Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
[Genetico-demographic patterns of the prevalence of various forms of endogenous psychoses].

: Prevalence rates (PRs) for EFP (schizophrenic, schizoaffective and affective psychoses), with allowance for proband sex and age-of-onset data were studied in a subdivided population from the North-East of the European Region of the USSR. The population includes three subpopulations: a small old religious semi-isolate of Russians ("Rs"), aboriginal Komi people ("Ks")--an ethnic community of Ugro-Finnish lineage, and a mixed group of migrants ("Ms") from various regions of the USSR. The latter is mainly an urban population, while the "Rs" and "Ks" are, on the whole, rural populations. The total PR for EFP was found to be 0.97% for the "Rs", 0.63% for the "Ks" and 0.35% for the "Ms", whereas PRs-0.85-1.15% in other parts of the USSR, mainly for "panmixed" populations in large towns. The lower PRs for EFP in the "Ms" is caused by a backmigration flow involving certain groups of patients; consequently, the mean liability for "Ms" offsprings (as a whole) should also be lower. On the other hand, the lower PRs for EFP in the "Ks" is caused by underpresentation of clinically mild cases of the mental disease (mainly, pseudoneurotic schizophrenia), especially among female patients, probably due to that the so affected persons are sufficiently adapted to the cultural traditions of this rural population. It was shown that in the "Rs" the total PR for "nuclear" and paranoid schizophrenia is 0.68% versus 0.25% in a "panmixed" population. The increase is most likely caused by the high inbreeding level in the "Rs" semi-isolate, and if this is correct, we may suppose that at least one or two recessive genes are involved in the liability to the most heavy forms of schizophrenia. On the other hand, in the "Ms" (as in other "panmixed" populations) positive assortative mating among hereditary-predisposed persons is a more significant factor influencing family transmission of EFP, since the correlation between probands and their spouses is rpp = 0.31 (p less than 0.001) in the "Ms", as compared to rpp = 0.19 (p less than 0.1) in the "Rs". Thus, our general conclusion is that neither the place of inhabitance nor the life mode are the causal factors for EFP, but rather some genetic factors, more accurately, certain sets of specific genes.
Bacillus subtilis QST 713, copper hydroxide, and their tank mixes for control of bacterial citrus canker in Saudi Arabia

Citrus Bacterial Canker (CBC) is a serious disease that affects production of almost all commercial citrus cultivars in subtropical citrus growing regions worldwide. In this study, the effectiveness of monthly foliar sprays of wettable powder formulation Serenade MAX of Bacillus subtilis QST 713, alone or as tank mixes with copper hydroxide on CBC disease development was evaluated under greenhouse and uncovered nursery conditions. The QST 713 as a tank mix with copper hydroxide reduced significantly the disease severity and incidence, followed by the copper hydroxide treatment, compared to the control. The disease incidence on leaves of inoculated trees treated with a combination of copper with QST 713 was never higher than 19%, whereas, the disease incidence reached 43% for non-sprayed trees. It was possible to reduce the number of copper sprays up to 6 sprays per season when it was mixed with the bio-fungicide QST 713 to effectively control CBC compared with 8 sprays of copper hydroxide alone per season. Based on our results, the application of QST 713 not only may have potential for CBC management in conjunction with copper hydroxide or other disease control but also may reduce the frequency or rate of copper sprays in citrus groves.
Effects of Aralia continentalis Root Extract on Cell Proliferation and Apoptosis in Human Promyelocytic Leukemia HL-60 Cells

The roots of Aralia continentalis (AC) have been used traditionally in Korean as a folk medicine for anti-inflammation and as an anti-rheumatic. In this study, we report that the ethyl acetate-soluble fraction (ACE) of the methanolic extract of AC root inhibited the cell growth of various human cancer cell lines and induced apoptosis of HL-60, human promyelocytic leukemia cells. Its IC 50 values on growth inhibition were estimated to be 56.3 μg/ml on HL-60, 87.2 μg/ml on HepG2, 93.2 μg/ml on HeLa, 135.5 μg/ml on DU-145, and 135.8 μg/ml on HT-29 cells. Interestingly, ACE showed no antiproliferative effect on normal lymphocyte cells used as control. Furthermore, nuclear DAPI staining revealed the typical nuclear features of apoptosis in the HL-60 cells exposed to 80 μg/ml ACE, and a flow cytometric analysis of the HL-60 cells using propidium iodide showed that the apoptotic cell population increased gradually from 5% at 0 h to 16% at 12 h and 20% at 24 h after treated with 50 μg/ml of ACE. TUNEL assay also revealed the apoptotic induction of the HL-60 cells treated with ACE. To obtain further information on the ACE-induced apoptosis, the expression level of certain apoptosis-associated proteins was examined using a Western blot analysis. Treatment of the HL-60 cells with ACE resulted in the activation of caspase-3, and subsequent proteolytic cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP). The above results confirmed that the apoptosis in the HL-60 cells was induced by ACE, and that caspase-3-mediated PARP cleavage was involved in the nrocess.
LACTATE DEHYDROGENASE ISOENZYMES OF THE PIKA AND THE PLATEAU ZOKOR

The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) from heart, liver, kidney and skeletal muscle in the pika (Ochotona curzoniae) and the plateau zokor (Myospalax baileyi) was investigated in the present experiment.The isoenzyme patterns were analyzed by means of polyacrylamide gel eletrophoresis, and the total enzyme activity was determined by the oxidation of NADH at 340 nm in a spectrophotometer. 1. The electrophoretic pattern of LDH in the crude extract of the tissues of the zokor was significantly different from the pattern of the pika. The electrophoretic mobility to the zokor LDH H_4 was faster than the mobility to the pika LDH H_4. The result revealed that the pika and the zokor were quite different.The former belongs to the order Lagomorpha, the latter belongs to the order Rodentia. 2. The LDH M_4 of the pika and the zokor was two analogical migrating zones towards the anode, and showed considerable homologies of primary structure.lt may be related to adaptive evolution of hypoxia for a long time. 3. The liver in the zokor contained only LDH M_4, while the liver in the pika contained LDH H_4, H_3M, H_2M_2 and HM_3. Perhaps the characters were caused by their food behaviour.The pika is a grass eating animal. It needs certain tension oxygen when digesting grass, but there isn't special need in digesting procedure of the zokor. 4. The LDH activities of the zokor were rather low. They were than activities of the pika.
Response of rectal temperature of broiler chickens to thermal environment factors

Broiler chickens are very susceptible to hot environment. The detrimental effects of hot environment on the growing performance of broilers have been weil studied (MA Y and Lorr, 1992). The decreased food consumption (MAY and Lorr, 1992; Y Au; IN et al., 2001), elevated body temperature (WIERNUSZ and TEETER, 1996; DEEB and CAHANER, 1999; YAHAV, 2000), and disturbed homeostasis in metabolism (TEETER, et al. 1985; WIERNUSZ and TEETER, 1996; SANDERCOCK et al., 2001; LIN et al., 2000a, b) are thought to be responsible for the decreased performance. However, there still are some controversial reports because of the complexity of the heat stress model (LIN et al., 2003), for example the ambient temperature, humidity and heat exposure time. When broiler chickens are exposed to high temperature, the heat production and dissipation are affected, and thermal equilibrium is disrupted (WIERNUSZ and TEETER, 1993, 1996; ZHOU and YAMAMOTO, 1997). When thermal equilibrium is changed, chickens need time to gain a new balance, which is built up after body temperature reaches the peak value. The acclimation to heat exposure may occur within a short time and the measurement of response to heat stress, if not conducted irnmediately after heat exposure, would be the reflection of partial or complete adaptation (MACLEOD, 1984). GORDON et al. (2000) reported that a steady state in core temperature was achieved after 1 h of heat exposure in rats. Unfortunately, the time needed to build up the new balance of body temperature in heat-stressed broiler chickens remains unanswered. We hypothesize that if the measurement of body temperature is conducted before or after the new thermobalance is reached, the result may be the reflection of the rate of body temperature elevation or the result of partially adaptation. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the factors that may interfere with the measurement of heat stress responses, more in particular the rectal temperature of broiler chickens. In the present study the effects of measuring time, circadian rhythm, methods of measurement, and models of thermal treatment (constant or cyclic) were evaluated.
BLOOD VALUES IN FREE-RANGING PANCAKE TORTOISES (MALACOCHERSUS TORNIERI)

Samples from 34 free-ranging healthy pancake tortoises (Malacochersus tornieri) at two localities in Tanzania were evaluated for packed cell volume, hemoparasites, plasma biochemicals, a- and 7-tocopherols, retinol, and fecal parasites. Cholesterol, calcium, a-tocopherol, and retinol values were significantly higher in females than in males. Glucose values were higher in males. Gamma-tocopherol was significantly higher in animals from one location than the other, indicating possible dietary differences. There was a strong correlation between cholesterol and a-tocopherol
Double-culture Method Enhances the in Vitro Inhibition of Atopy-inducing Factors by Lactococcus lactis

We analyzed whether lactic acid bacteria could control the expression of IL-4 and IL-13 in activated mast cells and whether these bacteria could inhibit the activity of transcription factors such as GATA-1, GATA-2, NF-AT1, NF-AT2, and NF-κB p65. We previously described a technique for identification of lactic acid bacteria with anti-atopy functionality by confirming increased expression of CD4+/CD25+/foxp3+ in T cells. We also confirmed that a double-culture method increased the antibacterial activity of these lactic acid bacteria against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). In the present study, we characterized the effect of lactic acid bacteria cultured by this double-culture method on inhibition of allergic inflammatory reactions of RBL-2H3 mast cells, a cellular model of atopic dermatitis. The strongest anti-allergic effects of the lactic acid bacteria were seen in the following order: Lactococcus lactis broth cultured with medium containing Lactobacillus plantarum culture supernatant > Lc. lactis > Lc. lactis broth cultured with medium containing Lb. plantarum culture supernatant > Lb. plantarum. Thus, Lc. lactis cultured in medium containing Lb. plantarum culture supernatant had the strongest inhibitory effect on the differentiation of mast cells during allergic reactions, which may be mediated through the selective regulation of expression of relevant genes.
Co-production of dextran and mannitol by Leuconostoc mesenteroides

To optimize co-production of dextran and mannitol from sucrose by Leuconostoc mesenterides ATCC 13146, a batch culture fermentation was conducted by using various concentrations of sucrose and initial culture pHs. The production of dextran and mannitol showed a growth-associated pattern. The highest yields of both dextran and mannitol were obtained at pH 6.0 and 10% (w/v) sucrose. They could be easily separated by using alcohol fractionation. Maximum yields of dextran and mannitol were 0.45 and 0.35 of the consumed sucrose, respectively. Overall productivities of dextran and mannitol were 1.47 and 0.37 g/l/h, respectively.
Validation of Predictive Mathematical Models Describing the Growth of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in Raw Ground Beef.

The growth of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in raw ground beef was investigated at 12°C, 20°C, and 35°C at pH 5.7 (unadjusted) and adjusted to pH 6.3 to 6.4. These growth data were fitted to the Gompertz equation and the resulting growth kinetics were compared with predictions from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Pathogen Modeling Program. Close agreement with the model was obtained at pH 5.7, but at pH 6.4, growth was more rapid than predicted. The U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service has used this predictive model for developing proposed regulations on time-temperature requirements for carcass cooling. As there may be considerable differences in the microenvironment of raw ground beef and a beef carcass, the validity of using predictive models for estimating growth rates on a carcass should be determined by performing growth studies on carcass surfaces.
Chemical systematics of Neotropical termite genera with symmetrically snapping soldiers (Termitidae: Termitinae)

Termite soldiers often combine mechanical adaptations with defensive chemicals secreted from the frontal gland. Amongst the most remarkable strategies for mechanical defence, symmetrical and asymmetrical snapping mandibles evolved in several lineages of the diversified subfamily Termitinae (Termitidae). The contribution of the frontal chemical weapon to defence in snapping soldiers has long been doubted and the subfamily Termitinae overlooked with respect to soldier-produced chemicals. We recently reported an active frontal gland secreting unique defensive chemicals in the symmetrically snapping soldiers of Cavitermes tuberosus. The aim of the present study was a larger-scale comparison of chemical defence in symmetrically snapping soldiers. We studied the anatomy of the frontal gland and the chemistry of its secretion in five additional Neotropical species and mapped our observations on a de novo constructed molecular phylogeny of the target group. We show that the soldiers of all studied species possess a functional frontal gland, housed in part in the frontal projections on their heads. Phylogenetic reconstruction groups the studied taxa into two well-defined clades, supported by fundamental differences in defensive chemicals, either arising exclusively from the lipogenic pathway or containing also the products of the isoprenoid pathway. Our results also identify a new genus of symmetrical snappers, related to the genus Cavitermes, incorrectly classified in several previous studies.
Electroretinography of acute hypoxic and increased intraocular pressure status in the dog.

: A model for studying electroretinographic (ERG) responses during controlled hypoxia and acutely increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in dogs is described. The b-wave component of the ERG was critically affected before the a-wave. The critical perfusion pressure (PP) was 45 mm of Hg less than mean arterial blood pressure, and the dog will demonstrate altered b-wave amplitudes at hypoxic values of arterial oxygen pressure (Pao2) 0f 45 torr.
RON Over-expression Induces Acinar-Ductal Metaplasia and Accelerates Tumorigenesis in a Kras Mutant Mouse Model of Pancreatic Cancer

RON is increasingly over-expressed during pancreatic cancer progression. It remains unclear whether RON plays a causal role in tumor formation, or if this aberrant expression represents an epiphenomenon. We hypothesized that RON over-expression accelerates pancreatic tumorigenesis in the presence of mutant Kras. We developed a novel transgenic mouse strain in which RON is specifically over-expressed in the pancreas (PDX-1-RON). We then studied the effects of RON over-expression alone and in the presence of mutant Kras, the earliest detectable mutation in pancreatic cancer³⁻⁸ (PDX-1-RON/LSL -KrasG¹²D/PDX-1-Cre , RCK). RCK mice demonstrated accelerated ADM and PanIN progression compared to mutant Kras only controls LSL-KrasG¹²D/PDX-1-Cre , CK). RCK mice displayed visible ADM foci and high grade PanIN as early as 6 weeks, with invasive carcinoma and metastasis detectable as early as 3 months. RCK mice had decreased survival compared to CK mice. Compared to controls, RCK mice displayed earlier and increased incidence of nuclear Phospho-[beta]-catenin (Y654), apical MMP7, and activated Notch1. Epithelial pancreatic cancer cell lines derived from this model that over-expressed RON mRNA also showed increased expression of [beta]-catenin and MSP, the RON ligand, mRNA. This work suggests two novel roles for RON signaling as a promoter of ADM : 1) via [beta]-catenin phosphorylation leading to increased MMP7 expression and subsequent Notch1 activation and 2) through Notch1 activation by increased expression of Delta1. This further validates RON as a potential therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer, and provides a useful model for studying the role of RON signaling in pancreatic tumor biology
[Allelic polymorphism of endothelial NO-synthase (T(-786)-->C) promoter gene as risk factor of acute coronary syndrome].

: Frequency of promoter endothelial NO-synthase gene allelic polymorphism by using polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP-PCR) was determined in 221 patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and in 83 almost healthy subjects. Data obtained indicate that different promoter allelic variant frequency differs significantly in patients with ACS and in control group. Correlation of normal homozygotes (T/T), heterozygotes (T/C) and pathologic homozygotes (C/C) was 48%, 36% and 16% respectively in patients, and in control it was 48%, 46%, 6% (P<0.05 by c2-test). Thus, in patients with ACS in Ukrainian population pathologic C/C variants of 5'-flanking region of eNOS gene were found 2.7-times more often in ACS patients, than in control. This allows us to suggest, that this allelic polymorphism can be considered as one of genetic risk factors of ACS development.
Differentiation of ricin using RAPD markers.

The aim of this study was to assess genetic diversity within the set of 111 ricin genotypes using 13 RAPD primers. For differentiation of 111 ricin genotypes 13 RAPD primers were used. Amplification of genomic DNA of 111 genotypes using RAPD analysis yielded 102 fragments, with an average of 7.85 polymorphic fragments per primer. Number of amplified fragments with RAPD primers ranged from 3 to 13, with the size of amplicons ranging from 100 to 1500 bp. The polymorphism information content (PIC) value ranged from 0.491 to 0.898 with an average of 0.764 and diversity index (DI) value ranged from 0.576 to 0.900 with an average of 0.776. The dendrogram based on hierarchical cluster analysis using UPGMA algorithm was prepared. In dendrogram separated unique genotype RM-32 from other 110 genotypes which were further grouped into 3 subclusters (1, 2, 3). Only four genotypes were not distinguished. Using more polymorphic RAPD markers genetically close genotypes can be distinguished. Knowledge on the genetic diversity of castor can be used for future breeding programs for increased oil production to meet the ever increasing demand of castor oil for industrial uses as well as for biodiesel production.
Light Acclimation in Citrus Leaves. I. Changes in Physical Characteristics, Chlorophyll, and Nitrogen Content

‘Duncan’ grapefruit (C. paradisi Macf.) and ‘Pineapple’ sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L.) seedlings were grown in full sunlight, 50% and 90% shade; maximum photosynthetic photon flux densities (PPFD) of 2300, 1100 and 200 μmol s−1m−2, respectively. In fully expanded matured (hardened) leaves, leaf thickness, specific leaf weight (SLW), tissue density, and nitrogen content were highest in full sun leaves and lowest in 90% shade leaves. Leaf chlorophyll content was highest in 90% shade leaves. Half of the seedlings which were grown in full sunlight were transferred into 50% shade to simulate normal canopy development; half of the seedlings from 50% and 90% shade were moved into full sunlight to simulate changes that occur after hedging. Specific leaf weight and tissue density changed in the same direction as PPFD. Leaf nitrogen content decreased temporarily when leaves were exposed to new PPFD conditions regardless of the PPFD levels. Total leaf chlorophyll content initially decreased when seedlings were transferred into full sunlight but began to increase after 4–6 weeks. Chlorophyll content increased in seedlings transferred from full sun to 50% shade. Percentage of air space within leaf tissues did not change during acclimation to new PPFD levels. Changes in leaf anatomy, physical characteristics, and chemical components are mechanisms that enable citrus leaves to acclimate to a wide range of changing light environments, even after leaves are fully mature.
Patterns in consumption of woody plants by snowshoe hares in the northwestern United States

Abstract Herbivores manifesting spatially variable population densities may elicit geographical differences in the characteristics of the plants upon which they feed. Northern snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) populations undergo dramatic numerical cycles; during periods of hare abundance, browsing by these populations can result in both absolute food shortage and the production of chemical defenses among browsed plants. Southern hare populations never achieve the densities characteristic of their northern counterparts and, therefore, should be less likely to elicit either food biomass limitation or the production of plant chemical defenses. Thus, hares in these populations should have access to a superabundant food supply and select browse species according to their nutrient content rather than their defensive chemical composition. We measured the extent of browse use by hares in the southwestern portion of the species’ range by calculating per capita winter browse availability (total biomass of potential food divided by winter hare population estimate) on six study sites during the winter of 1999. In addition, we used feeding trials on captive hares to determine patterns of browse consumption. Per capita browse biomass estimates were adequate to support the hares residing on each study site; on average, a 10-fold numerical increase would have been required to produce absolute food shortage. Patterns in consumption of browse by hares were not related to concentrations of plant chemical defenses (total phenols and monoterpenes), but rather to crude protein content. Levels of protein and copper (and possibly selenium) in the major browse species in our area were low, implying that, despite having access to a superabundance of poorly defended food, hares in southwestern populations may be subject to a poor-quality diet. In support of this possibility, we found that free-ranging hares had reproductive rates (potential natality = 5.64 young female-1 year-1) that were qualitatively lower than any reported in the literature (n = 18 studies) and males had relatively poor overwinter condition as well as delayed testes recrudescence. Poor diet quality and, consequently, low reproductive rates may contribute to the allegedly non-cyclic and generally lower densities of southwestern hare populations. Keywords: snowshoe hare, Lepus americanus, browse availability, plant chemical defenses, browse consumption patterns, reproductive rates, protein, copper.
Photochemical efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) in broccoli plants (Brassica oleracea var Italica) affected by excess iron Eficiência fotoquímica do fotossistema II em plantas de brócolis (Brassicaoleracea var Itálica) afetadas por excesso de ferro

Acompletely randomised design, having three treatments and seven repeats per treatment, was used for determining chlorophyll a fluorescence in broccoli plants affected by iron toxicity. One month old Legacy hybrid broccoli seedlings (Brassica oleracea var. Italica) were taken as initial vegetal material and sown in a greenhouse in Tunja, Colombia, in glass vessels containing a nutritive solution. Iron sulphate at 100 and 250 ppm Fe concentration was added about three weeks