previous experiments, significantly increased pathologic cells have been observed among lens epithelia in culture as a function of increased degree of cataract. In the present investigation, we studied further the growth conditions of the epithelial cells in long-term primary culture and determined the growth capacity of those from 30 senile cataractous lenses with different degree of cataract after the first subculture. In long-term primary culture, epithelial cells from lenses with more advanced cataractous degree showed a relatively slower cellular extension from the explant and presented signs of cell aging more rapidly with time. Gradually, bulky cells with filamentous structures predominated the cell population and multinucleated giant cells accumulated. In the first subculture, with the increase of cataractous degree, epithelial cells of the lens showed lower attachment ability to culture plates and decreased ability to incorporate 3H-thymidine into newly synthesized DNA, ie, decreased proliferative capacity. An intrinsic progressive aging of the lens epithelial cells is demonstrated in association with cataract formation.
The phylogenetic signal in cranial morphology of Vipera aspis: a contribution from geometric morphometrics

Morphological variation in the frontal bone and cranial base of Vipera aspis was studied using geometric morphometrics. Significant differences in shape were found among samples from subspecies present in Italy (V. a. aspis, V. a. francisciredi, V. a. hugyi). Sexual dimorphism was negligible as well as allometry and size differences. The most divergent subspecies was V. a. aspis, possibly in relation to its recent history of geographic isolation in a glacial refugium. Shape clusters were in good agreement with clusters from studies of external morphology and completely congruent with results from molecular studies ofmtDNA.
BISHOP PINE (PINUS MURICATA) OF INLAND MARIN COUNTY, CALIFORNIA

The locations and characteristics of five, small, previously undescribed stands of bishop pine (Pinus muricata) in central Marin Co., California, are reported. Three stands lie on dry sites in the Kent Lake Drainage north of Mt. Tamalpais: San Geronimo Ridge, a spur ridge above Little Carson Cr. , and Oat Hill. These stands are anomalous in occurring 15 km from the ocean and up to 435 m in elevation. The remaining two stands are on rocky, dry sites on the west slope of Bolinas Ridge, near the McCurdy Trail, and south of Wilkins Gulch. Trees of all stands have slower growth, more spindly stems, sparser crowns, and bear more abundant, serotinous cones than trees ofother northern California populations. Stomatal traits and number of leaf resin canals, however, resembled coastal bishop pines on Pt. Reyes. Bishop pine once may have grown more widespread in Marin Co., but mesic-adapted stands evolved on Pt. Reyes and xeric, fire-adapted stands evolved in the interior.
Ecology in sourdoughs produced by traditional and modern technologies

The knowledge on the behaviour of the microbial flora and its intrinsic metabolic capabilities helps to set up formula and technology in cereal fermentations and control microbial ecology, the metabolites and thus the quality of the product. However, the lactobacilli involved in sourdough fermentations are often recalcitrant to isolation and taxonomic classification. They are hardly characterised and followed by the application of classical methods involving the determination of sugar fermentation patterns or analyses of cell wall components. Therefore, the use of molecular typing techniques including 16S rRNA sequencing, (reverse) dot-blot and colony hybridisation, RAPD and other PCR-based techniques is tempting for taxonomical and ecological studies. In this communication the value of these methods to investigate the flora and eventually follow its development in cereal fermentations was assessed. By using these methods the organisms in traditional fermentations and alternative processes were identified. It was shown that differences in selected ecological parameters result in specific differences in the composition of the microbial flora.
Maximum herd efficiency in meat production III. Feeder - breeder dimorphism

Feeder- breeder dimorphism is advantageous when large offspring for slaughter is obtained from small breeding animals. The effect of feeder- breeder dimorphism on herd efficiency is evaluated for terminal crossbreeding and growth modification by biotechnological or dietary means. Selection criteria for breeds or lines in terminal crossbreeding can be derived from economic weights relating to terd efficiency, i.e. from the value of the percentage relative gain in herd efficiency for a given percentage relative gain in a component. Slagdier- teeldier-dimorfisme is voordelig wanneer groot nageslag vir verslagting verkry word vanaf kleiner teeldiere. Die effek van slagdier-teeldier-dimorfisme op kuddedoeltreff,~ndheid is geevalueer vir terminale kruisteelt en vir groeimanipulasie by wyse van biotegnologie of dieetmodifikasie. Seleksiekriteria vir rasse en lyne in terminale kruisteelt kan afgelei word van ekonomiese gewigte wat op verwan~skappemet kuddedoeltreffendheid beros, oftewel van die waarde van die persentasie relatiewe toename in kuddedoeltreffendheid vir 'n gegewe persentasie relatiewe
Light Fluctuations and Photosynthesis

The effects of fluctuating light on photosynthesis are examined. A simple model of leaf photosynthesis is used so that the analysis can be presented in explicit terms, the time-dependent problem is solved, and the response of photosynthesis to step changes in light-flux density is calculated. The presence of light fluctuations can cause a discrepancy between measurements and estimates of photosynthesis; the relevant factors are the response time of the device used for measuring light-flux density, the response time of the photosynthetic system in the leaf, and the steady-state light response curve with the degree of non-linearity and the value of the light-flux density for maximum photosynthesis being especially important. Some general methods for estimating practically the effects of light fluctuations on photosynthesis are described. The use of the methods of time-series analysis in such problems is discussed.
Sexual Selection in Primates: Sexual selection, measures of sexual selection, and sexual dimorphism in primates

INTRODUCTION Sexual dimorphism in anthropoid primates is commonly viewed as a product of sexual selection (Clutton-Brock et al. , 1977; Harvey et al. , 1978; Gaulin & Sailer, 1984; Clutton-Brock, 1985; Milton, 1985; Rodman & Mitani, 1987; Kay et al. , 1988; Ely & Kurland, 1989; Greenfield, 1992a, b; Plavcan & van Schaik, 1992, 1994, 1997; Ford, 1994; Martin et al. , 1994; Mitani et al. , 1996b; Lindenfors & Tullberg, 1998; Plavcan, 1999, 2001; Barton, 2000; Lindenfors, 2002a; Mitani et al. , 2002). Yet dimorphism in anthropoids is highly variable, and is expressed not as a single character, but rather to different degrees in different traits. This naturally raises the question of whether this variation is owing to variation in the strength of sexual selection, phylogenetic effects or the action of other selective factors on the dimorphic characters. While numerous papers have examined the causes and correlates of dimorphism in anthropoids, the relative contribution of sexual selection and other factors to variation in dimorphism remains unclear. Part of this problem lies in the way that both dimorphism and sexual selection are measured. Both of these variables are estimated with error, not only in a simple statistical sense, but also in the assumptions that are used to justify measures as appropriate for analysis. Some of these biases are obvious, while others are not. Thus, if dimorphism is poorly correlated with an estimate of sexual selection, we can legitimately ask whether dimorphism is affected by factors other than sexual selection, or whether our measures fail to capture variation in either sexual selection or the targets of sexual selection.
Herpes Simplex Keratitis: Role of Viral Infection Versus Immune Response

The cumulative clinical and experimental data regarding the role of viral infection versus the immune response in the pathogenesis of herpes simplex stromal keratitis and central disciform endotheliitis are discussed. Ultrastructural and viral isolation studies have been per- formed in only a limited number of cases of human stromal keratitis and disciform endotheliitis. Virus has been isolated from the minority of corneas cultured, whereas viral particles have been demonstrated in selected cases of stromal keratitis, most of which had been treated with steroids at some point in time. The possibility of cornea1 latency in cases of quiescent herpetic stromal keratitis will require further systematic study. Review of the experimental and clinical findings suggests a dialectical role of the immune response in limiting viral infection, while contributing to cornea1 opacification and scar formation. Sure Ophthalmol 35:345-352, 1991)
Hepatocytes in Primary Culture: An Alternative to LD50 Testing? Validation of a Predictive Model by Multivariate Analysis

The cytotoxicity of 30 chemicals was assessed in rat hepatocyte primary cultures using four methods: lactate dehydrogenase release, neutral red uptake, the MTT assay, and measurement of total protein content. Comparison of the data obtained in vitro (IC50 values) and in vivo (LD50 values) resulted in a significant correlation (p<0.001) between IC50 values and intravenous LD50 values. The validity, as well as the predictability of the model, were determined by multivariate analysis (principal component analysis and correspondence analysis). The predictability area, expressed in IC50 values, was in the range of 0–l,500μg/ml and reached 95%, with a 75–100% confidence interval (p = 0.05). Assessment of the cytotoxicity of 54 additional chemicals would provide a more accurate predictability limit around l,500μg/ml and the estimated predictability confidence interval could be reduced to 90–100%.
Management of breeders seed production

This paper presents an analysis of some of the management issues involved in the maintenance of varieties and production of Breeders Seed. Ther terms 'variety maintenance' and 'Breeders Seed' are defined. Technical principles, organisational and financial problems of variety mainternance and Breeders Seed production are discussed with particular reference to the needs of the developing countries. Organisation of this work in a Breeders Seed Unit is suggested, with a range of options for its institutional position within a seed industry
Connectivity Conservation: Connectivity in marine ecosystems: the importance of larval and spore dispersal

INTRODUCTION Connectivity is a concept shared in landscape and metapopulation ecology that is used to describe the movement or exchange of organisms between habitats on various temporal and spatial scales (Gilpin and Hanski 1991; Hanksi and Gilpin 1997; Crooks and Sanjayan Chapter 1; Taylor et al . Chapter 2; Moilanen and Hanski Chapter 3) and its population and community consequences. Many marine habitats, such as kelp forests, estuaries, wetlands, seagrass beds, coral and rocky reefs, and deep-sea hydrothermal vents, are naturally fragmented and patchy. As a result, many scientists working with marine populations and associated systems adopt a metapopulation-based interpretation of connectivity where landscapes are viewed as a network of habitat patches or fragments in which species occur as discrete local populations connected by the passive and active migration of individuals. In marine systems, connectivity may be generated by movements of early life stages such as larvae or spores (hereafter referred to as propagules), juveniles, or adults. The majority of marine organisms, including benthic (living on or in the bottom), demersal (living near and in close association with the bottom), and holoplanktonic (living in the plankton) species, have a complex life cycle characterized by planktonic stages of development (e.g., larvae, spores). In the case of marine invertebrates and fishes, propagules exhibit a diversity of nutritional modes, development sites, planktonic durations, and morphological development patterns that can affect patterns of connectivity (Table 8.1).