Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Can the invasive New Zealand mud snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) threaten fisheries of temperate lakes? A case study from Lake Dusia, Lithuania

Background. To date, numerous studies of the impact of snail Potamopyrgus antipodarum (Gray, 1843) on invaded ecosystems have been conducted. However, the majority of such studies intended to assess changes induced in macroinvertebrate assemblages, while the possible effects of P. antipodarum on higher trophic levels have not hitherto been studied. Of particular interest from the point of view of fisheries management is the elucidation of how this invasive snail can alter the energy flow towards higher trophic levels. When abundant, P. antipodarum consumes a substantial part of the primary production, but it is poorly consumed by native fishes. Consequently, part of its assimilated energy may become locked in lower trophic levels and fail to reach higher levels directly. Therefore, invasion of this snail may decrease fish production. Materials and methods. Several years after establishment of P. antipodarum in a temperate mesotrophic Lake Dusia, we assessed: (1) changes in the biomass of littoral macroinvertebrates (proxy to secondary production), (2) assimilation of P. antipodarum by benthivorous fish (energy flow), and (3) changes in growth and catches of littoral benthivorous fish (fish production). All the analyses were based on a merger of “grey” literature and original data during the preand post-invasion periods. Results. There was an evident increase in the biomass of littoral macroinvertebrates, and the assemblage changed from crustaceanto gastropod-dominated due to over-domination of P. antipodarum. However, P. antipodarum did not replace the native prey of fish. Moreover, a marked decrease was recorded in littoral fish growth and catches after the invasion of P. antipodarum. Conclusion. Dense populations of P. antipodarum may reduce the channelling of primary production towards higher trophic levels and, consequently, the invasion may threaten fisheries of temperate mesotrophic lakes.
Three-dimensional human axon tracts derived from cerebral organoids

Reestablishing cerebral connectivity is a critical part of restoring neuronal network integrity and brain function after trauma, stroke, and neurodegenerative diseases. Creating transplantable axon tracts in the laboratory is a novel strategy for overcoming the common barriers limiting axon regeneration in vivo, including growth-inhibiting factors and the limited outgrowth capacity of mature neurons in the brain. We describe the generation and phenotype of three-dimensional human axon tracts derived from cerebral organoid tissue. These centimeter-long constructs are encased in an agarose shell that permits physical manipulation and are composed of discrete cellular regions spanned by axon tracts and dendrites, mirroring the separation of grey and white matter in the brain. Features of cerebral cortex also are emulated, as evidenced by the presence of neurons with different cortical layer phenotypes. This engineered neural tissue has the translational potential to reconstruct brain circuits by physically replacing discrete cortical neuron populations as well as long-range axon tracts in the brain. eTOC Blurb Restoring axonal connectivity after brain damage is crucial for improving neurological and cognitive function. Cullen, et al. have generated anatomically inspired, three-dimensional human axon tracts projecting from cerebral organoids in a transplantable format that may facilitate the reconstruction of large-scale brain circuits. Highlights A neural tissue engineering approach is applied to human cerebral organoids. Three-dimensional axon tracts are generated in a transplantable format. The growth characteristics of the engineered axons are examined. The cellular phenotypes of the organoid tissue and axons are characterized.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa 1244 Pilin Glycan: Surface Location and Induction of Immune Response

P. aeruginosa 1244 pilin is covalently modified with a carbohydrate moiety, which is structurally similar to the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O-antigen repeating unit. Studies were conducted using transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with the monoclonal glycan-specific antibody, 11.14, to determine the location of the glycan. It was found that the glycan is evenly distributed over the entire surface of the pilin fiber and not restricted to the tip. The immunogenicity of the pilin glycan was also studied. Rabbits were immunized with pure LPS-free pili to determine if the pili produce anti-LPS antibodies. The serum obtained from the rabbits was analyzed using ELISA assay and was found to have a high titer of IgG anti-LPS antibodies. Mice were also immunized with pure reaggregated pili to determine a titer level to IgG, IgA, and IgM antibodies. A response was seen with the IgM antibodies in the serum, however the levels were similar to the sham-immunized mice. Protection studies were also conducted using the rabbit serum to determine if there was serum resistance or PMN killing. There was no serum sensitivity or PMN killing detected in the strains tested.
Chemical composition of thyme seeds Thymus vulgaris and its antimicrobial activity

The chemical composition of thyme seeds Thymus vulgaris and phytochemicals were investigated using standard analytical methods in order to assess the numerous potential of the plant seeds. The proximate analysis showed the percentages of moisture, ash, crude protein, lipids and crude fibers content of the seeds on dry weight basis as 7.00%, 10.00%, 7.55%, 35.00%, 9.87 % respectively. The qualitative determination of seeds showed the presence of phytochemicals tannins, alkaloids, resins, flavonoides, phenols, saponins and free of glycosides. The aqueous extract of the plant had acidic pH 6.2. Aqueous extracts were prepared in concentrations (25,50,75,100%) and alcoholic extracts 100% Each aqueous and alcohol extracts were tested for antimicrobial activity towards seven different strains of microorganisms included three bacterial which were Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus as well as four Fungal strains which were Alternaria alternata ,Aspergillus niger, Penecillium italicum and Trichoderma harzianum. The inhibitory activity of extracts were varying based on kind of extract, concentration and microorganism. It was shown that inhibition activity of aqueous extracts against Pseudomonas aeruginosa higher compared with other bacteria. The water extracts at (25,50,75) % concentration were not showed any inhibition effect against Staphylococcus aureus. The alcoholic extract was more effect on Pseudomonas aeruginosa than another bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Each aqueous and alcohol extracts displayed antifungal activity it was observed decline in diameter growth with increased of aqueous extracts concentrations. The aqueous extract 100% had high inhibition activity compared with other aqueous extracts This study confirms that thyme is one of plants that can used of its extracts in field of food preservation and the medicine. The presence of phytochemicals indicates its importance as a source of useful drugs.
Comparative Histologic Evaluation of Vertebrate Ovaries

Comparative Anatomy is a subspecialty of Anatomical Sciences that deals with/involves the possible existing structural relatedness in organisms. By careful description of specific structures, organs or systems, comparisons are made that draw similarities or differences between organs. The aim of this area in Anatomy was to provide evolutionary or adaptive explanations for detected characteristics – including maintaining the ancestral line.Materials and MethodsPermission for this descriptive and observational study was obtained from the research and ethics committee of the Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Biology, Delta State University, Abraka (Number DELSU/CHS/ANA/118). Five female animals of the vertebrate class were used for the study (one from each vertebrate class). The animals included: cat fish (Clariasgariepinus); toad (Bufobufo); agama lizard (Agama agama); domestic chicken (Gallus gallusdomesticus) and the Wistar rat (Rattusnorvegicus). ResultsAll the studied vertebrates except mammals showed growth and maturation of several follicles confirming the characteristic of multiple gestation characteristic of these animals. The phases of growth were very similar in all of the studied organisms. These follicles were disposed in a fibrous stroma capable of influencing the activity of the ovary, Lacunae were only found in birds and mammals.ConclusionThe index study revealed several significant findings especially the occurrence of multiple stages of germ cell development in the female vertebrate gonads. These observations provided a vivid histologic basis for the argument of a common ancestral origin of the animal phylum albeit against the background of extensive impact of adaptational factors.
Progresses on Metagenomic Airbiome Studies

The term microbiome refers to the collective genome of the microbial communities living in various environments/habitats, and recently, the understanding of microbiome have been significantly enhanced by metagenomic studies. The data at hand regarding marine and soil-related microbial communities is much more than that of the air, which is typically not colonized, and the number of publications sharp contrasts to those of air. Aerosols of biological origin (bioaerosols) are a subset of atmospheric particulate matter (PM), which are emitted directly from the biosphere into the atmosphere, and play a vital role in the system of theEarth, particularly in the interactions between atmosphere, biosphere, climate and public health. However, these particles could either be the direct cause of epidemics of infectious diseases or noninfectious diseases (e.g. hypersensitivity to aeroallergens). These bioparticles emitted by humans or re-suspended from surfaces in indoor environments are also challenging for infection control and safety. It is estimated that humans emit approximately 106 particles per hour into the surrounding air under seated conditions. The sources, abundance, composition and effects of bioaerosols and the atmospheric microbiome are not yet well characterized; however, there is a continually increasing number of published studies. In this review, current progresses and conducted studies on airborne metagenomics were described and the health effects of aerosols to global perspective were overviewed.
Characterization of cell lines resistant to topoisomerase targeting drugs and mechanistic studies of Quinoxaline solid tumor drugs - a new chemical class of topoisomerase II poisons /

Topoisomerases are ubiquitous enzymes and play critical roles in nearly all aspects o f DNA metabolism including replication, transcription, and chromosome segregation. Topoisomerases are common targets for important antineoplastic agents. Drug resistance is one o f the causes o f failure of chemotherapy. To improve our understanding o f the mechanism of the drug resistance to topoisomerase-targeted drugs, we selected and characterized four resistant cell lines. In the camptothecin (a topoisomerase I poison) resistant 10cRS22 cells, topoisomerase I was greatly decreased. Topoisomerase Ha is dramatically decreased and topoisomerase Up is undetectable in AMSA-r cells, the m-AMSA (a topoisomerase II poison) resistant cells These drug resistant cell lines are derived from African green monkey kidney CV-1 cells, which are a permissive host for simian virus 40 (SV40). Using these drug resistant cell lines and the SV40 DNA replication system, we have successfully identified topoisomerase lip as the cellular target o f XK469, a solid tumor selective drug. Several lines o f evidence showed that XK469 is a highly specific topoisomerase np poison. No specific topoisomerase Hp poison has been described previously. The unique solid tumor specificity of XK469 may be related to the pattern of topoisomerase Iip regulation during the cell cycle. We also showed that topoisomerase np knockout cells are more resistant to XK469 than topoisomerase Up normal cells. This argues strongly that topoisomerase Up is a cytotoxic target and is the major cytotoxic target of XK469. Chloroquinoxaline sulfonamide (chlorosulfaquinoxaline, CQS, NSC 339004) is active against murine and human solid tumors. Based on its structural similarity to the topoisomerase Iip-specific drug, XK469, CQS was tested and found to be both a topoisomerase Ha and a topoisomerase lip poison. Topoisomerase II poisoning by CQS is essentially undetectable in assays using the common protein dénaturant sodium dodecyl sulfate, but easily detectable with strong chaotropic protein dénaturants. The finding that detection of topoisomerase poisoning can be so dependent on the protein dénaturant used in the assay has implications for drug discovery efforts and for our understanding of topoisomerase poisons. Topoisomerase poisons stimulate DNA cleavage in a sequence-selective manner. We identified the sequence selectivity of XK469 and CQS by DNA cleavage assay, which is considered direct evidence for a topoisomerase poison. By using this assay, we also showed that ICRF-193, that was believed to be a topoisomerase II catalytic inhibitor, is also a topoisomerase II poison with selectivity for the topoisomerase np isozyme with the requirement for choatropic protein dénaturants in the topoisomerase poison assays.
Neurofibromin is essential to maintain metabolic function and sustain life in the adult mouse

The consequences of pathogenic variants in the NF1 gene can manifest in numerous tissues as a result of loss of neurofibromin protein function(s). A known function of NF1 is negative regulation of p21ras signaling via a GTPase activating (Ras-GAP) domain. Besides modulation of Ras signaling as a tumor suppressor, other functions of this multi-domain protein are less clear. Biallelic inactivation of NF1 leads to an embryonic lethal phenotype, while neurofibromin is expressed at varying levels in most tissues beyond developmental stages. Taking advantage of the mouse genetics toolkit, we established novel tamoxifen-inducible systemic knockout Nf1 mouse models (C57BL/6) to gain a better understanding of the role of Nf1 in the adult (3-4 months) mouse. Following inactivation of floxed Nf1 alleles, adult CAGGCre-ERTM;Nf14F/4F mice lose function of Nf1 systemically. Both male and female animals do not survive beyond 11 days post-tamoxifen induction and exhibit histological changes in multiple tissues. During this acute crisis, CAGGCre-ERTM;Nf14F/4F mice are not able to maintain body temperature or body mass, and expend all adipose tissue; however, they continue to consume food and absorb calories comparable to littermate-paired controls. Targeted metabolite analyses and indirect calorimetry studies revealed altered fat metabolism, amino acid metabolism and energy expenditure, with animals undergoing metabolic crisis and torpor-like states. Thermoneutral conditions accelerated the acute, lethal phenotype coincident with lower food intake. This study reveals that systemic loss of neurofibromin in the adult mouse induces metabolic dysfunction and lethality, thus highlighting potential functions of this multi-domain protein in addition to tumor suppression.
Polymorphism identification in the goat THRSP gene and association analysis with growth traits

Abstract. cIn this study, we reported the analysis of THRSP gene polymorphisms in 610 goats of three breeds: Xinong Saanen (SN), Guanzhong (GZ) and Boer (BG). We identified new allelic variant: P2-G39294A (GenBank acc. no. JN618075) in the three goat breeds. At P2 locus, GG, GA and AA genotypes were found in the three goat breeds. The frequencies of G allele were 0.54–0.55 and frequencies of A allele were 0.46–0.45, and the PIC was 0.37. The SNP locus was in Hardy-Weinberg disequilibrium in Boer goat breed ( P P
The epidermal structure of Camptotheca acuminata leaf

The epidermal structure of mature leaf of Camptotheca acuninata has been examined with LM. and SEM. Observed in the present work were epidermal cells, stomatal apparatues, epidemal hairs, culticular membrane and wax omamention of upper and lower epidermis. It is found that there are significant morphological differences between the upper and lower epidermis layer. The stomata are stricted to the lower epidermis. The type of stomatal apparatues is anomocytic. Two stomata set close to each other can be observed. The unicellular non-glandular trichomes are distributed in the upper and lower epidemis.
Myosin driven Actin Filament Sliding is Responsible for Endoplasmic Reticulum and Golgi Movement

The plant secretory pathway is responsible for the production of the majority of proteins and carbohydrates consumed on the planet. The early secretory pathway is composed of Golgi bodies and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and is highly mobile in plants with rapid remodelling of the ER network. The dynamics of the ER and Golgi bodies is driven by the actin cytoskeleton and myosin motor proteins play a key role in this. However, exactly how myosin motor proteins drive remodelling in plants is currently a contentious issue. Here, using a combination of live cell microscopy and over-expression of non-functional myosins we demonstrate that myosin motor proteins drive actin filament sliding and subsequently the dynamics of the secretory pathway. Summary In plants, the actin cytoskeleton and myosins are fundamental for normal dynamics of the endomembrane system and cytoplasmic streaming. We demonstrate that this is in part due to myosin driven sliding of actin filaments within a bundle. This generates, at least in part, the motive force required for cell dynamics in planta.
Autophagy is essential for optimal Fe translocation to seeds in Arabidopsis

Micronutrient deficiencies affect a large part of the world population. They are mostly due to the consumption of grains with insufficient content of Fe or Zn. Both de novo uptake by roots and recycling from leaves may provide seeds with nutrients. Autophagy, which is a conserved mechanism for nutrient recycling in eukaryotes, was shown to be involved in nitrogen remobilization to seeds. Here, we have investigated the role of this mechanism in micronutrient translocation to seeds. We found that several Arabidopsis thaliana plants impaired in autophagy display defects in nutrient remobilization to seeds. In atg5-1 mutant, which is completely defective in autophagy, the efficiency of Fe translocation from vegetative organs to seeds was severely decreased even when Fe was provided during seed formation. Combining atg5-1 with sid2 mutation that counteracts premature senescence associated to autophagy deficiency and using 57Fe pulse labeling, we could propose a two-step mechanism in which iron taken up de novo during seed formation is first accumulated in vegetative organs and subsequently remobilized to seeds. Finally, we showed that translocations of zinc and manganese to seeds are also dependent on autophagy. Fine tuning autophagy during seed formation opens therefore new possibilities to improve micronutrient remobilization to seeds.
Hypertension Is Associated with a Higher Progression Rate of Insulin Resistance and the Incidence of Diabetes

Background: Hypertension is a risk factor of diabetes. However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated. Therefore, we investigated this issue in a prospective cohort in Taiwan. Methods: A total of 1177 subjects without diabetes at baseline were enrolled from 20to 2016 at National Taiwan University Hospital Yun-Lin branch with a median follow-up period of 4.5 years. Diabetes was diagnosed by the results of OGTT and HbA1c, or if antidiabetic agents were used. Insulin resistance index by the Homeostatic model assessment 2 (HOMA2-IR) were used to estimate insulin resistance. Results: Subjects with hypertension by the JNC7 criteria had higher HOMA-IR at baseline and was associated with increased incidence of diabetes, adjusted for HOMA2-%B, HOMA2-IR, BMI, HbA1c, plasma triglyceride, age, gender, family history of diabetes and plasma CRP (adjusted HR 1.51, 95% CI 1.04-2.20, p=0.030). Subjects with treated hypertension had the highest risk of diabetes, followed by subjects with newly-diagnosed hypertension, compared with subjects with pre-hypertension and normal subjects. The progression rate of HOMA2-IR every 5 years (δHOMA2-IR/5 year) was higher in subjects with hypertension than in subjects without hypertension (adjusted p=0.001). Subjects with treated hypertension had the highest δHOMA2-IR/5 year, followed by subjects with newly-diagnosed hypertension, compared with normal subjects (adjusted p for trend=0.05). However, hypertension by the 2017 ACC/AHA criteria was not significantly associated with incident diabetes in adjusted models. The δHOMA2-IR/5 year for hypertension by this criteria was lower than that by the JNC7 criteria. Conclusion: Hypertension is associated with an accelerated progression of insulin resistance and an increased risk of diabetes. Application of 2017 ACC/AHA criteria for hypertension attenuates the associations. Disclosure C. Lin: None. H. Li: None.
Using native plants to create pollinator habitat in southwest Oregon: lessons learned

ABSTRACT:Worldwide pollinator decline has led to efforts in southwest Oregon to grow locally adapted native plants in pollinator gardens and landscape-scale pollinator habitat restoration projects. Pollinators depend on native plants for their life cycles. Native plants provide food for adults and larvae, and many pollinators are dependent on very specific plant genera, such as the monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus Linnaeus [Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae]), which uses only milkweed (Asclepias L. [Asclepiadaceae]) as a larval host plant. Characteristics of desirable pollinator plants should be considered when creating pollinator habitat. Native plants support more biodiversity than do non-native plants or native plant cultivars. Selecting a palette of pollinator plants that bloom throughout the growing season ensures sufficient food for pollinators when they are active. Early-season and late-season blooming plants are especially important. A local guidebook, Native Pollinator Plants for Southern Oregon, was written to help gardeners and land managers in southern Oregon choose native pollinator plants. A National Fish and Wildlife Foundation grant has funded the Southwest Oregon Monarch Habitat Restoration Initiative, which will enable planting more than 120 ha (300 ac) with native milkweed and other source-identified and locally adapted native plants to help create breeding habitat for the western monarch butterfly in southwestern Oregon. The 2-y project will occur on 6 project areas on public and private lands and will establish a minimum of 50 surviving milkweed plants per acre.Landis TD, Savoie S. 2018. Using native plants to create pollinator habitat in southwest Oregon: lessons learned. Native Plants Journal 19(1): 27–39.
Cinética de degradación ruminal in vitro de dietas con manzarina y rastrojo de maíz en ovinos

espanolEl objetivo fue evaluar la degradabilidad de la manzarina como concentrado proteico mediante degradacion ruminal in vitro por produccion de gas de cuatro dietas a base de rastrojo de maiz como forraje y mezclas de diferentes proporciones de manzarina y harinolina en el concentrado. Los parametros de cinetica de degradabilidad mostraron una tendencia lineal para A (p EnglishThe objective of this study was to evaluate the degradability of fermented apple pomace as protein concentrate in the rumen by measuring in vitro gas production of four diets based on corn stubble as fodder and mixtures of different proportions of fermented apple pomace and cottonseed meal in the concentrate. The degradability kinetics parameters showed a linear trend for A (p