Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Localization of 5α‐reductase in the rat main olfactory bulb

The enzyme steroid 5α‐reductase catalyzes the production of dihydroprogesterone and dihydrotestosterone, which were recently recognized as neurosteroids in the brain with variably potential neuroactivity. The present study reports for the first time detailed localization of 5α‐reductase type 1 in the rat main olfactory bulb. The occurrence of 5α‐reductase in the olfactory bulb was detected by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting analyses. In addition, the enzyme activity was also detected by thin layer chromatography. Immunocytochemistry showed that 5α‐reductase immunoreactive cells of variable intensity were present in all layers of the olfactory bulb. Multiple immunolabeling revealed that 5α‐reductase was mainly localized in glial cells, namely, in S‐100β‐ and glial fibrillary acidic protein‐immunoreactive astrocytes, 2′, 3′‐cyclic nucleotide 3′‐phosphodiesterase (CNPase)‐immunoreactive oligodendrocytes, and in S‐100β‐ and neuropeptide‐Y‐immunoreactive olfactory ensheathing cells, whereas the bulbar neurons exhibited little immunoreactivity. Quantitative analysis revealed that the number of 5α‐reductase‐immunoreactive cells was greatest in the olfactory nerve layer. The most intense 5α‐reductase‐immunoreactivity was found in the olfactory ensheathing cells, and next in the CNPase‐immunoreactive cells. The 5α‐reductase in the olfactory bulb was expressed constantly throughout different ages and sexes and in neutered and hypophysectomized rats. Thus, 5α‐reductase may contribute via 5α‐reduced metabolites to the formation and maintenance of olfactory inputs and outputs, which were closely associated with the olfactory ensheathing cells and the oligodendrocytes, respectively. J. Comp. Neurol. 493:381–395, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
STUDIES ON IMPACT OF CYPERMETHRIN ON ACID AND ALKALINE PHOSPHATASE ACTIVITY IN THE SELECTED ORGANS OF FRESH WATER FISH CIRRHINUS MRIGALA (H AMILTON) AND THE PROTECTIVE EFFECT OF CARDIOSPERMUM HALICACABUM

The impact of cypermethrin on acid phosphatase (ACP) and alka line phosphatase (ALP) activity in gill, liver and kidney on Cirrhinus mrigala , ex hibited notable alterations which are being the main site of metabolic activity in fish. The acute toxicity value was found to be 150 µg/l and 1/5 as used for LC 50 (30 µg/l) was selected for sub lethal concentration. The ACP and ALP values in all the organ s were decreased due to 120 hours treatment of cypermethrin. These enzymes in various organs were recovered by Cardiospermum halicacabum . Hence the pesticide intoxication has made a disturbance in normal function of
Signals of Competence and Warmth on E-Commerce Platforms

Abstract E-commerce platforms generally provide various functions that can be adopted as signals for online sellers to convey implicit information to customers to promote sales. In this article, based on signaling theory and the stereotype content model, we categorize e-commerce signals into two types: signals of competence and signals of warmth. Signals of competence refer to the platform functions or mechanisms that can be leveraged by online sellers to indirectly convey information about their capabilities, such as promised delivery times and free return days. Signals of warmth refer to the platform functions or mechanisms that can be leveraged by online sellers to indirectly convey information about their kindness and care, such as the availability of online customer service agents. We explore the impacts of the two different types of signals on product sales for sellers with different credit rating levels. The empirical analysis is conducted on China's largest e-commerce platform, Taobao.com. The results show that online sellers with higher credit ratings should focus more on signals of warmth, while those with median and lower credit ratings should concentrate more on signals of competence. This study provides a theoretical framework that explains the effects of signaling on e-commerce platforms and may facilitate further exploration on signaling mechanisms. Our findings also provide implications for online sellers in terms of how to better utilize various signals as well as for e-commerce platforms on designing more effective supporting functions.
Post-Weaning Changes in the Digestive Physiology and Caecal Fermentative Activity in the Greater Cane Rat (Thryonomys swinderianus)

The greater cane rat is a recently domesticated monogastric herbivore, and the importance of the caecum in the functioning of its digestive tract has frequently been mentioned. However, no data are available on caecal fermentative activity of this animal and research on the digestive physiology was only performed in adult animals. The present work was initiated to describe some parameters of the digestive tract anatomy and to study caecal fermentation of the growing cane rat. Thirty 40-day-old weaned cane rats were used in this experiment. Six of them were immediately euthanased and 12 were housed in a collective pen for gastrointestinal tract (GIT) parameters measurements. Twelve others were kept in individual cages to record growth and food intake. Captive cane rats received a pelleted diet containing 12.5% of crude protein and 16.7% of lignocellulose. Six of the 12 collectively housed animals were euthanased on day 82 and a further six on day 103. The growth rate increased with age (P < 0.01) with a linear growth curve (P < 0.001) while the feed intake (g/kg body weight) did not vary (P > 0.05). The caecum represented the largest compartment of the digestive tract constituting more than 40% of total GIT contents. Acetate was the most abundant short-chain fatty acid with more than 70% of the total, followed by propionate (less than 25%) and butyrate (around 5%). Short-chain fatty acid profiles varied with age: when age increased, the acetate proportion increased (P < 0.01), the propionate proportion decreased (P < 0.001) and the butyrate proportion remained unchanged (P > 0.05). The propionate/butyrate ratio showed a decrease with an increase in age (P = 0.05). Ammonia concentrations did not vary with age (P > 0.05). It is concluded that the caecum is an important site of fermentation in the growing cane rat.
Sex Differences in Blood Pressure–Lowering Therapy and Outcomes Following Intracerebral Hemorrhage

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background and Purpose: Evidence regarding sex differences in clinical outcomes and treatment effect following intracerebral hemorrhage is limited. Using the ATACH-2 trial (Antihypertensive Treatment in Intracerebral Hemorrhage-2) data, we explored whether sex disparities exist in outcomes and response to intensive blood pressure (BP)–lowering therapy. Methods: Eligible intracerebral hemorrhage subjects were randomly assigned to intensive (target systolic BP, 110–139 mm Hg) or standard (140–179 mm Hg) BP-lowering therapy within 4.5 hours after onset. Relative risk of death or disability corresponding to the modified Rankin Scale score of 4 to 6 was calculated, and interaction between sex and treatment was explored. Results: In total, 380 women and 620 men were included. Women were older, more prescribed antihypertensive drugs before onset, and had more lobar intracerebral hemorrhage than men. Hematoma expansion was observed less in women. After multivariable adjustment, the relative risk of death or disability in women was 1.19 (95% CI, 1.02–1.37, P=0.023). The relative risk of death or disability between intensive versus standard BP-lowering therapy was 0.91 (95% CI, 0.74–1.13) in women versus 1.13 (95% CI, 0.92–1.39) in men (P for interaction=0.11), with inconclusive Gail-Simmon test (P=0.16). Conclusions: Women had a higher risk of death or disability following intracerebral hemorrhage. The benefit of intensive BP-lowering therapy in women is inconclusive, consistent with the overall results of ATACH-2. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique identifier: NCT01176565.
Mesenchymal to epithelial transition driven by canine distemper virus infection of canine histiocytic sarcoma cells contributes to a reduced cell motility in vitro

Sarcomas especially of histiocytic origin often possess a poor prognosis and response to conventional therapies. Interestingly, tumours undergoing mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) are often associated with a favourable clinical outcome. This process is characterized by an increased expression of epithelial markers leading to a decreased invasion and metastatic rate. Based on the failure of conventional therapies, viral oncolysis might represent a promising alternative with canine distemper virus (CDV) as a possible candidate. This study hypothesizes that a CDV infection of canine histiocytic sarcoma cells (DH82 cells) triggers the MET process leading to a decreased cellular motility. Immunofluorescence and immunoblotting were used to investigate the expression of epithelial and mesenchymal markers followed by scratch assay and an invasion assay as functional confirmation. Furthermore, microarray data were analysed for genes associated with the MET process, invasion and angiogenesis. CDV‐infected cells exhibited an increased expression of epithelial markers such as E‐cadherin and cytokeratin 8 compared to controls, indicating a MET process. This was accompanied by a reduced cell motility and invasiveness. Summarized, these results suggest that CDV infection of DH82 cells triggers the MET process by an increased expression of epithelial markers resulting in a decreased cell motility in vitro.
Weed populations are affected by tillage systems and fertilization practices in organic flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) crop.

Flax is a weak competitor against weeds. To obtain high yield of flax, good weed management practices must be implemented. Field experiments were conducted during 2009 and 2010 to determine the effects of tillage systems and fertilization on weed flora in organic flax crop (Linum usitatissimum L.). The experiments were laid out in a split-plot design with four replicates having three main plots (conventional tillage: CT, minimum tillage: MT and no-tillage: NT) and three sub-plots (compost, vetch and faba bean as green manure). The total weed densities were significantly different among the tillage systems. In NT plots, the presence of wheat residues clearly reduced weed number. Crop residues mainly affect light interception, temperature and moisture of the soil. Differences in nitrogen availability of the fertilizers had a large effect on weed density and biomass. The lowest weed density was found in compost plots. Moreover, the highest density of competitive weeds (Amaranthus retroflexus, Chenopodium album, Convolvulus arvensis, Cynodon dactylon, Cyperus rotundus, Datura stramonium, Setaria verticillata, Sinapis arvensis and Solanum nigrum) was found under MT and CT systems, while the lowest was found in NT plots. In addition, concerning the density of noncompetitive weeds, there were no significant differences among the tillage systems. Moreover, there were no significant differences in the density of non-competitive weeds between the organic fertilization treatments. No-tillage and low nitrogen fertilization appeared to contribute to the suppression of weeds.
Temperature-sensitive period of sex determination in the Atlantic silverside, Menidia menidia

We investigated the timing and duration of the temperature-sensitive period of development in the Atlantic silverside, Menidia menidia, by measuring the sex ratio in groups of larvae shifted reciprocally among low and high temperatures as development progressed. The sensitive period of sex determination was dependent on body size, rather than age, and occurred during the middle to later stages of larval development when fish were between 8 and 21 mm in total length. Sex determination was irreversibly fixed earlier in development (i.e. at 15 mm in length) at higher than at lower temperatures. Higher, male-producing temperatures therefore appear to more strongly effect sex determination than do lower, female-producing temperatures. Temperature prior to, or after, the sensitive period had no measurable effect on sex ratio. From histological examination we suggest that gonad differentiation coincided with the end of the temperature-sensitive period. The timing and duration of the temperature-sensitive period .
Toxicity of l-Menthol and Its Derivatives Against Four Storage Insects

Abstractl-menthol isolated from the essential oil of Mentha arvensis and seven of its acyl derivatives were tested for contact and vapour toxicity, and ovicidal and repellent activity against the storage pests Callosobruchus maculatus F. , Rhyzopertha dominica F. , Sitophilus oryzae L. and Tribolium castaneum Herbst. Menthyl propionate and l-menthol were highly toxic in contact assays and vapour toxicity assays respectively. l-menthol was also found to be strongly repellent (82–100% at 0.353 μg/cm2 dose) against all the insects, while menthyl acetate was highly ovicidal against T. castaneum. RésuméLe l-menthol isolé de l’huile essentielle de Mentha arvensis et sept de ses dérivés acétylés ont été testés pour leur toxicité de contact et fumigène et leur activité ovicide et répulsive vis à vis des ravageurs des stocks Callosobruchus maculatus F. , Rhyzopertha dominica F. , Sitophilus oryzae L. et Tribolium castaneum Herbst. Le propionate de menthyl et le l-menthol ont été hautement toxiques lors des essais par contact et par fumigation. Le l-menthol a été également fortement répulsif (82–100% à la dose de 0,353 mg/cm2) contre tous les insectes, alors que l’acétate de menthyl a été hautement ovicide contre T. castaneum.
Triple bottom line study of a lignocellulosic biofuel industry

Growing concerns about energy security and climate change have prompted interest in Australia and worldwide to look for alternatives of fossil fuels. Among the renewable fuel sources, biofuels are one such alternative that have received unprecedented attention in the past decade. Cellulosic biofuels, derived from agricultural and wood biomass, could potentially increase Australia's oil self‐sufficiency. In this study, we carry out a hybrid life‐cycle assessment (LCA) of a future cellulose‐refining industry located in the Green Triangle region of South Australia. We assess both the upstream and downstream refining stages, and consider as well the life‐cycle effects occurring in conventional industries displaced by the proposed biofuel supply chains. We improve on conventional LCA method by utilising multi‐region input–output (IO) analysis that allows a comprehensive appraisal of the industry's supply chains. Using IO‐based hybrid LCA, we evaluate the social, economic and environmental impacts of lignocellulosic biofuel production. In particular, we evaluate the employment, economic stimulus, energy consumption and greenhouse gas impacts of the biofuel supply chain and also quantify the loss in economic activity and employment in the paper, pulp and paperboard industry resulting from the diversion of forestry biomass to biofuel production. Our results reveal that the loss in economic activity and employment will only account for 10% of the new jobs and additional stimulus generated in the economy. Lignocellulosic biofuel production will create significant new jobs and enhance productivity and economic growth by initiating the growth of new industries in the economy. The energy return on investment for cellulosic biofuel production lies between 2.7 and 5.2, depending on the type of forestry feedstock and the travel distance between the feedstock industry and the cellulose refinery. Furthermore, the biofuel industry will be a net carbon sequester.
Patterns of stemness-associated markers in the development of castration-resistant prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND Putative castration-resistant (CR) stem-like cells (CRSC) have been identified based on their ability to initiate and drive prostate cancer (PCa) recurrence following castration in vivo. Yet the relevance of these CRSC in the course of the human disease and particularly for the transition from hormone-naive (HN) to castration-resistance is unclear. In this study, we aimed at deciphering the significance of CRSC markers in PCa progression. METHODS We constructed a tissue microarray comprising 112 matched HN and CR tissue specimens derived from 55 PCa patients. Expression of eight stemness-associated markers (ALDH1A1, ALDH1A3, ALDH3A1, BMI1, NANOG, NKX3.1, OCT4, SOX2) was assessed by immunohistochemistry and scored as a percentage of positive tumor cells. For each marker, the resulting scores were statistically analyzed and compared to pathological and clinical data associated with the samples. Unsupervised clustering analysis was performed to stratify patients according to the expression of the eight CRSC markers. Publicly-available transcriptional datasets comprising HN and CR PCa samples were interrogated to assess the expression of the factors in silico. RESULTS Immunohistochemical assessment of paired samples revealed atypical patterns of expression and intra- and intertumor heterogeneity for a subset of CRSC markers. While the expression of particular CRSC markers was dynamic over time in some patients, none of the markers showed significant changes in expression upon the development of castration resistance (CR vs HN). Using unsupervised clustering approaches, we identified phenotypic subtypes based on the expression of specific stem-associated markers. In particular, we found (a) patterns of mutual exclusivity for ALDH1A1 and ALDH1A3 expression, which was also observed at the transcriptomic level in publicly-available PCa datasets, and (b) a phenotypic cluster associated with more aggressive features. Finally, by comparing HN and CR matched samples, we identified phenotypic cluster switches (ie, change of phenotypic cluster between the HN and CR state), that may be associated with clinical and predictive relevance. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate stemness-associated patterns that are associated with the development of castration-resistance. These results pave the way toward a deeper understanding of the relevance of CRSC markers in PCa progression and resistance to androgen-deprivation therapy.
Metals and Organochlorines in Adult and Immature Males of White-tailed Eagle

COURTENAY, W.R. , jr & HENSLEY, D.A. (1979). Range expansion in Southern Florida of the introduced Spotted Tilapia, with comments on its environmental impress. Environmental Conservation, 6(2), pp. 149-151, 2 figs. COURTENAY, W.R. , jr & MILEY, W.W. , II (1975). Range expansion and environmental impress of the introduced Walking Catfish in the United States. Environmental Conservation, 2(2), pp. 145-8, 4 figs. COURTENAY, W.R. , jr & ROBINS, C.R. (1975). Exotic organisms: an unsolved, complex problem. BioScience, 25, pp. 306313.
Covid-19 infection and diffusion among the healthcare workforce in a large university-hospital in northwest Italy

Backgroud: Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, healthcare workers (HCWs) have been the workers most likely to contract the disease. Intensive focus is therefore needed on hospital strategies that minimize exposure and diffusion, confer protection and facilitate early detection and isolation of infected personnel. Methods: To evaluate the early impact of a structured risk-management for exposed COVID-19 HCWs and describe how their characteristics contributed to infection and diffusion. Socio-demographic and clinical data, aspects of the event-exposure (date, place, length and distance of exposure, use of PPE) and details of the contact person were collected. Results: The 2411 HCWs reported 2924 COVID-19 contacts. Among 830 HCWs who were at ‘high or medium risk’, 80 tested positive (9.6%). Physicians (OR=2.03), and non-medical services resulted in an increased risk (OR=4.23). Patient care did not increase the risk but sharing the work environment did (OR=2.63). There was a significant time reduction between exposure and warning, exposure and test, and warning and test since protocol implementation. HCWs with management postitions were the main source of infection due to the high number of interactions. Discussion: A proactive system that includes prompt detection of contagious staff and identification of sources of exposure helps to lower the intra-hospital spread of infection. A speedier return to work of staff who would otherwise have had to self-isolate as a precautionary measure improves staff morale and patient care by reducing the stress imposed by excessive workloads arising from staff shortages.
Partitioning pattern of carbon flux in a Kobresia grassland on the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau revealed by field 13C pulse‐labeling

Characterizing the carbon turnover in terrestrial ecosystems is critical for understanding and predicting carbon dynamics in ecosystems. We used in situ13C pulse labeling to track photosynthetic carbon fluxes from shoot to roots and to soil in a Kobresia humilis meadow on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. We found that about 36.7% of labeled carbon was translocated out from the shoots within the first 24 h after photosynthetic uptake. This is equivalent to 66.1% of total 13C moving out from the shoot during the 32‐day chase period, indicating a rapid and large translocation of newly fixed carbon to belowground parts in these alpine plants. 58.7% of the assimilated 13C was transferred belowground. At the end of the chase phase, 30.9% was retained in living roots, 3.4% in dead roots, 17.2% lost as belowground respiration and 7.3% remained in the soil. In the four carbon pools (i.e., shoots, living roots, dead roots, and soil pools), living roots consistently had the highest proportion of 13C in the plant–soil system during the 32 days. Based on the 13C partitioning pattern and biomass production, we estimate a total of 4930 kg C ha−1 was allocated belowground during the vegetation growth season in this alpine meadow. Of this, roots accumulated 2868 kg C ha−1 and soils accumulated 613 kg C ha−1. This study suggests that carbon storage in belowground carbon pools plays the most important role in carbon cycles in the alpine meadow.
Population-based trends in physical fitness of children and adolescents in Germany, 2003–2017

ABSTRACT Physical fitness is an important health resource. From 2003 onwards, the MoMo study, a part of the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Children and Adolescents (KiGGS), has investigated physical fitness on the basis of nationally representative data. The objective of this paper was to analyse trends in physical fitness of three cohorts at the ages of 4–17 years. Changes within 10 test items of the MoMo-test profile are reported. The mean values of physical fitness and the relevant influencing factors were directly compared across cohorts (in the total group and in age-and sex-subgroups). Statistical significance of differences was examined by calculating the confidence intervals (95% CI) for complex samples; effect sizes were determined using Cohen's d. The results indicated that physical fitness levels of German children and adolescents initially slightly increased between MoMo baseline (2003–2006) and wave 1 (2009–2012). This could partly be attributed to increased physical activity in sports clubs and in extracurricular sports at school. Then, between MoMo wave 1 and MoMo wave 2 (2014–2017) the physical fitness of children and adolescents in Germany remained the same, as did all influencing factors with the exception of extracurricular sport. From a public health perspective, programmes and measures that can increase the chances for all children and adolescents to strive for greater physical fitness should be of the highest priority.
Impact of left common pulmonary veins in the contact force versus cryoballoon atrial fibrillation ablation (CIRCA‐DOSE) study

Concerns remain regarding the effectiveness of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) using the fixed diameter noncompliant cryoballoon in the presence of a left common pulmonary vein (LCPV). We sought to evaluate the effectiveness of PVI performed by contact force–guided radiofrequency (CF‐RF) versus second‐generation cryoballoon‐based ablation in patients with LCPV.