Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory potential of sulphated polygalactans from red seaweeds Kappaphycus alvarezii and Gracilaria opuntia

ABSTRACT Antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory potential of sulphated polygalactans isolated from the red seaweeds Kappaphycus alvarezii and Gracilaria opuntia were acquired by employing different in vitro systems. The sulphated galactopyran motif derived from G. opuntia possessed significant antidiabetic properties as identified by α-amylase (IC50 0.04 mg/mL), α-glucosidase (IC50 0.09 mg/mL) and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4, IC50 0.09 mg/mL) inhibitory activities. Based on the detailed nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy experiments the sulphated galactopyran motif of G. opuntia was designated as →3)-4-O-sulfonato-(6-O-acetyl)-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1→4)-3,6-anhydro-(2-O-sulfonato)-α-D-galactopyranosyl-(1→3)-4-O-sulfonato-(6-O-acetyl)-β-D-xylosyl-(1→3)-4-O-sulfonato-(6-O-acetyl)-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1→4)-3,6-anhydro-(2-O-sulfonato)-α-D-galactopyranan, while the one from K. alvarezii was demonstrated to be →4)-4-O-sulfonato-(2-O-methyl)-β-D-galactopyranosyl-(1→4)-3,6-anhydro-(2-O-methyl)-α-D-galactopyranan. The sulphated galactans from G. opuntia showed greater anti-inflammatory inhibitory activities as determined by cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1, IC50 0.01 mg/mL), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2, IC50 0.03 mg/mL), and 5-lipoxygenase inhibitory activities (5-LOX, IC50 0.24 mg/mL). This study revealed that the sulfated polygalactan enriched concentrate from G. opuntia can be used as potential therapeutic candidate to suppress the hyperglycemic response in diabetic conditions and inflammatory activity. They can be used to develop functional food ingredient in nutraceutical products.
Biological control of damping-off disease of cotton seedling

Biological control of damping-off disease of cotton seedling caused by the pathogen Rhizoctonia solani Kuhn, by Penicillium pinophilum Hedge. is reported along with details on its antagonistic potential including isolation of pathogen, soil amendment, etc. P. pinophilum isolated from soil suppressed R. solani. Mycoparasitism and cell lysis are reported as mechanisms of antagonism. Amendment of soil with P. pinophilum cultures protected the seedlings from post-emergence damping-off. The antagonist amendment showed no phytotoxic effect on the growth of cotton seedlings. Application of the antagonist through seed coating was equally effective in controlling camping-off of cotton [. ]
Nutritional potential of Salacia fruticosa Wall. ex M.A. Lawson: An unexplored wild edible fruit plant

In the current study, detailed nutritional composition of the wild edible fruit, Salacia fruticosa Wall. ex M.A. Lawson, consumed by Kanis, an indigenous tribal community residing in the Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, Southern Western Ghats was determined for the first time. All values were determined on fresh weight basis. Results indicated that the fruits have a high moisture content of 87.4 ± 0.44/100g while the carbohydrate content observed was 10.03 ± 0.20g in 100g of edible portion. The energy value was 39kcal/100 g. The ascorbic acid and Vitamin E composition noted were 60.94 ± 2.54mg and 0.18 ± 0.008 mg/100g respectively. Potassium was the most abundant mineral element (26mg/100g) analyzed. The current study emphasized the fact that this minor fruit is a potential source of the bioactive liposoluble pigment, β carotene, and the mean value observed was 70μg /100 g which is well comparable with many commercial fruits.
Analyzing Animal Societies Quantitative Methods For Vertebrate Social Analysis

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Transposable element annotation using relational random forests

Transposable elements (TEs) are DNA sequences that can change their location within the genome. They contribute to genetic diversity within and across species and their transposing mechanisms may also affect the functionality of genes. Accurate annotation of TEs is an important step towards understanding their effects on genes and their role in genome evolution. We present a framework for annotating TEs which is based on relational random forests. It allows to naturally represent the structured data and biological processes involving TEs. Furthermore, it allows the integration of background knowledge.
Comparison between PCR-based single tube genotyping of sickle cell disease and alkaline haemoglobin electrophoresis.

Background: Sickling test and haemoglobin solubility test are screening techniques used to detect the presence of haemoglobin S , but can't identify exact phenotype or genotype. Haemoglobin electrophoresis can determine the phenotype of sickle cell disease but it cannot be performed on infants aged less than 6 months because of the presence of hemoglobin F as the predominant hemoglobin before this age and thus it is not suitable for prenatal and neonatal screening. This study aimed to compare PCR-based single tube genotyping of sickle cell disease with routine alkaline haemoglobin electrophoresis. Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional-analytic study conducted at Khartoum state, Sudan in the period from November 2014 to March 2015. The total number of study subjects was 70, 35 of them with sickle cell anaemia (Hb S/S), 15 sickle cell trait (Hb A/S), and 20 healthy volunteers (Hb A/A). Blood samples were collected in EDTA blood tubes and genomic DNA was extracted from leucocytes by salting out method. Allele specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for genotyping of all samples. Alkaline haemoglobin electrophoresis was also performed on all subjects to confirm the phenotypes and the findings were compared with genotyping results. Results: Using alkaline Hb electrophoresis, 33(94.3%) out of 35 patients with provisional diagnosis of sickle cell anaemia were found to be S/S and 2(5.7%) were A/S; using PCR all the 35 patients were found to be S/S; the two patients who their phenotype was A/S while by PCR their genotype was S/S were found to have a history of recent allogenic blood transfusion. The results of Hb electrophoresis and PCR were in full agreement for both sickle cell trait individuals (A/S), and the healthy controls (A/A). Conclusion: Diagnostic accuracy of PCR based single tube genotyping of SCD is superior to routine alkaline haemoglobin electrophoresis particularly in situations of recent allogeneic blood transfusion and prenatal and neonatal screening.
Effect of dietary fat source on n-3 fatty acid enrichment of broiler meat

Scientific research has shown that there is a relationship between the amount and composition of animal fat in the food and cardiovascular and other diseases in humans. The fatty acid composition of broiler meat can be modified by dietary fat sources. In recent years, one of most important effect of fats to performance and the quality of meat is that related to the ratio of omega 6 (n-6)/omega 3 (n-3) fatty acids in the diet. In poultry diets with fishmeal, fish oil or oil derived from vegetable source increase the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, particularly with n-3 fatty acids) in meat. This study was conducted to observe the effects of different fat sources on accumulation of different fatty acids and on the ratio of n-6 to n-3 fatty acids in broiler meat. In this study, 320 one day old chicks, randomly arranged in 4 replicates (20 chicks per replicate) were assigned to one of four dietary treatments. The birds were fed diets with 6% of added fat. Four diets, containing 6% fish oil (FO) (Diet A); 4% FO + 2% linseed oil (LO) (Diet B); 2% FO + 2% LO + 2% sunflower oil (Diet C), and 6% soy oil (Diet D, control) were used. The meat samples were taken on days 21 and 42 of fattening, and meat fatty acid compositions of meat were analyzed. Also, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined. It was observed that the monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) level of meat samples of broilers fed Diet A was significantly higher than that of the other groups (p < 0.05). Addition of FO to diet decreased n-6 (p < 0.01) and increased n-3 fatty acid level (p < 0.05). Therefore, n-6/n-3 rates were decreased in meat samples by adding fish oil (p < 0.01). At the end of the study, the levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially EPA and DHA were increased, thereby, n-6 fatty acid level of meat samples was decreased and n-3 level was increased by adding fish oil to the diet (p < 0.001). As a result, addition of fish oil to diet was more effective than vegetable oils on decreasing of n-6/n-3 rate (p < 0.001). However, MDA level was increased according to level of fish oil (p < 0.001).
Factors driving semi-aquatic predator occurrence in traditional cattle drinking pools: conservation issues

In several cases, human impact on water bodies and on their freshwater communities is detrimental, but in some cases the human activity may favour and enhance the biodiversity of small water bodies, as traditional cattle drinking pools. Despite their small size, small water bodies may constitute hot spot of biodiversity often representing the only lentic aquatic biotope in landscapes where superficial water lacks or flows in lotic environments like creeks and streams. Predators are good indicators of biodiversity in ponds and give information of food chain web complexity. In particular, semi-aquatic predators like amphibians and dragonflies may account for a substantial percentage of energy flow between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. In this study, we evaluated the conservation value of traditional cattle drinking pools building by assessing the factors determining the occurrence and distribution of the semi-aquatic predators. From April to August 2015, we investigated 30 distinct pools recording several abiotic and biotic environmental variables. We detected 4 semi-aquatic predators: Salamandra salamandra larvae, Triturus carnifex , Aeshna sp. larvae and Libellula sp. larvae. Abiotic features played a major role in shaping the predator community that resulted linked to stable, with no dryness period, and large drinking pools. Invertebrate prey biomass was not particularly important, while vegetation cover and occurrence of unpalatable tadpoles were the most important biotic features of the pools. Our study provides novel evidence on the importance of cattle drinking pools management to preserve biodiversity especially in areas where traditional pastoral activity is disappearing.
How do females deal with hindrances in School Headship? Evidences from the Ivorian Context

Leadership, particularly, that of school principals is one of the most important concerns in the field of education. Constantly, studies have shown that women educational leaders effectively lead their schools. Yet, the stories behind how a woman leads a primary school and experiences, challenges and barriers in the principalship have not received adequate exploration in Ivorian context. The purpose of this study is to critically investigate the difficulties and obstacles faced by Ivorian women school principals from the gender equity perspective. Ten (10) women school heads took part in the study. Qualitative method was used to gather data through in-depth semi-structured interviews. The findings show that cultural and structural factors, and workhome role conflicts are the main barriers affecting women and their headship in school management. The study concludes that the women leaders have to deal with these hindrances, to surpass many other constraints and issues that occur within their schools and to keep working. For this to happen women principals needed to be creative. This would also be possible through a necessary transformation of structures along with reformed policies in increasing the recruitment of women for the school headship.
Evaluation of the Biochemical Parameters and Inhibition Studies of Leaf and Stem Bark Methanol Extracts of Diospyros Mespiliformis on Plasmodium Berghei (Nk65) Cysteine Protease.

Biochemical evaluation of different fractions of leaf and stem bark methanol extracts of Diospyros mespiliformis and the inhibitory effects of the extracts on cysteine protease of the parasite were investigated. Aspartate aminotransferase and Alanine aminotransferase studies of the leaf methanol extract showed that, there was significant (P < 0.05) increase in the n-butanol and aqueous fractions. Also, significant (P < 0.05) increase in the serum level of Alkaline phosphatase of the infected group in all the fractions. AST ALT and ALP studies of the stem bark extract had significant (P
Habitat fragmentation changes the adaptive value of seed mass for the establishment of a tropical canopy tree

To cope with the limiting light conditions in the rain forest understory, many tropical tree species have evolved large seeds that provide the emerging seedlings with nutritional reserves. Habitat fragmentation might change the adaptive value of seed size by modifying the biotic and physical conditions of the forest understory. We experimentally assessed the potential of fragmentation to alter how seed mass affects seedling survival, vigor, and attack by natural enemies of the tropical tree Nectandra ambigens. Seeds from different mother trees (families) were individually weighed and sown in experimental sites established in continuous forest and in forest fragments. Seedling survival, vigor, and damage by herbivores and pathogens were recorded periodically. While seedlings derived from larger seeds had higher survival rates in both habitats, seedling survival and vigor were significantly greater in forest fragments, and the seedlings also suffered fewer attacks by natural enemies. We found genetic variance for seed mass among families with a heritability value (h2) of 0.66, and we found evidence for selection on seed size. Average seed size differed between dead and living seedlings in three sites. In one fragment, seed size was selectively neutral in relation to survival. Overall, selection for seed size promoted survival and thus appears to affect the distribution of this trait. The maintenance of genetic variance could be related to the stochastic nature of the formation of light gaps. Our results highlight the importance of evaluating the adaptive value of traits susceptible to environmental changes for conservation purposes.
MicroReview Negative regulation of bacterial heat shock genes

Summary The expression of eubacterial heat shock genes is efficiently controlled at the transcriptional level by both positive and negative mechanisms. Positive control operates by the use of alternative sigma factors that target RNA polymerase to heat shock gene promoters. Alternatively, bacteria apply repressor-dependent mechanisms, in which transcription of heat shock genes is initiated from a classical housekeeping promoter and cis-acting DNA elements are used in concert with a cognate repressor protein to limit transcription under physiological conditions. Eight examples of negative regulation will be presented, among them the widespread CIRCE/HrcA system and the control by HspR in Streptomyces. Both mechanisms are designed to permit simple feedback control at the level of gene expression. Many bacteria have established sophisticated regulatory networks, often combining positive and negative mechanisms, in order to allow fine-tuned heat shock gene expression in an environmentally responsive way.
Ants nesting on Cecropia purpurascens (Cecropiaceae) in central Amazonia: Influence of tree height, domatia volume and food bodies

Patterns of presence of ant colonies on Cecropia purpurascens CC Berg (Cecropiaceae) were investigated in central Amazonia. All individuals of C. purpurascens along a 14.3 km transect were searched for ants and their height, internode volume, and number of trichilia were recorded. Of the 50 C. purpurascens individuals studied, 32 (64%) were colonized by ants of four species: Azteca alfari Emery (Dolichoderinae) (N = 16), Camponotus balzaniEmery (Formicinae) (N = 14), C. abdominalis (Fabricius) (Formicinae) (N = 1) and Crematogaster brasiliensis Mayr (Myrmicinae) (N = 1). Probability of C. purpurascens being colonized by ants increases with tree height, internode volume, and trichilium number. Of the three variables recorded, tree height was the most important in determining the presence of ants. Trees colonized by the two most common ant species (A. alfari and C. balzani) did not differ in height, internode volume, or number of trichilia. The patterns observed, the association between the identity of the ants and plant fitness, as well as the usefulness of this particular system for future studies are discussed.
The Mitochondrial Calcium Uniporter Is Autoregulated by Cation Binding to the β-Grasp-Like Matrix Domain

Mitochondrial calcium (Ca2+) uptake plays fundamental roles in various signaling processes. Entry of Ca2+ into the mitochondrial matrix is tightly controlled by the mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) in a higher order complex regulated by interand intra-molecular protein-protein interactions. However, the precise mechanisms controlling MCU function and regulation remain largely unknown. I identified a well-folded Nterminal MCU region from residues 72-189, and its crystal structure revealed a β-grasplike fold with a cluster of acidic residues that facilitates interactions with dibasic cations. Binding of Ca2+ or Mg2+ destabilize this fold and shift the protein towards monomer. Single mutants disrupting the acidic face reduced the cation sensitivity in vitro. Together, my data reveal that the β-grasp-like matrix region of MCU harbors a distinct acidic patch that modulates stability and protein-protein interaction equilibria in response to Mg2+ and Ca2+ binding, suggesting that these matrix cations play an important role in controlling MCU activity.
Life cycle of chokka-squid Loligo reynaudii in South African waters

This short note summarises past and current knowledge of the life cycle of chokka-squid Loligo reynaudii d’Orbigny, 1845, in South African waters. Prior to approximately 2010, the chokka-squid stock was considered simple and uniform, with one paralarval pool, the drift of paralarvae westwards, one main nursery area and one main, long spawning migration of adult squid eastwards, back to the main spawning grounds. Based on new information, this life-history scheme has been revised. Genetically, the stock is uniform; however, morphologically, it comprises three main geographic groups. It is proposed that the differences between the groups originate from many different paralarval events and that short (not long) migrations dominate the life cycle.
What can genomics tell us about the success of enhancement programs in anadromous Chinook salmon? A comparative analysis across four generations

Population enhancement through the release of cultured organisms can be an important tool for marine restoration. However, there has been considerable debate about whether releases effectively contribute to conservation and harvest objectives, and whether cultured organisms impact the fitness of wild populations. Pacific salmonid hatcheries on the West Coast of North America represent one of the largest enhancement programs in the world. Molecular-based pedigree studies on one or two generations have contributed to our understanding of the fitness of hatchery-reared individuals relative to wild individuals, and tend to show that hatchery fish have lower reproductive success. However, interpreting the significance of these results can be challenging because the long-term genetic and ecological effects of releases on supplemented populations are unknown. Further, pedigree studies have been opportunistic, rather than hypothesis driven, and have not provided information on “best case” management scenarios. Here, we present a comparative, experimental approach based on genome-wide surveys of changes in diversity in two hatchery lines founded from the same population. We demonstrate that gene flow with wild individuals can reduce divergence from the wild source population over four generations. We also report evidence for consistent genetic changes in a closed hatchery population that can be explained by both genetic drift and domestication selection. The results of this study suggest that genetic risks can be minimized over at least four generations with appropriate actions, and provide empirical support for a decision-making framework that is relevant to the management of hatchery populations.
Molecular evidence for a natural hybrid between Isolepis crassiuscula and Isolepis lenticularis (Cyperaceae) in New Zealand

ABSTRACT Isolepis R.Br. (Cyperaceae) is a genus of aquatic, wetland, or ephemeral sedges that comprises 76 species, mostly in the southern hemisphere, especially Africa and Australasia. Isolepis crassiuscula Hook.f. , Isolepis lenticularis R.Br. and Isolepis producta (C.B. Clarke) K.L. Wilson are among the Australasian members of a morphologically well-defined subgenus Fluitantes. Specimens belonging to this subgenus, collected from Mount Tongariro, New Zealand, showed ambiguous yet somewhat intermediate morphology compared with these three species. We sequenced directly, or cloned and sequenced, nuclear DNA (nrITS) and chloroplast DNA (rbcL, rps16 and trnL) regions of these collections and samples of the three aforementioned species of subgenus Fluitantes. Ribotypes and chloroplast haplotypes were compared to resolve if the Tongariro collection was of hybrid origin and, if so, to address which of the three species may have been involved in the hybridisation event. The Tongariro plants had the species-specific ribotypes of I. crassiuscula and I. lenticularis and the chloroplast haplotype of I. lenticularis, strongly suggesting hybrid origin between them. No data support the inclusion of I. producta as a parent. The morphologically uniform population from which the Tongariro plants were collected is likely to be derived from a single hybridisation event, although this hypothesis merits further investigation.
GRAZINO MANAGEMENTAS A MEANS OF REGULATINO SPITTLEBUG (HOMOPTERA: CERCOPIDAE) NUMBERS IN CENTRAL BRAZIL'

Short duration, high intensity grazing was evaluated as a method of reducing spittlebug numbers iii central Brazil. Intense grazing pressure during the nymphal period resuited in a temporaxy reduction in nymphal density but additional hatching of eggs allowed lhe density to increase. Intense grazing during the last generation of adults, prior to the start af the dry season drastically reduced lhe nymphal population. Grazing by caule in general provided an unsuitable habitat for spittlebug egg survival as both grass height and plant cover decreased under ali grazing treatments. In heavily infested pastures (> 20 nymphs/m2) ! t is recommcnded to graze Use grass short (< 10cm) during the last generation of adults (April-July) in order to discourage oviposition by adults laying diapause eggs and lo expose eggs to detrimental conditions during the dry season. In pastures with 10w spittlebug density (< 20 nymphs/m2) it is recommended to maintain Use forage height at 15 cm - 20 cm during lhe rainy season for maximum production and efficient use of the forage resource.