Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Small terrestrial mammal distributions in Simien Mountains National Park, Ethiopia: a reassessment after 88 years

Despite the presence of mostly endemic species, the most comprehensive data set on the distribution and ecology of small mammals inhabiting Simien Mountains National Park (SMNP) dated from 1927. The study we carried out and report here provides a unique opportunity to assess the possible role of climate change over the last 88 years on the elevational distribution of mammals in the Ethiopian highlands. Between September and November 2015, three of us (EWC, WTS, YM) collected nonvolant small mammals at four sites (2,900, 3,250, 3,600, and 4,000 m a.s.l.) along the western slope of the Simien Mountains using standardized sampling. Over a 4-week period we recorded 13 species, comprising 11 species of rodents and two of shrews, all endemic to the Ethiopian Plateau. We found the greatest species richness at mid-elevations (3,250 m), consistent with a general pattern found on many other mountains worldwide, but less so in Africa. We compared our species distribution results to the 1927 data set and found upward elevational shifts in species' ranges, highlighting the role and influence of climate change on the small mammal community. SMNP represents an exceptionally valuable core area of endemism and the best protected natural habitat in northern Ethiopia.
The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Lycoris radiata

Abstract Lycoris radiata, widely known as red spider lily. It belongs to the Amaryllidaceae family and has highly ornamental and medical value. Here, we assembled the complete chloroplast genome sequence by high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics, which will provide more genomic information to the analysis of genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationship. The full length of chloroplast genome is 158,335 bp, composed of a large single-copy region (LSC) of 86,612 bp, a small single-copy region (SSC) of 18,261 bp, and a pair of inverted repeats (IR) of 26,731 bp. A total of 137 genes were annotated, including 87 protein-coding genes, 42 tRNA, and 8 rRNA genes. Phylogenetic tree analysis revealed that the close relationship between L. radiata and L. squamigera in the Amaryllidaceae family.
A new species of Lycodon Boie, 1826 (Serpentes, Colubridae) from northern Vietnam

Abstract A new species of the genus Lycodon is described from Cao Bang Province, Vietnam, based on three individuals with distinct differences in morphology and molecular data. The new species is differentiated from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: dorsal scales in 17-17-15 rows, smooth throughout; supralabials usually eight (rarely nine); infralabials ten; one elongated loreal on each side, in contact with the eye; precloacal plate single; ventral scales 212–218 (plus one or two preventral scales); subcaudals 90 or 91; maxillary teeth 13 or 14; dorsal surface of body with 28 or 29 light body bands; dorsal surface of tail with 13 cream bands, forming a distinct blotch in the vertebral region. Based on phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial cytochrome b sequence data, the new species is recovered as the sister species to a clade containing L. multizonatus and L. liuchengchaoi with strong support from the Bayesian analysis. The new species is at least 7.5% divergent from other species within this clade in uncorrected pairwise distance calculated using a fragment of more than 1000 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome b. This discovery increases the number of Lycodon species known from Vietnam to 16.
Genotypic detection of extended spectrum beta lactamases from selected bacterial isolates in the Specialist Hospital Sokoto, Nigeria

There are numerous reported cases of extended spectrum beta lactamases (ESBLs) producing Enterobacteriaceae in Nigeria, with little effort done on the molecular detection. Epidemiological studies around the world have investigated the prevalence of ESBL-producing enterobacteriaceae and they have seen multiple mechanisms of drug-resistance. Our study was designed to detect ESBLs genes such as CTX-M, SHV, and TEM using PCR from clinical isolates in a tertiary hospital in Sokoto metropolis. Clinical isolates from the Microbiology laboratory of the tertiary hospital was collected for 3 months. These isolates were identified using standard microbiological methods. They were tested against 8 antibiotics using the modified Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method. Multidrug resistant isolates were screened for ESBL production, and further confirmed by the Double Disc Synergy Test (DDST). Genotypic confirmation was carried out using multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). A total of 47 isolates made up of 21 E. coli (44.6%), 13 Klebsiella spp (27.6%), 7 Salmonella spp (14.9%), 5 Proteus mirabilis (10.6%), and 1 Enterobacte r spp (2.1%) were obtained from urine, stool, and wound swab. Out of the 47 isolates, (45) 95.7% were multidrug resistant. Twenty-five (53.2%) were potential ESBL producers, while only 5 (20.0%) were confirmed phenotypically using a DDST. PCR results revealed 4 out of 5 of the isolates were possessing ESBL genes. It also revealed that 3 isolates co-produce TEM and SHV at 403bp and 293bp respectively. Only 1 isolate produced CTX-M gene at 569bp. The prevalence of ESBL production in the Gram negative enterobacteriaceae in our study did not indicate a high prevalence as reported by some studies in Sokoto and Northwest Nigeria. Keywords: Molecular detection, ESBLs, Clinical isolates, PCR
Varietal Evaluation of Asiatic Hybrid Lilies Under Open and Poly House Condition

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the performance of 7 Asiatic hybrid lily varieties viz,. Yelloween, Fuziana, Munich, Belgrade, Monger bay, Active, Coolgreen grown under two growing environments i.e open condition and low cost Polyhouse in the department of floriculture and landscaping, OUAT, Bhubaneswar during December 2013 to March 2014, with an objective to find out the most suitable variety and ideal growing environment with respect to growth, flowering and bulb production of Lilium. The trail was conducted in Completely Randomised Designed with three applications. The result of the study revealed that seven Asiatic hybrid Lily varieties performed satisfactorily with respect to growth, flowering and bulb production. Variety Munich recorded maximum length and diameter of flowering shoot, whereas var. Fuziana was earliest to opening of flower which was followed by Munich. Maximum leaf length, width along with leaf area was recorded with variety Belgrade and it also recorded maximum flower width, bulb diameter and bulb weight. Maximum delay in bud break and flowering was recorded in var. Monger bay, however it recorded maximum number of leaves and plants per plant. Between the two different growing environments tried, performance of polyhouse was most satisfactory which improved several growth, Floral and bulb characters. Increase in plant height, number of leaves , leaf length and leaf area were observed in polyhouse (E2) grown plants as compared to open condition (E1). Polyhouse grown plants also showed improvement with respect to number of flower buds, length of flowering, shoot and flower stalk, width of flower, diameter of flower stock and also bulb diameter and weight. On the other hand open condition exhibited earliness in bud break and flower opening, maximum bud length and width. Interaction of variety with growing environment could influence only few characters. Opening of the flower from planting was earliest in variety Munich grown under E1 and the maximum delay for the same was observed in variety Cool green grown under E2. Variety Belgrade grown under E2 recorded maximum flower width which was at par with variety Cool green grown under E1 and the minimum width of flower was recorded in variety Yelloween grown under E1. Variety Fuziana grown under E2 recorded maximum length of flowering shoot which was at par with variety Munich grown under the same condition. While minimum was recorded in variety Yelloween grown under E1.
Use of indigestible markers to estimate the apparent dry matter digestibility of diets containing a cocoa by-product

Fecal production and apparent dry matter digestibility (ADMD) were evaluated using external markers (chromium oxide; titanium dioxide; isolated, purified, and enriched lignin (LIPE®); and isolated, purified, and enriched lignin nanoparticles (NANOLIPE®) and internal markers (indigestible DM (IDM), indigestible neutral detergent fiber (INDF), and indigestible acid detergent fiber (IADF) in diets based on Tifton 85 bermuda grass (Cynodon sp.) hay containing different concentrations of a cocoa by-product. Sixteen crossbred (Holstein × Zebu) dairy heifers with a mean live weight of 363.00 ± 27.70 kg were evaluated and distributed in a completely randomized block design with a split-plot arrangement. The plots corresponded to the diets, which differed in the substitution of bermuda grass hay with different concentrations (0, 8, 16, and 24% of DM) of the cocoa by-product, whereas the splitplots represented the indigestible markers. Chromic oxide, LIPE®, NANOLIPE®, and INDF accurately estimated ADMD and fecal production whereas titanium dioxide, IDM, and IADF did not accurately estimate these parameters.
Fodder production, yield and nodulation of some elite cowpea (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.) lines in central Malawi

Cowpea is (Vigna unguiculata [L.] Walp.) is multipurpose legume grown for its edible grain and leaves and may be used as green manure or animal feed. The shoot biomass or fodder production of cowpea nodulation and effectiveness are seldomly considered in screening and release studies, yet such information is important for the use of the crop. A field study was therefore conducted Bunda College, (14° 35 S’; 33° 50 E’, Lilongwe, Malawi in the 2012 to 2013 cropping season to evaluate the performance of eight elite cowpea lines originally from the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), compared to two released varieties (Sudan 1 and IT82E-16) for fodder production, nodulation and grain yield and yield components in a randomized complete block design. The results showed there were significant differences (P<0.05) in grain yield (1.1 to 3.1 t ha-1), fodder (1.1 to 3.0 tha-1) plant height at flowering (25 to 67 cm), pods m-2 (55 to 224), seeds per pod (10-14), cumulative leaf fall (0.9 to 1.8 tha-1) and nodules per plant (9 to 21). There were no significant differences on % nodule effectiveness (mean 95%) and canopy width at flowering (mean 51 cm). The elite line IT98K-205-8 produced the highest grain yield of 3,085 kg/ha followed by the variety Sudan 1 with 3,065 kg/ha and then elite line IT98K-205-9, which produced 2,763 kg ha-1. The lowest yielding elite line was IT93K-693-2 which gave 1,092 kg ha-1 of grain. Cumulative leaf fall accounted 31 to 94% of total fodder dry matter. Sudan 1 also had the highest nodules per plant (22) followed by IT82E-16 and IT99K1060. Estimated fodder N content was 2.4% giving 24 to 72 kg ha-1 as potential N in fodder. Although these lines were not selected as dual purpose, the results show opportunity for selecting dual purpose lines through evaluating for biomass. The released variety Sudan 1 notably had high grain yield, number of nodules and pods per plant. Key words: Cowpea nodulation, biomass production, natural leaf fall.
Pharmacological Characterisation of Novel Adenosine Receptor A3R Antagonists

Background and Purpose The adenosine A3 receptor (A3R) belongs to a family of four adenosine receptor (AR) subtypes which all play distinct roles throughout the body. A3R antagonists have been described as potential treatments for numerous diseases including asthma. Given the similarity between ARs orthosteric binding sites, obtaining highly selective receptor antagonists is a challenging but critical task. Experimental approach 39 potential A3R, antagonists were screened using agonist-induced inhibition of cAMP. Positive hits were assessed for AR subtype selectivity through cAMP accumulation assays. The antagonist affinity was determined using Schild analysis (pA2 values) and fluorescent ligand binding. Further, a likely binding pose of the most potent antagonist (K18) was determined through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and consistent calculated binding free energy differences between K18 and congeners, using a homology model of A3R, combined with mutagenesis studies. Key Results We demonstrate that K18, which contains a 3-(dichlorophenyl)-isoxazole group connected through carbonyloxycarboximidamide fragment with a 1,3-thiazole ring, is a specific A3R (<1 µM) competitive antagonist. Structure-activity relationship investigations revealed that loss of the 3-(dichlorophenyl)-isoxazole group significantly attenuated K18 antagonistic potency. Mutagenic studies supported by MD simulations identified the residues important for binding in the A3R orthosteric site. Finally, we introduce a model that enables estimates of the equilibrium binding affinity for rapidly disassociating compounds from real-time fluorescent ligand-binding studies. Conclusions and Implications These results demonstrate the pharmacological characterisation of a selective competitive A3R antagonist and the description of its orthosteric binding mode.
High pressure extraction increases the antioxidant potential and in vitro bio-accessibility of bioactive compounds from discarded blueberries

ABSTRACT Unlike conventional extraction (CE) methods, high hydrostatic pressure extraction (HHPE) uses less solvent volume and reduced extraction times. We show here that HHPE increases extractability, antioxidant capacity and bio-accessibility of the bioactive compounds from discarded blueberries when compared to CE. Bioactive compounds were extracted by CE with agitation and by HHPE at 500 MPa for 5, 10 and 15 min. The highest content of anthocyanins (117.08mg 100g−1 FW), polyphenols (9.56mg 100g−1 FW), flavonoids (0.62mg 100g−1 FW) and antioxidant capacities (1853.69 and 2059.55 μMg−1 FW for DPPH and FRAP, respectively) with HHPE for 15 min. Likewise, HHPE for 15 min resulted in the highest bio-accessibility of polyphenols (62.2%) and flavonoids (62.2%), whereas 85.1% and 60.9% of antioxidant capacity measured as DPPH and FRAP, respectively. Only anthocyanins showed decreased bio-accessibility after HHPE. Antioxidant potential of discarded blueberries can be enhanced with HHPE by increasing the extractability of bioactive compounds and their bio-accessibility.
Blocking neuroestrogen synthesis modifies neural representations of learned song without altering vocal imitation accuracy in developing songbirds

Birdsong, like human speech, is learned early in life by first memorizing an auditory model. Once memorized, birds compare their own burgeoning vocalizations to their auditory memory, and adjust their song to match the model. While much is known about this latter part of vocal learning, less is known about how initial auditory experiences are formed and consolidated. In both adults and developing songbirds, there is strong evidence suggesting the caudomedial nidopallium (NCM), a higher order auditory forebrain area, is the site of auditory memory consolidation. However, the mechanisms that facilitate this consolidation are poorly understood. One likely mechanism is 17β-estradiol (E2), which is associated with speech-language development and disorders in humans, and is abundant in both mammalian temporal cortex and songbird NCM. Circulating E2 is also elevated during the auditory memory phase, and in NCM immediately after song learning sessions, suggesting it functions to encode recent auditory experience. Therefore, we tested a role for E2 production in auditory memory consolidation during development using a comprehensive set of investigations to ask this question at the level of neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and behavior. Our results demonstrate that while systemic estrogen synthesis blockade regulates juvenile song production, inhibiting E2 synthesis locally within NCM does not adversely affect song learning outcomes. Surprisingly, early life E2 manipulations in NCM modify the neural representations of birds’ own song and the model tutor song in both NCM and a downstream sensorimotor nucleus (HVC). Further, we show that the capacity to synthesize neuroestrogens remains high throughout development alongside substantial changes in NCM cell density across age. Taken together, these findings suggest that E2 plays a multifaceted role during development, and demonstrate that contrary to prediction, unilateral post-training estrogen synthesis blockade in the auditory cortex does not negatively impact vocal learning. Acute downregulation of neuroestrogens are therefore likely permissive for juvenile auditory memorization, while neuroestrogen synthesis influences communication production and representation in adulthood.
Exploring the Molecular Basis of Lean Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) has become a global pandemic affecting around 382 million people worldwide. A first phase national study had shown that there could be 62.4 million with diabetes and 77.2 million with pre-diabetes in India . Epidemiological studies have shown that majority of patients with type 2 DM are obese and the incidence of which rises sharply with the rise in body mass index (BMI) . However, a sizeable proportion of diabetes patients in India are non-obese or lean (3–5). Despite its prevalence in India and many other countries, little is known about the aetiopathogenesis and the molecular basis of this condition. In conclusion, we believe that these findings have a high translational value with significant contribution towards the present understanding of diabetes in the young and the non-obese. Further, this study provides a comprehensive foundational young onset diabetes related genetics data in India.
Maternal Knowledge, Perceptions and Age-appropriate Coverage of Routine Immunization in Children under Five Years in Southern Sri Lanka

Background: Immunization is one of the most cost-effective strategies used for control of life-threatening infectious diseases. Use of immunization services in childhood is greatly influenced by parental knowledge and attitudes regarding immunization and its benefits. Objective: To assess the maternal knowledge, perceptions and coverage of routine immunization in children under five years in Bope-Poddala health division in Southern Province, Sri Lanka. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 216 mother-child pairs attending Maternal and Child Health clinics in Bope-Poddala area. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect data on maternal knowledge, beliefs and attitudes regarding routine immunization of children under five years, under Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI). The level of knowledge was determined by assigning marks to correct responses for questions on knowledge. Age appropriate immunization of children was assessed using Child Health Development Records. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software package. Results: Although 32% of mothers knew that vaccination prevents communicable diseases, only 11% had good knowledge regarding the EPI vaccine schedule and the diseases prevented by these vaccines. Public Health Midwife was the source of knowledge in 91.2%. Mothers' knowledge was significantly associated with their occupation (p 75%) had positive attitudes towards immunization, while attitudes were not associated with maternal characteristics. Almost all of the children (99.5%) were appropriately vaccinated for their age. Conclusions: Maternal knowledge regarding the EPI schedule is poor and is influenced by their occupation. In contrast, the attitudes and practices regarding immunization appear to be satisfactory. Further health education is necessary to eliminate misbelieves regarding immunization.
Varied breeding responses of seabirds to a regime shift in prey base in the Gulf of Maine

Seabirds consume forage fish, which are keystone species in many marine ecosystems. The Junk Food Hypothesis proposes that high-lipid prey should produce better reproductive performance by seabirds. In the Gulf of Maine, changes in the forage fish community followed rapid warming post-2005 and included a decline in high-lipid Atlantic herring Clupea harengus. We studied 3 species of alcid (Atlantic puffin Fratercula arctica, razorbill Alca torda, common murre Uria aalge) over 23 yr at 3 colonies to assess changes in chick diet and its relationships with reproductive success. Puffin and razorbill chick diet changed over time; puffin diet was highly variable taxonomically, whereas razorbill diets were more consistent, showing proportional changes within fewer taxa. For puffins and razorbills, herring was replaced by sand lance Ammo dytes spp. and other taxa with lower energy density. Puffins did not require high-lipid fish to breed successfully, but diet–reproduction relationships became unpredictable following ex tremely warm winters (2013 and 2016). Razorbills and murres provisioning with low-lipid fish showed reduced chick condition and breeding success. We concluded that razorbills and murres need higher-quality diets than puffins, which more frequently exploited lower-lipid food during food shortages. However, puffin reproductive output was much more vulnerable to ocean warming owing to their longer breeding season and more varied diet. Different responses of closely-related species to changes in prey are driven by differences in chick-development strategies with clear implications for using seabirds as environmental indicators.
The relation between Physical Activity and Life Quality in Pregnancy

Amac: Bu calismada gebe kadinlarda fiziksel aktivite ve yasam kalitesi seviyelerini belirlemek ve bunlar arasindaki iliskiyi incelemek amaclanmistir. Gerec ve Yontemler: Bu calismaya gebelik nedeniyle basvuran toplam 210 kadin dahil edildi. Calismada kadinlarin sosyodemografik ozellikleri demografik bilgi formu ile toplandi. Kadinlarin fiziksel aktivite seviyeleri Uluslararasi Fiziksel Aktivite Anketi—Kisa Formu ile, yasam kaliteleri ise Nottingham Saglik Profili ile degerlendirildi. Bulgular: Fiziksel aktivite seviyesi ile Nottingham Saglik Profili toplam, enerji seviyesi, sosyal izolasyon ve uyku alt parametreleri arasinda negatif yonde dusuk duzeyde anlamli bir korelasyon vardi (toplam icin r = -0,19; p = 0,007; enerji seviyesi icin r = -0,17; p = 0,01; sosyal izolasyon icin r = -0,16; p = 0,01 ve uyku icin r = -0,14; p = 0,03). Gebelik trimesterlerine gore yasam kalitesi ve fiziksel aktivite karsilastirildiginda Nottingham Saglik Profili toplam, emosyonel reaksiyonlar, sosyal izolasyon, fiziksel aktivite parametreleri ile Uluslararasi Fiziksel Aktivite Anketi—Kisa Formu degerlerinde anlamli fark bulundu (p<0,05). Tartisma ve Sonuc : Calismamizda fiziksel aktivite seviyesi ile yasam kalitesi arasinda negatif yonde iliski oldugu sonucuna varildi. Daha genis orneklemler uzerinde, gebelerde fiziksel aktiviteyi degerlendiren gebelige ozgu bir fiziksel aktivite anketi kullanilarak gerceklestirilecek calismalara ihtiyac oldugu dusuncesindeyiz.