Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Galacto-mannan- oligosaccharides and Chitosan on Performance and Serum Immune Parameters of 28-day Weaned Piglets Challenged with Pathogenic E.coli

Abstract Sun, Z.H. , Tang, Z.R. , Yin, Y.L. , Huang, R.L. , Li, T.J., Tang, S.X. and Tan, Z.L. 2009. Effect of dietary supplementation of galacto-mannan-oligosaccharides and chitosan on performance and serum immune parameters of 28-day weaned piglets challenged with pathogenic E. coli. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 36: 207–211. To determine the effects of galacto-mannan-oligosaccharides (GMOS) and chitosan (COS) on growth performance and serum immune parameters 40- 28-d weaned castrated Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire piglets (8.09 ± 1.87 kg) were challenged with three kinds of pathogenic E. coli (serotype 09, 0141 and 064) and randomly assigned to four treatment groups fed a maize-soybean meal diets containing either no addition (control), 250 mg/kg of lincomycin (LIN), 250 mg/kg of COS (COS) or 2000 mg/kg of GMOS (GMOS), respectively, in α four-week feeding experiment. The feed/gain of control group was poorer than that of other groups with no difference in average daily gain or feed intake. The serum concentrations oflgG, IgA, IgM, IL—6, IL −2 and IL—lβ in experimental groups were higher when compared to control group (P<0.05). The results indicate that GMOS and COS supplemented in weaned piglets diet can improve growth performance and enhance immune function.
Antioxidant capacity of rapeseed meal and rapeseed oils enriched with meal extract

Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate the quantitative effects of two independent variables: solvent polarity and temperature of the extraction process on the antioxidant capacity (AC) and total phenolics content (TPC) in meal rapeseed extracts. The mean AC and TPC results for meal ranged between 1181-9974 μmol TE/100 g and 73.8-814 mg sinapic acid/100 g of meal. The experimental results of AC and TPC were close to the predicted values calculated from the polynomial response surface models equations (R 2 = 0.9758 and 0.9603, respectively). The effect of solvent polarity on AC and TPC in the examined extracts was about 3.6 and 2.6 times greater, respectively, than the effect of processing temperature. The predicted optimum solvent polarity of e = 78.3 and 63.8, and temperature of 89.4 and 74.2°C resulted in an AC of 10 014 μmol TE/100 g and TPC of 863 mg SAE/100 g meal, respectively. The phenolic profile of rapeseed meal was determined by an HPLC method. The main phenolics in rapeseed meal were sinapine and sinapic acid. Refined rapeseed oils were fortified with an extract - rich in polyphenols - obtained from rapeseed meal. The supplemented rapeseed oil had higher AC and TPC than the refined oil without addition of meal extracts. However, AC and TPC in the enriched oils decreased during storage. The TPC in the studied meal extracts and rapeseed oils correlated significantly (p<0.0000001) positively with their AC (R 2 = 0.9387). Practical applications: Many bioactive compounds extracted from rapeseed meal provide health benefits and have antioxidative properties. Therefore, it seems worth to consider the application of antioxidants extracted from the rapeseed meal for the production of rapeseed oils with potent AC. Moreover, antioxidants extracted from the rapeseed meal were added to refined rapeseed oil in order to enhance its AC. AC was then tested by FRAP assay. FRAP method is based on the reduction of the ferric tripyridyltriazine (Fe 3+ -TPTZ) complex to the ferrous tripyridyltriazine (Fe 2+ -TPTZ), and it is simple, fast, low cost, and robust method. FRAP method does not require specialized equipment and can be performed using automated, semi-automatic, or manual methods. Therefore the proposed FRAP method can be employed by the fat industry laboratories to asses the AC of rapeseed oils and meal.
From transforming growth factor-β signaling to androgen action: Identification of Smad3 as an androgen receptor coregulator in prostate cancer cells

Although transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has been identified to mainly inhibit cell growth, the correlation of elevated TGF-β with increasing serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in metastatic stages of prostate cancer has also been well documented. The molecular mechanism for these two contrasting effects of TGF-β, however, remains unclear. Here we report that Smad3, a downstream mediator of the TGF-β signaling pathway, functions as a coregulator to enhance androgen receptor (AR)-mediated transactivation. Compared with the wild-type AR, Smad3 acts as a strong coregulator in the presence of 1 nM 5α-dihydrotestosterone, 10 nM 17β-estradiol, or 1 μM hydroxyflutamide for the LNCaP mutant AR (mtAR T877A), found in many prostate tumor patients. We further showed that endogenous PSA expression in LNCaP cells can be induced by 5α-dihydrotestosterone, and the addition of the Smad3 further induces PSA expression. Together, our findings establish Smad3 as an important coregulator for the androgen-signaling pathway and provide a possible explanation for the positive role of TGF-β in androgen-promoted prostate cancer growth.
Reduced ground beetle activity following ice damage in maple stands of southwestern Quebec

The 1998 ice storm led to significant tree crown loss in the deciduous forests of southwestern Quebec. Increased irradiation in the understory may alter edaphic parameters of affected forests, such as temperature and humidity. We examined effects such a disturbance might have on the epigeal fauna of sugar maple stands during the summers of 1998 and 1999. Dry pitfall traps were set in the deciduous forest of Mont-Saint-Bruno Provincial Park, 20 km southeast of Montreal, Quebec under three different post-ice storm conditions (light tree crown loss, severe loss, and gaps) from mid-July to mid-August. We captured significantly fewer total Coleoptera and Carabidae at sites damaged by the ice storm. Species diversity of Coleoptera was also lower at damaged sites. However, the daily activity cycle of the insects did not change following heavy crown loss. Synhuchus impunctatus (Say), the dominant forest species, proved to be very sensitive to the disturbance. Observed decreases in insect abundance may be related .
Role of Anthropochory in the Invasion of Coral Cays by Alien Flora

The influence of human visitor traffic on geographic distribution of the flora on 10 coral cays in the southern Great Barrier Reef region was investigated. We examined the composition of the flora and identified a substantial invasion of the region by an alien flora comprising mainly annual and perennial agrestal weeds found commonly on the adjacent mainland. The native regional flora, on the other hand, comprised mainly perennial and woody species. Anemochorous and epizoochorous species most prevalent in the alien flora, whereas the native flora comprised mainly endozoochorous and hydrochorous species. The native and alien floras could not be further delineated with respect to photosynthetic pathway. Nevertheless, we found that life mode was conditional on photosynthetic pathway and inferred a tendency of the annual and perennial species to use the C4 pathway, i.e., to have the physiological capacity to colonize light—saturated and moisture—stressed habitats characteristic of the cay periphery. We postul.
Complications in the study of ancient tuberculosis: non-specificity of IS6110 PCRs

Abstract The insertion sequence IS6110 is frequently used as a marker for the presence of ancient DNA (aDNA) derived from bacteria of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) in human archaeological remains. The specificity of polymerase chain reactions (PCRs) directed at IS6110 has, however, been questioned, because identical or similar elements have been identified in ‘mycobacteria other than tuberculosis (MOTT)’. These are Mycobacterium species, common in the environment, which may occasionally cause opportunistic diseases and are not normally associated with clinical cases of tuberculosis (TB). We report the presence of two sequence types that are similar, but not identical, to IS6110 in bone samples from nine skeletons dated mainly to the Roman period, one from Scotland and the others from the remainder of Britain. The sources of these sequences cannot be established but they are most likely derived from environmental bacteria that have colonised the skeletons after death. The data presented support the notion that IS6110 may not be unique to the members of the MTBC and is, therefore, not suitable as a specific marker for the identification of TB in human remains. Statement of significance Individuals who suffered from tuberculosis in the past can sometimes be identified by examining archaeological skeletons for the presence of DNA from the bacteria that cause the disease. Often the DNA that is searched for is a sequence called IS6110, which is thought to be present only in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis family of bacteria. If the IS6110 sequence is detected in a bone or tooth then that individual must have been infected with tuberculosis bacteria. This test has been used frequently since the 1990s to identify tuberculosis in archaeological remains, but we show that it is not accurate. Sequences similar to IS6110 are also present in other bacteria, including ones that live in soil and which might get into a bone or tooth while the skeleton is buried. The IS6110 test should not therefore be used to detect archaeological tuberculosis unless accompanied by other tests that are more specific. Data availability The authors confirm that all data underlying the findings are fully available without restriction. All relevant data are contained within the paper.
Mechanisms of Action and Chemical-Biological Interactions Between Ozone and Body Compartments: A Critical Appraisal of the Different Administration Routes

After a long initial stage obscured by empirism and misconceptions, oxygen-ozonetherapy has now become a scientific discipline where the reactions between ozone and human blood are within the realm of orthodox biochemistry, physiology and pharmacology. Most of the basic mechanisms of action have been clarified and ozone can be considered a pro-drug, which almost instantaneously reacts with antioxidants and unsaturated fatty acids. These reactions generate the actual ozone messengers represented by either hydrogen peroxide as a fast acting compound or a variety of lipid oxidation products as late effectors. While ozone is totally consumed, micromolar amounts of these messengers are able to enhance the delivery of oxygen via erythrocyte activation, the immune system by a bland leukocyte stimulation and most of the remaining body cells by up-regulating the antioxidant system. The hazard of ozone toxicity has been dispelled by using the gas only within a dose range perfectly calibrated against the potent blood antioxidant capability. Ozonetherapy can be very useful in patients with chronic vascular disorders and ischemic problems and should be extensively used by official medicine. An extraordinary facet of ozone is its medical application versatility, as represented by several administration routes, and the minimal cost of this drug.
Starch granule-associated proteins and polypeptides : A review

This paper reviews current information regarding the (non-gluten) proteins which are naturally located in and on starch granules, and which are termed starch granule associated proteins (SGAPs). At least ten major SGAPs can be extracted from most starches and have molecular weights in the range of approximately 5 to 149 kDa. A substantial number of these proteins are located at the starch granule surface, where their presence in association with that of other minor granule components (such as lipids), appears to significantly influence the overall properties of both starch granules and starchy products. The different extraction conditions which can be exploited to selectively remove SGAPs are detailed. Although some SGAPs may serve as supplementary storage proteins, the majority of SGAPs are believed to be starch biosynthetic enzymes, a proportion of which remain trapped within the growing granule structure. The identity and quantities of the biosynthetic enzymes varies with botanical source, genetic variety and even with time. Current knowledge regarding the identities, compositions, locations, properties and functions of several of the more common SGAPs (e.g. the ∼15 kDa friabilin/puroindoline proteins, the ∼30 kDa protein, and the ∼60 kDa starch granule-bound starch synthase (SGBSS) protein) are reviewed in detail.
Cloning and Functional Expression of a Human Na+and Cl−-dependent Neutral and Cationic Amino Acid Transporter B0+ *

A Na+-dependent neutral and cationic amino acid transport system (B0+) plays an important role in many cells and tissues; however, the molecular basis for this transport system is still unknown. To identify new transporters, the expressed sequence tag database was queried, and cDNA fragments with sequence similarity to the Na+/Cl−-dependent neurotransmitter transporter family were identified. Based on these sequences, rapid amplification of cDNA ends of human mammary gland cDNA was used to obtain a cDNA of 4.5 kilobases (kb). The open reading frame encodes a 642-amino acid protein named amino acid transporter B0+. Human ATB0+ (hATB0+) is a novel member of the Na+/Cl−-dependent neurotransmitter transporter family with the highest sequence similarity to the glycine and proline transporters. Northern blot analysis identified transcripts of ∼4.5 kb and ∼2 kb in the lung. Another tissue survey suggests expression in the trachea, salivary gland, mammary gland, stomach, and pituitary gland. Electrophysiology and radiolabeled amino acid uptake measurements were used to functionally characterize the transporter expressed in Xenopus oocytes. hATB0+ was found to transport both neutral and cationic amino acids, with the highest affinity for hydrophobic amino acids and the lowest affinity for proline. Amino acid transport was Na+ and Cl−-dependent and was attenuated in the presence of 2-aminobicyclo-[2.2. 1]-heptane-2-carboxylic acid, a system B0+ inhibitor. These characteristics are consistent with system B0+ amino acid transport. Thus, hATB0+ is the first cloned B0+ amino acid transporter.
Influence of dietary phytate and exogenous phytase on amino acid digestibility in poultry: A review.

The effects of dietary phytate and microbial phytase supplementation on amino acid availability in poultry diets are of considerable practical importance. Published data on the influence of exogenous phytase supplementation on the ileal digestibility of amino acids in poultry are reviewed in this paper, with emphasis on the factors causing variability in amino acid responses. Several modes of action have been proposed by researchers to explain the influence of phytate on protein digestion, but it is hypothesised that the de novo formation of binary protein-phytate complexes in the gut under acidic conditions in the proventriculus may be the main mechanism whereby phytate depresses the digestibility of dietary amino acids as bound protein is refractory to pepsin digestion. It is also likely that phytate promotes the flow of endogenous amino acids. The review demonstrates that the choice of inert marker used in the digestibility assays is a major factor responsible for the variable phytase responses reported in the literature. The important diet-related causes for the variability include differences among ingredients, dietary levels of Ca and nonphytate P and dietary electrolyte balance, and clearly amino acid responses with added phytase may be enhanced by considering these issues in poultry feed formulations. Phytase feed enzymes, however, do not degrade the majority of dietary phytate in poultry and consequently the negative influence of phytate on protein digestibility is not completely removed by phytase supplementation. It is proposed that the experimental use of ‘dephytinised’ feed ingredients may be useful to define the actual extent to which amino acid digestibility is compromised by dietary phytate. The efficacy of current phytase feed enzymes may be further enhanced by the simultaneous use of other exogenous enzymes, which complement their activity, increase substrate access and/or absorption of liberated nutrients.
Arranjo de plantas na expressão dos componentes da produtividade de grãos de canola

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos do arranjo de plantas nos componentes diretos da produtividade de graos e na producao final em canola, com uso de hibridos de diferentes ciclos de desenvolvimento. Foram realizados tres experimentos com espacamento entre linhas de 0,20, 0,40 e 0,60 m, em delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repeticoes para cada ano de cultivo (2008 e 2009), genotipo (Hyola 432 e Hyola 61) e densidade de plantas (20, 40, 60 e 80 plantas por metro quadrado). Hyola 432 apresentou maior producao de graos em comparacao a Hyola 61, independentemente do ano e da densidade de cultivo. Os efeitos do ano de cultivo influenciaram mais a producao e os componentes da produtividade de graos do que o potencial genetico da cultivar e a densidade de cultivo. O ajuste da densidade de plantas em canola e alterado pelo genotipo e pelo ano de cultivo.
Biodistribution of a polyethylene glycol-modified superoxide dismutase in mice and its effect on myocardial ischemia treatment in rats

AbstractWe have performed a comparative study of the biodistribution in mice of native and monomethoxypolyethylene glycol-modified superoxide dismutase isolated from bovine liver after intravenous injection. Polymer modification greatly influenced the biodistribution of enzyme preparation. Monomethoxypolyethylene glycol-modified SOD (mPEG-SOD) exhibited a longer residence time and a considerably longer half-time in the blood, lungs, and heart than the native enzyme. Using a rat model of ischemia, we demonstrated that an intravenous bolus administration of mPEG-SOD reduced the size of the myocardium necrosis zone by 40% compared with a 13% reduction by native enzyme. These results suggest that mPEG-SOD is a promising agent for decreasing reperfusion injury to the cardiovascular system.
CERCOPRI: a forecasting model for primary infections of Cercospora leaf spot of sugarbeet.

A computerized model for forecasting the appearance of primary infections of cercospora disease on sugarbeet was worked out using meteorological and epidemiological data collected in the western Po Valley from 1980 to 1989. This program, called CERCOPRI, gives a figure for the current risk of disease appearance, a forecast of the risk on a pre-established day or a forecast of the day on which risk will reach a pre-established threshold.
Effects of pH on Calcium, Zinc, and Phytate Solubilities and Complexes Following In Vitro Digestions of Soy Protein Isolate

High intraluminal gastric pH values in young infants could affect the bioavailability of zinc in soy protein isolate formula. This investigation examined the effects of pH on the solubilities and complexes of calcium, zinc and phytate following in vitro pepsin and pepsin-pan-creatin digestions of soy protein isolate. The results of these in vitro studies suggested that (1) high intraluminal gastric pH values could lead to the formation of insoluble calcium-zinc-phytate complexes in the stomach following ingestion of soy protein isolate and (2) high intraluminal gastric pH values would only affect resultant soy zinc solubility in the small intestine in the absence of exogenous calcium or zinc but not in the presence of same.
Assessment of the effects of gamma irradiation on the growth and yield of Digitaria exilis [Haller]

Objectiv e: Mutagenesis has been used in several crop improvement programmes but only on a very limited scale for Digitaria improvement and in order to further strengthen the existing conventional improvement methods, we report enrichment of Digitaria exilis variability by exploiting the effects of gamma radiation of different doses on yield and growth of the crop. Methodology and Results: Digitaria exilis seeds were exposed to gamma irradiation (20Gy, 40Gy, 80Gy, and 100Gy) from 60 Co source and irradiated seeds were sown for evaluation. The effects of the irradiation doses were studied on germination, seedling characters, growth, and yield parameters at maturity. Days to emergence and percentage germination were enhanced at low irradiation doses with 80Gy producing optimally. Plant height, tillering and number of leaves were significantly affected by gamma irradiation and analysis of obtained data showed irradiation significantly affects percentage seed-set, number of spikes/tiller and number of spikelets/spike. Also, early maturity was achieved among irradiated plants and 100-grain weight was highest at 80Gy. Conclusion: Plant from 80Gy irradiation dose performed optimally for all the characters evaluated in this study. Hence, 80Gy or slightly low dosage form of gamma irradiation using cobalt (60) could be utilised to increase variability and yield in Digitaria exilis . The new or modified traits so created could be screened for the possibility of isolating and selection of mutants that are promising for further improvement breeding programmes. Keywords: Characters, Irradiation, Improved, Agronomical, Yield
Observations on an aggregation of the starfish Asterias rubens L. in Morecambe Bay, Lancashire, England

Summary In the summer of 1976 a narrow, band-shaped aggregation of the starfish Asterias rubens occurred on widespread subtidal beds of Mytilus edulis in Morecambe Bay, Lancashire. Distribution of starfish along the band, which was moving towards the intertidal, was patchy and greatest densities occurred at the leading edge of the aggregation. In dense patches less than 50% of the starfish were actively feeding. The size distribution of the starfish was unimodal. Potential factors leading to the irregular summer season aggregations of A. rubens associated with superabundant food such as mussels are discussed. Observations on the scavenging whelk Buccinum undatum in the starfish aggregation are compared with observations from an area where there were fewer starfish.
NICKEL UPTAKE BY CALIFORNIAN STREPTANTHUS AND CAULANTHUS WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THE HYPERACCUMULATOR S. POLYGALOIDES GRAY (BRASSICACEAE)

The nickel content of herbarium specimens of Californian Streptanthus and Caulanthus has been determined. Serpentine-tolerant species had nickel values of 10-100 ,ug/g (dry mass) except in the case of S. polygaloides Gray which had nickel values in the range 3,300-14,800 ,ug/g (0.33%-1.48%). This is the first hyperaccumulator of nickel found in the Americas. It is suggested that the later classification of S. polygaloides as the monotypic Microsemia polygaloides (Gray) Greene may be justified if the nickel accumulation data are used to reinforce the existing marked morphological differences from other Streptanthus. THE NICKEL CONTENT of most species of vegetation usually does not exceed 10 ,ug/g (dry mass basis) except for taxa growing on nickelrich soils derived from ultrabasic rocks. In such cases, nickel levels of 10-100 ,ug/g are