Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Polarized Fibreglass Filters Irradiated by Ultraviolet Light in Capture and Inactivation of Aerosolized Bacillus Subtilis Spores

In this study, spores of Bacillus subtilis were used as a surrogate for spores of Bacillus anthracis. The mock-up air purification system consisted of one or two V-shaped banks of electrostatically polarized fibreglass filters that were installed within a rectangular wooden duct. Ultraviolet (UV) lights that swept across the surface of the filters were installed in front and back of the bank of filters. A nebulizer that contained a suspension of B. subtilis spores was placed in the duct in front of the filters. Air entering the duct passed through a high-efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) filter and was drawn by a fan at the exit. Tests on up-stream and down-stream air collected with an Anderson air sampler showed that electrostatic polarization increased the efficiency of the filters in capturing spores by 51% or 38% at air speeds of 1.52 m/s or 2.54 m/s, respectively. Filter efficiency was also based on the number of spores that could be washed from the filters, and polarization increased this by as much as 92%. Challenge to the polarized filters with increasing levels of dust did not significantly reduce their efficacy in trapping spores (P>0.05) until the pressure drop across the filters exceeded 15 Pa. Ultraviolet irradiation for 5 minutes was sufficient to kill 73% of the spores on the front filters. The conclusion was that an air purification system consisting of polarized filters irradiated by UV light could be used to reduce spore contamination of the environment, including those of B. anthracis, and thereby reduce the risk of spreading disease.
Regulation of apoptosis by Kaposi’s sarcoma associated herpesvirus microRNAs

Kaposi’s sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV) encodes a cluster of twelve micro (mi)RNA precursors, which are abundantly expressed during both latent and lytic infection. Previous studies reported that KSHV is able to inhibit apoptosis; we thus tested the involvement of viral miRNAs in this process. We found that both HEK293 epithelial cells and DG-75 cells stably expressing KSHV miRNAs were protected from apoptosis. Potential cellular targets that were significantly down-regulated upon KSHV miRNAs expression were identified by microarray profiling. Among them, we validated by luciferase reporter assays, quantitative PCR and western blotting Caspase 3 (CASP3), a critical factor for the control of apoptosis. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we found that three KSHV miRNAs, miR-K12-1, 3 and 4-3p, were responsible for the targeting of CASP3. Specific inhibition of these miRNAs in KSHV infected cells resulted in increased expression levels of endogenous CASP3 and enhanced apoptosis. Altogether, our results suggest that KSHV miRNAs directly participate to the previously reported inhibition of apoptosis by the virus, and are thus likely to play a role in KSHV-induced oncogenesis.
The biocontrol agent Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. strigae - Monitoring its environmental fate and impact on indigenous fungal communities in the rhizosphere of maize

The fungal biocontrol agent (BCA) Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. strigae (Fos) has proven to be effective in the suppression of the parasitic weed Striga hermonthica, which causes substantial yield losses in cereals in Sub-Saharan Africa. A prerequisite for widespread implementation of the biocontrol technology is the official registration of the BCA Fos by country authorities in Sub-Saharan Africa. The FAO and OECD institutions established international registration regulations to ensure the environmental safety of microbial BCAs. The present thesis aimed on assessing the potential of the BCA Fos to meet these registration requirements and was, therefore, based on the following two major objectives: (1) A specific DNA-based monitoring tool for Fos was developed which allows following its population kinetics in soils as driven by contrasting environmental impacts, such as soil type, plant growth stage and seasonality. (2) Risk assessment studies were conducted to assess potential side effects of Fos inoculation on non-target soil microorganisms. Der pilzliche Biokontrollagent (BKA) Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. strigae Stamm “Foxy-2” stellt eine wirksame Kontrollmoglichkeit gegen das parasitare Unkraut Striga hermonthica dar, welches beachtliche Getreideverluste in Sub-Sahara Afrika verursacht. Voraussetzung fur den grosflachigen Einsatz dieser biologischen Unkrautkontrolle ist die offizielle Registrierung des BKA “Foxy-2” durch Landerbehorden in Sub-Sahara Afrika. Die FAO und OECD entwickelten internationale Regularien fur die Registrierung von mikrobiellen BKA um die Umweltvertraglichkeit dieser biologischen Pestizide zu gewahrleisten. Die Hauptziele der vorliegenden Dissertation basierten deshalb auf den Anforderungen dieser internationalen Regularien: (1) Eine spezifische Detektionsmethode wurde entwickelt, durch die der BKA in inokulierten Umgebungen identifiziert und quantifiziert werden kann. (2) Risikoanalysen wurden durchgefuhrt um nachteilige Effekte auf nicht-Ziel Organismen durch die Inokulation mit dem BKA auszuschliesen.
Cloning and Expression of Tomato Leaf Curl Virus Coat Protein Gene in E. coli

Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) is one of the most widely grown vegetable crops and popular due to its high nutritive value, taste and versatile use (Solieman et al., 2013). In 2015, global production of tomato was 16.38 million tonnes (MT) with an area of 0.0643 million hectares (mha) (NHB, 2015). Tomato is susceptible to more than 200 diseases. However, there are 40 viruses reported. Among these viruses, Tomato leaf curl virus (ToLCV) is a major Geminivirus which cause serious loss to tomato production in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Hence, considered as major constraint to tomato cultivation. Geminiviruses are not transmitted through seeds, whereas many are grafttransmissible and some are mechanically (sap) transmissible. Plants infected with geminiviruses show a wide range of symptoms including curling, puckering, mosaic cupping, reduced plant growth and bushy appearance (Reddy et al., 2010). Other symptoms include leaf streaking and striations in monocotiledonous plants, leaf crumpling, International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 7 Number 04 (2018) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Revision of the West-Mediterranean geometrid genus Ekboarmia, with description of a new species from Portugal (Lepidoptera, Geometridae, Ennominae)

The West-Mediterranean geometrid moth genus Ekboarmia Wehrli, 1943 (Lepidoptera: Geometridae, Ennominae) is revised based on morphology, life history, and DNA barcodes. It was found that wing patterns allow reliable identification of species, whereas the genitalia are rather uniform in shape and less informative, and the genetic divergence (in the COI gene) between species is considerably lower than in the Geometridae on average, ranging 1.5–3.9%. Four species are considered as valid: E. atlanticaria (Staudinger, 1859), with one putative subspecies in North Africa, E. fascinataria (Staudinger, 1900), E. sagnesi Dufay, 1979, and E. miniaria sp. n. from Portugal. Boarmia atlanticaria gracilis Albers & Warnecke, 1941 is downgraded to junior synonym of Boarmia(? ) atlanticaria atlanticaria Staudinger, 1859, syn. n. E. fascinataria is removed from the European checklist due to lack of confirmed records. Larvae, where information exists, are external feeders on Juniperus needles (Cupressaceae), and adults are nocturnal, inhabiting various habitats up to 1400 metres above sea level, having apparently at least two generations per year. Adults, male and female genitalia, distribution map, and diagnostic characters are illustrated for all species. Larva and pupa of E. atlanticaria and larva of E. sagnesi are illustrated, and results of DNA barcode analysis are presented for most taxa studied.
Island life and isolation: The population genetics of Pacific Wrens on the North Pacific Rim

ABSTRACT Conservation of intraspecific variation is a growing focus of conservation biology. Island populations can make up a large portion of the variation of widespread species, as they are often isolated and exhibit differences in phenotype and genetic structure compared with mainland populations. We genotyped 169 Pacific Wrens (Troglodytes pacificus) from 9 locations and 6 subspecies in Alaska, USA, and British Columbia, Canada, to examine the population structure, genetic diversity, and likelihood of genetic rescue of island populations of conservation concern. We found that 25% of genetic variation was partitioned among conservation units delineated by subspecies, suggesting that the present framework of managing subspecies as separate units is warranted. Populations found farthest from possible mainland sources had the lowest genetic diversity. The Attu Island population, subspecies T. p. meligerus, had the lowest genetic diversity and highest genetic divergence of all sampled locations, a signal also found in Attu Island populations of Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) and Rock Ptarmigan (Lagopus muta). Currently, populations in western Alaska are unlikely to be connected to populations in mainland locations through dispersal, and thus are unlikely candidates for natural genetic or demographic rescue.
Compatibility of selected biorational pesticides with the predatory arthropods in brinjal ecosystem

Susceptibility of three predatory arthropods namely Asian lady beetle, Harmonia axyridis (Pallas), lynx spider, Lycosa pseudoannulata (Boescriberg and Strand), and wolf spider, Oxyopes javanus (Thorell) to four commonly used biorational molecules viz. buprofezin, spinosad, emamectin benzoate and abamectin were determined in a brinjal ecosystem. Biorational pesticides were applied singly and in some selected combinations and their toxicity on the predators was recorded up to three sprayings in a confined habitat. Buprofezin caused no significant mortality of predators (2.87%, 0.32%, 0.96% mean mortality per spray of Asian lady beetle, lynx spider, and wolf spider respectively) and was found most compatible among the biorational molecules. However, other three tested molecules were found highly toxic for all predatory natural enemies when applied singly or in combination with buprofezin. Spinosad was most toxic for Asian lady beetles (21.84% mean mortality per spray) and lynx spiders (15.32 % mean mortality per spray) whereas abamectin (17.78% mean mortality per spray) for wolf spiders. It was observed that the number of spraying was very crucial and had a proportionate relationship with the mortality percentage of predators. Based on this study it is suggested that buprofezin could be considered to incorporate safely in the IPM program for brinjal pest management. J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 15(2): 234-238, December 2017
Effect of dietary supplementation of phytochemicals on immunity and haematology of growing broiler chickens

Abstract The current study investigated the effects of phytochemicals genistein and/or hesperidin dietary supplementation on immunity and haematology of growing broilers. A total of 360 1-day-old broiler chicks (Arbor Acres, mixed sex) were randomly assigned to six treatment groups, namely T0, control; T1 and T2, supplemented with 5 and 20 mg of genistein and hesperidin; while T3, T4, and T5 diets contained 5, 10, and 20 mg of genistein + hesperidin (1:4) mixture, respectively, per kg of diet. The white blood cell count was significantly (p < .01) increased in T1, T2, T4, and T5 compared with the control (T0) group. The haemoglobin concentration significantly (p < .01) increased in the T5 group, while mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration was significantly (p < .05) higher in T4 compared with the T0 group. Antibody titres against Newcastle disease significantly (p < .01) increased in T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5 compared with the T0 group. Similarly, all phytochemicals treated groups exhibited an increase (p < .01) in antibody titres against Avian Influenza virus, as compared with the controls. At the same time, the supplemented groups had significantly (p < .01) higher neutrophil adhesion rate and cutaneous basophil hypersensitivity test representing the cellular immune response than the controls. In conclusion, supplementation with both phytochemicals, genistein and hesperidin, positively influenced the immune parameters and haematological profile of growing broilers, thus might be considered as feed additives in broiler industry.
Occurrence of microcystins and anatoxin-a in eutrophic lakes of Saint Petersburg, Northwestern Russia

Abstract Cyanobacteria are natural components of many freshwater bodies worldwide. In Russian lakes, the presence of potentially toxic cyanobacteria was also frequently observed. Our study was conducted in Sestroretskij Razliv Lake (Razliv) and Lower Suzdal Lake (Suzdal) in Saint Petersburg region, Northwestern Russia, which differ from one another in eutrophic status and composition of the phytoplankton community. In large, shallow, artificial and hypertrophic Razliv, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae and Microcystis spp. dominated. Fourteen microcystin variants were identified in this lake. The maximum concentration of extracellular microcystins was 41.37 μg l−1. In eutrophic and shallow Suzdal, dominated by Planktothrix agardhii, nine microcystin variants and anatoxin-a (<0.54 μg l−1) were found. The maximum total concentration of extracellular MCs in this lake was 2.89 μg l−1. Regular studies into the production of cyanotoxins in these water bodies were carried out for the first time. The analyses performed with the application of high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry revealed the presence of microcystins in 59% of the samples collected during a 3-year study. Since both lakes are used for recreational purposes, the regular monitoring program should be implemented to protect water users from a potential risk that was identified in our study.
The complete mitochondrial genome of the cavity-nesting honeybee, Apis koschevnikovi (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Abstract In this study, we analyzed the complete mitochondrial genome of the cavity-nesting honeybee, A. koschevnikovi. The mitochondrial genome of A. koschevnikovi was observed to be a circular molecule of 15,278 bp and was similar to that of the other cavity-nesting honeybee species. The average AT content in the A. koschevnikovi mitochondrial genome was 84%. It was predicted to contain 13 protein-coding, 24 tRNA and two rRNA genes, along with one A + T-rich control region, besides three tRNA-Met repeats.
Eight Legs And A Brain: Locomotor Mimicry Of Ants And Neuroethology Of Jumping Spiders

All jumping spiders in the genus Myrmarachne (Araneae: Salticidae) are Batesian mimics of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicinae). Most of these species are found in the tropics and are considered to be accurate mimics of a single ant species with which they co-occur. Certain Myrmarachne also associate closely with their models. Myrmarachne formicaria is one of the few northern temperate species and is generally considered to be a lower accuracy mimic. However, this assertion has been largely anecdotal to date. The current study investigated the relationship between M. formicaria and its putative ant models at three distinct levels: species surveys at multiple sites, measures of animal density within a site, and one-on-one behavioral interactions. Based on the presented findings, I suggest that adult M. formicaria are general mimics of ants in the genus Formica and that as juveniles they may also mimic smaller Lasius ants. However, these mimics show no positive association with their models and actively avoid contact with ants. I discuss these findings in light of current theories regarding imperfect mimicry and propose that differing patterns of cooccurrence between mimics, models, and predators may reinforce imperfect mimicry.
Epigenetic mechanisms behind phenotypic changes in different population densities in bank voles (Myodes glareolus)

Epigenetic mechanisms play a fundamental role in normal gene expression activity and can be seen as a system of molecular processes that react to environmental cues and regulate gene expression without changing the original sequences. DNA methylation is a commonly studied epigenetic mechanism which typically occurs at CpG-sites when a methylgroup is added to the 5’-position of a cytosine followed by a guanine and this can inhibit the transcription of the associated genes. Regions of DNA sequence that are dense in CGdinucleotides, called CpG islands, are located in gene promoter regions and their methylation can alter gene expression and phenotype. These methylation markers have the potential to be transgenerational and thus epigenetics mechanism could provide a pathway to adapt to varying selection pressures. Changes in population density are predicted to cause changes in epigenetic regulation of genes coding hormones and/or their receptors associated with density-dependent behaviour. In the bank vole (Myodes glareolus) population density correlates with several phenotypic traits such as: behaviour, breeding activity and infanticide. The oxytocin hormone has a crucial role in reproduction and social behaviour, such as maternal care, stress and anxiety. The main question of my thesis is how population density affects the methylation of CpG islands located in the promoter region of the oxytocin receptor gene (Oxtr). I hypothesize that in a high population density, methylation is decreased to enable more transcription of the Oxtr enhancing the responsivity of the individual to the effects of oxytocin in order to endure the stressful social environment. This was studied from DNA samples extracted from tissues of the F1 bank vole offspring whose prenatal and early postnatal development took place in either a high or a low population density. The methylation levels were significantly lower in the high density samples in the liver, lung, heart, muscle and kidney tissues, whereas no significant differences were found in the brain, blood and gonad samples. These results indicate that the expression of oxytocin receptor gene, Oxtr, is positively densitydependent and therefore individuals in higher densities are more responsive to oxytocin effects. Whether this is beneficial for the reproductive success or survival of bank vole individuals and further on the process of adaptive evolution remains to be studied.
Epidemiology of Entomopathogens: Basis for Rational Use of Microbial Control of Insects

Abstract. Epidemiological studies are important for successful use of entomopathogens for pest management. Although microbial control of insects is applied epidemiology, there are few epidemiological-ecological studies, which partially explains why the use of entomopathogens has ended in failure. Isolated studies using preserved strains of entomopathogens in a laboratory might contribute to lack of efficacy under field conditions. An option is regional exploration of entomopathogens as the basis for epidemiological diagnoses, because this would enable identifying the most prevalent species and isolates that presumably have greater potential for use in pest management. Field epidemiological/ecological diagnoses allow identifying factors that induce the development of epidemics, including the range of hosts, plants, and cropping systems. Understanding their prevalence, dispersal, and pathogenicity is key to successfully detect pathogens in the field. Basic epidemiological characterization includes measuring n-variables associated with different categories or factors which as a whole explain the intensity of an epidemic (epidemiological system). Although epidemiology of entomopathogens has been studied in different regions of the world, variability (species and strains) and differing weather conditions make local epidemiological studies necessary. An agroecosystem for citrus production is a good model for epidemiological studies of entomopathogens. Fungi and phytosanitary diagnoses have been studied on citrus in the Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico. Future field studies, complemented with laboratory studies including characterization of pathogenic, physiological, and cultural aspect, with new methodological analytical approaches (i.e., Logistic and Weibull models), will aid rational use of entomopathogens in the field.
Spray Dried Soymilk and its Quality Assessment

Soybean with 40 per cent good quality protein and 20 per cent oil assumes the most predominant position in solving the food shortages created by the ever expanding population in India. Soyproducts like oil and nuggets from defatted flour are already available in the market. Other products such as full fat soy flour, medium fat soy flour, defatted soy flour, soy milk, soy paneer, soy fortified baked products and soy fermented foods are also being developed and popularized. Among them soy milk and its analogues have a great potential. The soy milk contains about 4 per cent protein and 2 per cent fat. It is completely free from lactose to which many children are allergic.
Identification of key genes related to dexamethasone-resistance in acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Drug resistance is the main cause of poor chemotherapy response in acute leukemia. Despite the extensive use of dexamethasone(DEX) in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia for many years, the mechanisms of dexamethasone – resistance has not been fully understood. We choose GSE94302 from GEO database aiming to identify key genes that contribute to the DEX resistance in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Differentially expressed gene(DEGs) are selected by using GEO2R tools. A total of 837 DEGs were picked out, including 472 up-regulated and 365 down-regulated DEGs. All the DEGs were underwent gene ontology(GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Gene and Genome(KEGG) pathway analysis. In addition, the DEGs-encoded protein-protein interaction (PPI) was screened by using Cytoscape and Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes(STRING). Total 20 genes were found as key genes related to DEX resistance with high degree of connectivity, including CDK1, PCNA, CCNB1, MYC, KPNA2, AURKA, NDC80, HSPA4, KIF11, UBE2C, PIK3CG, CD44, CD19, STAT1, DDX41, LYN, BCR, CD48, JAK1 and ITGB1. They could be used as biomarkers to identify the DEX-resistant acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
YAMP: a framework enabling reproducibility in metagenomics research

YAMP is a user-friendly workflow that enables the analysis of whole shotgun metagenomics data while using containerisation to ensure computational reproducibility and facilitate collaborative research. YAMP can be executed on any UNIX-like system, and offers seamless support for multiple job schedulers as well as for Amazon AWS cloud. Although YAMP has been developed to be ready-to-use by non-experts, bioinformaticians will appreciate its flexibility, modularisation, and simple customisation. The YAMP script, parameters, and documentation are available at https://github.com/alesssia/YAMP.
Optimization of protein extraction from Gelidiella acerosa by carbohydrases using response surface methodology

In this study, application of response surface methodology for enzymic pretreatment optimization of Gelidiella acerosa was investigated in order to improve the extraction of algal proteins using Viscozyme L and Celluclast 1.5L. The total protein, soluble proteins and reducing sugar recovery in the water‐soluble fraction were studied in relation to the hydrolysis time, type and concentration of the enzymes. Enzymatic digestion appeared to be an effective treatment for protein extraction. While enzyme hydrolysis by Celluclast 1.5L was able to facilitate the protein extraction, it was a relatively inefficient way to improve protein extraction yield, in comparison with Viscozyme L. The optimum conditions for protein extraction was found to be hydrolysis by 2.8 μL mL−1 of Viscozyme L for 12 h.