Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative genomic analysis of Clostridium perfringens strains associated with necrotic enteritis of poultry

COMPARATIVE GENOMIC ANALYSIS OF CLOSTRIDIUM PERFRINGENS STRAINS ASSOCIATED WITH NECROTIC ENTERITIS OF POULTRY Dion Lepp Advisors: University of Guelph, 2012 Dr. John F. Prescott Dr. Joshua Gong Necrotic enteritis (NE) is an economically important, but poorly understood, disease of poultry, typically caused by Clostridium perfringens Type A strains that carry the NetB toxin gene. The objective of the current research was to identify additional genes associated with NEcausing C. perfringens strains, and thus putatively involved in virulence. To identify novel NE-associated genes, the draft genome sequences of seven C. perfringens NE isolates and one isolate from a healthy chicken were compared against nine nonpoultry genomes, and three highly-conserved NE-associated loci (NELoc-1 – 3) were identified. The largest locus (NELoc-1) encoded 37 putative proteins, including NetB, an internalin-like protein, a ricin-domain protein, two leukocidins, several cell-surface proteins and a cyclic-diguanidine monophosphate (c-di-GMP) signaling system. NELoc-1 and -3 were both localized to separate plasmids that are both predicted to undergo conjugative transfer. These findings suggest that NE pathogenesis involves multiple virulence factors that are encoded on discrete pathogenicity loci, some of which are plasmid-borne. To further elucidate the genetic basis of NE pathogenicity, a microarray was developed based on two of the sequenced NE bird isolates, and used to assess the gene content of 54 isolates from chickens with and without NE. Variable genomic regions associated with netBpositive isolates were identified, including several chromosomal fitness-related loci, such as a carbohydrate ABC transporter, ferric-iron siderophore uptake system, and adhesion locus. Additional loci were related to plasmid maintenance. This study suggests that chromosomal background confers a selective advantage to NE-causing strains, possibly through mechanisms involving iron acquisition, carbohydrate metabolism and plasmid maintenance Finally, the relationship between netB presence, NetB production and host NE status was examined to assess the hypothesis that netB-positive isolates from healthy birds frequently do not express NetB toxin. The expression of NetB toxin was determined in 57 poultry isolates, demonstrating that NetB expression is closely correlated with the presence of netB, and independent of host disease status. In conclusion, these studies have identified a number of C. perfringens genes predicted to play a role in NE pathogenesis, and suggest that NE is a complex, multifactorial disease involving both host and plasmid-encoded virulence factors.
An overview of phytochrome: An important light switch and photo-sensory antenna for regulation of vital functioning of plants

Abstract Plants are the primary source of nutrition and essential to maintain life on earth. They have evolved very delicate and advanced photo-sensory antennae to sense their outer environment and transduce the received information for their growth and development accordingly. This “light switch” phenomenon of plants has slowly being unraveled and various plant photoreceptors, their role in downstream molecular signaling, mutual interaction, response to circadian cycle and light signals have been discovered. The photosensory antennae in plants; phytochromes, cryptochromes and phototropins play a very crucial role in sensing the ambient light intensities. By direct interaction with the environment through these photosensory antennae, plants shift their homeostasis to regulate their growth and development. The phytochrome light receptors of plants are responsive to R/FR light and by inducing signaling pathways, trigger the physiological responses such as germination and flowering. The phytochromes also directly contribute to plant development by affecting its photosynthetic rate. To elucidate the role of phytochromes in plant metabolism, this review will focus on the importance of phytochromes, their mechanism of action and their application as an emerging field in plant biology.
Prestoration: using species in restoration that will persist now and into the future

Climate change presents new challenges for selecting species for restoration. If migration fails to keep pace with climate change, as models predict, the most suitable sources for restoration may not occur locally at all. To address this issue, we propose a strategy of “prestoration”: utilizing species in restoration for which a site represents suitable habitat now and into the future. Using the Colorado Plateau, United States, as a case study, we assess the ability of grass species currently used regionally in restoration to persist into the future using projections of ecological niche models (or climate envelope models) across a suite of climate change scenarios. We then present a technique for identifying new species that best compensate for future losses of suitable habitat by current target species. We found that the current suite of species, selected by a group of experts, is predicted to perform reasonably well in the short term, but that losses of prestorable habitat by mid‐century would approach 40%. Using an algorithm to identify additional species, we found that fewer than 10 species could compensate for nearly all of the losses incurred by the current target species. This case study highlights the utility of integrating ecological niche modeling and future climate forecasts to predict the utility of species in restoring under climate change across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales.
Planning of plant species-divided gardens in Hunan Forest Botanical Garden

In order to construct ecological and exquisite plant species-divided gardens in Hunan province with Hunan characteristics,rich cultual connotation and worldwide influence,planning propositions for 14 plant species-divided gardens in Hunan Forest Botanical Garden,including flowering cherry garden,camellia garden,lily magnolia garden,azalea garden and Hunan local plant garden etc.,have been put forward according to principles which will fully embody its speciality,biodiversity,regional and economical character,culture and landscape value.
Study of genetic stability in in vitro conserved Podophyllum hexandrum using RAPD markers.

In the present study, micropropagation of Podophyllum hexandrum, an endangered species of Pakistan was carried out on basal media containing different combinations of auxins and cytokinins as an attempt for its conservation. The results showed that the media containing BAP and NAA enhanced shoot induction from rhizome segments. Maximum number of shoots was observed in media having higher concentrations of BAP and NAA i.e. 11.0 mg L-1 and 5.3mg L-1 respectively. On an average 84% test tubes were observed showing initiation of shoots within 24 ± 0.83a days, media containing 3.0 mg L-1IBA was found to be the best for rooting. RAPD analysis using 10-mer primers was also carried out to check genetic stability of the in vitro conserved plants in comparison to the mother plants kept in the green house as the control. The results showed no genetic alterations when compared in term of number of bands and their respective sizes thus confirming that the plants conserved in vitro did not go through any genetic changes.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF ENDOMYCORRHIZAL ROOT SYSTEMS. III. THE MATHEMATICAL REPRESENTATION OF THE SPREAD OF VESICULAR-ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL INFECTION IN ROOT SYSTEMS

We have modelled the spread of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizas (VAM) from localized inoculum in a developing root system by assuming that the rate of spread of infection at a particular time is proportional to the product of the length of root already infected and the fraction of the total root which is susceptible to infection at that time. An important parameter of the model is its asymptote n, the maximum fraction of the root system which becomes mycorrhizal. Our model is formally similar to the logistic equation for growth. An earlier model by Tinker (1975), which predicts that rate of spread of infection would be enhanced by increased density of roots L, (cm cm-3), was compared with ours, using results of experiments on wheat and clover sown at three densities. The new model fitted the data for spread of infection much better, especially that of young infections. The relative rates were generally little altered by total length of roots, Lt, but the absolute values for the two hosts differed widely. This suggests that infection spreads primarily along roots, rather than by random contact between roots and hyphae. This type of model may be useful for exploring the mechanisms by which environmental changes affect spread of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizas.
THE TOXOSTOMA THRASHERS OF CALIFORNIA: SPECIES AT RISK?

Abstmct: Four of the 10 described species of Toxostoma thrasher breed in California-California thrasher (T. redivivum), Bendire's thrasher (T. bendirei), Crissal thrasher (T. crissale), and Le Conte's thrasher (T. fecontei). Urbanization, agricultural development, fire management, and livestock grazing are among the land uses that affect large tracts of the habitats occupied by these species. Other uses generally impact smaller areas. None of these species are likely to be eliminated from the California avifauna in the forseeable fiture. However, they are potentially susceptible, in varying degrees, to localized extirpations because (1) they occur at low densities, (2) portions of their ranges are Eragmented, and (3) only the Bendire's thrasher is known to regularly move long distances. Thus, in addition to direct habitat loss and degredation, California, Crissal, and Le Conte's thrashers may be susceptible to population declines following habitat fragmentation. Similarly, other species, subspecies, and populations of the California breeding avifauna with similar life history traits could suffer comparable declines. This potential is especially high among the numerous tam of nonmigratory shrubland birds. Shrubdwelling species have generally been overlooked by wildlife biologists and land managers. A systematic review, survey, and monitoring of the California avifauna is needed to identify taxa and populations that may become threatened.
Cytotoxic and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Lipids from the Nuruk (Rhizopus oryzae KSD-815)

Nuruk is the Korean traditional Koji that contains various microorganisms and has been used to make the traditional fermented foods including alcoholic beverages. Rhizopus oryzae KSD-815 was isolated from the alcohol-fermenting Nuruk used for manufacturing traditional alcohol. In this study, the authors reported the isolation and identification of four lipids from the Nuruk (Rhizopus oryzae KSD-815) that inoculated wheat with Rhizopus oryzae KSD-815. The dried and powdered Nuruk (Rhizopus oryzae KSD-815) were extracted three times at room temperature with 80% aqueous MeOH. The extracts were partitioned with EtOAc, n-BuOH, and water, successively. The EtOAc extract was suspended in 80% MeOH and partitioned repeatedly with n-hexane. From the n-hexane fraction, four lipids were isolated through the repeated silica gel and ODS column chromatographies. According to the results of physico-chemical data including NMR, GC and MS, the chemical structures of the compounds were determined as linolenic acid methyl ester (1), palmitic acid methyl ester (2), linoleic acid (3), palmitic acid (4). Cytotoxicity was evaluated in huamn breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231 and human hepatocarcinoma, SK-HEP-1 cells using MTT assay. Exposure of compounds 1 and 3 led to a dose-dependent inhibition of cell viability in both cancer cell lines. In addition, treatment of RAW264.7 cells with compound 3 caused inhibition of lipopolysaccharide/interferon--induced nitric oxide production.
Variation in female mate preference in response to eavesdropping “interloper” males

Eavesdropping by conspecific males that are competing for mates has been demonstrated across a variety of taxa. However, few studies have investigated how eavesdropping may actually impact female mating decisions. Specifically, females may change their mating preferences based on whether the eavesdropping male varies in its phenotype (e.g., expression of condition-indicating secondary sexual characters or courtship vigor) relative to the male that initiated courtship. We examined variation in female preferences in the context of eavesdropping in the brush-legged wolf spider, Schizocosa ocreata. Female S. ocreata typically prefer males with large tufts and males that court at higher rates. In live mating trials, however, females preferentially mated with the males that courted first. It has yet to be investigated whether female preferences change when males of varying phenotypes are encountered sequentially, as might be expected in an eavesdropping context. We used video playback experiments to introduce females to a virtual courting male (initial male), followed by a second virtual courting male thirty seconds later (interloper male). We separately manipulated 2 aspects of male courtship (tuft size and courtship vigor) to measure female responses to an interloper male of lower, higher, or equal phenotypic expression. For both traits, females had an overall preference for the initial males. However, when the interloper male had large tufts or had high courtship vigor, female S. ocreata shifted the relative number of their receptivity displays. These results suggest that eavesdropping could be beneficial for interloper males, but the benefits may vary depending on the male’s phenotype.
Perkembangan Sel T Regulator Periferal dan Mekanisme Supresi in vitro

Sel T regulator yang ditandai dengan CD4 + CD25 + Foxp 3 memegang peranan kunci pada sistem toleran tubuh. Sel T regulator ini diperlukan untuk mengendalikan sel efektor yang teraktivasi. Sel T regulator melakukan fungsinya sebagai pengendali sel efektor dan pembentuk sistem toleran dengan cara tidak hanya sebagai supresor namun juga pengatur sistem homeostasis. Sel T regulator mempunyai daya kendali terhadap sel lain yang terlibat pada sistem imun. Kemampuan mengendalikan sel lain ini mutlak diperlukan untuk menghindari terjadinya penyakit autoimun dan penolakan transplantasi. Kerja sel T regulator mempengaruhi respon imun terhadap alergen namun melemahkan sel efektor melawan sel tumor dan patogen. Di samping itu pada beberapa kasus diketahui bahwa sel T regulator juga menyebabkan sel efektor kehilangan fungsinya. Sampai sekarang mekanisme kerja sel T regulator secara seluler dan molekuler belum sepenuhnya diketahui, namun ada bukti tentang pentingnya sel ini dari banyak aspek biologi. Pengetahuan tentang adanya strategi mengaktifkan dan menginduksi munculnya sel T regulator dari sel T konvensional membuka kemungkinan untuk melakukan rerkayasa in vivo sebagai langkah imunoterapi khususnya pada model penyakit autoimun. Bahasan saat ini merangkum pengetahuan tentang sel T regulator sebagai imunoterapi dan harapan dimasa depan terhadap pemanfaatan sel ini.
The giant pill-millipedes of Madagascar: revision of the genus Zoosphaerium (Myriapoda, Diplopoda, Sphaerotheriida)

Tout le materiel disponible du genre Zoosphaerium Pocock, 1895, qui contient 27 des 37 especes decrites, a ete examine. Sept nouvelles synonymies sont etablies : Z stridulator (de Saussure & Zehntner, 1902) synonyme plus recent de Z. blandum (de Saussure & Zehntner, 1902); Z. digitale (de Saussure & Zehntner, 1897) et Z pygidiale (de Saussure & Zehntner, 1897) synonymes plus recents de Z neptunus (Butler, 1872); Z imbecillum (de Saussure & Zehntner, 1897) et Z. globulus (de Saussure & Zehntner, 1902) synonymes plus recents de Z voeltzkowianum (de Saussure & Zehntner, 1897); Z amittum Chamberlin, 1921 et Heligmasoma errans Chamberlin, 1921 synonymes plus recents de Z coquerelianum (de Saussure & Zehntner, 1897). Le genre Heligmasoma Chamberlin, 1921 et le sous-genre Globotherium Brolemann, 1922 sont tous les deux des synonymes plus recents de Zoosphaerium Pocock, 1895. Les types de neuf especes (Zoosphaerium actaeon, Z. reflexum, Z. elegans, Z. crassum, Z. stigmaticum, Z. glabrum, Z. latum, Z. lamprinum et Z testaceum) n'ont pu etre localises dans les collections. Nous proposons donc de traiter ces noms comme nomina dubia. Dix-huit especes malgaches sont redecrites, avec des dessins de toutes les structures d'importance taxonomique et micrographies MEB presentes ici pour la premiere fois. Le materiel type est compare a celui des mille-pattes geants ramasse pendant les inventaires generaux conduits pendant les annees 1990 et en 2003 par diverses institutions, comprenant en tout plus de 70 morphospecies, parmi lesquelles huit peuvent etre assignees a un nom d'espece. Une cle de determination des Sphaerotheriida malgaches est presentee et le statut du genre Zoosphaerium est discute. Une partie des especes sont placees dans des groupes d'especes preliminaires.
Dual fluorescent N-(2-hydroxypropyl) methacrylamide-based conjugates for passive tumor targeting with reduction-sensitive drug release: Proof of the concept, tumor accumulation, and biodistribution

In the field of drug delivery, many different carrier systems have been described to date, including nanoparticles, micelles, liposomes, and water-soluble polymer conjugates, where the active compound could be either incorporated non-covalently or linked to its carrier by a degradable chemical bond. In this study, we synthesized, characterized, and investigated the in vivo fate of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide-based polymer conjugates with a drug model bound via a disulfide bond, which is frequently cited in the literature as being completely stable in the bloodstream but readily cleaved after cell internalization. The concept was based on a “dual” labeling of N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide copolymers with two different fluorescent dyes, where the first dye was linked via a disulfide bond, thus representing a model drug, while the second dye was attached as an amide and served as a label for the polymer carrier. Two conjugates, differing in their molecular weights (30 and 104 kDa), were examined using a multispectral optical imaging technique in athymic nude mice inoculated with HT-29 and DLD-1 human colon carcinoma xenografts. Additionally, necropsied organs and tumors were examined ex vivo to obtain more detailed information about polymer and model drug biodistribution. In vivo results confirmed preferential tumor accumulation for both conjugates. Moreover, different fluorescence patterns for the polymer and drug model were observed in both mice and necropsied tumors, indicating tumor-specific “drug” release.
Spray Drying of High Sugar Content Foods: Improving of Product Yield and Powder Properties

Spray drying is the most preferred drying method to produce powdered food in the food industry and it is also widely used to convert sugar-rich liquid foods to a powder form. During and/or after spray drying process of sugar-rich products, undesirable situation was appeared such as stickiness, high moisture affinity (hygroscopicity) and low solubility due to low molecular weight monosaccharides that found naturally in the structure. The basis of these problems was formed by low glass transition temperature of sugar-rich products. This review gives information about the difficulties in drying of sugar-rich products via spray dryer, actions need to be taken against these difficulties and drying of sugar-rich honey and fruit juices with spray drying method.
Risk of Non-Mycobacterial Tuberculosis Infection Lurks Beneath the Water Surface

Submit Manuscript | http://medcraveonline.com licensed Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is not effective in preventing the disease. According to WHO, in 2014, 9.6 million people were TB positive and 1.5 million died of TB globally. Out of these, 80% of the cases were from developing countries such as India, Indonesia, Nigeria, China, Pakistan and South Africa. Factors that contribute to such high rates of death are HIV/ AIDS, multi-drug resistance (MDR-TB) and Non-TB mycobacterial infections (NTB). Globally, TB remains the most common cause of death in HIV patients.
Role of mast cells in cow metritis

Abstract Introduction: Bovine postpartum metritis causes great losses. Mast cell (MC)-released mediators participate in uterine inflammation and immune response, but their role in postpartum metritis in cows has not been reported. This study investigated the effect of endometrial MC on the disorder. Material and Methods: Ten dairy cows, at 6 to 10 days postpartum and with acute purulent metritis made up the experimental group, and 10 comparable healthy cows the control group. Endometrial histamine and IgE levels were determined by ELISA, and the MC particle state and expression of histamine H1 (H1R) and H2 (H2R) mRNA receptors were examined by transmission electron microscope and real-time quantitative PCR, respectively. Results: Endometrial histamine and IgE levels were significantly higher in the experimental group. In the control group, homogenously distributed size-varied granules were seen in MC cytoplasm of endometrium of lamina propria. In the experimental group however, these showed degranulation with features of reduction. The level of H1R mRNA was lower in the experimental group, but that of H2R mRNA was higher. Conclusion: The results suggest MC type I hypersensitivity characteristics during metritis, and histamine provocation of local inflammation. High expression of H2R and low expression of H1R inhibited the inflammatory response and prevented excessive uterine tissue damage.