Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigation of factors contributing to appetite control and body composition in fully breastfed term infants

Human milk (HM) contains a plethora of metabolic hormones, including leptin, which is thought to participate in the regulation of the appetite of the developing infant. Leptin in HM is derived from a combination of de novo mammary synthesis and transfer from the maternal serum. Moreover, leptin is partially lipophilic and is also present in HM cells. However, leptin has predominately been measured in skim HM, which contains neither fat nor cells. We optimised an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for leptin measurement in both whole and skim HM and compared leptin levels between both HM preparations collected from 61 lactating mothers. Whole HM leptin ranged from 0.2 to 1.47 ng/mL, whilst skim HM leptin ranged from 0.19 to 0.9 ng/mL. Whole HM contained, on average, 0.24 ± 0.01 ng/mL more leptin than skim HM (p < 0.0001, n = 287). No association was found between whole HM leptin and fat content (p = 0.17, n = 287), supporting a cellular contribution to HM leptin. No difference was found between preand post-feed samples (whole HM: p = 0.29, skim HM: p = 0.89). These findings highlight the importance of optimising HM leptin measurement and assaying it in whole HM to accurately examine the amount of leptin received by the infant during breastfeeding.
Safety of pesticidal sprays to natural enemies in chilli (Capsicum annuum L.).

A study was conducted to assess the safety of three acaricides (Propargite 57 EC, Ethion 50 EC and Fenpyroxymate 5 SC), one insect growth regulator (Buprofezin 25 SC), four botanical pesticides (Neemgold 0.15 EC, Neem seed kernel Extract 5%, Clerodendron inermae aqueous leaf extract 5%, Vitex negundo aqueous leaf extract 5%), and formulations of two bioagents Verticillium lecanii and Paecilomyces fumosorosens to natural enemies associated with yellow mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Banks) in chilli under field condition. The natural enemies observed were predatory coccinellid, Coccinella septempunctata Linnaeus, and the predatory mites, Amblyseius ovalis (Evans) and Amblyseins longispinosus (Evans). The botanical pesticides and formulations of bioagents were quite safe to predatory coccinellids and mites at tested doses. Among the synthetic acaricides, fenpyroxymate was quite safe to both predatory mite and coccinellid species and recorded on par results with the bioagents and botanical pesticides. Buprofezin and Neemgold were intermediate in their safety to predators.
Efficacy and persistence of Beauveria bassiana and other fungi for control of diamondback moth (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) on cabbage seedlings.

The diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.), is a key pest of crucifers worldwide. Resistance by diamondback moths to chemical insecticides and Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner toxins highlights the need for alternative controls. Crucifer growers often depend on seedlings produced in screenhouses and later transplanted to the field. Commercial seedlings can be contaminated with pesticide-resistant P. xylostella, leading to control problems in the field. We evaluated the efficacy of Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin applied as conidia in Mycotrol ® WP in three experiments by evaluating insect control, damage reduction, and fungus persistence on treated leaves of cabbage seedlings. In one experiment, we also evaluated Metarhizium anisopliae Metschnikoff (Sorokin) applied as conidia in Bio-blast® and Paecilomyces fumosoroseus (Wize) Brown & Smith applied as freshly-cultivated unformulated blastospores. We observed significant reductions, compared to controls, in insect populations and damage ratings w.
African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme: An overview of the conference contributions

Latimeria Chalumnael/Ig is the icon for the multidisciplinary, multinational African Coelacanth Ecosystem Programme (ACEP) dedicated to improving the understanding of biological and other processes that support marine life. This article provides an overview of contributions made at a conference hosted by ACEP at the end of 2003. It also reviews significant developments regarding coelacanth conservation which have taken place since the conference. Delegates at the meeting concluded that the integrated regional, ecosystem approach that had been adopted by ACEP should continue. Underwater observation and exploration, however, should be supplemented by more experimental and technical analyses in order to answer longstanding questions related to coelacanths and other organisms.
Risk Factors and Consequences of Conversion in Laparoscopic Appendectomy

No studies in Australia have explored risk factors for Laparoscopic (LA) to Open Appendectomy (OA) conversion. Differences in outcome following a Midline (ML) or Right Iliac Fossa (RIF) approach for conversion have not been documented. The primary objective was to identify patient and surgical factors that increase the likelihood of conversion; secondary objective was to explore outcome differences between ML and RIF approach for conversion.
Restoration Strategies to Improve Animal Movement in the Atlantic Forest

Habitat loss and fragmentation are leading causes of biodiversity decline worldwide. Animals sensitive to fragmentation suffer from decreased dispersal, breeding opportunities, and genetic diversity, making them vulnerable to extinction. Over the last decades the Atlantic Forest of Brazil has been extremely fragmented, with only 11-16% of forest remaining. Fortunately, ecological restoration is occurring throughout Brazil. Using computer modelling, I investigated how alternative restoration strategies improve the functional connectivity of the landscape. I used lion-tamarins of Southern Bahia, Brazil as a case study. I imposed three restoration strategies, Landowner Focused, Biodiversity Focused, and Random, on each of six sample landscapes, and five amounts of restoration (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%). I found both restoration strategy and amount had a significant effect on connectivity. Landowner and Biodiversity Focused strategies were significantly better at increasing connectivity than the Random strategy, and greater restoration amounts resulted in greater connectivity.
Two new soil-dwelling psocids (Psocoptera: Trogiidae and Pachytroctidae) from the islands of St Helena and Madagascar

Two new apterous species of Psocoptera (Insecta) are described and illustrated, each belonging to a new genus: Helenatropos abrupta gen. n. , sp. n. (female) (Trogiidae) from a semidesertic biotope on the mid-Atlantic island of St Helena, and Thoracotroctes spinifer gen. n. , sp. n. (male) (Pachytroctidae) from the endemic Didiereaceae vegetation in southern Madagascar. The systematic positions of the new genera within their families are discussed and a new subfamily is defined for Thoracotroctes gen. n. : Thoracotroctinae subfam. n. A key to the subfamilies of Pachytroctidae is provided.
Genetic dissection of complex traits

Genetic Dissection of Complex Traits Rao Table of Contents Contributors. Preface. Acknowledgments. NEWTON MORTON'S CONTRIBUTIONS Newton Morton: The Wisconsin Years. Newton Morton's Influence on Genetics: The Morton Number. OVERVIEW AND PRELIMINARIES Genetic Dissection of Complex Traits: An Overview. Familial Resemblance and Heritability. Linkage and Association: Basic Concepts. PHENOTYPES AND GENOTYPES Definition of the Phenotype. Genotyping for Human Whole-Genome Scans: Past, Present, and Future. MODEL-BASED METHODS FOR LINKAGE ANALYSIS The Lod Score Method. Extension of the Lod Score: The Mod Score. Major Strengths and Weaknesses of the Lod Score Method. MODEL-FREE METHODS FOR LINKAGE AND ASSOCIATION ANALYSIS Overview of Model-free Methods for Linkage Analysis. Variance Component Methods for Detecting Complex Trait Loci. Linkage and Association with Structural Relationships. The Future of Genetic Case-Control Studies. Cost of Linkage versus Association Methods. Genotype-Environment Interaction in Transmission Disequilibrium Tests. Major Strengths and Weaknesses of Model-free Methods. MORE RECENT METHODS Meta-analysis for Model-free Methods. Classification Methods for Confronting Heterogeneity. Applications of Neural Networks for Gene Finding. Genome Partitioning and Whole-Genome Analysis. Deciphering the Genetic Architecture of a Multivariate Phenotype. OPTIMUM STRATEGIES On the Resolution and Feasibility of Genome Scanning Approaches. One-Stage versus Two-Stage Strategies for Genome Scans. MULTIPLE COMPARISONS AND SIGNIFICANCE LEVELS Significance Levels in Genome Scans. False Positives and False Negatives in Genome Scans. Sequential Methods of Analysis for Genome Scans. CHALLENGES FOR THE NEW MILLENNIUM From Genetics to Mechanism of Disease Liability. Complex Inheritance: The 21st Century. Appendix: Research Contributions of Newton E. Morton. Index.
Türkiye’de Yaşayan Suriyeli Çocukların Eğitim Sorunu ve Çözüm Önerileri

There are various problems on the education of Syrian children to deal with where the language is the foremost impediment. Apart from the language problem, other problems are those experienced during the enrollment procedure, those arosen due to the students joining at intermediary classes because of the abolishment of the temporary education centers and finally the risk of marginalization. In this respect, precautionary measures need to be taken so as not to leave Syrian children out of the education process. Some of the factors restraining the Syrian parents from sending their children to the school need to be considered; particularly the issue of keeping the girls away from schools has to be tackled. Among the solutions within these considerations would be to assure diversity in education, pluralism, to diversify the curricula, and to recognize the plurality of the Syrian families
Can the Number of Endothelial Progenitor Cells Help Predict Future Cardiovascular Events

Background: Despite advances in treatment and risk factor management, coronary artery disease (CAD) remains the largest cause of mortality worldwide. Much has been made of the role of endothelial dysfunction in CAD, but tools to measure and augment its progression are lacking. Recent cellular biomarkers have been found to be involved in endothelial dysfunction and the presence of CAD. As the role of these biomarkers becomes more defined, can the measurement of endothelial progenitor cells now predict the risk of experiencing future cardiovascular events? Methods: Exhaustive search of available medical literature was performed on the databases CINAHL, Web of Science, and Medline-OVID. These were searched using the keywords “cardiovascular events,” “endothelial cells,” and “risk assessment”. All included studies were assessed for quality using the GRADE scale. Results: Three observational trials met inclusion requirements. One of these studies evaluated the correlation between endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and cardiovascular (CV) risk along with endothelial function This study was able to establish a significant correlation between the number of EPCs and their functional ability and endothelial dysfunction in patients with cardiovascular disease. The other two studies utilized a prospective approach and measured EPC numbers at baseline and then followed the sample to record the number of CV events. The first of these two studies was able to demonstrate that reduced numbers of EPC independently predicts atherosclerotic disease progression, while the second showed that EPC levels can predict the occurrence of CV events and aide in risk stratification of people with increased CV risk. Conclusion: Endothelial progenitor cells have been proven to have a role in endothelial dysfunction, cardiovascular disease progression, and now risk assessment. While many factors play into the overall mechanism in which EPC levels affect cardiovascular risk and endothelial repair, monitoring blood levels of EPCs has become a feasible biomarker that can be added to further stratify ones CV risk profile. Degree Type Capstone Project Degree Name Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies First Advisor AJ Sommers Second Advisor Saje-Davis Reisen
Host Molecular Responses in Chickens Infected with an Avian Influenza Virus

Title of Document: HOST MOLECULAR RESPONSES IN CHICKENS INFECTED WITH AN AVIAN INFLUENZA VIRUS. Gloria Consuelo Ramirez-Nieto, Doctor of Philosophy, 2008 Directed By: Dr. Daniel R. Perez Associate Professor College of Veterinary Medicine Avian influenza virus has a segmented RNA genome that allows the virus to evolve continuously and generate new strains. Wild birds serve as natural reservoirs of avian influenza virus and provide a potential source for emergence of new viruses, which traverse host barriers and infect new avian or mammalian species. The mechanisms involved in this process are not completely understood. Our main goal is to understand host-pathogen interactions involved in avian influenza pathogenicity. As part of our approach we studied the effect of pre-exposure of chickens to IBDV (infectious bursal disease virus) on host susceptibility to infection, disease progression, and host molecular responses to infection with a mallard H5N2 low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) virus. We found that prior exposure of chickens to IBDV led to increased susceptibility to infection with the mallard H5N2 LPAI virus compared to normal chickens. This increased susceptibility allowed us to further adapt the virus to chickens. After 22 passages (P22) in IBDV-pre-exposed chickens, the LPAI virus replicated substantially better than the wild-type (WT) mallard virus in both IBDV-exposed and normal chickens. Interestingly, the P22 virus showed similar levels of replication in the respiratory and intestinal tracts of both groups, although it caused exacerbated signs of disease and severe lesions in the IBDV-pre-exposed group. We suggest that prior IBDV exposure provides a port of entry for avian influenza in an otherwise resistant chicken population. Furthermore, adaptation of avian influenza (AI) in IBDV-exposed chickens may allow for the selection of AI virus strains with expanded tissue tropism. We also studied the effects of host response to H5N2 AI in normal and IBDV-infected birds using highthroughput gene expression analysis. We demonstrated that IBDV-exposed chickens showed less than optimal humoral responses to LPAI infection as well as alterations in local molecular pathways that eventually led to exacerbated disease and death. At the molecular level we found amino acid substitutions in the surface glycoprotein hemagglutinin (HA). Those changes suggest selection for a virus that binds to and replicates more efficiently in chickens. Taken together our results suggest that IBDVpre-exposure may play a role in exacerbating AI-induced pathogenicity. HOST MOLECULAR RESPONSES IN CHICKENS INFECTED WITH AN AVIAN INFLUENZA VIRUS
Comparative Ultrastructure of the Acinar Cell and Secretory Granules of Parotid Salivary Gland in the Lesser White-toothed Shrew, Crocidura suaveolens and the Big White-toothed Shrew, C. lasiura

The acinar cells and secretory granules of the parotid salivary gland were examined in the lesser white toothed shrew, Crocidura suaveolens and the big white-toothed shrew, C. lasiura. The parotid gland of both species were a serous gland having only one kind of serous acinar cells, and had conventional arrangement of acini and intercalated, granular and striated ducts. In case of C. suaveolens, serous acinar cells had well developed rER, prominent Golgi complex, several large mitochondria and abundant moderate dense secretory granules with various stages of the maturing or fusing process. Immature acinar secretory granules were only or mainly filled with fine strong dense specks and had an indistinct limiting membrane, and mature granules were filled with homogeneous pale large round center and had fine strong dense specks at the periphery of the homogeneous pale center and a distinct limiting membrane. In case of C. lasiula, serous acinar cells had well developed rER, prominent Golgi complex, several large mitochondria and abundant dense secretory granules with maturing or fusing process. Immature acinar secretory granules were only filled with pale rough specks and had an indistinct limiting membrane, and mature granules were only filled with rough dense specks and had a distinct limiting membrane. Eventually The acinar secretory granules of C. suaveolens were seen moderate at the light and ultrastuctural level, those of C. lasiura were strong dense at the light microscopic level and dense at the ultrastructural level.
Ecofriendly methods in combating Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary.

Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary is a soilborne pathogen capable of infecting more than 400 host plants worldwide. It is a major pathogen that plays a crucial role in reducing the yield in economically important crops. The capability of sclerotia to survive for more than 4 years becomes very difficult to manage the crop from the infection of white mold fungus. Management of sclerotinia with chemical fungicides though remains successful; accumulation of pesticide residues in the edible parts threatens the scope for export of the commodities to other countries. Most of the conventional methods are Correspondence/Reprint request: Dr. W. G. Dilantha Fernando, Department of Plant Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 2N2 W. G. Dilantha Fernando et al. 330 not effective in management of S. sclerotiorum. In the midst of these obstacles, the antagonistic fungi Coniothyrium minitans has been commercialized for management of white mold fungus in both agricultural and horticultural crops. But the efficacy of biocontrol by C. minitans is not consistent. On the contrary, recent research activities on the usage of bacterial biocontrol agents for the management of S. sclerotiorum reflects that Pseudomonas chlororaphis (PA23), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (BS6) and Pantoea agglomerans exert multiple mode of action and lead to the suppression of carpogenic germination and mycelial growth through the production of volatile and non volatile antimicrobial antibiotics. Moreover PA23 and BS6 triggers induced resistance via the production of defense related gene products. P. agglomerans degrades oxalic acid through the production of oxalate oxidase. Strains PA23 and BS6 protected canola crop from infection of stem rot fungus under field conditions. Since, mass multiplication of bacteria remains easier than fungal biocontrol agents, above-mentioned promising strains would pave the way for the management of S. sclerotiorum in both agricultural and horticultural crops. Development of consortial formulations with multiple modes of action will lead to the genesis of suitable bacterial biocontrol agents for controlling S. sclerotiorum in different cropping systems.
Heritability and breeding value of sheep fertility estimated by means of the linear and threshold model

The research was conducted on 2790 Polish Merino ewes born in the years 1991-2002. The animals were maintained in 6 flocks from the Kujawy and Pomorze region. Fertility of ewes in 3 subsequent lambings was controlled. The explorative analysis of the said trait proved that its statistically significant source of variability were flock, year of birth, successive lambing, as well as the flock*year of birth interaction. In order to estimate genetic parameters of fertility, Gibbs sampling method was applied, using univariate linear (LM) and threshold (TM) animai models. Estimated heritability of fertility depending on the model was 0.01 (LM) and 0.06 (TM), whereas repeatability 0.09 (LM) and 0.23 (TM). Based on the obtained components of variance, the breeding value of animals was estimated by means of the BLUP method and two alternative models linear and threshold. The rankings obtained for the breeding value with use of the linear and threshold models were strongly correlated (rs=0.992). Positive genetic trend s were found as regards Certility at the level of 0.0015/year.
Nematode Management in Minimum-Till Soybean with Resistant Cultivars, Rye Rotation, and Aldicarb

Growth and yield of three soybean (Glycine max) cultivars planted mimmum-till were studied for 3 years in relation to winter rye (Secale cereale) rotation, aldicarb treatment of soil, and population densities of Meloidogyne incognita, Pratylenchus brachyurus, and Paratrichodorus minor. Population densities of M. incognita second-stage juveniles (J2) were greater than 10 J2/cm soil. Population densities of P. brachyurus and P. minor were less than 1 nematode/cm soil. Rye did not affect the M. incognita J2 density measured in the soil in the spring, but root-gall indices of soybean following rye were lower than those following fallow. Root-gall indices of 'Coker 6738' were lower than for 'Coker 488' and 'Johnston'. Soybean yields of Coker 6738 were 133% and 174% greater than for Coker 488 and Johnston, respectively, in fallow, untreated plots. However, all cultivars maintained relatively high population densities of M. incognita J2 in the soil, indicating that high yields of Coker 6738
Factors affecting the re-establishment of native plant species on abandoned pastures

This thesis examines the re-establishment of native plant species on abandoned pastures in Tasmania adjacent to undisturbed native forest. The rate of native species re-establishment on these sites is typically very slow and limited to a small subset of species present in the adjacent forest. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors that limit or facilitate this re-establishment. With the continuing decline of remnant native vegetation in rural Australia, research in this area is required to promote the process of re-establishment. Re-establishment on improved pastures was restricted to the edge of the pasture, whereas on unimproved (native) pastures reestablishment extended further into the pasture. In both cases, native trees and shrubs were relatively infrequent compared with herbaceous species. The effects of fire, soil disturbance and grazing were examined. The exotic pasture species resprouted quickly following disturbance, but there was typically a reduction in the dominance of exotic grasses. However, very little germination or growth of native species occurred following disturbance of the pasture. Significant inputs of seed were detected for native tree and shrub species (Eucalyptus spp., Leptospermum scoparium and Epacris spp.). However, relatively few seeds of native species were found in the soil seed bank in the pastures. Rates of seed predation were high in all seasons except winter. For some native species, the rate of predation may be sufficiently high to counter the large quantity of seed-fall. Seedlings of native trees and shrubs (Eucalyptus pulchella, Leptospermttm scoparium and Bedfordia salicina) were planted in the pasture with different levels of competition from the pasture grasses. Seedlings were more likely to survive or grow faster if grass root competition was reduced. Frost and herbivory contributed to the mortality of seedlings. The soil nutrient status of the pasture was not significantly different from the adjacent forest soil, except for available and total phosphorus which were higher in the pasture. Under glasshouse conditions, the growth rates of the three selected native species (see above) were better on the soil collected from the pasture than forest soil. However, the formation of mycorrhizal associations was poor on seedlings grown in pasture soil, except for soils collected from the pasture edge and from beneath isolated native trees in the pasture. In conclusion, the opportunities for the establishment of native seedlings are likely to be rare. This seems to be mainly due to the presence of exotic grasses that were highly resilient to disturbance and highly competitive.