Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Placenta Makes Antibodies that Bind Up Maternal Antibodies

The human placenta manufactures antibodies that may shield the fetus from immune damage, according to new findings. These placental IgG antibodies bind to other antibodies and immune cells. Maternal IgG antibodies are known to cross the placenta to fortify the immune system of the fetus. Researchers have proposed that the placenta can filter out detrimental antibodies directed to paternal antigens, but evidence for such a filter has been scant. The new data, published in Human Reproduction and Biology of Reproduction, provides a glimpse of a mechanism. Jiang Gu and his colleagues were intrigued by previous observations that IgG antibodies are present in the placenta. In Human Reproduction, the researchers show that these antibodies are produced endogenously [1]. For instance, human epithelial and trophoblast cells contained transcripts encoding IgG molecules; cultured trophoblast cells produced such antibodies; and mice lacking B cells had IgG antibodies in placental tissue. These findings echo reports of IgG antibody production in non-immune cells such as neurons, cancer cells, and spermatogenic cells. The researchers went on to show that about 30 percent of these placentally produced antibodies came in an unusual form—they were glycosylated on one of their Fab arms. These glycosylated antibodies bound nonspecifically to other IgG antibodies, as well as to monocytes and neutrophils. Glycoslated IgG antibodies have been called ‘‘blocking antibodies’’ because they do not prompt immune responses such as phagocytosis. Similarly, the researchers speculate that the glycosylated IgG antibodies neutralize the antibodies to which they bind. The findings suggest that glycoslated IgG may be one way the fetus is shielded from immune attack by the mother. Future studies should provide answers to questions such as how nonthreatening, useful maternal antibodies might make it through this defense system, and how this system might interact with other immune-shielding mechanisms. In a follow-up study in Biology of Reproduction, Gu and his colleagues provide evidence that incoming IgG antibodies are processed in two distinct compartments in syncytiotrophoblasts [2]. One compartment, the endosomal compartment, contains the IgG receptor FcRN and may be involved in transporting IgG to the fetus. A second compartment is a newly described structure containing clustered complexes of immune molecules—the researchers speculate that this compartment serves as a ‘‘sink’’ for detrimental antibodies directed against paternal antigens.
Clues supporting photoperiod as the main determinant of seasonal variation in amphibian activity

Organism survival and reproduction are affected by the ability to synchronize behaviour and physiological condition to the season, typically using photoperiod. However, temperature and rainfall have been repeatedly invoked as determinants of annual reproductive cycles in amphibians. This putative role of environmental conditions determining amphibians' activity was recently challenged in favour of photoperiod or a combination of environmental variables as more plausible clues. We evaluated the alternative variables potentially used by amphibians to track season fluctuations. The seasonality of a system was captured in a structural equation model, which identified photoperiod as the variable that represents seasonal variations in amphibian richness and climatic conditions. Congruently, reconstruction of amphibian seasonality with a sinusoidal model captured the same information as a linear regression between richness and photoperiod. Available evidence suggests that amphibians could be tracking photoperiod, over temperature and rainfall, as the proximate factor determining their seasonal variation in physiology and activity.
Photochemical reflectance index as a mean of monitoring early water stress

Water stress in plants affects a number of physiological processes such as photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance as well as the operating efficiency of photosystem II (PSII) and non-photochemical quenching (NPQ). Photochemical reflectance index (PRI) is reported to be sensitive to changes in xanthophyll cycle which occur during stress and could possibly be used to monitor changes in the parameters mentioned before. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the use of PRI as an early water stress indicator. Water stress treatment was imposed in a greenhouse tomato crop. CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance, light-adapted and dark-adapted fluorescence as well as PRI and relative water content (RWCs%) of the rooting medium were repeatedly measured. The same measurements were also performed on well-irrigated plants that acted as a reference. The experiment was repeated in four consecutive weeks. Results showed a strong correlation between RWCs% and photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, NPQ and operating efficiency of PSII but not with PRI when the whole dataset was considered. Nevertheless, more detailed analysis revealed that PRI gave a good correlation when light levels were above 700 µmol m-2 s-1. Therefore, the use of PRI as a water stress indicator cannot be independent of the ambient light conditions
Nitrate leaching on loess soils in north-west China: Appropriate fertilizer rates for winter wheat

Abstract Nitrate leaching is an important factor affecting N fertilizer consumption in the agroecosystem of the Loess Plateau of China. Therefore, the movement and residual amounts of nitrate within the soil profile under different fertilizer application rates were studied to determine the most appropriate rates of fertilizer application. Soil samples were collected from a long-term experimental site to determine the concentration of nitrate in mid-September 1999 and 2007. The results showed that -N had moved more than 100 cm down the soil profile from 1999 to 2007, and two peaks of -N were present at different depths after 23 years of high rates of N application. -N had leached to depths exceeding 300 cm in plots where > 90 kg ha−1 N had been applied alone. At the fertilization rate of 180 kg N ha−1, up to 1500 kg ha−1 residual -N was detected, equivalent to 34.8% of the total input of N fertilizer during the experiment. The total amount of residual nitrate increased with increases in the N application rate, but decreased with increases in P2O5 application when the N application was up to 90 kg ha−1 or more. The results indicate that fertilization using a 1:1 mixture of N:P2O5 at 90 kg ha−1 p.a. could prevent -N from leaching in soil used to grow continuous winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) crops in the rain-fed agricultural areas of China, while providing optimum yields.
PCR based detection and evaluation of fermenting capability of local strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

On Earth there are several organisms that share close relationship with humankind and Saccharomyces cerevisiae is one of them. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is also known as the brewer´s or baker´s yeast and has been used for fermentation and production of bread and alcoholic beverages since long time. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the fermentation capability of Saccharomyces cerevisiae local isolates. For this purpose 100 fruit samples (mango, sugarcane, orange, honey melon, grapes) were collected from local fruit markets and subjected to identification by standard microbiology tests and advance molecular techniques like Polymerase reaction test (PCR). The results revealed the typical growth, shape and color of S. cerevisiae on YPD media. The growth culture subjected to microscopy showed the budding characteristic of S. cerevisiae. The initial identified strains by virtue of YPD selective media and microscopy were subjected to PCR. The PCR results revealed the presence of S. cerevisiae in 28 samples among all analyzed samples. Importantly, the presence of S. cerevisiae was detected 30% in oranges, in mango 27.77%, in sugarcane 35% while in honey melon and grapes it was 13.63%, 31.81% respectively. This study concludes that S. cerevisiae was more abundant in sugarcane and grapes analyzed samples. The collected strains of present study may be further used in future studies like ethanol production from raw materials and also used as reference strain when working with samples of unknown nature
Genotypic variation for competitive ability in spring wheat.

Herbicides are the primary method of weed control for crop production in developed countries. For economic and environmental reasons alternative control strategies are being devised. One of these strategies is the development of competitive crop cultivars. The objectives of this research were to establish whether spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes differed in competitive ability and if those differences were related to specific growth characteristics. Sixteen genotypes of spring wheat were grown under simulated weed competition conditions at Saskatoon, Canada over a 3-year period. Four high and four low tillering genotypes from each of two crosses (Neepawa/M1417 and Ingal/M1417) were studied. Weeds consisted of cultivated oat (Avena Sativa cv. 'Waldern') and oriental mustard (Brassica juncea cv. 'Cutlass') sown at two densities (48 and 96 seeds/m 2 per weed species). Seedling establishment, ground cover, and seed yield for the three species were determined, as was wheat tiller number, spike number, maximum height, leaf area index, leaf orientation, and flag leaf length and size. Significant (P = 0.001) weed rate by genotype interactions involving changes in genotype rank were detected for wheat grain yield, indicating that the 16 wheat genotypes differed in competitive ability. Wheat grain yield reductions averaged over the two weed densities ranged from 45% to 59%. The highest-yielding genotypes under weed-free conditions were not necessarily the highest yielding under weedy conditions. Genotypes which suffered smaller yield reductions were more effective in suppressing weed growth. Although competitive genotypes were generally taller than non-competitive genotypes, other traits such as large seedling ground cover and flag leaf length were associated with wheat yield under competitive conditions.
Review: Fine structure of synaptogenesis in the vertebrate central nervous system

This article reviews studies of the formation of synaptic junctions in the vertebrate central nervous system. It is focused on electron microscopic investigations of synaptogenesis, although insights from other disciplines are interwoven where appropriate, as part of the review is concerned with the morphological maturation of synapses as described from both qualitative and quantitative perspectives. Next, epigenetic influences on synaptogenesis are examined, and later in the article the concept of epigenesis is integrated with that of hierarchy. It is suggested that the formation of synaptic junctions may take place as an ordered progression of epigenetically modulated events wherein each level of cellular affinity becomes subordinate to the one that follows. The ultimate determination of whether a synapse is maintained, modified or dissolved would be made by the changing molecular fabric of its junctional membranes. In closing, a hypothetical model of synaptogenesis is proposed, and an hierarchial order of events is associated with a speculative synaptogenic sequence. Key elements of this hypothesis are (1) epigenetic factors that facilitate generally appropriate interactions between neurites; (2) independent expression of surface specializations that contain sufficient information for establishing threshold recognition between interacting neurites; (3) exchange of molecular information that biases the course of subsequent junctional differentiation and ultimately results in (4) the stabilization of synaptic junctions into functional connectivity patterns.
Effects of free fatty acids on β-cell functions: A possible involvement of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors α or pancreatic/duodenal homeobox

Abstract It is well known that acute administration of fatty acids enhances insulin release from β cells, although chronic exposure to fatty acids inhibits insulin release (lipotoxicity). The mechanism for these reciprocal effects of fatty acids on insulin release remains to be elucidated. The present study was performed to investigate the effects of fatty acids on gene expression related to glucose metabolism or insulin biosynthesis. In islets cultured with palmitate for 8 hours, glucose-induced insulin release was enhanced together with increment of pyruvate carboxylase (PC) mRNA or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR)α. In contrast, by extending the culture period up to 48 hours, glucose-induced insulin release or islet insulin content was significantly impaired by the coexistence of palmitate. Concomitantly, PC, PPARα, GLUT-2, glucokinase (GK), preproinsulin, or pancreatic/duodenal homeobox-1 (PDX-1) mRNA were significantly suppressed in those islets cultured for 48 hours with palmitate. These data may imply that during short-term culture period palmitate promotes PPARα gene expression, which enhances PC mRNA expression leading to the enhancement of insulin release, whereas during long-term culture period, palmitate rather inhibits PPARα mRNA, which reduces PC mRNA expression. Furthermore, palmitate reduces GLUT-2, GK, or preproinsulin mRNA expression probably through the inhibition of PDX-1 mRNA.
Simultaneous measurements of tomato fruit and stem water potentials using in situ stem hygrometers

Simultaneous measurements were made of the water potentials of the stem and fruit of intact tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. var. Heinz 2653) using in situ temperature-corrected stem psychrometers. Water potential of the fruit remained consistently lower than the water potential of the stem except when the plant had been subjected to prolonged water stress. Stem water potential recovered quickly with rewatering, increasing by approximately 0.5 MPa in 1 h, but the water potential of the fruit remained consistently near −1.0 MPa. The results indicate a significant resistance to water flow between the stem and the fruit and a substantial hydraulic capacitance represented by the volume of the fruit. Diurnal changes in dimensions of tomato fruit were also measured. Fruit diameter expanded at night and contracted during the day even when the water potential gradient favoured flow towards the fruit. This indicates that bidirectional flow (to and from the fruit) is not responsible for the observed diu.
The Sudanophilic Granules of the Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium

During a study of lipids in the pigment epithelium of the normal human retina, it was observed that there were a large number of round granules, basally located in the cells, which stained with Sudan black B even in paraffin sections. These granules were colored weakly or not at all by the red Sudans and were not visible in sections stained by routine histological methods. The intermingling of sudanophilic granules with the melanin granules gave an initial impression that some of the melanin must be sudanophilic. Examination of unstained sections showed, however, that the majority of the sudanophilic granules were pale, almost colorless forms. This finding was unexpected, since it is generally thought that without special techniques sudanophilic substances are seen in the human pigment epithelium only during disease. It has long been known that the pigment epithelial cells of many lower vertebrates contain lipid inclusions, distinguishable from mitochondria and
Territoriality and dominance in male Columbian ground squirrels (Spermophilus columbianus)

We describe the spacing system and associated aggressive behavior of male Columbian ground squirrels in southwestern Alberta for the 2 months following emergence from hibernation. Adult males (> 2 years old) were classified as dominant if they chased other males more than they were chased by them within their core areas and subordinate if the reverse was true. For dominant males, the proportion of interactions in which they were chased was much less within their core areas than outside them, and defended boundaries between some pairs of adjacent males were apparent from locations of chases and chase reversals. We consider these males to maintain spatiotemporal territories. For subordinate males, the proportion of interactions in which they were chased was similar inside and outside their core areas; they were subordinate in most interactions with any territorial male. Status (dominant–territorial or subordinate) was related to age. Most 2- and 3-year-old males were subordinate; all males of 4 years or old.
Does the common reed,Phragmites australis, affect essential fish habitat?

Since the early 1900sPhragmites australis has been replacing other vegetation in Atlantic and gulf coast marshes at a rate of about 1% to 6% of the marsh surface per year. Vast areas of coastal marsh are now characterized by dense monotypic stands of this species. By virtue of its ability to build up the marsh surface,P. australis affects the landscape, hydrology, and hydroperiod of the marsh as well as drainage density, and other geomorphic features. Smoothed microtopography results in more difficult access to the marsh by nekton, and possibly reduced exchange of organic materials between the marsh and adjacent estuary. The pattern of replacement byP. australis results in fragmentation of existing stands ofSpartina alterniflora and other extant macrophytes, thereby altering landscape ecology and the ability of the marsh to support biodiversity and the production of marsh fauna.
Relación entre el nivel de heteroplasmia de la mutación m.3243AG en diferentes tejidos y el fenotipo en familias con diabetes y sordera de herencia materna (midd) y melas

El MELAS y la Diabetes y Sordera de Herencia Materna (MIDD) son enfermedades mitocondriales producidas en la mayor parte de los casos por una misma mutacion: la m.3243AG, la cual afecta al gen MT-TL1. Esto muestra la gran variabilidad fenotipica de dicha mutacion. Una de las posibles causas de esta variacion puede ser el nivel de heteroplasmia de la mutacion. Este trabajo se propuso evaluar si existe relacion entre el nivel de heteroplasmia en tres tejidos y el fenotipo. Fueron incluidas 3 familias con diagnostico clinico de MELAS y 2 con diagnostico clinico de MIDD. Se evaluo la presencia de la mutacion y el nivel de heteroplasmia mediante ARMS-qPCR EN sangre, orina y mucosa oral. Una familia con MELAS resulto positiva para la mutacion m.3243AG. Se evidencio una gran variabilidad fenotipica. El probando tenia una mayor heteroplasmia en los 3 tejidos en comparacion con sus familiares oligosintomaticos. Se reporta el primer paciente en Colombia con MELAS y la mutacion m.3271TC y se realizo un analisis de estas familias
Quantitative analysis of an experimental white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection in Penaeus monodon Fabricius using competitive polymerase chain reaction

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) has been a major pathogen of cultured Penaeus monodon Fabricius in Malaysia since 1994. As quantitative study on the replication of WSSV is in its infancy, competitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for quantitative study of an experimental WSSV infection per os in growout P. monodon. Gills, abdominal integument and abdominal muscle were selected for viral quantification. Infection was detectable as early as 14 h postinfection (h p.i.) in both gills and integument, but the infection in muscle was only detected at 24 h p.i. Gill tissue had the highest viral load, followed by integument and muscle. Typical viral growth curves were obtained for all organs with distinct phases of eclipse (0–24 h p.i.), logarithmic (24–48 h p.i.) and the plateau (48–120 h p.i.). Cumulative mortality rapidly increased from 48 h p.i. and reached 100% at the end of the plateau phase at 120 h p.i. Gross signs of white spots and reddish discoloration were also obvious in moribund individuals from the plateau phase. Based on the three phases of viral growth, WSSV infection was classified into light, moderate and heavy infection stages.
Vírus da estomatite vesicular (sorotipo indiana 2) como modelo experimental para o estudo de encefalite aguda – aspectos morfológicos

The Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) is a Vesiculovirus of the Rhabdoviridae family that infects mammals and causes vesicular lesions similar to those of foot-and-mouth disease. VSV experimental encephalitis can be induced in rodents and the symptoms are similar to those observed in rabies. However, the lesions observed in the animals ́ encephalon are different. Inclusion bodies are not observed. There is necrosis, particularly in the region of the olfactory bulb, and, in some cases, ventriculitis. It was observed that the time pattern of VSV dissemination and the morphological aspects of the lesions are similar to those described in literature. The virus seems to be disseminated through the brain ventricles, being multiplied in the ependyma cells and in the neurons, besides using retrograde and anterograde transport. It was noticed that, due to the facility of virus manipulation, this experimental model has been used in innumerable research studies in several fields. If, on the one hand there are plenty of reports on the infection pathogenesis, on the other hand there are many gaps involving, for instance, aspects about virus transmission, recovery of infected animals and participation of glial cells in the acute as well as in the recovery phases.
FACTORS IN HABITAT PREFERENCE IN SITU OF SULFUR-TURFS GROWING IN HOT SPRINGS EFFLUENTS: DISSOLVED OXYGEN AND CURRENT VELOCITIES

Field surveys of hot springs were carried out at four Spas. Observations were made on the temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and sulfide concentrations, current velocities, and the habitats of three (A, B, C) types of sulfur-turfs. The B-type (rods) was not present, while the A-type (sausageshaped bacteria) grew only in the streams. In contrast, the C-type (filamentous bacteria) inhabited only the pools of hot spring water. Ranges of dissolved oxygen concentrations in situ were 6 to 31 μM for the A-type and 6 to 110 μM for the C-type sulfur-turfs. The sausage-shaped bacteria (main bacterial component of the A-type sulfur-turf) had peritrichous flagella which were not present in the filamentous C-type bacteria. It was suggested that the A-type sulfur-turf preferred the stream to the pool because of this bacteria's low level and narrow range of oxygen requirement and its ability to form aggregates by intertwining flagella, even in flowing water. In contrast, the C-type preferred the pool rather than the stream due to its wide range of oxygen requirement and its inability to form colonies in rapidly flowing water.