Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Gut Microbiota in Human Health and Diseases: Implication for Therapeutic Potential

Humans have and hold 100 trillion intestinal bacteria that are essential for health. For millions of years human-microorganisms interaction has co-evolved, and maintained close symbiotic relationship. Gut bacteria contributes to human health and metabolism, and humans provides the optimum nutrition-rich environment for bacteria. What is the mechanism of the host distinguishing the intestinal bacteria as its cohabiting partner and what kind of benefits does the gut microbiota provide the human are the fundamental questions to be asked and solved in order to make human life a higher quality. This review explains the physiological relationship and mutualism between the host and gut microorganism, and highlights the potential therapeutic approach for treating diseases, maintaining and improving health based on these correlations.
Growth hormone and receptor gene mutations in Chinese Banna miniature pig

Abstract The Banna miniature pig (BNMP) is a representative miniature pig breed in China. Even though BNMP dwarfism is obvious, its underlying causative mutations remain unknown. In this study, the BNMP and Large White pig (LWP) serum growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) levels were detected by ELISA and compared. BNMP serum IGF-1 levels were significantly lower than LWP levels (P<0.05). The miniature condition may arise from mutations in the GH and GH receptor (GHR) genes. Therefore, GH and GHR cDNA from the BNMP were cloned into a pMD18-T vector by RT-PCR using the total RNA obtained from the BNMP's pituitary and liver tissues. Sequencing results indicated that the open reading frame of the BNMP GH gene is composed of a 26-residue signal peptide and a 191-residue mature peptide. The coding sequence of the BNMP GHR gene contained 639 amino acids, including a signal peptide that is 18 amino acids long. Two amino acid substitutions, A09V and R22Q, were found in the signal peptide of the GH gene. Additionally, the S104P mutation was found in the BNMP's mature GH protein. Four mutations in the cytoplasmic domain of GHR may influence the downstream signal transduction of GHR, which needs further experimental evidence.
Comparison of the Biology and Freezing Tolerance of Panagrolaimus Davidi, an Antarctic Nematode, From Field Samples and Cultures

Samples of Panagrolaimus davidi, an Antarctic nematode which tolerates intracellular freezing, were collected from Cape Bird, Ross Island and compared with nematodes cultured for nine years. The field distribution of nematodes was patchy and was not correlated with the water content of the sample or the presence of algae. Field-collected nematodes were similar in morphology to those from cultures, although there were differences in morphometrics. Males predominated in field material, whereas cultures contained only parthenogenetic females. The freezing tolerance of field-collected nematodes was similar to those from cultures. Nematodes in culture are thus a valid model for the study of the adaptations involved in the survival of the extreme environmental stresses faced by these animals in their Antarctic habitats.
Long-term outcome with sutureless valves: 12 years of Perceval experience.

The conventional treatment for aortic valve stenosis has always been surgical aortic valve replacement (AVR) using standard surgical valve prostheses. However, the use of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is expanding rapidly and currently TAVI paves its own way from intermediateand high-risk patients to low-risk patients. This evolution has stimulated innovations within the field of surgical valves. Sutureless or rapid-deployment valves have been developed to make valve implantation faster, safer and less invasive. This design change continues to demonstrate that it has been an important and innovative strategy. When looking at short-term outcomes, there are many studies and meta-analyses that have tried to compare standard valves, sutureless valves and TAVI among patients with a range of surgical risk levels. Recently, a network meta-analysis of 16,432 patients from seven randomized controlled trials and twenty-five propensity score-matched studies have compared all three options (1). While mortality and stroke outcomes were comparable for all three options, the sutureless AVR demonstrated less regurgitation than TAVI and less major bleeding and acute kidney injury than conventional AVR (1). Another meta-analysis reported less moderate to severe paravalvular leakage (PVL) and improved survival with sutureless AVR versus TAVI (2). Sutureless valves offer a faster implantation, with significantly reduced aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times (2). The absence of a sewing ring may also result in improved hemodynamics (3). Unfortunately, prospective randomized data is still lacking. The Perceval sutureless valve
Promoter methylation of seven clock genes in total leukocytes from different-aged healthy subjects

DNA methylation plays an important role in the regulation of the expression of clock genes during normal development and in the development of cancer. The methylation status of clock genes may also be associated with aging. However, it is unknown whether promoter methylation is also a regulator for the age-related change of clock expression in human total lymphocytes. In the present study, methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction assays were used to examine the methylation status of seven key clock promoters, namely Bmal1, Clock, Npas2, Per1, Per2, Cry1 and Cry2. The methylation status was examined in 298 healthy subjects categorised into three groups according to their age. Noticeable methylation was only detected in the Cry1 and Npas2 promoters, suggesting their epigenetic regulation may be involved in modulating the expression of clock genes and circadian rhythms in leukocytes. However, their methylation frequency did not differ with age or gender.
Effect of home-based mirror therapy on lower limb function in patients with stroke: A randomized controlled trial

Stroke is a global health-care problem that is common, serious, and disabling. The rehabilitation of impaired lower limb functioning post stroke is a major issue and approximately 30% of patients with chronic stroke have persistent difficulties in independent ambulation. Hence this study was performed with the objective of assessing the efficacy of Mirror Therapy on lower limb function in patients with stroke as a home based program. 30 subjects meeting the inclusion criteria were selected and divided into conventional therapy (CT group) (n=15) and Mirror + conventional therapy (MT+CT) group (n=15). Fugl Meyer lower extremity score was assessed at baseline. Both the study groups performed conventional treatment for approximately 40 minutes/ day, 6 days/week for a period of 4 weeks. In addition to conventional treatment, the Mirror Therapy plus Conventional Therapy (MT+CT) group received an additional exercise program to be performed for the non-affected extremity, against the reflecting surface of the mirror and observing the mirror image of the moving limb. Re-assessment of the outcome measure was done after the intervention of 4 weeks. Data analysis showed significant changes in the Fugl Meyer Assessment scores of the CT group (Control) (p=0.02) and MT+CT (Experimental) group (p=0.0001). On analyzing the difference in the mean scores of both the groups, FMA score showed significant changes (p=0.02). Keywords: Mirror therapy, Lower limb, Fugl meyer assessment, Home-based therapy.
Simulation study of memristor aided logic (MAGIC) based on CMOS NOR gate

Memristor is a non-volatile new technology memory where the data stored as a resistance which the performance is influenced by the stateful logic design. Therefore, this study is an attempt to investigate the performance of the MAGIC NOR Gate stateful logic design using LTSPICE and targeted to 2 bits memory application. The objective is to investigate the performance of memristor based stateful logic logic design and schematics for memory application. Furthermore, the study been carried out by implementing the MAGIC NOR gate stateful logic schematic, then simulate the design in order to see the effects of performance including the electrical parameters compared to the others. Evidently, the improvement of MAGIC NOR gate contributes in reducing the number of NOR gate and CMOS count. Besides, the MAGIC NOR gates takes parallel inputs topology and eliminate the threshold voltage compared to IMPLY logic. Nevertheless, larger numbers of memristor required to stable the output consistency in MAGIC NOR gate schematic.
Biology and functional morphology of a new species of endolithic Bryopa (Bivalvia: Anomalodesmata: Clavagelloidea) from Japan and a comparison with fossil species of Stirpulina and other Clavagellidae

A new species of Clavagellidae, Bryopa aligamenta, from Okinawa, Japan, is described. The species is endolithic in living corals, with the left valve cemented to the crypt wall, as in all clavagellids. The free right valve exhibits an unusual growth pattern, with commarginal lines seemingly arising from the posterior valve margin and extending towards the anterior. This results from: (i) progressive anterior erosion of the umbones, probably as a consequence of the boring process; (ii) the apparent migration posteriorly, as the umbones are eroded, of the dorso-ventral growth axis of the shell; and (iii) enhanced posterior inter-commarginal growth. Unlike other clavagellid genera and species, however, there is no discernible primary ligament, at least in the adult. It is possible, however, that if a juvenile ligament were present (as in B. lata), it too would be lost as a consequence of antero-dorsal erosion during boring. To retain valve alignment in the absence of a primary ligament, and possibly upon reaching an adult size, the mantle lays down alternating layers of calcium carbonate and proteinaceous periostracum onto the interior surface of the shell to thicken it, most noticeably marginally and, especially, posteriorly. The two valves are united dorsally, therefore, by thin layers of periostracum that probably exert a minimal opening force. B. aligamenta is, however, further characterised by large adductor, pallial, and siphonal retractor muscles so that the entire animal is encased tightly within an internally strengthened shell within a crypt. Movement must be minimal, blood being pumped into pallial haemocoels to push open the valves and extend the siphons. Despite a suggestion to the contrary, Bryopa is retained in the Clavagellidae, its unusual growth processes resulting from an endolithic life style within living corals. The fossil clavagellid Stirpulina bacillus, from the Pliocene/Pleistocene of Palermo, Sicily, Italy, was, unlike Bryopa aligamenta and other clavagellids, endobenthic, with a long adventitious tube and anterior watering pot superficially similar to species of Penicillidae, another family of the Clavagelloidea. Furthermore, as in all clavagellids only the left valve is fused into the fabric of the tube, the right being free within it. In all penicillids, both valves are fused into the fabric of their tubes. The watering pots of the fossil S. coronata, S. vicentina, and S. bacillus, moreover, are formed in a different manner to that of penicillids, by progressive encasement of the right valve inside the tube. In penicillids, the tube is secreted in a single event from the general mantle surface and the incorporation of both valves into its fabric. The constituent genera of the Clavagellidae thus constitute an example of parallel evolution with members of the Penicillidae.
EVALUATION OF DAIRY CATTLE FOR FINAL CLASS USING ANIMAL MODELS

Estimated breeding values for final class of 364 868 Canadian Holstein Friesian cows and 10 186 bulls from three different animal models were compared. FIRST lactation, first classifications were described by a model with fixed effects of herd-round-classifier, linear and quadratic effects of age at calving and stage of lactation at classification, and random effects of additive genetic effects of cows, and residual effects. All additive genetic relationships among animals were included. A second model used the LATEST classification on each cow rather than the first and these observations were pre-adjusted for age and stage. The third model used ALL classifications on each cow, and these were also pre-adjusted for age and stage effects. Correlations among estimated breeding values between methods ranged from 0.92 to 0.95. Estimated breeding values from LATEST were most highly correlated to sire proofs from the currently official sire model which also used the latest classification of each cow. Correlation.
Emerging Issues in Decentralized Resource Governance: Environmental Federalism, Spillovers, and Linked Socio-Ecological Systems

Spillovers among jurisdictions are ubiquitous and likely to increase with increasing population and consumption, so the centralization or decentralization of environmental governance is of pressing concern in a world of tightly linked socio-ecological systems. Spillovers play a key role in federalism analysis because they tend to reduce benefits from decentralization. Laboratory federalism, a common rationale for decentralization, has not proven successful as a model of local policy innovation. Given a national policy toward a public good, differences in preferences across jurisdictions may push national policy toward a quantity instrument rather than a tax instrument. Finally, the lack of interaction between environmental federalism analysis and studies of adaptive governance and linked complex adaptive systems leaves both literatures incomplete. The increasing urgency of global sustainability issues argues for linking insights from environmental federalism with the literature on linked socio-ecological complex adaptive systems.
Environmental conditions terminate reproductive diapause and influence pheromone perception in the long‐lived moth Caloptilia fraxinella

Reproductive diapause enables long‐lived insects to time mating with environmental conditions suitable for offspring development. Plasticity in the perception of pheromones used in sexual communication may enable mate‐finding at the appropriate time of year. The moth Caloptilia fraxinella (Ely) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) undergoes a 9‐month reproductive diapause, during which the male response to pheromone is plastic and is highest during the period of reproductive activity. The mechanisms controlling this pheromone response plasticity are not well‐understood, and the aim of the present study is to determine the main factors involved. In the present study, the impact of temperature, photoperiod, juvenile hormone analogue (JHA) and adult nutrition on diapause termination are tested using electroantennogram (EAG) and behavioural response to pheromone in male C. fraxinella. Eclosion in a state of reproductive diapause occurs in most males; diapause is maintained under short‐day or cool conditions indoors, or under natural conditions outdoors. Exposure to long‐day, warm conditions over a period of 4 weeks causes a small number of males to become behaviourally responsive to pheromone; a larger number of males become behaviourally responsive over a period of 3 months of post‐eclosion. Treatment with a JHA impacts male EAG and the behavioural response to pheromone during the period of reproductive diapause. A carbohydrate food source is not required by reproductively active adult male C. fraxinella to respond to pheromone and express mate location behaviours. The main factors involved in controlling male pheromone response plasticity and the implications of these factors for the C. fraxinella population in its expanded range are discussed.
A review of white rust (Puccinia horiana Henn.) disease on chrysanthemum and the potential for its biological control with Verticillium lecanii (Zimm.) Viégas

Summary The biology, aetiology and epidemiology of Puccinia horiana, the cause of white rust disease of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum spp.) is reviewed in relation to current environmental, cultural and chemical methods for its control. Importantly, basidiospore release, germination and infection can take as little as 5 h at optimum r.h. (96%) and temperature (between 17–24°C). Recent developments using the fungus Verticillium lecanii for the control of insects on glasshouse-grown all-year-round chrysanthemums rely upon the maintenance of r.h. during night periods in excess of 95%, thus predisposing plants to white rust attack. However, V. lecanii is unusual in that it can also parasitise spores and fruiting structures of a range of rust fungi including P. horiana. This mycoparasitic ability is also reviewed, and against this background, the potential for an integrated insect and white rust control programme on all-year-round chrysanthemums is assessed.
Nitrogen value of stockpiled cattle manure for crop production

Cattle manure is a common source of fertilizer throughout Sub-Saharan Africa given problems with supply and pricing of inorganic fertilizers. The optimum rate of manure to use is often unknown and further compounded by variable N contents arising from long periods of stockpiling. This study investigated the rates of cattle manure required to optimize plant growth at different N contents arising from different storage times. A field experiment was established using cattle manure stored in the open for 4, 12 and 13 months (N content of 1.31, 1.18and 0.32%, respectively). Plant shoot dry weight and N uptake of canola (Brassica napus L) was compared to equivalent rates of inorganic N (urea) to 200 kg N ha-1at two sampling points over two growing seasons. Linear models of the form y = a + bx were fitted to the data where y is yield (dry matter or N uptake) to enable the N equivalent value (NEV) of cattle manure treatments to be compared to inorganic fertilizer. The NEV of cattle manure stored for 4 months averaged 30% for shoot dry weight and 24% for N uptake and decreased with storage. Impractical volumes of cattle manure are required for plant production in aged stockpiles, thus necessitating better options for N management. Key words: Sub-Saharan Africa, cattle manure, nitrogen fertilizer, N equivalent value, stockpiled manure.
Artificial Hybridization among Species of Chenopodium sect. Chenopodium

The taxonomic significance of those morphological characters that have been used to delimit Chenopodium sect. Chenopodium subsect. Cellulata has been questioned. Species of this alveolate-fruited group are therefore often not treated in regional manuals, especially those covering the eastern United States. Alveolate- fruited species usually are included with the synonymy of C. album s. lat. of subsect. Leiosperma. The validity of subsect. Cellulata was tested through two programs of artificial hybridization. Results support the circumscription of subsect. Cellulata as a unit distinct from other elements of sect. Chenopodium. Hybridization between taxa within subsect. Cellulata produced viable F1 plants, whereas intersubsectional crosses resulted in inviable hybrids or none at all. Chenopodium bushianum, an alveolate- fruited species of northeastern North America that is often confused with C. album, showed complete genomic compatibility with C. berlandieri subsp. berlandieri, a com- mon alveolate-fruited weed of western North America. This, plus the presence of apparent intergrading populations in the area of sympatry, indicates that the two might be better treated as a single species. When morphological, cytological, and hybridization data are considered, all taxa of the Cellulata complex appear to con- stitute a relatively coherent group that is well removed from C. album and related species of subsect. Leiosperma. Hybridization data also indicate the presence of a "restorer factor" for cytoplasmically inherited male-sterility in C. quinoa. This factor appears to be present in some strains of C. quinoa subsp. quinoa and some strains of C. berlandieri subsp. berlandieri.
Patrones de distribución de especies arbóreas de dosel y sotobosque a escala local en bosques de tierra firme, Amazonia colombiana

El efecto de la variacion ambiental en la estructura de las comunidades arboreas en bosques tropicales, aun se debate. En paisajes como los bosques de tierra firme, donde el gradiente ambiental disminuye, el efecto de los suelos sobre los patrones de distribucion de especies es minimo. En contraste, un mayor efecto de la variacion edafica y topografica sobre la composicion floristica, se ha reportado en estudios con diferentes tipos de plantas en bosques tropicales. Este estudio se realizo en diez hectareas de una parcela permanente. Se evaluo el efecto de la variacion ambiental y la configuracion espacial sobre los patrones floristicos de las especies arboreas a escala local, segun el estado de desarrollo y categorias de abundancia relativa. Se registraron 14 074 individuos de 1 053 especies y 80 familias. Los suelos son acidos, presentan altas concentraciones de Aluminio y son predominantemente arcillosos. La diversidad beta fue baja. Las diferencias floristicas explicadas fueron asociadas con procesos biologicos espacialmente estructurados, particularmente, con la limitacion en dispersion. Aunque, la mayor parte de la variacion no fue explicada por las variables consideradas. Estos resultados sugieren que procesos aleatorios son determinantes esenciales de la variacion floristica en bosques de tierra firme de la amazonia.
Evaluating drought effect on MODIS Gross Primary Production (GPP) with an eco‐hydrological model in the mountainous forest, East Asia

Surface soil moisture dynamics is a key link between climate fluctuation and vegetation dynamics in space and time. In East Asia, precipitation is concentrated in the short monsoon season, which reduces plants water availability in the dry season. Furthermore, most forests are located in mountainous areas because of high demand for agricultural land, which results in increased lateral water flux and uneven distribution of plant available water. These climatic and topographic features of the forests make them more vulnerable to drought conditions. In this study, the eco‐hydrological model (Regional Hydro‐Ecological Simulation System) is validated with various water and carbon flux measurements in a small catchment in Korea. The model is then extended to the regional scale with fine‐resolution remote sensing data to evaluate the Moderate Resolution Imaging Radiometer (MODIS) leaf area index and gross primary productivity (GPP) products. Long‐term model runs simulated severe drought effect in 2001 well, which is clearly shown in the ring increment data. However, MODIS GPP does not capture this drought effect in 2001, which might be from a simplified treatment of water stress in the MODIS GPP algorithm. This study shows that the MODIS GPP products can potentially overestimate carbon uptake specifically during drought conditions driven by soil water stress.