Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Integrated transcriptome and proteome analysis reveals the unique molecular features and nutritional components on the muscles in Chinese Taihe black-bone silky fowl chicken

The Taihe Black-Bone silky fowl chicken (BB-sfc) is a renowned dietary and medicinal chicken globally recognized for its high nutritional and medicinal value. Compared to the local Black-Bone black-feathered chicken (BB-bfc), the Taihe silky fowl chicken has higher levels of amino acids, trace elements, and unsaturated fatty acids in their muscles, which offer anti-aging, anti-cancer, and immune enhancing benefits. Despite this, the unique nutritional components, genes, and proteins in Taihe silky fowl chicken muscles are largely unknown. Therefore, we performed a comprehensive transcriptome and proteome analysis of muscle development between BB-sfc and BB-bfc chickens using RNA-Seq and TMT-based quantitative proteomics methods. RNA-Seq analysis identified 286 up-regulated genes and 190 down-regulated genes in BB-sfc chickens, with oxidoreductase activity and electron transfer activity enriched in up-regulated genes, and phospholipid homeostasis and cholesterol transporter activity enriched in down-regulated genes. Proteome analysis revealed 186 significantly increased and 287 significantly decreased proteins in Taihe BB-sfc chicken muscles, primarily affecting mitochondrial function and oxidative phosphorylation, crucial for enhancing muscle antioxidant capacity. Integrated transcriptome and proteome analysis identified 6 overlapped up-regulated genes and 8 overlapped down-regulated genes in Taihe silky fowl chicken, related to improved muscle antioxidant status. Taken together, this research provides a comprehensive database of gene expression and protein information in Taihe Black-Bone silky fowl chicken muscles, aiding in fully exploring their unique economic value in the future.
Soundscape enrichment increases larval settlement rates for the brooding coral Porites astreoides

Coral reefs, hubs of global biodiversity, are among the world’s most imperilled habitats. Healthy coral reefs are characterized by distinctive soundscapes; these environments are rich with sounds produced by fishes and marine invertebrates. Emerging evidence suggests these sounds can be used as orientation and settlement cues for larvae of reef animals. On degraded reefs, these cues may be reduced or absent, impeding the success of larval settlement, which is an essential process for the maintenance and replenishment of reef populations. Here, in a field-based study, we evaluated the effects of enriching the soundscape of a degraded coral reef to increase coral settlement rates. Porites astreoides larvae were exposed to reef sounds using a custom solar-powered acoustic playback system. Porites astreoides settled at significantly higher rates at the acoustically enriched sites, averaging 1.7 times (up to maximum of seven times) more settlement compared with control reef sites without acoustic enrichment. Settlement rates decreased with distance from the speaker but remained higher than control levels at least 30 m from the sound source. These results reveal that acoustic enrichment can facilitate coral larval settlement at reasonable distances, offering a promising new method for scientists, managers and restoration practitioners to rebuild coral reefs.
Unlocking the mergers and acquisitions puzzle in the United Arab Emirates: Investigating the impact of corporate leverage on target selection and payment methods

Following a long stream of literature on the drivers of Mergers and Acquisition (M&A) activities, this study examines the effect of corporate leverage on several decisions of M&A deals in the context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Using M&A data from the Thomson One database for the period between 2005 and 2022, we find that corporate leverage significantly influences the type of M&A target. This study further adds to the prior literature on the contradictory behaviours of high and low leverage firms by examining whether acquisition decisions differ amongst them in M&A deals in the UAE context. Results indicate that high (low) leverage firms are less (more) likely to acquire private targets and more (less) inclined to acquire a target from a different (same) industry. Furthermore, our results show that the relationship between the method of payment used in M&A deals and corporate leverage is insignificant. We control for endogeneity using Heckman’s two-stage method. In brief, this paper extends the literature with conclusive evidence that considerations of capital structure can significantly anticipate and explain firms’ behaviour toward M&A choices. The implication of findings may include a call to reform some aspects of the Competition Law in the UAE by requiring private firms to enhance their disclosure practices similar to their public counterparts.
Risk of dementia following herpes zoster infection among patients undertreatment versus those not: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract Background and Aims According to the previous studies, herpes zoster (HZ) has been associated with cognitive function and dementia. There is a hypothesis claiming that dementia risk may be reduced by receiving the antiviral treatment for HZ. The purpose of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to shed light on the association between dementia and HZ in individuals receiving and not receiving antiviral medications. Methods Studies investigating the association between HZ and dementia were identified through a systematic search in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library databases from January, 2000 to April, 2022. Data on the risk of dementia in HZ‐infected patients under and not under antiviral treatment were extracted. The meta‐analysis was conducted using a random‐effects model. The modified ROBIN‐I tool was used to evaluate the risk of bias assessment. By utilizing the funnel plots, publication bias was investigated. Results Six cohort studies on 538,531 patients were included. The overall risk of bias assessment was moderate. According to evidence‐based cohort studies, there was a significant direct association between HZ and risk of dementia in patients with HZ, who did not receive antiviral treatments (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03 to 1.28, p = 0.01). On the other hand, there was an inverse relationship between HZ and risk of dementia among patients with HZ, who received antiviral treatments (HR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.59 to 0.77, p < 0.001). Conclusions This study demonstrated that antiviral therapies may significantly lower the risk of dementia in patients with HZ. This study also confirmed that patients with HZ, without receiving antiviral therapies, may have an increased risk of developing dementia. Further longitudinal research is warranted in this area.
Freshwater salinization and the evolved tolerance of amphibians

Abstract The increasing salinization of freshwaters is a growing environmental issue as a result of mining, agriculture, climate change, and the application of de‐icing salts in regions that experience ice and snow. Due to narrow osmotic limits, many freshwater species are particularly susceptible to salinization, but it is possible that repeated exposures over time could favor the evolution of increased salt tolerance. Using collected nine populations of larval wood frogs (Rana sylvatica) as eggs from ponds and wetlands with close proximity to roads and spanning a wide gradient of salt concentrations. In the first experiment, we used a time‐to‐death experiment to examine the salt tolerance. In a second experiment, we examined whether population differences in salt tolerance were associated with trade‐offs in growth, development, or behavior in the presence of control water or a sublethal salt concentration. We found that populations collected from ponds with low and intermediate salt concentrations exhibited similar tolerance curves over a 96‐h exposure. However, the population from a pond with the highest salt concentration exhibited a much higher tolerance. We also found population differences in growth, development, and activity level among the populations, but these were not associated with population differences in tolerance. In addition, the sublethal concentration of salt had no impact on growth and development, but it did cause a reduction in tadpole activity across the populations. Collectively, these results provide further evidence that some species of freshwater organisms can evolve tolerance to increasing salinization, although it may only occur under relatively high concentrations and without trade‐offs in growth, development, or behavior.
Field application of de novo transcriptomic analysis to evaluate the effects of sublethal freshwater salinization on Gasterosteus aculeatus in urban streams

Freshwater salinization poses global challenges for aquatic organisms inhabiting urban streams, impacting their physiology and ecology. However, current salinization research predominantly focuses on mortality endpoints in limited model species, overlooking the sublethal effects on a broader spectrum of organisms and the exploration of adaptive mechanisms and pathways under natural field conditions. To address these gaps, we conducted high-throughput sequencing transcriptomic analysis on the gill tissue of the euryhaline fish Gasterosteus aculeatus, investigating its molecular response to salinity stress in the highly urbanized river Boye, Germany. We found that in stream sections with sublethal concentrations of chloride costly osmoregulatory systems were activated, evidenced by the differential expression of genes related to osmoregulation. Our enrichment analysis revealed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to transmembrane transport and regulation of transport and other osmoregulation pathways, which aligns with the crucial role of these pathways in maintaining biological homeostasis. Notably, we identified candidate genes involved in increased osmoregulatory activity under salinity stress, including those responsible for moving ions across membranes: ion channels, ion pumps, and ion transporters. Particularly, genes from the solute carrier family SLC, aquaporin AQP1, chloride channel CLC7, ATP-binding cassette transporter ABCE1, and ATPases member ATAD2 exhibited prominent differential expression. These findings provide insights into the potential molecular mechanisms underlying the adaptive response of euryhaline fish to salinity stress and have implications for their conservation and management in the face of freshwater salinization.
Estimates of the prevalence of male circumcision in sub-Saharan Africa from 2010–2023—A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Male circumcision (MC) is a key part of the package of interventions to prevent HIV, the biggest health challenge in sub-Saharan Africa. Objective To estimate the male circumcision prevalence and to evaluate the progress towards meeting WHO targets in sub-Saharan Africa during the period 2010–2023. Methods We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published during the period 2010–2023. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, Google Scholar, WHO and the Demographic and Health Survey for reports on MC prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa. MC prevalence was synthesized using inverse-variance heterogeneity models, heterogeneity using I2 statistics and publication bias using funnel plots. Results A total of 53 studies were included. The overall prevalence during the study period was 45.9% (95% CI 32.3–59.8), with a higher MC prevalence in Eastern (69.9%, 95%CI 49.9–86.8) compared to Southern African (33.3%, 95%CI 21.7–46.2). The overall prevalence was higher in urban (45.3%, 95%CI 27.7–63.4) compared to rural settings (42.6%, 95% 26.5–59.5). Male circumcision prevalence increased from 40.2% (95% CI 25.0–56.3) during 2010–2015 to 56.2% (95% CI 31.5–79.5) during 2016–2023. Three countries exceeded 80% MC coverage, namely, Ethiopia, Kenya and Tanzania. Conclusion Overall, the current MC prevalence is below 50%, with higher prevalence in Eastern African countries and substantially lower prevalence in Southern Africa. Most of the priority countries need to do more to scale up medical male circumcision programs.
Community’s knowledge, perceptions and preventive practices on Onchocerciasis in Jimma zone, Ethiopia, formative mixed study

Background In Ethiopia, Onchocerciasis is a prevalent neglected tropical disease, currently targeted for elimination with mass drug administration and community behavioral changes towards sustained control and eventual elimination. This study aimed to elucidate the awareness, perceptions and practices of endemic communities in Jimma Zone, Ethiopia. Methods and materials Community-based cross-sectional study triangulated with qualitative method was conducted from October-November, 2021. A multistage sampling was employed and data were collected using a pre-tested interviewer-administered structured questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to identify the predictors of comprehensive knowledge and preventive practice. Adjusted odds ratios were calculated at 95% confidence interval (CI) and considered significant with a p-value of <0.05. Kruskal-Whallis and Mann-whitney tests were used to compare median risk perception score by socio-demographic factors. Qualitative data were collected through focus group discussions and key informant interviews and transcribed verbatim. Then the data were coded, categorized, and themes were developed. Result The overall prevalence of adequate comprehensive knowledge was 48.8% (95% CI: 44.9, 52.3), high risk perception was 18.7% (95%CI15.9, 21.4) and preventive practice was 46.9%(95%CI:(43.3,50.4). High risk perception[AOR = 1.95 95%CI: (1.32, 2.89] was statistically significant with comprehensive knowledge, likewise knowledge of mode of transmission [AOR = 2.64 95% CI: (1.44, 4.85)], knowledge of consequences [AOR = 2.12 95%CI: (1.21, 3.72)] and knowledge of preventive measures [AOR = 15.65,95%CI:(10.1, 24.2)] were statistically significant with preventive practice. The median risk perception was varied significantly between the groups by educational status, study district and age category. Qualitative evidence showed that there were great community knowledge gap about the disease. Conclusion Community knowledge, perceptions, and practices are unacceptably low. Risk perception was significantly associated with comprehensive knowledge, likewise knowledge of mode of transmission, consequences and preventive measures were significantly associated with preventive practice. This implies knowledge is a key component of effective prevention strategies as it is a necessary condition for the behavior change.
Obesity Paradox in Heart Failure with Mildly Reduced Ejection Fraction

Objective The study investigates the prognostic impact of body mass index (BMI) in patients hospitalized with heart failure with mildly reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF). Background Limited data regarding the prognostic impact of BMI in patients with HFmrEF is available. Methods Consecutive patients with HFmrEF (ie, left ventricular ejection fraction 41–49% and signs and/or symptoms of HF) were retrospectively included at one institution from 2016 to 2022. Risk stratification was performed according to WHO-defined BMI groups. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality at 30 months (median follow-up). Kaplan-Meier, uni- and multivariable Cox proportional regression analyses were applied for statistics. Results 1832 consecutive patients with HFmrEF were included with a median BMI of 26.7 kg/m2 (IQR 24.0–30.8 kg/m2). Patients with lowest BMI (ie, 18.5–24.9 kg/m2) were associated with highest risk of all-cause mortality at 30 months compared to patients with higher BMI values (40.0% vs 29.0% vs 21.4% vs 20.9%; log rank p = 0.001; HR = 0.721; 95% CI 0.656–0.793; p = 0.001). Even after multivariable adjustment, higher BMI values were associated with improved survival at 30 months (HR = 0.963; 95% CI 0.943–0.985; p = 0.001). In contrast, the risk of HF- related rehospitalization at 30 months was not affected by BMI (log rank p = 0.064). Conclusion In patients hospitalized with HFmrEF, lower BMI was associated with increased risk of all-cause mortality at 30 months, suggesting an obesity paradox in HFmrEF.
Psychophysiological and emotional effects of human–Dog interactions by activity type: An electroencephalogram study

Animal-assisted interventions are being increasingly used in studies that support various health effects. This study compared the psychophysiological and emotional responses during diverse activities with a dog to understand the impact of activity type. This study included 30 healthy adults (average age: 27.9 ± 8.4 years). Participants performed eight different activities with a dog for 3 minutes each. These activities included meeting, playing, feeding, massaging, grooming, photographing, hugging, and walking. Brain waves in the prefrontal, frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes were measured during the activities. Subjective evaluation of their emotions was recorded after each activity via the Profile of Mood States, Semantic Differential Method, and Stress Numeric Rating Scale. The alpha (relative, relative slow, relative fast) power spectra indicated that the brain’s relaxation and resting state significantly increased when playing with and walking a dog. The beta (relative, relative low, and relative mid) power spectra significantly increased during dog massage, grooming, and playing activities, indicating improved concentration without stress. Notably, playing with a dog positively affected both relaxation and concentration. The Profile of Mood States outcome showed that activities such as feeding, massaging, and hugging the dog decreased the total mood disorder score, which indicated a positive effect on participants’ moods. The Semantic Differential Method revealed that participants felt comfortable and natural while walking with a dog and relaxed when massaging it. Participants showed significantly lower stress moods in all the activities. This study demonstrated that specific dog activities could activate stronger relaxation, emotional stability, attention, concentration, and creativity by facilitating increased brain activity. In addition, interactions with dogs could decrease stress and induce positive emotional responses. These results provide data that forms the basis for the composition of the AAI program and may be applicable as a reference to determine the most effective activities for specific applications.
Shrinking Alpine chamois: higher spring temperatures over the last 27 years in Switzerland are linked to a 3 kg reduction in body mass of yearlings

Although climate change is considered to be partly responsible for the size change observed in numerous species, the relevance of this hypothesis for ungulates remains debated. We used body mass measurements of 5635 yearlings (i.e. 1.5 years old) of Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) harvested in September in the Swiss Alps (Ticino canton) from 1992 to 2018. In our study area, during this period, yearlings shrank by ca 3 kg while temperatures between May and July rose by 1.7°C. We identified that warmer temperatures during birth and the early suckling period (9 May to 2 July in the year of birth) had the strongest impact on yearling mass. Further analyses of year-detrended mass and temperature data indicate that this result was not simply due to changes in both variables over years, but that increases in temperature during this particularly sensitive time window for development and growth are responsible for the decrease in body mass of yearling chamois. Altogether, our results suggest that rising temperatures in the Alpine regions could significantly affect the ecology and evolution of this wild ungulate.
Migration and household energy consumption in a nonmetropolitan recreation-retirement area.

Although the increased levels of nonmetropolitan growth begun in the 1960s have recently subsided nonmetropolitan turnaround still represents an important population growth trend. This report examines the differences in household and transportation energy consumption (space heating electriciy and gasoline) for migrants and longer term residents in 2 northern Wisconsin counties (Vilas and Oneida) characterized by retirement and recreation turnaround growth. 660 residents furnish survey data; the 3 classification of respondents are 1) nonmigrants 2) metro migrants and 3) nonmetro origin migrants or local movers. The authors compare social and demographic characteristics of the groups and find nonmigrants to be the oldest the least likely to rent and to live in the oldest housing. Metro migrants are least likely to be living within the city limits. Models show that metro migrants spend no more for home heating but do use more electricity and drive more than nonmigrants; nonmetro migrants and local movers hold an intermediate position. Metro migrants report using less electricity and using the same amount of gasoline (less distance to work but more for shopping) than when they were city dwellers. Metro migrants use 197 kilowatts of electricity per month and 257 more gallons of gasoline per year than nonmigrants. Although metro migrants required a disproportionate energy increase over nonmigrants and nonmetro migrants and local movers these demands are not drastic and turnaround migration may actually decrease fossil fuel demand in the upper midwest since many metro migrants heat with wood and do not use air conditioning.
Comment on “Sedimentary and Tectonic Evolution of the Southern Qiangtang Basin: Implications for the Lhasa‐Qiangtang Collision Timing” by A. Ma et al.

Ma et al. (2017, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017JB014211) proposed that the Lhasa‐Qiangtang collision commenced in late Bathonian time (~166 Ma), based on the observation of an angular unconformity that truncated the Bathonian Buqu Formation from the late Bathonian‐early Callovian Biluoco Formation and the recognition of siliciclastic provenance switch from arc igneous source to uplifted orogenic source in the Biluoco‐Qixiangco area of the southern Qiangtang basin. Unfortunately, however, extensive exposure of Late Jurassic‐Middle Cretaceous ophiolite fragments and marine sedimentary rocks along the Bangong suture zone indicates that the Bangong Meso‐Tethys Ocean did not close until the Late Cretaceous, which is consistent with a Late Jurassic‐Middle Cretaceous magmatic arc in the southern Qiangtang terrane as well as paleomagnetic data. The late Bathonian orogenic event in the southern Qiantang area observed by Ma et al. (2017, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017JB014211) can be explained by subduction of oceanic highs on the Bangong Meso‐Tethyan Ocean. Clearly, our submission is a significant clearance to Ma et al.'s work and the Tibetan Plateau geology and of timely significance in correctly understanding the evolution history of the Tibetan Plateau. Therefore, our paper possibly is of broad interest to our international colleagues.