Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Melatonin rhythms in the pineal and non-pineal tissues and their physiological implications in subtropical fish

Abstract Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxy tryptamine), following discovery from the extracts of bovine pineal gland, has been detected in the pineal as well as several extra-pineal tissues/organs of different vertebrates including fish. The unique feature of melatonin in the pineal gland is its rhythmic biosynthesis and release in blood in synchronization with the environmental light-–dark cycle. Accordingly, melatonin produced in the pineal of an animal living in a changing environment is implicated to the regulation of seasonal reproduction by acting as a hormone at one or more levels of hypothalamo-hypophyseal-gonadal axis. Additionally, melatonin is known to act as a potent free-radical scavenger or antioxidant to influence maturation of oocytes. However, possible relationship between extra-pineal melatonin and seasonality of reproduction in any animal remains enigmatic. Perhaps, carp is the only known animal in which temporal patterns of melatonin levels in the serum as well as in the extracts of pineal, retina, ovary, gut, and liver have been studied in relation to the reproductive events in an annual cycle. The purpose of current review is to bring those fascinating, and arguably most important data together to underline their significance in the control of seasonal reproduction in subtropical fish in general and in carp in particular.
Reproductive Isolation Among Allopatric Populations of Ommatissus lybicus (Hemiptera: Tropiduchidae)

Abstract Study of genetic structure of Ommatissus lybicus de Bergevin revealed significant variation among the allopatric populations of this pest. High biological and behavioral variation suggest either that this is a highly variable pest species or a complex with a mix of cryptic species. The degree of reproductive isolation was tested by crossing experiments on four allopatric Iranian populations. These experiments were performed at 27 ± 2 ° C, 65 ± 5% RH, and a photoperiod of 14:10 (L: D) h. In addition, to examine the possible role of Wolbachia in accelerating speciation through reproductive isolation, a PCR-based Wolbachia detection and frequency assay was used. Intercross mating studies with four divergent populations demonstrated fecundity in all of the no-choice mating trials, while in some replicates of the interpopulation crossing treatments (Abu Musa × Tezerj and Bam × Tezerj), no adult insects were produced. These populations experienced repeated exposure to heavy pesticide applications, which may accelerate genetic divergence. Wolbachia was detected in specimens from two O. lybicus populations (Bushehr and Jahrom) with 100% infection rate. Results of no-choice mating trials supported reproductive isolation among O. lybicus populations, which may lead to rapid evolution and speciation. A comprehensive and ecofriendly management program with emphasis on judicious use of pesticides for O. lybicus management is recommended to reduce genetic diversification in this species.
Factors predicting summer nest construction of Muscardinus avellanarius in deciduous woodland edges in Slovakia

Abstract Forest edges with diverse vegetation are an important feature of habitat preference for the hazel dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the factors predicting summer nest construction in deciduous woodland edges in Slovakia. At the same time, nest types, dimensions of nests and nest-site preference in shrubs and young trees were analysed. A total of 178 summer nests were found over the years 2010-2013 on the branches of several plant species, but mainly on Prunus spinosa, Rubus fruticosus and Carpinus betulus. The principle component analysis (PCA) in this study revealed that several factors were significant for the construction of nests in shrubby vegetation. The occurrence of four nest types (mixed, layered, foliar and grassy) with relatively large dimensions was confirmed. Botanical analysis of the leaf material in the nests confirmed that ten different plant species were incorporated into the nests. Moreover, a positive correlation was shown between the distance of the nest from the ground and from the top of the plant and the plant height. This study suggests that this micro-habitat may play an important role for suitable nesting of the hazel dormouse, as stated by several authors from the different countries and regions of its large distributional range. At the same time, data on the presence or absence of summer nests in the monitored habitat aid in the detection of species.
Genetic Variability of Local Corn Cultivars from Kisar Island Southwest Maluku Regency using Microsatellite Molecular Marker

This research aim was to reveal the genetic variability of local corn cultivars from Kisar Island using microsatellite molecular marker. The use of microsatellite markers is based on one reasons that the genetic information is polymorphic, and will be better to identify genetic diversity of plants including corn. Corn cultivars used were obtained from farmer in Kisar Island, and three reference varieties as outgroup were obtained from Institute of Cereals in Maros South Sulawesi. Polymerase chain reaction was conducted following the protocols from Fast Start kit (Qiagen-USA). The data obtained then analyzed with MVSP 3.1A Software for dendogram construction. The results showed that the appearance of DNA bands was vary (monomorphic and polymorphic) for local cultivars as well as reference varieties, with one or two bands on each primer. Based on the dendogram, there are three main clusters with similarity index ranged from 20% -100%. It can be concluded that there is very low similarity and distant kinship of local cultivars. The novelty of this research is knowing kinship relationship between local corn in Kisar Island which is not known yet. This results is expected to provide benefits regarding the breeding program, and for instance, it can be an important information regarding the development of local corn as a source in assembly the superior corn cultivars.
Discovery and validation of inhibitors targeting protein-protein interactions in the plasmodial glideosome

Plasmodium falciparum is the parasite responsible for the most deadly cases of malaria in humans. Emerging resistance of P. falciparum to available treatments is of concern, and necessitates the development of novel compounds targeting the parasite. Traditional drug development has been geared towards developing inhibitors of enzymes essential to the parasite. Alternatively, we have chosen to target an essential proteinprotein interaction (PPI). In developing novel inhibitory and probe compounds, we chose to target the invasion machinery, also known as the glideosome. P. falciparum uses an actomyosin motor, part of the glideosome complex, to invade multiple cell types. A key component of the machinery is a tetrameric complex of aldolase that binds the cytoplasmic, C-terminal tail of the transmembrane adhesive protein, TRAP (thrombospondin related anonymous protein). Different TRAPs are required for invasion of different host cells: TRAP (liver stage), MTRAP (blood stage) and CTRAP (mosquito stage). The dynamic aldolase-TRAP complex must dissociate periodically as invasion progresses. By targeting the aldolase-TRAP interaction with a small molecule drug that tightens this interaction, we can select for a compound that can inhibit invasion. To identify novel small molecules, we have developed a system to produce TRAP peptides and use surface plasmon resonance to screen the Medicines for Malaria Venture’s (MMV) Malaria Box compound library against the aldolase-TRAP interaction. We have validated compound hits targeting this interaction in sporozoite gliding assays, live imaging studies, and using liver invasion assays. One compound has been found to
Duetting behavior varies with sex, season, and singing role in a tropical oriole (Icterus icterus)

Lay SummaryMany birds sing with their mates, forming duets that could serve many functions. We found that duetting behavior varied between the 2 sexes and between the breeding and nonbreeding season. Both females and males answer their mate’s songs in both seasons to defend territories and maintain contact with each other. Males also answer their mate during the breeding season, possibly to guard their paternity. Thus duetting functions in both breeding and nonbreeding activities.
Heterosis studies for yield & yield traits in rice (Oryza Sativa L.) under rainfed condition

Recognising the potential of hybrid rice to increase the productivity, the present investigation was conducted using three WA CMS lines (Pusa 6A, IR79156A and IR 68897A) and 31 male genotypes. The results manifested that the magnitude of heterosis for grain yield over better parent was significantly superior in eight hybrids with highest value of 60.83% in Pusa 6A x HUR-105. Sixteen hybrids showed significant positive heterosis over standard variety (NDR-97) with highest value of 116.48% in Pusa 6A x HUR-105. Twelve hybrids showed significant positive heterosis over standard hybrid (Arize-6444) with highest value of 85.69% in Pusa 6A x HUR-105. The top two high yielding heterotic crosses over the standard variety (NDR-97) were Pusa-6A x HUR-105 (116.48%) and Pusa-6A x Pantdhan-12 (114.74%). These two hybrids also exhibited significant positive heterosis for yield over standard hybrid (Arize 6444 Gold) i.e. 85.69% and 84.19% respectively. Hybrids Pusa-6A x HUR-105 and Pusa-6A x Pantdhan-12 showed significant positive standard heterosis for almost all the desirable yield attributing traits, apart from this Pusa-6A x Pantdhan-12 also showed significant negative standard heterosis over SH (Arize-6444) for days to 1st flowering, days to 50% flowering and days to maturity. The top heterotic crosses viz., Pusa-6A x HUR-105, Pusa-6A x Pantdhan-12, Pusa-6A x URG-30, IR-79156A x Akshaydhan and Pusa-6A x NDR-359 and others which expressed higher standard heterosis for grain yield along with other desirable yield components should be tested in large scale under rainfed condition. Highlights • Hybrids, Pusa 6A × HUR-105 and Pusa 6A × Pantdhan-12 exhibited significant heterobeltiosis for yield and yield component traits. • Hybrids, Pusa 6A × URG-30 and Pusa 6A × IET-22202 are short in their duration which is best suitable for rainfed condition. So, these hybrids may further be tested on large scale under rainfed conditions. • IR 79156A × Akshaydhan may also be promoted in rainfed areas for large scale testing as these hybrids are much better than the standard checks NDR-97 and Arize-6444 Gold.
ANTIOXIDANT AND NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF LEUCAS INDICA ON IRON INDUCED LIPID PEROXIDATION IN RAT BRAIN IN VITRO

Neurodegenerative diseases have been linked to oxidative stress arising from peroxidation of membrane biomolecules and high levels of iron have been reported to play an important role in neurodegenerative diseases. The present study compares the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of aqueous and methanolic extract of Leucasindica(L.indica)on iron induced lipid peroxidation in rat's brain in vitro. The total phenol,total flavonoids, vitamin C content,reducing property and hydroxyl radical scavenging ability were determined. 4-hydroxy isopthalic acid was the major phenoliccompound identified by HPLC-VWD analysis. The results of the study revealed that methanolic extract of L. indica had significantly higher vitamin C, flavonoid content, reducing power and DPPH scavenging ability than the Aqueous extract. However, both extracts significantly inhibited (p<0.05) Fe(II) induced lipid peroxidation in the rat brain in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, the methanolic extract was more potent inhibitor of lipid peroxidation in the rat'sbrain and this is probably due to its higher phenol content and reducing power.
The statistical need to include phylogeny in trait‐based analyses of community composition

A growing number of studies incorporate functional trait information to analyse patterns and processes of community assembly. These studies of trait–environment relationships generally ignore phylogenetic relationships among species. When functional traits and the residual variation in species distributions among communities have phylogenetic signal, however, analyses ignoring phylogenetic relationships can decrease estimation accuracy and power, inflate type I error rates and lead to potentially false conclusions. Using simulations, we compared estimation accuracy, statistical power and type I error rates of linear mixed models (LMM) and phylogenetic linear mixed models (PLMM) designed to test for trait–environment interactions in the distribution of species abundances among sites. We considered the consequences of both phylogenetic signal in traits and phylogenetic signal in the residual variation in species distributions generated by an unmeasured (latent) trait with phylogenetic signal. When there was phylogenetic signal in the residual variation in species among sites, PLMM provided better estimates (closer to the true value) and greater statistical power for testing whether the trait–environment interaction regression coefficient differed from zero. LMM had unacceptably high type I error rates when there was phylogenetic signal in both traits and the residual variation in species distributions. When there was no phylogenetic signal in the residual variation in species distributions, LMM and PLMM had similar performances. Linear mixed models that ignore phylogenetic relationships can lead to poor statistical tests of trait–environment relationships when there is phylogenetic signal in the residual variation in species distributions among sites, such as caused by unmeasured traits. Therefore, phylogenies and PLMMs should be used when studying how functional traits affect species abundances among communities in response to environmental gradients.
Alcohol-induced Locomotor Activity in Zebrafish is Mediated by Activation of the Dopaminergic System

Alcohol addiction is a major unmet medical issue with current pharmacological treatment options being limited. Alcohol’s locomotor stimulant effect in animals is thought to parallel the euphoric effects of alcohol consumption in humans, yet the mechanisms underlying this behavioural response is not completely understood. Using zebrafish, we demonstrated a positive correlation between alcohol-induced locomotor activity and whole-brain dopamine levels. We found that zebrafish developed tolerance to alcohol's effect on locomotor and dopaminergic activity when continuously exposed to alcohol, highlighting the importance of the dopaminergic system. We correlated the alcohol-induced increase in dopamine levels with increased tyrosine hydroxylase activity and protein expression, the rate limiting enzyme in dopamine synthesis. We also found selective inhibition of phosphorylated tyrosine hydroxylase to attenuate the alcoholinduced increase in locomotor activity and abolished the increased dopamine levels. Examination of dopamine receptor activation during alcohol exposure revealed that antagonism of dopamine D1-like receptors inhibited locomotor and dopaminergic activity, although independent of alcohol’s effect. Conversely, antagonism of dopamine D2-like receptors attenuated alcohol’s locomotor stimulant effect suggesting an important role for this family of receptor subtypes regulating alcohol-induced locomotor activity. Finally, since alcohol is known to alter stress and iii anxiety in mammals, we examined the interaction between stress and alcohol in zebrafish. We found that stress and anxiety potentiated the locomotor stimulant effect of alcohol and abolished the alcohol-induced increase in dopamine. Although counterintuitive, the abolished dopaminergic response suggests stress potentiated the release and breakdown of dopamine. Overall, these studies suggest the pharmacological aspects of alcohol in mammals including humans are evolutionarily conserved in zebrafish. Given the translational relevance of our findings, future attempts to investigate novel mechanisms regulating alcohol-induced behavioural changes in zebrafish may provide key insights into alcohol addiction in humans.
Redefining the taxonomy of the all-black and pied boubous ( Laniarius spp.) in coastal Kenya and Somalia

—Following the rediscovery of a form of Laniarius on Manda Island, Kenya, which had been treated as a melanistic morph of Tropical Boubou Laniarius aethiopicus for some 70 years, a detailed field study strongly indicated that it was wrongly assigned. Molecular examination proved that it is the same species as L. (aethiopicus) erlangeri, until now considered a Somali endemic, and these populations should take the oldest available name L. nigerrimus. The overall classification of coastal boubous also proved to require revision, and this paper presents a preliminary new classification for taxa in this region using both genetic and morphological data. Genetic evidence revealed that the coastal ally of L. aethiopicus, recently considered specifically as L. sublacteus, comprises two unrelated forms, requiring a future detailed study.
Determination of Ploidy Level and Nuclear DNA Content in the Droseraceae by Flow Cytometry

1 Department of Plant Science, School of Agriculture, Tokai University, 9–1–1 Toroku, Higashi-ku, Kumamoto 862–8652, Japan 2 Graduate School of Agriculture, Tokai University, 9–1–1 Toroku, Higashi-ku, Kumamoto 862–8652, Japan 3 Science Education (Biology), Faculty of Education, Gifu University, 1–1 Yanagito, Gifu 501–1193, Japan 4 Section of Plant Ecology, Institute of Botany of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Dukelská 135, CZ-379 82 Třeboň, Czech Republic
Seasonal variation of dominant free-floating Ulva species in the Rudong coastal area, China: Differences of ecological adaptability to temperature and irradiance

1. College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China 2. North China Sea Marine Forecasting Center of State Oceanic Administrator, Qingdao 266033, China 3. Spreading Center of Technology in Aquatic Science of Haiyan City of Zhejiang Province, Haiyan 314300, China 4. North Sea Environmental Monitoring Center of State Oceanic Administrator, Qingdao 266033, China
Characteristics of ocular trauma in the United States.

PURPOSE We aimed to study the characteristics of ocular trauma, an important but largely preventable global cause of blindness, in the United States. METHODS Retrospective chart review of the National Trauma Data Bank (2008-2014) was performed. All patients with ocular trauma were identified using ICD-9CM codes. The collected data were statistically analyzed with student's t-test, Chi-squared test, and logistic regression analysis performed using the SPSS software. The significance was set at p<0.05. RESULTS It was found that 316,485 (5.93%) of the 5,336,575 admitted trauma patients had ocular injuries. Their mean (SD) age was 41.8 (23) years, and most of them were men (69.4%). Race/ethnicity distribution was White 66.1%, Black 15.1%, and Hispanic 12.3%. The common injuries were orbital 39.5% and eye/adnexa contusions 34%. Associated traumatic brain injury was present in 58.2%. The frequent mechanisms were falls 25.5%, motor vehicle accident-occupant 21.8%, and struck by/against 17.6%. Patients <21 years of age had higher odds of cut/pierce injuries (OR=3.29, 95%CI=3.07-3.51) than the other age groups, those aged 21-64 years had higher odds of motor vehicle accident-cyclist (OR=4.95, 95%CI=4.71-5.19), and those >65 years had higher odds of falls (OR=16.75, 95%CI=16.39-17.12); p<0.001. The Blacks had a greater likelihood of firearm injuries (OR=3.24, 95%CI=3.10-3.39) than the other racial/ethnic groups, the Hispanics experienced more of cut/pierce injuries (OR=2.01, 95%CI=1.85-2.18), and the Whites experienced more of falls (OR=2.3, 95%CI=2.3-2.4); p<0.001. The Blacks (OR=3.41, 95%CI=3.34-3.48) and Hispanics (OR=1.75, 95%CI=1.71-1.79) mostly suffered assaults, while the Whites suffered unintentional injuries (OR=2.78 95%CI=2.74-2.84); p<0.001. Optic nerve/visual pathway injuries had the greatest association with very severe injury severity scores (OR=3.27, 95%CI=3.05-3.49) and severe Glasgow Coma Scores (OR=3.30, 95%CI=3.08-3.54); p<0.001. The mortality rate was 3.9%. CONCLUSIONS Male preponderance and falls, motor vehicle accident-occupant, and struck by/against mechanisms agree with the previous reports. The identified demographic patterns underscore the need to develop group-specific preventive measures.
RECENT ADVANCES IN NIOSOMAL DRUG DELIVERY-A REVIEW

Treatment of infectious diseases and immunisation has undergone a revolutionary shift in recent years. Not only a large number of disease-specific biological have been developed, but also emphasis has been made to effectively deliver these biological. Nonionic surfactant vesicles (niosomes) represent an emerging class of novel vesicular systems have drawn a lot of attention in the area of modern drug delivery systems. Thus these areas need further exploration and research so as to bring out commercially available niosomal preparation. This article focuses on the recent advances in niosomal drug delivery, potential advantages over other delivery systems, formulation methods, methods of characterization and the current research in the field of niosomes.
Molecular characterization of extensively drug resistant (XDR), extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) and New Delhi Metallo beta-lactamase-1 (blaNDM1) producing Escherichia coli isolated from a male dog - a case report

________________________________________________________________________________________ PRuThViShREE, B. S. , O. R. ViNODh KuMaR, M. SiVaKuMaR, S. TaMTa, R. SuNiTha, D. K. SiNha, B. R. SiNgh: Molecular characterization of extensively drug resistant (XDR), extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) and New Delhi Metallo beta-lactamase-1 (blaNDM1) producing Escherichia coli isolated from a male dog a case report. Vet. arhiv 88, 139-148, 2018.
Future wood properties in Australian forests: effects of temperature, rainfall and elevated CO2

ABSTRACT While focus is often placed on possible reductions in forest growth and timber volume yield under different future climates, less attention is paid to changes in wood properties, such as wood density. In this paper we explore the literature on climate effects on wood properties, with a particular focus on Australian plantations and forests. We also present results from modelling exercises, designed to explore possible growth and wood property changes in two Australian forestry regions under a hotter and wetter future, or a hotter and drier future. While the effects of different climates on tree growth and wood formation are complex and difficult to generalise, some broad tendencies can be identified. Temperature has varied effects on wood properties, but much research has shown that the density of wood is higher when formed under higher temperatures. Similarly, an elevated concentration of atmospheric CO2 (eCO2) has been found to have variable effects, but trees in eCO2 environments can produce higher density wood. The effects of water deficits are clearer: in general, trees produce higher density wood in drier environments, through a combination of narrower rings, higher proportions of latewood, and thicker walled/narrower cells. The extent to which, when other factors such as changes in transport efficiencies are taken into account, losses in wood volume under different future climates may be compensated by increases in wood density, or other changes in wood properties, needs to be clarified.