Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Temperature Requirements and Biogeography of Antarctic, Arctic and Amphiequatorial Seaweeds

The temperature requirements for growth and survival of cold water seaweeds from both Hemispheres are compared and discussed in relation to the climatic history of the various regions and in relation to the origin of amphiequatorial distribution patterns. Endemic Antarctic species are most strongly adapted to low temperatures. In contrast, endemic Arctic macroalgae show higher temperature demands and correspond in their temperature responses to many Antarctic cold-temperate species. Arctic cold-temperate species show similar temperature requirements to cold-temperate species from southernmost South America. The temperature requirements of cold-temperate N. Atlantic species are somewhat higher than those of cold-temperate N. E. Pacific species. These differences are the result of the different times of exposure of these groups to low temperatures. The first steps in the adaptation of macroalgae to low temperatures are an increase in cold tolerance and an increase of growth and reproduction rates at low temperatures. Later, the ability to grow and reproduce at greater-than-or-equal-to 15 to 20-degrees-C and to survive temperatures greater-than-or-equal-to 20-degrees-C is lost. This temperature response type is exemplified in endemic Arctic and Arctic cold-temperate seaweeds exposed to low temperatures since about 3 My. The last steps in the adaptation to low temperatures include the loss of ability to grow and reproduce at greater-than-or-equal-to 5 or 10-degrees-C and a strong reduction in the upper survival temperatures (UST) down to 10-13-degrees-C. This temperature response type is typical for endemic Antarctic species exposed to cold waters for at least 14 My. Amphiequatorial filamentous green and brown algal taxa and microthalli of amphiequatorial brown algae mostly show UST's of 23 to 28.5-degrees-C, significantly higher compared to single Hemisphere taxa from the same regions. These findings strongly favour a migrationist jump across the equator to the other Hemisphere during Pleistocene lowering of the water temperatures in the tropics. Reproduction and growth during the passage across the equator would not have been possible in all species except Ectocarpus siliculosus due to the narrow temperature-reproduction and temperature-growth windows.
Testosterone gel for the treatment of male hypogonadism

Background: Testosterone supplementation is a standard treatment for young men with hypogonadism and has also been advocated as a treatment for symptomatic older men with low testosterone levels. Several modes of testosterone replacement are available including capsules, patches, injections, buccal tablets and gels. Objective: To review the literature concerning therapeutic efficacy and potential limitations of testosterone gels. Methods: The FDA medical reviews and the computerised database PubMed were searched for clinical trials studying currently approved testosterone gels. Results/conclusions: Testosterone gel has proved to be a valuable contribution to the existing modes of testosterone treatment, combining therapeutic efficacy, convenience and safety.
Growth Enhancement and Verticillium Wilt Control by Vesicular-arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus Inoculation in Eggplant

Eggplant (Solanum melongena L.) plantlets infected with vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungus (Glomus etunicatum and Gigaspora margarita) were transplanted to a field contaminated with Verticillium dahliae to investigate the disease tolerance of a VAM fungus-infected plant.1. Eight weeks after transplanting, plant height, number of leaves, leaf size, and proximal diameter of the main stem were larger in VAM fungus-infected plants than in noninoculated plants. The primary flower bloomed later in VAM fungus-infected plants than in noninoculated plants.2. The rate of VAM fungus-infected portions in a whole root system reached the maximum of 40.8% with Glomus etunicatum 10 weeks after inoculation, whereas it was 40.2% with Gigaspora margarita 8 weeks later.3. The appearance of verticillium wilt was delayed and reduced by VAM fungus-infection, and the effects were more apparent in Glomus etunicatum than in Gigaspora margarita. VAM fungus-infected plants yielded more fruits than did the noninoculated plants; the incidence of fruit malformation caused by verticillium wilt were smaller, especially in Glomus etunicatum -infected plants.4. Lignin (stained with a reagent consisting of phloroglucinol and HCl) accumulated in the firstly and secondly branched roots more richly in VAM fungus-infected plants than in noninoculated plants. Observation using transmission electron microscope (TEM) revealed that the secondary cell wall of cortical cells in the thirdly branched roots was thicker in VAM fungus-infected plants than in noninoculated plants.
Electrofishing results corrected by selectivity functions in stock size estimates of brown trout (Salrno trutta L.) in brooks

To overcome the problems usually met as a consequence of small numbers of fish collected for trout stock size evaluation in small rivers, a selectivity function was developed and tested in two small rivers in western Switzerland. The function takes the form In E=bL−k where E is the fishing efficiency, L is the fish length in cm, k is a constant and b is the slope, estimated by regression analysis. A good fit was obtained for k = 1 (R. Flon de Carrouge) and k = 2 (R. Cerjaule). Individual selectivity functions have to be computed for each survey, because they depend on the operators of the fishing gear and on the physical and biological conditions in the rivers. The results are discussed in the light of the Petersen mark-recapture method and the De Lury removal method for stock evaluation. The mark-recapture method gives better results when time intervals between successive fish removals are short.
Exenatide effects on diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular risk factors and hepatic biomarkers in patients with type 2 diabetes treated for at least 3 years*

ABSTRACT Background: Exenatide, an incretin mimetic for adjunctive treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM), reduced hemoglobin A1c (A1C) and weight in clinical trials. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of ≥ 3 years exenatide therapy on glycemic control, body weight, cardiometabolic markers, and safety. Methods: Patients from three placebo-controlled trials and their open-label extensions were enrolled into one open-ended, open-label clinical trial. Patients were randomized to twice daily (BID) placebo, 5 µg exenatide, or 10 µg exenatide for 30 weeks, followed by 5 µg exenatide BID for 4 weeks, then 10 µg exenatide BID for ≥3 years of exenatide exposure. Patients continued metformin and/or sulfonylureas. Results: 217 patients (64% male, age 58 ± 10 years, weight 99 ± 18 kg, BMI 34 ± 5 kg/m2, A1C 8.2 ± 1.0% [mean ± SD]) completed 3 years of exenatide exposure. Reductions in A1C from baseline to week 12 (−1.1 ± 0.1% [mean ± SEM]) were sustained to 3 years (−1.0 ± 0.1%; p < 0.0001), with 46% achieving A1C ≤ 7%. Exenatide progressively reduced body weight from baseline (−5.3 ± 0.4 kg at 3 years; p < 0.0001). Patients with elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) at baseline (n = 116) had reduced ALT (−10.4 ± 1.5 IU/L; p < 0.0001) and 41% achieved normal ALT. Patients with elevated ALT at baseline tended to lose more weight than patients with normal ALT at baseline (−6.1 ± 0.6 kg vs. −4.4 ± 0.5 kg; p = 0.03), however weight change was minimally correlated with baseline ALT (r = −0.01) or ALT change (r = 0.31). Homeostasis Model Assessment B (HOMA-B), blood pressure, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) all improved. A subset achieved 3.5 years of exenatide exposure and had serum lipids available for analysis (n = 151). Triglycerides decreased 12% (p = 0.0003), total cholesterol decreased 5% (p = 0.0007), LDL-C decreased 6% (p < 0.0001), and HDL-C increased 24% (p < 0.0001). Exenatide was generally well tolerated. The most frequent adverse event was mild-to-moderate nausea. The main limitation of this study is the open-label, uncontrolled nature of the study design which does not provide a placebo group for comparison. Conclusion: Adjunctive exenatide treatment for ≥3 years in T2DM patients resulted in sustained improvements in glycemic control, cardiovascular risk factors, and hepatic biomarkers, coupled with progressive weight reduction.
Thermalvs. Microwave Inactivation Kinetics of Pectin Methylesterase in Orange Juice Under Batch Mode Heating Conditions

Abstract Thermal and microwave inactivation kinetics of pectin methylesterase (PME) in single-strength orange juice were evaluated under batch mode heating conditions. For thermal inactivation, aliquots of orange juice sealed in glass ampoules were subjected to conventional heat treatments in a well agitated water-bath for various times at selected temperatures (60, 70, 80, 85 and 90 °C). For microwave inactivation, different amounts of orange juice in a glass beaker (100 mL capacity) were heated in a microwave oven for preselected time intervals to yield the desired final temperatures (50, 55, 60 and 65 °C). Heating times under both modes were corrected to accommodate only their effective portions for kinetic data handling. Based on residual PME activities and first order rate of inactivation kinetics, kinetic parameters were evaluated. Results indicated the enzyme inactivation data to be characterized by the following: microwave: D 60 = 7·37 s (z = 13·4 °C); thermal: D 60 = 154 s (z = 17·6 °C). Thus, the PME inactivation in orange juice was significantly faster in the microwave heating mode than in conventional thermal heating mode indicating some contributory nonthermal effects under the microwave heating conditions. Thermal inactivation also indicated the presence of two fractions, one more heat sensitive than the other, while only one fraction was apparent with microwave heating. Inactivation kinetics were also dependent on pH and soluble solids content of orange juice. PME was more sensitive to thermal inactivation at lower pH and higher soluble solids concentration.
Dinutuximab in the treatment of neuroblastoma

ABSTRACT Introduction: Neuroblastoma is the cancer of the sympathetic nervous system. Nearly half of the patients with neuroblastoma present with high-risk features and have poor outcome despite aggressive therapy. The high expression of GD2 – a cell surface disialoganglioside – in neuroblastoma and its restricted distribution in normal tissues make anti-GD2 monoclonal antibodies suitable for immunotherapy. Areas covered: Dinutuximab is an anti-GD2 monoclonal antibody which is a chimeric construct composed of the variable region heavy and light chain genes of the murine mAb14.G2a and the human constant region genes for heavy chain IgG1 and light chain kappa. Dinutuximab is a unique orphan drug, that was approved by the FDA on 3/10/2015 for use in high-risk neuroblastoma patients who achieve at least a partial response to prior first-line multiagent, multimodality therapy in combination with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), aldesleukin (interleukin-2 [IL-2]), and isotretinoin. The author examines the published pharmacokinetic, safety and efficacy data from the Phase I/II/III studies. Expert opinion: Although dinutuximab has significant side-effects such as neuropathic pain, hypersensitivity reactions, fever, hypotension and capillary leak, its use when combined with GM-CSF, IL-2 and isotretinoin has led to improvements in event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) in high-risk neuroblastoma patients who have responded to the standard front-line multiagent, multimodality treatment.
THE INFLUENCE OF AGE, NUTRITION AND TIME OF DAY ON THE RESPONSIVENESS OF MALE DACUS OPILIAE TO THE SYNTHETIC LURE, METHYL EUGENOL

Several factors which may influence the responsiveness of male D. opiliae Drew & Hardy (Diptera: Tephritidae) to the lure methyl eugenol, were studied in the laboratory. Males did not respond immediately after emergence and the time course of the development of responsiveness was correlated with the attainment of reproductive maturity, as indicated by readiness to mate. Once developed, responsiveness was maintained to at least 3 months of age. The development of full responsiveness depended on access to protein‐aceous food, but continuous access was not necessary. Males displayed a daily cycle of responsiveness which was inversely related to the cycle of mating behaviour. Ingestion of methyl eugenol appeared to reduce subsequent responsiveness, but continuous long exposure to the odour, without ingestion, did not.
Panagrobelus stammeri Rühm, 1956 and Plectonchus hunti n. sp.: implications of new morphological observations for characterisation of these genera (Nematoda: Panagrolaimoidea)

A detailed morphological description (light and scanning electron microscope observations) is given of two isolates currently used in molecular and developmental studies: PDL0024, Panagrobelus stammeri Ruhm, 1956 and PDL0025, a new species herein described as Plectonchus hunti n. sp. We redescribe the lip region, interpret the orientation of the lips in P.stammeri and provide additional morphological and morphometric diagnostic features. Plectonchus hunti n. sp. is characterised by the bifurcating spicule tip and by the placement of the male genital papillae in a 3/3 + p + 2 arrangement. Additionally, females of this new species can be differentiated from other species of Plectonchus by the more anterior position of the vulva, the more anterior location of the excretory pore and the tail morphology. An emended diagnosis for this genus is provided. In this study we demonstrate that both studied taxa share morphological similarities, such as the presence of a 'cephaloboid-type' spermatheca. Our observations also indicate slight but consistent differences in cell composition of the female reproductive system between these two taxa.
Absence of population structure in black flies as revealed by enzyme electrophoresis

Analysis of allozyme variation by the FST-statistic in Simulium decorum and several other black fly species reveals very little genetic variation that could be attributed to genetic drift. This is consistent with what is known about the rates of migration of black flies and supports the idea that there is a lack of population subdivision in these insects. This picture of population structure is quite different from that presented by chromosome inversion polymorphisms. Chromosomal variation, however, can reasonably be attributed to selection and suggests that the role of inversions in black fly evolution is similar to population subdivision in the shifting balance process.Key words: black flies, allozymes, population structure, evolution.
Psychosocial functioning during the year following severe traumatic brain injury

The psychosocial functioning of a group of 65 adults with severe traumatic brain injury was assessed at 6 months and 1 year post-injury. Aspects of emotional, behavioural, and social functioning were investigated. The prevalence of depression remained constant (24%) over time, although there was some individual variation in the reporting of symptoms. Impatience was the most frequently reported behavioural problem at both assessments. Whilst there was a slight increase in the number of behavioural problems and level of distress reported over time, the most obvious change was in the type of behavioural problems that caused distress. At 1 year post-injury, problems with emotional control were found to be most distressing for the patients. A comparison with pre-morbid social functioning showed the loss of employment to be 70%, 30% returned to live with their parents, and relationship breakdown occurred for 38%. There was also a significant and ongoing decrease in all five aspects of social and leisure activities.
Estudo do crescimento e da reprodução de Bradybaena similaris (Férussac) (Mollusca, Xanthonychidae) em laboratório

Biological aspects of Bradybaena similaris (Ferussac, 1821) were studied, such as: onset of sexual maturity, occurrence of self-fertilization, oviposition, incubation period, eclosion rate and shell length measurement at different stages of development. It was noted that in isolated B. similaris the minimum and maximum time for reaching sexual maturity were 109 and 180 days, respectively. When kept in groups, the minimum time was 78 days. The occurrence of self-fertilization was observed in 18.4% of specimens. The total number of eggs per oviposition varied from one to 38 (average: 3,5 ± 7,15), the total number of eggs per mollusc varied from one to 39 (average: 7,0 ± 10,21) and the total number of oviposition per mollusc varied form one to six (averege: 2,0 ± 1,27). Thirty ovipositions (894 eggs) were followed and the minimum eclosion time of the young was 14 days, the maximum eclosion time was 35 days and the average 23,69 days. The eclosion average percent was 81,22. As to the shell length in different growth stages, it was observed that in B. similaris the length of the shell was similar until 30 days for age. After this period isolated specimens acquired a greater growth rhythm when compared to that of grouped specimens. The maximum shell length of isolated specimens was 17,4 mm whereas grouped specimens reached 14,5 mm. In this specie, individuals that were kept grouped became sexually mature earlier than isolated ones. Individuals kept isolated reach larger length of shell. In the moment of the sexual maturity, the length of the shell in the individuals tha were kept isolated was smaller than the grouped.
A phytoecological study of the mire Northern Kisselbergmosen, SE Norway. III. Diversity and habitat niche relationships

Alpha and beta diversity and habitat niche relationships of a poor, boreal mire was studied, based upon an ordination by detrended correspondence analysis and a subjective classification. The three first DCA axes were interpreted as variation along the following ecoclines: (1) mire expanse carpet–mire expanse hummock–mire margin hummock, (2) nutrient status: ombrotrophic–poor minerotrophic, and as a coenocline (3) associated with peat-producing ability of the vegetation with an unclear ecological basis. The autecology of the 39 most frequent species was decribed with respect to these gradients. Alpha diversity patterns varied considerably between coenoclines. Beta diversity was always higher in the bottom layer than in the field layer. Habitat niche breadth was strongly correlated with species abundance, and separable into a frequency-independent and a frequency-dependent component. The former decreased from vascular plants to hepatics, and further to Sphagnum spp. It was argued that the importance of interactions was high in the bottom layer, particularly among Sphagnum spp. , but also among hepatics. Interactions among vascular plants was considered unimportant, except in hummocks. Plant strategies were discussed. The niche breadth approach was evaluated, and found fruitful, while niche overlap was considered to provide redundant information. The importance of each of (1) interspecific interactions, (2) destabilizing factors, (3) stress, and (4) chance, as structuring factors in boreal mires, is discussed. Boreal mires are considered to conform to the patch-dynamics theory of non-equilibrium coexistence.
Two- and three-dimensional maturation reaction norms for the eastern Baltic cod, Gadus morhua

Vainikka, A. , Gardmark, A. , Bland, B. , and Hjelm, J. 2009. Two- and three-dimensional maturation reaction norms for the eastern Baltic cod, Gadus morhua. - ICES Journal of Marine Science, 66: 248-257.Industrial fisheries have caused decreases in the size and age at maturation in several stocks of cod (Gadus morhua). Although earlier maturation can be a phenotypic response to improved growth conditions, estimation of probabilistic maturation reaction norms (PMRNs) can remove most impacts of growth and demography from maturation schedules and has often revealed a residual, potentially genetic, trend. In this study, size- and condition-based PMRNs were estimated for eastern Baltic cod cohorts from 1987 to 2003. The PMRNs suggested that both length and condition at 50% probability of maturing (Lp 50 and Cp 50 ) had decreased by 15-20%, more notably in females. Simultaneously with changes in maturation schedules, the length-at-age of mature fish decreased for most combinations of age and sex. Decrease in growth may be partly explained by advanced maturation, but temporal fluctuations in PMRNs suggest also a residual environmental impact on both growth and maturation. The results may indicate a genetic change in the eastern Baltic cod stock, adding pressure to reduce fishing mortality on it.
Age Differences in Unions – Continuity and Divergence in Sweden between 1932 and 2007

This study examines the evolution of age differences within unions in Sweden in the 20th century. Registry data on parents (1932-2007) is used together with data on spouses (19682007) to follow the evolution of partner age differences in marriages and childbearing unions. Trends in means and changes in the distribution of age differences over time are computed. This study discusses the importance of theoretically and methodologically distinguishing between age heterogamy and age hypergamy. Changes in both the degree of absolute age heterogamy and female age hypergamy are examined. Results show that age differences in unions show great continuity over the century with a long decline in age hypergamy and an ushaped pattern in age heterogamy. This study finally reveals new diverging patterns of increasing age hypergamy for unions with at least one foreign born partner in the last 30 years.
Physiological and biochemical response of potato (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Kara) to O3 and antioxidant chemicals : possible roles of antioxidant enzymes

An Egyptian cultivar of potato (Solanum tuberosum L. cv. Kara) was grown in the field at two locations in northern Egypt: a 'rural' and a 'suburban' site, from October 2000 and November 2002. The antiozonant ethylenediurea (EDU) and the fungicide chlorothalonil (l,3-benzenedicarbonitrile-2,4,5,6 tetra-chloroisophthalnitrile) were applied as a foliar spray to plants at both sites.It was found that foliar injury symptoms were reduced greatly in plants treated with EDU and/or chlorothalonil, and the yield of treated plants was higher than that of the untreated ones, with the EDU having a greater protection than chlorothalonil. Antiozonant (EDU) and fungicide (chlorothalonil) combination sprays were even more effective in reducing O 3 injury. Moreover, the percentage of protection was higher in the rural area than in the suburban one, and this was associated with higher levels of O 3 recorded in the rural area. The response to O 3 , EDU, and chlorothalonil of the leaf antioxidant scavenger system was examined. Antiozonant-treated plants had the highest reduced glutathione/oxidised glutathione ratio. The results suggest that EDU and chlorothalonil do not act directly as antiozonant to inhibit O 3 injury but act through maintaining some antioxidant enzymes during O 3 exposure. To the best of knowledge, this is the first report demonstrating the marked enhancement of yield and plant oxidative enzymes by fungicides as a mechanism of protecting plants against noxious oxidative stress from the environment in the developing world.