Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Review Article: Biotechnological approaches to improve sugarcane crop with special reference to disease resistance

Research on sugarcane biotechnology began in the 1960s with in vitro culture. Serious efforts to improve sugarcane crops by molecular approaches have commenced only in the past two decades. There is an increasing pressure worldwide to enhance the productivity of sugarcane in order to sustain profitable sugar industries, while there are several diseases attacking sugarcane and reducing the quality of the crop. Biotechnological approaches for sugarcane improvement have been applied in the areas of: (1) cell and tissue culture for rapid propagation genetic transformation and molecular breeding, (2) engineering novel genes into commercial cultivars, (3) molecular diagnostics of sugarcane pathogens, (4) developing genetic maps using molecular marker technology, (5) understanding the molecular basis of sucrose accumulation in the stem, (6) molecular testing of plants for clonal fidelity, (7) variety identification and (8) molecular characterization of various traits. Most of the current research in sugarcane bi.
Dietary supplementation with leaf extract of Beta vulgaris L. var. benghalensis Hort. in modifying cytotoxicity of lead subacetate in mouse in vivo

A crude extract of leaves of Indian spinach (Beta vulgaris L. var. benghalensis Hort.) was observed to modify significantly the cytotoxic effects of a known carcinogen, lead subacetate in mice in vivo. Laboratory bred male Swiss albino mice were fed by gavaging the crude extract for 7 days daily (1.5 g fresh weight of leaf per kg b.w. of animal). On day 7, mice were injected intraperitoneally with three concentrations of the carcinogen (20, 30, 50 mg/kg b.w.). Chromosomes were studied from bone marrow cells, 24 h after exposure, following colchicine‐fixative‐air drying‐Giemsa schedule. The endopints screened were chromosomal aberrations (CA) and damaged cells (DC). Lead subacetate, given alone, induced both CA and DC in frequencies directly related to the concentration. The leaf extract given alone, did not induce any aberrations. Prior priming with the extract as a dietary supplement reduced significantly the cytotoxic effects of the two lower concentrations of the carcinogen. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Agonist-induced Formation of Opioid Receptor-G Protein-coupled Receptor Kinase (GRK)-Gβγ Complex on Membrane Is Required for GRK2 Function in Vivo*

G protein-coupled receptor kinases (GRKs) catalyze agonist-induced receptor phosphorylation on the membrane and initiate receptor desensitization. Previous in vitro studies have shown that the binding of GRK to membrane-associated Gβγ subunits plays an important role in translocation of GRK2 from the cytoplasm to the plasma membrane. The current study investigated the role of the interaction of GRK2 with the activated δ-opioid receptor (DOR) and Gβγ subunits in the membrane translocation and function of GRK2 using intact human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Our results showed that agonist treatment induced GRK2 binding to DOR, GRK2 translocation to the plasma membrane, and DOR phosphorylation in cells expressing the wild-type DOR but not the mutant DOR lacking the carboxyl terminus, which contains all three GRK2 phosphorylation sites. DORs with the GRK2 phosphorylation sites modified (M3) or with the acidic residues flanking phosphorylation sites mutated (E355Q/D364N) failed to be phosphorylated in response to agonist stimulation. Agonist-induced GRK2 membrane translocation and GRK-receptor association were observed in cells expressing M3 but not E355Q/D364N. Moreover, over-expression of Gβγ subunits promoted GRK2 binding to DOR, whereas over-expression of transducin α or the carboxyl terminus of GRK2 blocked binding. Further study demonstrated that agonist stimulation induced the formation of a complex containing DOR, GRK2, and Gβγ subunits in the cell and that agonist-stimulated formation of this complex is essential for the stable localization of GRK2 on the membrane and for its catalytic activity in vivo.
Estimating the lipid content of pelagic fish in the southern Benguela by visual assessment of their mesenteric fat

A technique to estimate the lipid content of anchovy Engraulis encrasicolus and sardine Sardinops sagax using visual assessments of mesenteric fat is described. Anchovy are allocated to one of five and sardine to one of seven fat stages, depending upon the amount of fat associated with their intestine and stomach respectively. The accuracy of this technique was evaluated by relating body (less gonad) lipid content to fat stage and other morphometric parameters (fish length and mass) through general linear modelling; significant relationships for both species were derived. Fat stage by itself is a good predictor of anchovy body lipid content and accounts for 75% of the observed variability in body lipid content, whereas fat stage and fish mass together account for most of the variability (89%) in body lipid content of sardine. Application of the fat staging technique has revealed both spatial and temporal variability in pelagic fish condition. Spatially, the condition of anchovy recruits is higher off the South African west coast than the south coast, whereas the condition of anchovy adults increases in an eastward direction over the Agulhas Bank. Temporally, anchovy recruits exhibit marked interannual variability in their fat stage distributions, and sardine spawners show clear seasonal changes in their mean fat stage that are inversely related to their mean gonadosomatic index. This technique has the advantages of being quick and easy to apply, requires no specialised equipment and is cheap, and is therefore well-suited for use at sea. These factors, together with good reproducibility and accuracy, demonstrate its efficacy as a method for assessing the condition of pelagic fish.
Epigenetics in High‐Grade Astrocytomas

Abstract: Human high‐grade astrocytomas (HGA) are the most prevalent incurable brain tumors. We found that the vast majority of HGA patients overexpress a restricted receptor for an immune regulatory cytokine, interleukin 13 (IL‐13). Interestingly, the HGA‐associated restricted receptor protein IL‐13Rα2 is expressed in the testes, and its gene is localized to chromosome X. These mirror the expression pattern and genomic localization of cancer/testes tumor antigens (CTA). Hypothetical considerations and now experimental evidence are beginning to point towards epigenetics, and DNA methylation alterations in particular, as being responsible for the appearance in cancer of CTA, including IL‐13Rα2. In line with our interest in the X chromosome and oncogenesis, we have identified a new ubiquitous angiogenic factor in HGA, a vascular endothelial growth factor‐D (VEGF‐D). We have also demonstrated that the activating protein‐1 (AP‐1) family of transcription factors play a potentially critical role in the progression of gliomas by eliciting uncontrolled upregulation of VEGF‐D and other compounds essential for cancer cell proliferation, tumorigenesis, and infiltration. The possibility exists that an unopposed constitutive increase in AP‐1 activity in HGA is related to epigenetic silencing of the inhibitors of AP‐1 activity. These phenomena offer potential targets for exploitation in either prevention or early detection of brain tumors. For example, anticancer vaccines against shared CTA could help in prevention of HGA development. Furthermore, drugs with anti‐AP‐1 activity could be effective in preventing formation/progression of HGA, or progression from less malignant lower grade gliomas to HGA. Also, circulating antibodies against CTA and factors that are AP‐1 regulated may provide a useful tool in early detection of brain tumors or for monitoring their progression following initial treatment.
The olfactory organ of the hardhead sea catfish, Arius felis (L.): gross morphology and fine structure

The olfactory organ of the hardhead sea catfish, Arius felis(L.), was investigated morphologically by means of light and electron microscopy (SEM, TEM). The two rather large nostrils of each side lie close together, surrounded by upstanding margins. The olfactory rosette consists of a midline raphe with two rows of lamellae. The sensory epithelium on the lamellae is almost continuous and contains receptor cells of both the ciliated and the microvillous type. Ciliated non–sensory cells are scattered throughout the sensory epithelium. Accessory ventilation sacs are lacking. The shape, position and size of the nostrils indicate that forward motion of the fish creates the water current through the olfactory organ (kolymbosmates). The scattered non–sensory cilia may aid in ventilation. The olfactory organ of A. felisdiffers from that of the other marine catfish, Plotosus lineatus, and from those of freshwater catfishes. The morphological differences are discussed with respect to species–specific behavioural activities.
Metabolism of Human Gamma Microglobulins

Birke, G. , Norberg, R. , Olhagen, B. & Plantin, L. -O. Metabolism of Human Gamma Macroglobulins. Scand. J. clin. Lab. Invest. 19, 171-180, 1967. The metabolism of gamma M-globulin was studied in 4 cases with macroglobulinaemia and 4 controls. The macroglobulinaemic cases received autologous preparations, one of them got his own cryoglobulin, two controls with severe cerebral lesions received gamma M-globulin prepared from macroglobulinaemic serum and 2 controls received gamma M-globulin from pooled normal sera.The fractional catabolic rate was independent of the serum gamma M-globulin level. It was found to be around 10 per cent, corresponding in the controls to 0.1-0.4 g per day and in macroglobulinaemia to 3.8-18.8 g per day.The macroglobulins remained predominantly in the intra-vascular compartment.Special attention was directed to the question of the metabolic behaviour of autologous and homologous gamma M-globulin. The metabolic data argued in favour of different initial treatment of homologous and aut.
AUXIN-SYNTHESIS INHIBITION BY SUGARS, NOTABLY BY GALACTOSE

SUMMARY In decapitated Avena coleoptiles the regeneration of the physiological tip is inhibited by glucose, galactose, lactose and raffinose. Galactose is the strongest inhibitor, and a further analysis of its action indicates that it inhibits auxin synthesis. The galactose effect is not antagonized by other sugars. Sucrose, maltose, fructose, rhamnose and ribulose have no influence on the regeneration.
Progressive recovery of a tropical deforested stream community after a flash flood

AIM: In this study, we evaluated and compared community attributes from a tropical deforested stream, located in a pasture area, in a period before (PRED I) and three times after (POSD I, II, and III) a flash flood, in order to investigate the existence of temporal modifications in community structure that suggests return to conditions previous to the flash flood. METHODS: Biota samples included algae, macrophytes, macroinvertebrates, and fish assemblages. Changes in stream physical structure we also evaluated. Similarity of the aquatic biota between pre and post-disturbance periods was examined by exploratory ordination, known as Non-Metric Multidimensional Scaling associated with Cluster Analysis, using quantitative and presence/absence Bray-Curtis similarity coefficients. Presence and absence data were used for multivariate correlation analysis (Relate Analysis) in order to investigate taxonomic composition similarity of biota between pre and post-disturbance periods. RESULTS: Our results evidenced channel simplification and an expressive decrease in richness and abundance of all taxa right after the flood, followed by subsequent increases of these parameters in the next three samples, indicating trends towards stream community recovery. Bray-Curtis similarity coefficients evidenced a greater community structure disparity among the period right after the flood and the subsequent ones. Multivariate correlation analysis evidenced a greater correlation between macroinvertebrates and algae/macrophytes, demonstrating the narrow relation between their recolonization dynamics. CONCLUSIONS: Despite overall community structure tended to return to previous conditions, recolonization after the flood was much slower than that reported in literature. Finally, the remarkably high flood impact along with the slow recolonization could be a result of the historical presence of anthropic impacts in the region, such as siltation, riparian forest complete depletion, and habitat simplification, which magnified the effects of a natural disturbance.
The effect of adding sour cherry pulp into yoghurt on the physicochemical properties, phenolic content and antioxidant activity during storage

This study investigated the effect of adding sour cherry pulp into yoghurt on its physicochemical properties, phenolic content, antioxidant activity and sensory characteristics. Sour cherry pulp was added at 0%, 8%, 12% and 16% into the yoghurt, and measures were checked through 14 days cold storage. The increasing sour cherry pulp concentration in yoghurt resulted in increasing pH and whey separation, whereas the values of the other parameters, total solid, fat, protein, ash, titratable acidity and viscosity decreased. During storage, total phenolic contents and antioxidant activity in yoghurts ranged from 20 to 81 lg gallic acid equivalent per mg of sample and from 48% to 86%, respectively.
Bioassays and Field Studies for Allelopathy in Terrestrial Plants: Progress and Problems

Bioassays are an integral part of allelopathy research. The unsuitability of laboratory bioassays to explain field situations is discussed previously. In this article, we discuss progress in bioassay experimental design and several unresolved problems associated with research on allelopathy. The objectives of this article are to discuss problems related to (1) collection of allelopathic material for bioassay, (2) allelochemical quantification in bioassays, (3) selection of concentration of allelochemicals in bioassay, (4) selection of appropriate control, (5) interaction between allelochemicals and other substances, and (6) in situ allelochemical bioassays. We concluded that new experimental designs for in situ bioassay are needed that can account for the large number of confounding factors in a complex field environment, and can be linked to physiological monitoring of target species and biochemical monitoring of the growth medium. Referee: Dr. Stella Elakovich, Dept. of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg, MS 390406-5043
Caso fatal de adiaspiromicose pulmonar humana

A fatal case of human pulmonary adiaspiromycosis is reported. The patient, a male farm laborer from Pernambuco, in the Northeastern part of Brazil, had moved to Planaltina, DF. , one year prior the onset of his illness. The main clinical manifestations consisted in fever, myalgia, cough and dyspnea. After being sick for five weeks, the patient developed severe respiratory failure and died. Grossly, disseminated nodular lesions, a few millimeters in diameter, were observed throughout the lobes of both lungs. Microscopically, round structures, up to 600 /mi in diameter, with a thick membrane, identified as adiaconidia of Chrysosporium parvum var. crescens, were seen in the center of the nodular lesions. These adiaconidia appeared predominantly inside microabscesses or necrotic areas, both surrounded by a granulomatous reaction. The pulmonary alveoli not affected by the nodular lesions contained an inflammatory exudate composed of macrophages and neutrophils. The finding of several non-fatal cases of the disease in the area of the Federal District suggests that adiaspiromycosis is endemic in the Central Brazilian Plateau region, where the dry, warm and windy climate, particulary from August to October, may provide the appropriate environmental conditions for the dissemination of C. parvum conidia.
Daily variations in oxygen consumption, antioxidant defenses, and lipid peroxidation in the gills and hepatopancreas of an estuarine crab

This study identified daily variations in oxygen consumption, antioxidant-defense system, and lipoperoxidation in the gills and hepatopancreas of the crab Chasmagnathus granulata (Dana, 1851) (Decapoda, Brachyura). In gills, oxygen consumption was higher in the early afternoon and in the middle of the night (p 0.05). Oxygen consumption in the hepato pancreas showed a similar profile to that in gills, i.e., higher values in the early afternoon and the middle of the night. Glutathione-S-transferase activity and lipoperoxidation levels showed significant variation, with lower values during the afternoon and peaks in the middle of the night (p < 0.05). Catalase activity was significantly higher (p < .
The biochemical mode of action of some modern anthelmintics

The possible biochemical modes of action of levamisole, morantel, benzimidazoles and salicylanilides are discussed. It is concluded that the modes of action of none of these anthelmintics is properly understood, but it seems likely that levamisole and pyrantel act on the nematode nervous system, benzimidazoles affect cellular integrity and the uncoupling properties of salicylanilides could enable them to act at several sites.
Cost-benefit relationships in fronds emerging at different times in a deciduous fern, Pteridium aquilinum

We studied the life-span and ecophysiological traits of "leaves" (fronds) that emerged at different times dur- ing the growing season in a deciduous herbaceous fern, Pteridium aquilinum (L.) Kuhn (in this paper we use "leaves" for fronds to be consistent with other studies on leaf phenology). Leaf life-span was shorter in later than in early co- horts. Leaf construction cost per unit mass was nearly constant among cohorts. Later cohorts had a lower leaf construc- tion cost per unit leaf area with a lower leaf mass per area. Leaf life-span was positively correlated with construction cost per unit area. Late cohorts showed a slightly higher leaf nitrogen content per unit mass, but a lower nitrogen con- tent per unit leaf area with a lower light-saturated photosynthesis per unit area. Light-saturated photosynthesis per unit area was positively correlated with leaf life-span. The ratio of leaf construction cost to light-saturated photosynthesis was lower in late cohorts, and the ratio was nearly proportional to leaf life-span, suggesting that late cohorts may pay back the construction cost despite their shorter life-span.
Evaluation of Irrigation Practices for Growth, Biomass Production, and Nutrient Partitioning in Eucalyptus camaldulensis Plants in Indian Dry Zone

Supplemental irrigation is essential to increase tree productivity in dry areas to fulfill the local needs. One-year-old Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh plants were planted in July 1998 and supplemental irrigation was provided at 36.2 mm (I1), 26.5 mm (I2), 20.2 mm (I3), 18.1 mm (I4), and live saving (I5). Frequency and quantity of irrigation increased with an increase in irrigation level enhancing plant height, collar diameter, and biomass. These variables were highest at I1, but water use efficiency (WUE) was highest at I2. Dry biomass production increased from 1.18 kg plant−1 at I5 to 13.75 kg plant−1 at I1 at 24-month age. Biomass allocation to root increased from I1 to I5 but it was at the expense of leaf and branches. Height, collar diameter, dry biomass, and nutrient uptake indicated a non-linear increase with total quantity of water. Partitioning of N, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn was greater to stem; and those of P, K, and Ca was greater to leaf than to the other parts. Conclusively, I3 and I4 levels supported establishment whereas I2 level was best for growth and productivity of E. camaldulensis plants in dry areas. The I1 level could be tried to increase water use and reduce salinity buildup.
Walk the talk, don't eat it: a call for sustainable seafood leadership from marine scientists

SUMMARY Fisheries stocks are rapidly declining around the world. A reduction in the consumption of unsustainable seafood may help curb this decline. Sustainable seafood consumption is not commonplace, even in the marine science and conservation community. The frequency of unsustainable and/or unlabelled seafood at marine science and conservation meetings motivates this enquiry and call for leadership. Information about the species served and where they were caught/farmed was obtained for seven marine ecology and conservation meetings held in Australia, attended by c. 4000 people from around the world. Menu item sustainability was assessed according to the relevant sustainable seafood guide, which considered stock status and impact of fishing/aquaculture method. Seafood was served at all meetings; four meetings served at least one unsustainable species, and only two meetings served a sustainable species. Additional leadership by marine scientists, especially conservationists, is urgently required to turn science into action and ensure that sustainable seafood is available, not only at meetings, but more widely, to achieve a positive conservation outcome.
Die Hautdurchblutung des Menschen — Möglichkeiten zur Objektivierung von Hautreaktionen†

Fur die Messung der Hautdurchblutung am Menschen stehen drei Verfahren zur Verfugung: die Venenverschlus-Plethysmographie, die Warmeleitmessung (Warme-Clearance) und die Radioisotopen-Clearance. Vor- und Nachteile der verschiedenen Methoden werden gegenubergestellt. Die Warmeleitmessung ist die einzige Methode, die eine fortlaufende Registrierung und damit eine optimale Erfassung der Reaktions-Dynamik erlaubt. Sie ermoglicht ferner eine isolierte Erfassung der Haut, auch kleinerer Gewebsareale und kann an allen Korperstellen angewendet werden. Die spontan-rhythmischen Durchblutungsschwankungen, die emotialen Reaktionen der Hautdurchblutung sowie die topographische Differenzierung der Hautdurchblutung bei korperlicher und thermischer Belastung werden an Hand von Originalregistrierungen mit Warmeleitmessern kurz erortert.
Development of Endosperm and Synthesis of Starch in Rice Grain : III. Starch property as affected by the temperature during grain development

Japonica rice plants (cultivar, Koshihikari) were treated at high and low temperatures in the early and late ripening stages. Starches prepared from the outer layer and inner portions of these rice grains were tested for their physicochemical properties. Generally, starch in the inner portion of rice grains was affected by temperature in the early ripening stage; whereas in the outer layer it was more affected in the late ripening stage. Amylose content was determined by iodine colorimetry and iodine binding capacity method. The amylose content of the outer layer and inner portion starches increased at low temperatures during grain development. Miniviscographic parameters of both starches were affected mainly by temperature in the early ripening stage and modified by that in the late ripening stage. The differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) transition temperature and gelatinization heat increased under high temperatures for the inner portion starch in the early ripening stage and for the outer layer starch in the late ripening stage. While the lipid content of inner portion starch increased at high temperatures in the early ripening stage, the lipid content of the outer layer starch decreased under high temperature in the late ripening stage. The fatty acid composition of lipids of the outer layer starch responded to temperature in a manner different from that of the inner portion starch.