Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) of organic matrix from coral skeleton

The evolutionary success of reef-building corals in nutrient-poor tropical waters is attributed to endosymbiotic dinoflagellates. The algae release photosynthetic products to the coral animal cells, augment nutrient flux, and enhance the rate of coral calcification. Natural abundance of stable isotopes (δ13C and δ18O) provides answers to modern and paleobiological questions about the effect of photosymbiosis on sources of carbon and oxygen in coral skeletal calcium carbonate. Here we compare 17 species of symbiotic and nonsymbiotic corals to determine whether evidence for photosymbiosis appears in stable isotopes (δ13C and δ15N) of an organic skeletal compartment, the coral skeletal organic matrix (OM). Mean OM δ13C in symbiotic and nonsymbiotic corals was similar (-26.08‰ vs. -24.31‰), but mean OM δ15N was significantly depleted in 15N in the former (4.09‰) relative to the latter (12.28‰), indicating an effect of the algae on OM synthesis and revealing OM δ15N as a proxy for photosymbiosis. To answer an important paleobiological question about the origin of photosymbiosis in reef-building corals, we applied this proxy test to a fossil coral (Pachythecalis major) from the Triassic (240 million years ago) in which OM is preserved. Mean OM δ15N was 4.66‰, suggesting that P. major was photosymbiotic. The results show that symbiotic algae augment coral calcification by contributing to the synthesis of skeletal OM and that they may have done so as early as the Triassic.
Silybin Synergizes with Wnt3a in Activation of the Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway through Stabilization of Intracellular β-Catenin Protein

The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway regulates diverse developmental processes and adult tissue homeostasis. Inappropriate regulation of this pathway has been associated with human diseases, such as cancers, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer`s disease. Using a cell-based chemical screening with natural compounds, we discovered silybin, a plant flavonoid isolated from the Silybum marianum, which activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in a synergy with Wnt3a-conditioned medium (Wnt3a-CM). In the presence of Wnt3a-CM, silybin up-regulated β-catenin response transcription (CRT) in HEK293-FL reporter cells and 3T3-L1 preadipocytes through stabilization of intracellular β-catenin protein. Silybin and Wnt3a-CM synergistically reduced expression of important adipocyte marker genes including peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptorγ (PPARγ) and CAATT enhancer-binding protein α (C/EBPα) in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, accompanied by the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Taken together, our findings indicate that silybin is a small-molecule synergist of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and can be used as a controllable reagent for investigating biological processes that involve the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Evidence of the color pattern variation in populations of Gymnotus pantanal (Gymnotiformes) from three streams in the upper Paraná River basin, Brazil

O padrao de colorido e um carater muito importante na sistematica e alfa taxonomia de especies do genero Gymnotus. O objetivo deste trabalho foi apresentar evidencias de variacao no padrao de colorido em populacoes locais de Gymnotus pantanal encontrados nos corregos Jacutinga e Pinheirinho, bacia do alto rio Parana, sul do Brasil. A variacao no padrao de colorido foi corroborada por dados morfologicos e citogeneticos. Nossos resultados demonstram a importância da integracao de dados morfologicos e citogeneticos na taxonomia de especies de Gymnotus.
Seasonal population dynamics of four species of chewing lice (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae, Philopteridae) on feral pigeons (Aves: Columbiformes: Columbidae)

Abstract Seasonal dynamics of louse (Phthiraptera) populations on feral pigeons, Columba livia Gmelin (Aves: Columbiformes: Columbidae) were investigated from 2003 to 2012 in southern Manitoba, Canada. Pigeons were infested with: Philopteridae – Campanulotes compar (Burmeister), Columbicola columbae (Linnaeus), and Coloceras tovornikae Tendeiro; Menoponidae – Hohorstiella lata (Piaget). We consider the hypothesis that four species living on the same host show similar seasonal dynamics, coordinated by the life history of the host. Adults of both sexes and nymphs of all four species were present on pigeons throughout the year, consistent with continuous feeding and reproduction. Campanulotes compar and C. columbae populations were low in spring and peaked in September, with C. columbae showing greater seasonal changes for all population parameters. Coloceras tovornikae showed two annual peaks in abundance in spring and late summer, and H. lata was most abundant in the cold months of the year. Over 10 years, the four species showed distinct seasonal dynamics, although they live on the same birds. Seasonal patterns provided no evidence that louse reproduction or abundance is coordinated by the long breeding and moulting seasons of the host.
Effect of low-quality and inexpensive cotton materials on yarn properties using rotor spinning system

The current search aimed to produce medium and coarse yarns using low-quality and inexpensive cotton materials under the rotor spinning at four yarn counts being 10.s, 16.s, 20.s and 24.s with 4.4 twist multiplier. The used cotton materials were the waste from spinning extra long-staple cotton such as combed wastes, Giza 80 lint grade fully good fair, Giza 90 lint grade fully good fair, Giza 80 lint grade good fair, Giza 90 lint grade good fair, imported china variety and carded wastes. The used cotton materials were prepared from the commercial cotton samples of season 2017. The studied yarn mechanical properties were yarn strength, yarn evenness C.V. %, number of neps, number of thin places and number of thick places. However, the average values of five fiber properties being fiber length 2.5 %, short fiber content %, coefficient of variation fiber C.V. %, fiber strength and micronaire reading were measured for all used cotton materials. Results showed significant differences among cotton materials and among yarn counts for all studied yarn properties. The effect of interaction between cotton materials and yarn counts was only significant for yarn strength and yarn evenness C.V. %. Generally, it is obvious that the mean values of yarn strength were in descending order considering cotton materials of combed wastes, Giza 95 lint grade fully good fair, Giza 90 lint grade fully good fair, Giza 95 lint grade good fair, Giza 90 lint grade good fair, china variety and carded wastes, respectively. On the contrary, the mean values of yarn evenness C.V. %, number of neps, number of thin places and number of thin places were in ascending order for the same aforementioned cotton materials. The mean values of yarn strength were gradually decreased when the yarn count was increased while the mean values of yarn evenness C.V. %, number of neps, number of thin places and number of thin places were gradually increased when the yarn count was increased.
Effect of foliar application of zinc and boron on growth, reproductive and yield of pomegranate cv. Ganesh in hast bahar

A field experiment was conducted at Fruit Research Station Imaliya, Department of Horticulture, JNKVV, Jabalpur, India during Hast bahar of 2017-18 to assess the role of zinc and boron on growth, reproductive characteristics and yield of pomegranate. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications. The treatment consisted of two foliar applications of Zinc sulphate and Boric acid with their combinations viz., T1 (control), T2 (B+Zn @ 0+0.2%), T3 (B+Zn @ 0+0.4%), T4 (B+Zn @ 0+0.6%), T5 (B+Zn @ 0.2+0%), T6 (B+Zn @ 0.2% each), T7 (B+Zn @ 0.2+0.4%), T8 (B+Zn @ 0.2+0.6%), T9 (B+Zn @ 0.4+0%), T10 (B+Zn @ 0.4+0.2%), T11 (B+Zn @ 0.4% each), T12 (B+Zn @ 0.4+0.6%), T13 (B+Zn @ 0.6+0%), T14 (B+Zn @ 0.6+0.2%), T15 (B+Zn @ 0.6+0.4%) and T16 (B+Zn @ 0.6% each). The findings revealed that foliar spray of T11 (B+Zn @ 0.4% each) was found to be the best as compared to control treatment. Among the treatment the foliar application of B+Zn @ 0.4% each was effective in enhancing growth parameter viz. Plant height (m), Light transmission ratio (%), Energy interception (Cal cm 2 min), Chlorophyll content index, reproductive parameter viz. first date of flower initiation, days taken for 50% flowering, number of flower /shoot, number of fruit /shoot and yield of hast bahar in pomegranate.
Astrobiology with haloarchaea from Permo-Triassic rock salt

Several viable halophilic archaebacteria were isolated previously from rock salt of Permo-Triassic age in an Austrian salt mine; one of these strains was the first to be recognized as a novel species from subterranean halite and was designated Halococcus salifodinae. The halophilic microorganisms have apparently survived in the salt sediments over extremely long periods of time. Halobacteria could therefore be suitable model organisms for exploring the possibility of long-term survival of microbes on other planets, in particular, since extraterrestrial halite has been detected in meteorites and is assumed to be present in the subsurface ocean on Europa. Our efforts are directed at the identification of the microbial content of ancient rock salt and the development of procedures for the investigation of the halobacterial response to extreme environmental conditions. Using modified culture media, further halophilic strains were isolated from freshly blasted rock salt and bore cores; in addition, growth of several haloarchaea was substantially improved. Molecular methods indicated the presence of at least 12 different 16S rRNA gene species in a sample of Alpine rock salt, but these strains have not been cultured yet. The exploration of Mars is a target of space missions in the 21st century; therefore, testing the survival of haloarchaea under conditions comparable to present-day Mars, using a simulation chamber, was begun. Preliminary results with Halococcus and Halobacterium species suggested at least tenfold higher survival rates when cells were kept in liquid brines than under dry conditions; staining of cells with the LIVE–DEAD kit, which discriminates between damaged and intact membranes, corroborated these data.
Foam forming under dynamic conditions

Using foam as a carrier fluid in papermaking gives interesting new opportunities. Foam as a more viscous fluid than water is expected to behave differently in a dynamic process. This study presents results obtained under dynamic forming conditions in a semi-pilot scale research environment. Effects of process configurations and running conditions on increased forming speed, web properties, and difference between water-laid and foam-laid processes are shown. The studies were carried out using a water-laid former and the same environment modified for foam forming. In order to achieve increased forming speed, the open headbox was replaced with a closed headbox, and the former geometry was updated. The process foam was boosted with an additional foam pulper. The foam pulper was used as a machine chest for improving the dispersion of fibers into the foam. A much broader tensile strength ratio range (~3 to 8) was achieved with foam forming than with water-laid forming. Foam-laid paper had a broader pore size distribution and higher mean pore size. Formation and the formation spectra of foam-laid sheets were more uniform, leading to improvements in the properties of the fiber network.
Correlation between anthropometric measurements and hypertension in Oman

Introduction: Evidence that hypertension is related to increase in body fat is well established in literature. Evidence gathered from several studies shows that central obesity is a greater risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Oman has witnessed an epidemiological transition to non-communicable diseases. Objectives: The objective of the study was to examine the correlation between different anthropometric indicators and hypertension in Omani adults. Materials and Methods: A total of 500 adults participated in this study after taking informed consent from them. All participants underwent blood pressure and anthropometric measurements using standard procedures. The population study was separated in males and females and the effect of anthropometric measurements was compared for normotensive and hypertensive population. Correlation of anthropometric measurements with mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure was observed. Results: Mean values of all anthropometric measurements were significantly higher in hypertensive compared to people with normal blood pressure across both the gender. In both males and females; hip circumference, waist circumference, waist height ratio and BMI had significant strong positive correlation with mean systolic blood pressure (p Conclusion: Simple anthropometric measurements like hip circumference, waist circumference and waist height ratio can be used to predict hypertension in both males and females. Keywords: Hip circumference, AUC, Correlation, Body mass index, Hypertension.
Fabrication and Characterization of Silk Fibroin Microfiber-Incorporated Bone Marrow Stem Cell Spheroids to Promote Cell–Cell Interaction and Osteogenesis

In this study, silk fibroin microfiber (mSF) was applied to assist spheroid assemblies of rBMSCs (rabbit bone marrow stem cells) (S/B). Alkaline hydrolysis was induced with different times and conditions to manufacture the various sizes of mSF. The mSF was incorporated in the rBMSC with different amounts to optimize proper content for spheroid assembly. The formation of the S/B was confirmed under optical microscopy and SEM. Proliferation and viability were characterized by CCK-8 and live/dead staining. Osteogenesis was analyzed with ALP (alkaline phosphatase) activity studies and real-time polymerase chain reaction. The S/B was successfully produced and displayed uniformly distributed cells and mSF with the presence of a gap in the structure. Proliferation and viability of the S/B significantly increased when compared to rBMSC spheroids (B), which is potentially due to the enhanced transportation of oxygen and nutrients to the cells located in the core region. Additionally, ALP activity and osteogenic markers were significantly upregulated in the optimized S/B under osteogenic media conditions. Overall, a hybrid–spheroid system with a simple 3D cell culture platform provides a potential approach for engineering therapeutic stem cells.
To treat or not to treat, that is the question*

Following a diagnosis and surgical treatment for localized breast cancer, medical oncologists present patients with adjuvant systemic therapeutic options that have been shown to reduce the risk of subsequent cancer recurrence. In this commentary, I present the challenge that resulted from my discussions with a patient and family who asked that I not only discuss options and make recommendations but also decide the choice of therapy on her behalf.
Transbronchial cryobiopsy: an effective tool in the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disorders of the lung

Introduction Malignant lymphoproliferative disorders are rarely observed in the lung and, considering their clinical and radiological heterogeneity, diagnosis is often difficult and may require invasive methods. Transbronchial cryobiopsy has been confirmed as a new tool in the diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases, given its fewer risks and costs compared to surgical approach. This study is aimed at assessing the effectiveness of cryobiopsy in the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disorders. Materials and methods Among 970 consecutive cryobiopsies, performed between January 2011 and June 2018 at Morgagni Hospital of Forlì, Italy, 13 cases of lymphoproliferative disorders were collected. Results In 12 out of 13 cases a precise pathological diagnosis could be reached with the support of immunohistochemistry (IHC) and molecular ancillary studies. In the only case in which cryobiopsy did not lead to a definitive diagnosis, the subsequent surgical biopsy also did not help to clarify the diagnosis. Severe bleeding or pneumothorax did not occur in any case. On average, five biopsies were obtained per case, with a mean total area of 1161 mm2, and only 5 out of 65 specimens were inadequate for diagnosis. Instant freezing did not produce tissue artefacts nor did it affect IHC and molecular tests. In all cases the amount of available tissue was sufficient for all ancillary studies. Conclusions Transbronchial lung cryobiopsy is safe and effective for diagnosis in patients with suspected pulmonary involvement by lymphoproliferative disorders and it should therefore be considered a valid alternative to surgical biopsy in such cases. Cryobiopsy is an effective method in the diagnosis of lymphoproliferative disorders. Transbronchial cryobiopsy allows immunohistochemical and molecular analysis. No severe bleeding or pneumothorax were observed in this study. https://bit.ly/2CsHCx9
Utilization of brewery wastes in food industry

Beer is the most popular low-alcohol beverage consumed in large amounts in many countries each year. The brewing industry is an important global business with huge annual revenues. It is profitable and important for the economies of many countries around the world. The brewing process involves several steps, which lead to fermentation of sugars contained in malt and conversion thereof into alcohol and carbon dioxide by yeasts. Beer brewing generates substantial amounts of by-products. The three main brewing industry wastes include brewer’s spent grain, hot trub, and residual brewer’s yeast. Proper management of these wastes may bring economical benefits and help to protect the environment from pollution caused by their excessive accumulation. The disposal of these wastes is cumbersome for the producers, however they are suitable for reuse in the food industry. Given their composition, they can serve as a low-cost and highly nutritional source of feed and food additives. They also have a potential to be a cheap material for extraction of compounds valuable for the food industry and a component of media used in biotechnological processes aimed at production of compounds and enzymes relevant for the food industry.
Raccoon roundworm prevalence (Baylisascaris procyonis) at the North Carolina Zoo, USA

Baylisascaris procyonis is an important zoonotic nematode of raccoons (Procyon lotor). Infection with this parasite has important health implications for humans, zoo animals, and free-ranging wildlife. As a large, natural habitat zoo, the North Carolina Zoo (NC Zoo) coexists with native wildlife. Raccoons are abundant at the NC Zoo and the prevalence of B. procyonis is unknown. Raccoon latrines were located through employee reporting and systematic searching throughout the zoo and sampled for B. procyonis in October and November of 2018 and 2019. Parasite prevalence, latrine location, substrate category and latrine persistence were recorded. Thirty-three latrines were located in 2018 and eight new latrines in 2019 while four latrines from the prior year were no longer available to be sampled. Of the 29 latrines sampled over the two years, 16 (55%) persisted for at least one year. The majority of the latrines were found on natural substrate with rock showing the highest preference. Just over half (n = 21 of 41 total) of the active latrines in the study were in or immediately adjacent to animal enclosures. Two latrines were found in public areas including one contaminating children’s play equipment. Additionally, fresh fecal samples were collected from five adult raccoons presented to the zoo’s veterinary clinic in 2018 and 2019. All fecal samples tested by centrifugal flotation for both years were negative for B. procyonis. The results of this study show the value of field sampling to properly assess risk and enable informed decision-making regarding public health and wildlife management.
Sleep quality in children with atopic dermatitis during flares and after treatment

ABSTRACT Background: Little is known on sleep quality of children with atopic dermtitis (AD) during flares and how treatment impacts their sleep. The purpose of this study is to evaluate variations in sleep quality of children with AD during flares and its response to intensified treatment. Material and Methods: Prospective case-crossover study in 10 children with moderate-severe AD. At baseline, AD severity was assessed using SCORAD and patients were prescribed intensified AD therapy. All subjects were monitored by actigraphy during 14 days and returned for SCORAD assessment. Results: Subjects’ age was 5.6 ± 5.3 years; 50% were female. Sleep duration was decreased in all subjects and awakenings were increased in 90%. Parental perception of sleep significantly differed from actigraphy results: parents estimated less sleep duration and less awakenings. Nocturnal sleep efficiency at baseline was reduced in 50%. After intensified treatment, median SCORAD decreased from 58.5 to 31.3 (p=0.005), with significant improvement in sleep loss and pruritus visual analogue scales. Despite improvement of SCORAD and parental perception of sleep loss and pruritus, objective sleep duration and efficiency measured by actigraphy did not vary significantly after intensified treatment. Change in SCORAD, sleep loss and pruritus scales did not correlate significantly with change in sleep duration, efficiency or other actigraphic sleep quality measurements. Conclusions: Children with moderate-severe AD have sleep quality abnormalities, with decreased sleep duration, low sleep efficiency and increased awakenings. Improvement in AD severity upon intensified AD treatment was associated with improved parental perception of sleep loss, but not of objective sleep quality assessed by actigraphy.
Species composition of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in the Citrus Museum at the Agricultural Research Centre (ARC), Kade, Ghana

To determine species composition of fruit flies on six cultivated varieties of citrus (Late Valencia orange, Pineapple orange, Ovaleto, Mediterranean sweet lemon, Satsuma tangerine and Ortanique orange), a study was conducted at the Agricultural Research Centre, Kade, Ghana. Improvised Lynfield baited traps (methyl eugenol (ME) and citrus juice (CJ)) and McPhail baited traps (trimedlure (TML)) were used. Ripe infested fruits from the selected varieties were also collected and incubated. Tephritid fruit fly species from trapping were identified as Bactrocera invadens Drew, Tsuruta & White, Bactrocera Cucurbitae (Coquillet), Ceratitis ditissima Munro, C. anonae Graham, C. capitata (Wiedemann), C. bremii Guerin-Meneville, Dacus bivittatus (Bigot), D. punctatifrons Karsch and Trirhithrum Bezzi. A total of 35,247 fruit flies were collected from the traps, with densities of 10.38, 1.00 and 0.27 flies/trap/day for ME, CJ and TML traps, respectively. All incubated fruit varieties showed co-habitation of three different species (C. ditissima, C. anonae and B. invadens) in each of them. In addition, one Dacus vertebratus was obtained from dropped Late Valencia fruits. Moreover, three individual Fopius caudatus (Szèpligeti) parasitoids were recorded from the infested incubated fruits. Ranking of the different fruit fly species from infested incubated host fruits was as follows: C. ditissima (476) > C. anonae (74) > B. invadens (71) and D. vertebratus (1). Competitive ability among the invasive flies in their process to infest the six citrus varieties was observed. These findings could serve as a useful starting point for the development of a reliable catalogue of host diversity, fruit fly species diversity and associated natural enemy records in Ghana.