Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Duration of tonic immobility in laying hens affected by different housing systems.

Birds that are frightened can be put into catatonic state known as tonic immobility (TI). The aim of this work was to establish whether birds housed in different types of cages or free-range show different TI responses. Laying hens (brown layers Shaver 579) were kept in four different housing systems: A) battery-cages with 5 hens per cage with a density of 500 cm2 per bird; B) battery-cages with 5 hens per cage with a density of 650 cm2 per bird; C) hens kept in modified cages, in small compartments with perch’s, a nest box and a scratch tray with 60 hens per compartment with a density 750 cm2 per bird and over 600 cm2 useable floor space; D) Intensive free range combined with a floor system and a density of 4 birds per one m2 of poultry house and 2 bird per m2 of a range. Twenty birds from each housing system were chosen at random for TI examination at the age of 35 weeks. Before statistical analyses the data were normalized using a logarithmic transformation. Birds from conventional cages (group A) remained in TI for shorter periods (1.82) than birds from modified cages and free range (2.0 for group B, 1.99 for group C and 2.06 for group D). The average number of attempts required to place birds into TI was identical for all the birds housed in cages (groups A, B and C) – 1.7, and somewhat higher for free-range birds – 1.9.
The Dose-Dependent Testiculoprotective and Testiculotoxic Potentials of Telfairia occidentalis Hook f. Leaves Extract in Rat.

Summary: Telfairia occidentalis Hook f. (fluted pumpkin), is native to West Africa but occurs mostly in its cultivated form in various parts of southern Nigeria. It is a darkish green leafy vegetable popularly used in soup and folk medicine for the management of many diseases in Nigeria. In the present study the effects of fresh Telfairia occidentalis leaves (TOL) extract on the rat testis histomorphometry, spermatogenic parameters and oxidative status were investigated. 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg/day/oral route TOL extract were administered on three groups of Sprague-Dawley rats respectively for 56 days. A fourth group that served as control was given 10 mL/kg/day of distilled water. Animals that had 200 mg/kg of the extract showed improved sperm parameters and a fairly preserved testicular oxidative status. However, the groups of rats that were treated with both 400 and 800 mg/kg of the extract exhibited poor histomorphometric profiles, deranged sperm characteristics and increased evidence of testicular oxidative stress. Our results therefore indicate that, while the lower dose of TOL extract is testiculoprotective, the higher doses indeed demonstrate testiculotoxicity in the rat. Thus the dose of application of the extract in folk medicine should be regulated to forestall possible reproductive impairment. Industrial relevance: Telfairia occidentalis Hook f. is widely used in traditional Nigerian medicine especially as a hematopoietic agent. Its effects on other organs including the testis have however, been largely under-investigated. The present study therefore explores the changes in the testes of rats fed with fresh extract of Telfairia occidentalis Hook f. leaves with a view of providing base line information on the safety of the plant used in folkloric medicine.
Excretion pattern of aflatoxins in buffalo milk and carry-over in mozzarella cheese

Riassunto Presenza di aflatossine(AF) nel latte di bufala e passaggio nella mozzarella – Due bufale sono state alimentate per 5 d con mangime naturalmente contaminato da AF. Nel latte è stata rilevata la presenza non solo di AFM1, ma anche di AFM2, AFB1 e AFB2. Le percentuali di escrezione nel latte, rispetto alle quantità ingerite, sono risultate molto basse per AFM1 (0,2%), AFB1 (0,05%) e AFB2 (0,2%), mentre notevolmente più alta è stata quella per AFM2 (2%). Partendo da latte contaminato, sono state prodotte alcune mozzarelle con la tradizionale tecnica di caseificazione, al fine di valutare il passaggio delle AF nel formaggio. Contrariamente a quel che avviene per i formaggi vaccini, non è stato rilevato alcun aumento della concentrazione di AF nella mozzarella; per AFM1 e AFB1 il livello è risultato analogo a quello del latte, mentre per AFM2 e AFB2 è risultato inferiore.
Preventing insect adaptation to insect-resistant crops: are seed mixtures or refugia the best strategy?

Transgenic crops expressing insecticidal toxins could soon provide safe, clean and effective means of pest control, but their usefulness will be short-lived if insects adapt to the toxins. Two planting strategies are among those that have been recommended to delay crop failure: susceptible insects could be conserved by planting either ‘refugia’, i.e. separate fields of toxic and toxin-free crop, or ‘seed mixtures’ of toxic and toxin-free plants in the same fields. However, we show that if insects can move from plant to plant, seed mixtures may actually hasten insect resistance compared with pure stands of toxic plants. Insect movement causes an increase in effective genetic dominance which can counteract reduced selection due to the mixture. This failure of seed mixtures is likely under just those conditions, low genetic dominance of resistance, which predict a good chance for resistance to the toxin to evolve slowly. Seed mixtures, unlike refugia, are therefore failure prone. This result also suggests potential problems with a third strategy, tissue-specific expression of toxins, which essentially provides a mixture of toxin-free and toxin-containing tissues on the same plant. However, better information and modelling are urgently required to evaluate alternative means of slowing insect adaptation to resistant crop plants. Legislation for toxinfree refugia may provide one of the best available means for conserving insect susceptibility.
The development of vocalizations in Pipistrellus pipistrellus (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) during post-natal growth and the maintenance of individual vocal signatures

The development of vocalizations during post-natal growth in the microchiropteran bat Pipistrellus pipistrellus is described. Vocalizations served as precursors of echolocation sounds and as isolation calls used to attract mothers. Although calls judged to be echolocation precursors tended to be of short duration and possessed high rates of frequency modulation when compared with isolation calls, a wide spectrum of intermediate calls existed making classification diffuse. Changes in the frequencies and durations of calls during growth are described. Multiple discriminant analysis showed considerable inter-individual variation in isolation calls, while the calls of any individual were remarkably consistent in their structure at both six days and 15 days of age. The relative importance of acoustic call parameters in contributing towards inter-individual variation changed between six days and 15 days. Vocal signatures of youngsters were probably important in allowing a mother to identify her own offspring in a creche thus preventing misdirected maternal care in this species, though vocal signatures of infants changed during development. Echolocation calls of flying juveniles were compared with calls from their mothers.
The Structure of Crustacean Zooplankton Communities in Glaciated Eastern North America

The zooplankton community structure of 696 lakes in Pleistocene glaciated eastern North America indicated to us that glacial influence was the primary determinant of community structure. Using this criterion we successfully discriminated 82% of the lakes between glacial lakes, to which Diaptomus sicilis, Limnocalanus macrurus, Mysis relicta, and Senecella calanoides were restricted, and nonglacial lakes, to which Cyclops scutifer, Eubosmina longispina, Daphnia pulex, D. catawba, and other species were characteristic. A third large group of common species was distributed throughout the study area with no particular relation to glacial lake influence. No clear patterns in community structure with respect to size of zooplankters were discerned. Although some species distributions or abundances were consistent with the well-known predatory and competitive interactions among zooplankters typical of small lakes and ponds, for example, the negative correlation between the predatory Mysis relicta and Eubosmina lo.
Effects of riffle-step restoration on hyporheic zone chemistry in N-rich lowland streams

Stream restoration projects that aim to rehabilitate ecosystem health have not considered surfacesubsurface linkages, although stream water and groundwater interaction has an important role in sustaining stream ecosystem functions. The present study examined the effect of constructed riffles and a step on hyporheic exchange flow and chemistry in restored reaches of several N-rich agricultural and urban streams in southern Ontario. Hydrometric data collected from a network of piezometers and conservative tracer releases indicated that the constructed riffles and steps were effective in inducing hyporheic exchange. However, despite the use of cobbles and boulders in the riffle construction, high stream dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations were depleted rapidly with depth into the hyporheic zones. Differences between observed and predicted nitrate concentrations based on conservative ion concentration patterns indicated that these hyporheic zones were also nitrate sinks. Zones of low hydraulic conductivity .
Dietary α-Tocopherol Decreases α-Tocotrienol but Not γ-Tocotrienol Concentration in Rats

We previously showed that alpha- and gamma-tocotrienols accumulate in adipose tissue and skin but not in plasma or other tissues of rats fed a tocotrienol-rich fraction extracted from palm oil containing alpha-tocopherol and alpha- and gamma-tocotrienols. To clarify the nature of tocotrienol metabolism, we studied the distribution of alpha- or gamma-tocotrienol in rats fed alpha- or gamma-tocotrienol without alpha-tocopherol, and the effect of alpha-tocopherol on their distribution. Wistar rats (4-wk-old) were fed a diet with 50 mg alpha-tocotrienol/kg alone or with 50 mg alpha-tocopherol/kg in expt. 1, and a diet with 50 mg gamma-tocotrienol/kg alone or with 50 mg alpha-tocopherol/kg in expt. 2, for 8 wk. alpha-Tocotrienol was detected in various tissues and plasma of the rats fed alpha-tocotrienol alone, and the alpha-tocotrienol concentrations in those tissues and plasma decreased (P /= 0.05) gamma-tocotrienol concentrations in the adipose tissue and skin or to increase (P >/= 0.05) in the urinary excretion of 2,7,8-trimethyl-2(2'-carboxymethyl)-6-hydroxycroman, a metabolite of gamma-tocotrienol, in the rats fed gamma-tocotrienol with alpha-tocopherol. These data suggest that alpha-tocopherol enhances the alpha-tocotrienol metabolism but not the gamma-tocotrienol metabolism in rats.
Modelling potential spawning habitat of sardine (Sardina pilchardus) and anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus) in the Bay of Biscay

Large amplitude variations in recruitment of small pelagic fish result from interactions between a fluctuating environment and population dynamics processes such as spawning. The spatial extent and location of spawning, which is critical to the fate of eggs and larvae, can vary strongly from year to year, as a result of changing population structure and environmental conditions. Spawning habitat can be divided into 'potential spawning habitat', defined as habitat where the hydrographic conditions are suitable for spawning, 'realized spawning habitat', defined as habitat where spawning actually occurs, and 'successful spawning habitat', defined as habitat from where successful recruitment has resulted. Using biological data collected during the period 2000–2004, as well as hydrographic data, we investigate the role of environmental parameters in controlling the potential spawning habitat of anchovy and sardine in the Bay of Biscay. Anchovy potential spawning habitat appears to be primarily related to bottom temperature followed by surface temperature and mixed-layer depth, whilst surface and bottom salinity appear to play a lesser role. The possible influence of hydrographic factors on the spawning habitat of sardine seems less clear than for anchovy. Modelled relationships between anchovy and sardine spawning are used to predict potential spawning habitat from hydrodynamical simulations. The results show that the seasonal patterns in spawning are well reproduced by the model, indicating that hydrographic changes may explain a large fraction of spawning spatial dynamics. Such models may prove useful in the context of forecasting potential impacts of future environmental changes on sardine and anchovy reproductive strategy in the north-east Atlantic.
Establishing Surrogate–Virus Relationships for Ozone Disinfection of Wastewater

Abstract Safe reuse of wastewater requires high levels of pathogen inactivation. Ozone is a very effective disinfectant for viruses and has distinct benefits over other forms of disinfectants, in that it increases the clarity of water and can oxidize some chemical contaminants in water. However, because of the combination of high ozone demand of most wastewaters and rapid reaction with viruses, determination of ozone dose in wastewater and recycled water treatment is not well defined. While various surrogates are used as indicator organisms for human pathogenic viruses in water reuse practice, much less is known about the relationship between surrogates and human pathogenic viruses for ozone disinfection in wastewater. In this study, the ozone inactivation dose response of several surrogates (Escherichia coli, coliphage T1, T4, PRD-1, ΦX174, and MS2) and human pathogenic viruses (poliovirus 1, echovirus 11, coxsackievirus B5, and adenovirus 2) were compared for the first time in secondary effluent wastewa.
A revision of Lycodon ruhstrati (Fischer 1886) auctorum (Squamata Colubridae), with the description of a new species from Thailand and a new subspecies from the Asian mainland

The Asian colubrid species related to Lycodon ruhstrati (Fischer 1886) are revised on the basis of their morphology, pattern and colouration, in combination with DNA analyses. Lycodon ruhstrati auctorum is revealed to be a species complex. We restrict this specific nomen to populations of Taiwan. The mainland populations thus far gathered under this name form two taxa. For the first one, with dorsal scales entirely smooth, the name Lycodon futsingensis (Pope 1928) is available. The second taxon is described here as Lycodon ruhstrati abditus n. subsp. This subspecies is genetically close to the nominate form restricted here to Taiwan but differs by some morphological characters. In addition to the differences in ventral and subcaudal scale counts, and maxillary teeth formula, Lycodon ruhstrati abditus n. subsp. has keeled vertebral scales whereas in L. futsingensis all dorsal scales are unkeeled. Another new taxon is described here as Lycodon ophiophagus n. sp. to accommodate an isolated population on the Thai Peninsula. It is distinguishable by its ventral and subcaudal scale counts, the long posterior maxillary teeth, the colouration and by having keeled dorsal scale rows. Lycodon paucifasciatus is a valid species, redefined on the basis of new material from central Vietnam. Lycodon multifasciatus , until recently regarded as a subspecies of Lycodon ruhstrati , is also considered to be a valid species.
Seagrass Biomass and Productivity in Seaweed and Non-Seaweed Farming Areas in the East Coast of Zanzibar,

Seagrass beds are often subjected to stress resulting from natural and human activities. In this study, the shoot density, biomass and growth characteristics of Thalassia hemprichii and Enhalus acoroides were measured to assess the impact of seaweed farming activities on seagrass meadows at Marumbi, Chwaka Bay and Jambiani in the East Coast of Zanzibar. There was significantly higher T. hemprichii shoot density in non-seaweed areas compared to seaweed farmed areas. However, there were no significant differences in E. acoroides shoot density between seaweed and non-seaweed areas and between the two sites. Also, there was significantly higher total biomass of T. hemprichii in non-seaweed areas compared to seaweed areas. However, there were no significant differences in the total biomass of E. acoroides between seaweed and non-seaweed areas and among the sites. The growth and photosynthetic (ETR and Fv/Fm ratios) characteristics of both T. hemprichii and E. acoroides varied inconsistently between seaweed and non seaweed areas suggesting that there is no effect on seaweed farming to the growth rate of the seagrasses. Thus, the reduced seagrass shoot density and biomass in seaweed farms compared to non-seaweed areas observed in this particular study is most likely to be due to physical disturbances in the farms such as bioturbation or deliberate removal of seagrasses by farmers. Keywords : Seagrasses, thalassia hemprichii, enhalus acoroides , biomass, productivity West Indian Ocean Journal of Marine Science Vol. 5 (2) 2006: pp. 141-152
A comparison of selected performance indicators, nutrient digestibility and nitrogen balance parameters in Californian and Flemish Giant rabbits

Medium rabbit breeds such as Californian (CAL) are generally regarded as most suitable for meat production on commercial farms. Despite the increasing scale of production, commercial rabbit breeding has not replaced traditional and organic small-scale farming systems which use various rabbit breeds and hybrids. The Flemish Giant (FG), the largest rabbit breed in the world, is widely used in small household farms. According to researchers, the progeny of FG does have a relatively high weaning weight, and bucks are deemed good paternal components in commercial crossing. The aim of this study was to compare rearing rate, body weight, daily gains, carcass dressing percentage and the percentage of primal cuts in the carcass in CAL and FG rabbits. Nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance and nitrogen retention parameters were also compared in the studied breeds. In our study, CAL rabbits were characterised by better reproductive performance in comparison with FG rabbits. Despite the above, the observed daily gain values, daily nitrogen balance and retention parameters and carcass dressing percentages of the compared breeds suggest that FGs may be a good alternative to medium breeds such as CAL rabbits.
Magnolol affects cellular growth and proliferation in human prostatecancer cells in vitro

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in men in Canada and the United States. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to development and progression of many cancers, including prostate cancer, with prostate cancer affecting many men worldwide. As such there have been many studies into the effects of natural products on this form of cancer. This work demonstrates the effects of magnolol, a compound found in the roots and bark of the magnolia tree Magnolia officinalis, on the behavior of LNCaP, DU145 and PC3 human prostate cancer cells in vitro. Magnolol was found to be cytotoxic to human prostate cancer cells, and to affect cell cycle progression of DU145 and PC3 cells, resulting in alterations to the cell cycle and subsequently decreasing the proportion of cells entering the G2/M-phase of the cell cycle. Magnolol inhibited the expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins including cyclins A, B1, D1 and E, as well as CDK2 and CDK4. Protein expression levels of pRBp107 decreased, while pRBp130 and p27 protein expression levels increased in response to magnolol exposure. PC3 cells exposed to magnolol exhibited decreased protein expression of ornithine decarboxylase, a key regulator in polyamine biosynthesis, as well as affecting expression of other proteins involved in polyamine biosynthesis and catabolism. Furthermore, protein expression of the R2 subunit of ribonucleotide reductase was significantly decreased. Cellular signaling pathways were also assayed to determine which, if any, of these pathways magnolol exposure would alter. Finally, magnolol was found to affect the expression of IGF-I and associated proteins in LNCaP and PC3 cells. In both cell lines,
Integration of signalling in smooth muscle caveolae

Caveolae and lipid rafts are plasma membrane microdomains that are considered to play a role in cellular signalling. Caveolins and cavins as well as cholesterol are required for the structure and function of caveolae. The papers summarized in this thesis examine the role of caveolae in smooth muscle function. Ca2+-sensitization is a contractile process depending on inhibition of myosin phosphatase activity. Here I test whether protein kinase C and Rho-associated kinase-mediated Ca2+ sensitization depends on caveolae using gene disrupted (KO) mice. While the process of Ca2+ sensitization was unaffected by lack of caveolae in the intestine, α1-adrenergic and protein kinase C-mediated arterial contraction was increased. Arteries lacking caveolae weighed more per unit length, suggesting growth of the arterial wall. I go on to demonstrate that small resistance arteries from KO mice are remodelled, and that these and other changes counterbalance an excessive NO production to normalize blood pressure in caveolin-1 deficient mice. NO production is required for initiating and maintaining penile erection. Surprisingly, nerve-induced relaxation and relaxation in response carbachol and sodium nitroprusside was impaired in caveolae-deficient corpus cavernosum. In the last two papers, I examine the role of caveolae in detrusor function. Disruption of caveolae using desorption of cholesterol was first shown to impair contraction of human bladder strips in response to muscarinic receptor activation. I then demonstrate that the membrane density of caveolae increases after bladder outlet obstruction in the rat. The latter effect was due to crowding of the same relative number of caveolin molecules on a smaller relative membrane area. In conclusion, a considerable body of evidence has been gathered that demonstrate an important and pleiotropic physiological and pathophysiological role of caveolae in smooth muscle (Less)
MONTHLY CLIMATIC CONTRIBUTION TO THE WINTER INJURY OF ALFALFA

A technique was developed to determine the long-term climatic contribution of each month to the winter injury of alfalfa from the start of growth in May to the end of the dormant period in April the next year. The basic hypothesis was that this contribution is proportional to the number of climatic variables (single or combined) showing a significant difference between the years of higher and lower survival, i.e. to the number of variables affecting survival. The variables were related to soil and air temperatures, soil frost depth, hours of sunshine, and rain and snow regimes. Annual curves of the monthly numbers of significant variables for Swift Current and La Pocatiere were similar. Converting the number of significant variables into terms of relative winter injury, the critical months at Swift Current were: May, contributing to winter injury by 12%; October (12%); December (19%); March (11%); and April (22%). At La Pocatiere, they were: May (12%); November (15%); January (10%); March (10%); and April.