Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Changes in Lipids Metabolism in Patients with Degenerative Joints and Discs Diseases Subjected to Spa Therapy

Introduction High levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and, connected with them, lipoprotein fractions may result in atherosclerosis. There are various forms of therapy used to prevent cardiovascular diseases, such as balneophysiotherapy, the effectiveness of which is confirmed by numerous scientific publications. Objective The objective of this study was to assess the impact of balneophysiotherapeutic procedures on the systemic metabolism of lipids in patients suffering from osteoarthritis of the motor organ. Material and Methods The study was conducted in the Health Resort Świeradów-Zdrój. Observation included patients undergoing radon water therapy. Before therapy and after 21 days of treatment, lipid profile was assessed with the use of standard colorimetric assay. Study group consisted of n=34 patients with degenerative joints and disc disease. The mean age of patients was 56.5l. The control group consisted of 17 people selected among the employees of the spa also suffering from osteoarthritis. The mean age was 54.2 years. Results The results of the study are based on a single, 21-day health resort stay period in April/May. A statistically significant increase in HDL cholesterol levels was observed in female patients having undergone health resort treatment (P<0.01). Statistically significant drops in LDL cholesterol and TG levels were observed in the control group (P<0.01). An increase in HDL levels was observed in the male and female control subjects, with P<0.05. Conclusions (1) After the end of therapy, there were no changes in lipid metabolism in men, while in the group of women an increase in HDL level was observed. (2) In the control group, statistically significant changes in the field of lipid metabolism may be related to lifestyle changes as a result of educational activities conducted prior to the research. (3) Due to the divergent results, it is advisable to conduct randomized studies in a larger population. This trial is registered with NCT03274128.
EEG and fMRI evidence for autobiographical memory reactivation in empathy

Empathy relies on the ability to mirror and to explicitly infer others’ inner states. Theoretical accounts suggest that memories play a role in empathy but direct evidence of a reactivation of autobiographical memories (AM) in empathy is yet to be shown. We addressed this question in two experiments. In experiment 1, electrophysiological activity (EEG) was recorded from 28 participants who performed an empathy task in which targets for empathy were depicted in contexts for which participants either did or did not have an AM, followed by a task that explicitly required memory retrieval of the AM and non-AM contexts. The retrieval task was implemented to extract the neural fingerprints of AM and non-AM contexts, which were then used to probe data from the empathy task. An EEG pattern classifier was trained and tested across tasks and showed evidence for AM reactivation when participants were preparing their judgement in the empathy task. Participants self-reported higher empathy for people depicted in situations they had experienced themselves as compared to situations they had not experienced. A second independent fMRI experiment replicated this behavioural finding and showed the predicted activation in the brain networks underlying both AM retrieval and empathy: precuneus, posterior parietal cortex, superior and inferior parietal lobule and superior frontal gyrus. Together, our study reports behavioural, electrophysiological and fMRI evidence that robustly supports the involvement of AM reactivation in empathy.
Foliar spray of benzoic acids on pollinators behavior and plant fitness benefits

Induction by herbivores either positively or negatively effect on pollinators behavior. However, there are likely to be little studied whether foliar spray of Benzoic acids on plant can be correlated with pollinator behavior. Our studies focus on the application of benzoic acid at 0mM, 0.005mM, 0.05mM, 0.5mM and 0.1mM doses respectively on Brassica nigra at flowering stage. Common garden experiment was performed with five treatments while each replicated six times. Overall, honey bee’s attraction was significantly higher at 0.1mM than control plots albeit honey bees visiting flowers were similar to control plants. We assumed there were no changes which would affect the attraction of pollinators or changes could be perceived but there was no reason to change the behavior. However, at 0.05mM, syrphid flies visited more flowers than control plots and variation was statistically significant. Pod and seed weight (gm) was increased at 0.01mM than control. Our result indicates that at high doses pollinator visited more flower than control, therefore is likely to increase seed weight (gm).
The complete chloroplast genome of Calanthe arcuata, an endemic terrestrial orchid in China

Abstract Calanthe arcuata is an endemic terrestrial orchid in China with high value of ornament and breeding. Here, we reported the first complete chloroplast genome of this plant in this research. The circular genome is 158,735 bp in length and includes large single-copy (LSC) region of 87,348 bp, small single-copy (SSC) region of 18,489 bp, and a pair of invert repeats (IR) regions of 26,449 bp. It contains 136 genes, including 88 protein-coding (PCG), 38 transfer RNA (tRNA), and eight ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that C. arcuata is the sister to C. davidii and C. triplicata.
Riethia (Kieffer 1917) (Diptera: Chironomidae) revised for the Austro-Pacific region.

Riethia Kieffer, known previously from New Zealand for a species stated to be also in Australia plus several Australian and South American species, is revised for the Austro-Pacific region. The three previously-described Australian species Riethia stictoptera Kieffer (the genotype), Riethia cinctipes Freeman and Riethia plumosa Freeman are distinct and valid, and are redescribed in all stages. In contrast, Riethia zeylandica Freeman now is restricted to New Zealand: Australian specimens previously allocated to R. zeylandica belong to several new species recognised on morphology of adult male, pupa and larva, with guidance from molecular data. Most belong to a widespread eastern Australian Riethia azeylandica sp. n. : others are allocated to Riethia hamodivisa sp. n. , Riethia paluma sp. n. , Riethia phengari sp. n. and Riethia queenslandensis sp. n. , each with a more restricted range. From Western Australia three species, Riethia donedwardi sp. n. , Riethia noongar sp. n. and Riethia wazeylandica sp. n. , are described as new from adult male, pupa and larva. Riethia kakadu sp. n. is described from the monsoonal tropics of Northern Territory from the adult male and tentatively associated pupa. From New Caledonia a reared species is described as Riethia neocaledonica sp. n. Illustrated identification keys are provided for the males, pupae and larvae. Unassociated larvae that key to reared described species are excluded from type status, and based on morphology and molecular evidence three unreared larval types, 'A', 'B' and 'C', are also described and keyed. Previously reported molecular vouchers are reviewed, and certain Genbank accessions re-identified. Extensive data shows Riethia are distributed almost throughout Australia from standing and flowing waters, from tropics and subtropics to cool temperate Tasmania, but probably only in permanent and standing waters. The immature stages of several taxa can co-occur: as many as four can be found simultaneously in one site. Terminology of the volsellae of the male genitalia and the dorsal head and maxilla of the larva is reviewed.
WILD TYPE p53 PROTEIN LEVEL AND MICRONUCLEI NUMBER FORMED AS A BIOMARKER OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE OF METAL IN DENTAL TECHNICIANS IN SURABAYA

Exposure of occupational metals (Co,Ni and Cr) lead to the formation of ROS, and cause damage to DNA. ROS also cause G-T transversion mutation of p53 gene, and lead to low expression of the wild type p53. Wild type p53 plays an important role in regulating genes in cell cycle, cell growth, and DNA repair. If DNA repair is hampered there will be chromosomal damage, thereby effecting the formation of micronuclei. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of PPE, on wild type p53 and the level of micronuclei in dental technicians. This study was observational analytic with cross sectional approach. 40 samples were taken by random sampling. Data retrieved through interviews and observations. Wild type p53 from saliva was analized with indirect ELISA and micronuclei was examined by bucal swab, then analised by HPA and stained by HE. Data was analised by Pearson correlation test. Significant value is p <0.05. There was a significant correlation between the use of PPE with wild type p53 and micronuclei level (r 0.436 and r -0,337). The study proved that the use PPE properly is positively correlated with the wild p53 and p53 correlated with micronuclei in dental technicians.
Microglia are necessary for normal functional development of adult-born neurons in the olfactory bulb

Microglia play key roles in regulating synapse development and refinement in the developing brain, but it is unknown whether they are similarly involved during adult neurogenesis. By transiently ablating microglia from the healthy adult mouse brain, we show that microglia are necessary for the normal functional development of adult-born granule cells (abGCs) in the olfactory bulb. Microglia ablation reduces the odor responses of developing, but not preexisting GCs in vivo in both awake and anesthetized mice. Microglia preferentially target their motile processes to interact with mushroom spines on abGCs, and when microglia are absent, abGCs develop smaller spines and receive weaker excitatory synaptic inputs. These results suggest that microglia promote the development of excitatory synapses onto developing abGCs, which may impact the function of these cells in the olfactory circuit.
A new species of marsupial frog (Anura: Hemiphractidae: Gastrotheca) from the Andes of southern Peru

Gastrotheca nebulanastes sp. nov. from cloud forests in the upper Kosñipata Valley, Manu National Park, in the Andes of southern Peru is similar to G. excubitor, which inhabits grasslands in higher elevations than the cloud forests. The two species differ in relative lengths of the fingers, skin texture, coloration, and advertisement call. Although the new species has an elevational range of 2000–3300 m, it is most abundant at 2400–2800 m. A phylogenetic analysis of a previously defined clade of Gastrotheca based on a fragment of 16S mitochondrial gene provides strong support that the sister taxon to the new species is G. atympana, a species from farther north in the Cordillera Oriental in Peru.
Grain and straw yield interactions in barley cultivar mixtures

Abstract Cultivar mixtures of winter barley and spring barley, together with their component monocultures, were grown in field trials to assess the effect of cultivar combinations on both straw and grain yield. The overall grain yields for all trials were significantly higher for the cultivar mixtures than for the corresponding component monocultures. Also, significant decreases in rhynchosporium disease severity for cultivar mixtures were recorded for most non-fungicide treatments. The size of these responses was often significantly correlated with the component number of the mixtures. The amount of straw produced in mixtures was sometimes changed significantly, but not always in a positive direction and it was only correlated with increasing mixture component number in two environments. No correlation of straw yield potential of cultivars with performance in mixtures was found. Cultivar × cultivar mixture × environment interactions appeared to affect the relative yield of grain and straw differentially and therefore it was not possible to predict the effect of mixtures on the harvest index.
Decomposition of green manure with different grass: legume ratios

ABSTRACT This study evaluated the mass decomposition and mineralization of nutrients from a green manure composed of mixtures of legume and grass in tropical conditions. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, with green manure biomass mulched on top of the soil in pots and covered with a nylon screen. The five treatments comprised different ratios of jack bean (JB) and millet (M) providing the same amount of total N: 100JB, 75JB:25M, 50JB:50M, 25JB:75M and 100M. Samples were collected at 0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 days after mulching. The contents of C, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and the C:N, C:S and lignin:N ratios were determined. The chemical characteristics varied according to the legume and grass mixtures. The 100JB had the highest N content and lowest contents of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, C:N and lignin:N. The opposite was found for the 100M. The N mineralization process correlates positively with total N concentration and negatively with lignin content, C:N and lignin:N ratio and, these were the most important factors to predict the N mineralization in mixtures of legume and grass in tropical conditions.
Evaluation of Constituents and Physicochemical Properties of Malaysian Underutilized Ziziphus mauritiana (Bidara) for Nutraceutical Potential

ABSTRACT Ziziphus mauritiana plant also known as Bidara in Malaysia is well-known since ancient for their usage especially in Islamic traditional medicine due to health beneficial effect. However, the nutraceutical potential of this plant remains unrevealed scientifically. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyse the proximate composition and to read characteristic like pH, titratable acid (TA) and total soluble solids (TSS) of Z. mauritiana fruit, leaves and seed. Based on the proximate analysis, the highest percentage of ash (9.06%) and crude protein (14.59%) were found in the leaves. Moisture content (88.32%) was the highest in fruit, while the crude fiber (48.12%), fat (1.89%), carbohydrate (63.24%) and calorific value (411.61 kJ) were the highest in the seed. Physicochemical characteristic of Z. mauritiana has shown that the fruit possess the higher value of 11.70°Brix TSS and 0.32% TA than the leaves with 0.97°Brix TSS and 0.09% TA. While the pH of the leaves and fruit are 5.47 and 4.77 respectively. Interestingly, Z. mauritiana plant can be an excellent source of carbohydrate, protein and its fiber. This study suggested that leaves, fruit and seed of Z. mauritiana can find potential applications in food and pharmaceutical product as nutraceutical ingredients.
Screening of Farmer-preferred Cassava Cultivars for Resistance to Cassava Brown Streak Virus Disease in Kenya

xiii CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Background information . 1 1.2 Problem statement . 3 1.3 Justification . 4 1.4 Objectives . 5 1.4. 1 Broad objective . 5 1.4. 2 Specific objectives . 5 1.5 Research questions . 5 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW . 6 2.1 Economic importance of cassava . 6 2.2 Cassava production in Kenya. 7 vi 2.3 Abiotic and biotic constraints to cassava production in Kenya . 7 2.4 Cassava pests and diseases. 8 2.5 Cassava brown streak disease . 9 2.5. 1 Epidemiology and transmission of cassava brown streak viruses . 10 2.5. 2 Symptoms of cassava brown streak disease . 11 2.5. 3 Economic importance of cassava brown streak disease . 12 2.5. 4 Management of cassava brown streak disease . 13 2.6 Plant virus interaction . 14 2.7 Role of reactive oxygen species and antioxidant enzyme in tolerance and resistance of plants to viruses. 15 2.8 Effect of viral infection on chlorophyll content . 17 CHAPTER THREE: MATERIALS AND METHODS . 19 3.1 Evaluation of the response of Kenyan farmer-preferred cassava cultivars to cassava brown streak virus inoculation . 19 3.1.1 Cassava germplasm . 19 3.1.2 Source of cassava brown streak virus inoculum . 21 3.1.2.1 RNA extraction . 22 3.1.2.2 Synthesis of first strand cDNA . 23 3.1.2.3 Polymerase chain reaction . 24 3.1.2.4 Agarose gel electrophoresis of RT-PCR products . 24
Pharmacological evidence for the implication of noradrenaline in effort

The trade-off between effort and reward is one of the main determinants of behavior and its alteration is at the heart of major disorders (depression, Parkinson’s disease…). Monoaminergic neuromodulators are thought to play a key role in this trade-off, but their relative contribution remains unclear. Rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) performed a choice-task requiring a trade-off between the volume of fluid reward and the amount of force to be exerted on a grip. In line with a causal role of noradrenaline in effort, decreasing noradrenaline levels with systemic clonidine injections (0.01mg/kg) decreased exerted force and enhanced the weight of upcoming force on choices, without any effect on reward sensitivity. Computational modeling demonstrated that NA acted on a single variable, effort, defined as the amount of resources invested in the action, and affect both choices (as a variable of decision) and force production (as a driving force). Thus, our data strongly support noradrenaline’s implication in effort processing.
The apical annuli of Toxoplasma gondii are composed of coiled-coil and signaling proteins embedded in the IMC sutures

The apical annuli are among the most intriguing and understudied structures in the cytoskeleton of the apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. We mapped the proteome of the annuli in Toxoplasma by reciprocal proximity biotinylation (BioID), and validated five apical annuli proteins (AAP1-5), Centrin2 and a methyltransferase (AAMT). Moreover, Inner Membrane Complex (IMC) suture proteins connecting the alveolar vesicles were also detected and support annuli residence within the sutures. Super-resolution microscopy (SR-SIM) identified a concentric organization comprising four rings with diameters ranging from 200-400 nm. The high prevalence of domain signatures shared with centrosomal proteins in the AAPs together with Centrin2 suggest that the annuli are related and/or derived from the centrosomes. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the AAPs are conserved narrowly in Coccidian, apicomplexan parasites that multiply by an internal budding mechanism. This suggests a role in replication, for example, to provide pores in the mother IMC permitting exchange of building blocks and waste products. However, presence of multiple signaling domains and proteins are suggestive of additional functions. Knockout of AAP4, the most conserved compound forming the largest ring-like structure, modestly decreased parasite fitness in vitro but had no significant impact on acute virulence in vivo. In conclusion, the apical annuli are composed of coiled-coil and signaling proteins assembled in a pore-like structure crossing the IMC barrier maintained during internal budding.
Halauxifen-methyl preplant intervals and environmental conditions in soybean

Abstract Synthetic-auxin herbicides are often applied for horseweed control before soybean planting. However, certain days of planting interval must be maintained before soybean planting, depending on the product and rate used, because of potential crop phytotoxicity. Halauxifen-methyl is a new synthetic-auxin herbicide for horseweed control in preplant applications in soybean. Field experiments were conducted in 2015 and 2016 in Indiana to evaluate soybean phytotoxicity in response to applications of halauxifen-methyl (5 g ae ha–1) at five preplant intervals (0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks before planting [WBP]). In 2015, soybean phytotoxicity was not observed for any of the preplant intervals at any of the sites. In 2016, 0% to 15% phytotoxicity was observed at 14 d after planting (DAP) when halauxifen-methyl was applied at planting, 1 WBP, and 2 WBP at different sites. Soybean phytotoxicity was expressed in the unifoliate leaves only at 14 DAP. However, the first trifoliate did not show any injury symptoms at 21 DAP from any preplant application timing. Preplant application intervals for halauxifen-methyl did not affect soybean stand counts or grain yield in any site-year. Therefore, field results indicated that halauxifen-methyl applied alone can cause slight soybean phytotoxicity in preplant applications. In growth-chamber bioassays, reductions in soybean biomass, plant length, and emergence were accentuated at 30 C, compared with 20 or 15 C, when halauxifen-methyl was applied at 20 or 40 g ae ha–1. These results contradict the currently held paradigm in which lower temperatures generally increase crop phytotoxicity levels to herbicide soil residual. Nomenclature: 2,4-D; dicamba; halauxifen-methyl; horseweed, Erigeron canadensis L. ERICA; soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr.
Massenvermehrung und Populationszusammenbruch des Schwammspinners Lymantria dispar L. (Lymantriidae) 1992/93 im Tessin

Outbreak and population collapse ofthe gypsy moth Lymantria dispar in the canton Ticino in 1992/93. The latest outbreak of the gypsy moth Lymantria dispar L. gave rise to investigations on the gypsy moth dynamics in southern Switzerland. Densities and development of different gypsy moth instars were monitored. Additional information was obtained by semi-quantitative observations of gypsy moth antagonists. The population increase commenced in 1991 near Bellinzona and resulted in com¬ plete defoliation at various places in 1992 and 1993. In the first year of the outbreak regulating fac¬ tors such as hunger, suboptimal host plants, predators, parasitoids, and a virus disease (nuclear polyhedrosis) already began to affect population development. In the second year of defoliation the populations collapsed due to the polyhedrosis. There were no places with two consecutive years of complete defoliation. The survival of the affected stands of chestnut trees was not jeopardized at any time.
A low-cost fluorescence reader for in vitro transcription and nucleic acid detection with Cas13a

Point-of-care testing (POCT) in low-resource settings requires tools that can operate independent of typical laboratory infrastructure. Due to its favorable signal-to-background ratio, a wide variety of biomedical tests utilize fluorescence as a readout. However, fluorescence techniques often require expensive or complex instrumentation and can be difficult to adapt for POCT. To address this issue, we developed a pocket-sized fluorescence detector costing less than $15 that is easy to manufacture and can operate in low-resource settings. It is built from standard electronic components, including an LED and a light dependent resistor, filter foils and 3D printed parts, and reliably detected less than 10 nM fluorescein concentrations (with a lower limit of detection of ≈6.8 nM), which is sufficient to follow typical biochemical reactions used in POCT applications. All assays are conducted on filter paper, which allows for a flat detector architecture to improve signal collection. We validate the device by quantifying in vitro RNA transcription and also demonstrate sequence-specific detection of target RNAs in the nanomolar range using a Cas13a-based fluorescence assay. Cas13a is a RNA-guided, RNA-targeting CRISPR effector with promiscuous RNase activity upon recognition of its RNA target. Cas13a sensing is highly specific and adaptable and in combination with our detector represents a promising approach for nucleic acid POCT. Furthermore, our open-source device architecture could be a valuable educational tool that integrates hardware, software and biochemistry concepts.