Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional polymorphism for crtRB1 gene loci in tropical maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines

cereals which accumulates significant levels of proA (provitamin A) and non-proA carotenoids its kernels. The proA components of maize endosperm promises to solve themajor global problem VAD (Vitamin A deficiency). Among several genes involved in -carotene biosynthetic pathway, crtRB1is very important gene associated with three polymorphisms viz., 5 'TE, In Del4 and 3'TE (Transposable Element) responsible for variation in carotenoid levels in maize endosperm. Due to insertion of TE at 3' UTR (Un Translated Region), crtRB1again exhibits polymorphism with 3 alleles, however, only allele 1(favourable allele; 543bp amplicon) of this crtRB1-3'TE gene will double the -carotene concentration in maize endosperm and allele 2 and 3 termed as unfavourable. This study was undertaken to find out the allelic difference for crtRB1gene loci. Totally 228 tropical maize inbred lines were screened for allele1 of crtRB1gene using crtRB1-3’TE gene specific markers. Among 228 in breds, 226 inbreds showed the presence of allele 2 and the two inbredsVL1016247 and VL1016213 possessed both alleles 1 and 2 which are found to be heterozygous for crtRB1loci. This study indicated the possible use of (VL1016247 and VL1016213) these two inbreds for developing provitaminA (proA) rich maize hybrids using marker assisted selection (MAS).
Investigating the Tyrosine-Histidine Linkage in the Copper B Site of Cytochrome C Oxidase: Model Studies Utilizing a Zinc Imidazole-Phenol Containing Complex

Three of the four electrons used in the reduction of oxygen in mixed valence CcO are proposed to arise from the reduced metals in the bimetallic center of the Cue site, Cu(I) and Fe(II). The source of the fourth electron has been a matter of debate for several years. In 1998, Yoshikawa and coworkers reported a high resolution x-ray structure of the active site of Cc0. The Cue site was found to contain a unique post-translational modification that covalently linked a Cu bound histidine to a tyrosine (Figure lA). 3 Recent evidence suggests the existence of a tyrosyl radical near the Cu8 site during turnover of Cc0. Thus, tyrosine could provide the necessary fourth electron in the reduction of oxygen in mixed valence CcO. ·
Tolerance to Salt Stress by Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria on Brassica rapa var. glabra

Salinity has been a threat to agriculture in some parts of the world; and recently, the threat has grown. Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) may benefit plant growth, either by improving plant nutrition or producing plant growth hormones. The effects of rhizobacterial strains to attenuate the salinity stress on the germination of Chinese cabbage seeds were tested using four different concentrations of NaCl (50, 100, 150, and 200 mM). Also, PGPR strains were tested to enhance the early germination of Chinese cabbage seeds under normal conditions. Azotobacter chroococcum performed best with enhancing the radicle length of 4.0, 1.2, and 1.0 times at treatments of 50, 100, and 150 mM of NaCl, respectively. Additionally, significant differences were found in plumule length, A. chroococcum and Lactobacillus sp. showed remarkable activation either in normal or under stress conditions. Co-inoculation by three rhizobacterial strains (LAPmix) indicated synergistic effect to enhance the early germination of the seeds. The results of this study are promising for application of rhizobacterial strains that possess plant growth promoting traits to enhance the plant tolerance against salinity.
Effect of increasing concentrations of deoxynivalenol (DON) in diet on health and performance of laying hens of different genetic background

A 12-laying months experiment with laying hens of two different genetic backgrounds was conducted to evaluate the effect of feeding of DON contaminated wheat on performance, egg components and health of the hens and the effect of the breed of the laying hens on the sensitivity towards DON. A total of 216, 23 weeks old laying hens (108 Lohmann Brown, LB, and Lohmann Selected Leghorn, LSL, respectively) were assigned to the feeding trial with increasing concentrations of DON (0, 3.4, 9.9 mg/kg) resulting in 6 experimental groups of 36 hens each. All birds were caged individually and had free access to feed and water. Eggs were collected three times during the experience for the evaluation of egg quality. At the end of the experiment 20 laying hens per group were slaughtered. Blood was collected for haematology. Liver, spleen, heart, breast muscle, glandular stomach and gizzard were dissected, emptied (glandular stomach and gizzard), and weighed. Tissues for histological examination were collected directly after slaughtering. Significant adverse effect of DON was noticed on the laying intensity, body weight and weight gain of the laying hens; laying intensity was significantly decreased due to the presence of DON in the diet in the second laying period while laying intensity of the LSL hens was significantly higher than the LB hens. Moreover, a decrease in life body weight and lower weight gain ratio was detected in the LB hens fed 9.9 mg/kg DON, while the LSL hens were not significantly affected by the dietary treatment. The relative weight of breast muscle of the LB hens fed 9.9 mg/kg DON was significantly lower than that of other LB groups, while the relative weight of liver was significantly higher. on the other hand, breast muscle and liver relative weights of the LSL hens were not significantly affected by the dietary treatment. Haematocrit and concentrations of white blood cells were not significantly affected by the dietary treatment while significant breed differences were observed. Moreover, DON contaminated wheat resulted in reduction in the eggshell proportion of the eggs of the LB hens fed 9.9 mg DON/kg diet at the 40 th and 60 th week of life while LSL eggs were not significantly affected. Overall, it can be concluded that the performance and health of the laying hens was adversely affected by the presence of DON in hen’s diet at the highest level (9.9 mg/kg) but to a different extent and depending on the breed of the laying hens.
Effects of plant and pollinator traits on the maintenance of a food deceptive species within a plant community

Model-mimic plant systems are well known. However, the conditions promoting the existence of such systems are still an enigma. We suggest that by focusing on floral similarity between model and mimic, reward levels offered by models, and pollinators' ability to adjust foraging accordingly, the conditions can be better understood. Using spatially-explicit modelling, we examined trait combinations that lead to the survival of deceptive species under a large range of mimic strategies, from Batesian mimicry to general food deception. Unlike previous models studying such systems, we examined model-mimic interactions in the presence of a third, dissimilar species, thus generating a more realistic scenario where pollinators may avoid the model-mimic system altogether. Results showed that overall survival and abundance of species in food deceptive systems depend on the relative reward provided by the participating species and the potential alternatives available. Specifically, the success of a mimic in a Batesian mimicry system depends on high levels of reward provided by its model species relative to potential alternatives in the flower community. On the other hand, the success of a mimic in a general food deception system was higher when the reward offered was lower. Our study suggests that the ability of pollinators to utilize their experience as part of decision-making is highly relevant in promoting mimic survival, thus shedding light on the conditions under which food deception is expected. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Immune response effect on dopamine production during Toxoplasma gondii infection

Many recent studies have developed our understanding of Toxoplasma gondii and host interactions whilst in the brain as well as the mechanisms that the parasite uses to change the behaviour of the host, since the parasite was found to increase dopamine production in catecholaminergic cells (PC12). Indeed, in vivo staining of the parasite cyst found dopamine accumulation inside the cysts. However, a detailed mechanism of dopamine production and the immune response involvement to dopamine levels is not yet clear. Several approaches have been used is this study to gain a better understanding. Firstly, immunostaining and mRNA expression have revealed that culturing T. gondii in tryptophan free media induces tachyzoite to bradyzoite differentiation. Secondly, analysis of the effect of kynurenic acid (KYNA) on dopamine levels showed that the parasite blocks the suppression of dopamine levels by KYNA through interfering with KYNA-induced changes in phosphorylation of tyrosine hydroxylase. Finally, host-parasite dynamics were examined by RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) of T. gondii infected neurotransmitter-expressing cell. Our data found that the parasite does not increase dopamine production alone, but also modifies catecholamine metabolism to increase dopamine production and decrease norepinephrine and epinephrine; these modifications together with changes in expression of genes encoding dopamine receptors, neuronal function, neurodevelopmental, and NMDR suggest mechanisms of host neurotransmission modification. RNA-Seq data also revealed changes in the immune response of infected neural cells with subversion in expression of host cell cytokines and chemotaxis i. RNA-Seq data also show the simultaneous change in T. gondii expression during neural cell infection and showed that this profile is distinct from the expression profile in other host cells.
Optimización de la respuesta dinámica de la cuba de máquinas lavadoras mediante algoritmos genéticos

This paper presents an optimization methodology for the suspension system of horizontalaxis washing machines using Genetic Algorithms (GA’s). The parameters to be optimized in the suspension system are: stiffness and damping values of the springs and dampers, as well as their orientation and connection points with the tub. A plain (2D) parametric model of the washing machine suspended parts has been developed in a commercial simulation software. The spinning cycle simulation results are used in the evaluation of each individual fitness. Different combinations of operators of a simple GA have been tested together with their set-up parameters.
Quantitative estimation of fitness cost associated with glyphosate resistance in Echinochloa colona

Glyphosate is a potent inhibitor of the essential chloroplastic enzyme 5enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) and an important herbicide tool to combat weed infestations in many cropping and non-cropping systems worldwide. Due to the intensive use of glyphosate, many weed species have evolved resistance to this herbicide. This study investigates the physiological, molecular and biochemical basis of glyphosate resistance in population of Echinochloa colona from Northern Western Australia (Kununurra). Nucleotide sequencing, the expression of the ESPSPS, the movement pattern of radiolabelled glyphosate and the metabolism of glyphosate was studied on this population, under laboratory and greenhouse conditions. More shikimate was accumulated in leaves of the susceptible (S) phenotype than in the resistant (R) phenotype after glyphosate treatment. Resistance was not found to be due to any resistance endowing EPSPS gene mutation. Similarly, there were no differences between the S and R phenotypes in glyphosate leaf uptake and translocation at the
Immortalized Murine Macrophage Cell Line as a Model for Macrophage Polarization into Classically Activated M(IFNÃÂ³+LPS) or Alternatively Activated M(IL-4) Macrophages

Objective: Macrophages (MAÂ•) represent a link between the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system. Generally, MAÂ• are classified into two major subsets after stimulation; either ascribed classically (M1), or more specifically M(IFNγ+LPS) based on the activating condition, or alternatively (M2), or more specifically M(IL-4) activated cells. The purpose of the study was to evaluate an immortalized murine MAÂ• cell line (BMA) as an in vitro model for MAÂ• polarization into M(IFNγ+LPS) and M(IL-4) phenotypes to facilitate the progress in this exciting research field. Methods: The BMA cell line was stimulated with either IFNγ and LPS or IL-4 to induce cellular polarization. The cells were characterized using multi-parameter analyses employing phenotypic and functional assays, and compared to bone-marrow derived macrophages (BMDM). Results: The BMA cell line was found to differentiate into either M(IFNγ+LPS) MAÂ•, characterized by production of inflammatory cytokines and up-regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) or M(IL-4) cells with high Arginase-1 activity. Furthermore, polarized BMA cells were found to have a differential expression of cell surface markers. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that the BMA cell line can be polarized into M(IFNγ+LPS)/M(IL-4) phenotypes, and can therefore be used as a model for in vitro MAÂ• polarization reducing the need for primary MAÂ• isolation when investigating biological phenomena related to their polarization.
Looking for natural antifungal agent: Sensitive assey to detect fungal endo-1,3-β-glucanase inhibitors from crude plant extracts

1,3-β-glucanase is an enzyme involved in fungal cell wall construction, division septum deposition and ascospore wall assembly. Hence, the 1,3-β-glucanase is a target site to develop into new generations of natural antifungal agents. With the aim of seeking antifungal compounds in plant extracts, we implemented a simple and sensitive assay to detect inhibitors of endo-1,3-β-glucanase from crude plant extracts. The assay, especially useful for screen large number of crude plant extracts, is based on the diffusion of glucanase enzyme from wells through agarosa gel containing the enzyme substrate (laminarin). As the substrate is depolymerized, glucanase diffuses outward in a radial manner leaving a circular zone around the well, unstained by dye calcofluor. A linear relationship between the diameter of hydrolyzed zone and pure enzyme concentration, provide the basis for the method. Results of the assay using plant extracts obtained in methanol or dichloromethane are discussing.
Effetti della consanguineità in un gregge di pecore di razza Altamurana

Al fine di valutare gli effetti della consanguineità sulle performances produttive e riproduttive nella specie ovina, è stato svolto uno studio su un gregge di pecore di razza Altamurana allevato in un’azienda dell’Italia meridionale. Tutti gli animali sono stati suddivisi in tre classi secondo il coefficiente di consanguineità. Nella prima classe sono stati inseriti tutti i soggetti non consanguinei (con F = 0%); nella seconda e terza classe sono stati inseriti tutti i soggetti consanguinei (0<F<10 e con F≥ 10%, rispettivamente). La prova ha riguardato 177 agnelli, di sesso femminile, nati nel triennio 1993-95 di cui sono stati registrati il peso vivo alla nascita e allo svezzamento (40 ± 3 giorni). Di questi soggetti, tenuti in osservazione dal 1994-96, sono state valutate alcune performances riproduttive (fertilità, prolificità e fecondità) per un totale di 336 osservazioni. L’analisi dei dati concernenti, i pesi alla nascita tra gli agnelli di prima e seconda classe non ha evidenziato differenze statisticamente significative, tuttavia il peso vivo di entrambi i gruppi è risultato in media significativamente più basso (P<0,01) rispetto a quello degli agnelli inclusi nella terza classe. Lo stesso andamento è stato osservato per il peso vivo medio allo svezzamento ma le differenze sono risultate statisticamente diverse solo per P<0,05. Tutti i parametri riproduttivi hanno mostrato forti decrementi correlati all’incremento del valore di consanguineità.
Molecular biology of colorectal cancer

grubego to mieszkańcy państw wysoko uprzemysłowionych. Rocznie stwierdza się 875 tys. nowych przypadków tej choroby, a umiera 570 tys. osób. Ogromna większość chorych to przypadki sporadyczne. Jednak obecnie znane są zespoły genetyczne, związane z występowaniem raka jelita grubego. Leczenie tej trudnej jednostki chorobowej jest związane z chemioterapią adjuwantową oraz paliatywną. Od wielu lat podstawowymi lekami stosowanymi w leczeniu raka jelita grubego są 5-fluorouracyl i leukoworyna. Cały czas istnieje więc ogromna potrzeba poszukiwania nowych cytostatyków. Badania molekularne pozwalają określić rolę wybranych genów odpowiedzialnych za powstawanie i progresję tego raka. W procesach badania biologii raka jelita grubego, diagnostyki oraz powstawaniu nowych leków, mikrosiatki DNA mogą odgrywać bardzo ważną rolę. Technika molekularna z zastosowaniem mikrosiatek DNA pozwala na wielkoskalową analizę genów w jednym eksperymencie, a mianowicie jednorazowo mogą być badane tysiące lub dziesiątki tysięcy genów. Proces produkcji płytek używanych do analizy genetycznej mikrosiatkami DNA jest w pełni zautomatyzowany, tak jak i sama procedura badawcza. Takie wielkoskalowe badanie genetyczne jest w stanie określić grupy genów, które mogą się stać korzystnymi lub negatywnymi czynnikami prognostycznymi bądź predykcyjnymi. Poznanie odpowiednich genów od strony ich funkcji w powstawaniu i progresji raka jelita grubego, ale oczywiście nie tylko tego nowotworu, może mieć istotny wpływ także na leczenie. Identyfikacja poszczególnych genów odgrywających istotną rolę w progresji raka pozwoli na konstruowanie celowanego leczenia. Takie możliwości już istnieją – dzięki zastosowaniu chemii kombinatorycznej można w krótkim czasie syntezować tysiące związków chemicznych, które potencjalnie mogą się stać lekami.
Infectious and non-infectious factors associated with leg disorders in poultry – a review

Abstract Broiler chicken welfare, health and performance are strictly linked with skeleton development. Lameness compromises welfare of broiler chickens and causes considerable economic loss since lame birds have difficulty accessing feed and water, become dehydrated and eventually die. Leg disorders are therefore considered to be one of the main factors associated with in-field mortalities between 21-42 d in broiler rearing at European poultry farms. In chickens and other farm animals, bone development is strictly correlated with dietary content of inositol hexaphosphate (IP6), as well as calcium and phosphorus availability. However, lameness is also associated with many other factors, such as diseases, genetics, species, gender, growth, aging, as well as physical loading, rearing period and management. Therefore, the aim of the current paper is to review selected noninfectious and infectious factors, which contribute to bone quality in poultry.
Angioödem der Zunge nach ACE-Hemmer-Therapie

Eine 80jährige Patientin wurde durch ihren Hausarzt bei bekannter arterieller Hypertonie und biventrikulärer Herzinsuffizienz mit Lisinopril behandelt. Nach einer Woche ACE-Hemmer-Therapie erwachte sie während der Nacht, stellte eine riesige Zungenschwellung (Abb. 1) fest und wies sich selber ein. Eine konventionelle antiallergische Therapie mit Clemastin, Prednisolon i.v. und Adrenalin (1:1000) s.c. wurde eingeleitet, und die Patientin wurde unter Intubationsbereitschaft auf der Intensivstation überwacht. Sie konnte einen Tag später nach beinahe kompletter Zurückbildung des Zungenödems mit einer Therapie mit Amlodipin und Furosemid nach Hause entlassen werden. Der C1-Esterase-Inhibitor-Wert lag im Referenzbereich. Ein Allergiepass wurde ausgestellt. Das Angioödem ist eine bekannte unerwünschte Arzneimittelnebenwirkung von ACE-Hemmern und wird in der Literatur mit einer Inzidenz von 0,1 bis 0,2% angegeben. Typischerweise ist das Ödem im Gesicht, an den Lippen und den Wangen lokalisiert. In seltenen Fällen kann es sich auf den Pharynx und den Larynx ausbreiten und so die Atemwege verlegen. Sehr selten kann das Ödem auch nur die Zunge isoliert befallen. Das Angioödem wurde schon bei allen auf dem Markt bestehenden ACE-Hemmern beschrieben und kann seltener auch bei Angiotensin-IIRezeptorantagonisten auftreten. Im Gegensatz zur erworbenen Form des Angioödems besteht beim hereditären Angioödem eine Verminderung des C1-Esterase-Inhibitors und der Komplementfaktoren, insbesondere von Faktor C4. Das Angioödem tritt in 35–72% der Fälle [1, 2] in der ersten Behandlungswoche auf, kann aber bis 8 Jahre nach Beginn [2] oder sogar nach Absetzen [2] einer ACE-Hemmer-Therapie auftreten. Dieser Fallbericht soll dem Kliniker und Praktiker die seltene Nebenwirkung des Angioödems bei der ACE-Hemmer-Therapie bewusst machen. Die antiallergische Therapie ist umstritten, wird jedoch häufig bei fehlender Alternativtherapie empfohlen. Als einzig wirksame Therapie gilt das Absetzen der Substanz und eine wenn nötig frühzeitige Intubation oder Tracheotomie. Der mit ACE-Hemmern behandelte Patient soll instruiert werden, sich sofort in einer Notfallstation zu melden bei unerklärlicher Atemnot oder Schwellung von Hals oder Zunge. Angioödem der Zunge nach ACE-Hemmer-Therapie
PHYSIOLOGICAL AND PHENOLOGICAL VEGETATIVE RESPONSES OF Campomanesia adamantium (Cambess) O. Berg (Myrtaceae) TO THE HYDRIC SEASONALITY OF RUPESTRIAN FIELDS

Os campos rupestres apresentam duas estacoes bem definidas ao longo do ano, com taxas pluviometricas que refletem nas estacoes chuvosa e seca. Essa distincao na disponibilidade hidrica afeta a morfologia, fisiologia, quimica, dentre outras caracteristicas das plantas. Dessa forma objetivou-se avaliar o status hidrico foliar, o comportamento fenologico vegetativo e fotossintetico de Campomanesia adamantium em campo rupestre durante a estacao seca e chuvosa. O estudo foi conduzido na Serra do Cipo, Minas Gerais, Brasil. De novembro de 2011 a novembro de 2012 foi averiguado as fenofases vegetativas e o desenvolvimento de seis individuos. Potencial hidrico, condutância estomatica, rendimento quântico e concentracao de pigmentos foram adquiridos de quatro folhas do 3o no por individuo (n= 4-5) nas estacoes seca e chuvosa. C. adamantium e uma especie sempre-verde e apresenta folhas maduras e brotamento ao longo de todo o ano. Essa especie demonstrou estrategias que minimizam a perda de agua durante o periodo seco no campo rupestre, como diminuicao na condutância estomatica ao longo do dia na estacao seca, associada tambem com reducao nos valores de potencial hidrico foliar. Entretanto, a baixa disponibilidade hidrica nao afetou no desempenho fotossintetico, o que possibilita a construcao de folhas novas e renovacao da copa mesmo em periodos mais secos. Por fim, a pouca reducao nos valores de Fv/Fm ao longo do dia e aumento nos valores de DF/Fm' em horarios mais quentes, ambos na estacao seca, reitera a capacidade de C. adamantium em ajustar sua fisiologia ao deficit hidrico sazonal do campo rupestre.