Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seasonality of Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) Reproduction at Aldabra Atoll, Seychelles (1980–2011) in the Regional Context of the Western Indian Ocean

Abstract Seasonal and temporal-spatial distributions of green turtle (Chelonia mydas) nesting activity were assessed at Aldabra Atoll Seychelles, the second largest green turtle rookery in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO), based on morning counts of fresh turtle tracks conducted during 1980–2011. The datasets used in the analyses are derived from an average of 3–4 surveys per month at two index sites representing ∼30%–42% of total annual nesting during 1980–1989 and ∼58% during 1995–2011; and monthly surveys conducted at another two remote sites, which accounted for an additional 20% of annual nesting (total ∼78%) during 2002–2011. Turtles engaged in year-round nesting during the season defined as December to November and characterized by patterns of high intra- and interannual variation. In some seasons, nesting peaked primarily during February to May, and in others during May to September, but on average during 1995–2011, a clear unimodal pattern emerged with nesting activity greatest during February to September, peaking during April to June, and lowest in November–December. The two Primary Index Sites situated 2.2 km apart on the west coast and separated by a lagoon entrance had mean peak nesting dates that consistently differed by more than a month. Possible explanations for the differences are discussed. At Aldabra, the timing of the 1997–1998 ENSO event coincided with a disruption in normal nesting cycles during 1998 through 2002 and the highest levels of nesting recorded at Aldabra to date during the 2000–2001 season. Comparison of seasonal median peak nesting dates at five green turtle rookeries in the WIO suggests an inverse relationship with latitude among four of them, with those in the lower latitudes peaking during the austral autumn and winter and in the higher latitudes during the austral summer, an indication that temperature may be moderating nesting seasonality in the WIO.
Dissemination of the blaCTX-M-15 gene among Enterobacteriaceae via outer membrane vesicles.

BACKGROUND Bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) are an emerging source of antibiotic resistance transfer but their role in the spread of the blaCTX-M-15 gene encoding the most frequent CTX-M ESBL in Enterobacteriaceae is unknown. OBJECTIVES To determine the presence of blaCTX-M-15 and other antibiotic resistance genes in OMVs of the CTX-M-15-producing MDR Escherichia coli O104:H4 outbreak strain and the ability of these OMVs to spread these genes among Enterobacteriaceae under different conditions. METHODS OMV-borne antibiotic resistance genes were detected by PCR; OMV-mediated transfer of blaCTX-M-15 and the associated blaTEM-1 was quantified under laboratory conditions, simulated intraintestinal conditions and under ciprofloxacin stress; resistance to antibiotics and the ESBL phenotype were determined by the CLSI disc diffusion methods and the presence of pESBL by plasmid profiling and Southern blot hybridization. RESULTS E. coli O104:H4 OMVs carried blaCTX-M-15 and blaTEM-1 located on the pESBL plasmid, but not chromosomal antibiotic resistance genes. The OMVs transferred blaCTX-M-15, blaTEM-1 and the associated pESBL into Enterobacteriaceae of different species. The frequencies of the OMV-mediated transfer were significantly increased under simulated intraintestinal conditions and under ciprofloxacin stress when compared with laboratory conditions. The 'vesiculants' (i.e. recipients that received the blaCTX-M-15- and blaTEM-1-harbouring pESBL via OMVs) acquired resistance to cefotaxime, ceftazidime and cefpodoxime and expressed the ESBL phenotype. They were able to further spread pESBL and the blaCTX-M-15 and blaTEM-1 genes via OMVs. CONCLUSIONS OMVs are efficient vehicles for dissemination of the blaCTX-M-15 gene among Enterobacteriaceae and may contribute to blaCTX-M-15 transfer in the human intestine.
In vitro viability and preservation of pollen grain of kiwi (Actinidia chinensis var. deliciosa (A. Chev.) A. Chev)

Kiwi is a dioecious plant species, requiring cross pollination for fruit production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro viability and shelf life of pollen grains of two kiwi varieties. Flowers of the cultivars Matua and Tomuri were collected and the pollen germinated in vitro, in culture medium containing agar (1 %), sucrose (0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 %) and boric acid (0 and 50 mg L-1 H3BO3). Pollen grains were stored in a BOD incubator (25.0 °C), refrigerator (4.0 °C), freezer (-18.0 °C) and in liquid N2 (-196.0 °C), and evaluated after 0, 40, 120, 240 and 365 days. The culture medium enriched with 12 % sucrose and 50 mg L-1 H3BO3 was the most suitable. Pollen grains can be stored for a short period in the refrigerator or freezer, and cryopreserved for at least one year.
Is it the time to apply the model of Czech‐Austrian kidney paired donation program?

Living donor (LD) kidney transplantation is currently the best treatment of choice for patients with end stage renal disease. However, in a significant amount of cases there are immunological barriers between the potential donor and recipient. While kidney paired donation (KPD) or kidney exchange program (KEP) would certainly help to overcome these barriers and find immunological appropriate donor for each recipient, a single institutional or even a small country national list can be unsuccessful as numbers really do matter in this situation.
Changes in quality of life, health status and other patient‐reported outcomes following simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPKT): a quantitative and qualitative analysis within a UK‐wide programme

We examined quality of life (QoL) and other patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) in 95 simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplant (SPKT) recipients and 41 patients wait‐listed for SPKT recruited to the UK Access to Transplantation and Transplant Outcome Measures (ATTOM) programme. Wait‐listed patients transplanted within 12 months of recruitment (n = 22) were followed 12 months post‐transplant and compared with those still wait‐listed (n = 19) to examine pre‐ to post‐transplant changes. Qualitative interviews with ten SPKT recipients 12 months post‐transplant were analysed thematically. Cross‐sectional analyses showed several better 12‐month outcomes for SPKT recipients compared with those still wait‐listed, a trend to better health utilities but no difference in diabetes‐specific QoL or diabetes treatment satisfaction. Pre‐ to post‐transplant, SPKT recipients showed improved treatment satisfaction, well‐being, self‐reported health, generic QoL and less negative impact on renal‐specific QoL (ps < 0.05). Health utility values were better overall in transplant recipients and neither these nor diabetes‐specific QoL changed significantly in either group. Pre‐emptive transplant advantages seen in 12‐month cross‐sectional analyses disappeared when controlling for baseline values. Qualitative findings indicated diabetes complications, self‐imposed blood glucose monitoring and dietary restrictions continued to impact QoL negatively post‐transplant. Unrealistic expectations of SPKT caused some disappointment. Measuring condition‐specific PROMs over time will help in demonstrating the benefits and limitations of SPKT.
Impact of radio-tags on Ruby-throated Hummingbirds 1 The impact of radio-tags on Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris) 2

Radio telemetry has advanced the field of wildlife biology, especially with the miniaturization of 9 radio-tags. However, the major limitation faced with radio-tagging birds is the size of the animal 10 to which a radio-tag can be attached. We tested how miniature radio-tags affected flight 11 performance and behavior of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris), possibly the 12 smallest bird species to be fitted with radio-tags. Using eyelash adhesive, we fitted hatch year 13 individuals (n=20 males and 15 females) with faux radio-tags of three sizes varying in mass and 14 antenna length (220mg-12.7cm, 240mg-12.7cm, and 220mg-6.35cm), then filmed the birds in a 15 field aviary to quantify activity budgets. We also estimated flight range using flight simulation
Closing the gap from transcription to the structural connectome enhances the study of connections in the human brain

The brain is composed of a complex web of networks but we have yet to map the structural connections of the human brain in detail. Diffusion MR imaging is a high‐throughput method that relies on the principle of diffusion to reconstruct tracts (ie, pathways) across the brain. Although diffusion MR tractography is an exciting method to explore the structural connectivity of the brain in development and across species, the tractography has at times led to questionable interpretations. There are at present few if any alternative methods to trace structural pathways in the human brain. Given these limitations and the potential of diffusion MR imaging to map the human connectome, it is imperative that we develop new approaches to validate neuroimaging techniques. I discuss our recent studies integrating neuroimaging with transcriptional and anatomical variation across humans and other species over the course of development and in adulthood. Developing a novel framework to harness the potential of diffusion MR tractography provides new and exciting opportunities to study the evolution of developmental mechanisms generating variation in connections and bridge the gap between model systems to humans.
Involvement of H2S, NO and BDNF‐TrkB signalling pathway in the protective effects of simvastatin against pentylenetetrazole‐induced kindling and cognitive impairments in mice

Cognitive dysfunction was observed in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)‐kindled mice. The potential effectiveness of simvastatin (SIM) on PTZ‐induced kindling and cognitive impairments in mice was evaluated. The influence of SIM on hydrogen sulphide (H2S), nitric oxide (NO), reactive aldehydes and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine receptor kinase B (BDNF‐TrkB) signalling was also investigated. Kindling and cognitive impairments in mice were induced by 12 ip injections of PTZ (35 mg/kg) once every alternate day. The levels of reactive aldehydes and nitrite were increased while H2S was decreased in PTZ‐treated mice. These results were accompanied by a reduction in the gene expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2, cystathionine β‐synthase, BDNF and TrkB. In PTZ‐kindled mice, a rise in brain inducible nitric oxide synthase protein expression associated with histopathological changes was observed. SIM administration (1, 5 and 10 mg/kg, daily orally) along with alternate day of PTZ (35 mg/kg) resulted in a decrease in PTZ‐induced kindling with a dose‐dependent improvement in cognitive function. SIM (10 mg/kg) prevented, to variable extent, the disturbances associated with PTZ‐kindled mice with cortical, cerebellar and hippocampal structural improvement. These results suggested that SIM triggers multiple mechanisms that improve cognitive function in PTZ‐kindled mice through modulation of oxidative stress, H2S, NO and BDNF‐TrkB signalling pathway.
Lower Adenoma Miss Rate of Computer-aided Detection-Assisted Colonoscopy vs Routine White-Light Colonoscopy in a Prospective Tandem Study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Up to 30% of adenomas might be missed during screening colonoscopy-these could be polyps that appear on-screen but are not recognized by endoscopists or polyps that are in locations that do not appear on the screen at all. Computer-aided detection (CADe) systems, based on deep learning, might reduce rates of missed adenomas by displaying visual alerts that identify precancerous polyps on the endoscopy monitor in real time. We compared adenoma miss rates of CADe colonoscopy vs routine white-light colonoscopy. METHODS We performed a prospective study of patients, 18-75 years old, referred for diagnostic, screening, or surveillance colonoscopies at a single endoscopy center of Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital from June 3, 2019 through September 24, 2019. Same day, tandem colonoscopies were performed for each participant by the same endoscopist. Patients were randomly assigned to groups that received either CADe colonoscopy (n=184) or routine colonoscopy (n=185) first, followed immediately by the other procedure. Endoscopists were blinded to the group each patient was assigned to until immediately before the start of each colonoscopy. Polyps that were missed by the CADe system but detected by endoscopists were classified as missed polyps. False polyps were those continuously traced by the CADe system but then determined not to be polyps by the endoscopists. The primary endpoint was adenoma miss rate, which was defined as the number of adenomas detected in the second-pass colonoscopy divided by the total number of adenomas detected in both passes. RESULTS The adenoma miss rate was significantly lower with CADe colonoscopy (13.89%; 95% CI, 8.24%-19.54%) than with routine colonoscopy (40.00%; 95% CI, 31.23%-48.77%, P<.0001). The polyp miss rate significantly lower with CADe colonoscopy (12.98%; 95% CI, 9.08%-16.88%) than with routine colonoscopy (45.90%; 95% CI, 39.65%-52.15%) (P<.0001). Adenoma miss rates in ascending, transverse, and descending colon were significantly lower with CADe colonoscopy than with routine colonoscopy (ascending colon 6.67% vs 39.13%; P=.0095; transverse colon 16.33% vs 45.16%; P=.0065; and descending colon 12.50% vs 40.91%, P=.0364). CONCLUSIONS CADe colonoscopy reduced the overall miss rate of adenomas by endoscopists using white-light endoscopy. Routine use of CADe might reduce the incidence of interval colon cancers. chictr.org. cn study no: ChiCTR1900023086.
Quantitative trait loci for bone traits segregating independently of those for growth in an F2 broiler × layer cross

An F2 broiler–layer cross was phenotyped for 18 skeletal traits at 6, 7 and 9 weeks of age and genotyped with 120 microsatellite markers. Interval mapping identified 61 suggestive and significant QTL on 16 of the 25 linkage groups for 16 traits. Thirty-six additional QTL were identified when the assumption that QTL were fixed in the grandparent lines was relaxed. QTL with large effects on the lengths of the tarsometatarsus, tibia and femur, and the weights of the tibia and femur were identified on GGA4 between 217 and 249 cM. Six QTL for skeletal traits were identified that did not co-locate with genome wide significant QTL for body weight and two body weight QTL did not coincide with skeletal trait QTL. Significant evidence of imprinting was found in ten of the QTL and QTL × sex interactions were identified for 22 traits. Six alleles from the broiler line for weight- and size-related skeletal QTL were positive. Negative alleles for bone quality traits such as tibial dyschondroplasia, leg bowing and tibia twisting generally originated from the layer line suggesting that the allele inherited from the broiler is more protective than the allele originating from the layer.
Density‐dependent foraging effort of Deer Mice (Peromyscus maniculatus)

Summary 1 Little is known about how population density affects the foraging behaviour of individuals. Simple models are developed to predict the net effect of density on the quitting-harvest rates of optimal foragers. The theory was tested with experiments that measured the foraging behaviour of free-ranging Deer Mice under control and reduced densities. 2 An increased density of conspecifics may (a) reduce the costs of foraging by increasing competition for resources (reduces the energetic state of the forager; competition hypothesis) or (b) increase the costs of foraging by increasing the value of time spent on social activities (social benefits hypothesis). 3 A reduction in the costs of foraging caused by competition will reduce the quitting-harvest rate of an optimal forager, whereas an increase in the value of alternative activities will increase the quitting-harvest rate. Both hypotheses predict a reduction in optimal foraging time with increased density. 4 The hypothesis that applies to Deer Mice (Peromyscus maniculatus, Wagner) was assessed by measuring their foraging activity and quitting-harvest rates at control and reduced population densities on four study plots located in boreal forest in north-western Ontario, Canada. 5 Deer Mice increased their per capita foraging activity and their quitting-harvest rates when population densities were reduced. The results confirm the very important role of competition in the behaviour of optimal foragers.
Weak-form Efficiency After Global Financial Crisis: Emerging Stock Market Evidence

This article investigates weak-form efficiency of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and its sectors for the post-global financial crisis period using autocorrelation test, Ljung–Box Q test, McLeod-Li portmanteau test and ARCH-LM test. The descriptive statistics show that the returns of NSE and its sectors are positive. The results show that (i) investors can only predict banking sector return using superior fundamental analysis of their intrinsic values; (ii) prediction of the NSE 30 and Shari’ah equities sector returns require nonlinear model and fundamental analysis and (iii) consumer goods sector and oil and gas sector may be predicted using both technical and fundamental analyses. JEL Classification: G11, 14
Effects of γ-aminobutyric acid on human sperm motility and hyperactivation

This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of Y-aminobutyri c acid (GABA) and GABAergic agonists and antagonists on sperm kinematic parameters and hyperactivation, evaluated by a computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA) system, and intracellular cAMP content in 22 normozoospermic semen samples. Because of the possible interaction of progesterone with the GABAA receptor, we also evaluated the effects of progesterone on these parameters. GABA increased beat cross frequency, curvilinear velocity (VCL), the percentage of spermatozoa moving with an average path velocity >10 u.m/s (active) and hyperactivation, and decreased linearity and straightness. Bicuculline, a GABAA receptor antagonist, antagonized the effects of GABA on all these parameters except the percentage of active spermatozoa. Muscimol, a GABAA receptor agonist, increased VCL, the percentage of active spermatozoa, and hyperactivation by about the same extent as GABA, suggesting the involvement of the GABAA receptor. However, the GABAB receptor also seems to mediate some of the effects of GABA, because baclofen, a selective agonist for this receptor, increased significantly the percentage of active spermatozoa and hyperactivation. The effect of baclofen on this latter parameter was, however, less pronounced than that obtained with GABA or muscimol. Progesterone had the same effects as GABA on sperm kinematic parameters and hyperactivation and the simultaneous presence of both compounds was not more effective than each single one. GABA and progesterone did not have any effect on intracellular cAMP content. In conclusion, GABA modulated sperm kinematic parameters and increased hyperactivation. These effects have the same magnitude of those produced by progesterone and seem to be mediated mainly by the GABAA receptor. We speculate that GABA may be a physiological regulator of sperm function.
Betaine is a feed enhancer for juvenile grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) as determined behaviourally

ABSTRACT The present study aimed to determine if betaine can function as a feeding stimulant or feed enhancer for the juvenile grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus through a behavioural experiment with video recording. Agar gel pellet was used as the medium to deliver the chemical test substances – betaine (BET), amino acids mixture (AAM) and mixtures of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5 BET + AAM to the fish. The pure agar gel (PAG) and feed extract pellets were used as the negative and positive control, respectively. From the recorded videos, two parameters were observed: (I) the pellet was consumed or rejected [A] – if consumed, recorded 1; if rejected, recorded 0, and (II) frequency of the pellet has been captured before it was consumed or rejected and ignored [B], and the preference index was calculated through [A]/[B]. The PAG pellet was totally rejected by the fish (index's value = 0). The index's values of BET and AAM were 0.17 ± 0.39 and 0.19 ± 0.31 (mean ± SD), respectively. No significant difference was found among the index's values of PAG, BET and AAM pellets. However, the index's values of all BET + AAM pellets (1:1–1:5) were very high (0.60–0.90), and were significantly higher than those of the PAG, BET and AAM pellets. No significant difference was found among the index's value of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4 BET + AAM treatments. These results concluded that betaine is a feed enhancer for the E. fuscoguttatus and little amount of betaine supplementation is sufficient to enhance the flavour of amino acids mixture.
Effects of Microbial Phytase Replacing Partial Inorganic Phosphorus Supplementation and Xylanase on the Growth Performance and Nutrient Digestibility in Broilers Fed Wheat-based Diets

Two experiments were conducted with broilers to investigate the feasibility of microbial phytase replacing partial inorganic phosphorus supplementation and the synergistic effects of xylanase (320 FTU/kg) supplementation alone or in combination with phytase (750 U/kg) replacing 0.08% dietary inorganic phosphorus, on the growth performance and utilization of nutrients in broilers fed wheat-based diets. In Experiment 1, 540 broilers were fed five diets for 6 weeks. Diets C0 and C1 were corn-based diets and 0.08% inorganic P supplementation was replaced with 750 U phytase/kg feed in Diet C1. Diets W0, W1 and W2 were wheat-based diets supplemented with microbial phytase 0, 750, 750 U/kg feed and 0, 0.08% and 0.16% dietary inorganic P were replaced, respectively. In Experiment 2, 432 broilers were divided into four treatments to determine the synergistic effects of supplemental xylanase and phytase replacing 0.08% inorganic P. Four experimental diets were arranged according to a 2×2 factorial design. The results indicated that addition of phytase increased the digestibility of phytic P by 31.0 to 55%, dramatically decreased the excretion of phytic P and total P by 31.6 to 55.0% and 13.8 to 32.9%, respectively (p<0.01). It is feasible to completely replace 0.08% inorganic phosphorus supplementation with microbial phytase 750 U/kg in corn- or wheat-based diets for broilers. Addition of xylanase alone or in combination with phytase replacing 0.08% dietary inorganic P, increased body weight gain and feed utilization efficiency of broilers fed wheat-based diets (p<0.10) and decreased overall mortality (p<0.10). In the groups of birds supplementing xylanase 320 FTU /kg feed, a marked elevation of the dietary AME was observed (p<0.05). Addition of phytase replacing 0.08% dietary inorganic phosphorus, concurrently with xylanase supplementation had additive effects on the apparent digestibility of dietary phytic P and overall feed conversion ratio (p<0.05). (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2003. Vol 16, No. 2 : 239-247)