Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gelatinous Zooplankton Trophodynamics : Ecological and Biogeochemical Influences on Pelagic Food Webs

A variety of novel methods were employed to investigate gelatinous zooplankton at ecologically important time and space scales, including episodic events, diel variation and fine-scale vertical resolution. The results highlighted top-down trophic linkages between gelatinous zooplankton and hard-bodied zooplankton and among gelatinous zooplankton; effects of discontinuities on the behavior and trophodynamics of gelatinous zooplankton and their prey; and bottom-up contributions to biogeochemical fluxes through episodic release of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus from damaged and dying gelatinous zooplankton. The original work in this thesis emphasizes the value of using complimentary, novel methods to help resolve the roles gelatinous zooplankton play in top-down and bottom-up regulation of processes in marine ecosystems. The conclusions also provide insights into the ecology of gelatinous zooplankton that can act as a basis for evaluating future changes in key interactions due to local or global anthropogenic pressures. Eine Vielzahl von neuen Methoden wurden eingesetzt, um gelatineartigen Zooplanktons an okologisch wichtigen Zeit und Raumskalen , einschlieslich episodische Ereignisse , Diel Variation und feinskaligen vertikale Auflosung zu untersuchen. Die Ergebnisse hervorgehoben Top-down- trophische Verbindungen zwischen Gallert Zooplankton und hart -bodied Zooplankton und unter Gallert Zooplankton ; Auswirkungen von Diskontinuitaten auf das Verhalten und trophodynamics gelatinoser Zooplankton und ihre Beute ; und Bottom-up- Beitrage zur biogeochemischen Flusse durch episodische Freisetzung von Kohlenstoff , Stickstoff und Phosphor aus beschadigten und Sterben Gallert Zooplankton . Die ursprungliche Arbeit in dieser Arbeit betont den Wert der Nutzung kostenlos , neue Methoden zur Losung der Aufgaben Gallert Zooplankton Spiel in Top-down- und Bottom-up- Regelung von Prozessen in marinen Okosystemen . Die Schlussfolgerungen stellen auch Einblicke in die Okologie der gallertartigen Zooplankton , das als Grundlage fur die Bewertung kunftiger Veranderungen der wichtigsten Wechselwirkungen aufgrund lokaler oder globaler anthropogenen Belastungen wirken kann.
Enhancement of Storage Potential of Seeds and Field Performance of Pea and Horse Gram by Growth Retardants

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) and horse gram (Dolichos biflorus L.) seeds pretreated with sodium dikegulac (Na-DK) and Chlorocholine chloride (CCC) significantly reduced the loss of seed germinability under accelerated ageing condition (99.1% RH) at room temperature (28±2 C). Plant performance was found to be much better when they were raised from seeds which underwent pretreatment with the chemicals prior to accelerated ageing treatment. And this was measured in terms of root and shoot length, leaf number and total leaf areaper plant as well as fresh and dry weight of 20 days old field grown plants. Plant potential was also higher in the pretreated samples as evidenced from higher levels of chlorophyll, protein as well as catalase activity in leaves of both the plant species. Considering the changes of all the physiological and biochemical parameters a conclusion is drawn that seed pretreatment with Na-DK and CCC effectively enhanced the storage potential of seeds and field performance of pea and horse gram plants.
Prevalence of Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida in goats from selected farms in Selangor, Malaysia

Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida are natural inhabitants of the upper respiratory tract of healthy animals and can cause pneumonic pasteurellosis in stressed animals. Healthy animals are able to control the multiplication of these bacteria and the inhaled bacteria, if they migrate to the lungs, will be cleared by the host defense mechanisms. Stress and other infections will cause the breakdown of the host defense mechanisms. These will lead to multiplication of the bacteria and colonisation of the lungs. Outbreaks of pneumonia occur in 10 to 14 days post-stress exposure. These bacteria are gram-negative, facultative anaerobes and have rod-shaped morphology. The special characteristic of these bacteria is that they show bipolar staining characteristic under Giemsa and Wright’s stains. Mannheimia haemolytica is haemolytic on blood agar and O-nitrophenyl-β, D-galactopyranoside (ONPG) positive while Pasteurella multocida is non-haemolytic on blood agar and ONPG negative. Ninety six (96) nasopharyngeal swab samples were taken from 4 goat farms in Selangor, Malaysia and bacterial isolation and identification were carried out. Presumptive isolates were identified by biochemical tests. Out of the 96 samples, 3 were positive for Mannheimia haemolytica and 11 positive for Pasteurella multocida. This gives a 3.13% and 11.46% prevalence rate for Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella mutocida, respectively. The antibiotic sensitivity tests done on both isolates showed 29% were resistant to streptomycin and 21% resistant to compound sulfonamide. All isolates were sensitive to ampicillin and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid whilst 93% was sensitive to oxytetracycline and enrofloxacin. Even with low prevalence of Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida, it is important to control and prevent their infections and also to prevent further development of antimicrobial resistance as the disease is associated with these bacteria and have high economic impact.
Energy-restricted Diet for Obese Asthmatic Adults to Improve Health-related Quality of Life

Background: Obesity and overweight increased the risk of asthma. Objective: The aim was to investigate the impact of energy-restricted diet for obese asthmatic adults to improve health-related quality of life. Subjects & Methods: A one group pre-post-test intervention study was conducted on 70 obese asthmatic patients who had persistent clinically significant chronic airflow obstruction despite anti-asthmatic therapy. The study patients were recruited from three different family health centers in Alexandria governorate, Egypt. Data about socio-demographic characteristics, clinical history of asthma, Arabic version for disease specific quality of life interview questionnaire (AQLQ), and anthropometric measurements were collected at the time of personal interview. Results: The total AQLQ score increased (from a mean 3.18±0.46 to 4.80±0.42) with all its four domains: symptoms (from a mean 3.11±0.35 to 5.0±0.2), limitation (from a mean 3.18±0.35 to 4.86±0.3), emotion (from a mean 3.17±0.46 to 4.9±0.43), and environment (from a mean 3.22±0.45 to 4.22±0.46). Patients’ body weights decreased losing a mean 11.5% from the pre-intervention body mass index (from a mean 40.7±9.19 to 36.02±8.70). Conclusion: The improvement in health-related quality of life among obese asthmatic patients following low caloric diet for weight reduction with decreased body mass index and body fat percentage can be concluded. Weight and body fat reduction in obese adults with asthma is recommended to improve health-related quality of life.
Evaluation of δ15N analysis to trace the origin of Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae) to citrus orchard fertilization management

We investigated the variability of nitrogen stable isotope ratios 15N/14N (expressed as δ15N) on citrus orchards with different fertilization management practices (organic versus conventional) and its correlation with the δ15N values of the key citrus pest Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae) feeding on such plant material. Tracing the origin of this pest in open field is crucial since the insect is a vector of the incurable and devastating citrus disease known as Huanglongbing. We hypothesized that the origin (natal tree) of the pest may be deduced by correlating the δ15N values obtained from the young citrus leaves and from adults of D. citri raised on them. First, laboratory experiments were performed to understand the acquisition and incorportation of the δ15N values by D. citri. Second, we confirmed the positive correlation between the δ15N values of the young citrus leaves and D. citri. Finally, field sampling was carried out in 21 citrus orchards from Southern California to study the variability on the δ15N values on organic and conventional commercial citrus orchards. Laboratory results suggest that the analyses of the δ15N values can be regarded as a useful method to trace the origin of the pest. However, the high variability in nitrogen resource used in both fertilization management practices (especially in organic orchards) by growers makes the application of this technique unfeasible to pinpoint the origin of D. citri in the citrus agroecosystem.
Effect of chemical and bio-fertilizers on quality of onion.

The pres ent in ves ti ga tion com pris ing the supplementation of chem i cal and bio-fertilizers for on ion crop was car ried out un der field con di tions at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar Uni ver sity, Lucknow dur ing rabi sea son of 2010-2011. The ex per i ment com prised of four lev els of chem i cal fer til iz ers and six lev els of biofertilizers. The max i mum ascor bic acid, re duc ing sugar and to tal sug ars were found with the ap pli ca tion of T11 (100 kg N + 50 kg P + 70 kg K/ha + 2 kg/ha Azotobacter + 2 kg/ha Phosphobacteria). The max i mum TSS, non-re duc ing sugar, phos pho rus and cal cium were found un der the treat ment T12 (100 kg N + 50 kg P + 70 kg K/ha + 2 kg/ha Azotobacter + 1.9 kg/ha VAM). The min i mum val ues were found un der the con trol i.e. T1. Re sults ob tained by the ap pli ca tion of in or ganic fer til iz ers with biofertilizers ex hib ited sig nif i cant ef fect on var i ous pa ram e ters stud ied un der the in ves ti ga tion.
Transcriptomic analysis of diplomonad parasites reveals a trans-spliced intron in a helicase gene in Giardia

Background The mechanisms by which DNA sequences are expressed is the central preoccupation of molecular genetics. Recently, ourselves and others reported that in the diplomonad protist Giardia lamblia, the coding regions of several mRNAs are produced by ligation of independent RNA species expressed from distinct genomic loci. Such trans-splicing of introns was found to affect nearly as many genes in this organism as does classical cis-splicing of introns. These findings raised questions about the incidence of intron trans-splicing both across the G. lambliatranscriptome and across diplomonad diversity in general, however a dearth of transcriptomic data at the time prohibited systematic study of these questions. Methods I leverage newly available transcriptomic data from G. lamblia and the related diplomonad Spironucleus salmonicidato search for trans-spliced introns. My computational pipeline recovers all four previously reported trans-spliced introns in G. lamblia, suggesting good sensitivity. Results Scrutiny of thousands of potential cases revealed only a single additional trans-spliced intron in G. lamblia, in the p68 helicase gene, and no cases in S. salmonicida. The p68 intron differs from the previously reported trans-spliced introns in its high degree of streamlining: the core features of G. lamblia trans-spliced introns are closely packed together, revealing striking economy in the implementation of a seemingly inherently uneconomical molecular mechanism. Discussion These results serve to circumscribe the role of trans-splicing in diplomonads both in terms of the number of genes effected and taxonomically. Future work should focus on the molecular mechanisms, evolutionary origins and phenotypic implications of this intriguing phenomenon.
Effect of Astragalus Membranaceus Injection on Interleukin Level of Viral Myocarditis Model

目的 研究黄芪注射液对病毒性心肌炎动物模型白细胞介素水平的影响,探讨治疗病毒性心肌炎的有效方法 . 方法 用亲心肌细胞株柯萨奇病毒B3感染Balb/c小鼠,建立心肌炎模型. 用黄芪注射液腹腔注射治疗,分别检测外周血中IL-2、IL-8和IL-18的水平,并做心脏组织病理学检查. 结果 黄芪治疗后5～21 d,小鼠外周血中IL-2、IL-8和IL-18水平明显降低,心肌炎症状明显改善. 结论 黄芪通过调节I.
Physico-chemical composition and functional properties of roes from some fresh water fish species and their application in some foods.

Physico-chemical and functional properties of fresh roes from four fresh water fish species viz., Catla calla (catla), Cyprinus carpio (carp), Labeo rohita (rohu) and Channa striatus (murrel) were determined to assess the suitability for incorporation in different food products. The protein content ofroes was in the range of 16.6 to 28.2% and fat 3.2 to 9.5%. Phosphorous content was found in the range of 430-1085 mg%. Murrel roes contained lower protein (16.6%), higher fat (9.5%) and exhibited lower foam capacity (9.1%). Foam capacity and foam stability were found to be higher in case of catla roes. Maximum protein solubility of homogenised roes was found at pH 2 and 12. Protein solubility of roes was higher at pH 4 and 8 (50-88%) compared to that of pH 6.5 (40- 60%). Results indicated that the roes could be better utilized as supplements for preparation of various protein and PUF A rich bakery/extruded foods.
Sensitivity of chest X-ray for lung cancer: systematic review

Lung cancer is a leading cause of premature death. Early diagnosis is associated with improved outcomes. While chest X-ray remains the first line investigation, individual studies have indicated that a proportion of lung cancers are not identified (false negatives); this is one cause of delayed diagnoses.To estimate the proportion of patients with lung cancer who have had a chest X-ray in the year prior to diagnosis which was not interpreted as having features suspicious for lung cancer.A broad search strategy was devised including several synonyms for chest X-ray and lung cancer. Screening and paediatric data, studies from before 1999 and studies based on retrospective interpretation of radiology were excluded. A 20% random sample screened by a second reviewer to ensure consistency.Analysis is almost complete: 8362 studies were identified. Twenty-nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis, however the combined population was 1557 patients of whom 954 (61.27%) had a positive chest X-ray. In four studies with a lower risk of bias, comprising 1052 patients, sensitivity ranged from 73.5% to 79.3% (mean 76.19%). This review suggests that chest X-ray does not identify approximately 25% of cases, although the findings may be affected by publication bias. This finding needs replicating in a high-quality study that could also demonstrate the potential consequences on diagnostic intervals and stage at diagnosis. The findings also suggest that studies to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of other modalities (e.g. low-dose CT scan) are needed.
Prevelance of tobacco use among school children reporting to dental hospital for treatment

Objective: The objectives of this study are to study the pattern of tobacco use in Indian school children aged 10–15 years in Wardha district and to study the role of psychosocial factors in initiation and prevention. Materials and Methods: A descriptive questionnaire cross-sectional study to evaluate the patterns of tobacco use in India among school children aged 10–15 in Wardha district. Results: Of the total of 1000 children selected, 5.9% were tobacco users and out of these 3.7% claimed to be addicted to it. Among the habitués, the mean age of initiation of tobacco use was 11.65 ± 2.62. The possible causes being peer pressure (35.08%), tension (49.12%), to achieve the aim (5.26%) and influence from parents (10.52%). Among the habitués, a mean number of 2.71 ± 2.03 children were using tobacco regularly with the range of 1–5 times per day. Conclusion: The peer group influence was the reason for initiating this habit in majority of the users. It is better to prevent the initiation of the habit than trying to stop the habit. The present study suggests the need for school-based tobacco prevention programs. Joint efforts from family, school, and social welfare groups are needed to address these factors for effective prevention, in addition to raising awareness against tobacco use among the school students.
Comparison of the effects of sertraline and agomelatine on sleep quality, sexual functioning and metabolic parameters in patients with major depressive disorder

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: This research aims to compare the effects of sertraline and agomelatine on outpatients diagnosed with a “major depressive episode” in terms of sleep quality, sexual functioning, and metabolic parameters related to metabolic syndrome. METHODS: This observational, open-labelled, 12-week follow-up study was carried out in the outpatient psychiatry clinic of a state research hospital. Included in the study were 60 outpatients admitted to the adult psychiatry clinic diagnosed with a “major depressive episode” who were subsequently prescribed agomelatine (25 mg/day) or sertraline (50 mg/day). Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were performed during the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th and 12th weeks of treatment. The metabolic parameters; Body Mass Index, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, liver enzymes (Alanine transaminase (ALT), Aspartate transaminase (AST) and lipid profiles – total cholesterol and total triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein and very low density lipoprotein – were assessed after the first interview (pre-treatment) and in the 12th week of treatment (post-treatment). RESULTS: The PSQI scores of both the sertraline and agomelatine groups had declined significantly by the end of the follow-up, with the decline in PSQI scores in the agomelatine group being higher than the decline in the sertraline group. The decline in the ASEX scores of the sertraline group was not significant, while the score was significant in the agomelatine group at the end of the follow-up. However, the difference in the changes in the ASEX scores between the study groups was not significant. The unfavourable changes noted in metabolic parameters were: elevation of the mean LDL level in patients using sertraline, and an elevation in liver enzymes (AST and ALT) in the patients using agomelatine. CONCLUSION: The favourable effects of agomelatine on sleep quality and the rapid onset of this effect may be beneficial in particular cases. Agomelatine may be an alternative drug for patients who complain of sexual side effects. Clinicians should evaluate the lipid profile of patients using sertraline, while liver function should be monitored in patients using agomelatine. Neither treatment led to unfavourable outcomes on most of the metabolic parameters.
DNA hydrolysis and genome editing applications of GIY-YIG family homing endonucleases

ii KEYWORDS . iii CO-AUTHORSHIP . iv DEDICATION . v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS . vi TABLE OF CONTENTS . vii LIST OF TABLES . xii LIST OF FIGURES . xiii LIST OF APPENDICES . xv LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS . xvi CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 DNA endonucleases . 2 1.1.1 Restriction defense systems . 2 1.1.2 Mobile genetic elements . 3 1.1.3 Strategies to hydrolyze DNA . 5 1.2 Homing and Type IIS restriction endonucleases . 8 1.2. 1 GIY-YIG homing endonucleases . 10 1.2. 2 Properties of other GIY-YIG family endonucleases . 12 1.2. 3 LAGLIDADG homing endonucleases . 15 1.2. 4 ββα-Me homing endonucleases . 16 1.2. 5 Type IIS restriction endonucleases . 17 1.3 Genome editing . 18 1.4 Genome editing with engineered nucleases . 19 1.4. 1 Zinc-finger nucleases . 21 1.4. 2 Transcription activator-like effector nucleases . 21
Antimicrobial activities of twelve essential oils against microorganisms of veterinary importance.

SUMMARY Twelve essential oils were tested for their inhibitory activity against some microorganisms of veterinary interest using disc diffusion procedure and the most active were selected for further study in agar dilution method. Disc diffusion technique showed variation in the antimicrobial activity of selected essential oils. According to agar dilution method, the most potent essential oils were cinnamon, oregano, lemongrass and thyme. MICs were tested at concentrations ranging from 2.0 to 0.008% (v/v). These inhibitory effects are interesting in relation to treatment of bacterial and yeast infections in animals.
Glasgow Coma Scale in Anticipation of Sepsis and Septic Shock: Review Article

Evaluation of level of consciousness has become essential for anticipation of sepsis and septic shock. Both the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and the quick SOFA score utilize the Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) for screening of sepsis. Objectives: the aim of this review is to determine and study the role of Glasgow coma score in anticipation of sepsis and septic shock. Methods: To achieve this aim, we have searched online database, namely PubMed and Cochrane Library for studies and review articles assessing the significance of assessment of Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) for anticipating sepsis or septic shock. Thirteen appropriately-related studies were selected for review. Results: Disturbed sensorium was found to be a sensitive early indicator for sepsis, thus GCS is used for assessment of both the Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) and quick SOFA scores qSOFA scores. Lower GCS scores were associated with high mortality rates. Discussion: Encephalopathy is an early sign of sepsis and septic shock. Glasgow Coma score (GCS) was a good indicator of neurological dysfunction evaluated by the SOFA and qSOFA scores. The use of GCS was also a predictor of mortality in patients with sepsis. Some researchers, however, reported that GCS was not the best tool for measuring brain dysfunction in sepsis. Conclusions: Glasgow coma score can anticipate sepsis and septic shock, and predict the outcome of sepsis.
Evaluation of Loblolly Pine Management Regimes in Mississippi for Biomass Supplies: A Simulation Approach

Alternative management regimes of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) plantations were evaluated and compared for joint production of timber and biomass and exclusively for biomass production in Mississippi. The PTAEDA3.1 computerized yield simulator was used to predict growth effects of various site preparation techniques, initial planting densities, and thinning activities. Evaluation criteria included land expectation values (LEVs) and mean annual increment. Results indicated that sites with a site index of 50 –70 (base age 25) yielded average annual stem residues of 0.86 –1.20 tons/ac, from which 39.8 – 47.4 gallons of ethanol could be produced. Inclusion of pulpwood as a feedstock would approximately double biofuel production. Culminating sustainable annual outputs of total stem biomass exclusively for biofuel production using intensive site preparation was unprofitable on all sites because of high site preparation costs and low biomass prices. Sensitivity analyses indicated that LEVs and optimal management strategies were sensitive to changes in price of biomass relative to that of sawtimber. The rise of the relative biomass price would increase woody biomass availability for biofuels. It would also boost intensive management practices, such as intensive site preparation, closer initial tree spacings, earlier thinnings, and shorter rotation ages.
Esterco caprino na composio de substratos para formao de mudas de mamoeiro

Conduziu-se este trabalho, com o objetivo de avaliar a utilizacao de esterco caprino na composicao de substratos para a formacao de mudas de mamoeiro. O delineamento experimental adotado foi o de blocos casualizados com cinco tratamentos e quatro repeticoes, sendo cada parcela constituida por oito plantas. Os tratamentos constaram de misturas composta por: 100% plantmax; 50% terra, 25% plantmax, 25% de esterco bovino; 50% terra, 25% plantmax, 25% esterco caprino; 30% terra, 35% plantmax, 35% esterco bovino; 30% terra, 35% plantmax, 35% esterco caprino. As variaveis analisadas foram: altura de planta; diâmetro do colo; numero de folhas, comprimento de raiz; materia seca da parte aerea e materia seca da raiz. Os dados demonstram que a mistura mais eficiente para a formacao de mudas de mamoeiro foi de 30% terra, 35% Plantmax, 35% esterco caprino.