Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in the scarlet ibis (Eudocimus ruber— Threskiornithidae‐Aves)

Here we presented 10 polymorphic microsatellite loci obtained from scarlet ibis through an enriched genomic library. The analysis of 45 individuals from three Brazilian natural populations showed allelic diversity ranged from three to 17 alleles, observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.03 to 0.92, and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.06 to 0.92. These highly variable microsatellite loci can provide means for assessing overall genetic variation in its remnant natural populations, which may help the development of effective conservation programs.
Factors related to the dissatisfaction of users of specialized dental care centers in Brazil in 2014: a cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE to evaluate factors related to the dissatisfaction of users of the specialized dental care centers (CEO) in Brazil. METHODS this was a cross-sectional study with data from the Dental Specialty Center Access and Quality Improvement Program; the study was conducted in 2014 and included a non-probabilistic sample of users; those who answered that the service received was regular, poor or very poor were classified as dissatisfied. RESULTS a total of 8,730 users were included, 4.8% reported dissatisfaction; longer time taken to get to the service (OR=1.38 - 95%CI1.10;1.74), and longer waiting time until treatment (OR=1.37 - 95%CI1.07;1.75), were positively associated with dissatisfaction, whereas negative association was found with attention received (OR=0.12 - 95%CI0.09;0.16), the possibility of asking questions about treatment (OR=0.37 - 95%CI0.24;0.58), and receiving advice during treatment (OR=0.33 - 95%CI0.25;0.44). CONCLUSION prevalence of user dissatisfaction was low and was associated with factors related to service organization and receipt of information and support.
Composition of Royal Jelly (RJ) and Its Anti-Androgenic Effect on Reproductive Parameters in a Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Animal Model

Royal jelly (RJ) has been shown to contribute its positive effects upon imbalance in the reproductive system. However, it remains unknown as to whether RJ has an anti-androgenic effect on reproductive parameters in a polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) animal model. Composition of RJ was assessed by phytochemical screening and the LC–MS method. Forty immature female rats (3 weeks, 40–50 g) were randomly divided into five groups (n = 8 per group), i.e., control, testosterone (T), T+100RJ (100 mg/kg/day), T+200RJ (200 mg/kg/day RJ), and T+400RJ (400 mg/kg/day RJ) groups. Hyperandrogenism was induced by daily subcutaneous injection of T propionate for 3 weeks, followed by oral RJ for 4 weeks. The T+200RJ group had a significantly higher follicle-stimulating hormone level, and significantly lower luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and estradiol levels in comparison to the T group. Malondialdehyde level and glutathione peroxidase activity were significantly lower, while total antioxidant capacity level was significantly higher in the T+200RJ group compared to the T group. Histologically, the T+200RJ group showed recovery of various stages of ovarian follicular development. RJ at 200 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks significantly improved reproductive parameters in PCOS rats partly due to its anti-androgenic effect through antioxidant action and probably due to modulation on estrogenic activity, which needs further study to evaluate its exact mechanism of action.
Dietary Supplementation of Postbiotics Mitigates Adverse Impacts of Heat Stress on Antioxidant Enzyme Activity, Total Antioxidant, Lipid Peroxidation, Physiological Stress Indicators, Lipid Profile and Meat Quality in Broilers

Simple Summary To mitigate the adverse impacts of stressful environmental conditions on poultry and to promote the animal’s health and growth performance, antibiotics at sub-therapeutic doses have been added to poultry diets as growth promoters. Nevertheless, the improper and overuse of antibiotics as feed additives have played a major role in the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and increased levels of antibiotic residues in animal products, which have disastrous effects on the health of both animals and humans. Postbiotics, used as dietary additives for livestock, could be potential alternatives to antibiotics. Postbiotics produced from the probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum have been the subject of several recent kinds of research. However, the researchers have very rarely considered the effect of postbiotics on the broilers under heat stress. Abstract The purpose of this work was to evaluate the impacts of feeding different postbiotics on oxidative stress markers, physiological stress indicators, lipid profile and meat quality in heat-stressed broilers. A total of 252 male Cobb 500 (22-day-old) were fed with 1 of 6 diets: A basal diet without any supplementation as negative control (NC); basal diet + 0.02% oxytetracycline served as positive control (PC); basal diet + 0.02% ascorbic acid (AA); or the basal diet diet + 0.3% of RI11, RS5 or UL4 postbiotics. Postbiotics supplementation, especially RI11 increased plasma activity of total-antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH), and decreased alpha-1-acid-glycoprotein (α1-AGP) and ceruloplasmin (CPN) compared to NC and PC groups. Meat malondialdehyde (MDA) was lower in the postbiotic groups than the NC, PC and AA groups. Plasma corticosterone, heat shock protein70 (HSP70) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) were not affected by dietary treatments. Postbiotics decreased plasma cholesterol concentration compared to other groups, and plasma triglyceride and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) compared to the NC group. Postbiotics increased breast meat pH, and decreased shear force and lightness (L*) compared to NC and PC groups. The drip loss, cooking loss and yellowness (b*) were lower in postbiotics groups compared to other groups. In conclusion, postbiotics particularly RI11 could be used as an alternative to antibiotics and natural sources of antioxidants for heat-stressed broilers.
Patches and Structural Components for A Landscape Ecology

Landscapes as ecological units with structure and function are composed primarily of patches in a matrix. Patches differ fundamentally in origin and dynamics, while size, shape, and spatial configuration are also important. Line corridors, strip corridors, stream corridors, networks, and habitations are major integrative structural characteristics of landscapes. (Accepted for publication 29 May 1981)
Effect of Nitric Oxide Delivery Device on Tidal Volume Accuracy During Mechanical Ventilation at Small Tidal Volumes

BACKGROUND: Inhaled nitric oxide (INO) is used in infants as a therapy for elevated pulmonary vascular resistance. When INO is delivered at low tidal volumes, displayed inspiratory and expiratory volumes vary widely. We hypothesize that volume is removed by the sampling line during the ventilation cycle, and this results in a net volume loss at low tidal volumes. This study aimed to measure the volumes delivered and to assess the accuracy of displayed ventilator values using a test lung. METHODS: A test lung was connected to a ventilator and an INO delivery system. All tests were performed with stable mode settings across volumes of 18, 30, 42, and 60 mL. Flow measured with a pneumotachometer attached between the test lung and the circuit assessed the percent error between inspiratory and expiratory volumes measured by the pneumotachometer measured and displayed on the ventilator under various INO/sample line conditions to determine where and how much volume was being displaced. RESULTS: Displayed and measured inspiratory volumes had small variations between the INO/sample line conditions and baseline. However, expiratory volumes, with the sample line connected, exhibited large percent error values that increased (−14, −20, −27, and −34) as tidal volume decreased (60, 42, 30, and 18 mL) and error was significantly larger compared to baseline in all tidal volumes (P < .01) with and without INO delivery. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that inspiratory volumes were not affected by INO delivery, but additional removal of volume in the expiratory phase of the breath cycle by the sampling line results in a large error in the displayed expiratory volume.
Sexually selected male weapon is associated with lower inbreeding load but higher sex load in the bulb mite

Elaborate sexually selected ornaments and armaments are costly but increase the reproductive success of their bearers (usually males). It has been postulated that high‐quality males can invest disproportionately more in such traits, making those traits honest signals of genetic quality. However, genes associated with such traits may have sexually antagonistic effects on fitness. Here, using a bulb mite Rhizoglyphus robini, a species in which a distinct dimorphism exists between males in the expression of a sexually selected weapon, we compare inbreeding and gender load between lines derived from armed fighters and unarmed scramblers. After four generations of sib‐mating, inbreeding depression for female fitness was significantly lower in fighter‐derived lines compared to scrambler‐derived lines, suggesting that fighter males had significantly higher genetic quality. However, outbred females from fighter‐derived lines had significantly lower fitness compared to outbred females from scrambler‐derived lines, demonstrating significant gender load associated with the presence of a sexually selected male weapon. Our results imply that under outbreeding, genetic benefits of mating with bearers of elaborate sexually selected traits might be swamped by the costs of decreased fitness of female progeny due to sexually antagonistic effects.
Sex ratio estimation and survival analysis for Orthetrum coerulescens (Odonata, Libellulidae)

There is controversy over whether uneven sex ratios observed in mature dragonfly populations are a mere artifact resulting from the higher observability of males. Previous studies have at best made indirect inference about sex ratios by analysis of survival or recapture rates. Here, we obtain direct estimates of sex ratio from capturerecapture data based on the CormackJollySeber model. We studied Orthetrum coerulescens (Fabricius, 1798) at three sites in the Swiss Jura Mountains over an entire activity period. Recapture rates per 5-day interval were 3.5 times greater for males (0.67, SE 0.02) than for females (0.19, SE 0.02). At two sites, recapture rate increased over the season for males and was constant for females, and at one site it decreased with precipitation for both sexes. In addition, recapture rate was higher with higher temperature for males only. We found no evidence for higher male survival rates in any population. Survival per 5-day interval for both sexes was estimated to be 0.77 (95% C.
The influence of speleotherapy combined with pulmonary rehabilitation on functional fitness in older adults – preliminary report

Objective: Our aim was to determine the influence of pulmonary rehabilitation conducted in therapeutic salt mine chambers on the functional fitness of older adults. Methods: The study included 22 individuals of age >65 years with chronic respiratory conditions. The patients underwent the Fullerton test before and after a 3-week outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation in the “Wieliczka” Salt Mine Health Resort. Results: After the rehabilitation stay, the results showed statistically significant improvements within five of the six parameters evaluated. In the Arm Curl, the mean number of repetitions within 30 s increased from 14.55 ± 3.63 to 16.68 ± 3.83 and in the Chair Stand from 11.86 ± 2.55 to 14.41 ± 2.95. Beneficial changes were observed in the Back Scratch, but without statistical significance. In Sit and Reach results increased from -2.3 ± 11.11cm to 2.14 ± 9.19 cm. Time for performing the 8-Foot Up and Go decreased from 6.63 ± 1.27 s to 5.8 ± 0.86 s and in 2-Minute Step results increased from 88.27 ± 20.64 to 96.55 ± 16.38 repetitions. Conclusion: Functional fitness of examined older adults with pulmonary disorders has increased after a rehabilitation and treatment stay in underground salt mine chambers. The reviews of this paper are available via the supplemental material section.
Sulfonamide Inhibitors of Human Carbonic Anhydrases Designed through a Three-Tails Approach: Improving Ligand/Isoform Matching and Selectivity of Action

The “tail approach” has become a milestone in human carbonic anhydrase inhibitor (hCAI) design for various therapeutics, including antiglaucoma agents. Besides the classical hydrophobic/hydrophilic division of hCAs active site, several subpockets have been identified at the middle/outer active sites rim, which could be targeted to increase the CAI isoform selectivity. This postulate is explored here by three-tailed benzenesulfonamide CAIs (TTI) to fully exploit such amino acid differences among hCAs. In this proof-of-concept study, an extensive structure–activity relationship (SAR) study was carried out with 32 such benzenesulfonamides differing in tails combination that were assayed for hCAs I, II, IV, and XII inhibition. A structural study was undertaken by X-ray crystallography and in silico tools to assess the ligand/target interaction mode. The most active and selective inhibitors against isoforms implicated in glaucoma were assessed in a rabbit model of the disease achieving an intraocular pressure-lowering action comparable to the clinically used dorzolamide.
Combined Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilization for Controlling the Toxigenic Alga Prymnesium parvum

Abstract The toxigenic alga Prymnesium parvum has caused significant fish kills in Texas reservoirs and fish hatchery ponds since 2001. Copper sulfate and ammonium sulfate can control P. parvum, but they provide short-term improvement and have undesirable side effects. Copper sulfate also kills desirable algae and invertebrates, and ammonium sulfate can be harmful to fish. Because dominance of the phytoplankton community and toxin production by P. parvum appear to be nutrient related, we evaluated two nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization regimes for their efficacy in controlling P. parvum populations and toxicity. The experiment included two N:P fertilization treatments (300:30 or 300:60 μg/L three times weekly) and an unfertilized control group conducted in limnocorrals suspended in a fish hatchery pond. Ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4) were used as the sources of N and P, respectively. In the unfertilized control, P. parvum cells and toxicity persisted throughout the 40-d e.
A CONVENIENT DOMINANT SELECTION MARKER FOR GENE TRANSFER IN INDUSTRIAL STRAINS OF SACCHAROMYCES YEAST: SMRI ENCODED RESISTANCE TO THE HERBICIDE SULFOMETURON METHYL

The SMR1-410 gene of S. cerevisiae, encoding resistance to the herbicide sulfometuron methyl (SM), was used as a dominant selection marker in yeast replicating and yeast integrating vectors for the transformation of wild type strains of baking, brewing (ale and lager), distilling, wine and sake Saccharomyces yeasts. Transformation of lithium treated cells by a YEp vector resulted in transformation frequencies ranging from 200 to 8,000 transformants per 10 ug of DNA. Utilizing a yeast integrating vector with SMR1–410 as the only yeast DNA sequences, it was demonstrated that a single copy of SMR1–410 is sufficient to confer stably inherited SM resistance. Thus the SMR1–410 sequence has the unique ability to act as a selectable marker and to also provide a site for chromosomal integration. Since transformants were resistant to levels at least seven fold higher than wild type strains the resistance phenotype was clearly expressed and easily scored in all industrial strains tested. Unlike other selection markers derived from mammalian or bacterial cells, SMR1–410 is derived from S. cerevisiae. Thus industrial utilization of this marker as a means of genetically improving food and beverage strains of Saccharomyces yeasts by recombinant DNA technology is enhanced, as government regulatory agencies are likely to view it in a more favourable light.
Composição florística de dois trechos em diferentes etapas serais de uma floresta estacional semidecidual em viçosa, minas gerais

This study was carried out in two sites of a semideciduous forest, under different stages of secondary succession in Vicosa, MG to verify qualitative variations in floristic composition. In each site, ten plots of 10 m x 20 m were delimited, with all woody individuals with circumference at 130 cm height from the soil larger than or equal to 5 cm being listed. Floristic similarity among parcels was evaluated through clustering analysis, using the Sorensen index. Sixty-seven species were sampled in the 15-year-old area, and 69 species in the 30-year-old area. Among the exclusive species, 38 were placed in the younger site and 40 in the older. The families Annonaceae, Leguminosae Caesalpinioideae and Sapindaceae, with five, four and four species, respectively, and the genus Nectandra, with two species, were better represented in the 15-year-old site. On the other hand, the families Flacourtiaceae, Meliaceae and Myrtaceae, with four, three and four species, respectively, and the genus Ocotea, with three species, were better represented in the 30-year-old site. Floristic similarity among plots from the same area was considered high, being related to spatial proximity, which reflects similar bakgrounds of disturbance and regeneration, consequently resulting in similar floristic compositions and secondary succession stage.
Chebulagic Acid Is a Potent α-Glucosidase Inhibitor

Chebulagic acid, isolated form Terminalia chebula Retz, proved to be a reversible and non-competitive inhibitor of maltase with a K i value of 6.6 μM. The inhibitory influence of chebulagic acid on the maltase-glucoamylase complex was more potent than on the sucrase-isomaltase complex. The magnitude of α-glucosidase inhibition by chebulagic acid was greatly affected by its origin. These results show a use for chebulagic acid in managing type-2 diabetes.
Moult in black-browed and grey-headed albatrosses Diomedea melanophris and D. chrysostoma

We recorded the age of individual wing and tail feathers of Black-browed and Grey-headed Albatrosses Diomedea melanophris and D. chrysostoma of known age and breeding status at Bird Island, South Georgia. Breeders and non-breeders of both species moult their rectrices annually. Non-breeders moult primaries biennially. In the first year of a cycle, the outer three and some inner primaries are moulted descendantly; in the next year the inner primaries are moulted ascendantly, starting from primary seven. There is a general progression to moulting equal numbers of primaries in each half of the cycle by the time breeding starts at about 10 years of age. Grey-headed Albatrosses usually moult fewer primaries than Black-browed Albatrosses, particularly as 3-year-olds, when they undertake substantial plumage change in body moult. Most secondaries in Black-browed Albatrosses have been replaced once by age 4 years. Breeding Black-browed Albatrosses continue the moult pattern established as immatures whether they fail or not, as do failed Grey-headed Albatrosses. Successful Grey-headed Albatrosses, which breed again 16 months later, moult their three innermost primaries after breeding in the remainder of the current year and, after a period when moult is interrupted, renew the remaining primaries the following year. Comparisons between species and between failed and successful birds within species indicate that moult rate is not closely linked to the length of the interval between breeding attempts. Interspecies differences are better explained by breeding latitude, with tropical albatrosses moulting twice as fast as sub-Antarctic species, possibly reflecting food availability outside the breeding season.
Evaluation of enzymatic mutation detection™ in hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer

In hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC), the majority of reported mutations are dispersed throughout the 35 exons of the two principal susceptibility genes, MLH1 and MSH2, and because of this complexity, rapid mutation screening methods are required. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of the Enzymatic Mutation Detection™ (EMD™) assay in HNPCC using genomic DNA samples with known gene alterations in MLH1 and MSH2. The EMD assay relies upon the enzyme T4 Endonuclease VII recognizing and cleaving DNA mismatches, created when a PCR product containing a sequence alteration is hybridized with a wild type probe. A total of 68 different sequence variants from 30 exons were analyzed. The EMD assay was able to detect 62 of the 68 sequence variants (91%) with the majority showing strong cleavage products. One of the advantages of the EMD assay over other mutation screening techniques is that larger fragments can be analyzed in a single assay. No specialized equipment is required and one set of primers is sufficient for radioactive detection of the cleavage products. This method can be adapted to use fluorescent dye‐labelled primers and may be automated to detect mutations accurately and rapidly in a large number of samples. One new MLH1 mutation (418delA) and two novel MSH2 mutations (1A>C; 227‐228delAG) were also detected in HNPCC patients screened using this method. Hum Mutat 16:61–67, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Microbial Resource Management: The Road To Go for Environmental Biotechnology

The breakthroughs in microbiology have allowed us to come to terms with the microbial resources present in culture collections and in natural environments. The challenge at present is to manage these microbial resources, particularly when one deals with open systems where the dynamics of microbial ecology are predominant. Hence, to properly address the aspects of Microbial Resource Management (MRM), one needs to handle the questions of who is there, who is doing what with whom and how can one adjust, control and/or steer these mixed cultures and communities. It is argued that microbial ecologists and environmental microbiologists need to address a new mind‐set. The Beijerinck axioma that all microorganisms are everywhere should not be presumed to be generally valid. The Darwin based niche assembly concept needs to be supplemented with the neutral theory of Hubbell. The Pareto 80/20 principle is also applicable to the macro‐economies of microbial communities. Finally, the concept of a “stable” microbial community should be replaced by that of a cooperative community continuum. Overall, MRM is at the basis of a number of new developments in domains such as environmental safety and health, renewable energy production, closing environmental cycles and providing new materials. Specific examples such as, for example, pro‐active immuno‐stimulation by means of drinking water, electro‐microbiology, decreasing global warming by implementation of methanotrophs and generation of nano‐biocatalysts are discussed.