Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Obesity Fact Sheet in Korea, 2019: Prevalence of Obesity and Abdominal Obesity from 2009 to 2018 and Social Factors

Background The prevalence of obesity has rapidly increased in countries across the world in recent decades. The 2019 Obesity Fact Sheet released by the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity addressed the prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity during the period of 2009 to 2018 and obesity-related social factors. Methods Data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service health checkup database between 2009 and 2018 and the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2010 and 2017 were analyzed. The prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity was calculated after standardizing for age and sex based on the 2010 population and housing census. Results From 2009 to 2018, the prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity increased to 35.7% and 23.8%, respectively, in 2018. Upward trends in the prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity was observed among both sexes and nearly all age groups. The prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity was higher among individuals with lower education and household income levels. Among occupations, managers exhibited the highest prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity. Further, the prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity became higher among individuals working longer hours and split and night shift workers. Conclusion The 2019 Obesity Fact Sheet provides information on changes in obesity dynamics during the past decade and obesity-related social factors in the Korean adult population. This report might constitute a cornerstone by which to establish targets for future interventions for reversing the rise in the prevalence of obesity and reducing the burden of obesity in Korea.
Mass spectrometric analysis to unravel the venom proteome composition of Indian snakes: opening new avenues in clinical research

ABSTRACT Introduction The ‘Big Four’ venomous snakes – Daboia russelii, Naja naja, Bungarus caeruleus, and Echis carinatus – are primarily responsible for the majority of snake envenomation in India. Several other lesser-known venomous snake species also inflict severe envenomation in the country. Areas covered A comprehensive analysis of the venom proteome composition of the ‘Big Four’ and other medically important venomous snakes of India and the effect of regional variation in venom composition on immunorecognition and/or neutralization by commercial antivenom was undertaken by searching the literature (from 1985 to date) available in large public databases. Further, mass spectrometric identification of poorly immunogenic toxins of snake venom (against which commercial polyvalent antivenom contains a significantly lower proportion of antibodies) and its impact on antivenom therapy against snakebite are discussed. The application of mass spectrometry to identify protein (toxin) complexes as well as drug prototypes from Indian snake venoms and the clinical importance of such studies are also highlighted. Expert opinion Further detailed clinical and proteomic research is warranted to better understand the effects of regional snake venom composition on the clinical manifestation of envenomation and antivenom therapy and to improve the production of antibodies against poorly immunogenic venom components.
E2F7, regulated by miR-30c, inhibits apoptosis and promotes cell cycle of prostate cancer cells

Prostate cancer (PCa) remains a leading cause of mortality among men in the United States and Western Europe. The molecular mechanism of PCa pathogenesis has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, the expression profile of E2F transcription factor 7 (E2F7) in PCa was examined using immunohistochemistry and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, whilst cell cycle progression and apoptosis were determined using fluorescent cell activated sorting techniques. Cell viability was measured using Cell Counting Kit-8 in loss- and gain-of-function studies. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to verify if E2F7 was one of the potential targets of miR-30c. The staining score of E2F7 of PCa tissues was found to be notably higher compared with that of adjacent normal tissues. Suppression of E2F7 expression in PCa cell lines led to significantly reduced proliferation rates, increased proportion of cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle and higher apoptotic rates compared with those in negative control groups. Dual-luciferase reporter assay revealed E2F7 to be one of the binding targets of microRNA (miR)-30c. In addition, transfection of miR-30c mimics into PCa cells resulted in reduced cell viability, increased proportion of cells in the G1 phase and higher apoptotic rates. By contrast, transfection with the miR-30c inhibitor led to lower apoptosis rates of PCa cells compared with negative control groups, whilst E2F7 siRNA co-transfection reversed stimulatory effects of miR-30c inhibitors on cell viability. In addition, the expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21 were found to be upregulated by transfection with either E2F7 siRNA or miR-30c mimics into PCa cells. In conclusion, the present study suggested that E2F7 may be positively associated with PCa cell proliferation by inhibiting p21, whereas E2F7 is in turn under regulation by miR-30c. These observations suggest the miR-30c/E2F7/p21 axis to be a viable therapeutic target for PCa.
Selected Nanomaterials’ Application Enhanced with the Use of Stem Cells in Acceleration of Alveolar Bone Regeneration during Augmentation Process

Regenerative properties are different in every human tissue. Nowadays, with the increasing popularity of dental implants, bone regenerative procedures called augmentations are sometimes crucial in order to perform a successful dental procedure. Tissue engineering allows for controlled growth of alveolar and periodontal tissues, with use of scaffolds, cells, and signalling molecules. By modulating the patient’s tissues, it can positively influence poor integration and healing, resulting in repeated implant surgeries. Application of nanomaterials and stem cells in tissue regeneration is a newly developing field, with great potential for maxillofacial bony defects. Nanostructured scaffolds provide a closer structural support with natural bone, while stem cells allow bony tissue regeneration in places when a certain volume of bone is crucial to perform a successful implantation. Several types of selected nanomaterials and stem cells were discussed in this study. Their use has a high impact on the efficacy of the current and future procedures, which are still challenging for medicine. There are many factors that can influence the regenerative process, while its general complexity makes the whole process even harder to control. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and advantage of both stem cells and nanomaterials in order to better understand their function in regeneration of bone tissue in oral cavity.
Spontaneous formation of multiple routes in individual desert ants (Cataglyphis velox)

Desert ants make use of various navigational techniques, including path integration and visual route following, to forage efficiently in their extremely hostile environment. Species-specific differences in navigation have been demonstrated, although it remains unknown if these divergences are caused by environmental adaptation. In this work, we report on the navigational strategies of the European ant Cataglyphis velox, which inhabits a visually cluttered environment similar to the Australian honey ant Melophorus bagoti, although it is more closely related to other North African Cataglyphis species. We show that C. velox learn visually guided routes, and these are individual to each forager. Routes can be recalled in the absence of global path integration information or when placed in conflict with this information. Individual C. velox foragers are also shown to learn multiple routes through their habitat. These routes are learned rapidly, stored in long-term memory, and recalled for guidance as appropriate. Desert ants have previously been shown to learn multiple routes in an experimental manipulation, but this is the first report of such behavior emerging spontaneously. Learning multiple paths through the habitat over successive journeys provides a mechanism by which ants could memorize a series of interlaced courses, and thus perform complex navigation, without necessarily having a map of the environment.
Effect of species within season on techniques used to measure nutritive value and anti-nutritional factors in browse tree leaves

Eight trees leave foliages (Acacia nilotica, Acacia karroo, Acacia tortilis, Acacia rhemniana, Acacia galpinii, Acacia sieberiana, Acacia hebeclada and Dichrostachys cineria) were collected in winter, summer and spring to determine crude protein, acid and neutral detergent fibre, packed volume, total phenolics, radial diffusion, extracted condensed tannins, hydrolysable tannins and condensed tannins in acid and neutral detergent fibre content. The experimental design was completely randomized design. From this study all species expect A. galpinii and A. rhemniana in summer and spring and species A. sieberiana and A. hebeclada in winter were expected to have high intake, due to low packed volume. Species A. sieberiana, A. hebeclada and D. cineria in all seasons have high crude protein contents than the other species. Species A. hebeclada and A. sieberiana had low levels of total phenolics and extracted condensed tannins in all seasons. During ranking analysis, species A. sieberiana and A. hebeclada in all seasons have high crude protein content, low packed volume, and low anti-nutritional factors as compared to A. rhemniana. The level of nutritive value and anti-nutritional factors for other species varies among seasonal changes. This result implies that there were effects of species within season on nutritive value and anti-nutritional factors of browse tree leaves. These suggest a need for a detailed study on effects of season on nutritive value and anti- nutritional factors over a number of years. (H K. Mokoboki. Effect of species within season on techniques used to measure nutritive value and anti- nutritional factors in browse tree leaves. Life Science Journal. 2011;8(S2):112-119) (ISSN: 1097 - 8135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com.
Effect of dry yeast and compost tea on growth and oil content of Borago officinalis plant.

The effect of various concentration of dry yeast and compost tea on growth, yield and oil composition (sap.and unsap. matter) of borage plants was studied in field experiments during two successive seasons. In both seasons, the results pointed out that 20L. / fed. (feddan=4200 m2) of compost tea significantly increased plant height, fresh and dry weight of aerial parts and flowers and number of branches and suckers, Adding dry yeast at the rate of 6 g/L. was the most effective on growth parameters and oil%. In the scale of interaction, the maximum mean values of most characters have been recorded with 4g/L. of dry yeast + 20 L. / fed. of compost tea. The quantitative and qualitative analysis of the unsap (hydrocarbons and sterols) were done. Campersterol was found to be the major sterol followed by stigmasterol (cholesterol inhibitors). Highly record of Gamma Linolenic acid (the precursor of prostaglandin E1) was in plants treated with 20L. /fed. of compost tea.
Water, electrolyte and nitrogen balances of fat sand rats (Psammomys obesus) when consuming the saltbush Atriplex halimus

The fat sand rat (Psammomys obesus), a diurnal gerbillid rodent, is able to thrive while consuming only the saltbush Atriplex halimus. This plant has a high ash, nitrogen and water content but low energy yield. We measured the electrolyte, nitrogen (N) and water balances of fat sand rats in captivity when they were offered only A. halimus. The fat sand rats scraped the outer layers of A. halimus leaves before consuming them. This removed 14.3% to 19.6% of the ash content of the leaves, and thus substantially reduced the electrolyte intake of the fat sand rats. Total urine osmolality ranged between 2739 and 3098 mOsm/kg, with Na+, K+ and CI - comprising 74.3% to 82.5% of the total osmolytes, percentages much higher than those usually found in desert rodents. Water intake was relatively high compared to other rodents because of the high water content of A. halimus. Evaporative water loss averaged approximately 50% of the total water output. Nitrogen requirements were easily fulfilled, even when the fat sand rats did not meet their energy requirements because of the high N content of the plant. Metabolic faecal nitrogen was 70.5 mg-kg-′ 75.d-′, endogenous urinary nitrogen was 171.9 mg. kg-0′75 d-′ and minimal N requirements were 242.3 mg.k g-75d-1. Minimal N requirements for the fat sand rats were approximately 98% of that expected for a eutherian mammal of its body mass. It was concluded that fat sand rats can maintain water, electrolyte and nitrogen balances when consuming only A. halimus without producing highly concentrated urine. This is due, in part, to their ability to remove much of the electrolytes before consuming the plant and by producing urine of which Na+, K+ and C1- comprise a large percentage of the total osmolytes.
The effects of distillers dried grains with solubles on apparent nutrient digestibility and passage kinetics of Boer×Spanish castrated male goats

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different inclusion rates of distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) on apparent nutrient digestibility, and passage kinetics in meat goats. Four uniform mature Boer×Spanish castrated goats (51.4±0.9 kg BW) were used in a 4×4 Latin square experimental design. Animals had free-choice access to twice daily 36.5% bermudagrass hay (BGH) and 63.5% concentrates containing 0, 12.7, 25.4 and 38.1% of DDGS (dry matter[DM]basis; w/w proportion) replacing corn and soybean meal in the diet. Concentrates were isonitrogenous with 16% crude protein (CP). Each period consisted of 16 days for diets adjustment followed by 5 days of total fecal and urine collection for the digestion and passage kinetics. Concentrate and hay offered and refused, fecal and urine outputs were monitored daily. The ytterbium-marked BGH was used to determine the passage kinetics. Results indicated that with the inclusion of DDGS increased ether extract (EE) concentrations of total diets from 2.91 (0% DDGS) to 4.33% (38.1% DDGS). No differences were observed in DM and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) digestibility (P>0.05) among treatments. However, DDGS supplementation had a quadratic effect on apparent digestibilities of acid detergent fibre (ADF) and EE (P=0.04). Passage kinetics and nitrogen utilisation were unaffected by DDGS inclusion (P>0.05). Results of this experiment indicated that DDGS can replace up to 38.1% of diet DM for Boer×Spanish castrated goats with no adverse effects on nutrient digestion and passage kinetics.
Salmon farms as a source of sea lice on juvenile wild salmon; reply to the comment by Jones and

In this article, we respond to concerns raised by Jones and Beamish (2012, Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 69, this issue) about the hypothesis that salmon farms are a major source of sea lice on juvenile wild salmon. We show that there is nothing in their commentary that changes our original conclusions. Importantly, further analyses overturn their conclusion that “our observations of high abundances of C. clemensi at a low-exposure site fail to support the hypothesis proposed by Price et al. (2010)”.
Early M‐Protein Dynamics Predicts Progression‐Free Survival in Patients With Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma

This study aimed to predict long‐term progression‐free survival (PFS) using early M‐protein dynamic measurements in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (MM). The PFS was modeled based on dynamic M‐protein data from two phase III studies, POLLUX and CASTOR, which included 569 and 498 patients with relapsed/refractory MM, respectively. Both studies compared active controls (lenalidomide and dexamethasone, and bortezomib and dexamethasone, respectively) alone vs. in combination with daratumumab. Three M‐protein dynamic features from the longitudinal M‐protein data were evaluated up to different time cutoffs (1, 2, 3, and 6 months). The abilities of early M‐protein dynamic measurements to predict the PFS were evaluated using Cox proportional hazards survival models. Both univariate and multivariable analyses suggest that maximum reduction of M‐protein (i.e., depth of response) was the most predictive of PFS. Despite the statistical significance, the baseline covariates provided very limited predictive value regarding the treatment effect of daratumumab. However, M‐protein dynamic features obtained within the first 2 months reasonably predicted PFS and the associated treatment effect of daratumumab. Specifically, the areas under the time‐varying receiver operating characteristic curves for the model with the first 2 months of M‐protein dynamic data were ~ 0.8 and 0.85 for POLLUX and CASTOR, respectively. Early M‐protein data within the first 2 months can provide a prospective and reasonable prediction of future long‐term clinical benefit for patients with MM.
Efficacy of botanical insecticides in management of Okra shoot and fruit borer, Earias vittella (Fab.)

The treatment with combined cypermethrin 25 EC (0.0625%) + neem oil (1%) was found most effective, the fruit damage was 4.3%, with highest cost benefit ratio 1:3.31, and yield 98.07 q/ha. The treatment with chemical insecticide of chlorpyriphos was effective, the fruit damage was 5.7%. The treatments with botanical insecticides viz. neem oil 1%, datura leaf extract 10%, garlic bulb extract 3% and green chilli extract 1% were also effective, resulting 6.6%, 8.6%, 9.0% and 10.5% fruit damage, compared with control plot 22.0%. Amongthe botanical insecticides, neem oil 1% gave highest CBR 1:2.59 and yield 80.43 q/ha, so neem oil 1% was found best botanical treatment against Earias vittella as it is eco-friendly, no residual effect and not caused hazardous effect to environment, also it could be an important tool in IPM programme.
Cranial osteology and phylogenetic position of the theropod dinosaur Proceratosaurus bradleyi (Woodward, 1910) from the Middle Jurassic of England

The cranial osteology of the small theropod dinosaur Proceratosaurus from the Bathonian of Minchinhampton, England, is described in detail, based on new preparation and computed tomography (CT) scan images of the type, and only known, specimen. Proceratosaurus is an unusual theropod with markedly enlarged external nares and a cranial crest starting at the premaxillary–nasal junction. The skull is highly pneumatic, with pneumatized nasals, jugals, and maxillae, as well as a highly pneumatic braincase, featuring basisphenoid, anterior tympanic, basipterygoid, and carotid recesses. The dentition is unusual, with small premaxillary teeth and much larger lateral teeth, with a pronounced size difference of the serrations between the mesial and distal carina. The first dentary tooth is somewhat procumbent and flexed anteriorly. Phylogenetic analysis places Proceratosaurus in the Tyrannosauroidea, in a monophyletic clade Proceratosauridae, together with the Oxfordian Chinese taxon Guanlong. The Bathonian age of Proceratosaurus extends the origin of all clades of basal coelurosaurs back into the Middle Jurassic, and provides evidence for an early, Laurasia-wide, dispersal of the Tyrannosauroidea during the late Middle to Late Jurassic. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009.
The formal hierarchy of rhesus macaques: An investigation of the bared‐teeth display

Teeth‐baring in a large captive rhesus monkey group (Macaca mulatta) was observed over a 30‐month period. Its directional consistency among adults was significantly higher than that of aggression. The unidirectionality was so extreme that the facial display must be seen as a formal status indicator; ie, a signal of which the direction is independent of short‐term contextual variation. As such, it seems adapted for communication about the state of the relationship. Formal dominance relationships among adults could be arranged in a hierarchy which approached perfect linearity. Focal observations demonstrated that teeth‐baring was associated with withdrawal. It was uncommon among foraging monkeys, perhaps because dominant animals paid less attention to their subordinates in this context. The speed of rank acquisition by young females, in terms of received teeth‐baring, was highest among peers and lowest against the group's old matriarchs. The age at which dominance over unrelated adult females was achieved correlated negatively with the amount of affiliative contact with these females. This translates into a positive correlation between bonding and rank establishment, indicating that dominance processes may be indistinguishable from social integration.
The Influence of Fine-Scale Habitat Features on Regional Variation in Population Performance of Alpine White-Tailed Ptarmigan

Abstract. It is often assumed (explicitly or implicitly) that animals select habitat features to maximize fitness. However, there is often a mismatch between preferred habitats and indices of individual and population measures of performance. We examined the influence of fine-scale habitat selection on the overall population performance of the White-tailed Ptarmigan (Lagopus leucura), an alpine specialist, in two subdivided populations whose habitat patches are configured differently. The central region of Vancouver Island, Canada, has more continuous and larger habitat patches than the southern region. In 2003 and 2004, using paired logistic regression between used (n = 176) and available (n = 324) sites, we identified food availability, distance to standing water, and predator cover as preferred habitat components . We then quantified variation in population performance in the two regions in terms of sex ratio, age structure (n = 182 adults and yearlings), and reproductive success (n = 98 females) on the basis of 8 years of data (1995–1999, 2002–2004). Region strongly influenced females' breeding success, which, unsuccessful hens included, was consistently higher in the central region (n = 77 females) of the island than in the south (n = 21 females, P = 0.01). The central region also had a much higher proportion of successful hens (87%) than did the south (55%, P < 0.001). In light of our findings, we suggest that population performance is influenced by a combination of fine-scale habitat features and coarse-scale habitat configuration.
Social Justice and the Politics of Emotions ∗

Based on research with poor young people about the empowering impact of participatory action research (PAR), this article points to the role of emotions in confirming or subverting processes of oppression. Although participatory action research increasingly recognises emotion as part of social research, I argue that PAR is still very much associated with reflection and structured representation as key to empowerment and change. There is still relatively little attention to how our ordinary, everyday emotions mediate processes of oppression or resistance, and to the importance of changing how we feel as an act of resistance.