Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessing the conservation value of secondary savanna for large mammals in the Brazilian Cerrado

Debate about the conservation value of secondary habitats has tended to focus on tropical forests, increasingly recognizing the role of secondary forests for biodiversity conservation. However, there remains a lack of information about the conservation value of secondary savannas. Here, we conducted a camera trap survey to assess the effect of secondary vegetation on large mammals in a Brazilian Cerrado protected area, using a single‐season occupancy framework to investigate the response of individual species (species‐level models) and of all species combined (community‐level models). In addition, we investigated the cost effectiveness of different sampling designs to monitor globally threatened species in the study area. At the community level, savanna that regenerated from eucalyptus plantation had similar occupancy estimate as old growth areas. At the species level, none of the ten species individually assessed seemed to respond to succession stage, with greater support for the effect of other covariates on occupancy, such as distance from water and vegetation physiognomy. These results demonstrate that secondary vegetation does not appear to negatively impact large mammals in the study area and suggest that, given a favorable context, Cerrado mammals can recolonize and use secondary savannas that regenerated from clearcut. However, our study area should be considered a best‐case scenario, as it retained key ecological attributes of high‐value secondary habitats. Our simulations showed that a sampling design with 60 camera trap sites surveyed during nine occasions is appropriate to monitor most globally threatened species in the study area, and could be a useful starting point for new monitoring initiatives in other Cerrado areas.
Molecular mechanisms of radial axonal growth: insights from analysis of neurofilament gene-targeted mice

Maturation of the peripheral nervous system requires establishment of axonal diameter which has a significant influence on the rate of signal propagation along the axon. Expansion of axonal diameter is referred to as radial growth and is dependent upon both myelination and neurofilaments. Neurofilaments (NFs) are the most abundantly expressed cytoskeletal proteins in myelinated axons and consist of neurofilament light (NF-L), medium (NF-M), and heavy (NF-H) subunits. NF-M and NF-H were hypothesized to regulate axonal diameter through myelin-dependent phosphorylation of lysine-serine-proline (KSP) repeats. Gene deletion of NF-L suggested that NF-L is required for assembly of NF subunits into mature NFs. NF-H gene deletion resulted in small reductions in axonal diameter suggesting that NF-H was dispensable for radial axonal growth. Gene deletion of NF-M and its carboxy terminus (C-terminus) resulted in substantial reductions in axonal diameter and reduced nerve conduction velocity. However, prevention of NF-M KSP phosphorylation did not
Consequências da aquisição da resistência à natamicina em espécies de Candida

Natamycin is a antifungal compound used in the food industry because it is safe for consumption and has no effect on quality of foods. Recently a concern has arisen over its additive use in beverages and yogurts since natamycin could exert selective pressure and trigger the development of polyene resistance in vivo in the commensal microbiota of host. In view of this uncertainty, we address the possible development of resistance against the natamycin. A selection of 17 isolates of Candida spp. was subjected to increasing concentrations of natamycin for prolonged time. The natamycin-exposure caused an increase of M.I. C. in 14 out of 17 tested isolates and the development of natamycin resistance was evidenced in 5 of these 14 isolates. Sixteen isolates showed increased of M.I. C to amphotericin B and 4 of these isolates showed resistance to amphotericin B. The biofilm forming capacity of the isolates also was performed and 3 isolates presented increasing the capacity to form biofilms after induction of natamycin resistance. It was possible to show that acquired natamycin resistance was increased in isolates that showed low susceptibility before natamycin exposure. In view of the aforementioned results, the importance of the monitoring of natamycin in food is highlighted, since its residual levels in high concentrations may exert a selective pressure on Candida species constituting the gastrointestinal human commensal microbiota, in relation to its virulence and resistance. 1 Master of Science Thesis in Agricultural and Environmental Microbiology – Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. (69 p.) march, 2017.
Effects of group size and starvation on survival of the Asian subterranean termite Coptotermes gestroi (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Coptotermes gestroi forages on wooden structures and causes substantial damage in urban areas of Brazil. The survival of foragers may be influenced by either group size or caste composition. It was hypothesised that workers survive at higher rates in larger groups and consequently exhibit higher rates of food consumption and that soldiers represent a nutritional resource for foragers during starvation periods. To test the first hypothesis, groups of 100, 200 and 400 workers were placed in experimental arenas containing wood as food. After 28 days, the units were evaluated and the number of living termites and wood consumption were estimated and compared. An analysis of the data found that there were no significant differences within the group sizes on termite survival but that relative wood consumption was significantly higher in the smaller groups. To test the second hypothesis, groups containing workers and soldiers (9:1 ratio) or only workers were placed in experimental arenas with food present or absent. Survival for each caste was monitored at 3 day intervals over 9 days to estimate the cannibalism rate. Cannibalism was significantly higher in the starved groups, but the presence of soldiers did not influence the rate of cannibalism. Colony fragmentation and starvation are stressful conditions that lead foragers of C. gestroi to adaptive behaviours in order to enhance their survival.
Growth and nodulation response of six indigenous trees and two shrubby legumes to phosphorus and nitrogen fertilizers in two soils of Ghana

Fast growth and high N2-fixation make multipurpose trees attractive in agroforestry. We assessed the effects of N and P fertilizer application on nodulation and growth of Millita thonningii native to West Africa and compared its attributes with five known multipurpose leguminous trees Acacia auriculiformis, A. mangium, Albizia lebbeck, Albizia zygia, Leucaena leucocephala, and two shrubby legumes, Cajanus cajan and Crotalaria ochroleuca in Hatso and Toje soils.They all were nodulated without inoculation, with nodulation being higher in Toje soil. Up to 90 kg P ha -1 enhanced nodulation and growth, but further increase to 120 kg P ha -1 caused from 53% to 600% reduction in nodules on M. thonningii and A. zygia , respectively and significant reduction in tree growth. Nitrogen fertilization decreased nodulation in the tree legumes more in the two shrubs and also more when the N fertilizer was combined with 90 kg P ha-1. M. thonningii had highest yield in both un-amended and amended soils, almost 3 and 7 times more than the lowest, A. zygia , in the un-amended Toje and Hatso soils, respectively. M. thonningii used less P for growth, on average 22 and 18 mg P g -1 dry matter in the Toje and Hatso soils, compared to 50 and 39 mg P g -1 for the six trees. Thus M. thonningii with its high yield, nodulation and P use efficiency has great potential in agroforestry.
Neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin, an early biomarker for diagnosis of acute kidney injury after percutaneous coronary intervention

Abstract Objectives This study was designed to find the reliability of serum NGAL as an early and better diagnostic biomarker than that of serum creatinine for acute kidney injury after percutaneous coronary intervention in Pakistani population. Materials and methods One hundred and fifty-one patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention were included and demographic data were recorded. Blood was drawn by venipuncture in clot activator vacutainers and serum was separated and stored at 4°C. Sample was drawn before the percutaneous procedure and subsequently sampling was done serially for 5 days. Results The mean±SD serum NGAL pre-PCI (39.92± 10.35 μg/L) and 4 h post-PCI (100.42±26.07 μg/L) showed highly significant difference (p<0.001). The mean±SD serum creatinine pre-PCI (70.1±11.8 μmol/L) and post-PCI (71.2±11.6 μmol/L) showed significant difference (p=0.005) on day 2 onwards but mean microalbumin showed insignificant results (p=0.533). The serum NGAL predicted CI-AKI with sensitivity of 95.8% and specificity of 97.6% for a cut off value of 118 μg/L. Conclusion Our results suggest that NGAL is an excellent early diagnostic biomarker for acute kidney injury in patients undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention.
APLICAÇÃO DA METODOLOGIA DE SUPERFÍCIE DE RESPOSTA NA OTIMIZAÇÃO DA MISTURA DE ANTIOXIDANTES COM EFEITO SOBRE A ESTABILIDADE LIPÍDICA DO OVO ATOMIZADO

O ovo por ser um alimento rico em colesterol e lipidios, torna-se susceptivel a oxidacao, principalmente quando submetido a processos que envolvem altas temperaturas, como e o caso da atomizacao. A prevencao ou reducao da oxidacao lipidica do ovo e possivel pelo uso de antioxidantes. Os objetivos deste trabalho foram: a) Verificar por meio de teste de concentracao de antioxidantes, a estabilidade lipidica do ovo integral pasteurizado atomizado adicionado da mistura de extrato de alecrim, extrato de cha verde e BHA (AO); e b) Otimizar a concentracao da mistura de AO adicionada ao ovo liquido integral pasteurizado, posteriormente atomizado, pelo modelo matematico proposto pela Metodologia de Superficie de Resposta (RSM). Foram ensaiadas dez misturas de antioxidantes no ovo integral pasteurizado atomizado (OIPA) e refletiu na sua estabilidade oxidativa lipidica, verificada pelas TBARS (substâncias reativas ao acido tiobarbiturico), CATL (capacidade antioxidante total da fracao lipidica), CT-F (capacidade redutora pelo reativo de Folin – Ciocalteau), AGL (acidos graxos livres) e AS-233 (substâncias absorvidas a 233nm). Os resultados mostraram que a RSM foi adequada para descrever a formacao dos AGL e AS-233 no OIPA, podendo estas ultimas serem usadas para fins preditivos. A otimizacao da mistura de antioxidantes baseou-se no modelo matematico obtido com as AS-233, onde foi proposto como sistema antioxidante 150ppm de BHA, 600ppm de alecrim e 300ppm de cha verde. A RSM foi determinante para se constatar com precisao aceitavel a influencia das diferentes concentracoes dos antioxidantes adicionados ao ovo para manter sua estabilidade lipidica
Oryctonema pentodonis sp. n. (Rhabditidae) from the genital system of Pentodon punctatus Vill. (Scarabaeidae: Coleoptera) in Italy

The genus Oryctonema was erected for the rather unusual species genitalis Poinar (1970) which lives in the bursa copulatrix and aedaegus of tropical dynostid beetles. A closely related nematode was discovered in the genital system of the beetle, Pentodon punctatus in Italy. Both species of nematodes resemble each other in general morphology and habitat, however there are several basic morphological characters that separate them. The nematode from P. punctatus is described in the present study as a new species in the genus Oryctonema. In so doing, the original description of the genus has been revised. The larvae of the host, P. punctatus often cause damage while feeding on the roots of young grape plants. It has not been determined whether the nematode has a detrimental effect on its host.
Testing baits prepared from by‐product of the shrimp and snow crab industry in the pot fishery for Gadus morhua (Linnaeus, 1758) and Pollachius virens (Linnaeus, 1758)

Summary In a study between October and November 2015 in northern Norway, bait prepared from the by-product of the shrimp and snow crab industry was employed in the pot fishery to capture cod and saithe. Frozen natural herring was used as control bait. Pots with the three bait types were placed 1,000 m apart in order to eliminate the risk of interaction between the different baits. In total 11 sampling periods were conducted. There were no significant differences in catch rates between the different baits tested on cod and saithe. The manufactured bait tested in this study showed a continuous release of odours over a 14-day period. Results show that the water content of the bait increases rapidly in the first phase of the immersion (until day 7), and the corresponding loss of bait mass (dry weight) suggest some physical disintegration (erosion) of the bait until the water content stabilizes. This study illustrates that it is possible to replace natural herring with hydrolysates from by-products from shrimp or snow crab industry in the Norwegian pot fishery of cod and saithe.
The comparison of the lactation and milk yield and composition of selected breeds of sheep and goats

Abstract The objective of this study was to characterize the milk yield (MY) and milk composition of relevant sheep and goat breeds raised around the world to be used with nutrition models for diet formulation and nutrient balancing. A 2-step approach was used. First, a database developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization was used to identify relevant breeds (i.e., frequently raised) by comparing the occurrence of transboundary breed names across countries. We selected transboundary breeds that occurred more than 3 times and other relevant breeds obtained from the specialized literature that had milk production information (e.g., MY, days in milk, and milk fat, protein, and lactose). The majority of sheep breeds were classified as nondairy (76%) because they lacked milk production information. Karakul and Merino accounted for up to 2.4% of sheep breeds raised around the world, whereas the other individual breeds accounted for less than 1%. In contrast, nondairy breeds of goats accounted for 46.3% and of the remaining 53.7%, Saanen, Boer, Anglo-Nubian, Toggenburg, and Alpine accounted for 6.5, 5, 4.4, 4, and 3%, respectively, of the transboundary breeds. Second, a database compiled from published studies for the selected sheep (n = 65) and goats (n = 78) breeds were analyzed using a random coefficients model (studies and treatments within studies as random effects). For sheep breeds, the average and SD were 1.1 ± 0.3 kg/d for MY, 6.9 ± 1% for milk fat, 5.4 ± 0.4% for milk protein, 5 ± 0.3% for milk lactose, 17.7 ± 1.4% for milk total solids, and 1,073 ± 91 kcal/kg of milk energy. Lacaune had the greatest MY compared to Comisana and Tsigai (1.65 versus 0.83 and 0.62 kg/d; respectively, P < 0.05), but milk components were not different among breeds. For goats breeds, the average and SD across breeds were 1.7 ± 0.6 kg/d for MY, 4.2 ± 0.9% for milk fat, 3.3 ± 0.4% for milk protein, 4.4 ± 0.4% for milk lactose, 12.7 ± 1.1% for milk total solids, and 750 ± 75 kcal/kg of milk energy. Alpine had similar MY to Saanen (2.66 versus 2.55 kg/d, respectively; P > 0.05), but greater (P < 0.05) than other breeds. The Boer breed had the greatest milk fat, protein, lactose, and total solids than several other breeds, leading to the greatest milk energy content (907 kcal/kg). Because there are many factors that can alter MY and milk composition, averages provided in this study serve as guidelines, and nutritionists must obtain observed values when using nutrition models.
Integrated management reduces Globodera rostochiensis abundance and enhances nematode community composition

ABSTRACT The potato cyst nematode is a major threat to potato production worldwide. In the highlands of Veracruz State, Mexico, potato cultivation has been the main economic activity during the last seven decades, and it is severely affected by the high abundance of Globodera rostochiensis. In this study, the field efficacy of chemical nematicides, nematophagous fungi, crop rotation and the combination of the latter two strategies were assessed on G. rostochiensis abundance while also considering their effects on the free-living nematode community. Integrated management combining the use of nematophagous fungi and crop rotation was the most effective strategy for decreasing the abundance of G. rostochiensis (up to 13%). Additionally, high diversity, low disturbance, and a slightly higher structure were observed in the nematode community in the integrated management treatment. Although nematophagous fungi and crop rotation separately were less effective in reducing G. rostochiensis abundance (41% and 23%, respectively), the free-living nematode community was not drastically affected. Chemical control was not only less effective in reducing the abundance of G. rostochiensis (up to 37%) but also affected the free-living nematode community to a greater extent. Our results suggest integrated management not only reduces G. rostochiensis abundance but also enhances free-living nematode community.
Taxonomic reassessment of Clevosaurus latidens Fraser, 1993 (Lepidosauria, Rhynchocephalia) and rhynchocephalian Phylogeny based on Parsimony and Bayesian inference

Abstract. The Late Triassic rhynchocephalian Clevosaurus latidens Fraser, 1993 is known from the fissure deposits of Cromhall Quarry, England. Many studies have questioned its referral to the genus Clevosaurus Swinton, 1939 and some phylogenetic analyses suggest a close relationship with herbivorous rhynchocephalians. We re-examine the type specimens and referred material of C. latidens to elucidate its taxonomic identity. Additionally, we provide new phylogenetic analyses of the Rhynchocephalia using both parsimony and Bayesian approaches. Our taxonomic review and both phylogenetic analyses reveal that C. latidens is not referable to Clevosaurus, but represents a new genus. We reassess C. latidens and provide an amended diagnosis for Fraserosphenodon new genus. Both parsimony and Bayesian analyses recover similar topologies and we propose formal names for two higher clades within Rhynchocephalia: Eusphenodontia new infraorder and Neosphenodontia new clade.
PSEUDAMNICOLA SOLITARIA N. SP. A NEW PROSOBRANCH GASTROPOD FROM THE DEAD SEA AREA, ISRAEL

ABSTRACT A new species of Pseudamnicola (Hydrobiidae, Prosobranchia, Mollusca) is described from a few springs along the Dead Sea and Wadi Zin area, Israel. The genus Pseudamnicola has never before been collected from the Near East. Its inclusion in Pallary's list (1924), is based on mistaken identification. The nearest area in which it is known is some 1000 km north of the Dead Sea, in Turkey. The invasion of Pseudamnicola into Israel (probably through the Orontes and Jordan systems) took place during Pliocene times. Connections with the north were probably cut off during the middle Pleistocene, after which the local populations underwent extreme isolation and rapid speciation.
First occurrence of the genus Diclidurus Wied, 1820 (Emballonuridae: Emballonurinae) in central Brazil

The genus Diclidurus Wied, 1820 includes four species currently recognized, D. albus Wied, 1820, D. ingens Henandez-Camacho, 1955 , D. isabellus (Thomas, 1920), and D. scutatus Peters, 1869 (Jones and Hood 1993; Simmons 2005). Diclidurus inhabits moister areas from tropical and semidecidual forests from Mexico to southern Brazil (Eisenberg and Redford 1999, Peracchi et al. 2006
Tubulin involvement in Bortezomib peripheral neurotoxicity

Axonal transport of mitochondria (Mt) controlled by specialized motor and docking proteins that distribute Mt throughout the axon where they provide energy for metabolic and synaptic activity is a vulnerable target in neuronal pathology (1). Bortezomib (BZ) is a proteasome inhibitor active in multiple myeloma (2). One of its key toxicities is painful peripheral neuropathy (BIPN), which frequently requires treatment discontinuation (3). BIPN is dose-related and predominantly sensory, resulting from axonal degeneration. Recent results indicate that BZ modifies axonal tubulin dynamic and we hypothesize that BZ alters fast axonal transport. Here we studied using time-lapse imaging the effect of different BZ concentration on axonal Mt transport in isolated dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons from adult male mice. We used kymograph to quantify the total number of Mt and to discriminate antero and retrogradely moving Mt from stationary Mt. Twenty-four hours of BZ treatment (0.1 to 15 µM) induced a dose-dependent reduction in Mt trafficking. Moreover, BZ had no impact on MT motion directions, but it induced a progressive reduction of both anterograde and retrograde axonal transport velocities. These events were associated with increase in tubulin polymerization and of MAP2 expression, but they occurred only after 72h of chronic BZ treatment. We have developed an in vitro model of BIPN demonstrating that transport impairment is already present before evident tubulin polymerization, suggesting that transport deficit represents an early stage of axonal dysfunction. Perpetuated transport dysfunction could impair distal organelle supply and play a critical role in advanced stages of BIPN.This work was supported by the University of Milan-Bicocca and University of Michigan research grants
Neuropathic mutations in MORC2 perturb GHKL ATPase dimerization dynamics and epigenetic silencing by multiple structural mechanisms

Missense mutations in MORC2 cause neuropathies including spinal muscular atrophy and Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. We recently identified MORC2 as an effector of epigenetic silencing by the HUSH complex. Here we report the biochemical and cellular activities of MORC2 variants, alongside crystal structures of wild-type and neuropathic forms of a human MORC2 fragment comprising the GHKL-type ATPase module and CW-type zinc finger. This fragment dimerizes upon binding ATP and contains a hinged, functionally critical coiled coil insertion absent in other GHKL ATPases. We find that dimerization and DNA binding of the MORC2 ATPase module transduce HUSH-dependent silencing. Disease mutations change the dynamics of dimerization by distinct structural mechanisms: destabilizing the ATPase-CW module, trapping the ATP lid or perturbing the dimer interface. These defects lead to modulation of HUSH function, thus providing a molecular basis for understanding MORC2-associated neuropathies.
Construction of a potent strain ofBacillus thuringiensisagainst the cotton leaf wormSpodoptera littoralis

Zur Reduzierung des Aufwandes an Pestiziden im Baumwollanbau konnte die Herstellung virulenter Bakterienstamme gegen Insekten ein wirksames Mittel sein. Die Arbeit beschreibt die genetische Modifikation von Bacillus thuringiensis durch Implementierung des d-endotoxin Protein Gens cry1C. Das modifizierte Bakterium zeigt Wirksamkeit gegenuber Spodoptera littoralis.