Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ziziphus jujube ameliorated cavernosal oxidative stress and fibrotic processes in cavernous nerve injury‐induced erectile dysfunction in a rat model

The aim of this study was to investigate potential antioxidant and antifibrotic effects of Ziziphus jujube (ZJ) in a cavernosal nerve injury (CNI)‐induced erectile dysfunction (ED) rat model. Forty‐eight male rats were assigned to six‐sized groups as group 1: sham‐operated; group 2: sham‐operated + low‐dose ZJ (200 mg/kg); group 3: sham‐operated + high‐dose ZJ (400 mg/kg); group 4: CNI + distilled water; group 5: CNI + low‐dose ZJ; and group 6: CNI + high‐dose ZJ. At the end of 2 weeks, intracardiac blood was taken and rats were sacrificed. For biochemical analysis, cavernosal transforming growth factor‐beta‐1, collagen type I and type 3, fibronectin, α and β actin were examined in plasma and cavernosa. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA) and prolidase levels were measured in serum to evaluate antioxidant effect of ZJ. Histopathological examination of tissues revealed that highest fibrosis rate was in group 4 (66.84%). Collagen 1 and 3, alpha and beta actin, fibronectin levels were significantly different among groups (p < .05). Differences between plasma SOD, CAT, MDA and prolidase were also significant among those groups (p < .05). In this study, antioxidant and antifibrotic effects of ZJ were determined in the corporal tissue after CNI. It is thought that ZJ may be beneficial on ED patients especially after radical pelvic surgeries.
High Nanodiamond Content-PCL Composite for Tissue Engineering Scaffolds

Multifunctional scaffolds are becoming increasingly important in the field of tissue engineering. In this research, a composite material is developed using polycaprolactone (PCL) and detonation nanodiamond (ND) to take advantage of the unique properties of ND and the biodegradability of PCL polymer. Different ND loading concentrations are investigated, and the physicochemical properties of the composites are characterized. ND-PCL composite films show a higher surface roughness and hydrophilicity than PCL alone, with a slight decrease in tensile strength and a significant increase in degradation. Higher loading of ND also shows a higher osteoblast adhesion than the PCL alone sample. Finally, we show that the ND-PCL composites are successfully extruded to create a 3D scaffold demonstrating their potential as a composite material for tissue regeneration.
Taste-related reward is associated with weight loss following bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND Bariatric surgeries are the most effective treatments for successful and sustained weight loss but individuals vary in treatment response. Understanding the neurobiological and behavioral mechanisms accounting for this variation could lead to the development of personalized therapeutic approaches and improve treatment outcomes. The primary objectives were to investigate changes in taste preferences and taste-induced brain responses after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and vertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG) and to identify potential taste-related predictors of weight loss. METHODS Women, ages 18 to 55, with a body mass index ≥ 35 kg/m2 and approved for bariatric surgery at the Johns Hopkins Center for Bariatric Surgery were recruited for participation. Demographics, anthropometrics, liking ratings, and neural responses to varying concentrations of sucrose+fat mixtures were assessed pre- and post-surgery via visual analogue scales and functional magnetic resonance imaging. RESULTS Bariatric surgery produced decreases in liking for sucrose-sweetened mixtures. Greater preference for sucrose-sweetened mixtures prior to surgery was associated with greater weight loss in RYGB but not VSG. In the RYGB group only, individuals who showed lower taste-induced activation in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) prior to surgery and greater changes in taste-induced VTA activation two weeks following surgery experienced better weight loss. CONCLUSIONS The anatomical and/or metabolic changes associated with RYGB may more effectively "reset" the neural processing of reward stimuli, thereby rescuing the blunted activation in the mesolimbic pathway found in patients with obesity. Further, these findings suggest that RYGB may be particularly effective in patients with a preference for sweet foods. TRIAL REGISTRATION Not Applicable. FUNDING K23DK100559 and The Dalio Philanthropies. FUNDING K23DK100559 and The Dalio Philanthropies.
Movements and Migrations of the Bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix, Tagged in Waters of New York and Southern New England

Abstract Bluefish were tagged in and near Long Island Sound between 1964 and 1969. Tag returns support the belief that there is a discrete northern race of bluefish as more than 75% of the returns from fish at large more than one season return to the general area of Long Island Sound. Small bluefish move southward along the coast during late fall while adults, fish over approximately 45 cm total length, have an inshore-offshore migration. Bluefish first arrive in the area when the water temperatures reach 12 to 15 C which is usually during May. The fish follow the warmer water by entering the inner bays of Long Island or going to the western end of Long Island Sound. Large numbers of bluefish arrive in the general area during late July and August after spawning in offshore waters. The fall migration takes place when the water temperature drops to approximately 13 to 15 C.
The Impacts of Young Consumers’ Health Values on Functional Beverages Purchase Intentions

Internationally, there is increasing recognition of the importance of proper diet values and habits, a balanced intake of healthy food products, and rates of obesity control encompassing information on fat content and calories. In this context, some beverage manufacturers have shifted to marketing their products as having fewer calories and more functional benefits. This study aims to develop an extended value–attitude–behavior (VAB) research model that includes three constructs, namely, cue to action, self-efficacy, and health orientation, to explore the impacts of university students’ health values on their purchase intentions concerning functional beverages. The results indicated that university students’ interest in functional beverages was significantly affected by their health values. Besides, both interests in functional beverages and health orientation were significant predictors of purchase intention, while cue to action and self-efficacy were not. Based on these results, enhancing consumers’ education about food security is suggested. Furthermore, the findings provide crucial insights for marketing channels, suggesting the beverage industry can target consumers’ health values concerning health beverages as the key to purchase intention and attract business by developing practical marketing strategies.
Adoption of Climate-Smart Agriculture Technologies in Tanzania

Climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is agriculture that increases productivity, improves resilience, and mitigates climate change. Smallholder adoption of farming technology is necessary to speed the transition to CSA. Here, we assessed the determinants of adoption of five technologies that can help achieve some of the CSA outcomes in smallholder farms in Tanzania. They included crop and livestock diversity, irrigation, application of chemical fertilizers, and agroforestry. Using data collected from 821 farming households, a multivariate probit model was employed to evaluate the determinants of adoption, allowing for examination of synergies and trade-offs between the technologies. Application of chemical fertilizers was fairly well adopted (34% of farmers), while irrigation was least adopted (26%). Some technologies, including crop diversity and irrigation as well as application of chemical fertilizer and agro-forestry, complemented each other. Trade-offs were observed between livestock diversity and irrigation. Female control of farm resources, farm location, and household resources were major determinants of adoption. We, therefore, recommend strategies that seeks to enhance building household resource as pathway for improved adoption of new technologies.
Anatomy of the Atrioventricular Node in the Heart of Cat

Abstract Tadjalli, M. , Ghazi, S.R. and Shahri, A.B. 1999. Anatomy of the atrioventricular node in the heart of cat. J. Appl. Anim. Res., 15: 35–40. An anatomical and, histological study was conducted on atrioventricular node (AVnode) often cats (Felis catus). The AV node was located beneath the endocardium at caudoventral portion of the lower right side of interatrial septum, anterior to the coronary sinus above the septal cusp of the tricuspid valve. It was irregular elongated, oval in shape and measured 1.70±0.16 mm in length, 0.45±0.04 mm in width and 0.70±0.06 mm in thickness in male cats, where as, in female cats it measured 1.21±0.03 mm in length, 0.26±0.03 mm in width and 0.53±0.04 mm in thickness. Histologically, the AV node consists of specialized myocardial fibers arranged in the form of peculiar, irregular interlacing bundles. The cells lacked in glycogen and no intercalated discs were observed between them. At the posterior of the AV node there were nerve fibers, parasympathetic ganglia and al.
The protein content of tissues in cynipid galls (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae): Similarities between cynipid galls and seeds

Cynipid galls are examples of induced plant development, where the gall inducer is in control of cell differentiation and morphogenesis of a new plant organ. This study concentrates on the tissues of the larval chamber common to all cynipid galls. The protein content of the inner gall tissue was compared to that of non-gall plant tissues. We investigated three oak and two rose galls and their respective host plants. Total protein signatures of inner gall tissues were different from those of non-gall plant tissues, and among the five galls. N-terminal sequences were obtained for two abundant proteins from the inner gall tissues of D. spinosa and A. quercuscalicis, which were common to all galls, at 62 and 43 kDa. Database queries suggest the 62 kDa protein to be homologous to a protein disulphide isomerase (PDI), and the 43 kDa protein to be homologous to NAD-dependent formate dehydrogenase (FDH). A naturally biotinylated protein was detected at 33 kDa during Western analyses with streptavidin. Western analyses revealed the presence of the biotinylated protein and PDI in the inner gall tissues of all five galls, while FDH was only detected in A. quercuscalicis and A. fecundator. PDI was also common to all non-gall tissues, while FDH was not detected in non-gall tissues, and the biotinylated protein was only detected in seeds. The proteins identified in the inner gall tissue suggest that (a) inner gall tissues in some galls are under respiratory stress, and (b) cynipid gall formation might involve the ectopic expression of seed-specific proteins.
Cluster analysis of late Holocene pollen trends in Ontario

Cluster analysis of Ontario pollen stratigraphies demonstrates similar regional successions during the past 1000 years. Seven character states qualitatively describe the behaviour of the pollen percentage trends for each taxon: 0, absent; 1, present with no visible trend but high noise; 2, rising through time; 3, falling through time; 4, rise–fall; 5, fall–rise; and 6, stable through time. The three similarity indices (S) used were of the form S equals the number of characters in agreement divided by the number of informative characters. The three clustering techniques used are single linkage, complete linkage, and unpaired weighted geometric mean analysis. Single linkage and unpaired weighted geometric mean analysis showed a north–south division with all three indices; complete linkage showed only rare local groupings with all three indices. The division between the two clusters falls just south of Lake Nipissing. All successions indicate climatic cooling; the clusters reflect southward movement of the c.
Simulation by NCSWAP of seasonal nitrogen dynamics in corn. I: Soil nitrate

Computer simulation models of crop-soil systems offer the potential to increase understanding of soil N cycle processes, thereby improving management of N resources in agricultural systems. NCSWAP (Nitrogen, Carbon, Soil, Water, And Plant) is a comprehensive, deterministic computer model of the plant-soil system that simulates seasonal soil C and N cycles under the control of temperature, moisture, microbial activity, and crop growth. The objective of this study was to validate NCSWAP using data collected during a 3-yr N-rate study in central Pennsylvania that investigated seasonal N dynamics in corn (Zea mays L.) provided with N as liquid dairy manure of as NH 4 NO 3 [. ]
Feeding of pea leafminer larvae simultaneously activates jasmonic and salicylic acid pathways in plants to release a terpenoid for indirect defense

The pea leafminer, Liriomyza huidobrensis, is an important pest species affecting ornamental crops worldwide. Plant damage consists of oviposition and feeding punctures created by female adult flies as well as larva‐bored mines in leaf mesophyll tissues. How plants indirectly defend themselves from these two types of leafminer damage has not been sufficiently investigated. In this study, we compared the indirect defense responses of bean plants infested by either female adults or larvae. Puncturing of leaves by adults released green leaf volatiles and terpenoids, while larval feeding caused plants to additionally emit methyl salicylate and (E,E)‐4,8,12‐trimethyl‐1,3,7,11‐tridecatetraene (TMTT). Puncturing of plants by female adults induced increases in jasmonic acid (JA) and JA‐related gene expressions but reduced the expressions of salicylic acid (SA)‐related genes. In contrast, JA and SA and their‐related gene expression levels were increased significantly by larval feeding. The exogenous application of JA+SA significantly triggered TMTT emission, thereby significantly inducing the orientation behavior of parasitoids. Our study has confirmed that larval feeding can trigger TMTT emission through the activation of both JA and SA pathways to attract parasitoids; however, TMTT alone is less attractive than the complete blend of volatiles released by infested plants.
Comparative and Interactive Studies of Aqueous Leaf Extracts of Ocimum gratissimum Linn. (Lamiaeceae),Vitamins C and E on the Basal Serum Phosphatase Levels of Male Guinea Pigs

The present study was designed to investigate the comparative effects of aqueous leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum Linn. (Lamiaceae), vitamin C and vitamin E on the basal serum phosphatases- alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total acid phosphatase (ACPT) and prostatic acid phosphatase (ACPP) of the male guinea-pig. Also investigated were the interactive effects of these agents on the biochemical parameters. Adult male guinea-pigs were divided into nineteen groups of five animals each and orally administered with different doses of O. gratissimum (11-352 mg/kg), vitamin C (1.25-80 mg/kg), vitamin E (75-2400mg/kg) and the last group (control) was given distilled water. Animals were sacrificed after 4h and blood samples collected and analyzed for ALP, ACPT, and ACPP. In another set of animals, O. gratissimum was administered 1h before obtaining the dose-responses of vitamins C and E and vice versa. O. gratissimum (11-352mg/kg), vitamin C (1.25-80mg/kg) and vitamin E (75-2400mg/kg) caused significant (p Keywords: Ocimum gratissimum , basal phosphatase, vitamin C and vitamin E.
The Limits of "Communication Mode" as a Construct.

Questions about communication mode (a.k.a. "communication options" or "communication opportunities") remain among the most controversial issues in the many fields that are concerned with the development and well-being of children (and adults) who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing. In this manuscript, we argue that a large part of the reason that this debate persists is due to limitations of the construct itself. We focus on what we term "the crucial question": namely, what kind of experience with linguistic input during infancy and toddlerhood is most likely to result in mastery of at least one language (spoken or signed) by school entry. We argue that the construct of communication mode-as currently construed-actively prevents the discovery of compelling answers to that question. To substantiate our argument, we present a review of a relevant subset of the recent empirical literature and document the prevalence of our concerns. We conclude by articulating the desiderata of an alternative construct that, if appropriately measured, would have the potential to yield answers to what we identify as "the crucial question. "
Birthdate and survival in bighorn lambs (Ovis canadensis)

The relationship between parturition date and lamb survival was investigated among individually marked bighorn ewes in south-western Alberta, Canada. Lambs were born from 17 May to 21 July. Most births occurred in the first two weeks of the lambing period. Lambs born in May enjoyed greater survival than lambs born in June and July. The viability of lambs born after 10 June was extremely low. Inadequate nutrition is suggested as the cause of greater mortality of lateborn lambs. Ewes that give birth late are at an earlier stage of lactation when forage quality declines and may not produce sufficient milk to ensure lamb survival. Their lambs have access to high-quality forage for a shortened period. The proportion of late lambs appeared to be correlated with ewe density in the winter range.
On Asian ornithopods (Dinosauria: Ornithischia). 3. A new species of iguanodontid dinosaur

The holotype of the Mongolian species of ornithopod dinosaurIguanodon orientalisfrom the Early Cretaceous (Barremian-Aptian of Khamarin Khural) has been shown to have been established on holotype material that is non-diagnostic, but appears to be closely similar osteologically to the Western European speciesI. bernissartensis. Additional material collected from the locality known as Khuren Dukh (Dornogov′, Mongolia), which had previously been referred toI. orientalishas been re-examined and shown to represent a new genus and species (Altirhinus kurzanovigen.etsp. nov) of ornithopod dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous (Late Aptian/Early Albian). The anatomy of this new ornithopod is described; it shows a number of similarities to the known species ofIguanodon, but also demonstrates features which are in some instances unique to this taxon, while others seem to be either convergent upon, or transformational with respect to, the more derived hadrosaurid ornithopods of the Late Cretaceous. Palaeogeographic evidence is corroborative in that it suggests contemporaneous, albeit episodic, links between the Northern Hemisphere landmasses during the Barremian-Albian interval; these explain the appearance of very ‘European’ large ornithopods (Iguanodon) in Asia in Barremian/Aptian times as a consequence of land-based dispersal. Subsequent isolation of Asia from the European ‘domain’ during the late Early Cretaceous (Albian) may be responsible for the appearance of derived forms such asAltirhinus, and is suggestive of an Asian centre of origin for the family Hadrosauridae in middle Cretaceous times; this contradicts an earlier vicariance-biogeographic model of ornithopod evolution. The cranial anatomical modifications seen in this new taxon: vertical expansion of the dorsal nasal cavity, lateral expansion and lowering of the cropping beak relative to the jaw line, increase in the number of replacement teeth (but no significant miniaturization of the crowns) and the trend toward formation of a more integrated battery of cheek teeth, seen to varying degrees in several mid-Cretaceous ornithopods are commented upon; they can be interpreted within the context of an evolutionary trend culminating in the cranial complexity seen in the terminal lineage of ornithopods represented by the Late Cretaceous Hadrosauridae. Functionally, some of these changes can be correlated with what can be interpreted as ‘improvements’ to the efficiency of food gathering and processing which might represent increased niche partitioning and/or responses to increasingly tough and abrasive (xeric adapted) foliage; others, notably the modifications to the nasal cavity (perhaps associated with providing space for a counter-current moisture conserving turbinal system), are suggestive of a biological response to increasingly seasonal/xeric conditions in the middle of the Cretaceous Period or changes in the floral composition of these times.
Isolation and environmental study of ‘wild’ Serpula lacrymans and Serpula himantioides from the Himalayan Forests

We report the first successful culturing and confirmation of identity (via sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, SDS–PAGE) of Serpula lacrymans (the dry rot fungus) derived from basidiomes and mycelia growing in the ‘wild’. The fungus was found growing on well decayed coniferous wood within the Narkanda region of the Western Himalayas at between 2800 and 3100 m above sea level (a.s.l.). The ‘wild’ habitat of the fungus is described, as is the isolation of Serpula himantioides also found in these regions. Temperature, osmotic potential, initial pH and air-current influenced the average colony extension rate of ‘wild’ and a selection of building isolates on 2% malt extract agar. The ‘wild’ and building isolates behaved as two separate cohorts; the ‘wild’ isolates appeared to be less affected by extremes of temperature, whereas building isolates extended more rapidly at the moderate microenvironmental regimes.
Prevalence of Muscular Skeletal Disorders among Qualified Dental Assistants

The occupation of dental assistants (DAs) involves many health risks of the musculoskeletal system due to static and prolonged work, which can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of MSDs in DAs in Germany. Methods: For this purpose, an online questionnaire analyzed 406 (401 female participants and 5 male participants, 401w/5m) DAs. It was based on the Nordic Questionnaire (lifetime, 12-month, and seven-day MSDs’ prevalence separated into neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, upper back, lower back, hip, knee, and ankle), and occupational and sociodemographic questions as well as questions about specific medical conditions. Results: 98.5% of the participants reported complaints of at least one body region in their lives, 97.5% reported at least one complaint in the last 12 months and 86.9% affirmed at least one complaint in the last seven days. For lifetime, 12-month and seven-day prevalence, the neck was the region that was most affected followed by the shoulder, the upper back and the lower back. Conclusion: The prevalence of MSDs among German (female) DAs was very high. The most affected area is the neck, followed by the shoulder, the lower back, and the upper back. It, therefore, seems necessary to devote more attention to ergonomics at the working practice of DAs as well in education and in dental work.