Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhanced nitrogen management strategies for winter wheat production in the Canadian prairies

Abstract: To address knowledge gaps around enhanced efficiency urea fertilizer efficacy for nitrogen (N) management, a study was designed to improve integrated nutrient management systems for western Canadian winter wheat producers. Three factors were included in Experiment 1: (i) urea type [urea, urea + urease inhibitor—Agrotain®; urea + urease and nitrification inhibitor—SuperU®, polymer-coated urea—Environmentally Smart Nitrogen® (ESN®), and urea ammonium nitrate (UAN)], (ii) application method (side-band vs. spring-broadcast vs. 50% side-band: 50% spring-broadcast), and (iii) cultivar (AC Radiant hard red winter wheat vs. CDC Ptarmigan soft white winter wheat). The Agrotain® and CDC Ptarmigan treatments were removed in Experiment 2 to allow for additional application methods: (i) fall side-band, (ii) 50% side-band — 50% late fall broadcast, (iii) 50% side-band — 50% early spring broadcast, (iv) 50% side-band — 50% mid-spring broadcast, and (v) 50% side-band — 50% late spring broadcast. CDC Ptarmigan produced superior grain yield and N utilization over AC Radiant. Grain yield and protein content were influenced by N form and application method. Split applications of N usually provided the maximum yield and protein, particularly with Agrotain® or SuperU®. Conversely, the UAN and ESN® forms, when all broadcast in spring, all side-banded in fall, or with late fall broadcasting, performed poorly. An exception to the poor fall-application results was the SuperU® treatments, which produced similar yield to the highest-yielding treatments. The results suggest that split applications of N might be most efficient for yield and protein optimization when combined with an enhanced efficiency urea product, particularly with urease or urease + nitrification inhibitors, and if the majority of N is applied in spring.
The Actin Binding Protein Plastin-3 Is Involved in the Pathogenesis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Leukemia-initiating cells reside within the bone marrow in specialized niches where they undergo complex interactions with their surrounding stromal cells. We have identified the actin-binding protein Plastin-3 (PLS3) as potential player within the leukemic bone marrow niche and investigated its functional role in acute myeloid leukemia. High expression of PLS3 was associated with a poor overall and event-free survival for AML patients. These findings were supported by functional in vitro and in vivo experiments. AML cells with a PLS3 knockdown showed significantly reduced colony numbers in vitro while the PLS3 overexpression variants resulted in significantly enhanced colony numbers compared to their respective controls. Furthermore, the survival of NSG mice transplanted with the PLS3 knockdown cells showed a significantly prolonged survival in comparison to mice transplanted with the control AML cells. Further studies should focus on the underlying leukemia-promoting mechanisms and investigate PLS3 as therapeutic target.
Biological control of the exotic invasive snail Pomacea canaliculata with the indigenous medicinal leech Whitmania pigra

ABSTRACT The apple snail Pomacea canaliculata has been an invasive species in China for decades and causes enormous losses to agriculture. The predation capability of the leech Whitmania pigra on P. canaliculata was studied for its economic benefit and potential application. In the present study, the leech W. pigra exhibited a strong predatory capacity in controlling P. canaliculata under both laboratory and field conditions, and it showed no bias towards consuming smaller snails during the experiments. More than 80% of the 80 snails (of which half had reached maturity) were preyed upon by 20 developing leeches (2–7 g) in miniature rice fields over a 15-day period, and the number of rice seedlings damaged by P. canaliculata was decreased in the presence of W. pigra. In a separate experiment, 15 developing snails were exposed to caged leeches and conspecific snails for four weeks. The food intake and growth of P. canaliculata were inhibited under the predation risk imposed by W. pigra, but the feeding rate, food conversion efficiency and survival of P. canaliculata were not conspicuously influenced.
Immunological selection for Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis antigens

Comparative ELISA and selective immunoblotting procedures were used in attempts to identify differential serological indicators of infection with the Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis complex, infection with the L. braziliensis species, and therapeutic cure of localized or mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL or MCL). Although mean ELISA absorbance values were significantly higher for MCL sera than for LCL sera, absorbance could not be used as a reliable indicator of the clinical form of disease. Immunoblotting profiles were similar with sera from MCL and LCL. Pre-adsorption with heterologous trypanosomatid antigens indicated that recognition of antigens of about 56, 60, 66, 72, 88 and 110 kDa might be specific to the subgenus Viannia. In two-colour, sequential, dual ELISA-based immunoblotting, no antigens recognized only by sera from MCL patients were detected. After glucantime therapy, immunoblotting profiles with LCL sera were reduced both in intensity and in the range of antigens detected; a 104-kDa antigen was newly detected with post-treatment LCL sera. Overall, the results show the value of differential immunological detection strategies and support the close relationship between species of the subgenus Viannia but fail to indicate a prognostic antigen for MCL.
Bioengineering the Pancreas: Cell-on-Scaffold Technology

Nowadays, type I diabetes mellitus is a pathology afflicting millions of people globally with a dramatic assessment in the next future. Current treatments including exogenous insulin, pancreas transplantation and islets transplantation, are not free from important lifelong side effects. In the last decade, tissue engineering and regenerative medicine have shown encouraging results about the possibility to produce a functional bioengineered pancreas. Among many technologies, decellularization offers the opportunity to produce an organ-specific acellular matrix that could subsequently repopulate with endocrine cel- lular population. Herein, we aim to review the state-of-art and this technology highlighting the diabetes burden for the healthcare system and the major achievements toward the manufacturing of a bioengineered pancreas obtained by cell-on-scaffold technology.
A Preliminary Checklist of Fungi at the Boston Harbor Islands

Abstract Between December 2012 and May 2017, we conducted a fungal inventory at the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area (BHI) in Massachusetts. We extensively sampled 4 sites (Grape Island, Peddocks Island, Thompson Island, and World's End peninsula) and occasionally visited 4 others for sampling (Calf Island, Great Brewster Island, Slate Island, and Webb Memorial State Park). We made over 900 collections, of which 313 have been identified. The survey yielded 172 species in 123 genera, 62 families, 24 orders, 11 classes, and 2 phyla. We report 4 species as new, but not formally described, in the genera Orbilia, Resupinatus, and Xylaria. Another collection in the genus Lactarius may be new to science, but further morphological and molecular work is needed to confirm this conclusion. Additionally, Orbilia aprilis is a new report for North America, Proliferodiscus earoleucus represents only the second report for the US, and Chrysosporium sulfureum, a common fungus of some cheeses, was discovered on woodlice (Crustacea: Malacostraca: Isopoda: Oniscidea). We discuss our findings in the light of DNA-based identifications using the ITS ribosomal DNA region, including the advantages and disadvantages of this approach, and stress the need for biodiversity studies in urbanized areas during all seasons.
DISTRIBUTION AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF ENDOPHYTIC ACTINOMYCETES ISOLATED FROM Litsea cubeba (Lour.) Pers. IN NORTHERN PROVINCES OF VIETNAM

Endophytic actinomycetes from medicinal plants have been recently reported as the potential producers of antibiotics, anticancer agents and other bioactive compounds. In this study, the distribution and antimicrobial activity of endophytic actinomycetes isolated from Listea cubeba (Lour.) Pers. were investigated. Consequently, the antimicrobial activities of endophytic isolates against eight pathogens, consisting of Salmonella enterica ATCC 14028, Escherichia coli ATCC 11105, Sarcina lutea CNLM, Bacillus cereus ATCC 11778, Proteus vulgaris CNLM, Pseudomonas aeruginosa CNLM, Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 12228, Enterobacter aerogenes ATCC 13048 were tested. Total 143 actinomycetes strains were isolated from L. cubeba tissues, in which 53, 23 and 67 strains were respectively obtained from plant samples collected in Thanh Hoa, Hanoi and Phu Tho provinces. Among media used for isolation, the highest number endophytes were from two main media including HV (18.2 %) and SA (16.1 %). Assessment of strains isolated from three kinds of plant tissues, most of endophytes were from roots (n = 65, 45.5 %) and followed by stems (n = 41, 28.7 %) and leaves (n = 37, 25.9 %). Examination of antimicrobial activity of endophytes revealed that 32.9 % of total strains showed inhibitory activity against at least one of the eight tested pathogenic microorganisms. The obtained results indicated that the L. cubeba (Lour.) Pers. could be an extremely rich reservoir for isolation of diverse actinobacteria producing antimicrobial activities and other bioactive compounds.
In vitro antifungal potential of plant extracts against Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani and Macrophomina phaseolina.

The antifungal activity of aqueous extracts of nine plants viz, Azadirachta indica, Parthenium hysterophorus, Momordica charantia, Allium sativum, Eucalyptus globules, Calotropis procera , Aloe vera , Beta vulgaris and Datura stramonium were assessed in vitro against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp . melongenae, Rhizoctonia solani and Macrophomina phaseolina , the soil borne phytopathogens. The assessment of fungitoxic effect was carried out by using three different concentrations i.e., 5, 10 and 20% against the test fungi, in terms of percentage of mycelial growth inhibition. The extract of A. sativum completely inhibited the mycelial growth of M. phaseolina at all the concentrations. The extracts of D. stramonium and E. globulus inhibited the mycelial growth of R. solani of 72%, and 70.7% respectively at 20% concentration, that of A. sativum, E. globulus and D. stramonium exhibited inhibition percentage of 63.3%, 61.8% and 61.1% respectively at 20% concentration on Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melongenae . The application of plant extracts for disease management could be less expensive, easily available, non-polluting and eco-friendly.
A global assessment of Holistic Planned Grazing™ compared with season-long, continuous grazing: meta-analysis findings

It has been claimed that Holistic Planned Grazing™ (HPG), a type of rotational grazing, can increase productivity in rangelands and reverse climate change while doubling the stocking rate, mainly through the impact of densely bunched animals on primary production. Previous reviews have found similar or greater plant and animal production in continuous (season-long) compared with rotational grazing. Here season-long continuous grazing is compared with HPG alone to explore the evidence for animal impact. Three quantitative meta-analysis models were used to assess data sets from literature between 1972 and 2016. Weighted mean differences (effect sizes) between HPG and continuous grazing showed that there was no difference in plant basal cover, plant biomass and animal gain responses (p > 0.05). Thus, from the balance of studies, if animal impact is occurring during HPG, it has no effect on production. As interesting as the overall result is the significant between-study heterogeneity assessed using Cochran’s Q (p = 0.007 to <0.0001). Studies with positive effect sizes tended to have higher precipitation (p < 0.05), suggesting that only some rangelands have the resources to support HPG. Furthermore, there is scope for investigating the impact of HPG on socio-ecological aspects of rangelands, such as management.
Determination of pharmaceutical active compounds in Ceyhan River, Turkey: Seasonal, spatial variations and environmental risk assessment

ABSTRACT Pharmaceutical pollution has gained attention with the development of analytical technology. The occurrence of 91 pharmaceutically active compounds from variety of drug groups including pain killers, antimicrobials, cardiovascular drugs, hypolipidemic drugs, central nervous system drugs, and stimulants was investigated in Ceyhan River, Turkey. Pharmaceutically active compounds were examined at 9 stations, seasonally during the periods of September 2013–August 2014. For the pharmaceutically active compound analysis, solid phase extraction (SPE) method was used and measured by using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Highest measured pharmaceutically active compound concentration was caffeine (4880.00 ng/L). Other high concentrated pharmaceuticals were diazepam (374.00 ng/L), gabapentin (355.00 ng/L), lidocaine (48.70 ng/L), etodolac (47.35 ng/L), metoprolol (43.60 ng/L), carbamazepine (24.25 ng/L), diclofenac (17.60 ng/L), and fluconazole (15.95 ng/L). Carbamazepine and lidocaine were the most frequently detected pharmaceutics in the river water. The results of risk assessment shows that risk quotient values (RQs) is lower than 0.01, except sertraline, which means that most of the detected pharmaceutically active compounds pose no environmental risk to aquatic environment in Ceyhan River. However, it is not possible to give precise information about the effects of all detected pharmaceutically active compounds when they behave together in the aquatic environment.
Genotypes x environment interactions and stability analysis of sugarcane clones (Saccharum spp.) by AMMI model in sub-tropical regions of India

Fifteen elite sugarcane clones along with five zonal standard varieties were evaluated under four production environments in the sub-tropical climate. AMMI model was employed to assess the magnitude of Genotype x environment (GE) interaction and the stability of sugarcane clones across environments. AMMI analysis revealed the significant difference among tested clones and environments. It has shown 43.17% of the variation in cane yield which could be attributed to environmental effects. The genotypic effects accounted for 45.76% variation with 11.06% of GEI effects. The early maturing high sugar varieties, Co 0238 and Co 0118 gave 89.27 t/ha and 80.11 t/ha cane yield, respectively and thus considered as widely adapted genotypes across the environments and can be recommended for commercial cultivation in sub-tropical region. Co 98014 and Co 05011 exhibited better adaptability in ratoon trials and appeared to be suitable for multiple ratoon. Considering IPCA score, CoS 767 was most stable standard (check) across the environments. With regards to the environments, E2 (spring season plant crop) and E1 (autumn season plant crop) placed on the upper right half of perpendicular axis of AMMI biplot due to the positive interactions and hence both E2 and E1 are the favourable environments for obtaining higher cane yield.
Sex proportion in Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus fed estrogen mixtures: a case of paradoxical masculinization

YY technology has been developed in response to the demand of environment-friendly techniques to produce all-male populations in Nile tilapia culture. However, the first part of this technique still requires feminization of XY fry. Use of estrogen mixtures to achieve feminization has never been tested in Nile tilapia, so the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different combinations of the three most important estrogens (17 a -estradiol E 2 , diethylstilbestrol DES, and 17 a -ethinylestradiol EE 2 ) on sex proportion, growth, and gonadal development. Mixtures evaluated were E 2 -DES, E 2 -EE 2 , DES-EE 2 , and E 2 -DES-EE 2 . No significant differences in growth were observed at the end of the experiment between control fish and fish fed estrogen mixtures. However, final survival was significantly lower ( P < 0.05) in fish fed E 2 -DES and E 2 -DES-EE 2 . All estrogen mixture-treated groups produced progenies with a significantly higher (P < 0.001) proportion of males than the predicted 1:1 sex ratio. No significant differences were observed in gonadosomatic index between fish of the control group and fish fed estrogen mixtures. The proportion of deformed gonads was higher in groups fed E 2 -DES and E 2 -DES-EE 2 . The paradoxical masculinization observed in all estrogen mixtures was probably provoked by the interaction of estrogens with androgen receptors or the inhibition of aromatase expression, which resulted in testosterone accumulation and testis development. These results address the need for further research towards understanding the role of steroids in sexual development since these findings add to a short list of studies that report paradoxical effects after using steroids.
Effects of Herbiotic FS supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood profiles, and faecal scores in weanling pigs

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to investigate the effects of Herbiotic FS supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, blood characteristics, and faecal scores in weanling pigs. A total of 150 weanling pigs [(Landrace×Yorkshire)×Duroc] with an average initial body weight of 8.02 ± 0.92 kg were randomly assigned to 5 dietary treatments (5 replicate pens per treatment with 6 pigs per pen). The dietary treatments were as follows: (1) negative control: basal diet, (2) positive control: basal diet + 150 mg/kg apramycin, (3) Herbiotic1: basal diet + 250 mg/kg Herbiotic FS, (4) Herbiotic2 (basal diet + 500 mg/kg Herbiotic FS), and (5) Herbiotic3: (basal diet + 250 mg/kg Herbiotic FS + 75 mg/kg apramycin). During days 1–7, pigs fed positive control, Herbiotic2 and Herbiotic3 diets had improved average daily gain and gain:feed ratio compared with those fed negative control or Herbiotic1 diets (P < 0.05). On day 21, pigs fed positive control and Herbiotic3 diets had increased nitrogen digestibility compared with those fed negative control or Herbiotic1 diets (P < 0.05). In conclusion, Herbiotic FS supplementation decreased the pathogenic count in the gut owing to its antimicrobial activity and this in turn caused the nutrients more available to the animal contributing to the growth.
Diet and first report of batracophagy in Leptodactylus podicipinus (Anura: Leptodactylidae)

Abstract In this study, we describe the diet of Leptodactylus podicipinus in South Pantanal. We analysed the stomach content of 30 individuals collected in September 2017 in the Miranda sub-region, Mato Grosso do Sul. We identified 19 prey categories to Order level, out of which Coleoptera was the most representative group and the most important prey category, followed by Orthoptera and Hemiptera. We recorded a post-metamorphic individual of Rhinella schneideri in the diet of L. podicipinus, the first record of batracophagy for this species. Our results provide evidence for the opportunistic and generalist feeding behaviour of L. podicipinus.
Biology of the Spotted Scat (Scatophagus argus) in the Philippines

The spotted scat (Scatophagus argus) is an herbivorous, euryhaline teleost widely distributed throughout the Indo-Pacific basin. This species is a valuable brackishwater aquarium fish and an important foodfish in parts of its range. Length-weight relationships were calculated based on data from 797 females and 252 males. The sexes can be differentiated by head shape. The largest fish captured was a 1.2-kg female. Reproductive maturation first occurred in females of approximately 150 g, corresponding to fish estimated to be 7-9 months of age. Males mature at a smaller size (-80 g). Fecundity was found to be directly proportional to fish size. Data on the monthly abundance of mature females and fry (which peaked markedly in August) suggest that monsoon rains (which began in June) trigger spawning in the spotted scat. Observations of spawning behavior and early juvenile development are also reported.
Survival and cause-specific mortality of translocated female mule deer in southern New Mexico, USA

Abstract Context. Many mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) populations in New Mexico have failed to recover from previous population declines, while some populations near urban areas have increased, resulting in more frequent human–wildlife conflicts. Translocations were used in an effort to simultaneously reduce an urban mule deer population and augment two low-density populations in south-western New Mexico, USA. Aims. Because of insufficient monitoring, the efficacy of many ungulate translocations is unknown. Our goal was to monitor cause-specific mortality and 1 year post-release survival of mule deer translocated during 2013 and 2014. We compared survival rates of mule deer released with a hard- versus soft-release during the 2014 translocation. Methods. We translocated 218 mule deer in 2013 and 2014 into the Peloncillo Mountains (PM) and San Francisco River Valley (SFRV); 106 adult female mule deer were fitted with telemetry collars to determine cause-specific mortality and estimate survival 1 year post-release. All deer were hard-released in 2013. In 2014, translocated mule deer were either held in a soft-release pen (0.81 ha) for approximately 3 weeks or hard-released into their new environment. We used a Kaplan–Meier approach to estimate survival of translocated mule deer at each release area and to compare survival of mule deer translocated using each release method (i.e. hard- versus soft-release). Key results. In 2013–14, survival of hard-released deer in the PM was 0.627 (s.e. = 0.09), compared with 0.327 (s.e. = 0.10) in the SFRV. In 2014–15, survival of hard–released deer in the PM was 0.727 (s.e. = 0.13) and survival of soft-released deer was 0.786 (s.e. = 0.11). In the SFRV, survival of hard- and soft-released deer was 0.656 (s.e. = 0.14) and 0.50 (s.e. = 0.16), respectively. Causes of mortality were predation (51%), potential disease (9%; blue tongue or epizootic haemorrhagic disease), accident (5%), poaching (5%) and unknown (20%). Conclusions. Translocations can be an effective management tool to augment populations of mule deer while reducing overabundant urban populations. Soft-released mule deer did not have higher survival than hard-released mule deer, although the length and conditions of the acclimation period were limited in our study. Implications. Overabundant mule deer populations in urban areas may serve as sources of animals to bolster declining populations. Soft-release pens of smaller size and short period of acclimation did not influence survival.