Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Summer season induced rhythmic alterations in metabolic activities to adapt to heat stress in three indigenous (Osmanabadi, Malabari and Salem Black) goat breeds

Abstract A study was conducted to assess the adaptive capability of three indigenous goat breeds to heat stress. Thirty six 10 months to one-year-old female goats of Osmanabadi, Malabari and Salem Black breeds were randomly divided into six groups, OC (n = 6; Osmanabadi control), OHS (n = 6; Osmanabadi heat stress), MC (n = 6; Malabari control), MHS (n = 6; Malabari heat stress), SBC (n = 6; Salem Black control) and SBHS (n = 6; Salem Black heat stress). Among the metabolic activity controlling hormones, the breed factor significantly (P < 0.05) influenced only plasma triiodothyronine (T3). However, heat stress significantly (P < 0.05) decreased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in both MHS and SHS groups while significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the plasma T3 in MHS. The rumen metabolites such as acetate, propionate, butyrate and total volatile fatty acids (TVFAs) showed significant (P < 0.05) variation for both breed and treatment effect. The Salem Black breed did not show any significant variation for most of the rumen metabolites as compared to both Osmanabadi and Malabari breeds for the heat stress treatment. The study indicated the importance of the metabolic alterations in indigenous goat breeds to cope to the seasonal rhythms. The results indicated that on comparative basis, Salem Black breed adapted better to the heat stress challenges.
Pseudoscorpions from Krakatau Islands and adjacent regions, Indonesia (Chelicerata: Pseudoscorpionida)

Harvey, M.S. 1988. Pseudoscorpions from the krakalau Islands and adjacent regions, Indonesia (Chelicerata: Pseudoscorpionida). Memoirs of the Museum of Victoria 49: 309-353. Eighteen pseudoscorpion species are recorded from Krakalau islands and adjacent regions: Tyrannochthonius krakatau sp.nov., T. bagussp. nov., Lagynochthonius kapisp. now, L.johni (Redikorzev), /. thorntonisp. nov., /. hamulus sp. nov. (Chthoniidae), Garypus maldivensis Pocock (Garypidae). Geogarypusjavanus (Tullgren), G. albus Beier (Geogarypidae), Amblyolpiiini helium Chamberlin, Beierolpium oceanicum (With) (Olpiidae), Metawithiusyurii (Redikorzev) (Withiidae), Paralemnus assimills Beier (Atemnidac), Ilaplochernes warburgi (Tullgren), //. kraepeiini (Tullgren), Aliochernes liwa sp. nov., Verrucachemes oca Chamberlin, and Smeringochernes sp. (Chemetidae). All species except the last are fully described. The following synonymies are proposed: Geogarypusformosanus Beier, G. audyi Beier and G. javanus takensis Beier with G. javanus (Tullgren); Xenolpium oceanicum palauense Beier, X. oceanicum reducturn Beier and X. oceanicum latum Beier with Beierolpium oceanicum (With); and Microchernes orientaiis Beier and M. insularis Beier with Verrucachernes oca Chamberlin. Their biogeography and ecology are discussed. Oralemnus proximus Beier (Atemnidac) is recorded from . lava for the first time, based on a specimen included in the type series o( I luploehernes kraepeiini.
Effects of antifungal activity of essential oils, salts and antioxidants acids on pathogenic fungi and their application methods for controlling postharvest diseases in banana fruits

In vitro clove essential oil (1.0%), sodium carbonate (2.0%) and sorbic, salycilic and propinic acids (0.5%) completely (100%) inhibited mycelial linear growth of Colletotrichum musae and Fusarium moniliforme, which is the cause of postharvest diseases in banana fruits. In vivo different application methods, that is, spray, soaking and dusting were tested on crown rot, neck rot, finger rot and flower end rot under artificial infestation with causal pathogens. Soaking method significantly reduced major postharvest diseases incidence in banana fruits than spray and dusting treatments. Soaking banana fruits in clove suspension (2%) and sodium carbonate (4.0%) was the best treatment that completely inhibited (100%) crown rot and flower end rot diseases and significantly reduced finger rot and neck rot diseases. So, clove oil and sodium carbonate were the most promising agents for controlling major postharvest diseases of banana fruits as eco-friendly and alternative synthetic fungicides.
Isomaltooligosaccharide synthesised from rice starch and its prebiotic properties in vitro

Summary The isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOs) were produced from rice starch with a maximum conversion yield of 84% and had a concentration of 372.5 mg mL−1. Compositions of IMO consisted of 26.7% isomaltohexaose (DP6), 16.2% isomaltotetraose (DP4), 19.6% d-panose (DP3), 21.4% and isomaltose (DP2) and had a dietary fibre content of 1.1%. In vitro (consisted of three vessels) fermentation of instant Sang-Yod rice porridge (ISYRP) mixed with IMO showed a slight increase in beneficial bacteria, bifidobacteria and lactobacilli. On the other hand, the pathogenic bacteria, clostridia and bacteroides were decreased (P < 0.05). The highest prebiotic index (PI) was found in Vessel 1 (0.13). Butyric acid was found at the highest concentration on day 11 (75.1 mm), and it was decreased at day 21 (63.4 mm) in Vessel 1. In conclusion, the ISYRP mixture of IMO was showed a good preference in prebiotic properties.
Bite force and body mass of the fossil rodent Telicomys giganteus (Caviomorpha, Dinomyidae)

Abstract An exceptionally well-preserved skull of the Pliocene rodent Telicomys giganteus allowed the first estimation of body mass and analysis of the bite mechanics of this species of South American giant rodent. In this study, we reconstructed the main anatomical features of the skull of this Pliocene rodent and related them to the bite force at the incisors. The average of an estimation body mass gives 100 kg. We also estimated the bite force using three different techniques. Two methods suggest that bite forces at the incisors have a range of 500–1000 N. However, the incisors seem to be stronger than expected for this bite force, implying that the bite forces may have been greater than 2000 N. We consider the hypothesis of defense against predators or other agonistic behavior to explain our results.
C11orf70 mutations causing primary ciliary dyskinesia disrupt a conserved step in the intraflagellar transport-dependent assembly of multiple axonemal dyneins

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a genetically and phenotypically heterogeneous disorder characterized by destructive respiratory disease and laterality abnormalities due to randomised left-right body asymmetry. PCD is mostly caused by mutations affecting components of the core axoneme structure of motile cilia that are essential for cilia movement. In addition, there is a growing group of PCD genes that encode proteins essential for the assembly of the ciliary dynein motors and the active transport process that delivers them from their cytoplasmic assembly site into the axoneme. We screened a cohort of affected individuals for disease-causing mutations using a targeted next generation sequencing panel and identified 2 unrelated families (3 affected children) with mutations in the uncharacterized C11orf70 gene. The affected children share a consistent PCD phenotype from early life with laterality defects and immotile respiratory cilia displaying combined loss of inner and outer dynein arms (IDA+ODA). Phylogenetic analysis shows C11orf70 is highly conserved, distributed across species similarly to proteins involved in the intraflagellar transport (IFT)-dependant assembly of axonemal dyneins. Paramecium C11orf70 RNAi knockdown led to combined loss of ciliary IDA+ODA with reduced cilia beating and swim velocity. Fluorescently tagged C11orf70 in Paramecium and Chlamydomonas localises mainly in the cytoplasm with a small amount in the ciliary component, its abundance in the axoneme being IFT-dependant. During ciliogenesis, C11orf70 accumulates at the ciliary tips in a similar distribution to the IFT-B protein IFT46. In summary, C11orf70 is essential for IFT-dependant assembly of dynein arms and C11orf70 mutations cause defective cilia motility and PCD.
The effect of repeated sevoflurane and nitrous oxide exposure on immunity in rabbits

1University Department of Anesthesiology, Resuscitation and Intensive Care, Sveti Duh University Hospital, Zagreb, Croatia 2School of Medicine, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia 3Department of Biology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia 4Department of Veterinary Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia 5Clinic for Surgery, Orthopedics and Ophthalmology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Phengaris (Maculinea) teleius butterflies select host plants close to Myrmica ants for oviposition, but P. nausithous do not

Many lycaenid butterfly species have interactions with ants, with 12% obligatorily depending on two sequential sources of larval food, namely host plants and host ants. When host plants are abundant but the density of host ant nests is relatively low, most host plants have no host ant nest in their vicinity and are thus unsuitable for larval survival. Obligatorily myrmecophilous female butterflies, whose caterpillars feed on ant larvae, would have a comparative advantage if they deposit eggs on host plants in the proximity of a host ant nest. However, this ant‐mediated oviposition has been hotly debated. In an open‐air insectory experiment, we tested whether oviposition is ant‐mediated or not for two obligatory myrmecophilous butterfly species, Phengaris (Maculinea) nausithous Bergsträsser and Phengaris teleius Bergsträsser (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae). Female butterflies could select host plants close to either no ant nest or a nest of one of the two Myrmica species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) that are thought to be their host ant. Our results support ant‐mediated oviposition in P. teleius, but also indicate that there is no preference for either of the Myrmica species. More eggs were deposited and more caterpillars were found on long flowerheads close to Myrmica ant nests than on those without nests. Our findings suggest that ant presence is more important than flowerhead phenology for females of P. teleius. In contrast, P. nausithous females were not attracted by ants but preferred long flowerheads with a low percentage of green coloration. With these findings, this study contributes to better understanding of the habitat requirements of two highly specialized butterfly species.
Crude Bacillus thuringiensis pellets efficiently combats Eutetranychus orientalis, the spider mite

ABSTRACT This study demonstrates the efficacy of the crude pellet of Bacillus thuringiensis subs. kurstaki (Btk) obtained by SmF or SSF to combat Eutetranychus orientalis Klein. For bioassay, the mites were collected from infested leaves of Vigna unguiculata and Moringa oleifera, and reared by leaf-disc method employing artificial feeding system. In terms of LC50 values, the crude Btk-toxin (probit: 9.51 mg/mL) obtained by SSF was 2.2-fold more efficient in killing E. orientalis than that of SmF (probit: 22 mg/mL). For the efficacy trial with potted plants, 10 mg crude Btk-toxin obtained by SSF was directly sprayed on the infested plants (V. unguiculata), which completely eliminated the mites from the infested plants within 12 days of treatment. In comparison, the survival rate of mites which received Btk-toxin from SSF was significantly (P < 0.0001) lesser than those received Btk-toxin from SmF. In this first report, apart from the efficiency of Btk-toxin in solid-fermented matter to deter the mites without supplementing any adhesive or surfactant in the diet, a feeding system for its rearing in the laboratory coupled with bioassay was also demonstrated.
Comparison of genetic and visual identification of cisco and lake whitefish larvae from Chaumont Bay, Lake Ontario

Cisco (Coregonus artedi) are an important component of native food webs in the Great Lakes, and their restoration is instrumental to the recovery of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) and Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). Difficulties with visual identification of larvae can confound early life history surveys, as cisco are often difficult to distinguish from lake whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis). We compared traditional visual species identification methods with genetic identifications based on barcoding of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene for 726 coregonine larvae caught in Chaumont Bay, Lake Ontario. We found little agreement between the visual characteristics of cisco identified by genetic barcoding and the most widely used dichotomous key, and the considerable overlap in ranges of traditionally utilized metrics suggests that visual identification of coregonine larvae from Chaumont Bay is impractical. Coregonines are highly variable and plastic species and often display wide variations in morphometric characteristics across their broad range. This study highlights the importance of developing accurate, geographically appropriate larval identification methods to best inform cisco restoration and management efforts.
Quality of Filleted Atlantic Mackerel (Scomber Scombrus) During Chilled and Frozen Storage: Changes in Lipids, Vitamin D, Proteins, and Small Metabolites, including Biogenic Amines

ABSTRACT Quality changes of vacuum-packed Atlantic mackerel (Scomber scombrus) fillets during 12 months’ frozen storage at −27°C and 9 days’ chilled storage at +4°C were evaluated. Freezing at −27°C preserved the long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC n-3 PUFAs), both in light and dark muscle, vitamin D, and the low molecular weight metabolites (LMW) (studied by high resolution nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, HR NMR). Protein oxidation took place, especially between 1 and 7 months, decreasing water holding capacity and protein extractability. During chilled storage, no lipid or protein oxidation was observed, but lipolysis increased, and several LMW metabolites relevant for sensory and nutritional quality degraded into non-favorable compounds. The content of biogenic amines was high at day 9 (e.g., 18 mg histamine/100 g), jeopardizing safety. Preservation of mackerel fillets by freezing at −27°C is thus a better option compared to prolonged chilled storage at +4°C; the quality was well preserved for 12 months’ frozen storage.
Molecular Cloning, Characterisation, Tissue Distribution, and mRNA Expression Changes under Different Light Regimes of Brain and Muscle Arnt-Like Protein-1 (BMAL1) in Columba Livia

Brain and muscle Arnt-like protein-1 (BMAL1) plays an important role in circadian rhythm, which is involved in daily behaviours and physiological activities. However, little is known about the molecular function of BMAL1 in the Pigeon (Columba livia). In our study, the full-length cDNA of Bmal1 was cloned and sequenced from the Pigeon for the first time, and submitted to the GenBank to obtain the accession number (KF906247). The full-length cDNA of Bmal1 consists of 2,488 nucleotides, and encodes 634 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis showed that it bore the greatest similarity to Bmal1 from the Chicken (Gallus gallus) and Barn Owl (Tyto alba). The amino acid sequence of the Pigeon BMAL1 contained a HLH domain and two PAS domains, which are involved in forming hetero-homodimers with the CLOCK as the positive element of the circadian rhythm. The results of real-time quantitative PCR of Bmal1 under different light regimes showed that the amplitude and expression pattern of Bmal1 were strongly affected by day length. Bmal1 was most highly expressed in the pancreas. Relative to Bmal1 expression level under 12 h of light exposure, it was increased significantly in the pituitary gland, ovary and uterus under 15 h of light exposure (P < 0.05). However, other tissues, including the hypothalamus, heart, liver, spleen, kidney, intestines, crureus, and pectorals exhibited no significant difference (P < 0.05) under the two light regimes. This is the first study to investigate Bmal1 mRNA levels in various tissues under different light cycles, and thereby provide data for further study of the molecular and regulatory mechanisms of Bmal1 and circadian clock genes of the Pigeon.
Caracterización morfológica de un rebaño de conservación de cabras criollas en Zacatecas, México

The objective was to identify goats of Blanca Celtiberica breed in a conservation herd in Zacatecas, Mexico, through a phenotypic characterization. 81 female goats were split in two groups: over one year old (n=61) and under one year old (n=20). A total of 24 characteristics were analysed, 8 qualitative and 15 quantitative. A hierarchical cluster and discriminant analysis were performed using SAS software. The cluster analysis of females over one year old showed multivariate differences (P 0.05) were identified for the group of females under one year old. The variables with discriminant power (P<0.05) were: HC, EL and rump height. Three sub-groups (38 goats) were identified with similar characteristics to Blanca Celtiberica from the group of females over one year old. And two sub-groups (18 goats) from the group under one year old. In total 69% of the goats showed characteristics of Blanca Celtiberica breed. Therefore, this herd represent an opportunity to preserve the genetics of the breed.
APOPTOSIS RATE IN CUMULUS CELLS AS POSSIBLE MOLECULAR BIOMARKERFOR OOCYTE COMPETENCE.

Several lines of evidence showed that apoptosis rate of cumulus cells in oocytes derived by assisted reproductive technologies could be used as an indicator of fertilizing gamete quality. Aim of the study was to investigate the effects of three different ovarian stimulation protocols on the biological and clinical outcome in hyporesponder patients. Collected data showed a higher significant rate of DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in U group (patients treated with Highly Purified human Menopausal Gonadotrophin) than in P group (treated with recombinant human Follicle Stimulating Hormone (r-hFSH) combined with recombinant human Luteinizing Hormone (r-hLH)). Both groups R (treated with r-hFSH alone) and P showed a significant increase in collected and fertilized oocytes number, embryo quality number. This study showed that combined r-hFSH/r-hLH therapy could represent the best pharmacological strategy for controlled ovarian stimulation and suggests to use DFI as a biomarker of ovarian function in hyporesponder patients. © EuroMediterranean Biomedical Journal 2017
Control of septin filament flexibility and bundling

Septins self-assemble into heteromeric rods and filaments to act as scaffolds and modulate membrane properties. How cells tune the biophysical properties of septin filaments to control filament flexibility and length, and in turn the size, shape, and position of higher-order septin structures is not well understood. We examined how rod composition and nucleotide availability influence physical properties of septins such as annealing, fragmentation, bundling and bending. We found that septin complexes have symmetric termini, even when both Shs1 and Cdc11 are coexpressed. The relative proportion of Cdc11/Shs1 septin complexes controls the biophysical properties of filaments and influences the rate of annealing, fragmentation, and filament flexibility. Additionally, the presence and exchange of guanine nucleotide also alters filament length and bundling. An Shs1 mutant that is predicted to alter nucleotide hydrolysis has altered filament length and dynamics in cells and impacts cell morphogenesis. These data show that modulating filament properties through rod composition and nucleotide binding can control formation of septin assemblies that have distinct physical properties and functions.
The Ecology of Bats in South-east Australian Forests and Potential Impacts of Forestry Practices: A Review

Bats are important contributors to Australia's mammal diversity and are ecologically diverse, feeding on insects, fish, small vertebrates, nectar, pollen and fruit. As such they are likely to play key ecological roles as regulators of invertebrate populations and pollinators of forests. Although somewhat contradictory, current evidence suggest that logging impacts on the species richness and activity of insectivorous bats when forest structural complexity and the number of available roosting hollows are reduced. Inconsistent results concerning impact on species richness stem from methodological problems with bat surveys. "Rare" species are often recorded in low numbers, preventing habitat preferences and disturbance impacts from being determined. Radio-telemetry has demonstrated that roosts in hollows of mature trees are a critical resource for many species of bats due to species specific requirements. However, it is not yet possible to state whether bat populations are directly limited by the availability of hollows in areas where a mosaic of logged and unlogged forest exists. Although data on foraging areas are extremely limited, some species appear to be flexible, capable of flying across open areas and exploiting those rich in invertebrates. Some species (e.g., Vespadelus) show a high degree of site attachment, possibly indicating a susceptibility to logging, however, the extent of site fidelity for most species is unknown. As pollinators, megachiropteran bats are likely to play a key role in maintaining the genetic diversity currently present in eucalypts by facilitating long-distance movement of pollen. Areas that are productive in nectar and pollen have a high conservation value for these bats and many other nectarivores, however, the age at which important nectar-producing trees flower is generally not known. The extent to which wildlife prescriptions, such as habitat trees and mosaics of small reserves, mitigate these impacts on bat species requires urgent research.
Hypercaloric diet and chronic stress desynchronizes the temporal pattern of rats’ insulin release

Abstract This study evaluated the effects of the association between obesity and chronic stress on the temporal pattern of serum levels of biochemical and hormonal markers. Obesity model was achieved by hypercaloric diet exposure. Wistar rats were divided into four groups: standard chow (C), hypercaloric diet (HD), stress + standard chow (S), and stress + hypercaloric diet (SHD) and analysed at three time points: ZT0, ZT12 and ZT18. Chronic stress was performed 1 h/per day, 5 days/per week, during 80 days. The presence of temporal pattern in naïve animals’ insulin release was accomplished. Hypercaloric diet induced obesity, increasing rats’ insulin and glucose levels; while chronic stress reduced insulin levels. There were interactions between chronic stress and obesity in serum insulin and glucose levels; and between time points and obesity in insulin levels. In conclusion, long exposure to hypercaloric diet and chronic stress were able to desynchronize temporal pattern of insulin release, contributing to the pathophysiology of obesity and its complications.
Phenol degradation by Acinetobacter sp. in the presence of heavy metals

The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of Acinetobacter sp. strain AQ5NOL 1 immobilised in gellan gum beads to degrade phenol in the presence of heavy metals. Seven different heavy metals, namely, As5+, Cu2+, Cd2+, Ni2+, Cr6+, Pb2+, and Hg2+ at 1 ppm were tested. Results of the study showed that degradation of phenol by free cells was inhibited by Hg2+, Cu2+ and Cr6+ after 48 hours of incubation by 97.91 %, 77.58 % and 75.26 %, respectively. Only Hg2+ and Cr6+ inhibited phenol degradation by immobilised Acinetobacter cells in 18 hours by 67.55 % and 53.19 %. Phenol degradation by immobilised cells was affected when Cr6+ and Hg2+ concentrations exceeded 0.5 and 0.1 ppm, respectively. However, inhibitory effects of heavy metals can be overcome by prolonging the incubation time for immobilised Acinetobacter sp. strain AQ5NOL 1 from 18 hours to 24 and 30 hours for Cr6+ (46.80 %) and Hg2+ (21.40 %), respectively.