Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Morphometrics of Hares from Three Ecological Regions in Sudan

A study was conducted to determine morphological discrimination in body measurements of Lepus capensis collected from different geographic regions of Sudan and to test if the morphological results are consistent in the different regions. Ninety six hares (44 males and 52 females) were examined for body weight, total length, ear length, tail length, hind foot length, length of front leg, length of back leg, distance between ears, distance between eyes, neck length, height and back length. Body measurements were taken by a tape, live weight by digital balance with 0.05 mm precision. The results revealed that tail length, distance between eyes and height varied in hares among the geographical regions; females were heavier, with shorter necks compared with males. The conclusion of the study the hares from Western region had longer tails than those between the White and Blue Niles, and those from the Eastern region. Also females were heavier than males, this is indicating to sexual dimorphism,
Exact solutions for the nonlinear KPP equation by using the Riccati equation method combined with the G/G - expansion method

interesting approach to find more general exact solutions of the nonlinear evolution equations in mathematical physics. The objective of this article is to employ this method to construct exact solutions involving parameters of a nonlinear Kolmogorov-Petrovskii-Piskunov (KPP) equation. When these parameters are taken to be special values, the solitary wave solutions, the periodic wave solutions and the rational function solutions are derived from the exact solutions. The proposed method appears to be effective for solving other nonlinear evolution equations in the mathematical physics.
Exposure assessment of potentially toxic trace elements via consumption of fruits and vegetables grown under the impact of Alaverdi's mining complex

ABSTRACT This study is aimed to investigate the transfer of potentially toxic trace elements from soils to plants grown under the impact of Alaverdi's mining complex and assess the related dietary exposure to local residents. Contamination levels of potentially toxic trace elements (Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Hg, As, Cd) in soils and plants were determined and afterwards, transfer factors, estimated daily intakes, target hazard quotients, and hazard indexes were calculated. Some trace elements (Pb, Zn, Cd) exceeded the maximum allowable levels. EDIs of Cu, Ni, Hg for the majority of studied fruits and vegetables exceeded the health-based guideline values. Meanwhile, in case of combined consumption of the studied food items, the estimated cumulative daily intakes exceeded health-based guideline values not only for the aforementioned trace elements but also for Zn in the following sequence: Zn > Hg > Ni > Cu. HI > 1 values highlighted the potential adverse health effects for local population through more than one trace element. Detailed investigations need to be done for the overall assessment of health risks, taking into consideration not only adverse health effects posed by more than one toxic trace element but also through other exposure pathways.
Antioxidant properties of peel and flesh in 'GoldRush' and 'Florina' scab-resistant apple (Malus domestica) cultivars

in the human diet, apples ( Malus domestica) are the most consumed fruit worldwide throughout the whole year and are valued for their organoleptic characteristics (aroma, taste, and flavour). Apples are also an important source of phytochemicals, represented by flavonols, flavanols, cinnamic acid, dihydrochalcones, and anthocyanins, which have a known antioxidant activity that can prevent or reduce the insurgence of several chronic and degenerative diseases. These compounds have been found especially in the peel tissue. Apple orchards are often treated chemically against several diseases and particularly against the fungal pathogen Venturia inaequalis. This pathogen causes the growth of small and rough fruits (scab-apples) with black circular lesions on the peel. New resistant genotypes to V. inaequalis have been obtained but until now they have covered restricted markets aimed at organic production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality characteristics of two scab-resistant cultivars 'GoldRush' and 'Florina', focusing on pomological traits, total antioxidant capacity (TA c), and total phenol (TP) content in the peel and flesh tissues of the fruit. These genotypes were compared with the well-known cultivar 'Golden Delicious' clone B (scab-susceptible). in all the tested cultivars, TAc and TP content were higher in the peel than the flesh. in particular, the highest TA c and TP values were found in the peel of the two scab-resistant cultivars, 'GoldRush' and 'Florina', which showed interesting and valuable attributes.
The Carpathians hosted extra-Mediterranean refugia-within-refugia during the Pleistocene Ice Age : genomic evidence from two newt genera

Part of Europe’s temperate species survived the Pleistocene glacial cycles in refugia north of the Mediterranean peninsulas. For one such extra-Mediterranean refugia, the Carpathians, an intricate ‘refugia-within-refugia’ scenario has been suggested, involving species surviving in multiple discrete glacial refugia. We test the Carpathian refugia-within-refugia hypothesis, employing genome-wide multilocus data sets for two newt species (Triturus cristatus and Lissotriton montandoni). We first use Bayesian clustering to delineate intraspecific evolutionary lineages. The number of intraspecific lineages identified, and the allocation of localities to these lineages, were used to construct testable hypotheses on the spatial arrangement of glacial refugia in both newt species. Next we employ approximate Bayesian computation to date whether these lineages are of Holocene ( 12 Ka) origin. We identify three intraspecific evolutionary lineages for T. cristatus and two for L. montandoni. For both newt species, intraspecific divergence is rooted in the Pleistocene, in line with species survival in distinct range fragments during the last glacial period. Hence, our findings firmly support the Carpathian refugia-within-refugia hypothesis. Furthermore, we show that mitochondrial DNA overestimates the age of intraspecific evolutionary lineages and we urge caution in basing refugia-within-refugia scenarios on mitochondrial DNA alone.
The Transcriptional Activity of LAMP3 Gene Involved in Autophagocytosis in Colorectal Cancer LAMP3 Expression in Colorectal Cancer

Background: Autophagocytosis is a biological process involving the controlled distribution of cell fragments and organelles in order to obtain an additional source of energy. LAMP3 (lysosome-associated membrane protein 3) is a heavily glycosylated integral membrane protein located mainly in the lysosomal membrane. Recent studies have shown that it participates in tumor metastasis and drug resistance. Its main role is contribution to tumor cells proliferation, migration and invasion. The aim of this study was to determine changes in transcriptional activity of LAMP3 at various stages of colorectal cancer. In addition, an attempt was made to select miRNAs potentially regulating LAMP3 expression using bioinformatic databases. Methods: The study was conducted on healthy colon samples and colon cancer samples in four stages. Molecular analysis included the extraction of total RNA, purification of the obtained extracts, expression profile analysis using oligonucleotide microarray technique and in silico determination of miRNAs potentially regulating the LAMP3 expression. Results: The level of LAMP3 expression is higher in colorectal adenocarcinoma cells than in non-cancerous cells and depends on the stage of the disease. Conclusions: LAMP3 may promote cancer progression, metastasis and cause the resistance to treatment.
Effect of dietary zinc-methionine supplementation on growth performance, nutrient utilization, antioxidative properties and immune response in broiler chickens under high ambient temperature

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of zinc-methionine (ZnM) on growth performance, nutrient utilization, antioxidant status and immune response in broiler chickens reared at high ambient temperature. A total of 480 one-day-old chicks were randomly distributed into 24 floor pens (20 chicks/pen) and were given either a control diet, 0 ZnM (G0) or 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg ZnM (G1, G2 and G3, respectively). The growth performance was significantly affected by the treatments, ZnM supplementation increased body weight gain and improved feed conversion (p < .05) in broilers. Protein utilization was improved by feeding ZnM (p < .05). Plasma total cholesterol was decreased, while plasma HDL-cholesterol was tending to be increased. Interestingly, an increase in ZnM supplementation enhanced Zn concentrations (p < .05) in breast muscle along with a reduction in malondialdehyde concentration and saturated fatty acids (p < .05) and an augmentation in unsaturated fatty acids (p < .01). Dietary ZnM supplementation resulted in a significant increase in serum glutathione peroxidase concentration which accompanied with an improving in humoral immune response. It could be concluded that dietary organic Zn supplementation improved growth performance, nutrient digestibility, Zn content in raw meat, antioxidative properties and humoral immunity and reduced meat lipid peroxidation in broilers under high ambient temperature.
Identification and characterisation of serotonin signalling in the potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida reveals new targets for crop protection

Plant parasitic nematodes are microscopic pests that invade plant roots and cause extensive damage to crops worldwide. To investigate mechanisms underpinning their parasitic behaviour we used a chemical biology approach: We discovered that reserpine, a plant alkaloid known for its antagonism of the mammalian vesicular monoamine transporter VMAT and ability to impart a global depletion of synaptic biogenic amines in the nervous system, potently impairs the ability of the potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida to enter the host plant root. We show that this effect of reserpine is mediated by an inhibition of serotonergic signalling that is essential for activation of the stylet, a lance-like organ that protrudes from the mouth of the worm and which is used to pierce the host root to gain access. Prompted by this we identified core molecular components of G. pallida serotonin signalling encompassing the target of reserpine, VMAT; the synthetic enzyme for serotonin, tryptophan hydroxylase; the G protein coupled receptor SER-7 and the serotonin-gated chloride channel MOD-1. We found that inhibitors of tryptophan hydroxylase, SER-7 and MOD-1 phenocopy the plant protecting action of reserpine. Thus targeting the serotonin signalling pathway presents a promising new route to control plant parasitic nematodes. Summary Indian snakeroot, an herbal medicine prepared from the roots of the shrub Rauwolfia serpentina, has been used for centuries for its calming action. The major active constituent is reserpine which works by depleting a specific class of mood regulating chemical in the brain, the biogenic amines. We have discovered a remarkable effect of reserpine on a pest of global concern, the plant parasitic nematodes. These microscopic worms invade the roots of crops presenting a severe threat to food production. We show that reserpine disables serotonin signalling in the worm’s ‘brain’ that regulates the rhythmic thrusting of the stylet: a lance-like structure that protrudes from its mouth to pierce the plant root and which is essential to its parasitic lifecycle. Thus, reserpine joins nicotine as another intriguing example of Nature evolving its own protection against pests. We have identified key components of the serotonin signalling pathway in the potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida and show that chemicals that target these sites inhibit the ability of the nematode to invade its host plant. We conclude that biogenic amine transmitters are intimately involved in the worm’s parasitic behaviour and provide a new discrete route to crop protection.
New insights into androgen-dependent Wolffian duct development

In mammals, male and female fetal reproductive tracts are initially indistinguishable with Wolffian ducts (WD) and Mullerian ducts (MD) present in both sexes. Androgens play a vital role in masculinisation of the fetus, including WD rescue and development in males; however, the mechanisms that underlie this process are unknown. The aims of the current study therefore were to investigate the timing and mechanisms involved in androgen mediated WD development. The present study exposed pregnant rats to the androgen receptor antagonist, flutamide (50 or 100 mgkg"1), Di(n-butyl) phthalate (DBP; 500 mgkg"') which reduces testicular testosterone production, and/or exogenous testosterone during specific time windows in fetal life in order to establish the key time windows for androgenregulated WD development and the possible mechanisms involved. These studies confirmed the vital role for androgens in WD development and highlighted their critical involvement in establishing the early patterning of WD development between el5.5-17.5, prior to any sign of morphological differentiation. At this stage, androgens receptors (AR) are only expressed in the stroma, not in the epithelium, thus androgens must regulate WD differentiation via stroma-epithelial interactions. Contrastingly, high levels of androgens were not required during morphological differentiation of the WD between el 9.521. 5 (when coiling occurs). Impaired androgen action during the correct window of development disrupted WD development as evidenced by reduced coiling of the future epididymis. This was likely due to a demonstrated reduction in cell proliferation in both stromal and epithelial compartments, impaired stromal differentiation, reduced epithelial cell height and ultimately epithelial degradation. These stromal abnormalities were noted prior to observing any obvious abnormalities in the epithelium, further highlighting regulation of the epithelium by the stroma. The mechanisms involved in this impaired WD development include interruption to the basement membrane and extracellular matrix, as evidenced by altered expression of some intermediate filaments. These were similar to the mechanisms noted in the regressing female WD but impaired androgen action did not induce apoptosis in the male WD, which was observed in the regressing WD in females. Maternal exposure to testosterone during gestation was able to rescue the female WD and even induce some degree of morphological differentiation, although this was to a lesser degree than that noted
Distribution of Virulence Genes in Salmonella Serovars isolated from poultry farms in Kwara State, Nigeria

This study was aimed at investigating the prevalence and detection of virulence genes in Salmonella isolated from poultry farms in Kwara State, Nigeria. Ten commercial layer farms located in three senatorial districts of the state were sampled. The presence of Salmonella was investigated using standard bacteriological techniques, the isolates obtained were serotyped and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect presence of two genes (fimA and sefC) in the isolates. Of the 300 samples collected, 24 (8.0%) were positive for Salmonella; 4 different serovars were identified; Salmonella Larochelle, S. Muenster, S. enterica ser. 6, 7:d, S. enterica ser. 45:d:1,7 and Salmonella Typhimurium, the most frequent being Salmonella Typhimurium (3%). Varying distribution patterns of the studied genes were observed among the isolates. While, fimA was found in all the 24 (100%) isolates, sefC was found only among the Salmonella enterica ser. 45: d: 1,7. The study indicates that the fimA gene is widely distributed among Salmonella irrespective of the serovars. However, the sefC gene appears to be serovar specific. The prevalence of Salmonella in chicken and poultry farms constitutes a major public health concern. Hence, further epidemiological studies are necessary.
Improving Developmental Competence of Murine Preimplantation Embryos by Supplementation of Anti-apoptotic Peptides

Mammalian preimplantation embryo development is prone to high rates of early embryo demise. Two underlying causes for failed development include the effect of sub-optimal culture media and maternal lethal effect (MLE) genes. In line with the growing evidence, we hypothesize that embryo fate is determined by the outcome of specific intracellular interactions between proand anti-apoptotic proteins under suboptimal culture conditions such as HTF medium and oxidative stress. Characterization of Nalp5, a MLE gene resulting in 2-cell embryo arrest, also found a significantly higher expression of proapoptotic proteins in knockout oocytes and embryos. With the use of two anti-apoptotic peptides, TAT-BH4 and Bax-inhibiting peptide (BIP), we attempted to improve embryo development. Our results found that neither peptide was able to improve embryo development in the Nalp5 model, or the HTF model. However, TAT-BH4 is capable of significantly improving developmental competence in embryos cultured under oxidative stress. Our findings suggest that supplementation of TAT-BH4 in embryo culture medium may offer a novel and cost-effective technique to improve embryogenesis of cultured embryos. However, further studies are still required.
Environmental and genetic influences on the dispersal propensity of spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana)

For many species, dispersal among populations has profound impacts on local dynamics and the spread of outbreaks. Understanding the environmental and genetic triggers of density‐dependent dispersal is important for improving population models and developing reliable management strategies. We hypothesized that moth dispersal in the spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana Clem.) is triggered by reductions in larval food availability and mediated by the expression of the for gene, which affects movement and dispersal activity in Drosophila and other species. Late‐stage larvae were reared under different food‐limitation treatments. Dispersal of adults was assessed using three measures of flight performance on flight mills: maximum velocity, 1‐h flight distance and maximum sustained flight time. Accumulation of for transcripts was measured by a quantitative polymerase chain reaction on moths from each treatment. Flight activity was positively related to moth size and, although food limitation caused reductions in moth size, it also had an independent and positive effect on maximum velocities, sustained flight times and flight distances. Food limitation had no effect on expression of the for gene. We conclude that reductions in food availability will produce moths that are smaller but exhibit increased flight activity, potentially increasing the population of dispersing individuals. The physiological basis for this effect remains unknown.
Resurrection and redescription of Liolaemus reichei, proposal of a neotype to stabilize its taxonomy

Liolaemus reichei was described by Werner and published by Otto Burger in 1907 on the basis of 1 specimen captured in Iquique, Chile. The taxonomy of this species has been controversial, because it was originally placed in the genus Phrynosaura and was recently synonymized with Liolaemus stolzmanni based on a picture of the syntype of the latter species. We have identified a set of diagnostic characters that distinguish L. reichei from L. stolzmanni . Because there has been persistent confusion regarding the identity and the existence of the taxon described by Werner, we here resurrect, redescribe and designate a neotype of this species to stabilize the taxonomy of Liolaemus reichei . This work is based on specimens that were captured near Iquique, Chile, and is consistent with the original description.
Isolation, Characterization and Crystal Morphology Study of Bacillus thuringiensis Isolates from Soils of Punjab

The bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis widely used as bio-pesticide. The specific toxic activity to insects and another microbe(s) regarding the existing of crystals that have different morphologies, sizes, numbers and compositions, as Bt strains the crystals have more different proteins, which contain encoded Cry distinct genes. In this work we isolated 140 Bacillus thuringiensis isolates from 68 soil samples from 19 local areas in Punjab. Colonies examination was done by microscope for toxin production. Bacillus thuringiensis isolates showed a typical colony morphology, predominantly off white to creamish with irregular margins. Based on certain biochemical characterstics they were confirmed to be strains of Bacillus thuringiensis . Bt strains harboring crystalline inclusions that might have potential for use as bioinsecticidal agent was done under phase contrast microscope and Scanning electron microscope. Based on preliminary screening with phase contrast microscopy, its parasporal crystals have unsual shapes. Bt isolates were classified into bi-pyramidal cry stals, pyramidal, cuboidal, amorphous and round cry stal protein inclusions. After preliminary screening with phase contrast microscopy, Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the surface view of rod shaped bacterial cells found in chains and cluster arrangement. Bt isolated tended to have sub-terminal spores.
A long-non-coding RNA, LINC00473, confers the human adipose tissue thermogenic phenotype through enhanced cAMP responsiveness

Specialized adipocytes localized in distinct depots mediate the many physiological functions of adipose tissue. In humans, paucity of thermogenic adipocytes correlates with high metabolic disease risk, raising much interest in the mechanisms by which these cells arise. Here we report molecular signatures associated with adipocyte development in different human depots and identify a long non-coding RNA, LINC00473, as the transcript most closely associated with enrichment of thermogenic adipocytes. LINC00473 expression is low in subjects with obesity or type-2 diabetes and is highly correlated with cAMP signaling and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation pathways. LINC00473 is localized in the nucleus and the cytoplasm, and its knockdown impairs induction of UCP1 and mitochondrial respiration. These results reveal that depot-enriched genes that modulate responsiveness to external stimuli, specifically LINC00473, are important determinants of the adipose tissue thermogenic phenotype, and potential targets for metabolic disease therapy.