Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Contrast in Extra-Pair Paternity Levels on Mainland and Island Populations of Mediterranean Blue Tits

Extra-pair copulation (EPC) is a widespread behaviour amongst birds, yet the rate of occurrence of extra-pair offspring is highly variable both within and across species. Two populations of Mediterranean blue tits, Parus caeruleus, one on the mainland and the other on the island of Corsica, are characterized by high levels of extra-pair paternity (EPP), with 14 and 25% of extra-pair offspring (in 46 and 68% of the nests), respectively. The rate of EPP is significantly higher in the island population. Such high rates on Corsica contradict the predictions of higher mate fidelity and lower levels of EPP on islands. Despite expressing several traits that characterize an insular syndrome, blue tits of Corsica do not exhibit lower genetic variation which could be associated with low levels of EPP on islands. Furthermore, our results do not support any of the hypotheses that have been proposed so far to explain variation in EPP rates at the local level. We tentatively suggest that proximate Mediterranean constraints, especially consistent food shortage, prompt females to seek better breeding opportunities through a two-step process including high rates of EPC and divorce.
Selenium Deficiency Is Associated with Mortality Risk from COVID-19

SARS-CoV-2 infections underlie the current coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and are causative for a high death toll particularly among elderly subjects and those with comorbidities. Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element of high importance for human health and particularly for a well-balanced immune response. The mortality risk from a severe disease like sepsis or polytrauma is inversely related to Se status. We hypothesized that this relation also applies to COVID-19. Serum samples (n = 166) from COVID-19 patients (n = 33) were collected consecutively and analyzed for total Se by X-ray fluorescence and selenoprotein P (SELENOP) by a validated ELISA. Both biomarkers showed the expected strong correlation (r = 0.7758, p < 0.001), pointing to an insufficient Se availability for optimal selenoprotein expression. In comparison with reference data from a European cross-sectional analysis (EPIC, n = 1915), the patients showed a pronounced deficit in total serum Se (mean ± SD, 50.8 ± 15.7 vs. 84.4 ± 23.4 µg/L) and SELENOP (3.0 ± 1.4 vs. 4.3 ± 1.0 mg/L) concentrations. A Se status below the 2.5th percentile of the reference population, i.e., [Se] < 45.7 µg/L and [SELENOP] < 2.56 mg/L, was present in 43.4% and 39.2% of COVID samples, respectively. The Se status was significantly higher in samples from surviving COVID patients as compared with non-survivors (Se; 53.3 ± 16.2 vs. 40.8 ± 8.1 µg/L, SELENOP; 3.3 ± 1.3 vs. 2.1 ± 0.9 mg/L), recovering with time in survivors while remaining low or even declining in non-survivors. We conclude that Se status analysis in COVID patients provides diagnostic information. However, causality remains unknown due to the observational nature of this study. Nevertheless, the findings strengthen the notion of a relevant role of Se for COVID convalescence and support the discussion on adjuvant Se supplementation in severely diseased and Se-deficient patients.
The Multidimensional Daily Diary of Fatigue-Fibromyalgia-17 Items (MDF-Fibro-17): Evidence from Validity, Reliability and Transcultural Invariance between Portugal and Brazil

The Multidimensional Daily Diary of Fatigue-Fibromyalgia-17 (MDF-fibro-17) is an instrument that measures the different components of fibromyalgia-related fatigue symptoms. The current study aims to examine the factor structure of the MDF-fibro-17 in a sample of Portuguese and Brazilian patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Additionally, a cross-cultural analysis was carried out on these samples to understand the multidimensional complexity of examining the different dimensions of fatigue in patients with different cultural backgrounds and how fibromyalgia impacts patients with this syndrome. A confirmatory factor analysis was performed to examine the psychometric properties of the measure. Additionally, a multigroup analysis was carried out on the samples of these two cultures to examine measurement invariance. In total, 209 Portuguese women aged between 21 and 75 years (M = 47.44; SD = 10.73) and 429 Brazilians women aged between 16 and 77 years (M = 46.51; SD = 9.24) participated in this study. The results revealed that the measurement model provided an acceptable fit to the data in both the Portuguese and Brazilian samples, also displaying acceptable convergent and discriminant validity. In addition, the model showed acceptable internal consistency and was invariant between cultures. In sum, the MDF-fibro-17 is a valid measure that offers a unique assessment of fatigue symptoms in Portuguese and Brazilian women with fibromyalgia.
Carbon Partitioning and Export in Mature Leaves of Pepper (Capsicum annuum)

The partitioning of recently fixed carbon by mature pepper leaves has been examined over a 10 h photoperiod using a constant specific radioactivity 14C02 labelling technique. Changes in the rates of carbon partitioning into export, starch, sucrose and hexoses were examined following changes in irradiance during the photoperiod. Leaves grown under 80 W m"2 PAR were exposed to this irradiance for the first 4 h of the photoperiod then the irradiance was decreased. Leaves accumulated sufficient reserves in the first 4 h to maintain export at the initial rate (approximately 20 iig carbon cm"2 leaf h"1) over the following 6 h of the photoperiod when the net photosynthesis rate (Pn) was decreased to 10% of the initial rate by the decreased irradiance. Export was initially maintained by the depletion of sucrose and hexose and then by carbon from the degradation of starch in the light. If leaves were exposed to low irradiance at the beginning of the photoperiod, then the export rate was linearly related to the Pn during that period. When Pn exceeded that required to maintain an export rate of approximately 20 /ig carbon cm"2 h" then more carbon was partitioned into starch. At low initial irradiance, a greater proportion of photosynthate was partitioned into export rather than starch and at high initial irradiance the reverse occurred. There was a linear relationship between starch accumulation rate and Pn for all leaves but the relationship between Pn and export rate was only significant for leaves with low levels of reserve carbon. The results show that mature pepper leaves subjected to different irradiances maintain constant export rates through alterations of carbon partitioning. Export at low Pn is maintained at the expense of sugar and starch reserves, with partitioning in high irradiance being predominantly to starch.
The Influence of Split Doses of γ-Radiation on Human Erythrocytes

Human erythrocyte suspensions in an isotonic Na-phosphate buffer, pH 7.4, of hematocrit of 2% were exposed under air to gamma radiation at a dose rate of 2.2 kGy. Erythrocytes were irradiated with single doses, and identical doses split into two fractions with an interval time of 3.5 h between following exposures. The obtained results indicated that the irradiation of enucleated human erythrocytes with split doses caused a reduction of hemolysis (2.4 times), a decrease in the level of damage to membrane lipids and the contents of MetHb, compared with identical single doses. However, the splitting of radiation doses did not change the level of damage to the membrane proteins, as was estimated with a maleimide spin label. The obtained results suggest that a decrease in the level of damage to lipids was related to a decrease in hemolysis.
Identification of quantitative trait loci associated with soybean seed protein content using two populations derived from crosses between Glycine max and Glycine soja

Seed protein content is one of the most important traits controlled by quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in soybean. In this study, a Glycine soja accession (ZYD2738) was crossed with two elite cultivars Jidou 12 and Jidou 9 separately and subsequently the resulting F2:3 populations were used to identify QTLs associated with seed protein content. Protein contents in either population appeared to have a normal distribution with transgressive segregation. A total of five QTLs associated with high protein content were identified and mapped to chromosomes 2, 6, 13, 18 and 20, respectively. Of these QTLs, three (qPRO_2_1, qPRO_13_1 and qPRO_20_1) were identified in the same region in both the populations, whereas the other two (qPRO_6_1 and qPRO_18_1) were mapped in two different regions. qPRO_2_1 appears to be a novel protein QTL. qPRO_6_1, qPRO_18_1 and qPRO_20_1 had additive effects on seed protein content, while qPRO_13_1 had an over-dominant effect on seed protein content. These QTLs and their linked markers could serve as effective tools for marker-assisted selection to increase seed protein content.
Antimicrobial activity of medicinal plant Balanites aegyptiaca Del. and its in vitro raised calli against resistant organisms especially those harbouring bla genes

Alcoholic extracts of fruit of an endangered medicinal plant Balanites aegyptiaca and its in vitro raised calli were analyzed for antimicrobial potential against various Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria including those harbouring bla genes by agar well diffusion method. The alcoholic extract of parent plant as well as its callus showed good antibacterial activity against both Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the extracts were determined by broth microdilution method. MIC against Gram positive bacteria ranged from 3.05 to 24.0 µg/ml, while MIC against Gram negative bacteria ranged from 1.53 to 49.0 µg/ml and MIC against resistant bacteria harbouring bla genes ranged from 12.0 to 49.0 µg/ml. The present study shows that extracts of B. aegyptiacacontain good antibacterial activity which can be used in the treatment of various infectious diseases. As its calli also gave good results, in vitro cultivation of the explants may be used to obtain novel antimicrobial compounds especially at places where it does not grow naturally. This is the first report of antibacterial activity of B. aegyptiaca against Gram negative bacteria harbouring bla genes. Key words: Balanites aegyptiaca, in vitro raised callus, antimicrobial activity.
Crop cultivars with allelopathic capability

Allelopathy has potential in integrated weed management. Crop plants have the capability to produce and exude allelochemicals into their surroundings to suppress the growth of weeds in their vicinity. Selection for superior genotypes with allelopathic potential has been carried out in several field crops, and evidence has accumulated that crop cultivars differ significantly in their ability to inhibit the growth of certain weed species. To date, progress has been made in understanding the genetics of crop allelopathic activity, and successful genetic manipulation of this trait has also been demonstrated. However, much more research needs to be carried out in order to have a thorough understanding of the genetic control of allelopathic activity. Several genes might be involved in regulating the production and exudation of allelochemicals. Concerted efforts using advances in plant biotechnology will help to unveil the genetics of this trait. Once the allelopathic genes have been located, a breeding programme could be initiated to transfer the genes into modern cultivars to enhance their allelopathic activity for weed suppression, thereby reducing over-reliance on herbicides.
Skin Bacteria Mediate Glycerol Fermentation to Produce Electricity and Resist UV-B

Bacteria that use electron transport proteins in the membrane to produce electricity in the gut microbiome have been identified recently. However, the identification of electrogenic bacteria in the skin microbiome is almost completely unexplored. Using a ferric iron-based ferrozine assay, we have identified the skin Staphylococcus epidermidis (S. epidermidis) as an electrogenic bacterial strain. Glycerol fermentation was essential for the electricity production of S. epidermidis since the inhibition of fermentation by 5-methyl furfural (5-MF) significantly diminished the bacterial electricity measured by voltage changes in a microbial fuel cell (MFC). A small-scale chamber with both anode and cathode was fabricated in order to study the effect of ultraviolet-B (UV-B) on electricity production and bacterial resistance to UV-B. Although UV-B lowered bacterial electricity, a prolonged incubation of S. epidermidis in the presence of glycerol promoted fermentation and elicited higher electricity to suppress the effect of UV-B. Furthermore, the addition of glycerol into S. epidermidis enhanced bacterial resistance to UV-B. Electricity produced by human skin commensal bacteria may be used as a dynamic biomarker to reflect the UV radiation in real-time.
Evaluation of Cell Wall Yeast as Adsorbent of Ochratoxin in Broilers Diets

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of cell wall of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (CWSC) as an inhibitor of the toxic effects of ochratoxin in broilers from 1 to 42 days of age. A total of 320 broilers was distributed into four treatments with four replicates of 20 birds each: T - control; T - 0.1% CWSC; T - 500 1 2 3 ppb of ochratoxin; T - 0.01% CWSC + 500 ppb of ochratoxin. The parameters evaluated were feed intake; 4 weight gain, feed conversion; relative weights of liver, kidneys and bursa of Fabricius. Ochratoxin in die t negatively affected (P > 0.05) the feed intake and weight gain when the birds were 21 and 42 days of age, and affected the feed conversion at 42 days of age. Was no interaction between CWSC and dietary ochratoxin. The CWSC improve the feed conversion of birds exposed or not to ochratoxin at 42 days of age. The ochratoxin or CWSC in diet did not affect the relative weight of organs evaluated. These results reflect that ochratoxin in the level used in diet impaired the feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion of the birds and the CWSC did not ameliorate these parameters in the presence of the ochratoxin.
Characteristics of Biopeptides Released In Silico from Collagens Using Quantitative Parameters

The potential of collagens to release biopeptides was evaluated using the BIOPEP-UWM-implemented quantitative criteria including the frequency of the release of fragments with a given activity by selected enzyme(s) (AE), relative frequency of release of fragments with a given activity by selected enzyme(s) (W), and the theoretical degree of hydrolysis (DHt). Cow, pig, sheep, chicken, duck, horse, salmon, rainbow trout, goat, rabbit, and turkey collagens were theoretically hydrolyzed using: stem bromelain, ficin, papain, pepsin, trypsin, chymotrypsin, pepsin+trypsin, and pepsin+trypsin+chymotrypsin. Peptides released from the collagens having comparable AE and W were estimated for their likelihood to be bioactive using PeptideRanker Score. The collagens tested were the best sources of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitors. AE and W values revealed that pepsin and/or trypsin were effective producers of such peptides from the majority of the collagens examined. Then, the SwissTargetPrediction program was used to estimate the possible interactions of such peptides with enzymes and proteins, whereas ADMETlab was applied to evaluate their safety and drug-likeness properties. Target prediction revealed that the collagen-derived peptides might interact with several human proteins, especially proteinases, but with relatively low probability. In turn, their bioactivity may be limited by their short half-life in the body.
Antioxidant compoundsand total antioxidant activity in fruits of acerola from cv. Flor Branca, Florida Sweet and BRS 366

Information on antioxidant properties at different ontological stages may help producers and food technologists to identify which cultivar and/or maturity stage are most adequate for their need, therefore this work aimed to study the changes in the antioxidant metabolism during acerola development. Fruit from cv. Flor Branca, BRS366 and Florida Sweet were harvested at different stages: immature green colored (I), physiologically mature with green color and maximum size (II), breaker (III) and full red ripe (IV). After harvest, fruits were selected, divided into four replications with 500 g each and evaluated regarding their titratable acidity, pH, soluble solids, total soluble sugar, vitamin C, polyphenol, anthocyanin, yellow flavonoid, total antioxidant activity and antioxidant enzyme activity. Anthocyanin and flavonoid were determined through LC-DAD-ESI/MS and all analysis followed a completely randomized factorial 3 x 4 design. Fruits of 'Florida Sweet' presented significantly higher soluble solids (9.46oBrix). Vitamin C content decreased during ripening, but ripe 'BRS 366' fruits showed the greatest values (1363 mg.100 g-1) and highest TAA with 42.36 µM TEAC.g-1FW. Cyanidin 3-rhamnoside (520.76 mg.100 g-1 DM) and quercetin 3-rhamnoside (33.72 mg.100 g-1 DM) were the most abundant anthocyanin and yellow flavonoids found mainly in 'Flor Branca' fruit of acerola, whose antioxidant enzymes activities were also higher. Ripe 'Florida Sweet' fruit presents a great potential for fresh consumption, meanwhile physiologically mature 'BRS 366' fruit seems the best option for the bioactive compounds processing industry. As 'Flor Branca' fruit of acerola kept the highest activity levels, it could be an indicative of greater potential for postharvest conservation.
Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields Exposure Measurement during Lessons in Elementary Schools

Schools are an important place for children’s exposure to electromagnetic fields, which may cause adverse health effects. To better understand environmental extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MFs) exposure among elementary school students, we measured numeric values of ELF-MFs in five classrooms at four schools during digital learning class hours. The measurement of ELF-MFs was taken with an EMDEX II field analyzer. Specifically, we examined the level of exposure to ELF-MFs for each student’s seating position in the classroom. The results showed that ELF-MFs exposure levels were lower than those in the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection guidelines; however, there were significant differences in the level of magnetic field exposure at each school and at each student’s seat. The exposure to ELF-MFs at students’ seat positions was mostly caused by electrical appliances, electronic wiring, and distribution boxes, but the exposure level decreased as the distance increased. Therefore, it is important to design safe and appropriate environments for digital learning in schools, such as proper seating arrangements, to avoid ELF-MFs exposure to students as much as possible. Future studies should measure ELF-MFs levels in other areas and investigate the effects of exposure to ELF-MFs during school hours on children’s health.
The Diverse Roles of Monocytes in Cryptococcosis

Monocytes are considered to play a central role in the pathogenesis of Cryptococcus neoformans infection. Monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages and dendritic cells are key components for the control of infection, but paradoxically they can also contribute to detrimental host responses and may even support fungal proliferation and dissemination. Simultaneously, the C. neoformans polysaccharide capsule can impair the functions of monocytes. Although monocytes are often seen as simple precursor cells, they also function as independent immune effector cells. In this review, we summarize these monocyte-specific functions during cryptococcal infection and the influence of C. neoformans on monocyte responses. We also cover the most recent findings on the functional and phenotypic heterogeneity of monocytes and discuss how new advanced technologies provide a platform to address outstanding questions in the field.
A Cross-Sectional Retrospective Study of Non-Splenectomized and Never-Treated Patients with Type 1 Gaucher Disease

Patients with type 1 Gaucher disease (GD1) present thrombocytopenia, anemia, organomegaly, and bone complications. Most experts consider that the less aggressive forms do not require specific treatment. However, little is known about the disease course of these forms. The objective of this cross-sectional retrospective study was to compare the clinical, radiological, and laboratory characteristics of patients with less severe GD1 at diagnosis and at the last evaluation to identify features that might lead to potential complications. Non-splenectomized and never-treated patients (19 women and 17 men) were identified in the French Gaucher Disease Registry (FGDR). Their median age was 36.6 years (2.4–75.1), and their median follow-up was 7.8 years (0.4–32.4). Moreover, 38.7% were heterozygous for the GBA1 N370S variant, and 22.6% for the GBA1 L444P variant. From diagnosis to the last evaluation, GD1 did not worsen in 75% of these patients. Some parameters improved (fatigue and hemoglobin concentration), whereas platelet count and chitotriosidase level remained stable. In one patient (2.7%), Lewy body dementia was diagnosed at 46 years of age. Bone lesion onset was late and usually a single event in most patients. This analysis highlights the genotypic heterogeneity of this subgroup, in which disease could remain stable and even improve spontaneously. It also draws attention to the possible risk of Lewy body disease and late onset of bone complications, even if isolated, to be confirmed in larger series and with longer follow-up.
Impact of drought on desert shrubs : Effects of seasonality and degree of resource island development

Large areas of semiarid grasslands in the southwestern United States have been virtually replaced by shrubs during the past century. Understanding the causes and consequences of such vegetation dynamics requires that we elucidate the interplay between external forces of change (e.g., climate, human impacts) and the internal forces within these ecosystems that foster resilience and/or stability. Several conceptual models of arid ecosystems address this interplay by including the potential role of autogenic shrub effects on ecosystem processes, which lead to the formation of “resource islands” and tend to promote shrub persistence. Specifically, during the process of shrub establishment and maturation, the cycling of nutrients is progressively confined to the zones of litter accumulation beneath shrubs, while bare intershrub spaces become increasingly nutrient poor. As shrub resource islands develop, there is increased interception and stemflow by shrub canopies, confining infiltration of nutrient-enriched .
Characterization of Stream Benthic Communities Using Substrate-Filled Trays: Colonization, Variability, and Sampling Selectivity

ABSTRACT This research examined colonization rate, variability and sampling selectivity of substrate-filled trays collected from six streams (second-sixth order) in Virginia and West Virginia. The length of time required to obtain equilibrium communities in trays varied among streams. Community composition in a second order stream was highly variable among days. In contrast, benthic communities collected from fourth and sixth order streams after 18–20 d colonization were similar to those collected on day 30. These results suggest that longer colonization periods may be necessary to characterize the benthic communities of small streams. Sampling selectivity of substrate-filled trays was examined by comparing relative abundance of dominant taxa in trays and in a natural substrate sampler (0.1 m2 Hess sampler). Trays were selective for collector-filterers, which comprised 19–73% of total individuals; however, most dominant taxa present in the natural substrate were also present in trays. Sampling variability.