Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Detecção e caracterização de parvovírus canino e coronavírus canino

Canine parvovirus (CPV-2) and canine coronavirus (C CoV-II) are considered the major pathogens causing acute viral gastroenteritis in puppies, in some cases with high morbidity and mortality, especially in terms of abi lity to potentiate infections by other agents. These viruses are distributed worldwide bei ng responsible for outbreaks in many countries, especially where there is high conc entration of animals, such as shelters and kennels. The CPV-2 and CCoV-II were identified from the late 197 0 and since then have been detected in clinically healthy animals, as well as in dogs with vomiting and severe diarrhea. This work aims the id entification of these agents in the canine population of Brazil, comprised by two disti nc chapters: Chapter 1Typing of canine parvovirus strains circulating in Brazil bet ween 2008 and 2010, and Chapter 2Characterization of pantropic canine coronavirus in Brazil. In chapter 1, stool samples of 144 dogs were analyzed by polymerase chain react ion (PCR) for CPV-2, 29,2% (42/144) of them were positive. Of the 42 positive samples, 7,4% (30) of the dogs had signs of hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. The sequencin g of 583 bp VP2 gene of the positive samples identified 78,6% (33/42) as CPV-2c, 19% (8/ 42) as CPV-2b and 2,4% (1/42) as type 2a. Phylogenetic analysis of CPV-2 found in th e canine population of Brazil, has shown that they are very similar to those of other countries and CPV-2c has become prevalent in Brazil. In Chapter 2 organ samples of five puppies were analyzed by reverse transcription (RT-PCR) for CCoV-II M and S genes, of wich three dogs were positive to CCoV-II and CPV-2, one was positive onl y to CCoV-II and one for CPV-2 and the other was negative for all the agents searc hed. The sequencing of the amplification products identified that they were CP V-2c and CCoV-IIa. Phylogenetic analysis of circulating CCoV-IIa in canine populati on in southern Brazil showed that they are similar to those found in other countries. However, the Brazilian specimens tend to group together in a single clade, suggestin g a common ancestor. Clinical signs and injuries caused by the new CPV-2 variant and of pantropic subtype of CCoV-II are very similar to each other, being of great importan ce for the diagnosis including the differential diagnosis of these two viral agents. This was the first characterization of subtype CCoV-IIa in dogs in Brazil. The detection a nd characterization of CPV-2 and CCoV-II, that are currently circulating, are essent ial to understanding the viral evolution and to the development of more effective ontrol and prevention measures
Incorporation of Malvidin-3-Glucoside into High Molecular Weight Polyphenols during Fermentation and Wine Aging

A decrease in anthocyanin concentration throughout the late stages of fermentation and aging has been well documented and is associated with the formation of polymeric pigments or pigmented tannins. In order to understand the formation of polymeric pigments, a 3 H-labeled anthocyanin (malvidin-3-glucoside) was added to a fermenting juice and to a young wine. During fermentation, there was a rapid disappearance of tritium from solution 24 hr after the addition, suggesting that half of the anthocyanins were associated with grape solids. During the early stages of aging, there were negligible losses of radioactivity, with a steep decline in malvidin-3-glucoside. In the aging experiment, most of the anthocyanins appeared to incorporate into polymeric structures with negligible losses elsewhere. Furthermore, these polymers changed over time, altering their visible absorbance. Aging variables such as wine pH, additional tannin levels, and copigmentation had little or no effect. However, temperature had pronounced effects during polymer pigment formation.
Habitat Use by Female Mallards in the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley

Abstract Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) populations in the lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley (LMAV), USA, historically averaged 1.6 million and represented the largest concentrations of wintering mallards in North America. Effective management of this wintering population requires current information on use of habitats. Accordingly, we employed radiotelemetry techniques to assess proportional use of habitats by female mallards during winters 2004–2005 and 2005–2006. We divided winters into 4 time periods defined by hunting seasons (FIRST, SPLIT, SECOND, and POST) and recorded diurnal and nocturnal locations. We examined variations in proportional use of habitats and use of areas closed to hunting due to effects of age (immature or ad), winter (2004–2005 or 2005–2006), time period (SECOND or POST), individual female, and all potential interactions of these effects, using locations recorded during the latter 2 time periods. We found that diurnal and nocturnal proportional use of habitats varied inconsistently among time periods and winters. Mean proportional use of forested wetlands ranged from 0.475 to 0.816 and from 0.428 to 0.764 during diurnal and nocturnal sampling periods, respectively. Diurnal proportional use of areas closed to hunting varied inconsistently among time periods and winters. Mean proportional use of areas closed to hunting ranged from 0.183 to 0.423 during diurnal sampling periods. Nocturnal use of areas closed to hunting varied inconsistently among female ages and time periods and among female ages and winters. Mean proportional use of areas closed to hunting ranged from 0.211 to 0.445 during nocturnal sampling periods. Our research suggests that forested wetlands in the LMAV provide important wintering habitats for female mallards; continued restoration and establishment of these habitats should benefit female mallards.
C-2 Epimer Formation of Tetrose, Pentose and Hexose Sugars by Xylose Isomerase

We describe novel tetrose isomerizations and C-2 epimerizations by the industrially important d -xylose ketol-isomerase (E.C.5.3.1.5) with both the d - and l -forms of the sugars. We further show that in addition to isomerization to d -fructose, d -glucose is slowly C-2 epimerized to d -mannose. The formation rate of the C-2 epimer was 0.03 mg mg m 1 min m 1 from d -glucose, 0.56 mg mg m 1 min m 1 from d -arabinose and 3.0 mg mg m 1 min m 1 from d -erythrose. The equilibria of the reaction products as a function of temperature were measured for threose/erythrulose/erythrose, arabinose/ribulose/ ribose and glucose/fructose/mannose.
Extracellular microbial polysaccharides. I. Substrate, biomass, and product kinetic equations for batch xanthan gum fermentation

Various biomass (X), product (P), and substrate (S) rate equations are considered in order to synthesize a general xanthan fermentation model from literature data. Analytical forms that provide reasonable descriptions for the X, P, and S behaviors reported by Moraine and Rogovin are shown to be the logistic equation, the Luedeking–Piret equation a modified Luedeking‐Piret equation, respectively. The autonomous logistic equation allows the serial evaluation of parameters for all thee equations, rather than a simultaneous determination required by nonautonomous models.
Retaining blood donors: a relationship management perspective

Her research interests include strategic communication and relationship management, with specific reference to the non-profit sector. ABSTRACT Strong organisation-stakeholder relationships contribute to the former attaining its goals. This is also the case with blood services, such as the South African National Blood Service (SANBS). Blood services are dependent on people donating blood to unknown recipients, without remuneration. This paper reports the approach of the SANBS to relationship management with its donors, as well as the perceptions of blood givers of the quality of this relationship. The SANBS’s relationship management approach and activities are analysed from a qualitative approach, using mixed method research, namely qualitative semi-structured interviews and quantitative questionnaires to answer the research questions. The SANBS’s relationship with blood givers is strong, especially regarding relationship satisfaction as outcome. The blood service staff’s behaviour and communication are the main contributors to donor satisfaction, since they provide education and comfort during the donation process. Two-way communication focusing on enhancing the outcomes of relationships, can therefore assist the SANBS in recruiting and retaining donors.
An optimized screening method for identifying levels of resistance to Crinipellis perniciosa in cocoa ( Theobroma cacao )

The effects of host age, leaf number, host type (clone or seedling), pathogen spore concentration and incubation time on inoculation with Crinipellis perniciosa (witches’ broom disease of cocoa) were studied in greenhouse experiments using susceptible cocoa genotypes. Three methods of inoculation (agar-drop, water-drop and spray) were also tested. An optimized inoculation method was selected and tested for its repeatability as well as its ability to discriminate between various levels of resistance to C. perniciosa in cocoa. The optimized method (350 000 viable basidiospores per mL, 60 h incubation, agar-drop technique) produced 100% infection repeatedly, on both clonal and seedling plants of a susceptible genotype. Seedling age (2–12 months) and leaf number did not significantly affect the percentage of plants with symptoms or broom characteristics. This method discriminated effectively between the various levels of resistance in 14 cocoa genotypes and is recommended as an inoculation method to identify levels of resistance in germplasm collections. Symptom severity was shown to be a better measure of resistance than infection success.
Positional Distribution of Fatty Acids in Triglycerides from Prepartum Mammary Gland Secretion and Early Postpartum Milk

Abstract Triglycerides from mammary gland secretion collected at 24, 17, 10, 7, and 3.5 days prepartum and from milk collected at 0 (2h), 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days postpartum were subjected to fatty acid and stereospecific analysis. Prepartum mammary gland secretion differed from normal milk in that it contained approximately twice the amount of 16:0 and larger than normal amounts of 14:0. This was compensated for by less amounts of other medium-chain, short-chain, 18:0, and 18:1 acids. Positional distribution of fatty acids in milk from 1 day postpartum onward generally followed the specific pattern normally encountered for milk triglycerides. With exception of the first sample at 24 days prepartum, mammary gland secretion had medium-chain acids at 8:0, 10:0, 12:0, and sometimes 14:0 preferentially esterified at the sn -3-position rather than the sn -2-position. Relationships were linear between content of fatty acids at the three stereo-specific positions and content of the same acid in triglycerides. These significant relationships are represented by regression equations. With varying triglyceride fatty acid content, fatty acid content at the three positions did not change at the same rate.
Vegetation patterns and trajectories in disturbed landscapes, Great Barrier Island, northern New Zealand

Fire has been a major driver of forest loss in New Zealand. A conceptual model has been proposed in which positive feedbacks between vegetation, fire and soils can arrest regeneration of recurrently burned wet forest landscapes. We used vegetation data collected across three topographically similar landscapes – Awana, Glenfern and Windy Hill – on Great Barrier Island to (1) describe current vegetation composition and structure and predict future change in composition and (2) assess evidence for interactions between fire and soils slowing regeneration in these landscapes. Compositional data were analysed via classification and ordination, and we used transition matrix models to explore how vegetation composition may change in the future. The vegetation in the three landscapes spans repeatedly burned scrubland dominated by mânuka (Leptospermum scoparium) and exotic fire-dependent woody species such as Hakea sericea, to intact mature forest. Scrubland vegetation tends to be found on north-facing upper slopes and ridges – drier sites where fire has been more frequent and rendered soil conditions (e.g. organic matter and moisture) poor for plant growth. There is a slow reinvasion of forest species into the Leptospermum and Kunzea scrubland from gullies and other remnant patches, with wind-dispersed species preceding fleshy-fruited bird-dispersed ones. In the absence of fire in the next few decades the landscapes will continue to move back towards forest. More fires, however, will further degrade these landscapes by removing remaining fertile topsoils from ridges and slopes and by favouring exotic species adapted to recruit from seed and/or resprout vegetatively after fire.
Landscape-controlled chemistry variation affects communities and ecosystem function in headwater streams

We show that benthic freshwater communities of naturally acidic streams in boreal catchments differ depending on properties of the surrounding landscape. Although low pH usually is associated with negative impacts on species diver- sity and ecosystem function, here decomposition by insects and microbes as well as the abundance of leaf-eating insects were generally high at low pH and at humic sites influenced by mire-dominated compared with forest-dominated sur- roundings. Moreover, in situ growth experiments showed that the survival of two of the most abundant insect species was higher when they originated from mire-influenced sites, underscoring their tolerance to low pH. However, species diversity generally increased with pH and was greater at forest-influenced than at mire-influenced sites. Although less diverse, acidic and humic streams proved to be functional and supported distinct macroinvertebrate assemblages. Diversity and function in naturally acidic streams are apparently greatly influenced by the prevailing kinds of landscape-driven influ- ences on water chemistry. In conclusion, well-known negative impacts of anthropogenic acidity on diversity and function may not apply to naturally acidic systems that are chemically and biologically heterogeneous. Resume : Nous demontrons que les communautes benthiques d'eau douce de cours d'eau naturellement acides dans des bassins versants boreaux different selon les caracteristiques du paysage environnant. Bien qu'un pH faible soit normale- ment associe a des impacts negatifs sur la diversite specifique et le fonctionnement de l'ecosysteme, neanmoins dans notre etude, la decomposition par les insectes et les microorganismes, ainsi que l'abondance des insectes consommateurs de feuilles, sont generalement elevees aux valeurs basses de pH et dans les sites humiques influences par un environnement domine par les tourbieres plutot que par les forets. De plus, des experiences de croissance in situ montrent que la survie des deux especes d'insectes les plus abondantes est superieure lorsque celles-ci proviennent des sites influences par les tourbieres, ce qui souligne leur tolerance aux pH bas. Toutefois, la diversite specifique croit generalement en fonction du pH et elle est plus elevee aux sites domines par les forets qu'a ceux domines par les tourbieres. Bien que moins diversi- fies, les cours d'eau acides et humiques s'averent fonctionnels et ils contiennent des peuplements distincts de macroinver- tebres. La diversite et le fonctionnement dans les cours d'eau naturellement acides sont apparemment fortement influences par les effets du type dominant de paysage sur la chimie de l'eau. En conclusion, les impacts negatifs bien documentes de l'acidite causee par l'activite humaine sur la diversite et le fonctionnement peuvent ne pas s'appliquer a des systemes na- turellement acides qui sont heterogenes des points de vue chimique et biologique.
Colonization of disturbed Scots pine trees by bark‐ and wood‐boring beetles

In a single stand, the colonization of 128 girdled Scots pine trees (Pinus sylvestris L.) by bark‐ and wood‐boring beetles was examined during two vegetation periods after treatment. The trees were girdled on four different dates in April, July, October and January. The time elapsed from girdling to the first attack of bark‐ and wood‐boring beetles was 1–19 months (mean = 10.7) and differed significantly among trees girdled on different dates. The part of the tree and the date and wave (rank) of colonization were the most significant factors that explained a considerable portion of the variability in the occurrence of bark‐ and wood‐boring beetles. The species composition changed dramatically from the tree base to its top and branches. The colonization of trees was initiated most frequently in the upper thin‐barked part of the trunk and in thick branches. In total, 32 species of bark‐ and wood‐boring beetles colonized the studied trees. Particular species were significantly associated with certain periods of tree dieback and colonization (colonization waves). Phaenops cyanea (F.) and Pissodes piniphilus (Hbst.) were by far the most aggressive first‐colonizing species. Pityogenes chalcographus (L.), Ips acuminatus (Gyll.) and Tomicus minor (Htg.) were shown to be moderate‐aggressive species, followed by Tomicus piniperda (L.), Monochamus galloprovincialis (Germ.) and Pissodes pini (L.). The remaining species were designated as not harmful and saprophagous.
Composição químico-bromatológica e perfil de fermentação da silagem de resíduo úmido de fécula de mandioca = Chemical composition and profile of the fermentation of cassava starch by-products silage

O trabalho teve como objetivo estudar a composicao quimica e o perfil de fermentacao do residuo umido de fecula de mandioca ensilado in natura ou apos pre secagem ao sol por tres horas, durante 0, 28 e 56 dias. O delineamento experimental adotado foi o inteiramente casualizado com parcelas subdivididas no tempo, com quatro repeticoes. Estudou-se as concentracoes de proteina bruta, fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente acido, hemicelulose, celulose, lignina, cinzas, silica, extrato etereo, materia orgânica e materia seca no residuo umido de fecula de mandioca antes da ensilagem e apos os periodos de fermentacao. Nas mesmas ocasioes determinou-se a temperatura, pH, e as populacoes de enterobacterias, bacterias acido laticas, Clostridium spp. , fungos e leveduras e a populacao total de microrganismos. Apenas a silica nao foi alterada pelos tratamentos estudados. O processo de ensilagem reduziu as concentracoes de FDN e hemicelulose e elevou as concentracoes de FDA, lignina e hemicelulose dos residuos, enquanto o pH e as populacoes de microrganismos foram reduzidas com o processo de ensilagem. A pre secagem ao sol por tres horas do residuo umido de fecula de mandioca permitiu a ensilagem de um material com menor umidade, nao promoveu alteracoes no perfil fermentativo e populacao microbiologica das silagens aos 28 e 56 dias de fermentacao e reduziu a fibra em detergente neutro e hemicelulose das silagens obtidas. A silagem de residuo umido de fecula apresenta reducao no conteudo de proteina bruta com o decorrer do periodo de fermentacao.
Calystegine degradation capacities of microbial rhizosphere communities of Zea mays (calystegine-negative) and Calystegia sepium (calystegine-positive)

Calystegines are tropane alkaloids produced by the roots of a few plant species. A bioassay was developed to identify roots with a microbial rhizosphere community capable of calystegine degradation (i.e. MCD roots). In a field survey, the proportion of MCD roots of Zea mays (calystegine-negative) varied from 20 to 80%. In field experiments, the proportions of MCD roots of Z. mays and Calystegia sepium (calystegine-positive) grown in a particular plot were similar to each other but varied with time and, overall, were higher than those of Z. mays roots from adjacent plots free of C. sepium. In autoclaved soil, no root of C. sepium or Z. mays plants propagated as seeds was MCD, indicating that calystegine-degrading microorganisms were not seed-borne. However, MCD roots were found as early as 1 day after planting of rhizomes of C. sepium in autoclaved soil or planting of axenic seedlings of either plant in natural soil microcosms. In total, microorganisms capable of degrading calystegines were harboured not only in the rhizosphere of the calystegine-producing plant but also in that of the calystegine-negative plant and probably in bulk soil.
Andrology: Relationship between resazurin reduction test, reactive oxygen species generation, and γ-glutamyltransferase

: The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) from spermatozoa has been measured by chemiluminescence in the two fractions of a Percoll gradient column (47 and 90%). Chemiluminescent signals were recorded in each fraction after addition of luminol and horse-radish peroxidase (basal state), and after stimulation with formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenyl-alanine (FMLP) and phorbol ester (PMA). We found an inverse correlation between the reducing capacity of the semen as estimated by the resazurin test, and the production of ROS by the spermatozoa, especially after stimulation with PMA (r = 0.51, P < 0.001). gamma-glutamyltransferase activity of seminal plasma was inversely correlated with ROS (r = -0.47, P < 0.01) and the resazurin test result (r = -0.43, P < 0.001) suggesting a possible role of prostatic secretions in the protection of spermatozoa against oxygen radicals. The resazurin test has a positive predictive value of 92.5% at a criterion value of colour scale 4 to discriminate between normal and excessive ROS production by spermatozoa, with sensitivity 79% and specificity 74%. In addition, at criterion value of colour scale 3, the resazurin test could distinguish between samples with normal or low activity of gamma-glutamyltransferase, with sensitivity 57% and specificity 93%. It is concluded that the result of the resazurin test can be influenced by the oxidative stress of spermatozoa and by prostatic function.
Integration of floral inductive signals by flowering locus T and suppressor of overexpression of Constans 1

Genetic analyses have identified four major genetic pathways which control the timing of floral transitions in Arabidopsis. The floral promotion or inhibitory signals from these distinct pathways ultimately converge into a subset of genes, commonly known as the floral integrators, such that the plants are compelled either to switch into a flowering phase or to remain in the vegetative stage. In this review, we have discussed the recent findings regarding cross-talk between floral promotion pathways and flowering locus T and suppressor of overexpression of Constans 1, the major floral integrators within Arabidopsis. The spatial regulation of these integrators has also been discussed, as these spatial patterns may help us to understand the manner in which floral inductive signals are transmitted. We have also discussed conservation and divergence with regard to the regulation of floral integrators between Arabidopsis and rice. Finally, we have provided a series of insights into the complex signaling network which coordinates plant development.