Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic-biochemical identification of some sturgeons and their hybrids (Pisces, Acipenseridae)

The fami1y Acipenseridae on1y occurs in the Northern Hemisphere. The fami1y includes four genera with 25 species. Six sturgeon species have been reported for the Bu1garian B1ack Sea coast and the Danube River: Huso huso, Acipenser nudiventris, Acipenser ruthenus, Acipenser sturio, Acipenser stellatus and Acipenser gueldenstaedti (KARAPETKOYA & ZHIYKOY 1995, REINARTZ 2002). According to REBORDINOS & CROSS ( 1999) e1ectrophoresis is a good detector of genetic variabi1ity, and isozyme po1ymorphism has been wide1y used in genetic studies. BossJER (2000) and BossiER & CooREMAN (2000) created a data bank that can be used for identifying commercia1 flat and roundfish products at the species 1eve1 using isoe1ectric focusing of native muscle proteins. Samp1es containing unknown fish meat can be authenticated by isoe1ectric focusing (IEF) of water so1uble proteins, a technique that has been used for some time (LUNDSTORM 1981,1983, REHBEIN et al. 1995). For many species, morphologica1 differentiation between individua1s be1onging to a distinct genetic popu1ation is often difficult or virtually impossib1e. Traditiona1 methods for species identification of acipenseriform individuals by morphometric characteristics often prove insufficient to meet the current demands o f sturgeon hybrids identification (BIRSTEIN & BEMIS 1997, CAMPTON et al. 2000). lsoe1ectric focusing on general proteins and allozyme ana1ysis should be usefu1 for distinct determination o f parent and hybrid specimens. DOBROVOLOV & DOBROYOLOVA (1983), PlROGOVSKI (1989), POPOVA et al. (1989), VLASENKO et al. 1999 (all cited in REINARTZ 2002), SUBOTKIN & SUBOTKINA ( 1999) an d ZHANG e t al. ( 1999) investigated sturgeon popu1ations on the basis of biochemica1 markers. JENNECKENS (1999, cited in REINARTZ 2002) found 13 b1ood markers of A. baeri, A. gueldenstaedti, A. ruthenus, A. stellatus and H. huso and proved that phosphoglucomutase was characteristic for A. stellatus. Isoelectric focusing (IEF) o f the genera1 musc1e proteins (PROT) cou1d be used for the species identification o f sturgeon caviar. Using the method above, the differences between close1y re1ated A. gueldenstaedti andA. persicus could be proved (JENNECKENS 1999, in REINARTZ 2002). KUSMIN (1984) proved great intraspecific variability of genera1 proteins in Acipenser baeri. The main goa! o f this study was the biochemica1genetic characterization o f fillet and caviar from the species of family Acipenseridae and their hybrids from the Black Sea, Danube, Volga and Lena Rivers. The genetic markers established in the present work cou1d be used for fast and precise species identification. Sturgeon stock management and conservation programs can on1y be effective i f based on genetically differentiated stocks. Stock determination is needed to rationalize (i.e. limit) their exploitation. Such measures help not on1y to restore and conserve sturgeon populations and biodiversity, but also to sustain fishery and economy for the benefit of 1ocal fishing communities.
Application of real-time PCR for early diagnosis of diseases caused by Aeromonas salmonicida, Vibrio anguillarum, and Tenacibaculum maritimum in turbot: A field study

ABSTRACT In the present study a multiplex real-time PCR method was developed for early detection of diseased fish infected by Aeromonas salmonicida, Vibrio anguillarum, and/or Tenacibaculum maritimum. The method consisted of the detection of three species-specific genes after DNA extraction with a commercial kit. Three types of samples were tested, and the results were compared with those of traditional diagnosis. The method obtained a limit of detection of 104 cfu/mL (2 x 102 cfu/tube). Additionally, 27 samples from fish showing signs of disease were correctly diagnosed by the developed methodology, demonstrating its suitability for implementation in aquaculture.
The Sea Urchin Embryo: A Model for Studying Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Human Diseases and for Testing Bioactive Compounds

Most of the current knowledge concerning fundamental genetic mechanisms, evolution- ary processes and development, cellular physiology, and pathogenesis comes from studies of different animal model systems. Whereas mice, rats, and other small mammals are generally thought of as the typical model systems used by researchers in biomedi-cal studies, aquatic models including both freshwater and marine organisms have long proved to be essential for the study of basic biological processes. For over a century, biologists have used the sea urchin embryo as a prototype for the investigation of devel- opmental mechanisms that contribute to building the embryo body plan. Here we high light the contribution of the sea urchin embryo as a simple model for studying aging and age-associated neurodegenerative diseases, as well as the pathways and mechanisms involved in cell survival and death. Moreover, we point out the role of this embryonic system as a potent and affordable tool for learning about developmental effects and toxic ity responses to environmental contaminants and chemical compounds.
T cell and peripheral blood parameters define progression of autoimmune disease in the IL-2Rα KO model

IL-2Rα is required to generate the high affinity receptor for IL-2, a cytokine important in immune proliferation, activation, and regulation. Mice deficient in IL-2Rα (IL-2Rα-KO) develop systemic autoimmune disease and die from severe anemia between 18-80 days of age. These mice develop kinetically differing autoimmune disease, with approximately a quarter dying by 21 days of age and half dying after 30 days. This research aims to define immune parameters that distinguish cohorts of mice that develop early- and late-stage autoimmune disease in the IL-2Rα-KO genetic background. To investigate these differences, we evaluated complete blood counts (CBC), antibody binding of RBCs, T cell numbers and activation, and hematopoietic progenitor changes, to assess the extent of peripheral autoimmune hemolytic anemia and bone marrow failure. Early onset disease correlated with anti-RBC antibodies and lower hematocrit on day 19. We also found that predicted late stage-disease IL-2Rα-KO mice have higher numbers of developing memory CD4 and CD8 T cells and reduced AIHA at early ages. The expansion of CD8 T cells seen in IL-2R -KO mice is driven by unimpaired IL-2 signaling which correlated with increased IL-2RP expression. Using a simple CBC we were able to predict disease kinetics to explore mechanisms underlying early and late disease.
Contrasting dynamics and environmental controls of dispersed bacteria along a hydrologic gradient

Freshwater bacterioplankton communities are influenced by the transport of bacteria from the surrounding terrestrial environments. It has been shown that, although most of these dispersed bacteria gradually disappear along the hydrologic continuum, some can thrive in aquatic systems and become dominant, leading to a gradual succession of communities. Here we aimed at exploring the environmental factors driving the structure of such contrasting bacterial populations as well as their functional properties. Using Illumina sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, we characterized the taxonomic composition of bacterioplankton communities from 10 streams and rivers in Quebec spanning the whole hydrologic continuum (river Strahler order 0 to 7), which were sampled in two occasions. With the aim to understand the fate and controls of the transported bacteria, among the taxa present at the origin of the hydrologic gradient ( i.e ., in the smallest headwater streams) we identified two types of dynamics: i) ‘Tourist’ taxa, which were those that decreased in abundance from the headwaters towards the largest rivers, and ii) ‘Seed’ taxa, those that increased their abundances along the hydrologic continuum. Communities changed gradually from the fast-flowing headwater streams dominated by ‘Tourist’ taxa (ca. 95% of the sequences) towards the largest rivers (Strahler order 4-7) where ‘Seed’ taxa comprised up to 80% of community sequences. Variation in taxonomic composition of the communities dominated by ‘Tourist’ taxa in streams seemed related to different degree of terrestrial inputs, whereas compositional changes in ‘Seed’ communities in the large rivers were linked to differences in autochthonous processes. Finally, the two types of communities differed significantly in their metabolic potential assessed through Biolog Ecoplates. All this suggests that hydrologic transport modulates the gradual replacement of two contrasting population types subjected to different environmental controls and with different metabolic potentials. Moreover, we show that the separate exploration of the two pools of taxa allows unveiling environmental drivers and processes operating on them that remain hidden if explored at the whole community level.
Effect of Season on In-vitro Anti Oxidant Activity of Astilberivularis Buch – Ham. Ex D. Don leaves

As early as 1955 Fluck and Pharm showed influence of climate on the active principles in medicinal plants. Thereafter, numerous experiments were conducted in this direction showing influence of season on concentration of active compounds in plants [1-5]. We have also [1] undertaken series of experiments on seasonal variation in amounts of active metabolites in plants and noted that season can change concentration of bio active compounds in different parts of the plants [6-10]. Astilberivularis, Buch. – Ham. Ex D. Don (A. rivularis) is one of the medicinal plants of Sikkim Himalaya. The plant has different names like Buriokahti and Pango in Nepali and in Lepcha respectively [11]. A. rivularis is distributed at a range of 5000 – 9000 feet in Common Temperate of Himalaya and is also found on sloppy waste place. The plant has tall herb stem and leaves are covered with hairs [12].
No evidence for the expensive-tissue hypothesis in Fejervarya limnocharis

Because the brain is one of the energetically most expensive organs of animals, trade-offs have been hypothesized to exert constraints on brain size evolution. The expensive-tissue hypothesis predicts that the cost of a large brain should be compensated by decreasing size of other metabolically costly tissues, such as the gut. Here, we analyzed the relationships between relative brain size and the size of other metabolically costly tissues (i.e., gut, heart, lung, kidney, liver, spleen or limb muscles) among four Fejervarya limnocharis populations to test the predictions of the expensive-tissue hypothesis. We did not find that relative brain size was negatively correlated with relative gut length after controlling for body size, which was inconsistent with the prediction of the expensive-tissue hypothesis. We also did not find negative correlations between relative brain mass and relative size of the other energetically expensive organs. Our findings suggest that the cost of large brains in F. limnocharis cannot be compensated by decreasing size in other metabolically costly tissues.
Temporal control of neural crest lineage generation by Wnt/beta-catenin signaling

Wnt/β-catenin signaling controls multiple steps of neural crest development, ranging from neural crest induction, lineage decisions, to differentiation. In mice, conditional β-catenin inactivation in premigratory neural crest cells abolishes both sensory neuron and melanocyte formation. Intriguingly, the generation of melanocytes is also prevented by activation of β-catenin in the premigratory neural crest, which promotes sensory neurogenesis at the expense of other neural crest derivatives. This raises the question of how Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulates the formation of distinct lineages from the neural crest. Using various Cre lines to conditionally activate β-catenin in neural crest cells at different developmental stages, we show that neural crest cell fate decisions in vivo are subject to temporal control by Wnt/β-catenin. Unlike in premigratory neural crest, β-catenin activation in migratory neural crest cells promotes the formation of ectopic melanoblasts, while the production of most other lineages is suppressed. Ectopic melanoblasts emerge at sites of neural crest target structures and in many tissues usually devoid of neural crest-derived cells. β-catenin activation at later stages in glial progenitors or in melanoblasts does not lead to surplus melanoblasts, indicating a narrow time window of Wnt/β-catenin responsiveness during neural crest cell migration. Thus, neural crest cells appear to be multipotent in vivo both before and after emigration from the neural tube but adapt their response to extracellular signals in a temporally controlled manner.
Profiling of Phytophthora infestans Populations for Metalaxyl Resistance and Its Management With Novel Action Fungicides

Late blight, a devastating disease of potato, is mainly managed by the use of fungicides as host resistance to Phytophthora infestans is highly unstable. Metalaxyl-based formulations are commonly used by the farmers to get effective control of the disease under congenial weather conditions. Monitoring of sensitivity levels of P. infestans populations from various locations in Punjab state has revealed the prevalence of metalaxyl resistance to varying levels. Characterization of resistant strains based on pathological and molecular parameters was carried out. Among 48 sporangial populations of P. infestans studied, eight populations showed a resistant response at 100 µg/ml of metalaxyl, while two other populations showed a highly resistant response and could infect leaves treated with 200 µg/ml of metalaxyl with a resistance factor of 60 that was calculated as a ratio of ED90 values of resistant to susceptible population of P. infestans. Resistant strains were found to be highly pathogenic in nature and exhibited competitive fitness in a mixture with sensitive populations. There was no cross resistance to novel action fungicides such as mandipropamid, cymoxanil, benalaxyl, previcur, fluopicolide, azoxystrobin and multisite contact fungicides. Molecular markers were identified for resistant strains using RAPD primers and cluster analysis. Metalaxyl resistance was effectively managed under field conditions through application of novel action fungicides such as Infinito 68.75 SC (fluopicolide+ propamocarrb chloride), Amistar 25 SC (azoxystrobin), Acrobat 50 WP (dimethomorph), Mandipropamid 250 SC and Curzate M-8 72 WP (cymoxanil + mancozeb). Combination of fungicides with different modes of action retards development of resistance and ensure sustainable management of late blight.
Artificial Bee Colony, Firefly and Bat Algorithm in Unconstrained Optimization

Meta-heuristic algorithms have been proven to outperform deterministic algorithms in real world optimization problems. Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) Algorithm is a meta-heuristic optimization algorithm based on the intelligent behavior of honeybee swarm. Firefly algorithm is a recently developed algorithm inspired by the flashing behavior of fireflies. And a most recently developed algorithm is Bat algorithm which exploits the so-called echolocation of bats. In this paper, Artificial Bee Colony, Firefly and Bat algorithms are tested on some standard well-known bench-mark problems of unconstrained optimization to compare performance of these algorithms. The result indicates that, Artificial Bee Colony algorithm outperforms the other algorithms with Firefly algorithm performing better than Bat algorithm, although Bat algorithm scores best in convergence speed. This paper concludes that further in-depth researches for modification purposes and detailed parametric studies are needed for these algorithms to work best.
Macro-fungal diversity in the Kilum-Ijim forest, Cameroon

Fungi are one of the most species-rich and diverse groups of organisms on Earth, with forests ecosystems being the main habitats for macro-fungi. The Kilum-Ijim forest in Cameroon is a community forest populated by several species of plant and animal life forms; although macro-fungi are exploited for food and medicine, their diversity has not been documented in this ecosystem. Since anthropogenic impact on this forest may cause decline of macro-fungal diversity or extinction of known and previously undiscovered species, it is imperative to generate a checklist of the existing macro-fungi for use in the implementation of sustainable conservation and management practices. This study was therefore carried out to generate information on macro-fungal diversity in this forest. During a field study carried out between 2013 and 2015, 206 macro-fungi samples were collected and molecularly identified using the ribosomal ITS1, 5.8S and ITS2 regions. Sequence data analysis revealed that majority of the fungal isolates (87.93%) belonged to phylum Basidiomycota while 12.07% belonged to Ascomycota. Among the fungal genera detected, 18 are new records for Cameroon. This work represents the first comprehensive record of macro-fungi in Kilum-Ijim forest in Cameroon.
Phytochemical Screening and Antibacterial Activity study of Syzygium cumini (Myrtaceae) Seed Extracts

Syzygium cumini is commonly known as jamun, jambolan, Java plum or black plum, is an evergreen tropical tree in the flowering plant from family Myrtaceae, and is one of the most popular fruits. It is planted in various regions spontaneous. It is native of India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Nepal, China, Australia, Thailand, Kenya, Colombia, Mexico, United States of America, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. The entire part of the plants has been widely used in the treatment of various diseases in the traditional and folk medicine. The edible part of fruits (jamun) contain vitamin C, gallic acid, tannins, anthocyanins, includes cyanidin, petunidin, malvidinglucoside and other components. The seeds of Syzygium cumini possess anti-diabetic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, hypolipidaemic, psychopharmacological, anti-diarrheal, antioxidant and antibacterial activities. In this present study, the phytochemical investigation and antibacterial activity studies were carried out with using methanol, petroleum ether and ethanol extracts of the seeds of Syzygium cumini from the family Myrtaceae. Preliminary the phytochemical screening of all extracts revealed the presence of phytoconstituents like alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, steroids and amino acids and absence of anthraquinone glycosides. The antibacterial activity of all three extracts was tested against some pathogenic bacteria using the Cup-Plate method. The different extracts of Syzygium cumini seeds showed inhibitory activity over Gram negative bacteria such asSalmonella typhi and Escherichia coli and Gram positive bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus. The results showed that the methanolic extract was slightly more potent than the other two.
Estimating soybean yields with artificial neural networks

The complexity of the statistical models used to estimate the productivity of many crops, including soybeans, restricts the use of this practice, but an alternative is the use of artificial neural networks (ANNs). This study aimed to estimate soybean productivity based on growth habit, sowing density and agronomic characteristics using an ANN multilayer perceptron (MLP). Agronomic data from experiments conducted during the 2013/2014 soybean harvest in Anapolis, Goias State, B razil, were used to conduct this study after being normalized to an ANN-compatible range. Then, several ANNs were trained to choose the best-performing one. After training the network, a performance analysis was conducted to select the ANN with a performance most appropriate for the problem, and the selected network had a 98% success rate with training data and a 72% data validation accuracy. The application of the MLP to the data used in the experiment shows that it is possible to estimate soybean productivity based on agronomic characteristics, growth habit and population density through AI.
Type I Interferon Response in Calves Experimentally Infected with Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Type 1b and Mannheimia Haemolytica

Bovine respiratory disease complex (BRDC) is a major health issue facing the feedlot industry and is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in feedlot cattle. The genome of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), a common agent in BRDC, contains an amino terminus protease (Npro)that inhibits the type I interferon (IFN) response in vitro , however in vivo work indicates that thetype I IFN response is activated during BVDV infection. Dietary mineral status has been implicated in BRDC susceptibility in calves during shipping, but little is known regarding mineral supplementation and the IFN response. To determine if Cu deficiency or natural exposure to BVDV1b inhibits IFN signaling in vivo , Cu deficient (n=6) or control (n=6) calves were infected with BVDV1b and Mannheimia haemolytica (MH). Steady-state mRNA levels of MX1, ISG15, and RTP4 were determined in peripheral blood leukocytes prior to BVDV1b exposure (day -4), prior to MH challenge (0 h), and 12 h and 24 h after MH challenge. Changes in gene expression are relative to the average of day -4 values was quantified. No mineral effects were detected (P>0.10) so mineral deficient and supplemented groups were pooled. A significant time effect (P<0.05) for all interferon stimulated genes was detected. At 0h, ISG15 mRNA expression increased 44-fold and remained elevated over 60-fold for 12 h and 24 h (P<0.01). Likewise, RTP4 and MX1 increased at 12 h (P<0.05) after BRD challenge. Data suggests that regardless of Cu status, the type I interferon pathway remains active after being challenged with BVDV1b and MH in vivo.
Susceptibility of Macrosiphum euphorbiae to the parasitoid Aphidius ervi: larval development depends on host aphid genotype

The potato aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae Thomas (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Macrosiphini), is a common polyphagous aphid in Europe and North America. However, the factors influencing potato aphid dynamics and susceptibility to natural enemies are largely undescribed, particularly in relation to facultative endosymbiotic bacteria, which can provide protection against parasitism and disease in some aphid species. This study investigated whether potato aphid susceptibility to one of its principal natural enemies, the parasitoid Aphidius ervi Haliday (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Aphidiinae), varied in relation to aphid genotype and/or endosymbiont presence. Parasitism and aphid fitness assays were conducted on clonal lineages of aphids, harbouring their natural endosymbiont infections, collected over 3 years from separate geographic locations. Parasitized aphids were dissected to quantify parasitoid oviposition, larval development, and mummification. Amongst the 19 clonal lines of M. euphorbiae tested, seven aphid genotypes were identified, and 11 lines harboured one or both of the facultative endosymbionts Hamiltonella defensa Moran et al. and Regiella insecticola Moran et al.; H. defensa infections were associated exclusively with two of the seven M. euphorbiae genotypes. Parasitism resistance was detected in clonal lines belonging to a single aphid genotype and resulted from failure of parasitoid eggs to develop into larvae rather than failure of the parasitoid to oviposit. Contrary with studies of several other aphid species, there was little evidence that H. defensa provided strong protection to M. euphorbiae from parasitism by A. ervi. Furthermore, there were no clear fitness costs to the aphid associated with parasitism resistance or with H. defensa infection. The two M. euphorbiae genotypes in which H. defensa occurred, which included the resistant genotype, exhibited faster development, higher survival, and greater fecundity than the other five aphid genotypes. These findings suggest that biological control of M. euphorbiae using A. ervi alone could exacerbate pest problems by selecting for the fittest parasitism‐resistant genotypes.