Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of chromium picolinate on the parameters of oxidative and chromosomal DNA damage in rabbits

Abstract Objectives This study investigated the effects of chromium chloride (CrCl3·6H2O), chromium picolinate (CrPic) and picolinic acid on malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hidroksi-2′-deoksiguanosine (8-OHdG) and genome damage in rabbits. Material and methods Forty, New Zealand rabbits were equally assigned to four groups which received either distilled water or 20 mg/day Cr (CrC13·6H20), 200 μg/day CrPic and 1400 μg/day picolinic acid for 50 days. On the 25th and 50th days, MDA and 8-OHdG levels and the apoptotic-necrotic cells, micronucleus (MN), micronuclear buds (NBUD) and nucleoplasmic bridges (NPB) frequencies and on the 50th day, serum Cr and liver MDA levels were determined. Results CrPic increased live weight and feed consumption. On the 25th day of treatment, decreases were detected in MDA levels and MN, NPK and NBUD frequencies in CrPic and picolinic acid groups, and in 8-OHdG levels in CrCl3·6H2O and CrPic groups. Slight or significant differences were determined in all investigated parameters between the measurements of on days 25 and 50. Conclusion Improvements in of MDA and 8-OHdG levels and genome damage indicators due to CrPic and picolinic acid on the 25th day of the treatment may show that short term of CrPic supplementation reduces oxidative and chromosomal DNA damage in rabbits.
Mycosphere essay 11: fungi of pycnoporus: morphological and molecular identification, worldwide distribution and biotechnological potential

Fungi of the Pycnoporus are efficient degraders of lignocellulosic materials, so they are classified as white-rot fungi. A distinctive feature is its color ranging from orange to bright red, attributed to cinnabarin, cinnabarinic acid and tramesanguin mainly, compounds to which have been attributed some biological activities. This review updates the reports on morphological characteristics, the distribution of species of Pycnoporus, and the advantages of molecular techniques in species identification. Furthermore, the potential biotechnological applications of these fungi are mentioned with a focus on insecticidal and antibacterial activities. In addition, the production of hydrolytic enzymes including cellulases, hemicellulases, pectinases are discussed as well as phenoloxidases such as laccases and their participation in the degradation of agro-industrial waste.
Endoderm Morphogenesis Reveals Integration of Distinct Processes in the Development and Evolution of Pharyngeal Arches

The vertebrate pharyngeal arches (PAs) are established by a combination of two styles of segmentation; the most anterior 2 PAs are simultaneously but the others are sequentially formed. However, the mechanism underlying their coexistence is unclear. Here, we show that the simultaneous and sequential segmentation discretely proceeded, respectively, but were finally integrated at the second PP (PP2), by dynamic morphogenesis of pharyngeal endoderm in the zebrafish. The coordination of these 2 distinct processes appears to be common in the PA development of many vertebrates, in which specific developmental defects posterior to the PP2 are caused by mutations of particular genes or perturbation of retinoic acid signaling. Surprisingly, comparative analysis of PA segmentation showed that the combinatorial styles of PA development is present in shark but not in lamprey, suggesting that PA segmentation was modified in the stem gnathostomes corresponding to the drastic pharyngeal innovations, such as PA2-derived opercular.
Callus induction and plant regeneration from leaf explants of Spilanthes acmella Murr. : An endangered medicinal plant

A callus induction and plant regeneration protocol was developed from leaf explants of the endemic Spilanthes acmella. Explants were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) supplemented with different plant growth regulators (PGRs) [α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), BAP and IBA, 2 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D), Zeatin]. The combinations and concentrations of PGRs were shown significant variations for the frequency of callus formation, appearance of callus and the potential of callus differentiation. 2, 4-D (5mg/lit) alone while BAP 0.5mg/l with NAA 5.0mg/l have been found highly effective in callusing with quite good in texture and friable in nature 90% to 80% respectively along with single shoots. After the callus formation the formed callus were cultured on different combinations of BAP and NAA and BAP and Zeatin for multiple shoots and shoot elongation. MS medium containing 2.0 mg/l BAP and 1mg/l Zeatin was found to be the best medium for maximum in vitro response i.e., 93% shooting and multiple shoots (7.5)with maximum 8cm in length. Best rooting was achieved on half strength MS medium fortified with 1mg/l NAA respectively.
Detoxification of Deoxynivalenol by a Soil Bacterium Devosia mutans 17-2-E-8

DETOXIFICATION OF DEOXYNIVALENOL BY A SOIL BACTERIUM DEVOSIA MUTANS 17-2-E-8 Jian Wei He Advisors: University of Guelph, 2015 Professor Greg J. Boland Professor Ting Zhou Professor Paul K. Sibley The mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) remains an important challenge in many regions in the world. Microbial detoxification of DON represents a new approach to treating DON-contaminated grains. A bacterial isolate identified as Devosia mutans 17-2E-8, which showed a high similarity in 16sRNA gene sequence to the Devosia genus, was isolated from an alfalfa soil sample that was enriched for six weeks with Fusarium graminearum-infested corn. D. mutans 17-2-E-8 was capable of reducing DON concentration in liquid corn meal medium up to 100% after incubation at temperatures ranging from 15-37 oC, and pH levels ranging from 6-8 for 48-72 h under aerobic conditions. The major transformation product was purified by high-speed countercurrent chromatography (HSCCC), and characterized as 3-epi-DON by liquid chromatographymass spectrometry (LC-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). A minor product, 3-keto-DON, was also detected in the bacterial incubation medium. The cytotoxicity IC50 values of 3-epi-DON and 3-keto-DON were, respectively, 357 and 3.03 times higher than that of DON based on an MTT bioassay assessing cell viability, and were, respectively, 1181 and 4.54 times higher than that of DON based on a BrdU bioassay assessing DNA synthesis. Toxicological effects of 14-day oral exposure of the B6C3F1 mouse to DON and 3-epi-DON were also investigated. Overall, there were no statistically significant differences between the control and the 25 mg/kg bw/day or 100 mg/kg bw/day 3-epiDON treatments in body and organ weights, haematology and organ histopathology. However, in mice exposed to DON (2 mg/kg bw/day), white blood cell numbers and serum immunoglobulin levels were altered relative to controls, and lesions were observed in adrenals, thymus, stomach, spleen and colon. It was concluded that 3-epi-DON was at least 50 times less toxic than DON in the B6C3F1 mouse. The reduced toxicity was achieved through epimerization by the bacterial isolate, and provides a new DON detoxification pathway. Further investigation will assess practical applications for detoxification by epimerization in treating contaminated feed and food matrices.
Drivers of diurnal rest site selection by spotted hyaenas

Rest sites are key locations to many animals but their selection has been poorly studied in large carnivores. We investigated seasonal diurnal rest site selection by spotted hyaenas (Crocuta crocuta) in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. We assessed the effects on hyaena diurnal rest site selection of (1) distance to the nearest waterhole, as waterholes can be considered prey hotspots in the study ecosystem, (2) habitat type and vegetation characteristics, in particular visibility as it influences detection risk and shade for thermoregulation, (3) location within the core territory of their main competitor/predator, the African lion (Panthera leo), where encounter risk would be higher, (4) distance to the closest lion and (5) distance to the nearest road as they can facilitate travelling by carnivores. We defined rest sites as midday locations of hyaenas equipped with GPS collars. Hyaenas preferred to rest in woodland areas with low visibility, close to roads and far from a lion. Distance to the nearest waterhole and location within lion core territory did not affect hyaena rest site selection. Overall, our study points to the combined importance of the structure of the vegetation (providing safety and shade), the availability of roads (to move through and exploit this bushed environment) and the avoidance of proximity to lions.
Pellet Analysis in the Assessment of Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo Diet: Reducing Biases from Otolith Wear when Reconstructing Fish Length

-Fish otoliths recovered from pellets of piscivorous birds are often used to reconstruct size and mass of the ingested fish, but erosion of otoliths by gastric fluids usually results in underestimations. We tested the hypothesis that using only uneroded otoliths would greatly improve fish length estimations. In so doing, we compared size-frequency distributions of grayling (Thymallus thymallus) reconstructed from uneroded and eroded otoliths in pellets of Great Cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) with size-frequency distributions from a small sample of stomach contents and with samples from various types of fisheries, all from the Rhine River in Switzerland and Germany. Distributions reconstructed from eroded and uneroded otoliths were significantly different. Distributions from worn otoliths failed to delineate different cohorts and produced strong underestimates of fish lengths, thus not identifying larger grayling at all. Distributions reconstructed from otoliths classified as "uneroded" represented the whole range of fish sizes eaten and showed the different grayling cohorts, similar to the catch samples. Compared to these, however, average length-at-age in cohort 2 was slightly underestimated (ca. 6-9% in 32 cm long grayling). It is concluded that, at least in fish with relatively large and robust otoliths, careful exclusion of otoliths showing signs of erosion can remove much of the bias in indiscriminately reconstructed size-frequency distributions, thus greatly improving conclusions about the age or size composition of fish in the cormorant diet. Received 6 March 1996, accepted 2 September 1996.
Characterization of Fish Protein Hydrolysate from Red Meat of Euthynnus affinis and its Application as an Antioxidant in Iced Sardine

Effective utilization of the fishery waste to produce value-added products has emerged as a priority area for the global seafood industry development. Tuna (Euthynnus affinis) red meat proteins which are generally discarded as waste in canning industry was hydrolysed using papain enzyme (0.5% w/w), and applied as antioxidant in dressed sardine during ice storage. Tuna protein hydrolysate (TPH) comprised of about 89.9 ± 0.6% protein, 1.35 ± 0.15% moisture, 2.71 ± 0.06% fat and 4.03 ± 0.02% ash. A proportional increase in the degree of hydrolysis of tuna protein with time was observed from 14.96% at 15 minutes reaching 22.98% at 45 minutes of hydrolysis. DPPH scavenging activity and reducing power improved with hydrolysis and was found to be 56.82 ± 0.74 % for 2 mg/ml protein and 0.614 ± 0.009 for 10 mg/ml protein, respectively at 45 minutes of hydrolysis. Sardine samples got darkened with storage period as indicated by decreased L* values. Similarly a reduction in hardness value was observed in ice stored sardine samples, more prominent in control compared to treated samples. TBA studies indicated that dip treatment in 0.5% TPH solution significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the oxidation in ice stored dressed sardine compared to control revealing the application of protein hydrolysate as a natural antioxidant in foods.
Eupelmidae de Iberia y las Islas Canarias: Check list comentada de las especies, incluyendo la descripción de una nueva especie de Calosota Curtis, 1836 y de los machos previamente no reconocidos de algunas especies

The eighty-four species of Eupelmidae known from the Iberian Peninsula and Canary Islands are listed with distributional data and host records. A new species of Calosota, C. carmenae Askew & Nieves-Aldrey sp. n. is described. The previously unrecognised males of Calosota bolivari Askew, 2006, C. nitens Askew, 2006, Anastatus oscari (Ruthe, 1859) and A. uromeni Ferriere, 1968 are also described. Neanastatus africanus Ferriere, 1938, Eupelmus confusus Al khatib, 2015, E. gemellus Al khatib, 2015, E. kiefferi De Stefani, 1898, E. martellii Masi, 1941 and E. stramineipes Nikol’skaya, 1952 are added to the list of Spanish Eupelmidae, and E. fulvipes Forster, 1860 is removed.
L'histamine des vins

Le present travail propose tout d'abord une documentation sur les teneurs en histamine rencontrees dans une centaine de vins, notamment du Bordelais. Nous avons ensuite recherche l'origine de cette substance et determine la capacite des souches bacteriennes isolees des vins a former de l'histamine en precisant les conditions qui controlent cette formation.
GIS based methods for computing the mean extraction distance and its correction factors in Romanian mountain forests

Extraction distance is an important factor used for locating new forest roads. Correction factors should be used for adapting theoretical modelsto real life situations.The aim of thisstudy wasto show how extraction distance and the correction factors can be computed and used for assessing forestroad optionsin a more efficient and effective manner using process automation in GIS. The study was located in a mountain forest in the South Central Carpathians of Romania. For determining the mean extraction distance, 71.5 km ofskid trails were tracked in the field and mapped in GIS. Four computing methods were defined: raster method, grid point method, buffer strips method and centre of gravity method. For testing and validating the methods, four infrastructure scenarios were defined: one was describing the existing forest infrastructure and three otherswere proposing newroad options. Statistical analyseswere performed fortesting the accuracy and the possible differences between methods.The paired samplest-testsrevealed significant differences between scenarios proposing new forest roads and the current infrastructure conditions. The raster method, the grid point method and the buffer strip method reported high accuracy for computing the mean extraction distance. This study reported an extraction correction factor (ks) value of 1.50 and a total correction factor(kt) value of 3.40 which can be used forrough calculationsin practice. The automation models developed in GIS improved the efficiency of computations.The correction factors determined in thisstudywere comparablewith those reported in literature, highlighting the reliability of the analysed methods.
Molecular genetics of interactions between Xanthomonas campestris pv. raphani and Arabidopsis thaliana.

The major aim of this research was to investigate interactions between the bacterial pathogen Xanthomonas campestris pv. raphani (Xcr) and Arabidopsis thaliana which are largely unexplored as a model pathosystem, and to identify genetic loci conferring resistance to this pathogen. Xcr is genetically close to X. campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) and both pathogens infect common Brassicaceae species including A. thaliana, but cause distinct diseases - leaf spot and black rot, respectively. Phenotypic variation was identified among interactions between 22 A. thaliana accessions of wide geographic origin and Xcr and Xcc strains representing known host genotype specific races. Accessions were identified showing broad resistance and broad susceptibility to multiple Xcr and Xcc strains as well as accessions that differentiate between Xcr races. Genetic mapping of resistance to a strain of Xcr race 2 in a multi-parent recombinant inbred population revealed two major effect loci: RXCR1 at the bottom arm of chromosome 3, and RXCR2 at the bottom arm of chromosome 5. RXCR1 was confirmed by fine-mapping and loss- and gain-of-function experiments, as a single gene encoding a kinase-like protein conferring resistance in the accession Columbia. Columbia is resistant to strains of all three known Xcr races, but RXCR1 is insufficient on its own to explain the broad resistance. A summary of phenotypic and genetic analyses of interactions between Xcr and A. thaliana is presented in a gene-for-gene model. X. campestris strains associated with outbreaks of a leaf spot and blight disease of brassica crops in Mauritius, were characterized. These strains were similar to reference Xcc strains in pathogenicity tests and molecular analyses. The presence of Xcr in these outbreaks was not confirmed. Whole-genome sequencing data was used to identify genes that may contribute to the distinct modes of pathogenesis of Xcr and Xcc as well as variation in host specific races within each pathovar. Genes differentially present/absent between nine Xcr and 23 Xcc strains were identified and include genes predicted/known to encode type III effectors some of which have been previously described to have an effect on Xcc pathogenicity. Candidate avirulence determinants of Xcr and Xcc races were also identified.
Density, habitat use, and activity patterns of a vulnerable population of Tinamus solitarius (Vieillot, 1819) in a Brazilian Atlantic Forest fragment

We present the 1st estimates of density of the Solitary Tinamou (Tinamus solitaries (Vieillot, 1819)) in the Reserva Natural Vale (RNV), one of the two largest remnants of the Atlantic Rainforest in the State of Espirito Santo, Brazil. We also modeled the spatial distribution and habitat use of the species using occupancy and detectability modeling. We used a line-transect survey to estimate density and abundance, and camera-traps to estimate habitat use and activity pattern. We conducted the survey within a 13-month period (April 2013 to May 2014). Estimated density was 9 ± 2 individuals / km2 and estimated population size for the entire RNV was 2115 ± 470 individuals. Occupancy was best described by the: distance to forest edge; distance between trees; poaching intensity; and understorey cover. Detectability was affected by the: distance between trees and poaching intensity. We conclude that in the RNV, the near-threatened T. solitarius is a diurnal species preferring intact closed-canopy forest but ten.
Plant Community Diversity and Tree Growth Following Single and Repeated Glyphosate Herbicide Applications to a White Spruce Plantation

Glyphosate herbicide is widely used to control bluejoint reedgrass (Calamagrostis canadensis (Michx.) Beauv. ), trembling aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.), and other competing species in regenerating white spruce (Picea glauca (Moench) Voss) plantations in Alberta, Canada. In 2004, we initiated a study to examine the effects of the aerial application of glyphosate herbicide on plant community diversity and tree growth near Calling Lake, Alberta. Four treatments were applied: (a) no treatment (control); (b) herbicide application in the first growing season after harvesting; (c) herbicide application in the third growing season after harvesting; and (d) herbicide application in the second and fourth growing seasons after harvesting (two treatments). After 11 growing seasons, species richness was not significantly affected by treatment, while Shannon and Simpson index values were highest in areas treated with herbicide in the first growing season. Herbicide treatment did not have a significant effect on the cover of bluejoint reedgrass after 11 growing seasons, but did significantly reduce trembling aspen and paper birch cover and height. Application of glyphosate in the second and fourth growing seasons resulted in the greatest reductions to aspen cover and height, as well as significant increases in spruce diameter at age 11. Simulations with the Mixedwood Growth Model indicate that all tested herbicide treatments will reduce aspen volume while increasing spruce volume at age 90, with the largest impacts evident where two treatments were applied.
The growth of Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) seedlings under varied watering intervals in the nursery

Water stress has a strong influence on the physiological functions of tree crops which adversely affects the growth and yield of tree plants. Drought and soil fertility are the major factors that influence seedling survival and growth in arid areas, thus it is of paramount importance to establish optimum water requirements for tree seedlings in order to promote growth. In line with this, an investigation was carried out to assess early growth behaviours of Balanites aegyptiaca when exposed to varied watering intervals in the screen house. Two weeks old seedlings in polythene bag (2kg) containing the standard potting mixture as growing media were used for the experiments. Seedlings were exposed to 4 different watering intervals (once daily, once after 3, 7 and 14 days) and 200ml of water was administered per each seedling based on the watering frequency for 12 weeks. Ten seedlings were allocated per watering frequency and replicated 5 times in a completely randomized design. Data was collected on stem height, collar diameter, number of leaves and seedlings dry weights. Net assimilation rate, relative growth rate and absolute growth rate were also calculated. Data was analysed with analysis of variance and the significantly different means were separated with Duncan Multiple Range Tests (p<0.05). The result revealed a significant effect of water stress on seedlings growth of B. aegyptiaca where seedlings that received water once daily and once after 3 days produced highest growth in all the variables measured. Administering 200ml of water per seedling once after 3 days is therefore recommended for the improved growth of B. aegyptiaca in the nursery.Key words: water stress, seedling growth, B. aegyptiaca, nursery, regeneration
Genomic population structure and conservation of the red listed Carabus arcensis (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in island–mainland habitats of Northern Europe

Larger carabid beetle species linked to open habitats have exhibited recent rapid decline in numbers throughout Europe. For example, Carabus arcensis is on the Danish Red List. Ability of C. arcensis to disperse across non‐habitable barriers in an island–mainland landscape has been evaluated through investigation of its population structure across Kattegat strait with special emphasis on the oceanic island Læsø. Based on admixture and statistical phylogenetic analyses of genome‐wide SNPs, data for C. arcensis comprising 3195 SNPs in 87 individuals from nine sample sites, three major lineages and six populations were found within the study area. These are the first genome‐wide SNPs data generated for carabid beetles. Contrary to predicted, water stretches did not seem to affect dispersal of C. arcensis to the island of Læsø, as isolation by distance plot showed no differences between sites connected by land and sites separated by an oceanic water gap. Unexpected high genetic diversity of the C. arcensis population on Læsø island has been observed calling for future research and explanation. High conservation priority in Denmark is suggested for smaller islands like Læsø.