Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Essential roles of bile acids and their nuclear receptors, FXR and PXR, in the cholestatic liver disease

ABSTRACT Bile acids (BAs) are steroid acids found predominantly in the bile of mammals and other vertebrates. Though BAs have been known as digestive juice, recent studies have revealed that BAs act as signaling molecules to control metabolism and inflammation. Today, BAs are considered as potential therapeutic molecules for treatment of complex metabolic liver disease. However, the detergent properties of BAs lead to hepatic injury and intrahepatic cholestasis when BAs are accumulated in the liver with impaired bile flow into gall bladder. Cholestasis is a pathological condition of hepatic retention of cytotoxic bile acids. To date, hydrophilic ursodeoxycholic acid has been currently used to treat cholestasis, but the efficacy of UDCA for cholestasis is still limited. Given that BAs are endogenous ligands of several nuclear receptors, including Farnesoid X receptor and Pregnane X receptor, novel synthetic ligands for those nuclear receptors are promising for the treatment of cholestatic liver diseases.
In Vitro Culture of Zygotic Embryos of Ilex Species

Plants of Ilex argentina L. , I. brasiliensis (S.) L. , I. brevicuspis R. , I. dumosa R. , I. integerrima (V.C.) L. , I. microdonta R. , I. pseudoboxus R. , and I. theezans C.M. were obtained by immature embryo culture. Heart-stage zygotic embryos were removed from immature fruits and cultured aseptically on quarter-strength Murashige and Skoog medium with 3% sucrose, 0.65% agar, and 0.1 mg.L -1 zeatin. Cultures were incubated at 27 ±2°C for 4 weeks, in darkness and subsequently transferred to a culture room with a 14-hour photoperiod (116 μmol.m -2 .s -1 ) for another 4 weeks. Seedlings with two leaves, derived from germinated embryos, were successfully transplanted to pots containing 1 peat: 1 perlite: 1 sand (v/v) and were maintained in greenhouse conditions. From 95% to 100% of transplanted seedlings survived. Chemical name used: 6-(4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enylamino) purine (zeatin).
The Role of DbpA and B adhesins in the pathogenesis of Lyme borreliosis

JEMIINA SALO The Role of DbpA and B adhesins in the pathogenesis of Lyme borreliosis University of Turku, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology Turku Doctoral Programme of Molecular Medicine (TuDMM) and Turku Doctoral Programme of Biomedical Sciences (TuBS) Annales Universitatis Turkuensis, Medica – odontologica, Turku, Finland 2016 Lyme borreliosis is a tick-borne infectious disease common in the Northern hemisphere. It is most commonly caused by B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. garinii or B. afzelii. The Borrelia bacteria have several surface proteins, or adhesins, which mediate attachment to different tissues and molecules in the host. Two of these adhesins, Decorin binding protein A and B (DbpA and B) facilitate bacterial adhesion to extracellular proteoglycan decorin. The aim, therefore, of this study is to characterize and compare the biological activities of DbpA and B of the three genospecies and elucidate the role of these interactions in the pathogenesis of Lyme borreliosis. This study shows that Dbps have different binding properties to decorin and decorin expressing cells. In addition to decorin, the Dbps facilitate bacterial adhesion to another proteoglycan, biglycan, and biglycan expressing cells. Biglycan as a molecule is highly similar to decorin, but its tissue distributions in humans and other mammals vary significantly. Borrelia is able to attach to human vascular endothelial cells through an interaction with biglycan, and the Dbps of B. garinii facilitate the flow tolerant bacterial adhesion to endothelial cells. Furthermore, DbpA and B adhesins are both needed for full arthritis development in mice, and they enable the bacteria to persist as DNA after the antibiotic treatment in mice. This study demonstrates the biological differences of DbpA and B of B. burgdorferi sensu stricto, B. garinii and B. afzelii, and reveals a greater role of the adhesins in the pathogenesis of Lyme borreliosis than was previously assumed.
The ecology, conservation and management of Nile crocodiles Crocodylus niloticus in a human dominated landscape

Nile crocodiles were extensively persecuted throughout much of the 20th century. The extinction of the species was only averted by the timely intervention of conservationists and by the beginning of the 21st century most populations had recovered. Many of the conservation measures designed to curb the original extinction threats remain unchanged and are now perceived by some to be outdated. The recovery of Nile crocodile populations has been accompanied by rapid human population growth and demands for freshwater resources. This phenomenon has resulted in a converging conflict crisis between Nile crocodiles and humans. The aim of this thesis is to (a) quantify the extent of human crocodile conflict (HCC) and (b) establish the implications for conservation and development. (a)The extent of HCC was assessed by (i) analysing losses incurred by local communities (ii) analysing the demographics of crocodiles in relation to human activities (iii) analysing the relationship between humans and crocodile prey species. Nile crocodiles pose a substantial threat to subsistence livelihoods whilst rural communities have significant negative impacts on crocodiles (i) Estimates suggest an annual loss of between ~255 and ~6864 cattle per year and damage to an estimated 71500 fishing nets per year in North Eastern Namibia. (ii) All crocodile size classes showed a negative relationship with people at the interand intra-river levels. (iii) Crocodile prey species showed a significant negative spatial relationship with cattle. (b) Conservation and management implications were assessed by estimating the spatial patterns of HCC explanatory variables on a continental scale. Protected areas are important for crocodile conservation. The use of crocodile habitat as boundaries for protected areas raises important questions relating to HCC.
Phenodynamics of five orchids species growing on rock outcrops in the Chapada Diamantina Mountains in northeastern Brazil

We evaluated the vegetative and reproductive phenological patterns of the orchids Cattleya elongata, Cyrtopodium aliciae, Epidendrum orchidiflorum, Epistephium lucidum, and Sobralia liliastrum (Orchidaceae) growing on sandstone outcrops in the Chapada Diamantina Mountains in northeastern Brazil. Phenological events were associated with abiotic factors, leaf longevity, life form, plant growth pattern, and pollination syndrome. Phenological observations were made for 18 months and followed the phenophases of: stem/pseudobulb emission, leaf flush, leaf fall, flowering, immature fruit and mature fruit. Seasonality, synchrony, and correlations between phenophases and environmental variables were tested. The orchid species demonstrated aseasonal vegetative phenologies, except for pseudobulb emission. Reproductive events were seasonal, except for flowering in E. orchidiflorum. There was high flowering overlap between the species pairs S. liliastrum and C. aliciae (dry season) and C. elongata and E. lucidum (rainy season). Dispersal occurred during both the rainy and dry seasons. The vegetative phenophases exhibited low synchrony, and were related to certain morphofunctional characters (stems/pseudobulbs, CAM metabolism). The reproductive phenophases showed high synchrony consistent with the deceit pollination strategy usually associated with the group.
Size distributions of atmospheric ions inside clouds and in cloud-free air at a remote continental site

During the late autumn 2004, aerosol and air ion number size distributions inside and outside clouds and cloud droplet number size spectra were measured in Pallas, northern Finland. The concentrations of cluster ions (air ions with a diameter < 1.6 nm) were substantially lower, roughly by an order of magnitude, inside clouds as compared with cloud-free air. The observed concentration levels of cluster ions could be explained by a source rate of a few ion pairs per second. The main sink for cluster ions was the cloud droplet population during the cloudy periods and the ion-ion recombination in cloud-free air. Very few intermediate ions (1.6-7.4 nm diameter) were present during the cloudy periods, indicating that processes capable of generating intermediate ions were rather inactive inside clouds during the measurement campaign.
PREDATORS OF THE COMMON LIZARD (ZOOTOCA VIVIPARA) IN A HABITAT OF FOREST GLADE IN SW POLAND

Ecological studies were carried out in 1992-1995 in a population of Zootoca (Lacerta) vivipara inhabiting a humid meadow surrounded by a forest in SW Poland. The studies included, among others, identifying vertebrate predators of this species. Three amphibian species, 2 reptile species, 21 birds and 12 mammals are regarded as potential predators. Attempted attacks by the Kestrel and numerous attacks by the Jay on the lizards were observed. The opinion that a high proportion of lizards with regenerated tails unequivocally testifies to a high predation pressure is discussed.
Joint dynamic species distribution models: a tool for community ordination and spatio‐temporal monitoring

Aim Spatial analysis of the distribution and density of species is of continuing interest within theoretical and applied ecology. Species distribution models (SDMs) are being increasingly used to analyse count, presence–absence and presence-only data sets. There is a growing literature on dynamic SDMs (which incorporate temporal variation in species distribution), joint SDMs (which simultaneously analyse the correlated distribution of multiple species) and geostatistical models (which account for similarity between nearby sites caused by unobserved covariates). However, no previous study has combined all three attributes within a single framework. Innovation We develop spatial dynamic factor analysis for use as a ‘joint, dynamic SDM’ (JDSDM), which uses geostatistical methods to account for spatial similarity when estimating one or more ‘factors’. Each factor evolves over time following a density-dependent (Gompertz) process, and the log-density of each species is approximated as a linear combination of different factors. We demonstrate a JDSDM using two multispecies case studies (an annual survey of bottom-associated species in the Bering Sea and a seasonal survey of butterfly density in the continental USA), and also provide our code publicly as an R package. Main conclusions Case study applications show that that JDSDMs can be used for species ordination, i.e. showing that dynamics for butterfly species within the same genus are significantly more correlated than for species from different genera. We also demonstrate how JDSDMs can rapidly identify dominant patterns in community dynamics, including the decline and recovery of several Bering Sea fishes since 2008, and the ‘flight curves’ typical of early or late-emerging butterflies. We conclude by suggesting future research that could incorporate phylogenetic relatedness or functional similarity, and propose that our approach could be used to monitor community dynamics at large spatial and temporal scales.
The Dynamics of Plant Cell Wall In Muro Modifications and its Physiological Implications on Seed Germination

Seed germination is a complex process in which the embryo, enclosed within the surrounding tissues, must quickly switch from a maturation program to a germination‐ driven developmental process that will prepare the embryo for seedling growth and establishment. The germination process initiates with water uptake by the dry seed and culminates, usually, with the radicle protrusion. The radicle emergence from the seed is a highly regulated process that involves discrete and coordinated changes in plant cell wall extensibility and rearrangements of its components, among other processes. In this chapter we will review current knowledge of the physiological process of controlled cell separation and expansion, which give the primary cell wall its plastic properties by “loosening” of the main components of the cell wall during seed germination. We will focus on the physiological importance of primary cell wall constitution and modifica‐ tion by the activity in muro of a broad variety of cell wall‐modifying enzymes that include hydrolases and transglycosylases, as well as non‐enzymatic processes such as expansin‐mediated loosening during seed germination.
Divergent mating system adaptations in microallopatric populations of Acanthodiaptomus denticornis (Copepoda, Calanoida)

Ecological differentiation, sexual selection and sexual con ﬂ ict have been proposed as speciation drivers in copepods, but empirical support is scarce. Because sexual con ﬂ ict is common in the suborder Calanoida, we tested whether sexual selection drives differentiation between populations. We conducted mating experiments between two geographically adjacent but morphologically different populations of the calanoid copepod Acanthodiaptomus denticornis from the French lakes Lac Pavin and Lac de Montcineyre. We detected sex-speci ﬁ c inter-population differences in mating success. In particular, Lac de Montcineyre males (M males) exhibited a higher mating success in short matings than Lac Pavin males (P males). In contrast to M females, P females showed population-density-dependent fecundity. Furthermore, survival of P females decreased in inter-population groups. We suggest that planktivorous glassworm larvae, which inhabit only Lac de Montcineyre, impose selection on copulating pairs of copepods. This may adaptively increase the ability of M males to fertilize eggs during short matings and indirectly decrease sensitivity of M females to male coercion. The former adaptation might result in a ﬁ tness disadvantage of P male immigrants in Lac de Montcineyre, whereas the latter rede ﬁ nes a “ battleground ” for population-speci ﬁ c sexual con ﬂ ict. Both ecological adaptation and sexual con ﬂ ict may contribute to divergence in our study system.
Effect of suspended solids on interaction between filter-feeding fish Aristichthys nobilis and zooplankton in a shallow lake using a mesocosm experiment

ABSTRACT Suspended solids (SS) resulting from sediment resuspension (SR) can impact ecosystems through direct and indirect effects on freshwater organisms and their interactions. This study was conducted to determine whether the SS can affect the interaction between filter-feeding fish (Aristichthys nobilis) and zooplankton using a mesocosm experiment with sediments from Lake Taihu, a large shallow lake in China. SR using pump was divided into three intensities: strong, weak and no SR representing different concentrations of SS. Zooplankton abundance was significantly higher in the no-fish treatments than in the fish treatments under all three SR conditions. SR intensity had significantly negative effect on zooplankton abundance. There were interactions between fish and SR intensity on abundances of copepod, rotifer, total zooplankton and dominant zooplankton species except cladoceran abundance. The results indicate that SS had a lesser effect on zooplankton predation by filter-feeding fish, which suggests that zooplankton communities in shallow lakes can be affected by the filter-feeding fish even under high level of SS condition.
Inhibitory Effect of Ginseng Polysaccharides on Rotavirus Infection

Polysaccharides and saponins were isolated from the root of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer (Family Araliaceae), treated at various temperatures, and their inhibitory effects on rotavirus were investigated. As the temperature of processing increased, the molecular weight of the polysaccharides decreased, but the yields of water extracted increased. These polysaccharides inhibited rotavirus infection in MA104 cells, but there were no significant differences in rotavirus infection-inhibitory potency. However, ginseng saponins did not exhibit rotavirus infection-inhibitory activity.
Setting biological reference points for sea scallops (Placopecten magellanicus) allowing for the spatial distribution of productivity and fishing effort

Management for the major sea scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) fisheries in Canada is based on maximum sustainable yield (MSY) biomass and fishing mortality reference points applied to the whole stock, under the assumption that fishing mortality is uniformly distributed in space. However, scallop fishing vessels concentrate fishing in areas that consistently exhibit high densities resulting in a nonuniform spatial distribution of fishing effort. This study applies a spatial model for fishing effort derived from satellite vessel monitoring system data, scallop habitat suitability maps, and relative scallop density from a spatial stock assessment model to evaluate precautionary approach reference points in support of sustainable management. Target harvest rates were evaluated in terms of MSY for the higher habitat suitability areas. The results indicated that although MSY for the spatial model were similar to those when assuming a uniform distribution of effort, the biomass and catch rates over all areas w.
Feeding by Scolytus bark beetles to test for differently susceptible elm varieties

Dutch elm disease (DED), caused by the fungi Ophiostoma ulmi and O. novo‐ulmi, has reduced elm populations severely in Europe and North America. Breeding programmes are in action to find less susceptible elm varieties suitable for re‐establishing elm stands. Bark beetles, mainly Scolytus spp. , are the only known natural vectors of DED. During twig feeding, beetles transfer Ophiostoma spores to healthy elms. Thus, less palatable elms should run a lower risk of DED infections. In feeding preference bioassays, we offered twigs from elms exhibiting different degree of susceptibility to O. novo‐ulmi, together with non‐host trees to Scolytus beetles. Scolytus multistriatus preferred wych elm, Ulmus glabra, to 100% in two‐choice tests, whereas S. laevis did not discriminate between a tolerant and a susceptible variety of field elm, U. minor. We suggest that the feeding assay is useful as a low‐tech method in breeding programmes for evaluating the suitability of promising elm genotypes to vector insects.
WHO classification of lymphoid malignancies.

MATERIALS OF HEMATOLOGY TUTORIAL “DIAGNOSTIC WORK-UP OF HEMATOLOGICAL MALIGNANCIES. FOCUS ON LYMPHOID MALIGNANCIES”, MAY 18-19, 2012, KYIV, UKRAINE For a�out �� years� the European School of Hematology �ESH� and the European Hematology Association �EHA� have cooperated in organizing educational activities in the field of continuous medical education designed in colla�oration with the international experts. ESH has worked much to improve and harmonize the quality of education in hematology throughout Europe with the active implication of the world’s most prominent hematologists and hematology organizations. In ����� the Joint ESH-EHA Executive Committee was organized. The Committee mem�ers E. Gluckman and B. Lоwen�erg from ESH� W. Fi��e and R. Foa from EHA have developed a framework for continuing colla�oration in the field including the workshops and training courses for hematologists. Among the scientific and educational courses on the latest developments in hematology� the hematology tutorials are of great interest for all those who are eager to improve and update their knowledge in various fields of modern hematology. The scientific program of the tutorials comprising plenary lectures� interactively conducted clinical case study sessions and self-assessment sessions is designed to encourage interaction �etween the faculty and the course participants. For many years� within the framework of ESH-EHA program for continuous medical education� conferences� training courses and la�oratory workshops have �een organized in various countries throughout the world. The hematology tutorials involving a faculty of international experts are targeted to clinicians� �iologists and students working in the field of hematological malignancies. It was the first time when the hematology tutorial was held in Kyiv� Ukraine. The ��th Hematology Tutorial promoted a modern view of morphology� pathogenesis� diagnosis and treatment of lymphoid malignancies. The faculty of this tutorial consisted of the leading experts from different countries: Prof. R. Foa and Prof. G. Gaidano from Italy. Prof. C. �earden from United Kingdom� Prof. S. McCann and Prof. E. Vanden�erghe from Ireland� Prof. E. Kim�y from Sweden� Prof. �. Gluzman and Prof. I. Kriachok from Ukraine. Among the audience comprising a�out ��� people were clinicians and researchers specializing in hematology arriving from various cities throughout Ukraine. As a courtesy of ESH-ESA and personally of the faculty of the meeting� the lecturers have provided their permissions for pu�lishing the extended a�stracts of their lectures in this issue of Experimental Oncology. WHO CLASSIFICATION OF LYMPHOID MALIGNANCIES
A qualitative and quantitative survey of termites (Isoptera) in an open shrubby Caatinga in Northeast Brazil

The richness of species, the abundance and biomass of termites of the Caatinga (a vegetation with thorny shrubs and stunted trees) were studied during the dry season of 2000 and the rainy season of 2001, in the Cariri microregion of Paraiba State, Northeast Brazil. For estimating the species richness, a standardized sampling protocol was applied, and the quantitative data were obtained by applying various methodologies. We found 17 species (of 10 genera and three families) in the demarcated areas, 12 of them during the dry season and 13 during the rainy season. Of the 17 species, eight were found in both seasons, and nine species were found in just one of the seasons, probably because of the low density of their populations. The fauna of the Caatinga resembles more that of the Cerrado than those of dense forest ecosystems. The main inhabitant of nests was Constrictotermes cyphergaster (50 units ha - 1 ), and in the nests of that species, with a volume of 12 liters or more, species of Inquilinitermes were commonly found; and the main inhabitant of the soil and of fallen dead wood was Heterotermes sulcatus. The general density of termites (from all strata) was 1.8 times larger in the rainy season than in the dry season, and the biomass was 3.9 times larger in the same period, but both density and biomass values were considered relatively low, when compared to quantitative data of other Neotropical ecosystems (e.g. in highland humid forest, surrounded by the Caatinga, the values of density and biomass were 22 and 18 times larger, respectively). The low abundance of termites in the Caatinga seems to be directly related to plant productivity of the ecosystem. The humus-feeder species were little represented, because of the adverse conditions of the Caatinga during most part of the year.