Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immunological appraisal of wheat varieties in relation to chapatti-making characteristics

The current research work was conducted to characterize wheat proteins through immunochemical techniques and to find out their relationship with wheat quality traits. The results revealed that wheat variety AARI-11 possessed higher protein content (11.96%), wet gluten (31.39%), dry gluten (9.66%), Pelshenke value (190.52 min), and SDS-Sedimentation value (28.27 ml) than other tested varieties. The chapattis prepared from the wheat variety AARI-11 got significantly higher sensory scores owing to its higher protein contents. The wheat variety AARI-11 also exhibited significantly the highest antibody response against all the assessed protein fractions. The results of the present study suggest that anti-glutenin and anti-high molecular weight glutenin subunits (HMW-GS) antibody response was found positively correlated to the quality characteristics of flours and chapattis. The present study suggests that the use of antibodies response against glutenin and HMW-GS offers good tool for predicting quality and suitability of wheat to chapatti-making quality.
The role of silver nanoparticles biosynthesized by Anabaena variabilis and Spirulina platensis cyanobacteria for malachite green removal from wastewater

ABSTRACT In this study, biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using two species of cyanobacteria, Anabaena variabilis (Kütz) and Spirulina platensis (Gomont) was investigated and evaluated for dye removing capacity. The formation of AgNPs was detected by the change in colour using UV-Vis spectroscopy and further characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The obtained AgNPs were spherical to oval with average particle size of 17.9 and 26.4 nm for S. platensis and A. variabilis, respectively. These AgNPs were applied as bio-sorbent for the removal of malachite green (MG) dye released into wastewater. Within the tested initial concentration range of MG, the reaction exhibited first order kinetics model as monitored via UV spectroscopy. As the dye concentration decreased, the removal efficiency increased to reach 93% for S. platensis and 82% for A. variabilis AgNPs. The results also indicated that increased AgNPs concentration enhanced the MG removal with an efficiency up to 88% and 81% for S. platensis and A. variabilis AgNPs, respectively. The smaller particle diameter and larger specific surface area of S. platensis AgNPs enabled boosted catalytic activity for dye removal than those of A. variabilis. After the treatment with AgNPs, the resultant dye- AgNPs-free effluent proved non-toxic to Triticum aestivum L (Giza 171) seedlings, implying their safety for cultivation practices. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Diet of Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus in a farmland area near Algiers, Algeria

The diet of the Black-shouldered Kite Elanus caeruleus was analysed in a recently colonised area in Meftah, south-eastern Algiers, Algeria. The diet was determined by analysing 144 pellets. Our data showed that the diet was dominated by rodents with Algerian mouse Mus spretus comprising between 61% and 77% of the diet. Based on relative biomass, rodents were the main prey species, comprising 88.1% of the diet in 2006, 68.4% in 2007 and 52.0% in 2008. Birds were the second-most important prey, comprising as much as 43.4% of the diet in 2008. The Algerian mouse was the major prey species both in spring (60.0% in 2007) and in summer (80.0% in 2006).
Reintroducing the European Beaver to Britain: nostalgic meddling or restoring biodiversity?

The European Beaver Castor fiber once occurred throughout Europe, but in many countries was exterminated or greatly reduced by over-hunting. In the UK, Beavers were last recorded in Scotland in the sixteenth century. Thirteen countries have carried out reintroduction programmes to restore the range of the Beaver in Europe, We provide a basis for discussing the feasibility and desirability of reintroducing the Beaver to Britain. The basic biology of the Beaver is described, followed by summaries of reintroductions in Europe and an evaluation of their successes and failures. We address the fundamental questions of propagule size, habitat requirements, habitat size and provenance of Beavers to be released, before examining in theory whether reintroducing Beavers to Britain is likely to fulfil UKCINC and IUCN criteria relating to environmental impact, socioeconomics and conservation. We then make suggestions as to how a reintroduction to Britain could proceed. Essential work outstanding includes site assessment and public consultation. The restoration of the Beaver to Britain could be a fitting start to the millennium.
An ultrastructural study of accessory cells in the testes of the sea cucumber Chiridota pellucida (Holothuroidea: Apoda)

Summary The somatic accessory cells in the testes of the sea cucumber, Chiridota pellucida (Holothuroidea: Apoda), are flattened flagellated epithelial cells covering the basal lamina of the germinal epithelium. Their nucleus is irregular or elongated with a prominent nucleolus. The cytoplasm contains the Golgi complex, cisternae of rough and smooth endoplasmic reticulum, numerous electron-lucent vesicles, and lipid droplets. C. pellucida accessory cells differ in ultrastructure from those in other holothurians.
Eucalyptus Digestibility and Digestible Energy Requirements of Adult Male Koalas, Phascolarctos Cinereus (Marsupialia).

Three adult male koalas were individually fed on a diet of Eucalyptus melliodora, E. robusta and E. sideroxylon plus trace mineral salt and water to appetite. Fresh browse was offered daily for 14 days before and 7 days during quantitative collection of faeces. Samples of browse representing plant parts consumed were collected, and acid lignin ratio techniques were used to estimate nutrient digestibility. Apparent digestibility of DM was 54-70%, gross energy 47-64%, crude protein 32-50%, ether extract 37-50%, neutral detergent fibre 23-57% and acid detergent fibre 9-55%. Total faecal acid lignin excretion was used to estimate digestible energy (DE) intake. Since bodyweights (W) were maintained during the study, daily DE requirements for adult maintenance were estimated to range from 257 to 411 kJ/W0.75. If an 87% recovery in the faeces of dietary acid lignin was assumed, estimated DE requirements for adult maintenance ranged from 312 to 439 kJ/W0.75. These values are lower than commonly accepted interspecific values for eutherians but are consistent with evidence that the koala has a relatively low basal metabolic rate.
Impaired social cognition in bipolar disorder: A meta-analysis of Theory of Mind in euthymic patients

Objective: To conduct a meta-analysis of Theory of Mind studies exclusively in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder. Method: After the exclusion of studies evaluating symptomatic patients during acute episodes, we performed a meta-analysis including a total of 30 studies, comparing 1294 euthymic bipolar disorder patients and 1116 healthy controls. Results: Patients with bipolar disorder presented a significant impairment in Theory of Mind performance when compared to controls (Hedge’s g = −0.589, 95% confidence interval: −0.764 to −0.414, Z = −6.594, p < 0.001). When compared to controls, Theory of Mind was impaired in patients with both bipolar disorder I (Hedge’s g = −0.663, 95% confidence interval: −0.954 to −0.372, Z = −4.462, p < 0.001) and bipolar disorder II (Hedge’s g = −1.165, 95% confidence interval: −1.915 to −0.415, Z = −3.044, p = 0.002). Theory of Mind impairments were also significantly more severe in verbal tasks (Hedge’s g = −1.077, 95% confidence interval: −1.610 to −0.544, Z = −3.961 p < 0.001) than visual tasks (Hedge’s g =−0.614, 95% confidence interval: −0.844 to −0.384, Z = −5.231, p < 0.001) when compared to controls. Conclusion: The results obtained confirm that Theory of Mind is impaired in remitted bipolar disorder patients, being a potential endophenotype for bipolar disorder. Moreover, we found higher deficits in verbal Theory of Mind, compared with visual Theory of Mind. Since most studies were cross-sectional, there is a need for longitudinal studies to evaluate whether the deficits detected in Theory of Mind are progressive over the course of the illness.
The effects of empagliflozin vs metformin on endothelial microparticles in overweight/obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Context Endothelial microparticles (EMPs) are novel, surrogate biomarkers of endothelial function and have been shown to be elevated in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It remains poorly understood how pharmacological options for managing PCOS affect EMP levels. Objective To characterise and compare the effects of empagliflozin vs metformin on the circulating levels of EMPs in overweight/obese women with PCOS. Methods This was a randomised, comparative, 12-week single-centre trial conducted at the Academic Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Centre, Hull, UK. This analysis includes data from 39 overweight/obese women with PCOS who completed the study and were randomised to empagliflozin (15 mg/day) (n = 19) or metformin (1500 mg/day) (n = 20). Blood samples were collected at baseline and 12 weeks after treatment and analysed for specific surface proteins (ICAM-1, VCAM-1, PECAM-1, E-selectin and endoglin) expressed by circulating EMPs using flow cytometry. Results In the empagliflozin group, ICAM-1 (P = 0.006), E-selectin (P = 0.016) and VCAM-1 (P = 0.001) EMPs increased significantly following 12 weeks of treatment, but no changes were seen in PECAM-1 (P = 0.93) or endoglin (P = 0.13) EMPs. In the metformin group, VCAM-1 EMPs (P < 0.001) increased significantly after 12 weeks of treatment, whereas all other EMPs remained unchanged. When data were expressed as percentage change from baseline in each group, no significant differences were seen between groups for any biomarker (P-values from 0.22 to 0.80). Conclusions Short-term administration of empagliflozin and metformin in overweight/obese women with PCOS appear to increase EMPs expressed by endothelial cells during their activation.
Associations Between Health Literacy and Underweight and Overweight Among Japanese Adults Aged 20 to 39 Years: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background. Both underweight and overweight are public health concerns in Japan. Several studies examined the association between health literacy (HL) and obesity status in the general population; however, there is limited information on young adults. In addition, the association between HL and underweight status has not been extensively investigated. Aim. To examine the association between HL and underweight/overweight status among young Japanese adults aged 20 to 39 years. Method. This study was based on a cross-sectional survey of population-representative adults. HL was assessed using a questionnaire validated in Japanese adults. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using self-reported weight and height. Participants were divided into two groups by HL score using the median score (lower vs. higher HL). The association between HL and underweight (BMI <18.5) or overweight (BMI ≥25.0) was examined using multinomial logistic regression analyses after adjusting for potential confounders. Results. In total, 476 women and 454 men were included in the analyses. Prevalence of underweight and overweight was 20.8% and 10.3% in women and 8.8% and 20.3% in men, respectively. In women, 45.1% of normal weight, 47.5% of underweight, and 30.6% of overweight had higher HL. Among men, 50.3% of normal weight, 35.0% of underweight, and 44.6% of overweight had higher HL. Bivariate analyses showed no statistically significant association between HL level and underweight/overweight status. Even after adjusting for potential confounders, these associations did not change. Discussion and Conclusion. This study suggests that HL scores may not be associated with underweight or overweight status in Japanese adults.
Characteristics of spiny lobster, Jasus edwardsii, aggregations in exposed reef and sandy areas

The behaviour and characteristics of J. edwardsii within offshore aggregations in northern New Zealand are described. Groups of up to 200 lobsters were found aggregating beyond the coastal reefs by day, on open sand, amongst beds of the emergent bivalve Atrina zelandica, and around low-lying patch reefs which had little topographical relief. Lobsters within the aggregations displayed behaviour consistent with the use of mutual defence. In areas of open sand, aggregations were circular, with individuals on the perimeter always facing outwards. These lobsters held their stout, spiny antennae upright and used them to fend off potential threats. On patch reefs and around Atrina beds, aggregations were less uniform in shape, and lobsters increased their level of physical protection by clustering against irregularities in the substratum. Offshore aggregations were found over 7 months of the year, but the size and sex ratio of aggregating lobsters varied considerably between seasons. Seasonal peaks in the proportion of male lobsters within the aggregations coincided with peak feeding rates in captive males. The presence of females was not as clearly related to their feeding patterns and probably also reflected behavioural adaptations associated with the carrying of eggs and release of larvae.
Protective Effects of Antioxidant Polyphenols Against Hyperglycemia-Mediated Alterations in Cerebral Endothelial Cells and a Mouse Stroke Model.

SCOPE Hyperglycemia alters cerebral endothelial cell and blood-brain barrier functions, aggravating cerebrovascular complications such as stroke during diabetes. Redox and inflammatory changes play a causal role. This study evaluated polyphenol protective effects on cerebral endothelial cells and in a mouse stroke model during hyperglycemia. METHODS AND RESULTS Murine bEnd.3 cerebral endothelial cells and a mouse stroke model were exposed to a characterized polyphenol-rich extract of Antirhea borbonica or its predominant constituent caffeic acid, during high glucose condition used to mimic hyperglycemia. Polyphenol effects on redox, inflammatory and vasoactive markers as well as on infarct volume and hemorrhagic transformation were determined. In vitro, polyphenols improved ROS levels, Cu/ZnSOD activity and both Nox4 and Nrf2 gene expression deregulated by high glucose. Polyphenols reduced Nrf2 nuclear translocation, and counteracted NFĸB pathway activation, IL-6 secretion and the altered production of vasoactive markers mediated by high glucose. In vivo, polyphenols reduced cerebral infarct volume and hemorrhagic transformation aggravated by hyperglycemia. Polyphenols attenuated redox changes, increased VE-Cadherin production and decreased neuro-inflammation in infarcted hemisphere. CONCLUSION Polyphenols protected against hyperglycemia-mediated alterations in cerebral endothelial cells and a mouse stroke model. It will be relevant to assess polyphenol-based strategies to improve cerebrovascular damage and stroke recovery during diabetes. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Racial/ethnic variations in weight management among patients with overweight and obesity status who are served by health centres

This study sought to examine racial/ethnic variations in receipt of provider recommendations on weight loss, patient adherence, perception of weight, attempts at weight loss and actual weight loss among patients with overweight/obesity status at Health Resources and Services Administration‐funded health centres (HC). We used a 2014 nationally representative survey of adult HC patients with overweight/obesity status (PwOW/OB) last year and reported the HC was their usual source of care (n = 3517). We used logistic regression models to assess the interaction of race/ethnicity and having obesity in (1) provider recommendations of diet or (2) exercise, (3) patient adherence to diet or (4) exercise, (5) perceptions of weight and (6) weight loss attempts. We used a multinomial regression model to examine (7) weight loss or gain vs no change and a linear regression model to evaluate (8) percent weight change. We found Black PwOW/OB (OR = 1.65) experienced greater odds of receiving diet recommendations than Whites. We found limited racial/ethnic disparities in adherence. Black (OR = 0.41), Hispanic/Latino (OR = 0.45), and American Indian/Alaska Native (OR = 0.41) PwOW/OB had lower odds of perceiving themselves as overweight. Black (OR = 1.68) and Hispanic (OR = 1.98) PwOW/OB had a greater odds of reporting weight gain, and Asian PwOW/OB (OR = 0.42) had lower odds of reporting weight loss than Whites. Disparities in provider diet recommendations among Blacks and Hispanics indicated the importance of personalized weight management recommendations. Understanding underlying reasons for discordance between self‐perception and observed weight among different groups is needed. Overall increase in weight, despite current interventions, should be addressed through targeted racially/ethnically appropriate approaches.
C4 grasses adapted to low precipitation habitats show traits related to greater mesophyll conductance and lower leaf hydraulic conductance.

In habitats with low water availability, a fundamental challenge for plants will be to maximize photosynthetic C-gain whilst minimizing transpirational water-loss. This tradeoff between C-gain and water-loss can in part be achieved through the coordination of leaf-level photosynthetic and hydraulic traits. To test the relationship of photosynthetic C-gain and transpirational water-loss we grew under common growth conditions 18 C4 grasses adapted to habitats with different mean annual precipitation (MAP) and measured leaf-level structural and anatomical traits associated with mesophyll conductance (gm ) and leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf ). The C4 grasses adapted to lower MAP showed greater mesophyll surface area exposed to intercellular air spaces (Smes ) and adaxial stomatal density (SDada ) which supported greater gm . These grasses also showed greater leaf thickness and vein-to-epidermis distance which may lead to lower Kleaf . Collectively, these leaf traits associated with gm and Kleaf scaled positively with photosynthetic rates (Anet ) and leaf-level water-use efficiency (WUE) with low MAP adapted grasses exhibiting greater Anet and WUE. In summary, we identify a suite of leaf-level traits that appear important for adaptation of C4 grasses to habitats with low MAP and may be useful to identify C4 species showing greater Anet and WUE in drier conditions. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Contribution to the biology of ten vertiginid species

Laboratory and field observations on Vertigo angustior Jeffreys, V. antivertigo (Draparnaud), V. moulinsiana (Dupuy), V. pusilla O. F. Muller, V. pygmaea (Draparnaud), V. ronnebyensis (Westerlund), V. substriata (Jeffreys), Truncatellina cylindrica (Ferussac), Columella aspera Walden and C. edentula (Draparnaud) provided new information on their life cycle. Genus Vertigo: the life span is 1–3 years, with most snails dying in the next year after hatching. The reproductive season lasts from half of May till the beginning of September; depending on the life span eggs are laid during 1–3 seasons. The number of eggs per lifetime varies widely, the maximum numbers are 55–79 in V. moulinsiana, pygmaea and ronnebyensis, 102–120 in V. angustior, pusilla and substriata and 218 in V. antivertigo. Most eggs are laid at the stage of one cell (even oocyte II), but in some the advancement of development indicates retention of 1–3 days. Hatching usually starts in the second half of June and lasts till the second half of September. Only some of the snails reach maturity in the year of hatching, usually after the reproductive season. Genus Truncatellina: in the wild the life span of most individuals is about one year, some live till the age of about two years. Eggs are laid from half of June till the end of August (in laboratory maximum 11 eggs); hatching takes place from July till the end of September. Genus Columella: in the laboratory C. aspera lays eggs from half of May till the beginning of September (maximum 5 eggs); hatching starts at half of June and continues till the end of September. C. edentula in the laboratory lays eggs at half of April, and juveniles hatch at the end of May and beginning of June.
Construct Validity of the Gait Assessment and Intervention Tool (GAIT) in People With Multiple Sclerosis

In clinical practice, observational scales are the most common approach used to assess gait pattern in people with neurological disorders. The Gait Assessment and Intervention Tool (GAIT) is an observational gait scale, and it has proved to be the most comprehensive, homogeneous, and objective of all the observational gait scales studied in people with neurological conditions.
A high activity zinc transporter OsZIP9 mediates zinc uptake in rice.

Zinc (Zn) is an essential micronutrient for most organisms including humans, and Zn deficiency is widespread in human populations especially in underdeveloped regions. Cereals such as rice (Oryza sativa) are the major dietary source of Zn for most people. However, the molecular mechanism underlying Zn uptake in rice is still not fully understood. Here, we report that a member of ZIP (ZRT, IRT-like protein) family, OsZIP9, functions in Zn uptake in rice. It was expressed in the epidermal and exodermal cells of lateral roots, localized in the plasma membrane, and induced under Zn deficiency. Yeast-expressed OsZIP9 showed much higher Zn influx transport activity than other rice ZIP proteins in a wide range of Zn concentrations. OsZIP9 knockout rice plants showed a significant reduction in growth at low Zn concentration, but could be rescued by high Zn supply. Compared to the wildtype, accumulation of Zn in root, shoot and grain was much lower in knockout lines, especially with low Zn supply under both hydroponic and paddy soil conditions. OsZIP9 also showed Co uptake activity. Natural variation of OsZIP9 expression level is highly associated with Zn content in milled grain among rice varieties in the germplasm collection. Taken together, these results show that OsZIP9 is an important influx transporter responsible for uptake of Zn and Co from external media into root cells.
Creating Supportive Environments for LGBT Older Adults: An Efficacy Evaluation of Staff Training in a Senior Living Facility

ABSTRACT Supportive housing later in life tends to be a key concern for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) elders. Most senior care providers are un(der)prepared to meet the needs of older LGBT adults. This study evaluated the efficacy of a 4 hours, face-to-face, research-based, LGBT-diversity training designed to improve senior housing facility staff’s cultural competency regarding the needs of LGBT elders. Findings from this study found a significant increase in LGBT content knowledge between pre- and post-intervention assessments and a significant decrease in perceived preparedness when working with LGBT elders. These effects remained significant after controlling for staff designation, religion, educational attainment, and training session. Findings suggest that staff’s cultural competence affected their perceived readiness to address LGBT elders’ needs. Implications are related to the concept of cultural humility or the lifelong process of understanding others’ experiences based on the recognition of lack of un(der)preparedness to create a culturally supportive residential environment.