Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency of Gamma rays and EMS in Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet var. typicus

Mutation has been successfully employed in breeding of several food crop varieties, ornamentals and export crops. The aim of this study was undertaken to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of EMS and gamma rays on Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet var. typicus cv. CO(Gb)14. Genetically pure, uniform and dry seeds were treated with different doses/ concentrations of gamma rays (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45 and 50 KR) and EMS (5mM, 10mM, 15mM, 20mM, 25mM, 30mM, 35mM, 40mM, 45mM and 50mM). Mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency of gamma rays and EMS was calculated on the biological damage (lethality, injury and pollen sterility) in the M1 generation and both chlorophyll and morphological mutations observed in the M2 generation. The results indicated that, mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency decreased with increase in mutagenic
Ecological assessments of the coral reef communities in the Eastern Caribbean and the effects of herbivory in influencing coral juvenile density and algal cover

Caribbean reefs have been unevenly surveyed, with many areas lacking baseline data. In this study, the current status of Orbicella reefs, a structurally complex forereef habitat, was quantified in an understudied region, the Eastern Caribbean. During 2011 the same observers surveyed benthic assemblages, coral juvenile density, herbivorous fishes, and invertebrates at 30 Orbicella reefs in four Eastern Caribbean areas: Antigua, Barbados, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines (hereafter St Vincent). Not all Orbicella forereefs were functionally the same in the Eastern Caribbean. Benthic communities and herbivorous fishes varied greatly among islands. Hard coral had the highest overall percent cover on most reefs in this study, with an average cover of 22%, and was greater than fleshy macroalgal cover at 83% of the sites. Overall, coral juvenile density was low but was positively associated with higher densities of Diadema antillarum, highlighting the importance of herbivory on the reefs. Nearshore coral reefs in Barbados were in a better state than other areas, exhibiting higher coral cover dominated by spawning corals, higher densities of coral juveniles exhibiting higher coral cover dominated by spawning corals, higher densities of coral juveniles and D. antillarum. Low biomass of herbivorous fishes at a majority of the coral reef sites is of major concern for the functioning of these reefs. Conservation of parrotfishes and other herbivores is necessary given the abundance of algae on most of these reefs and the beneficial effect of their presence on coral juveniles. This is the first comprehensive study that compares the state of Orbicella reefs in the Eastern Caribbean, providing valuable information that will be useful in creating realistic targets for future management and conservation.
Chicks resist high parasite intensities in an Algerian population of blue tits

Abstract The impact of nest ectoparasites on chicks was studied for the first time in a free-living North African cavity nesting bird, an Algerian population of blue tits, Parus caeruleus ultramarinus. The proportion of nests (prevalences) with acarids (mite Dermanyssus, tick Ixodes) and insects (blow fly Protocalliphora, flea Ceratophyllus) varied between 80-100%. Compared to most European studies of cavity nesters, parasite intensities were high for blow flies and low for mites or fleas. Experiments to diminish the high parasite pressures in this population had little or no effect on different morphological measures of chicks that could reflect post-fledging survival, such as mass gain and body size (tarsus length, mass at fledging). Nestling mortality was only weakly affected by the experiments. Our results suggest that hosts can resist high parasite pressures. We conclude that understanding the mechanisms involved in host-parasite interactions requires both experimental and long-term multi-factor analyses.
Evaluation of Oil Contents and Fatty Acid Compositions and Selection of Useful Resources in Soybean Germplasm Accessions

: This study was carried out to evaluate the oil contents and fatty acid compositions of 379 soybean germplasm accessions which is composed of 128 Korean, 214 Chinese and 37 USA accessions, and to select useful resources for the development of high oil content and quality fatty acid varieties in soybean. Korean and Chinese germplasm accessions were obtained from the National Agrobiodiversity Center, National Academy of Agricultural Science, Rural Development Administration, and USA accessions from the Plant Genetics and Breeding Laboratory of Kyungpook National University, Korea. The oil content ranges from 12.7 ∼ 26.0% with an average of 19.1% among accessions. The average contents and ranges of palmitic and stearic acid, saturated fatty acids (SFA), were 10.6% with a range of 4.1 ∼ 18.1% and 2.9% with a range of 1.9 ∼ 12.7% respectively, while those of oleic, linoleic and linolenic acid, unsaturated fatty acids (USFA), were 28.2% with a range of 15.3 ∼ 56%, 51.2% with a range of 24.4 ∼ 68% and 7.1% with a range of 3.4 ∼ 11.1% respectively. The average linoleic( ω -6)/linolenic( ω -3) acid ratio was 7.5 ranging from 3.8 ∼ 17, and the average SFA and USFA contents were 13.5% ranging from 6.7 ∼ 21.7% and 86.5% ranging 78.3 ∼ 93.4% respectively. Accessions with better essential properties were selected as useful resources for the development of high oil content and quality fatty acid varieties. Three accessions, Suinong 14, Dongnong 434 and Dongnong 46 from China contain oil higher than 25.0%, while five accessions including KLG 12073 and KLG 12074 from USA, Jilin 14 from China, Kwangan and Bongeui from Korea contain oleic acid higher than 50%. Eight accessions including KLG12083 and KLG12081 from USA contain linoleic acid higher than 60%. Seven accessions including KLG 12093 and KLG12096 from USA contain linolenic acid lower than 4%. Five accessions, KLG12074 and KLG12073 from USA, Kwangan and Bongeui from Korea, and Dongnong 47 from China were low linoleic acid( ω -6)/linolenic( ω -3) ratio resources with lower than 4.5.
Characterization of Sarcocystis Species Based on Traditional and Molecular Methods in Imported Frozen Buffalo Meat in Egypt

Sarcocystis is an intracellular, cyst forming and worldwide distributed parasites. In the present study, fifty five different cuts of imported frozen buffalo meat were collected from different localities of Alexandria markets and were subjected to macroscopic and microscopic examination followed by molecular methods. Polymerase chain reaction used to amplify 18S rRNA gene from the collected samples followed by sequence analysis to detect infections with different Sarcocystis spp. The result revealed that the infection rate in examined sample was 70.9% by molecular methods; while it was 23% and 20% by macroscopic and microscopic examination respectively. Also the percentage of infection was varied among different examined cuts. Comparison of the obtained sequences with published data at the Genebank showed that frozen buffalo meat has multiple sarcocystis infections with S. fusiformis and S.cruzi. This study supported previous findings indicated that water buffalo could be infected with S.cruzi which produced microscopic cyst that has hygienic importance for both veterinary and medical aspects. SO, we recommended to used molecular method for detection sarcocystis infection especially in imported frozen meat to avoid human infection of such zoonotic parasite.
Solubilization and partial characterization of pectin methyltransferase from flax cells

Pectin methyltransferase complex was easily solubilized from the endomembranes of flax cells (Linum usitatissimum L.), when using Triton X-100 detergent. The apparent K M for the methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) was about 0.5 μM, when using polygalacturonic acid as an exogenous methyl-acceptor. In the presence of saturating concentration of SAM, the apparent K M of flax pectin methyltransferase complex for polygalacturonic acid was 0.5-0.7 mg ml -1 or 2.5 to 3.5 mM when considering the concentration of galacturonic acid monomers. Optimum activity in vitro was observed at pH 7.1. The pectin methyltransferase activity was borne by several polypeptides, whose molecular relative mass varied from very low (Mr≤5000) to very high (Mr≥150,000) values. Several isoforms were detected, from acidic to very basic pH, with two main forms: a basic form (pI 8-8.5) of high apparent molecular mass (≥150,000) and a neutral form (pI 6.5-7.5) mainly found with intermediate molecular relative mass proteins (80-120,000). The neutral form presented a higher affinity (K Mapp 0.05 μM) than the basic form (K Mapp 0.15 μM) for the donor of methyl SAM.
04. Experimental Analysis of Grouping Behaviour in Cordylid Lizards

Although the majority of cordylids are solitary, some species display prominent grouping behaviour. We tested whether limited shelter availability is a factor responsible for the grouping behaviour observed in Cordylus cataphractus and C. macropholis, using the solitary-living C. polyzonus as control. In an experimental setup, individuals of each species were provided with an excess of shelter sites and the observed patterns of shelter occupation were compared among the three species. Cordylus cataphractus consistently aggregated, occupying fewer shelters than its two congeners. Grouping behaviour in C. cataphractus in the wild is not the result of a limitation of refuge sites. In contrast, shelter occupation by C. macropholis and C. polyzonus was random, hence non-aggregative. Thus, although the aggregative behaviour observed in C. macropholis in its natural habitat might be influenced by limited shelter availability, other causal factors can not be excluded empirically.
Saliva: Its Value as a Biological Matrix and Current Methods of Sampling

Saliva is a non-invasive medium, its analysis is useful to measure a wide range of hormones, drugs, narcotics, antibodies, host, microbial, fungal and viral DNA up to salivary mRNA; hence, it has been suggested to be an easy and reliable biomarker in disease diagnostics, such as inflammatory mouth infections/diseases, and in normal health surveillance. In light of this potential, our primary endpoint is to review the current knowledge on saliva analyses and its recent methods of sampling.
Postharvest Handling of Alstroemeria

Vase life of Alstroemeria hybrida ‘Regina’ was longest in inflorescences with secondary and tertiary florets. The presence of additional florets on a cyme decreased the vase life of the primary floret. Maximum flower opening and normal coloration occurred when the primary florets were harvested at the “rolled petal stage”. Cutting Alstroemeria stems above the blanched portion of the stem before placement in water increased water uptake and vase life. When secondary florets were present, leaf removal did not decrease vase life.
Detection of Enteroviral RNA Sequences in Different Water Samples

Viruses were isolated from different water samples by Sterivex-Filtration. The nucleic acids were isolated in the filter unit and purified by phenol-chloroform extraction and ethanol precipitation. Reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction (RT/PCR) were performed with primer pairs complementary to sequences of the enteroviral 5’ noncoding region. Amplified sequences were detected by hybridisation with an oligonucleotide complementary to a part of the PCR product. The test system seems to be sensitive and specific In the detection of enteroviral RNA.
The Evolutionary Origins of Phenotypic Plasticity

Many effective and innovative survival mechanisms used by natural organisms rely on the capacity for phenotypic plasticity; that is, the ability of a genotype to alter how it is expressed based on the current environmental conditions. Understanding the evolution of phenotypic plasticity is an important step towards understanding the origins of many types of biological complexity, as well as to meeting challenges in evolutionary computation where dynamic solutions are required. Here, we leverage the Avida Digital Evolution Platform to experimentally explore the selective pressures and evolutionary pathways that lead to phenotypic plasticity. We present evolved lineages wherein unconditional traits tend to evolve first; next, imprecise forms of phenotypic plasticity often appear before optimal forms finally evolve. We visualize the phenotypic states traversed by evolved lineages across environments with differing rates of mutations and environmental change. We see that under all conditions, populations can fail to evolve phenotypic plasticity, instead relying on mutation-based solutions.
Toxicity of chlorpyrifos against Rhyzopertha dominica and Tribolium confusum adults on different surfaces

Abstract The insecticidal efficacy of chlorpyrifos was evaluated as structural treatment on petri dish, concrete, mosaic and galvanized steel surfaces against adults of Rhyzopertha dominica F. and Tribolium confusum Jacquelin du Val. Chlorpyrifos was used at three concentrations of 0.01, 0.2 and 0.5 g AI m−2 on the surfaces. Residual toxicity of chlorpyrifos was evaluated after 7, 15, 30 days and for petri dishes continued to 45 days postexposure. In both species, the mortality was significantly higher in treated petri dishes followed by galvanized steel and low level of mortality was noted in the concrete surfaces. The mortality of adults was extremely decreased at 30 days postexposure except for petri dishes. Results indicated that chlorpyrifos can be useful for stored product protection. However, further studies are required to evaluate the potential of chlorpyrifos in a silo-scale trial.
UV Irradiation of Shell Eggs: Effect on Populations of Aerobes, Molds, and Inoculated Salmonella typhimurium.

The effects were investigated of 254-nm UV radiation on populations of Salmonella typhimurium , aerobes, and molds on the shells of eggs. In the first experiment, the CFU of attached S. typhimurium cells on unwashed clean shell eggs were determined after 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 min of UV treatment (620 μW/cm2) on both ends of the egg. All UV treatments significantly reduced S. typhimurium CFU (P < .01). UVtreatment (620 μW/cm2) in 1-min alternating light and dark cycles for 5 min (three light and two dark) was compared to 0, 3, and 5 min of UV treatment. No significant differences in microbial populations were observed among light and dark cycles and the other UV treatments. In a subsequent experiment, the same UV treatments were utilized to evaluate photoreactivation. After UV exposure, eggs were exposed to 1 h of fluorescent light or I h of darkness or cultured immediately. S. typhimurium CFU were significantly (P < .01) reduced by the UV treatments. However, no significant differences between microbial populations exposed to UV treatment and UV radiation plus photoreactivation were detected. For studies of aerobic bacteria and molds, different UV treatment times (0, 15, and 30 min) at the intensity of 620 μW/cm2 and different intensities (620, 1350, and 1720 μW/cm2) for 15 min were evaluated. Mold CFU per egg were either 0 or 1 for all UV treatments and a 99% reduction of CFU of aerobic bacteria per egg were observed for all UV treatments. It appears from these studies that UV light can significantly reduce populations of S. typhimurium , aerobes, and molds on shell eggs.
Linkage between fish functional groups and coral reef benthic habitat composition in the Western Indian Ocean

Benthic habitat composition is a key factor that structures assemblages of coral reef fishes. However, natural and anthropogenic induced disturbances impact this relationship. This study investigates the link between benthic habitat composition and fish functional groups in four countries in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). Benthic composition of 32 sites was quantified visually from percentage cover of hard and soft corals, rubble, turf, fleshy and crustose coralline algae. At each site, abundance of 12 coral-associated fish functional groups in 50 × 5 m transects was determined. Cluster analysis characterized reefs based on benthic cover and revealed five habitat types (A, B, C, D and E) typified by decreasing cover of hard corals, increasing cover of turf and/or fleshy algae and differences in benthic diversity. Habitat type A was present in all four countries. Other habitats types showed geographic affiliations: notably Comoros sites clustered in either habitats B or E, northern Madagascar had B, C and D type habitats, whereas sites in central Tanzania and northern Mozambique had habitats D and E. Fish functional groups showed significant linkages with some habitat types. The abundances of corallivores, invertivores, detritivores and grazers were higher in habitat B, whereas planktivores and small excavators showed lower abundances in the same habitat. These linkages between benthic habitat types and fish functional groups are important in informing priority reefs that require conservation and management planning.
Biomass production and energy balance of herbaceous and woody crops on marginal soils in the Po Valley

A wealth of data and information on the cultivation of perennial biomass crops has been collected, but direct comparisons between herbaceous and woody crops are rare. The main objective of this research was to compare the biomass yield, the energy balance and the biomass quality of six perennial bioenergy crops: Populus spp. , Robinia pseudoacacia, Salix spp. , Arundo donax, Miscanthus × giganteus, and Panicum virgatum, grown in two marginal environments. For giant reed and switchgrass, two levels of nitrogen fertilization were applied annually (0–100 kg ha−1). Nitrogen fertilization did not affect biomass or energy production of giant reed; thus, it significantly reduced the energy return on investment (EROI) (from 73 to 27). In switchgrass, nitrogen fertilization significantly increased biomass production and the capacity of this crop to respond to water availability, making it a favorable option when only biomass production is a target. Net energy gain (NEG) was higher for herbaceous crops than for woody crops. In Casale, EROI calculated for poplar and willow (7, on average) was significantly lower than that of the other crops (14, on average). In Gariga, the highest EROI was calculated for miscanthus (98), followed by nonfertilized giant reed and switchgrass (82 and 73, respectively). Growing degree days10 during the cropping season had no effect on biomass production in any of the studied species, although water availability from May to August was a major factor affecting biomass yield in herbaceous crops. Overall, herbaceous crops had the highest ranking for bioenergy production due to their high biomass yield, high net energy gain (NEG), and biomass quality that renders them suitable to both biochemical and thermochemical conversion. Miscanthus in particular had the highest EROI in both locations (16 and 98, in Casale and Gariga), while giant reed had the highest NEG on the silty‐loam soil of Gariga.
Characterization of xenobiotic substrates and inhibitors of CYP26A1, CYP26B1 and CYP26C1 using computational modeling and in vitro analyses

Without crystal structures to study the CYP26 family of drug metabolizing enzymes, homology models were used to characterize CYP26A1, CYP26B1 and CYP26C1 and to identify substrates and inhibitors of the enzymes. Computational models of each isoform based on structural homology to CYP120 were validated by docking all-trans retinoic acid, an endogenous ligand of CYP26. Docking of retinoic acid receptor agonists and antagonists suggested that tazarotenic acid (TA) and adapalene may be metabolic substrates for CYP26, data which was confirmed using in vitro metabolite identification assays. Phenotyping experiments determined that CYP26s played a major role in the metabolism of these compounds in vitro. The kinetics of TA sulfoxidation by CYP26A1 and CYP26B1 were characterized and the compound was proposed as an in vitro probe of CYP26 activity in single enzyme expression systems. Structural characterization efforts identified similarities between the CYP26 homology models and the known crystal structure of CYP2C8, in agreement with previously published reports. Using TA as a probe, the IC50’s of known CYP2C8 inhibitors was measured against CYP26A1 and CYP26B1, with a statistically significant correlation observed between CYP26A1 and CYP2C8. Additional in vitro and computational experiments were used to characterize the inhibition mechanism for the most potent inhibitors. The observed in vitro inhibition was then used to predict the likelihood of CYP26 inhibition being involved in clinically relevant drug interactions. As a whole, the results presented support the role of the CYP26s in the metabolism of xenobiotic compounds as well as in potential in vivo drug interactions.
EFFECTS OF AQUEOUS AND ETHANOLIC LEAF EXTRACTS OF PTEROCARPUS MILDBRAEDII ON RENAL AND HEART FUNCTIONS OF ALBINO RATS

Pterocarpus mildbraedii leaf is among the commonly consumed leafy vegetables in Nigeria. Ethanol and aqueous extracts of the leaves had been found to exert anti-diabetic effect in rats. This study was designed to investigate the possible toxicological effects of the ethanol and aqueous leaf extracts of this plant on renal and heart functions in Wistar albino rats. Both extracts were administered intraperitoneally to four groups of rats at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight for 28 days. The renal and heart function indices were analyzed using standard methods. Histopathological evaluation of the kidney was also carried out. Results showed no remarkable alterations of serum levels of renal and heart function indices estimated. No significant differences (p>0.05) in sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), bicarbonate (HCO3), urea and creatinine (CRSC) levels used to assess renal functions were observed at the end of the 28 days-treatment when compared with control group that received saline. Also, serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were insignificantly (p>0.05) affected. Furthermore, histopathological examination of the kidney samples revealed normal cellular architecture in both control and treated groups. These results suggest non-toxic effects of leaf extracts of P. mildbraedii on the kidney and heart in rats. Hence, the plant can be considered safe for use as leafy vegetable, pharmaceutical and or neutraceutical formulations.
Comparing virulence of Phytophthora plurivora and P. pseudosyringae towards Fagus sylvatica seedlings using a method ensuring equal growth of both pathogens

Phytophthora plurivora T.Jung & T.I. Burgess and P. pseudosyringae T.Jung & Delatour exhibit different potential to colonise host plants. In order to clarify whether P. plurivora is more aggressive than P. pseudosyringae simply because of its faster growth and sporulation, a method for root infection was developed ensuring equal growth and sporulation for both pathogens during infection of F. sylvatica L. seedlings. Infection with P. plurivora strongly reduced CO 2 uptake of seedlings and five out of eight seedlings died by the end of the experiment. In contrast, P. pseudosyringae did not alter physiology of infected plants and no mortality was recorded. The DNA contents of roots infected by either pathogen were similar at the end of the experiment, which indicated that a similar amount of fungal material was present for each species. This indicates that the greater aggressiveness of P. plurivora in comparison to P. pseudosyringae cannot be explained by its faster growth compared to P. pseudosyringae at a given temperature.