Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A novel integrative method for measuring body condition in ecological studies based on physiological dysregulation

The body condition of free‐ranging animals affects their response to stress, decisions, ability to fulfil vital needs and, ultimately, fitness. However, this key attribute in ecology remains difficult to assess, and there is a clear need for more integrative measures than the common univariate proxies. We propose a systems biology approach that positions individuals along a gradient from a ‘normal/optimal’ to ‘abnormal/suboptimal’ physiological state based on Mahalanobis distance computed from physiological biomarkers. We previously demonstrated the validity of this approach for studying ageing in humans; here, we illustrate its broad potential for ecological studies. As an example, we used biomarker data on shorebirds and found that birds with an abnormal condition had a lower maximal thermogenic capacity and higher scores of inflammation, with important implications for their ecology and health. Moreover, Mahalanobis distance captured a signal of condition not detected by the individual biomarkers. Overall, our results on birds and humans show that individuals with abnormal physiologies are indeed in worse condition. Moreover, our approach appears not to be particularly sensitive to which set of biomarkers is used to assess condition. Consequently, it could be applied easily to existing ecological data sets. Our approach provides a general, powerful way to measure condition that helps resolve confusion as to how to deal with complex interactions and interdependence among multiple physiological and condition measures. It can be applied directly to topics such as the effect of environmental quality on body condition, risks of health outcomes, mechanisms of adaptive phenotypic plasticity, and mechanisms behind long‐term processes such as senescence.
Single mothers’ home-based school involvement: a longitudinal analysis

ABSTRACT Numerous positive child outcomes are associated with parental involvement in their child's school, but the longitudinal impact of parenting stress and parent-child engagement on parental school involvement remains less understood. Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (N = 528), this study examined the impact of single mothers’ parenting stress at child age three and parental engagement at child age five on parental home-based school involvement at child age nine. Analyses were based on structural equation modeling that tested direct and indirect effects. Higher levels of single mothers’ parenting stress lowered parental engagement at age five, and higher levels of parental engagement at child age five increased home-based school involvement at child age nine. Tests of indirect effects confirmed that parental engagement mediated the relation between parenting stress and home-based school involvement.
Recent Updates on Outbreaks of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli and Its Potential Reservoirs

Following infection with certain strains of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), particularly enterohemorrhagic ones, patients are at elevated risk for developing life-threatening extraintestinal complications, such as acute renal failure. Hence, these bacteria represent a public health concern in both developed and developing countries. Shiga toxins (Stxs) expressed by STEC are highly cytotoxic class II ribosome-inactivating proteins and primary virulence factors responsible for major clinical signs of Stx-mediated pathogenesis, including bloody diarrhea, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and neurological complications. Ruminant animals are thought to serve as critical environmental reservoirs of Stx-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), but other emerging or arising reservoirs of the toxin-producing bacteria have been overlooked. In particular, a number of new animal species from wildlife and aquaculture industries have recently been identified as unexpected reservoir or spillover hosts of STEC. Here, we summarize recent findings about reservoirs of STEC and review outbreaks of these bacteria both within and outside the United States. A better understanding of environmental transmission to humans will facilitate the development of novel strategies for preventing zoonotic STEC infection.
Annual fluctuations in the recruitment of Patella vulgata L.

In an attempt to identify the causes of the natural population fluctuations on British rocky coasts, an exploratory programme on the recruitment fluctuations of certain ‘key species’ has been operating for several years. The choice of species and the emphasis upon their recruitment have been discussed elsewhere (Lewis, 1976) and were justified as the most economical means of gaining the ability to (a) ‘explain’ major changes in the general character of rocky shore communities, and (b) make predictions about natural events against which to detect regional or temporal consequences of man-made changes in water quality. Mussels, barnacles and limpets are being studied but it is the last with which most interpretative progress appears to have been made, and this paper is concerned solely with Patella vulgata L. It is, however, essentially a preliminary report in a continuing study and it illustrates the practical and interpretative problems inherent in formulating and substantiating hypotheses in this type of work.
Correlation of Fc? Receptor Expression of Monocytes with Clearance Function by Macrophages in Systemic Lupus erythematosus

The expression of Fc gamma receptor II (Fc gammaRII) and Fc gammaRIII on monocytes in peripheral blood and the clearance of immunoglobulin (Ig)G-sensitized erythrocytes (EA) by tissue macrophages were investigated in parallel in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The relationship between receptor expression and the rate of clearance of EA (half-time) was analyzed. The detected decrease in mean fluorescence intensity of both FcR gammaII and Fc gammaRIII of patients' monocytes stained with specific monoclonal antibodies (IV.3 and 3G8) was inversely correlated with the prolonged clearance half-time of 51Cr-labelled and anti-D IgG-sensitized autologous erythrocytes in these patients. A correlation was found between the impaired clearance function and the severity of the disease manifestation expressed by either clinical activity or renal involvement in our SLE patients. From these results it can be concluded that the in-vitro determination of monocyte Fc gammaRII and Fc gammaRIII expression may predict the in-vivo macrophage function via the same Fc receptors.
Polychaetes

Readers should be aware of the limitation of the textbook that has been expressed by the authors themselves: the book is trimmed of detail, particularly the first part. As such it may have limited use in general/introductory parasitology courses. The chapters on the ecological aspects are of a superior standard and the book might therefore have its application as an additional book or in a follow-up module after an introductory course. The book is reasonably priced and can be supplemented by a textbook for practicals. Annemarié Avenant-Oldewage Department of Zoology Rand Afrikaans University Johannesburg ao@na.rau. ac.za
Dying to be clean: pen trials of novel cat and fox control devices

Predation by feral cats (Felis catus) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) are key threatening processes for many endangered wildlife species. Toxin delivery through compulsive oral grooming is a potential mechanism to supplement existing control techniques for feral cats and red foxes, particularly when high prey densities reduce the uptake of toxic food baits by cats. We investigated the efficacy of different grooming traps by applying a gel containing toxic para-aminopropiophenone (PAPP) to the fur of feral cats and red foxes in experimental pens. Grooming behaviour and signs of poisoning in these animals were recorded by video. More cats interacted with “walk past” grooming traps triggered by sensor beams than with trap models that required the cat to enter a pipe or baited cage. After triggering a trap that had applied PAPP gel to their fur, 14 of 16 feral cats showed symptoms of anoxia, and 8 of these cats were dead by the following morning without exhibiting signs of distress. Seven of 12 foxes were observed to groom fur to which toxic gel had been applied and 3 of these ingested a lethal quantity of PAPP as a result. Our successful proof-of-concept trials support further development of grooming trap sensors and toxin delivery mechanisms to provide humane and targeted feral cat control, although this technique is unlikely to be as successful for fox control, given that foxes appear to not groom as fastidiously as cats.
Predicting insect pest status under climate change scenarios: combining experimental data and population dynamics modelling

Climate change could profoundly affect the status of agricultural insect pests. Several approaches have been used to predict how the temperature and precipitation changes could modify the abundances, distributions or status of insect pests. In this article it is demonstrated how the use of simple models, such as Ricker’s classic equation, including a mechanistic representation of the influence of exogenous forces may improve our predictive capacity of the dynamic behaviour of insect populations. Using data from classical experiments in population ecology, we evaluate how temperature and humidity influence the density of two stored grain insect pest, Tribolium confusum and Callosobruchus chinensis, and then, using the A2 and B2 scenarios proposed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and the previous modelling, we develop predictions over the future pest status of T. confusum along South America austral region, and specifically for eight cities in the continental Chilean territory. Tribolium confusum and C. chinensis show qualitatively different responses to the exogenous forcing of temperature and humidity, respectively. Our simulations predict a change in the equilibrium density of T. confusum from 10 to 14% under the moderate B2 scenario and 12 to 22% under the extreme A2 scenario to the period, 2071–2100. Both results imply a severe change in the pest status of this species in the southern region. This study illustrates how the use of theoretically based models may improve our predictive capacity. This approach provides an opportunity to examine the link between invasive species and climate change and how new suitable habitat may become available for species whose niche space is limited in some degree by climatic conditions. The use of different scenarios allows us to examine the sensitivity of the predictions, and to improve the communication with the general public and decision‐makers; a key aspect in integrated pest management.
On the Morphology of Schistosoma bovis

This parasite was discovered in April, 1876, at Zagazig, Egypt, by Sonsino. He collected 35 specimens from the abdominal veins of oxen and sheep and from the portal vein of a bull. He stated that the parasite is larger than S. hæmatobium and has the same general aspect and characters, but is easily distinguished by the shape of the eggs. The eggs of S. bovis are . 16 mm. -. 18 mm. long and . 04-. 05 mm. broad, fusiform in shape and very much narrowed at the extremities. The pole which, in the oviduct, is turned away from the vulva, always carries a pyriform spine.
Nuclear DNA Amounts in Palms (Arecaceae)

: Nuclear DNA amounts are reported for 83 species and 53 genera of palms, covering all of the six subfamilies. 4C DNA contents range between 3.89 and 55.62 pg in diploids, showing an approximate 14.3-fold variation in genome size. Polyploids have DNA contents of up to 156.40 pg/4c which demonstrates a 40.2-fold variation. Diploids with high DNA contents occur in three subfamilies of palms (Coryphoideae, Calamoideae, Arecoideae), and seem to be further restricted to particular tribes or subtribes (Thrinacinae, Borasseae, Lepidocaryeae, Caryoteae, some subtribes of Areceae). Palms from the subfamilies Nypoideae and Phytelephantoideae have the lowest DNA amounts, followed by the Phoeniceae and the Corypheae: Livistoninae from the subfamily Coryphoideae. Although DNA amounts in some genera and subtribes are usually constant, e.g., in Phoenix, Phytelephas, the Livistoninae, Dypsidinae, diploid Butiinae), considerable variation occurs at the diploid level in some large and apparently actively evolving genera such as Chamaedorea, Pinanga, Cenoma and possibly Bactris. Formaldehyde fixation is recommended for palms, as conventional ethanol-acetic acid fixation has proved to be unsuitable for DNA estimation of Feulgen-stained nuclei by microdensitometry, since it can lead to errors up to 2.5-fold in extent. Chromosome counts are reported for 72 of the species studied, of which 42 are new.
INTERAÇÃO GENÓTIPOS X AMBIENTES PARA PRODUTIVIDADE DE CLONES DE Eucalyptus L'Hér. NO ESTADO DO RIO GRANDE DO SUL

Este trabalho objetivou estudar a interacao genotipos em ambientes de clones de Eucalyptus em quatro ambientes do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Os ensaios foram conduzidos nas areas da empresa CMPC Celulose Riograndense, nos Municipios de Minas do Leao (Horto Florestal Cambara), Encruzilhada do Sul (Horto Florestal Capivara), Dom Feliciano (Horto Florestal Fortaleza) e Vila Nova do Sul (Horto Florestal Sao Joao). No ano 2007, foi implantada uma rede de testes clonais com 864 clones de Eucalyptus, pertencentes a 37 especies e hibridos. Aos 3 anos de idade, foram mensurados o diâmetro a altura do peito (dap) e a altura total (Ht) das arvores dos experimentos. O incremento medio anual (IMA) foi calculado de acordo com o volume individual por clone e o estande de plantas por hectare na idade de avaliacao do teste clonal. Os resultados da correlacao genotipica entre os ambientes variaram de 0,39 a 0,56, demonstrando que ocorreu interacao genotipos x ambientes significativa dos caracteres avaliados. Esses resultados indicam que e necessario selecionar clones especificos, nas combinacoes de ambientes com baixa correlacao genetica entre si. Ocorreu baixa correcao genetica entre os ambientes Cambara x Capivara; Cambara x Sao Joao; Capivara x Fortaleza; Capivara x Sao Joao; e Fortaleza x Sao Joao. Dessa maneira, para este estudo foram necessarias tres unidades de manejo para minimizar os efeitos da interacao genotipos x ambientes. Incluindo a selecao por estabilidade, adaptabilidade e os dois atributos simultaneamente, ocorreu mudanca de clones e de posicao entre os clones no ordenamento de selecao. Com a selecao simultânea por estabilidade e adaptabilidade (MHPRVG), os ganhos aumentaram em comparacao com a selecao pelos valores genotipicos preditos entre os ambientes, principalmente, e houve incremento dos ganhos em relacao a testemunha comercial. Por exemplo, os cinco melhores clones pelo criterio MHPRVG apresentaram-se 56% superiores a testemunha comercial para a caracteristica produtividade em volume.
Reappraising the role of plant nutrients as mediators of interactions between root‐ and foliar‐feeding insects

Summary 1. There is increasing evidence that many above-ground and below-ground processes are tightly linked through plant-mediated mechanisms, including indirect interactions between foliar and root herbivores underpinned by changes in host plant chemistry (e.g. defensive or nutritional status). To date, studies addressing interactions involving nutritional mechanisms have relied on rudimentary chemical measurements (e.g. total/soluble nitrogen), overlooking other nutrients such as minerals and specific amino acids. 2. This study investigated how the nutrient composition of barley ( Hordeum vulgare ) responded to separate and simultaneous attack by root-feeding wireworms ( Agriotes spp.) and foliar-feeding aphids ( Rhopalosiphum padi ) after short and long exposures to herbivory, and determined whether the two insects indirectly interacted with each other. 3. Wireworms significantly reduced total plant mass and leaf dry mass by up to 25%, but had little impact on nutritional chemistry compared with aphids. Aphids did not affect plant growth but caused significant reductions in most leaf minerals: nitrogen (N), sulphur (S), calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P). In contrast, aphids increased root mineral concentrations: N, S, Ca and potassium (K). Aphid-induced changes occurred in both short and long exposure experiments, with the exception of leaf Ca, and root N and K which were only significantly affected in the short exposure experiment. 4. Above-ground and below-ground herbivory had several interactive (often reversible) effects on plant nutrients. For example, wireworms strengthened the aphid-driven increases in root S by 35% after short exposure, but reduced aphid-induced increases by 10% after longer exposure. 5. There was evidence for positive bi-directional interactions between above-ground and below-ground herbivores, with wireworms promoting aphid numbers by 30% and aphids increasing wireworm mass by 25%. 6. Contrary to previous mechanistic explanations, below-ground herbivory had little impact on foliar amino acid concentrations, whereas aphids caused significant (approximately 50%) reductions in essential amino acids. However, after longer exposure to wireworm herbivory, aphid-driven reductions in essential amino acids were attenuated. Aphids caused significant increases in root mineral concentrations (especially root S) which potentially promoted wireworm performance. 7. The significance of these findings is discussed in the context of current hypotheses of aboveground × below-ground herbivore interactions. In particular, examining specific plant nutrients could be critical to understanding conditional outcomes of insect × plant interactions.
Stem demography and post fire recruitment of Podocarpus drouynianus: a resprouting non-serotinous conifer

Podocarpus drouynianus is unusual in the Podocarpaceae and conifers in general in being a strongly resprouting species which thrives in a fire-prone environment. The species is a dioecious, multi-stemmed shrub endemic to the eucalypt forests of the south-west of Western Australia. Stems are killed by fire but it is able to regenerate its foliage from a lignotuber. The total bud bank seems to be released by burning and death of the shoots, while pruning without fire releases only a proportion of available buds. Growth rate of resprouts is initially rapid, with stems reaching 25% of their mature length in the first year after fire. However, growth of juvenile plants is very slow. Fire promotes cone production on the new stems about one year after fire. The large seed is recalcitrant but timing of germination coincides with the wettest time of the year in the area where the species grows. Pyrogenic coning avoids loss of seed due to severe fires and is a form of mast reproduction that benefits this species by increasing pollen transfer and producing a mass seed crop to attract the primary vertebrate disperser - the emu. The strong resprouting ability ensures the species is resilient to frequent disturbance and to severe predation of the seed crop. Vertebrate dispersal tends to concentrate seed lots, making them vulnerable to predation if they are deposited in open areas. However, being dispersed by a large vertebrate will ensure long-distance dispersal, often to areas beyond that which was subject to fire. These would include vegetated areas, where the large seeds could lodge in safe sites and produce seedlings that are able to survive under the shade of established plants.
Effects of slaughter age on the levels of free amino acids and dipeptides in fattening cattle

The effects of slaughter age, breed type and postmortem period were studied on the concentrations of free amino acids (FAA) and dipeptides (carnosine and anserine) in Longissimus dorsi muscle of beef. Slaughter age affected the levels of most FAA and dipeptides, and the concentrations of these compounds were significantly lower at 35 months of age than either 15 or 25 months of age. Slight increases were observed at 25 months compared with 15 months, but the differences were not significant except for a few FAA. These tendencies still remained when the concentrations were recalculated on the basis of protein. A significant breed effect was observed for taurine, carnosine and anserine. Almost all FAA were significantly increased during postmortem conditioning, but the level of each FAA fluctuated, and the fluctuations could not be explained statistically by slaughter age or breed differences.
Effect of replacing soybean meal with canola meal on growth, feed utilization and haematological indices of juvenile hybrid tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus × Oreochromis aureus.

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with canola meal (CM) on growth, feed utilization, body composition and haematological indices of juvenile hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus×Oreochromis aureus). Six isonitrogenous diets containing graded levels of CM (0, 95, 190, 285, 380 and 634 g kg−1 of diet corresponding to 0%, 15%, 30%, 45%, 60% and 100%, respectively, of protein from SBM) to replace SBM on an equal protein basis were fed to triplicate groups of juvenile fish (initial weight=6.3 g). The results indicated that up to 30% of SBM could be replaced by CM without causing a significant reduction in growth performance. Fish fed with diets in which CM replaced over 45% of SBM had a significantly lower protein efficiency ratio and a significantly higher feed conversion ratio than fish fed with other diets. The apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of dry matter, protein and phosphorus were lowest for fish fed the CM100 diet. Significant differences in haemoglobin, haematocrit and white blood cell concentration were found in fish fed diets with different CM levels. It is concluded that up to 19.02% CM can be used to replace 30% of SBM in diets for juvenile hybrid tilapia without compromising growth, feed conversion and protein utilization.
Diversity and economic importance of viral diseases of pepper (Capsicum spp.) in Eastern Africa

Pepper (Capsicum spp.) is an important vegetable crop in the Eastern Africa region where it is grown mainly by small-scale farmers. However, productivity of the crop is limited by many abiotic and biotic constraints. The abiotic constraints include high cost of seeds and inputs, shortage of improved varieties, drought, low soil fertility and lack of technical knowhow among others, while biotic constraints are dominated by diseases and insect pests. Numerous diseases especially those that are caused by viruses pose serious threats in pepper production. Currently, over 68 viruses are known to affect pepper on a worldwide scale and have serious impact on the quantity and quality of pepper produced. Out of the 68 viruses, 12 belonging to seven genera namely Potyvirus, Cucumovirus, Tobamovirus, Polerovirus, Tospovirus, Alfamovirus and Potexvirus have been reported in Eastern Africa. Pepper veinal mottle virus, Potato virus Y and Cucumber mosaic virus are the most widespread and damaging viruses in the region. Yield losses ranging from 10 to 100% in pepper production have been reported for various viruses namely; Pepper veinal mottle virus, Potato virus Y, Chilli veinal mottle virus, Ethiopian pepper mottle virus, Cucumber mosaic virus, Pepper mild mottle virus, Tobacco mosaic virus, Pepper vein yellows virus, Tomato spotted wilt virus, Alfaalfa mosaic virus and Potato virus X. This article provides an overview of the important pepper viruses occurring in Eastern Africa with reference to their geographic distribution, yield-losses, symptoms, transimission, management methods and research gaps that need to be addressed. It can be concluded that viruses are a major constraint to pepper production in the target region.