Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Effects of Metformin HCl-Loaded Beads Formulations in Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide Induced Diabetic Rats

Received: Revised: Accepted: Published online: August 27, 2016 April 25, 2017 May 12, 2017 July 03, 2017 Metformin hydrochloride (MHCl) widely used for the treatment of Type 2 DM. The aim of this study was to investigate the early stage histopathological and immunohistochemical effects of MHCl and MHCl-loaded Alginate (AL) and ALChitosan (CS) beads on the pancreas of Streptozotocin (STZ)-Nicotinamide (NA) induced diabetic rats. The rats in the following groups were sacrificed 72 hours after drug administration and their pancreatic tissues were removed. The healthy rats (Control, Group I), diabetic rats (Group II; the fasting blood glucose level higher than 126 mg/dl), diabetic rats treated with pure drugs (Group III), blank beads (Group IV), MHCl-loaded-AL-CS (Group V) and AL (Group VI) beads. The prepared samples of pancreatic tissues were examined by histopathological and immunohistochemical methods. Severity of the atrophic appearance of langerhans islet in Groups II, III and IV was high. The degree of necrotic and degenerative changes of islets of langerhans in the Groups V and VI were reduced compared to the changes in the other groups (Groups II, III and IV; P<0.05). As immunohistochemical, the shrunken and distorted islet of langerhans with marked loss immunopositive  cells were observed for Groups II, III and IV. However, there were improvements in the number of immunopositive  cells and the diameter of islet of langerhans of Groups V and VI (P<0.05). MHCl-loaded AL-CS and AL beads might be beneficial to reduce the histopathological changes of pancreas and thereby, the effects of diabetes.
Measuring the impact of an entertainment‐education intervention to reduce demand for bushmeat

The trade and consumption of bushmeat are a major threat to biodiversity across the tropics. Conservationists have traditionally advocated for stricter regulation and enforcement as a way to control these practices, with less attention given to consumers and the management of the demand. Yet, it is clear that without adequately tackling demand, it is impossible to effectively curb the bushmeat trade. In this paper, we describe an intervention to reduce demand for bushmeat in northern Tanzania. The intervention was centered around the 1‐h radio show My Wildlife – My Community which included 15‐min episodes of the radio drama Temboni. Each episode of the radio drama was accompanied by a 45‐min interactive call‐in show featuring interviews with experts and local information about available community resources. We evaluated this intervention using a Before‐After‐Control‐Impact framework based on longitudinal data from 168 respondents. To account for the fact that respondents volunteered to be exposed to the intervention, in this case the radio show, we used a matching algorithm together with regression to ensure that we could build a credible counterfactual group. Our analysis did not uncover any differences in outcomes between the treatment and control groups, and thus no evidence of the intervention achieving its initial goals. One potential causal mechanism that could have led to this outcome is the low audience penetration rate. Fewer than 40% of respondents listened to the show and among those who did, only about 20% listened to five of more episodes. This research highlights the challenges of implementing and evaluating interventions delivered through mass media in developing countries, and the importance of reporting on interventions even when there is no evidence that they achieved their initial goals. Only through robust evaluation of behavior change interventions and the sharing of lessons learned can conservationists successfully tackle complex issues such as the bushmeat trade.
Detection of Salmonella spp. from zoo animals in Iran, determination of serovars, antibiotic susceptibility and genotyping by RAPD-PCR

Salmonellosis is an important food-borne bacterial zoonotic disease that affects both people and animals. Contamination sources include direct or indirect animal contact. We determined and measured the risk of Salmonella infection from zoo animal to human contact by isolation of Salmonella serovars from zoo animals kept at Karaj zoo park, Iran. Salmonella was isolated from 21 (20%) of the 104 anal swap samples. From the 21 collected samples 4, 7 and 10 were originated from birds, mammals and reptiles, respectively. Serotyping detected nine different serotypes including Enteritidis (n=4), Seftenberg (n=1), Typhimurium (n=4), Virchow (3), Berkeley (n=1), Kingabwa (n=2), Newport (n=2), Marina (n=2) and Havana (n=1). All the isolates except one (serovar Marina subspecies Hautenae IV) were belonged to Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica I. Salmonella enterica serotypes Typhimurium and Enteritidis were the most commonly detected serotypes. All the isolates tested, were resistant to one or more antibiotics and five isolates including the monkeys’ and long-eared owls’ isolates were multiresistant. RAPD profiles of each isolate produced with two different primers were identical. These finding shows highly contamination of zoo animals from Salmonella especially from the multiresistant isolates. All of the animals in the zoo, pet owners, veterinarians, zookeepers and visitors are at high risk of salmonellosis with reptiles being the most important source of infection.
Meta-analysis of RNA-seq studies reveals genes responsible for life stage-dominant functions in Schistosoma mansoni

Background Since the genome of the parasitic flatworm Schistosoma mansoni was sequenced in 2009, various RNA-seq studies have been conducted to investigate differential gene expression between certain life stages. Based on these studies, the overview of gene expression in all life stages can improve our understanding of S. mansoni genome biology. Methods publicly available RNA-seq data covering all life stages and gonads were mapped to the latest S. mansoni genome. Read counts were normalised across all samples and differential expression analysis was preformed using the generalized linear model (GLM) approach. Results we revealed for the first time the dissimilarities among all life stages. Genes that are abundantly-expressed in all life stages, as well as those preferentially-expressed in certain stage(s), were determined. The latter reveals genes responsible for stage-dominant functions of the parasite, which can be a guidance for the investigation and annotation of gene functions. In addition, distinct differential expression patterns were observed between adjacent life stages, which not only correlate well with original individual studies, but also provide additional information on changes in gene expression during parasite transitions. Furthermore, thirteen novel housekeeping genes across all life stages were identified, which is valuable for quantitative studies (e.g., qPCR). Conclusions the metaanalysis provides valuable information on the expression and potential functions of S. mansoni genes across all life stages, and can facilitate basic as well as applied research for the community.
The influence of environmental variables on freshwater rotifers of the family Brachionidae and Lecanidae in Thailand

This study investigates the influence of limnological parameters that are known to influence rotifer species richness and composition in temperate areas on two families of monogonont rotifers in a tropical area. We analysed species richness and diversity of the two families from 133 samples taken from several habitat types in Thailand. Coordinates, elevation, pH, temperature, conductivity, salinity and dissolved oxygen were measured and their effect on rotifers assessed. A total of 60 species in 5 genera was recorded from the two families. Latitude and temperature had an effect on species richness of Brachionidae. None of the variables affected species richness of Lecanidae, except habitat type, albeit not significantly. Habitat type and conductivity had an effect on species composition of the two families, whereas latitude had an effect only on species composition of Lecanidae. Species richness and composition of the two rotifer families are well documented in Thailand and no or only few additional species are expected. The limnological correlates of rotifer diversity seem to be in part comparable to and in part different from those known from temperate areas, suggesting that there may be general trends in rotifer species richness and composition across different latitudes.
Phylogenetic position of the Siberian flying squirrel Pteromys volans based on complete mitochondrial genome sequences

Abstract The mitogenome of the Siberian flying squirrel Pteromys volans is a circular molecule of 16,514 bp, consisting of a control region and a conserved set of 37 genes containing 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA). The mitogenome of the Korean P. volans is AT-biased, with a nucleotide composition of 32.2% A, 30.4% T, 12.5% G, and 24.8% C. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that P. volans is well placed within the tribe Pteromyini (Sciuridae: Sciurinae), which forms a sister clade to the flying squirrels of the genus Petaurista.
Wintering waterfowl community structure and the characteristics of gravel pit lakes

Wintering waterfowl community structure and their association with lake characteristics were studied in the Cotswold Water Park, a complex of more than 120 gravel pit lakes in southern England. The major distinction in community types was between assemblages dominated by diving waterfowl and those dominated by dabbling waterfowl. The trophic status of lakes was found to be a major determinant of community structure: young lakes in the early stages of a natural process of eutrophication tended to support the most diverse assemblages of diving waterfowl. The abundance of individual species was strongly related to lake size and assemblage type. Some effects of food supply and the recreational use of lakes were also apparent. The relevance of the findings for the sustainable value of the lakes for wintering waterfowl is discussed.
Effective Variations of related Physicochemical Properties of Nucleotides Leading to Amino Acids for Characterizing Genes and Proteins

The aim of this paper is to make quantitative analysis of the properties which is really being carried from DNA sequence and finally landing up to the properties of a protein structure through its primary protein sequence. Thus, the paper has a theory which is applicable for any arbitrary DNA sequence whether it is of various species or mutated data or a bunch of genes responsible for a function to be occurred. Irrespective to genes of any families, species, wild type or mutated, our paper here gives a standard model which defines a mapping between physicochemical properties of any arbitrary DNA sequence and physicochemical properties of its amino acid sequence. Experiments have been carried out with PPCA protein family and its four homologs PPC(B E) which establishes that DNA sequence keeps its signature even after its translation into the corresponding amino acid sequence.
Comparative study of LoopampTM Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex Kit for Rapid Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in cameroon

Background: The most practical test for identifying tuberculosis (TB) in developing countries remains smear microscopy. However, due to its low sensitivity, a new point-of-care diagnostic method has been developed. The purpose of this study was to assess the performance of TB-Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (TB-LAMP) test on sputum samples of suspected TB cases. Methods: Suspected pulmonary TB patients (527) from Jamot Hospital and without any history of anti-TB treatment were consecutively included in the study. Smear microscopy, TB-LAMP, GeneXpert® MTB/RIF, and liquid culture using BACTEC 960 Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT) were performed on sputum samples collected from these patients. The sensitivity and specificity of TB-LAMP were compared with smear microscopy and GeneXpert® MTB/RIF. MGIT culture was the gold standard. Results: TB-LAMP and smear microscopy showed sensitivities of 82.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 76.9–87.2) and 53.6% (95% CI, 46.8–60.3), respectively, and specificities of 96.0% (95% CI, 93.2–97.7) and 99.0% (95% CI, 97.1–99.7), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of TB-LAMP were similar to GeneXpert®, (89.9%; 95% CI, 85.0–93.3 and 97.0%; 95% CI, 94.4–98.4). Conclusion: TB-LAMP is more sensitive than currently used microscopy. It presents a favorable diagnostic tool for TB in peripheral laboratories with limited equipment, such as those in developing countries.
Maternal tamoxifen treatment expands the macrophage population of early mouse embryos

Several different transgenic tamoxifen-inducible cre reporter lines have been used to analyse the contribution of embryonic precursors to the development of the mononuclear phagocyte system in mice. Here we show that tamoxifen treatment of the mother at 8.5dpc with doses commonly-used in lineage trace studies produces a 4-5-fold expansion of the embryonic leukocyte populations by 10.5dpc, detected in whole mounts of embryos using a Csf1r reporter gene or separately by expression of Csf1r, Itgam (CD11b), Adgre1 (F4/80) or Ptprc (CD45) mRNA. These findings indicate that tamoxifen cannot be considered a neutral agonist in macrophage lineage trace studies. Summary sentence Treatment of pregnant mice with tamoxifen in early gestation produces a large expansion of the embryonic macrophage population.
Temperature-Dependent Growth and Virulence, and Mass Production Potential of Two Candidate Isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin for Managing Maruca vitrata Fabricius (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) on Cowpea

Entomopathogenic fungi are increasingly gaining recognition as a viable alternative to synthetic insecticides for pest management; their efficacy is influenced by several biotic and abiotic factors. In this study, the effect of temperature on germination, growth and virulence of two isolates of Metarhizium anisopliae, ICIPE 18 and ICIPE 69, against first-instar larvae of Maruca vitrata at temperatures ranging from 15–35 °C, and mass-production potential of the isolates were assessed under laboratory conditions. Minimum, optimum and maximum threshold temperatures for efficacy of the best performing isolate, ICIPE 69, were estimated by the quadratic equation which emerged as the best model among the nonlinear mathematical expressions tested. Neither isolate germinated at 15 °C while germination was low at 35 °C for both. The optimum temperature for germination, radial growth and virulence of ICIPE 69 and ICIPE 18 ranged between 25–30 °C and 25–33 °C, respectively. Mortality of M. vitrata by both isolates ranged between 56.0 and 91.6%across the different temperatures, with the highest mortality occurring at 25 and 30 °C for ICIPE 69 and ICIPE 18, respectively. The shortest LT50 values were 2.5 days for ICIPE 18 and 2.2 days for ICIPE 69 at 33 °C and 25 °C, respectively. The quadratic model predicted 25–30 °C as the optimum temperature range for maximum efficacy of M. anisopliae isolate ICIPE 69 against M. vitrata. Upper and lower threshold temperatures were predicted as 40 °C and 10 °C, respectively. Comparison of aerial conidia production on rice showed that ICIPE 69 yielded higher amounts of conidia (18.4 g conidia/kg rice) than ICIPE 18 (12.4 g conidia/kg rice). The results suggest that ICIPE 69 is a promising candidate for biocontrol of M. vitrata.
Cloning, expression and library construction for HIV-1 Tat Protein

Background: Designing novel therapeutic agents has been a critical challenge for HIV disease. Materials and Methods: In current study a DNA sequence which was encoded the Tat protein was synthesized and inserted in pET 28 vector. Vector was cloned in BL21-DE3 E. coli and cultured in TB media. After protein expression, recombinant Tat protein was purified by NTA affinity chromatography. The Tat purified protein efficiency and confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot, respectively. We were immunized the camel against HIV-1 Tat recombinant protein to made a camelid antibody library. Total RNA was extracted from camel lymphocytes and VHH fragments synthesized and amplified using RT-PCR and Nested- PCR methods by special primers. Results: The 350- 450 bp VHH gene fragment was produced by RT-PCR and Nested- PCR and extracted from agarose gel 1%. Then gel extraction was performed and pure fragments were inserted in HEN-4 vector by T4 DNA ligase. Conclusion: The library can be applied for biopanning and isolation of nanobody against HIV-1 Tat Protein. Nanobody small size may be a useful drug for treatment of HIV disease because give them the potency of the recognizing the cryptic epitopes of tat and neutralized the virus.
Population structure promotes the evolution of costly sex in artificial gene networks

We build on previous observations that Hill-Robertson interference generates an advantage of sex that, in structured populations, can be large enough to explain the evolutionary maintenance of costly sex. We employed a gene network model that explicitly incorporates interactions between genes. Mutations in the gene networks have variable effects that depend on the genetic background in which they appear. Consequently, our simulations include two costs of sex—recombination and migration loads—that were missing from previous studies of the evolution of costly sex. Our results suggest a critical role for population structure that lies in its ability to align the long- and short-term advantages of sex. We show that the addition of population structure favored the evolution of sex by disproportionately decreasing the equilibrium mean fitness of asexual populations, primarily by increasing the strength of Muller’s Ratchet. Population structure also increased the ability of the short-term advantage of sex to counter the primary limit to the evolution of sex in the gene network model—recombination load. On the other hand, highly structured populations experienced migration load in the form of Dobzhansky–Muller incompatibilities, decreasing the effective rate of migration between demes and, consequently, accelerating the accumulation of drift load in the sexual populations.
Analysis of putative sclerotia maturation-related gene expression in Rhizoctonia solani AG1-IA

Paper description: A cDNA library of Rhizoctonia solani AG1-IA, a major soil-borne fungal pathogen of maize, was constructed and qRT-PCR analysis was performed to determine the expression of twelve R. solani AG1-IA genes during three stages of sclerotial formation (mycelium, initiation of sclerotium and maturation of sclerotium). The results of our study provide new findings related to the methods of prevention and control of disease caused by R. solani AG1-IA. Abstract ： Rhizoctonia solani AG1-IA ( R. solani AG1-IA) is a major soil-borne fungal pathogen of maize that causes significant yield losses in all maize-growing regions worldwide. The sclerotium produced by R. solani AG1-IA can overwinter in grass roots or diseased plants and infect crops the following year. The molecular mechanism underlying sclerotium formation in R. solani is poorly understood. In this study, we constructed the cDNA library of the R. solani AG1-IA pathogenic strain WF-9, from which 329 high-quality expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were obtained. Of the 250 clustered unigenes, 12 genes were selected for further expression analysis during the three stages of sclerotial growth (mycelium, initiation of sclerotium, and maturation of sclerotium). The results of expression analysis support the previously suggested roles of chitin synthase D and exo-beta-1,3-glucanase in facilitating sclerotial growth through preservation of water content and energy. In addition, cytochrome P450, NADPH oxidase, catalase (CAT), acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), mitogen-activated protein kinase HOG1 (HOG 1), and the G-protein α subunit play important roles in balancing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels during sclerotial development. The findings of this study can help understand the molecular mechanism of sclerotial development further. https://doi.org/10.2298/ABS180106026L Received: January 6, 2018; Revised: May 1, 2018; Accepted: May 4, 2018; Published online: Jun 14, 2018 How to cite this article: Liu B, Ma Z, Gai X, Sun Y, Wang Y, He S, Gao Z. Analysis of putative sclerotia maturation-related gene expression in Rhizoctonia solani AG1-IA. Arch Biol Sci. 2018;70(4):647-53.
The global burden of trichiasis in 2016

Background Trichiasis is present when one or more eyelashes touches the eye. Uncorrected, it can cause blindness. Accurate estimates of numbers affected, and their geographical distribution, help guide resource allocation. Methods We obtained district-level trichiasis prevalence estimates for 44 endemic and previously-endemic countries. We used (1) the most recent data for a district, if more than one estimate was available; (2) age- and sex-standardized corrections of historic estimates, where raw data were available; (3) historic estimates adjusted using a mean adjustment factor for districts where raw data were unavailable; and (4) expert assessment of available data for districts for which no prevalence estimates were available. Findings Internally age- and sex-standardized data represented 1,355 districts and contributed 662 thousand cases (95% confidence interval [CI] 324 thousand-1.1 million) to the global total. age- and sex-standardized district-level prevalence estimates differed from raw estimates by a mean factor of 0.45 (range 0.03-2.28). Previously non-standardized estimates for 398 districts, adjusted by ×0.45, contributed a further 411 thousand cases (95% CI 283-557 thousand). Eight countries retained previous estimates, contributing 848 thousand cases (95% CI 225 thousand-1.7 million). New expert assessments in 14 countries contributed 862 thousand cases (95% CI 228 thousand-1.7 million). The global trichiasis burden in 2016 was 2.8 million cases (95% CI 1.1-5.2 million). Interpretation The 2016 estimate is lower than previous estimates, probably due to more and better data; scale-up of trichiasis management services; and reductions in incidence due to lower active trachoma prevalence. Author Summary As an individual with trichiasis blinks, the eyelashes abrade the cornea, which can lead to corneal opacity and blindness. Through high quality surgery, which involves correcting the position of the in-turned eyelid, it is possible to reduce the number of people with trichiasis. An accurate estimate of the number of persons with trichiasis and their geographical distribution are needed in order to effectively align resources for surgery and other necessary services. We obtained district-level trichiasis prevalence estimates for 44 endemic and previously-endemic countries. We used the most recently available data and expert assessments to estimate the global burden of trichiasis. We estimated that in 2016 the global burden was 2.8 million cases (95% CI 1.1-5.2 million). The 2016 estimate is lower than previous estimates, probably due to more and better data; scale-up of trichiasis management services; and reductions in incidence due to lower active trachoma prevalence.
Sequencing of two mitochondrial genomes of endangered form of the Sevan trout Salmo ischchan aestivalis

Abstract The two complete mitochondrial genomes of endangered form of the Sevan trout Salmo ischchan aestivalis are published in this paper. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is 16,677 base pairs (bp) in length and contained 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, and 22 tRNA genes. The overall base composition of the genome in descending order was 29.4% – C, 27.9% – A, 26.0% – T, 16.7% – G, without a significant AT bias of 53.9%.