Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seasonality and geographical occurrence of West Nile fever and distribution of Asian tiger mosquito

The importance and risk of emerging mosquito borne diseases is going to increase in the European temperate areas due to climate change. The present and upcoming climates of Transdanubia seem to be suitable for the main vector of Chikungunya virus, the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus Skuse (syn. Stegomyia albopicta). West Nile fever is recently endemic in Hungary. We used climate envelope modeling to predict the recent and future potential distribution/occurrence areas of the vector and the disease. We found that climate can be sufficient to explain the recently observed area of A. albopictus, while in the case of West Nile fever, the migration routes of reservoir birds, the run of the floodplains, and the position of lakes are also important determinants of the observed occurrence.
Standardised body condition scoring system for black rhinoceros (diceros bicornis)

The body condition scoring system for black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis), which has been described by Reuter, H.0. and Horspool, L.J.I. (1996) has been modified. More detailed descriptions of seven body regions tobe assessed and pictures which show the specific characteristics of each body condition score have been included in this simple descriptive 5-point scale for assessing black rhino condition. The aim is to minimise assessor bias and thus provide a standardised, reliable and repeatable body condition scoring system for black rhino.
Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β Phosphorylates p21WAF1/CIP1 for Proteasomal Degradation after UV Irradiation

ABSTRACT UV irradiation has been reported to induce p21WAF1/CIP1 protein degradation through a ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, but the underlying biochemical mechanism remains to be elucidated. Here, we show that ser-114 phosphorylation of p21 protein by glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) is required for its degradation in response to UV irradiation and that GSK-3β activation is a downstream event in the ATR signaling pathway triggered by UV. UV transiently increased GSK-3β activity, and this increase could be blocked by caffeine or by ATR small interfering RNA, indicating ATR-dependent activation of GSK-3β. ser-114, located within the putative GSK-3β target sequence, was phosphorylated by GSK-3β upon UV exposure. The nonphosphorylatable S114A mutant of p21 was protected from UV-induced destabilization. Degradation of p21 protein by UV irradiation was independent of p53 status and prevented by proteasome inhibitors. In contrast to the previous report, the proteasomal degradation of p21 appeared to be ubiquitination independent. These data show that GSK-3β is activated by UV irradiation through the ATR signaling pathway and phosphorylates p21 at ser-114 for its degradation by the proteasome. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of GSK-3β as the missing link between UV-induced ATR activation and p21 degradation.
Survival of yolk’s immunoglobulins directed against Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium in the gastro-intestinal tract of the broiler chicken

Introduction Salmonella represents an important source of human food-borne illnesses which are commonly associated with the consumption of contaminated broiler chicken meat [1]. Oral immunotherapy, using pre-formed pathogenspecific antibodies, has been examined as a method of establishing passive immunity against enteric pathogens (e.g. Salmonella) in poultry. For that purpose, avian egg immunoglobulin (IgY) has shown promising results [2]. However, its application is limited by its sensitivity to gastro-intestinal conditions including pH or proteolytic enzymes [3]. To be therapeutically active against Salmonella in the chicken intestine, antibodies orally administered must survive their passage through the gastro-intestinal tract. This led us to investigate by in vitro and in vivo approaches the gastrointestinal stability of IgY directed against Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) and Thyphimurium (ST) and presented under different forms.
Increased gene sampling yields robust support for higher‐level clades within Bombycoidea (Lepidoptera)

This study has as its primary aim the robust resolution of higher‐level relationships within the lepidopteran superfamily Bombycoidea. Our study builds on an earlier analysis of five genes (∼6.6 kbp) sequenced for 50 taxa from Bombycoidea and its sister group Lasiocampidae, plus representatives of other macrolepidoteran superfamilies. The earlier study failed to yield strong support for the monophyly of and basal splits within Bombycoidea, among others. Therefore, in an effort to increase support specifically for higher‐level nodes, we generated 11.7 kbp of additional data from 20 genes for 24 of 50 bombycoid and lasiocampid taxa. The data from the genes are all derived from protein‐coding nuclear genes previously used to resolve other lepidopteran relationships. With these additional data, all but a few higher‐level nodes are strongly supported. Given our decision to minimize project costs by augmenting genes for only 24 of the 50 taxa, we explored whether the resulting pattern of missing data in the combined‐gene matrix introduced a nonphylogenetic bias, a possibility reported by others. This was achieved by comparing node support values (i.e. nonparametric bootstrap values) based on likelihood and parsimony analyses of three datasets that differ in their number of taxa and level of missing data: 50 taxa/5 genes (dataset A), 50 taxa/25 genes (dataset B) and 24 taxa/25 genes (dataset C). Whereas datasets B and C provided similar results for common nodes, both frequently yielded higher node support relative to dataset A, arguing that: (i) more data yield increased node support and (ii) partial gene augmentation does not introduce an obvious nonphylogenetic bias. A comparison of single‐gene bootstrap analyses identified four nodes for which one or two of the 25 genes provided modest to strong support for a grouping not recovered by the combined‐gene result. As a summary proposal, two of these four groupings (one each within Bombycoidea and Lasiocampidae) were deemed sufficiently problematic to regard them as unresolved trichotomies. Since the alternative groupings were always highly localized on the tree, we did not judge a combined‐gene analysis to present a problem outside those regions. Based on our robustly resolved results, we have revised the classification of Bombycoidea: the family Bombycidae is restricted to its nominate subfamily, and its tribe Epiini is elevated to subfamily rank (Epiinae stat.rev.), whereas the bombycid subfamily Phiditiinae is reinstated as a separate family (Phiditiidae stat.rev.). The bombycid subfamilies Oberthueriinae Kuznetzov & Stekolnikov, 1985, syn.nov. and Prismostictinae Forbes, 1955, syn.nov., and the family Mirinidae Kozlov, 1985, syn.nov. are established as subjective junior synonyms of Endromidae Boisduval, 1828. The family Anthelidae (Lasiocampoidea) is reincluded in the superfamily Bombycoidea.
Relationships Among Shell Shape, Shell Growth Rate, and Nutritional Condition in the Manila Clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) in Japan

ABSTRACT Relationships among shell shape, shell growth rate, shell thickness, and nutritional condition in the Manila clam (Ruditapes philippinarum) collected from various areas in Japan were analyzed to establish an easy and quick way of determining stock condition in a harvest area. There were significant local differences in “shell sharpness indices” (i.e., shell height and width relative to shell length) and relative shell thickness (i.e., shell thickness relative to daily shell length growth), which became insignificant after eliminating effects of nutritional level as determined by a condition factor for each individual, indicating that nutritional condition modifies shell shape, and therefore shell shape may be used as an index of nutritional condition regardless of locality. Individuals with a better nutritional condition had smaller relative shell thickness, and tended to have more elongate and flatter shells. Shell width relative to shell length was considered to be a better index of nutritional condition than shell height relative to shell length. Shell morphology also reflected moisture content of the flesh, which is an important measure of palatability. Shell length growth rate did not have a significant correlation with absolute values of shell thickness; however, it had a negative correlation with relative shell thicknesses and sharpness indices, indicating that faster growing individuals have relatively thinner and flatter shells. Thus, shell shape and thickness have been shown to be an indicator of growth rate and nutritional condition in R. philippinarum. Clam fishers and farmers may use this method to determine stock condition for making decisions, such as harvest timing, culling of excess clams, and translocation of clams to better locations for enhanced production.
Behavioral Differences Between Rotation-resistant and Wild-type Diabrotica virgifera virgifera (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Abstract In Illinois and Indiana, the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte, circumvents crop rotation as a control measure by ovipositing in soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) fields and in other crops in rotation with corn (Zea mays L.). A means of distinguishing between rotation-resistant and wild-type behavioral phenotypes is the first step in determining the genetic basis of rotation resistance. The time between release into and departure from a bioassay arena was used as a measure of beetle activity to distinguish between behavioral phenotypes. Results from these assays indicate that D. v. virgifera females from regions where crop rotation is no longer effective are more active than females from regions where rotation remains effective. The geographic source of the beetle population was a main significant effect in trials done in both 2004 and 2005. Behavioral differences were more easily observed in a cornfield rather than in the laboratory. Results were consistent with the hypothesis that a loss of fidelity to corn rather than any particular attractant is the cause of rotation resistance. Behavioral differences between populations of beetles in similar environments suggest that there is a genetic difference between rotation-resistant and wild-type D. v. virgifera, although no specific gene or genes have yet been identified.
Growth and development of the reproductive organs of female breeding ostriches

A study was conducted to determine the growth rate of the reproductive organs of breeding female ostriches, which may be used in a prediction model for estimating nutrient requirements of breeders. Forty breeding female ostriches were sampled over an eight week period (five per week) starting at the onset of the breeding season. The ovary and oviducts were collected and weighed at each slaughter interval. No significant trend in the weight of the oviduct of the ostriches could be observed over the 49 d period, this weight being highly correlated with the body weight of the ostrich, whereas the ovary weight tended to be correlated with the time after the onset of the breeding period, although the variation in weights both within and between weights was very high. The variation in the weight of the ovary probably reflects differences in the laying pattern of individuals, and this lends itself to simulating the ovulatory cycle and consequently gaining a better understanding of the process, which would in turn aid in determining the requirement for the nutrients responsible for the growth of the ova.
Short-term adaptation of microalgae in highly stressful environments: an experimental model analysing the resistance of Scenedesmus intermedius (Chlorophyceae) to the heavy metals mixture from the Aznalcóllar mine spill

The toxic spill of acid wastes rich in heavy metals/metalloids (AWHM) from the Aznalcóllar mine in April 1998, threatening the Doñana National Park, is considered to be the worst environmental disaster related to acute pollution in Spanish history. The aim of this work was to study the adaptation of microalgae (which play an important role as primary producers) from AWHM sensitivity to AWHM resistance by using the alga Scenedesmus intermedius as an experimental model. The Malthusian parameter (m) and the carrying capacity (K) were reduced by mud and soil samples collected from the affected area. A dose–effect analysis showed that fitness progressively diminished with increasing sample concentration. A fluctuation analysis demonstrated that AWHM-resistant cells arose by rare spontaneous mutations that occurred randomly prior to the incorporation of the AWHM. The rate of spontaneous mutation from AWHM sensitivity to AWHM resistance was 2·12×10−5 mutants per cell division. A competition experiment between wild-type AWHM-sensitive cells and AWHM-resistant mutants showed that in small populations the AWHM-resistant mutants are driven to extinction in the absence of selection for AWHM resistance. The resistant phenotypes are maintained in the absence of AWHM as the result of a balance between spontaneous mutation and natural selection, so that about 43 AWHM-resistant mutants per million cells are present in the absence of AWHM. Our experimental model suggests that mutation is essential for adaptation of microalgal populations to environmental changes. Rare spontaneous pre-adaptive mutation is enough to ensure the survival of microalgal populations in contaminated environments when the population size is large enough.
Assessment of ornamental value of Vinca major 'Variegata' and Arabis caucasica 'Deep Rose' species in different systems of culture.

Vinca major L. is a Mediterranean species, hemicryptophyte, cultivated in Romania as ornamental plan on walls or cliff arrangements. Due to its biologic characteristics it can be easily cultivated on roofs and harmoniously associated with species Arabis caucasica L. for the setup of green roofs. A species native to the mountain areas of Asia and Northern Africa, Arabis caucasica L. (syn. A.albida Stev.) has been introduced and naturalized in almost all of Europe, including Romania, and at the present time it is part of the ornamental assortment of alpine gardens insuring, through their color and flowering abundance the specific dA©cor in the summer period. The paper has the purpose of analyzing the influence of some culture systems on the ornamental potential of Vinca major plants â€˜Variegataâ€™ L. E™i Arabis caucasica â€˜Deep Roseâ€™ L. For this purpose we have analyzed the influence of the culture location and the used substrate on the plan growing and development abilities. Experiences were based on the installation of roof and field culture, as well as on the use of three culture substrates of different compositions: a1- forest soil; a2 -Novobalt peat mixture (43%), coconut fiber (30%), composted bark (23%), alginate (4%); a3 - blonde peat (40%), brown peat (30%), sand (10%) and forest soil (20%). Planting the Vinca major â€˜Variegataâ€™ and Arabis caucasica â€˜Deep Roseâ€™ plants in different culture systems and different types of substrates has determined a differential behavior, with better results, for both species, in case of the substrate comprised of: Novobalt (43%), coconut (30%), composted bark (23%), alginate (4%). Taking into consideration the specifics of the Vinca sort, it is highlighted that it had a remarkable evolution which convinced me to recommend it in landscape arrangements made on roofs and terraces.
Improving the Assessment of Diet in the National Children’s Study: The Battle Between Technological Advancements and Old Habits

The National Children’s Study (NCS) is a longitudinal cohort study that will examine the influence of a board range of environmental, social, biological, and genetic factors on children’s health. The cohort is unique and challenging because it will begin during pregnancy (preconceptionally for some), and follow-up is to be conducted for up to 21 years of age (http://www.national childrensstudy.gov). The US Congress authorized the NCS with the Children’s Health Act of 2000, and funding for study implementation was allocated during 2007. The study is being implemented by the National Institutes of Health with input from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Environmental Protection Agency and other federal departments and agencies. National Children’s Study participants are intended to come from over 105 locations also known as primary sampling units. It is anticipated that the study will recruit at least 100 000 child participants. Primary sampling units, largely corresponding to counties, were chosen at random but in such a way that the population of study children would be geographically, racially, and ethnically representative of children residing in the United States. Women between the ages of 18 and 49 years who are either pregnant or planning to become pregnant and who also reside within the selected areas of each study location are invited to enroll in the NCS. Pregnant women younger than 18 years may participate with parental consent. Fathers are also invited to participate. After birth, children become study participants and are then followed up over time with protocols that include the collection of information through questionnaires, specimens, and physical assessments conducted in the home, clinic, or provider’s offices as well as through telephone and potentially the Internet. Recruitment into the NCS pilot study was launched in January 2009 at 2 study locations, one of which was Duplin County, North Carolina, and the other Queens, New York. Three months later, recruitment started at 5 more locations across the country, and an additional 30 locations commenced enrollment in late 2010 or early 2011. At present, there are a total of 37 locations actively collecting data for the NCS pilot study as shown in Figure 1; these centers are commonly referred to as the vanguard centers.
The genus Thymus (Lamiaceae) in Sicily

An update on the taxonomy and geographic distribution of the genus Thymus in Sicily is given. This study is based on literature, herbarium and field investigations. In total, five taxa belonging to Thymus sect. Serpyllum (Th.richardii subsp. nitidus, Th.longicaulis and Th.praecox subsp. parvulus) and Th. sect. Hyphodromi (Th.spinulosus and Th.paronychioides) occur in Sicily. For each one, information about taxonomy, habitat, phenology, chromosome number and distribution are provided. Furthermore, the name Thymus pedicillatus Lojac. is here typified. Finally, an analytical key for the identification of the studied taxa is proposed.
Ericoid mycorrhizal fungi: cellular and molecular bases of their interactions with the host plant

A number of soil-borne fungi are able to form typical ericoid mycorrhizae with plants belonging to Ericales. Together with Hymenoscyphus ericae, the first isolate from roots of ericaceous plants, other fungal species belonging to the genus Oidiodendron and many sterile mycelia have been recognized as mycorrhizal by several authors. A high genetic diversity was even found when a population of ericoid mycorrhizal fungi isolated from a single plant of Calluna vulgaris was analysed with morphological and molecular techniques. Ericoid fungi have a relevant saprotrophic potential, as they can degrade several organic polymers present in the soil matrices. Diffcrcnt cell wall degrading enzymes, which are part of this arsenal and are produced in vitro by several ericoid fungi, have been investigated biochemically. Immunocytochemical studies on the production of pectin degrading enzymes during the infection process of host and non-host plants suggest that regulation mechanisms for the production of cell wall degrading enzymes in vivo may be a crucial step for the establishment of successful mycorrhiza with host plants.
A new species of Proceratophrys Miranda-Ribeiro (Amphibia: Anura: Cycloramphidae) from central Brazil

A new species of the Proceratophrys cristiceps group is described from central Brazil based on adult morphology and advertisement call. Proceratophrys vielliardi sp. nov. is mainly diagnosed by its medium size, lack of tubercular sagittal crests from eyelids to coccyx and a multi-noted advertisement call. This is the second species of Proceratophrys described from central Brazil.
Agronomic characteristics of early-maturing soybean and implications for breeding in Belgium

Belgian agriculture could decrease its heavy dependency on imported protein crops by a local production of soybean. Unfortunately, soybean production is hampered by Belgium's short and cold growing season. We evaluated 409 varieties, breeding lines and genebank accessions planted at two planting dates in a row-plot experiment to explore the genotypes that are suitable for growing in Belgium. The current MG000 varieties may require additional crossings with very early-maturing genotypes to guarantee an optimal and safe harvest. Within such crossings, care must be taken to maintain the indeterminate or semi-determinate growth habit. Vegetative development was negatively correlated with flowering date and maturity date, but positively correlated with cold tolerance. Seed quality was mainly affected by mould infection (associated with strong lodging and late maturity) and mottling caused by soybean mosaic virus. Planting 3 weeks earlier resulted in 8 d earlier flowering and 7 d earlier maturing, without significant losses in seed yield per plant. The results of this row-plot experiment hold promise to select for genotypes adapted to the Belgian conditions.
Heterotopic ossification in skin : special focus on multiple miliary osteoma cutis and the role of bone morphogenetic proteins

Heterotopic ossification is a pathological condition in which bone forms outside the skeletal system. It can also occur in skin, which is the case in some genetic disorders. In multiple miliary osteoma cutis (MMOC), tiny bone fragments develop in the dermis and nearby subcutaneous tissue of the face and upper chest region during middle age. The etiology of the disease is poorly understood. The origin of the osteoma-forming cells is not known and also unknown are the signaling factors that direct the skin cells towards an osteogenic lineage. The purpose of this study was to investigate MMOC and the pathogenesis of ectopic bone formation by combining patient study and cell biology methods. The results from an extensive review of the literature and five new cases revealed MMOC as a distinct disease entity, where heterotopic bone formation is intramembranous. No correlation was found between MMOC and acne scars, hormonal disturbances or GNAS gene mutations. In cell culture studies mouse and human dermal fibroblasts and mouse dermal papilla (DP) cells were found to differentiate into osteoblast-like matrix mineralizing cells. The bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP-4) homodimer and BMP-2/7 heterodimer had significant effects on the osteogenic differentiation of the above mentioned cells. Interestingly, the BMPs enhanced the differentiation of mouse cells but reduced it in human cells. In mouse DP cells and human fibroblasts BMP-2/7 was more potent than BMP-4. The skin area affected by osteomas in patients was compared to their unaffected skin and also to the corresponding skin areas in controls with regard to osteogenic differentiation and gene expression studies. MMOC patients’ skin differs from controls both in osteoma and unaffected skin areas, which suggests MMOC is not only a local but also a systemic skin disease. The results confirm the previous findings that gene expression in skin is different in different parts of the body, which could explain why the osteomas develop in certain skin areas. The results of this study provide new information about MMOC and heterotopic ossification in skin and could be useful when developing treatments for MMOC. This study also presents new information about BMPs and their different effects in mouse and human cells, which may stimulate discussion about the generalization of mouse studies in humans and the clinical use of BMPs.