Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial temporal study of scorpion envenomation in the state of Sergipe, Brazil = Estudo espacial e temporal dos envenenamentos por escorpiões no estado de Sergipe, Brasil

This is a descriptive, retrospective study using a quantitative approach based on secondary data from records related to scorpion envenomation from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN – Sistema de Informacao de Agravos de Notificacao) from 2004 to 2014. The goal was to determine the frequency of scorpion envenomation in the eight territories of the state of Sergipe and to examine spatial differences and environmental influences on envenomation. The study was conducted in the state of Sergipe, Brazil and analysed the relationship between locations most affected by scorpion stings and anthropogenic changes. The following variables were analysed: month and year of the envenomation, territory, area of the envenomation and population according to Brazilian Institute Geography and Statistics (IBGE - Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatistica). Territorial changes were observed in the neighbourhood of Santos Dumont, in the municipality of Aracaju, that were caused by human occupation in the years 2003, 2009 and 2014. To analyse the climatic influences on the frequency of scorpion stings, we used the normal temperature and normal rainfall in the municipalities of Sergipe, especially in Caninde de Sao Francisco, Nossa Senhora das Dores and Aracaju, provided by the National Institute of Meteorology and Technology (INMET – Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia e Tecnologia). A total of 8021 accidents with poisonous animals occurred in Sergipe between 2004 and 2014, of which 5133 (63.99%) involved scorpions; 80% of scorpion envenomation in Sergipe occurred in urban areas, with significant differences in the distribution per zone between the territories (P<0.01). The territory of Grande Aracaju (87.9%) had the highest frequency on scorpion envenomation in urban areas, Alto Sertao (55.9%) had the highest frequency in rural areas, and the municipality of Aracaju had 58.11% of all cases of scorpion stings in Sergipe. The neighbourhood of Santos Dumont was the most affected in the municipality of Aracaju, with 219/2983 cases. Regarding preventive measures aimed at the population, it is recommended that individuals maintain cleanliness in the vicinity of their households, avoid accumulating construction waste, use wall coatings, use protective screens in drains and sewers, and seal septic tanks; individuals may also preserve the scorpions’ predators.
SPECIES RICHNESS, DIVERSITY AND RELATIVE ABUNDANCE OF TERMITES (INSECTA: ISOPTERA) IN THE UNIVERSITY OF LAGOS, LAGOS, NIGERIA

Termites are widely dispersed throughout the tropics as well as some temperate regions and they play vital ecological roles such as nutrient cycling and ecosystem engineering. Random sampling and standardized transect methods were used for sampling termites species during the raining and dry seasons at the University of Lagos Campus, Akoka, Lagos. Two families (Rhinotermitidae and Termitidae), six subfamilies (Rhinotermitinae, Amitermitinae, Macrotermitinae, Nasutitermitinae, Termitinae and Microcerotermitinae) and seven genera were identified from the 229 termite collections made. Subfamily Macrotermitinae constituted 58% of the total number of species sampled. Members of the genus Macrotermes were the dominant species and constituted 40% of the total number of species sampled. Eight species were identified and the relative abundance of these eight species were Amitermes spp. (29%), Macrotermes subhyalinus (24%), Ancistrotermes spp. (18%), Macrotermes natalensis (16%), Nasutitermes spp. (8%), Coptotermes spp. (3%), Microcerotermes spp. (2%) and Capritermes spp. (1%). Based on the distribution map, Amitermes spp. was the most widely distributed species (4 zones), followed by Ancistrotermes spp (3 zones). Capritermes spp. and Microcertermes spp. are considered rare species and their distribution was limited to only one zone. Keywords: Termite species, diversity indices, University of Lagos, Rhinotermitidae, Termitidae
Ice Nucleation Within Peach Trees

The freezing of water within the young trees of peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] was monitored using differential thermal analysis (DTA). Ice formation was initiated near −2°C. A logarithmic relationship between ice nucleation temperature and tissue sample size was observed. This suggested that the use of small tissue samples to estimate ice nucleation temperature may overestimate the extent of supercooling which would be observed in intact plants. The ice-nucleating agent associated with peach shoots active at − 2° was: 1) present in both field- and greenhouse-grown plants; 2) associated with overwintering dormant tissue and throughout blossom development; 3) resistant to surface disinfestants; 4) resistant to bacterial nucleation inhibitors; and 5) inactivated by autoclaving.
The relationship between placental and piglet birth weights and growth traits

Our laboratory recently reported that the ratio of a piglet’s weight to that of its placenta (RATIO) varies approximately three-fold within a litter, due predominantly to variation in placental size which is known to be a limiting factor in litter size. It was further determined that selection of boars and gilts with a higher than average RATIO for breeding resulted in an increased litter size and reduced placental weights. The objective of this experiment was to examine the effects of RATIO on economically important production traits (piglet survival to weaning, 21-day weights, days to 105 kg, backfat depth and loin muscle area at 105 kg) in a purebred breeding stock herd of Finnish Yorkshire and Landrace pigs. Sows were monitored throughout farrowing and each piglet was matched to its placenta. Each piglet and its placenta were individually weighed and a RATIO determined. Placental weight but not piglet birth weight exhibited a strong ( P
Reproductive patterns in deep versus shallow populations of the precious Mediterranean gorgonian Corallium rubrum (Linnaeus, 1758) (Sardinia, central-western Mediterranean)

This study quantifies the main reproductive features of the long-lived red coral Corallium rubrum , an octocoral endemic to the Mediterranean Sea and neighboring Atlantic areas and one of the most valuable of all marine species, at different depths (38-40 m versus 96-115 m) in north-western Sardinian waters (Central-Western Mediterranean Sea). Different population structures between depths were observed with shallow colonies smaller (in basal diameter and height) than deeper ones. Both populations were all gonochoric at polyp and colony level and fertile. The sex-ratio was balanced in the deep red corals while in the shallow ones it was significantly biased towards female probably in response to perturbations such as mass mortality events more common at shallow levels. Deep and shallow colonies were found to have a synchronous female sexual products development in the two depths investigated. C. rubrum produced large female sexual products in both depth intervals in relationship with its reproductive mode, confirming a long oogenic development. In contrast to reproductive timing, the volume occupied by female sexual products per polyp was different between the populations, being higher in the deep than in the shallow populations. C. rubrum exhibited a reproductive strategy characterized by a relative low number of female sexual products per polyp revealing significant differences among the two depth ranges analyzed with a lower mean value of sexual products in the shallow colonies (mean fecundity per polyp: 1.14) than in the deeper ones (mean fecundity per polyp: 2.09). These results indicate differences in reproductive parameters such as sexual products distribution and reproductive output (fecundity) were observed between shallow and deep populations of C. rubrum , in particular within deep dwelling populations.
Nitric Oxide Synthase (NOS2): A Potential Biomarker in the Colorectal Carcinogenesis

: Nitric Oxide (NO) may also play a role in the enhancement of colon cancer risk. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) has important functions in innate immunity and regulation of immune functions. The enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS) catalyzes the formation of nitric oxide (NO) and L- citrulline by the reduction of L-arginine. It has antitumor activities as well as pro-tumor properties with various timing, concentration and tissue type. Low concentrations of NO can stimulate cell growth and protect many cell types from apoptosis, whereas high concentrations of NO can inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis. The activation of iNOS is able to produce NO in high, potentially cytotoxic concentrations. Its effect may depend on the timing, concentration and tissue type. Low concentrations of NO can stimulate cell growth and protect many cell types from apoptosis, whereas high concentrations of NO can inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis.
Biomass Yield and Nutrients Concentration in Shoot Dry Weight of Winter Cover Crops for No-Tillage System

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to identify the cutting time for winter cover crops used as green manure in no-tillage systems that results in the highest dry weight yield (DWY) and nutrient accumulation. We tested Avena strigosa, Secale cereale, Vicia sativa, Raphanus sativus, and Lupinus albus, in five management times, determining the fresh weight yield (FWY), DWY, and the chemical composition of the shoot tissue. The highest FWY was obtained using R. sativus and L. albus. At 145 days after sowing; these species also had the highest DWYs, over 15 t ha−1. L. albus and S. cereale had the highest carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio (60:1). The nutrient content of most crops decreased over time. However, the accumulation of nutrients increased over time, especially for R. sativus. L. albus had the highest level and manganese (Mn) accumulation, while the zinc (Zn) and cooper (Cu) accumulation was highest in A. strigosa, and that of boron (B) was highest in S. cereale. Thus, R. sativus provided the best soil cover among the species tested, due to its high biomass yield and greater nutrient cycling.
Effects of light, temperature, and ocean acidification on the physiology and ecology of tropical crustose coralline algae

vii Chapter 1 General Introduction 1 Chapter 2 Crustose coralline algal communities and competitive dynamics in different light 12 microhabitats in a Pacific coral reef Summary & Introduction 12 Methods 16 Results 20 Discussion 23 Conclusion 29 Tables 31 Figures 33 Chapter 3 The influence of light on the photosynthetic response of a crustose coralline alga to 37 ocean acidification, and consequences for other physiological processes Summary & Introduction 37 Methods 41 Results 50 Discussion 52 Conclusion 60 Tables 63 Figures 67 Chapter 4 Temperature mediates the sensitivity of a resistant population of crustose coralline 71 algae to ocean acidification Summary & Introduction 71 Methods 76 Results 83 Discussion 84 Conclusion 92 Tables 93 Figures 95 Chapter 5 Conclusion 100
Diseases of medicinal and aromatic plants, their biological impact and management

Abstract With increasing interest in natural products of plant origin for medicinal and health care benefits there is added emphasis on the quality of the source raw material. In most cases the vegetative tissues and organs are the source of the required raw material. However, such tissues/organs may become infested/susceptible to many diseases causing deterioration of the quality of the desired economic product and loss of genetic resources. Considerable progress has been made with respect to the identification of disease causing organisms, and their pathogenic impact at organ, cellular and biochemical level. This review focuses on various diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, nematodes, viruses and phytoplasmas threatening the yield, biomass, bioactive potential of medicinal and aromatic plants of the sub-tropics. Several studies suggest that management of diseases through biological measures is more effective to check multiple diseases. Necessary management strategies for efficient disease management to realize quality raw material and enhanced metabolite productive potential have been outlined.
SINGLE AND COMBINED EFFECTS OF THREE FUSARIUM SPECIES ASSOCIATED WITH RICE SEEDS ON THE SEVERITY OF BAKANAE DISEASE OF RICE

Fusarium spp. associated with susceptible rice variety Pusa Basmati 1121 were isolated. Based on translation elongation factor 1α (TEF-1α) Fusarium spp. were identified as F. fujikuroi, F. proliferatum, F. verticillioides (F. moniliforme), F. sacchari, F. pseudonygamai, F. thapsinum and F. andiyazi. Pathogenicity test conducted on susceptible variety Pusa Basmati 1121 confirmed that only F. fujikuroi, F. proliferatum and F. verticillioides produced bakanae disease as elongation, rotting or both types of symptoms. Gibberellic acid was exclusively extracted from the isolates of F. fujikuroi and it ranged from 450 μg/g to 4361 μg/g of mycelium. Gibberellic acid content was positively correlated (r=0.79) with elongation symptom of the disease. Fusaric acid was present in all the species of Fusarium, ranging from 60 μg/g to 2920 μg/g of mycelium. However, significant correlation between fusaric acid content and disease severity could not be established. Co-inoculations of pathogens showed significant reduction in percent seed germination and increased disease severity compared to pathogen inoculated individually. Therefore, present investigation will be helpful to understand the effect of different Fusarium spp. in bakanae disease etiology.
Structure and composition of deciduous dipterocarp forest in Central Vietnam: patterns of species dominance and regeneration failure

Background: Deciduous dipterocarp forest (DDF) is the most widespread forest type of continental Southeast Asia. Four dominant canopy species of the DDF are often found in near-monodominant stands, but quantitative structure, species composition and regeneration status of these stands are little understood. Aims: To quantify structural, compositional and regeneration variability of the dominant stands in the DDF at YokDon National Park in Central Vietnam. Methods: We established seventy 0.04 ha plots across the Park to quantify the structure, species composition and regeneration patterns. Results: We found distinct patterns of one or two of the four dipterocarp species dominated basal area in any given stand. Patterns of seedling dominance were not as distinct as in the canopy, nor were there strong associations between the dominant seedling and canopy species, particularly for Shorea siamensis. The most striking feature of the forest was the absence of saplings, implying a significant bottleneck in the structure. Conclusions: Our results suggest a potential shift in the dominant canopy species in the DDF. The apparent lack of recruitment into the larger size classes and the decoupling of dominant species in the canopy and seedling layer raise questions about the future dynamics of the DDF.
RAPID COMMUNICATION Transforming Growth Factor-b2 Modulates Synaptic Efficacy and Plasticity and Induces Phosphorylation of CREB in Hippocampal Neurons

Transforming growth factor-bs (TGF-bs) are widely expressed and play roles as multifunctional growth factors and regula- tors of key events in development, disease, and repair. However, it is not known whether TGF-bs affect the plasticity of hippocampal neu- rons. As a first step to address this issue, we examined whether TGF-b2 modulated the electrophysiological and biochemical properties of cul- tured hippocampal neurons. We found that prolonged 24 h treatment with TGF-b2 induced facilitation of evoked postsynaptic currents (ePSCs). This facilitation was associated with a decrease in short-term synaptic depression of ePSCs and increases in both the amplitude and frequency of spontaneous miniature postsynaptic currents (mPSCs). The long-term changes of ePSCs and mPSCs may be associated with cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), which has been previously implicated in long-term potentiation. Immunofluorescence techniques and Western blot analysis both revealed that TGF-b2 enhanced the phosphorylation of CREB. Together, these results suggest that TGF-b2 may play a role in the cascade of events underlying long-term synaptic facilitation in hippocampus, and that CREB may be an important media- tor of these effects. V C 2006 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
New records of Parasitidae mites (Acari; Mesostigmata) in Korea

Family Parasitidae is relatively large (many 1­2 mm) mite group with often yellowish to dark brown body color under the superfamily Parasitoidea in Cohort Gamasina of Mesostigmata among Acari (Lindquist et al., 2009). Known as predators, they feed on collembolans, dipter­ ous larvae, mites, nematodes and other small soil dwell­ ing animals. The family contains two subfamilies, the Parasitinae and Pergamasinae even with some disagree­ ments on the lower level taxonomy with broader (e.g. Micherdzinski, 1969; Tichmirov, 1969; Karg, 1993b) and narrower view (e.g. Evans and Till 1979; Athias­ Henriot, 1980; 1982b; Juvara­Bals, 2002). This study followed the concept of Athias­Henriot (1980; 1982b). In the subfamily Pergamasinae, male has the base of the tri­ tosternum covered by the genital operculum and female has an undivided dorsal shield. Deutonymphs are not phoretic (Evans, 1992). They commonly inhabit relative­ ly stable forest and grassland humus, moss, and soil eco­ systems (Bhattacharyya, 1963; Holzmann, 1969; Karg, 1993b). Some members of the genus Holoparasitus are associated with wet habitats, such as fresh and saltwater marshes and beach wrack (Hyatt, 1987; Karg, 1993b). In the subfamily Parasitinae, male has the base of the tri­ tosternum not covered by the genital operculum, and fe­ male has divided dorsal shields. They commonly occur in temporary accumulations of organic debris, including manure, vegetable compost and in the nest habitats of mammals and insects (Hyatt, 1980; Karg, 1993b). Deu­ tonymphs are often phoretic on dung­ or compost in­ habiting insects (Scarabaeidae), bark­inhabiting beetles (Cerambycidae), or ground­nesting bees (Rapp, 1959; Binns, 1982). The occurrence of these often conspicu­ ous mites on insect carriers was misconstrued as parasit­ ism by early observers and apparently led to their being named Parasitus and “Parasitids” (Oudemans, 1936a). Global diversity of Mesostigmata incompasses 100 families, 887 genera, 8,280 species, and that of Parasiti­ dae comprises 2 subfamily 32 genera, 363 species in the world (Hallan, 2005). In Korea, 29 families, 92 genera, 237 species of Mesostigmata were recorded with 2 sub­ family 6 genera, 22 species of Parasitidae (NIBR, 2013) (Table 1). Among those 20 species were recorded from North­ ern part of Korea by Athias­Henriot (1977; 1980), Daele (1975) and Tichomirov (1977), but two from Southern part of Korea by Choi (1994) and Korean zoological record (KSSZ, 1997). During the faunal study of soil predatory mites of diverse habitats in Southern part of Korea, 13 species of Parasitidae mites were recovered. Among those, four species of P. beta, P. fimetorum, P. insignis and Poecilochirus carabi are the new records to Korean peninsula (Fig. 1). Taxonomic details and other biological characteristics are reported.
Enterotoxin H in Staphylococcal Food Poisoning.

Seven members of one family became ill with vomiting and diarrhea 4 h after eating a type of cheese produced in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Staphylococcus aureus (2.9 × 108 CFU/g) that produced enterotoxin H (SEH) was isolated from the cheese. A low level of this enterotoxin was detected in the cheese extract before and after concentration 20-fold by copper chelate chromatography. The amount of SEH produced by the staphylococcal strain was 180 ng/ml of culture supernatant with production by the sac culture method. If only the ELISA ball kit had been used, it would have been concluded that enterotoxin D was the cause of the food poisoning.
Does the mineralocorticoid receptor have a functional role in the teleost gill

Cortisol has been shown to have a glucocorticoid as well as a mineralocorticoid role in teleosts. The dual role of Cortisol, however, was thought to be through a single class of receptor, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in teleosts until the recent discovery of the gene for a mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in this group of fishes. My research objective was to determine if MR has a functional role in ionoregulation and if the changes in MR expression were related to biochemical responses when fish move among waters that vary in salinity. I addressed this research question in two ways. In my first experiment, I transferred rainbow trout from freshto ion-poor or salt water. An increase in gill Na, K-ATPase (NKA) activity in salt water was associated with higher NKA alb subunit mRNA. In contrast, there was little change in gill NKA activity following the transfer to ion-poor water, but mRNA for the ala subunit was significantly elevated. Gill GR and MR mRNA showed little change when fish were transferred to either treatment, but prolactin receptor (PrlR) and growth hormone 1 receptor (GHIR) mRNA showed significant changes. In my second experiment, I examined adult sockeye salmon migrating from the ocean to spawning grounds. Gill NKA activity declined consistently during migration, accompanied by significant increases in the gill NKA ala isoform. Generally, mRNA for gill MR and GR declined during migration to fresh water, but gill PrlR and GHIR increased particularly after the fish were in fresh water. These findings suggest that Cortisol may have a more limited role in ionoregulation than previously described.
Scaling up farmer‐managed natural regeneration in Africa to restore degraded landscapes

We present examples of large‐scale farmer‐managed natural regeneration of woody species in Africa to create new agroforestry systems. We also analyze two cases in Ethiopia of large‐scale natural regeneration. The available evidence shows that the average costs per hectare of promoting on‐farm natural regeneration are low as soon as farmers are familiar with this practice and begin to spontaneously adopt it. Based on these cases, current ambitious forest restoration targets can be achieved, but this goal requires a shift from tree planting to assisted natural regeneration. We propose a scaling‐up strategy for natural regeneration based on experience gained mainly in the West African Sahel.
Pathogenesis of Leukoaraiosis: A Review

Leukoaraiosis (LA) represents the most common phenotype of cerebral small vessel disease. It is of undoubted significance regarding its vast prevalence and neuropsychi‐ atric consequences, such as cognitive impairment, higher risk for ischaemic stroke and death. It has been associated with increasing age and conventional vascular risk factors (VRF). Despite huge efforts, LA pathogenesis is still incompletely understood. The hypotheses of ischaemia and malfunctioning blood‐brain barrier seem to oppose each other. Hence, the focus has turned to endothelial dysfunction, through which both aforementioned mechanisms could be coupled. The VRF, which are almost universally present in patients with LA, have a detrimental impact on endothelium on their own. However, in LA there may be an additional or even primary endothelial dysfunction at play. This seems to be at the core of LA pathogenesis, leading to chronic ischaemia in cerebral white matter and blood‐brain barrier dysfunction culminating in LA. The genetic susceptibility to harmful effects of VRF on endothelial function seems to play an important role. Regarding the burden of LA, interventional approaches should be aimed at decelerating or even halting the progression of the disease. These should focus on strict management of VRF and strategies to enhance endothelial function.