Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Acetylcholine Esterase and Protease Inhibitory Activity of Scopolamine Extracted from Datura innoxia

Scopolamine was extracted from aerial parts of Datura innoxia and its structure was confirmed by spectroscopic analysis. Acetylcholine esterase and protease inhibitory activity was determined. The results indicated that this compound has significant acetylcholine esterase potential (69.5 ± 0.5 % inhibition, IC50 = 0.205 ± 0.009 mM), while moderate protease inhibition activity (31.7 ± 0.8 % inhibition).
Molecular cloning of benzophenone synthase from Hypericum calycinum cell cultures and attempts toward transformation of Hypericum perforatum

Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort; Clusiaceae) is a medicinal plant used for the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Four classes of secondary metabolites (hyperforins, hypericins, xanthones and flavonoids) are involved in the antidepressant activity and exhibit different pharmacological properties. Polyketide synthases (PKSs) type III catalyse the formation of these active constituents using different starters, different number of added extender and different intermolecular cyclization mechanism. The transformation of H. perforatum may examine the biosynthetic pathway of the different secondary metabolites, especially hyperforin, which is the main active constituent of H. perforatum. An example used in the transformation is Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. A. tumefaciens can transfer benzophenone synthase (BPS) gene from related species (H. androsaemum) into H. perforatum. This can interact with the hyperforin formation pathway, producing a hyperforin derivative, which may exhibit similar pharmacological activities but fewer side effects than hyperforin. Benzophenone synthase catalyses the condensation of benzoyl-CoA with malonyl-CoA forming phlorbenzophenone, which is precursor of prenylated derivatives and xanthones. Xanthones are commonly minor constituents of H. perforatum. 1, 3, 6, 7-Tetrahydroxy-8-prenylxanthone was identified in yeast-treated cell cultures of related species; H. calycinum. A full-length cDNA encoding BPS with an ORF of 1200 bp was cloned from elicitor-treated cell cultures. The enzyme was functionally expressed and characterized. It shared 97.7% identity with BPS from H. androsaemum. It preferred benzoyl-CoA as starter substrate (km 10.83 μM). p- Coumaroyl and acetyl-CoAs were not accepted.
Assessment of the effect of silver nanoparticles on the relevant soil protozoan genus Acanthamoeba

Silver nanoparticles (AgNP) are used in a broad range of consumer products and industrial applications. During the regular product life cycle and disposal, AgNP are continuously released into the environment. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential ecotoxicological effects of AgNP exposure on amoebae. The Acanthamoeba castellanii ATCC 30234 strain and environmental isolate Acanthamoeba strain C5/2, which are both affiliated with genotype T4, were chosen as representatives of ecologically important soil protozoan organisms. The amoebae were exposed to citrate-stabilized AgNP (30 and 70 nm in size) for 24 h and 96 h at concentrations ranging from 600 µg L−1 to 20 mg L−1. A newly adopted cell culture based microscopic assay was applied to assess the adherence ability of the amoeba trophozoites. The general metabolic activity of Acanthamoeba was determined to be a second independent endpoint by means of intracellular reduction of the redox dye AlamarBlue®. The fate of AgNP within the amoebae and test solutions was visualized by light- and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Both Acanthamoeba strains showed a significant dose-dependent decrease of adherence ability (p < 0.04) and metabolic activity (p < 0.01) after 96 h of AgNP exposure. The environmental Acanthamoeba strain C5/2 lost both its adherence ability and metabolic activity at lower AgNP concentrations than the type strain, indicating a higher sensitivity to ionic silver. This was confirmed by the application of AgNO3, provoking a higher effect level in strain C5/2. AgNP was visualized intracellularly by transmission electron microscopy within the cytoplasm of Acanthamoeba. This is the first report to show the ecotoxicological effects of short-term AgNP exposure on the soil protist Acanthamoeba, causing both changes in the adherence ability and metabolic activity of this amoeba. This combined approach may be a powerful tool in the future for predicting potential harmful ecotoxicological effects of AgNP exposure using soil protozoans.
Hydrodynamic Force-transduced Cytoskeletal Remodeling Stabilizes Leukocyte Integrin-mediated Adhesions

The emigration of monocytes from the blood into tissues is a fundamental component of inflammation. Monocytes roll and arrest on inflamed endothelium and stably adherent cells are subjected to a hydrodynamic force imparted by flowing blood. We used parallel plate flow chamber assays and confocal imaging to investigate actin cytoskeleton dynamics in the stabilization of integrin-mediated adhesion. The ability of U937 cells to resist detachment and flow-induced cell deformation when adhered to surfaces coated with VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 was dependent on actin polymerization. Hydrodynamic force triggered cytoskeletal remodeling, cell spreading and increased contact area with the adhesion surface. This force-induced signaling also occurred in the absence of integrin ligands. Our data suggest that hydrodynamic force induces integrin-dependent and -independent signaling that contribute to cytoskeletal remodeling, strengthening of cell adhesion and resistance to deformation which enable U937 cells to stabilize their adhesion in the presence of hydrodynamic force.
Integrative approaches to exploring functional roles of clandestine species

Understanding the functional roles of species is critical to making informed conservation and management decisions. Although the roles of many common species have been thoroughly studied, species that are infrequently encountered are often assumed to be rare and of minor functional significance. Snakes are among the most secretive vertebrates and consequently, we know little about snake population ecology, predator-prey relationships, or the roles that snakes play within ecosystems. Prompted by this lack of knowledge, I used novel and integrative methods to investigate the roles of these inconspicuous and difficult-to-sample predators. Specifically, I (1) used mark-recapture, stable isotope analyses, and laboratory experiments to estimate the predatory role of aquatic snakes within an isolated fishless wetland, (2) investigated ways in which prey communities may mediate snake’s roles, and (3) theoretically evaluated ways in which snakes, as ectotherms, may differ from comparable endothermic predators in their interactions with prey populations. Using advanced mark-recapture analyses to develop a thorough understanding of factors that affect detectability in aquatic snakes, I estimated snake population density at Ellenton Bay, an isolated, 6 ha freshwater wetland in South Carolina, USA. I found that snakes exist at extremely high densities (>170 snakes ha-1) within this productive habitat. Using data on snake density, growth rate, diet, and mass conversion efficiency, I estimated that snakes consumed over 200 kg of amphibian prey annually at Ellenton Bay, translating into >150,000 kJ ha-1 of energy flow from secondary to tertiary consumers within the food web. Additionally, I demonstrated that aquatic salamanders, which are characteristic of fishless wetlands, represent a higher quality prey for watersnakes than sunfish, which are characteristic of permanent wetlands. Watersnakes consumed more and larger salamanders than sunfish with less impairment to post-prandial locomotor performance. Thus, although snakes can be extremely important predators within some aquatic ecosystems, snake’s roles may be mediated by prey community composition. Finally, using a mathematical predator-prey model, I demonstrated that shifting predator numerical responses from those characteristic of endotherms to more linear curves characteristic of ectotherms was generally stabilizing to predator-prey dynamics, indicating that snakes may exhibit more stable predator-prey interactions than those of endothermic predators.
A new genus and species for the globally important, multihost root pathogen Thielaviopsis basicola

The plant pathogenic asexual fungus Thielaviopsis basicola (Ascomycota) causes black root rot on many important agricultural and ornamental plant species. Since its first description in 1850, this species has had a tumultuous taxonomic history, being classified in many different genera. Thus far, DNA-based techniques have not played a significant role in identification of T. basicola and have been used only to confirm its placement in the Microascales. In this investigation, we reconsidered the phylogenetic placement of T. basicola, using DNA sequence data for six different gene regions. We included 41 isolates identified as T. basicola from 13 geographical locations, worldwide. Phylogenetic analyses showed that these isolates grouped in a well-supported lineage distinct from other genera in the Ceratocystidaceae, here described as Berkeleyomyces gen. nov. The data also provided robust evidence that isolates of T. basicola include a cryptic sister species. As a result, we provide a new combination asB. basicola comb. nov. and introduce a new species as B. rouxiae sp. nov. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Hemato-Biochemical Profiling in Relation to Metabolic Disorders in Transition Dairy Cows -

This study was aimed to provide a complete picture of dynamics of selected hematological and serum biochemical parameters in dairy cows from late pregnancy to early postpartum period, giving new and useful information about the guidelines for the management strategies during different physiological phases. This study was carried out on thirty clinically healthy Holstein Friesian dairy cows; in good nutritional condition. Blood samples were collected two weeks before the expected parturition , during the 1st post-partum week and during the 3rd week after parturition. Cows under investigation were clinically examined including body temperature, pulse, respiration, mucous membranes and ruminal movement. Two blood samples were collected: whole blood samples for hematological picture, while serum samples for biochemical analysis which included total proteins, albumin , globulin , AST, ALT, glucose, Creatinine, Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), Total cholesterol, Beta hydroxy butyrate (βHBA), triglycerides, Nitric Oxide (No), Malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), serum calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride and phosphorus. Significant changes between pre and post-partum period were observed in values of hemogram and biochemical parameters including RBCs, PCV%, hemoglobin, MCV, MCHC, MCH, WBCS count and differential leucocytic count, total proteins, albumin, globulin, glucose, BUN, Total cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, chloride, No, MDA and TAC, while non-significant changes were observed in AST, ALT, Potassium ,Creatinine and βHBA levels. It can be concluded that late pregnancy and the onset of lactation were accompanied by marked changes in hemato-biochemical and oxidative stress markers which have great impact on dairy cow`s health, immunity and disease susceptibility.
Immune System Boosters - Gingsen and Vitamin-D

Insusceptible framework includes diverse sorts of cells satisfying their own particular capacities, and each kind of the resistant cells is differentially affected and might be all the while controlled by ginseng treatment. This audit condenses the present information on the impacts of ginseng on resistant framework [1-3]. We talk about how ginseng directs each kind of safe cells including macrophages, normal executioner cells, dendritic cells, T cells, and B cells. We likewise depict how ginseng displays gainful consequences for controlling incendiary sicknesses and microbial diseases [4-6].
The Anti-parasitic Effect of Probiotic Bacteria via Limiting the Fecundity of Trichinella Spiralis Female Adults

Summary A potential protective effect of probiotic strains against zoonotic Trichinella spiralis infection was investigated in the framework of a new therapeutic strategy aimed at using probiotics to control parasitic zoonoses. The study was focused on the impact of six selected probiotic (bacteriocinogenic) strains on the intensity of T. spiralis infection and female fecundity ex vivo and in vitro. Bacterial strains of different origin (Enterococcus faecium EF55, Enterococcus faecium 2019 = CCM7420, Enterococcus faecium AL41 = CCM8558, Enterococcus durans ED26E/7, Lactobacillus fermentum AD1 = CCM7421, Lactobacillus plantarum 17L/1) were administered daily in a dose of 109 CFU/ml in 100 μl, and mice were infected with 400 T. spiralis larvae on day 7 of treatment. Female adults of T. spiralis were isolated on day 5 post infection (p.i.) and subsequently were used in fecundity test ex vivo. E. faecium CCM8558, E. faecium CCM7420 and E. durans ED26E/7 strains significantly reduced the number of adults in the intestine. The application of L. fermentum CCM7421, L. plantarum 17L/1, E. faecium CCM8558 and E. durans ED26E/7 caused a significant decrease in the number of muscle larvae. The treatment with E. faecium CCM8558 and E. durans ED26E/7 showed the highest inhibitory effect on female fecundity (94 %). The number of newborn larvae (NBL) was also significantly decreased after administration of L. fermentum CCM7421 and L. plantarum 17L/1 (80 %). A direct impact of probiotic strains on female reproductive capacity was examined in vitro in females isolated from untreated infected mice on day 5 p.i. A correlation was found between the inhibitory effect and the concentration of probiotic strains. The reduction effects of the strains manifested as follows: L. fermentum CCM7421 (93 %), E. faecium CCM8558, L. plantarum 17L/1, E. faecium EF55 (about 80 %), E. faecium CCM7420 and E. durans ED26E/7 (about 60 %).
Wildlife crime promoted by weak governance

Wildlife crime such as illegal hunting of elephants and rhinos is currently one of the major issues in conservation. In order to combat poaching, law enforcement is essential. Here, we reviewed wildlife cases from the Northern Zone Anti-Poaching Unit, Arusha, Tanzania (APU-Arusha), focusing on the types of wildlife offence committed, prosecution outcomes and the sentences awarded to the offenders who were found guilty by the courts. Eighty-two registered cases were thoroughly reviewed. The majority of wildlife offences committed were unlawful possession of, and failure to report, government trophies. It was found that only 16% of the accused were found guilty, 6% were acquitted, 30% of the charges were withdrawn, and 48% of the cases were discharged by the director of public prosecution (DPP) or magistrate. The poor conviction rate was attributed to weak evidence, failure of the prosecution to prove cases beyond reasonable doubt, lack of cooperation between the zonal game office and the DPP, and in some cases, the accused jumped their bails. Understanding the factors which allow individuals to continue to engage in poaching and the factors that promote the practice of good governance is vital in trying to stop wildlife crimes.
Impact of enriched CO2 fumigation effects on plant-insect interaction: feeding behaviour and growth of early and late instar larvae of the cotton leaf worm Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The effect of enriched CO2 environments on natural plant-insect herbivore interactions is under attention. To understand such effects on insect growth and consumption, early and late instar larvae of the cotton leaf worm, Spodoptera littoralis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) reared on the cotton plant leaves Gossypium barbadens (Malvacae) grown under either ambient (350 PPM) or high (700 PPM) CO2 atmospheres. Despite consuming more foliage, the mean larval fresh weight of the early (2nd) and late (4th) instar larvae increased insignificantly with age when fed cotton plant leaves from both ambient and enriched CO2 regimes. Early and late Spodoptera littoralis larvae reared on high CO2-grown Gossypium barbadens consumed 32.87%, 44.98% respectively more foliage than larvae reared on low CO2-grown cotton plant. Larval duration for early and late larvae reared on high CO2-grown plants was longer compared with ambient treatments. The Consumption rate (CR) was decreased through the studied instars, with a high significant difference only between the 2nd instars. There was a tendency for ECI and ECD to decrease with age for larvae fed leaves from enriched CO2 treatment. Differences in growth responses of early and late instar larvae to lower nitrogen and high-CO2 grown foliage may be due to the inability of early instar larvae to efficiently process the increased flow of food through the gut caused by additional consumption of high CO2 foliage. Under enriched CO2 regime cotton plant shoot and root are significantly stimulate length, fresh and dry weights compared with ambient regime.
EFFECTS OF GROUP III METABOTROPIC GLUTAMATE RECEPTOR AGONIST ON THE MICTURITION REFLEX IN URETHANE-ANESTHETIZED RATS

Hypothesis / aims of study The modulatory actions of glutamate, the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, are exerted via activation of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) [1]. Eight distinct mGluRs (mGluR1−8) have been classified into three groups (I−III) based on their sequence homology [2]. Group III mGluRs (mGluRIII; mGluR4, mGluR6, mGluR7 and mGluR8) are widely distributed throughout the central nervous system [3]. However, the role of mGluRIII in the regulation of neural mechanisms controlling the micturition reflex is unknown. The aim of this study is to investigate supraspinal and spinal effects of L-(+)-2-amino4-phosphonobutyric acid (L-AP4), a selective mGluRIII agonist, on the micturition reflex in urethane-anesthetized rats.
Effect of Partial and Total Replacement of Inorganic by Organic Microminerals Sources on the Quality of Broiler Carcasses

Among the nutrients involved in the chicken diet, the microminerals deserve attention as they exert essential functions in the organism. These compounds can be provided in inorganic (traditional) and organic (chelate) forms. In organic form, the micromimerals can attend a new concept related to a better bio-availability. In this sense, the objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the partial and total substitution of inorganic by organic sources of microminerals on the animal diet, assessing its concentration in the blood and liver after 21 and 40 days and also in the bones after 40 days. Moreover, the ef fect on the physical-chemical and sensory characteristics of the muscle after 15 days of storage at 4°C was also evaluated. The animals were divided into five treatments: 100% inorganic, 70% inorganic and 30% organic, 50% inorganic and 50% organic, 30% inorganic and 70% organic and 100% organic-chelate. It is shown that the use of organic sources of microminerals in the diet of poultry induced to an increase of its concentrations in the blood and liver, with no significant alterations in the compositions of bones, compared to the use of inorganic sources. Feed formulated using 50% of organic minerals and 50% of inorganic minerals led to similar results. The diet with organic minerals or mixture with inorganic sources results in a low lipid oxidation in the drumsticks stored at 4°C for 15 days, in comparison with those using only inorganic minerals. No sensory alterations were observed for all different treatments.
Determining the Diet of Spiny Lobster Phyllosomas: Using a Prey Enriched, Amplicon Pyrosequencing Approach

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Hematological and Biochemical Parameters of Three Indigenous Chickens during Summer Season

In the present study hematological and biochemical parameters of three indigenous chicken breeds during summer season was investigated. For this 120 mature birds, forty birds from each indigenous breeds Aseel, Kadaknath and Rajasri were used. Among hematological parameters, a significant difference was noticed in total red blood cells, haemoglobin, packed cell volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. A significantly (p<0.05) high total RBC (10 6 / µl) was recorded in Rajasri (3.19) compared to Aseel and Kadaknath. Highest haemoglobin was recorded in Rajasri (12.65g/dL) followed by Aseel (12.46g/dL) and least in Kadaknath (11.80g/dL). High PCV % was recorded in Rajasri (45.46), followed by Kadaknath (43.58) and least in Aseel (41.83). The high MCHC was recorded in Aseel (29.73) followed by Rajasri (27.78) and least in Kadaknath (26.98). There was no significant difference noticed in other hematological parameters. No significant differences were observed among values of serum bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT, Calcium, Phosphorus and blood glucose within the three breeds. There was a significant (p<0.05) difference observed in the values of total protein (g/dl) between breeds where high serum total protein (g/dl) was recorded in Kadaknath (3.48) followed by Rajasri (3.37) and least in Aseel (3.26). Higher serum cholesterol (mg/ dl) was found in Aseel (97.24) followed by Kadaknath (79.24) and least in Rajasri(61.35).
Influence of multiple showering on quality of buffalo semen during hot-humid season -

Objectives: This experiment was conducted on buffaloes to see effect of showering on maintaining good quality of buffalo semen in hot season. Materials and methods : This study was conducted on 6(six) indigenous buffalo bulls in hot summer of March and April 2017. The effect of multiple showering vs single shower alone on fresh and equilibrated semen quality was observed. The buffalos were divided into similar two groups (according to age and weight) and housed in half-walled openshed with adequate spacing and the feeding management being identical. The bulls in the control group were allowed to a single shower at 10.00 am and experimental bulls were allowed to four showers at 07.00, 10.00, 13.00 and 16.00. Temperature and humidity were recorded during this time. The average temperature was around 35°C along with 72% relative humidity. The quality of experimental bull’s semen was evaluated in terms of volume, live sperm, sperm concentration, sperm motility, motion parameters and morphology for normal and abnormal sperm. For this analysis Computer Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA) system was used. Results: Between experimental group and control group semen quality differs significantly for volume (2.04±0.13 mL; 2.53±0.27 mL) ( P <0.01); live sperm (81.38±1.22%; 90.28±1.53%) ( P <0.01), normal fraction (36.87±6.38%; 47.87±12.01%) ( P <0.05); DMR (6.89±5.86%, 5.86±1.45%) ( P <0.05) and for proximal droplet (57.86±4.30, 45.26±10.96) ( P <0.05). Motility and motion parameters for fresh semen were not significantly different. Conclusion: In short, showering showed significant effect on different parameters of fresh semen quality of buffalo but not in case of further processing. http://doi.org/10.5455/javar.2018. e239