Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative effects of theobromine and Cocoa Bean Shell (CBS) extract on the performance, serum constituent profile and physiological parameters in rabbits

The effects of theobromine and an extract of cocoa bean shell (CBS) on performance, serum constituent and physiological parameters were compared in rabbits. Synthetic theobromine (300mg/kg) and theobromine from CBS extract (3000mg/kg) were administered through oral gavage for 10 days. Synthetic theobromine and theobromine from CBS caused significant (p 0.05) effect on Na+, K+ and total protein. Synthetic theobromine induced significant (p Keywords : Synthetic theobromine, CBS extract, rabbits Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences Vol. 14 (3) 2008: pp. 253-256
Draft genome of the famous ornamental plant Paeonia suffruticosa

Abstract Tree peony (Paeonia Sect. Moutan) is a famous ornamental plant, with huge historical, cultural, and economic significance worldwide. In this study, we reported the ~13.79 Gb draft genome of a wide‐grown Paeonia suffruticosa cultivar “Luo shen xiao chun,” representing the largest sequenced genome in dicots to date. Phylogenetic analyses based on genome sequences demonstrated that P. suffruticosa was placed as sister to Vitales, and they together formed a clade that was sister to Rosids, weakly supporting a relationship of ((Saxifragales and Vitales) and Rosids). The identification and expression analysis of MADS‐box genes based on the genome assembly and de novo transcriptome assembly of P. suffruticosa revealed that the function of C class genes was restricted in flower development, which might be responsible for the stamen petalody in tree peony cultivars. Overall, the first sequenced genome in the family Paeoniaceae provides an important resource for the origin, domestication, and evolutionary study as well as cultivar breeding in tree peony.
Primary Production in Lakes Ontario and Erie: A Comparative Study

Primary production values in Lake Ontario were low in winter, reached a maximum in midspring, declined during summer, and slightly increased in fall. Rate of increase of production for inshore waters (< 20 m depth) was greater especially in spring and early summer with a greater maximum reached earlier than in offshore waters. Assimilation numbers, mgC fixed/mg chlorophyll a per hour, in Lake Ontario were fairly constant over the lake with a yearly range of 1.2–1.6. Primary production showed a linear relationship to chlorophyll a concentration, as also occurred in Lake Erie.Lake Erie primary production varied in its three basins. Seasonally, in the Eastern Basin, production was highest in spring with a midsummer decline, and small peaks in fall. The Western Basin had a maximum in midsummer whereas the Central Basin had peaks in late summer and early fall. Assimilation numbers were highest in the Western Basin (up to 3.5 mgC/mg chlorophyll a per hour) and lowest in the mid-Central Basin and Eastern Basin w.
THE PREDICTORS OF SMOKING STATUS AMONG SLOVAK SCHOOL CHILDREN

The aims of this study were to explore (i) the incidence of risk factors associated with the change of the current smoking status from a non-smoker to a smoker among Slovak schoolchildren, (ii) the effect of the European school-based social influence intervention program Unplugged on the change in smoking status among schoolchildren using follow-up testing, (iii) the direct and indirect effects of parental knowledge change regarding children’s behavior on the change of the current smoking status through the change in normative beliefs, as well as through the change in availability of cigarettes when an 18 month period was considered. The most powerful predictors of change in smoking status were a higher level of normative beliefs and availability of cigarettes. The effect of the Unplugged intervention on the change in pupils’ smoking status was not found. The indirect effect of the decrease in parental knowledge on the change in smoking status through the increase in normative beliefs, as well as through the increase in the availability of cigarettes was found when the period between T1 and T2 was considered.
Ecological speciation in European whitefish is driven by a large‐gaped predator

Lake‐dwelling fish that form species pairs/flocks characterized by body size divergence are important model systems for speciation research. Although several sources of divergent selection have been identified in these systems, their importance for driving the speciation process remains elusive. A major problem is that in retrospect, we cannot distinguish selection pressures that initiated divergence from those acting later in the process. To address this issue, we studied the initial stages of speciation in European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) using data from 358 populations of varying age (26–10,000 years). We find that whitefish speciation is driven by a large‐growing predator, the northern pike (Esox lucius). Pike initiates divergence by causing a largely plastic differentiation into benthic giants and pelagic dwarfs: ecotypes that will subsequently develop partial reproductive isolation and heritable differences in gill raker number. Using an eco‐evolutionary model, we demonstrate how pike's habitat specificity and large gape size are critical for imposing a between‐habitat trade‐off, causing prey to mature in a safer place or at a safer size. Thereby, we propose a novel mechanism for how predators may cause dwarf/giant speciation in lake‐dwelling fish species.
Even more to handle: Additional sources of stress and trauma for clients from marginalized racial and ethnic groups in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT In addition the general stressors occurring as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals who are members of marginalized racial or ethnic minority groups in the United States may face additional stressors, such as pandemic-related, racially-based prejudice and discrimination and the magnification of pre-existing health disparities and their effects. Such stressors may increase pandemic-related and general health risks both directly and indirectly and increase the risk for both general and traumatic stress. These stressors and their historical and social contexts are discussed, and implications for clinicians are provided.
Proteomic assessment of an established technique for carboxysome enrichment from Synechococcus PCC7942

Carboxysomes are protein-bound, polyhedral microbodies within cyanobacteria, containing the key enzyme for photosynthetic CO2 fixation, ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (Rubisco). Sequencing of cyanobacterial genomes has revealed that cyanobacteria possess one or other of two types of carboxysomes. Cyanobacteria containing form 1A Rubisco possess α-carboxysomes, while those with form 1B Rubisco possess β- carboxysomes. Given the central importance of carboxysomes in the CO2-concentrating mechanism of cyanobacteria, understanding the nature and composition of these structures is of considerable importance. In an effort to develop techniques for the characterization of the structure of β-carboxysomes, particularly the outer protein shell, we have un- dertaken a proteomic assessment of the Percoll-Mg 2+ carboxysome enrichment technique using the freshwater cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. PCC7942. Both matrix-assisted laser desorption-ionization - time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and multidimensional protein identification technology (MuDPIT) methods were used to determine the protein content of a novel carboxysome-rich fraction. A total of 17 proteins were identified using MALDI-TOF MS from enriched carboxysome preparations, while 122 proteins were identified using MuDPIT analysis on the same material. The carboxysomal protein CcmM was identified by MALDI-TOF MS as two distinct proteins of 38 and 58 kDa. The only other carboxysomal proteins identified were the large and small subunits of Rubisco (RbcL and RbcS). Reasons for the lack of evidence for the expected full complement of carboxysomal proteins and future di- rections are discussed.
Record of Argyrodiaptomus bergi (Crustacea: Copepoda: Calanoida) after 36 years and first record in Brazil

The first record of Argyrodiaptomus bergi (Richard, 1897) from a small roadside pool at high altitude in the southern region of Brazil is presented. This is the ninth record of this species in South America (previously known from Argentina and Uruguay) since its original description, and a new occurrence after 36 years, extending its known distribution to the northeast. The environments where this species was found differ sharply, and possible explanations include the loss of habitat, high species selectivity or deficient sampling efforts. An additional description is provided, with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photomicrographs and line drawings. Similarly to other species of Argyrodiaptomus, such as Argyrodiaptomus falcifer (Daday, 1905), Argyrodiaptomus denticulatus (Pesta, 1927) and Argyrodiaptomus granulosus (Brehm, 1933), this species shows a restricted distribution in the lower stretches of the Parana and Uruguay rivers, particularly in small pools. The importance of better understanding the dynamics and diversity of small water bodies is discussed.
Spatial relations between shrubs and Prosopis glandulosa canopies

Abstract. Prosopis glandulosa, an arborescent legume, may act as a nurse plant that facilitates the establishment of other woody species. We hypothesized that attenuation of radiant energy and increased soil nutrients beneath P. glandulosa canopies facilitate establishment of subordinate shrubs and shrub cluster development. We determined the spatial distribution pattern of shrubs under P. glandulosa at three locations in southern Texas. Density of Celtis pallida, Zanthoxylum fagara, and total woody plants were comparable among the four cardinal directions at each location, which countered the prediction that shrub density would be greater on the north side of P. glandulosa canopies if attenuation of solar energy was a factor in cluster development. Total woody plant density increased with increasing P. glandulosa basal diameter, canopy radius, and height only at one location. Total woody plant density decreased with increasing total N in the upper 15 cm of soil at two of the three locations. Late in shrub cluster development, extraction of N from the soil and incorporation of N into plant tissue in dense shrub clusters may operate to inhibit further increases in subordinate shrub density.
Hydraulic Geometry: A Geomorphic Design Tool for Tidal Marsh Channel Evolution in Wetland Restoration Projects

Empirical hydraulic geometry relationships for tidal marsh channels are a practical geomorphically based design tool that can assist in the planning of tidal wetland restoration projects. This study provides hydraulic geometry relationships for predicting the depth, width, and cross‐sectional area of mature tidal channels as functions of contributing marsh area or tidal prism. The relationships are based on data from San Francisco Bay coastal salt marshes ranging in size from 2 to 5,700 ha. These hydraulic geometry relationships refine and expand on earlier relationships. Relationships for mature marshes can be used to predict the direction and rate of evolution of a channel in an immature or perturbed marsh system. Channel evolution data for three youthful tidal channels, ages 4 to 13 years, suggest that the channels are converging on their predicted equilibrium morphology. Two channels are eroding in response to significant increases in upstream tidal prism. They have enlarged first by deepening, in one case after 13 years to beyond the predicted equilibrium depth, and then widening through slumping of the channel banks. The third channel, a new one forming in a depositional mudflat, is converging on its equilibrium morphology after 13 years but will likely take several decades to equilibrate.
The Cenozoic Gonyaulacacean Dinoflagellate Genera Operculodinium Wall, 1967 and Protoceratium Bergh, 1881 and Their Phylogenetic Relationships

Abstract To clarify the systematic positions of the important gonyaulacacean genera Operculodinium Wall, 1967 emend. Matsuoka et al., 1997 and Protoceratium Bergh, 1881, we present in detail the tabulation of the Oligocene–Pleistocene, thermophilic, cyst-defined species Operculodinium bahamense Head in Head and Westphal, 1999 emend. , and the extant, cosmopolitan, theca-defined species Protoceratium reticulatum (Claparède and Lachmann, 1859) Bütschli, 1885. Both species have a sexiform hyposomal tabulation, and L-type (Protoceratium reticulatum) or modified L-type (Operculodinium bahamense) ventral organization. Protoceratium reticulatum has dextral torsion of the hypotheca, requiring assignation of the genus to the subfamily Cribroperidinioideae Fensome et al., 1993, whereas Operculodinium bahamense has neutral torsion requiring assignation to the subfamily Leptodinioideae Fensome et al., 1993. The stratigraphic range of this subfamily is now extended upwards to the lower Pleistocene. Paradoxically, Protoceratium reticulatum produces a cyst whose morphology is circumscribed by the cyst-defined genus Operculodinium, either implying polyphyletic origins for this genus or that combinations of ventral organization and torsion used to subdivide the family Gonyaulacaceae cannot always be applied rigidly. In detail, Operculodinium bahamense is shown to have an unusual ventral tabulation in which the first apical plate contacts the apical pore complex but not the sulcus. The new term “episert” is proposed to describe this plate relationship, which appears to have evolved independently in several lineages of the suborder Gonyaulacineae.
In- vivo protection of group A β-haemolytic streptococci from penicillin by β-lactamase-producing Bacteroides species

: The incidence of persistent group A beta-haemolytic streptococci in tonsils, despite penicillin therapy, has increased in recent years. beta-Lactamase-producing organisms have previously been recovered from 74% of patients with persisting group A streptococci. We investigated the possibility that beta-lactamase-producing strains of Bacteroides spp. can protect streptococci from penicillin. A mixed infection was induced in mice in the form of a subcutaneous abscess involving a penicillin-susceptible group A streptococcus, and a beta-lactamase-producing strain of either Bact. melaninogenicus or Bact. fragilis. The infected animals were treated for seven days with parenteral penicillin, penicillin and clavulanic acid or clindamycin. Penicillin treatment prevented the formation of abscesses in animals inoculated with group A streptococci alone, but not in those inoculated with group A streptococci and Bacteroides spp. We attributed this resistance to penicillin therapy, and the subsequent formation of abscesses in mice, to protection of the streptococci from penicillin by beta-lactamase-producing strains of Bacteroides spp. Effective therapy for mixed infections was achieved when clavulanic acid, a beta-lactamase inhibitor, was administered with penicillin. A similar effect was noted with clindamycin, which is active against both group A streptococci and Bacteroides spp.
Effect of Positioning during Suctioning on Cerebral Perfusion Pressure among Patients with Traumatic Brain Injury

Background: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Patients with TBI may need mechanical ventilation because they cannot clear their airway secretions due to decreased consciousness, loss of laryngeal reflexes and an inability to cough. Endotracheal suctioning is important and needed in mechanically ventilated patients for airway clearance, improvement of oxygenation and prevention of atelectasis and infection. However, endotracheal suctioning is an invasive procedure and adversely affects some physiological indicators, such BP, PaO2, O2 saturation, HR, ICP and CPP. Aim: To examine the effect of positioning during endotracheal suctioning on cerebral perfusion pressure among mechanically ventilated patients with traumatic brain injury. Design: A quasi-experimental design (Study-Control) was used. Setting: The current study was conducted at the neurosurgical ICUs in Menoufia University Hospital and the teaching hospital in Shebin AL Khom. Sample: A convenient sample of 100 mechanically ventilated patients with traumatic brain injury were recruited from the neurosurgical ICUs. Tools: A Semi Structured Demographic Sheet; Physiological Measures Recording Sheet including CPP; MAP; CVP and Oxygenation as indicated by ABGs values; and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS). Results: There was a highly statistically significant increase in CPP (84.30± 6.35, 74.80±8.20) in the study group compared with the control group after endotracheal suctioning and elevating head of bed (HOB) at 30 degrees respectively (P=0.001). Furthermore, there was a statistically significant increase in PaO2 (88. 57±11.50; 73.57±11.24) in the study group compared to the control group after suctioning respectively (P<.05). Also, there was a statistically significant increase in SaO2 (97.43± 2.88, 88.67± 1.72) in the study group compared to the control group after suctioning respectively (P<.05). Recommendations: Initiate the development of clinical practice guidelines for critical care nurses to use head of bed elevation of 30 degrees as routine care during endotracheal suctioning to improve cerebral pressure perfusion and oxygenation for patients with traumatic brain injury.
Factors and survival of exclusive breastfeeding in preterm infants upon discharge at six months of age

Introduction and objective : Reducing the neonatal mortality rate in half is an objective proposed by WHO for the year 2025 through coverage strategies from the prenatal stage, delivery, birth, and hospitalization, one of these low-cost strategies is exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in preterm infants, that contributes to the prevention of neonatal mortality, a population that contributes in the first place to neonatal mortality. The objective of this study was to identify the frequency and survival of exclusive breastfeeding and related factors in premature infants of two referral hospitals, one of them certified as Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI). Methods : Follow-up study of 111 premature infants after hospital discharge with equivalent corrected age among hospitals: BFHI 36.1 ± 1.6; non-BFHI (nBFHI) 36.4 ± 1.8 weeks ( p ≥ .05). Data collection carried out from February 2016 to March 2017, through records in clinical files and surveys of mothers upon hospital discharge and by telephone during follow-up after 15 days post-discharge, 3, and 6 months of extrauterine life. Kaplan-Meier analysis to determine breastfeeding survival over time, and with Pearson’s r with significance p ≤ . 05, the relation was established between EBF with sociodemographic, perinatal, and clinical status factors of the child. Results : Urban maternal origin (68.1%), maternal age (25.7 ± 7.9 years), schooling < 12 years (56.6%). EBF upon discharge on 45/111 dyads (40.5%), 15 days post-discharge 35/73 (47.9%), third month 23/61 (37.7%) and sixth month 7/44 (15.9%). EBF survival was 15 days post-discharge, at this cut-off point, among the correlated factors are: “having received guidance to use Exclusive Breastfeeding until the sixth month of extrauterine life of the premature child” positively correlated with EBF ( r = 0.294, p ≤ .05), “the maternal perception that her milk dried” correlated negatively with EBF ( r = -0.313, p ≤ .01), if “breastfeeding caused anxiety to the mother” it positively correlated with artificial feeding (AF) ( r = 0.237, p ≤ .05). Conclusions : Exclusive breastfeeding in premature infants is below WHO standard, it is favorably related to maternal orientation, and barriers are maternal perceptions of non-milk supply and anxiety. It could be encouraged through actions carried out in hospitals certified with the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative and follow up with post-discharge breastfeeding at least to the sixth month of life of premature infants. Similar studies should establish better monitoring mechanisms to avoid losses during the follow-up.
Simulating the effects of climate change on the carbon balance of North American high‐latitude forests

The large magnitude of predicted warming at high latitudes and the potential feedback of ecosystems to atmospheric CO2 concentrations make it important to quantify both warming and its effects on high‐latitude carbon balance. We analysed long‐term, daily surface meteorological records for 13 sites in Alaska and north‐western Canada and an 82‐y record of river ice breakup date for the Tanana River in interior Alaska. We found increases in winter and spring temperature extrema for all sites, with the greatest increases in spring minimum temperature, average 0.47 °C per 10 y, and a 0.7‐day per 10 y advance in ice breakup on the Tanana River. We used the climate records to drive an ecosystem process model, BIOME_BGC, to simulate the effects of climate change on the carbon and water balances of boreal forest ecosystems. The growing season has lengthened by an average of 2.6 days per 10 y with an advance in average leaf onset date of 1.10 days per 10 y. This advance in the start of the active growing season correlates positively with progressively earlier ice breakup on the Tanana River in interior Alaska. The advance in the start of the growing season resulted in a 20% increase in net primary production for both aspen (Populus tremuloides) and white spruce (Picea glauca) stands. Aspen had a greater mean increase in maintenance respiration than spruce, whereas spruce had a greater mean increase in evapotranspiration. Average decomposition rates also increased for both species. Both net primary production and decomposition are enhanced in our simulations, suggesting that productive forest types may not experience a significant shift in net carbon flux as a result of climate warming.
Oxalic Acid and Calcium Determination in Wild Edible Plants

The contents of oxalic acid and calcium in several wild edible plants were analyzed. Oxalic acid was determined by an espectrophotometric method based on the decrease of absorbance at 335 nm due to the dissociation of the zirconium(IV)−chloranilate complex, consecutive to the addition of oxalic acid. Calcium was determined by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results show the absence of this acid in two of the studied plants: hoary cress (Cardaria draba (L.) Desv. ) and vervain (Verbena officinalis L.). Also noticeable is the high content of oxalic acid in goosefoot (Chenopodium album L.), with a range of values from 360 to 2000 mg/100 g of fresh weight, and the high ratio (oxalic acid/calcium) in curly dock (Rumex crispus L.), with a mean value of 32. Keywords: Oxalic acid; calcium; antinutritive substance; wild edible plants
Optimal Foraging? Patch Use by Horned Lizards (Iguanidae: Phrynosoma)

The theoretical works of Charnov (1976) and McNair (1982) provide predictions concerning the optimal timing of departure from resource patches. (1) Foragers should depart patches when their rate of harvesting in that patch has fallen to the average rate of harvesting for the habitat as a whole; (2) foragers should stay longer and stay to harvest more food items in the "better" of two patches. I tested these predictions in the field by observing horned lizards foraging for ants in "patches" at or near ant colony entrances. I conclude that (1) the behavior of horned lizards is generally consistent with the first prediction; and (2) the second prediction is not met if foraging bouts are compared over their full duration, but is met if the test criteria are relaxed (an optimal solution is no longer guaranteed) so that colonies are only compared at a threshold, the lower of the residence times or the lower of the total yields, and if I disregarded foraging bouts that were apparently terminated for reasons unrelated to energy maximization. I conclude that horned lizards forage more efficiently than they would if they foraged at random (i.e., adaptively), but not as predicted by McNair's model.