Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Investigating the mechanism of translational stimulation by Deleted in Azoospermia-like

The proper expression of a gene to a protein is a complicated process with many steps. One of the major steps is translation, the process of decoding a messenger RNA signal and the building of a protein from its component parts. The control of translation is one of the major steps for the overall control of gene expression and its dysregulation is associated with a wide variety of human diseases including neurological, metabolic and reproductive disorders. Dazl family proteins are germ cell restricted RNA binding proteins that contain a motif characteristic of this family, the DAZ domain. Whilst humans encode all three family members DAZ, DAZL and BOULE, flies only possess the boule gene. The members of this family have an essential conserved role in gametogenesis in a wide variety of organisms from worm to man with loss of function resulting in phenotypes ranging from male or female infertility or both. However, little is known about the molecular role of these proteins in germ cell development. A previous study within the laboratory showed that several vertebrate Dazl family members can stimulate translation of a reporter gene in Xenopus laevis oocytes, suggesting a conserved role in mRNA specific translational control. This is consistent with studies in invertebrates. It was proposed that Dazl proteins fulfil this function through an interaction with a translation initiation factor, poly(A) binding protein, PABP. The aim of this thesis was to further refine this model of action. The work presented here investigates several fundamental questions regarding the mechanism of Dazl-mediated stimulation. First, it investigated the step of translation initiation that Dazl acts upon and explored the initiation factors that may be required. Second, it addressed in more detail the requirements for an interaction between Dazl and the poly(A) binding protein, PABP. Third, it examined the potential role of another factor, DAZ associated protein 1, DAZAP1, in Dazl-mediated stimulation. The role of multiprotein complexes containing Dazl bound to the 3’UTR that localise, repress and stimulate translation of specific mRNAs at defined times during gametogenesis are discussed.
Conservation Genetics and Hybridisation of the Forbes’ Parakeet (Cyanoramphus Forbesi) in the Chatham Islands

This study describes the isolation and characterisation of microsatellite loci in Forbes’ parakeet (Cyanoramphus forbesi). These molecular markers are used to assess the status of interspecific hybridisation between Forbes’ parakeets and Chatham Island Red-crowned parakeets (C. novaezelandiae chathamensis) on Mangere and Little Mangere Islands in the Chatham Islands group. The evolution of these microsatellite loci in parrots is also investigated. Forbes’ parakeets are facing the problem of genetic introgression due to extensive hybridisation with Chatham Island Red-crowned parakeets. Hybrids show a spectrum of crown morphologies between the parent species (Nixon 1982), but identification of hybrids based on morphology alone is not foolproof. Mitochondrial DNA studies by Boon (2000) showed that Forbes’ parakeet is a distinct lineage, basal to all other New Zealand parakeets but several Forbes’ morphotypes have Chatham Island Redcrowned parakeet haplotype. However, mitochondrial DNA markers only probe the maternally inherited lineages and cannot tell the whole story. The microsatellite markers used in this study show that interspecific hybridisation between Forbes parakeet and Chatham Island Red-crowned parakeet is more extensive than previously expected. Microsatellite data combined with results from scoring mitochondrial DNA haplotypes show that crown morphology alone under-represents the proportion of hybrids in the population, and that a large number of cryptic hybrids (77.9%) show Forbes’ parakeet morphotypes. A three factor scoring system is suggested in which a parakeet must pass both genetic (microsatellites and mitochondrial) and morphological criteria to be considered a “pure” Forbes’ parakeet. Using this system, 17.8%, 1.2%, and 81.0% of the Mangere Island parakeet population are “pure” Forbes’ parakeets, “pure” Chatham Island Red-crowned parakeets, and interspecific hybrids respectively. The results of this study have implications for the future conservation of Forbes’ parakeet. Because interspecific hybridisation makes no positive contribution to the long-term survival of Forbes’ parakeets, conservation measures to limit contact between the two species should be taken to control further hybridisation of parakeets on Mangere Island. The microsatellite loci isolated in this study are found to evolve following the patterns best described by either the Stepwise Mutation Model (SMM; Ohta & Kimura 1973) or the Two-Phase Model (TPM; Di Rienzo et al. 1994) at population level. By mapping the evolutionary changes in repeat motif variations to a parrot phylogeny, it is suggested that these loci may evolve through a more complex model than sole repeat number changes.
GUINEA-BISSAU'S PLANTS: IN VITRO SUSCEPTIBILITY STUDIES ON NEISSERIA GONORRHOEAE

AbstractExtracts from different parts of Cassia sieberiana, Chamaechrista nigricans, Guiera senegalensis, Lippia chevalieri, Pavetta oblongifolia, Piliostigma thonningii, Senna podocarpa and Terminalia macroptera were examined for in vitro antibacterial activity. These species were collected in the Contuboel region (Guinea-Bissau) which were used by the traditional healer's of the Fulani ethny to treat several disorders including venereal diseases (Diniz, 1996). Fifteen plant extracts were tested against nine strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, including penicillin and tetracycline resistant strains. All the extracts exhibited antibacterial activity against all the tested strains. Two of the most active extracts (from Guiera senegalensis leaves and Terminalia macroptera root) were partitioned with different solvents and tested for antiNeisseria gonorrhoeae activity. Organisms noted: Cassia sieberiana DC. , Chamaechrista nigricans (Vahl) Greene, Guiera senegalensis J. F. Gmel. , Lippia chevalieri Moldenke, Nei.
Intellectual property and social justice

The main goal of this chapter is to explore the relation between intellectual property and social justice. Particularly, the aim is assessing the impact of the former on the shaping of the latter. Hence, and after summarising a possible approach to social justice, the special characteristics of intellectual property goods as semi-public goods will be recalled. In this realm, we will explore the paradox of such goods being naturally non-rival and non-excludable, while its protection enables the right holder to effectively prevent third parties from using them within a certain time frame. We then follow to analyse the rationale of intellectual property. Here, we will start by alluding to the incentive to create and the promotion of innovation as commonly referred reasons for the very existence of intellectual property. However, we will call upon justice considerations as well, showing that intellectual property has in its core social justice concerns and that its roots go far beyond any economic construction. We will finally refer to limitations to intellectual property rights and outline some conclusions about the possible relation between social justice, economic efficiency and intellectual property.
Capacity building for better animal welfare

All zoos and aquariums aim to maintain animals with good welfare. Empirical evidence has demonstrated that various activities, described collectively as behavioural husbandry (BH), are associated with good animal welfare, so a lot of zoos now integrate BH into many of their captive animal management regimes. The widespread implementation of BH seems ubiquitous; however, some zoos do not have access to the resources, knowledge and skills that underpin BH. Building capacity within these zoos, so they have the information necessary to enhance the welfare of their animals, should be a high priority. In this case study, a workshop successfully provided 16 delegates with this information. Evaluation of the workshop demonstrated it effectively increased knowledge. More importantly, it proved to be a catalyst for a number of BH initiatives in a variety of zoos worldwide, which occurred after the workshop. Information was also promulgated further by delegates to colleagues within their institutions and also further afield within their region.
Trees: Their Natural History

Preface 1. An overview 2. Leaves: the food producers 3. Trunk and branches: more than a connecting drainpipe 4. Roots: the hidden tree 5. Towards the next generation: flowers, fruits and seeds 6. The growing tree 7. The shape of trees 8. The next generation: new trees from old 9. Age, health, damage and death: living in a hostile world 10. Trees and us Further reading Index.
Assessment of readiness for „Industry 4.0“

The Industry 4.0 initiative poses great challenges to the world, countries and companies connected with the provided digital transformation and the new intelligent technologies in all areas of the industry. This requires the development and follow-up of a national strategy for the adoption and implementation of Industry 4.0. It is important in this case to assess the Industry 4.0 readiness of each country for transformation and change. The main aim of the paper is to present, analyse and compare some of the most promised existing approaches for calculation of Industry 4.0 readiness at national level. Some results are presented and compared.
Ovulation induction with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) in mares.

In this study, the efficacy of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) administered to advance the ovulation in oestrous in mares was examined. Thoroughbred mares (36) were divided into 3 groups. After the detection of (35 mm follicle in diameter, with the use of ultrasound, 3000 IU ho, 40mg btlsereline, GnRH and 2 ml placebo were injected to the mares in groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Follicles were monitored every 12 hr with ultrasonography until the occurrence of ovulation. The mares were mated naturally every other day by the end of oestrus. Pregnant mares were determined using B-mode real time ultrasound on day 20 after last mating. There was a statistical significance of(P<0.01) between groups 1 and 3, and also 2 and 3 on the average ovulation time and numbers of mating required per conception. On the other hand, the differences of the pregnancy rates among the groups were not significant. In conclusion, hCG and GnRH could be used for inducing ovulation in cyclic mares.
The Impact of Bacillus Thuringiensis Israelensis (Bti) on Adult and Larvae Black Fly Populations

In the year 2007, the Ministry of Health (MoH) initiated a larviciding program using Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) to mitigate the effects of black fly bites. This study was aimed at assessing the impact of Bti on adult and larvae black fly populations. Baseline data was collected prior to Bti application and after application Larva monitoring was done using four different substrates: nylon strips, rocks, and debri. Adult monitoring was carried out by human landing catches. Data analysis included descriptive summaries, t-tests, regression and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The analysis also included the assessment of the effect of Bti on adult flies and Larva density on substrates. All the statistical analysis were done at 5% significance level. The results showed statistically significant differences (p <0.001) in populations of black fly before and after Bti application. Larva density was higher before Bti application and adult numbers were also high in that period. After Bti application a decrease in larva density was recorded and this associated with a gradual decrease in adult numbers. Bti had an impact on the larval population in that a decrease in larva population due to larviciding resulted in the decrease of adult population.
Effect of a Leucine/Pyridoxine Nutraceutical on Energy Metabolism and Satiety in Lean and Obese Dogs

Obesity is the most common nutritional disorder of pet dogs (prevalence of 23–59%). This 29-week study investigated a nutraceutical containing 1 g leucine and 13 mg pyridoxine designed to maintain lean muscle mass while decreasing adiposity when compared with positive and negative controls. After determining individual maintenance calorie requirements over 3 – 4 weeks, thirty-six healthy adult Beagles were divided into obesification, weight gain prevention, or maintain ideal body weight arms. Obesity was induced and during a weight loss phase, excess calories were removed, and obesification dogs were given nutraceutical with CAD (ObN), placebo with CAD (ObP), or a therapeutic weight loss diet (WLD). Weight gain prevention dogs were fed CAD at levels in excess of what they would naturally consume in a single meal with nutraceutical (ExN) or placebo (EXP), and dogs maintaining ideal body weight (IBW) were fed CAD to individual maintenance calories requirements over 12 weeks. Based on MANOVA, ObN and WLD lost similar levels of total weight (3.4 +/0.6 vs. 4.4 +/1.1 kg) and fat mass (3.1 +/0.6 vs. 3.9 +/0.8 kg) after 12 weeks of treatment, and more than ObP (1.2 +/1.0 kg weight; 0.9 +/1.0 kg fat; p < 0.0001). ExP and ExN gained similar levels of weight and fat mass (up to 32.5 +/3.3 vs. 35.7 +/6.3% body fat). Behavioral indicators of medium term satiety did not differ clinically between groups. In general, plasma levels of gut hormones and endocrine factors followed expected trends and there was little effect of treatment on muscle or adipose tissue expression of genes involved in fat oxidation, oxidative phosphorylation, and mitochondrial biogenesis. Circulating plasma concentrations of IL6 and IL15 did not differ between groups. These data show the nutraceutical holds promise as an option for successful weight loss in dogs. Maintenance levels of CAD were able to induce weight loss without risk of hypoor anorexia, or the need to switch diets or restrict energy intake.
Function of Replication Protein A in DNA repair and cell checkpoints

Replication Protein A (RPA), the major eukaryotic single-strand DNA (ssDNA) binding protein, is essential for replication, repair, recombination, and checkpoint activation. Defects in RPA-associated cellular activities lead to genomic instability, a major factor in the pathogenesis of cancer. The ssDNA-binding activity of RPA is primarily mediated by two domains in the RPA1 subunit. I characterized mutant forms of RPA to elucidate the contribution of specific residues in the high affinity DNA binding domains to the cellular function of RPA. These studies enhance the understanding of the properties of RPA that contribute to DNA repair and cellular checkpoints. Mutation of a conserved leucine residue to proline in the high-affinity DNA binding site of RPA (residue L221 in human RPA) has been shown to have a high rate of chromosomal rearrangements in yeast and mice. I characterized the equivalent mutation in human RPA. My studies show that the mutation causes a defect in ssDNA binding and a nonfunctional protein. Combined with the mice studies, the data suggest that haploinsufficiency of RPA causes an increase in DNA damage and in the incidence of cancer. The ssDNA-interactions of the high affinity binding domains in RPA1 are mediated by several residues including four highly conserved aromatic residues. Mutation of these residues had no effect on DNA replication but caused defects in DNA repair pathways. I conclude that DNA intermediates in different DNA metabolic pathways require different RPA binding functions and that the aromatic residues are indispensable for binding in DNA repair. These studies illustrate that different DNA metabolic pathways have distinct requirements for RPA function. A decrease in binding to ssDNA of any length has specific consequences in vivo. These data also demonstrate that a single mutation in RPA in a residue that does not even contact ssDNA can result in a non-functional RPA
Ca2+‐dependent K+ current and exocytosis in responses to caffeine and muscarine in voltage‐clamped guinea‐pig adrenal chromaffin cells

We characterized changes in membrane currents and the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration, [Ca2+]i, in response to caffeine, and compared them with those in response to muscarine using the perforated patch‐clamp technique and fura‐2 microfluorimetry in guinea‐pig adrenal chromaffin cells. Catecholamine release from single voltage‐clamped cells was monitored with amperometry using carbon microelectrodes. Caffeine produced a transient outward current (Iout) at holding potentials over − 60 mV, increasing in amplitude with increasing the potentials. It also evoked a rapid increase of [Ca2+]i at all potentials examined. The current‐voltage relation revealed that the activation of K+ channels was responsible for the Iout evoked by caffeine. Both current and [Ca2+]i responses were reversibly abolished by cyclopiazonic acid, an inhibitor of Ca2+‐pump ATPase. At − 30 mV, the caffeine‐induced Iout, but not [Ca2+]i, was partly inhibited by either charybdotoxin or apamin. In the majority of cells tested, caffeine induced a larger Iout but a smaller [Ca2+]i increase than muscarine. Caffeine and muscarine increased catecholamine release from voltage‐clamped single cells concomitant with the transient increase of [Ca2+]i, and there was a positive correlation between them. These results indicate that caffeine activates Ca2+‐dependent K+ channels and catecholamine secretion due to the release of Ca2+ from internal stores in voltage‐clamped adrenal chromaffin cells of the guinea‐pig. There seems to be a spatial difference between [Ca2+]i increased by Ca2+ release from caffeine‐sensitive stores and that released from muscarine (inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate)‐sensitive ones.
Update on invasive aspergillosis: clinical and diagnostic aspects

Apergillus is a ubiquitious mould that can cause a wide variety of clinical syndromes ranging from mere colonisation to fulminant invasive disease. Invasive aspergillosis (IA) is the most severe presentation of aspergillosis. The lung is usually the portal of entry, from which the pathogen may disseminate to almost any organ, often the brain and skin. The diagnosis remains a significant challenge. It is usually based on a combination of compatible clinical findings in a patient with risk-factors and isolation of the microorganism, radiological data, serological detection of antibodies or antigens, or histopathological evidence of invasion. Chest radiographic findings in patients with pulmonary Aspergillus may initially be normal in up to 10% of cases. Computed tomography scanning is probably the most useful imaging technique for the diagnosis of IA, since it may reveal lung lesions up to 5 days earlier than would radiograph techniques simply. Currently available laboratory diagnostic methods include several techniques: histopathological evidence of invasion; isolation of the microorganism and direct microscopy from clinical samples and non-invasive procedures (serological detection of antigens or nucleic material of Aspergillus; detection of antibodies). The histological diagnosis of IA requires the presence of invasion by fungus of the Aspergillus species. The truth is that, if no other variables are considered, the positive predictive value is very low, and most of the isolates of A. fumigatus do not represent proven or probable infection. Several molecules could be used as markers of infection, but two of them are of special interest: Aspergillus galactomannan (GM) and (1 → 3)-β-glucan (BG). GM has a high specificity (above 85%) and a reported sensitivity that varies widely (between 30% and 100%). BG, a main cell wall polysaccharide component of Aspergillus, can be colourimetrically detected and is useful in diagnosis, with a sensitivity ranging from 50% to 87.5%. A specific Aspergillus PCR assay has also been used in the diagnosis of IA and has shown very good results, with a sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 89%, respectively.
In vitro effect on the antioxidative properties of crude extract of Chenopodium album in presence of the organophosphate, acephate.

Acephate, an organophosphorus pesticide, is a potent free radical generator. Phenolic compounds present in leafy vegetables are recently gaining interest as good sources of natural antioxidants. The aim of this study was, thus, to evaluate the role of plant phenolics present in Chenopodium album as a free radical scavenger, which is a commonly consumed green leafy vegetable, against acephate toxicity in vitro, due to its free radical generation ability. An attempt was also made to identify a few of the phenolic compounds present in the crude extract through RP-HPLC. DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power of the leafy vegetable extract, both in the presence and absence of acephate were conducted, using concentrations of 1μg/ ml, 2.5 μg/ml and 5 μg/ml of polyphenolic compounds present in the extract and a concentration of 3 mg/ml of the pesticide. The results showed that acephate significantly reduced the radical scavenging activity of the leafy vegetable extract, in comparison to the tests containing only the vegetable extract as well as a higher concentration was required to quench the ABTS+. radicals in the presence of acephate. No significant change was observed in case of inhibition of lipid peroxidation, in a linoleic acid emulsion system, in the presence of acephate when compared to the tests containing only the plant extract. Flavonoids like rutin, quercetin and rutin hydrate were identified as few of the phenolic components present in the crude C.album extract. Thus, from this study, it is evident that pesticides act as a serious free radical source, whose deleterious effects can be reduced, if not totally, but to a certain extent, by such green leafy vegetables which contain a wide array of natural antioxidants in the form of polyphenols, preventing unnecessary oxidation reactions.
Global dynamics of a predator-prey system with density-dependent mortality and ratio-dependent functional response

In this paper, we study the global dynamics of a density-dependent predator-prey system with ratio-dependent functional response. The main features and challenges are that the origin of this model is a degenerate equilibrium of higher order and there are multiple positive equilibria. Firstly, local qualitative behavior of the system around the origin is explicitly described. Then, based on the dynamics around the origin and other equilibria, global qualitative analysis of the model is carried out. Finally, the existence of Bogdanov-Takens bifurcation (cusp case) of codimension two is analyzed. This shows that the system undergoes various bifurcation phenomena, including saddle-node bifurcation, Hopf bifurcation, and homoclinic bifurcation along with different topological sectors near the degenerate origin. Numerical simulations are presented to illustrate the theoretical results.
The Production of Males in Queenright Colonies of Trigona (Scaptotrigona) Postica

SummaryWorkers and males of stingless bees (Meliponini) emerge from morphologically similar cells. Normally only one bee is reared in each brood cell, but in four Trigona postica colonies examined between September and February, 689 out of 2544 brood cells contained more than one egg. In these months the number of males is at a maximum.Nurse bees (workers) even in queenright colonies had developed ovaries and laid two distinct types of eggs: male-producing eggs (1.305 ± 0.33 mm long), and spherical eggs which served as food for the queen. The male eggs were laid in cells in which the queen had already laid, before these were sealed; the male larva survived, killing the other larva within the first 3 days of larval life.In normal queenright colonies the queen usually laid female-producing eggs (1.185 ± 0.18 mm long), but she also sometimes laid male-producing eggs (1.315 ± 0.33 mm long). On three occasions she was seen to lay a second egg in a cell, and these eggs were similar in length to the male- produc.