Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exercise and Curcumin in Combination Improves Cognitive Function and Attenuates ER Stress in Diabetic Rats

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disease associated with chronic low-grade inflammation that is mainly associated with lifestyles. Exercise and healthy diet are known to be beneficial for adults with T2DM in terms of maintaining blood glucose control and overall health. We investigated whether a combination of exercise and curcumin supplementation ameliorates diabetes-related cognitive distress by regulating inflammatory response and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. This study was performed using male Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) rats (a spontaneous diabetes Type 2 model) and Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats (LETO controls) by providing them with exercise alone or exercise and curcumin in combination. OLETF rats were fed either a diet of chow (as OLETF controls) or a diet of chow containing curcumin (5 g/kg diet) for five weeks. OLETF rats exercised with curcumin supplementation exhibited weight loss and improved glucose homeostasis and lipid profiles as compared with OLETF controls or exercised OLETF rats. Next, we examined cognitive functions using a Morris water maze test. Exercise plus curcumin improved escape latency and memory retention compared to OLETF controls. Furthermore, OLETF rats exercised and fed curcumin had lower IL6, TNFα, and IL10 levels (indicators of inflammatory response) and lower levels of ER stress markers (BiP and CHOP) in the intestine than OLETF controls. These observations suggest exercise plus curcumin may offer a means of treating diabetes-related cognitive dysfunction.
AGE, GROWTH, REPRODUCTION AND MORTALITY OF THE BUTTER-CATFISH EUTROPIUS DEPRESSIROSTRIS (SCHILBEIDAE: PISCES) IN THE LUPHEPHE NWANEDZI IMPOUNDHENT, VENDA (SOUTH AFRICA)

SUMMARY Aspects of the biology of Eutropius depressirostris in the Luphephe-Nwanedzi impoundment in north-east Venda (South Africa 30° 25' E, 23° 14' S) have been investigated. The Von Bertalanffy equation describes the growth of this species. Otoliths were found to be more reliable for age determination than pectoral spines. Females greatly outnumber males and males undergo a spawning migration into the littoral zone. Breeding occurs from October to March. Sexual maturity is attained at an age of two years. Preliminary mortality rates have also been calculated.
Real-time neurofeedback is effective in reducing diversion of attention from a motor task in healthy individuals and patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Objective. The performance of brain-computer interface (BCI) systems is influenced by the user’s mental state, such as attention diversion. In this study, we propose a novel online BCI system able to adapt with variations in the users’ attention during real-time movement execution. Approach. Electroencephalography signals were recorded from healthy participants and patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis while attention to the target task (a dorsiflexion movement) was drifted using an auditory oddball task. For each participant, the selected channels, classifiers and features from a training data set were used in the online phase to predict the attention status. Main results. For both healthy controls and patients, feedback to the user on attentional status reduced the amount of attention diversion. Significance. The findings presented here demonstrate successful monitoring of the users’ attention in a fully online BCI system, and further, that real-time neurofeedback on the users’ attention state can be implemented to focus the attention of the user back onto the main task.
Kalirin Interacts with TRAPP and Regulates Rab11 and Endosomal Recycling

Coordinated actions of Rab and Rho are necessary for numerous essential cellular processes ranging from vesicle budding to whole cell movement. How Rab and Rho are choreographed is poorly understood. Here, we report a protein complex comprised of kalirin, a Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) activating Rac1, and RabGEF transport protein particle (TRAPP). Kalirin was identified in a mass spectrometry analysis of proteins precipitated by trappc4 and detected on membranous organelles containing trappc4. Acute knockdown of kalirin did not affect trappc4, but significantly reduced overall and membrane-bound levels of trappc9, which specifies TRAPP toward activating Rab11. Trappc9 deficiency led to elevated expression of kalirin in neurons. Co-localization of kalirin and Rab11 occurred at a low frequency in NRK cells under steady state and was enhanced upon expressing an inactive Rab11 mutant to prohibit the dissociation of Rab11 from the kalirin-TRAPP complex. The small RNA-mediated depletion of kalirin diminished activities in cellular membranes for activating Rab11 and resulted in a shift in size of Rab11 positive structures from small to larger ones and tubulation of recycling endosomes. Our study suggests that kalirin and TRAPP form a dual GEF complex to choreograph actions of Rab11 and Rac1 at recycling endosomes.
Electroseparation of Slaughterhouse By-Product: Antimicrobial Peptide Enrichment by pH Modification

The fractionation of bioactive peptides from hydrolysate is a main challenge to produce efficient alternative for synthetic additives. In this work, electrodialysis with ultrafiltration membrane (EDUF) was proposed to increase the purity of one antimicrobial peptide from slaughterhouse by-product hydrolysate. This targeted-peptide, α137–141 (653 Da, TSKYR), inhibits a large spectrum of microbial growths and delays meat rancidity; therefore, if concentrated, it could be used as food antimicrobial. In this context, three pH values were investigated during EDUF treatment to increase the α137–141 purity: 4.7, 6.5, and 9. pH 9 showed the highest purity increase—75-fold compared to the initial hydrolysate. Although the whole hydrolysate contains more than 100 peptides, only six peptides were recovered at a significant concentration. In this fraction, the α137–141 peptide represented more than 50% of the recovered total peptide concentration. The EDUF α137–141-enriched fraction obtained in this optimized condition would be a promising natural preservative to substitute synthetic additives used to protect food.
Five Percent Monolaurin Vaginal Gel for the Treatment of Bacterial Vaginosis: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

Objective The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that 5% monolaurin vaginal gel, a naturally occurring monoglyceride shown to have antimicrobial effects on vaginal pathogens without affecting Lactobacillus species, cures bacterial vaginosis (BV). Materials and Methods This was a multicenter, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial comparing 5% monolaurin vaginal gel to vehicle placebo (glycol-based) gel administered twice daily for 3 days. Nonpregnant, nonbreastfeeding women between ages 18 and 50 years were recruited and BV confirmed. Primary outcome was clinical cure assessed by resolution of all 4 Amsel criteria. Secondary outcomes included safety and tolerability assessed by solicited urogenital adverse events. Exploratory outcomes included colony counts for vaginal microbes associated with healthy vaginal flora (Lactobacillus species) and the dysbiosis often associated with BV (Gardnerella species and Mobiluncus species). A 2:1 test article to placebo randomization scheme was planned. Results One hundred nine women participated with 73 randomized to the treatment arm and 36 to the placebo arm. There was no significant difference in clinical cure for BV (p = .42) with 17% of the monolaurin group and 25% of the placebo group achieving clinical cure. Lactobacilli species counts increased in the monolaurin group compared with placebo (1.0 × 107 vs −5.2 × 106). Two thirds of both groups reported solicited urogenital adverse events, but these were mild to moderate with no significant difference between groups (p = .24). Conclusions Monolaurin was no more clinically or microbiologically effective than placebo in curing BV. Future research should explore whether monolaurin may be used to increase Lactobacilli species.
Palaeoecological insights for the conservation of aquatic ecosystems in dryland environments: A case study of the Verlorenvlei system, South Africa

Verlorenvlei, a dryland aquatic ecosystem in South Africa, has been identified as having enormous conservation importance. Although the system has Ramsar status and is widely regarded as being in ‘pristine' condition, neither statutory control nor any form of management is currently in existence. Based on the analysis of fossil pollen derived from the sediments of Verlorenvlei, a sequence of rapid changes within the riparian and aquatic vegetation is identified. Synchronous changes in the rate of sedimentation suggest a threefold increase in annual sediment deposition since the mid-18th century—the onset of colonial settlement. The pollen spectra prior to the arrival of colonial settlers suggest that abundant Poaceae (grasses) and rooted aquatic plants dominated the vegetation of the site. Radical changes in the pollen record become evident after the time of European colonization. Aquatic vegetation, including Gentianaceae (water lilies) and Potamogetonaceae, show a marked decrease while riparian vegetation, particularly reed elements such as Cyperaceae, Typhaceae and Juncaceae, are seen to increase progressively. Terrestrial pollen indicators reveal an expansion in the vegetation of classic disturbance indicators such as Asteraceae, Oxalidaceae and Scrophulariaceae. As the wetland has already endured rapid ecological adjustments in the face of colonial (and more recent) occupation of the broader landscape, it cannot be regarded as being in a ‘pristine’ state. Indeed, Verlorenvlei is interpreted as having reached a state of ‘transitional’ ecological equilibrium in which it continues to endure a number of rapid ecological changes; nonetheless, it is still worthy of conservation and management, not least because of its role as a strategic wetland in a dryland environment. Failing the timely implementation of remedial action in the form of an integrated conservation and management plan, Verlorenvlei appears destined to become irreversibly altered. Dryland aquatic ecosystems are vital aquatic resources in so called ‘Third World’ regions of the world yet, paradoxically, scientific research on, and the conservation of, these environments in the Southern Hemisphere are rare by comparison to wetland environments in the northern temperate zones. Although many dryland aquatic systems may already be altered, most are worthy of urgent management and conservation action, bearing in mind the fundamental question: ‘What is it that we wish to conserve? ’. A number of recommendations for the management of dryland aquatic ecosystems such as Verlorenvlei are listed.
Long-Term Side Effects of Breast Cancer on Force Production Parameters

Abstract Bertoli, J, de Souza Bezerra, E, Dias Reis, A, Amice da Costa Barros, E, Gobbo, LA, and Forte Freitas Júnior, I. Long-term side effects of breast cancer on force production parameters. J Strength Cond Res 36(5): 1450–1458, 2022—Breast cancer treatments have long-term side effects, which are associated with muscle strength reduction, negatively affecting the quality of life and increasing the chances of a sedentary life style. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of types of surgery and hormone therapy on muscle strength parameters in breast cancer survivors compared to women without cancer (control). Eighty-three women, 42 breast cancer survivors and 41 control women, volunteered to participate in this study. Subjects performed maximal isometric voluntary contractions, so that force parameters of the right and left shoulder abductor, trunk extensor, and preferred knee extensor-flexor muscles could be evaluated. Overall, breast cancer survivors presented a lower absolute and normalized maximal force (Fmax) for all muscle groups compared with control. The right shoulder abductor muscles of breast cancer survivors presented a significantly lower absolute and normalized rapid force index (RFI) than control. When compared according to hormone therapy treatment, in breast cancer survivors undergoing aromatase inhibitor, all strength parameters except for normalized RFI demonstrated lower values for the right and left shoulder abductors, trunk, and knee extensors compared with control and tamoxifen. When separated by surgery type, breast cancer survivors who underwent quadrantectomy and radical mastectomy presented lower values for some strength parameters for the left and right shoulder abductors, except for trunk extensor muscles, in which quadrantectomy and total mastectomy presented lower strength parameters. It is recommended that breast cancer survivors should be encouraged to perform supervised strength training programs for different muscle groups to improve Fmax and RFI, aiming to reduce muscle weakness and pain, and improve functional capacity and quality of life.
Reproductive parameters and nesting behavior of the Amazon turtle Podocnemis expansa (Testudinata: Pelomedusidae) in Brazil

The Amazon River turtle Podocnemis expansa was studied during the nesting and hatching seasons (October and December of 1978, 1979, and 1980) at a protected site in a Biological Reserve on the Trombetas River, a tributary of the Amazon. Mean carapace length of nesting females was 66 cm and mean carapace width 59 cm. Mean clutch size was 91.5 eggs (with 95% hatching success) and was positively correlated to carapace length, carapace width, plastron length, and plastron width. Carapace width was positively correlated to egg chamber height, and egg chamber diameter was positively correlated with nest depth, clutch size, and plastron width. There is a synchronization between low water and nesting.
Comparative analysis of tissue-specific transcriptomic responses to nitrogen stress in spinach (Spinacia oleracea)

Nitrogen (N) is critical to the growth and productivity of crops. To understand the molecular mechanisms influenced by N stress, we used RNA-Sequencing (RNA-Seq) to analyze differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in root and leaf tissues of spinach. N stress negatively influenced photosynthesis, biomass accumulation, amino acid profiles, and partitioning of N across tissues. RNA-seq analysis revealed that N stress caused most transcriptomic changes in roots, identifying 1,346 DEGs. High-affinity nitrate transporters (NRT2.1, NRT2.5) and glutamine amidotransferase (GAT1) genes were strongly induced in roots in response to N deplete and replete conditions, respectively. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that the functions associated with metabolic pathways and nutrient reservoir activity were enriched due to N stress. Whereas KEGG pathway enrichment analysis indicated the upregulation of DEGs associated with DNA replication, pyrimidine, and purine metabolism in the presence of high N in leaf tissue. A subset of transcription factors comprising bHLH, MYB, WRKY, and AP2/ERF family members was over-represented in both tissues in response to N perturbation. Interesting DEGs associated with N uptake, amino acid metabolism, hormonal pathway, carbon metabolism, along with transcription factors, were highlighted. The results provide valuable information about the underlying molecular processes in response to N stress in spinach and; could serve as a resource for functional analysis of candidate genes/pathways and enhancement of nitrogen use efficiency.
Insights into the SAM Synthetase Gene Family and Its Roles in Tomato Seedlings under Abiotic Stresses and Hormone Treatments

S-Adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) is a key enzyme involved in many important biological processes, such as ethylene and polyamine biosynthesis, transmethylation, and transsulfuration. Here, the SAM synthetase (SAMS) gene family was studied in ten different plants (Arabidopsis, tomato, eggplant, sunflower, Medicago truncatula, soybean, rice, barley, Triticum urartu and sorghum) with respect to its physical structure, physicochemical characteristics, and post-transcriptional and post-translational modifications. Additionally, the expression patterns of SAMS genes in tomato were analyzed based on a real-time quantitative PCR assay and an analysis of a public expression dataset. SAMS genes of monocots were more conserved according to the results of a phylogenetic analysis and the prediction of phosphorylation and glycosylation patterns. SAMS genes showed differential expression in response to abiotic stresses and exogenous hormone treatments. Solyc01g101060 was especially expressed in fruit and root tissues, while Solyc09g008280 was expressed in leaves. Additionally, our results revealed that exogenous BR and ABA treatments strongly reduced the expression of tomato SAMS genes. Our research provides new insights and clues about the role of SAMS genes. In particular, these results can inform future functional analyses aimed at revealing the molecular mechanisms underlying the functions of SAMS genes in plants.
FMCW Laser Fuze Multiple Scattering Model and Accurate Fixed-Distance Algorithm in a Smoke Environment

In a smoke environment, suspended particles can scatter and absorb laser photons, making target echo signals extremely weak and difficult to extract and identify, which causes obvious difficulty in fixed-distance of laser fuze. In this paper, the multiple scattering model of frequency-modulated-continuous-wave (FMCW) laser fuze in a smoke environment was established. This model simulates multi-path propagation and multiple scattering of photons. At the same time, we use the correntropy spectral density (CSD) algorithm for accurate fixed-distance of FMCW laser fuze. The absolute error of distance does not exceed 0.15 m in smoke interference environment.
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Is Associated with Age-Specific Alterations in Markers of Adiposity in Offspring: A Narrative Review

Maternal hyperglycemia alters an offspring’s metabolic health outcomes, as demonstrated by the increased risk for obesity, impaired glucose handling and diabetes from early childhood onwards. Infant growth patterns are associated with childhood adiposity and metabolic health outcomes and, as such, can be used as potential markers to detect suboptimal metabolic development at an early age. Hence, we aimed to assess whether gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has an impact on offspring growth trajectories. Outcomes included weight gain (WG), body mass index (BMI), and skin fold thickness (SFT) measured at least at two time points from birth to later childhood. In addition, we explored the role of early life pre- and post-natal nutritional modifiable factors on longitudinal growth in infants of mother with GDM (GDM–F1). Despite the large heterogeneity of the studies, we can still conclude that GDM seems to be associated with altered growth outcomes in the offspring. More specifically, these alterations in growth outcomes seem to be rather time-specific. Increased SFT were reported particularly at birth, with limited information on reporting SFT between 2–5 y, and increased adiposity, measured via SFT and BMI, appeared mainly in later childhood (5–10 y). Studies evaluating longitudinal growth outcomes suggested a potential role of early life nutritional modifiable factors including maternal nutrition and breastfeeding. These may impact the cycle of adverse metabolic health by attenuating growth outcome alterations among GDM–F1. Conclusions: Timely diagnoses of growth deviations in infancy are crucial for early identification of GDM–F1 who are at risk for childhood overweight and metabolic disease development.
Long-term oncologic outcomes after radical prostatectomy in clinically localized prostate cancer: 10-year follow-up in Korea

Purpose The clinical behavior of prostate cancer differs by race and ethnicity; however, data on the Korean population are scarce. We assessed the long-term oncologic outcomes of clinically localized prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy in Korean men. Materials and Methods We analyzed 786 clinically localized prostate cancer patients who underwent radical prostatectomy, from June 1993 to June 2008. Kaplan–Meier survival curve analysis and log-rank test were used to assess the oncologic outcomes. Results The mean age of the patients was 64.9±6.6 years. Pelvic lymph node dissection was performed in 373 patients. Pathologic T and N stage cancer with local advancement and invasion were detected by radical prostatectomy in 307 and 22 patients, respectively. In total, 38 patients who underwent adjuvant therapy were excluded from the analysis of progression after biochemical recurrence (BCR), which occurred in 261 men. In total, 219 patients underwent salvage treatment. Local recurrence and distant metastasis occurred in 109 and 42 patients, respectively; 36 patients experienced metastasis with local recurrence. Castration-resistant prostate cancer developed in 22 patients, and overall and disease-specific mortality was noted in 148 and 23 patients, respectively. The median duration from operation to BCR, BCR to metastasis, and metastasis to disease-specific death was 25, 40, and 22 months, respectively. Conclusions We demonstrated the long-term prognosis of localized prostate cancer after radical prostatectomy among Koreans. Our results differ from those reported in the Western literature, with a lower prevalence of distant metastasis and shorter time to metastasis after BCR.
The genera Erhaia and Tricula (Gastropoda, Rissooidea, Amnicolidae and Pomatiopsidae) in Bhutan and elsewhere in the eastern Himalaya

Abstract Shells of the Rissooidea species that are known from Bhutan are characterized. Tricula montana is reported from that country for the first time. Two Erhaia species from Bhutan are described as new to science, viz. E. janneisp. nov., and E. pelkiaesp. nov., The holotypes of the Erhaia species that were described from Nepal are figured with photographs for the first time and compared with the congeneric taxa from Bhutan and India. Erhaia nainitalensis is considered a senior synonym of E. chandeshwariensis. An identification key is presented for the Erhaia species of the Himalayan foothills.
Molecular mapping of the fertility-restoration gene Rf4 for WA-cytoplasmic male sterility in rice

The wild abortive cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS-WA) system, an ideal type of sporophytic CMS in indica rice, is used for the large-scale commercial production of hybrid rice. Searching for restorer genes is a good approach when phenotyping is very time-consuming and requires the determination of spikelet sterility in testcross progeny. To establish more precisely the genetical and physical maps of the Rf4 gene, high-resolution mapping of this locus was carried out using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and newly designed markers in a F 2 population. The genetic linkage analysis indicated that five SSR markers (RM6737, RM304, RM171, RM5841 and RM228) on the long arm of chromosome 10 were linked with the Rf4 gene. Rf4 was flanked by two SSR markers RM171 and RM6737 at distances of 3.2 and 1.6 cM, respectively. Also, within the region between Rf4 gene and RM171, a newly designed primer pair, AB443, produced two sterile-specific markers, AB443-400 and AB443-500, 0.5 and 1.03 cM from the gene. The flanking markers identified give promise for their application in molecular marker-assisted selection (MAS) and they are also suitable for starting chromosome walking to clone Rf4 gene in the near future.
Pentatrichosiphum (Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae), a generic account with the description of a new species from Hainan, China

The aphid genus Pentatrichosiphum Basu, 1969 is reviewed. Pentatrichosiphum longirostrum n. sp. from Lauraceae in Hainan, China is described. Pentatrichosiphum luteum Basu, 1969 is recorded for the first time from China, the first record of this genus. Some hitherto unknown morphs of P. luteum are described. The genus is redefined and keys to the four known species worldwide are also provided. The taxonomic status of Pentatrichosiphum is discussed based on morphological characters. Type specimens are deposited in the Zoological Museum, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China (ZMCAS).