Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Climate change, agriculture and food security issues: Malaysian perspective

Climate change is a complex environmental problem that is adversely affecting the different sectors of the economy in both developed and developing world. Malaysia is experiencing rapid changes in climate factors over the past few decades. The mean surface temperature for Malaysia increased with the ranges from 0.6°C to 1.2°C during the period of 40 years (1969-2009). It was projected that the surface temperature would increase from 1.5°C to 2.0°C by 2050. Rainfall and river flows are projected to experience greater fluctuations. Changes in climate factors are likely to affect adversely the agriculture production and consequently food security of the country. This paper aims to focus on the potential threats and effects of climate change on agriculture and food security in Malaysia. The paper reviews currently available information on climate change, agriculture and food security issues in Malaysia. Available literatures demonstrate the potential threat of climate change to the production of grains and export earnings from industrial products. It was reported that changes in climate factors could decrease yields of rice, the main staple food in Malaysia, from 13% to 80%. On the other hand, production of industrial crops, particularly oil palm, rubber and cocoa would decline with a range of 10-30% due to negative impacts of climate variability. Moreover, population of the country is expected to increase in the next few decades which will cause increased domestic demand of food. The country would require to increase significantly the production of food commodities in order to meet increased domestic demand of food. However, it is unlikely that a significant increase in food production will be achieved in the short to medium term due to the limited resources in agriculture sector. This might cause the risk of food crises and consequently threaten food security in the country. Therefore, urgent action is very much needed to preserve agriculture sector and sustain production of food in the face of inevitable climate change.
Identification of novel regulatory mechanisms involved in plant-herbivore interactions in Nicotiana attenuata

The jasmonate signaling is one of the most studied hormone signaling pathways in plants that mediate important physiological processes. When plants are attacked by herbivores, they induce the biosynthesis of huge pools of jasmonic acid (JA) and the biologically active (+)-7-iso-jasmonoyl-L-isoleucine (JA-Ile). JA-Ile is perceived by the receptor complex (SCFCOI1) and facilitates degradation of the repressors of the jasmonate signaling and activation of MYC2 transcription factors (TFs). MYC TFs, then, orchestrate downstream jasmonate responses. Few hours after the initial attack, the levels of JA and JA-Ile wanes to the basal level; however, no mechanism has been identified so far that attenuates defense responses by hydrolysis of JA-Ile. Due of the cost of defense responses, plants regulate the duration and amount of responses. Here, we report two novel regulatory mechanisms that regulate herbivore-induced plant defense responses in N. attenuata. The first regulatory mechanism involves a hydrolase we identified (Jasmonoyl-L-isoleucine hydrolase 1, JIH1) in N. attenuata. JIH1 hydrolyses JA-Ile and attenuates the JA-Ile burst in planta; in a manner that mirrors the in vitro hydrolytic activity of heterologously expressed JIH. When JIH1 was silenced by inverted-repeat silencing, the transformed plants (irJIH1 plants) accumulated significantly more JA-Ile and direct/indirect defenses. The performances of a specialist (Manduca sexta) and generalist (Spodoptera littoralis) herbivores were significantly lower on irJIH1 plants compared to wild type plants. Our data signify the importance of this regulatory mechanism in plant defense regulation.
Effect of arachidonic and other fatty acids on the intracellular calcium concentration and calcium signaling in peritoneal macrophages

Effects of arachidonic and other fatty acids on the intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in rat peritoneal macrophages was investigated. It has been shown that cis-polyunsaturated arachidonic and linoleic induce a significant and dose-dependent increase in [Ca2+]i, which is due to depletion of thapsigargin-sensitive Ca2+ store and to stimulation of Ca2+ entry from the extracellular medium. Pharmacological characteristics of Ca2+ entry induced by arachidonic acid appeared to be similar to those of store-dependent Ca2+ entry activated by thapsigargin or cyclopiazonic acid; Ca2+ entry is attenuated by the same Ca2+ channel inhibitors, by tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein and epoxygenase inhibitor proadifen. Cis-monounsaturated oleic and saturated myristic acids appeared to be less effective and induced only a slight increase in [Ca2+]i at much higher concentrations. Arachidonic and other fatty acids can also stimulate Ca(2+)-ATPase in the macrophage plasma membrane. The data are compatible with the important role played by arachidonic and other free fatty acids in the regulation of [Ca2+]i in peritoneal macrophages.
The role of physical damage in g mortality regime of a neotropical rain forest

Agents of physical damage are important potential causes of seedling mortality in a Costa Rican rain forest. We used monthly censuses of inert seedling models to evaluate community-level rates of physical damage. In 1 yr 82% of the artificial seedlings were knocked over, flattened, or uprooted. Litterfall and vertebrate activity contributed almost equally to the damage in cases where the agent was identified (49% of cases). The high measured rates of litterfall damage (19% yr-1) coincided with seedling mortality data from three species in this forest. Soil disturbance by vertebrates was also important; in 1 yr, 15% of the seedling models were damaged by vertebrate digging. Trampling flattened 3%, and 2% were uprooted or bitten into pieces by vertebrates. Higher rates of vertebrate damage in the first 2 mo suggest a novelty response. Spatial variation in physical damage was indicated by significantly different rates in the two study sites. Temporal variation in damage rates (litterfall and unknown cause) was related to rainfall. Repetition of this assay in other forests will enable community-level comparisons of the potential role of physical damage in seedling mortality.
Physiological and molecular correlates of age-related changes in the human beta-adrenergic receptor system.

: Aging decreases hormone responsiveness in several receptor systems. In this article I consider both physiological and biochemical studies supporting the hypothesis that beta-adrenergic receptor responsiveness is reduced with aging in humans. Reduced chronotropic and vasodilator responses to the beta-receptor agonists isoproterenol and metaproterenol have been demonstrated. In human leukocytes a reduction in adenylate cyclase (EC 4.6.1.1) activity occurs with aging. More recently it has been suggested that this reduction in beta-adrenergic responsiveness with aging may be caused by an uncoupling of the beta receptor from the catalytic component.
Improving the estimate of forest biomass carbon storage by combining two forest inventory systems

ABSTRACT Quantifying forest carbon storage and its spatial distribution at regional scales is critical for the creation of greenhouse gases inventories, the evaluation of forest services and carbon-oriented forest management. The plot-based forest inventory (PBFI) and stand-based forest inventory (SBFI) collect extensive information on trees and stands respectively, and together, provide an opportunity to improve the regional estimates of forest carbon. In this study, we applied the SBFI to overcome the spatial extent limits of the PBFI in neighboring plots and improve the regional carbon estimation. We found that the forests in Sichuan Province reserved a total of 624.2 Tg C in biomass and featured a large spatial heterogeneity, with high values in natural forests and low values in plantations. We found that the solo use of PBFI derived a slightly higher (46.63 Mg C/ha) estimation on average compared with the integrated method (43.6 Mg C/ha). However, when considering the spatial distribution, the PBFI generated an overestimation of young forests located between 3000and 4000 m in elevation, and an underestimation in mature forests. The spatially explicit biomass carbon estimation could be helpful in guiding regional forest management and biodiversity conservation.
A once in 10 year drought alters the magnitude and quality of a floodplain prey subsidy to coastal river fishes

Disturbances that alter cross-habitat food web linkages can lead to whole-scale changes to aquatic systems. In coastal rivers of the Everglades (Florida, U.S.A.), increases in rainfall inundate adjacent floodplains, providing habitat for floodplain fish and macroinvertebrate species. In the dry season, rainfall decreases and floodplains dry, forcing floodplain prey into these river systems. These prey provide a prey subsidy for an estuarine predator, the common snook (Centropomus undecimalis). In 2011, severe drought impacted the region, likely affecting this prey subsidy. In this study, we ask (i) did the 2011 drought affect the magnitude and composition of floodplain prey subsidies to the common snook? and (ii) if species composition changed, were there energetic differences between the pre- and post-disturbance prey species? Results showed that 1 year after the drought, subsidies to the common snook decreased by 75%. On top of that decrease in overall flux, diet composition of the common snook switched.
Stability of Corn (Zea mays)-Velvetleaf (Abutilon theophrasti) Interference Relationships

The crop-weed interference relationship is a critical component of bioeconomic weed management models. Multi-year field experiments were conducted at five locations to determine the stability of corn-velvetleaf interference relationships across years and locations. Two coefficients (I and A) of a hyperbolic equation were estimated for each data set using nonlinear regression procedures. The I and A coefficients represent percent corn yield loss as velvetleaf density approaches zero, and maximum percent corn yield loss, respectively. The coefficient I was stable across years at two locations, but varied across years at one location. The coefficient A did not vary across years within locations. Both coefficients, however, varied among locations. Results do not support the use of common coefficient estimates for all locations within a region.
The response of amphibian larvae to environmental change is both consistent and variable

Many environments are undergoing rapid environmental change and there is a need to understand the mechanisms by which species can persist in altered environments. Model systems, such as amphibian metamorphosis, which can be generalized across many types of environmental change and across many species, are a powerful tool for understanding mechanisms that facilitate persistence in altered and disturbed environments. Amphibian larvae respond to environmental change by varying age at metamorphosis, or size at metamorphosis. Differential selection pressures on age or size at metamorphosis may result in a differential response among taxa to environmental change. Using a meta-analysis, we investigated whether age at metamorphosis, size at metamorphosis, and larval growth rate vary within and among taxonomic families of amphibians in experiments that modified the environmental temperature, density of individuals, food, hydroperiod and the presence of predators. For all environmental factors except predators, the direction of the response was consistent across most of the studied taxa. However, there was considerable variation in effect size both within and among families. Results demonstrate that amphibian metamorphosis is a valuable model system for studying the effects of environmental change. Yet, we stress the need for caution in making generalizations about how individuals respond to environmental factors that have an indirect effect on physiology and require the perception of an environmental cue, such as the presence of predators.
Production and in vitro manipulation of oncogenic animal papillomaviruses

Papillomaviruses are a diverse group of small, non-enveloped, double stranded DNA viruses that cause proliferations of the stratified squamous epithelium of the skin and mucosa in a wide variety of vertebrate hosts. Papillomaviruses play an important role in human cancer development, and have been isolated from a number of animal malignancies. This project focuses on the recently described ovine papillomavirus OaPV3, a virus associated with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in sheep. Like all papillomaviruses, OaPV3 is characterised by the inability to productively infect replicating cells in culture, this hampering studies on infection, biological cycle, and isolation. Therefore, we generated OaPV3-based non-infectious virus-like particles (VLPs) through expression of the viral L1 major capsid protein in insect cells, using recombinant baculoviruses. Also, infectious OaPV3 pseudovirions (PsVs) have been produced, that can transduce reporter genes in 293TT cells. VLPs were used to develop an ELISA test for measuring the presence of antibodies in immunized and naturally infected sheep, as well as to produce sera and monoclonal antibodies useful for detecting OaPV antigens in direct diagnosis and as specific assay controls. OaPV3 pseudovirions were also produced and used in infection and neutralisation assays with sera and monoclonal antibodies raised against VLPs, to investigate the potential of OaPV3 virus-like particles as vaccines candidates.
Immunocytologic detection of material related to various vertebrate peptides in the nerve ring of the snail (Helix aspersa Müller)

: The immunocytological method applied to the brain of the snail (Helix aspersa Muller) reveals positive antigenic sites with several antibodies raised against vertebrate peptides: somatostatin, ACTH-17-39, beta-MSH, beta-endorphin, methionine-enkephalin. The distribution of the positive structures (perikarya, fibers) in the ganglia, in the commissure or in the cerebral vessels is given and the presence of these substances is discussed.
Restoration of the forest herbaceous layer: Genetic differentiation, phenotypic plasticity, and opportunities for conservation and nursery professionals

The forest herbaceous layer provides important ecosystem services, but land use changes have led to a decline in native herbaceous perennial species in the Midwest, including Iowa. Restoration focused on the herbaceous layer is uncommon, and best practices have not been established. Significant debate has developed over appropriate plant sources for restoration: geographically distant populations of the same species are often genetically distinct, and this phenomenon may affect restoration success. In the first part of this study, I examined genetic variability and phenotypic plasticity of local and nonlocal populations of six herbaceous perennial understory species. I used a common garden study to test for genetic variation in vegetative and reproductive traits and a field study to test for phenotypic plasticity. I detected genetic differences between local and nonlocal populations for about half of the measured traits, and observed that few trait differences in greenhouse trials were also consistently expressed by plants in the field due to phenotypic plasticity. In the second component of this study, I examined the recommendation to practitioners to use local ecotypes in restoration. I surveyed two stakeholder groups, conservation professionals and nursery professionals, to learn if there were differences between the two groups in terms of perception, use, or sale of native and local ecotype plant material. I found that 78% of conservation professionals use native plants for a majority of their restoration projects, while only 9% of nursery professionals sell a majority of native plants. There was also a time lag between demand and supply for these plants: 67% of conservation professionals have been buying native plants for >10 years, while only 25% of nursery professionals have been selling native plants for that long. Although conservation professionals indicated interest in using local
Selenium and vitamin E diet inclusion for optimal reproduction performances of red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa)

Abstract To date there is little knowledge regarding the requirements of Se and vitamin E of red-legged partridges (Alectoris rufa). For this reason, in the present study four different Se and vitamin E diet inclusions have been tested. A total of 360 parents were used and randomly divided into four groups; diets were supplemented with 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 mg/kg of Se and Se to vitamin E ratio was kept approximately constant in all groups. The effects of the diets on parents’ reproduction performances and on embryos visceral organs were investigated. The best laying rate was reached with 0.4 mg/kg Se diet supplementation while the best hatching rate was reached with 0.3 mg/kg (p < 0.05). The relative weight of duodenum, jejunum and ileum in embryo was higher (p < 0.05) in the groups fed 0.4 and 0.5 mg/kg Se compared to the other groups. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were also observed for jejunum and ileum length as animals were fed the highest Se to vitamin E ratios. The number and height of villi and goblet cells density of jejunum were higher (p < 0.05) in the groups fed 0.4 and 0.5 mg/kg of Se than in the group fed 0.2 mg/kg. Epithelial buds density in the Bursa of Fabricius of embryos was significantly higher (p < 0.05) for 0.4 and 0.5 mg/kg Se supplemented groups than in the others. In conclusion our results suggest that 0.4 mg/kg of selenium and 100 mg/kg vitamin E should be included in the parents’ diet in order to optimise red-legged partridges performances.
Building agricultural networks of farmers and scientists via mobile phones: case study of banana disease surveillance in Uganda

ABSTRACT An important challenge threatening agriculture in Africa is the difficulty in collecting timely data on disease spread and effectiveness of on-farm control methods. This study served as a case study for assessing the viability of a participatory GIS (Geographic Information System) to enable a plant diagnostics network with fieldworkers. The use of mobile phone applications and a centralized database were integrated to provide a blueprint for how a range of agriculture-focused field organizations can collect data, explain events, predict outcomes and adapt and refine strategies with more accurate, cost-efficient and timely information. Over the course of 2 months, 38 Community Knowledge Workers (CKWs) using mobile phones, MTN Mobile Internet and GPS devices collected 3018 surveys documenting the presence/absence of three banana diseases: Banana Xanthomonas Wilt (BXW), Fusarium Wilt (FW) and Banana Bunchy Top disease (BBTD) in Bushenyi and Mbale districts in Uganda. Costs were saved by only mobilizing CKWs who then trained the communities on methods of banana disease detection, preventative measures and disease control procedures; only when doubts over identification or control occurred did the IITA and NARO technical team then prioritize visits. Although the CKWs provided an efficient and cost-effective information channel that can be leveraged to integrate the efforts of scientists with the needs of rural communities, there were significant gaps in prior farmer knowledge on the three targeted diseases, including how to identify or control them, despite extensive awareness campaigns preceding this initiative. Factsheets used for reference following training greatly improved CKW prior knowledge of disease recognition and control methods; hence, 90% of the surveys conducted during the second month met the data quality standards based on survey completeness, GPS accuracy and quality of symptomatic plant photos. There was significant and consistent demand by farmers for CKW services throughout the pilot period. In-depth training and continuous support of CKWs is thus essential. The technology infrastructure is scalable, and further integration of technology components promises a customizable web-based tool for data collection, GIS analysis, information dissemination and management of agriculture extension operations.
Correlation of multidrug resistance and plasmid profile in extended spectrum beta lactamase producing Escherichia coli isolated from patients suspected of urinary tract infection.

Aims: To determine the prevalence of extended spectrum beta lactamase producing Escherichia coli (ESBL E. coli ) strains among the total isolates and study the association between the antibiotic resistance and plasmid profiles of the isolates. Methodology: A total of 1258 urine samples were collected. Identification of Bacterial isolates was done using standard biochemical tests, antibiotic susceptibility pattern was determined using the Kirby - Bauer’s disk diffusion method and confirmation of the ESBL E. coli was done following CLSI guidelines. Isolation of Plasmid DNA of ESBL positive strains was done by alkaline lysis method. Results: Out of 303 isolates, 198 were E. coli . The isolates were tested for antibiotic sensitivity, MDR, ESBL and plasmid profiles. 59.09% of the E. coli isolates exhibited multi-drug resistance. 41(58.57%) isolates single plasmid while other had multiple plasmids with different size ranged from 1 kb to 10 kb. Conclusions: High prevalence of ESBL E. coli was found with good association between the antibiotic resistance and plasmid profiles of the isolates.
STUDY OF OXIDATIVE STRESS PARAMETERS IN TYPE-II DIABETES MELLITUS AND THEIR CORRELATION WITH BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVEL -

Objective: Increasing evidence has underlined the importance of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of type-II diabetes mellitus and its contribution to the associated complications. However the correlation between oxidative stress parameters and blood glucose levels is not clearly understood. Method: Present study was done to evaluate the oxidative stress parameters in patients with type-II diabetes mellitus and to check the correlation, if any, between these parameters and blood glucose. Plasma malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase levels were measured in thirty type-II diabetes mellitus and thirty normotensive subjects. Fasting and post-prandial blood glucose correlation was analyzed by Pearson’s correlation. Result: Enhanced oxidative stress was observed in type-II diabetes mellitus subjects as denoted by raised plasma malondialdehyde levels and reduced superoxide dismutase levels. Conclusion: Plasma malondialdehyde correlated positively whereas superoxide dismutase showed negative correlation with blood glucose in type-II diabetes mellitus subjects. No significant correlation was observed between these parameters and blood glucose levels in normotensive controls.