Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
PREVALENCE OF Listeria monocytogenes IN SHEEP AND GOAT FLOCKS OF NOMADS

Title of Thesis : Prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in sheep and goat flocks of nomads Name of Student : Sobiya Hilal Registration No. : J-13-MV-359 Major Subject : Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology Name and Designation of Major Advisor : Dr. Mohd Rashid Associate Professor, Division of Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology, F.V. Sc & A.H. , R.S. Pura, Jammu Degree to be awarded : M.V. Sc (Veterinary Public Health and Epidemiology) Year of award of degree : 2016 Name of University : Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology Jammu (J&K) A total of one hundred and sixty five samples comprising of Sheep faeces (n=33), Sheep rectal swabs (n=30), Goat faeces (n=32), Goat rectal swabs (n=30), Nomadic handlers hand swabs (n=20) and Nomadic handlers stool samples (n=20) were processed that revealed 32 (19.39%) isolates of Listeria species. Out of these 13 (7.87%) were identified as L. monocytogenes and 19 (11.51%) other Listeria species. The prevalence of L. monocytogenes from sheep and goat faeces and rectal swabs was 6.06%, 10.00%, 9.37% and 16.66% respectively. All the biochemically confirmed Listeria monocytogenes (n=13) isolates were hemolytic and CAMP positive but out of 13 Listeria monocytogenes isolates only 10 isolates were positive for PI-PLC assay. The 13 isolates of Listeria monocytogenes tested against the different antibiotics sensitivity showed a high sensitivity towards Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin, Livofloxacin (100%), Enrofloxacin (76.92%) and Erythromycin (69.23%), where as moderate sensitivity was observed towards Amikacin (61.54%). The isolates showed resistance towards Penicillin-G (100%), Cephotaxime (69.23%), Ceftriaxone (53.85%).
How to build a mycelium: tradeoffs in fungal architectural traits

The fungal mycelium represents the essence of the fungal lifestyle, and understanding how a mycelium is constructed is of fundamental importance in fungal biology and ecology. Previous studies have examined initial developmental patterns or focused on a few strains, often mutants of model species, and frequently grown under non-harmonized growth conditions; these factors currently collectively hamper systematic insights into rules of mycelium architecture. To address this, we here use a broader suite of fungi (31 species including members of the Ascomycota, Basidiomycota and Mucoromycotina), all isolated from the same soil, and test for ten architectural traits under standardized laboratory conditions. We find great variability in traits among the saprobic fungal species, and detect several clear tradeoffs in mycelial architecture, for example between internodal length and hyphal diameter. Within the constraints so identified, we document otherwise great versatility in mycelium architecture in this set of fungi, and there was no evidence of trait ‘syndromes’ as might be expected. Our results point to an important dimension of fungal properties with likely consequences for coexistence within local communities, as well as for functional complementarity (e.g. decomposition, soil aggregation).
A preliminary investigation of the bioenergetics of pregnancy and lactation of Praomys natalensis and Saccostomus campetris

The energy requirements of pregnant, lactating and non-reproductive Praomys natalensis and Saccostomus campestris were studied in metabolism cages and respirometers. Ingestion rate during pregnancy and lactation was not increased significantly in either species. P. natalensis and S. campestrls showed non-significant Increases in respiratory rate during pregnancy (18% and 55% respectively) but significant Increases in oxygen consumption during lactation (79% and 110% respectively). The results highlight the need for studies quantifying lipid and protein flux during pregnancy and lactation, since quantifying energy tumover alone is inadequate and misleading. The energetic costs of reproduction are discussed in relation to previous studies. S. Afr. J. Zool . 1987, 22(2)
The Cellular Context of Estradiol Regulation in the Zebra Finch Auditory Forebrain

Introduction This protocol describes a method for the in vivo measurement of steroid hormones in brain circuits of the zebra finch. A guide cannula is surgically implanted into the skull, microdialysate is collected through a microdialysis probe that is inserted into the cannula, and steroid concentrations in the microdialysate are determined using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In some cases, the steroids measured are derived locally (e.g., neural estrogens in males), whereas in other cases, the steroids measured reflect systemic circulating levels and/or central conversion (e.g., the primary androgen testosterone and the primary glucocorticoid corticosterone). A reverse-microdialysis (“retrodialysis”) method that can be used to deliver pharmacological agents into the brain to influence local steroid neurochemistry as well as behavior is also discussed.
Effects of extracts derived from pistachio by-products on ruminal fermentation and methane production

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different doses of pistachio byproduct (PBP) extracts supplemented with alfalfa hay (AH) or barley grain (BG) on microbial fermentation in an in vitro fermentation system. The total extracted phenolic compounds were 36.96, 65.78, 67.02 and 8.85% and total extracted tannin contents were 37.11, 59.64, 56.87 and 7.55% when PBP was extracted with water, ethanol 70%, methanol 80% and a mixture of chloroform and methanol, respectively. Adding the mixture of chloroform and methanol extracts to both substrates reduced the gas production (P<0.01). Most of PBP extracts caused a significant reduction (P<0.01) in ruminal ammonia compared to controls with both substrates while, the effects of PBP extracts on ammonia production were greater for BG than AH based substrate. The concentrations of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) were higher (P<0.01) in all solvent extracts compared to control (except the low level of methanol PBP extract) with both substrates. Furthermore, in both substrates there was no decrease in methane productions with the addition of all extracts compared to controls. In conclusion, some of PBP extracts may have a favourable effect on rumen fermentation parameters such as gas production, ruminal ammonia and VFAs concentrations and they can also assist in developing novel feed additives for decreasing the nitrogen excretion in the ruminants.
Genetic Variation in Cold Hardiness and Phenology Between and Within Turkish Red Pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) Populations: Implications for Seed Transfer

Abstract Wind-pollinated seeds from 40 trees (half-sib families) were collected from each of six Turkish red pine (Pinus brutia Ten.) populations in southern Turkey. Two-year old seedlings were evaluated for growth, phenology and cold resistance in a common garden experiment established in Ankara, located outside the species’ natural range. Each family was represented with a six-tree row plot within each of the three replications. The below freezing temperatures (-15.2°C) observed in January and February of 2000 were sufficient to observe visually- assessable-cold damage to the seedlings. The populations significantly differed in all traits under investigation except for second flushing in 1999. Populations originating from more inland and higher elevation areas were more resistant to cold than coastal low elevation populations. Families within populations were significantly different as regards all traits except HT00. Family heritability for bud burst was 0.40, and ranged from 0.12 to 0.37 for height, and from 0.20 to 0.23 for bud set. Final height of cold damage prone seedlings was shorter than cold tolerant seedlings. Families with early bud-set, later bud-burst and shorter second flush shoots suffered less from cold damage. Considering the expected climate change in the eastern Mediterranean, there is a potential for using this species outside its natural range, especially in sites experiencing more continental climate since it will be possible to move the species 200-300 m in altitude and 2-3 degrees in latitude.
The Effects of Modified Atmosphere Packaging on Toxin Production by Clostridium botulinum in Raw Aquacultured Flounder Fillets and Fully Cooked Breaded and Battered Pollock Portions

Fish products under vacuum (VAC) and/or modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) conditions can have a significantly extended shelf life. Prevention of toxin production by Clostridium botulinum is essential for processors of VAC and MAP refrigerated fishery products. The objective of this study was to determine if C. botulinum toxin development precedes microbiological spoilage and sensory rejection in fully cooked breaded and battered Alaskan Pollock or raw aquacultured flounder fillets. Aquacultured summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) fillets and fully cooked breaded and battered Alaskan pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) were either aerobically packed (Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) of 3,000 cc/m/24h@70F for flounder and 6,000 cc/m/24h@70F for Pollock), vacuum packed or MAP packaged in a 100% CO2 atmosphere (OTR of 7.3 cc/m/24h@70F). Flounder fillets were stored at either 4 or 10C while pollock portions were stored at 8 and 12°C. Based on the time to spoilage (counts >10 CFU/g), additional samples were inoculated with five strains of nonproteolytic C. botulinum and analyzed qualitatively for botulinum toxin using a mouse bioassay. For flounder at 4°C, toxin formation did not occur after 35 days in aerobically packed fillets. Vacuum packed and 100% CO2 fillets produced toxin before spoilage at days 20 and 25, respectively. In the aerobic packages at 10°C, toxin production occurred after spoilage at day 8, but before spoilage in the vacuum and 100% CO2 packages at day 9. Sensory evaluation of toxic vacuum and 100% CO2 packages at 4C revealed toxin production proceeded spoilage and absolute sensory rejection. However, at 10C toxin production was evident only after absolute sensory rejection and microbiological spoilage for aerobically packed fillets. Vacuum packages and 100% CO2 packages were toxic during spoilage but before absolute sensory rejection. Toxin was not present in the aerobically and 100% CO2 packed pollock samples at 8°C and the 100% CO2 packed samples at 12°C after 35 days. Aerobically packed portions stored at 12°C first produced toxin at day 25; toxicity occurred after absolute sensory rejection and before spoilage. The vacuum packed portions first formed toxin at day 25 for 8 and 12°C storage before spoilage and absolute sensory rejection.
Nutritional soil heterogeneity and mycorrhiza as determinants of plant species diversity

Patterns in nutrient availability often vary both in space and time (e.g. Pegtel 1987; Stark 1994; Marschner 1995) and small differences can lead to large consequences in the ecophysiological responses and competitive abilities of plant species (Fitter 1982; Wedin & Tilman 1990; Grime 1994). Nevertheless the spatial scale and the degree of spatial heterogeneity and how this might differ among communities are poorly understood. Most plant individuals experience nutrient availability through their fungal partner. Different mycorrhiza types have some important ecological and physiological differences that may have important consequences for the competitive abilities of the associated plants. The impact of mycorrhiza networks relative to other mechanisms on the interaction between plant species remains unclear, but several experiments suggest a considerable influence, at least in some terrestrial ecosystems. In this review, we will discuss causes and consequences of soil heterogeneity, at spatial scales ranging from individual plants to the level of plant communities, in view of their impact on competition and coexistence. A similar approach will be applied to the issue of effects of mycorrhizal fungi, asking the question whether they intensify interspecific competition or facilitate coexistence.
Overview of restoration and management practices in the degraded landscapes of the Sahelian and dryland forests and woodlands of East and southern Africa§

The highest deforestation and forest degradation rates in Africa occur in the dry forests and woodlands where pressure for land is increasing, poverty is rampant, livelihood options are few and climate change effects are severe. This paper examines factors that cause land and forest degradation in the Sahel and dry forests and woodlands of eastern and southern Africa and highlights some successful restoration practices, technologies and approaches. In the Sahel, enclosures are used to protect young growing trees while in East Africa enclosures are implemented on degraded land as a mechanism for environmental rehabilitation with a clear biophysical impact. The choice of techniques for rehabilitating specific degraded areas depends first on the priorities and management objectives of stakeholders followed by the costs and benefits associated with available rehabilitation techniques and the economic, social, and environmental values of the land resources in their current and desired future states. In the Sahel, sustainable land management is considered to be an imperative for their sustainable development and the practices include soil and water conservation activities and structures. In all regions, natural forest rehabilitation has used both natural and assisted regeneration to promote the growth of especially indigenous species through coppice regrowth and root suckers rather than seeds. Assisted regeneration was especially prevalent in the Sahel where indigenous tree species have been identified to dominate the degraded sites during early stages of secondary forest succession. The success of any rehabilitation activities depends on community-based natural resources management. In addition, the forest policies and their related policies need to be enabling in order to address issues of concern, including (1) the full participation of communities, (2) clear land and tree tenure and (3) equitable benefit sharing.
HYDROGEN SULFIDE PROTECTS CORIANDER SEEDLINGS AGAINST COPPER STRESS BY REGULATING THE ASCORBATE-GLUTATHIONE CYCLE IN LEAVES

: Heavy metals are the cause of major abiotic stresses in plants and a principal contributor to environmental pollution in recent decades. This study investigated the effects of exogenous hydrogen sulfide on the ascorbate-glutathione cycle in the leaves of coriander seedlings under copper stress. Results showed that copper stress not only reduced APX and GR activities but also decreased leaf AsA, DHA, and GSH contents. Pretreatment with sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), a hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S) donor, was observed to enhance both GR activity and AsA, GSH, and DHA contents under copper stress. Moreover, the pretreatment decreased the malondialdehyde content and electrolyte leakage induced by copper stress in plants. Based on the results obtained, it was hypothesized that exogenous hydrogen sulfide alleviates oxidative damage under copper stress by regulating the ascorbate-glutathione cycle and, further, that H 2 S plays an important role in the acquisition of copper stress tolerance in coriander seedlings. Exogenous hydrogen sulfide is, therefore, identified as an agent with the potential to be used as a regulator to improve crop tolerance under copper stress.
Carp mucus and its role in mucosal defense

Mucins are high molecular weight glycoproteins produced by goblet cells and secreted on mucosal surfaces. We investigated biochemical and histochemical properties of intestinal mucins of virusand parasite-free common carp Cyprinus carpio in response to a single peroral application of endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide = LPS). Intracellular mucins were quantified histochemically by their carbohydrate content and characterized by specific, lectin-based methods. In addition, secreted epithelial (intracellular) and luminal (extracellular) mucins were isolated and separated by downward gel filtration. Carbohydrate and protein content were determined photometrically. Subsequently, terminal glycosylation was characterized by a lectin-binding assay. A peroral endotoxin application altered intestinal secretion and composition of intestinal mucin glycoproteins in common carp. A statistically significant decrease in mature luminal mucins was demonstrated, linked to a new biosynthesis of intracellular mucin glycoproteins. Simultaneous changes in the glycosylation pattern of isolated mucins were found. The intestinal mucosal system is purported to provide a removal mechanism for bacterial noxes by increasing secretion of mucins inducing a flushing-out effect, in combination with altered glycosylation patterns that change adhesion properties. Consequently, pseudofaeces of fish, which are a common sign of intestinal parasitical infections, may also be interpreted as an elimination mechanism for strong bacterial noxes.
The origin, versatility and distribution of azole fungicide resistance in the banana black Sigatoka pathogen Pseudocercospora fijiensis

Pseudocercospora fijiensis causes black Sigatoka disease of banana. It is one of the most damaging threats of the crop requiring excessive fungicide applications for disease control as the major export “Cavendish” clones are highly susceptible. The consequence of this practice is the reduced efficacy of disease management strategies due to increasing levels of fungicide resistance. In this thesis the history and current practices of black Sigatoka disease management as well as the underlying mechanisms of fungicide resistance to a major group of fungicides are described. We discovered that both target site mutations and promotor insertions are crucial for modulating sensitivity. The more insertions, the higher the expression of the gene and the more resistant the strain. Using this information, we advocate modern monitoring techniques and improved disease control strategies as well as the urgent need for innovative banana breeding to develop resistant varieties for a sustainable global banana production.
The viral shunt in a stratified Northeast Atlantic Ocean

The flux of photosynthetic carbon (C) through the viral shunt affects nutrient cycling, system respiration, and food web dynamics. Yet, little is known about large-scale biogeographical patterns in the functioning of the viral shunt in marine systems. In the summer of 2009, we examined both the production and loss rates (i.e., grazing and viral lysis) of autotrophic as well as prokaryotic microbial populations along a north-south latitudinal gradient in the Northeast Atlantic Ocean. The upper water column located between 30 and 63°N was characterized by a strong temperature-induced vertical stratification, with oligotrophic regions extending to 45°N. Here we present the flow of C through the different components of the microbial food web in order to consider how these latitudinal changes affected the overall role of the viral shunt. Our results demonstrate that 33 and 80% of the photosynthetically fixed C moved through the viral shunt into the dead particulate and dissolved matter pool in the north and south, respectively, indicating a more prominent role of viruses in marine nutrient cycles than theorized previously by Wilhelm and Suttle in 1999. The flux of C was reduced 2-fold in the north, as a consequence of lower viral-induced morality of both phytoplankton and bacteria. Our results suggest that future shifts in the regional climate of the ocean surface layer are likely to increase the role of the viral shunt in marine microbial food webs, which may reduce the transfer of matter and energy up the food chain and thus affect the capacity of the North Atlantic to act as a long-term sink for CO2.
The effects of the long-term application of inorganic fertilizers on microbial community diversity in rice-planting red soil as studied by PCR-DGGE

The effects of the long-term application of inorganic fertilizers on microbial community diversity were investigated in a rice-planting soil derived from quaternary red clay in the Ecological Experimental Station of Red Soil, Chinese Academy of Sciences. After 13 years application of different inorganic fertilizers for flooded double rice crops, the community structure of bacteria, archaea, actinomycetes, and fungi in the soil changed greatly. The similarity of the SSU rDNA DGGE patterns of these four kinds of microorganisms between the soil without rice-planting and the soil with rice-planting reached only 33% and 66%, respectively. The microbial community structure among treatments with NP, PK, and NPK types of P fertilizer were much similar; the similarity of the SSU rDNA DGGE patterns of the four kinds of microorganisms in these treatments reached a high range of 75%-81%. The microbial community structures between the treatment with N and K fertilizers (NK) and the treatment without inorganic fertilization (CK) with the treatments with P fertilizer differed greatly, with the similarity of the SSU rDNA DGGE patterns of the four kinds of microorganisms in these treatments reaching 69%-77% and 55%-77%, respectively. The results of this study provide a scientific basis for fertilizing and utilizing soil, protecting microbial diversity, and accomplishing the sustainable development of agroecology.
Limits to Sustainable Energy Intake during Lactation in Eothenomys miletus: Effects of Fur-Shaving and Litter Size

Abstract. The aim of this study was to examine relationships between sustainable energy intake (SusEI) and resting metabolic rate (RMR) in Eothenomys miletus and to understand the factors limiting maximum SusEI/RMR during lactation. Body mass, food intake, RMR, milk energy output (MEO), litter size, litter mass, and thermal conductance were measured. Body mass decreased during lactation, but food intake increased. RMR was positively related to the weight of the mammary glands and MEO. We conclude that SusEI is limited at the level of 3.59 × RMR in first-lactating E. miletus. There were no significant effects of litter size on maternal body mass, food intake, thermal conductance, RMR, or litter mass. There were significant effects of fur-shaving on food intake, RMR, and thermal conductance. Fur-shaving increased thermogenic capacity but had no significant effect on reproductive output. These observations provide support for the peripheral limitation hypothesis and argue against the heat dissipation limitation hypothesis.