Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EFFECT OF FISH DENSITY AND FEEDING RATES ON GROWTH AND FOOD CONVERSION OF GILTHEAD SEABREAM (SPARUS AURATA LINNAEUS, 1758)

The effect of fish density and feeding rates on growth and food conversion of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) was studied in floating cages and fiberglass tanks in Sammaliah Island- Abu Dhabi. The results of floating cages experiment showed that there was no significant effects (p>0.) of fish density on growth and food conversion rate but there are significant effects (p<0.05) on fish production (4.11, 7.47 and 10.08) kg/m3 for densities (50,100 and 150) fish/m3 respectively. No significant differences between weight ranges [(27-125), (21-142), (30-126)] g of these fish at the end of experiment, and also between final weights (82.3, 77.4, 67.2) g for densities (50,100,150) fish/m3 respectively. The results of fiberglass tanks experiment showed that there are no significant effects of feeding rate on growth, while there are significant effects on the food conversion rate (1.43, 2.86 and 3.71) for feeding rates (5, 7.5 and 10)% of fish weight respectively. Floating cages give better results from fiberglass tanks (growth rate 0.64 g/day compared with 0.4 g/day, final production 7.31 kg/m3 compared with 4.58 kg/m3 and final weight 75.6 g compared with 45.8 g).
Return rates of nest-box breeding Pied Flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca to their breeding site in subalpine birch forest in Swedish Lapland, during 1965–2018

Return rates of 4,178 female and 1,565 male breeding Pied Flycatchers ringed in 1965–2017 were studied near the species’ upper elevation and climatic limit in northern Sweden. Female return rate was 7.5% in the season subsequent to the first breeding season. Having returned once, 37% continued to return the next three seasons. Corresponding return rates of males were 27% and 39%. Female return rate decreased with more than 30% during the study period whereas that of males did not decrease. This difference was probably due to increased mortality during the non-breeding season that selectively struck females after the 1970s. Local factors affected return rates in both sexes. Return rate was positively correlated with breeding success in females but negatively in males, whereas it was correlated with nest-predation in the opposite way. Predation by mustelids accounted for a significant part of female return rate. Females that had returned once were continuously faithful to the former breeding site. Males showed faithfulness only after having returned twice.
B Cell Receptor-Responsive miR-141 and viral miR-BART9 promote Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation Through FOXO3 Inhibition

Antigen recognition by the B cell receptor (BCR) is a physiological trigger for reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and can be recapitulated in vitro by cross-linking of surface immunoglobulins. Previously, we identified a subset of EBV microRNAs (miRNAs) that attenuate BCR signal transduction and subsequently, dampen lytic replication in B cells. The roles of host miRNAs in virus reactivation are not completely understood. To investigate this process, we profiled the small RNAs in latently infected and reactivated Burkitt’s lymphoma cells, and identified several miRNAs, such as miR-141, that are induced upon BCR cross-linking. Notably, EBV encodes a viral miRNA, miR-BART9, with sequence homology to miR-141. To better understand the functions of these two miRNAs, we examined their molecular targets and experimentally validated multiple candidates commonly regulated by both miRNAs. Targets included transcriptional regulators of the EBV immediate early promoters and B cell transcription factors, leading us to hypothesize that these miRNAs modulate kinetics of the latent to lytic switch in B cells. Through functional assays, we identified roles for miR-141 and EBV miR-BART9 and one specific target, FOXO3, in lytic reactivation. Our data support a model whereby EBV exploits BCR-responsive miR-141 and further mimics activity of this miRNA family via a viral miRNA to promote productive virus replication. Importance EBV is a human pathogen associated with several malignancies. A key aspect of lifelong virus persistence is the ability to switch between latent and lytic replication modes. Mechanisms governing latency and lytic reactivation are only partly understood, and how the EBV latent to lytic switch is post-transcriptionally regulated remains an outstanding question. This study sheds light on how miR-141 expression is regulated in Burkitt’s lymphoma cells, and identifies a role for FOXO3, a common target of both miR-141 and viral miR-BART9, in modulating EBV reactivation.
Comparisons of clinical characteristics in patients with ulcerative colitis between Uygur and Han nationality in xinjiang

Objective To explore the incidence and clinical characteristics of Han and Uygur pa- tients with ulcerative colitis(UC)in xinjiang.Methods Six hundred and ninty nine patients with UC from 2000 to 2006 were retrospectively reviewed.Patients were divided into 2 groups according to ethnic back- ground,including 522 Han patients and 177 Uygur patients.General data,age,clinical manifestation,le- sion range,lesion degree and complications were recorded in the 2 groups respectively.Results The detec- tion rate of UC by endoscopy in Urgur group was higher than that in Han group(P0.05),but the onset age in Urgur group was lower than that in Han group.The age distribution in Han group was more widespread than that in Uygur group.Elderly patients in Han group were more than that in Uygur group(P0.05). Fe- ver,tenesmus and weight loss were frequently observed in Uygur group(P0.05). The chronic persistent and acute outbreak type in Uygur group were more than that in Han group(P0.01). There were different in the incidence rate of pancolitis between the 2 groups(24.71% vs 30.51%,P0.05). Moderate and se- vere UC patients in Uygur group were more than that in Han group(76.3% vs 47.7%,P0.01). The complications in Uygur group were higher than that in Han group(18.6% vs 6.9%,P0.05). The positive rate of ANCA in Uygur group were higher than that in Han group(61.5% vs 35.5%,P0.05). Conclu- sion In xinjiang region,different nationality UC patients had different incidence rate and different clinical characteristics.
Livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Korea: antimicrobial resistance and molecular characteristics of LA-MRSA strains isolated from pigs, pig farmers, and farm environment

The emergence of livestock-associated (LA)-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in livestock animal has become a significant zoonotic concern. In the present study, we investigated nationwide prevalence of LA-MRSA across pork production chain including pig farms, slaughterhouses, and retail markets. A total of 40 MRSA strains were isolated during the investigation and the overall prevalence of MRSA was 3.4% (n = 37), 0.6% (n = 2), and 0.4% (n = 1) in pig farms, slaughterhouses, and retail markets, respectively. Multilocus sequence typing analyses revealed that the 2 most significant clonal lineages in pork production chain in Korea were ST398 (n = 25) and ST541 (n = 6). All of the 40 MRSA isolates were further characterized to investigate key genotypic and phenotypic correlates associated with the emergence and spread of clonal complex 398 (CC398; ST398, and ST541) LA-MRSA. Although the prevalence of swine-associated MRSA was still relatively low and mostly restricted to pig farms, multidrug-resistant CC398 LA-MRSA isolates with new spa types (t18102 and t18103) were identified as a major clonal lineage. The CC398 LA-MRSA strains tended to exhibit increased levels of multiple drug resistance (MDR) phenotype compared with non-CC398 MRSA strains. Of note, in comparison with non-CC398 MRSA isolates, CC398 LA-MRSA isolates exhibited significantly enhanced tetracycline (TET) and zinc resistance. These findings suggested that co-selection pressure associated with MDR phenotype, especially TET resistance, and zinc resistance may have played a significant role in the emergence and persistence of CC398 LA-MRSA in pig farms in Korea.
Antifungal Activity of Important Botanicals against Plant Pathogens

The state of Jammu and Kashmir possess a significant portion of Himalayas (Western Himalayas) with areas of high altitude, cold deserts and immense plant diversity including a Plethora of medicinal and aromatic plants (Hanson et al., 2009) are known to have International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 8 Number 10 (2019) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
A study of the effect of individual Asanas on blood pressure

Asana means a steady and pleasant posture of the body. Asanas are to be performed without strain. Undue stretching in some Asana may do more harm than benefit. This study of individual Asana was undertaken to understand the effect of changing postures on the blood pressure. Twenty five first year MBBS students in the age group of 16-19 years performed Sukhasan, Vajrasan and Dhanurasan in the Department of Physiology. The blood pressure was measured by the mercury sphygmomanometer by standard method while the Asana were being performed. In Sukhasan blood pressure was the lowest 116.4 ± 7.21 / 76.1 ± 7.34. The pressure increased slightly in Vajrasan to 119.5 ± 7.82/ 81.4 ± 6.2. It was the highest recordable in Dhanurasan (125.2 ± 8.23/ 84.8 ± 7.78). Thereby, indicating that the pressure is lowest in Sukhasan, and this Asana may be performed regularly in meditation for calming the overworked heart.
Comparative assessment of adaptive capabilities of wild and captive Indian sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) based on rhythmic changes in biochemical response

ABSTRACT The study is to establish the adaptive capabilities of wild and captive Indian Sloth Bear based on changes in the biochemical responses influenced by the gender, age and habitat. The free-ranging and captive sloth bears that were residing in Bannerghatta Bear Rescue Centre, Bangalore, Karnataka, India were chosen for this study. An analysis of serum biochemical variables like glucose, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), albumin, total protein (TP), serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase/alanine aminotransferase aspartate aminotransferase (SGPT/ALT), serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase/aspartate aminotransferase (SGOT/AST), urea, alkaline phosphatase, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg) was determined in Indian sloth bear. The study was conducted during the years 2017 and 2018 in the state of Karnataka, India. Statistically, no difference was found in the biochemical variables between the sexes. Instead, age and habitat-related significant differences were found in certain biochemical variables like cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, urea and AST. The findings of this analysis serve as a reference to assess the health and physiological status of Indian sloth bear.
Perceptions of Physiotherapists in Relation to Spiritual Care

Few studies have examined the perceptions of health professionals towards spiritual care in the UK despite recent policies from the National Health Service (NHS) surrounding spiritual care provision. To the authors’ knowledge, no studies have examined the perceptions of physiotherapists either in the UK or worldwide. The aim of this study was to examine the perceptions of Scottish physiotherapists in relation to spirituality and spiritual care in health care, including the role of spirituality in health, barriers to spiritual care provision, and training. Questionnaires were sent to Physiotherapy Departments in all 14 NHS Trusts in Scotland in order to achieve a representative random sample from across Scotland. There was participation from all 14 Trusts with participants self-selecting to complete the questionnaire. A 30% response rate (274/916) was achieved. All returned questionnaires were completed with minimal or no omissions. The majority of physiotherapists agreed that spirituality is an important aspect of health care and that some level of spiritual care is appropriate to physiotherapy. Lack of training and confusion over the role of physiotherapists in spiritual care provision were also highlighted. The main barriers identified by the sample were lack of training or experience, uncertainty over managing spiritual issues, and lack of time. The study concludes that physiotherapists need guidance over their expected role in spiritual care provision, and adequate training in order to fulfil this role. Referral pathways to specialist spiritual care services need to be made clearer and more accessible.
Body Size, Growth, and Longevity in Northern Map Turtles (Graptemys geographica) in Indiana

Abstract. Body size, growth, and longevity in Northern Map Turtles (Graptemys geographica) from Dewart Lake in northern Indiana were studied from 1979 to 2016. Based on captures of 214 males (72 recaptures) and 99 females (40 recaptures), we generated von Bertalanffy growth equations which corroborated our growth curves based on counts of plastral growth rings and recaptured turtles. Females diverge from males in their faster growth by the end of their second season. Our oldest females were only 18–20 seasons old, and the oldest males were only 13–15 seasons old, suggesting a short generation time and a possible sexual difference in longevity. For the species, we detected no latitudinal pattern of size or age at maturity but found some support for a latitudinal increase in body size in accordance with Bergmann's Rule.
The Combined Role of Retention Pattern and Post-Harvest Site Preparation in Regulating Plant Functional Diversity: A Case Study in Boreal Forest Ecosystems

Changes in the light availability in forests generated by diversified retention patterns (e.g., clear cut, partial harvest) have been shown to strongly filter the plant species present. Modified soil microsite conditions due to post-harvest site preparation (e.g., mechanical site preparation, prescribed fire) might also be an important determinant of plant diversity. The objective here was to detect how retention pattern and post-harvest site preparation act as filters that explain the understory functional diversity in boreal forests. We also assessed whether these effects were dependent on forest attributes (stand type, time since fire, and time since harvest). We retrieved data from seven different studies within 101 sites in boreal forests in Eastern Canada. Our data included forests harvested with two retention patterns: careful logging and clear cut, plus unharvested control forests. Three post-harvest site preparation techniques were applied: plow or disk trenching after careful logging, and prescribed fire after clear cut. We collected trait data (10 traits) representing plant morphology, regeneration strategy, or resource utilization for common species. Our results demonstrated significant variation in functional diversity after harvest. The combined effect of retention pattern and site preparation was the most important factor explaining understory diversity compared to retention pattern only and forest attributes. According to RLQ analysis, harvested forests with site preparation favored traits reflecting resistance or resilience ability after disturbance (clonal guerilla species, geophytes, and species with higher seed weight). Yet harvested forests without site preparation mainly affected understory plant species via their light requirements. Forest attributes did not play significant roles in affecting the relationship between site preparation and functional diversity or traits. Our results indicated the importance of the compounding effects of light variation and soil disturbance in filtering understory diversity and composition in boreal forests. Whether these results are also valid for other ecosystems still needs to be demonstrated.
Evaluation of TACE combined with gamma-knife radiotherapy for primary hepatocellular carcinoma

Objective To evaluate the therapeutic effect of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with gamma-knife radiotherapy in treating primary hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods A total of 259 patients with advanced primary hepatocellular carcinoma were enrolled in this study.The patients were randomly divided into study group(n = 135) and control group(n = 124). The patients in study group received TACE together with gamma-knife radiotherapy,while patients in control group received TACE only.Three months after the treatment,the lesion's size was measured.All patients were followed up for 24 months.Results The scheduled treatment plan was completed in all patients.The total effective rate(CR±PR) of the study group and the control group was 83.7%and 50.8%,respectively.The survival rate of 6,12,18 and 24 months for the study group was 96.2%,85.9%,71.2%and 54.1%,respectively,while for the control group the survival rate of 6,12,18 and 24 months was 82.3%,65.3%,52.4%and 33.1%,respectively.Significant difference in the survival rate existed between the two groups.No obvious difference in the incidence of adverse effect was found between the two groups.Conclusion TACE combined with gamma-knife radiotherapy has excellent short-term effect for primary hepatocellular carcinoma.This technique is superior to simple TACE in treating advanced hepatocellular carcinoma,although its long-term effect needs to be further studied.
Transcriptional Reprogramming of Distinct Peripheral Sensory Neuron Subtypes after Axonal Injury

Primary somatosensory neurons are specialized to transmit specific types of sensory information through differences in cell size, myelination, and the expression of distinct receptors and ion channels, which together define their transcriptional and functional identity. By transcriptionally profiling sensory ganglia at single-cell resolution, we find that different somatosensory neuronal subtypes undergo a remarkably consistent and dramatic transcriptional response to peripheral nerve injury that both promotes axonal regeneration and suppresses cell identity. Successful axonal regeneration leads to a restoration of neuronal cell identity and the deactivation of the growth program. This injury-induced transcriptional reprogramming requires Atf3, a transcription factor which is induced rapidly after injury and is necessary for axonal regeneration and functional recovery. While Atf3 and other injury-induced transcription factors are known for their role in reprogramming cell fate, their function in mature neurons is likely to facilitate major adaptive changes in cell function in response to damaging environmental stimuli.
Comparing the recovery of richness, structure, and biomass in naturally regrowing and planted reforestation

The clearing of natural vegetation for agriculture has reduced the capacity of natural systems to provide ecosystem functions. Ecological restoration can restore desirable ecosystem functions, such as creating habitat for animal conservation and carbon sequestration as woody biomass. In order to maintain these beneficial ecosystem functions, restoration projects need to mature into self‐perpetuating communities. Here we compared the ecological attributes of two types of restoration, “active” tree plantings with “passive” natural forest regeneration (“natural regrowth”) to existing remnant vegetation in a cleared agricultural landscape. Specifically, we measured differences between forest categories in factors that may predict future restoration failure or ecosystem collapse: aboveground plant biomass and biomass accrual over time (for regrowing stands), plant density and size class distributions, and diversity of functional groups based on seed dispersal and growth strategy traits. We found that natural regrowth and planted forests were similar in many ecological characteristics, including biomass accrual. Despite this, planted stands contained fewer tree recruit and shrub individuals, which may be due to limited recruitment in plantings. If this continues, these forests may be at risk of collapsing into nonforest states after mature trees senesce. Lower shrub density and richness of mid‐story trees may lead to lower structural complexity in planting plots, and alongside lower richness of fleshy‐fruited plant species may reduce animal resources and animal use of the restored stand. In our study region, natural regrowth may result in restored woodland communities with greater conservation and carbon mitigation value.
Tuberculosis-associated IFN-I induces Siglec-1 on tunneling nanotubes and favors HIV-1 spread in macrophages

While tuberculosis (TB) is a risk factor in HIV-1-infected individuals, the mechanisms by which Mycobacterium tuberculosis worsens HIV-1 pathogenesis remain poorly understood. Recently, we showed that HIV-1 infection and spread are exacerbated in macrophages exposed to TB-associated microenvironments due to tunneling nanotube (TNT) formation. To identify molecular factors associated with TNT function, we performed a transcriptomic analysis in these macrophages, and revealed the up-regulation of the lectin receptor Siglec-1. We demonstrate Siglec-1 expression depends on TB-mediated production of type I interferon. In co-infected non-human primates, Siglec-1 is highly expressed by alveolar macrophages, whose abundance correlates with pathology and activation of the type I interferon/STAT1 pathway. Intriguingly, Siglec-1 expression localizes exclusively on microtubule-containing TNT that are long and carry HIV-1 cargo. Siglec-1 depletion in macrophages decreases TNT length, diminishes HIV-1 capture and cell-to-cell transfer, and abrogates TB-driven exacerbation of HIV-1 infection. Altogether, we uncover a deleterious role for Siglec-1 in TB-HIV-1 co-infection, and its localization on TNT opens new avenues to understand cell-to-cell viral spread.
Restoration‐mediated secondary contact leads to introgression of alewife ecotypes separated by a colonial‐era dam

Secondary contact may have important implications for ecological and evolutionary processes; however, few studies have tracked the outcomes of secondary contact from its onset in natural ecosystems. We evaluated an anadromous alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) reintroduction project in Rogers Lake (Connecticut, USA), which contains a landlocked alewife population that was isolated as a result of colonial‐era damming. After access to the ocean was restored, adult anadromous alewife were stocked into the lake. We assessed anadromous juvenile production, the magnitude and direction of introgression, and the potential for competition between ecotypes. We obtained fin clips from all adult alewife stocked into the lake during the restoration and a sample of juveniles produced in the lake two years after the stocking began. We assessed the ancestry of juveniles using categorical assignment and pedigree reconstruction with newly developed microhaplotype genetic markers. Anadromous alewives successfully spawned in the lake and hybridized with the landlocked population. Parentage assignments revealed that male and female anadromous fish contributed equally to juvenile F1 hybrids. The presence of landlocked backcrosses shows that some hybrids were produced within the first two years of secondary contact, matured in the lake, and reproduced. Therefore, introgression appears directional, from anadromous into landlocked, in the lake environment. Differences in estimated abundance of juveniles of different ecotypes in different habitats were also detected, which may reduce competition between ecotypes as the restoration continues. Our results illustrate the utility of restoration projects to study the outcomes of secondary contact in real ecosystems.