Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RESEARCH ARTICLE Seroprevalence of Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in sheep from Libya

Manuscript History: Toxoplasmosis is a worldwide contagious disease of humans and other warm-blooded animals including birds caused by coccidian parasite Toxoplasma gondii. This survey was carried out to show the prevalence of antibodies of T. gondiiin sheep by latex agglutination test (LAT) in different geographical areas in Libya (western area, central area, eastern area, and southern area). The results of this survey are showed that the overall seroprevalence of antibody of Toxoplasma is 71%. There was significant differences in infection to Toxoplasma gondii in the age group of sheep (P = 0.00). The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma antibody in sheep in the 1 years old sheep. The results showed that there was a significant relation between the seropositivity and presence of abortion in sheep (P = 0.000). Also a significant differences was observed between rate of infection and management system (Extensive and Intensive) of sheep (P =0.022). In total the results of this study together with the previously recorded show high seroprevalence in sheep in Libya and other countries support the impression that Toxoplasmosis is widespread cause for abortion and a latent infection in sheep. Furthermore sheep are suitable host for Toxoplasma gondii.
On the molecular mechanisms controlling oocyte meiotic maturation in Caenorhabditis elegans

A conserved biological feature of sexual reproduction in animals is that oocytes arrest in meiotic prophase and resume meiosis in response to extra-ovarian signals. While meiotic maturation signals activate highly conserved pathways (e.g. MAP kinase and CDK/cyclin B), the receptor signaling mechanisms involved are less well defined. In C. elegans, sperm trigger meiotic resumption using the Major Sperm Protein (MSP) signal. MSP signaling involves two parallel genetic pathways, defined by vab-1, which encodes an MSP/Eph receptor protein-tyrosine kinase, and ceh-18, which encodes a POU-homeoprotein expressed in gonadal sheath cells. vab-1 and ceh-18 negatively regulate MAP kinase (MAPK) activation, and MSP relieves this inhibition to promote meiotic maturation. MSP directly binds VAB-1 on oocytes, but as vab-1 null mutants respond normally to MSP, signaling must also involve the function of unidentified receptors. ceh-18 functions in the gonadal sheath cells, indicating that sheathÂ¬-oocyte communication may be important in maintaining meiotic arrest. Thus, additional components of the vab-1 and ceh-18 pathways function to negatively regulate MAPK activation and meiotic maturation in the absence of MSP. Using a genome-wide RNAi screen in a female-sterile genetic background, I identified seventeen conserved genes that maintain meiotic arrest in the absence of the MSP signal. Four conserved proteins, including a disabled protein (DAB-1), a vav family GEF (VAV-1), a protein kinase C (PKC-1), and a STAM homolog (PQN-19), function with the VAB-1 Eph/MSP receptor in oocytes. I show that antagonistic GAis and GAio/i signaling pathways function in the soma to regulate meiotic maturation in parallel to the VAB-1 pathway. GAis activity is necessary and sufficient to promote meiotic maturation, which it does in part by antagonizing inhibitory sheath/oocyte gap-junctional communication. Further evidence shows that MSP signaling reorganizes oocyte microtubules through a signaling network involving antagonistic GAis and GAio/i pathways and gap-junctional communication with somatic cells of the gonad. I propose that MSP-dependent microtubule reorganization promotes meiotic spindle assembly by facilitating the search and capture of microtubules by meiotic chromatin following NEBD. My findings show that oocyte Eph receptor and somatic cell G protein signaling pathways control meiotic diapause in C. elegans, highlighting contrasts and parallels between MSP signaling in C. elegans and luteinizing hormone signaling in mammals.
Prevalence of Pregabalin (Lyrica) Abuse among Healthcare Professionals in Asser Province Saudi Arabia

Abstract Introduction: Substance use disorders among healthcare professionals (HCPs) adversely affect the HCPs ability to perform their duties. No previous researches that have examined the prevalence of pregabalin abuse among HCPs. Our study aimed to assess prevalence of pregabalin abuse among HCPs in Asser province of Saudi Arabia and its associated factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among HCPs (n=372) in three main hospitals in Asser region, southern Saudi Arabia using an English online survey questionnaire which was developed by the researchers after intensive literature review and using the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.; DSM-5; APA, 2013) criteria for the pregabalin use disorder. Results: Most of the participants were young (25.6 ± 9.5 years), married males with mean experience of 8.1 ± 10.6 years. About 43.4% of the studied sample were physicians whereas paramedical staff, nurses and pharmacists constituted 29%, 17.7%, 9.7%, respectively. The utilization rate was 11.6% of the sampled staff, and non-prescribed among 48.9% of pregabalin users. The prevalence of pregabalin abuse among the studied sample was 0.06%. Almost, 61.9% of abusers were males, 52% (p=0.030) of them were less than 30-year-old, 57.1% (p=0.049) paramedical staff, on the other hand other factors including job experience and marital status had no relation with pregabalin abuse. Approximately 42.9% of abusers use it for stress management with recorded statistical significance (p=0.005) and 52% abused more than one drug at a time (p>0.05). Conclusion: This is the first study examined the prevalence of pregabalin abuse among HCPs. Our findings confirmed previous studies examining the pregabalin abuse potential and substance use disorder among HCPs. Solid regulations are substantial for prescribing pregabalin among HCPs.
Utilisation des indices diatomiques pour la mesure de la qualité des eaux du bassin Artois-Picardie : bilan et perspectives

Because of the special nature of the streams in its basin, the Water Agency of Artois-Picard ie adopted in 1988 the diatoms and diatom indices for the assessment of water quality. Six indices have been tested. The results show that the IPS or Specific Polluosensitivity Index (Coste in CEMAGREF 1982) is the only on provide a realistic assessment of water quality. This index integrates three variables : organic pollution expressed as DB0 5, DCO or ammonium, salinity expressed as conductivity and chlorides, and eutrophication which, when actual, is expressed as chlorophyll levels and, when potential, is expressed as phosphate levels. These three variables are the principal factors responsible for variations in water quality within the basin. In addition, the physicochemical conditions were markedly stable throughout the year and therefore the diatom indices calculated in September are representative of summer water quality. Different simula­ tions have been made, using the program OMNIDIA, in order to determine a practical index that can be used routinely. The results show that the best approach is to work at the generic level with occasional determinations to species.
Clinical and cytogenetic features of Moroccan patients with primary myelodysplastic syndrome

Myelodysplastic syndroma (MDS) is heterogeneous group of hematological malignancies characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis and peripheral cytopenia with a variable risk of developing acute leukemia [1]. The incidence rate is about 5 per 100000 persons per year in the general population, but increases to 20 to 50 cases per 100000 persons per year after age 60 years old [2,3]. The number of MDS patients is destined to increase in the next decades. Incidence rate of MDS in our region was underestimated and largely misdiagnosed. The demographic statistic of Moroccan population increase up to 5.8 million in 2030, this projection can explain why MDS in our region will be a real public health problem. Due to socioeconomic constraints and incomplete diagnosis tools, support care of MDS will be the most challenging issue in the future.
Cytokines Network and Influenza Virus Infection

Influenza virus is the common trigger for cytokines. Excessive cytokine response can lead to different extent pulmonary injury while defending pathogens, which depends on the pathogenicity of the virus and the strength of host response. Insight of the host reaction and the kinetics of cytokines network response can guide the clinical diagnosis and treatment, which can help reduce the mobility and the mortality
Efeito inibitório de óleos essenciais do gênero Citrus sobre o crescimento de micro-organismos

Os óleos essenciais encontrados em plantas medicinais, aromáticas e condimentares têm interessado às indústrias alimentícias, pelas suas propriedades antimicrobianas contra bactérias deteriorantes e/ou patogênicas. No intuito de avaliar o efeito inibitório dos óleos essenciais da casca e da folha de Citrus limonia Osbeck (limão-cravo), Citrus aurantifolia (Chrst.) Swingle (limão-galego) e Citrus latifolia Tanaka (limão-tahiti), foram realizados experimentos, utilizando-se a técnica de cultura de difusão em placa de ágar com as bactérias Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli e Pseudomonas aeruginosa e levedura Candida utilis. Para o fungo Penicillium expansum, foram realizadas culturas em placas-padrão com e sem a presença dos óleos. Nos ensaios in vitro, os óleos essenciais testados promoveram inibição de todos os micro-organismos testados, e os maiores halos ocorreram sobre a levedura C. utilis. Nas bactérias, os óleos induziram melhor inibição sobre S. aureus do que em E. coli e P. aeruginosa. O efeito inibitório dos óleos de citros foi eficaz sobre o fungo P. expansum, exceto o óleo de limão-cravo, que mostrou efeito estimulante de crescimento. Os óleos essenciais analisados demonstraram efeito inibitório sobre os micro-organismos avaliados.
Glow-worm larvae bioluminescence (Coleoptera: Lampyridae) operates as an aposematic signal upon toads (Bufo bufo)

It is an established fact that the spectacular bioluminescent displays of adult fireflies and glow-worms are used as courtship signals; however, the survival value of the glowing behavior of their larvae remained the subject of speculation for many years. Our study is the first that demonstrates that lampyrid larvae use luminescence to signal unpalatability to nocturnal, visually guided predators. Wild-caught toads (Bufo bufo) were more reluctant to attack luminescent artificial prey, and we show that avoidance learning increased this reluctance. After being exposed to glow-worm larvae (Lampyris noctiluca), which the toads experienced as disagreeable, attack latencies to luminescent prey increased, but not those to nonglowing prey. Not all toads showed avoidance learning to the same extent, because of either differences in previous experience with glow-worms or differences in memory. Copyright 2003.
Response of chickpea accession to row spacing and plant density on a vertisol on the Darling Downs, south-eastern Queensland. 1. Dry matter production and seed yield

Six accessions of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), representing both desi and kabuli types, were grown at a range of row spacings (180-710 mm) in 3 experiments on a vertisol at Dalby, south-eastern Queensland to assess their adaptation and yield potential. Row spacing and sowing density (28-1 12 seeds m-2) were confounded in 2 experiments where intra-row density was constant, but were varied independently in the third. Differences in yield between accessions were either small or not significant in 1979, with above-average water availability (mean seed yield: 253 g m-2), and in 1980, when water was severely limited (mean seed yield: 79 and 120 g m-2 in the 2 experiments). However, the proportion of seed that was machine-harvestable was highest in the commercial cv. Tyson (71%), and also at the closest row spacing (83%). Seed nitrogen concentration was about 0.5% higher in cv. Tyson than in other accessions. It declined with an increase in row spacing and was associated with a higher proportion of small seeds. We conclude that there will be scope for alternatives to cv. Tyson as new market opportunities develop. Furthermore, the flexibility in its growth pattern makes chickpea well suited to the variable moisture regime of the wheatlands of subtropical eastern Australia.
Comparative morphology of the adductor mandibulae musculature of notothenioid fishes (Pisces, Perciformes)

The jaw musculature of notothenioid fishes is described and compared based on a total of 38 species referred to eight families of the suborder Notothenioidei. In the Notothenioidei, the adductor mandibulae, the largest and most conspicuous of the cranial muscles, is generally composed of sections A1, A2, A3 and Aw as in the generalized percoids. The morphology of the adductor mandibulae is similar in most notothenioid families except the Nototheniidae and Bathydraconidae. Notothenia, Paranotothenia and Dissostichus are clearly distinguished from the other nototheniid genera in having A3. Gymnodraco of the Bathydraconidae has a fused A1-A2 complex and the anterior element is segmented by a tendinous intersection from the A1-A2 complex. These features are unique to Gymnodraco and not seen in other bathydraconids. The Harpagiferidae and Artedidraconidae share the same apomorphy, the presence of A1β, with the Nototheniidae and have no synapomorphies with the Bathydraconidae and Channichthyidae. The character distribution, however, shows some inconsistencies with the previous classifications. Based on the limited evidence obtained in this study, the Notothenioidei can be divided into six groups and it seems reasonable to suggest a review of the current classification of the Nototheniidae.
Natural products with skin - Whitening effects

UV radiation is widely considered as a major cause of skin pigmentation. Upon exposure to UV radiation, the melanocytes increase the production of intracellular nitric oxide, which triggers signal transduction cascades to initiate melanogenesis by tyrosinase. UV radiation also influences melanogenesis through a paracrine regulation process involving the keratinocytes. Although a number of hypopigmenting products have been developed, those from natural sources are preferred and will predominate in the cosmetics market. More active compounds such as phenols, flavonoids, coumarins and other derivatives have been identified from natural sources. This article summarized natural skin whitening products involving tyrosinase blockers like phenols and polyphenols, and non-tyrosinase blockers like CL-MSH, melanosome transferase and cytokine inhibitors. In addition, the skin-whitening effects and the mechanisms of these natural products were also reviewed. Most of the compounds achieve the hypopigmenting effect by inhibiting tyrosinase; however, some interesting compounds blocking the upstream regulation points of melanogenesis are extraordinarily promising for developing novel whitening agents.
Respuestas fisiológicas de Theobroma cacao L. en etapa de vivero a la disponibilidad de agua en el suelo

In the locality of El Espinal, Tolima, the effect of water stress on leaf water potential and gas exchange of plants three clones of cacao ( Theobroma cacao L) was evaluated. The experiment was established in a split plot design in randomized block arrangement. The main plot was four levels of available soil water, subplot grafted seedlings to three months of three clones with five repetitions. The results showed highly significant differences (P <0.01) in content of soil water, but no differences between the materials evaluated. The loss of water in the soil decreases leaf water potential (Ψf) and causes stomatal closure altering gas exchange and vapor pressure deficit (DPV) accentuates mainly at noon with increasing evapotranspiration. The magnitude of impact of water deficit depends on climatic variations throughout the day. The climatic variables that affect plant development, are temperature and relative humidity in the form of DPV. Net photosynthesis and growth of cocoa seedlings are physiological variables very sensitive to excess and especially to water deficit.
Death by proteases in plants: Whodunit

Several studies have shown that protease inhibitors can suppress programmed cell death in various plant species and plant tissues. This is especially true of caspase inhibitors that can block programmed cell death and its marker DNA laddering. There are up to six different caspase-like activities that can be measured in plant extracts, the most prominent being caspase1-like and caspase3-like. These activities can be located in vacuoles and also in the nucleus or the cytoplasm. This represents a striking apparent similarity with animal programmed cell death. Because there are no caspase orthologue in plant genomes, a major challenge is to identify these proteases. Recently two proteases with caspase-like activities have been recognized as belonging to two different protease families that are not closely related to animal caspases. Various other protease families have been implicated and this suggests that complex protease networks have been recruited for the plant cell demise.
Current taxonomic studies on the diatom flora (Bacillariophyceae) of the Bolivian Altiplano, South America, with possible consequences for palaeoecological assessments

The present investigation is based on detailed taxonomical analyses combining light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and critical reviews of publications and type material. This method revealed a higher number of diatom taxa than that reported for the Altiplano, reports that are based on LM and SEM, but force-fitting the taxa into their European relatives. It also became evident that some taxa often reported from the Altiplano do not occur or are less common in this region and that misidentifications are the consequence not only of force-fitting, but also of misinterpretation of the original protologues and illustrations (taxonomic concept drift). These findings have important repercussions on past palaeoecological assessments for the Altiplano, which have been based on ecological information for taxa developing in ecosystems of highly contrasting conditions. Here we present the case of three araphid diatoms, which were reported as known taxa from Europe and elsewhere, but in fact correspond to taxa described as new for the Altiplano or unpublished taxa. It is recommended that: (1) a flora for this region is developed utilizing sound microscopical data and reviewing pertinent type material, (2) key common taxa used for past palaeoecological studies in the Altiplano are reviewed using a taxonomically thorough and critical method, and (3) future palaeoecological studies for the Andes are supported by prior detailed taxonomical analysis.
LIFE HISTORY STUDIES OF Montipora digitata IN PIONEER BAY, NORTH QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA

Intertidal zone in reef flat is the extreme condition for many species of corals. Periodical tides, wave action and sedimentation become the main challenging factors which usually avoided by most of coral species. However, Montipora digitata is the species that found abundant in these conditions. Having relatively small and short-lived colony, forced this species to find the strategy to survive and maintain the energy efficiently. Understanding biology and life history of M. digitata in the coral reefs is the key to understanding how this species can adapt to the extreme conditions. The biology and life history of this study focused on the population size structure, reproduction, competitive interactions, investment repair and maintain and types of selection. M. digitata leaded to productivity as a strategy to cope with any extreme condition. This pattern relatively matched with r-and S-R selection.
The Gastropods of Lake Eğirdir

The Gastropoda species and its distribution was investigated in Lake Egirdir. It was determined that 5 species belonging to Gastropoda, order Prosobranchia (Theodoxus heldreichi, Valvata naticina, Graecoanatolica lacustristurca, Falsipyrgula pfeiferi and Bithynia pseudemmericia) and 7 species belonging to the order Pulmonata (Radix peregra, Stagnicola palustris, Physa fontinalis, Physa acuta, Planorbis planorbis, Planorbis carinatus and Gyraulus albus) were present. Gastropoda species from 9 freshwater stations connected with Lake Egirdir and 10 freshwater stations that not connected obviously with lake were investigated to determine the effect of aquatic systems around the lake to the malacofauna of Lake Egirdir. In addition trophic level and evolution of lake has been discussed according to ecological tolerances and distribution of species in the habitats' paleogeographic and hydrogeographic features.
Electropolishing Processes for Better Implants’ Performance

In the paper, a review of electropolishing processes is presented, beginning from a standard electropolishing (EP), through high-current-density electropolishing (HDEP, and high-voltage electropolshing (HVEP), being a commence of a new plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) process performed in concentrated 85% phosphoric acid (H3PO4). This work provides a several-decade history of developing the electropolishing processes, starting from simple surface finishing for obtaining roughness-free, bright and glossy metal surface, through a considerable progress in surface engineering in view of getting real advantages while applying it in medicine for biomedical parts, devices and implants. This review reveals how a big step was done by introducing the magnetic field into the process, with the name of magnetoelectropolishing (MEP). The most important features of MEP-treated metal/alloy parts is a big increase in corrosion resistance, substantial decrease of hydrogenation, huge increase in mechanical and fatigue resistance in cyclic bending, up to much better surface hydrofilicity, with improved biocompatibility.
UTILIZATION OF RAW AZOLLA AS A NATURAL FEED ADDITIVE FOR SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION IN NICOBARI FOWL

Back yard poultry, a common livelihood for poor farmers in Andaman & Nicobar Islands is facing recession due to prohibitive feed cost. This paper has examined the prospects of supplementing commercial feed with raw Azolla (Azolla pinnata), a nutrient-rich water fern, originally imported from mainland India, but adapted well to the local ecosystem, on the production performance of Nicobari fowl. There has been no such study earlier. Forty-week old, 72 chicks were divided into two groups of 36 birds for the study. The control group was given commercial feed (basal diet) at the rate of 120 g per chick per day, while the experimental group was given raw Azolla, at the rate of 200 g per chick per day in separate feeder, in addition to 120 g of basal diet, from 45-60 weeks. The growth, feed conversion efficiency, hen housed egg production, immunocompetence, and economic impact of supplementation were assessed. The final body weight of the birds (1560.0±26.8 g), and gain in body weight/ day (2.77±1.78 g) were higher, and the feed conversion ratio (36.10 ± 1.19 g) was better in Azolla supplemented group than the birds in control group, during the experimental period (P0.05). The mean hen housed egg production/ week between 45-60 weeks in Azolla fed group (64.76±1.57) was not different (P0.05) from the control (65.25±1.51), so also weekly egg production in different weeks, e.g. 45-48, 4952, 53-56, and 57-60 weeks. There was no difference (P0.05) between the two groups with respect to immunocompetence, measured in terms of HI titre, MER titre, FootIndex, and total serum protein concentration. There was 30.73% reduction (P0.01) in feed consumption in Azolla supplemented group that culminated in 0.76 savings on feed cost per egg per day over the control. The study tends to conclude that Azolla is a good feed additive for sustainable egg production in Nicobari fowl with no reconciliation in immunocompetence, but profitable due to savings on feed cost. The role of Azolla as a feed additive for economising poultry production was not reported earlier.