Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effects of antibiotic, probiotic, organic acid, vitamin C, and Echinacea purpurea extract on performance, carcass characteristics, blood chemistry, microbiota, and immunity of broiler chickens

&NA; The present context investigated the comparative study on the supplementation of antibiotic, probiotic, organic acid, vitamin C, and herbal extract after vaccination into drinking water and their effects on performance, carcass quality, blood biochemical parameters, immune system, and intestinal flora in broiler chicks for 42 days. A total of 420 one‐day‐old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly assigned into 7 treatments with 3 replicates (pens) per treatment and 20 male chicks for each replicate (pen). The experimental treatments consisted of drinking water (control, without additive); drinking water + antibiotic sulfamet; drinking water + C‐Vet‐50; drinking water + antibiotic sulfamet + C‐Vet‐50; drinking water + probiotic Primalac; drinking water + butyric acid; and drinking water + extract of Echinacea purpurea Moench (coneflower). There were no differences observed among the treatments for feed intake, but during the whole experimental period, the highest body weight gain was found in the chicks fed with drinking water + antibiotic sulfamet + 50 cc vitamin C (P < 0.05). There were no differences (P > 0.05) observed among the treatments for feed conversion ratio (P > 0.05). Moreover, there were no differences reported among treatments for carcass characteristics at the end of the experiment. Among the treatments, drinking water + 50 cc vitamin C, and drinking water + extract of E. purpurea reduced (P < 0.05) the levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, and low‐density lipoproteins. Drinking water + 50 cc vitamin C, drinking water + Primalac, and drinking water + extract of E. purpurea increased (P < 0.05) the lymphocytes count and decreased the heterophils count and heterophil:lymphocyte ratio. The highest Escherichia coli count and lowest Lactobacillus count in ileal content of the broilers were observed in the control group (P < 0.05). The additives used in this study may be incorporated in the drinking water of broiler chickens as growth promoters and for improved performance. A further, wider supplementation study is required to understand the performance, immune system, variation in the intestinal microbial counts, and any other possible alteration in the intestinal biota of the broilers.
Egg Viability as a Determinant of Clutch Size in Birds: A Basic Analysis

Many hypotheses address the determinants of clutch size in birds. One of the more recent is the egg viability hypothesis, which holds that a drop in egg viability with days left unincubated acts to limit clutch size, especially in tropical birds. We provide a basic theoretical analysis of this hypothesis in the form of a simulation model that considers different types of reproductive mortality and the role of multiple breeding attempts per season. We consider both biologically plausible and implausible scenarios to illustrate key points. In its simplest form, assuming a limit to seasonal egg production and the absence of predation on parent or nest, a drop in egg viability favours the allocation of eggs into the smallest clutches that allow eggs to be laid over multiple nesting attempts. This allocation maximises overall egg viability (or minimises egg mortality). Drops in egg viability also lead to smaller clutches when no egg limitation is assumed, as long as multiple nesting attempts are possible. A drop in egg viability alone does not favour small clutches when only a single nesting attempt is possible. The possibility of nest predation renders clutch sizes sensitive to egg viability decreases over time, and generally acts to limit clutch sizes still further. However, steep drops in the viability of unincubated eggs can render clutch size insensitive to changes in the risk of predation to parent or nest. Similarly, a high risk of nest predation renders clutch size insensitive to changes in egg viability.
Acari Spinturnicidae from Australia and New Guinea

Adclitional material, inclucling many new host-records, is cletailecl for all ro species of Spinturnix . Meristaspis and Ancystropus known from Australia and New Guinea. Two new species (S. eptesici from Eptesicus pumilus and S. loricata from Minioptents schweibersii) are clescribecl from Australia. Rhinolophoid bats are confirmecl as the normal hosts for Eyndhovenia and Paraperiglisch1 tts, the former being recorclecl from Australia for the first time. Natural keys to genera and species are offerecl, based on extencled notes on comparative morphology. Two genera (Paraspinturnix and Oncoscelus) and ten specifie names (ahi, antipodiamts, dttsbabeki, hardyi, indicus, lavellanus, nakatae, philippinensis, queensland- ic zts, and ntdnicki) are newly synonymized.
Health Benefits of Grapes Polyphenols

Diet based therapies and other regimens from fruits are being used to recover from health disorders since centuries. Grape ( Vitis vinifera L.) is not only used for nutritional purposes, but also for exclusive therapeutics, owing to its antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory perspective. Grapes are non-climacteric fruits and grown on the deciduous and perennial woody vines. Grapes are abundant in polyphenols, which are known for numerous biological activities and health-promoting benefits. Resveratrol, a phytoalexin antioxidant produced when plants are exposed to various abiotic and biotic stresses. Red grapes and its juices and wine are the major source of dietary resveratrol in humans and have both chemo-preventive and therapeutic properties against various ailments. Therefore have numerous implications for human health. Grape has been useful for reducing the extent of diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders and digestive problems. This review elaborates the health claims of various chemical components of grapes and their functional roles, with special reference to antioxidant potential, immune-nutrition, anticancer perspectives and cardiovascular cure.
Indigenous bacteria enhance growth and modify essential oil content in Leptospermum scoparium (mānuka)

ABSTRACT Leptospermum scoparium J.R. Forst. et G.Forst. var. scoparium (Myrtaceae), or mānuka, is a New Zealand medicinal plant that yields essential oils with varying triketones concentrations. The effects of mānuka-associated bacteria, isolated from plants growing in five regions, on growth and essential oil composition of one regional variety, were investigated for the first time. Leaf essential oil compositions and yields were determined by microscale solvent extraction and GC-MS analyses. Erwinia sp. T4MS11P and Pseudomonas sp. M3R43 increased growth compared to control plants. Plants inoculated with Erwinia sp. T4MS11P had similar concentrations of triketone grandiflorone as control plants, whereas plants inoculated with Pseudomonas sp. M3R43 had lower grandiflorone concentrations. In contrast, inoculation with a bacterial consortium isolated from the West Coast did not increase plant growth, but gave higher grandiflorone concentrations (> 160%) compared to control plants. The different treatments showed some effects on qualitative oil composition, but these were not significantly different between regional chemotypes. Overall, the results demonstrated that bacteria increased the growth of mānuka and grandiflorone concentrations in leaves. These effects would be valuable in commercial essential oil production from plantation-grown mānuka.
Wetland Restoration, Flood Pulsing, and Disturbance Dynamics

RESTORATION AND DISTURBANCE: BACKGROUND. Disturbance Dynamics in Wetlands. DISTURBANCE DYNAMICS AND LIFE HISTORY STRATEGIES IN WETLANDS. Restoration Theory. From Seed to Adult: Missing Links in Restoration. RESTORING DISTURBANCE DYNAMICS IN WETLANDS. Restoration and Disturbance Dynamics in Restored Landscapes. Revegetation Alternatives. Case Histories. Glossary. References. Appendices. Index.
Gradual changes of benthic biodiversity in Comau fjord, Chilean Patagonia - Lateral observations over a decade of taxonomic research

Due to its huge extension and inaccessibility Chilean Patagonia for the longest time has been seen as a pristine region with never ending marine resources. But as a byproduct of the inaccessibility its ecosystems are still poorly known. During the last two decades, the aquaculture industry brought an unparalleled economic development to the area and the number of small-scale fishermen who go for pelagic and demersal fish and shellfish multiplied. Since 2003, we have been studying the benthic biodiversity of the Comau Fjord, Northern Patagonia. We have compared benthic photos that show large, long-living species down to 40 m depth on a key study site, which were taken in 2003 and again in 2013. Additionally we compared the decapod fauna which was inventoried in 2005/2006 and again in 2011. The analysis of photographs taken during the last ten years of taxonomic studies demonstrated an important decline in abundance in megabenthic species, throughout several taxa.
Effects of genes increasing the number of spikelets per panicle, TAW1 and APO1, on yield and yield-related traits in rice

Abstract The genes TAWAWA1 (TAW1) and ABERRANT PANICLE ORGANIZATION1 (APO1) increase the number of spikelets per panicle (SN). In the present study, we examined the effects of these genes on morphological traits, yield, and yield-related traits including yield components using the near-isogenic lines (NILs) in the genetic background of a japonica rice variety, Koshihikari – NIL-taw1, NIL-apo1-D3, and NIL-apo1-D4 – in a field experiment. The SN and total number of spikelets per area of the three NILs were larger than those of Koshihikari. However, the yield of the three NILs did not exceed that of Koshihikari due to their low filling ability. Interestingly, our field experiments indicated that TAW1 did not affect the diameter of internodes and the PN, whereas APO1 decreased the PN and increased the diameter of internodes. These results suggest that TAW1 and APO1 differently affect yield-related traits.
Seasonal Movements and Multiscale Habitat Selection of Whooping Crane (Grus americana) in Natural and Agricultural Wetlands

Abstract Eleven of 15 species of cranes (family: Gruidae) are considered vulnerable or endangered, and the increase of agriculture and aquaculture at the expense of natural wetlands and grasslands is a threat to Gruidae worldwide. A reintroduced population of Whooping Crane (Grus americana) was studied in coastal and agricultural wetlands of Louisiana and Texas, USA. The objectives were to compare Whooping Crane movements across seasons, quantify multiscale habitat selection, and identify seasonal shifts in selection. Whooping Cranes (n = 53) were tracked with satellite transmitters to estimate seasonal core-use areas (50% home range contours) via Brownian bridge movement models and assess habitat selection. Whooping Crane core-use areas (n = 283) ranged from 4.7 to 438.0 km2, and habitat selection changed seasonally as shallow water availability varied. Whooping Crane core-use areas were composed of more fresh marsh in spring/summer, but shifted towards rice and crawfish (Procambarus spp.) aquaculture in the fall/winter. Within core-use areas, aquaculture was most strongly selected, particularly in fall when fresh marsh became unsuitable. Overall, the shifting of Whooping Crane habitat selection over seasons is likely to require large, heterogeneous areas. Whooping Crane use of agricultural and natural wetlands may depend on spatio-temporal dynamics of water depth.
Blood sampling does not negatively affect apparent survival, recapture probability, or within-season site fidelity in Field Sparrows (Spizella pusilla)

ABSTRACT Recent evidence suggests that blood sampling may negatively affect avian survival, which runs counter to the prevailing assumption that blood sampling, if performed properly, has little effect on survival in birds. Here, we take advantage of a long-term dataset (1986–2009) documenting the breeding biology of a population of Field Sparrows (Spizella pusilla) in northeastern Pennsylvania, USA, to assess the influence of blood sampling on sparrow survival. This study included 2 periods when blood sampling was not performed, interspersed with a period when blood was sampled. We examined the potential influence of blood sampling on annual apparent survival using Cormack-Jolly-Seber models in Program MARK. We also examined the influence of blood sampling on within-season site fidelity, as determined by whether birds remained on territory following collection of a blood sample. Our results suggest that apparent survival was actually higher for both sampled males and females in comparison to individuals captured during the same time interval but not sampled for blood. Further, apparent survival varied considerably over the years of the study (ranging from 0.27 to 0.59 in males and from 0.17 to 0.45 in females), and males consistently exhibited higher apparent survival than females. Finally, our results suggest that either (1) sampled birds had higher within-season site fidelity (males) or (2) blood sampling did not affect site fidelity (females). Blood sampling in our population of Field Sparrows did not appear to have any measurable short- or long-term effects on survival.
Untersuchungen zu Mechanismus und Intermediaten in der nicht-Häm Eisen-Oxidationskatalyse

Im Zuge dieser Arbeit wurde die Reaktivitat von nicht-Ham Eisen(II)-Komplexen mit Sauerstoffderivaten untersucht. Die behandelten Systeme sind in der Lage katalytisch Olefine zu oxidieren. Hierbei beobachtet man bei Zugabe von Wasserstoffperoxid sowohl eine cis-Dihydroxilierung als auch die Epoxidierung der eingesetzten Substrate. Ein grosser Schwerpunkt lag in der Charakterisierung von reaktiven Eisen-Sauerstoff Intermediaten, wie Eisen(III)alkylperoxo- und hochvalente Eisen(IV)oxo-Verbindungen.
MicroRNA perturbation of the MRN complex buffers DNA damage response from VEGF signaling

MicroRNAs contribute to biological robustness by buffering cellular processes from external perturbations. Here we report an unexpected link between DNA damage response and angiogenic signaling that is buffered by two distinct microRNAs. We demonstrate that genotoxic stress-induced miR-494 and miR-99b inhibit the DNA repair machinery by targeting the MRE11a-RAD50-NBN (MRN) complex. Functionally, miR-494 and miR-99b affect telomerase activity, activate p21 and Rb pathways and diminish angiogenic sprouting in vitro and in vivo. Genetic and pharmacological disruption of VEGFR-2 signaling and the MRN complex reveal a surprising co-dependency of these pathways in regulating endothelial senescence and proliferation. miR-99b diminishes VEGF signaling, transcriptional responses and proliferation. Disruption of the MRN complex induces CD44, a known driver of senescence and regulator of VEGF signaling. Our work identifies a putative miR-facilitated mechanism by which endothelial cells can be insulated against VEGF signaling to facilitate the onset of senescence.
Changes in the nature of environmental limitation in two forest herbs during two decades of forest succession

Questions The environmental legacies of past land use generally have an important impact on the establishment and persistence of forest understorey plant species in post-agricultural forests. Here we studied how the nature of such environmental limitation changes during the first decades of forest development. Location Deciduous forest ‘Muizenbos’, northern Belgium Methods Two forest herbs with comparable life-history traits, but contrasting rates of post-agricultural forest colonization (Primula elatior, Geum urbanum) were introduced eighteen years ago. Introduction sites were ancient or post-agricultural forest; seeds or adults were added to permanent plots where the understorey vegetation was initially cleared or left undisturbed. We measured chemical soil conditions and recorded the understorey plant community to characterize the sites. The effects of the treatments (land use, vegetation clearing) were tested on the present-day occurrence and abundance of the introduced species across the plots. We also quantified whether the temporal changes in the total number of individuals per site was different between the two land-use types and consistent within land-use types. Results Land use had an important effect on soil and vegetation. In post-agricultural forest, the phosphorus availabilities were many times higher, the plant community diversity was lower and the competitive species were significantly more abundant compared with ancient forest. The present-day abundance of P. elatior was significantly higher in the ancient forest sites, both for planted and seeded plots, while for G. urbanum land use had no effect. The initial vegetation clearing had a persistent effect on the establishment success of both species. The eighteen-year-long time series showed consistent changes in the total population sizes in ancient forest: P. elatior has been expanding and G. urbanum initially increased and then declined over the past decade. In post-agricultural forest, temporal patterns were more divergent and partly related to differences in dominant tree species: differences in acidification rates and changes in insolation caused by canopy dieback have put the populations on new and unforeseen trajectories. Conclusions The longer the experiment is running, the more the individual sites show separate dynamics. In general, we showed that environmental limitation affects plant colonization at least during the first two decades of secondary forest succession, but also that as the post-agricultural forests develop, the nature of environmental limitation changes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Complete mitochondrial genome of the freshwater fish, Carassioides acuminatus (Cypriniformes, cyprinidae)

Abstract In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of Carassioides acuminatus was first sequenced and annotated. The entire mitogenome is 16,579bp in length, which consists of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and a control region (D-loop). The overall nucleotide composition of the C. acuminatus mitochondrial genome shows an obvious anti-G bias. The accuracy of the fresh sequences was verified by phylogenetic analysis. The complete mitochondrial genome of C. acuminatus is useful to population genetics and molecular systematics.
Research progress on DNA methylation in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignant tumor with high incidence and morbidity worldwide. The pathogenesis and progression of HCC are closely related to abnormal epigenetic regulation of hepatocytes. DNA methylation is an important regulatory mechanism in epigenetics which has been deeply and widely investigated. Along with the development of high-throughput sequencing techniques, including high-throughput gene chip analysis and next generation sequencing, great progress was achieved toward the understanding of the epigenetic regulation of HCC. In this article we will systematically summarize the current and emerging research on DNA methylation in HCC.
Zooplanctons et Macroinvertébrés aquatiques : vers un assemblage de bioindicateurs pour un meilleur monitoring des écosystèmes aquatiques en région tropicale

The main objective of this synthesis is the state of knowledge, potential, inadequacies and interest of assembling two bioindicators, specifically zooplankton organisms and aquatic macroinvertebrates. The analysis of published articles, master theses, doctoral theses, technical information documents, manuals and identification guides and other documents relating to the study of the two groups of organisms in the tropical region was made. According to this analysis, aquatic zooplankton and macroinvertebrate organisms are extremely diverse and have potential sentinel species (pollu-sensitive and pollu-tolerant). These two groups of biondicators, by their diversity of taxonomic and functional forms, their variable life span, their wide distribution in running water and their different trophic positions, are complementary and thus constitute excellent tools for assessing the state of Health of hydrosystems. Their association would make it possible to account for the perfect state of health on all the sectors of the aquatic ecosystems. This article gives an overview of what is known about commonly used bioindicators, reveals some shortcomings of the work carried out and finally proposes guidelines for future studies.
Effect of the essential oils of Thymus vulgaris, Cinnamomum zeylanicum and Mentha piperita on fungal growth and morphology

This study aimed to evaluate the antifungal activity of essential oils of Thymus vulgaris L. , Cinnamomum zeylanicum B. and Mentha piperita L. on some saprophytic fungi. Essential oils were extracted by hydro-distillation, and chemical composition was analysed by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). T. vulgaris had as major components, Thymol (35.12%), p-cymene (25.36%) and γ–terpinene (12.48%). E-B-Caryophyllane (21.82%), E-Cinnamaldehyde (13.03%) and eugenol (12.15%) were primary in C. zeylanicum. Menthol (33.59%), menthone (18.47%) and α-pinene (8.21%) were primary in M. piperita. Applying the micro-atmospheric method, essential oils were tested against Rhizopus oryzae Went & Prins, Rhizopus stolonifer Ehrenb, Aspergillus tamarii Taka, Aspergillus parasiticus Speare, Aspergillus flavus Link and Talaromyces purpureogenus purpureogenum. The minimum inhibitory concentrations were 3 to 8, 5 to 16 and 13 to 23 μL/75mL air space for T. vulgaris, C. zeylanicum and M. piperita, respectively. Means of percentage inhibition were compared through one-way ANOVA by the Tukey test. Scanning electron microscopy revealed fungal cell wall deformation after exposure to essential oil vapour. These essential oils can be exploited as alternatives to synthetic food preservatives. Key words: Essential oil, Aspergillus, Rhizopus, Talaromyces, fungal morphology, food preservation.
Synthesis of fatty acid ethyl esters with conventional and microwave heating systems using the free lipase B from Candida antarctica

Abstract Free Candida antarctica lipase B (Lipozyme, CALB L®) was used to produce fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) from refined soybean oil in solvent-free media using the conventional (CHS) and microwave (MHS) heating systems. Statistical analyses (95% confidence level) for both reaction products, FAEE and free fatty acids (FFA), were performed. An increase in ethanol:oil molar ratio decreased the catalytic performance of CALB L (p < .05). The best conditions using the microwave radiation were a molar ratio of ethanol:oil of 3:1, a water content of 20.3 wt. % and an enzyme loading of 3 wt. % and this resulted in a total ester content of 64.7% in 15 min, while the same condition using the conventional heating gave only 21.4%. Moreover, the reaction equilibrium was reached 16 times faster with microwave than with conventional heating. High ethanol:oil molar ratios had a negative effect on FAEE synthesis with both CHS and MHS, probably due to the partial inactivation of the enzymes. MHS improved the reaction performance of CALB L, but other process parameters will have to be optimized to enhance the resulting FAEE yields. The recovery and reuse of CALB L using a MHS was demonstrated. Hence, the use of microwave radiation under the conditions applied in this study was not detrimental to the catalytic performance of CALB L for at least one reuse. Graphical Abstract