Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Australian parasitic Ogyris butterflies: east–west divergence of highly-specialized relicts

Not all butterflies are innocuous plant-feeders. A small number of taxa in the family Lycaenidae have graduated from mutualistic partnerships with ants to predatory or parasitic associations. These highly-specialized life histories, involving butterfly larvae living inside ant colonies, are often associated with rarity and vulnerability to extinction. In the present study, we examined the evolutionary relationships of a poorly-known group of seven taxa herein referred to as the idmo-group within the Australian lycaenid genus Ogyris. The idmo-group has a relictual distribution across southern Australia and includes taxa with highly-specialized phytophagous and myrmecophagous life histories. A phylogeny based on mitochondrial DNA (cytochrome oxidase I and cytochrome b] and the nuclear DNA locus elongation factor 1α (EF1α), generally agrees with current taxonomy and supports the recent elevation of endangered taxon Ogyris halmaturia to full species status. The transition to myrmecophagy was dated to the mid-Miocene (approximately 16 Mya), when southern Australia experienced a humid climate and extensive mesic biome. The arid Nullarbor Plain, a major biogeographical feature of central southern Australia, divides the remnants of this mesic biome into south-eastern and south-western isolates. Late-Miocene to Pliocene divergence estimates for polytypic Ogyris species across the Nullarbor were older than estimates made for similarly distributed birds, butterflies, mammals, and reptiles, which mostly date to the Pleistocene. The concept of highly-specialized life histories as evolutionary dead-end strategies is well exemplified by the idmo-group. Data compiled on the known extant subpopulations for idmo-group taxa show that all of these extraordinary butterflies are scarce and several face imminent threat of extinction. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 111, 473–484.
Inoculum potential of Fusarium verticillioides and performance of maize seeds

This work was conducted to evaluate the effect of Fusarium verticillioides on the early stage development of maize seedling/plants, considering different inoculum potentials of this fungus in seeds, under controlled conditions. To obtain seeds with different inoculum potentials of that fungus, the osmo-priming technique as referred to in literature was used. By this technique, the non-germinated seeds of the same lot, exhibiting typical structures of F. verticillioides, were grouped into five categories according to a grading system that was established based on the visible area of the seeds covered by the fungal structures. Seeds of each category were sowed in soil substrate and plants were grown under controlled conditions, 25oC and 16 h light/day, for 25 days. All variables used, plant population (stands), speed of seedling emergence, and height/weight of emerged plants, were negatively affected by the increase of the inoculum intensity of the fungus initially present in the seeds. The regression equation showed high values of correlation coefficient (>0.85) for all variables, except for plant height which presented correlation coefficient of 0.77. The most severe effect of the fungus in this study occurred on the root system of the emerged plants as determined by the highest inoculum intensity of the pathogen on the planted seeds.
The composition of Alpine goats' milk during lactation in Greece

Summary Variations in chemical composition and in some physico-chemical properties of milk from a herd of lactating Alpine goats imported into Greece were determined from week 8 after parturition until the end of lactation (35 weeks, 35 samples). The average composition (g/100 g) of the milk was: fat 3·44, protein 3·35, casein 2·46, lactose 4·30, ash 0·79, total solids 11·76 and solids-not-fat 8·32. The average pH was 6·57 and titratable acidity was 16·76 (°D). The averaged density was 1·030. The mean mineral contents (mg/100 g) of the milk were: Na 53·12, K 157·67, Ca 140·06, P 110·00, Mg 13·59, citrate 106·97. All constituents studied as well as pH and density were significantly (P < 0·05) dependent on the stage of lactation. Titratable acidity was not significantly affected by stages of lactation. There were significant (P < 0·001) differences in Na/K and Ca/P ratios in the milk between lactation stages. Trends with lactation for each of the components and physico-chemical properties determined are reported and correlations between constituents in the milk are given.
ICELANDIC KILLER WHALES ORCINUS ORCA USE A PULSED CALL SUITABLE FOR MANIPULATING THE SCHOOLING BEHAVIOUR OF HERRING CLUPEA HARENGUS

ABSTRACT Icelandic and Norwegian killer whales feed on herring, after debilitating them with underwater tail slaps. We analysed sound recordings of Icelandic and Norwegian killer whales engaged in feeding and other behaviour. We describe a pulsed call made by Icelandic killer whales shortly before underwater tail slaps, which had an atypical low frequency (average peak frequency: 683 ±131 Hz), long duration (3.0 ±1.1 s) and high intensity (source level 169–192 dB pp re 1 μPa @ 1 m). The low-frequency emphasis of this call was below the most sensitive hearing range of killer whales, suggesting that the call may not be optimal for interspecific communication. However, herring could easily perceive the killer whale call since the frequency content is similar to the resonant frequency of their swim bladder as well as to the most sensitive frequency band of hearing in this species. Previous studies have shown that sound may cause schooling herring to cluster. A high density of herring in a school would increase the effectiveness of the underwater tail slaps. We suggest that some Icelandic killer whales use this low-frequency call to herd herring into dense schools immediately before delivering an underwater tail slap, thereby increasing their foraging success.
Nutritional and Biochemical Studies of Whey Products

Abstract Various whey products were studied for the degree of protein denaturation and their protein nutritional qualities. The biological value and true digestibility of the proteins were high in all products although the individual whey proteins showed varying degrees of denaturation. Furthermore, all whey products contained a surplus of available lysine as compared to the lysine content of the Food and Agriculture Organization reference amino acid pattern. We concluded that the protein nutritional quality of the whey products was sufficient to be of nutritional significance in human diets.
Substance Use Disorders Among Industry Workers in Egypt

Background and Objective: Substance abuse in the workplace is a major public health problem. The objectives of this study are to: (1) to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of substance abuse, drug-related problems, and drug dependence among industrial workers; (2) to identify patients' views of the pros and cons of their drug use and their treatment readiness; and (3) to assess the severity of substance abuse according to the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) scale in substance users. Subjects and Methods: A total of 353 industrial workers from 5 factories in 10th of Ramadan city in Egypt were included in the study. The participants were interviewed to collect sociodemographic and clinical data using the Structural Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-Axis I (SCID-I), the Drug Use Disorder Identification Test (DUDIT), DUDIT-Extended version and the Addiction Severity Index (ASI). The participants were screened for drug abuse by urine analysis. Results: The prevalence rates of smoking and substance abuse were 27.6% and 18.3%, respectively. The most commonly abused drugs were tramadol (66.2%), cannabis (55.4%), and alcohol (38.5%). Compared with controls, smokers and substance users were more likely to be males and were older. Smokers were 7 times more likely to use substances. Substance dependence was associated with a younger age of substance use onset and alcohol abuse. Conclusions: Smoking and substance abuse are common among industrial workers. Tramadol and cannabis are the most commonly abused substances. Smoking, older age, and male sex are correlates of substance abuse. Alcohol abuse is associated with dependence.
Is gonadal investment in walleye (Sander vitreus) dependent on body lipid reserves? A multipopulation comparative analysis

A key requirement of effective fisheries management is a better understanding of the mechanisms driving recruitment variability. Recent research suggests that the quantity and quality of gametes produced by fish is closely linked to the availability of surplus energy, usually stored as lipid. We sampled mature walleye (Sander vitreus) from seven populations across Canada to determine if indices of reproductive effort were positively related to indices of adult nutrient reserves, primarily body lipid concentration. Populations varied greatly in growth rates, body lipid con- tents, and reproductive traits. Within-population trends between indices of reproductive effort and parental body traits were highly variable. Body lipid concentration was most closely related to gonad lipid concentration, but not in all populations. Among populations, relative fecundity and ovary lipid concentrations were positively related, and egg size was negatively related to whole-body lipid concentrations; no trends were evident for males. Our results suggest that relationships between walleye reproductive effort and body lipid reserves may be more complex than previously thought. Resume : Un amenagement halieutique efficace necessite une meilleure comprehension des mecanismes explicatifs de la variabilite du recrutement. Des etudes recentes laissent croire que la quantite et la qualite des gametes produits par un poisson sont intimement liees a la disponibilite d'energie excedentaire, generalement accumulee sous forme de lipi- des. Nous avons echantillonne des dores (Sander vitreus) matures de sept populations provenant de divers sites d'un bout a l'autre du Canada afin de determiner si les indices d'effort reproductif sont en relation positive avec les indices d'accumulation de nutriments chez les adultes, en particulier avec le contenu lipidique du corps. Il y a parmi les popu- lations une forte variation dans les taux de croissance, les contenus lipidiques du corps et les caracteristiques reproduc- tives. Les tendances a l'interieur de chaque population sont tres variables entre les indices d'effort reproductif et les caracteristiques corporelles des parents. La concentration de lipides dans le corps est plus souvent reliee a la concentra- tion de lipides dans les gonades, mais pas dans toutes les populations. Dans l'ensemble des populations, il y a une cor- relation positive entre la fecondite relative et le contenu lipidique des ovaires, ainsi qu'une correlation negative entre la taille des oeufs et le contenu lipidique du corps entier; aucune tendance ne ressort chez les mâles. Nos resultats indi- quent que les relations entre l'effort reproductif du dore et les reserves corporelles de lipides sont plus complexes qu'on ne le croyait.
Root anatomy and mycotrophy (AM) of the achlorophyllous Voyria truncata (Standley) Standley & Steyermark (Gentianaceae)

: Roots of Voyria truncata retain the primary root structure even though they can grow as thick as 2 mm in diameter. These root diameters are due to a retained capability for cell division in the cortex parenchyma. This is explained as a vital adaptation to its life form. Based on the extraradical mycelium, the mode of penetration, the structurally incompatible intraradical phase, the presence of intercellular vesicles in the root cortex, and the occurrence of immediate hyphal bridges from arbuscular mycorrhizal roots of neighbouring plants, the mycorrhiza of V. truncata is described as an arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM), although the characteristic arbuscles are missing. Special features of the AM in V. truncata are interpreted as an improved efficiency in taking advantage of the mycorrhiza. Root connections with roots of neighbouring plants are common and preferred locations for fungal infections. An evolutionary tendency towards parasitism of higher plants is discussed.
Girls on the Move: Adolescent Girls & Migration in the Developing World

1 Prepare and equip girls before they migrate Migrant girls need education, good health, and life skills before they move so they can navigate risks and opportunities in their new lives. Maximize girls' chances of successful migration by preparing them with education, knowledge of their human rights, life skills training, and information about what they will encounter during the journey and on arrival. Equip girls with personal documentation to facilitate their access to health and education services and social benefits in their new communities. 2 Ensure a smooth landing: a safe place to stay and social connections A girl's new environment can be risky without the guarantee of a safe place to stay and a reliable connection to trusted individuals on arrival. Migrant girls may be immediately absorbed into an urban environment when they arrive, essentially hidden from programs and excluded from support services. Develop mechanisms to identify migrant girls immediately on arrival before they fall into harm's way. Then connect them to safe places to stay and services and networks to help them thrive— such as migrant groups, employee networks, and neighborhood associations of the poor. 3 Create time and space for migrant girls to meet friends and mentors Migration disrupts girls' social networks, leaving some isolated and vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. Rebuilding migrant girls' social networks is essential to their safety and well-being. Reduce isolation by connecting migrant girls to dedicated safe spaces 1 where they can meet peers and female mentors, expand their social networks, and receive training, education, and referrals to health and other services. 4 Make services " migrant girl friendly " A significant number of people in selected groups of international interest – including children in exploitative and dangerous employment, the urban poor, and of course migrants – are migrant adolescent girls. But services for these groups rarely recognize the unique needs of adolescent girls nor of migrants. Adapting initiatives to integrate migrant girls is a relatively low-cost way to improve their access to opportunities. Design programs with age, gender, and migration status in mind so migrant girls can benefit from child protection, education, and economic empowerment activities. 1 " Safe space " programs provide girls with a place where they are respected and where they can develop life and livelihood skills, form friendships and gain peer support, enjoy freedom of expression and movement, and receive support and education from trusted female mentors …
Evaluation of Lipid Profile In Liver Cancer

The lipid profile of ten liver cancer patients were compared with the lipid profile of ten normal subjects at the Chemical Pathology Department of the University Teaching Hospital Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State Nigeria. , with a view to establish whether liver cancer have significant effect on lipid profile. The parameters examined were Total Cholesterol (TC), Triglyceride (TG), High density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and Atherogenic risk ratio (TC:HDL-C). The results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis to examine the level of Significance difference between lipid profile of liver cancer patients and those of normal subjects. The results of analysis of variance (ANOVA) under 0.05 (5%) probability with F-table value at degree of freedom 1, 18 being 4.41 showed that level of TC (F-calculated = 5.56) and LDL-C (F-calculated = 6.73) were significant while the level of HDL-C (F-calculated = 1.78), TG (F -calculated = 0.70) and TC:HDL-C (F-calculated 0.02) were not significant . The Duncan’s multiple range test also showed that the difference between means of TC (DBM = 1.114) of the liver cancer patients and the normal subjects was significant when compared to 0.993 Least Significant Range (LSR). Similarly the difference between means of LDL-C (DBM = 0.946) of the liver cancer patients and the normal subjects was significant when compared to 0.766 LSR. However, there were no significant difference in the DBM and LSR of TG, HDL-C and TC: HDL-C since DBM was less than LSR in those cases. The results of Students T- test from the statistical analysis conformed to the results of the ANOVA and Duncan’ Multiple Range Test. Thus, from the statistical analyses, it could be concluded that liver cancer have significant effect on the TC and the LDL-C with little or no effect on the TG, the HDL-C and the Atherogenic risk ratio of the subjects examined in this study. Since high level of LDL-C indicates high risk of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD), it was therefore recommended that lipid profile of liver cancer patients should be monitored to prevent CHD among liver cancer patients.
The role of vitamins and feed enzymes in combating metabolic challenges and disorders

Abstract The potential exists for vitamins and feed enzymes to counteract some metabolic disorders and challenges in poultry. Recent research indicates that increased levels of vitamins E and C are able to reduce ascites-related mortality in broiler chickens. Fatty liver and kidney syndrome is a nutritionally induced metabolic disorder that has been eliminated under practical production conditions due to regular supplementation of poultry diets with biotin. There is also experimental evidence for beneficial effects of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol on the incidence and severity of skeletal and performance anomalies in broilers. Another challenge is the presence of high levels of indigestible and partly soluble nonstarch polysaccharides in many cereals and other plant feed ingredients, resulting in various antinutritive effects. The use of feed enzymes, in particular endo-1,3-1,4-β-glucanase and endo-1,4-β-xylanase, to counteract these adverse effects is well implemented by the feed industry. A typical example of metabolic challenge is the reduced availability of phytate P in plant feed ingredients and the potential for phytate to act as an antinutritional component. Microbial phytase provides a practical solution for improving P availability in plant ingredients. In addition, recent studies suggest phytate can stimulate endogenous losses, and phytase can help prevent those losses.
Evaluation of the robustness of the fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas, larval survival and growth test, U.S. EPA method 1000.0

An intralaboratory study was conducted to evaluate the robustness of the Fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas) Larval Survival and Growth Test, Method 1000.0. Toxicity tests were conducted with the reference toxicants hexavalent chromium (Cr{sup 6+}) and copper (Cu), and the data were statistically analyzed using hypothesis testing. Differences in age, size, feeding regimes, and water quality did not cause more than a twofold difference in 13 subchronic values (SCVs) for Cr{sup 6+}. These tests involved side-by-side tests initiated with 1-, 4-, and 7-d larvae or initiated with 1-d larvae and two size groups of 4-d larvae fed differently. The mean SCV was 3,600 {mu}g Cr{sup 6+}/L, and the values ranged from 2,100 to 4,200 {mu}g Cr{sup 6+}/L. Eleven of these tests with a homogeneous variance gave an average minimum significant difference (MSD) of 14.3%. The no-observed-effect concentration (NOEC) for growth was always lower than the effect on survival. In the side-by-side tests with 1-, 4-, and 7-d larvae exposed in hard water the SCV was 35 {mu}g Cu/L for each age group. Except for one test with Cu in soft water, the effects of Cr{sup 6+} and Cu on growth were more sensitive than the effect on survival. These toxicity testsmore » along with some nontoxicant studies indicated that reasonable differences in methods parameters did not cause any changes greater than a factor or two in analytical results despite the noise of biological variability. « less
Clinical Profile, Complications, Management, and Outcome of Post-Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis: A North Indian Study

ABSTRACT Aim: The aim of this study was to assess clinical profile, complications, management, and outcome of postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis. Methods: In this prospective study, 1320 patients were followed for the development of post‑ERCP pancreatitis. Post‑ERCP complications and outcome were assessed. Results: The percentage of post‑ERCP pancreatitis in our patients was 5.3%. The mean age of patients with post‑ERCP pancreatitis was 49.9 years. About 15.7% of the patients who developed post‑ERCP pancreatitis experienced complications in the form of respiratory failure and sepsis. Conclusion: The incidence of post‑ERCP pancreatitis was 5.3%. The major complications after post‑ERCP pancreatitis were respiratory failure and sepsis. The outcome of post‑ERCP pancreatitis was good, as there was no mortality. However, majority of patients with severe post‑ERCP pancreatitis developed sepsis and received antibiotics.
Unexpectedly low frequencies of diploid males in an inbreeding parasitoid with complementary sex determination

In hymenopterans with single locus complementary sex determination, sex depends on the genotype at one polymorphic locus. Haploids are always male, while diploids are female when heterozygous and male when homozygous at the sex-determining locus. Brothers and sisters have a 50% chance of sharing a sex allele (i.e. of being ‘matched’), and hence half of all sibling matings are expected to produce diploid males at the expense of females. Nevertheless, observed frequencies of diploid males are often lower than predicted, as diploid males may succumb to pre-imaginal mortality, or because unmatched mates or sperm enjoy a competitive advantage. We counted diploid males in broods of the parasitoid wasp Cotesia glomerata sampled in the field, and in broods produced through controlled laboratory crosses. Consistently, the frequency of diploid males fell below expectations based upon the estimated occurrence of sibling mating. In the staged broods with diploid males, females made up a disproportionately large share of the diploids. Broods with and without diploid males were of similar size. Hence, the shortage of diploid males cannot be accounted for by differential pre-imaginal mortality alone. Instead, we postulate the existence of a mechanism that leads to preferential fertilization of eggs by sperm bearing unmatched alleles. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, ●●, ●●–●●.