Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bacterial and Fungal Population Assessment in Smoked Fish during Storage Period

Microbial contamination of food is the main obstacle of ensuring food safety. For this, the objective of this article was to determine the changes of microbial load of three smoked fish species (Tenualosa ilisha, Oreochromis mossambicus, Pangasius hypophthalmus) in fresh and stored condition. To fulfill that objective, the freshly smoked fish samples were collected from the laboratory of Fisheries and Marine Science Department, Noakhali Science and Technology University of Bangladesh. Total Bacterial Counts (TBC), Total Coliform (TC), Fecal Coliform (FC) and the density of Vibrio spp. and yeasts and molds spp. in the fresh and stored smoked fish were determined by using serial dilution and spread plate technique. The microbial assessments of stored smoked fish species were performed in every seven days interval up to one month storage periods. At the first sampling day of smoked fish species, TBC, TC, FC, Vibrio spp. and yeasts and molds spp. were not found in fresh smoked fish species. But the microbial loads in smoked fish species were consequently increases with the increasing of storage time. The highest densities of microbial loads were found in experimental smoked fish species in the 3rd week of smoked fish storage in refrigerator. This may be occurred due to the contamination of raw product and final smoked product from the polluted culture environment or processing environment or due to the improper processing during smoking. The results of this research indicate that the new hygienic processing practices of smoked fish products can ensure the food safety for consumers by maintaining all the safety standards properly.
Farmers’ Knowledge on Pesticide Safety and Pest Management Practices: A Case Study of Vegetable Growers in Chitwan, Nepal

Farmers’ knowledge on pesticides and their safe use are critical for implementing effective pest management program. A household survey was conducted using the semi-structured questionnaire to evaluate vegetable growers’ knowledge on pesticide safety and pest management practices in Nepal. Results indicated that chemical pesticides were the primary choice of over 80% growers for pest management. Notably, 90% growers were aware of adverse effects of pesticides on human health and to the environment. Over 84% growers used at least one form of personal protection equipment (PPE) during pesticide spray or handling, although the quality and appropriateness of the PPE warrants further investigation. Nearly 17% growers received at least one short-term training on integrated pest management (IPM); however, all of them neither knew the harmful effects of pesticide residues nor practiced proper pesticide disposal methods. Over 90% of growers rely on local pesticide retailers (i.e., Agro-vets) for technical know-how about pesticide selection, handling, and use. This study highlighted a need for immediate implementation of strict pesticide use regulations and recommended educational programs for pest control professionals, growers, and pesticide retailers.
Potential of Bacillus spp produces siderophores insuppressing thewilt disease of banana plants

In nature, different types of siderophore such as hydroxymate, catecholets and carboxylate, are produced by different bacteria. Bacillus spp were isolated from potato rhizospheric soil can produce siderophore of both catecholets and salicylate type with different concentrations. Various strains of Bacillus spp were tested for pathogen inhibition capability in a dual culture manner. The test results showed the ability of inhibition of pathogen isolated from banana wilt disease. From the result tested were found Bacillus niabensis Strain PT-32-1, Bacillus subtilis Strain SWI16b, Bacillus subtilis Strain HPC21, Bacillus mojavensis Strain JCEN3, and Bacillus subtilis Strain HPC24 showed different capabilities in suppressing pathogen.
Lichens in the nests of European starling Sturnus vulgaris serve a mate attraction rather than insecticidal function

The European starling Sturnus vulgaris is a hole-nesting bird in which the male builds a voluminous nest using a wide variety of materials such as twigs, grass, leaves, feathers, and lichens. The function of lichens in starling nests has not been assessed until now and we hypothesize that this material is related to a mate attraction function or is used to protect nestlings from parasites due to the presence of secondary compounds with insecticidal effects with the lichens. We aimed to identify the lichen species and frequency of lichen use in European starling nests, and to determine if the presence of this material is correlated with mate attraction or with an insecticidal function. We found lichens in 45% of nests, mainly represented by Ramalina celastri . The lichens were added to the nests mainly before the beginning and at the end of nest building and egg-laying started earlier in nests with lichens than those without lichens. No association was found between the presence of lichen and the intensity of Philornis larvae (Diptera), a parasite that infests starling nestlings. Our results suggest that the addition of lichens could be related to mate attraction and a stimulus for the beginning of egg-laying but did not have an antiparasitic function in European starling nests.
Methylthioadenosine reduces host inflammatory response by suppressing Salmonella virulence

In order to deploy virulence factors at appropriate times and locations, microbes must rapidly sense and respond to various metabolite signals. Previously we showed transient elevation of the methionine-derived metabolite methylthioadenosine (MTA) in serum during systemic Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) infection. Here we explored the functional consequences of increased MTA concentrations on S. Typhimurium virulence. We found that MTA—but not other related metabolites involved in polyamine synthesis and methionine salvage—reduced motility, host cell pyroptosis, and cellular invasion. Further, we developed a genetic model of increased bacterial endogenous MTA production by knocking out the master repressor of the methionine regulon, metJ. Like MTA treated S. Typhimurium, the ΔmetJ mutant displayed reduced motility, host cell pyroptosis, and invasion. These phenotypic effects of MTA correlated with suppression of flagellar and Salmonella pathogenicity island-1 (SPI-1) networks. ΔmetJ S. Typhimurium had reduced virulence in oral infection of C57BL/6 mice. Finally, ΔmetJ bacteria induced a less severe inflammatory cytokine response in a mouse sepsis model. These data provide a possible bacterial mechanism for our previous findings that pretreating mice with MTA dampens inflammation and prolongs survival. Together, these data indicate that exposure of S. Typhimurium to MTA or disruption of the bacterial methionine metabolism pathway is sufficient to suppress SPI-1 mediated processes, motility, and in vivo virulence. Significance Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) is a leading cause of gastroenteritis and bacteremia worldwide. Widespread multi-drug resistance, inadequate diagnostics, and the absence of a vaccine for use in humans, all contribute to the global burden of morbidity and mortality associated with S. Typhimurium infection. Here we find that increasing the concentration of the methionine derived metabolite methylthioadenosine, either in S. Typhimurium or in its environment, is sufficient to suppress virulence processes. These findings could be leveraged to inform future therapeutic interventions against S. Typhimurium aimed at manipulating either host or pathogen methylthioadenosine production.
INNOVATION PLATFORMS IN AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH FOR DEVELOPMENT

SUMMARY Innovation platforms are fast becoming part of the mantra of agricultural research for development projects and programmes. Their basic tenet is that stakeholders depend on one another to achieve agricultural development outcomes, and hence need a space where they can learn, negotiate and coordinate to overcome challenges and capture opportunities through a facilitated innovation process. Although much has been written on how to implement and facilitate innovation platforms efficiently, few studies support ex-ante appraisal of when and for what purpose innovation platforms provide an appropriate mechanism for achieving development outcomes, and what kinds of human and financial resource investments and enabling environments are required. Without these insights, innovation platforms run the risk of being promoted as a panacea for all problems in the agricultural sector. This study makes clear that not all constraints will require innovation platforms and, if there is a simpler and cheaper alternative, that should be considered first. Based on the review of critical design principles and plausible outcomes of innovation platforms, this study provides a decision support tool for research, development and funding agencies that can enhance more critical thinking about the purposes and conditions under which innovation platforms can contribute to achieving agricultural development outcomes.
Death-feigning behaviour in Iphisa elegans: the second reported case in the Family Gymnophthalmidae (Reptilia: Squamata)

Death-feigning behaviour occurs when the animal simulates a state of immobility. This behaviour is described for some lizard families, among them the family Gymnophthalmidae with only one record. Iphisa elegans is a diurnal and terrestrial Amazonian gymnophtalmid lizard. It has cryptic behavior and moves rapidly on the ground, hindering observations of its behavior. We report a case at the Comodoro Municipality, Mato Grosso State, Brazil. An adult male of I. elegans, when manipulated, turned its venter up and put itself in a death-feigning posture. This species is preyed upon by birds, snakes and other lizards ̧ possibly behaving this way when the cryptic behaviour or escape attempt fails. More studies are necessary to evaluate the efficiency of this behaviour, as well as its frequency of occurrence, using individuals of both sexes. We also suggest to evaluate if the orange venter of males could have any antipredation advantage.
Fatty acid profile of wild edible and cultivated mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus, Amanita spp and Termitomyces microcarpus)

Purpose The aim of this paper is to investigate fat content and fatty acid profile of cultivated (Pleurotus ostreatus) and wild edible mushrooms (Amanita spp and Termitomyces microcarpus). Design/methodology/approach Pleurotus ostreatus was grown in soil and on cotton seed husks in mushroom growing rooms at Busitema University, Uganda. T. microcarpus and Amanita spp were collected from the wild. Freshly harvested mushrooms were dried at 60°C for 48 h in a hot air oven. Oil was extracted using a Clevenger apparatus. Fatty acid analysis was done using gas chromatography with flame ionization detection. Findings Fat content ranged between 0.24 and 5.23 per cent. Variation was noted between P. ostreatus grown in soil and on cotton seed husks (p = 0.0090). Similarly, Amanita spp and T. microcarpus had differing fat contents (p = 0.0098). Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) predominated over saturated fatty acids (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). Linoleic acid (LA) was the most abundant fatty acid (FA) (30.91 to 54.35 per cent). It varied between Amanita spp and T. microcarpus (p = 0.0001) but not between substrates (p = 0.1891). Ratios of PUFA/SFA, MUFA/SFA and PUFA/MUFA were within the desirable ranges. Omega-6 FA/ω-3 FA ratio was higher than that recommended for a healthy diet. However, the low amount of fat in mushrooms suppresses the negative effects of a high ω-6 FA/ω-3 FA ratio. Originality/value Information on FA profile of cultivated and wild edible mushrooms will provide a basis for commercial exploitation of the cultivated mushrooms. This work showed that P. ostreatus, Amanita spp and T. microcarpus are healthy foods with regard to the low fat content and high amounts of LA.
Age effects on survival of Amazon forest birds and the latitudinal gradient in bird survival

ABSTRACT The search for explanations of the well-documented positive relationship between latitude and avian clutch size has created the expectation that tropical birds should balance their smaller clutch sizes with relatively high survival probabilities. So far, efforts to detect a latitudinal gradient in survival have found no statistical support, leading to the hypothesis that a gradient may be present in the survival of juveniles alone. Such a gradient could be masked by the data on adults when field records make no distinction between ages. We aimed to (1) assess the effect of age on survival of tropical birds by estimating age-specific annual apparent survival probabilities for a set of 40 passerine understory species from the central Brazilian Amazon and (2) test the hypothesis of a latitudinal gradient in adult survival with a meta-analysis of tropical and temperate-zone forest passerine survival probabilities at study areas from Peru to Alaska. We estimated age-specific survival using a hierarchical, multispecies Cormack-Jolly-Seber (CJS) model that treats species-specific parameters as random effects. To extend our analysis to data on birds of unknown age at the time of banding, we developed a novel CJS model with a mixture component for the survival of birds of unknown age. We found a strong effect of age on survival at our site, with juveniles having lower survival than adults. The meta-analysis of 342 survival estimates from 175 species and a latitude span of >60 degrees revealed a negative effect of latitude on survival, which supports the widely accepted hypothesis that, on average, tropical birds have higher annual survival than their temperate counterparts. We conclude that there is no need for an alternative latitudinal trend in juvenile survival to account for the general trend in clutch size.
Effects of Parathyroid Hormone, Alendronate and Odanacatib on the mineralisation process in intracortical and endocortical Haversian bone of ovariectomized rabbits

Although cortical bone strength depends on optimal bone composition, the influences of standard therapeutic agents for osteoporosis on bone mineral accrual in cortical bone are not understood. This study compared effects on cortical bone composition of two current therapeutic approaches for osteoporosis: the anti-resorptive bisphosphonate alendronate (ALN), and anabolic intermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH). The experimental anti-resorptive cathepsin K inhibitor, odanacatib (ODN) which inhibits resorption without inhibiting bone formation, was also tested. To determine effects of these agents on Haversian remodeling and mineral accrual, we compared ALN (100μg/kg/2xweek), PTH(1-34) (15μg/kg, 5x/week) and ODN (7.5μM/day) administered for 10 months commencing 6 months after ovariectomy (OVX) in skeletally mature rabbits by histomorphometry. We used synchrotron-based Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy (sFTIRM), coupled to fluorochrome labelling, to measure maturation of the cortical matrix in situ at both endocortical and intracortical sites of bone formation. PTH and ODN, but not ALN, treatment increased bone toughness, and PTH treatment stimulated bone formation, not only on endocortical and periosteal bone, but also in intracortical pores. In Sham and OVX rabbits, normal matrix maturation was observed at both endocortical and intracortical sites including: mineral accrual (increasing mineral:matrix), carbonate substitution (carbonate:mineral) and collagen molecular compaction (amide I:II) in situ in endocortical and intracortical bone. ALN treatment reduced bone formation on these surfaces. In ALN-treated bone, while intracortical bone matured normally, endocortical bone did not show a significant increase in mineral:matrix. ODN treatment resulted in slower mineral accrual and limited carbonate substitution. While PTH-treatment did not modify matrix maturation in endocortical bone, the initial stages of mineral accrual were slower in intracortical bone. In conclusion, these three classes of therapy have differing effects on both bone formation, and the process of bone matrix maturation. ALN suppresses bone formation, and the normal process of matrix maturation in endocortical bone. ODN does not suppress bone formation, but limits mineral accrual. PTH stimulates bone formation, and the matrix formed matures normally in endocortical bone. The ability of PTH treatment to stimulate bone formation in intracortical bone may provide a novel additional mechanism by which PTH increases bone strength.
RESPONSE OF GLADIOLUS CV. CARMEN TO COMPOST, BIOFERTILIZATION AND SOME VITAMIN TREATMENTS

Prof. Dr. A.Z. Sarhan, Cairo Univ. ABSTRACT: A field experiment was carried out during the two successive seasons of 2012/2013 and 2013/2014 to study the effect of compost and biofertilizers, as well as, some vitamins and their interaction on Gladiolus grandiflorus cv. Carmen plant. Results showed that vegetative growth (leaf length, number of leaves/plant and dry weight of leaves/plant), flowering aspects (length of spike, number of florets/spike and lower floret diameter) and corms productivity (corm diameter, corm dry weight and number of cormels per plant) were gradually increased by increasing the level of compost fertilizer. All biofertilizers and vitamins treatments significantly increased all vegetative growth characters, flowering parameters and corm and cormels productivity in comparison with the control. Effective microorganisms (E.M.) + active dry yeast (A.Y.) treatment seemed to be more effective than other treatments in this concern. The use of high level of compost (21 ton/fed) in combination with combined biofertilizers noticeably improved the different vegetative growth characters, flowering parameters and corms productivity of gladiolus.
Monkey Facial Dynamics in ‘Minimal Interactions’

Increasingly, researchers are interested in studying the neural substrates of monkey social interactions within laboratory settings. However, semi-naturalistic monkey interactions within lab settings have not been well characterized. We here analyze “minimal interactions” between monkeys in the laboratory. Monkeys, like humans, produce a variety of facial expressions when they encounter one another. It has been unclear what specific information they use to guide their behavior. I recorded the facial signals of captive long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) while they visually interacted while seated in primate chairs. I found that the most consistently-evoked expressions were affiliative in character, most notably in the form of reciprocal lipsmacking. Consistent with prior experiments, lipsmacks were most evident when situational and social ambiguity was maximal: that is, in the first sessions, in the first moments of each session, and when interacting with unfamiliar individuals. Unexpectedly, head and eye orientation played dissociable roles in interactive behaviors. Most intriguingly, monkeys’ facial behaviors reflected both received and previously sent signals, suggesting they interpret others’ current signals in light of their own past communications.
Testing skin swabbing for DNA sampling in dendrobatid frogs

Skin swabbing, a minimally invasive DNA sampling method recently proposed for adult amphibians, was tested on the dendrobatid frog Allobates femoralis. I compared DNA yield from skin swabs and toe clips by evaluating obtained DNA concentrations and purity of extracts, as well as amplification success using eleven polymorphic microsatellite loci. I also tested whether storing skin swabs for two months at −20°C affected the properties of the extract or microsatellite analysis. Results show that skin swabs of adult A. femoralis suffered from high contamination and yielded significantly lower DNA quality and quantity, resulting in insufficient genotyping success, than DNA obtained from toe clips. The relatively dry skin in dendrobatid frogs may have impeded the collection of sufficient viable cells, and the presence of skin alkaloids and microbiota in the frog mucus may lead to high contamination load of skin swabs.
Some Nocturnal and Crepuscular Mammals of Kakamega Forest: Photographic Evidence

ABSTRACT Kakamega Forest is a small remnant of Guineo-Congolian rainforest in Kenya. Along with direct observation, we used an automatic camera to sample the nocturnal and crepuscular mammalian fauna within 1.5 km of the Kakamega Forest Station near Isecheno. We detected 11 indigenous species belonging to 10 genera, as well as domestic cats and dogs. We directly observed pottos and African palm civets. Additionally, we photographed giant pouched rats, African civets, white-tailed mongooses, a marsh mongoose, a tree pangolin, servaline genets, blotched genets, side-striped jackals, and what appears to be an African wildcat. We found both whitetailed and black-tailed morphs of the white-tailed mongooses. Similarly, we recorded side-striped jackals with and without white-tipped tails. Our findings offer insight about the seldom studied nocturnal and crepuscular mammals of Kakamega Forest, including which species are persisting there, their various morphs, and some bait preferences, thus adding to and reaffirming previous reports.
Effects of Lactic Acid Bacteria and Citrus Essential Oil on the Quality of Vacuum-Packed Sea Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) Fillets During Refrigerated Storage

ABSTRACT The preservative effect of refrigerated and vacuum-packed sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) fillets inoculated with four mixtures of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) (Lactococcus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Carnobacterium piscicola) and incorporated with citrus essential oil (CEO) was evaluated on the basis of microbiological and biochemical analysis. Initially, sea bass fillets showed high nutritional quality. During refrigerated storage, lipid contents did not show a significant decrease in any fish fillets; meanwhile, important proteolysis was observed in untreated control. In addition, results indicated that both CEO and LAB strains exhibited antimicrobial activity against spoilage, pathogenic, and fungi flora. Moreover, the total volatile bases (TVB-N) values were higher in control fillets, and the lowest TVB-N values were observed in Control CEO and C3 + CEO (30.47 ± 0.00 and 32.29 ± 1.12 mg TVB-N/100 g, respectively). Also, the levels of biogenic amines increased in all fillets without exceeding the upper limit of acceptability except for untreated control (sum of about 1396.63 ppm). Furthermore, this combined treatment ameliorated the muscle liquid-holding capacity, which improves technological properties. Overall, this treatment may open new promising opportunities for the biopreservation of fish products by enhancing the period of storage of refrigerated and vacuum-packed sea bass fillets.
Inhibitory Effects of Bamboo Leaf on the Growth of Pyricularia grisea Fungus

In this study, the effects of bamboo leaf were examined on mycelial growth of Pyricularia grisea, a fungus of rice blast disease that causes a great loss in rice production. The hexane extract exhibited maximal reduction on growth of P. grisea (IC50 = 0.62 mg/mL), followed by aqueous and ethyl acetate extracts, while the methanol extract was least effective (IC50 = 9.71 mg/mL). At 0.5–1.0 mg/mL doses, all extracting solvents showed inhibition on the growth of P. grisea, but at a 0.1 mg/mL concentration, the antifungal activity was solely observed on hexane and ethyl acetate extracts. By GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry), 25 constituents were identified, principally belonging to long-chain fatty acids, sterols, phenols, phenolic acids, volatile oils, and derivatives of terpenes. It was suggested that compounds originated from hexane and ethyl acetate extracts such as fatty acids, oils, and phenols, and their derivatives were responsible for the antifungal activity of bamboo leaf. Non-polar constituents were accountable for the antifungal activity, although water-soluble compounds may play a role. Bamboo leaf appears to be a potent natural source to manage the infestation of P. grisea in rice cultivation.