Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A PCR-based Assay for Distinguishing between A1 and A2 Mating Types of Phytophthora capsici

A BSTRACT . Sexual reproduction in the plant parasite Phytophthora capsici Leonian requires the interaction of two distinct mating types, A1 and A2. Co-occurrence of these mating types can enhance the genetic diversity of P. capsici and alter its virulence or resistance characteristics. Using an intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) screen of microsatellite diversity, we identiﬁed, cloned, and sequenced a novel 1121-base pair (bp) fragment speciﬁc to the A1 mating type of P. capsici . Primers Pcap-1 and Pcap-2 were designed from this DNA fragment to speciﬁcally detect the A1 mating type. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using these primers ampliﬁed an expected 997-bp fragment from known A1 mating types, but yielded a 508-bp fragment from known A2 mating types. This PCR-based assay could be adapted to accurately and rapidly detect the co-occurrence of A1 and A2 P. capsici mating types from ﬁeld material.
Change in Soil Microbial Community Compositions and Diversity Following the Conversion of Tropical Forest to Rubber Plantations in Xishuangbanan, Southwest China

The ecological consequences of converting tropical forests to rubber plantations on the soil microbial compositions and diversity remain unknown. By using an Illumina MiSeq sequencing analysis, we assessed the compositions and diversity of bacterial and fungal community in soils of rubber plantation (or rubber forest, RF), secondary tropical forest (STF), and tropical seasonal rainforest (TSR) in Xishuangbanna, southwest China. Our findings revealed that (a) for bacterial composition, Bacillaceae was the most dominant family (13.60%) in RF soil, while it only accounted for 4.13% in STF and 6.92% in TSR. For fungal composition, the largest family in soils of RF was Basidiomycota_unclassified. However, the largest family in STF and TSR was Russulaceae. (b) Number of operational taxonomic units, Chao index, and Shannon index of bacterial community in soil of RF were significantly higher than those of TSR and STF. However, these diversity indices of fungal community in RF were significantly lower than those of TSR and STF. (c) Soil pH and total phosphorus were very important drivers for bacterial community, whereas soil organic matter and total nitrogen were the most important factors for fungal community. (d) The microbial biomass carbon in RF was relative lower than those in STF and TSR, which suggested that the total microbial biomass decreased after forest conversion. To protect the total diversity of this region, the individual farmers should use herbicides as little as possible to reserve ground vegetation. And the government could outline a land-use policy that prohibits the cultivation in areas of natural vegetation.
Diet composition of a Newly Recognized Canid Species, the African Golden Wolf (Canis anthus), in Northern Algeria

We analysed the diet composition of a recently recognized species, the African golden wolf (Canis anthus), in the Tlemcen Hunting Reserve in Algeria by means of scat analysis. A total of 246 scat samples were collected from the study area. Prey items found in the faeces were assigned to species or higher-ranked taxa using identification guides and our collection of hair samples from the reserve. We were able to identify 34 food items including wild and domestic animals, fruits, leaves, soil and organic waste. Animal remains represented 84.8% of the biomass consumed by the African golden wolf, while plant remains constituted 15.2%. Prey species richness was the highest in summer with 23 different food items and the lowest in autumn with 17 items. Wild boar was the most important prey in the species' food spectrum within the reserve. Our results show the opportunistic resource use by the African golden wolf, with seasonal variation and a propensity for large-sized prey, including considerable amounts of livestock carcasses (24% of the total biomass), which underlines the importance of an effective wildlife management.
Diversification shifts in leafroller moths linked to continental colonization and the rise of angiosperms

Tectonic dynamics and niche availability play intertwined roles in determining patterns of diversification. Such drivers explain the current distribution of many clades, whereas events such as the rise of angiosperms can have more specific impacts, such as on the diversification rates of herbivores. The Tortricidae, a diverse group of phytophagous moths, are ideal for testing the effects of these determinants on the diversification of herbivorous clades. To estimate ancestral areas and diversification patterns in Tortricidae, a complete tribal‐level dated tree was inferred using molecular markers (one mitochondrial and five nuclear) and calibrated using fossil constraints. We found that Tortricidae diverged from their sister group c. 120 Myr ago (Ma) and diversified c. 97 Ma, a timeframe synchronous with the rise of angiosperms in the Early–mid Cretaceous. Ancestral areas analysis, based on updated Wallace's biogeographical regions, supports the hypothesis of a Gondwanan origin of Tortricidae in the South American plate. We also detected an increase in speciation rate that coincided with the peak of angiosperm diversification in the Cretaceous. This in turn probably was further heightened by continental colonization of the Palaeotropics when angiosperms became dominant by the end of the Late Cretaceous.
A preliminary study of haemoparasites in marsh frogs, Pelophylax ridibundus (Ranidae) from Iran

Anurans are known to harbor different type of intraand extracellular blood parasites. Apicomplexan parasites, order Coccidea as well as Kinetoplastea are the most commonly reported blood parasites from frogs. The present study was conducted to survey haemogregarines and trypanosomes, two groups of haemoparasites in marsh frog (Pelophylax ridibundus) from north of Iran. The frogs were captured and blood samples were obtained by insulin syringe. Blood smears stained by gimsa and were examined for the presence of haemoparasites. The microscopic diagnosis detected Hepatozoon magna as the only haemogregarines. Six morphological forms of Trypanosoma sp were observed as described in the literature, with slender to oval and broad forms. This is the first report on blood parasites of Pelophylax
Plant Nutrition: A tool for the management of hemipteran insect-pests-A review

Nutrition of plants has a substantial impact on the predisposition of plants to insect-pests. Regulated and balanced crop fertilization can be helpful in altering host plant susceptibility to sucking insect-pests. Hemipteran herbivores are sensitive to alteration in host plant nutrition. Primary pest defence of plants like biochemical, physical and mechanical properties can be enhanced by balanced fertilization with plant nutrients. All plant nutrients may affect plant health but two of them namely, nitrogen and potassium play a major role. The effect of other nutrients is less frequently mentioned. Most studies revealed that generally excessive use of nitrogen decreases crop resistance to pests whereas potassium increases the same. So, the agricultural practices like excessive, injudicious and unscientific use of fertilizers can result in nutrient imbalance and finally into increased attack of insect-pests. Careful consideration of present and future information on this topic can lead to better predictive capabilities in hemipteran insect-pest management.
Burning coal spoil heaps as a new habitat for the extremophilic red alga Galdieria sulphuraria

Galdieria sulphuraria (Cyanidiales) is a worldwide acclaimed thermoacidophilic red microalga with a limited distribution due to special conditions required for growth and metabolism. Until now, the alga was almost exclusively restricted to acid geothermal environments around the world. However, we have found this species on the surface of a burning coal spoil heap in central Europe. It is the first record of G. sulphuraria in this type of habitat. A rbcL phylogeny confirmed that the population of this extremophile belongs to the continental European lineage and we consider Italian geothermal sites as a potential source of Czech G. sulphuraria. The dispersal of unicellular red microalgae is far from fully understood and the discovery of Galdieria in another region of Europe on a relatively newly established anthropogenic site allows us to understand better the distribution patterns and dispersal abilities of this ecologically important algal group. In addition, we have also analyzed the phylogenetic position of Galdieria strain CCALA 965 isolated from a highly acidic site without geothermal activity in the Czech Republic and confirmed it to belong to the species G. phlegrea, until now known only from Italy.
Fruit-eating birds in experimental plantings in southern Mexico

Abstract: Maintenance of biodiversity in tropical agrarian landscapes is challenging in the face of anthropomorphic simplification of habitats. As part of an experiment testing influences of planting treatment on tree recruitment in southern Mexico, counts of bird species were made over 10 years in twenty-four 30 × 30-m fenced plots in over-grazed pasture. Plots were planted with native tree species or left as unplanted controls in 2006. Annual censuses of birds in the plots from 2007–2016 indicated statistically significant increases in the number of fruit-eating species and individuals as vegetation matured, but increases in non-frugivorous species and individuals over the decade were not significant. Among four species of planted animal-dispersed trees that bore fruit during this time, Cecropia obtusifolia consistently produced substantial crops after 2009. In 2015, all 53 planted or passively recruited female trees of mature size of this species bore fruit. The summed body masses of fruit-eating birds in each of 24 plots were significantly correlated with rank order of available fruit per plot. Differential use of habitat patches in an agrarian landscape suggested substantial value to frugivores, but less to non-frugivorous birds than expected.
Long-lasting effects of operant conditioning and cocaine on D1 pyramidal neurons in prefrontal cortex and on the D1 and D2 striatal neurons mRNAs

Dopamine (DA) controls movement execution, action selection, and incentive learning by regulating the activity and plasticity of corticostriatal transmission. Long-term modifications require changes in gene transcription. The aim of this work is to study the changes in transcriptions following an operant learning protocol or mimicking stimulation of the reward system with cocaine in the dorsal striatum and the nucleus accumbens in the striatum, and in the prefrontal cortex. The medium-size spiny striatal projection neurons (SPNs) can be divided into 2 different populations based on the expression of the D1 or D2 DA receptor that participate in distinct pathways, which have opposite functional effects on their target regions. We used transgenic mice that express a tagged ribosomal protein (L10a-EGFP) under control of the D1 or D2 receptor promoter to isolate currently translated mRNA and nuclei from each population of SPNs, as well as from D1 neurons of the prefrontal cortex following passive stimulation of the reward system (chronic treatment with cocaine) and active recruitment of the reward system (operant learning for food). Firstly we compared the basal gene expression in the different neuronal populations characterized by the expression of D1 or D2 receptors and their regional localization. We identified hundreds of differentially expressed mRNA providing a precise characterization of the cellular and regional differences. In the second part, we characterized the changes induced in each neuronal population by a 1-week exposure to cocaine or after operant training for food.
Comparing the Knee Joint Kinematic Parameters During Landing at Different Minutes of Soccer Game

* Corresponding Author: Abdolrasoul Daneshjoo, PhD. Address: Department of Biomechanics and Corrective exercise, East Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. Tel: +98 (912) 2061034 E-mail: phdanesh@yahoo.com 1. Assistant Professor, Department of Biomechanics and Corrective exercise, East Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. 2. Master Degree in Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercise, East Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran. *Abdolrasoul Daneshjoo1 , Maryam Mohseni2
Quality assessment of gluten-free bread from pro-vitamin A cassava and velvet bean flour

The increasing trend of coeliac disease (CD) and gluten-related disorders has led to consumers’ increasing interest in gluten-free products with quality characteristics similar to wheat bread. The potentials of pro-vitamin A cassava and velvet bean in the production of nutritious gluten-free bread was investigated. Different levels of flour formulations (100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40 and 50:50 (w/w), respectively) were obtained from provitamin A cassava and velvet beans flours while xanthan gum was used as the bread improver. The effect of the addition of velvet beans flour to pro-vitamin A cassava on proximate content, anti-nutritional and functional properties of the flour were determined, while the physical and the sensory properties of the bread samples were evaluated. The protein, ash, fat and energy values were in the ranges of 1.5123. 00%, 1.12-3.35%, 2.3512. 50% and 1555.34-1760 kJ/100 g, respectively. The water absorption capacity, bulk density, swelling capacity and wettability were in the ranges of 27.69-32.35%, 1.481. 61%, 1.01-1.15 g/mL and 9.44-35.19 min, respectively. The values obtained for HCN, tannin, phytate, Dopamine were 0.64-0.88, 2.22-3.55 mg/100 g, 0.48-1.41 mg/100 g, 0.004. 11 ng/mL, respectively. The physical properties ranged 640-980 cm, 371-544 g, 1.732. 10 cm/g and 0.20-1.40 cm for loaf volume, loaf weight, specific volume and oven spring, while the sensory evaluation indicated better acceptability at 30% velvet bean flour substitution. This research has shown that nutrient-dense gluten-free bread with acceptable sensory quality can be produced from pro-vitamin A cassava and velvet beans. This has potentials to address the coeliac disease.
Psychrophilic Degradation of Long Chain Alkanes

This is the first report on alkane degradation in Pseudomonas frederiksbergensis by certain genes cluster of hydroxylase system. The gene encoding alkane hydrolyse of Pseudomonas frederiksbergensis was cloned and characterized. The gene organization in the gene cluster of alkane hydroxylase gene in Pseudomonas frederiksberghensis was a unique one that was different from all known alkane hydroxylases gene families that were found in other alkane degrading bacteria. The alk gene cluster containing homologues to alkane monooxygenase (alkB) was oriented in the same direction, whereas alcohol dehydrogenase (alcDH) was oriented in the opposite direction. The gene encoding alcohol dehydrogenase (alcDH) in Pseudomonas frederiksbergensis was cloned in E. coli and biochemically characterized. It was located in one gene cluster together with alkB on the chromosome of Pseudomonas frderikbergensis. The other genes scattered on the chromosome. Therefore, the study of this gene has been interesting since it has represented a unique phenomenon in genetic engineering and molecular biotechnology to this bacteria.
Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/kexin Type 9 Inhibitors in Clinical Practice: A Focused Update

article provides an updated review of the LDL-cholesterol efficacy, safety, and cardiovascular benefits of proprotein convertase subtilisin/ kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors. It focuses on evidence from numerous clinical trials and provides clinicians with a basis for understanding, assessing, and selecting these agents for clinical practice. It also provides some perspective on other potential agents in development that target PCSK9.
Metabolomics of urinary tract infection : a multiplatform approach

Urinary tract infection is a complex clinical entity a common infectious disease that encompasses a variety of clinical syndromes with a positive bacterial culture as common denominator. This thesis provides an exhaustive exploratory study of the metabolic pattern of patients affected by urinary tract infection and Here this complex clinical entity was investigated with a multiplatform approach. Each of the used platforms added a unique perspective to the further understanding of the infection process. The assessment of the bacterial growth (NMR), of the host response (LC–MS) and of the physiological status (GC-APCI-MS) could eventually be useful during the assessment of the disease severity and/or decision making
Determination of hematological and serum biochemical values and detection of Chlamydophila psittaci antibodies in captive hornbills at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Nature Center

Background: This study aimed to provide an initial report on hematologic and serum biochemical values and to detect an intracellular bacterium, Chlamydophila psittaci on Tarictic Hornbill ( Penelopides panini ), Rufous Hornbill ( Buceros hydrocorax ), and Palawan Hornbill ( Anthracoceros marchei ) held captive at the Ninoy Aquino parks and wildlife nature center. Aims and Objectives: Being indigenous to the Philippines, the initial reports of hematological values and the common diseases of this subspecies are significant to be determined and studied. This study was conducted to provide an initial report on hematological and serum biochemical values and the detection of antibodies against C. psittaci in the blood serum of Tarictic, Rufuos, and Palawan hornbill at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Nature Center. Materials and Methods: Captive birds at the Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Nature Center in the Philippines were used as samples. Blood was collected and subjected to hematology and serum analysis. Results: The obtained parameters for hematology are as follows: Hematocrit is 44% ± 3; total red blood cell (RBC) count is 10.24 × 10 6 cells/mm 3 ± 0.98; hemoglobin is 13.47 g/dL ± 0.73; mean corpuscular volume is 130.07 femtoliter ± 13.52; mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) is 13.31 picogram (pg) ± 1.85; MCH concentration is 30.68% ± 2.88; total white blood cell (WBC) is 17.53 × 10 3 cells/mm 3 ± 2.89; total heterophil is 10.97 × 10 3 cells/mm 3 ± 2.68; total basophil is 1.16 × 10 3 cells/mm 3 ± 1.00; total eosinophil is 0.54 × 10 3 cells/mm 3 ± 0.40; total lymphocyte is 3.27 × 10 3 cells/mm 3 ± 1.33; total monocyte is 1.61 × 10 3 cells/mm 3 ± 0.75; and total thrombocyte is 236667 × 10 3 cells/mm 3 ± 6264.98. The obtained parameters for serum chemistry are as follows: Glucose is 237.34 mg/dl ± 27.33; cholesterol is 171.09 mg/dl ± 23.80; triglyceride is 116.26 mg/dl ± 17.67; high-density lipoprotein is 70.12 mg/dl ± 11.20; low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is 77.72 mg/dl ± 14.71; very-LDL is 23.25 mg/dl ± 3.53; blood urea nitrogen is 4.07 mg/dl ± 0.47; creatinine is 0.26 mg/dl ± 0.07; BUA is 21.49 mg/dl ± 1.97; SGPT is 50.90 Ul/L ± 15.99; and serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase is 310.69 Ul/L ± 38.10. The blood collected from the hornbills was then subjected to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test using the ImmunoComb® Avian C. psittaci Antibody Test Kit to detect the immunoglobulin G antibodies against C. psittaci. Conclusion: The resulting hematological and serum biochemical values do not differ much from the close relatives of the avians. Moreover, the results of the ImmunoComb® presented positive results for all nine samples indicating the high occurrence that the birds were infected before and have now recovered.
Investigation into antimicrobial resistance, enterotoxin and cassette chromosome gene of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from humans, cows and goats in Taiwan

Multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MDR S. aureus ) is predominately present in humans and animals. Staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) is one of the representative toxins produced by S. aureus . The drug resistance patterns, presence of eighteen SE genes and staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC mec ) in S. aureus strains isolated from human cellulitis, septicemia, mastitis and farmed ruminant mastitis were investigated and analyzed. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) accounted for 51.35% (76/148) and 48.65% (72/148), respectively. Both MSSA and MRSA carried sea (15%), seb (30.8%) and sek (27.5%) genes. Eighty percent of the MRSA strains (52/65) belonged to SCC mec types I, III and IV while the MSSA strains were mostly untypable. Molecular examination of SE genes showed that sec might be highly crucial for goat S. aureus mastitis while sel might play a role in human, goat and cow mastitis. Enterotoxin A gene displayed the highest rate of appearance in the isolates from cow S. aureus mastitis as the enterotoxin was also found in human cellulitis, septicemia and mastitis, showing its key role in bovine mastitis and cross-species implications between humans and cows. MDR S. aureus widely appeared in human hospitals and community, and goat mastitis, whereas the strains accounted for much lower prevalence in cow mastitis. The data indicate that the patterns of SE gene are probably host species-specific and source-associated; therefore, the identification of SE genes coupled with SCC mec typing might be a useful method to trace the sources of infection in farmed ruminants and humans.
The Grouping of Citrus Viroids: Additional Physical and Biological Determinants and Relationships with Diseases of Citrus

A consensus catalogue for the grouping of citrus viroids (CV) utilizing the physical parameters of size and nucleotide sequence homology as tested with group-specific cDNA probes has been furthered developed. Analysis of cachexia disease sources by sequential polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (sPAGE) has revealed a third member of the CV-I1 Group, designated as CV-IIc. A viroid characterized by a similar size and sequence homology is common to all "xyloporosis" disease sources analyzed. Chrysanthemum, which has been identified as a selective host for CEV and the Group I1 viroids, produces a leaf spotting reaction when inoculated with CV-IIa, the viroid inducing the most mild reaction in citron. Mixed infections of viroids from different groups has indicated a range of responses on citron including: 1) both enhanced and delayed severe dwarfing symptoms of CEV, 2) synergism resulting in severe dwarfing and epinasty mimicking CEV symptoms, and 3) a variation in leaf symptoms ranging from no effect to severe epinasty. Field testing of pure citrus viroids and mixed viroid inoculations of commercial scion on exocortis sensitive rootstock combinations has been initiated. Analysis of the viroid profiles of citrons inoculated with field sources of some diseases of suspected viroid etiology such as, "xyloporosis" of Palestine sweet lime, "gummy bark" of navel orange, and "Kassala" of grapefruit, indicated the presence of a complex pattern of several viroids.
Methylome Analysis of Nutrient-Stressed Brassica rapa

Samantha Rose Arroyo​1​, Nancy Morvillo, Ph.D.​2 1​Florida Southern College, samanthararroyo@gmail.com ​2​Department of Biology, Florida Southern College, nmorvillo@flsouthern.edu Abstract Epigenetic modifications are at the forefront of agricultural research for crop improvement, especially with the public drive to eliminate chemical fertilizers in crop production. Basic knowledge on plants’ responses to lack of nutrients is imperative to drive progress in this direction. In this study, samples of ​Brassica rapa​ grown in different nutrient stresses are analyzed physiologically by recording height and molecularly by Southern Blot Analysis. Stunted growth along with global methylation level differences indicate that there are differences occurring in gene expression and in DNA methylation simultaneously in plants lacking nutrients.