Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of the Point Mutation in Growth Differentiation Factor 9 Gene in Awassi Sheep Oocytes on Sterility and Fertility

Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) is play a critical role in ovarian follicular development and ovulation rate. The present research was performed to investigate the correlation between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of GDF9 gene and reproductive performance such as fertility, sterility and follicles condition in Awassi breed. Forty pairs of ovaries from total 40 slaughtered Iraqi Awassi ewes were used in this study. Ovaries (20 n) were picked up from sterile ewes and another 20 gathered from fertile ewes. Genomic DNA was extracted from each ovary of the two groups and PCR-sequencing was applied to detect GDF9 gene polymorphism. Follicles and oocytes evaluation of samples (40 n) were done in each ovary and then compared with the genotyping. Furthermore, the histological and microscopic evaluations were performed for 40 ovarian tissues of the two groups. The sequence analysis revealed that there exist three SNPs in exon I; T(114)C, G(129)R and G(199)A, the 1st two were silent mutation and the last mutation was missense responsible for a glutamic acid →lysine substitution at position 67. In sterile ewes, the current study appeared higher significant increased (P<0.01) in GG genotypes at G(129)R locus and AA at locus G(199)A and significant increased (P<0.05) in CC genotype in T(114)C locus. Likewise, GA in G(129)R locus, GG genotypes in locus G(199)A reported higher significant increment (P<0.01), TT genotype in locus T(114)C recorded significantly increased (P<0.05) in fertile ewes. The GA and GG genotypes were recorded significant increased (P<0.05) in percentage of follicles (4-8mm) and oocytes number for G(129)R and G(199)A locus as compared with wild GG and mutant AA respectively, while non-significant differences were recorded between CC and TT genotype at T(114)C locus. The histological examination revealed a hypoplasia in ovarian tissue of sterile ewes accompanied with fibrous connective tissue invasion with follicles degeneration, whilst in fertile ewes; the ovarian tissues was normal with a presence of numerous corpus albicans and degenerative corpus leutium. This study concluded that the homozygote mutation is reported to be in fertile and minimizing number of follicles and oocyte (sterility), whilst the heterozygote mutation shows strong association with fertile Awassi ewes.
The sound of silence in association football: Home advantage and referee bias decrease in matches played without spectators

Abstract The home advantage and unconscious referee bias are two well-documented phenomena in professional sports, especially in association football. Among the various factors determining them, the crowd noise is considered as one of the most relevant; yet, the majority of previous studies could not isolate its contribution. The possibility to study the effects of crowd noise – or, better, of its absence – in an ecological context was given by the matches played behind closed doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether home advantage and referee bias still occur (and to what extent) during matches played in absence of spectators. In particular, the focus was on the first and second divisions of the top four countries in the UEFA ranking, for a total of 841 matches behind closed doors. The hypothesis was that, if these phenomena are largely due to the effect of crowd noise, the absence of spectators should reduce their occurrence. Various parameters for each of the two phenomena were considered, and the analyses revealed a reduction of home advantage and the absence of referee bias. The results bring further support to the claim that, among all the factors contributing to home advantage and referee bias, crowd noise has a relevant role. Thus, spectators can significantly contribute to determine the dynamics and the outcomes of professional football matches.
Berberine represses β-catenin translation involving 4E-BPs in hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin axis occurs in several gastrointestinal malignancies due to inactivating mutations of APC (in colorectal cancer) or activating mutations of β-catenin itself (in hepatocellular carcinoma [HCC]). These lead to β-catenin stabilization, increase in β-catenin/TCF-mediated transcriptional activation and target gene expression, many of which are involved in tumor progression. While studying pharmaceutical agents that can target β-catenin in cancer cells, we observed that the plant compound berberine (BBR), a potent activator of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), can reduce β-catenin expression and downstream signaling in HCC cells in a dose dependent manner. More in depth analyses to understand the mechanism revealed that BBR-induced reduction of β-catenin occurs independently of AMPK activation, and does-not involve transcriptional or post-translational mechanisms. Pretreatment with protein synthesis inhibitor Cycloheximide antagonized BBR-induced β-catenin reduction, suggesting that BBR affects β-catenin translation. BBR treatment also antagonized mTOR activity, and was associated with increased recruitment of eIF4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) in the translational complex, as revealed by m7-cap-binding assays, suggesting inhibition of cap-dependent translation. Interestingly, knocking down 4E-BP1 and -2 significantly attenuated BBR-induced reduction of β-catenin levels and expression of its downstream target genes. Moreover, cells with 4E-BP knockdown were resistant to BBR-induced cell death, and were re-sensitized to BBR following pharmacological inhibition of β-catenin. Our findings indicate that BBR antagonizes β-catenin pathway by inhibiting β-catenin translation and mTOR activity and thereby reduces HCC cell survival. These also suggest that BBR could be utilized for targeting HCCs that express mutated/activated β-catenin variants that are currently undruggable. Significance Statement β-catenin signaling is aberrantly activated in different gastrointestinal cancers, including HCC, which is currently undruggable. In this study we describe a novel mechanism of targeting β-catenin translation via utilizing a plant compound BBR. Our findings provide a new avenue of targeting β-catenin axis in cancer, which can be utilized towards the designing of effective therapeutic strategies to combat β-catenin-dependent cancers.
The role of inhibitory control and decision-making in the course of Internet gaming disorder

Abstract Background and aims Internet gaming disorder (IGD) is associated with impaired inhibitory control and more impulsive decision-making. However, it remains unclear whether these associations are cross-sectional or predictive. We aimed to test the hypotheses that lower inhibitory control and more impulsive decision-making correlate with, are predicted by and predict more time spent on gaming and higher IGD severity. Methods A stratified convenience sample of 70 male participants (18–21 years) was recruited to achieve broad data variability for hours spent on gaming and IGD severity. In three annual assessments (T1, T2, T3), we measured gaming behaviour and IGD severity using the Video Game Dependency Scale (CSAS-II). Both gaming-related measures were correlates (T1), predictors (T2), or outcomes (T3) of inhibitory control and decision making, which were assessed at T2 using a go/no-go task and an intertemporal-choice task, respectively. Results Higher IGD severity at T1 predicted more impulsive decision-making at T2 (β = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.14–0.76). Lower inhibitory control at T2 predicted more hours spent on gaming at T3 (β = −0.13, 95% CI = −0.25 to −0.02). We found weak or no evidence for the other associations. Discussion and conclusions Lower inhibitory control predicts more time spent gaming, possibly due to insufficient top-down regulation of the behaviour. Impulsive decision-making is rather a consequence of IGD than a predictor, which may be due to altered reward learning. One-dimensional etiological assumptions about the relationship between neurocognitive impairments and IGD seem not to be appropriate for the complexity of the disorder.
Genetic Diversity of Apis spp. in Thailand Inferred from 28S rRNA Nuclear and Cytochrome b Mitochondrial Gene Sequences

Knowledge of the genetic diversity of Apis spp. is important in order to provide a better understanding of breeding strategies that relate to the conservation of wild species and colony survival of farmed species. Here, honeybees of five Apis species were collected from 12 provinces throughout Thailand. After DNA extraction, 28S rRNA nuclear (710 bp) and cytochrome b (cytb) mitochondrial (520 bp) gene fragments were sequenced. Homologous sequences (nucleotide identity of over 95%) were obtained from GeneBank using the BLASTn algorithm, aligned, and analysed by maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference phylogenetics. For 28S rRNA, a low genetic variation was detected within species (haplotype diversity ranging from 0.212 to 0.394), while 19 polymorphic sites were detected between species. Although the relative haplotype diversity was high, a low nucleotide divergence was found (0.7%), with migratory species. For cytb, the sequence divergence ranged from 0.24 to 3.88% within species and 7.35 to 13.07% between species. The divergence of cytb was higher than that of 28S rRNA. A. cerana showed two distinct clades between Southern Thailand and the other regions. Groups of A. cerana (Asian cavity-nesting), A. mellifera (European cavity-nesting), A. dorsata (giant open-nesting), and A. florea and A. andreniformis (dwarf bees) were defined in the 28S rRNA and cytb tree topologies.
Effects of High‐Dose Vitamin D Supplementation on Bone Fragility

In a timely and important 3-year, double-blind, randomized clinical trial of community-dwellingmale and female participants without vitamin D deficiency, Burt and colleagues found inverse dose–response associations of oral vitamin D supplementation (400, 4000, 10,000 IU per day) significantly with total volumetric bone mineral density (BMD) at radius and tibia measured by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography and nonsignificantly with bone strength (failure load) at both sites estimated by finite element analysis, specifically in females; calcium intake of participants during the trial was sufficient (approximately 1200 mg per day). Given that vitamin D affects skeletal mineralization through intestinal calcium absorption, the authors’ findings seem to be consistent with several lines of evidence suggesting a negative, rather than positive, link between calcium/vitamin D status and bone health in the general population. For example, Mendelian randomization analyses showed that there was a trend between increased serum calcium concentrations by a single-nucleotide polymorphism of rs1570669 near CYP24A1 that encode vitamin D 24-hydroxylase and decreased estimated BMD derived from quantitative ultrasound, and serum calcium concentrations were inversely related to areal BMD measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry independently of circulating levels of vitamin D, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone. On the other hand, the nonsignificant findings of bone strength even in females could be influenced not only by the relatively lower sensitivity of finite element analysis as pointed out by the authors but also by a homeostatic system in the skeleton because bones would normally adapt to mechanical environment through control of bone strength by their resultant elastic deformation (strain). In long bones, cortical compartment might become more responsible for the mechanical strain-related homeostatic system with age compared with trabecular compartment and in the current study the reduced total volumetric BMD resulted from cortical, rather than trabecular, volumetric BMD among older adults. As has been previously discussed, bone quality and quantity can be potentially compensated by each other according to the adaptation to mechanical strain, which may be through changes in mineral composition, organization, and shape of bone. The quality and quantity of bone impact stiffness and strain of the tissue and consequently skeletal fragility. The adaptation to mechanical strain is therefore likely to cause smaller adverse effects of high-dose vitamin D supplementation on bone fragility versus volumetric BMD. Nevertheless, I fully agree with the authors that high-dose vitamin D supplementation (≥4000 IU per day) is not recommended for skeletal health among generally healthy older adults with adequate vitamin D status; the recommended dietary allowance and the upper-level intake for vitamin D by the Institute of Medicine have been 800 and 4000 IU per day (600 and 4000 IU per day at 70 years old or younger), respectively.
Evolution of treatment paradigms in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: a review of real-world evidence

The aim of this work was to evaluate the contribution of real-world evidence (RWE) in changing anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapy treatment practices and improving real-world treatment strategies for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). A PubMed literature search was performed to review the large number of English-language studies conducted to investigate the real-world effectiveness of anti-VEGF (aflibercept and ranibizumab) treatment paradigms available for nAMD. The evidence for pro re nata (PRN), treat-and-extend (T&E) and fixed bimonthly dosing regimens for anti-VEGF treatment of nAMD were reviewed and findings are summarised. RWE demonstrated that T&E regimens optimise visual outcomes while reducing burden on patients, clinics and physicians, compared with both fixed-dose and PRN regimens. RWE has helped to develop and improve real-world treatment strategies in nAMD, with the aim of optimising visual outcomes and reducing treatment burden in clinical practice. Of the various regimens, a T&E regimen is most likely to adequately balance clinical outcomes and treatment burden for patients with nAMD.
Relationship Between the OF Classification and Radiological Outcome of Osteoporotic Vertebral Fractures After Kyphoplasty

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study. Objectives: The OF classification is a new classification for osteoporotic vertebral fractures. The aim of this study was to clarify the relationship between preoperative OF subgroups and the postoperative outcome after kyphoplasty in patients with such fractures. Methods: Patients who underwent kyphoplasty of a single osteoporotic vertebral fracture were included and divided into groups according to the OF subgroups. Pre- and postoperative plain radiographs were analyzed in regard to the restoration of vertebral body height and local kyphotic angle (LKA). Additionally, clinical data including pre- and postoperative Visual Analogue Scale pain scores was documented. The clinical and radiological results were compared pre- and postoperatively within groups and between groups. Results: A total of 156 patients from OF subgroups 2 to 4 were included (OF 2: n = 58; OF 3: n = 36; OF 4: n = 62). Patients from all groups experienced significant pain relief postoperatively (P < .001). Patients with OF 2 fractures showed a repositioning of the vertebral body height in the anterior and middle portions (both P < .001), but no significant improvement in LKA. For OF 3 and 4 fractures, there was a significant restoration of vertebral body height (P < .001 for both) and a significant improvement of LKA (P < .001 for both). The highest average restoration was noted in the OF 4 group. Conclusions: A higher OF subgroup is related to a higher radiological benefit from kyphoplasty. This confirms that the OF classification is an appropriate tool for the preoperative assessment of osteoporotic fractures.
Does organizational participation affect farmers' behavior in adopting the joint mechanism of pest and disease control? A study of Meixian County, Shaanxi Province.

In China, there are a lack of well-established relationships regarding farmers' behavior and participation in farmer organizations. The main objective of this study was to explore the effects and mechanisms of organizational participation in the joint control of pest and disease among kiwifruit growers (within the members of organizations). To fulfill this objective, this study utilized survey data from 577 kiwifruit growers collected from Meixian County, Shaanxi Province, China. A combined method utilizing the instrumental variable (IV) ordered probit and bootstrap multiple mediation effect models were employed to determine the effects of participation by farmers' organizations in the joint control of pest and disease among kiwifruit growers. RESULTS: A positive relationship was found between organizational participation and the joint control of pests and diseases. The empirical analysis of this study found that organizational support, organizational learning, and organizational norms have mediating effects in the process of farmers' participation in the joint control of pests and disease. It is essential to go beyond individual behavior and tackle group decision-making at the farm level. CONCLUSION: This study found a positive effect of organizational participation in joint pest and disease control mechanisms. Moreover, whether the farm is situated in the demonstration zone for kiwifruit cultivation, planting experience, planting area, whether there are people in the family who are village cadres, and the number of older adults in the family significantly positively affects the degree of pest and disease control. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Orthorexia nervosa is associated with positive body image and life satisfaction in Chinese elderly: Evidence for a positive psychology perspective.

OBJECTIVE Obsessive attention to healthy eating might paradoxically lead to physical and psychosocial impairments, a potential eating disorder termed orthorexia nervosa (ON). An ongoing debate concerns whether ON should be categorized as an eating disorder, an obsessive-compulsive disorder, or a mental disorder at all. A missing voice in this debate is ON in the elderly, which remains unknown, despite health being a more central issue in everyday life during old age. Similarly missing is ON in East Asia, which remains largely unexplored. METHOD The current study investigated ON in 313 Chinese elderly (M = 67.90, SD = 7.94) using the Chinese version of the Düsseldorf Orthorexia Scale (C-DOS). Questionnaires were used to measure traditional eating disorder symptomatology, body image (body dissatisfaction, body appreciation, and functionality appreciation), lifestyle behaviors (fruit and vegetable consumption and time spent on physical activity), and indexes of well-being (psychological distress, food-related quality of life, and life satisfaction). RESULTS ON symptoms were positively related to physical activity, fruit and vegetable (F&V) consumption, body appreciation, functionality appreciation, and life satisfaction, but negatively related to body dissatisfaction. Compared with those without ON, the elderly with ON scored higher on positive psychological/lifestyle measures but lower on negative psychological measures. DISCUSSION Contrary to the dominant characterization of ON as a variant of disordered eating, in Chinese elderly ON was associated with several positive lifestyle and psychological measures. Thus, ON in the elderly might not be viewed as a form of disordered eating but can be protective and beneficial.
A Forest Model Intercomparison Framework and Application at Two Temperate Forests Along the East Coast of the United States

State-of-the-art forest models are often complex, analytically intractable, and computationally expensive, due to the explicit representation of detailed biogeochemical and ecological processes. Different models often produce distinct results while predictions from the same model vary with parameter values. In this project, we developed a rigorous quantitative approach for conducting model intercomparisons and assessing model performance. We have applied our original methodology to compare two forest biogeochemistry models, the Perfect Plasticity Approximation with Simple Biogeochemistry (PPA-SiBGC) and Landscape Disturbance and Succession with Net Ecosystem Carbon and Nitrogen (LANDIS-II NECN). We simulated past-decade conditions at flux tower sites located within Harvard Forest, MA, USA (HF-EMS) and Jones Ecological Research Center, GA, USA (JERC-RD). We mined field data available from both sites to perform model parameterization, validation, and intercomparison. We assessed model performance using the following time-series metrics: Net ecosystem exchange, aboveground net primary production, aboveground biomass, C, and N, belowground biomass, C, and N, soil respiration, and species total biomass and relative abundance. We also assessed static observations of soil organic C and N, and concluded with an assessment of general model usability, performance, and transferability. Despite substantial differences in design, both models achieved good accuracy across the range of pool metrics. While LANDIS-II NECN showed better fidelity to interannual NEE fluxes, PPA-SiBGC indicated better overall performance for both sites across the 11 temporal and two static metrics tested (HF-EMS R 2 ¯ = 0.73 , + 0.07 , R M S E ¯ = 4.68 , − 9.96 ; JERC-RD R 2 ¯ = 0.73 , + 0.01 , R M S E ¯ = 2.18 , − 1.64 ). To facilitate further testing of forest models at the two sites, we provide pre-processed datasets and original software written in the R language of statistical computing. In addition to model intercomparisons, our approach may be employed to test modifications to forest models and their sensitivity to different parameterizations.
ARTIFICIAL RECHARGE OF CONFINED AND UNCONFINED AQUIFER UTILIZING MULTIPLE WELLS SYSTEM IN ARID AREAS

The economic development and the rapid growth rate in various development sectors are dependent on the availability of water resources. This will lead to stress on water resources, which is already scarce, so it must be managed within a context of integrated water resources management. More storage of water upstream of dams and especially in aquifers via artificial recharge is necessary to save water in times of water floods for use in times of droughts. To enhance ground water recharge upstream of dams, a group of injection wells is usually installed. This group of recharge wells is located near each other, their cone of recharge curves intersect with their radius of influence. Thus, the total capacity of recharge is decreased due to the interference. The wells arrangement may be in row or at the vertices of an equilateral triangle or at the vertices of a square shape. In this study, the optimum arrangement, spacing and number of that wells are investigated to achieve maximum possible recharge quantity for both confined and unconfined aquifer. Five different wells arrangement are studied. It was found from this study that the wells arrangement and spacing have a significant effect on the wells recharge capacity.
Faces of clinical pain: Inter‐individual facial activity patterns in shoulder pain patients

Facial activity during pain is composed of varying combinations of a few elementary facial responses (so‐called Action Units). A previous study of experimental pain showed that these varying combinations can be clustered into distinct facial activity patterns of pain. In the present study, we examined whether comparable facial activity patterns can also be identified among people suffering from clinical pain; namely, shoulder pain.