Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nickel distribution in the hyperaccumulator Alyssum serpyllifolium Desf. spp. from the Iberian Peninsula

Abstract The relative concentration and distribution of nickel (Ni) in vegetative tissues (leaves, stems and trichomes) and reproductive organs (seeds) was studied using energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDXS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in two previously studied Ni-hyperaccumulator subspecies of Alyssum serpyllifolium Desf. growing naturally in ultramafic soils of the Iberian Peninsula: A. serpyllifolium ssp. lusitanicum Dudley & P. Silva and A. serpyllifolium ssp. malacitanum Rivas Goday ex G. López. Both taxa showed that Ni accumulates preferentially in the leaves, exhibiting a homogeneous distribution on both epidermis surfaces. The highest Ni concentrations were found inside the epidermal cells and at the base of trichome stalks. Ni accumulation in seeds was lower than in the vegetative organs. The location of Ni in these plants allows us to postulate that its accumulation is a protection mechanism against external stress.
Biosynthesis of thiamin-binding proteins in developing sesame seeds

The formation of thiamin-binding proteins (TBPs) from sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seeds (STBP-I, -II and -III) in developing seeds was investigated. Elution profiles of STBPs obtained from seeds at 4 to 6 weeks after flowering from the Q-Sepharose Fast Flow column showed that only one STBP was contained in the seeds at 4 weeks, and two STBPs were contained in the seeds at 5 weeks, and all three STBPs were contained in the seeds at 6 weeks as well as in mature seeds. SDS-PAGE of those STBPs demonstrated that STBP in the seeds at 4 weeks was large STBP termed as STBP-III, the molecular mass of which was higher than STBP-I and -II. In addition, it was demonstrated that small and large STBPs were contained in the seeds at 5 weeks, and STBP-I, -II and -III were contained in the seeds at 6 weeks. On the other hand, Southern blot analysis of digested genomic DNAs from sesame leaves with an STBP cDNA probe indicated the presence of only one copy of STBP in the sesame genome. These results suggested that STBP-III was first produced from a large proprotein precursor in developing sesame seeds, and STBP-I and -II were produced from the same polypeptide chain by different types of post-translational processing.
The life history and production of Asellus aquaticus (Crustacea: Isopoda) in the River Ely, South Wales

SUMMARY. A population of the isopod Asellus aquaticus was studied for sixteen months in the organically polluted River Ely. South Wales. There were two complete generations each year. The overwintering population released young (the spring-brood) over the period April-June. These animals in turn produced their own offspring (summer-brood) in late July-October. Each generation died after breeding and the overwintering population was comprised entirely of animals from the summer-brood. Seasonal patterns of mortality were related to water flow, temperature and life-cycle stage. Individual growth rates were affected by both temperature and life-cycle stage. Annual population production (P) was 195.68 g wet wt m-2, mean annual biomass (B) was 32.98 g wet wt m-2 and the annual P/B ratio was 5.93.
The extraction of proteins from the neem seed ( Indica azadirachta A. Juss)

Techniques for maximizing the extraction of protein from the neem seed (Indica azadirachta A. Juss) were investigated. Extractants used were sodium chloride and sodium sulphate solutions of varying concentration and pH. Maximum extractions of 17.86 g of extractable protein was obtained from 1 kg of crude protein, using 0.5 M NaCl solution at pH of 7.5. All the extracts were devoid of the usual neem smell and its bitter taste. As the pH increased from 7.0 to 7.5 there was steady increase in the quantity of extractable protein by sodium chloride solutions. However a decrease in the quantities of extractable proteins was observed at pH of 8.0 to 10 with sodium chloride solution. As the pH increased from 7.0 to 7.5 on the other hand, the quantities of the extract with sodium sulphate solutions decreased. While at pH of 8.0 to 9.5 the quantity of extractable protein increased, and the least quantity was obtained at pH of 10. 0.5 M NaCl at pH of 7.5 was found to be a better extractant for neem seed protein.
Anomaly Discovery and Arbitrage Trading

We analyze a stylized model of anomaly discovery, which has implications for both asset prices and arbitrageurs’ trading. Our evidence based on 99 anomalies is consistent with new predictions that the discovery of an anomaly reduces the correlation between the returns its deciles 1 and 10, leading to diversification benefits for passive investors. These effects become correlated with the aggregate trading of hedge funds only after discovery. Hedge funds increase (reverse) their positions in exploiting anomalies when their aggregate wealth increases (decreases), further suggesting that these discovery effects operate through arbitrage trading.
Territorial behaviour and reproductive success of bank vole Clethrionomys glareolus females.

1. Although spacing behaviour in small mammals has been studied extensively, the ultimate function of territoriality in females is frequently under debate. Furthermore, almost no data exists on how territorial behaviour of females changes during reproductive cycles and how that affects their reproductive success. We studied these questions in large outdoor enclosures using the bank vole Clethrionomys glareolus as a study species. 2. Home range dynamics of females and behaviour of territory owners against intruder females were determined during four distinct periods of the reproductive cycle: (i) when females were non-pregnant, (ii) in early pregnancy, (iii) in late pregnancy and (iv) when females were lactating. 3. Home range size and home range overlap of females decreased from period (i) to period (iv) simultaneously when nearest neighbour distance increased. So, at the time of parturition female home range size (foraging area) was at its smallest but territory size (breeding area) at its largest. 4. Attacks of owner females increased and amicable behaviour decreased during the reproductive cycle. Attacks tended to correlate positively and amicable behaviour negatively with home range size. 5. The size of a female's home range significantly correlated with her litter size. However, the weight of females did not correlate with their home range size or litter size. 6. During lactation, nearest neighbour distance correlated negatively with the number of weanlings. Further, home range overlap did not have an effect on the number of weanlings. So, in contrast to an earlier study by Mappes et al. we did not find support for infanticide directly affecting reproductive success of females. That might be due to synchronous breeding in our study females in contrast to females in Mappes et al. 7. Our results indicate that space-resource (large home range) and thus probably food may be an important determinant of litter size in the bank voles. Aggressive defence of a territory may have a role in determining the amount of resources available for reproduction and thus the reproductive success. 8. Our study gives new evidence both for and against the two hypotheses for function of female territoriality and suggests that they are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
Radial Pulse Wave Signals Combined with Ba-PWV for the Risk Prediction of Hypertension and the Monitoring of Its Accompanying Metabolic Risk Factors

Our aim was to study whether radial pulse wave signals can improve the risk prediction of incident hypertension and are associated with its concomitant metabolic risk factors beyond the traditional cardiovascular risk factor Ba-PWV. By enrolling 523 Chinese subjects in this study, linear and stepwise regression analysis was performed to assess the association of radial artery pulse wave signals and Ba-PWV with blood pressure and its related metabolic risk factors such as fasting plasma glucose (FPG), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and uric acid (UA). The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC), net reclassification improvement (NRI), and integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) were calculated by risk assessment plot to compare the discriminative ability among models with and without radial artery pulse wave signals. After adjusting related confounding factors, radial artery pulse wave variable h3/h1 was selected as the sensitive influential factor for blood pressure. Moreover, a new model with h3/h1 had a higher AUC than the reference model without it (0.86 vs 0.84; P=0.030). And the NRI and IDI for the new model was 50.0% (P=0.017) and 3.16% (P=0.044), respectively. In addition to Ba-PWV, we found that the decrease of t4, t5, and h5 might be associated with higher FPG, TC, LDL-C, and UA and lower HDL-C. This research might provide a valuable additional tool for remote wearable monitoring of radial artery pulse wave signals in hypertension risk evaluation and management.
Combined hyperdense gallbladder wall-lumen sign: new computed tomography sign in acute gangrenous cholecystitis

Purpose The objective of our study was to evaluate the combined hyperdense gallbladder wall-lumen sign on computed tomography (CT) in diagnosing gangrenous cholecystitis. Material and methods We retrospectively reviewed the unenhanced CT scans of surgically proven cases of acute gangrenous (GCh) and non-gangrenous cholecystitis (nonGCh). Eleven cases of pathologically proven acute gangrenous cholecystitis and 12 consecutive cases of surgically proven acute non-gangrenous cholecystitis that underwent CT at our institute were included in the study so as to have 1 : 1 control. The Hounsfield unit (HU) value of the gallbladder wall and intraluminal bile was measured. Interobserver variability for individual CT findings was also assessed. Results The gangrenous cholecystitis group had significantly higher HU values of wall and bile (median value of 33 HU vs. 21 HU and median value of 21 HU vs. 8.5 HU, respectively, p < 0.05). The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve for HU lumen was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.62-0.98, p = 0.014) with an ideal cut-off at 31.5 HU, where the sensitivity was 54.5% and specificity was 91.7%. HU lumen has an even better assessment for gangrenous cholecystitis with AUC of its ROC as 0.92 (95% CI: 0.80-1.00, p = 0.001) with an ideal cut-off at 12.5 HU, where the sensitivity was 81.8% and specificity was 91.7%. The combined wall-lumen cut-off is 35 HU with sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 75%. Conclusion A cut-off CT density value of the gallbladder wall of more than 31.5 HU, intraluminal bile more than 12.5 HU, and combined wall-lumen HU of more than 35 can predict GCh.
Molecular characterization of fungi causing colonization and infection in organ transplant recipients: A one-year prospective study

Background and Purpose: Organ transplant recipients are vulnerable to fungal infections. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of fungal colonization and infections among patients who underwent various transplantations and molecularly characterize the etiological agents. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on candidates for transplantation in Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran, Iran, from April 2017 to April 2018. All patients were monitored for fungal colonization or infections before and after transplantation. Isolated fungi were identified using molecular methods. Results: A total of 125 patients, including 86 males and 39 females, with the mean age of 52.2 years participated in the study (age range: 15-75 years). Out of 125 patients, 84 (67.2%) cases had fungal colonization that appeared pre- and post-transplantation in 21 and 63 cases, respectively (alone or concurrent with another infection in 55 and 29 cases, respectively). In addition, a total of 39 episodes of fungal infections were diagnosed in 36 (28.8%) recipients (alone or concurrent with colonization in 7 and 29 cases, respectively). Out of the 39 fungal infections, 9 cases appeared pre-transplantation, while the other 30 cases occurred post-transplantation. However, no fungal colonization or infection was observed in 34 (27.2%) patients. Oral candidiasis (n=20) was the most common type of infection, followed by funguria (n=7), onychomycosis (n=5), candidemia (n=3), rhinocerebral mucormycosis (n=1), cutaneous mucormycosis (n=1), cutaneous aspergillosis (n=1), and peritonitis (n=1). Six yeast species were recovered from colonization cases with the dominance of Candida albicans both before and after transplantation. The observed fungal infections were caused by 11 distinct species, including the members of Candida (i.e., C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, and C. krusei), Aspergillus (i.e., A. oryzae and A. candidus), Rhizopus (i.e., R. oryzae and R. microsporus), Trichosporon asahii, and Trichophyton interdigitale. The results also indicated that the development of a fungal infection post-transplantation was associated with fungal colonization (r=0.0184; P=0.043). Conclusion: Based on the results, fungal colonization was a common finding in transplant recipients at Imam Khomeini Hospital. However, the incidence of fungal infections was comparable with those of other centers. As the oral cavity was the most common site of colonization and infection, it might be beneficial to take further care about the oral health of patients using effective mouthwash.
A Survey of California Plants for Water-Extractable and Volatile Inhibitors

We tested 55 plant species in northern California for water-extractable and volatile inhibitors of plant growth with seed bioassays: 69% significantly inhibited, and none significantly stimulated, radicle growth of Hordeum vulgare when tested as 1:25 or 1:50 (g tissue:ml water) extracts, whereas 38% inhibited and 15% stimulated Bromus mollis. Extracts of species in the Compositae and Labiatae, as well as Aesculus californica, Ailanthus altissima, Brassica nigra, Ceanothus integerrimus, Lupinus arboreus, Nicotiana glauca, Ribes cereum, and Scrophularia californica, were the most inhibitory. Only Artemisia tridentata, Heteromeles arbutifolia, Salvia sonomensis, and Trichostema lanceolatum released strongly inhibitory volatiles; T. lanceolatum was clearly the most toxic species tested, its extracts and volatiles greatly suppressing growth of the indicators. Five of the species most inhibitory in the initial screening were selected for further investigation Their extracts reduced germination and growth of a number of northern California plants, but when the extracts were inoculated with 0.5 g soil and incubated several months at room temperature, most gradually diminished in toxicity
Accumulation of AGO2 Facilitates Tumorigenesis of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma

AGO2 (Argonaute RISC Catalytic Component 2) plays an important role in small RNA-guided gene silencing processes. It has been implied in tumorigenesis of different types of tumors. In this study, we found that AGO2 expression was remarkably increased in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues when compared with adjacent noncancerous tissues. High expression of AGO2 was associated with poor prognosis in HCC patients. The CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout of AGO2 in SMMC-7721 cells inhibited cell proliferation and induced significant G1 phase arrest of cell cycle. Inhibition of cell migration was also observed in SMMC-7721 AGO2−/− cells. In vivo experiments showed that tumors grew slower in nude mice transplanted with AGO2−/− cells than in SMMC-7721 cell-derived xenograft mice. Microarray analysis and western blot analysis revealed that AGO2 depletion decreased expression of Survivin, Vimentin, and Snail. Overexpression of AGO2 in SMMC-7721 and Huh-7 cells could reverse the knockout-induced inhibition effects on either cell behaviors or expression of Survivin, Vimentin, and Snail Therefore, our data demonstrated that AGO2 might facilitate HCC tumorigenesis and metastasis through modulating expression of Survivin, Vimentin, and Snail.
The relationship between hysterosalpingography findings and female infertility in a Nigerian population

Purpose This study aims to explore the relationships between abnormal hysterosalpingography (HSG) findings and all types of infertility. Material and methods This retrospective study was carried out at a private radiodiagnostic centre in Lagos, Nigeria. The radiologist reports of all consecutive patients who had HSG evaluation from 2016 to 2018 were analysed. Biodemographic information and indications for HSG evaluation were also documented. Logistic regression was used to test correlations between the explanatory and outcome variables. P ≤ 0.05 represented a statistically significant result. Results A total of 450 patients were involved in this study, with ages ranging from 21 to 51 years and a mean age of 34.6 ± 5.56 years. The age group 31-35 years had the highest frequency of infertility. There were 299 patients referred for infertility. Secondary infertility was seen in 211 patients (46.9%), primary infertility was seen in 79 patients (17.6%), and subfertility was seen in nine patients (2%). There were 49 patients (10.9%) with cornual tubal blockage, while 57 patients (12.7%) had perifimbrial adhesion and/or blockage. There were 56 patients (12.4%) with hydrosalpinx and nine patients (2.0%) with tubal occlusion. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed women with hydrosalpinx were 2.11 times more likely to be infertile than those without hydrosalpinx (95% CI: 1.02-4.36, p = 0.042). Conclusions The presence of hydrosalpinx was a significant risk factor in developing all types of infertility. Understanding the HSG patterns and their correlations with infertility will help physicians across the world when evaluating infertility in patients of similar background to our patient population.
Comparison of the Superior and Inferior Rectus Muscles in Humans: An Anatomical Study with Notes on Morphology, Anatomical Variations, and Intramuscular Innervation Patterns

A comparison of the superior and inferior rectus muscles was performed to determine whether they have similar structures and innervation attributable to their participation in the same type of, although antagonistic, eye movements. The study was conducted on 70 cadaveric hemiheads, and the anatomical variations in the superior and inferior rectus muscles were assessed. Sihler's whole mount nerve staining technique was used on 20 isolated superior and 20 isolated inferior rectus muscle specimens to visualize the intramuscular distribution of the oculomotor nerve subbranches. In two cases (~2.8%), variant muscular slips were found that connected the superior and inferior rectus muscles. In 80% of cases, muscular branches arising directly from the inferior branch of the oculomotor nerve innervated the inferior rectus muscle, while in 20% of cases, the nerve to the inferior oblique muscle pierced the inferior rectus muscle and provided its innervation. In 15 of 70 specimens (21.4%), a branch to the levator palpebrae superioris muscle pierced the superior rectus muscle. The distance between the specific rectus muscle's insertion and the anterior-most terminations of the nerves' subbranches with reference to the muscle's total length ranged from 26.9% to 47.2% for the inferior rectus and from 34.8% to 46.6% for the superior rectus, respectively. The superior rectus muscle is slightly longer and its insertion is farther from the limbus of the cornea than is the inferior rectus muscle. Both muscles share a common general pattern of intramuscular nerve subbranches' arborization, with characteristic Y-shaped ramifications that form the terminal nerve plexus located near half of the muscles' length. Unexpected anatomical variations of the extraocular muscles may be relevant during orbital imaging or surgical procedures.
Swimming Performance of Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) in relation to Fatigue Time and Temperature

Further studies on the swimming performance of fingerling sockeye salmon at fixed velocities have been conducted in relation to fatigue time. The method of probit analysis, commonly used in dealing with bioassay data, was found to be suitable for determining times to 50% fatigue and in providing a measure of variance despite the presence of some erratic behaviour. For sockeye acclimated to 15 C (mean length = 13.6 cm) the velocity at which 50% fatigued was 54.4 cm/sec or 4.0 lengths/sec (L/sec). The 5% and 95% fatigue velocities were 3.1 and 4.8 L/sec, respectively. Larger fish required longer exposure times for determining maximum sustained speeds, extending from approximately 120 min for fingerlings to 500 min for adults.Using the method of increasing velocity steps the effect of temperatures from 5 to 27.5 C was examined. When acclimated to 15 C fingerling sockeye exhibited only a 4% reduction in swimming speed at 10 and 20 C. Temperatures above the lethal level caused a rapid decline in swimming abili.
Myocardial Involvement in Chagas Disease and Insulin Resistance: A Non-Metabolic Model of Cardiomyopathy

Background: Heart failure (HF) and type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) represent two chronic interrelated conditions accounting for significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Insulin resistance (IR) has been identified as a risk factor for HF; however, the risk of IR that HF confers has not been well elucidated. The present study aims to analyze the association between myocardial involvement in Chronic Chagas Cardiomyopathy (CCM) and IR, taking advantage of this non-metabolic model of the disease. Methods: Cross-sectional study performed during the period 2015–2016. Adults with a serological diagnosis of Chagas disease were included, being divided into two groups: CCM and non-CCM. IR was determined by HOMA-IR index. Bivariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were performed to determine the association between IR as an outcome and CCM as primary exposure. Results: 200 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 54.7 years and a female predominance (53.5%). Seventy-four (37.0%) patients were found to have IR, with a median HOMA-IR index of 3.9 (Q1 = 3.1; Q3 = 5.1). Multiple metabolic variables were significantly associated with IR. In a model analyzing only individuals with an altered HWI, an evident association between CCM and IR was observed (OR 4.08; 95% CI 1.55–10.73, p = 0.004). Conclusion: CCM was significantly associated with IR in patients with an altered HWI. The presence of this association in a non-metabolic model of HF (in which the myocardial involvement is expected to be mediated mostly by the parasitic infection) may support the evidence of a direct unidirectional correlation between this last and IR.