Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Uso de biomarcadores para monitoramento das águas do Córrego Arara no município de Rio Brilhante, MS, Brasil

This study evaluated the mutagenicity, genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of water samples from the Arara Stream in the city of Rio Brilhante, MS, Brazil, by means of toxicological tests using biomarkers. The micronuclei test was used to evaluate mutagenicity, and the comet assay was used to evaluate genotoxicity; both tests used Astyanax altiparanae. The Allium cepa test was used to analyze cytotoxicity. The collections were performed in April and June, 2013, at three different points (points 1, 2 and 3) of the Arara Stream and at the Irrigation Tank of UFGD (point 4). The results indicated greater frequency of piscine micronucleus in the June collection than in that of April. In the Allium cepa test, the cytotoxic effect was significantly greater in the collection of April, but the genotoxicity of water showed no statistical difference between the months of collection. The greatest amount of damage in the comet assay occurred at point 4, in both collection periods. The chemical analyses revealed that the levels of cadmium, chromium, copper and nickel were higher than the values allowed by legislation. The presence of pollutants above the permitted level in the analyzed samples of the Arara Stream shows possible potential mutagenic, genotoxic and cytotoxic effects to the water bodies due to these pollutants which may or may not be caused by human action. This work may thus contribute an additional tool to the quality control of water of the Arara Stream, considering its use and importance to the city.
Purification and characterization of three amylases from viscera of hard clam Meretrix lusoria

: Three amylases were purified to electrophoretic homogeneity from viscera of hard clam Meretrix lusoria by ammonium sulfate fractionation, Sepharose 6B, DEAE-Sephadex A-50, Sephadex G-200 and PBE 94 chromatographies. The purified amylases had molecular masses of 49.6, 58.7 and 100 kDa and were designated AI-1, AI-2 and AII, respectively. Both AI-1 and AI-2 could digest amylose into glucose and maltose, while AII could digest amylose and pullulan into glucose. The optimal pH and temperatures for AI-1, AI-2 and AII were 7.0, 7.5 and 7.5, and 40, 50 and 50°C, respectively. According to the substrate specificity, the purified AI-1 and AI-2 were considered to be multifunctional exo- and endo-types of α-amylase-like enzymes, while AII was exo-type γ-amylase-like enzyme. They were Ca2+-independent enzymes.
The influence of tactile and other non‐chemical factors on the ovipositional responses of the generalist herbivore Epiphyas postvittana

A bioassay to test the ovipositional responses of the generalist herbivore, Epiphyas postvittana, was developed, and various non‐chemical factors that influenced the laying, and number of eggs laid, by females were tested. In choice experiments using various models, surface texture was found to be an important factor influencing ovipositional behaviour, with females preferring to lay on smoother rather than rougher surfaces. Another surface texture feature that influenced oviposition was a raised wax ridge on a smooth surface. The wax ridge stimulated more eggs to be laid within close proximity to the ridge. Observations of females showed that the increased numbers of eggs laid on models with a wax ridge resulted not from increased landing, time spent, or numbers of eggs laid per ovipositional bout, but rather through an increased probability of ovipositing after landing on models with a wax ridge compared to models without the ridge. Spatial features of the models were also found to influence egglaying by females. Females showed a tendency to lay on the upper rather than the lower surface of models, although this appeared to depend upon how stimulatory the upper surface of the model was. Females also laid more eggs on models with a dense array of leaves than on models with a more spread‐out array.
DNA Circular Game of Chaos

One of the most important aims in evolutionary biology is the search of historical as well as structural relationships among species. In this report, we show that traditional and well‐known results from the theory of nonlinear dynamics can provide a useful ground to achieve this end. In particular, we propose whole genome phylogenies treating DNA as a discrete sequence and then feeding it to a dynamical system.
Activity of Ligninolytic Enzymes during Growth and Fruiting Body Development of White Rot Fungi Omphalina sp. and Pleurotus ostreatus

The activity of ligninolytic enzymes of white rot fungi (WRF) Omphalina sp. and Pleurotus ostreatus was observed during somatic and fruiting body development in solid substrate fermentation using empty fruit bunches of oil palm (EFB). The enzyme activity was dominated by laccase both of Omphalina sp. and P. ostreatus. The laccase activity on somatic phase (mycelium growth) was higher compared to that of fruiting body formation phase. The laccase activity of Omphalina sp. was slightly higher compared to that of P. ostreatus. The peak activity of manganese peroxidase (MnP) for Omphalina sp. was observed two weeks after inoculation, while P. ostreatus had two peaks i.e. two and four weeks after inoculation period. The MnP activity of P. ostreatus was higher compared to that of Omphalina sp. Omphalina sp. growth in EFB did not secrete lignin peroxidase (LiP) in contrast to P. ostreatus. The peak of LiP activity of P. ostreatus was reached two and four weeks after inoculation. The MnP and LiP activities declined during the development of fruiting bodies while laccase increased both in Omphalina sp. and P. ostreatus. It seems that the activities of ligninolytic enzyme profile were regulated in line with developmental phase of growth both in Omphalina sp. and P. ostreatus. Key words: ligninolytic enzyme activity, Omphalina sp. , Pleurotus ostreatus, empty fruit bunches of oil palm
Geographic clines in body weight of Norwegian red deer: a novel explanation of Bergmann's rule?

Variation in body weight of red deer in Norway was investigated along two climatic gradients: one with increasing latitude, and the other with proximity to the coast. Deer of all sex/age classes were significantly heavier in the northern parts of their range compared with the south and were also significantly heavier at inland localities compared with the coast. Body weights were negatively correlated with temperature and precipitation throughout the years. These clines in body weight apparently support Bergmann's rule, and may reflect selection for large size in cold environments. However, we interpret the results in the light of recent work on plant physiology which indicates higher quality forage at high latitudes, and in cooler and drier climates: conditions which are likely lo enhance growth in the north and inland. Evidence that individual deer which migrate inland, following the snow melt, are heavier is also presented and discussed in terms of an adaptive behaviour that maximises the intake of digestible energy and high quality nutrients.
Parasites and Host Geographic Range as Illustrated by Waterfowl

Several papers have suggested that host species with larger geographic ranges tend to harbour a greater number of parasite species than those with smaller ranges. However, few of these investigations have dealt quantitatively with problems related to host sampling and/or phylogeny. This paper describes a positive relationship between the number of helminth parasite species per host and host species geographic range in Holarctic waterfowl. The analysis controls for the effects of differential sampling of host species and for the effects of taxonomic association. Neither host body size, population size, population density, nor social tendency correlate significantly with the number of parasite species per host corrected for number of hosts examined, and therefore association with these variables is unlikely to confound the relationship between parasites and host geo-
Protective Effect of Low Dose Melatonin on Radiation-Induced Damage to Rat Liver

Background: Melatonin is a free radical scavenger. It has also antioxidant effects through its stimulatory actions on antioxidant system. Objective: We conducted this study to examine the effect of different oral doses of melatonin on liver tissue. Methods: We used 42 rats—6 rats in each group. Group I served as the control group; group II rats were pretreated with only melatonin; group III was exposed to radiation only; and groups IV to VII were pretreated with different doses of melatonin (10, 100, 200, 400 μg/kg, respectively) and exposed to 6 Gy whole body gamma irradiation. Results: Whole body irradiation induced liver tissue damage by increasing malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations and decreasing glutathione (GSH) levels. Hepatic MDA levels in irradiated rats that were pretreated with oral administration of melatonin in Groups V, VI and VII, were significantly decreased, while the GSH levels were significantly increased. Conclusion: Oral administration of melatonin may prevent radiation-induced liver damage. This radio-protective effect is dose-dependent.
Glycan Analysis by Mass Spectrometry

近年の質量分析装置の著しい性能向上によって，プロテオーム解析が飛躍的に進展するとともに質量分析の糖鎖解析への応用も進んだ結果，質量分析は糖鎖解析の主要な分析法になった。 しかしながら，質量分析装置の操作性の向上によって多くの研究者が質量分析装置を気軽に扱えるようになったものの，糖鎖解析において質量分析はまだ発展途上の段階であり，解析を行うにあたっては質量分析装置の原理を理解するとともに，得られたマススペクトルを正しく理解することが重要となる。 本稿では，実例および留意点等を示しながら MALDI および ESI 質量分析による糖鎖解析について解説する。
Histological Expression of Metallothionein in the Developing Rat Placenta

In order to clarify the metallothionein (MT) localization in the developing placenta, we histologically investigated the sequential MT expression in placentas and fetal livers using pregnant rats during gestation days (GDs) 9 - 21. The placentas were sampled and weighed on GDs 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19 and 21. In the early post implantation period, the expression of MT was slightly detected in the yolk sac and the primary decidual zone around the embryo. MT was then mainly present in the deciduas parietalis and yolk sac. After the deciduas parietalis ruptured, MT was subsequently detected in the yolk sac and deciduas basalis. MT continued to be detected in the yolk sac until GD 21, but it was reduced in the deciduas basalis in accordance with development of the fetal liver with elevated MT expression. In conclusion, the main expression site of MT changes from the maternal placenta to the fetal placenta, and then to the fetal liver in accordance with the fetal development. However, we speculate that the MT-positive cells in the placenta are positioned between the maternal and embryonic environments throughout the gestation period and always surround the embryo/fetus.
Transmissão transovariana de Babesia bovis em Boophilus microplus: obtenção de cepa de carrapato livre de Babesia spp.

In this experiment part of the life cycle of Babesia bovis in its invertebrate host, the tick Boophilus microplus was studied. In order to evaluate the capacity of infection and transmission of B. bovis were collected semi-engorged females of B. microplus fed on carrier and ill bovines. In the 18th day after infestation, semi-engorged females were collected directly from bovine bodies and after 21st day engorged females dropped on the ground. All the collected groups were incubated at 27°C and relative humidity greater than 70%. At the 5th day of oviposition the diagnosis was made by direct examination of haemolymph smears. The biological test reveled that B. bovis transovarial transmission doesn't happer in semi-engorged females. The results offer a simple techique to obtain strains of ticks free of B. bovis.
Utilisation agricole de plantes aquatiques, notamment en tant qu'amendement des sols, dans la province de Thua Thien Hue, Centre Vietnam. 2. Relevé des pratiques de terrain, enquête auprès des agriculteurs, impact potentiel sur l'écologie de la lagune de Tam Giang.

Etant donne leur texture sableuse, les sols de la zone cotiere du Centre Vietnam et particulierement de la province de Thua Thien Hue presentent une fertilite naturelle limitee qui peut etre amelioree par l’apport d’amendements organiques. Dans cette region, nombre d’agriculteurs fertilisent leurs sols par des amendements de plantes aquatiques recoltees dans la lagune de Tam Giang. Le present article fournit des donnees quantitatives et qualitatives sur cette pratique locale, sur la base d’une enquete aupres des agriculteurs et d’observations de terrain au debut de l’annee 2005. Sur 60 agriculteurs interroges, 63% utilisent les plantes aquatiques pour fertiliser leurs cultures, principalement la patate douce, le manioc, le piment, le tabac et les legumes pour ceux qui en produisent; le riz et l’arachide sont rarement fertilises de cette maniere. Cette pratique est surtout repandue dans les communes du Nord de la lagune, avec une proportion de terres fertilisees de cette maniere depassant quelquefois 20%, et dans la zone sableuse entre la lagune et la mer, ou cette proportion est generalement de l’ordre de 10 a 20%. Les especes de la lagune les plus utilisees sont Najas indica, Vallisneria spiralis, Potamogeton malaianus et diverses especes algaires. Selon les estimations des agriculteurs, les quantites utilisees varient de 0,45 a 10 tonnes de matiere fraiche par an et par ferme, avec une moyenne de 3,5 tonnes. Les agriculteurs n’ont pas du tout conscience de l’impact possible du prelevement de plantes aquatiques sur la durabilite de cette ressource de la lagune, le developpement de l’aquaculture etant pointe comme premier responsable de la diminution de la biomasse observee en certains endroits par nombre d’entre eux.
Spatial distribution of lodgepole pine and white spruce seedling roots 10 years after deep tillage of a Gray Luvisol

L'objectif de cette etude etait de determiner si une modification mecanique des profils de sol ameliorerait l'enracinement des arbres. Le systeme racinaire de semis de pin tordu latifolie (Pinus contorta Loud. var. latifolia Engelm.) et d'epinette blanche (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) âges de 10 ans a ete examine dans un Luvisol gris orthique qui avait ete laboure par vibration-dechirement ou laisse non laboure. La distribution des racines a ete notee en les exposant dans des fosses de 1 x 1 x 1 m, creusees a une distance de 5 a 20 cm de la tige principale des semis. La limite des horizons et la localisation des racines de conifere ont ete dessinees sur une pellicule transparente placee sur la face verticale du profil de sol. Les dessins a deux dimensions ont ete numerises a l'aide du programme v.digit du logiciel Geographical Resources Analysis Support System (GRASS). La plus courte distance entre une racine et la limite superieure de l'horizon le plus pres a ete calculee. Le labourage a augmente la profondeur des grosses racines de conifere (>2 mm dia.) dans l'horizon Ae (8,5-18,5 cm de profondeur) et a accru leur densite dans l'horizon BA (18,5-48,5 cm de profondeur) compare au traitement temoin non laboure. Les petites racines (≤2 mm dia., mais non fibreuses) etaient plus profondes dans l'horizon Bt (48,5-88,5 cm de profondeur) dans les parcelles labourees que dans les parcelles temoins. Le labourage a augmente de facon marquee la croissance en hauteur des semis de pin tordu latifolie et d'epinette blanche compare aux parcelles non labourees, mais l'agregation du sol ou la masse volumique apparente du sol ne peuvent expliquer les reponses du systeme racinaire et de la tige.
Role of the F -BAR protein Hof -1 in the regulation of chitin synthesis and cytokinesis in yeast

Remodeling of the plasma membrane and extracellular matrix (ECM) at discrete cellular locations plays important roles in various cellular processes including angiogenesis and cytokinesis. In the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae , membrane trafficking delivers enzymes essential for the synthesis of the cell-wall (yeast ECM) component chitin to the bud neck at different phases of the cell cycle. During early stages of budding, a Chs3-synthesized chitin ring is deposited at the base of the new bud that is required for bud-neck integrity and normal cell shape. During cytokinesis, actomyosin ring contraction is linked to the formation of a Chs2-synthesized chitinous disk to divide the mother and daughter cells called the primary septum. Chs3-synthesized chitin also plays an auxiliary rote to Chs2 during cytokinesis. Here, I show that the F-BAR protein Hof1 is involved in the endocytic removal of Chs3 from the bud neck alter chitin ring deposition and possibly later after cytokinesis. I also discuss work to show that Hof1 is involved in the localization and function of Inn1, a C2-domain containing protein essential for synthesis of the primary septum during cytokinesis. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Cell & Molecular Biology First Advisor Erfei Bi
Effects of temperature and photoperiod on flowering in chickpeas (Cicer arietinum L. )

Factorial combinations of 2 photoperiods (12 and 15 h), 3 day temperatures (20, 25 and 30°C) and 3 night temperatures (10, 15 and 20°C) were imposed on nodulated plants of 9 genotypes, varying in maturity and seed type, grown in pots in growth cabinets. The times to first appearance of open flowers were recorded. For all genotypes, the rates of progress towards flowering (the reciprocals of the times taken to flower) were linear functions of mean temperature. There were no interactions between mean temperature and photoperiod but the longer photoperiod increased the rate of progress towards flowering. These effects were independent of both radiation integral (the product of irradiance and photoperiod) and the vegetative stature of the plant. Taken in conjunction with evidence from work on other long-day species, it is suggested that the photothermal response of flowering in chickpeas, over the range of environments normally experienced by the crop, may be described by the equation 1/f = a + bt + cp in which f is the number of days from sowing to first flower, t is the mean temperature and p is the photoperiod. The values of the constants a, b and c vary between genotypes. Genotypes ILC195 and ICC5810, insensitive to temperature and photoperiod, respectively, had the lowest values for b and c, respectively, suggesting that this equation provides a basis for screening genotypes for sensitivity to temperature and photoperiod.ADDITIONAL ABSTRACT:Factorial combinations of 2 photoperiods (12 and 15 h), 3 day temp. (20, 25 and 30°C) and 3 night temp. (10, 15 and 20°) were imposed on nodulated plants of 9 chickpea genotypes grown in pots in growth cabinets. The times to first appearance of open flowers were recorded. For all genotypes, the rates of progress towards flowering (the reciprocals of the times taken to flower) were linear functions of mean temp. There were no interactions between mean temp. and photoperiod but the longer photoperiod increased the rate of progress towards flowering. These effects were independent of both radiation integral (the product of irradiance and photoperiod) and the vegetative stature of the plant. Taken in conjunction with evidence from work on other long-day species, it is suggested that the photo-thermal response of flowering in chickpeas, over the range of environments normally experienced by the crop, may be described by the equation: 1/f = a + bt + cp in which f is the number of days from sowing to first flower, t is mean temp. and p is photoperiod. The values of the constants a, b and c vary between genotypes and provide the basis for screening genotypes for sensitivity to temp. and photoperiod.
Polypeptide and Protein Aggregates with Neurotoxic Properties in Neurodegenerative Disorders: Emphasis on β-Amyloid-Induced Dysfunction of Receptor-Mediated Signal Transduction Pathways

Polypeptides and proteins may undergo misfolding processes resulting in aggregates: oligomers and fibrils possessing toxic properties. In most cases a beta-structure will be formed with high tendency to form suprachemical structures, assemblies. The aggregation grade might play crucial role in the biological activities of protein assemblies. Protein aggregates bind to receptors or receptor complexes of neuronal and glial cells and activate signal transduction pathways. Beta amyloid may interact with Wnt receptors as well as increases the intracellular Ca-ion level in neurons. GSK-3beta activation causes tau-hyperphosphorylation and collaps of the microtubular system. �-amyloid triggers also a CD36 dependent signaling cascade and activates microglia. Other misfolded protein assemblies of alpha-synuclein, huntingtin and prion proteins similarly interact with receptor complexes and disturb signal transduction. Rational drug design may start after understanding these signalisation disturbances. Novel drugs will prevent receptor interaction with misfolded protein aggregates. Many neurodegenerative disorders are generally accepted to stem from pathological changes in the conformation of a given protein and thus, are characterized by the accumulation of extracellular and/or intracellular protein aggregates (Table 1). Although misfolded proteins are also considered to accumulate in neurons and glia as a result of physiological processes associated with ageing, protein overexpression and conformational rigidity has been shown to be particularly toxic to neurons under disease conditions. Significantly, neurons cannot dilute toxic, misfolded proteins through cell division, which coincides with a decreased proteasome and molecular chaperone activity (for a review, see (111,149)).
RETARDATION OF LIPID OXIDATION IN FISH OIL‐ENRICHED FISH PÂTÉ– COMBINATION EFFECTS

The oxidative stability during storage of fish pâte made from cod and enriched with 5% oil was investigated. Pâtes were produced with neat fish oil, pre-emulsified fish oil, microencapsulated fish oil, inert medium chain triacylglycerol (MCT) oil or a fish/rapeseed oil mixture. Addition of fish oil decreased the oxidative stability. Fish pâte with microencapsulated fish oil or MCT oil did not oxidize, whereas oxidation was slower in fish pâte with pre-emulsified oil compared with fish pâte with neat oil. Packaging in vacuum did not decrease oxidation. Fish pâtes with emulsified oil stored at 2 or 10C were equally stable. Mixing fish oil with rapeseed oil before emulsification slightly increased the stability of the fish pâtes. Addition of antimicrobial agents, sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate increased oxidative stability. It is recommended to produce enriched fish pâte by adding pre-emulsified fish oil or microencapsulated fish oil and store at preferentially 2–10C. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS The results from this study can directly be transferred to practical applications in the food industry. Thus, the study showed that fish oil-enriched fish pâte with an acceptable shelf life and good sensory properties can be produced if one or more of the following strategies are used: Use microencapsulated or pre-emulsified fish oil or pre-emulsified fish oil/rapeseed oil mixture as the fish oil delivery system and add antimicrobial agents to increase both microbial and oxidative stability. The fish pâte can be stored at temperatures up to 10C.