Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of a cabbage/pak choï crop association to manage aphid and parasitoid populations on cabbage crops in Senegal

In Senegal, vegetable production is an important area within the agricultural sector and contributes to improve the local diet. Damage caused by aphids in particular puts heavy pressure on vegetables production. Crop associations play an important role in controlling insect pests in some countries. The aims of this study include investigations into the diversity of aphid and parasitoid populations, and an evaluation of the effects of crop associations between cabbage and pak choi. The experimental design used is a randomized block with four treatments and two controls, that is cabbage and pak choi , and two crop associations, that is pak choin between cabbage rows, and pak choi around cabbage beds. Two aphid species, Myzus persicae, and Lipaphis pseudobrassicae are identified. The Braconidae Diaeretiella rapae (Mac Intosh) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is the only parasitoid met during the study. Myzus persicae (Sulzer) is more abundant than Lipaphis pseudobrassicae (Davis). Myzus persicae and L. pseudobrassicae were not controlled by the cabbage / pak choi associations. Aphids populations decreased during the heading phase of the cabbage. This preliminary study contributes to a better understanding of the potential use of crop associations to manage cabbage aphid populations in Senegal. Keywords : Crop associations, Myzus persicae, Lipaphis pseudobrassicae, Diaeretiella rapae, Brassicaceae, Senegal.
Boulder shores in South Africa – a distinct but poorly documented coastal habitat type

This study compares the composition, species richness and biomass of macrofaunal and algal assemblages on intertidal boulder shores as compared with those on adjacent rock-platforms, at six sites along the southwest coast of South Africa. Of 214 species identified, 175 were recorded on boulder shores and 124 on rock-platform shores; of these, 99 species were common to both habitat types, 92 were exclusive to boulders, and 23 were exclusive to rock-platforms. Significant differences in community structure (F(1,95) = 13.02, p < 0.01) (PERMANOVA test), species richness (F(1,95) = 14.28, p < 0.01), biomass (F(1,95) = 9.45, p < 0.01) and diversity (F(1,95) = 578.83, p < 0.01) (two-way ANOVA) were detected between the two habitat types. Average dissimilarity of community structure between rock-platform and boulder shores was 87.96% (SIMPER analysis). The increased species richness and biomass on boulder shores extended across all tidal levels, but was most marked in the highshore. These results confirm that boulder shores along the southwestern Cape support a distinct biota, richer and very different from that on adjacent rock-platforms, and rich in boulder-dependent species. We propose that boulder shores merit separate management and conservation targets as compared to rock-platforms, though the ecology of boulder shores in the region remains very poorly known and requires further study.
Food and feeding habits of the exotic fish Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters, 1852) from a tropical reservoir of Chalakudy River, Kerala

The diet composition of the exotic fish, Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters, 1852) was studied in Poringalkuthu Reservoir, Kerala from June 2011 to May 2012. O. mossambicus (2.52 t) forms a regular fishery which indicate that the fish has been established successfully in the reservoir. Gut content analysis revealed detritus to be the dominant food item followed by chlorophyceae, cyanophyceae, bacillariophyceae, zooplankton, plant matter, sand particles, fish parts, insects and miscellaneous items. The present study shows that the species is an omnivore, with a euryphagous feeding habit.
COMPARATIVE AND ONTOGENIC BIOCHEMISTRY Building a Three-Dimensional Model of Rat Albumin Molecule by Homology Modeling

Albumin is known as being able to cleave ester bonds in organophosphates (OP) and serve as a major means of OP detoxification due to its large amount in the blood serum. Most of in vivo toxicological studies are conducted on rodents, mice and rats. To adequately extrapolate results of ligand/albumin interaction studies to a human organism, it is necessary to carry out a comparative analysis of the rat (RSA) and human (HSA) albumin structure by in silico methods. X-ray diffraction analysis of RSA has not been done as yet, and the RSA structure is still undetermined. The aim of this study was to build a three-dimensional (3D) model of RSA by homology modeling. As templates, 14 RSA homologs were selected from the Protein Data Bank. A 3D model of the RSA molecule was built using the RSA primary sequence and 3D models of the selected templates. The 3D model geometry was improved by the energy minimization method. The quality of the model was evaluated by 9 parameters. According to this evaluation, in 97% of protein structures from the comparative dataset these parameters were worse than in the obtained model. It was concluded that this model is suitable for further research, specifically, for in silico studies of the RSA/OP interaction and comparative evolutionary analysis of RSA and HSA. DOI: 10.1134/S0022093017050040
Assessment of genetic diversity of Burkina Faso sweet grain sorghum using microsatellite markers

Sweet grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] is an under-harvested crop produced mainly for its sweet grains in the pasty stage. Little is known of its genetic diversity remains. This study aims to determine the level and structure of the genetic diversity of sweet grain sorghum from Burkina Faso. Thus, 93 accessions were evaluated using 15 polymorphic microsatellite markers. The analysis revealed 49 alleles in total, 6 rare alleles, an average of 3 alleles per locus, a moderate Nei diversity of 0.474, a low level of heterozygosity (0.031) in the collection and very high Wright's fixation index (Fis) of 0.934. The accessions were organized into three genetic groups: A, B and C. Groups A and B were the farthest, with an Fst and a genetic distance of 0.37 and 0.22, respectively, whereas Groups B and C were the closest, with an Fst (genetic differentiation) of 0.279 and a genetic distance of 0.142. This diversity could be exploited in Burkina Faso sweet grain sorghum breeding programs. Key words: Burkina Faso, neglected culture, sorghum, simple sequence repeats (SSR) markers, genetic variability.
Chromium accumulation in maize and cowpea after successive applications of composted tannery sludge

Chromium (Cr) accumulation in soil and plants has been reported after successive applications of tannery sludge, which is a matter of concern because Cr can promote environmental contamination and affect the food chain. In this study, we evaluated the growth of and Cr accumulation in maize and cowpea after seven years of consecutive applications of composted tannery sludge (CTS) under field conditions. The experiment consisted of application of CTS at five levels: 0 (control), 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 Mg ha -1 (dry basis). The growth of and Cr accumulation in maize and cowpea were evaluated at 75 and 65 days after plant emergence, respectively. CTS application increased the shoot biomass of maize and cowpea. Accumulation of Cr was similar for both plant species, with higher accumulation in roots. However, Cr accumulation in grains differed as the CTS doses increased; cowpea accumulated more Cr while maize did not accumulate more Cr in grains with higher CTS doses. In conclusion, application of CTS led to higher growth of maize and cowpea plants, and both species exhibited similar Cr accumulation in roots and shoots.
The Systematics of the Spiranthes cernua Species Complex (Orchidaceae): Untangling the Gordian Knot

Abstract Two major obstacles to quantifying biodiversity are reticulate evolution and the evolution of genetically distinct but morphologically overlapping cryptic species. The Spiranthes cernua species complex (Orchidaceae) has defied satisfactory species delineation, often described as intractable, due to morphological variability within species, overall morphological similarity between species, possible cryptic speciation, and suspected hybridization. Weutilized low copy nuclear, nuclear ribosomal, and chloroplast molecular phylogenetic datasets, in addition to expansive field and herbarium research, to clarify long-standing questions regarding species boundaries within the S. cernua species complex. Our results justify: 1) narrowing the concept of S. cernua; 2) the description of a new cryptic species, Spiranthes arcisepala; 3) the description of a new geographically restricted species of cryptic and ancient hybrid origin, Spiranthes niklasii (S. cernua × S. ovalis); 4) a new combination for a biogeographically specific cryptic species of ancient hybrid origin, Spiranthes incurva (S. cernua×S. magnicamporum); and 5) the description of a new localized hybrid, Spiranthes ×kapnosperia (S. cernua × S. ochroleuca). We also propose formal synonymization of federally endangered Spiranthes parksii under S. cernua s. s. Our research clarifies species boundaries within this challenging group, and is the first to use molecular phylogenetic data to support hybridization as an evolutionary force within the S. cernua species complex.
Etude de la relation entre le scolyte des rameaux du cafeier, Xyleborus compactus Eichh. (X. morstatti Hag.), et sa plante-hote

The mutual relation between the coffee-twig beetle, an ambrosia beetle, and the coffee plant was analysed as an example of the relation between insect and host plant. By boring passages in the twigs of the coffee plant, the beetle killed the twigs. Control was hindered by the feeding of the beetle only on a fungus, Ambrosiella xylebori Brader, which was the chief cause of death. Other plants were also infested and acted as a source of infestation for coffee plantations. The relation between beetle and coffee plant was influenced by: a scent stimulus attracting the females to the plant; a scent stimulus which caused them to remain or fly off; a flavouring influenced whether the entrance passage was bored; the completion of the entrance passage depended on the nutrient reserves of the female and on the structure of the plant tissues; the boring of the brood passage depended whether the ambrosia fungus grew and growth of the ambrosia depended on the sugar content of the plant (positive relation); the number of eggs laid depended on the growth conditions for the ambrosia. Selection of less infested varieties of coffee seemed the best means of control.
Blue Mussel Protein Concentrate Versus Prime Fish Meal Protein as a Dietary Attractant for Turbot ( Psetta maxima L.) Given Rapeseed Protein-based Diets

A feeding experiment was conducted to test the attractant potential of a processed protein concentrate of the blue mussel (BMPC) as replacer for fish meal (FM) protein in rapeseed protein concentrate (RPC)-based diets for turbot. Triplicate fish groups received isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets with a 50% or 75% replacement of FM protein by a RPC (RPC 50, RPC 75), and further FM protein substitution with 0, 2, 4 or 8% of BMPC. The application of RPC 50/0 provided no significant impact on fish performance compared to FM-reference diet, while daily feed intake (DFI), specific growth rate (SGR) and feed conversion were significantly impaired when fish fed with RPC 75/0 (P 0.05). Protein efficiency ratio and protein productive values remained unaffected among all treatments (P>0.05). Excepting crude ash content, no changes in crude protein, crude lipid, dry matter and energy content were obtained. Hepatosomatic index tended to increased (P>0.05) in accordance with slightly hypertrophic hepatocytes of fish fed diets with a BMPC incorporation of 40-80 g kg-1. Neither inflammatory nor degenerative alterations were detected in the intestine. In summary, we demonstrated that BMPC failed to stimulate the feed intake of turbot when dietary FM protein was substituted consecutively, but it was found to maintain performance level of turbot within the test diet groups. This indicates nutritional properties of BMPC comparable to prime FM protein, functional to further reduce the FM protein content in aquafeeds for carnivorous fish.
ANTIHEPATOTOXIC ACTIVITY OF TWO NEW QUERCETIN DERIVATIVES IN CARBON TETRACHLORIDE INDUCED HEPATOXICITY IN RATS

Quercetin, a bioflavonol is widely found in nature and possesses diverse pharmacological properties. A heterocyclic 1,4 dioxane nucleus was incorporated in Quercetin structure to obtain two structural analogues of silybin. The aim of the study was to antihepatotoxic potential of Quercetin derivatives containing 1,4 dioxane heterocyclic ring in Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity in female Wistar Albino rats. Two Quercetin derivatives (QD) were synthesized by reported method. QD were administered orally at dose of 10 mg/kg, once daily for 7 days to Wistar Albino rats. A single dose of CCl4(1mL/kg) was used for inducing liver damage. Antihepatotoxic activity was evaluated by measuring levels of total proteins (TP), total albumin (TA), alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) and liver enzymes such as serum glutamate oxaloacetate (SGOT) and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT). QD exhibited potent antihepatotoxic activity with respect to standard drug silybon-70. However, it was observed that the Quercetin derivative having –CH2OH group in the dioxane ring exhibited better activity in comparision to unsubstituted 1,4 dixoane ring derivative.The exact mechanism by which QD protects the liver is unknown however the observed effects could be attributed to presence of 1,4 dioxane ring and due to the significant antioxidant activity of Quercetin flavone. Key words: Antihepatotoxic activity, Quercetin; Silymarin, 1,4 dioxanering, CCl
Bacterial resistance to antibiotic alternatives: a wolf in sheep’s clothing?

With the growing concern of antibiotic resistance (Aminov and Mackie, 2007; Zaman et al., 2017), there has been a strong push to reduce the use of antibiotics in animal production systems (Van Boeckel et al., 2015; Ventola, 2015). Many antibiotic alternatives have been developed, with varying degrees of success in improving health outcomes and growth performance (Gresse et al., 2017). These alternatives use very different approaches to regulate both commensal and pathogenic bacterial populations. Antibiotic alternatives such as phage and bacteriocins have very clear mechanisms of antimicrobial activity (Figure 1), whereas others, such as essential oils/phytosterols, have less defined modes of action. Irrespective of mode of action, there has been insufficient attention given to the ability of bacteria to develop resistance to these antibiotic alternatives. Considering the development of resistance will be essential in finding long-term solutions. In this review, we present what is known about the ability of bacteria to become resistant to these antibiotic alternatives, and more importantly, identify where they contribute to antibiotic resistance. Prudence is required, as avoiding further contribution to antibiotic resistance is necessary. This review is not exhaustive but is intended to give a good representation from different classes of antibiotic alternatives. In particular, we focus on phage, essential oils, direct-fed microbials and bacteriocins, metals and minerals, and organic acids. Some consideration is given to their application, effectiveness, and modes of action. Open in a separate window Figure 1. (A) Phage interact with specific receptors to inject DNA into the bacterial cell, causing viral proliferation and cell lysi (i). Essential oils (EOs) disrupt efflux/influx, membrane receptors and stability (ii). Copper disrupts bacterial lipids, proteins, and DNA through oxidization (iii). Bacteriocins cause cell wall lysis, disrupt the plasma membrane structure (pore formation), and interfere with DNA function (iv). (B) Bacterial resistance to phage is conferred through either blockage/removal of the receptor or cutting of phage DNA in the cell by CRISPR/CAS (i). Bacteria form aggregates to minimize cell surface exposure to EOs, thus preventing membrane associated disruptions (ii). Glutathione chelates Cu+, ATPase efflux system exports Cu+/Cu2+, and siderophores sequester Cu2+ to prevent it entering the cell (iii). Modifications of the cell wall and membrane affect fluidity and charge, impairing bacteriocin binding (iv).
On the occurrence of Cephalopholis hemistiktos and C. taeniops (Actinopterygii, Perciformes, Serranidae) in Malta, with corrections of previous misidentifications

2017. On the occurrence of Cephalopholis hemistiktos and C. taeniops (Actinopterygii, Perciformes, Serranidae) in Malta, with corrections of previous misidentifications. Acta Ichthyol. Piscat. 47 (2): 197–200. Abstract. The only species of Cephalopholis currently known from the Mediterranean is Cephalopholis taeniops (Valenciennes, 1828), which was recorded from Libya, Malta, and Lampedusa after having autochthonously extended its original Atlantic range. All records of Cephalopholis substantiated by specimens or images from Malta were evaluated, showing that an individual filmed in August 2009 was misidentified and instead represents the first record of Cephalopholis hemistiktos (Rüppell, 1830) from the Mediterranean. Based on these records, C. taeniops is considered to be established in Maltese waters while C. hemistiktos is regarded as a ‘casual’ species, most likely transported by shipping or introduced as an aquarium escapee.
A quantitative network modeling approach to evaluate the role of cytokine combinations on CD4+ T cell differentiation, partial polarization, and plasticity

Diverse cellular polarization states with different phenotypes and functions are derived from the differentiation of activated CD4+ T naïve lymphocytes in the presence of particular cytokines. In addition, conversion of polarized cells to phenotypes different from that originally induced has been documented, highlighting the capacity of the immune response for adaptation to changing circumstances. In a recent study, we proposed a minimal Boolean regulatory network of CD4+ T differentiation that incorporates transcription factors, signaling pathways, and autocrine and exogenous cytokines. The qualitative model effectively reproduced the main polarized phenotypes of CD4+ T cells and several of the plasticity events reported in the literature. Yet, the amount and the expression of cytokines relative to expression of other factors influence CD4+ T cell transitions. In this paper, we have extended the Boolean network to a continuous model that allows us to assess the effect of quantitative differences in the concentrations and combinations of exogenous and endogenous cytokines, as well as diverse levels of transcription factors expression, in order to assess the role of intracellular and extracellular components in CD4+ T differentiation and plasticity. Interestingly, the model predicts either abrupt or gradual differentiation patterns between observed phenotypes depending on critical concentrations of single or multiple environmental cytokines. Plastic changes induced by environmental cytokines were observed in conditions of partial phenotype polarization in the Th1/Th2 transition. On the other hand, the Th17/iTreg transition was highly dependent on cytokine concentrations in the environment. Thus, modeling shows how the concentration of exogenous factors, the degree of initial polarization, and cell heterogeneity, may determine the differentiation and plasticity capacity of CD4+ T cells. The model and results presented here are useful to further understand system-level mechanisms underlying observed patterns of CD4+ T differentiation and plasticity.
Comparison of Two Color-Marking Techniques For American Kestrels In South Texas

Abstract We compared two color-marking techniques, celluloid color leg bands and colored dye on the feathers, for individual identification of American Kestrels (Falco sparverius). We trapped and color-marked 65 kestrels in October through December of 2014 and 2015. We searched for kestrels once a week with binoculars and a spotting scope and each time, recorded how kestrels were marked, either by bands, dye, or both. We confirmed that seven of the 195 color bands were lost during the study. The longest time that dye was still visible was 149 d after marking. We saw color bands from a maximum distance of 245 m and color dye from a maximum distance of 428 m. Of kestrels we were able to identify at least 10 times (n = 39) within the season that markings were applied, we saw only dye 17.3% of the time and only bands 19.4% of the time. We saw both markers (dye and at least one band) 63.3% of the time. Both methods can be used for successful identification of wintering kestrels, but a combination of the two techniques can increase the chance of seeing an identifiable mark. Color bands are long-term markers and allow identification of kestrels whose dye has faded or those that return in following years. Color dye makes it easier to identify kestrels that are difficult to approach, as well as those with territories extending away from accessible roadways.
Molecular and morphological characterization of Laurencia intricata and Laurenciella mayaimii sp. nov. (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta) in South Florida, USA

Abstract: Morphological characterization, together with phylogenetic and DNA barcoding analyses on the basis of rbcL and COI-5P, conducted on some species of the Laurencia complex in South Florida confirmed the occurrence of Laurencia intricata and supported the presence and recognition of Laurenciella in the United States. Samples of L. intricata from Florida grouped with full support with the species from the type locality (Antilles). The intraspecific divergence within the L. intricata clade ranged from 0.0% to 1.3%; the samples from Florida diverged by only 0.06% to 0.20%, the sample from Mexico (EF658643 – Puerto Morelos, Quintana Roo) being the most divergent. The two new species of Laurenciella from Florida, La. mayaimii and La. sp. , formed an assemblage with La. marilzae with full support, and the interspecific divergence was high for both molecular markers. Laurenciella mayaimii is characterized mainly by its brownish-yellow main axis and cylindrical, alternate to subopposite branchlets, anastomoses between branches in the basal portions, and a single ‘corps en cerise’ present in each cortical cell and in trichoblasts. In addition, the walls of the cortical cells near the apices project, and lenticular thickenings are absent. The finding of Laurenciella in Biscayne Bay and Key Largo, South Florida expands its geographic distribution to western Atlantic lower subtropical waters.
Nutritional value of the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) and its suitability as animal feed – a review

The black soldier fly (BSF; Hermetia illucens L.; Diptera: Stratiomyidae) has been studied for its capability to convert organic waste to high quality protein, control certain harmful bacteria and insect pests, provide potential chemical precursors to produce biodiesel and for its use as feed for a variety of animals. Nutritional value of BSF larvae is discussed, as well as the effect of biotic and abiotic factors on both larval body composition and performance. Although BSF larvae contain high protein levels (from 37 to 63% dry matter; DM), and other macro- and micronutrients important for animal feed, the available studies on including BSF larvae in feed rations for poultry, pigs and fish suggest that it could only partially replace traditional feedstuff, because high or complete replacement resulted in reduced performance. This is due to factors such as high fat content (from 7 to 39% DM), ash (from 9 to 28% DM), and consequences of processing. Therefore, further studies are needed on nutrient composit.