Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics and tissue residues of marbofloxacin in crucian carp (Carassius auratus) after oral administration

Pharmacokinetics and residue elimination of marbofloxacin (MBF) were studied in crucian carp (Carassius auratus, 250±30 g) kept at two water temperatures of 15 and 25 °C. Marbofloxacin concentrations in plasma and tissues were analysed by means of high-performance liquid chromatography using an ultraviolet detector. The limits of detection were 0.02 μg mL−1, 0.02 μg g−1, 0.025 μg g−1, 0.02 μg g−1 and 0.025 μg g−1 in plasma and muscle, skin, liver and kidney respectively. Fish were administered orally at a single dosage of 10 mg kg−1 body weight in the PK group. The data were fitted to two-compartment open models at both temperatures. At 15 °C, the absorption half-life () and distribution half-life (t1/2α) of the drug were 0.36 and 4.48 h respectively. The corresponding values at 25 °C were 0.23 and 0.87 h respectively. The elimination half-life (t1/2β) was 50.75 h at 15 °C and 25.05 h at 25 °C. The maximum MBF concentration (Cmax) differed little between 15 (6.43 μg mL−1) and 25 °C (8.36 μg mL−1). The time to peak concentration was 1.74 h at 15 °C and 0.78 h at 25 °C. The apparent volume of distribution (Vd/F) of MBF was estimated to be 1.36 and 0.87 L kg−1 at 15 and 25 °C respectively. The area under the concentration–time curve (AUC) was 301.80 μg mL−1 h at 15 °C and 182.80 μg mL−1 h at 25 °C. The total clearance of MBF was computed as 0.03 and 0.05 L h−1 kg−1 at 15 and 25 °C respectively. After repeated oral administration at a dosage of 10 mg kg−1 body weight per day for 3 days, the results showed that the elimination half-lives () of MBF from all tissues at 15 °C were longer than that at 25 °C. Therefore, water temperature is an important factor to be considered when deciding a reasonable withdrawal time.
The fate of deoxynivalenol and fumonisins in wheat and maize during commercial breakfast cereal production

A study of the changes undergone by Fusarium mycotoxins present in maize and wheat at intake during the processing of commercial grain samples into breakfast cereals was carried out. Natural concentrations of deoxynivalenol and zearalenone in wheat were mostly low although higher levels of fumonisins occurred in maize. An exhaustive cleaning regime was used for wheat received from UK farms that reduced deoxynivalenol levels by about 50%, although this varied considerably between consignments. During processing to manufacture two commercial breakfast cereals, further loss of deoxynivalenol was minimal. However, this was significantly greater in a product from which excess aqueous cooker effluent was drained, suggesting that loss was due to solution of the mycotoxin in the cooking liquor rather than to hydrolysis. It is estimated that deoxynivalenol present at the EC maximum limit of 1,250 µg/kg in intake wheat would be reduced to about 700 and 400 µg/kg respectively for the 2 types of whole-wheat breakfast.
IL-17A and IL-17F induce an invasive phenotype in human rheumatoid synoviocytes through the same signaling pathway and the CXCR4/SDF1 axis

Objective IL-17A is implicated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis; but the contribution of IL-17F remains to be clarified. This report analyses the effects IL-17A versus IL-17F on gene expression, signaling and invasiveness in human RA synoviocytes. Methods The comparison between IL-17A and F effects on RA synoviocytes was assessed at the mRNA level by microarrays (Affymetrix U133 +2). Western blotting, qRT-PCR, and DNA binding assay were used to evaluate their signaling pathways. The capacities of IL-17A and F alone or in combination with TNF to induce synoviocyte migration and invasion were tested using transwell Matrigel invasion chambers. A functional DNA binding assay was used to evaluate the regulation of Hypoxia Induced Factor 1 (HIF1-α) activation. Results In microarrays, IL-17A and IL-17F alone had very similar but not identical regulatory effects, IL-17F being less active, with a synergistic pattern in the presence of TNF. This synergistic effect was linked in part to the enhancing expression of TNF RII by IL-17A and F. Regarding their signaling pathway, virtually all IL17A and F inducible genes were dependent on NF-κB activation, whereas a minor number was modulated by p38. Hypoxia-induced pathway was activated by IL-17A and F. Among the hypoxia-induced genes, IL-17A and F alone or combined with TNF induced CXCR4 mRNA (289 fold for IL17A, 34 fold for IL-17F, 450 fold for the combination of IL-17A with TNF). Over expression of CXCR4 at the surface of synoviocytes was confirmed by IF staining. IL-17A and TNF induced in synergy synoviocyte migration and invasion through CXCR4 (6 vs 67 migrated cells/HPF, p≤0.05). Blockade of CXCR4 decreased synoviocyte migration (− 10 fold, p<0.05). The combination of IL-17A or F with TNF induced activation of HIF1-α under normoxic conditions (2 fold, p=0.003). Conclusion When combined with TNF, IL-17A and F induced very similar but not identical expression pattern in RA synoviocytes, may contribute to the progression of RA through increased synoviocyte aggressiveness. Part of this effect results from a mediated CXCR4/SDF1 pathway. These results are in line with IL-17A and F targeting in RA.
Toward a chronology of Haliotis fulgens, with a review of abalone shell microstructure

The microstructure of the shell of the abalone Haliotis fulgens consists of alternate layers of aragonite and prismatic calcium with darker organic matrix (conchiolin) that are visible as rings when the shell is ground down at the spire. This abalone deposits about four prismatic layers in the first year and three layers each year thereafter at the site studied. Prismatic layers are laid down in about April, August and November, corresponding with sea temperature minima and maxima and with the spawning season. After about 3 years of age, prismatic layers at the spire of the shell begin to be lost through erosion of the outer layers of the shell. The first prismatic layers deposited are 5-10 ? m across, and later layers successively increase in thickness to a maximum of about 80 ? m. This property is used to estimate the rate of erosion of layers, which is about one per annum. When the rate of deposition and the rate of erosion are known for a locality, an estimate of the true age can be made. The findings are considered in relation to the microstructure of the abalone shell.
Morphological responses of the exoskeleton in the intertidal barnacle Jehlius cirratus (Darwin, 1854) growing at different densities

We evaluated density-dependent morphological variation in exoskeletal structures associated with feeding and reproduction in the intertidal cirripede Jehlius cirratus (Darwin, 1854) in Metri Bay, southern Chile. In July of 2010, we undertook artificial density reductions of J. cirratus that resulted in control and experimental quadrats of high (4 individuals/cm2), to intermediate (2.4 individuals/cm2 and 1.2 individuals/cm2), and low density levels (0.4 individuals/cm2). Sampling of specimens grown at each density was subsequently carried out 4 times at 20-day intervals. Penis length and the lengths of the third and sixth cirri were measured for every sampled specimen. Synchronous density-dependent changes in both penis and cirrus length were verified. From day 60, penis length showed a significant increase with decreasing experimental density. From day 40, the third and sixth cirri were both significantly longer in specimens grown at 4 individuals/cm2 than at lower densities, showing a decrease from day 40 possibly in response to intraspecific competition for food. These results suggest density-dependent effects on this species regarding structural plasticity of the exoskeleton when growing at high densities. No clear density range for morphological changes was observed, yet there was synchrony in changes to functionally independent organs. Given that the time lag before any response and the ability to undergo density-dependent morphological changes depend on the type of organ, and in other species have different response times to density changes.
Characteristics of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Gastrointestinal Tract of Cemani Chicken and Their Potential Use as Probiotics

The aims of this study were to screen and characterize lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from gastrointestinal (GI) tract of Cemani chicken, one of Indonesian local chicken and to investigate their potential use as probiotics. LAB were isolated from GI tract using MRSA and GYPA media and incubated anaerobically. Selected LAB were determined their probiotic properties with several assays. Identification of selected LAB was based on 16S rDNA sequences, morphological and biochemical characteristics. Ninety five bacteria were isolated and characterized as lactic acid bacteria (Gram positive, catalase negative, non sporeforming and acid producing). Twenty four isolates of LAB demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli JCM 1649 and Salmonella enteritidis B2586, and three selected isolates, i.e. CCM011, CSP004, and CVM002 showed the highest inhibition activity. The isolates had characters of high cell surface hydrophobicity and inter-isolate coaggregation ability of LAB, high survival at low pH, high phytase and protease activity (but no amylase and lipase activity), weak coaggregation with pathogen and no resistance to the examined antibiotics. The isolates were identified based on sequence analysis of 16S rRNA gene as Lactobacillus salivarius , however, each isolate had different profiles of sugar fermentation. Therefore the three LAB isolates had potential application as probiotics for chicken. Key words: Cemani chicken, gastrointestinal tract, lactic acid bacteria, probiotic
Early life history of the Mediterranean gorgonian Paramuricea clavata: implications for population dynamics

Abstract. Knowledge about early stages of marine sessile invertebrates dispersing by means of free-swimming propagules is fundamental toward understanding their population biology. In this study, we describe and quantify survivorship of early stages of the gorgonian Paramuricea clavata to contribute to the understanding of their implications on population dynamics of this emblematic species of the Mediterranean hard-bottom communities. Spawning was recorded in June for the 3 years studied (2001–2003). High levels of fertilization rate were observed during the main spawning in 2001 and 2002 (62–69%). This appears to be related to the surface brooding mode of development, synchronous spawning, and high fecundity of the species. The timing of development of the blastulae was ∼24 h and the planulae appeared after 48–72 h. In the laboratory, metamorphosis into polyp started between 8 and 25 d, but this timing may have been delayed by lack of unknown appropriate cues for settlement. The behavior of first developed planulae exhibited a marked negative phototaxis that may be a strategy to avoid competition with fast-growing algae on photophilous habitats. Despite the high fertilization rate in P. clavata, laboratory and field experiences indicate that survivorship through the planulae and polyp stages was very low, given that none of the settled polyps survived for >7 months in both experimental years. The low survival of the early stages may help explain the low recruitment rates observed in the field in addition to indicating major limitations for colonization of new areas and for persistence of the local population under disturbances.
Negative photoblastism in the invasive specie Eschscholzia californica Cham. (Papaveraceae): Patterns of altitudinal variation in native and invasive range

El fotoblastismo negativo es definido como el efecto inhibitorio de la luz sobre la germinacion de las semillas. Este efecto puede ser modulado por variables abioticas, tales como temperatura, condicion luminica y potencial hidrico. Estas condiciones cambian notoriamente a mayores altitudes, pudiendo promover diferenciacion en la respuesta fotoblastica entre poblaciones. Adicionalmente, este atributo fisiologico presenta un interesante conflicto para la regeneracion de la planta, porque previene la germinacion de las semillas sobre el suelo, sin embargo tambien puede reducir la mortalidad de semillas germinantes en condiciones desfavorables y consecuentemente, la mortalidad de plantulas. Eschscholzia californica es una de las pocas especies con fotoblastismo negativo y es invasora en Chile, creciendo primariamente en sitios abiertos e intervenidos. Algunas especies invasoras tienen el potencial de adaptar sus caracteristicas morfologicas y fisiologicas enfrentadas a nuevas condiciones ambientales. En este estudio, examinamos la existencia de variacion en el fotoblastismo negativo entre poblaciones de Chile central (invasivas) y California (nativas) localizadas en los extremos de su distribucion altitudinal. Utilizamos experimentos de jardin comun donde semillas de distintos origenes fueron germinadas bajo condiciones controladas de laboratorio en Chile. Si el fotoblastismo negativo es conservado, observariamos similares respuestas entre semillas originarias de estas regiones climaticas analogas. Tambien evaluamos si el entierro de las semillas incrementa su germinacion, como un mecanismo para escapar de la intensidad luminosa de la superficie, plantando semillas a diferentes profundidades del suelo. Los resultados indican que no hay diferencias en el fotoblastismo negativo entre las poblaciones de Chile y California. Una significativa variacion a traves del rango altitudinal de California sugiere la existencia de diferenciacion genetica en la region nativa, sin embargo, la ausencia de diferencias a traves del rango altitudinal de Chile sugiere conservatismo del rasgo a escala local. La germinacion de semillas fue cero en la superficie del suelo y se incremento cuando las semillas fueron experimentalmente enterradas, sugiriendo que el fotoblastismo negativo es inhibido. Tres posibles explicaciones son entregadas para explicar el patron de establecimiento de E. californica a pesar de poseer fotoblastismo negativo. Este es un rasgo bastante especialista, relacionado con climas mediterraneos y no explica por si solo la invasibilidad descrita para esta especie. De todas formas, es claro que mas estudios son necesarios para dilucidar el valor adaptativo de este atributo fisiologico.
The neuroscience of fear and anxiety: a primer for clinicians

Over the last few decades, research in affective neuroscience has led to considerable insights into the biology of fear and anxiety. For those in the practice of psychotherapy, these advances hold the potential for explaining the evolutionary utility of these emotions and targeting psychotherapeutic interventions to neurobiological correlates when these emotions go awry. The conversation of neuroscience, however, has yet to find a comfortable place in the therapy room. Translational and conceptual disparities owing to the historical split between psychology and neuroscience, continue to present challenges to their integration. The present study seeks to reframe clinicians’ understanding of the biological underpinnings of fear and anxiety from a static model governed by genetic predisposition and chemical imbalances, to a dynamic process that focuses on the environment’s impact on biology. The following topics will be addressed: What are the neurobiological processes of fear and anxiety? Why did they evolve to serve adaptive purposes? What are the conditions in which disorders of anxiety and fear emerge? To answer these questions, this review of the literature discusses how fear and anxiety centers in the mammalian brain were shaped through phylogenetic development to respond to physical and interpersonal threat, and how fear and anxiety continue to benefit in learning and defensive action. An updated view of the neuroscience of fear and anxiety is also reviewed detailing the functions of known structures and involved pathways. Risk factors for panic and anxiety disorders, the neurological impacts of failure of coping with fear and anxiety are explored, and the application of psychotherapy are discussed. These findings will be applied towards a concise handbook on the neuroscience of fear and anxiety to provide a narrative of an adaptive model for use in the therapy room. Chapter 1. Literature Review
Purification and Some Properties of Lignostilbene-α, β-dioxygenase Isozyme IV from Pseudomonas paucimobilis TMY1009

Lignostilbene-α,β-dioxygenase isozyme IV was purified from ultrasonic extracts of Pseudomonas paucimobilis TMY1009 through four steps of column chromatography. The fraction obtained gave a single band on SDS–PAGE and a single peak on reversed-phase HPLC and DEAE-HPLC. The specific activity and Km of purified isozyme IV were 110 μtkat/g and 4.2 μm for 4,4′-dihydroxy-3,3′-dimethoxystilbene, 150 μkat/g and 3.3 μm for 4,2′-dihydroxy-3,3′-dimethoxy-5′-(2″-carboxyvinyl)stilbene. The molecular mass of intact isozyme IV was estimated to be 94kDa by gel permeation chromatography, and that of its subunits was 52 kDa by SDS–PAGE under denaturing conditions. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of isozyme IV differed slightly from that of other isozymes. Isozyme IV seemed to be composed of two identical subunits, γγ.
Clomiphene citrate does not affect the secretion of α3, αV and β1 integrin molecules during the implantation window in patients with unexplained infertility

BACKGROUND The expression of integrin molecules on the endometrium suggests that certain integrins may participate in the cascade of molecular events leading to successful implantation. A prospective, controlled study was carried out to investigate the effect of clomiphene citrate (CC) on secretions of beta1, alpha3 and alphaV integrin molecules in the endometrium of patients with unexplained infertility during the implantation window. METHODS A total of 40 endometrial samples was evaluated in both spontaneous (n = 13) and ensuing clomiphene-treated cycles (100 mg on days 5-9) and also from fertile women serving as controls (n = 14) during postovulatory 7th or 8th day of menstrual cycle. A semiquantitative grading system (H-score) was used to compare the immunohistochemical staining intensities. Endometrial thickness and serum oestradiol and progesterone concentrations were also measured on the day of sampling. RESULTS Staining of alpha(v) but not beta1 and alpha3 integrins was significantly less intense in infertile cases than fertile control cases (1.42 +/- 0.12 versus 2.21 +/- 0.13 respectively, P = 0.012) and this was not restored to normal concentrations with treatment. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicated that cc treatment significantly decreased the endometrial thickness and increased oestradiol and progesterone concentrations. However, secretion of alpha(v), beta1 and alpha3 integrin molecules, which might play a role in implantation, was not affected.
Effect of Temperature and Dissolved Oxygen Concentration on Edwardsiella ictaluri in Experimentally Infected Channel Catfish

Abstract Channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus were experimentally infected with Edwardsiella ictaluri by immersion exposure. After clinical disease ran its course for 52 d, the surviving fish were exposed to one of the following environmental regimes in troughs: 25°C with aeration, 25°C with no aeration, or variable temperature (18–23°C) with no aeration. After 29 d of exposure to the environmental regimes, various organs and tissues of the fish were assayed to determine the effects of these conditions on E. ictaluri concentrations (colony-forming units/mL of tissue sample). The concentrations of this pathogen were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in all tissues (trunk kidney, liver, head kidney, blood, spleen, gallbladder, muscle, brain, and gonad) 52 d postinfection than 29 d after exposure to any of the environmental regimes (81 d postinfection). Fish exposed to a near-normal concentration of dissolved oxygen (6.4 mg/L) and a constant temperature of 25°C had E. ictaluri concentrations that were significa.
Detection and genetic diversity of Grapevine red blotch-associated virus isolates in table grape accessions in the National Clonal Germplasm Repository in California

Abstract Grapevine red blotch-associated virus (GRBaV) is a recently discovered ssDNA virus that is widespread in wine grapes in California. We investigated whether GRBaV infection was present in 156 table grape accessions of Vitis vinifera that included 53 accessions exhibiting leafroll-like symptoms and 81 accessions from diverse geographic origins. Cane samples were collected during the dormant season in 2012 and analysed for GRBaV infection by PCR. A total of 73 accessions showed presence of GRBaV and these included raisin and table grape accessions with black, green and red berries. A 557 bp amplicon obtained by PCR was purified and sequenced, and the phylogenetic relationship among GRBaV isolates was examined by the maximum likelihood method. The maximum genetic variability among the isolates was only 8% and they belonged to two clades. Although it is not yet known if GRBaV is present outside of North America, 54 accessions from sources originating outside of North America tested positive for the virus.
The Role of Specific Antibody and Complement in Killing of Borrelia burgdorferi by Human Serum

Lyme disease is an arthropod-borne disease caused by the spirochete, Borrelia burgdorferi. The bacterium appears capable of evading the immune response of the host to persist in tissues. As a result, chronic arthritis and progressive neurological degeneration are frequent clinical manifestations. For this reason, research was conducted to investigate possible mechanisms employed by B. burgdorferi to evade host defenses. In the case of a number of gram-negative bacterial infections, resistance to complement-mediated serum killing is an important factor in determining the ability of the infecting organism to establish infection. In this study, we evaluated the antibody and complement (C) requirements for serum killing of B. burgdorferi strain 297 by normal human serum (NHS). Employing in vitro hemolytic assays, an evaluation of the ability of strain 297 to activate serum complement (C) was made. Activation of both the classical and alternative C pathways was observed, in the absence of detectable Borrelia-reactive antibodies, in both the fluid and solid phases. In 20% NHS, strain 297 consumed 100% of the available total hemolytic complement during a 60-min incubation at 37OC. In addition, consumption of 65%, 58%, and 100% of the available C components 3 (C3), 4 (C4), and 9 (C9), respectively, was observed. In serum pretreated with 10-mM ethyleneglycol-bis(B-aminoethylether)-N. ~,~-tetraacetic acid (EGTA), treated to block classical pathway activation, both C3 (34%) and C9 (70%) were consumed. C4 consumption was minimal. C component deposition studies using radioiodinated C3, C8, and C9 indicated that these components were being deposited on the bacterial cell surface. In spite of C activation, no significant killing of strain 297 was observed in 1-30% N H S in an in vitro bactericidal assay. The addition, however, of high-titered human anti-B. burgdorferi IgG to N H S resulted in greater than 80% killing of strain 297 in 10% NHS. N H S immunochemically depleted of C1 was found to be bactericidal for strain 297 only in the presence of immune antibody. The results of these experiments indicate that in spite of the activation of both C pathways, B. burgdorferi strain 297 is resistant to the nonspecific bactericidal activity of NHS. However, in the presence of immune antibody B. burgdorferi is killed through the activity of the classical C pathway. Deposition of C3, C8, and C9 further suggest that serum resistance of B. burgdorferi strain 297 to N H S is not due to an inability to activate or deposit complement.