Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extract from Curcuma longa L. triggers the sunflower immune system and induces defence-related genes against Fusarium root rot

Sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L.) has economic value worldwide Fusarium root rot, caused by Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc. , is the most important disease in sunflower crops, causing considerable economic losses. Seed treatment with a turmeric aqueous extract was tested for control of Fusarium root rot. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the extract identified three major constituents; ar -curcumin, camphor and α-turmerone. The greenhouse experiment showed that incidence and severity of sunflower root rot were significantly reduced after treatment with turmeric extract. Plant growth parameters also increased 2 and 4 weeks after inoculation. In addition, treatment with turmeric extract triggered the sunflower immune system, as indicated by the induction of host phenolic content and activity of antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase). Differential display-PCR of the treated plants showed distinct profiles of gene expression in response to the treatments. Of the four bands randomly selected for sequencing and identification, three up-regulated genes that encode defence-related proteins (glutathione S-transferase 6, ascorbate peroxidase, and defensin) were detected. A time-course real-time quantitative PCR was carried out on mRNA of the defence-related genes defensin and chitinase of the treated sunflower seedlings. After 14 d, treatment with turmeric extract enhanced the expression levels of chitinase by > nine-fold and defensin genes by > four-fold. Based on these results, we recommend treatment of sunflower seeds with turmeric extract as a disease management method against Fusarium root rot.
Characterization of microhabitats of arboviral mosquito vector larvae on three Islands of Lake Victoria, Kenya

Mosquitoes are the primary vectors of arboviral infections. As there are no vaccines or effective therapeutic treatments for these diseases, vector control is an important approach for curbing their circulation or transmission. These vectors spend the first three of their four life stages in aquatic habitats where fitness and efficiency of adult mosquitoes to transmit arboviral infections is greatly influenced. Understanding ecology of mosquitoes in their aquatic habitats is therefore a critical component of vector control. This study investigated competent mosquito vectors present, their distribution and characteristics of their breeding habitats in three Lake Victoria Islands where high seroprevalence rates for arboviruses have been reported. Mosquito larvae sampled from Mfangano, Rusinga and Ngodhe Islands, were reared and identified by morphological and molecular means to determine mosquito distribution. Environmental variables including pH, temperature, nitrates, dissolved oxygen, ammonium, phosphate, copper, fluoride, salinity, conductivity, resistivity and oxidation reduction potential in the each of the sampled microhabitats were measured with a YSI photometer and professional plus water meter. Redundancy analysis and spearman correlation were used to determine association of each of these factors with three genera of mosquitoes sampled (Anopheles, Aedes and Culex). In addition, using Polymerase chain reaction, temperature gradient gel electrophoresis and 454 sequencing, bacteria in the microhabitats were profiled to determine their influence on mosquito breeding patterns. Competent vectors were present in the three Islands but their distribution varied based on island topography and size as well as human influence. Physico-chemical factors influence presence of larvae of each genus differently. Whereas presence of Aedes mosquito larvae had a strong positive correlation with ammonium rich microhabitats (pvalue = 0.0235), presence of Anopheles larvae had a significant positive correlation with microhabitat temperature (p-value =0.004). However, there was no significant correlation between any of the variables investigated with the presence of Culex mosquito larva. Bacteria from 29 phyla and 23 candidate phyla were present in larval microhabitats suggesting that mosquitoes breed in bacteria rich sites. Proteobacteria accounted for >40% of bacteria community composition in 86% of samples analyzed by 454 sequencing. Overall, there were differences in bacteria community composition even in microhabitats hosting similar mosquito species suggesting that bacteria alone do not influence breeding patterns. In conclusion, environmental factors, bacteria and human influence are important factors in determining presence and suitability of microhabitats to host mosquito larvae of a particular genus. Presence of Aedes in ammonium rich microhabitats suggests that use of ammonium rich fertilizers will indirectly encourage transmission of Aedes vectored arboviruses and hence should be monitored closely and farmers advised accordingly.
SCREENING OF RICE GERMPLASM FOR RESISTANCE TO YELLOW STEM BORER SCIRPOPHAGA INCERTULAS WALKER.

Twenty nine entries during kharif 2011 and 53 entries during kharif 2012 were screened under natural field conditions for resistance to stem borer. During kharif 2011, highest incidence of stem borer as percent white ears was recorded in TN-1 whereas six cultures were resistant with ‘1’ scale, incidence ranged between 1.9-5.1% WE. During kharif 2012, highest incidence recorded in RpPatho-02 with 13.13% WE whereas five cultures are resistant with scale ‘1’, incidence ranged between 2.01-5.13% WE. The culture CR 2711-76 and CR 3005-230-5 were resistant to stem borer at reproductive stage during both the years. The culture CR 3005-77-2 was moderately resistant in both the years where as CR 3006-8-2 was moderately resistant in one year and moderately susceptible in another year.
Sturgeon and paddlefish life history and management: Experts' knowledge and beliefs

Correspondence Ivan Jarić, Biology Centre of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Institute of Hydrobiology, České Budějovice, Czech Republic. Email: ivan.jaric@hbu.cas. cz; jaric@igb-berlin.de Summary Although sturgeons and paddlefish represent a highly endangered species group, knowledge regarding their ecology, life history and management and restoration measures still reveals substantial gaps and uncertainties. As such, it was hypothesized that the information on overall experiences and perspectives of researchers working in the field would provide a good indication of the state of knowledge, and help identify areas for further investigation. To gain indepth insight into their perspectives on a variety of topics related to sturgeon life history, management and conservation, as well as opinions on issues characterized by a lack of data, a worldwide online survey was conducted among scientists specializing in sturgeon and paddlefish research. With a total of 277 respondents, the response rate was good (40.3% of those invited). The survey results indicated a high level of uncertainty with regard to various aspects of sturgeon life history, such as spawning migrations, reproduction and senescence. Responses differed largely with the origin and the research focus of the participants. Agreement on reported extreme dimensions and lifespans of sturgeons varied among species, but the level of agreement was generally higher among those scientists working on the species in question. Responses on major threats varied regionally, with dams and habitat fragmentation recognized as the major threats by researchers from North America, whereas poaching was considered the dominant threat in Europe and Asia. Sturgeon aquaculture was generally considered as having a positive effect on sturgeon protection by reducing the pressure on natural populations. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) was recognized as the most effective instrument in international sturgeon conservation. While sturgeons are generally perceived as flagship species, especially in Europe, participants questioned their potential utilization as umbrella species. Beside providing an insight into the available scientific information and the general level of consensus regarding some of the questions tackled, the results also created a basis for further discussion within the scientific community concerning the validity, relevance, and application of the published information and future research priorities.
Impact of germination on the chemical components and bioactive properties of adlay (Coix lachryma‐jobi L.) water extract

Summary In recent years, adlay water extract and related products have been widely consumed. This study investigated the chemical components and bioactive properties of adlay water extract at different germination stages. Glucose and maltose were significantly increased, whereas fructose was slightly decreased after germination. The contents of vitamins C and B1 in the water extract increased 1.61- and 2.68-fold, respectively. The amounts of peptides, especially those with a molecular weight under 3000 Da, were significantly increased after germination. During germination, the level of total free amino acids rose from 54.09 to 128.22 μg mL−1, and the percentage of essential amino acids was elevated from 21.63% to 42.13%. Germination also substantially augmented the total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the water extract. Moreover, the germinated adlay water extract showed higher inhibitory activity on angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), xanthine oxidase and tyrosinase than the water extract of nongerminated adlay. These findings revealed that germination might be a potential way to improve the nutritional value and bioactive properties of adlay water extract.
Effect of dietary protein concentrations, amino acids and conjugated linoleic acid supplementations on productive performance and lipid metabolism of broiler chicks

Abstract The study investigated the effect of low-crude protein (CP), essential aminoacids (EAAs) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on broiler growth performance. From 1 to 6 days of age, 196 male broiler chicks fed the same basal diet containing 22.5% of crude protein. From 7-28 days the chicks were assigned to 7 treatments (4 replicates, 7 birds/replicate). The control group fed a 21.5% CP diet, supplemented with dl-methionine (Met) and l-lysine (Lys). The low-CP diet (19% CP) was supplemented with Met + Lys (2EAAs group) or with Met, Lys, l-arginine, l-tryptophan and l-threonine (5EAAs group); 2EAAs and 5EAAs groups were also supplemented with 0, 2 or 4% CLA. The body weight gain (BWG) was the biggest (p < .01) in the control group; 2EAAs and 2EAAs 4% CLA groups had lower BWG than the three groups fed 5EAAs diets. Diet 5EAAs +2% CLA induced lower (p < .01) feed conversion ratio (FCR) than 5EAAs +4% CLA and also showed the lowest (p < .01) protein intake. Reducing CP in broiler diet increased (p < .01) the digestibility of CP. The total protein content of plasma was greater (p < .01) in 2EAAs +4%CLA and 5EAAs +4%CLA than in the control. Decreasing the protein content of the diet from 21.5 to 19.0% penalised the growth performance of broilers from 7 to 28 days of age and the administration of CLA at 2 or 4% was not able to support growth. However, addition of 5EAAs without or with 2 or 4% of CLA resulted in recovery of FCR and PCR.
Effects of ethephon on DNA methylation and gene expressions associated with shortened internodes in maize

ABSTRACT In this study, the molecular mechanism underlying ethephon-induced shortened internodes in maize was investigated using Zhengdan958 maize variety. The ethephon treatment was performed by spraying 225 mL/ha Ethephon 40% SL onto the foliage at the eight-expanded-leaves stage. The differentially expressed genes in the young internodes under ethephon treatment were identified through methylation-sensitive amplified fragment length polymorphism (MSAP), start codon targeted polymorphism (SCoT) and cDNA-amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analyses. MSAP results showed the methylation sites were widely distributed in both the ethephon-treated (at 27.8%) and control plants (30.1%). This suggested that ethephon treatment modified the methylation patterns; with 3.0% of the sites being hyper-methylated and 7.3% demethylated compared with the control. Based on SCoT analysis, 148 transcript derived fragments (TDFs) were obtained in the ethephon-treated plants. Among them, 38 were up-regulated (25.7%) and 47 down-regulated (31.8%). cDNA-AFLP analysis using 70 primer pairs identified 1635 TDFs in the ethephon-treated and the control plants. Of these, 600 and 564 TDFs were up- and down-regulated by the ethephon treatment, respectively. BLASTX analysis on 50 (randomly selected) differentially expressed TDFs divided them into several categories based on their putative biological functions: signal transduction (6%), resistance-related (14%), energy and metabolism (22%), transcription (4%), cell apoptosis (2%), unknown functional proteins (42%) and unknown genes (10%). Our results revealed that ethephon treatment could induce DNA methylation variation principally by increasing the demethylation tendency. This is suggested to play roles in stress-defence genes expression regulation and the differentially expressed genes could be associated with shortened internodes in maize.
Duplex PCR for Direct Detection of Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae from Tissues of Poultry Affected with Respiratory Infections

In the present study, 92 pooled tissue samples including trachea, lungs and air sacs were collected from 92 different poultry flocks affected with respiratory infections and were subjected to mycoplasmological examination by duplex PCR. Result of duplex PCR revealed, 25/92 (27%) MG, 2/92 (2.1%) MS and 1 (1.08%) sample was positive for both MG and MS. In conclusion, duplex PCR was found to be a better assay to detect two most pathogenic avian mycoplasmas (M. gallisepticum and M. synoviae) simultaneously directly from poultry tissue sample and also could serve as a sensitive, specific and rapid tool in monitoring and surveillance programmes on poultry farms in Haryana. It seems to be the first study of this type in India.
A Study of the Effect of Vitamin C and Ocimum Sanctum Supplementation on Antioxidant Enzyme Levels in Broilers Under Heat-Stress

1Assistant Professor, Dept. of Veterinary Physiology, Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Y.S. R.District, Andhra Pradesh, India. 2Professor, Dept. of Veterinary Physiology, Madras Veterinary College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India 3Assistant Professor (Veterinary Medicine), Teaching Veterinary Clinical Complex, Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Y.S. R.District, Andhra Pradesh, India. 4Associate Professor & Head, Dept. of Poultry Science, Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, Y.S. R.District, Andhra Pradesh, India.
Growth responses of branch cuttings of Cordia africana to physiological age

The use of accurate cutting age in vegetative propagation is a key element in improving plant performance. To investigate the effect of physiological age on Cordia africana, branch cuttings from 1-3-, 8-10- and ≥15-year-old trees were grown under open-field conditions for two months. The cuttings were monitored for flushing and growth. The number of days to flushing was lowest for the 8-10-year-old and highest for the ≥15-year-old age class. Rooted cuttings from the 8-10-year-old trees had higher values of height, stem volume, number of leaves, and leaf width than counterparts from the other two age classes, where there were no significant differences between each other for these parameters. Moreover, the differences in stem volume and number of leaves between the youngest and oldest age classes were not statistically significant. Relative growth rates of height, diameter, and stem volume were unresponsive to physiological age. The findings of this study suggest that 8-10-year-old trees could be the most suitable donors of vegetative propagation material for C. africana. It is, however, important that rooting of the cuttings be evaluated to determine if the age-related trends in shoot growth can be sustained. Key words: Cordia africana, cutting, growth, ortet, physiological age, vegetative propagation.
Nutritional value and health-promoting properties of mare’s milk − a review

Jastrzębska E. , Wadas E. , Daszkiewicz T. , Pietrzak-Fiećko R. (2017): Nutritional value and health-promoting properties of mare’s milk − a review. Czech J. Anim. Sci., 62, 511–518. Recent interest in mare’s milk is associated with the fact that it contains a wide variety of valuable nutrients with health-promoting properties. Among milks of many mammal species, it is the mare’s milk that is highly appreciated for similarity to human milk in terms of chemical composition allowing its use as a substitute for mother’s milk in infant feeding. It can also be used in feeding people with various health conditions. The global market offers still more food products and cosmetics containing mare’s milk. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the nutritional value and health-promoting properties of mare’s milk.
Bioefficacy and economics of some newer insecticides and bio-pesticides against Helicoverpa Armigera (Hub.) on chickpea (Cicer Arietinum L.) crop

Bioefficacy of four newer insecticides (Buprofezin 5.65%+Deltamethrin 0.72% EC, Indoxacarb15.8% EC, Flubendiamide 480 SC and Methomyl 40% SP), one conventional insecticide (Quinolphos 25% EC), four biopesticides (Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana, HaNPV and EPN (Heterorhabditis indica) were evaluated against chickpea pod borer, Helicoverpa armigera in chickpea crop. All the treatments were found significantly effective in reducing the infestation of pod borer and increasing the yield compared with control. Application of flubendiamide @ 121.98 ml/ha was the most effective treatment in reducing the pod borer infestation and percent pod damage at all observational interval resulting highest grain yield 1833.33 kg/ha and 1802.77 kg/ha and maximum net profit Rs. 12436.62 and 12031.84/ha during 2009-10 and 2010-11, respectively and it was followed by methomyl @ 1.0 kg/ha. Among biopesticides, HaNPV @ 500 LE was found more effective with highest net profit. The maximum cost benefit ratio (1: 7.09 and 1: 6.13) during 2009-10 and 2010-11, respectively was also obtained in the treatment of Beauveria bassiana.
Fox control using a para-aminopropiophenone formulation with the M-44 ejector

The M-44 ejector (‘ejector‘) has proven to be a highly target-specific means of delivering toxicants to the exotic European red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in south-eastern Australia. Para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) is a potent methaemoglobin (MetHb) forming compound in canids. A formulation of PAPP, dimethylsulphoxide (DMS0) and condensed milk was investigated as a new toxicant formulation for delivery by the ejector. Dosage of eight foxes in the laboratory with a sequential dose demonstrated that the formulation caused a dose-dependent and rapid elevation of MetHb. A strong inverse correlation between MetHb and oxyhaemoglobin concentrations was detected in each case. The symptoms of the toxicosis in the laboratory included progressive cyanosis, lethargy and then collapse when MetHb levels reached 56-76%. A polynomial model was a good fit for describing the relationship between sub-lethal doses of PAPP and the resulting peak MetHb levels. In a pen trial, an ejector was fitted with a bait and loaded with a standard dose of 226 mg PAPP in the same formulation and set at one end of a pen. After voluntarily triggering the ejector, all five foxes in this trial became progressively more lethargic and either lay prostrate or collapsed after 14-25 min, and death was confirmed after a mean of 43 min. We compared some clinical features of PAPP toxicosis with 15 cases of lethal sodium fluoroacetate (1080) poisoning using 0.5 mg kg-1 1080. PAPP produced a mean time to death that was 7.7 times faster than 1080, with the onset of first symptoms being 15 times faster. It was associated with much less activity prior to death and convulsions, spasms and paddling commonly associated with 1080 poisoning after collapse were not detected during PAPP toxicosis. We conclude that the PAPP formulation appears to be a rapidly acting and apparently humane lethal agent for fox control when used in conjunction with the ejector.
Effect of Linseed oil supplementation on Hematological Parameters and Economics of Feeding in Broiler Chicks

To assess the effect of using linseed oil as a replacer of sunflower oil, on the performance and carcass quality in broiler chicken a study of six weeks duration was conducted. Three hundred commercial broiler chicks were randomly distributed in five treatment group’s viz. T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, with six replicates of ten birds each. The study involves recording the observations viz. periodic growth, feed efficiency, energy and nitrogen retention, carcass characteristics, fatty acid profile of meat , blood & serum parameters and cost of rearing broilers under different dietary treatments. The control group (T1) was offered basal diet as per BIS (2007) specifications having sunflower oil, while in treatments groups T2, T3, T4 and T5; 25, 50, 75 and 100% sunflower oil of control was replaced with linseed oil , respectively. The linseed oil inclusion had no effects on hematological parameter whereas the haemoglobin concentration increased significantly (P<0.05) in 100% linseed oil group. Serum triglycerides, cholesterol level were significantly lower at 100% replacement of sunflower oil and LDL level was significantly decreased in all group having linseed oil inclusion than the control group. Serum profile was also improved in terms of reducing total cholesterol, triglycerides and low density lipoproteins. Also the economics of feeding regime did not differ significantly, so we can conclude the cost of production was similar to that of feed containing linseed oil.
Establishments of methods to measure telomere length in human cohort studies

Telomere sind schutzende Strukturen an den Enden von Chromosomen, die sich nach jeder Zellteilung verkurzen und von einer RNA abhangigen DNA Polymerase, dem Enzym Telomerase, aufgefullt werden mussen. Da das Enzym Telomerase nicht die volle Lange wiederherstellen kann, werden die Telomere im Laufe der Zeit immer kurzer, der Grund fur das Altern eines Organismus. Hat eine bestimmte Anzahl von Telomeren in einer Zelle eine kritische Grose erreicht, so wird in einem gesunden Organismus der Zellzyklus herabgesetzt und die Zellen werden aus dem Zellzyklus ausgeschlossen oder leiten eine Apoptose ein. Viele altersabhangige Erkrankungen werden mit kurzen Telomeren assoziiert, so zum Beispiel Diabetes mellitus II, Kardiovaskulare Erkrankungen und Krebs. Es gibt bereits sehr viele Methoden, mit welchen man die Lange von Telomeren messen kann, so zum Beispiel die TRF, qPCR, FISH-Methoden oder STELA. All diese Methoden haben ihre Starken und Schwachen, doch keine ist in der Lage, Messungen auf molekularer Ebene durchzufuhren, als auch in grosen Humanstudien einsetzbar zu sein. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde versucht eine Methode namens Dot blot zu optimieren, um den relativen Gehalt von Telomeren zu messen. Dafur wurde DNA von humanen K562 Leukamie K562 Zellen isoliert. Weiters wurde DNA von Peripheren mononuklearen Zellen von Probanden der Active Aging Studie isoliert. Diese Studie hatte das Ziel, spezifische Telomersequenzen mit Hilfe von Hybridisierung und verschiedenen Oligonukleotid Sonden in Dot blots als auch Southern blots zu detektieren. Die Resultate zeigten, dass die Hybridisierung mit Oligonukleotiden ein sehr komplizierter Vorgang ist, der mit jeder Sonde und Art von Probe andere Bedingungen erfordert. Weitere Forschungen sind notig, um diese zeitsparende Methode zu etablieren, da sie nur eine geringe Qualitat an DNA erfordert, schnell durchfuhrbar ist und keine besondere Laborausstattung erfordert.