Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of genotoxic and hepatotoxic effects of graphene oxide nanosheets in male albino mice

Graphene oxide Nano-sheets (GOs) have a wide range of industrial, biochemical and medical applications regarding their unique physical, chemical and biocompatibility properties. For assessment of toxicological potential of graphene oxide nanosheets ninety male mice were divided into six groups; the control and five treated groups: animals of the control group received an intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of 0.2 ml saline solution (0.9% NaCl) once weekly for eight weeks. The treated groups were received an i.p injection of 10, 50, 100, 250, and 500 µg GOs/kg body weight once weekly, for eight weeks. Animals of all groups were sacrificed after 7, 28, and 56-days post treatment. The present study was conducted to evaluate the genotoxic effects of GOs on mice liver cells using alkali comet assay. In addition, physiological investigations and description of hepatic histopathological alternations were carried out. Results revealed that GOs induced DNA damage (DNA fragmentation), represented in dose and time-dependent increase in % tail DNA migration, tail moment and comet tail length. As well as, a diminish in % head DNA in nuclei of liver of GOs-treated mice versus control groups. The effect of GOs on hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activities and glutathione (GSH) level indicated slight decrease at low doses (10 and 50 µg) at all time intervals of experimental period as compared to the control groups. The administration of high doses of GOs (100, 250, and 500 µg) indicated a significant diminish in SOD, CAT activities and decrease in GSH level; with subsequent elevation in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in liver as compared to control groups. Various hepatic histopathological alternations were dose and time dependent in GO-treated mice versus control. In conclusion, the induction of DNA fragmentation in liver denoting the genotoxicity of GOs in dose and time dependent manner. GOs had the ability for inducing various hepatic alternations in a dose and time dependent manner indicating cytotoxicity presumably by oxidative stress. Thus, GOs should be used under strict control and these serious side effects should be taken into consideration when used in vivo treatments.
Untersuchungen zur Gentechnologie und DNA-Reparatur in Pflanzen mithilfe der Cas9 Nickase

Ausgehend vom bakteriellen CRISPR/Cas System wurde ein Expressionsystem fur Cas9 Nukleasen und Nickasen in Pflanzen etabliert. Deep Sequencing und Quantifizierung homologer Rekombination zeigten hocheffiziente Induktion von Einzel- und Doppelstrangbruchen. Daruber hinaus wurden gepaarte Cas9 Nickasen zur gezielten, stabilen Mutagenese sowie zur Analyse komplexer Genomveranderungen eingesetzt.
Temperature-dependent parasitism and development in Aenasius arizonensis Girault (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a solitary endoparasitoid of Phenacoccus solenopsis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

ABSTRACT Ophmella communa (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is a biological control agent of Ambrosia artemisiifolia (Asterales: Asteraceae). To reveal its climate adaptation, the effect of temperature on life traits of Aenasius arizonensis, a parasitoid of Phenacoccus solenopsis was studied. The results showed that both the highest parasitism and emergence rates of A. arizonensis were observed at 31 °C. The parasitism and emergence rates of the parasitoid significantly increased with the increasing temperature from 19 °C to 31 °C, but dropped when the temperature exceeded 31 °C. Female ratio reached a higher value at 19, 22, 31, 34 or 37 °C. The minimum threshold temperatures for female and male parasitoids were 11.5 and 11.2 °C, respectively. The effective accumulative temperatures for the parasitoid to develop from eggs to both female and male adults were 222.2 day-degrees. Since the highest parasitism rate, the highest emergence rate and a higher female ratio were observed at 31 °C, we conclude that the optimum temperature for mass rearing of A. arizonensis is 31 °C in the insectary based on the results of our study.
Production and Characterization of Xylanase from Streptomyces sp. which is Isolated from Soil.

In this work, Streptomyces sp. , was isolated from soil, identified and optimized. Optimum conditions of Streptomyces sp. were determined and it is observed that maximum reproduction is achieved at 35 C, pH 7.0 and 52 hours. It was also revealed that the best conditions for producing xylanase was 35 C, pH 7.0 and 72 hours and the best enzyme activity was achieved at 40 °C and pH 7.0. The effect of metals on enzyme activity was investigated, and it was observed that enzyme activity was strongly inhibited by Zn , Hg 2+ and Fe . It was found that Triton X-100, one of the detergents was used, boosts activity, while other one, SDS, inhibits strongly and it is revealed that, enzyme activity remains stable for 1 hour at 35C, 40 C and 45C and also it is preserved 100% after 1 hour at pH 6.0 and pH 7.0.
Temporal consistency of individual trophic specialization in southern elephant seals Mirounga leonina

: Individual specialization can be an advantageous strategy that increases predation success and diminishes intra-population competition. However, trophic specialization can be a handicap in changing environments if the individuals are unable to use different prey or feeding grounds in response to change. Southern elephant seals Mirounga leonina allow us to explore this trade-off as they migrate, returning to haul out on land, for 2 extended periods, to breed and to moult. They fast during both periods, but the energetic cost is higher during the breeding season, leading to a poorer body condition after the breeding fast than after the moulting fast. We analysed the carbon ( δ 13 C) and nitrogen ( δ 15 N) isotopic composition of skin and fur samples from Falkland Islands elephant seals. The isotopic values provided information about the foraging strategy of the seals during the pre-breeding season and pre-moulting season, respectively. We assessed individual specialization as the variation between periods of an individual with respect to the variability of the whole population. The high specialization and the correlation between periods suggest that each animal feeds in a similar region and on similar prey during both feeding migra-tions. The comparison with data from other populations and particulate organic matter suggests that the Falkland Islands elephant seals fed both on the Patagonian Continental Shelf and in the Southern Ocean. The high specialization among individuals within this species could potentially limit the individual capacity of adaptation in the face of changing conditions or leave those abili-ties to the few generalist individuals.
Diversity and biological activity of nucleopolyhedroviruses of the leafworm Spodoptera litura

Increased resistance of emerging cotton leafworm Spodoptera litura in Pakistan and elsewhere to chemical insecticides calls for an alternative method of control. Isolates of nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPVs) of S. litura (SpltNPV) were collected from infected larvae in different ecological and geographic regions of Pakistan. The genotypic diversity of these SpltNPV isolates, their relation to geographical (spatial) distribution and cropping system, and their biological activity, in particular dose response, speed of kill and effects on feeding, were explored. The first Pakistani isolate, SpltNPV-Pak-BNG, was studied and compared to a presumable SpltNPV reference isolate, SpltNPV-G1. SpltNPV-Pak-BNG killed S. litura larvae significantly faster than SpltNPV-G1. Genetic analysis revealed that SpltNPV-Pak-BNG and SpltNPV-G1 are variants of different virus species, SpltNPV and SpliNPV, respectively. The biological activity of SpltNPV-Pak-BNG was determined in different instars larvae of S. litura showing that S. litura second or third instar larvae are preferred targets for S. litura control with SpltNPV-Pak-BNG in field crops. SpltNPV-Pak-BNG infected S. litura larvae with final polyhedrosis showed reduced food intake and weight gain. Interestingly, the mock-infected- larvae and the larvae that survived viral exposure, exhibited the same food consumption and weight gain. Twenty-two SpltNPV isolates were finally collected from S. litura from different agro-ecological regions and cropping systems in Pakistan to explore the genetic diversity of the virus on a spatial scale and explore its possible adaptation to region and crop systems. Among the SpltNPV-Pak isolates tested, isolates TAX1, SFD1, SFD2 and GRW1 were faster killing than other Pakistani isolates. All isolates were genotypic variants of a single SpltNPV ‘regiotype’, suggesting common recent ancestry, and distinct from the virus species type SpltNPV-G2. There was a strong correlation between geographic location and a SpltNPV genogroup, and less so between the latter and the cropping system. Sequence analysis of SpltNPV-Pak isolates BNG (slow virus) and TAX1 (fast virus) showed major differences, notably the absence of homologous repeat region 17 in TAX1 and gene 125 in BNG. There is strong purifying selection on gene 122, encoding a putative viral fibroblast growth factor known to be involved in baculovirus virulence. The results presented in this thesis considerably enhanced our understanding of the genetic and biological diversity of SpltNPVs in conjunction with their spatial distribution and the crop system involved. In addition, the results may be used to the develop SpltNPV as an eco-rational control agent of the leafworm S. litura in Pakistan.
A revision and phylogenetic analysis of the spider genus Coptoprepes Simon (Araneae: Anyphaenidae, Amaurobioidinae)

We review the spider genus Coptoprepes Simon, endemic of the southern forests in Chile and Argentina, and present a phylogenetic analysis of the 10 known species of the genus together with other 91 representatives of the family Anyphaenidae. Coptoprepes is confirmed as a member of the tribe Amaurobioidini. The sister group of Coptoptepes is the genus Negayan Ramirez. Both genera are united by having contiguous spermathecae and a notch retrolateral to the cymbial conductor, where the median apophysis fits. The synapomorphies of Coptoprepes (the tegulum being displaced basally, the copulatory openings on or close to the epigastric furrow, and the lacking of some leg macrosetae) are homoplasious in the tribe Amaurobioidini. Most intergeneric branches within the tribe, as well as between species of Coptoprepes have low support values in the cladogram. This is probably related to Coptoprepes species being heterogeneous in characters usually constant in spider genera, such as the presence of retrolateral tibial apophysis in the male palp, the copulatory ducts being wrapped along an axis, or the spherical shape of spermathecae. We describe six new species: Coptoprepes ecotono n. sp. , Coptoprepes bellavista n. sp. , Coptoprepes casablanca n. sp. , Coptoprepes contulmo n. sp. , Coptoprepes eden n. sp. , and Coptoprepes recinto n. sp. We provide additional records, illustrations, and reviewed diagnosis of the four previously known species: Coptoprepes flavopilosus Simon, Coptoprepes nahuelbuta Ramirez, Coptoprepes campanensis Ramirez, and Coptoprepes valdiviensis Ramirez.
Effects of bromeliad flowering event on the community structuring of aquatic insect larvae associated with phytotelmata of Aechmea distichantha Lem. (Bromeliaceae)

Aim: This study aimed to understand how aquatic insect larvae communities associated with bromeliad phytotelmata are affected by plant architecture, predators and resources (local factors), and by geographical distance (regional factors) in two different phenologycal phases. Bromeliad flowering results in plant structural changes, which favours insect dispersion. Considering that local and regional factors may affect the community of aquatic insect larvae, we expected that composition, Beta diversity and that the importance of those factors would differ in the vegetative growth and flowering phases. Methods: We performed six samplings of the bromeliad associated fauna in 2010, three during the first semester – vegetative growth phase - and three during the second semester - flowering phase. In each sampling, we sampled 12 plants along the rocky walls with similar location distribution, with a total of 72 bromeliads studied. Results: Although Beta diversity (PERMDISP) did not differ between vegetative growth and flowering, NMDS followed by ANOSIM demonstrated that composition was significantly different in the distinct phenological phases. IndVal results showed that three Diptera morphospecies were discriminant of the vegetative growth phase. In addition, pRDA revealed differences in the relative contribution of local and regional factors to explain insect larvae community structure:during the flowering phase, local factors predominated, while during vegetative growth, regional factors were more important. Conclusion: Differences in dispersal rates in the two phenological phases, likely due to adult insect pollination and further reproduction, influenced community structuring. Therefore, flowering events account for differences not only in the composition, but also in community structuring of aquatic insect larvae inhabiting Aechmea distichantha Lem. (Bromeliaceae) phytotelmata.
Environmental indicators reflective of road design in a forested landscape

Roads cause both chemical and physical disturbance at the time of creation and through the maintenance of the road. However, none have fully considered the extent of aboveand below-ground impacts related to roads. Our study seeks to fill this gap with three objectives: (1) quantify differences in the nematode community by road-use intensity, (2) estimate distance of environmental impact of roads using nematode community indices, and (3) relate nematode communities to abiotic soil and aboveground plant communities for a relatively comprehensive environmental assessment of the spatial footprint of roads on the landscape. Soil and plant samples were co-located at six distances from the road edge (shoulder, sideslope, ditch, backslope, 10 m from forest edge, and 50 m from road crown) for each of 10 transects perpendicular to each of three road types (highways, two-lane paved, and gravel). There were differences in all nematode community measures based upon distance as a main effect, correlating with patterns of plant communities. Nematode community index values reflect increased disturbance closer to the road, particularly at the shoulder, with later ecological succession and a shift in the decomposer food web with increased distance from the road and in reference forest sites. In contrast, chemical properties of soil were influenced more by road type and the two-way interaction of road type and topography. Salt concentrations were greatest by two-lane paved roads, while heavy metal concentrations were greatest near highway roads. This study is one of the most comprehensive assessments of environmental impact by roads, providing data for accurate transportation system models. The results suggest that conscious design and management of the forest buffer and intentional inclusion of a ditch as a roadside feature may minimize pollutant movement and protect surrounding landscapes.
Physico-chemical and biological characteristics of closed bioaugmented and conventional open intensive shrimp culture systems in controlled conditions.

The effects of the two culture systems, closed bioaugmented and open intensive system on the physico-chemical and biological conditions of the water were studied for 120 days in 1-m concrete tanks with earthen bottom. The tanks were stocked with 25 P. monodon postlarvae/m. Physico-chemical and biological parameters of the tanks were analyzed weekly during the culture period. Results showed no significant difference on water quality parameters between treatments except for total alkalinity and water pH being significantly lower in all open system of water management while reactive phosphorous was lowest in the bioaugmented open system. Throughout the culture period chlorophyll a level remained stable in the closed bioaugmented system. Phytoplankton quality was dominated by Nannochloropsis sp. No significant difference was further observed on the total bacteria and presumptive Vibrio counts while the luminous bacteria count was significantly higher in the non-bioaugmented open system. Average body weight at harvest, survival rate and total production was highest in the closed bioaugmented system and lowest in the non-bioaugmented open system. These results imply that bioaugmentation and water management practice play a vital role in the maintenance of good water quality and attaining good shrimp production.
Multiple fire-related cues stimulate germination in Chaenorhinum rubrifolium (Plantaginaceae), a rare annual in the Mediterranean Basin

Abstract In Mediterranean fire-prone ecosystems, annual species specific to post-fire habitats should have a soil seed bank and should be able to germinate after a fire. Therefore, various fire-related cues can be expected to stimulate germination in post-fire annuals. Germination patterns of the rare annual Chaenorhinum rubrifolium (Plantaginaceae) were examined in response to mechanical scarification, heat shock, aqueous smoke, nitrogenous compounds, gibberellic acid, karrikinolide (KAR1), and mandelonitrile (a cyanohydrin analogue, MAN) under dark and photoperiod conditions in the laboratory. Combinations of these treatments were also included in the experiment. Strong physiological dormancy in the seeds of C. rubrifolium was partially broken by several fire-related germination cues, including smoke and nitrate, under light conditions. KAR1 and MAN also stimulated germination, and the highest improvement in germination was achieved in the KAR1 treatment in the presence of light. Heat shock + smoke and KAR1 + MAN combinations had positive synergetic and additive effects on germination under light conditions, respectively. The light played a crucial role in the promotion of germination. The results suggest that multiple fire-related cues operate to stimulate germination in C. rubrifolium, an annual species from the Mediterranean Basin. However, the species may have a broader germination niche than a fire-restricted one.
Systems physiology and nutrition in dairy cattle: applications of omics and bioinformatics to better understand the hepatic metabolomics and transcriptomics adaptations in transition dairy cows

Postpartal ketosis is associated with body fat mobilization postpartum. Sub-clinical and clinical ketosis arise more frequently in cows that are overfed energy during the entire dry period or during the close-up (i.e. last 21 d prior to parturition). Metabolomics (GC-MS, LC-MS; Metabolon Inc.) and transcriptomics (44 K-whole-transcriptome microarray; Agilent) analyses were performed in liver tissue harvested at -10 d relative to parturition from cows that were healthy (H) on 7 d postpartum or were diagnosed with clinical ketosis (K). Cows in K consumed a higher-energy diet (OVE) from -21 d to calving. Cows in H consumed OVE (n = 8) or a highstraw lower-energy diet (CON; n = 8) from -21 d to calving. Out of 313 biochemical compounds identified, statistical analysis (p ≤ 0.10) of metabolomics data for K vs. CON, OVE vs. CON, and K vs. OVE revealed 34, 33 and 25 affected compounds, respectively. The top-five affected and up-regulated biochemical compounds in K vs. CON were taurocholate, adenine, hypotaurine, gamma-glutamylcysteine, and taurochenodeoxycholate. In OVE vs. CON cysteine, methylphosphate, cysteinylglycine, and taurocholate were up-regulated and gammaglutamylthreonine was down-regulated. In K vs. OVE the top-five affected compounds were all down-regulated: xylitol, 1-palmitoylglycerophosphoglycerol, leucylaspartate, sphinganine, and glycylvaline. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that primary bile acid production through cysteine and taurine precursors, and oxidative stress-like activities were affected in both K and OVE vs. 22 CON groups. In contrast, in K vs. OVE ketone body production was up-regulated and cell signaling pathways were inhibited. Bioinformatics analysis of 2,908 differentially expressed genes (DEG, p ≤ 0.05) using the Dynamic Impact Approach (DIA) revealed that the top-five impacted pathways in K vs. OVE were ‘hedgehog signaling’, ‘glycosphingolipid biosynthesis globo series’, ‘renin-angiotensin system’, and ‘other glycan degradation’ all of which were inhibited. The ‘circadian rhythm’ pathway was among the most-induced pathways. Furthermore, there was marked inhibition in K vs. OVE of pathways associated with cellular growth, communication, signal transduction, fatty acid biosynthesis, and immune related responses. These results suggest that prepartal diet alters the hepatic metabolome and transcriptome. Liver from cows developing ketosis postpartum appears to exhibit unique alterations in the transcriptome and metabolome.
Effect of various cooking processes on antioxidants of potato (Solanum tuberosum)

Potato (Solanum tuberosum) has been used as a widely accepted food in different forms all over the world and is well known for deliciousness. Different forms involve different type of cooking process. Study from our laboratory had indicated potential ulcer preventive properties based on the inhibition of H+K+-ATPase and Helicobacter pylori (ulcer causing bacteria in humans) growth. In the current study we evaluated the antioxidant and antiulcer potentials in potato during various cooking processes. Crude extract, free and bound phenolic fractions as well as pectic polysaccharides were isolated and analysed for total phenolic content, antioxidant activity, H+,K+-ATPase/ Helicobacter pylori inhibitory activity and cytoprotectivity. PCE (Potato Crude Extract), PFP (Free phenolic fraction from potato) , PBP (Bound phenolic fraction from potato) and PPP (Pectic polysaccharide from potato) showed antioxidant activity with an IC50 of 4.1±0.25, 8.3±0.58, 8.9±0.61 and 9200±552 μg/mL and H+,K+-ATPase inhibitory activity was also evidenced with an IC50 of 3.13±0.28, 1.22±0.11, 0.69±0.05 and 420±30.0 μg/mL respectively, as opposed to the standard H+,K+-ATPase inhibitor, lanzoprazole (19.3±2.2 μg/mL). Loss of activity was associated with loss of phenolic acids during cooking conditions as evidenced by HPLC quantification. Helicobacter pylori growth was also inhibited by various fractions of potato with an IC50 of 19.12, 37.5, 0.73 and 81. 8μg by PCE, PFP, PBP and PPP respectively. DNA protection was retained in PBP and PPP even during cooking conditions. Stabilizing of bioactivity during cooking conditions thus become a key issue in Food and Bioprocess Technology.
Probabilistic health risk of volatile organic compounds (VOCs): Comparison among different commuting modes in Guangzhou, China

ABSTRACT Probabilistic risk assessment was conducted to evaluate health risks caused by eight volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (benzene, toluene, xylene, ethylbenzene, styrene, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, and acrolein) in five commuting modes (car, air-conditioned bus, non-air-conditioned bus, subway, and bicycle) in Guangzhou. Monte Carlo method and the contribution to variance method were applied to obtain the more scientific evaluation results and the more influential variables. The results revealed that the carcinogenic risk of air-conditioned bus and car were the highest, followed by bicycle, non-air-conditioned bus, and subway. The probability of the risk exceeding 10−6 was approximately 90%, 62%, 62%, 91%, and 92%, respectively. Moreover, the noncarcinogenic risk of air-conditioned bus and car were the highest, followed by non-air-conditioned bus, bicycle, and subway. It indicated that subway, non-air-conditioned bus, and bicycle are better commuting choices for city dwellers to reduce health risks and alleviate traffic pressure. Formaldehyde, benzene, and acrolein contribute to a significant proportion in health risk and should be the prior controlled organic pollutants. Sensitivity analysis suggests that exposure time is the most influential parameter for carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risk, followed by concentrations of VOCs in air and exposure duration.