Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Red Book of Amphibians and Reptiles of Croatia

Nakon uvoda o herpetofauni Hrvatske i postupku procjene ugroženosti slijede pregledni autorski clanci o 15 ugroženih, te 11 potencijalno ugroženih svojti, a na kraju nakon iscrpne bibliografije prvi cjeloviti popis vrsta u Hrvatskoj. U sklopu autorskih clanaka po prvi puta se iznose podaci za neke vrste i podvrste.
Population structure and reproduction of the longtail grass shrimp Urocaris longicaudata (Decapoda, Caridea, Pontoniinae) in Laguna de Términos, SW Gulf of Mexico

Abstract The purpose of this study was to describe the population structure and some reproductive traits of Urocaris longicaudata collected in Laguna de Términos, Campeche, Mexico in October and December 2009, and February and April 2010. A total of 2977 specimens were collected of which 1596 were females (including 276 ovigerous) and 1381 were males. Females were larger than males (2.03 ± 0.63 vs. 1.97 ± 0.44 mm carapace length (CL), respectively). The overall sex-ratio differed significantly from 1:1. The reproductive period was apparently continuous, with most ovigerous females recorded from December 2009 to April 2010. The estimated size at sexual maturity in females was 2.90 ± 0.64 mm CL. A significant and positive linear relationship between CL and realised fecundity was estimated. The number of embryos ranged from 33 to 320. The average volume of newly spawned embryos was 0.038 ± 0.009 mm3 and that of those near hatching was 0.062 ± 0.012 mm3, representing a 63.15% increase throughout embryogenesis. The females lost on average 27.6% of the initially produced embryos during the incubation period, which favoured the survival of the remaining embryos. This is the first report on any biological trait of U. longicaudata along the southwestern Gulf of Mexico.
Study on Biochemical Parameters on Hydatid Cyst Layers (Laminated and Germinal) and Surrounding Host Tissues Isolated From Different Intermediate Hosts

This study included biochemical analysis of hydatid cysts (HCs) (laminated and germinal layers) and hosts tissues of sheep, goats and cattle during the period from Nov. 2010 to Oct. 2011. Furthermore, biochemical analysis of germinal layer of HCs surgically removed from human liver and lungs were also included in study. The chemical analysis involved the determination of cholesterol, triglyceride and nitrogenous compound. The germinal layer showed the highest content of cholesterol in HC of all hosts with the highest being in germinal layer of HCs in cattle liver (5.29 ± 0.65 mg/100g). Whereas, in host tissues, the highest level was observed in uninfected cattle liver tissues (35.71 ± 1.51mg/100g). The triglyceride in laminated layer of HC was higher than that in germinal layer in HCs of all hosts, with the highest being in the laminated layer of HCs in cattle lungs (11.85 ± 0.28 mg/100g). While in host tissues, the uninfected tissues showed the high level of triglyceride with the highest being in cattle lungs tissue (40.23 ± 0.97mg/100g). The laminated layer of HC in sheep lungs contained the highest level of urea and uric acid which were (4.45 ± 0.80 and 1.71 ± 0.68 mg/100g), respectively as compared with the cyst in other hosts. The uninfected sheep lung tissues, showed the highest level of urea (31.0 ± 0.88 mg/100g), while the highest level of uric acid was observed in sheep lung tissues which was in direct contact with the HCs (1.52 ± 0.35 mg/100g). Creatinine contents of laminated and germinal layers of HCs in sheep liver along with host tissue in direct contact with HCs were the highest among the studied hosts (0.12 ± 0.01, 0.17 ± 0.01 and 1.52 ± 0.17 mg/100g), respectively. The bilirubine content of laminated and germinal layers of HC in sheep lungs along with the host tissues which were in direct contact showed the highest level among all studied hosts (0.266 ± 0.02, 0.342 ± 0.03 and 0.63 ± 0.013 mg/100g), respectively.
Study of seed-based microRNA targeting in mammals

microRNAs represent an important class of small non-coding RNAs that post-transcriptionally regulate gene expression. A perfect match of 6-8 nucleotides between the seed region located at the 5' end of the miroRNA and the mRNA is required for target regulation. Within this thesis the different types of seed matches occurring in 3’UTR and coding region have been determined and characterized using experimentally verified miroRNA-mRNA interactions. Based on a selection of miroRNA target prediction methods, it was investigated how these findings are already implemented in existing approaches.
Genotype Effect on Proximate and Mineral Analysis of Safflower as a Green Leafy Vegetable

Two field trials were carried out at the Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources Content Farm (5924′S, 9525′E and 993 m above sea level) in Southern Region of Botswana, to evaluate the effects of genotypes on proximate and mineral composition of safflower leaves. Five safflower genotypes (Kiama composite (local), Sina-PI-537598, Gila-PI-537692, PI-537636 and PI-527710) were evaluated in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. During the rosette stage safflower leaves (both petiole and blade) were harvested, dried, and ground for analysis. The results showed that safflower genotypes significantly varied in the leaf proximate content of crude protein (24-28%), crude fibre (8-14%), moisture content (86-87%) and dry matter content (13-14%) in both winter and summer growing seasons. The genotype ‘Sina’ had the highest crude fibre content compared to other genotypes. The average leaf mineral content significantly (p < 0.05) varied from 2-3 mg g phosphorus, 3-4 mg g calcium, 5-6 mg g sodium, 15-17 mg g magnesium and 15-18 mg g potassium. The Na:K and Ca:P ratios ranged between 0.18 and 3.41. All the safflower genotypes evaluated had sufficient nutritional content to be used as a green leafy vegetable for human consumption and food security.
Habitat selection of the pond bat (Myotis dasycneme) during pregnancy and lactation in northern Poland

Spatial behavior and habitat use of breeding mammalian females often change after parturition, reflecting not only the sharp increase in energy demands associated with lactation, but sometimes also limitations of a central place, if they return regularly to feed their altricial young. We conducted the 1st radiotracking study of habitat preferences of the pond bat (Myotis dasycneme), a threatened habitat specialist, comparing movements of breeding females during pregnancy and lactation in a lakeland zone of Poland. Pond bats are known to forage almost exclusively over water bodies. We predicted that 1) females commute shorter distances during lactation than during pregnancy, as they need to return to the colony during night to feed their young, and 2) pond bats select eutrophic lakes due to greater abundance of aquatic insects. The 1st prediction was confirmed, as pregnant females covered significantly longer distances between roosts and foraging sites (median 11.4 km) than lactating females (median 2.9 km). During pregnancy, bats foraged mostly over lakes and only rarely over rivers, using both habitats as available, but carp fishponds were selected. Lactating females selected rivers and canals but avoided lakes. The 2nd prediction was confirmed only in spring. Pregnant females selected eutrophic and avoided mesotrophic lakes, whereas during lactation, mesotrophic lakes were selected and eutrophic ones were avoided. This could explain the switch from chironomids, of smaller body size and found in eutrophic waters, to larger caddisflies, found in fast-flowing rivers, observed the diet of pond bats in a previous study. Lactating females may maximize their energy gain by shifting to large insects, thus obtaining larger portions of energy by a single capture effort. This study exposes the importance of small, relatively fast-flowing rivers in an energetically crucial period of the year for a species that has been perceived as associated with larger water bodies.
Daidzein Production and HeLa Cytotoxicity of Bituminaria bituminosa Hairy Root Cultures

Bituminaria bituminosa (L.) C.H. Stirt is a perennial species widely distributed in the Mediterranean basin and the Canary Islands. This species is used in folk medicine and currently has considerable pharmaceutical interest for its content in phenylpropanoids, furanocoumarins and pterocarpans. In vitro cultures (shoots and hairy roots) have been performed to obtain plant material useful for the production of these metabolites. Hairy root cultures were successfully established after inoculation of hypocotyls with the LBA 9402 A. rhizogenes strain. The HRPB3 line was selected for further analysis and elicited with chitosan and salicylic acid. All the HRPB3 cultures showed higher polyphenol content and greater DPPH-antioxidant activity than shoots cultured in vitro. The presence of isoflavone daidzein was detected in the hairy root extracts. The cytotoxic effect of HR extracts has been further tested on HeLa cells: the salicylic acid elicited HR exhibited good antiproliferative effects.
Disruption of the Interfacial Membrane Leads to Magnaporthe oryzae Effector Re-location and Lifestyle Switch During Rice Blast Disease

The hemibiotrophic fungus Magnaporthe oryzae produces invasive hyphae enclosed in a plant-derived interfacial membrane, known as the extra-invasive hyphal membrane (EIHM), in living rice cells. Little is known about when the EIHM is disrupted and how the disruption contributes to blast disease. Here we show that EIHM disruption correlates with the hyphal growth stage in first-invaded susceptible rice cells. Our approach utilized GFP secreted from invasive hyphae as an EIHM integrity reporter. Secreted-GFP accumulated in the EIHM compartment but appeared in the rice cytoplasm when the EIHM integrity was compromised. Live-cell imaging of secreted-GFP and various fluorescent reporters revealed that EIHM disruption led to rice vacuole rupture and cell death limited to the invaded cell with closed plasmodesmata. We report that EIHM disruption and host cell death are landmarks delineating three distinct infection phases (early biotrophic, late biotrophic, and transient necrotrophic phases) within the first-invaded cell before reestablishment of biotrophy in second-invaded cells. M. oryzae effectors exhibited phase-specific localizations, including entry of the apoplastic effector Bas4 into the rice cytoplasm during the late biotrophic phase. Understanding how the phase-specific dynamics are regulated and linked to host susceptibility will offer potential targets that can be exploited to control blast disease.
Evaluating the Potential for a Sex‐Balanced Harvest Approach in the Recreational Summer Flounder Fishery

AbstractSummer Flounder Paralichthys dentatus support important recreational and commercial fisheries along the northeast and mid-Atlantic coasts of the USA. In the recreational sector, management efforts to constrain harvest below the maximum allowable catch have typically involved increasing the minimum landing size; however, females grow faster than males. Thus, reliance on increased minimum size limits as a management strategy has resulted in approximately 90% of the recent recreational landings being large, female fish. We evaluated the potential for slot limits to produce a sex-balanced harvest in the recreational Summer Flounder fishery. To estimate the size- and sex-specific vulnerability, we sampled the landed and discarded fish (n = 3,290) caught by recreational anglers on select party boats from New Jersey to Rhode Island during the 2016 recreational fishing season. We then examined the performance of a wide array of slot limits to estimate which would have promoted a more sex-balanced harvest .
Revision of the genus Renda Blackwelder, 1952 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Xantholinini)

The genus Renda Blackwelder, 1952 is revised and redescribed. Thirteen previously described species of Renda are redescribed and twenty-one species are described as new. Renda funebris (Sharp, 1876) is proposed as a junior synonym of R. flagellicornis (Nordmann, 1837), R. pubescens (Nordmann, 1837) as a junior synonym of R. formicaria (Laporte, 1835), and R. dalmasi (Fauvel, 1901) as a junior synonym of R. minor Sharp, 1876. A key to the species of Renda is provided and diagnostic characters are illustrated. A generic key for a group of genera consisting of Renda, Agrodes and Plochionocerus is also included. A phylogenetic analysis was performed to analyze the relationships among Renda species, based on the study of 416 specimens belonging to 31 species. The strict consensus tree supports the monophyly of the genus, but species relationships within Renda are poorly resolved, with only two species groups recovered as monophyletic clades.
Determination of genotoxic effect of azo dye C.I. RR 120 on fish Catla catla

Micronuclei (MN) assay is an ideal monitoring system that uses aquatic organisms to assess the genotoxicity of water pollutants. The aim of this study was to determine the genotoxic potential of environmentally relevant concentrations of C.I. Reactive Red 120 (RR 120) azo dye on Catla catla, important edible freshwater fingerlings, using DNA damage in gill cells and haemocytes as sensitive biomarkers. It was also about to determine the dose and time dependent induction of frequencies of micronuclei in different tissues examined. For this, fingerlings were exposed to various concentrations of C.I. RR 120 azo dye (10, 20, 30 and 40 ppm). Samples (gills and peripheral blood) were collected and analyzed to check the effect of textile azo dye C.I. RR 120 result suggest that frequency of micronuclei at exposed fingerlings was higher compared with control group. A comparison between micronuclei frequencies in gills cells and haemocytes showed that the highest micronucleus frequency detect in gills cells followed by haemocytes cells. Induction of micronuclei was dose dependent and also time dependent.Results from this study recommend the use of the micronucleus test in fish tissues as a sensitive genotoxic monitor for aquatic pollution. It also enlightens the genotoxic effects of azo dye on various targeted samples by MN test.
Characterization of structural properties of fungal-bacterial biofilms by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Investigating the structural properties of biofilms is important as they undergo profound changes in their genetic and cellular make up once planktonic cells are converted to biofilm communities. Present study focused on examining the structural attributes of fungal-bacterial biofilms (FBBs), a novel introduction to biotechnological applications, in comparison to bacterial (BBs) and fungal (FBs) biofilms. Enterobacter sp. and Aspergillus sp. were used as the bacterial and fungal counterparts in biofilms. FBB, BB and FB were developed in vitro in a prescribed Biofilm Formation Medium. The biofilm formation was observed under the light microscope. The biofilms were pelletized and Infra-Red spectra were recorded using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. FTIR analysis clearly showed the presence of Amide I (~1635 cm-1) and II (~1544 cm-1), C-O and P=O stretching, and CH2 scissoring in FBB and BB. FB showed only the Amide I band. The absorbance values of above functional groups, cellular polysaccharides, amides and fatty acids gradually increased in the first three days of biofilm maturation and then leveled off. FBB showed higher accumulation of all macro molecules recorded at each sampling time, thus demonstrating its increased metabolic activity compared to BB and FB.
In vitro shoot regeneration from leaf explants of Echinops kebericho: an endangered endemic medicinal plant

Abstract Echinops kebericho is a critically endangered endemic medicinal plant of Ethiopia. It is threatened due to over harvesting of its roots for medicinal purposes and from poor seed viability. This study aimed to develop a protocol for in vitro shoot regeneration from leaf explants of E. kebericho. The seeds were sterilized using ethanol followed by Clorox or calcium hypochlorite. Shoots from the germinated seeds were cultured on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium containing different concentrations of α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 6-benzyl amino purine (BAP). Young leaves were cultured on MS medium containing different concentrations of BAP and NAA for shoot regeneration. For shoot multiplication, shoots were excised and cultured on MS medium containing different concentrations of BAP or kinetin (KIN) and NAA. The highest mean number of initiated shoots (4.00 ± 0.57) with 100% shoot induction was obtained on medium containing 1.0 mg/L BAP and 0.2 mg/L NAA. The highest shoot regeneration (33%) and shoot number (2.13 ± 0.06) were obtained on MS medium containing 2.0 mg/L BAP and 0.5 mg/L NAA. Medium containing 1.0 mg/L KIN and 0.2 mg/L NAA produced the highest number of shoots (4.67 ± 0.33) per explant. This protocol can be used for genetic improvement and conservation of this endangered species.
Haematological Changes in African Catfish (Clarias Gariepinus)Exposed to Mixture of Atrazine and Metolachlor in the Laboratory

Seventy Two (72) male and female African catfish (Clarias gariepinus) juveniles of mean length (10.74 ± 1.81 g) were exposed to different concentrations of atrazine and metolachlor (0.00 mg/1-control, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04 and 0.05mg/1) for 14 days to determine its effect on haematological parameters of the fish. The results obtained indicated significant (P<0.05) reductions with increased concentrations of the chemical in haemoglobin (Hb), Red blood Cell (RBC), packed cell volume (PCV), lymphocytes, platelets and mean corpuscular volume (MCV). The white blood cell (WBC), neutrophils, monocytes, mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentrations (MCHC) in fish exposed to the pesticides were significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of the control. The data obtained from this work will contribute to the base line haematological parameters for use in monitoring health status of Clarias gariepinus in the wild and culture medium
Male Genital Morphology of Certain Hesperiidae Species and the Variations in the Genitalia of Carcharodus alceae (Lepidoptera, Hesperiidae)

In order to study their morphological identifications, preparations of male genital organs were made from 9 species including Ochlodes venatus , Gegenes pumilio, Pyrgus melotis , Pyrgus serratulae , Spialia orbifer , Spialia phlomidis, Erynnis tages, Carcharodus orientalis, Carcharodus alceae belonging to Hesperiidae family collected from localities at different altitudes with various vegetations in Hatay province. Male genital organ of Carcharodus alceae was compared with those in the literature and the distinctions between their genital organs and those reported from Spain, Netherlands, Afghanistan and France are given here. Photos of male genital organs and the variations of Carcharodus alceae ’s genital organsa are also included in the paper.
Experimental logging alters the abundance and community composition of ovipositing mosquitoes in the southern Appalachians

1. The loss of intact forest via logging can influence vector‐borne disease dynamics in part by altering the abundance or diversity of mosquito species. Using an experimental field approach, we characterised how two types of logging (clearcut and repeat‐entry shelterwood) affected temperate forest mosquito abundance and diversity in southwestern Virginia.
Iron, Copper, and Zinc in Some Fish Species of the Atrato River Delta, Colombian Caribbean

ABSTRACT The concentrations of iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) were evaluated in 96 samples of the following eight fish species: Centropomus undecimalis, Caranx hippos, Scomberomorus brasiliensis, Lutjanus purpureus, Caranx crysos, Megalops atlanticus, Elops saurus, and Epinephelus itajara collected in the Atrato River Delta in the Gulf of Urabá. Three fish were caught from each of the following common fishing grounds: Bahía Candelaria, Bahía Marirrío, Bocas del Roto, and Bocas del Atrato. Fish were captured during a one-year period, with one specimen per species in each climatic period: dry, transient, and wet. The quantification was performed by microwave plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy. The highest levels of Fe and Cu were found in Caranx crysos, and highest level of Zn in Megalops atlanticus. According to the percentage of the daily value per food serving, Caranx crysos and Caranx hippos are good sources of Fe, and Caranx crysos is a good source of Cu.
Aktivitas antioksidan ekstrak sulur buah naga putih (Hylocereus undatus) dengan metode DPPH dan Rancimat

The objectives of this study were to analyze phytochemical components, to determine total phenol and flavonoid content, and to test the antioxidant activity of dragon fruit vine extract. The results of phytochemical analysis showed acetone and ethyl acetate extracts contain alkaloids, flavonoids and steroids, while methanol extracts contained alkaloids, flavonoids and triterpenoids. Total phenol and flavonoid content determination results showed the highest concentration in acetone extract of 460.01 GAE mg / 100 g sample and 229.27 RUE mg/100 g sample. Extract of dragon fruit vine has a potencial as antioxidant by inhibition of free radical of DPPH with best IC50 value on acetone extract 25.32 mg / L. The results of antioxidant testing in lipid system using rancimat method obtained the highest protection factor on methanol extract of 1.64.
Phylogeography of Dominican Republic bats and implications for systematic relationships in the Neotropics

The majority (90%) of native terrestrial mammal species living in the Dominican Republic are bats, and two-thirds of these species are endemic to the Caribbean. However, recent molecular studies using DNA barcoding of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene have suggested at least a 25% underestimation of biodiversity in bats throughout the world. A recent survey of bats in the Dominican Republic documented 15 of the 18 known species on the island of Hispaniola. Phylogenetic analysis of 132 individuals resulted in well-supported monophyletic species-level clades (maximal bootstrap values) with intraspecific variation ranging from 0% to 4.7% and interspecific variation ranging from 14.1% to 32.5%. A phylogeographic pattern separating the northern and southern Dominican Republic was recovered in 3 species of bats (Macrotus waterhousii, Pteronotus parnellii, and Pteronotus quadridens). The inclusion of broader geographic sampling across the Neotropics indicated that 3 widely distributed species (Eptesicus fuscus, Molossus molossus, and Monophyllus redmani) have high sequence divergence among insular or between insular and continental populations. Further systematic study is needed to identify morphologically cryptic species and their implications for conservation priorities in the Caribbean.
CD205, a target antigen for a novel antibody drug conjugate (ADC): Evaluation of antigen expression on non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL).

e14039Background: CD205 is a type I C-type lectin receptor normally expressed on various APC and some leukocyte sub-populations, characterized by a cytoplasmic domain containing protein motifs crucial for endocytosis and internalization. These features make CD205 ideal to be exploited as target of a novel ADC. MEN1309/OBT076 is a humanized IgG1 antibody against CD205, conjugated through a cleavable linker to a potent maytansinoid microtubule disruptor, DM4. Indeed, impressive results were obtained in high and low CD205 expressing xenografts for solid tumours and NHL. In vitro experimental model describing the by-stander effect of MEN1309 was implemented. Methods:A retrospective analysis to evaluate the CD205 expression on archival NHL biopsies was performed in the CRO-National Cancer Institute, Aviano IT. An immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed on 1 slide per case, using a commercial antibody NCL-L-DEC205 (clone 11A10, Leica Biosystems). All slides were visually evaluated and a validated staining scor.