Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen and sulfur uptake and remobilisation in canola genotypes with varied N- and S-use efficiency differ at vegetative and maturity stages

Eight canola genotypes chosen from a preliminary screening study with either high or low nitrogen (N) and/or sulfur (S) efficiency indices were tested for consistency in S and/or N efficiency between vegetative stage and maturity. Soil labelling was used to assess 15N/N or 34S/S uptake, and a leaf feeding–labelling technique was used to study transport and remobilisation of N and S. Plants were grown under glasshouse conditions using deficient or adequate N and/or S supply. Nitrogen and S uptake in plants was assessed using the following criteria: growth, N and/or S concentration, and 15N and/or 34S atom excess in above-ground plant parts. Transport and remobilisation of N and S were assessed via the same assessment criteria in plants at 2 days (1st harvest) and 6 days (2nd harvest) after commencement of leaf-labelling. Genotype Wesway was more efficient than Westar in taking up N during the vegetative stage as well as in remobilising N from leaves, stems, and siliques to seeds at maturity. Genotype Surpass 402 CL appeared to be more efficient than Karoo in taking up S during the vegetative stage and particularly during the maturity stage, but was less efficient than Karoo in remobilising S from leaves and stems to siliques and seeds at maturity. Soil and leaf labelling techniques using 15N and 34S appeared to be useful tools for studying uptake, transport, and remobilisation of N and S during the vegetative and maturity stages in canola genotypes differing in N- or S-use efficiency.
Assessing the Fossil Record of Asterids in the Context of Our Current Phylogenetic Framework1

Abstract The fossil record provides good evidence for the minimum ages of important events in the diversification and geographic spread of Asteridae, with earliest examples extending back to the Turonian stage of the Late Cretaceous (~89 million years ago [Ma]). Some of the fossil identifications accepted in previous considerations of asterid phylogeny do not stand up to careful scrutiny. Nevertheless, among major clades of asterids, there is good evidence for a range of useful anchor points. Here, we provide a synopsis of fossil occurrences that we consider reliable representatives of modern asterid families and genera. In addition, we provide new examples documented by fossil-dispersed pollen investigated by both LM and SEM studies including representatives of Loranthaceae, Amaranthaceae, Cornaceae (including Nyssa L., Mastixia Blume, Diplopanax Hand.-Mazz.), Sapotaceae, Ebenaceae, Ericaceae, Icacinaceae, Oleaceae, Asteraceae, Araliaceae, Adoxaceae, and Caprifoliaceae from Paleogene sites in Greenland, western North America, and central Europe, and of Lamiaceae and Asteraceae from the Middle to Late Miocene in northeastern China. We emphasize that dispersed pollen, taken along with megafossil and mesofossil data, continue to fill gaps in our knowledge of the paleobotanical record.
Induced resistance by Myzus persicae in the peach cultivar ‘Rubira’

The effect of a previous infestation by the green peach aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) on the settling behaviour and reproduction of the same aphid species was investigated in the resistant peach cultivar Rubira, and compared with that observed in the susceptible control cultivar GF305. A previous infestation of 48 h triggered induced resistance in Rubira. There were significantly fewer aphids settling on preinfested than on uninfested plants, indicating an increased rejection of Rubira as a host plant. The level of induced resistance in preinfested plants was positively related to the duration of the first infestation. In GF305, previous infestation had no detrimental effect on aphid settlement and even slightly enhanced larviposition by adult females. The aphid probing behaviour after a 48‐h preinfestation was also monitored for 8 h with the electrical peneration graph (EPG) technique. On preinfested GF305, most EPG parameters indicated an enhanced host plant acceptance. On preinfested GF305, aphids produced less sieve element salivation and more continuous sap ingestion than on uninfested GF305, indicating that the previous aphids provoked changes in plant properties beneficial to the test aphids. In Rubira, a major induced factor of resistance was thought to be expressed in the sieve element as phloem sap ingestion was 4‐fold shorter on preinfested than on uninfested plants. The time taken by the aphid stylets to reach a sieve element was also significantly increased on preinfested Rubira, suggesting the induction of resistance factors outside the phloem. The originality of the Rubira/M. persicae interaction is discussed in the perspective of a better understanding of plant induced responses to aphids.
Hepatic oxidative stress, DNA damage and apoptosis in adult zebrafish following sub‐chronic exposure to BDE‐47 and BDE‐153

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are ubiquitous and prolific contaminant in both the abiotic and biotic environment because of the wide industrial applications of these chemicals. In the present study, the effects of 2,2′,4,4′‐tetrabrominateddiphenyl ether (BDE‐47) and 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′‐hexabromodiphenyl ether (BDE‐153) exposure on the induction of hepatic oxidative stress, DNA damage, and the expression of apoptosis‐related genes in adult zebrafish were investigated. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase and superoxide dimutase, significantly increased when adult zebrafish was exposed to various concentrations of BDE‐47 and BDE‐153 for 7 and 15 days. BDE‐47 and BDE‐153 elicited significant alterations in zebrafish 7‐Ethoxyresorufin‐O‐deethylase activity at 3, 7, or 15 days of exposure. In addition, the significant increase in comet assay parameters of zebrafish hepatocytes in a concentration‐dependent manner indicated BDE‐47 and BDE‐153 induced DNA damage, probably due to observed oxidative stress. Furthermore, a monotonically upregulation of p53 and Caspase3, which are apoptotic‐regulated genes, and decreased expression ratio of the anti‐apoptotic B‐cell lymphoma/leukaemia‐2 and Bcl2‐associated X protein genes for all BDE‐47 and BDE‐153 treatments at 7 and 15 days indicated apoptosis induction in zebrafish liver. Our findings help elucidate the mechanisms of BDE‐47‐ and BDE‐153‐induced toxicity in zebrafish hepatocytes.
Ecotourism in an Educational Context: Promoting Learning Opportunities Through Travel

Tourism is a strong and reliable motor of growth in the global economy. International tourist arrivals exceeded one billion during 2012, accounting for 1 in 11 jobs and generating over US$1 trillion in receipts worldwide (WTO 2013). Geographically speaking, Europe continues to dominate the global market, accounting for around 52% of international tourist arrivals, but 2012 saw Chinese visitors accounting for the single biggest tourism expenditure for the first time, with spending increasing from US$13 billion in 2000 to US$102 billion in 2012. Perhaps most significantly, tourism has displayed remarkable resilience in the wake of recent financial crises, with consistent annual growth in total arrivals and total spend in the order of 3-4% since 2000. However, any expansion of economic activity cannot avoid incurring costs of one form or another and the adverse impacts of tourism on the natural environment and host communities have been extensively documented in the academic literature (e.g. Hall and Lew 2009; Mason 2008). The growth of ecotourism, with its emphasis on delivering environmentally sustainable forms of tourism that involve minimal ecological and socio-cultural impacts, is of significance as this represents one of the fastest growing sectors within the tourism industry. Recent estimates indicate that ecotourism could account for 25% of the global tourism market by 2012 (Shum 2010). The most commonly cited definition of ecotourism is ‘responsible travel to natural areas which conserves the environment and sustains the well-being of local people’ (TIES 2012). However, one of the key issues which clouds debate over ecotourism involves its range of definitions, which inevitably facilitates mismanagement of ecotourist activities and, as a consequence, engenders doubt within academic and policy circles as to its capacity to fulfil its promises (Lawrence, Wickens, and Phillips 1997). This partly reflects
Fetal safety of nicotine replacement therapy in pregnancy: systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Smoking in pregnancy causes substantial avoidable harm to mothers and offspring; nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) may prevent this and is used to help women quit. A recently updated Cochrane review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating impacts of NRT in pregnancy focuses primarily on efficacy data but also reports adverse impacts from NRT. Here we identify and summarise NRT impacts on adverse pregnancy outcomes reported in non-randomised controlled trials (non-RCTs). METHODS Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs and non-RCT studies of NRT in pregnancy, with design-specific risk of bias assessment and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) criteria applied to selected outcomes. FINDINGS Relevant Cochrane review findings are reported alongside those from this new review. Seven RCTs were included; N=2340. Nine meta-analyses were performed; non-statistically significant estimates indicated potentially reduced risk from NRT compared with smoking for mean birth weight, low birth weight, preterm birth, intensive care admissions, neonatal death, congenital anomalies and caesarean section and potentially increased risks for miscarriage and stillbirth. GRADE assessment for mean birthweight and miscarriage outcomes indicated 'low' confidence in findings. Twenty-three non-RCTs were included; N=931163. 11 large studies from 5 routine healthcare cohorts reported clinical outcomes; 12 small studies investigated mainly physiological outcomes within in-patient women given NRT. Findings from meta-analyses for congenital anomalies, stillbirth and preterm birth were underpowered and not in a consistent direction; GRADE assessment of confidence in findings was 'very low'. Routine healthcare studies were higher quality, but implications of reported findings were unclear as there was inadequate measurement and reporting of women's smoking. CONCLUSIONS Available evidence from randomised controlled trials and non-randomised comparative studies does not currently provide clear evidence as to whether maternal use of nicotine replacement therapy during pregnancy is harmful to the fetus.
The spectrin-based membrane skeleton is asymmetric and remodels during neural development in C. elegans

ABSTRACT Perturbation of spectrin-based membrane mechanics causes hereditary elliptocytosis and spinocerebellar ataxia, but the underlying cellular basis of pathogenesis remains unclear. Here, we introduced conserved disease-associated spectrin mutations into the Caenorhabditis elegans genome and studied the contribution of spectrin to neuronal migration and dendrite formation in developing larvae. The loss of spectrin resulted in ectopic actin polymerization outside of the existing front and secondary membrane protrusions, leading to defective neuronal positioning and dendrite morphology in adult animals. Spectrin accumulated in the lateral region and rear of migrating neuroblasts and redistributes from the soma into the newly formed dendrites, indicating that the spectrin-based membrane skeleton is asymmetric and remodels to regulate actin assembly and cell shape during development. We affinity-purified spectrin from C. elegans and showed that its binding partner ankyrin functions with spectrin. Asymmetry and remodeling of the membrane skeleton might enable spatiotemporal modulation of membrane mechanics for distinct developmental events. Highlighted Article: Asymmetry and remodeling of the membrane skeleton might enable spatiotemporal modulation of membrane mechanics during distinct developmental events. C. elegans spectrin binds to ankyrin, and these proteins function to regulate neural development.
Evaluation of sex‐related hormones and semen characteristics in reproductive‐aged male COVID‐19 patients

In the past several months, the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2)‐associated infection (coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID‐19]) developed rapidly and has turned into a global pandemic. Although SARS‐CoV‐2 mainly attacks respiratory systems, manifestations of multiple organs have been observed. A great concern was raised about whether COVID‐19 may affect male reproductive functions. In this study, we collected semen specimens from 12 male COVID‐19 patients for virus detection and semen characteristics analysis. No SARS‐CoV‐2 was found in semen specimens. Eight out of 12 patients had normal semen quality. We also compared the sex‐related hormone levels between 119 reproductive‐aged men with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and 273 age‐matched control men. A higher serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and a lower ratio of testosterone (T) to LH were observed in the COVID‐19 group. Multiple regression analysis indicated that serum T: LH ratio was negatively associated with white blood cell counts and C‐reactive protein levels in COVID‐19 patients. It's the first report about semen assessment and sex‐hormone evaluation in reproductive‐aged male COVID‐19 patients. Although further study is needed to clarify the reasons and underlying mechanisms, our study presents an abnormal sex hormone secretion among COVID‐19 patients, suggesting that attention should be paid to reproductive function evaluation in the follow‐up.
Bioquímica sanguínea y concentración plasmática de corticosterona en pollo de engorde bajo estrés calórico

High ambient temperatures cause susceptibility to heat stress in broiler chickens, generating metabolic changes. This paper seeks to determine the changes in blood biochemistry and plasma corticosterone concentration, as well as in glucose, total protein, albumin, globulin, sodium, chlorine, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and calcium in broiler chickens under chronic heat stress and at ambient temperature conditions at the Colombian Amazonian piedmont. 21-days-old male chickens of two lines were studied, distributed in an unrestricted random design, in a two-factor scheme, with four treatments. Five repetitions per treatment were performed, and 25 animals per experimental unit examined. Broilers were fed a basic diet of corn and soybean meal with 3,100 kcal ME and 19.5% protein until they reached 42 days of age. The line factor had no effect on the evaluated variables (p ≥ 0.05). However, there was statistically significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) in all variables when concentrations of metabolites in broilers under chronic heat stress were compared to those of chickens exposed to ambient temperatures at the Colombian Amazon piedmont. In conclusion, blood biochemistry suffered significant changes under both experimental temperatures, with more physiological detriment in broilers under chronic heat stress. Concentration of corticosterone became the most sensitive and consistent indicator of the physiological condition of chronic heat stress.
The Compound Eyes of Mantis Shrimps (Crustacea, Hoplocarida, Stomatopoda). II. Colour Pigments in the Eyes of Stomatopod Crustaceans: Polychromatic Vision by Serial and Lateral Filtering

The stomatopod eye is divided into three distinct regions, two peripheral \`hemispheres' and a dividing mid-band. Each of these areas has a separate function and it is the six rows of ommatidia in the mid-band which are the main subject of study here. Rows one to four of the mid-band are probably not sensitive to polarized light (paper I (Phil. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. B 334, 33-56 (1991))) and instead possess many structural features which suggest that they are concerned with colour analysis and perhaps colour vision. This, the second of two consecutive papers, examines these adaptations in detail. They include brightly coloured intrarhabdomal filters, apparent lateral filters and a photoreceptor tiering system unique to the crustacea. Cronin & Marshall (J. comp. Physiol. 166, 261-275 (1989b)) have shown that mid-band rows one to four contains at least eight distinct visual pigments. These, in combination with the structures described here, allow the spectrum of light available to stomatopods to be sampled over a broad spectral range by receptors with narrowly tuned sensitivities. It is the photostable screening and filtering pigments, rather than the visual pigments, which are examined in detail in this paper. These have been divided into two categories: (i) the \`standard' retinal pigments: those that are often found in other crustacean eyes; (ii) the `unusual' retinal pigments: some of these are unique to stomatopod eyes and may be involved in colour vision.
Effects of Selection for High Body Weight and Age of Hen on Egg Characteristics in Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

The present study was conductud on qualis ( Coturnix coturnix japonica) to evaluate the effects of line and age of bird on egg characteristics. Total ninety Japanese quail from unselected (C) and selected (S) for high 4-week body weight for five generations were used. All birds were weighed individually at 10, 14 and 18-week of age and egg characteristics were obtained on all eggs collected during these weeks. The results showed that egg weight was increased by selection for high 4-week body weight and egg weight differences between the lines was due to increases in yolk and albumen weight of egg. However there were no difference in percentages of albumen, yolk and egg shell between S and C lines. Egg productions of two lines were similar. While increasing flock age, egg weight was increased, egg shell thickness was decreased, haugh unit and shape index were not changed. Consequently, composition of egg was changed by age of bird. In early stage of egg production yolk percentage was lower, albumen percentage was high in S line than C line, but later stage of production these differences between the lines were disappeared.
A Relationship Between Coccidiosis and Vitamin A Nutrition in Chickens

Abstract LIMITED experimental evidence and field observations with chickens indicate that a possible relationship may exist between the requirement for vitamin A or carotene in the diet, and coccidiosis. Jungherr (1945) noted a relatively high association between the occurrence of A hypovitaminosis and cecal coccidiosis. However, he indicated that the association may have been coincidental. Taylor et al. (1946) also found that when the conditions were favorable for the development of cecal coccidiosis that the severity of the disease was enhanced in chickens receiving less than the minimum requirement of vitamin A. Davies (1952)) noted that chickens suffering from natural infections of coccidiosis had lower storages of vitamin A per gram of liver than normal chickens fed the same diet. It has also been shown by Murphy el al. (1938) that the provision of adequate amounts of cod liver oil accelerated recovery from coccidiosis. While this beneficial effect may have been due to the vitamin A content of this ingredient, the effects of vitamin D or other substances in the oil were not excluded. Schoop et al. (1954) reported …
Rubrobacter xylanophilus sp. nov., a New Thermophilic Species Isolated from a Thermally Polluted Effluent

One strain of a thermophilic, slightly halotolerant bacterium was isolated from a thermally polluted industrial runoff near Salisbury, United Kingdom. This organism, strain PRD-1T (T = type strain), for which we propose the name Rubrobacter xylanophilus sp. nov., produces short gram-positive rods and coccoid cells and forms pink colonies. The optimum growth temperature is approximately 60°C. Unusual internal branched-chain fatty acids (namely, 12-methylhexadecanoic acid and 14-methyloctadecanoic acid) make up the major acyl chains of the lipids. The results of our 16S rRNA sequence comparisons showed that strain PRD-1T is related to Rubrobacter radiotolerans and that these two organisms form a deep evolutionary line of descent within the gram-positive Bacteria.
Antimicrobial Resistance and Other Related Virulence Factors in Staphylococcus Spp isolated from Food, Environmental and Humans in Italy

We investigated the presence of antibiotic-resistances and others important virulence factors in coagulase negative and positive staphylococci, isolated from several sources (food, environmental and clinical). Thirty-four staphylococci were isolated and identified (28 coagulase-positive were identified as Staphylococcus aureus, 6 remaining Coagulase Negative Staphylococci were identified as 3 S. epidermidis, 2 S. warneri, 1 S. hycus). All the strains were analyzed both with phenotypic and genotypic assays in order to evaluate the virulence factors and the susceptibility against antibiotics and to correlate them to the sources of isolation. Results showed that isn't a direct correlation between features researched and isolation, and the different virulence factors are as widespread as antibiotic-resistance. The isolation from food of a strain of Staphylococcus aureus with a high methicillin resistance was very interesting. 15 of the 34 strains were found to possess multi-drug resistance and in 7 cases with Minimum Inhibitory Concentration(MIC) really very high; also in this case there is no distinction between the coagulase-positive and coagulase-negative staphylococci and their origin of isolation.
Status of entomopathogenic nematode research in Iran

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) in the genera Steinernema and Heterorhabditis are excellent candidates for biological control of insect pests. Attributes making the nematodes as ideal biological include their broad host range, high virulence, safety for nontarget organisms and high efficacy in favourable habitat. Identification and characterization of EPNs in Iran was started since 2000. Several species of Steinernema and Heterorhabditis were isolated. Species from Steinernema are Steinernema carpocapsae, Steinernema feltiae, Steinernema glaseri, Steinernema monticolum and Steinernema bicornutum. From Heterorhabditis genus, only Heterorhabditis bacteriophora has been identified so far. Based on few studies, phylogenetic position of native EPNs species/isolates was investigated. In addition to EPNs, their symbiotic bacteria are identified and characterizied. In laboratory, infectivity of several isolates of EPNs assayed against different soil inhabiting pests. This accompanied by field evaluation of few numbers. Many indigenous EPNs were used in laboratory and field trials to evaluate their potential in control some economically important insect pests of crop, fruit and forest trees. Those insect hosts were Polyphylla olivieri (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Lepidoptera: Thaumetopoeidae), Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Coleoptera : Chrysomelidae) and Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera :Pyralidae). Increasing information about EPNs potential will provide suitable biopesticides for using pest management programs.