Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) administration on lambing rate of Afshari ewes

According to the importance of lambing rate to profitability of sheep holders, this trial investigated the effects of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) injection a day prior or at controlled intravaginal drug-releasing device (CIDR) removal on multiple births in synchronized Afshari ewes. 16 cycling, multiparous fat-tailed Iranian Afshari ewes, weighing 66.5±2.5 kg, were used in the trial. The ewes were randomly allocated in equal numbers (n = 8) to two treatment groups. The estrous cycles were synchronized using CIDR’s inserted for a period of 14 days. In a group (PMSG/ d -1) of ewes, PMSG (300 IU) intramuscularly (IM) was injected a day (day = -1) prior to CIDR removal (day 0 = day of CIDR removal) and another group (PMSG/ d 0) received PMSG at CIDR removal (day 0). 48 following CIDR removal (day 1), GnRH (50 μg) was administered to half of each group of ewes and ewes were mated with the proven rams. Ovarian follicular activity was monitored with the aid of transrectal ultrasonograpy: on the day of CIDR removal (day 0) and a day later (at estrus, day 1). Pregnancy was diagnosed with the aid of transabdominal ultrasonograpy 30 days after mating. Following PMSG (day = 1) treatment, the mean number of large follicles on both ovaries increased from CIDR removal to estrus (1.50±0.61 vs. 2.78±0.69) (P < 0.05). Lambing rate in PMSG/ d -1+GnRH, PMSG/ d -1 noGnRH, PMSG/ d0+GnRH and PMSG/ d0 noGnRH groups was 175, 125, 175 and 150% respectively. The results show that PMSG injection a day prior or at CIDR removal, caused large follicles development, but no significant difference was seen between the two treatment lambing rates and also, the lambing rate increased in group treated with GnRH.
Cardioprotective actions of two bioflavonoids, quercetin and rutin, in experimental myocardial infarction in both normal and streptozotocin‐induced type I diabetic rats

Objectives Revascularization therapy is the mainstay of treatment in the management of myocardial infarction in normal and diabetic patients. We attempted to evaluate the cardioprotective actions of quercetin and rutin in ischaemia‐reperfusion‐induced myocardial infarction in both normal and diabetic rats.
Lateglacial paleoenvironmental reconstruction using subfossil chironomid assemblages from Lake Lautrey (Jura, France)

Chironomid assemblages were studied in Lake Lautrey (Jura, France) along a 2.50 m long core spanning the whole Lateglacial period. A stratigraphical constraint cluster analysis showed 7 biozones and 13 sub-biozones within the chironomid biostratigraphy. Characteristic taxa were allocated to each of the 7 biozones by simple analysis of the relative abundance diagram whereas several Correspondence Analyses (C.A.) were needed for the remaining 13 sub-biozones. Characteristic taxon compositions were interpreted using available quantitative inference models for total phosphorus concentration ([T.P.]), chlorophyll-a concentration ([Ch1-a]), hypolimnetic oxygen conditions, and water temperature. Optimum ranks of the characteristic taxa against the environmental factors provided by these inference models were used to deduce an evaluation of environmental conditions. Paleoenvironmental interpretations of chironomid assemblage changes showed the Lateglacial climatic event succession (Oldest Dryas, Bolling/Allerod Interstadial, and Younger Dryas) commonly recognized in the area. Moreover, a bipartition of the Oldest Dryas, the occurrence of two minor oscillations during the Bolling/Allerod Interstadial and a trend in environmental changes (climatic improvement) during the Younger Dryas were also found.
The effects of wheatgrass length on antioxidant activity and total phenolic content in wheatgrass (Triticum spp.)

This study was carried out with the aim of determining the effects of wheatgrass lengths on antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of wheatgrass belonging to different cultivars Triticum spp. in laboratory conditions in 2017. When the wheat seedlings grown in plastic containers under soilless conditions reached three levels of wheatgrass length 5-6, 8-9, and 11-12 cm , the seedlings were cut from the root collar and dried in an oven. As a result of analysis of the dried material, it was found that the cut lengths of wheatgrass significantly P < 0.01 affected antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of wheatgrass. Ten wheat cultivars belonging to Triticum monococcum L. , T. durum L. , and T. aestivum L. were used. Wheatgrass was cut at three lengths 5-6, 8-9, and 11-12 cm . It was found that the wheatgrass lengths had a significant P < 0.01 effect on antioxidant and total phenolic content of wheatgrass. In addition, in terms of these traits, the most suitable wheatgrass length for cutting changed depending on the wheat species and also cultivars. The highest P < 0.01 antioxidant activity and total phenolic content TPC were also determined at three wheatgrass lengths in cultivar Saribasak. The average values obtained from Saribasak wheatgrass were 31.0% for DPPH-free radical scavenging activity and 51.6 mg GAE-1 dry weight for TPC. The results of the analysis suggested that Saribasak is the most promising cultivar in terms of both antioxidant activity and TPC in wheatgrass.
Predation‐mediated shifts in size distribution of microbial biomass and activity during detritus decomposition

Many experimental studies on detritus decomposition revealed a comparable microbial succession after the addition of a substrate pulse: from small, freely suspended single bacteria at the beginning, to more complex and larger growth forms during a later stage, accompanied by the appearance of bacterivorous protists. We examined in three model experiments with different organic carbon sources whether this shift in bacterial size structure is linked to the grazing impact of bacterivores. In short-term (8–10 d) microcosm experiments we added natural dissolved and particulate detritus (macrophyte leaves and leachate, dead phytoplankton cells) as an organic substrate source. By the use of size-fractionated inocula and eucaryotic inhibitors we obtained treatments without protists, in which bacteria developed without predation. These were compared, by measurements of bacterial activity and microscopical analysis of bacterial size structure, to incubations in which either cultured heterotrophic nanoflagellates or a natural protist assemblage was included in the inoculum. The presence of bacterial grazers resulted in a 50–90% reduction of bacterial biomass compared to grazer-free trials. The selective removal of freely suspended bacteria produced a very different relative composition of bacterial biomass: it became dominated by large, grazing-resistant forms such as filaments and cells attached to particles or clustered in small aggregates. In grazer-free treatments, bacterial biomass was always dominated (>80%) by free-living, single bacterial cells. The time course of the bacterial development suggested different underlying mechanisms for the appearance of predation resistant filamentous and of aggregated or attached bacteria. As bacterial aggregates developed in approximately similar amounts with and without grazers no specific growth stimulation by protists could be detected. In contrast, concentrations of filamentous bacteria were 2–10 times higher in treatments with protists, thus indicating a stimulation of this growth form during enhanced grazing pressure. Measurements of ectoenzymatic activity and H-leucine uptake indicated that microbial activity was also shifted to larger size fractions. In most cases more than 50% of bacterial activity in treatments with protists was associated with the size fraction>10 μm whereas this value was <2% without grazers. Grazing by protists also enhanced the specific activity of the bacterial assemblage which is in contrast to an assumed lower competitive ability of complex bacterial growth forms. The results imply that the selective force of bacterivory in nutrient-rich environments changes the structure and possibly the function of aquatic bacteria and their position in the food web, making protist-resistant bacteria more vulnerable to metazoan filter feeders and detritivores, and possibly also subject to sedimentation.
Modelling leaf expansion in a fluctuating environment: are changes in specific leaf area a consequence of changes in expansion rate?

Leaf expansion rate varies with leaf temperature, photon flux density (PPFD), evaporative demand and soil water status. In most simulation models, it is calculated every day by multiplying the amount of carbohydrate available to leaves by specific leaf area (SLA). However, leaf expansion rate is considerably reduced by mild water deficits which do not affect photosynthesis, and is not affected by a reduction in the PPFD intercepted during rapid leaf expansion. Specific leaf area undergoes a several-fold variability depending on PPFD, soil water status and time of day. It is increased when environmental conditions have a greater depressive effect on expansion rate than on photosynthesis, and is decreased in the opposite case. It is therefore appropriate to model leaf expansion independently of the plant carbon budget. Consistent characteristics can be deduced from a series of experiments, allowing a model of leaf expansion to be proposed. (i) Time courses of relative leaf expansion rate and of epidermal cell division rate are well conserved within a plant and across a large range of environmental conditions, provided that durations and rates are expressed in thermal time. Maximum relative rates are common to all zones of a leaf and to all leaves of a plant, in maize and sunflower. (ii) A water deficit, or a reduction in intercepted PPFD, imposed in the first half of the period of leaf development affects the relative expansion rate in the deficit only, but permanently affects the absolute expansion rate. In contrast, a reduction in PPFD causes no effect on leaf expansion if imposed in the rapid expansion period when the leaf is autotrophic. (iii) Expansion rate is related to evaporative demand and to the concentration of ABA in the xylem sap with relationships that apply under both field and laboratory conditions. (iv) Tissue expansion and epidermal cell division behave as independent processes which determine epidermal cell area at each time.
Evaluation of Neem (Azadirachta indica) leaf meal on performance, carcass characteristics and egg quality of laying hens

12 – week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of Neem ( Azadirachta indica ) leaf meal on the performance, Carcass characteristics and egg quality of Laying hens. Neem ( Azadirachta indica ) is one of the indigenous tropical plants predominant in Nigeria. It is commonly known as Neem and popularly called “Akum-shut-up” in Ibo land and “Dogoyaro” in Hausa. The leaves were harvested, chopped to facilitate drying until the material became crispy while still retaining its greenish colouration. The material was milled using a hammer mill to produce leaf meal. Four layers diets were formulated to contain the leaf meal at 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% dietary levels respectively. One hundred and twenty (120), Shikka brown layers already 10 months in lay were divided into 4 groups of 30 birds each and randomly assigned to the 4 treatment diets in a completely randomized design (CRD). Eggs were collected twice daily and internal characteristics of the eggs measured. At the end of the feeding trial, three birds were selected from each treatment group, slaughtered, and eviscerated for dressed carcass weight determination. There were significant (p 0.05) differences in body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, Haugh unit, shell thickness, yolk index, albumen index, egg circumference and dress carcass weight characteristics among the groups. Results from this experiment suggests that 15% inclusion level of Neem ( Azadirachta indica ) leaf meal in laying hen diet has no deleterious effect on the birds. Keywords : neem leaf meal, performance, layers International Journal of Agriculture and Rural Development Vol. 6 2005: 208-212
Repeat Microvascular Decompression for Trigeminal Neuralgia After Initial Microvascular Decompression: Three Cases and Literature Review

Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a debilitating disorder manifesting as intense lancinating pain in in the distribution of the trigeminal nerve [1]. Vascular compression of the root entry zone of (REZ) of the nerve is thought to account for the majority of cases of TN [2]. Pharmacological treatment with medication such as carbamazepine is first line of therapy. Microvascular decompression (MVD) of the trigeminal nerve has become the first choice for patients with TN refractory to medication as it is an effective treatment option with initial pain relief reported as high as 98% [3-5].
Effects of rearing on aggression and subordination in papio monkeys

The objective of this study is to assess the effects of short‐term maternal deprivation (birth to 12 weeks) followed by peer group rearing on the development of aggressive and subordinate behaviors in papio monkeys (superspecies – Papio cynocephalus). Nursery reared monkeys (34 males and 30 females) were compared with mother‐peer reared monkeys (11 males and 12 females) in late infancy (6 to 12 months of age) and at the end of their juvenile stage (36 to 42 months of age) in social groups composed of 75% nursery reared subjects and 25% mother reared subjects. Focal animal data were analyzed with a repeated measure ANOVA model. In general, the nursery reared infants tended to be less aggressive than mother‐peer reared infants and performed less dominance behaviors, such as displace. Significant sex differences were present in the performance of aggressive (♂ > ♀) and subordinate (♂ > ♀) behaviors. Significant age differences were observed, with infants having consistently higher rates of performance.
Factors influencing flight potential of Choristoneura conflictana

Abstract Factors affecting the flight potential of Choristoneura conflictana, an insect that undergoes cyclical changes in population density, are investigated using computer‐linked flight mills. Female and male moths are flown for a 12‐h period and the longest single flight and total flight distance of each moth is recorded. After flight bioassays, moths are subjected to lipid extraction with a soxhlet apparatus to determine the effect of body lipid content on flight. Larger C. conflictana moths fly farther than smaller moths. Female C. conflictana fly farther than male moths but the effects of both mating status and moth age on the distance flown are dependent on sex. Mated females fly farther than virgins and older females fly farther than young females but these relationships do not occur in males. Body lipid content affects the distance flown by both females and males through a significant interaction with sex and age. The factors examined in this study will vary with density in natural populations and are predicted to be important indicators of flight potential and dispersal in this species.
Chromosome variability in Chironomus acidophilus Keyl, 1960 from the Afon Goch, UK – a river subject to long-term trace metal pollution

The structure and function of the salivary gland polytene chromosomes of the larvae of the chironomid Chironomus acidophilus in a UK river subject to long-term acid (pH < 3.0) mine drainage (AMD) was examined. Two types of chromosome rearrangements (inherited and somatic) were identified. The inherited aberrations in chromosome arms B, D, F as well as all somatic rearrangements (heterozygous inversions, deficiencies and deletions) were observed for the first time in this species. Asynapsis affected all chromosomes and a new region of activity in chromosome G, designated ‘Balbiani ring (BR2)’, was detected. Variations in the activity of the Balbiani rings and NOR were evaluated. Changes in the degree of ‘puffing’ in the telomere region of chromosome G are considered as a compensatory mechanism in response to the environmental conditions in the Afon Goch. As somatic chromosome rearrangements can be caused by stress agents we suggest that the somatic alterations in C. acidophilus indicate the existence of pollution-induced stress.
Caracterização genética de Brycon orbignyanus utilizando o sistema seminatural

The effect of the semi-natural system on the genetic diversity of a Brycon orbignyanus stock, used in stock enhancement programs, was evaluated with the RAPD molecular marker. Twenty-four broodstocks - 12 males and 12 females - and 95 larvae of the offspring were analyzed. The nine used primers produced 90 fragments, of which 94.4% were polymorphic. There was significant difference in the frequency of 20 out of the 90 fragments between the broodstocks and their offspring without the presence of exclusive fragments. The Shannon genetic diversity index, the percentage of polymorphic fragments and the Nei gene diversity were higher in the offspring individuals. Genetic similarity was higher in broodstock individuals. The analysis of molecular variance results showed that the major part of the genetic variation is within the groups (89.1%) and not between them (10.9%). The identity and genetic distance between the groups were 0.944 and 0.057, respectively. Like this, the use of the semi-natural system avoided the mortality of B. orbignyanus broodstocks and conserved the genetic variability of the offspring.
Intra-thallus phlorotannin content and antioxidant activity in Phaeophyceae of temperate waters

Abstract This study focuses on the intra-thallus variation in phlorotannin content and antioxidant activity in temperate brown seaweeds. Two species of Fucales (Ascophyllum nodosum and Sargassum muticum) and two species of Laminariales (Laminaria digitata and L. hyperborea) were collected from the shoreline of Brittany (France). Both Fucales contained high phenolic levels along their thallus (ca. 5% DW in A. nodosum and 6% DW in S. muticum). No significant differences were found between vegetative and reproductive parts of A. nodosum. In contrast, intra-thallus and inter-specific variations were observed in phenolic contents of the two species of Laminariales studied. In L. digitata, phenolic content was about 0.2% DW, with a maximum in the holdfast, whereas in L. hyperborea, it averaged about 2.6% DW, with the highest value measured in the basal part of the old blade. In both species, phlorotannin contents were lower in the meristematic region. Intra-thallus variations of the antioxidant activity measured by the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method were also detected. Antioxidant activity was correlated to the phenol contents of the different parts of thalli in three species. In L. digitata, no activity was found because of low phenol levels. The observed variations in both the antioxidant activity and the phenol content could result from qualitative features of the phenolic pool.
GENETIC DIVERGENCE IN MAIZE (Zea mays L.)

Genetic divergence of 25 genotypes of maize were estimated using D 2 and Principal Component Analysis. The genotypes under study fell into five clusters. The intercluster distances were higher than intra cluster distances suggesting wider genetic diversity among the genotypes of different groups. The intra-cluster value was maximum in cluster V and minimum in cluster I. The inter cluster D 2 values showed the maximum distance between cluster II and III followed by the distance between II and I. The cluster means were higher for days to maturity, plant height and ear height in cluster II; grain yield per plant was higher in cluster IV. Genotypes were much in use having the above mentioned characters in clusters II and IV would offer a good scope for the improvement of this crop through hybridization and rational selection.
Diurnal and acclimatory responses of violaxanthin and lutein epoxide in the Australian mistletoe Amyema miquelii

This study investigated the chloroplast pigment content of the Australian mistletoe Amyema miquelii (Lehm. ex Miq.) Tiegh. over diurnal periods in sun- and shade-acclimated leaves. Amyema miquelii exhibited the typical higher plant complement of neoxanthin, the xanthophyll cycle pigments, lutein, chlorophylls a and b and β carotene. Substantial levels of lutein epoxide were also present. Interestingly, diurnal light exposure elicited a decrease in lutein epoxide that paralleled the decrease in violaxanthin. Compared with shade-acclimated leaves, sun leaves exhibited reduced lutein epoxide and violaxanthin levels and higher chlorophyll a/b ratios. It is clear that the pools of violaxanthin and lutein epoxide respond in parallel to both diurnal light changes and sun-shade acclimation, although there seemed to be some differences in the recovery characteristics. These results raise a question as to whether lutein and lutein epoxide cycling may provide an auxiliary means of energy dissipation for some species.
Anatomia foliar de espécies de Myrtaceae: contribuições à taxonomia e filogenia

Taxonomical and phylogenetical studies have used anatomical information. In order to contribute to these studies, paradermal and cross sections of the median leaf blade portion of Campomanesia adamantium (Camb.) O. Berg, Myrcia cordiifolia DC. , M. decrescens O. Berg and M. torta D.C. were examined. The anatomical characters were compared to the other species described in the literature. Some characteristics were irrespective of the four examined species: unistratified epidermis, unicellular trichomes, hypostomatic leaves, paracytic stomata, oil glands on both sides, dorsiventral mesophyll and bicollateral bundles on the midrib. The following characters appear to be taxonomically useful in the family: epidermal common cell format, presence of dibrachiate trichomes, presence of colorless subepidermal cell layers and midrib shape. The morphology and number of overlying cells associated with the glands have taxonomic utility. The 144 exsicates examination showed that the glabrescence is a widespread phenomenon in the Myrtaceae. The trichome fall can be due to its narrow base and to the foot cell absence. The characters were analyzed in the light of recent phylogenetic studies, highlighting the hypothesis related to the presence of epidermal cells with possible transfer cell function. The anatomical features provided data for wider comparative analysis amongst Myrtaceae taxa and ensured the construction of a cladogram, where Leptospermum and Eucalyptus species occupied the basal position, in line with reported phylogenies.
An experimental transmission of woodchuck hepatitis virus to young chinese marmots

Fourteen young Chinese marmots (Marmota bobak sibirica Radde) were randomly allocated to two groups of seven each. They were injected intrahepatically with a standard woodchuck hepatitis virus challenge pool or a negative pool, prepared from sera of woodchucks with and without woodchuck hepatitis virus infection, respectively. Marmot No. 2 in the experimental group experienced an episode of seroconversion from woodchuck hepatitis surface antigen to anti‐woodchuck hepatitis antibody. Woodchuck hepatitis virus DNA was detected, and woodchuck hepatitis surface antigen particles of both spherical and filamentous forms and intact woodchuck hepatitis virus virions were found in its serum. By contrast, none of the control group animals (receiving the negative pool) produced any marker of woodchuck hepatitis virus. This suggests that young Chinese marmots can get woodchuck hepatitis virus infection.