Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Gull chicks grow faster but lose telomeres when prenatal cues mismatch the real presence of sibling competitors

During embryonic life, individuals should adjust their phenotype to the conditions that they will encounter after birth, including the social environment, if they have access to (social) cues that allow them to forecast future conditions. In birds, evidence indicates that embryos are sensitive to cues from clutch mates, but whether embryos adjust their development to cope with the expected level of sibling competition has not hitherto been investigated. To tackle this question, we performed a ‘match versus mismatch' experimental design where we manipulated the presence of clutch mates (i.e. clutch size manipulation) and the real (postnatal) level of sibling competition (i.e. brood size manipulation) in the yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis). We provide evidence that the prenatal cues of sibling presence induced developmental changes (such as epigenetic profiles) that had programming effects on chick begging behaviour and growth trajectories after hatching. While receiving mismatching information favoured chick begging and growth, this came at the cost of reduced antioxidant defences and a premature loss of telomeres. Our findings highlight the role of the prenatal social environment in developmental plasticity and suggest that telomere attrition may be an important physiological cost of phenotype–environment mismatch.
Chemo-mechanical characterization of carious dentine using Raman microscopy and Knoop microhardness

One of the aims in the clinical operative management of dental carious lesions is to remove selectively the highly infected and structurally denatured dentine tissue, while retaining the deeper, repairable affected and intact, healthy tissues for long-term mechanical strength. The present study examined the correlation of chemical functional groups and the microhardness through the different depths of a carious lesion using Raman spectroscopy and Knoop microhardness testing. The null hypothesis investigated was that there was no correlation between Raman peak ratios (amide I : phosphate ν1) and equivalent Knoop microhardness measurements. Ten freshly extracted human permanent teeth with carious dentine lesions were sectioned and examined using high-resolution Raman microscopy. The ratio of absorbency at the amide I and phosphate bands were calculated from 139 scan points through the depth of the lesions and correlated with 139 juxtaposed Knoop microhardness indentations. The results indicated a high correlation (p < 0.01) between the peak ratio and the equivalent Knoop hardness within carious dentine lesions. This study concluded that Raman spectroscopy can be used as a non-invasive analytical technology for in vitro studies to discriminate the hardness of carious dentine layers using the peak ratio as an alternative to the invasive, mechanical Knoop hardness test.
Stable Isotope Analysis Supports First Occurrence of a Wild-Origin Greylag Goose (Anser anser) to Make Landfall in North America

Abstract. In North America, the Greylag Goose (Anser anser) has been added to the list of vagrant North American waterfowl based on a bird observed in 2005 on a stationary oil ship in the Atlantic Ocean 167 km southeast of the island of Newfoundland, and on single birds observed in Connecticut and Nova Scotia in 2009 and 2010, respectively. Here, feather and toe-claw hydrogen isotope values (δ2H) linked to spatial hydrological hydrogen isotope patterns are used to demonstrate the origin of the first probable wild-origin Greylag Goose known to make landfall in North America. The bird in question, shot by hunters on Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick, in December 2007 and subsequently deposited at the New Brunswick Museum (specimen NBM 11143), was identified as Anser anser and potentially a wild-origin bird. Isotope data indicates the bird is of probable Greenlandic origin. This supports and pre-dates recent (2014) reports of the Greenlandic molting of Icelandic Greylag Geese, until recently believed to molt exclusively on Iceland. Greylag Geese recorded in North America appear to be part of a pattern of increasing numbers and diversity of geese of northeastern Atlantic origin detected in eastern North America in recent decades.
Geographic range, morphometric variation and niche differentiation in greater Egyptian jerboa, Jaculus orientalis1)

Abstract Geographic range, morphometric skull variation and niche differentiation were analyzed in the greater Egyptian jerboa, Jaculus orientalis, and compared with published data on the species’ phylogeographic structure. The species occurs in 15 separate areas, which are grouped into two main blocks and divided by a wide gap. The first block goes from Morocco to western Libya and the second from eastern Libya to Israel; the second block is subdivided into two sub-blocks, eastern Libya and Egypt and Israel and Sinai. Analysis of niche similarity indicated niche convergence within the eastern and western parts of the species’ geographic range and niche divergence between these two major parts of the geographic range. There was a strong congruence among distributional, genetic and ecological patterns. Morphological variation in J. orientalis did not completely coincide with the distribution, genetic and ecological patterns. Three morphologically well-differentiated population groups were found within the geographic range of the species. The same level of morphological differentiation was demonstrated between highly isolated geographically and deeply diverged genetically and ecologically western and eastern groups of populations and between the weakly geographically isolated and ecologically similar populations of Egypt/Libya and Israel/Sinai. A taxonomic revision of the sub-specific division of J. orientalis is proposed.
Parelaphostrongylus andersoni (Nematoda: Protostrongylidae) in caribou (Rangifer tarandus) of northern and central Canada

Woodland (Rangifer tarandus caribou) and barren ground (R. t. groenlandicum) caribou are reported for the first time as hosts of Parelaphostrongylus andersoni, greatly extending the known geographic range of this muscle nematode. Up to 56% of caribou in the Beverly herd, central Northwest Territories, passed dorsal-spined first-stage larvae in their feces. Animals less than 3 years old were more frequently infected and passed greater numbers of larvae than older animals. Larval output in winter and spring did not differ. Adults of the four elaphostrongyline nematodes known to occur in caribou are distinguished by their location in the host, the size of the worms, and the size and morphology of the male copulatory structures. There is an urgent need for tested and improved methods of differentiating larvae of P. andersoni and other elaphostrongyline nematodes from those of P. tenuis that cause neurologic disease in various North American cervids. Demonstration of the occurrence of P. andersoni in Rangifer .
Short-Term Effect of Different Taping Methods on Local Skin Temperature in Healthy Adults

Background There were limited studies on the effect of skin temperature and local blood flow using kinesio tape (KT) adhered to the skin in different taping methods. This study aimed to determine the short-term effect of KT and athletic tape (AT) on skin temperature in the lower back and explore the possible effect of different taping methods (Y-strip and fan-strip taping) on local microcirculation. Materials and Methods Twenty-six healthy participants completed the test-retest reliability measurement of the infrared thermography (IRT), intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and standard error of measurement (SEM) were calculated to evaluate the reliability. Then, 21 healthy participants received different taping condition randomly for 5 times, including Y-strip of kinesio taping (KY), fan-strip of kinesio taping (Kfan), Y-strip of athletic taping (AY), fan-strip of athletic taping (Afan), and no taping (NT). Above taping methods were applied to the participants’ erector spinae muscles on the same side. Skin temperature of range of interest (ROI) was measured in the taping area through IRT at pre taping and 10 min after taping. Additionally, participants completed self-perceived temperature evaluation for different taping methods through visual analog scaling. One-way repeated-measured analysis of variance was used to compare the temperature difference among different taping methods. Bonferroni test was used for post hoc analysis. Results There was a good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.60–0.92; SEM = 0.33; and MD = 0.91) of the IRT. Significant differences were observed in the short-term effect on skin temperature among all different taping methods (p = 0.012, F = 3.435, and ηp2 = 0.147), post hoc test showed a higher significantly skin temperature difference in Kfan taping compared to no taping (p = 0.026, 95% CI = 0.051–1.206); However, no significant differences were observed among self-perceived temperature (p = 0.055, F = 2.428, and ηp2 = 0.108). Conclusion This study showed that the fan-strip of KT increased significantly the skin temperature of the waist after taping for 10 min. The application of KT may modify the skin temperature of the human body and promote local microcirculation, although it remained unclear for the real application.
First record of cooperative breeding in an Australian estrildid, the Long-tailed Finch (Poephila acuticauda)

Abstract Long-tailed Finches (Poephila acuticauda) breeding in natural cavities and nest-boxes were monitored during the breeding season, between March and September 2008, as part of an ongoing field study near Wyndham, northern Western Australia. Towards the end of the breeding season, two adults and their son, who had fledged 4 months earlier, were observed together over many days feeding nestlings (10–17 days old) produced by the adults in another breeding attempt. This is the first description of cooperative breeding in an Australian estrildid finch. Based on these observations, we do not intend to suggest that the Long-tailed Finch should be considered a cooperatively breeding species, but such data help us to understand the variation that exists with respect to familial relations and parental care and provides a foundation for work addressed at understanding the evolutionary origins of cooperative behaviour in birds.
A Multidisciplinary Approach for Restoration Ecology of Shallow Coastal Lagoons, a Case Study in South France

By the end of the 20th century, many of the coastal lagoons along the French Mediterranean coast showed insufficient water quality and degraded ecosystem states due to anthropogenic impacts. Among these, nutrient over-enrichment, resulting in eutrophication, has been a major concern. The EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) has initiated public action to improve their water quality and ecosystem state using an approach rooted in restoration ecology. Here we analyze how this has been applied for the coastal lagoons in South France, considering eutrophication as an example of ecosystem degradation and oligotrophication as the corresponding trajectory for ecological restoration of the eutrophied coastal lagoons. Oligotrophication trajectories, initiated by the reduction of external nutrient loading, have resulted in a quick recovery (i.e., within 3 years) of integrative water column variables (Chlorophyll a, total N and P) and phytoplankton. Starting from hypertrophic systems, the oligotrophication trajectory is described by a sequence of three ecosystem states dominated respectively by (i) phytoplankton with bare non-vegetated sediments, (ii) opportunistic macroalgae, (iii) angiosperm and perennial macroalgae, punctuated by regime shifts between these ecosystem states. Nevertheless, the latter regime shift has not been observed for the most degraded ecosystems after 10-years oligotrophication. The N and P accumulated in sediments during eutrophication may also retard the ecological restoration. In shallow freshwater lakes, the phytoplankton-dominated and the angiosperm-dominated states are also characteristic for highly degraded and fully restored ecosystems states, respectively. In contrast, opportunistic macroalgae do not bloom in these systems. Hence, the alternative stable state model, used successfully for these lakes, cannot be applied straightforwardly for coastal lagoons. To be successful, ecological restoration should consider the legislative and societal questions as according the DPSIR framework it typically is a response of society. The conservation-oriented Habitats Directive systematically applies to coastal lagoons and the Birds Directive in some cases as well. The WFD approach is complementary to these more conventional nature conservation approaches. Collectively, local citizens and highly involved stakeholders strongly value the coastal lagoons and attribute very high importance to their regulating ecosystem services (ESs), while differences between stakeholder profiles are related to different perceptions and appreciations of cultural ESs. Hence, coastal lagoon ESs are very important for the different stakeholders and public policies aiming at the ecological restoration of these ecosystems may count on public support.
Description of Embryonic and Early Larval Stages of Bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix

Abstract Eggs of the bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) were fertilized and cultured to provide type specimens for identification of pelagic egg and larval stages in field collections. Bluefish eggs, held in seawater of 20 C and 32.5‰ salinity, hatched in 46 to 48 hours. The yolk was nearly consumed 2 days after hatching. Larvae grew slowly and all died by the 8th day after hatching. Identifying characteristics are described for various stages of development of eggs and early larvae and illustrations of typical stages are provided.
Barriers to Professional Mental Health Help-Seeking Among Chinese Adults: A Systematic Review

Background A large number of Chinese suffer from common mental disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder), but treatment seeking is typically low in this population. It is unclear what barriers influence professional mental health help-seeking behavior within the Chinese population. Identifying these barriers could assist in implementation science efforts to reach this population. Objective This review systematically synthesizes findings related to the barriers to professional mental health help-seeking among Chinese adults. Methods Two English language databases (PubMed and PsycINFO) and two Chinese databases (WANFANGDATA and CNKI) were searched to find relevant studies. Quality assessment was conducted in identified studies. Quantitative findings were tabulated and frequently reported barriers were ranked. Primary data obtained from qualitative studies were thematically analyzed. Results Of 6,933 citations identified, 17 met inclusion criteria. There were 11 (64%) studies that reported quantitative methods; 3 (18%) employed qualitative research, and 3 (18%) mixed methods. Results indicated that frequently reported barriers to mental health help seeking among Chinese adults included a preference on self-reliance, seeking help from alternative sources, low perceived need toward help-seeking, a lack of affordability, negative attitude toward, or poor experiences with help-seeking. Less frequently mentioned barriers included stigma, families’ opposition, limited knowledge about mental illness, a lack of accessibility, unwillingness to disclose mental illness, and fear of burdening family. Conclusions The current review identified a number of key barriers to help-seeking behavior. Effective strategies are needed to promote professional help-seeking among Chinese adults. Additional factors influencing professional mental health help-seeking need to be further investigated, as they may contribute to a better understanding the help-seeking behavior among Chinese.
Vasopressin Surrogate Marker Copeptin as a Potential Novel Endocrine Biomarker for Antidepressant Treatment Response in Major Depression: A Pilot Study

Background Major depressive disorder (MDD) constitutes the leading cause of disability worldwide. Although efficacious antidepressant pharmacotherapies exist for MDD, only about 40–60% of the patients respond to initial treatment. However, there is still a lack of robustly established and applicable biomarkers for antidepressant response in everyday clinical practice. Objective This study targets the assessment of the vasopressin (AVP) surrogate marker Copeptin (CoP), as a potential peripheral hypothalamic-level biomarker of antidepressant treatment response in MDD. Methods We measured baseline and dynamic levels of plasma CoP along with plasma ACTH and cortisol (CORT) in drug-naive outpatients with MDD before and after overnight manipulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis [i.e., stimulation (metyrapone) and suppression (dexamethasone)] on three consecutive days and their association with treatment response to 4 weeks of escitalopram treatment. Results Our findings suggest significantly higher baseline and post-metyrapone plasma CoP levels in future non-responders, a statistically significant invert association between baseline CoP levels and probability of treatment response and a potential baseline plasma CoP cut-off level of above 2.9 pmol/L for future non-response screening. Baseline and dynamic plasma ACTH and CORT levels showed no association with treatment response. Conclusions This pilot study provide first evidence in humans that CoP may represent a novel, clinically easily applicable, endocrine biomarker of antidepressant response, based on a single-measurement, cut-off level. These findings, underline the role of the vasopressinergic system in the pathophysiology of MDD and may represent a significant new tool in the clinical and biological phenotyping of MDD enhancing individual-tailored therapies.
Quantification of Plant Root Species Composition in Peatlands Using FTIR Spectroscopy

Evidence of plant root biomass and production in peatlands at the level of species or plant functional type (PFT) is needed for defining ecosystem functioning and predicting its future development. However, such data are limited due to methodological difficulties and the toilsomeness of separating roots from peat. We developed Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy based calibration models for quantifying the mass proportions of several common peatland species, and alternatively, the PFTs that these species represented, in composite root samples. We further tested whether woody roots could be classified into diameter classes, and whether dead and living roots could be separated. We aimed to solve whether general models applicable in different studies can be developed, and what would be the best way to build such models. FTIR spectra were measured from dried and powdered roots: both “pure roots”, original samples of 25 species collected in the field, and “root mixtures”, artificial composite samples prepared by mixing known amounts of pure roots of different species. Partial least squares regression was used to build the calibration models. The general applicability of the models was tested using roots collected in different sites or times. Our main finding is that pure roots can replace complex mixtures as calibration data. Using pure roots, we constructed generally applicable models for quantification of roots of the main PFTs of northern peatlands. The models provided accurate estimates even for far distant sites, with root mean square error (RMSE) 1.4–6.6% for graminoids, forbs and ferns. For shrubs and trees the estimates were less accurate due to higher within-species heterogeneity, partly related to variation in root diameter. Still, we obtained RMSE 3.9–10.8% for total woody roots, but up to 20.1% for different woody-root types. Species-level and dead-root models performed well within the calibration dataset but provided unacceptable estimates for independent samples, limiting their routine application in field conditions. Our PFT-level models can be applied on roots separated from soil for biomass determination or from ingrowth cores for estimating root production. We present possibilities for further development of species-level or dead-root models using the pure-root approach.
Noisy Light Augments the Na+ Current in Somatosensory Pyramidal Neurons of Optogenetic Transgenic Mice

In previous reports, we developed a method to apply Brownian optogenetic noise-photostimulation (BONP, 470 nm) up to 0.67 mW on the barrel cortex of in vivo ChR2 transgenic mice. In such studies, we found that the BONP produces an increase in the evoked field potentials and the neuronal responses of pyramidal neurons induced by somatosensory mechanical stimulation. Here we extended such findings by examining whether the same type of BONP augments the Na+ current amplitude elicited by voltage-clamp ramps of dissociated pyramidal neurons from the somatosensory cortex of ChR2 transgenic and wild type mice. We found that in all neurons from the ChR2 transgenic mice, but none of the wild type mice, the peak amplitude of a TTX-sensitive Na+ current and its inverse of latency exhibited inverted U-like graphs as a function of the BONP level. It means that an intermediate level of BONP increases both the peak amplitude of the Na+ current and its inverse of latency. Our research suggests that the impact of BONP on the Na+ channels of pyramidal neurons could be associated with the observed augmentation-effects in our previous in vivo preparation. Moreover, it provides caution information for the use of an appropriate range of light intensity, <0.67 mW, which could avoid opto non-genetics (also termed “optonongenetic”) related responses due to light-induced temperature changes.
Dynamics of Dissolution, Killing, and Inhibition of Dental Plaque Biofilm

The present study aims to establish a standardized model that makes it possible to evaluate the dynamic dissolution of biofilm, killing of biofilm microbes and inhibition of growth of biofilm by disinfecting solutions. Biofilm was grown from dental plaque bacteria on collagen-coated hydroxyapatite (HA) disks for 3 days or 3 weeks under anaerobic conditions. Biofilms were stained with the LIVE/DEAD viability stain and subjected to sterile water, 2% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 6% NaOCl, or 2% chlorhexidine (CHX) for 32 min. Dynamic change in fluorescence on bacterial cells and extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) during the exposure was analyzed using Alexa Fluor 647-labeled dextran conjugate and a live-cell imaging confocal laser scanning microscopy (LC-CLSM). The biofilm structures after treatments were visualized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The treated biofilms on HA disks were collected and subjected to colony forming unit (CFU) counting. Another set of sterile HA disks were coated with CHX prior to the monitoring of plaque biofilm growth for 12 h. The LC-CLSM results showed that NaOCl dissolved biofilm effectively, more so at a higher concentration and longer exposure time. Six percent NaOCl was the most effective at dissolving and killing bacteria (e.g., 99% bacterial reduction in 3-day-old biofilm and 95% bacterial reduction in 3-week-old biofilm in 32 min) followed by 2% NaOCl and CHX. Sodium hypochlorite dissolved over 99.9% of the EPS whereas CHX only slightly reduced the EPS biovolume in 32 min. CFU results indicated that the dispersed biofilm bacteria are more resistant than planktonic bacteria to disinfectants. SEM showed the disruption of biofilm after exposures to CHX and NaOCl. The use of 2% CHX and sterile water did not result in biofilm dissolution. However, prior exposure of the HA disks to 2 and 0.2% CHX for 3 min prevented biofilm from growing on the HA disk surfaces for at least 12 h. This new platform has the potential to aid in a better understanding of the antibiofilm properties of oral disinfectants.