Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hepatic and muscular transcriptomic responses of porcine progeny to gestational diets varying in protein content

Inadequate maternal protein supply during gestation represents an environmental factor that is known to affect physiological signaling pathways and impacts the phenotype of the progeny in animal models and in humans with long-term consequences for growth, function and structure of various tissues. The provoked intrauterine adaptive responses are termed ’Fetal Programming’. Hypothesising that the progeny’s transcriptome is persistently altered by maternal diets, we used a porcine model to monitor the longitudinal expression changes in liver and muscle tissue to identify pathways relevant to fetal initiation of postnatal growth and development. Throughout the whole pregnancy nulliparous German landrace sows were fed one of three isoenergetic diets differing in their protein:carbohydrate ratio, resulting in a low protein diet (LP: 6.5 % crude protein), a high protein diet (HP: 30 % crude protein) and an adequate protein diet (AP: 12.1 % crude protein). All progeny was nursed by foster sows that received a standard diet. Postweaning, the progeny was fed standard diets ad libitum. The progeny’s liver (n = 192) and muscle tissue (M. longissimus dorsi; n = 72) were collected at 94 days post conception (dpc) and 1, 28, and 188 days post natum (dpn) for expression profiling. The analyses included comparisons between dietary groups within ontogenetic stages as well as comparisons between ontogenetic stages within dietary groups to separate diet-specific transcriptional changes and maturation processes. An in utero exposure to adverse gestational protein diets revealed a ’Programming’ of the progeny’s genome in a diet-, tissueand stage-dependent manner. Transcriptional alterations during preand postnatal development differed considerably among dietary groups, particularly for genes related to energy metabolism, lipid metabolism, cell cycle regulation, organismal and cellular growth, and glucocorticoid receptor signaling. No single gene was found differentially expressed between the groups along all examined stages. The transcriptional responses in both HP and LP progeny were interpreted as the molecular equivalent to developmental plasticity which accounts for adaptation and maintenance of the organismal phenotype and affects signaling pathways related to energy utilisation. Obviously, the ’Fetal Programming’ of the genome warrants adaptation processes regarding to compensatory growth, probably at the expense of a predisposition for metabolic disturbances up to adult stages.
Changes in milk production and milk fatty acid composition of cows switched from pasture to a total mixed ration diet and back to pasture

Abstract This study evaluated the changes of cows’ milk fat fatty acids (FA) after transition from pasture to a total mixed ration (TMR) diet and back to pasture. Eight Holstein cows were used in a 52-d experiment divided into three periods. In period I (PI), cows grazed for 10 d and were supplemented with 5 kg head−1 day−1 of concentrate. On the 11th day, cows were moved to a barn and fed a TMR diet for the next 21 d (PII). On the 32nd day, cows were sent back to pasture for another 21 d (PIII) and received the same supplement of PI. Milk samples were taken on days 10 of PI and 2, 4, 7, 14 and 21 of PII and PIII. Total mixed ratio significantly increased dry matter intake and milk production and decreased milk fat content. Diet significantly affected the concentration of most FA in milk fat. Grazing pasture significantly increased the concentrations of 18:0, 18:1 c9, 18:1 t11, 18:2 c9,t11, 18:2 t11,c15, 18:3 c9,c12,c15, iso and anteiso branched-chain FA and sums of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Concentrations of 12:0, 14:0, 16:0, 15:0, 17:0, 18:2 c9,c12 and the sum of saturated fatty acids (SFA) significantly increased with PII diet. Most FA and FA sums took 14–21 d to stabilise in PII and only 4–7 d after transition for pasture. This evolution pattern of milk fat FA suggests that the long historical feeding regimen is a factor that impacts on the time cows take to respond to different diets by changing FA composition, probably as a result of the adaptation time of rumen microbes.
Hibernation, Estivation, Temperature Regulation, Evaporative Water Loss, and Heart Rate of the Pigmy Possum, Cercaertus nanus

supials, there is a surprising paucity of information about ecologically relevant aspects of their physiology. Aside from the work of Robinson and Morrison (1957) there is almost no quantitative data on temperature regulation in small marsupials, and we are unaware of any detailed physiological data on marsupial hibernation. Although there are natural history accounts of its occurrence, the only study of hibernation in marsupials is that of Hickman and Hickman (1960) who recorded body temperatures and periods of dormancy in two Tasmanian phalangers, Cercaertus nanus and Eudromicia lepida. Previous studies (Bartholomew, 1956; Robinson and Morrison, 1957; Higgenbotham and Koon, 1955) have suggested that at least some marsupials regulate body temperature as well as placentals. However, there is no published information which will permit a comparison of mechanisms of hibernation in marsupials and placentals despite the fact that such information would be of unusual interest to students of evolution as well as to students of physiology.
Quantitative genetic analysis of grain yield in an Australian Brassica napus doubled-haploid population

Abstract. High yield is a major objective in canola-breeding programs. We analysed the genetic determinants controlling variation in grain yield in a doubled-haploid (DH) breeding population derived from a single BC1F1 plant from the cross Skipton/Ag-Spectrum//Skipton (designated as the SAgS population). DH lines were evaluated for flowering time and yield in two replicated trials and exhibited significant genetic variation for both traits. Yield showed negative correlation with flowering time; lines that flowered earlier had higher yield than late-flowering lines. A genetic linkage map comprising 7716 DArTseq markers was constructed for the SAgS population, and a ‘bin’ map based on 508 discrete single-position (non-co-segregating) marker loci was used for quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis. We identified 20 QTLs (LOD ≥2) associated with variation in flowering time and grain yield. Two QTLs (Qy.wwai-A7/Qdtf.wwai-A7/Qfs.wwai-A7 and Qy.wwai-C3a/Qfs.wwai-C3a) appeared repeatedly across experiments, accounting for 4.9–19% of the genotypic variation in flowering time and yield and were located on chromosomes A07 and C03. We identified 22 putative candidate genes for flowering time as well as grain yield, and all were located in a range of 935 bp to 2.97 Mb from markers underlying QTLs. This research provides useful information to be used for breeding high-yielding canola varieties by combining favourable alleles for early flowering and higher grain yield at loci on chromosomes A07, C03 and possibly on A06.
The role of glycosylases of the base excision DNA repair in pathogenesis of hereditary and infectious human diseases

Abstract DNA glycosylases are enzymes that initiate base excision repair, a process of removal of damaged bases from the cellular DNA. Recent data show that variants of two human DNA glycosylases, MUTYH and OGG1, are associated with an increased risk of cancer. In addition, activities of various DNA glycosylases have been implicated in protection of humans from neurodegenerative diseases, immune disorders and viral infections. On the other hand, DNA glycosylases from pathogenic microorganisms help them to avoid the host defensive systems. Thus, DNA glycosylases represent both potential therapeutic agents and drug targets.
The Hospital to Home Quality Improvement Initiative

This unpredictability limits our understanding of the main drivers of readmission and hampers our ability to triage resource-intensive post-discharge care to those patients most likely to be readmitted. Third, the degree to which readmissions can and should be reduced is controversial. The proportion of readmissions that are preventable and, therefore, unnecessary, has been estimated to be as high as 75 % 4 and as low as 19 %. 9 finally, efforts to positively impact readmission rates are likely to be complex and Abstract hospital to home (h2h) is a national quality improvement initiative designed to support efforts to reduce unnecessary cardiovascular-related hospital readmissions. Launched in 2009 by the American college of cardiology and the institute for healthcare improvement, h2h acts as a clearinghouse for clinical providers and healthcare institutions to share strategies for optimizing transitions of care from the inpatient to the outpatient setting. The program centers around three core concepts: patient understanding of, and access to, medications; routine early follow-up with a healthcare provider following discharge; and comprehension of signs and symptoms that require medical attention, and how to seek urgent care in a timely manner. h2h has begun to offer toolkits, instructional webinars, and surveys to further develop these core concepts; it is also launching ‘challenge projects’ such as ‘Mind Your Meds’ or ‘see You in 7’. To date, there are more than 1,000 unique hospitals enrolled from all 50 states. individuals and institutions can learn more by registering online (at www.h2hquality.org). for &
Exclusive Breastfeeding Survival And Factors Related to Early Breastfeeding Cessation in Indonesia

Give only breast milk for the first six months is recommended for optimizing the infant’s growth and development. In fact, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in Indonesia is relatively low. This study was aimed to assess the survival probability of exclusive breastfeeding and identify the factors related to early breastfeeding cessation. This study used cross sectional design with sample of 1088 mothers of infants aged 6-12 months. Data were obtained from The Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS) wave 5 that conducted in 2014-2015 and analyzed using survival analysis. The Life Table showed that half of exclusive breastfeeding cessation occurred in the first month of infant age, while the exclusive breastfeeding survival probability was 21.3%. The median duration of breastfeeding in Indonesia was 2.03 months. Cox Regression revealed that mother’s education and place of delivery were associated with early breastfeeding cessation (p<0.05). The promotion programs of exclusive breastfeeding should be increase since the duration of breastfeeding among Indonesian mothers was relatively short. Keywords—exclusive breastfeeding, cessation, IFLS, survival analysis
Brown tide:A new ecosystem disruptive algal bloom

The pelagophytes Aureococcus anophagefferens and Aureoumbra lagunensis have formed ecosystem disruptive algal blooms in shallow estuaries of the United States and South Africa for more than two decades. The large-scale brown tide events in the coastal waters of Hebei Province in recent years make China the third country that is affected by brown tide in the world. These algae are able to utilize a wide variety of organic nutrients and achieve high growth rates at low light and nutrient levels. They have significant negative impacts on the shellfish mariculture industry,economy and recreational industry. We review research progress in the last two decades on morphology,physiology and molecular and genomic characteristics of these brown tide algae,especially the genes that encode many of the key proteins that facilitate bloom formation and persistence. Moreover,the research progress in China about brown tide is summarized. The prospects of the research on brown tide are also discussed.
Direct and indirect effects of weather variability in a specialist butterfly

1. Climate change poses serious threats to the long‐term persistence of many animal and plant populations. Species having specific niche requirements, or characterised by highly co‐evolved interactions, will face the greatest challenges. An example is represented by Maculinea alcon (Denis & Schiffermüller), a monophagous and univoltine butterfly species, which lays eggs only on larval host plants which occur inparticular phenological conditions.
Effect of peach cultivars on developmental time and life table parameters of Amphitetranychus viennensis (Acari: Tetranychidae)

Abstract The effect of host plant varieties of peach, Prunus persica L. Batsch, and nectarine, P. persica var. nectarina Maxim, on the biological parameters of the hawthorn spider mite, Amphitetranychus viennensis (Zacher), was investigated in the laboratory at 25±1°C, 60±10% RH and 16L: 8D photoperiod. Duration of each life stage, longevity, reproduction, the intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm), net reproductive rate (R0), mean generation time (T), doubling time (Dt), and finite rate of increase (λ) of A. viennensis on six varieties were calculated. Differences in fertility life table parameters of the spider mite among six varieties were analyzed using pseudovalues, which were produced by jackknife re-sampling. Hawthorn spider mite displayed the best performance on middle and late season ripening varieties for both peach and nectarine due to its short developmental period (10.98 and 10.77 days for middle season ripening varieties and 11.27 and 10.82 days late season ripening varieties), longer adult longevity, higher reproduction (52.05, 45.13, 36.04, and 30.98 eggs per female, respectively), and intrinsic rate of natural increase (0.199, 0.193, 0.188, and 0.186 females/female/day, respectively). The poorest performance was measured on early season ripening varieties. The implication of the varied population performance is discussed.
Ants of the genus Lordomyrma Emery (1) Generic synonymy, composition and distribution, with notes on Ancyridris Wheeler and Cyphoidris Weber (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae)

Synonymy under Lordomyrma of Prodicroaspis Emery and Promeranoplus Emery is reviewed. Lordomyrma currently comprises 25 named taxa, with two junior synonyms. Many undescribed species are known. Relative levels of species richness and morphological diversity are compared for the SE Asian/Japanese, Australian, Melanesian, New Caledonian and Fijian Lordomyrma faunas. Twelve species, including examples of the related genera Ancyridris and Cyphoidris are illustrated. The need for conservation and study of the remarkable, threatened ant faunas of New Caledonia, New Guinea and Fiji is discussed, and the relative positions of Ancyridris and Cyphoidris reviewed.
STEM CELL THERAPY: CANCER TREATMET

As our understanding of stem-cell behavior rapidly increases, more and more reports suggest that use of stem-cell therapy will extend well beyond regenerative medicine in the near future. Due to their inherent tumoritropic migratory properties, stem cells can serve as vehicles for the delivery of effective, targeted treatment to isolated tumors and to metastatic disease. In vitro, stem cells can readily be engineered by inserting specifically tailored transgenes with anti-tumor effects to create tumor-seeking therapeutic vehicles. More recently, the specific tumor-oriented migration and incorporation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been demonstrated in various pre-clinical models, highlighting the potential for MSCs to be used as an ideal carrier for anti-cancer gene delivery. Engineered MSCs are capable of producing specific anti-cancer agents locally and constantly. Astute investigation on engineered MSCs may lead to a new avenue toward an efficient therapy for patients with cancer. In the present review, we will explore about stem cells, anti-cancer effects and the recent developments.
Characterization of Apoptosis Induced by Ginsenosides in Human Lung Cancer Cells

ABSTRACT Proteomics is a powerful tool to study molecular pathways and identify protein changes in cells. Anticancer drugs have been used in proteomics to evaluate molecular pathways. Ginsenosides Rg5 and Rk1 are key components of heat-processed ginseng, acknowledged for its anticancer properties causing apoptosis in some cancer cells. In this work, ginsenosides Rg5 and Rk1 were applied to lung cancer cells for the first time, and the proteins differentially affected by these ginsenosides treatment were analyzed. Twenty-five specific proteins from ginsenosides Rg5 and Rk1 treated A549 cells were compared and analyzed. After treatment by ginsenosides Rg5 and Rk1, a calmodulin-like protein, purine nucleoside phosphorylase, and transaldolase increased in concentration. These compounds induce apoptosis by controlling interleukin 2 and glutathione. In addition, after application of ginsenosides Rg5 and Rk1, biliverdin reductase, aldehyde dehydrogenase, dihydropteridine reductase, and transactive response DNA binding protein-43 decreased in concentration. These species have been reported to trigger apoptosis by controlling reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, and Cl- channel control. The adapter molecule crk protein, which causes apoptosis through a Ras-dependent pathway, and dihydropteridine reductase was decreased to a higher extent in ginsenoside Rg5-treated cells than in ginsenoside Rk1-treated cells. The anticancer activities of ginsenoside Rg5 and Rk1 were evaluated using human lung cancer cells. The results demonstrated that proteomics techniques were effective in distinguishing activities between the ginsenosides.
Gas Exchange during Hypoxia and Hypercarbia of Terrestrial Turtles: A Comparison of a Fossorial Species (Gopherus polyphemus) with a Sympatric Nonfossorial Species (Terrapene carolina)

Gopherus polyphemus is a terrestrial and fossorial tortoise that spends extended periods in burrows where the CO2 concentrations may reach 6%-7% and O2 may fall to 12%. Terrapene carolina is a terrestrial turtle that is sympatric with the gopher tortoise but is not fossorial. The standard metabolic rates (SMR) of the two species are similar when the data are adjusted for differences in body size. The critical oxygen tension (Pc) of the tortoise (10–11 mmHg) is lower than that of the box turtle (26 mmHg). The Pc of both species is unaffected by hypercarbia (6% CO2). In moderate hypoxia (15% O2), hypercarbia elicits an increase in V̇o2 of 72% in tortoises after 0.75 h of hypercarbia and 206% in box turtles. After 12–18 h of hypercarbia, V̇o2 of box turtles returns to normal, while it remains elevated by 22% in gopher tortoises. Both species hyperventilate continuously in hypercarbia, with CO2 loading occurring in 3–5 h in box turtles and 8–10 h in tortoises; during these periods the respiratory exchange ratios (R) initially fall below zero and then recover to normal levels. The responses of box turtles to hypercarbia in terms of relative changes in respiratory parameters are greater and more variable than those of gopher tortoises. Both species hyperventilate in response to hypoxia, with or without concomitant hypercarbia, as indicated by increases in R and V̇o2. These increases begin at a Po2 about 20 mmHg above the Pc, suggesting that adjustments of ventilation are an important factor contributing to the low Pc of chelonians.
The Extracellular Space in the CNS: Its Regulation, Volume and Geometry in Normal and Pathological Neuronal Function

Changes in extracellular space (ECS) composition and geometry are a consequence of neuronal activity and of glial K+, pH, and amino acids homeostasis. They accompany the phenomena of repetitive neuronal activity and also occur as a result of seizures, anoxia, injury, and many other pathological states in the CNS, and they may significantly affect signal transmission in the CNS. Activity-related, or CNS damage-related ionic changes and release of amino acids result in fast, pulsatile, and long-term cellular (particularly glial) swelling. Cellular swelling is compensated for by ECS volume shrinkage and by a decrease in the apparent diffusion coefficients of neuroactive substances diffusing in the ECS. Movement of substances is hindered in the narrower clefts, but presumably also because of the crowding of molecules of the ECS matrix and/or by the swelling of the fine glial processes that form diffusional barriers. This can either increase efficacy of synaptic and nonsynaptic transmission by greater accumulation of substances or induce damage to nerve cells if these substances reach toxic concentrations.
Different‐sized grazers have distinctive effects on plant functional composition of an African savannah

Grazing ungulates play a key role in many ecosystems worldwide and can form diverse assemblages, such as in African savannahs. In many of these ecosystems, present‐day ungulate communities are impoverished subsets of once diverse assemblages. While we know that excluding all ungulates from grasslands can exert major effects on both the structure and composition of the vegetation, how different individual ungulate species may have contrasting effects on grassland communities remains poorly understood. Here, we performed a long‐term ‘Russian doll’ grazing exclosure experiment in an African savannah to test for the effects of different size classes of grazers on grassland structure and composition. At five sites, grazer species of decreasing size class (ranging from white rhino to scrub hare) were excluded using four fence types, to experimentally create different realized grazer assemblages. The vegetation structure and the grass functional community composition were characterized in 6 different years over a 10‐year period. Additionally, animal footprints were counted to quantify the abundance of different ungulate species in each treatment. We found that while vegetation height was mostly driven by total grazing pressure of all species together, ungulate community composition best explained the functional community composition of grasses. In the short term, smaller ungulate species (‘mesoherbivores’) had strongest effects on vegetation composition, by shifting communities towards dominance by species with low specific leaf area and low nutritional value. In the long term, large grazers had stronger but similar effects on the functional composition of the system. Surprisingly, the largest ‘mega‐herbivore’, the white rhinoceros, did not have strong effects on the vegetation structure or composition. Synthesis. Our results support the idea that different size classes of grazers have varying effects on the functional composition of grassland plant communities. Therefore, the worldwide decline in the diversity of ungulate species is expected to have (had) major impacts on community composition and functioning of grassland ecosystems, even if total grazing pressure has remained constant, for example, due to replacement by livestock.