Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sex Reversal in Carp (Cyprinus carpio) by Oral Administration of Methyltestosterone

Effects of oral administration of methyltestosterone on sex reversal from female to male in carp (Cyprinus carpio) was evaluated using all-female gynogenetic carp. Methyltestosterone supplemented in the diet at 100 μg/g for 36 d was tested at 20 and 25 °C and for varying times of initiation of treatment. The treatments induced partial and more complete sex reversal at 20 and 25 °C, respectively. At 20 °C hermaphrodites appeared frequently. At 25 °C, the most successful sex reversal occurred, particularly when methyltestosterone was administered starting 44 d and terminating 80 d after hatching.Key words: carp, all-female carp, sex reversal, gynogenesis, methyltestosterone, androgen treatment
Changes in Chemical-Physical Index and Microstructure During Dry-cured Duck Processing

Dry-cured duck is a high quality meat product processed by the traditional dry-curing procedure. The objective of this paper was to study the physical-chemical parameters and microstructure of the duck muscle during the manufacturing process. Thirty six ducks were used in this study and samples were taken after dry salting, marinating, piling, and drying for 6 days and 12 days. The increase in NaCl, TBA, protein, fat, and shear force were observed whereas water, cooking loss, L*, a*, b* and myofiber diameter decreased during the whole process. It showed the quality parameters such as NaCl, TBA, shear force and water were strongly correlated and associated with the microstructural changes of the muscles.
Lead exposure in passerines inhabiting lead‐contaminated floodplains in the Coeur D'Alene River Basin, Idaho, USA

Blood collected from song sparrows (Melospiza melodia) and American robins (Turdus migratorius) captured with mist nets in a lead‐contaminated (assessment) area and nearby uncontaminated (reference) areas within the Coeur d'Alene Basin in northern Idaho was analyzed for δ‐aminolevulinic acid dehydratase activity (ALAD) and hematocrit levels, and livers were analyzed for lead. Mean ALAD inhibition in the assessment area was 51% in song sparrows and 75% in American robins. The proportion of the sampled population with ALAD inhibition >50% was calculated to be 43% for song sparrows and 83% for American robins. Assessment area hematocrit values for song sparrows (x = 39.9) and American robins (x = 39.5) were lower than in reference areas (x = 42.4 for song sparrows and 40.2 for American robins); however, differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Significantly higher levels of lead (wet weight) were found in livers from song sparrows captured on the assessment area (x = 1.93 ppm) than on reference areas (x = 0.10 ppm) (p = 0.0079). Study results indicate that 43% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 12.9‐77.5%) of the song sparrows and 83% (95% CI = 41.8‐99.2%) of the American robins inhabiting the floodplain along the Coeur d'Alene River in the assessment area are being exposed to lead at levels sufficient to inhibit ALAD by > 50%. Variability in lead exposure indicators was attributed to high variability in environmental lead concentrations in the Coeur d'Alene River Basin.
Effects of Photobiomodulation with Low-Level Laser Therapy in Burning Mouth Syndrome: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND Photobiomodulation has proven to be effective in different painful conditions. OBJECTIVES To assess the effect of photobiomodulation for pain management in burning mouth syndrome (BMS) patients, besides analysing the impact on different aspects of quality of life. METHODS A randomized, single blind, clinical trial was performed among 20 patients with BMS. Photobiomodulation was applied in the study group (n=10) with a dose of 12 J/cm2 during 10 sessions, comparing with a placebo group (n=10) with the laser turned off. Pain was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) before starting each treatment session, and at the 1-month and 4-month follow-up appointments. Some validated questionnaires for general health were also complete: SF-36, OHIP-14, Epworth, SCL 90-R and McGill. RESULTS All patients (n=10) in the study group improved their pain ending treatment and remaining among 90% (n=9) in the 4-month follow-up. Significant improvement was found in the study group in some sections of McGill questionnaire, Epworth scale, and SCL 90-R at the end of the treatment and in the 1-month and 4-month follow-ups. CONCLUSIONS Photobiomodulation seems to be effective in reducing pain in patients with BMS, as well as, having a positive impact on the psychological state of these patients.
Anthropogenic threats to evolutionary heritage of angiosperms in the Netherlands through an increase in high‐competition environments

Present biodiversity comprises the evolutionary heritage of Earth's epochs. Lineages from particular epochs are often found in particular habitats, but whether current habitat decline threatens the heritage from particular epochs is unknown. We hypothesized that within a given region, humans threaten specifically habitats that harbor lineages from a particular geological epoch. We expect so because humans threaten environments that dominated and lineages that diversified during these epochs. We devised a new approach to quantify, per habitat type, diversification of lineages from different epochs. For Netherlands, one of the floristically and ecologically best‐studied regions, we quantified the decline of habitat types and species in the past century. We defined habitat types based on vegetation classification and used existing ranking of decline of vegetation classes and species. Currently, most declining habitat types and the group of red‐listed species are characterized by increased diversification of lineages dating back to Paleogene, specifically to Paleocene‐Eocene and Oligocene. Among vulnerable habitat types with large representation of lineages from these epochs were sublittoral and eulittoral zones of temperate seas and 2 types of nutrient‐poor, open habitats. These losses of evolutionary heritage would go unnoticed with classical measures of evolutionary diversity. Loss of heritage from Paleocene‐Eocene became unrelated to decline once low competition, shade tolerance, and low proportion of non‐Apiaceae were accounted for, suggesting that these variables explain the loss of heritage from Paleocene‐Eocene. Losses of heritage from Oligocene were partly explained by decline of habitat types occupied by weak competitors and shade‐tolerant species. Our results suggest a so‐far unappreciated human threat to evolutionary heritage: habitat decline threatens descendants from particular epochs. If the trends persist into the future uncontrolled, there may be no habitats within the region for many descendants of evolutionary ancient epochs, such as Paleogene.
Effect of crude extracts of mixtures of different plant species in the control of Megalurothrips sjostedti Trybom. and pod setting of cowpea plants

Abstract The effect of crude aqueous extracts of orange, Citrus sinensis L. , peel and chilli pepper, Capsicum annum L. in mixtures with extracts of other plant species on Megalurothrips sjostedti (Thysanoptera: Thripidae) in cowpea flowers and pod setting ability of the treated plants was evaluated in two years of field studies. Compared with the other treatments, crude extract mixtures of chilli pepper with neem leaf, orange peel with African curry (Ocimum gratissimum L.) leaf and orange peel with Gmelina arborea L. leaf (in that order) were superior in reducing the numbers of thrips (<0.5 thrips/flower) in cowpea flowers and subsequently ensuring higher pod load per plant on treated plots. The mixture of chilli pepper with neem leaf extract was the most effective and compared favourably with the synthetic insecticide check (Uppercott) both on thrips suppression as well as on pod setting per plant. This result indicates the potential of using extract mixtures of different plant species with varying insecticidal attributes for protection of cowpea flowers in low input agriculture practised by limited resource farmers in developing countries.
GIP as a Therapeutic Target in Diabetes and Obesity: Insight From Incretin Co-agonists

Abstract The 2 hormones responsible for the amplification of insulin secretion after oral as opposed to intravenous nutrient administration are the gut peptides, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). However, whereas GLP-1 also inhibits appetite and food intake and improves glucose regulation in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM), GIP seems to be devoid of these activities, although the 2 hormones as well as their receptors are highly related. In fact, numerous studies have suggested that GIP may promote obesity. However, chimeric peptides, combining elements of both peptides and capable of activating both receptors, have recently been demonstrated to have remarkable weight-losing and glucose-lowering efficacy in obese individuals with T2DM. At the same time, antagonists of the GIP receptor have been reported to reduce weight gain/cause weight loss in experimental animals including nonhuman primates. This suggests that both agonists and antagonist of the GIP receptor should be useful, at least for weight-losing therapy. How is this possible? We here review recent experimental evidence that agonist-induced internalization of the two receptors differs markedly and that modifications of the ligand structures, as in co-agonists, profoundly influence these cellular processes and may explain that an antagonist may activate while an agonist may block receptor signaling.
Loss of High-Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) Protein in Rods Accelerates Rod Photoreceptor Degeneration After Retinal Detachment

Purpose Retinal detachment (RD) disrupts the nutritional support and oxygen delivery to photoreceptors (PRs), ultimately causing cell death. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) can serve as an extracellular alarmin when released from stressed cells. PRs release HMGB1 after RD. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between HMGB1 and PR survival after RD. Methods Acute RD was created by injection of hyaluronic acid (1%) into the subretinal space in C57BL/6 mice and mice with a rhodopsin-Cre-mediated conditional knockout (cKO) of HMGB1 in rods (HMGB1ΔRod). Immunofluorescence (IF) in retinal sections was used to localize HMGB1, rhodopsin, and Iba-1 proteins. Optical coherence tomography and electroretinography were used to quantify retinal thickness and function, respectively. The morphology of the retina was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin. Results HMGB1 protein was localized to the nuclei of all retinal neurons, including PRs, with cones staining more intensely than rods. HMGB1 protein was also found in the inner and outer segments of cones but not rods. Creation of RD caused a dramatic increase of HMGB1 protein IF in rods. cKO of HMGB1 in rods did not affect retinal structure or function. However, after RD, loss of rods and reduction in the thickness of the outer nuclear layer were significantly increased in the HMGB1ΔRod retinas as compared to the control. Interestingly, depletion of HMGB1 in rods did not affect the activation and mobilization of microglia/macrophages normally seen after RD. Conclusions Increased HMGB1 expression in stressed rods may represent an intrinsic mechanism regulating their survival after RD.
Preseason assessment of anaerobic performance in elite soccer players: comparison of isokinetic and functional tests

ABSTRACT Isokinetic and functional jump tests are frequently performed for assessing the physical qualities of soccer players during preseason. The purpose of this investigation was to explore, in an elite soccer players population, the relationships between isokinetic strength and functional jump performances. Thirty-eight professional soccer players were evaluated as follows: isokinetic knee assessment in concentric (CON) mode (60, 240°/s) for quadriceps and hamstrings, and in eccentric (ECC) mode for the hamstrings only (30°/s); one-leg hop tests for distance (single hop (SH), triple hop (TH) and triple crossover hop (TCH)); one-leg vertical jump tests (countermovement jump, drop jump). Players with a low bodyweight normalised (BWN) quadriceps (Q) strength (<2.71 Nm/kg) performed, for a majority of the measured variables, significantly reduced jump performances compared to the players with high BWN Q strength (>3.14 Nm/kg; p < 0.05). Greater bilateral differences between uninjured and past injured lower limbs were found with isokinetics (Q CON 60°/s (mean bilateral difference (MBD): 10.3%; p < 0.01), Q CON 240°/s (MBD: 9.9%; p < 0.05), H ECC 30°/s (MBD: 16.1%; p < 0.001) than with functional tests (MBD: 2 to 9%; p > 0.05. In conclusion, due to their complementary role and implications for performance, functional and isokinetic tests should be associated in a preseason soccer players assessment.
The rare phenomenon of Marcus-Gunn jaw winking without ptosis: Report of 14 cases and review of the literature

Purpose: To report a rare case series of 14 patients of the Marcus-Gunn jaw-winking phenomenon (MGJWP) without ptosis. Methods: This was a retrospective noninterventional case series. The medical records of all patients diagnosed with MGJWP over the past 10 years were retrieved. Patients with documented evidence of absence of ptosis were segregated and analyzed for visual acuity, the severity of Marcus-Gunn, the presence of squint and amblyopia, and the presence of other aberrant regenerations. Results: A total of 207 patients were diagnosed with MGJWP, out of which 14 (6.76%) patients had isolated MGJWP without blepharoptosis. The mean age of presentation was 9.5 years and males and females were equally affected. The left eye was involved more commonly (57.2%) than the right eye. Twelve patients were congenital and two were presumed to be of traumatic origin. The most common refractive error in this cohort was astigmatism (10, 71.42%), followed by hyperopia (5, 35.71%). One patient had anisometropic amblyopia. Marcus-Gunn was found to be mild (≤2 mm of lid excursion) in all cases. None of the patients had strabismus or any other aberrant innervations. None of the patients underwent surgery and did not develop ptosis or worsening or improvement of Marcus-Gunn after a mean follow-up period of 2.3 years. Conclusion: Isolated MGJWP in the absence of ptosis is a very rare entity and this is the largest series to date to report such an occurrence. All patients had a mild form of MGJWP with no intervention required in any of the cases.
Cadmium binding characterization and mechanism of a newly isolated strain Cystobasidium oligophagum QN‐3

The aim of this study was to screen a strain for the removal of Cd2+ from aqueous solution and investigate the characterization and mechanism of the Cd2+ binding process. A novel strain of yeast showed high tolerance of cadmium, namely Cystobasidium oligophagum QN‐3, was isolated from soils, which could resist 22,000 mg/L and 18,000 mg/L Cd2+ on PDA (potato dextrose agar) plate and in PDA liquid medium, respectively. Cd2+ binding experiment showed that the strain could remove Cd2+ from aqueous solution effectively, the maximum Cd2+ removal rate of 84.45% was achieved at initial Cd2+ concentration 30 mg/L. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that sorption of Cd2+ by cells could be associated with changes in the cell surface morphology. Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis confirmed the important role of the functional groups OH, CO, NH2, COO, PO, and CH on the cell surface in the binding of Cd2+. The comparison of the binding ability of different cellular parts indicated a significant role of the cell wall played in the Cd2+ binding process. Pretreatment of the cells by boiling or ultrasonication could improve the biosorption capacity of QN‐3. In addition, QN‐3 exhibited selective and preferential property of binding capacity for other heavy metals, such as Pb2+, Cu2+, Cd2+, Zn2+, and Ni2+. These data suggested the promising use of Cystobasidium oligophagum QN‐3 as an effective and friendly biosorbent for cadmium or other heavy metals decontamination in the environment.
Exosomal neurofilament light

Objective To measure exosomal and plasma levels of candidate blood biomarkers in veterans with history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and test their relationship with chronic symptoms. Methods Exosomal and plasma levels of neurofilament light (NfL) chain, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–α, interleukin (IL)–6, IL-10, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were measured using an ultrasensitive assay in a cohort of 195 veterans, enrolled in the Chronic Effects of Neurotrauma Consortium Longitudinal Study. We examined relationships between candidate biomarkers and symptoms of postconcussive syndrome (PCS), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression. Biomarker levels were compared among those with no traumatic brain injury (TBI) (controls), 1–2 mTBIs, and repetitive (3 or more) mTBIs. Results Elevated exosomal and plasma levels of NfL were associated with repetitive mTBIs and with chronic PCS, PTSD, and depression symptoms. Plasma TNF-α levels correlated with PCS and PTSD symptoms. The total number of mTBIs correlated with exosomal and plasma NfL levels and plasma IL-6. Increased number of years since the most recent TBI correlated with higher exosomal NfL and lower plasma IL-6 levels, while increased number of years since first TBI correlated with higher levels of exosomal and plasma NfL, as well as plasma TNF-α and VEGF. Conclusion Repetitive mTBIs are associated with elevated exosomal and plasma levels of NfL, even years following these injuries, with the greatest elevations in those with chronic PCS, PTSD, and depression symptoms. Our results suggest a possible neuroinflammatory and axonal disruptive basis for symptoms that persist years after mTBI, especially repetitive.
Mobile Delivery of the Diabetes Prevention Program in People With Prediabetes: Randomized Controlled Trial

Background The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) diabetes prevention program (DPP) has formed the foundation for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) prevention efforts and lifestyle change modifications in multiple care settings. To our knowledge, no randomized controlled trial has verified the efficacy of a fully mobile version of CDC’s diabetes prevention program (DPP). Objective This study aimed to investigate the long-term weight loss and glycemic efficacy of a mobile-delivered DPP compared with a control group receiving usual medical care. Methods Adults with prediabetes (N=202) were recruited from a clinic and randomized to either a mobile-delivered, coach-guided DPP (Noom) or a control group that received regular medical care including a paper-based DPP curriculum and no formal intervention. The intervention group learned how to use the Noom program, how to interact with their coach, and the importance of maintaining motivation. They had access to an interactive coach-to-participant interface and group messaging, daily challenges for behavior change, DPP-based education articles, food logging, and automated feedback. Primary outcomes included changes in weight and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Exploratory secondary outcomes included program engagement as a predictor of changes in weight and HbA1c levels. Results A total of 202 participants were recruited and randomized into the intervention (n=101) or control group (n=99). In the intention-to-treat (ITT) analyses, changes in the participants’ weight and BMI were significantly different at 6 months between the intervention and control groups, but there was no difference in HbA1c levels (mean difference 0.004%, SE 0.05; P=.94). Weight and BMI were lower in the intervention group by −2.64 kg (SE 0.71; P<.001) and −0.99 kg/m2 (SE 0.29; P=.001), respectively. These differences persisted at 12 months. However, in the analyses that did not involve ITT, program completers achieved a significant weight loss of 5.6% (SE 0.81; P<.001) at 6 months, maintaining 4.7% (SE 0.88; P<.001) of their weight loss at 12 months. The control group lost −0.15% at 6 months (SE 0.64; P=.85) and gained 0.33% (SE 0.70; P=.63) at 12 months. Those randomized to the intervention group who did not start the program had no meaningful weight or HbA1c level change, similar to the control group. At 1 year, the intervention group showed a 0.23% reduction in HbA1c levels; those who completed the intervention showed a 0.28% reduction. Those assigned to the control group had a 0.16% reduction in HbA1c levels. Conclusions This novel mobile-delivered DPP achieved significant weight loss reductions for up to 1 year compared with usual care. This type of intervention reduces the risk of overt diabetes without the added barriers of in-person interventions. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03865342; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03865342
Biogeography of Chilean herpetofauna: distributional patterns of species richness and endemism

We analyze the geographic distribution pattern of Chilean amphibian and reptile species between 18°20′S (Arica) to 56°S (Magellanic Area) by the identification of centers of higher richness and endemism and we infer the biological processes that could have promoted these patterns from a biogeographic point of view, comparing our results with the present location of National Parks found in the National System of State Wildlife Protected Areas. Our results provide evidence that richness and endemism shows clear latitudinal trends along Chile, with highest values at mid-latitudes (31°S to 44°S). Five areas of endemism for phenetic analysis and six for PAE (Parsimony analysis of endemism) were found that agree with bioclimatic boundaries. We suggest that the richness and endemism patterns registered for Chilean herpetological taxa may be explained by an historical mechanism, in accordance with previous biogeographical proposals. To improve the conservation efforts for amphibians and reptiles we suggest inclusion of new protected areas at the regional level for the Mediterranean region of south-central Chile and for local northern and southern quadrats with high species richness and endemism.
Rootstock-Mediated Effects on Watermelon Field Performance and Fruit Quality Characteristics

Most information on effects of rootstocks on watermelon [Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum and Nakai] quality is derived from studies on disease resistance. The current study was undertaken to determine effects on yield and fruit morphometric and physicochemical characteristics of large-fruited, diploid and small-fruited, triploid watermelon cultivars grafted to interspecific hybrid rootstocks. Two yearly field experiments were conducted between April and July at the Zygi Experimental Station in Cyprus. Grafting increased marketable yield by 43% on average over nongrafted controls. No cultivar–rootstock combination resulted in commercially unacceptable (<10%) soluble solids content (SSC); only triploid cv. Extazy exhibited a rootstock-dependent decrease in SSC. Flesh firmness was increased by grafting on all rootstocks by an average of 36% over the nongrafted control. Variability in rind thickness was derived mainly from the scion. Rootstocks did not affect lycopene content and their effect on flesh color was minimal. Though grafting enhanced yield and fruit quality, choice of rootstock may adversely affect SSC of certain cultivars.