Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of genetic diversity in experimental stands of Solidago altissima-evidence for the potential role of pathogens as selective agents in plant populations

Summary 1 Pathogens are assumed to maintain high genetic diversity and the need for sexual reproduction in plants by continually reducing the fitness of genotypes that become dominant in a population. If this were true, a mixed stand should perform better than the average pure stand of the same plant genotypes. To test this hypothesis I deliberately created thirty-two 16-shoot stands of different genetic diversity of Solidago altissima, a plant species which in the field can form mono- or polyclonal patches, and allowed natural infestations by the mildew Erysiphe cichoracearum to occur. 2 Preliminary experiments revealed significant genetic variation in the source population of S. altissima with regard to pathogen level. However, the pattern of this variation changed between years, indicating that different strains of E. cichoracearum were dominant at different times. 3 In the main experiment pathogen levels at the beginning tended to be higher in more diverse than in less diverse plant stands. As the growing season progressed, levels of E. cichoracearum became higher in the genetically less diverse than in the genetically more diverse stands. 4 Despite the effects on pathogen level, genetic diversity did not significantly influence mean plant performance per stand (height growth and biomass at harvest). However, individual plant performance and pathogen level were positively correlated with each other at low levels of E. cichoracearum and negatively correlated at higher levels. Small plants possibly were in a phenological condition of low susceptibility to pathogen attack. The proportion of above-ground biomass allocated to leaves steadily decreased with increasing pathogen level. 5 The present study suggests that small-scale genetic diversity in the perennial plant Solidago altissima can influence pathogen levels which in turn may affect plant performance and ultimately fitness. I suggest that selection pressures exerted by plant pathogens may play a major role not only in the maintenance of sexual reproduction but also in the maintenance of lateral clonal growth that leads to a mixing of genotypes in polyclonal patches within plant populations and communities.
Melatonin alters neuronal architecture and increases cysteine‐rich protein 1 signaling in the male mouse hippocampus

Neuronal plasticity describes changes in structure, function, and connections of neurons. The hippocampus, in particular, has been shown to exhibit considerable plasticity regarding both physiological and morphological functions. Melatonin, a hormone released by the pineal gland, promotes cell survival and dendrite maturation of neurons in the newborn brain and protects against neurological disorders. In this study, we investigated the effect of exogenous melatonin on neuronal architecture and its possible mechanism in the hippocampus of adult male C57BL/6 mice. Melatonin treatment significantly increased the total length and complexity of dendrites in the apical and basal cornu ammonis (CA) 1 and in the dentate gyrus in mouse hippocampi. Spine density in CA1 apical dendrites was increased, but no significant differences in other subregions were observed. In primary cultured hippocampal neurons, the length and arborization of neurites were significantly augmented by melatonin treatment. Additionally, western blot and immunohistochemical analyses in both in vivo and in vitro systems revealed significant increases in the level of cysteine‐rich protein 1 (crp‐1) protein, which is known to be involved in dendritic branching in mouse hippocampal neurons after melatonin treatment. Our results suggest that exogenous melatonin leads to significant alterations of neuronal micromorphometry in the adult hippocampus, possibly via crp‐1 signaling.
Accurate quantification of bacterial abundance in metagenomic DNAs accounting for variable DNA integrity levels

The quantification of the total microbial content in metagenomic samples is critical for investigating the interplay between the microbiome and its host, as well as for assessing the accuracy and precision of the relative microbial composition which can be strongly biased in low microbial biomass samples. In the present study, we demonstrate that digital droplet PCR (ddPCR) can provide accurate quantification of the total copy number of the 16S rRNA gene, the gene usually exploited for assessing total bacterial abundance in metagenomic DNA samples. Notably, using DNA templates with different integrity levels, as measured by the DNA integrity number (DIN), we demonstrated that 16S rRNA copy number quantification is strongly affected by DNA quality and determined a precise correlation between quantification underestimation and DNA degradation levels. Therefore, we propose an input DNA mass correction, according to the observed DIN value, which could prevent inaccurate quantification of 16S copy number in degraded metagenomic DNAs. Our results highlight that a preliminary evaluation of the metagenomic DNA integrity should be considered before performing metagenomic analyses of different samples, both for the assessment of the reliability of observed differential abundances in different conditions and to obtain significant functional insights.
Behavioral Differences Between Subject Groups Identified Using Smart Homes and Change Point Detection

With the arrival of the internet of things, smart environments are becoming increasingly ubiquitous in our everyday lives. Sensor data collected from smart home environments can provide unobtrusive, longitudinal time series data that are representative of the smart home resident's routine behavior and how this behavior changes over time. When longitudinal behavioral data are available from multiple smart home residents, differences between groups of subjects can be investigated. Group-level discrepancies may help isolate behaviors that manifest in daily routines due to a health concern or major lifestyle change. To acquire such insights, we propose an algorithmic framework based on change point detection called Behavior Change Detection for Groups (BCD-G). We hypothesize that, using BCD-G, we can quantify and characterize differences in behavior between groups of individual smart home residents. We evaluate our BCD-G framework using one month of continuous sensor data for each of fourteen smart home residents, divided into two groups. All subjects in the first group are diagnosed with cognitive impairment. The second group consists of cognitively healthy, age-matched controls. Using BCD-G, we identify differences between these two groups, such as how impairment affects patterns of performing activities of daily living and how clinically-relevant behavioral features, such as in-home walking speed, differ for cognitively-impaired individuals. With the unobtrusive monitoring of smart home environments, clinicians can use BCD-G for remote identification of behavior changes that are early indicators of health concerns.
Evaluation of Carer Strain and Carer Coping with Medications for People with Dementia after Discharge: Results from the SMS Dementia Study †

This study reports carer strain and coping with medications for people with dementia with an unplanned admission to hospital, and it evaluates the impact of a safe medication intervention on carer coping and carer strain. This was a quasi-experimental pre/post-controlled trial that included a survey of carers about managing medications for people with dementia after discharge. For 88 carers who completed surveys, 33% were concerned about managing medications, and 40% reported difficulties with medication management, including resistive behaviours by people with dementia. Dose administration aids were used by 72% of carers; however, only 15% reported receiving a recent home medicines review by a community pharmacist. High carer strain was reported by 74% of carers. Carer comments described many issues that contributed to high carer stress, as well as their engagement in vigilant activities to maintain medication safety. Strategies that can contribute to carers managing medications and reducing their strain include an increased use of dose administration aids, increased provision of home medicines reviews, and increased education of health professionals to provide adequate support and education about managing medications.
Surface Etching of 3D Printed Poly(lactic acid) with NaOH: A Systematic Approach

The article describes a systematic investigation of the effects of an aqueous NaOH treatment of 3D printed poly(lactic acid) (PLA) scaffolds for surface activation. The PLA surface undergoes several morphology changes and after an initial surface roughening, the surface becomes smoother again before the material dissolves. Erosion rates and surface morphologies can be controlled by the treatment. At the same time, the bulk mechanical properties of the treated materials remain unaltered. This indicates that NaOH treatment of 3D printed PLA scaffolds is a simple, yet viable strategy for surface activation without compromising the mechanical stability of PLA scaffolds.
Arsenic Uptake by Two Tolerant Grass Species: Holcus lanatus and Agrostis capillaris Growing in Soils Contaminated by Historical Mining

The study focused on two grass species Holcus lanatus and Agrostis capillaris abundant in the sites of former As mining and processing in the Sudetes. Arsenic uptake from soils was examined to assess a risk associated with its accumulation in grass shoots and to check its dependence on soil fertilization. The research involved a field study and greenhouse experiment. In the field study, soil and plant samples were collected from 33 sites with 72–98,400 mg/kg total soil As. Arsenic uptake by grasses differed widely. Both species indicated a strategy typical for eliminators, although As concentrations in more than 50% of the shoot samples exceeded 4 mg/kg, a maximum permissible value for fodder. In the greenhouse experiment, commercial cultivars of both species were grown in five soils containing 394–19,600 mg/kg, untreated and fertilized. All seedlings died in the soil with highest total As, and considerable phytotoxicity was observed in other soils, particularly in nonfertilized ones. Fertilization resulted in the improvement of plant growth and reduction of As uptake except for Agrostis capillaris fertilized with manure. Further research should focus on identifying tolerant genotypes growing in extremely enriched sites and analysis of factors that will efficiently reduce As phytoaccumulation.
Determinants of Pericoronary Adipose Tissue Attenuation on Computed Tomography Angiography in Coronary Artery Disease

Background Recent studies have reported the association between pericoronary inflammation assessed by pericoronary adipose tissue attenuation (PCATA) on computed tomography angiography and worse outcomes in patients with coronary artery disease. We investigated the determinants predicting increased PCATA in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease. Methods and Results A total of 540 patients who underwent computed tomography angiography and invasive coronary angiography were studied. Mean computed tomography attenuation values of PCAT (−190 to −30 Hounsfield units) (PCATA) were assessed at the proximal 40‐mm segments of all 3 major coronary arteries by crude analysis. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to determine the predictors of increased PCATA surrounding the proximal right coronary artery. Mean right coronary artery‐PCATA was −72.22±8.47 Hounsfield units and the average of 3‐vessel PCATA was −70.24±6.60 Hounsfield units. Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that the independent determinants of right coronary artery‐PCATA were male (β coefficient=4.965, P<0.001), left ventricular mass index (β coefficient=0.040, P=0.025), and angiographically significant stenosis (diameter stenosis >50%) (β coefficient=2.418, P=0.008). Sex‐related determinants were NT‐proBNP level (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide; β coefficient <0.001, P=0.026), Agatston score (β coefficient=−0.002, P=0.010), left ventricular mass index (β coefficient=0.041, P=0.028), and significant stenosis (β coefficient=4.006, P<0.001) in male patients and left ventricular ejection fraction (β coefficient=−0.217, P=0.010) and significant stenosis (β coefficient=3.835, P=0.023) in female patients. Conclusions Right coronary artery‐PCATA was associated with multiple clinical characteristics, established risk factors, and the presence of significant stenosis. Our results suggest that clinically significant factors such as sex, left ventricular hypertrophy, ejection fraction, calcification, and epicardial stenosis should be taken into account in the assessment of pericoronary inflammation using computed tomography angiography.
Discovery of Predictors of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae Vaccine Response Efficiency in Pigs: 16S rRNA Gene Fecal Microbiota Analysis

The gut microbiota comprises a large and diverse community of bacteria that play a significant role in swine health. Indeed, there is a tight association between the enteric immune system and the overall composition and richness of the microbiota, which is key in the induction, training and function of the host immunity, and may therefore, influence the immune response to vaccination. Using vaccination against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyo) as a model, we investigated the potential of early-life gut microbiota in predicting vaccine response and explored the post-vaccination dynamics of fecal microbiota at later time points. At 28 days of age (0 days post-vaccination; dpv), healthy piglets were vaccinated, and a booster vaccine was administered at 21 dpv. Blood samples were collected at 0, 21, 28, 35, and 118 dpv to measure M. hyo-specific IgG levels. Fecal samples for 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing were collected at 0, 21, 35, and 118 dpv. The results showed variability in antibody response among individual pigs, whilst pre-vaccination operational taxonomic units (OTUs) primarily belonging to Prevotella, [Prevotella], Anaerovibrio, and Sutterella appeared to best-predict vaccine response. Microbiota composition did not differ between the vaccinated and non-vaccinated pigs at post-vaccination time points, but the time effect was significant irrespective of the animals’ vaccination status. Our study provides insight into the role of pre-vaccination gut microbiota composition in vaccine response and emphasizes the importance of studies on full metagenomes and microbial metabolites aimed at deciphering the role of specific bacteria and bacterial genes in the modulation of vaccine response.
EFFECTS OF MELATONIN ON NEURO– AND REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITIES INDUCED BY IN UTERO AND LACTATIONAL CO-EXPOSURE OF CHLORPYRIFOS AND CYPERMETHRIN IN MALE WISTAR RATS

A PhD THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE SCHOOL OF POSTGRADUATE STUDIES, AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA, NIGERIA IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN VETERINARY TOXICOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF VETERINARY PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA, NIGERIA
Comparative Analysis of the Bacterial and Fungal Communities in the Gut and the Crop of Aedes albopictus Mosquitoes: A Preliminary Study

The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes albopictus is a major pathogen vector and one of the world’s most invasive species. In recent years, the study of mosquito-associated microbiota has received growing interest for reducing transmission of mosquito-borne pathogens. Most of studies on mosquito microbiota mainly focused on the gut bacteria. However, microorganisms can also colonize other organs and are not restricted to bacteria. In mosquitoes, the crop is the primary storage organ for sugars from the nectar feeding before it is transferred into the midgut for digestion. No study has yet investigated whether this organ can harbor microorganisms in Ae. albopictus. By using high-throughput sequencing, this study is the first to describe the microbiota including both bacteria and fungi in sugar-fed Ae. albopictus males and females. The results showed the presence of diverse and rich bacterial and fungal communities in the crop of both sexes that did not strongly differ from the community composition and structure found in the gut. Altogether, our results provide a thorough description of the crop-associated microbiota in Ae. albopictus which can open new avenues for further studies on trophic interactions between the mosquito and its microbiota.
Rhythm-Dependent Multilayer Brain Network for the Detection of Driving Fatigue

Fatigue driving has attracted a great deal of attention for its huge influence on automobile accidents. Recognizing driving fatigue provides a primary but significant way for addressing this problem. In this paper, we first conduct the simulated driving experiments to acquire the EEG signals in alert and fatigue states. Then, for multi-channel EEG signals without pre-processing, a novel rhythm-dependent multilayer brain network (RDMB network) is developed and analyzed for driving fatigue detection. We find that there exists a significant difference between alert and fatigue states from the view of network science. Further, key sub-RDMB network based on closeness centrality are extracted. We calculate six network measures from the key sub-RDMB network and construct feature vectors to classify the alert and fatigue states. The results show that our method can respectively achieve the average accuracy of 95.28% (with sample length of 5 s), 90.25% (2 s), and 87.69% (1 s), significantly higher than compared methods. All these validate the effectiveness of RDMB network for reliable driving fatigue detection via EEG.
Synergistic Effect of a Pleuromutilin Derivative with Tetracycline against Streptococcus suis In Vitro and in the Neutropenic Thigh Infection Model

Tetracycline (TET) has been widely used in the treatment of Streptococcus suis (S. suis) infection. However, it was found that the efficacy of many antibiotics in S. suis decreased significantly, especially tetracycline. In this study, GML-12 (a novel pleuromutilin derivative) was used in combination with TET against 12 S. suis isolates. In the checkerboard assay, the TET/GML-12 combination exhibited synergistic and additive effects against S. suis isolates (n = 12). In vitro time-killing assays and in vivo therapeutic experiments were used to confirm the synergistic effect of the TET/GML-12 combination against S. suis strains screened based on an FICI ≤ 0.5. In time-killing assays, the TET/GML-12 combination showed a synergistic effect or an additive effect against three isolates with a bacterial reduction of over 2.4-log10 CFU/mL compared with the most active monotherapy. Additionally, the TET/GML-12 combination displayed potent antimicrobial activity against four isolates in a mouse thigh infection model. These results suggest that the TET/GML-12 combination may be a potential therapeutic strategy for S. suis infection.
In Vivo Bioavailability of Lycopene from Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus Thunb) Coloring

Abstract Diet containing watermelon coloring (5, 20, 35 and 50 mg lycopene/100g) was fed to albino rats to study in-vivo bioavailability of lycopene. The rats were fed with lycopene enriched test diets for seven days of treatment period along with control diet during pre and post treatment periods of seven days each. The body weight of each group of albino rats significantly increased during feeding trial which showed that rats were in healthy condition during the treatment. The daily lycopene intake from test diets varied from 0.03 to 0.51 mg during treatment period of seven days which decreased to 0.02–0.07 mg during post-treatment period with control diet. The lycopene absorbed by different groups of rats varied from 0.22 to 3.74 mg/kg body weight of rat during treatment period and 0.15–0.67 mg/kg body weight of rat during post-treatment periods. Lycopene bioavailability increased proportionately with the lycopene content of test diet.
Heart Rate Variability and Direct Current Measurement Characteristics in Professional Mixed Martial Arts Athletes

This study’s purpose was to examine heart rate variability (HRV) and direct current potential (DC) measures’ sensitivity and correlations between changes in the acute recovery and stress scale (ARSS) and the previous day’s training load. Training load, HRV, DC and ARSS data were collected from fourteen professional mixed martial arts athletes (32.6 ± 5.3 years, 174.8 ± 8.8 cm, 79.2 ± 17.5 kg) the following morning after hard, easy and rest days. Sensitivity was expressed as a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR, inter-day typical error (TE) or coefficient of variation (%CV) divided by intra-day TE or %CV). Correlations between HRV, DC and ARSS with training load were also examined. The SNRs for the various HRV and DC measures were acceptable to good (1.02–2.85). There was a 23.1% CV average increase between measures taken between different locations versus the same location. Training load changes were not correlated with HRV/DC but were correlated with ARSS stress variables. Practitioners should be aware of HRV/DC variability; however the daily training signal was greater than the test-retest error in this investigation. Upon awakening, HRV/DC measures appear superior for standardization and planning. HRV and DC measures were less sensitive to the previous day’s training load than ARSS measures.
Wing length and asymmetry of male Tokunagayusurika akamusi chironomid midges using alternative mating tactics

Male Tokunagayusurika akamusi chironomids have alternative mating tactics. One is to search for females on vegetation (ground mating), and the other is to wait for females in an aerial swarm (swarm mating). Simultaneous sampling of ground-unpaired and ground-paired males and of swarm-unpaired and swarm-paired males were performed. The average wing length and right‐ left wing length difference (wing asymmetry) were compared between males from the four different categories. Swarm-unpaired males were larger than ground-unpaired ones, swarm-paired males were larger than swarm-unpaired ones, and ground-paired males were not larger than ground-unpaired ones. Thus, large males tended to aggregate in swarms, and larger swarming males mated more successfully. On the other hand, small males probably enjoyed mating on the ground, especially when large males swarmed. The wing asymmetry was not significantly different between unpaired and paired males both within and between tactics. There was a flat or U-shaped relationship between wing length and asymmetry, underpinning the lack of a symmetrical advantage of swarming to large males. The right‐left difference was not normally distributed in four of six samples of unpaired males but, in contrast, was not normally distributed in only one of six samples of paired males. The non-normal distributions were leptokurtic and included outliers. Removal of the outliers improved normality, suggesting that males with extremely asymmetric wings were not successful in mating. Key words: chironomids, alternative mating tactics, fluctuating asymmetry, normal distribution, outliers, swarm, Tokunagayusurika akamusi, wing length. [Behav Ecol 10:498‐503 (1999)]