Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of CXCL12/CXCR4/CXCR7 axis on human sperm motility and chemotaxis

Mammalian spermatozoa undergo a series of functional changes in the female genital tract before they can fertilize oocytes. Chemokines and their receptors are involved in these complex biological events. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms on the modulation of chemokines on spermatozoa still need to be elucidated. CXCL12, a chemokine, has been widely studied in leukocyte migration and. Here we found that CXCL12 was existent in human cumulus cells and follicular fluid and its receptors CXCR4 and CXCR7 were co-expressed on human spermatozoa. We investigated the effects of CXCL12 on various biological functions of human sperm and which receptor plays a dominant role in these processes. We found that CXCL12 could promote human sperm chemotaxis, motility, penetration in the mucus, acrosome reaction and Ca2+ influx through CXCR4 rather than CXCR7. In addition, the simplified physical model reasonably explained the change of sperm velocity under the influence of CXCL12 concentration gradient, which was identical to their physiological motion patterns.
Moving by thoughts alone? Amount of finger movement and pendulum length determine success in the Chevreul Pendulum Illusion

Hand-held pendulums can seemingly oscillate on their own, without perceived conscious control. This illusion, named after Chevreul, is likely a result of ideomotor movements. While this phenomenon was originally assumed to have a supernatural basis, it has been accepted for over 150 years that the movements are self-generated. However, until now, recordings of the small movements that create these oscillations has not been performed. In this study, we examined the mechanism that produces these significant involuntary oscillations using a motion capture system. We determined that the Chevreul pendulum illusion is produced when the fingers holding the pendulum generate an oscillating frequency close to the resonant frequency of the pendulum. At an appropriate frequency, very small driving movements of the arm are sufficient to produce relatively large pendulum motion. Further, subjects that tended to move their fingers more were more successful in producing the illusion.
Mutations in Auxilin cause parkinsonism via impaired clathrin-mediated trafficking at the Golgi apparatus and synapse

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative motor disorder characterized in part by neuropathological lesions in the nigrostriatal pathway. Loss of function mutations in Auxilin, the major neuronal clathrin uncoating protein, cause an aggressive form of juvenile onset PD. How mutations in Auxilin cause PD, is currently not understood. Here, we generated a novel mouse model carrying an endogenous pathogenic Auxilin mutation that phenocopies neurological features observed in patients, including motor impairments and seizures. Unbiased mapping of the Auxilin interactome identified synaptic and Golgi-resident clathrin adaptor proteins as novel interactors. Impaired clathrin-mediated trafficking in mutant Auxilin mice, both at the Golgi and the synapse, results in neuropathological lesions in the nigrostriatal pathway. Collectively, these results provide molecular mechanisms of PD pathogenesis in Auxilin mutation carriers, reinforcing a key role for clathrin-mediated trafficking in PD, and expand our understanding of the cellular function of Auxilin.
STUDY ON THE PRESCRIBING PATTERNS OF DRUGS USED IN HEART FAILURE

Heart failure is the common cardiovascular diseases among people of south Asian Origin including Nepal. The prevalence of Heart failure increases with age and accounts for most of the adult hospital admissions. The objective of the study was to study the prescribing patterns of drugs used in the heart failure. The study included both the in-patients and outpatients conducted at 2 different hospitals inside the Kathmandu valley and one outside the valley, Dhulikhel. The period of study was nearly four months and the number of patients included was 156, which included total of 71 Males (52.59 %) and 64 Females (47.4%). Subjects of age groups 45-65 (45%) were found to be more susceptible to heart failure. Significant age, smoking & alcohol use, associated disease family history of disease related factors in the prevalence of heart failure were seen. The various drugs used frequently were, Diuretics, Cardiac glycosides, ACE-I, A II Receptor Blockers and Anti-Coagulants with respect to overall utilization. In the combination of drugs, was ACE-I +Diuretics + Digoxin was used most frequently. ACE-I was not appropriately prescribed as per the literature facts that they have various benefits in the treatment of congestive Heart failure and hence was underused. Ramipril, Lisinopril were also considered in the prescriptions in spite of their new entries. ARB, though similar in properties to the ACE accounts for a very small proportion of drug use profile, where high cost and lower availability may be accounted. Beta-blockers were also prescribed extensively.
Model complexity affects species distribution projections under climate change

Statistical species distribution models (SDMs) are the most common tool to predict the impact of climate change on biodiversity. They can be tuned to fit relationships at various levels of complexity (defined here as parameterization complexity, number of predictors, and multicollinearity) that may co‐determine whether projections to novel climatic conditions are useful or misleading. Here, we assessed how model complexity affects the performance of model extrapolations and influences projections of species ranges under future climate change.
Histological investigation on gonad maturation of cultured short fin eel, Anguilla bicolor (mcclelland, 1844) in captivity.

Anguilla bicolor or commonly known as a shortfin eel is a subspecies of eel in the genus of Anguilla and widely distributed in South East Asia. Present study reveals the first report of the early gonad development of cultured A. bicolor in captivity via histological analysis. The total length and body weight of A. bicolor were 511 to 614 mm and 209 to 420 g respectively. The result showed all specimens were female with no sign of male or intersexual stage. Through histological analysis, identified female were classified in 1) immature (n=3) by the presence of oogonia (O) and primary germ cell (PG) and also 2) developing stages (n=11) by the presence of previtellogemic-stages oocyte (PVO), oogonia (O) and cortical alveolar oocyte (CAO). Meanwhile, the fin difference index (FDI) and eye index (EI %) ranged from 0.55 to 3.89 % and 1.64 to 4.56% respectively. This study concludes smaller size (511 to 614 mm) of cultured A. bicolor is immature, while gonad maturation was already in developing stage for larger size (565-614 mm), hence these range of A. bicolor are still unable to be used as broodstock.
Translational readthrough goes unseen by natural selection

Occasionally during protein synthesis, the ribosome bypasses the stop codon and continues translation to the next stop codon in frame. This error is called translational readthrough (TR). Earlier research suggest that TR is a relatively common error, in several taxa, yet the evolutionary relevance of this translational error is still unclear. By analysing ribosome profiling data, we have conducted species comparisons between yeasts to infer conservation of TR between orthologs. Moreover, we infer the evolutionary rate of error prone and canonically translated proteins to deduct differential selective pressure. We find that about 40% of error prone proteins in Schizosaccharomyces pombe do not have any orthologs in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, but that 60% of error prone proteins in S. pombe are undergoing canonical translation in S. cerevisiae. Error prone proteins tend to have a higher GC-content in the 3’-UTR, unlike their canonically translated ortholog. We do not find the same trends for GC-content of the CDS. We discuss the role of 3’-UTR and GC-content regarding translational readthrough. Moreover, we find that there is neither selective pressure against or for TR. We suggest that TR is a near-neutral error that goes unseen by natural selection. We speculate that TR yield neutral protein isoforms that are not being purged. We suggest that isoforms, yielded by TR, increase proteomic diversity in the cell, which is readily available upon sudden environmental shifts and which therefore may become adaptive. Author Summary There is an evolutionary balance act between adaptation and selection against change. Any system needs to be able to adapt facing novel environmental conditions. Simultaneously, biological systems are under selection to maintain fitness and thus undergo selection against mutations. Phenotypic mutations - translational errors during protein synthesis - have been suggested to play a role in protein evolvability by enabling quick assessment of viable phenotypes and thus enable quick adaptation. Here we test this hypothesis, by inferring evolutionary rate of proteins prone to a specific case of phenotypic mutations: translational readthrough (TR). By making use of publicly available data of yeasts, we find that TR goes unseen by natural selection and appear as a neutral event. We suggest that TR goes unseen by selection and occurs as “permissive wallflowers”, which may become relevant and yield adaptive benefits. This work highlights that stochastic processes are not necessarily under stringent selection but may prevail. In conclusion, we suggest that TR is a neutral non-adaptive process that can yield adaptive benefits.
Plant–bacteria–soil response to frequency of simulated nitrogen deposition has implications for global ecosystem change

Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition, generally, has been simulated through a single or relatively few N applications per year for its ecological effect study. Despite the importance of timing in ecosystem processes, ecological experiments with more realistic N addition frequencies are rare. We employed a novel design with typical twice (2X) versus atypical monthly (12X) N applications per year to explore effects of N addition frequency on above‐ and below‐ground biodiversity and function. Each year, several response variables from either below‐ground or above‐ground growth, N status and cycling, or plant and bacterial diversity differed as a result of N addition frequency. BNPP showed a large frequency effect in the relatively moist year but not in the dry year. Nitrogen addition decreased root growth in the monthly relative to the biannual applications, which could be highly consequential for predicting changes in global carbon and nitrogen cycling. Simulated N deposition tended to perturb biodiversity, but it is noteworthy that 12X applications that spread N deposition more evenly through a year have much less negative impacts on plant and bacterial diversities than 2X amendments per year. Soil N mineralization rate in year 6 was much lower when N additions were monthly compared with a biannual amendment, especially when simulated N deposition was high. We have established that amendment frequency matters for understanding ecosystem response to N deposition. Experiments that more closely mimic the anthropogenic process of N deposition are needed to best assess ecosystem and potential global biogeochemical changes. A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Respuesta de soya (Glycine max (L) Merr) a la inoculación con Azospirillum y Bradyrhizobium

Azospirillum brasilense is a nitrogen-fixing plant growth promoting rhizobacterium with potential as biofertiliser for leguminous and non-leguminous plants. Agriculturally important crops, especially sugar cane, have been often inoculated with A. brasilense producing increases in growth parameters and yield in different soils and climatic regions. Sugar cane inoculated with A. brasilense has been grown in intercropping with legumes like beans and soybean. In field experiments of intercropping of sugarcane inoculated with A. brasilense and soybean carried out in Cuban soils, an increase in most of the growth parameters of sugarcane have been observed, but it is not known the effects produced on the other intercropped plant. This work analyzes the alterations in plant and nodule development, nitrogenase activity and colonization of roots by Azospirillum, in soybean inoculated with A. brasilense 8-INICA and Bradyrhizobium japonicum USDA-110. A. brasilense inoculation did not produced changes in the height and biomass of aerial parts of the plant or in nitrogenase activity in nodules. However increases in root and nodule biomass were detected with its inoculation. A. brasilense colonized root surface by adhesion to mucilaginous material where bacteria proliferate and are able to form microcolonies inside. The break caused by the emergence of a secondary root allowed the bacterium to enter in the intercellular spaces of plant root parenchyma and between epidermal root cells, allowing soybean root colonization. These results suggested that A. brasilense 8-INICA can live as an endophyte in soybean roots and could be a suitable candidate like inoculant of leguminous with agricultural purposes.
SCREENING OF LAGENARIA SICERARIA FRUITS FOR THEIR ANALGESIC ACTIVITY

The present study was taken to give the scientific validation of folklore medicinal use of Lagenaria siceraria. The analgesic activity of methanolic and aqueous extract of fruit of Lagenaria siceraria was evaluated using the tail immersion method in rats. The rats were evaluated for the pain threshold at a different interval of time up to 180 minutes. The methanolic extract shows a moderate activity at 180 min (3.97 ± 0.013) while aqueous extract shows a significant activity at 180 min (5.81 ± 0.006). The results support the traditional use of this plant in some painful and inflammatory conditions.
THE EFFECT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND BREEDER AGE ON EGG QUALITY CHARACTERISTICS

The study was carried out to investigate the effect of broiler breeder age (35 and 50 weeks), storage period (2 and 6 days) and storage type (cooling, 30 °C hot room and partially oil covered in a hot room 30 °C) and their interactions on egg quality traits and hatchability of the Ross-308 broiler breeder eggs. The experiment included the measurements of the egg quality characteristics in the research laboratory. The results obtained from this experiment were summarized as the following: Broiler breeder ages had significant (p ≤ 0.05) effects on some of the improved quality traits of the eggs such as: egg weight, albumin weight, yolk weight, haugh unit, yolk height, yolk index, hatchability and fertile egg hatchability percentage. Storage periods had significant (p ≤ 0.05) effects on the egg weight, albumin weight, haugh unit, yolk index, hatchability and fertile egg hatchability percentage. Storage types (conditions) had significant (p ≤ 0.05) effects on the egg weight, albumin weight, yolk weight, haugh unit, albumin and yolk percentage, albumin height, egg specific gravity and yolk height, yolk diameter, yolk index, hatchability and fertile egg hatchability percentage.
Qualidade (sensorial, microbiológica, físico-química e parasitológica) de salmão (salmo-salar, Linnaeus, 1778) resfriado e comercializado em Belo Horizonte - MG

Este estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar a qualidade da carne do salmao (Salmo salar), obtida do peixe resfriado e eviscerado, tendo em vista o aumento do consumo de pratos elaborados com o referido peixe cru. Foi realizada a inspecao sensorial, analises microbiologicas (Salmonella spp. e Staphylococcus coagulase positivo), analises fisico-quimicas (pH, Bases Volateis Totais e Trimetilamina) e analises parasitologicas do peixe, nas condicoes descritas. Inicialmente, fez-se um levantamento de todos os locais que comercializavam o salmao resfriado, na cidade de Belo Horizonte, no periodo de setembro a dezembro de 2008, com um total de 13 estabelecimentos. Os peixes foram coletados em todos eles, sendo que em cada local foram coletados 3 peixes, num total de 39 amostras. Nestes pontos de venda, os peixes foram submetidos a inspecao sensorial e, logo em seguida, transportados sob refrigeracao para os laboratorios, a fim de serem realizadas as analises propostas. As caracteristicas sensoriais observadas foram: corpo, olhos, guelras, escamas, nadadeiras, carne e cheiro, sendo que os olhos e as guelras foram os caracteres que mais apresentaram alteracoes (46,2%), seguidos do odor, das nadadeiras e da carne (30,8%). As analises microbiologicas nao revelaram presenca de Salmonella spp. em 25 g. Quanto as analises para o Staphylococcus coagulase positivo, resultaram em valores inferiores a 1,0 x 102 UFC/g. O pH variou de 6,28 a 6,60 (media de 6,42). As bases volateis totais (BVT) variaram de 14,89 a 22,87mgN/100g (media de 18,12) e a trimetilamina (TMA) variou de 1,06 a 3,72mgN/100g (media de 1,74). Quanto a analise parasitologica, nao foram observados parasitas em nenhuma amostra. Os resultados desta pesquisa indicam que a carne de salmao obtida do peixe resfriado encontra-se em boas condicoes higienico-sanitarias
Estimation of Age at Death by Femoral Osteon Remodeling: Application of THOMPSON'S Core Technique to Modern Japanese

THOMPSON'S core technique for estimation of age at death was applied to 52 modern Japanese cadavers. Bone cores with 4mm in diameter were removed from anterior midshaft of left femur of 28 males and 24 females ranged in age from 43 to 98 years. Variables used in this study include cortical thickness, core weight, total secondary osteon number, mean secondary osteon area, secondary osteon area standard deviation, mean secondary osteon perimeter, secondary osteon perimeter standard deviation, and total secondary osteon area. Multiple regression formula was calculated in both sexes. Multiple correlation coefficients and standard errors were 0.581 and 9.28 in males, 0.748 and 9.95 in females, respectively.
Biochemical Evaluation of Quality Parameters in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) belongs to the genus Oryza, family Poaceae, was domesticated probably in north-eastern India and southern China about 8000 years ago and is the staple food for more than 50% of the world’s population (Gowda et al., 2003). It accounts for over 20% of global calorie intake. Over 90% of the world’s rice is produced and consumed in the Asian region with 6 countries (China, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Vietnam and Japan) accounted for 80% in the world’s production and consumption (Abdullah et al., 2015). The world’s population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by year 2050.
Patterns of settlement within a restored mussel bed site

The failure of depleted bivalve populations to recover naturally is often due to a breakdown in recruitment processes, such as a lack of larvae or suitable settlement substrate. The identification of these recruitment limitations are a critical initial step for determining an appropriate strategy for restoration. A lack of larval supply and settlement substrate have both been suggested as possible causes of the failure of natural recovery in the green‐lipped mussel population in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, and were therefore examined in this study. Larval mussels settled throughout most of the year directly onto artificial collectors placed within restored adult mussel beds and in the immediate vicinity of the beds at comparatively lower levels than for remnant populations throughout New Zealand. This low settlement coupled with a lack of recruitment to the restored mussel beds suggests larval supply may be limited in the Hauraki Gulf and warrants further examinations into larval dispersal and retention. Larval settlement was also higher on collectors within mussel beds, suggesting the presence of adults enhances larval settlement and highlights the importance of transplanting adult mussels for reestablishing mussel populations.
Assessing the thermal adaptability of tree provenances: an example using Eucalyptus tereticornis

ABSTRACT A 2017 paper intended to assist climate-change studies concluded that provenances of the widely distributed Eucalyptus tereticornis ‘are not differentiated in their thermal responses’ in terms of photosynthesis, respiration and growth. The aim here was to place this surprising result, based on a short-term (48-day) experiment with seedlings of just three provenances, into the broader context of several years’ growth of provenances of the same species. To do this, a re-analysis of results from trials of 14 provenances of E. tereticornis was undertaken. These were grown for 3.5 or 5.0 years at four contrasting sites in southern China spanning mean annual temperatures (MAT) from 15.0°C to 23.5°C. The analysis described here compares MATs at climate-of-origin with volume growth. It demonstrates an approach that could easily be applied to provenance studies of other commercially important species. It makes use of the ready access to distributional and climatic data provided by a modern biodiversity database, the Atlas of Living Australia. Some of the provenances showed a surprising level of adaptability to climates markedly different to those of their origin. At the warmest site in China, however, the growth of the provenances was significantly related to the MAT at their climate-of-origin. It is concluded that researchers considering the likely impacts of climate change on tree species may find it useful to examine results from commercial provenance trials as well as from glasshouse experiments with seedlings.
Public Access for Pheasant Hunters: Understanding an Emerging Need

Ring‐necked pheasant (Phasianus colchicus; i.e., pheasant) hunting participation is declining across North America, reflecting a larger downward trend in American hunting participation and threatening benefits to grassland conservation and rural economies. To stabilize and expand the pheasant hunting population, we must first identify factors that influence pheasant hunter participation. We used an extensive in‐person hunter survey to test the hypothesis that hunter demographics interact with social‐ecological traits of hunting locations to affect hunter decisions, outcomes, and perceptions. We built a series of Bayesian mixed effects models to parse variation in demographics, perceptions, and hunt outcomes of pheasant hunters interviewed at public access hunting sites across 3 regions in Nebraska, USA, that varied in pheasant abundance and proximity to urban population centers. Among pheasant hunters in Nebraska, access to private lands was negatively related to the human population density of a pheasant hunter’s home ZIP code and the distance a hunter had traveled to reach a hunting location. Pheasant hunters interviewed closer to metropolitan areas tended to be more urban and travel shorter distances, and their parties were more likely to include youth but less likely to include dogs. Hunter satisfaction was positively associated with seeing and harvesting pheasants and hunting with youth. Whereas youth participation and the number of pheasants seen varied by study region, hunter satisfaction did not differ across regions, suggesting that hunters may calibrate their expectations and build their parties based on where they plan to hunt. The variation in hunter demographics across hunting locations and disconnects between social and ecological correlates of hunter satisfaction suggests that diverse pheasant hunting constituencies will be best served by diverse pheasant hunting opportunities. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.