Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chondroitin Sulfate Prevents STZ Induced Diabetic Osteoporosis through Decreasing Blood Glucose, AntiOxidative Stress, Anti-Inflammation and OPG/RANKL Expression Regulation

Chondroitin sulfate (CS) has antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anti-osteoarthritic and hypoglycemic effects. However, whether it has antidiabetic osteoporosis effects has not been reported. Therefore, in this study, we established a STZ-induced diabetic rat model; CS (500 mg kg−1 d−1) was orally administrated for eight weeks to study its preventive effects on diabetic osteoporosis. The results showed that eight weeks of CS treatment improved the symptoms of diabetes; the CS-treated group has increased body weight, decreased water or food intake, decreased blood glucose, increased bone-mineral density, repaired bone morphology and decreased femoral osteoclasts and tibia adipocytes numbers. After CS treatment, bone histomorphometric parameters returned to normal, the levels of serum inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) decreased significantly, serum SOD, GPX and CAT activities increased and MDA level increased. In the CS-treated group, the levels of serum ALP, CTX-1, TRACP 5b, osteocalcin and RANKL decreased and the serum RUNX 2 and OPG levels increased. Bone immunohistochemistry results showed that CS can effectively increase the expression of OPG and RUNX2 and reduce the expression of RANKL in diabetic rats. All of these indicate that CS could prevent STZ induced diabetic osteoporosis—mainly through decreasing blood glucose, antioxidative stress, anti-inflammation and regulation of OPG/RANKL expression. CS can therefore effectively prevent bone loss caused by diabetes.
Depletion of soil water from a Tokomaru silt loam by a perennial ryegrass sward

Abstract An automatic rain-out shelter and an oscillating sprinkler irrigater were used to give contrasting dry and wet soil moisture regimes during summer in a ryegrass sward grown on a Tokomaru silt loam (Fragiaqualf). Measurements of volumetric water content were made about once a week using a neutron probe. These measurements showed that at the maximum water deficit, 39, 28, 20, and 13% of the soil moisture in the top 100 cm were lost from successive 25 cm depths down the soil profile. Soil water deficits, calculated by integrating the soil water contents down to 100 cm, were linearly related to the rate of water loss from the soil, i.e., evapotranspiration. Measured soil water deficits were compared with predicted deficits calculated using previously published soil water balance data. Close agreement was obtained when the appropriate relationship for soil-controlled evapotranspiration was used.
Gain-of-function mutant p53 in cancer progression and therapy

Abstract p53 is a key tumor suppressor, and loss of p53 function is frequently a prerequisite for cancer development. The p53 gene is the most frequently mutated gene in human cancers; p53 mutations occur in >50% of all human cancers and in almost every type of human cancers. Most of p53 mutations in cancers are missense mutations, which produce the full-length mutant p53 (mutp53) protein with only one amino acid difference from wild-type p53 protein. In addition to loss of the tumor-suppressive function of wild-type p53, many mutp53 proteins acquire new oncogenic activities independently of wild-type p53 to promote cancer progression, termed gain-of-function (GOF). Mutp53 protein often accumulates to very high levels in cancer cells, which is critical for its GOF. Given the high mutation frequency of the p53 gene and the GOF activities of mutp53 in cancer, therapies targeting mutp53 have attracted great interest. Further understanding the mechanisms underlying mutp53 protein accumulation and GOF will help develop effective therapies treating human cancers containing mutp53. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the studies on mutp53 regulation and GOF as well as therapies targeting mutp53 in human cancers.
Phytophagous insects and web-building spiders in relation to pasture vegetation complexity

We investigate the potential use of structural characteristics of vegetation as predictors of the densities of pasture arthropods in three Azorean islands. Two types of upland pastures, recent sown pastures (3-4 yr old) and wet semi-natural old pastures (> 35 yr old), were studied in three Azorean islands (S. Maria, Terceira and Pico). Three arthropod assemblages, of particular importance in pasture habitats, were assessed: insect forb-feeders, insect grass-feeders and web-building spiders. These are numerically abundant and represent a range of feeding strategies. Point quadrats for plants and suction (Vortis) for arthropods were used as sampling methods. Several vegetation indices were investigated, but only three (cover abundance of perennial forbs, cover abundance of perennial grasses and the total vegetation alpha-diversity) were good predictors of invertebrate abundance. Vegetation structure, defined by a Height Index, was of minor predictive value. In sown and semi-natural pastureland, diverse and structurally complex pasture sites support more individual insect forbfeeders, grass-feeders and web-building spiders per unit area than less complex ones.
Models of individual linear dimensions necessary for the construction of the correct form of dental arches in young men with a wide face, depending on the features of odontometric and cephalometric indicators.

OBJECTIVE The aim is development and analysis of regression models of linear dimensions necessary for the construction of the correct form of dental arches in young men with a wide face, depending on the features of odontometric and cephalometric indicators. PATIENTS AND METHODS Material and methods: Primary computed tomographic indices of tooth size and cephalometric parameters of 44 young men with normal occlusion were obtained from the data bank of the National Pirogov Memorial Medical University, Vinnytsya. Face type was determined using the Garson morphological index. In licensed statistical package "Statistica 6,0" developed regression models of linear dimensions necessary for the construction of the correct form of dental arches. RESULTS Results: As a result of researches, it is established that all 18 reliable models of the sizes used for construction of the correct form of dental arches, depending on peculiarities of odontometric and cephalometric indices with a coefficient from 0.645 to 0.944 are constructed. Built models in adolescents with a broad face type more often include odontometric than cephalometric indicators. The most commonly used odontometric indices are: the width of the crowns of the teeth in the mesio-distal and vestibulo-oral directions, as well as the distance from the middle of the cutting edge to the apex of the root of the teeth in the vestibulo-oral direction. CONCLUSION Conclusions: In adolescents with a broad type of face with normal occlusion, all 18 possible reliable regression models of reproduction of the individual characteristics of the dental arches of the upper and lower jaws were determined and analyzed.
Correlation between 3D‐QCA based FFR and quantitative lumen assessment by IVUS for left main coronary artery stenoses

We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using three dimensional‐quantitative coronary angiography (3D‐QCA) based fractional flow reserve (FFR) (vessel fractional flow reserve [vFFR], CAAS8.1, Pie Medical Imaging) and to correlate vFFR values with intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) for the evaluation of intermediate left main coronary artery (LMCA) stenosis.
Parasite Infestation and Parental Care in the Barn Swallow Hirundo rustical a Test of the Resource‐provisioning Model of Parasite‐mediated Sexual Selection

Barn swallows, Hirundo rustica, are commonly infested by the haematophagous tropical fowl mite Omithonyssus bursa (Macronyssidae, Gamasida), which severely reduces various measures of reproductive success among the barn swallow hosts. Food provisioning rate by parent barn swallows, measured in terms of absolute feeding rate by males and females and relative feeding rate by males (percentage of food provided by the male parent), was not significantly related to natural levels of infestation of nests. Experimental manipulation of mite loads in nests during the egg-laying period of the first clutch, which also affected mite loads of parent barn swallows, significantly affected food-provisioning rates of single-brooded, but not of double-brooded barn swallows. These results suggest that effects of mites on the parenting ability of barn swallow hosts depend on host resistance towards parasites. This is consistent with the resource-provisioning hypothesis of parasite-mediated sexual selection, suggesting that females prefer parasite-free males because they are efficient parents, but also with the hypothesis that females prefer males with traits signalling genetic resistance to parasites.
Protective Effects of Intravitreal Injection of the Rho-Kinase Inhibitor Y-27632 in a Rodent Model of Nonarteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (rAION)

Purpose We sought to explore the effects of intravitreal injection of the Rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632 in a rodent model of nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (rAION). Methods The rAION model was established by using laser-induced photoactivation of intravenously administered Rose Bengal in rats. The rats received intravitreal injections of Y-27632 or PBS 1, 3, and 6 days after rAION induction. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) was performed at 2 days and 4 weeks after induction. Visual evoked potential (VEP) was used to evaluate the visual function at 4 weeks. Brn3a immunofluorescence staining of surviving RGCs and apoptosis assays of RGCs were performed at 4 weeks. Results Optic nerve head (ONH) width was significantly reduced in the Y-27632 group compared with that in the PBS group at 2 days after induction (p < 0.05). At 4 weeks, the P1 amplitude of flash-VEP (FVEP) in the Y-27632 group was significantly higher than that of the PBS group (p < 0.05). The RGC densities in the central and midperipheral retinas in the Y-27632 group were significantly higher than those in the PBS group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a significant decrease in apoptotic RGCs in the Y-27632 group than in the PBS group (p < 0.05). Conclusions Intravitreal injection of Y-27632 had neuroprotective effects on ONH edema, RGC survival, and visual function preservation in rAION.
Adult and Juvenile Survival of Black-Capped Vireos within a Large Breeding Population in Texas

Abstract We used mark-recapture and information-theoretic model selection methodologies to estimate survival and recapture probabilities for the federally endangered Black-capped Vireo (Vireo atricapilla) at Fort Hood Military Reservation, Texas, during 1997–2006. Adult survival was time-dependent and ranged from 0.36 to 0.60. Although we found no support for sex-specific differences in adult survival, recapture probability was greater for males (0.83) than females (0.58). Adult survival differed among three study areas, which could be indicative of site-specific differences in habitat quality. Survival of juveniles from their hatching year to the following spring was dependent on age at banding. Survival of juveniles banded as nestlings or soon after fledging was low (0.10). The survival estimate for juveniles banded after postfledging independence was substantially higher (0.42). Because juvenile survival is difficult to estimate for passerines, it is often set at an arbitrary value such as one third or half of adult survival. Our survival estimate for juveniles banded after postfledging independence was higher than suggested by either of these commonly used guidelines. We acknowledge that our survival estimates are probably biased low because we could not differentiate between dispersal and mortality. Adoption of a study design that includes core areas where vireos are marked and resighted in subsequent years as well as surrounding resight-only areas would presumably improve survival estimates for both adults and juveniles. More robust estimates of survival could greatly improve population viability analyses for this endangered species.
Repeated administration of inorganic nitrate on blood pressure and arterial stiffness: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text Objective: We aim to synthesize effects of repeated administration (≥3 days) of inorganic nitrate on blood pressure and arterial stiffness measures. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials with at least 3 days treatment of inorganic nitrate on blood pressure and arterial stiffness in individuals with or without elevated cardiovascular disease risk. MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library were searched through 2 July 2019. Two independent reviewers extracted relevant study data. Data were pooled using the generic inverse variance method with random-effects model, and expressed as mean differences with 95% confidence intervals. Certainty in the evidence was assessed using GRADE. Results: Forty-seven trials were included (n = 1101). Administration of inorganic nitrate significantly lowered SBP [mean difference: −2.91 mmHg, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): −3.92 to −1.89, I2 = 76%], DBP (mean difference: −1.45 mmHg, 95% CI: −2.22 to −0.68, I2 = 78%], central SBP (mean difference: −1.56 mmHg, 95% CI: −2.62 to −0.50, I2 = 30%) and central DBP (mean difference: −1.99 mmHg, 95% CI: −2.37 to −1.60, I2 = 0%). There was no effect on 24-h blood pressure, augmentation index or pulse wave velocity. Certainty in the evidence was graded moderate for central blood pressure, pulse wave velocity and low for peripheral blood pressure, 24-h blood pressure and augmentation index. Conclusion: Repeated administration (≥3 days) of inorganic nitrate lower peripheral and central blood pressure. Results appear to be driven by beneficial effects in healthy and hypertensive individuals. More studies are required to increase certainty in the evidence.
Macro- and Micronutrients from Traditional Food Plants Could Improve Nutrition and Reduce Non-Communicable Diseases of Islanders on Atolls in the South Pacific

Pacific Islanders have paid dearly for abandoning traditional diets, with diabetes and other non-communicable diseases (NCD) widespread. Starchy root crops like sweet potato, taro, and cassava are difficult to grow on the potassium-deficient soils of atolls, and high energy, low nutrient imported foods and drinks are popular. Nutritious, leafy food plants adapted to alkaline, salty, coral soils could form part of a food system strategy to reduce NCD rates. This project targeted four atolls south of Tarawa, Kiribati, and was later extended to Tuvalu. Mineral levels in diverse, local leafy food plants were compared to reveal genotype–environment interactions. Food plants varied in ability to accumulate minerals in leaves and in tolerance of mineral-deficient soils. Awareness activities which included agriculture, health, and education officers targeted atoll communities. Agriculture staff grew planting material in nurseries and provided it to farmers. Rejuvenation of abandoned giant swamp taro pits to form diversified nutritious food gardens was encouraged. Factsheets promoted the most suitable species from 24 analyzed, with multiple samples of each. These included Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (chaya), Pseuderanthemum whartonianum (ofenga), Polyscias scutellaria (hedge panax), and Portulaca oleracea (purslane). The promoted plants have been shown in other studies to have anti-NCD effects. Inclusion of the findings in school curricula and practical application in the form of demonstration school food gardens, as well as increased uptake by farmers, are needed. Further research is needed on bioavailability of minerals in plants containing phytates and tannins.
Sustainable Tourism as a Source of Healthy Tourism

Even though the World Tourism Organization described Sustainable Tourism as a tourism form that could contribute to the future survival of the industry, the current reality is quite different, since it has not been firmly established in society at expected levels. The present study analyzes which variables drive the consumption of this tourism type, taking tourist awareness as the key element. To this awareness, we must add the current crisis experienced by the tourism industry caused by COVID-19, since it can benefit Sustainable Tourism development, promoting less crowded destinations that favor social distancing. For this, the existing literature on Sustainable Tourism has been examined in order to create a model that highlights the relations among these variables. To determine the meaning of these relations, a sample of 308 tourists was analyzed through structural equation models using Partial Least Squares. The results show that there is a clear attitude on the part of the tourist to develop Sustainable Tourism, driven by the positive effects and motivation it entails, as well as the satisfaction the tourist perceives when consuming a responsible tourism type.
Water Potential-Water Content Relationships In Apple Leaves

Three methods for determining the relationship between xylem pressure potential as measured in a pressure chamber (an estimate of leaf water potential) and leaf relative water content were compared for apple leaves. A range of leaf water contents was obtained either by sampling leaves in the field at different times of day and on days with differing evaporative demand, or by allowing evaporation from excised leaves in the laboratory, or by expressing sap by overpressurization in a pressure chamber. The first two methods gave very similar results, but the last tended to give rather lower water potentials at any given water content. A possible explanation for these results and their implications for the estimation of osmotic potentials using pressure-volume curves are discussed. Some osmotic adjustment was observed in trees droughted for 3 months, with estimated osmotic potentials, both at full turgor and zero turgor, being nearly 0-3 MPa lower than in irrigated controls.
Effect of BCD Plasma on a Bacteria Cell Membrane

Abstract Cell membrane rupture is considered to be one of the probable mechanisms for bacterial inactivation using barrier corona discharge (BCD) plasma. In this paper, the effect of the BCD plasma on the Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria cell wall was investigated through two analytical methods; Adenosine-5′-triphosphate (ATP) assay and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The ATP assay results indicate an increase in the ATP content of samples which were exposed to the BCD plasma. This implies the bacteria cell rupture. Moreover, AFM images confirm a serious damage of the bacteria cell wall under the influence of the bactericidal agents of the plasma.
Building Credibility for Non-Profit Organizations through Webpage Interface Design

Abstract Limited research has examined the impact of visual communication on the web and none has explored how wired visual constructions influence an organization's credibility. This research tested a model of visual credibility through simulated web pages for two types of non-profit organizations. Contrary to previous work, a structured, symmetrical design was not uniformly seen as more credible than an organic, asymmetrical design. Further, regardless of the issue, photographs and bright, warm colors were found to confer credibility to an organization. Credibility gained through visual representations was found to engender intended participation in the non-profit organization - particularly among those who had already received positive information about the organization.
Validity of Otoliths and Pectoral Spines for Estimating Ages of Channel Catfish

Abstract Basal recess and articulating process sections of pectoral spines are often used to estimate the age of channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus. However, identification of annuli in pectoral spine sections can be difficult. We developed and validated a method for estimating the age of channel catfish by using sagittal otoliths. We also validated a new method using pectoral spines in which a single cut is made through the dorsal and anterior processes (hereafter termed cut spines) and annuli are enhanced with side illumination. Age estimates from otoliths and cut spines were compared with age estimates from traditional articulating process sections of pectoral spines for channel catfish of known ages (1–4). Age estimates by the three methods were correct for more than 90% of fish after two experienced readers independently estimated ages and resolved disagreements by mutual examination. Otoliths were more accurate and less variable in estimating age. Otolith age estimates were always within 1 year and.
Germination of Viburnum odoratissimum seeds: a new level of morphophysiological dormancy

Abstract Previous studies indicated that seeds of Viburnum odoratissimum had only physiological dormancy (PD), but no measurements of embryos were made during the dormancy-break treatments. Thus, we investigated embryo growth and radicle and cotyledon emergence over a range of temperatures. Seeds have underdeveloped embryos, and their length increased about 300% before radicle emergence. Embryos also had PD, as evidenced by delays in beginning of embryo growth (2–3 weeks) and of germination after embryos were elongated (4 weeks). After radicle emergence, epicotyl emergence was delayed 1–8 weeks, depending on incubation temperature, but cold stratification was not required to break PD of the epicotyl. Unlike seeds of many previously studied Viburnum spp. , epicotyls of V. odoratissimum have non-deep, rather than deep, PD. Hence, a new level of MPD called non-deep, simple, epicotyl MPD has been identified.
Diversity and distribution of Brachionidae (Rotifera) in Thailand, with a key to the species

We investigated the diversity of brachionid rotifers in Thailand. Rotifers were collected from a wide range of habitat types (294 sites, 508 samples) including canals, lakes, peat swamps, ponds, reservoirs, rice fields, rivers, swamps and temporary ponds from April 1998 to January 2004. Twenty-eight species including 11 infrasubspecific forms belonging to five genera were identified. The most frequently encountered species was Brachionus falcatus (50.7% of the sampling sites), followed by Keratella cochlearis (50%), B. angularis (49.7%), K. tropica (46.3%) and B. forficula (45.9%). Less frequently encountered species were B. caudatus , B. durgae and B. urceolaris . These species were found in low abundances and only in a single site. Two sites in the Northeast – Nong Changpeuak and Bueng Srithat – recorded the greatest richness with 15 taxa, whereas no brachionid rotifers were found in 31 sites. On average, the species richness was five taxa per sampling site. A key to the genera and species of Thai brachionid rotifers is provided.