Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Morphological and functional variability in the root system of Quercus ilex L. subject to confinement: consequences for afforestation

We examined root morphological and functional differences caused by restrictions imposed to vertical growth in the root system of holm oak (Quercus ilex L.) seedlings to assess the consequences of using nursery containers in the development of a confined root system for this species. Thus, root morphological, topological and functional parameters, including hydraulic conductance per leaf unit surface area (K $_{\rm RL})$, were investigated in one-year seedlings cultivated in three PVC tubes differing in length (20, 60 and 100 cm). Longer tubes showed greater projected root area, root volume, total and fine root lengths, specific root length (SRL) and K$_{\rm RL}$ values than did shorter tubes. On the other hand, the length of coarse roots (diameter > 4.5 mm) and the average root diameter were greater in shorter tubes. The strong positive correlation found between K$_{\rm RL}$ and SRL (r=+0.69; P<0.001) indicated that root thickness was inversely related to water flow through the root system. We concluded that root systems developed in longer tubes are more efficient for plant water uptake and, therefore, changes in root pattern produced in standard forest containers (i.e. about 20 cm length) may in fact prevent a proper establishment of the holm oak in the field, particularly in xeric environments.
Kairomonal responses of Tomicus destruens (Col., Scolytidae) to host volatiles α‐pinene and ethanol

The Mediterranean pine shoot beetle Tomicus destruens is one of the most damaging bark beetles attacking Mediterranean pine forests in southern Europe and north Africa. We studied the attractiveness of the host volatiles α‐pinene and ethanol at a range of release rates, alone or in combination, to T. destruens, in order to develop an attractive lure for the management of this beetle. T. destruens was attracted slightly to the host volatile α‐pinene, but a strong synergistic effect was found in the attraction towards monoterpene when ethanol was added to the bait. The highest catches of T. destruens were obtained by the optimal blend releasing 300 mg/day of α‐pinene and 900 mg/day of ethanol. In contrast to data reported for the related species T. piniperda, Mediterranean pine shoot beetles were clearly attracted to baits releasing ethanol alone (1350 mg/day). trans‐Verbenol, which was also added to host volatiles in some tests, did not affect the response. The use of the attractive blend proposed would have a low impact on the natural enemy population of Thanasimus formicarius because of asynchronies in flight periods. Other non‐target insects, such as the facultative predator or competitor Oxipleurus nodieri, were also significantly attracted. These results allow the development of an operative lure for the effective monitoring of T. destruens, although improvements by the addition of other host volatiles should be studied.
Population Dynamics and Stock Assessment of Capoeta umbla (Heckel, 1843) in Lake Hazar, Elazığ, Turkey

Population parameters such as growth, mortality rates, annual catch and stock size of Capoeta umbla (Heckel, 1843) population in Lake Hazar were investigated. Length and weight relationships of the population was W= 0.070xTL2. 39 (n= 364; R = 0.95) and von Bertalanffy Growth Parameters were estimated as L∞= 53.77 cm; K=0.16; t=-1.84 and W∞=957.38 g. Natural mortality rate (M) was 0.363 while fishing mortality (F) and total mortality rate (Z) were 0.349 and 0.712, respectively. Annual catch was 25721 kg (107544 individuals) and mean fish size was 28.7 cm (239.4 g). Estimated stock size based on mark and recapture method was 91601 kg (CI(95%) : 85163-99061 kg) and 382627 individuals (CI(95%) : 355736413916 individuals). Stock size was also assessed by using length-based cohort analysis and was found to be 95256 kg (CI (95%) :55079-263225 kg) and 358105 individuals (CI(95%) : 240251-868729 individuals). According to yield-biomass relationships, estimated maximum sustainable yield (MSY) was 27070 kg.
Supplementation of cyanobacterial food with polyunsaturated fatty acids does not improve growth of Daphnia

The hypothesis that the low food quality of nontoxic, ingestible cyanobacteria for Daphnia is due to the absence of long‐chained polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) was tested. Synechococcus elongatus, which is well assimilated by Daphnia and is deficient in PUFAs, was chosen as a model food organism. A newly devised method was used to load single fatty acids and mixtures of fatty acids on beads of bovine serum albumin, which then were added as supplements to cyanobacterial suspensions. Growth rates of juvenile Daphnia galeata on Synechococcus elongatus were low and were not enhanced by the addition of C18‐PUFAs and C20‐PUFAs singly or together on beads. Supplementation of lipids from the green alga Scenedesmus obliquus significantly enhanced growth of D. galeata, indicating that the low quality of cyanobacterial carbon is due to a deficiency in a lipid other than PUFAs. The low food quality of Synechococcus elongatus was partly mitigated when the animals first fed on Scenedesmus obliquus, suggesting that the storage of algal lipids provides a mechanism to cushion the effect of short episodes of cyanobacterial dietary deficiencies on the growth of D. galeata.
Isolation and characterization of Escherichia coli O91:H21 in a sample obtained from cattle

The Escherichia coli Shiga toxin (Stx) producing strains may cause medical conditions that range from diarrhea to hemolytic uremic syndrome; life-threatening conditions worldwide. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) strains isolated from patients who usually possess, in addition to one or more stx genes, the eae gene, encoding adhesin intimin. However, a subset of STEC strains associated with human disease lack eae. One of the most common among these is the serogroup O91. This paper reports on the isolation and description of the genophenotypic characteristics from a bovine-derived E. coli O91:H21 strain in a slaughterhouse dependent from Cattle Direction of Mendoza Province, during 2007. Key words: E. coli O91:H21, hemolitic uremic syndrome (HUS), diarrhea, cattle.
Carotenoids are minor antioxidants for birds

1 Dipartimento di Biolog? a Animale edell'Uomo, University Sapienza, V? ale dell'Universit? 32,1-00185 Rome, Italy;2 Division of Neuroanatomy and Behaviour, Institute of Anatomy, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland; and 3Laboratoire de Parasitologie Evolutive, CNRS UMR 7103, 6, Universit? Pierre et Marie Curie, B? t. A, 7? me ? tage, 7 quai St. Bernard, 7 Case 237, F-75252 Paris Cedex 05, France
Ulva partita sp. nov., a Novel Enteromorpha-Like Ulva Species from Japanese Coastal Areas

In this report, Ulva partita Ichihara, sp. nov. (Ulvales, Ulvophyceae) was described from Japanese seashores. This species was characterized by (i) frequent branches in the basal region, but not in the middle to upper region, (ii) being up to 20 cm in height and 5 mm in diameter, and (iii) containing chloroplasts covering the outer cell wall in the middle and upper regions of thalli, but with many chloroplasts leaning to one side of the cells in the basal region. Ulva partita is distinguished from morphologically similar species based on the branching pattern, early development pattern, and gamete size. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of nuclear-encoded ITS2 sequence and chloroplastencoded rbcL sequences also strongly supported the independence of this species.
Ultrastructural Study of Acanthamoeba polyphaga Trophozoites and Cysts Treated In Vitro with Cationic Carbosilane Dendrimers

Cationic carbosilane dendrimers are branched molecules with antimicrobial properties. Their activity has been tested against Acanthamoeba polyphaga, a causative agent of Acanthamoeba keratitis, a severe ocular disease in humans. A. polyphaga trophozoites and cysts were exposed to different noncytotoxic cationic carbosilane dendrimers with proven antiamoebic activity. The effects of treatment on cell surface and cell ultrastructure were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Two of the dendrimers tested induced dramatic alterations of cellular ultrastructure in both trophozoites and cysts, including vacuolization, depletion of cytoplasmic contents, and reduced cell size. Additionally, we observed severe alterations of the plasma membrane with membrane blebbing in trophozoites and disruption in cysts. These alterations were also observed with chlorhexidine, a drug used for treatment of Acanthamoeba keratitis. Our results support that these compounds may target membranes, and their action is critical for parasite integrity.
Niosomal Drug Delivery Systems for Ocular Disease—Recent Advances and Future Prospects

The eye is a complex organ consisting of several protective barriers and particular defense mechanisms. Since this organ is exposed to various infections, genetic disorders, and visual impairments it is essential to provide necessary drugs through the appropriate delivery routes and vehicles. The topical route of administration, as the most commonly used approach, maybe inefficient due to low drug bioavailability. New generation safe, effective, and targeted drug delivery systems based on nanocarriers have the capability to circumvent limitations associated with the complex anatomy of the eye. Nanotechnology, through various nanoparticles like niosomes, liposomes, micelles, dendrimers, and different polymeric vesicles play an active role in ophthalmology and ocular drug delivery systems. Niosomes, which are nano-vesicles composed of non-ionic surfactants, are emerging nanocarriers in drug delivery applications due to their solution/storage stability and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, they are biocompatible, biodegradable, flexible in structure, and suitable for loading both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs. These characteristics make niosomes promising nanocarriers in the treatment of ocular diseases. Hereby, we review niosome based drug delivery approaches in ophthalmology starting with different preparation methods of niosomes, drug loading/release mechanisms, characterization techniques of niosome nanocarriers and eventually successful applications in the treatment of ocular disorders.
Sleep Apnea Screening for Commercial Drivers: A retrospective comparison of the 2016 FMCSA MRB Recommendations and the 2006 Joint Task Force Consensus Guidelines.

OBJECTIVE Compare the 2016 Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and 2006 Joint Task Force (JTF) Guidelines for commercial drivers' obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) screening. METHODS Retrospective review of all commercial driver medical examinations performed in 2017 at an academic occupational medicine clinic. Screening criteria from both the JTF and FMCSA were applied, separately and jointly. Statistical tests were applied as appropriate. RESULTS Applying the FMCSA or JTF criteria separately to 706 commercial drivers, the positive OSA screening yields were 15.7% and 16.9%, respectively. Using both criteria produced an overall positive OSA screen yield of 20.1%. Positive predictive values for applying both guidelines ranged from 72.7-95.5%. CONCLUSIONS The combined use of the 2016 FMCSA and 2006 JTF OSA screening criteria in series has a higher screening yield than using either guideline individually.
Chromosomes of the brown algae

Abstract Investigations concerning brown algal chromosomes have contributed to our understanding of the reproductive biology of brown algae. Techniques used in observing chromosomes in the light microscope are briefly summarized. Mitosis and meiosis are discussed, with an emphasis on aspects that are distinctive in the brown algae. Observations of chromosome morphology, although limited by the small size of brown algal chromosomes, have provided evidence for the existence of sex chromosomes. The few investigations quantifying brown algal genomes, and the potential for such techniques in further studies, are discussed. Most studies of brown algal chromosomes have been concerned with chromosome numbers, and reports for 183 species are presented along with discussions of the implications of these numbers on discerning basic chromosome numbers and patterns of chromosome numbers in taxonomic groups, and polyploidy. Many studies of brown algal chromosomes have been made in conjunction with life history studies,.
Correlations Between Red Blood Cells’ Variables, Cardio-Pysiological and Anthropological Variables in Young Athletes

Abstract Aim: The aim of this study was to determine and analyse the relations between anthropometric parameters, red blood cells’ (RBC) variables and cardio-physiological parameters in healthy and physically active children and adolescents. Material and Methods: In this study 625 subjects, (410 males and 215 females; age span 8 to 18 years) underwent body composition analysis (Matiegka method), blood analysis and ergometry testing (Bruce protocol). Results: In both groups, body height and weight were positively correlated with RBC variables. In female group almost all correlations between RBC variables and body components were insignificant. In boys all absolute body mass components showed positive correlations with RBC variables with notice that body fat mass had lowest correlation coefficient. Body fat percent (BF %) did not show any correlation with RBC variables in both gender groups. In boys BF % had moderate negative correlation with aerobic performance: exercise time (ET) and VO2max (rs = -0.41 and rs = -0.39). Lean body components showed weak positive correlations with ET and VO2max. RBC count did not show significant correlation with any cardio-physiological parameter in both groups. Haematocrit and haemoglobin showed weak positive correlations with VO2 max and general endurance (exercise time). In girls all correlations between cardio-physiological and RBC variables were insignificant. The relationship between all body components and all cardio-physiological variables in girls were statistically insignificant. Conclusions: Our findings revealed that there are some expected positive correlations between lean body mass components, aerobic performance and RBC variables in boys, while in girls such relations were not noticed.
Stilbenoids: A Natural Arsenal against Bacterial Pathogens

The escalating emergence of resistant bacterial strains is one of the most important threats to human health. With the increasing incidence of multi-drugs infections, there is an urgent need to restock our antibiotic arsenal. Natural products are an invaluable source of inspiration in drug design and development. One of the most widely distributed groups of natural products in the plant kingdom is represented by stilbenoids. Stilbenoids are synthesised by plants as means of protection against pathogens, whereby the potential antimicrobial activity of this class of natural compounds has attracted great interest in the last years. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of recent achievements in the study of stilbenoids as antimicrobial agents, with particular emphasis on the sources, chemical structures, and the mechanism of action of the most promising natural compounds. Attention has been paid to the main structure modifications on the stilbenoid core that have expanded the antimicrobial activity with respect to the parent natural compounds, opening the possibility of their further development. The collected results highlight the therapeutic versatility of natural and synthetic resveratrol derivatives and provide a prospective insight into their potential development as antimicrobial agents.
Mechanism of ciprofloxacin resistance in Shigella dysenteriae

Bacterial resistance to quinolones has emerged rapidly and such resistance has traditionally been attributed to the chromosomally mediated mechanisms that alter the quinolone targets and/or overproduce multidrug resistance efflux pumps. In the present investigation possible mechanism of ciprofloxacin (Cp) resistance in Shigella dysenteriae was studied. While the growth of sensitive S. dysenteriae was completely inhibited at 1 μg /ml concentration of ciprofloxacin, the resistant strain tolerated even 10 μg /ml concentration of ciprofloxacin. Mechanism of resistance was found to be the presence of plasmid. Keywords: Ciprofloxacin, Shigella dysenteriae , quinolone, plasmid, Resistance, SDS. African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(41), pp. 6025-6031
Growth response of Acacia seyal, Acacia negrii and Acacia asak trees to water stress under field conditions

A field experiment was carried out at the Agricultural Research and Experiments Station of King Saud University in October 1997 and lasted for two years. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of drought stress on the growth of Acacia asak, Acacia negrii and Acacia seyal. Six months old seedlings of these species were planted in the field using a randomized complete block design. The trees were irrigated at 160, 255 or 500 mm of a class "A" evaporation-pan records. The irrigation regimes significantly affected most of the traits measured for acacia species. The trees in severe water stress treatment (500 mm) had significantly lower stem height, diameter, leaf area and dry matter production compared with the seedlings in well-water treatment (160 mm). While the trees in moderate water stress treatments (255 mm) had growth traits values did not change significantly from those of either severe water stress or well-water treatment. The species responded differently to irrigation regimes used. Stem height, stem diameter, diameter of the main root, mean diameter of lateral roots and dry matter production of Acacia asak were significantly the least among the three species. Acacia seyal had stem height, stem diameter, total leaf area and dry matter were significantly greater than those of A. negrii. Allocation of dry matter between different tree parts did not change due to water stress.
Accurately ageing trees and examining their height‐growth rates: implications for interpreting forest dynamics

1 We examined the validity of classifying tree species as early, mid‐, or late‐successional based on age and height‐growth rates, by comparing the age and height‐growth rates of trees in the boreal forest. 2 Age was first examined using the traditional method of coring 30 cm above the root collar; then dendrochronology was used to locate the root collar and missing annual growth rings. Traditional ageing differentially underestimates tree age; species classified as early successional (Populus tremuloides, Betula papyrifera, and Pinus banksiana) are less severely underestimated than those classified as mid‐ and late‐successional (Picea glauca, Picea mariana, and Abies balsamea) (0–11 vs. 0–43 years), and also have relatively fewer locally missing growth rings. Ageing at the root collar shows that all tree species recruit within 5–10 years after fire and age cannot therefore be used to determine successional status. 3 Mean time taken to grow to each 1‐m increment from the root collar was estimated for each species. Species classified as early successional have relatively higher growth rates between the root collar and the first metre; they are therefore less severely underestimated when aged above the root collar, explaining why they often appear older than species classified as mid‐ and late‐successional. The lack of species differences above 1 m means that height‐growth rates cannot be used to classify these tree species as early, mid‐, or late‐successional. 4 In the boreal forest of Saskatchewan, the rapid recruitment of all tree species after fire, and the short fire cycle mean that the forest dynamics between catastrophic wildfires are driven primarily by the mortality rates of each species.
Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis in Iranian bovine and buffalo semen samples: the first clinical trial on seasonal, senile and geographical distribution using culture, conventional and real-time polymerase chain reaction assays.

Conventional and real-time PCR assays were developed for detection and identification of Brucella species in bovine and buffalo semen samples. Totally, 91 bovine and buffalo semen samples were collected from 4 major provinces of Iran in various seasons. The animals which their semen samples were collected for this study had less than 1 year old, 1-2 years old, 2-3 years old and more than 3 years old. Samples were cultured and DNA was extracted and novel primers have been designed using the IS711 target of Brucella species for conventional PCR. Positive results of PCR have been studied for presences of Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis. Totally, 21.56% and 14.28% of bovine and buffalo semen samples, respectively, were positive for Brucella species. Khozestan had the highest while Sistan Va Balochestan had the lowest incidences of Brucella species in studied regions. Samples which were collected in spring season had the highest rate of infection. Also, samples which were collected from less than 1 year old bovine and buffalo semen samples had the highest incidence of Brucella species. Totally, 25 (24.50%) and 4 (3.92%) bovine semen samples and 14 (15.38%) and 1 (1.09%) buffalo semen samples were positive for Brucella abortus and Brucella melitensis.
METTL15 interacts with the assembly intermediate of murine mitochondrial small ribosomal subunit to form m4C840 12S rRNA residue

Abstract Mammalian mitochondrial ribosomes contain a set of modified nucleotides, which is distinct from that of the cytosolic ribosomes. Nucleotide m4C840 of the murine mitochondrial 12S rRNA is equivalent to the dimethylated m4Cm1402 residue of Escherichia coli 16S rRNA. Here we demonstrate that mouse METTL15 protein is responsible for the formation of m4C residue of the 12S rRNA. Inactivation of Mettl15 gene in murine cell line perturbs the composition of mitochondrial protein biosynthesis machinery. Identification of METTL15 interaction partners revealed that the likely substrate for this RNA methyltransferase is an assembly intermediate of the mitochondrial small ribosomal subunit containing an assembly factor RBFA.
Taxonomic homogenization in ungulates: patterns and mechanisms at local and global scales

Aim The aim of this paper is to examine taxonomic homogenization in ungulates globally and at the local scale in South Africa. Specifically, we aim to examine the roles of distance, scale, time, extinctions vs. introductions, and extralimital vs. extraregional introductions in the homogenization of ungulate biotas, and to determine pathways of introduction of ungulate species globally and the proximate explanatory variables of ungulate introductions in South Africa.