Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Allelic characterization of the second DRB locus of major histocompatibility complex class II in Ussuri sika deer (Cervus nippon hortulorum): highlighting the trans-species evolution of DRB alleles within Cervidae

MHC (major histocompatibility complex)-DRB variability reflects evolutionarily relevant and adaptive processes within and between populations, and is suitable for the investigation of a wide range of questions in evolutionary ecology. Using motif-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR), single-stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analyses and direct sequencing, 15 DRB-2 alleles were identified from 43 Ussuri sika deer. Extensive sequence variation was detected at peptide-binding region (PBR) or positively selected sites (PSS) sites among DRB loci, which were proved to be maintained by positive selection. DRB-2 loci of the Ussuri sika deer were strikingly similar to those of red deer after comparing sequences. In phylogenetic analysis, DRB-2 alleles of Ussuri sika deer were not monophyletic with respect to red deer, white-tailed deer, fallow deer, and roe deer sequences. Two DRB-2 alleles of the species tended to cluster together with those of white-tailed deer or red deer with high bootstrap values, respectively. Considering that sika and red deer are closely related, and their hybridization is occasionally seen in areas of range overlap, and their mtDNAs are paraphyletic to white-tailed deer, fallow deer, and other Cervus species, we suggested that these similarities result from trans-species evolution rather than convergent evolution.
Differentiation of Treatment-Related Effects from Glioma Recurrence Using Machine Learning Classifiers Based Upon Pre-and Post-Contrast T1WI and T2 FLAIR Subtraction Features: A Two-Center Study

Purpose We propose three ﻿support vector machine (SVM) classifiers, using pre-and post-contrast T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) subtraction and/or pre-and post-contrast T1WI subtraction, to differentiate treatment﻿-related effects (TRE) from glioma recurrence. Materials and Methods Fifty-six postoperative high-grade glioma patients with suspicious progression after radiotherapy and chemotherapy from two centers were studied. Pre-and post-contrast T1WI and T2 ﻿FLAIR were collected. Each pre-contrast image was voxel-wise subtracted from the co-registered post-contrast image. Dataset was randomly split into training, and testing on a 7:3 ratio, accordingly subjected to a five fold cross validation. Best feature subsets were selected by Pearson correlation coefficient and recursive feature elimination, whereupon a radiomics classifier was built with SVM. The discriminating performance was assessed with the area under receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV). Results In all, 186 features were extracted on each subtraction map. Top nine T1WI subtraction features, top thirteen T2 FLAIR subtraction features and top thirteen combination features were selected to build optimal SVM classifiers accordingly. The accuracies/AUCs/sensitivity/specificity/PPV/NPV of SVM based on sole T1WI subtraction were 80.00%/80.00% (CI: 0.5370–1.0000)/100%/70.00%/62.50%/100%. Those results of SVM based on sole T2 FLAIR subtraction were 86.67%/84.00% (CI: 0.5962–1.0000)/100%/80%/71.43%/100%. Those results of SVM based on both T1WI subtraction and T2 FLAIR subtraction were 93.33%/94.00% (CI: 0.7778–1.0000)/100%/90%/83.33%/100%, respectively. Conclusion Pre- and post-contrast T2 FLAIR subtraction provided added value for diagnosis between recurrence and TRE. SVM based on a combination of T1WI and T2 FLAIR subtraction maps was superior to the sole use of T1WI or T2 FLAIR for differentiating TRE from recurrence. The SVM classifier based on combination of pre-and post-contrast subtraction T2 FLAIR and T1WI imaging allowed for the accurate differential diagnosis of TRE from recurrence, which is of paramount importance for treatment management of postoperative glioma patients after radiation therapy.
Evaluation of Antidiabetic Effect of Ethanolic Leaves Extract of Becium grandiflorum Lam. (Lamiaceae) in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Mice

Background Becium grandiflorum has been used traditionally for treatment of different ailments including diabetes mellitus although it lacks scientific evidence. Thus, the present study was aimed at evaluating the antidiabetic effect of Becium grandiflorum in streptozotocin (STZ)﻿-induced diabetic mice. Methods The antidiabetic activity of hydro-ethanolic (30:70) leaf extract of Becium grandiflorum was evaluated in ﻿STZ (45 mg/kg)﻿-induced diabetic and normal mice. Antihyperglycemic, hypoglycemic, oral glucose tolerance and body weight change effects of the extract were assessed after administering three doses of the extract (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg), glibenclamide 5 mg/kg (reference drug) and 2% ﻿Tween 80 (vehicle). One-way analysis of variance and Tukey’s post hoc test were used for data analysis. Results All doses of the extract (200 mg/kg (p<0.05), 400 mg/kg (p<0.05) and 600 mg/kg (p<0.01)) and glibenclamide 5 mg/kg (p<0.001) showed statistically significant blood glucose level reduction in normal mice as compared to Tween 80. The hydroalcoholic extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg (p<0.05), 400 mg/kg (p<0.01) and 600 mg/kg (p<0.001) showed better blood glucose tolerance after 60, 120 and 180﻿-minute treatment duration in normal mice as compared to negative control. In diabetic mice, Becium grandiflorum doses and the reference drug caused maximum reduction in blood glucose level at the end of the 15th day of treatment by 17.61%, 22.52%, 24.62% and 34.12%, respectively. The extract’s doses and the standard drug showed significant (p<0.05) improvement in body weight while the diabetic control continued to lose their body weight. Conclusion Thus, Becium grandiflorum exhibits antihyperglycemic activity in ﻿STZ﻿-induced diabetic mice, and shows improvement in oral glucose tolerance and body weight, which justifies the claimed use of the plant in ameliorating diabetes mellitus in Ethiopian folk medicine.
Physicochemical Properties of Ginkgo Kernal Starch

Native starch was isolated from ginkgo kernels, its physicochemical properties were investigated using some physical methods. Ginkgo starch granules were mostly oval in shape with a central Maltese cross and average long axis of 11 μm. Ginkgo starch contained 29.9% amylose content and exhibited an A-type crystallinity with 27.2% crystalline degree. Ginkgo starch had significantly higher gelatinization conclusion temperature, temperature range, and enthalpy than potato and rice starches. Ginkgo starch showed lower hot viscosity and higher breakdown viscosity than potato and rice starches. Ginkgo starch possessed markedly higher swelling power and resistance to α-amylase and amyloglucosidase hydrolysis than rice starch.
New polychaete (Annelida) records and a new species from Hong Kong: the families Polynoidae, Sigalionidae, Chrysopetalidae, Pilargiidae, Nereididae, Opheliidae, Ampharetidae and Terebellidae

During sampling of submarine cave and associated habitats in the eastern waters of Hong Kong in October 2002, polychaetes were found to be a significant and diverse component of the epifaunal and the soft‐sediment benthic marine fauna. Of the families considered herein, eighteen taxa of polychaetes are identified, including at least five new records for Hong Kong (Harmothoe minuta, Iphione ovata, Sthenelais fusca, Neanthes caudata and Arichlidon hanneloreae), and one new species of Sigambra (Pilargiidae). Notes on the identification of these taxa and closely related taxa reported from Hong Kong waters are provided, along with a key to the genera of Chrysopetalidae of the world.
The Relationship Between Health Literacy Level and Self-Care Behaviors in Patients with Diabetes

Background The most important factor in controlling diabetes is self-care behaviors; improving self-care behaviors is the first step in helping patients to better control and manage their diseases and health literacy is recognized as a vital and important indicator of outcomes and costs in healthcare. Therefore, the effectiveness of health-care systems requires that people have the desirable health literacy level. Therefore, this research intended to study the relationship between health literacy levels in patients with diabetes and their self-care behaviors. Patients and Methods This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted during two months on 400 patients with diabetes selected using the census method in diabetes clinics in Mashhad County. Information was collected through a demographic survey questionnaire, the Health Literacy Questionnaire and a self-care behavior questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 21 and Spearman correlation coefficient, the independent t-test, and ANOVA. Results The total mean score for self-care was 33.52 (SD±13.27). There was a significant relationship between self-care and health literacy in this study (P <0.05) so that people with higher levels of self-care literacy had better self-care behaviors. There was also a significant relationship between education level and monthly income and self-care behaviors and health literacy (P <0.001). Conclusion Patients received an average score for self-care behaviors. Given the impact of health literacy on patients’ self-care behaviors, and considering its inclusion in educational, therapeutic, and caregiver programs, it is possible to reduce complications in patients, and improve their quality of life, by improving their self-care behaviors. Special attention should also be paid to health literacy levels of the audience when designing the related educational programs.
Feasibility Study of Advanced Cardiovascular Screening in Middle-Aged Patients with Diabetes

Purpose Cardiovascular mortality remains high among patients with diabetes compared with the general population. The primary aim was to evaluate the interest in and demand for advanced cardiovascular screening in patients with diabetes; the secondary aim was to explore its efficiency in detecting unprotected subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD). Patients and Methods In a cross-sectional design, randomly selected 40–60-year-old men and women with diabetes were invited to the screening trial. Screening encompassed (1) a comprehensive medical interview; (2) non-contrast computed tomography scanning to quantify coronary artery and aortic valve calcification, to measure left atrial size, to assess heart rhythm and to detect aortic and iliac dilatations; (3) ankle and brachial blood pressure measurements; and (4) blood and urine samples for measurements of HbA1c, lipid profile, renal function, NT-pro B-type natriuretic peptide (pro-BNP) and albuminuria. Primary outcome was participation rate; secondary outcome was rate of unprotected subclinical CVD. Results Of 465 invited patients, 191 (41.1%) attended screening. The participation rate was 40% (95% CI:33–47) for males and 42% (95% CI:36–48) for females. Twenty-four patients were excluded due to previous CVD. The remaining patients’ mean age was 52 years; 58% were males. Subclinical CVD was found in 64%, with a male preponderance (males 75% (95% CI:66–83; females 49% (95% CI:37–60)). Presence of severe coronary artery calcification (score ≥ 400) showed a male preponderance (males 19% (95% CI:12–27); females 7% (95% CI:3–16)). Aortic valve calcification, enlarged left atrial volume, atrial fibrillation, aortic dilatations, peripheral artery disease or increased pro-BNP were uncommon, and without any sex differences. Unprotected subclinical CVD was very common, and medical treatment was intensified in 60% (95% CI:53–68) of patients. Conclusion We propose a feasible cardiovascular screening examination from which middle-aged patients with diabetes may benefit. However, the participation rate may be too low to warrant screening.
Ultrafast Exciton Dynamics in Scalable Monolayer MoS2 Synthesized by Metal Sulfurization

Excitons in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have exceptionally large binding energies and dominate the optical properties of materials. Exploring the relaxation behavior of excitons is crucial for understanding the fundamental physics as well as the performance of TMD-based optoelectronic devices. However, ultrafast carrier dynamics is sensitive to the structural defects and surface conditions of TMDs, depending on the growth or transfer process. Here, we utilized pump-probe transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy with a white-light probe to investigate the dynamics of excitons in monolayer MoS2 synthesized by the metal sulfurization method. The sulfurization method was used for the fabrication of large-scale, continuous, and uniform thin films with a controllable number of layers. The excitation dynamics of the wafer-size monolayer MoS2 is found to be comparable to that of monolayer MoS2 flakes grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The dominant processes of carrier relaxation in the monolayer MoS2 are exciton–exciton annihilation (hundreds of femtoseconds), the trapping of the excitons by surface states (a few picoseconds), and interband carrier-phonon scattering (tens of picoseconds). Moreover, the induced absorption due to mid-gap defects, which is often observed for samples fabricated by growth methods, such as CVD, is not observed for our continuous and uniform monolayer films. Understanding the charge carrier dynamics of the exciton in the scalable and uniform monolayer MoS2 can provide physical insights that are valuable in the design and development of complex 2D devices.
Increased Energy Expenditure and Energy Loss Through Feces Contribute to the Long-Term Outcome of Roux-﻿en-Y Gastric Bypass in a Diet﻿-Induced Obese Mouse Model

Background Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) has been proved to be more effective than other bariatric procedures in the long term on body﻿-weight loss and remission of diabetes. However, the mechanism remains poorly understood. Long-term changes in energy metabolism after RYGB have rarely been reported. Objective To investigate the long﻿-term effects of RYGB on energy metabolism on a diet﻿-induced obesity (DIO) mouse model. Methods DIO mice fed a high﻿-fat diet were assigned to two groups: RYGB (n=8) and sham (n=7), followed by high-fat diet feeding until 12 weeks after surgery. Body weight and food intake were recorded weekly. ﻿Measurement of body composition and energy metabolism by metabolic chamber were conducted at weeks 4, 8, and 12 after surgery. Fecal energy measurement, ﻿intraperitoneal ﻿glucose﻿-﻿tolerance ﻿tests, and ﻿insulin﻿-﻿tolerance ﻿tests were conducted at postoperative week 12. Results Food intake was reduced in the RYGB group within the first 3 weeks after surgery and increased to the same as the sham group from postoperative week 4. At 12 weeks after surgery, body weight had reduced by 36%±3.2% in the RYGB group compared to a 16%±2% body﻿-weight gain in the sham group, while fat mass had reduced significantly in the RYGB group compared to the sham group (9.2%±1.5% versus 30.1%±0.7%). Energy expenditure was significantly higher at postoperative week 8 in the RYGB group than the sham group. In comparison with the sham group, the respiratory exchange ratio was unchanged, decreased, and increased in the RYGB group at postoperative weeks 4, 8, and 12, respectively. Fecal energy measurement showed that feces from mice in the RYGB group contained higher energy levels than the sham group. Glucose metabolism had significantly improved in the RYGB group, in contrast to the sham group, demonstrated by intraperitoneal ﻿glucose ﻿tolerance ﻿tests (AUC 1,502±104 versus 2,277±198, respectively) and ﻿insulin ﻿tolerance ﻿tests (AUC 524±50 versus 838±63, respectively). Conclusion Increased energy expenditure and energy loss through feces contribute to long-term body﻿-weight control after RYGB. Enhanced glucose utilization might play a role in long-term improvement in glucose metabolism.
Prevalence of Severe Depression in Iranian Women with Breast Cancer: A Meta-Analysis

Background Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women and has mental and emotional effects, which lead to a decline in their quality of life. This study is aimed at determining the prevalence of severe depression in Iranian women with breast cancer. Methods This meta-analysis study was conducted at Zabol University of Medical Sciences in 2019. Seven electronic databases were searched and evaluated for original research papers published on the prevalence of severe depression in Iranian women with breast cancer. Finally, 13 articles were selected and analyzed via Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software. Results Overall, the prevalence of severe depression in Iranian women with breast cancer was 11% (95% CI (7.2, 16.5)). The highest prevalence was 44% in Tehran City in 2015 (95% CI (31, 57.9)), and the lowest prevalence was 0.8% in Qom City in 2017 (95% CI (0.01, 6.2)). A significant statistical correlation was observed between the prevalence of severe depression and sample size (p < 0.05). Conclusion According to the results of this study, the prevalence of severe depression affects more than one-tenth of women with breast cancer.
Differing Resistance of Atlantic Salmon Strains and Rainbow Trout to Gyrodactylus salaris Infection

Abstract Laboratory studies were conducted on the susceptibility of different strains of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss to infection with the monogenean Gyrodactylus salaris. This parasite, probably originating from the Baltic Sea region, is known to minimally affect Neva River (Baltic Sea) Atlantic salmon. However, following its introduction into Norway, G. salaris has caused severe mortality and morbidity among Norwegian Atlantic salmon, which are considered a highly susceptible strain. The cohabitation experiment included one stock of rainbow trout and four different strains of Atlantic salmon from the Baltic Sea region (Morrum River, Sweden), Europe (Skjern River, Denmark; Conon River, Scotland), and North America (Bristol Cove River, Canada). Fish were exposed to a Norwegian strain of G. salaris, and parasite population development and distribution were monitored for 7 weeks. Rainbow trout exhibited low susceptibility to G. salaris infection, whereas Conon River and.
The dynamics and structure of dead wood in natural spruce-beech forest stand - a 40 year case study in the Krkonoše National Park.

The study deals with long-term dynamics of snags and fallen dead wood from 1970 to 2010 in an unmanaged forest ecosystem dominated by European beech in the Bažinky area, Krkonoše National Park (Czech Republic). The volume of dead wood was estimated from 1970 separately for fallen dead wood (logs) and standing dead wood (snags and stumps). Total dead wood volume on permanent research plot (PRP) 6 increased from 41.9 to 241.6 m3 ha–1 and on PRP 7 from 27.7 to 170.0 m3 ha–1. During 40 year case study the mean total volume of fallen dead wood was 193.3 m3 ha–1 (± 29.8 S.E.) and 96.2 m3 ha–1 (± 19.4 S.E.) and the mean total volume of standing dead wood was 17.4 m3 ha–1 (± 3.4 S.E.) and 12.6 m3 ha–1 (± 1.4 S.E.) on PRP 6 and PRP 7, respectively. Comparing tree species, the mean volume of fallen dead wood was significantly higher for Norway spruce than for beech in the decomposition class 1 (F(1, 14) = 5.7, P = 0.03) and significantly higher for beech in the decomposition classes 4 (F(1, 14) = 20.4, P < 0.001) and 5 (F(1, 14) = 25.5, P < 0.001). Dead wood was distributed from randomly to aggregated spatial pattern. Despite the rapid decay of beech wood, the amounts of deadwood are likely to increase further during the next decades with continuing disintegration of the forest stand. Additional key words: fallen and standing dead wood, natural forest, mixed stand, European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.), Norway spruce (Picea abies /L./ Karst.) Addresses: S. Vacek, Z. Vacek, L. Bílek*, J. Remeš, V. Štícha, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Prague, Czech Republic, e-mail: bilek@fld.czu. cz P. Hejcmanová, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Faculty of Tropical AgriSciences, Kamýcká 129, 165 21 Prague, Czech Republic
The Association Between Air Pollution and Low Birth Weight and Preterm Labor in Ahvaz, Iran

Purpose Pregnant women and fetuses are sensitive to air pollution due to physiological changes in pregnancy. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between exposure to air pollution, low birth weight and preterm labor in Ahvaz. Methods This research was a time-series study. The research sample consisted of all data about low birth weight and preterm labor pregnant women from Imam Khomeini Hospital and Razi Hospital in Ahvaz city. Air pollutant data including O3, NO, NO2, SO2, CO, PM10 and PM2.5 and climate data were collected from the Environmental Protection Agency and the Khuzestan Province during a 10-year period from 2008 to 2018. The generalized additive models (GAMs) with different air pollutant lags up to 6 days were used. Results The results of multiple GAM model have shown that there is a direct and significant relationship between exposure to PM10 at 0–6-day lag, SO2 at 2- and 3-day lag and low birth weight. In addition, there was a direct and significant correlation between exposure to NO2, NO, CO and PM2.5 at 0–6-day lag and preterm labor. Conclusion The results indicate the effect of air pollutants on low birth weight and preterm labor. Therefore, pregnant women should be informed about the negative consequences of air pollution and avoid exposure to polluted air during pregnancy.
Risk Factors and Treatment Types for Asthma Severity Among Adult Patients

Objective The aim of this study was ﻿to identify the risk factors and treatment types for asthma severity among adult patients by applying a retrospective study design. Materials and Methods The symptoms of asthma and corresponding medication prescription were addressed by descriptive statistics, and an ordinal logistic regression model was applied to identify the risk factors of asthma severity based on the data obtained from chronic follow-up of 422 adult asthma patients from September 11, 2012, to July 8, 2016, at the University of Gondar Teaching Hospital (UOGTH). Results From 422 study units, the more commonly presenting asthma symptoms were coughing and wheezing expressed by 52.13% and 50.9%, respectively. For the treatment type given to the patients, oxygen and prednisolone were highly distributed drugs to the patients in chronic illness, medication and follow-up clinic of the University of Gondar Teaching Hospital (UOGTH) which were expressed by 73.5% and 35.5%, respectively. ﻿The proportional odd logit model was used to analyse asthma severity in patients; patients who were female (OR=1.68), a rural resident (OR=1.56), regular physical exercise (OR=2.39), allergen to pet (OR=3.17), had asthma in childhood (OR=2.27), had a family history (OR=1.89), and had depression (OR=2.31) were more likely to increase asthma severity than others, and patients who were in case with regular cooker, dry season was less likely to increase asthma severity. Conclusion Generally, the study presented the most common asthma symptoms and treatment types correspondingly. The study also showed that demographic, environmental, genetic, and health-related factors have a significant effect on asthma severity.