Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Maternal weight change between successive pregnancies: an opportunity for lifecourse obesity prevention

Maternal obesity is a major risk factor for adverse health outcomes for both the mother and the child, including the serious public health problem of childhood obesity which is globally on the rise. Given the relatively intensive contact with health/care professionals following birth, the interpregnancy period provides a golden opportunity to focus on preconception and family health, and to introduce interventions that support mothers to achieve or maintain a healthy weight in preparation for their next pregnancy. In this review, we summarise the evidence on the association between interpregnancy weight gain with birth and obesity outcomes in the offspring. Gaining weight between pregnancies is associated with an increased risk of large-for-gestational age (LGA) birth, a predictor of childhood obesity, and weight loss between pregnancies in women with overweight or obesity seems protective against recurrent LGA. Interpregnancy weight loss seems to be negatively associated with birthweight. There is some suggestion that interpregnancy weight change may be associated with preterm birth, but the mechanisms are unclear and the direction depends if it is spontaneous or indicated. There is limited evidence on the direct positive link between maternal interpregnancy weight gain with gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, gestational hypertension and obesity or overweight in childhood, with no studies using adult offspring adiposity outcomes. Improving preconception health and optimising weight before pregnancy could contribute to tackling the rise in childhood obesity. Research testing the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of interventions to optimise maternal weight and health during this period is needed, particularly in high-risk and disadvantaged groups.
Comparison of clinical outcomes following 2 years of treatment of first-episode psychosis in urban early intervention services in Canada and India.

BACKGROUND Purported superior outcomes for treatment of psychosis in low- and middle-income (LMICs) compared with high-income (HICs) countries have not been examined in the context of early intervention services (EIS). AIMS To compare 2-year clinical outcomes in first-episode psychosis (FEP) treated in EIS in Chennai (LMIC) and Montreal (HIC) using a similar EIS treatment protocol and to identify factors associated with any outcome differences. METHOD Patients with FEP treated in EIS in Chennai (n = 168) and Montreal (n = 165) were compared on change in level of symptoms and rate and duration of positive and negative symptom remission over a 2-year period. Repeated-measures analysis of variance, and logistic and linear regression analyses were conducted. RESULTS Four patients died in Chennai compared with none in Montreal. Family support was higher for Chennai patients (F = 14.05, d.f. = 1, P < 0.001, ƞp2 = 0.061) and increased over time at both sites (F = 7.0, d.f. = 1.915, P < 0.001, ƞp2 = 0.03). Negative symptom outcomes were significantly better in Chennai for level of symptoms (time × site interaction F = 7.36, d.f. = 1.49, P = 0.002, ƞp2 = 0.03), duration of remission (mean 16.1 v. 9.78 months, t = -7.35, d.f. = 331, P < 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.80) and the proportion of patients in remission (81.5% v. 60.3%, χ2 = 16.12, d.f. = 1, P < 0.001). The site differences in outcome remained robust after adjusting for inter-site differences in other characteristics. Early remission and family support facilitated better outcome on negative symptoms. No significant differences were observed in positive symptom outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Patients with FEP treated in EIS in LMIC contexts are likely to show better outcome on negative symptoms compared with those in HIC contexts. Early remission and family support may benefit patients across both contexts.
Effect of chitosan coating combined Aloe vera gel on cucumber (Cucumis sativa L.) post-harvest quality during ambient storage

Edible films and coatings are an environmentally-friendly alternative method to extend the post-harvest life of fresh and minimally processed fruits and vegetables. Edible coatings based on chitosan (CH), Aloe vera gel (AL) and its combination with Aloe vera gel (CHAL), were developed and applied to cucumber, in order to improve its quality and shelf life during storage. Weight loss, changes in soluble solids, ascorbic acid content, firmness, pH and the percentage of fungal infection of uncoated and coated samples were determined throughout ambient storage for period of 7 weeks cucumber stored at ambient temperature of 25°C, 95-98% RH for seven weeks. The above parameters which are related to post-harvest quality loss were however significantly controlled in the cucumber coated in the following order CHAL>AL> CH>Control. The storability of cucumber fruits was extended by seven weeks. It was concluded that used chitosan mixed with Aloe vera gel could be used as a coating for cucumber could serve as an alternative to post-harvest chemical treatments.
Trypanosome infection rates in tsetse flies (Diptera: Glossinidae) and cattle during tsetse control operations in the Kagera River region of Rwanda

Trypanosome infections were monitored in three species of tsetse fly ( Glossina pallidipes Austen, G. morsitans centralis Machado, and G. brevipalpis News-tead) at four locations in the Kagera River region of Rwanda from May 1989 to September 1990. Two of the four areas (Mpanga Ranch and Bukora Ranch) were subjected to tsetse fly suppression operations with odour-baited traps. Proboscis infections of the Trypanosoma congolense and T. vivax types accounted for roughly equal numbers of the 207 mature infections detected (3.8%). Variation in infection rates was area-specific rather than tsetse species-specific. Order of magnitude differences in tsetse fly densities among areas were not correlated with differences in infection rates at the start of tsetse fly suppression operations. Similarly, declines in population density on both control and experimental areas were not associated with significant changes in infection rates. The prevalence of trypanosomiasis in cattle at Bukora Ranch was not affected by a roughly 90% reduction in Glossina densities. T. congolense accounted for 79% of the infections at an overall prevalence rate of 5.5%. Trypanosomiasis in cattle persisted at extremely low densities of about 0.1 fly/trap/day. Treatment of cattle with diminazene aceturate (Bereni R ) suggested that many T. congolense parasites were drug resistant, and hence, were cycling among cattle due to the few Glossina present.
Physiological ecology of a species of the filamentous green alga Mougeotia under acidic conditions : Light and temperature effects on photosynthesis and respiration

One of the earliest and most reliable indications of acid precipitation affecting freshwater systems is the development of littoral blooms of the filamentous green alga Mougeotia (Zygnematales, Charophyceae). Field observations of depth distribution and seasonal abundance in Little Rock Lake, an experimentally acidified seepage lake in north-central Wisconsin, suggest that Mougeotia might prefer warmer temperatures and carry out net photosynthesis at fairly low light levels. To test these hypotheses, we measured net photosynthesis and respiration at 56 combinations of irradiance and temperature in a controlled environment facility. Optimum conditions were 25°C and 300-2,300 bmol quanta m-2 s- I. Over this range, net photosynthesis averaged 40.4 mg 0, g-l h-l. Respiration rates increased with both temperature and prior irradiance. Lightenhanced respiration rates were significantly greater than dark respiration rates following irradiance 2 164 pm01 quanta m-* s- l. Mougeotia’s photosynthetic response to temperature and irradiance explains aspects of its growth and distribution in acidified lakes but it does not by itself explain the magnitude of this alga’s growth at low pH.
Comparison of pathogenicities of Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae to chestnut pests.

Beauveria bassiana strain HF338 had the highest pathogenicity among 77 isolates to larvae of the chestnut weevil, Curculio sikkimensis (Heller) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae). Its pathogenicity at 25°C was similar to that of Metarhizium anisopliae strain HF293. Its pathogenicity at 15°C remained high, whereas that of M. anisopliae HF293 was greatly reduced. Its pathogenicity to chestnut weevil adults and nut fruit moth, Cydia kurokoi (Amsel) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), was also higher than those of M. anisopliae HF293. In field tests, the survival rate of chestnut weevil larvae decreased to 2.9% when B. bassiana HF338 was applied at 1×1011 conidia/pot. The high pathogenicity of B. bassiana HF338 makes the strain a potential microbial agent for the control of chestnut pests.
Response of cumin (Cuminum cyminum) to inorganic nitrogen, farmyard manure and biofertilizer

A field experiment was conducted on loamy sand soils of Jobner (Jaipur) during winter (rabi) seasons of 2000-01 to 2003-04, to study response of cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) to inorganic N, FYM and biofertilizer. Maximum number of brancheslplant (5.92), umbelslplant (21.28), umbellets/umbel (5.28), seedslumbel (32.8) and test weight of seeds (4.50 g) were recorded with he application of inorganic N (100%) + Azospirillum @ 1.5 kglha + 5 tonnes FYMIha, followed by 100h N through inorganic source alone and inorganic N (75%) + Azospirillum @ 1.5 kglha + 5 tonnes FYMIha. Combined application of 100% inorganic N + Azospirillum @ 1.5 kglha + 5 tonnes FYMIha also recorded significantly higher seed and straw yields, being 80.4 and 42.8% higher over the control and the highest net returns of Rs 6,357lha and benefit : cost ratio of 1.39 : 1. The highest uptake of N, P and K was also recorded under 100% inorganic N + Azospirillum @ 1.5 kglha + 5 tonnes FYMIha.
Histochemical evaluation of the activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the visual relay centers of rat (Rattus norvegicus ), bat (Eidolon helvum) and pangolin (Manis tricuspis )

Activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDH) for the pentose phosphate pathway and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) for the glycolytic pathway were compared in the rat (Rattus norvegicus), bat (Eidolon helvum) and pangolin (Manis tricuspis) visual relay centers to observe possible modifications that enable these mammals to cope with their habitation. Ten species each of both sexes were used for this study. After being sacrificed by cervical dislocation, their skulls were opened using bone forceps to expose the brains. The superior colliculi (SC) and lateral geniculate bodies (LGB) were excised from each brain, and were homogenized using Polter-Elvehjem homogenizer and assayed spectrophotometrically for the activities of G-6-PDH and LDH. It was observed that the histochemical activities of the enzymes showed significant differences (p < 0.05) of both SC and LGB of the three mammals as revealed in the quantitative histochemical localization of these two enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism. The result indicated that enzymes of carbohydrate metabolism play a vital role in the visual functions of these mammals.
Winter distribution, ontogenetic migration, and rates of egg production of Calanus finmarchicus southwest of Iceland

The winter distribution, seasonal vertical migration, and reproduction of Calanus finmarchicus in relation to water masses and chlorophyll a were investigated southwest of Iceland between November 1996 and June 1997 as part of the TASC programme. During winter (November/December, January/February), overwintering C. finmarchicus were generally located beyond the shelf (5000-30 000 individuals m −2 ); by contrast, overwintering animals were usually scarce on the banks ( 2000 m) at temperatures of ∼3-8°C, whereas in the Irminger Basin the distribution was mainly ∼200-1800 m in waters of ∼3-6°C. During winter, most of the stock was present as C5 (84-86%), with a smaller proportion as C4 (12-14%) and females (1-2%). Overwintering animals resided mainly in water of Atlantic origin, but some animals were found in Labrador Sea Water and Iceland-Scotland Ridge Overflow Water. Ascent to upper layers probably took place mainly during March and April, and continued until May. On the basis of the horizontal and vertical distribution of overwintering animals and the general surface current pattern, the banks seem to be repopulated mainly from the south. By April the spring growth of the phytoplankton was about to begin on the banks, and C. finmarchicus had started to lay eggs (0-7 eggs female −1 d −1 ). Maximum individual rates of egg production (2-46 eggs female −1 d −1 ) were observed in June, at the time of maximum phytoplankton biomass accumulation. During April, the population's average rate of egg production on the banks (∼1000 eggs m −2 d −1 ) was rather similar to that in the open ocean (∼600 eggs m −2 d −1 ), whereas during June it was significantly higher in the oceanic region (∼16 000 eggs m −2 d −1 ) than in shelf waters (∼900 eggs m −2 d −1 ), mainly because of the greater number of spawning females in the oceanic environment.
Cold‐water coral habitats on seamounts: do they have a specialist fauna?

Aim The large biogenic structures formed by colonial cold‐water scleractinian corals provide valuable habitat for marine invertebrates on seamounts and the continental slope of all world oceans. These patchily distributed long‐lived structures are easily damaged by several human activities, particularly bottom trawling for fish, and are potentially vulnerable to ocean acidification caused by climate change. Consequently, an important conservation question is whether these structures support a specialized invertebrate fauna restricted to these habitats. Here we investigate the relationship between structures formed by the coral Solenosmilia variabilis and its associated ophiuroid (brittlestar) fauna, one of the dominant components of deep‐sea ecosystems.
Tertial and Upper Wing Covert Molt in Young American Black Ducks

Abstract American Black Ducks (Anas rubripes) molt some tertials and tertial coverts during their first fall and winter, but descriptions are incongruous and the timing, extent and sex-specific differences in molt patterns are largely unknown. We studied molt of these feathers from fall to spring using captive, harvested, and trapped wild birds, as well as specimen wings. During their first fall and winter, males molted earlier and replaced more tertials and tertial coverts than females, but all birds retained some juvenile tertial coverts until the end of April. We attribute these differences to their primary mating system of annual monogamy, with females being the limiting sex. The early acquisition of adult tertials and tertial coverts are likely selectively advantageous for males because these feathers are prominently displayed during courtship and pair bond formation. Young birds that have acquired adult-like feathers may exhibit a higher degree of fitness, facilitating breeding in the first year. This knowledge of wing feather replacement is useful for determining the age of Black Ducks as either second year or after second year and can also be used in dual feather isotope analysis to link natal and wintering areas.
Fruit characteristics of the selected fig genotypes

The aim of this research was determine of fruit characteristics and select of some significant fig genotypes grown in Kiziltepe district of Mardin province. No studies have been made on the fig genotypes in Kiziltepe district by researchers up to now. Therefore, this study was very important. In this research, six fig genotypes were evaluated for two years. A lot of pomological characteristics of the selected fig genotypes were determined during years 2007 and 2008. According to the averages in two years, fruit weight ranged between 68.04 and 43.96 g,ostiolum width ranged between 4.55 and 2.46 mm, total soluble solids (TSS) ranged between 21.10 and 16.78% and acidity ranged between 0.28 and 0.22%. In addition, KZTP-32 and KZTP-30 fig genotypes scored the highest in overall quality according to the results of the weighted ranked method. Key words: Ficus carica L. , genotype, fruit characteristics, quality, selection.
Nurses’ decision-making about cancer patients’ end-of-life skin care in Wales: an exploratory mixed-method vignette study protocol

Introduction Patients with cancer are at high risk of developing pressure ulcers at the end of life as a result of their underlying condition or cancer treatment. There are many guidelines which set out best practice with regard to end-of-life skin care. However, the complexity of palliative cancer care often means that it is challenging for nurses to make the appropriate person-centred decisions about end-of-life skin care. This study seeks to explore the perceived importance that nurses place on different factors in their end-of-life skin care for patients with cancer. The utility, face validity and content validity of a prototype decision-making tool for end-of-life skin care will also be evaluated. Methods and analysis A mixed-method design will be used to gather data from primary and secondary care nurses working in different hospitals and local authority areas across Wales. Clinical vignettes will be used to gather qualitative and quantitative data from nurses in individual interviews. Qualitative data will be subject to thematic analysis and quantitative data will be subject to descriptive statistical analysis. Qualitative and quantitative data will then be synthesised, which will enhance the rigour of this study, and pertinently inform the further development of an end-of-life skin care decision-making tool for patients with cancer. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval to undertake the study has been granted by Cardiff University School of Healthcare Sciences Research Governance and Ethics Screening Committee. Informed consent will be obtained in writing from all the participants in this study. The results of this study will be disseminated through journal articles, as well as presentations at national and international conferences. We will also report our findings to patient and public involvement groups with an interest in improving cancer care, palliative care as well as skin care.
Video consultation for new colorectal patients

For patients, an outpatient review can lead to a stressful journey to hospital with the resultant risks associated with breaching social distancing. Despite this, video consultations (VCs) have not been frequently used in colorectal practice. We assessed outcomes, including the economic and environmental impact, of a VC clinic for new colorectal referrals.
Hydrologic regulation of gross methyl chloride and methyl bromide uptake from Alaskan Arctic tundra

The Arctic tundra has been shown to be a potentially significant regional sink for methyl chloride (CH3Cl) and methyl bromide (CH3Br), although prior field studies were spatially and temporally limited, and did not include gross flux measurements. Here we compare net and gross CH3Cl and CH3Br fluxes in the northern coastal plain and continental interior. As expected, both regions were net sinks for CH3Cl and CH3Br. Gross uptake rates (−793 nmol CH3Cl m−2 day−1 and −20.3 nmol CH3Br m−2 day−1) were 20–240% greater than net fluxes, suggesting that the Arctic is an even greater sink than previously believed. Hydrology was the principal regulator of methyl halide flux, with an overall trend towards increasing methyl halide uptake with decreasing soil moisture. Water table depth was one of the best predictors of net and gross uptake, with uptake increasing proportionately with water table depth. In drier areas, gross uptake was very high, averaging −1201 nmol CH3Cl m−2 day−1 and −34.9 nmol CH3Br m−2 day−1; in flooded areas, gross uptake was significantly lower, averaging −61 nmol CH3Cl m−2 day−1 and −2.3 nmol CH3Br m−2 day−1. Net and gross uptake was greater in the continental interior than in the northern coastal plain, presumably due to drier inland conditions. Within certain microtopographic features (low‐ and high‐centered polygons), uptake rates were positively correlated with soil temperature, indicating that temperature played a secondary role in methyl halide uptake. Incubations suggested that the inverse relationship between water content and methyl halide uptake was the result of mass transfer limitation in saturated soils, rather than because of reduced microbial activity under anaerobic conditions. These findings have potential regional significance, as the Arctic is expected to become warmer and drier due to anthropogenic climate forcing, potentially enhancing the Arctic sink for CH3Cl and CH3Br.
What is the importance of open habitat in a predominantly closed forest area to the dung beetle (Coleoptera, Scarabaeinae) assemblage?

What is the importance of open habitat in a predominantly closed forest to the dung beetle assemblage? The Atlantic Forest in Brazil is one of the most highly disturbed ecosystems and is mainly represented by fragmented areas. However, in places where human disturbances have ceased, certain areas are showing a natural regeneration pattern. The aim of the present study was to determine how the dung beetle assemblage responds to distinct habitat structures in a fragment of Atlantic Forest. For such, open and closed forest areas were sampled in a fragment of the Atlantic Forest in the northeastern region of Brazil. Pitfall traps baited with excrement and carrion were used to collect the beetles. A total of 7,267 individuals belonging to 35 species were captured. Canthon chalybaeus and C. mutabilis were restricted to open areas. Nearly 90% of the individuals of C. aff. simulans and Deltochilum aff. irroratum were identified in these areas. A higher percentage (> 50%) of Canthon staigi, Dichotomius aff. depressicolis and D. aff. sericeus occurred in closed areas. Abundance differed between areas, with higher values in closed areas. Richness was not influenced by the habitat structure. NMDS ordination exhibited the segregation of areas and ANOSIM confirmed that this variable explained the assemblage of dung beetle species. The findings of the present study validate that open areas are associated to more restrictive conditions, limiting a higher abundance of dung beetle. Although situated near preserved fragments, the studied open areas increase the heterogeneity of the general landscape.
Evaluation of Composted Pig Manure and Organic Fertilizer for Organic Onion Production in Paddy Soil

A two year study was conducted on the effects of composted pig manure applications on organically managed intermediate-day onion (Allium cepa L.) with mid-season production. The manure application rates were 0, 4.0, 6.0, and 8.0 ton·ha -1 , and accompanied by organic fertilizer with 240 kg·ha -1 nitrogen for all treatments. There was a positive linear effect on the marketable bulb yield with increasing applications of pig manure. However, pig manure rates of 6.0 or 8.0 ton·ha -1 did not affect the marketable yields or bulb weights at harvest. There was no significant difference between pig manure application rates and mineral concentration or nutrient uptake in onion bulbs. Soil pH and electric conductivity (EC) were lower at harvest compared to preplant soil, while exchangeable potassium and calcium contents increased at harvest. However, there were no significant effects on soil pH, EC, and organic matter or exchangeable cations caused by different pig manure application rates. Mineralized NO3-N content was not affected by pig manure application rates except at transplanting and 129 day after transplanting. Based on the results of this study, when organic fertilizer is applied at a rate of 240 kg·ha -1 N, 6.0 ton·ha -1 composted pig manure should be adequate for producing onions using an organic production system.