Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A rapid, sensitive and field-deployable isothermal assay for the detection of Verticillium alfalfae

Abstract The genus Verticillium contains 10 plant pathogenic species that are responsible for billions of dollars of crop losses annually on more than 400 plant species worldwide. On alfalfa, Verticillium alfalfae causes Verticillium wilt, a disease with the potential to reduce yields of susceptible cultivars by the second harvest year and to limit the productive stand life to less than 3 years. Susceptible alfalfa cultivars exhibit disease symptoms that include chlorotic V-shaped lesions at the leaf tip that cause entire leaflets to become bleached and twisted, leading to defoliation. Stems often remain green after all leaflets have desiccated, and discolouration, stunting and wilting of shoots is visible. Internally, the taproot can show yellow to brown vascular discolouration. International quarantines sometimes prohibit the entry of alfalfa samples contaminated with the Verticillium pathogen. In this investigation, we developed a recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) assay coupled with a lateral flow device for the specific and sensitive detection of V. alfalfae. The primers targeted the translation elongation factor 1α (TEF-1α) gene and were designed with mismatches to increase the specificity of the assay. This assay detected as little as 800 fg of DNA from all tested isolates of V. alfalfae. Moreover, non-specific amplification of closely related V. nonalfalfae or other Verticillium species was not observed. Detection of V. alfalfae in inoculated alfalfa cultivars with high or low resistance further demonstrated the specificity and sensitivity of the diagnostic assay. Additionally, RPA detected V. alfalfae from inoculated plants using a crude DNA extraction method. The assay is easy to use and will allow growers, diagnostic labs and regulatory agencies to determine if V. alfalfae is present in alfalfa products.
Trends in timing of spring migration along the Pacific Flyway by Western Sandpipers and Dunlins

ABSTRACT Long-distant migrants timing their arrival on the breeding grounds face a tradeoff between optimal timing for breeding and optimal timing for survival. For many shorebird species, the flyway northward spans thousands of kilometers, and both conditions encountered en route and priorities of individuals can affect the timing of migration. We used data from spring migration surveys of Western Sandpipers (Calidris mauri) and Pacific Dunlins (Calidris alpina pacifica) along the Pacific Flyway of North America to determine whether the timing of their northward migration changed from 1985 to 2016. We compiled survey data for both species from 6 sites of varying size along the northern portion of the flyway from Washington, USA, through British Columbia, Canada, to Alaska, USA, and estimated interannual trends in the timing of passage through each site. Peak passage dates at the sites closest to the species' breeding grounds in Alaska became later by 1–2 days over the study period, while dates of peak passage at sites farther south became ∼3 days earlier. A post hoc analysis suggested that local temperatures affected peak passage dates at most sites, with warmer temperatures related to earlier passage. Discerning patterns of movement by Dunlins at southern sites was complicated by the presence of winter residents. Simulation analyses of sandpiper movement through a stopover site highlighted both length of stay and timing of arrival as important factors shaping peak passage estimates. We suggest that Western Sandpipers appear to be arriving earlier at southern sites and staying longer at larger stopover sites, such as Alaska's Copper River delta. Our methodology generated specific predictions of peak passage dates on northward migration that may be useful in other systems for which historical count data are available.
Effect of Cymbopogon citrates (Poaceae) oil and citral on post-embryonic time of blowflies

Cymbopogon citratus oil is used in folk medicine asrepellent and insecticide against insects. This study evaluated the insecticidal activity of C. citrates oil extracted from Brazil and Cuba and its main component citral as insecticides against Chrysomya megacephala, Chrysomya putoria and Lucilia cuprina. Variables monitored were:duration of post embryonic development, larval weight (mg), sex ratio, mortality index and percentage of morphological deformities. The essential oils were dissolved in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and tested at concentrations of 5, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100%, andcitral was diluted in DMSO yielding a concentration of 17.5 µg/µL. Substances were applied (1µL on the newly-hatched larvae. Results showed that both oils and citral had toxic effects on post-embryonic development of all tested blowflies. While the mortality for C. megacephala reaches 80% of the flies treated with essential oil, and values under 50% for the LC50; C. putoria has the highest ratio of deformities, once it becomes adult with values over 85%. The behavior for C. citrates essential oils and citral, changes from one variable to another, but in general sense, all are toxic to flies. Previous observations point out this essential oil as a potential alternative in those blowflies control. Key words: Arthropod, Calliphoridae, biopesticides, lemongrass, essential oil.
Age-related changes in the distribution of lean meat, fat with skin, and bones in turkey carcasses

The experimental materials comprised 600 BIG-6 turkeys (360 and 240 ). Females were reared to 16 and males to 22 weeks of age. Day-old poults were sexed and randomly allocated to 16 pens (eight pens of males and eight pens of females, 45 males per pen and 30 females per pen). Starting from one day of age, the turkeys were weighed at two-week intervals, and starting from two weeks of age, three birds selected randomly of each pen (24 and 24 ) were slaughtered at two-week intervals. Chilled carcasses were divided into parts (neck, legs, wings, breast and back) which were dissected to separate lean meat, skin with subcutaneous fat, inter-muscular fat, and bones. At two weeks of age, in both males and females, over 76% of the total muscle content was found in the breast and legs, and the remaining meat was located in the wings, back and neck. Until 16 weeks of age in males and until approximately 12 weeks of age in females, the rate of muscle deposition in the legs and wings was relatively slow, while a faster rate of muscle deposition was observed in the breast and back. Age-related changes in the distribution of skin with fat in turkey carcasses were greater than changes in muscle distribution. The content of skin with fat increased considerably in the breast in males and in the legs in females, while it decreased in the wings. The bone content of carcass parts changed to the lowest degree in growing turkeys. Address: Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Department of Commodity Science and Animal Improvement, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury, 10-718 Oczapowskiego 5, Olsztyn, Poland, e-mail: katarzyna.kleczek@uwm.edu. pl ZMIANY W ROZMIESZCZENIU MIĘSA, TŁUSZCZU ZE SKÓRĄ I KOŚCI W POSZCZEGÓLNYCH CZĘŚCIACH TUSZEK INDYKÓW WRAZ Z WIEKIEM PTAKÓW Elżbieta Wilkiewicz-Wawro, Katarzyna Tomaszewska, Kazimierz Wawro, Włodzimierz Makowski1, Danuta Michalik1, Magdalena Wawro2 1 Katedra Towaroznawstwa Ogólnego i Doświadczalnictwa 2 Katedra Epizootiologii Uniwersytet Warmińsko-Mazurski w Olsztynie S ł o w a k l u c z o w e: indyki, zmiany z wiekiem, mięso, tłuszcz, kości.
A Review on Candidate Genes or Loci and Their Importance in Non- Syndromic Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate

Non-syndromic orofacial malformations do not manifest any symptoms. Various signaling pathways are important in lip and palate development, but the specific genes in these pathways that play a role in causing oral clefts in humans remain unknown. Orofacial clefts are related to 14q chromosome with its associated candidate genes like ISGF3G at 14q11.2, JAG2 at 14q32, PAX9 at 14q13.3, TGFB3 at 14q24.3 and BMP4 at 14q22. Previous studies excluded the pathways linked to candidate genes and their role in formation of orofacial clefts. Linkage pathways of specific genes involved in formation of orofacial malformations are not well established in humans due to different varieties of approach. More studies need to be established in understanding the pathways linked to candidate genes involved in orofacial malformations.
Hemato-Biochemical studies on Egyptian Buffaloes and Calves naturally infected with Foot and Mouth Disease Virus serotype SAT 2

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease of all cloven footed domestic and wild animals. This work was planned to study the different markers for diagnosis of FMDV serotype Sat2 in adult buffaloes and calves including clinical, hematological and biochemical examinations. A total number of sixty animals were divided into four groups. The first group was apparently healthy adult buffaloes, while the second was naturally infected adult buffaloes, a third group was apparently healthy suckling calves and finally the fourth group was naturally infected suckling calves. The recorded clinical signs were fever, salivation, loss of appetite, depression, lameness, blisters or vesicles, erosions and ulcers in the mucosa of the mouth, tongue, lips, gums, pharynx, palate and between the claws. Anemia, leucopenia, lymphopenia and monocytopenia were recorded in infected adult buffaloes and calves. Myocardial injury proved by presence of degenerated myocardial fibers and lymphocyte cell infiltration with a significant increase in cardiac markers like cardiac torponin I, CPK and LDH in addition to a significant hyperkalemia, hypocalcaemia and hypomagnesemia in buffaloe calves. Moreover, electrophoresis showed hyoproteinemia, hypoalbuminemia and hypoglobulinemia in infected animals. It could be concluded that the elevation of cardiac markers emphasized that FMD is more severe in young calves than adult animals. Therefore, it is recommended to evaluate the prognosis of FMD infection in calves by these markers.
Nutritive value and effect of different levels of rubber seed kernel in total mixed ratio on digestibility using In Vitro gas production technique

The aims of this experiment were to study the chemical composition, fatty acid profiles, toxic compound of rubber seed kernel (RSK) and the effect of different levels of RSK in total mixed ration (TMR) on digestibility using in vitro gas production technique. Rubber seeds were shelled and sun dried for 12 days and were then used for chemical composition, fatty acid profiles and in vitro study. For the in vitro study, RSK was used in TMR at 0, 6.81, 13.63, 20.44 and 27.25%. Moisture, ash, crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) of RSK were 2.43, 2.84, 19.82, 47.67, 20.87 and 17.07% dry matter (DM), respectively. Linoleic, oleic and linolenic acid were the most unsaturated fatty acid (37.82, 25.12 and 17.64%, respectively). Hydrocyanic acid (HCN) and aflatoxin content in RSK were 80.26 mg/kg and 316.75 g/kg, respectively. Cumulative gas production (GP), potential GP (a+b), GP from the insoluble fraction (b) and fraction rates of GP (c) were different (p 13.63%) resulted in lower cumulative GP, a+b and b than dietary treatments at 0, 6.81 and 13.63% RSK. In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) at 48 h and in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) at 24 and 48 h were decreased (p<0.01) when RSK levels were increased in TMR. Similarly, the estimated metabolized energy (ME) also decreased as RSK levels were increased. This study indicated that RSK could be used up to 13.63% in TMR for dairy cattle.
Bioassays with freshwater snails Biomphalaria sp.: from control of hosts in public health to alternative tools in ecotoxicology

Abstract Ecotoxicology is the science responsible for the study of the adverse effects of chemicals on ecosystems considering biotic and abiotic components. Several invertebrate groups have long been used to evaluate the aquatic toxicity of chemical compounds. Among these organisms, the microcrustaceans are the most recommended in Brazilian and international protocols (e.g. Daphnia sp. and Ceriodaphnia sp.). Until the beginning of the 1990s, the use of mollusks with ecotoxicological purposes was non-existent, except for the species tested as target of molluscicides in public health studies. Since the second half of this same decade the tests with mollusks have begun to be disseminated in several countries, valuing endemic species and especially the scarcity of test species in benthic habitats. In the early 2000s, with the disclosure of the harmful effects of pollutants with endocrine disrupting properties, gastropods have begun to be used not to evaluate lethal effects, but rather to observe physiological effects such as reproduction and embryonic development. Since then, assays with these approaches, especially with freshwater snails Lymnaea stagnalis and Biomphalaria sp. , have been considered to be innovative and highly sensitive, often more than those achieved with traditional groups of test organisms in ecotoxicology (such as microcrustaceans and fishes).
Practice and exploration on "organ-systems-based curriculum" reform of cardiovascular system

Chongqing Medical University selected some five-year clinical medical undergraduates to set up the pilot class which was called 'clinician excellent class' and implemented the 'organ-systems-based curriculum' (OSBC) integration teaching reform on them. The OSBC teaching of the cardiovascular system breaks the traditional pattern, and carries on the comprehensive reorganization to the curriculum contents and the teaching personnel, and emphasizes the collective preparation, the new teaching method and the reasonable evaluation system. Although OSBC teaching of the cardiovascular system has made some achievements, but there are still many deficiencies need to reflect on and improve. Key words: Organ-systems-based curriculum; Integrated block; Cardiovascular system; Teaching methods; Practical effect
The tortoise and the hare: reducing resource availability shifts competitive balance between plant species

Determining how changes in abiotic conditions influence community interactions is a fundamental challenge in ecology. Meeting this challenge is increasingly imperative in the Anthropocene where climate change and exotic species introductions alter abiotic context and biotic composition to reshuffle natural systems. We created plant assemblages consisting of monocultures or equal abundance of the native community dominant bluebunch wheatgrass (Pseudoroegneria spicata) and the exotic spotted knapweed (Centaurea stoebe), a co‐occurring invasive forb that has overtaken grasslands across the western United States. We subjected these composition treatments to drought (20% of average precipitation vs. average) and herbivory on C. stoebe by its biocontrol agent Cyphocleonus achates to explore how reduced precipitation might influence the effects of competition and biocontrol herbivory on C. stoebe's abundance. At the end of 7 years, C. stoebe dominated mixed‐species plots under normal precipitation conditions, with biomass 50% greater than that of the native P. spicata. However, under drought stress, P. spicata's biomass was >200% greater than C. stoebe's. Interestingly, both species were impervious to drought in monoculture, indicating the importance of the drought by competition interaction. The biocontrol herbivore reduced C. stoebe abundance and indirectly increased P. spicata biomass in mixed‐species drought plots, but these effects were only marginally significant and relatively weak. Overall, C. stoebe abundance was primarily driven by the drought by competition interaction, with negatively additive but weak effects of the drought by herbivory interaction. The response of the exotic to the treatments was driven by rapid changes in population density linked to its fast life‐history strategy, while the native's response was driven by changes in per capita plant biomass linked to its slower life‐history strategy. Individual plant performance metrics did not predict overall population responses for the invader, indicating the importance of longer term population measures. Synthesis. These results demonstrate that reduced precipitation inputs linked to climate change can dramatically shift the balance of plant competition, even toggling the advantage from exotic to native dominance. They also illustrate the importance of biotic interactions in predicting species responses to abiotic change.
Characterization of progesterone profile, physiological responses, milk composition and blood biochemical and hematological indices at the early stage of lactation in goats

ABSTRACT The aim of this research was to describe the progesterone profile, physiological response, milk composition, and blood chemistry at the early stage (DIM 30-90 days) of lactation (E1:30-50; E2:50-70; E3:70-90 days) in Baladi goats under Egyptian conditions. The serum progesterone level was significantly reduced with the progress of the early lactation period to reach the least concentration (0.24 ng/ml) at the E3 stage of lactation (P=0.001). The daily milk yield was significantly increased with the progress of the lactation to reach the peak at the E2 stage of lactation (P=0.015). The percentage of milk fat was significantly decreased with the progress of the early lactation period (P=0.032). However, the percentages of total solids and SNF were significantly increased in E2 and E3 stages when compared with the E1 stage (P=0.001 and 0.018, respectively). The serum glucose and total antioxidant capacity were considerably reduced with the progress of the lactation period (P=0.047 and 0.039, respectively). In conclusion, Baladi goats showed a decreased serum progesterone level with the progress of the early lactation period and produce milk with a relatively stable protein and lactose contents. Furthermore, Baladi does able to maintain the stability of most blood biochemical parameters during such period.
Effect of Sub-Lethal Concentration of Dipterex on the Blood Parameters of Fish Trichogaster fasciatus

The fishes serve as indicator of water quality and are meant for ornamental and food value. Use of pesticides dose on their lives and almost all the pesticides go to water bodies in any from and any way. Environmental pollution is a burning issue at the moment for whole world. Many factors are behind these various types of pollution and varied effects are revealed by the pollutants. Sub lethal concentration of Diptrex on certain blood parameters such as Total erythrocyte count (TEC), Total leucocyte count (TLC), Haemoglobin concentration (Hb conc.), Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and packed cell volume (PCV) have been studied. Dipterex is an organophoshorus insecticide and its LC has been calculated by the log- 50 dose/probit regression line method. Sub lethal concentration of Dipterex given to fishes showed that TEC, Hb concentration and PCV decreased significantly, while TLC and ESR have been increased after 1, 7, 15 and 30 days treatment respectively.
An experimental test of state–behaviour feedbacks: Gizzard mass and foraging behaviour in red knots

Summary 1.Animals frequently exhibit consistent among-individual differences in behavioural and physiological traits that are inherently flexible. Why should individuals differ consistently in their expression of labile traits? Recently, positive feedbacks between state and behaviour have been proposed as a possible explanation for the maintenance of consistent among-individual differences in both state and behaviour. If state affects behaviour, and behaviour reciprocally affects state, then differences in either state or behaviour that arise among-individuals even by chance could be maintained over extended periods of time. 2.We tested for positive feedbacks experimentally using wild-caught red knots (Calidris canutus islandica). In the wild, knots exhibit consistent among-individual differences in digestive physiology (the mass of the muscular part of the stomach, the gizzard) and foraging behaviour (diet), two inherently labile traits. 3.Experimentally manipulated diet quality had a large effect on gizzard mass. Experimentally manipulated gizzard mass reciprocally influenced total food eaten during ad libitum trials. 4.The effect of gizzard mass on diet choice, though in the predicted direction, was not statistically significant. Individuals exhibited consistent differences in foraging behaviour of unknown origin independent of current gizzard mass, as well as large residual unexplained variance in foraging behaviour. These two sources of variation in foraging behaviour overruled the gizzard mass-dependent foraging behaviour and hence eroded the treatment-related differences in gizzard mass. 5.We conclude that positive feedbacks between diet choice and gizzard mass play at best a limited role in maintaining among-individual variation in gizzard mass in red knots. Furthermore, we suggest that many models of state-behaviour feedbacks likely overestimate their potential importance in maintaining long-term among-individual variation in labile traits because most models of state-behaviour feedbacks fail to account for the effects of additional factors that may act to disrupt the feedback loops. 6.The among-individual differences in diet choice observed during solitary foraging trials eroded the consistent among-individual differences in gizzard mass observed following periods of staple diet treatments in which knots foraged in social groups. Social foraging interactions may play an important role determining the expression of foraging behaviours such as intake rate that in turn influence gizzard mass. Further studies are needed to experimentally test the role of social interactions as a mechanism generating consistent among-individual differences in foraging behaviours and gizzard mass. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
a-Amylase Inhibitor, NotPhytohemagglutinin, Explains Resistance ofCommonBeanSeedstoCowpeaWeevil1

Thereareclaims thatphytohemagglutinin (PHA), thelectin of commonbean, Phaseolus vulgaris, istoxic whenfedtothecowpeaweevil, Callosobruchus maculatus, andthatPHAservesas thechemical defense against thisseed-feeding bruchid beetle (DHJanzen, HBJuster, IELiener [1976] Science 192:795-796; AMRGatehouse, FMDewey, JDove, KAFenton, APusztai [1984] JSciFoodAgric 35:373-380). However, ourstudies indicate that neither PHAnoritsisolectins havedetrimental effects whenfed tothecowpeaweevil. Toexplain thesecontradictory results we characterized thecommercial lectin sourceusedbyA.M. R. Gatehouse, F.M. Dewey, J.Dove, K.A. Fenton, A.Pusztai (1984, JSciFoodAgric 35:373-380). We demonstrate herethatthe toxic effects ofPHAtocowpeaweevil areduetoana-amylase inhibitor contaminant inthecommercial preparation.