Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The use of Avena sativa extract against Aeromonas hydrophila and its effect on growth performance, hematological and immunological parameters in common carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Abstract In this research the effects of oat Avena sativa extract on the non-specific immune system of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) was examined. For this purpose, the fishes (average weight 9.91 ± 1.52 g) were fed with 5 g kg −1, 10 g kg −1 and 20 g kg −1 oat extract supplemented diets for 60 days. Following 60 days of feeding, the fishes were injected with Aeromonas hydrophila and mortalities were recorded. Lysozyme and myeloperoxidase activity, improved in all groups that received feed supplemented with oat extract. Serum glucose and cholesterol decreased while total protein and albumin in fish increased with the use of the diet supplement with oat extract. Haemoglobin (Hb), mean cell hemoglobin (MCH) and mean cell haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) increased with diet supplemented with oat extract. Oat extract at the concentration of 10 g kg−1 showed significantly higher relative percentage survival (67%) when compared with the control against A. hydrophila injection. Also the dietary supplementation with oat extract caused a significant increase in growth parameters (final weight (FW), weight gain (WG), specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion ratio (FCR), when compared to non-supplemented control basal diet. The results suggest that A. sativa extract can be used as a feed supplement to enhance fish immune response and disease resistance against A. hydrophila.
Flowering phenology of six woody plants in the northern Sonoran Desert

BowERs, JAIcE E. (U.S. Geological Survey, 1675 W. Anklam Road, Tucson, AZ 85745) AND MARK A. DIMMITr (Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, 2021 N. Kinney Road, Tucson, AZ 85743). Flowering phenology of six woody plants in the northern Sonoran Desert. Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 121: 215-229. 1994. -Climatic and flowering data from a site in the northern Sonoran Desert of southern Arizona were used to define flowering triggers and developmental requirements for 6 woody plants. These formulations were then used to predict flowering dates at a second northern Sonoran Desert site. It was determined that flowering is triggered by rain in Larrea tridentata (DC.) Cov. , Fouquieria splendens Engelm. , Encelia farinosa A. Gray, Ambrosia deltoidea (A. Gray) Payne and Acacia constricta Benth. , and that flowering is triggered by photoperiod in Cercidium microphyllum (Torr.) Rose & Johnst. The base temperature for floral development in L. tridentata, F. splendens, E. farinosa, A. deltoidea and C. microphyllum is about 10? C. Their mean degree-day requirements range from 414 to 719. Acacia constricta requires 522 degree-days above 15? C. Minimum rainfall triggers varied from 9 mm forAmbrosia to 20 mm for Encelia. Flowering time in C. microphyllum may reflect phylogenetic constraints, while flowering time in F. splendens may be strongly influenced by pollinator availability. Flowering times of the remaining species seem constrained more by climate than by biotic considerations such as phylogeny, seed germination and competition for pollinators.
Mitochondrial DNA Sequence Variation in Hippopotamus amphibius from Kruger National Park, Republic of South Africa

Populations of Hippopotamus amphibius have declined throughout Africa in recent years, and are expected to decline further. An understanding of the population genetics of individual populations of hippos is necessary for effective management. To that end, we sequenced a portion of the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region or D-loop from 37 H. amphibius, from six herds in the central region of Kruger National Park (KNP), Republic of South Africa. We amplified a 453 bp segment by PCR, and identified 21 polymorphic sites and seven haplotypes. All of these haplotypes are private alleles, not found in other populations of hippos from southern Africa. Overall nucleotide diversity (π) was 0.01739, and haplotype diversity (hd) was 0.8273, within the range observed in other parts of Africa. Mismatch analysis conformed more closely to a model of constant population size than either rapid demographic or spatial expansion. An analysis of molecular variance demonstrated no significant differentiation among herds, and Mantel tests showed no significant relationship between geographic and genetic distance among herds separated by up to 47 km (measured as Euclidean [x,y] distance) or 77 km (measured along rivers). Over this range, the population appears to be a single panmictic unit. A test of the hypothesis that calves are more likely to share a mtDNA haplotype with an adult female in the same herd than an adult female from a different herd was not significant.
Properties of adenylate cyclase solubilized from rat adrenal membranes: effects of ACTH and other stimulators on solubilization.

: We have solubilized adenylate cyclase in a relatively stable form from rat adrenal membranes. The solubilized enzyme elutes on a column of Sepharose 4BR as a distinct peak with a higher molecular weight than the soluble fractions which bind 125I-ACTH. Both the soluble and membrane bound enzymes are activated by NaF and Gpp(NH)p, and both have similar affinities for MgATP. While the membrane bound enzyme is activated similarly by either Mg2+ or Mn2+, the soluble enzyme is more fully activated by Mn2+. Pretreatment of adrenal membranes with NaF or Gpp(NH)p before the addition of detergent enhances recovery of soluble enzyme activity, while recovery of activity in the unsolubilized membrane pellet is unchanged. In contrast, addition of ACTH prevents solubilization of the enzyme and greatly increases its recovery in the pellet. This observation is consistent with the theory that action of the hormone on a receptor subunit leads to an association between the receptor and a catalytic subunit. Such an association might make it more difficult to remove the enzyme from the surrounding lipid matrix of the membrane.
Ciclo biológico do cascudinho Alphitobius diaperinus em laboratório

O Alphitobius diaperinus e um inseto da ordem Coleoptera, vulgarmente denominado cascudinho da cama das aves sendo adaptavel ao ambiente das mesmas pela disponibilidade de alimento e umidade da cama, apresenta grande capacidade de proliferacao e causa prejuizos significativos aos criadores. O trabalho foi realizado com o intuito de verificar o ciclo biologico do A. diaperinus em todas as etapas de desenvolvimento e assim saber em que fase ele e mais susceptivel a um posterior controle quimico ou biologico. Apos a sexagem dos coleopteros adultos, cada 10 casais foram alojados em placas de Petri contendo serragem autoclavada e mantidos em câmara climatizada com temperatura e umidade controlada (27°C e 80% UR). Os mesmos foram alimentados com racao comercial para coelhos em pellets. Apos tres dias do periodo de pre-ovoposicao, foram encontrados os primeiros ovos nas ranhuras da racao e em cinco dias eclodiram as larvas com 1,5 mm de comprimento e coloracao esbranquicada. Estas permaneceram em crescimento durante 38 dias ate chegar ao tamanho de 13,8 mm de comprimento e cor marrom escura. Apos essa fase as larvas sofreram ecdise e puparam por 5 dias. Das pupas eclodiram os cascudinhos de coloracao branca que em quatro dias desenvolveram quitinizacao e apos 20 dias comecaram a reproduzir-se. O ciclo reprodutivo do inseto em temperatura de 27o C e 80% de U.R. foi de 55 dias.
Biology and Biotechnology

Plants possess sensitive mechanisms for detecting gravitational changes, and altered gravity conditions can affect metabolic processes, including photosynthesis. Photosynthesis in higher plants occurs in chloroplasts, where pigment-binding proteins play a crucial role in capturing and transferring light energy. Microgravity's impact on the photosynthetic apparatus has been studied in space-flight experiments, but results have been contradictory. This study investigates the influence of clinorotation on barley seedlings' photosynthetic apparatus during greening. The study examines pigment biosynthesis, chloroplast membrane formation, and photochemical characteristics. Results show that clinorotation affects pigment accumulation, and the differences are more pronounced in the early stages of greening, highlighting the importance of gravity in plant photosynthesis.
Efficacy of Acifluorfen on Broadleaf Weeds. Times and Methods for Application

In field tests, common cocklebur (Xanthium pensylvanicum Wallr.) was controlled at the one- and two-leaf stages with 0.3 kg/ha acifluorfen {5-[2-chloro-4-(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]-2-nitrobenzoic acid}. Four-leaf common cocklebur required 1.1 kg/ha for comparable control. Acifluorfen at 0.6 and 0.8 kg/ha controlled 96 and 90% of entireleaf morningglory [Ipomoea hederacea (L.) Jacq. var. integriuscula] atone- and two-leaf stages, respectively, but control was reduced as plants aged. Dark applications (2100 h) were more effective than those at sun-up (0600 h) or midday (1200 h) in control of hemp sesbania [Sesbania exaltata (Raf.) Cory], pitted morningglory (Ipomoea lacunosa L.), and smooth pigweed (Amaranthus hybridus L.). Hour of application had no significant influence on control of common cocklebur or prickly sida (Sida spinosa L.). An increase in surfactant (80% alkyl aryl polyoxyethylene glycols) concentration enhanced acifluorfen control of entireleaf morningglory and Texas gourd [Cucurbita texana (A.) Gray] at the 0.3-kg/ha rate applied 2 weeks after emergence. Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] injury was increased with the 1.1-kg/ha rate when surfactant concentration was increased from 0.5 to 0.75%. Increasing the spray volume increased pitted morningglory control but decreased hemp sesbania control. In the growth chamber, better control of pitted morningglory and common cocklebur was obtained at high (35 C day, 26 C night) than at low temperatures (27 C day, 18 C night) when plants were treated 1 week after emergence.
Respuesta fotosintética de Coffea arabica L. a diferentes niveles de luz y disponibilidad hídrica Photosynthetic response of Coffea arabica L. to different water and light availabilities

Shading would allow a better acclimation of coffee plants in response to winter conditions where the nights are relatively cool followed by sunny, warm days and summer conditions with high temperature and rain, in southeastern Brazil. This study aimed to explore the effects of contrasting light conditions combined with two levels of available soil water on water relations and photosynthesis in Coffea arabica L. plants under winter and summer conditions. In both seasons, decreases in photosynthetic rates (A), stomatal conductance (gs) and Ci/Ca ratio were found in droughted plants grown in both the shade and full sun. These changes were accompanied by decreases in transpiration rate and hydraulic conductance. There were no differences in the quantum efficiency of electron transport by photosystem II (PSII), nonphotochemical quenching and non-regulated non-photochemical energy loss in PSII. Compared to shade grown plants, sun-grown plants showed lower A, gs and Ci/Ca ratio under winter conditions. The decrease in the variable-to-initial chlorophyll fluorescence ratio suggests that photochemical events played a role in limitating photosynthesis. The results suggest that any recommended as a cultural management practice should be considered with reserve.
Carbohydrate microarrays

Sugar chains are abundantly expressed on the outer surfaces of the vast majority of viral, bacterial, protozoan and fungal pathogens, as well as on the membranes of mammalian cells. This class of carbohydrate molecule is without peer in structural diversity and is characteristically suitable for storing and displaying biological signals for molecular and cellular recognition. Exploring the biological information contained in sugar chains is an important topic of current postgenomic research. To facilitate these investigations, we have focused on the establishment of a carbohydrate‐based microarray technology. Recently, we reported that a large panel of carbohydrate‐containing macromolecules, including polysaccharides, natural glycoconjugates, and the mono‐ and oligosaccharides coupled to carrier molecules, can be stably immobilized on a microglass slide to produce a large‐scale carbohydrate microarray. In this review, we attempt to summarize our recent progress in using this technology to uncover the carbohydrate‐based biological signals that are recognized by the human and animal immune systems. We also discuss the potential of various platforms of carbohydrate microarrays that were recently established and analyze the challenges to future development of carbohydrate microarray technologies and their applications.
Polyamines and Stress Tolerance of Plants

ABSTRACT Polyamines are universal organic polycations implicated in a wide array of fundamental processes in plants ranging from triggering the cell cycle, genome expression, signaling, plant growth and development to plant adaptation toward abiotic stresses. Stress-induced ac-cumulation of polyamines often correlates with the improvement of plant tolerance that has been shown by modulation of the polyamine biosynthetic pathway in some transgenic plants. Genes for several key biosynthetic and catabolic enzymes have been cloned from various plant species. Polyamines can modulate functions of RNA, DNA, nucleotide triphosphates, and proteins and protect macromolecules under stress. Polyamines are also the modulators of stress-regulated gene expression and exhibit antioxidant properties. Taken together, these recent findings have promoted intense efforts to characterize in detail the mechanisms of polyamine homeostasis regulation and to elucidate realization of their multifunctional role in plants under environmental stress. However, molecular mechanisms underlying poly-amine participation in plant adaptation to stress are not completely understood. Plant adaptation to various abiotic stresses is a complex process involving numerous changes, including the increased expression of many stress-related genes responsible for the accumulation of compatible solutes, expression of antioxidant enzymes, and supression of energy-consuming pathways. Recent reviews did not summarize data concerning the correlation between polyamine functions and other adaptive mechanisms in plants. Therefore in this review, particular emphasis is placed on discussion on protective mechanisms used by polyamines during different stages of the adaptation process.
Expolysaccharides from Bifidobacterium animalis RH activates RAW 264.7 macrophages through toll-like receptor 4

ABSTRACT A water-soluble expolysaccharide (EPS) was prepared from Bifidobacterium animalis RH by enzymatic hydrolysis, ethanol precipitation and Sepharose CL-6B column chromatography. Its immunomodulating activity was evaluated using murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. The data obtained showed that the EPS promoted proliferation and phagocytosis activity of RAW 264.7 cells. In addition, the EPS promoted RAW 264.7 cells to produce NO, IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1 and MIP-1α in a dose-dependent manner. Further work revealed that the EPS activated RAW 264.7 cells majorly through TLR4.
Sensibilité aux antifongiques des Candida spp isolés dans les candidoses digestives chez les sujets séropositifs au VIH à Yaoundé-Cameroun Antifungal susceptibility patterns among the clinical isolates of Candida Spp in digestive candidosis in the HIV-positive subjects

PURPOSE / AIM The increase in fungal infections and mainly digestive candidiasis is a public health problem especially in immunocompromised patients affected by AIDS. The purpose of this study was to contribute to the efficient management of digestive candidiasis in HIV positive subjects. The main objective was to describe the profile of sensibility of antifungals to the Candida spp isolated in the digestive candidosis in the HIV-positive subjects.
Rola białek w chorobach neurodegeneracyjnych The role of proteins in neurodegenerative disease

Summary All neurodegenerative diseases are related to pathology and accumulation of proteins. Proteins are basic structural and functional components of each cell and their functions are associated with their amino acid composition and spatial structure. The proper functioning of protein is necessary for the proper operation of the body system. In the case of disorders of proteins’ spatial structure, the development of pathological processes may occur. Accumulation of abnormal proteins is toxic to nerve cells and causes neurodegeneration. Different disorders are characterized by abnormalities of various proteins. This type of neurodegenerative diseases includes Parkinson’s disease, tauopathies, Alzheimer’s disease, and prion diseases. Parkinson’s disease is characterized by toxicity of a-synuclein. The pathology of tau protein is specific for tauopathies, prion prote in for prion diseases. In the case of Alzheimer’s disease it is b-amyloid. All proteins responsible for the pathology are present in the physiological state in the organism. Damage to the area of the brain covered by the pathological process and the clinical symptoms are characteristic for a particular type of disease. Detailed knowledge of the mechanisms of the disease can be an important element in the development of effective ways of treatment.
When were the weaners weaned? Identifying the onset of Australian sea lion nutritional independence

Weaning in mammals is typically thought of as the transition from reliance on maternal milk to feeding independently. Current theory suggests a complex process involving mothers imparting enough resources to offspring as to ensure survival without compromising both prior and future reproductive efforts, and the demands of offspring whose primary concern is survival. Otariid seals are a suitable group to study this given the morphological and behavioral similarities across species of the primary care giver, adult females. At higher latitudes, the duration of maternal care is short and tightly linked to seasonal productivity of the marine environment, punctuated by a predictable migration of mothers away from breeding sites. In contrast, nonmigratory temperate latitude otariid species have a much wider range of lactation periods, with mothers prolonging maternal support in relation to seasonal unpredictability of food resource. Prolonging care into the subsequent reproductive effort will likely have profound effects on the survival of the younger offspring. The Australian sea lion Neophoca cinerea has broken the phylogenetic constraint of a 12-month breeding cycle, which may reflect an alternate strategy to reduce the fitness costs of prolonged support by providing up to 18 months nutritional support to offspring. We use stable isotope analysis of temporally matched whisker sections combined with telemetry data on nutritionally dependent Australian sea lion pups to determine the weaning process and characterize the transition to nutritional independence. Using changes in isotopic nitrogen (δ15N) over time, pups undergo a gradual transition to independent foraging during a 3- to 6-month period before the onset of the next reproductive effort. Telemetry data supported this conclusion, indicating benthic foraging of weaned pups in areas consistent with adult female foraging.
Regulation of the recruitment and function of T lymphocytes by endothelial and steroidogenic cells

The corpus luteum (CL) secretes progesterone, which is required for the establishment and maintenance of pregnancy in mammals. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms that regulate luteal function may facilitate the development of new strategies to improve reproductive efficiency in dairy cows. Luteal function is regulated by immune cell mediators, but what is not clearly understood is 1) how the recruitment of immune cells into the CL is regulated and 2) how luteal cells communicate with and affect the function of particular subsets of T lymphocytes. To understand how the process immune cell recruitment into the CL is regulated, a protocol was developed to isolate endothelial cells from the CL. Endothelial cells were enriched from dissociated luteal cells by sequential filtration through microsieves of 50, 15 and 10 μm. About 90% of the enriched endothelial cells bound BS-1 lectin and the majority were immunoreactive for von Willebrand factor VIII. To determine if endothelial cells activated autologous T lymphocytes, endothelial cells were cocultured with autologous T lymphocytes. Endothelial cells activated autologous T lymphocytes by inducing proliferation and increasing the proportion of IL2Rα + T lymphocytes compared to T lymphocytes cultured alone. To determine if prostaglandins (PGs) modulate the recruitment of T lymphocytes into the CL, endothelial cells were treated with progesterone (0, 5, 1, 5, 10 and 20 μM), PGE2 (0.002, 0.02 or 0.2 μM) and PGF2α (0.002, 0.02 or 0.2 μM) and exposed to either PBS or TNFα (50 ng/mL) and IL1β (50 ng/mL). Calcein-AM labeled T lymphocytes were then incubated with endothelial cells and the number of adhered T lymphocytes was determined by fluorescence. T lymphocyte adhesion to endothelial cells was affected by
Phylogenetic inference in paleontology

Construction procedures, ordering principles, and testing procedures for phylo- genetic hypotheses are considered. Given N taxa of a fossil group, a phylogenetic hypothesis cannot be simply constructed by evaluating all possible phylogenies using ordering principles, for groups having more than a small number of taxa, as the number of possible phylogenies is considerably greater than N". - An alternative procedure involves constructing the hy- pothesis through a step-by-step application of ordering principles to morphologic, strati- graphic, and geographic data. Seven ordering principles are proposed for this: (1) principle of shared derived character states; (2) principle of inexact convergence; (3) principle of morphologic similarity; (4) principle of minimal morphologic gaps; (5) principle of minimal geographic gaps; (6) principle of minimal stratigraphic gaps; and (7) the principle that a viable phylogenetic hypothesis should explain at least a large segment of the available morphologic, stratigraphic and geographic data. Four criteria for the recognition of probable ancestor vs. derived character states are cited for use in applications of principle 1; these involve consideration of the distribution of character states among taxa and their order of appearance in the rock record. Phylogenetic hypotheses are tested in at least two ways: (1) evaluation in the light of new fossil occurrences and (2) evaluation in the light of character information not available at the time the hypotheses were proposed.