Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Morphometric relationships and relative growth of Hexaplex trunculus and Bolinus brandaris (Gastropoda: Muricidae) from the Ria Formosa lagoon (southern Portugal)

The present study reports morphometric relationships and discusses the relative growth in the banded murex (Hexaplex trunculus) and the purple dye murex (Bolinus brandaris) from the Ria Formosa lagoon (southern Portugal). A total of 11 morphometric parameters (eight linear variables: shell length, shell width, total aperture length, aperture length, aperture width, spire length, spire width and siphonal canal length; three ponderal variables: total weight, soft parts weight and shell weight) were analysed in both species. The analyses comprised numerous individuals of both sexes and with broad size ranges (H. trunculus: 10.7–82.8 mm shell length; B. brandaris: 14.6–107.7 mm shell length), fairly representative of the populations from the Ria Formosa lagoon. In general, B. brandaris exhibited greater morphological plasticity and higher variability in shell shape compared with H. trunculus. In both species, the vast majority of morphometric relationships displayed positive allometries, distantly followed by negative allometries and by isometries. Although H. trunculus and B. brandaris are known to lack external sexual dimorphism, several morphometric relationships revealed significant differences in the type of growth between sexes, which should be further confirmed using more powerful techniques, such as geometric morphometric analyses of shell shape.
Biodiversity of Lactococcus garvieaeStrains Isolated from Fish in Europe, Asia, and Australia

ABSTRACT Lactococcus garvieae (junior synonym,Enterococcus seriolicida) is a major pathogen of fish, producing fatal septicemia among fish species living in very diverse environments. The phenotypic traits of L. garvieae strains collected from three different continents (Asia, Europe, and Australia) indicated phenotypic heterogeneity. On the basis of the acidification of d-tagatose and sucrose, three biotypes were defined. DNA relatedness values and a specific PCR assay showed that all the biotypes belonged to the same genospecies, L. garvieae. All of the L. garvieae strains were serotyped as Lancefield group N. Ribotyping proved that one clone was found both in Japan, where it probably originated, and in Italy, where it was probably imported. PCR of environmental samples did not reveal the source of the contamination of the fish in Italy. Specific clones (ribotypes) were found in outbreaks in Spain and in Italy. The L. garvieaereference strain, isolated in the United Kingdom from a cow, belonged to a unique ribotype. L. garvieae is a rising zoonotic agent. The biotyping scheme, the ribotyping analysis, and the PCR assay described in this work allowed the proper identification of L. garvieae and the description of the origin and of the source of contamination of strains involved in outbreaks or in sporadic cases.
Treating Protein Misfolding Diseases: Therapeutic Successes Against Systemic Amyloidoses

Misfolding and extracellular deposition of proteins is the hallmark of a heterogeneous group of conditions collectively termed protein misfolding and deposition diseases or amyloidoses. These include both localized (e.g. Alzheimer’s disease, prion diseases, type 2 diabetes mellitus) and systemic amyloidoses. Historically regarded as a group of maladies with limited, even inexistent, therapeutic options, some forms of systemic amyloidoses have recently witnessed a series of unparalleled therapeutic successes, positively impacting on their natural history and sometimes even on their incidence. In this review article we will revisit the most relevant of these accomplishments. Collectively, current evidence converges towards a crucial role of an early and conspicuous reduction or stabilization of the amyloid-forming protein in its native conformation. Such an approach can reduce disease incidence in at risk individuals, limit organ function deterioration, promote organ function recovery, improve quality of life and extend survival in diseased subjects. Therapeutic success achieved in these forms of systemic amyloidoses may guide the research on other protein misfolding and deposition diseases for which effective etiologic therapeutic options are still absent.
Ca2+ activation and tension cost in myofilaments from mouse hearts ectopically expressing enteric γ-actin

To determine the significance of actin isoforms in chemomechanical coupling, we compared tension and ATPase rate in heart myofilaments from nontransgenic (NTG) and transgenic (TG) mice in which enteric γ-actin replaced >95% of the cardiac α-actin. Enteric γ-actin was expressed against three backgrounds: mice expressing cardiac α-actin, heterozygous null cardiac α-actin mice, and homozygous null cardiac α-actin mice. There were no differences in maximum Ca2+activated tension or maximum rate of tension redevelopment after a quick release and rapid restretch protocol between TG and NTG skinned fiber bundles. However, compared with NTG controls, Ca2+sensitivity of tension was significantly decreased and economy of tension development was significantly increased in myofilaments from all TG hearts. Shifts in myosin isoform population could not fully account for this increase in the economy of force production of TG myofilaments. Our results indicate that an exchange of cardiac α-actin with an actin isoform diff.
Codling Moth Control in Oregon's Hood River Valley: Is it Resistance, Poor Timing, or Less Effective Control Programs?

Pear and apple orchards in Oregon's Hood River Valley have experienced increasing amounts of codling moth damage in the last two seasons. Working with concerned growers and fieldmen, experiments were conducted to determine if resistance to organophosphates (OP) was evident in the valley. Topical bioassays were conducted on male moths collected with pheromone traps in problem orchards where resistance was a concern. Four out of five orchards surveyed exhibited an increase in resistance to azinphosmethyl compared to a susceptible population. Other insecticides such as phosmet and the neonicotinyls will be examined in 2005 for cross-resistance. Potential cross-resistance to insecticides that do not have adulticidal activity, such as the insect growth regulators, will be examined by treating reactivated diapausing larvae. Growers' spray records and pack-out reports were also collected to determine if increased amounts of codling moth damage were a result of poor management practices, incorrect timing of sprays or ineffective control programs. A codling moth egg survey was conducted to help validate the current phenology model and to correlate trap catches to egg laying. Changes in flight patterns within the first codling moth generation have been observed for the past few years. Population density maps were also created using GIS and extensive trapping data from fieldmen to indicate "hot-spots" throughout the valley. Future plans are to create real-time maps to indicate when populations are increasing in a given area and how they change numerically from year to year under different management programs.
Effect of Heating on Onion (Allium cepa L.) Antiplatelet Activity and Pungency Sensory Perception

Onion, in its raw form, is recognized as an antiplatelet agent that may contribute to the prevention of cardiovascular disease. In raw onions, the content of pyruvate, is significantly correlated with antiplatelet activity (AA) and the sensory perception of pungency. However, onion is generally cooked before consumption. Herein, we examine the effect of heating — using different boiling intensities — on the in vitro antiaggregatory activity (IVAA), the pyruvate concentration and the flavor (pungency) of crushed-onion samples. In general, heating is detrimental for onion AA. Boiling for 3 min has no significant effect on platelet aggregation, as compared to raw onion. Heating for 46 min completely suppresses IVAA, whereas samples boiled for > 20 min have pro-aggregatory effects. Significant differences in AA are found between the blood donors. Pyruvate content is not reduced after 30 min boiling. Pungency ratings decrease with the intensity of the heat treatment. Strong significant positive correlations are found between IVAA and pungency, but not between pyruvate and the former two variables. Our results suggest that: (i) in order to obtain the maximum health benefits onions should be eaten raw or moderately cooked, (ii) extensive heating may result in pro-aggregatory effects, (iii) pyruvate is not a good indicator of AA in cooked onions, (iv) the decrease in IVAA and pungency during onion cooking may be due to degradation of sulfur compounds (e.g. thiosulfinates) which are, likely, less tolerant than pyruvate to the high temperatures.
Pharmacokinetics of Adjusted-Dose Lopinavir-Ritonavir Combined with Rifampin in Healthy Volunteers

ABSTRACT Coadministration of lopinavir-ritonavir, an antiretroviral protease inhibitor, at the standard dose (400/100 mg twice a day [BID]) with the antituberculous agent rifampin is contraindicated because of a significant pharmacokinetic interaction due to induction of cytochrome P450 3A by rifampin. In the present study, two adjusted-dose regimens of lopinavir-ritonavir were tested in combination with rifampin. Thirty-two healthy subjects participated in a randomized, two-arm, open-label, multiple-dose, within-subject controlled study. All subjects were treated with lopinavir-ritonavir at 400/100 mg BID from days 1 to 15. From days 16 to 24, the subjects in arm 1 received lopinavir-ritonavir at 800/200 mg BID in a dose titration, and the subjects in arm 2 received lopinavir-ritonavir at 400/400 mg BID in a dose titration. Rifampin was given at 600 mg once daily to all subjects from days 11 to 24. The multiple-dose pharmacokinetics of lopinavir, ritonavir, and rifampin were assessed. Twelve of 32 subjects withdrew from the study. For nine subjects lopinavir-ritonavir combined with rifampin resulted in liver enzyme level elevations. Pharmacokinetic data for 19 subjects were evaluable. Geometric mean ratios for the lopinavir minimum concentration in serum and the maximum concentration in serum (Cmax) on day 24 versus that on day 10 were 0.43 (90% confidence interval [CI], 0.19 to 0.96) and 1.02 (90% CI, 0.85 to 1.23), respectively, for arm 1 (n = 10) and 1.03 (90% CI, 0.68 to 1.56) and 0.93 (90% CI, 0.81 to 1.07), respectively, for arm 2 (n = 9). Ritonavir exposure increased from days 10 to 24 in both arms. The geometric mean Cmax of rifampin was 13.5 mg/liter (day 24) and was similar between the two arms. Adjusted-dose regimens of lopinavir-ritonavir in combination with therapeutic drug monitoring and monitoring of liver function may allow concomitant use of rifampin.
Dissemination of Listeria monocytogenesby Infected Phagocytes

ABSTRACT In vitro data suggest that blood-borne Listeria monocytogenes organisms enter the central nervous system (CNS) by direct invasion of endothelial cells or by cell-to-cell spread from infected phagocytes to endothelial cells. However, a role for infected phagocytes in neuroinvasion and dissemination of L. monocytogenes in vivo has not been confirmed experimentally. Experiments described here tested whether L. monocytogenes-infected peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) circulated in bacteremic mice and could establish organ infection in vivo. A mean of 30.5% of bacteria cultured from whole blood were PBL associated, and microscopy showed that 22.2% of monocytes and 1.6% of neutrophils were infected. PBL-associated bacteria spread to endothelial cells in vitro, indicating their potential for virulence in vivo. To test this possibility, mice were injected intravenously with infected PBL and CFU of bacteria in liver, spleen, and brain were quantified and compared with values for mice injected with broth-grown bacteria and in vitro-infected macrophage cell lines. An inoculum of infected macrophage cell lines led to greater numbers of bacteria in the liver than the numbers produced by a similar inoculum of broth-grown bacteria. In contrast, brain infection was best established by infected PBL. Results of intraperitoneal injection of infected peritoneal cells compared with results of injection with infected J774A.1 cells suggested that unrestricted intracellular bacterial replication within J774A.1 cells contributed to excessive liver infection in those mice. These data show dissemination of intracellularL. monocytogenes and indicate that phagocyte-facilitated invasion has a role in CNS infection in vivo. Heterogeneity with regard to bactericidal activity as well as to other phagocyte characteristics is a critical feature of this mechanism.
Genetic Variability and Relationships in Pacific Salmon and Related Trout Based on Protein Variations

Utter, F. M. , F. W. Allendorf and H. 0. Hodgins (Northwest Fisheries Center, National Marine Fisheries Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Division of Environmental Conservation, 2725 Montlake Boulevard East, Seattle, Washington 98112) 1973. Genetic Variability and Relationships in Pacific Salmon and Related Trout based on Protein Variations. Syst. Zool. 22:257-270. -An investigation was made of the biochemical genetic variation within and among Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) and related trout (Salmo spp.). Estimates (based on 19 to 23 loci) of proportion of loci polymorphic and average heterozygosity respectively were: pink salmon (O. gorbuscha)-. 111 and . 014, chum salmon (O. keta)-. 100 and . 006, sockeye salmon (O. nerka)-. 087 and . 018, coho salmon (O. kisutch)-. 130 and . 018, chinook salmon (O. tshawytscha)-. 130 and . 015, and rainbow trout (S. gairdneri)-. 261 and . 037. The differencesof these two parameters between populations of salmon and rainbow trout were significant and may reflect the greater habitat diversity of rainbow trout contrasted with Pacific salmon species. Interspecies comparisons were made among the above species plus masu salmon (O. masou) and cutthroat trout (S. clarkii), based on allelic proteins of eight loci and more complex protein patterns assumed to reflect four additional loci. A dendrogram, constructed from indices of similarity which reflected pairwise interspecies protein differences, separated the species into two major groups; one group contained the two trout species which were paired closely and-more distantly-the masu salmon, while the other group contained the remaining five species of salmon. In the latter group the chinook and coho salmon were paired together as were the pink and sockeye salmon; the chum salmon was intermediate between the two subgroups.
Cloning, Expression, and Immunological Evaluation of Two Putative Secreted Serine Protease Antigens ofMycobacterium tuberculosis

ABSTRACT Culture filtrate proteins (CFP) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis have been shown to contain immunogenic components that elicit at least partial protective immunity againstMycobacterium infection. To clone genes encoding some of the immunogenic proteins, we made a high-titer rabbit anti-CFP serum and used it to screen an M. tuberculosis genomic expression library in Escherichia coli. In this paper, we describe the molecular cloning of two new protein components of CFP and identified them as members of the serine protease gene family. Their open reading frames contain N-terminal hydrophobic secretory signals consistent with their detection in CFP. The predicted molecular masses of the mature, fully processed forms of both antigens are ∼32 kDa, in agreement with their observed sizes on immunoblots of CFP probed with polyclonal rabbit antisera made to the recombinant proteins. Thus, these proteins have been designated MTB32A and MTB32B. Interestingly, and despite 66% amino acid sequence homology between the two proteins, polyclonal rabbit antisera made to each of the recombinant proteins were found to be specific for the respective immunizing antigens. The recombinant proteins were also evaluated in in vitro assays with donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from healthy purified protein derivative (PPD)-positive individuals of diverse ethnic backgrounds. MTB32A but not MTB32B stimulated PBMC from healthy PPD-positive donors but not from PPD-negative donors to proliferate and secrete gamma interferon. MTB32A is encoded by a single-copy gene which is present in both virulent and avirulent strains of the M. tuberculosiscomplex and the BCG strain of Mycobacterium bovis but absent in the environmental mycobacterial species tested. In addition, nucleotide sequence comparison of mtb32a of the avirulent H37Ra strain and the virulent Erdman strain, as well as with the corresponding sequences (identified in the databases) of strain H37Rv and the clinical isolate CSU93, revealed 100% identity. MTB32A, therefore, represents a candidate for inclusion in subunit vaccine development. Finally, the possible role of MTB32 serine proteases as a virulence factor(s) during Mycobacterium spp. infection is discussed.
Indispensable Role for the Eukaryotic-Like Ankyrin Domains of the Ankyrin B Effector of Legionella pneumophila within Macrophages and Amoebae

Volume 78, no. 5, p. 2079 –2088, 2010. Page 2084, the legend to Fig. 5B lines 7–15: “(B) Equivalent expression of the AnkB-Cya fusion alleles in L. pneumophila was determined by immunoblot assays of Cya-AnkB fusions expressed in L. pneumophila. Proteins derived from equivalent numbers of bacteria (1 10) were loaded onto an SDS-polyacrylamide gel, and Cya fusion proteins were detected on Western blots probed with an anti-M45 antibody, recognizing the N-terminal M45 epitope on all Cya fusions. The blots were reprobed with anti-CAT antibodies, which showed equivalent expression of another protein encoded on the same reporter plasmid. ” should read “(B) Equivalent expression of the AnkB-Cya fusion alleles in L. pneumophila was determined by immunoblot assays of Cya-AnkB fusions expressed in L. pneumophila. Proteins derived from equivalent numbers of bacteria (1 10) were loaded onto an SDSpolyacrylamide gel, and Cya fusion proteins were detected on a Western blot probed with an anti-M45 antibody, recognizing the N-terminal M45 epitope on all Cya fusions (upper blot). Another blot loaded with proteins derived from an equivalent number of bacteria (1 10) per lane was probed with anti-CAT antibodies and showed equivalent expression of the CAT protein, which is encoded on the Cya fusion plasmids (lower blot). ”
An exploratory study of Helicobacter suis control strategies

s presented on national and international meetings Vermoote M, Bram Flahou B, Frank Pasmans F, Ducatelle R, Haesebrouck F: Protective efficacy of recombinant Helicobacter suis proteins against Helicobacter suis challenge in a mouse model. Poster presentation Studienamiddag International Pig Veterinary Society (IPVS) Belgian Branch. 2012, November 23, Merelbeke, Belgium. Vermoote M, Van Steendam K, Flahou B, Pasmans F, Ducatelle R, Deforce D, Haesebrouck F: Immunoproteomics of Helicobacter suis and protective efficacy of a subunit vaccine in a mouse model. Oral presentation at the 2 nd Prato conference on the Pathogenesis of Bacterial Diseases of Animals (VetPath 2012). 2012, October 9-12, Prato, Italy. MSD Animal Health Student Scholarship Award. Vermoote M, Flahou B, Pasmans F, Ducatelle R, Haesebrouck F: Protective efficacy of recombinant Helicobacter suis proteins against Helicobacter suis challenge in a mouse model. Oral presentation at the 10 th International workshop on Pathogenesis and Host Response in Helicobacter infections. 2012, July 4-7, HelsingOr, Denmark. Young Scientist Award for Best Oral Presentation. Flahou B, Smet A, Meyns T, Liang J, Vermoote M, De Cooman L, Pasmans, Ducatelle R, Haesebrouck F: Helicobacter suis infection in a pig veterinarian. 10 th International workshop on Pathogenesis and Host Response in Helicobacter infections. 2012, July 4-7, HelsingOr, Denmark.
A winter chlorophyll bloom analyzed using Lagrangian diagnoses in the northeastern South China Sea

The Finite Time Lyapunov Exponent technique is a highly effective way to visualize and analyze flow fields. Its ridges are referred to as Lagrangian Coherent Structures which reveal the transport barriers of fluid systems, or their hidden skeletons. This allows us to investigate the complex mesoscale and submesoscale ocean processes on a Lagrangian view. In this article, we use the Lagrangian technique to investigate one chlorophyll bloom event in the northeastern South China Sea and discuss the impact of horizontal transport on the distribution of surface chlorophyll. Our results demonstrate that horizontal transport barriers uncovered by Lagrangian Coherent Structures can shape the vortex and filament in a simple and distinct way.
De Novo Synthesis of 4,5-Dimethoxycatechol and 2,5-Dimethoxyhydroquinone by the Brown Rot FungusGloeophyllum trabeum

ABSTRACT The new dimethoxycatechol 4,5-dimethoxy-1,2-benzenediol (DMC) and the new dimethoxyhydroquinone 2,5-dimethoxy-1,4-benzenediol (DMH) were isolated from stationary cultures of the brown rot fungusGloeophyllum trabeum growing on a glucose mineral medium protected from light. The structure was elucidated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry through comparison to a synthetic standard. Further confirmation was obtained by forming a dimethoxyoxazole derivative by condensation of DMC with methylene chloride and through examination of methylated derivatives. DMC and DMH may serve as ferric chelators, oxygen-reducing agents, and redox-cycling molecules, which would include functioning as electron transport carriers to Fenton’s reactions. Thus, they appear to be important components of the brown rot decay system of the fungus.
ENHANCING PIGMENT ACCUMULATION IN ANABAENA STRAINS USING SUGARS

The pigment accumulating potential of two strains of Anabaena was evaluated in the presence of various sugars (glucose, sucrose and jaggery), when incubated under light/darkness. Both strains exhibited excellent potential for phycocyanin (PC), phycoerythrin (PE) and total phycobiliproteins (PBS) production in light, in the presence of sugars. In terms of accumulation of % phycobiliproteins / proteins, Anabaena cylindrica (ATCC 29414) was observed to be more responsive to jaggery while sucrose and glucose were more stimulatory for Anabaena sp. (cyanobiont isolated from Azolla mexicana ). Significant enhancement in PC and PE content by supplementation with sugars emphasises the need for in-depth analysis of the interactions between assimilation of sugars and pigment production pathways in cyanobacteria.