Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Metabolic Disturbance and Hepatic Tissue Damage Induced by Eimeria papillota Infection

Coccidiosis is a parasitic disease, prevalent all over the world and has a significant impact on poultry production. The current study aimed to investigate the metabolic change as well as the hepatic inflammatory response caused by Eimeria papillata infection. Female Balb/c mice were orally infected with 103 sporulated oocysts of E. papillata. Plasma levels of alanine (ALT) and aspartate (AST) aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), &ggr;-glutamyl transferase (&ggr; GT), total bilirubin, cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose were assessed, and liver tissue sections were examined under a microscope. The level of CYP3A11, CYP7A1, UGT1A1, and SULT2A1 were determined using quantitative real-time PCR. The data showed that infection of mice with E. papillata induced metabolic disturbance, inflammation and injury of the liver. This was evidenced (i) as increases in inflammatory cellular infiltrations, dilated sinusoids, and vacuolated hepatocytes, (ii) as increased plasma levels of ALT, AST, ALP, &ggr; GT, total bilirubin, cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose, (iii) as decreased mRNA expression of CYP3A11, UGT1A1, and SULT2A1, respectively and (iv) as increased mRNA level of CYP7A1. The data provide evidence that E. papillata parasites are able to induce a metabolic disturbances and hepatic tissue injury. Investigation of the expression profile of CYP, UGT and SULT genes in the hepatic tissues may help elucidate the underlying mechanism for regulation of the transcription of genes in the process of pathogenesis.
Familial CD8 deficiency due to a mutation in the CD8α gene

CD8 glycoproteins play an important role in both the maturation and function of MHC class I-restricted T lymphocytes. A 25-year-old man, from a consanguineous family, with recurrent bacterial infections and total absence of CD8(+) cells, was studied. Ab deficiencies and ZAP-70 and TAP defects were ruled out. A missense mutation (gly90-->ser) in both alleles of the immunoglobulin domain of the CD8 alpha gene was shown to correlate with the absence of CD8 expression found in the patient and two sisters. Conversely, high percentages of CD4(-)CD8(-)TCR alpha beta(+) T cells were found in the three siblings. A novel autosomal recessive immunologic defect characterized by absence of CD8(+) cells is described. These findings may help to further understanding of the role of CD8 molecules in human immune response.
Capture Probability: The Role of Zooplankter Escape in the Selective Feeding of Planktivorous Fish

The conditional probabilities (P3) of being captured by a simulated fish-suction intake ranged from P = 0.76 to P = 0.96 for cladocerans and from P = 0.07 to P = 0.28 for copepods. Gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum) feeding experiments confirmed that these differential capture probabilities can result in an apparent planktivore feeding selectivity for cladoceran zooplankters. Key words: capture probability, zooplankter escape, planktivore feeding selectivity, gizzard shad
DIMENSION AND PRODUCTION RELATIONS OF TREES AND SHRUBS IN THE BROOKHAVEN FOREST, NEW YORK.

Extensive tracts of oak-pine forest grow on the level, sandy soils of glacial outwash derivation on Long Island, New York (Conard 1935). The forests are small and unimpressive to a forester. In mature stands older and larger pines (Pinus rigida Mill.) rise above a canopy of oaks (Quercus alba L., Q. coccinea Muench, and few Q. velutina Lam. and other species). The canopy is open, with light intensity below the trees sufficient to support a shrub stratum of small Vacciniaceae of high coverage (Reiners 1965). These forests are floristically related to the pine forests of New Jersey and the Coastal Plain southward, and to the pine heaths of the Great Smoky Mountains (Whittaker 1956), with which they share a number of major species. All of these forests have been subject to repeated fires, and dense, immature successional stands with Pinus rigida and scrub oak (Qtiercus ilicifolia Wang.) occur over extensive areas. The small size of the trees at Brookhaven has facilitated development of a system of detailed dimension analysis useful for various problems related to forest volume, biomass, production, surface and nutrient circulation. The methods are developments from forest measurements used by Burger (1929, 1953), Boysen Jensen (1932), Moller (1945, 1947), Ovington (1957), Ovington & Madgwick (1959a, b) and others, but are intended to advance beyond those measurements in important respects. They use the wood rings and bud-scale scars which mark annual increments of growth in some climates for assessment of current net production and nutrient movement in forests. They are designed specifically to deal with the complexities of many-aged stands including climaxes, as distinguished from plantations. The work is part of a long-term study of various aspects of the Brookhaven forest as an ecosystem, a study which includes experimental irradiation of a segment of the forest with gamma radiation from a cesium soturce (Woodwell 1962, 1965). The plants of the present study have been taken from the forest outside the area of radiation effects. Included in this report are results of dimension analysis of trees and shrubs as a first phase of the research on bio mass, production and nutrient circulation.
On the occurrence, structure and distribution of deep-water Cystoseira (Phaeophyceae) populations in the Port-Cros National Park (north-western Mediterranean)

Three deep-water Mediterranean endemic species of Cystoseira spp. are found in the Port-Cros National Park (France, NW Mediterranean): C. zosteroides, C. spinosa var. compressa and C. funkii. They are abundant between 25 and 47m depth, but abundances are spatially heterogeneous, being greater on the seaward side of the park. Stands are usually dominated by one species and it is suggested that current regimes could be responsible for the observed partitioning patterns. Plant density varies depending on the species composition and location of the populations. Size structure patterns show a log-normal distribution indicating mature populations with low recruitment and/or high recruit mortality. The previously unnoticed existence of these deep-water, mature and vulnerable algal populations in one of the best studied Mediterranean areas, which was declared a National Park in 1963, indicates a need to increase basic research activities in coastal deep waters in order to increase our knowledge of Mediterranean biodiversity and underwater seascapes.
Influence of soil moisture on growth and nutrient content in healthy and malformed panicles of mango varieties

A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of soil moisture on growth, nutrient status of healthy and malformed panicles of mango varieties. A total of 24 treatment combinations of irrigation and variety were tested in factorial randomized block design with three replications. The results of study revealed that an increase in soil moisture content delayed the bud initiation and panicle emergence. The minimum intensity (2.7 m2) and severity (24.7%) of malformation was recorded under restricted soil moisture conditions. The higher moisture content in soil increased the intensity (4.5 m2) and severity (42.7%) of malformation. The higher soil moisture level enlarged the panicles in terms of length (29.5 and 8.6 cm), fresh (37.3 and 70.6 g) and dry weight (21.4 and 28.2 g) of healthy and malformed types, respectively. Higher soil moisture enhanced the foliar contents of N, P, K and Zn in the leaves of healthy panicles and bearing shoots and higher contents of Fe, Mn and Cu in leaves of malformed panicles. Among the varieties minimum malformation intensity (2.9m−2) and severity (25.7%) of was recorded in Langra followed by Amrapali and Sunderja under Jabalpur conditions.
Variability and correlations between yield components of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]

NS soybean cultivars were assessed for variability of and correlations between yield components and the effect of genotype - environment interaction on yield, yield component and morphological characteristics. Experiments were carried out at Rimski Sancevi experiment field in 2009 and 2010. The following characteristics were evaluated: plant height (cm), height of first pod (cm), 1000-grain weight (g), grain yield (kg/ha) and the combined content of oil and protein in grain (%). Combined contents of oil and protein in grain soybean were determined by a non destructive method of near infrared spectroscopy on PERTEN DA 7000 (NIR/VIS Spectrophotometer). The studied characteristics varied significantly depending on genotype and year. The highest yield of 5273 kg/ha was obtained in 2009 with the genotype Victoria. Highest 1000-grain weights, 2009-2010, were achieved with the genotypes Valjevka and Victoria (149.27 g and 147.23 g). Maximum heights of first pod (19.40 cm) were recorded for the genotype Victoria, 2009-2010. Highest protein contents were obtained with the genotypes Valjevka and Victoria, 2009-2010, were and highest oil contents (21.73%) with the genotype Tea. Protein content was positively significantly correlated with 1000-grain weight and negatively significantly correlated with oil content, and negatively correlated with yield and the height of first pod. Oil content was positively correlated with the height of first pod. Thousand-grain weight was negatively highly significantly correlated with oil content in grain and negatively significantly correlated the height of first pod. The results of this study should facilitate further soybean breeding for improved seed yield and protein and oil contents.
Studies on the culture, assay of infectivity and some in vitro properties of lymphocystis virus.

Summary To facilitate an in vitro study of bluegill lymphocystis virus, a new cell line was established from the fins and caudal tissue of bluegill sunfish and designated BF-W. Bluegill lymphocystis virus was accurately and reproducibly assayed by an enlarged-cell enumeration assay and was propagated in BF-W cell cultures to give maximum titres of about 106 cell-enlarging units/ml in 21 days at 25 °C. The infectivity titre of preparations of bluegill lymphocystis virus was not affected by ultrasonic treatment, freezing and thawing, or long-term storage in maintenance medium at -70 or +4 °C, but decreased during storage at -20 °C in 50% glycerol. The infectivity of virus preparations was reduced by treatment with diethyl ether. Virus cultured in BF-W cells was entirely cell-associated and the growth of virus was completely inhibited by 1 mm-5-BrdUrd.
Inhibition of ERN1 modifies the hypoxic regulation of the expression of TP53-related genes in U87 glioma cells

Abstract Inhibition of ERN1 (endoplasmic reticulum to nuclei 1), the major signalling pathway of endoplasmic reticulum stress, significantly decreases tumor growth. We have studied the expression of tumor protein 53 (TP53)- related genes such as TOPORS (topoisomerase I binding, arginine/serine-rich, E3 ubiquitin protein ligase), TP53BP1 (TP53 binding protein 1), TP53BP2, SESN1 (sestrin 1), NME6 (non-metastatic cells 6), and ZMAT3 (zinc finger, Matrin-type 3) in glioma cells expressing dominantnegative ERN1 under baseline and hypoxic conditions. We demonstrated that inhibition of ERN1 function in U87 glioma cells resulted in increased expression of RYBP, TP53BP2, and SESN1 genes, but decreased expression of TP53BP1, TOPORS, NME6, and ZMAT3 genes. Moreover, inhibition of ERN1 affected hypoxia-mediated changes in expression of TP53-related genes and their magnitude. Indeed, hypoxia has no effect on expression of TP53BP1 and SESN1 in control cells, while resulted in increased expression of these genes in cells with inhibited ERN1 function. Magnitude of hypoxia-mediated changes in expression levels of RYBP and TP53BP2 was gene specific and more robust in the case of TP53BP2. Hypoxiamediated decrease in expression levels of TOPORS was more prominent if ERN1 was inhibited. Present study demonstrates that fine-tuning of the expression of TP53- associated genes depends upon endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling under normal and hypoxic conditions. Inhibition of ERN1 branch of endoplasmic reticulum stress response correlates with deregulation of p53 signaling and slower tumor growth.
p21cip1 mRNA is controlled by endogenous transforming growth factor‐β1 in quiescent human hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells

Transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) has been described as an efficient growth inhibitor that maintains the CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells in quiescence. The concept of high proliferative potential‐quiescent cells or HPP‐Q cells has been introduced as a working model to study the effect of TGF‐β1 in maintaining the reversible quiescence of the more primitive hematopoietic stem cell compartment. HPP‐Q cells are primitive quiescent stem/progenitor cells on which TGF‐β1 has downmodulated the cytokine receptors. These cells can be released from quiescence by neutralization of autocrine or endogenous TGF‐β1 with a TGF‐β1 blocking antibody or a TGF‐β1 antisense oligonucleotide. In nonhematopoietic systems, TGF‐β1 cooperates with the cyclin‐dependent kinase inhibitor, p21cip1, to induce cell cycle arrest. We therefore analyzed whether endogenous TGF‐β1 controls the expression of the p21cip1 in the CD34+ undifferentiated cells using a sensitive in situ hybridization method. We observed that addition of anti‐TGF‐β1 is followed by a rapid decrease in the level of p21cip1 mRNA whereas TGF‐β1 enhances p21cip1 mRNA expression concurrently with an inhibitory effect on progenitor cell proliferation. These results suggest the involvement of p21cip1 in the cell cycle control of early human hematopoietic quiescent stem/progenitors and not only in the differentiation of more mature myeloid cells as previously described. The modulation of p21cip1 observed in response to TGF‐β1 allows us to further precise the working model of high proliferative potential‐quiescent cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 184:80–85, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An integrated approach to the ecology and management of plant invasions

Plant invasions are a serious threat to natural and managed ecosystems worldwide. The number of species involved and the extent of existing invasions renders the problem virtually intractable, and it is likely to worsen as more species are introduced to new habitats and more existing invaders move into a phase of rapid spread. We contend that current research and management approaches are inadequate to tackle the problem. The current focus is mostly on the characteristics and control of individual invading species. Much can be gained, however, by considering other important components of the invasion problem. Patterns of weed spread indicate that many species have a long lag phase following introduction before they spread explosively. Early detection and treatment of invasions before explosive spread occurs will prevent many future problems. Similarly, a focus on the invaded ecosystem and its management, rather than on the invader, is likely to be more effective. Identification of the causal factors enhancing ecosystem invasibility should lead to more-effective integrated control programs. An assessment of the value of particular sites and their degree of disturbance would allow the setting of management priorities for protection and control. Socioeconomic factors frequently play a larger part than ecological factors in plant invasions. Changes in human activities in terms of plant introduction and use, land use, and timing of control measures are all required before the plant invasion problem can be tackled adequately. Dealing with plant invasions is an urgent task that will require difficult decisions about land use and management priorities. These decisions have to be made if we want to conserve biodiversity worldwide.
Optimization of Cell Growth on Bacterial Cellulose by Adsorption of Collagen and Poly-L-Lysine

Poly-L-lysine and collagen were separately added to bacterial cellulose (BC) nanofibers. The ionic surface charge had been previously modified in order to promote the adsorption of poly-L-lysine and collagen. Cell adhesion of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells on BC surfaces was confirmed by removing unattached cells from the BC substrates. Cell viability was calculated and it was determined that both poly-L-lysine-BC and collagen-BC substrates are viable for cell growth. The results showed that the cell viability in poly-L-lysine modified BC substrate is similar to the one observed in polystyrene tissue culture plates. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Therapeutic potential of steroids for CNS disorders

The importance of steroids for modulation of the CNS is now better understood but it is still in its infancy compared with the knowledge that has been accumulated on their endocrine effects. The structural diversity of steroids that exert CNS activity is broad and they modulate their effects, not only via classical steroid receptors (oestrogen, androgen, progestin, glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid) but also via ion channels, particularly GABAA receptors and glutamate (NMDA) receptors. This review illustrates the therapeutic potential of steroids for treatment of CNS disorders by covering publications and patent literature since 1995.
Efectos de la estructura del paisaje y de la vegetación en la diversidad de murciélagos filostómidos (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) de Oaxaca, México

Effects of landscape and vegetation structure on the diversity of phyllostomid bats (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) in Oaxaca, Mexico. The tropical forest fragmentation is known to affect the spatial structure of the landscape and habitat. These alterations can modify the attributes of bat assemblages, however, this phenomenon has been little studied and understood. In this work we evaluated the structure of landscape (i.e. composition and configuration) and vegetation, and its relationship with assemblage- and population-level characteristics of phyllostomid bats in a tropical rainforest of Southeastern Mexico. For this, we previously selected 12 sites located in continuous and fragmented forests, where bats were captured using mist nets dur- ing a two years sampling effort (144 nights). Bats relative abundance, species richness (diversity of order 0, 0 D), Shannon diversity index ( 1 D) and Simpson index ( 2 D) were evaluated in all sites, and their relationship with seven measures of landscape structure and seven measures of vegetation structure was described using a Hierarchical Partitioning Analysis. A total of 1 840 individuals of 29 species of phyllostomid bats were captured in this period. Differences in the assemblages were manifested only in the relative abundance and not in the rich- ness of the species. The assemblages of fragmented forest exhibited greater variation in species composition and a greater abundance of frugivorous and nectarivorous bats in comparison with the assemblages of continuous forest. The landscape configuration was related to the assemblage- and population-level attributes, contrasting with previous studies where the composition was a key element. At habitat level, tree density and canopy cover determined the abundance of bats. Nectarivorous and frugivorous bats were mostly found in disturbed vegetation landscapes, primarily due to landscape configuration (e.g. edge density). This phenomenon could be a response to the availability of food in primary and intermediate successional stages, which are characterized by an abun- dance of food value. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (1): 217-239. Epub 2014 March 01.
Structure and Function of Peptide and Protein Toxins from Marine Organisms

AbstractThe three-dimensional structures of peptide and protein toxins from the sea are of interest for a variety of reasons. They adopt many of the structural folds found in their terrestrial counterparts, as expected, but also have some that are unique. They are valuable structural probes of their cognate receptor binding sites, frequently on ion channel proteins, and play important roles in mapping these binding sites and in testing and refining models of receptor structures. Furthermore, the often exquisite selectivity of toxjns for certain subtypes of a given receptor makes them attractive as potential therapeutic agents, in which case a knowledge of their structure becomes an essential part of subsequent drug design strategies. This review summarises current information on the structures of marine toxins, determined by either X-ray crystallography or, more often, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Where the amino acid residues essential for activity have been identified, or where the toxin bin.
On‐line optimisation of culture temperature for ethanol fermentation using a genetic algorithm

The genetic algorithm (GA) was applied for on-line determination of the optimal temperature profile for ethanol fermentation. The optimisation was made by maximising the final ethanol concentration with respect to culture temperature. The effectiveness of the algorithm was examined by on-line measurements of ethanol and cell concentrations. Two computers were employed : one for monitoring, control and data processing, the other for the GA computation. A 14% increase in productivity was achieved by this method compared with the conventional constant-temperature fermentation.
Os morcegos e a raiva na região oeste do Estado de São Paulo

INTRODUCTION: The Polo da Alta Sorocabana Laboratory in Presidente Prudente, SP, in partnership with other research institutions, conducted studies related to bats from the western region of the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Thus, certain situations were investigated, including: a) isolation of the rabies virus from 2006 to 2008; b) identification of respective antigenic variants; and c) characterization of daytime shelters of Desmodus rotundus vampire bats. METHODS: Samples for examination originated from nonhematophagous bats forwarded to the laboratory and subjected to direct fluorescent antibody test and mouse inoculation test. Positive samples were characterized by the monoclonal antibody test. Regarding the bats, they were identified and classified and mapping of their shelters was also performed. RESULTS: The laboratory received 1,113 nonhematophagous bats for rabies diagnosis, 11 (1%) of which were positives, and among the positive samples, 5 (45.5%) presented antigenic variant 3 (from the bat Desmodus rotundus) and 4 (36.5%) were compatible with samples derived from Brazilian insectivorous bats. Sixteen vampire bat shelters were investigated and observation confirmed the presence of another 3 species of nonhematophagous bats coexisting with them. CONCLUSIONS: The experiments showed that at least 3 antigenic variants of rabies virus are circulating in the region and that the cohabitation of vampire bats with nonhematophagous bats could be related to the dissemination of the rabies virus.
Lytic Enzyme from Streptomyces globisporus 1829 Strain

The maximum yield of lytic enzyme was obtained from shake flask cultures of Streptomyces globisporus 1829 which were grown at 30°DC for 48 hr in a medium containing 2% dextrin, 0.5% soybean meal, 0.2% polypeptone, 0.5% Na2HP04. 12H20, 0.1% KH2P04, 0.1% MgS04·7H20, 1.0% NaCI and 0.02% CaCl2, pH 7.5. The activity of successively transferred substrains of St. globisporus 1829 gradually decreased. However, a mutant strain obtained by ultra-violet irradiation has been shown not to have lost any lytic activity for 2 years. The enzyme exhibited maximum activity at 60°C in the pH range of 6 to 6.5 and was lytic against the intact cells of Streptococci, Lactobacilli and Bacilli but inert against the intact cells of Staphylococcus aureus and Micrococcus lysodeikticus.