Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HEPATOPROTECTIVE AND ANTIOXIDANT EFFECT OF ETHANOLIC AND PURIFIED FLAVONOID EXTRACTED FROM C. ROTUNDUS AGAINST CARBON TETRACHLORIDE INDUCED LIVER DAMAGE IN MICE (IN VIVO)

In this study an interaction was carried out between one dose of CCl4 (3.2 mg/Kg) and the two doses (150 and 300 mg/kg) of ethanolic and purified flavonoid extract C. rotundus and one dose of vitamin C (180 mg/kg) were evaluated in mice (in vivo) given injection for 14 days inducting biochemical function of three antioxidant enzymes (Catalase, Superoxide dismutase and Glutathione) in liver homogenate, liver function enzymes and histopathological changes of liver. The results showed that the antioxidants glutathione (GSH) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) has increased significantly (P<0.05t) after the animals has been injection mice CCl4, and that each of the purified flavonoids and ethanolic extract at a concentration (150 and 300 mg / kg) has led to decreased Glutathione enzyme (GSH) activity significantly (P <0.05)in compared to the ct . The ethanolic extract for C. rotundus concentration of 150 mg / kg and vitamin C concentration of 180 mg / kg has increased significantly (P <0.05) when compared with the treatment of control group. Either Superoxide dismutase (SOD) has led purified flavonoids from C. rotundus (150 and 300 mg / kg) to increase significantly at (P <0.05) level compared to the treatment of tetrachloride carbon an which the enzyme declines significantly at (P < 0.05) level, when injection them for 14 days. Either enzyme catalase (CAT) has led purified flavonoids extract and ethanolic
First records of the blue stingray, Dasyatis chrysonota (Smith, 1828) (Chondrichthyes: Dasyatidae), off the coast of Israel (eastern Mediterranean)

Two blue stingrays, Dasyatis chrysonota (Smith, 1828), caught off the Mediterranean coast of Israel, are the first recorded for the Levant. The species was hitherto known in the Mediterranean Sea only in the Gulf of Gabes in southern Tunisia. The distribution of this western Atlantic species is discussed below.
Interactive effects of road salt and leaf litter on wood frog sex ratios and sexual size dimorphism

Myriad natural and anthropogenic chemicals alter aquatic vertebrate sex ratios, with implications for population dynamics. Despite 22 million metric tons of salt applied to US roads annually, with much of it entering aquatic environments, it is unknown whether salt impacts sex ratios. Moreover, changes in forest composition co-occur with increased road salt application, dramatically changing ecosystems. We explore how road salt (sodium chloride) and two leaf litter types might influence amphibian development. By examining wood frog (Rana sylvatica = Lithobates sylvaticus) metamorphs reared with different combinations of salt (114 and 867 mg Cl·L−1) and litter species (none, maple (Acer rubrum), oak (Quercus spp.)), we show that salt masculinizes tadpole sex ratios, whereas oak, but not maple, litter feminizes populations. Road salt addition eliminates sexual dimorphism in oak-reared tadpoles, but enhances sexual size dimorphisms in maple-reared tadpoles, producing larger females. We are the first to show .
Yield and economics of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum- graecum L.) asinfluenced by fertility levels, biofertilizers and brassinosteroid

A field study was conducted during rabi seasons of 2012-13 and 2013-14 to assess the yield and profitability of fenugreek as influenced by fertility levels, biofertilizers and brassinosteroid. Three fertility levels [60, 80 and 100 % RDF (40 kg N+ 40 kg P2O5 + 10 kg S/ha)] and three biofertilizer inoculations (Rhizobium, PSB and Rhizobium +PSB) in main plot and three concentrations of brassinosteroid (water spray, BR 0.25 ppm and BR 0.50 ppm) in sub plot were studied in split plot design with three replications. The highest values of yield attributes, seed yield (2245 kg/ha), haulm yield (5236 kg/ha), net returns ( 56200) and B:C ratio (1.88) were recorded with application of 100 % RDF. Dual inoculation of seed with Rhizobium + PSB gave significantly higher yield attributes, seed yield (2085 kg/ha), net return ( 50690) and B:C ratio (1.71) over their alone application. Interaction of fertility levels and biofertilizers was also found significant in yield attributes and consequently in yields and economics. Application of 100 % RDF + dual inoculation, being on a par with 80 % RDF + dual inoculation, gave the highest seed yield (2287 kg/ha) and net return ( 57939). Foliar spray of brassinosteroid 0.50 ppm brought about 14.6 and 6.2 per cent higher seed yield over water spray and BR 0.25 ppm, respectively. Thus, integration of 80 % RDF with dual inoculation and supplemented with foliar spray of brassinosteroid 0.50 ppm at 50 and 70 DAS is better for realizing higher yield and net return in fenugreek.
Reuse potential of vegetable wastes (broccoli, green bean and tomato) for the recovery of antioxidant phenolic acids and flavonoids

Summary The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential use of crop wastes (stems and leaves) from broccoli, beans and tomato to extract antioxidant polyphenols. Two different methods of extraction were performed: ultrasound (40 kHz) and conventional with 70 °C. In both methods, alkaline and acidic solvents were used. The polyphenol composition was assessed by HPLC-DAD/UV-VIS, and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay was used to measure the antioxidant activity. The results showed a significant variation of polyphenol composition and antioxidant activity with the type of sample, pH of solvent and extraction method. Also it was possible to observe that acidic methanol and 70 °C enables the extraction of significant amounts of phenolic acids and flavonoids. Based in our results, broccoli, green bean and tomato wastes can be used to extract antioxidant polyphenols, and the use of such wastes to extract polyphenols can be an opportunity to develop an environmental friendly management's systems creating incoming for producers and agro-food sector.
Biological Activities of the Root of Cichorium intybus

Several biological activities of extracts from roots of Cichorium intybus Linne (Compositae) were studied in this paper. The antiinflammatory activity of the methanol extract of this root was investigated against carrageenin induced edema in rat‘s hind paw. Significant inhibitory effects were observed at the dose of 1,000 mg/kg and were compared with aspirin as a control. The hepatoprotective activities of the methanol extract, ethylacetate and butanol fraction were studied on mice whose livers are damaged by . The serum transaminase activities (ALT, AST) were reduced at the dose of 1,000 mg/kg of the methanol extract, 500 mg/kg of ethylacetate and butanol fraction, respectively. The bile juice secretion was also increased significantly from each fraction. The antidiabetic activity was examined on strepto-zotocin-induced diabetic rats with methanol extract. Methanol extract gave a significant reduction of blood glucose levels in 1 week and 3 weeks.
Impacts of Land Use Types on Selected Soil Physico-Chemical Properties of Loma Woreda, Dawuro Zone, Southern Ethiopia

A study was conducted in Loma Woreda, Dawuro Zone, Southern Ethiopia, to investigate the impacts of land use types (forest, grazing and cultivated) on the selected soil physico chemical properties of the study area. Composite surface (0-20 cm) soil samples were collected randomly from three sites of each land use which were adjacent to each other and subjected to laboratory analysis. The results of the study revealed that there was relative variation in proportion of sand and clay content among the land use types though they have the same textural class. The bulk density of the soils decreased from grazing to cultivated and then to forest land, while total porosity decreased from forest to cultivated and then to grazing lands. The average soil pH-H 2 O value of the area varied from very strongly acidic to strongly acidic. Exchangeable acidity and Percent Acid Saturation were significantly lower by about 60.02 and 61.54% in the forest soils than the soils of cultivated lands, and 29.70 and 38.32% than that of grazing lands, respectively. As compared to the soils of forest land, the amount of soil OM, TN and CEC in cultivated land have declined by about 76.53, 60.83 and 38.97%, respectively. The available P, exchangeable bases and PBS have shown decreasing trends in the soils of forest to grazing and then to cultivated land uses. From this study, it can be concluded that the soil fertility and quality were well maintained relatively under the forest land, while the impact on most parameters were negative on the soils of the cultivated land. Applications of lime, organic and inorganic fertilizers and crop rotation especially in the cultivated lands may enhance the productivity of the soils, implying the need for undertaking integrated soil fertility management in sustainable way to improve and maintain the favorable soil properties.
The Influence of Inhibition of the Renin-Angiotensin System on the Fibri- nolytic System in the Different Types of Primary Glomerulonephritis

_______________________________ Correspondence to: Rammos George, Semitelou 6, Athens 115 27, Greece, e-mail: rageo48@hotmail.com The Influence of Inhibition of the Renin-Angiotensin System on the Fibrinolytic System in the Different Types of Primary Glomerulonephritis Rammos G, Kapnissis S, Kakaletri Constantina, Sakka Maria, Karakassis P, Ziakka Stavroula, Fragaki I. and Papagalanis N Nephrology Department, Corgialenio Benakio Hospital, Athens
Negatively Stereotyping Historically Black Colleges and Universities as an Intergroup Process

Author(s): Boykin, Curtis Malik Starks | Advisor(s): Mendoza-Denton, Rodolfo | Abstract: Educating enslaved Africans was illegal in antebellum America. However, in the mid-1800s philanthropists and the U.S. Congress established higher education institutions for newly freed people. From then until present, inequitable economic policy and the lower status of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), vs. Historically White Institutions (HWIs), have reified a hierarchical ordering of Black and White schools — consistent with Social Dominance Theory (Sidanius a Pratto, 1999). In four studies (n=1059), endorsement of negative HBCU stereotypes via the HBCU Stereotype Scale (HBCU-SS) captured individuals' mental representations of this hierarchical ordering in ways that illuminate connections between racialized educational spaces and intergroup attitudes more broadly. Studies 1 a 2 demonstrate a unifactor structure across all four samples and establish construct validity for both Black and White participants. For all participants, the HBCU-SS was predicted by preference for group inequality — via the Social Dominance Orientation scale. For Blacks, the HBCU-SS was uniquely related to measures of racial identity. For White individuals the HBCU-SS was related to political attitudes, measures of generalized prejudice, as well as motivations to control prejudice. Study three shows that when White participants read about governmental in HBCUs (vs. HWIs), they were more likely to negatively stereotype HBCUs, suggesting hierarchy-maintaining motivations may drive these perceptions. Lastly, study four shows that when White participants are primed with threat to their majority status in society, they increase their stereotyping of HBCUs and increase their endorsement of inequitable resource allocations toward HBCUs.
Evaluating nested-PCR of urine to diagnose smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis

The PCR and its variations such as nested-PCR are currently considered as a rapid and sensitive method for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The standard laboratory procedure for diagnosing the tuberculosis (TB) disease based on microscopic examination of acid-fast bacilli has low sensitivity, and mycobacterium culture is time-consuming. In addition, in some cases obtaining samples for smear and culture is difficult. Urine may, therefore, be a convenient, noninvasive sample to use for the identification and diagnosis of M. tuberculosis. The current study aimed at evaluating the diagnostic value of nested-PCR to detect M. tuberculosis in the urine of patients with smear positive pulmonary TB. This case–control study included 60 patients with proven smear positive pulmonary TB (according to the National TB Protocol) and 30 patients who were completely healthy. DNA extraction and nested-PCR testing were performed on all urine samples. Result of the current study indicated that nested-PCR of urine for M. tuberculosis was positive in 30% (18/60) of the patients. The control group all had negative urine PCR (sensitivity 30% and specificity 100%). Because of the ease of urine sample preparation and the 100% specificity of the PCR and nested-PCR method, a urine sample could be used as a diagnostic aid in smear positive pulmonary TB cases, in which obtaining a sputum sample is problematic.
Fonni’s dog: morphological and genetic characteristics for a breed standard definition

Abstract Italy is home to several populations of native dogs that reside only in certain demographic regions. Such dog populations have not been under tight selection by humans and, as such, have never been officially recognised as breeds. One such population is the ‘Cane Fonnese’ or Fonni’s Dog, which features uniform morphologic and behavioural traits that reproduce across generations, thus qualifying Fonni’s Dog as a true breed eligible for recognition by national or international breed registries. The Fonni’s Dog population examined in the present work is native to Sardinia, where they are used as property or livestock guardian dogs. As such, they are greatly appreciated by the local populace. We have carried out morphological evaluations on 200 Fonni’s Dogs with the aim of developing a standard breed definition upon which the foundation of the Fonni’s Dog breed can be based. We have also reported genetic data of the Fonni’s Dog compared to four other established breeds sampled from the same geographic area.
Seedling Growth and Physiological Responses of Sixteen Eucalypt Taxa under Controlled Water Regime

We assessed growth and physiological responses of Eucalyptus and Corymbia species to water limitation aiming to widen possibilities for plantations in dry climatic conditions. We selected 16 taxa: 4 Corymbia and 12 Eucalyptus species from the Subgenera Symphyomyrtus. Seedlings were evaluated from 100 to 170 days after sowing. Growth and physiological traits showed significant differences among taxa and between two levels of water availability. Water limitation significantly impacted biomass production and physiological characteristics, however in different levels. Leaf area and biomass production decreased 15%–48% under water limitation among taxa. Eucalyptus moluccana, CCV 2, and VM1 (drought tolerant clone) showed the largest decrease in leaf area. Transpiration across taxa decreased 30%–57% and photosynthesis 14%–48% under water limited condition. Taxa from cold environments were less responsive in leaf area reduction under water limitation, and taxa from Exsertaria section showed lower reduction in photosynthesis (E. camaldulensis showed the lowest reduction). Responses to water limitation are related to the environment of origin. E. molucana, the only Adnataria species from a high precipitation region (>1500 mm year−1), was one of the most sensitive in reduction of biomass production, different behavior from the other Adnataria species, originated in regions with rainfall <750 mm year−1. Water limitation increased leaf-level water use efficiency by 18% on average, 8% in E. longirostrata, and 28% in E. camaldulensis, E. brassiana, and E. crebra. Growth and physiological responses observed show the potential of different eucalypts taxa to tolerate water limited environments.
Molecular identification of Giardia lamblia isolates from raw urban wastewater using the TPI gene

Objective To molecularly identify Giardia lamblia isolates from raw urban wastewater at a wastewater treatment plant in Haerbin.Methods Genomic DNA of G.lamblia was extracted and the TPI gene was amplified by nested PCR;the assemblage/genotype and sub-assemblage/subtype of G.lamblia were identified and sequenced.The homology of the gene was analyzed with reference nucleotide sequences downloaded from GenBank.Results The TPI gene of G.lamblia was amplified from DNA extracts prepared from raw wastewater from a wastewater treatment plant in Harbin,and the isolate was identified as assemblage AII.The obtained sequence based on TPI had 100% homology with the previously reported sequences of human-derived G.lamblia assemblage AII(AB516351;FJ560570;EF688021). Conclusion The presence of G.lamblia assemblage AII in raw urban wastewater in Harbin poses a threat to the health of local inhabitants.
Characterization and Photoluminescence Study of Blue and Green Emitting Polyketanils and Their Blends

The optical and thermal properties of novel polyketanils (PKAX) with structures containing aliphatic and aromatic moieties are reported. It is demonstrated that the photoluminescence (PL) spectra can be modified not only by changing the ratio of conjugated to nonconjugated segment in the polymer main chain but also via acid−base doping involving the protonation of ketimine groups. By combining these two methods, it is possible to precisely tune the emission spectra of polyketanils in the spectral range of 435 to 550 nm. The most electron-rich molecule, PKA3, has the highest HOMO value of 2.26 eV. The protonation of the polymers changes the HOMO/LUMO energy gap of the polyketanils. Additionally, the photoluminescence spectra of the polyketanils in polymer blend with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) have also been described. The use of bifunctional protonating agent, containing plasticizing groups, for example the 1,2-(di-2-ethylhexyl) ester of 4-sulfophthalic acid (DEHEPSA), in addition to the modification.
Comparative Study Regarding some Reproductive Parameters and Birth Weights in Rusty Tsigaia Breed and in Crossing with Blanc du Massif Central

The crossings of the Rusty Tsigaia breed with a meat breed, like Blanc du Massif Central, will increase the carcass characteristics of the crossed lambs, so this will correspond to the market demands. The aim of the study was to compare some reproductive parameters between two batches of 50 Rusty Tsigaia ewes (50 of pure breed and 50 crossed with BMC) for fertility, fecundity and prolificacy rate. Also the birth weight of the lambs was evaluated. The research was conducted on a selected flock of 100 Rusty Tsigaia sheep that were divided in two batches: 50 ewes were mated with Rusty Tsigaia rams and 50 ewes were mated with Blanc du Massif Central ram. After lambing, the birth weight was evaluated between the Rusty Tsigaia lambs and the lambs resulted from the crossing with BMC ram. The results were similar between the two batches concerning the conceiving, prolificacy and fecundity rate (Rusty Tsigaia rams x Rusty Tsigaia ewes and Blanc du Massif Central rams and Rusty Tsigaia ewes). Concerning the birth weights, the results showed a significant difference between the pure breed lambs and the crossed lambs, the crossed lambs having a superior weight.
PEROXIDASE, POLYPHENOL OXIDASE ACTIVITY, PROTEIN PROFILE AND PHENOLIC CONTENT IN TOMATO CULTIVARS TOLERANT AND SUSCEPTIBLE TO FUSARIUM OXSYPORUM F.SP.LYCOPERSICI

The total phenol content, peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase enzyme activities and the total protein profile in tomato cultivars (Lycopersicon esculantum Mill.), tolerant and susceptible to Fusarium wilt disease was studied. The tolerant cultivars of tomato viz., FEB-2, FEB-4, FloraDade and NF-31 had significantly higher phenol content as well as peroxidase and polyphenol oxidase activities than the susceptible ones (Sel-7, Sel-18 and Punjab Chhuhara). The maximum peroxidase activity was recorded in the resistant cultivar, Flora Dade (02.073unit/ml) and minimum in the susceptible cultivar,Sel-18 (0.241unit/ml). Major differences in soluble protein banding pattern were observed in the susceptible and resistant cultivars. The hierarchical cluster analysis was performed using NTSYS-pc(V.1.8) software. The dendrogram using the average linkage between the groups, showed proximity of resistant cultivars viz., FEB-4,FEB-2, Flora Dade and NF-31 to the wild species with respect to similarity of banding patterns. The three susceptible cultivars viz., Sel-7, Punjab Chhuhara and Sel-18 were grouped separately.
Analysis of Palatal Rugae pattern in Indian and Nepalese population-a comparative study

Background: Human identification is an important aspect in forensic science. Palatal rugae are unique in each individual and they remain consistent in shape and size during one’s life time. Certain rugae patterns are specific to particular population and vary geographically. Objective: To assess and compare the palatal rugae pattern in Indian and Nepalese population situated in Vadodara, India. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted on 200 healthy participants100 Indian & 100 Nepalese situated in Vadodara district. All the participants were above 16 years of age and with presence of all the teeth. The origins of parents for the participants were Indian and Nepalese respectively. Maxillary impression of each participant was taken in rubber base material and a cast was prepared in type IV dental stone. With the help of black marker pencil, the outline of palatal rugae was delineated. The More et al classification was used. The details were recorded. The collected data was statistically analyzed by using SPSS software version 16 and the test applied were Pearson chi square and independent ‘t’ test. Results: Out of total 200 participants, 81 were females and 119 were males. The age ranged from 16-65 yrs. with a mean age of 28.82 ± 11.81 yrs. The mean of total number of palatal rugae in Indian and Nepalese participants was 8.30 ± 1.43 &8.28 ± 1.37 respectively; which was statistically not significant (p>0.05). The most common type of palatal rugae in both the group was primary type, which was statistically not significant (p>0.05). The faint type of rugae thickness was statistically highly significant (p<0.05). ‘Line’ type was the most common shape seen in both the groups. The backwardly directed rugae was commonly seen in study groups and was statistically not significant (p>0.05). A new type of shape ‘H’ was noted and the location of rugae was different in both the groups. Conclusion: The palatal rugae pattern is one of the important aid in personal identification. The present study concludes that the shape in Indian and Nepalese participants were more or less similar except the location of rugaes.