Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Macrobdella decora: Old World Leech Gut Microbial Community Structure Conserved in a New World Leech

Building evidence implicates the gut microbiome in critical animal functions such as regulating digestion, nutrition, immune regulation, and development. Simplified, phylogenetically diverse models for hypotheses testing are necessary because of the difficulty of assigning causative relationships in complex gut microbiomes. ABSTRACT Leeches are found in terrestrial, aquatic, and marine habitats on all continents. Sanguivorous leeches have been used in medicine for millennia. Modern scientific uses include studies of neurons, anticoagulants, and gut microbial symbioses. Hirudo verbana, the European medicinal leech, maintains a gut community dominated by two bacterial symbionts, Aeromonas veronii and Mucinivorans hirudinis, which sometimes account for as much as 97% of the total crop microbiota. The highly simplified gut anatomy and microbiome of H. verbana make it an excellent model organism for studying gut microbial dynamics. The North American medicinal leech, Macrobdella decora, is a hirudinid leech native to Canada and the northern United States. In this study, we show that M. decora symbiont communities are very similar to those in H. verbana. We performed an extensive study using field-caught M. decora and purchased H. verbana from two suppliers. Deep sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene allowed us to determine that the core microbiome of M. decora consists of Bacteroides, Aeromonas, Proteocatella, and Butyricicoccus. The analysis revealed that the compositions of the gut microbiomes of the two leech species were significantly different at all taxonomic levels. The R2 value was highest at the genus and amplicon sequence variant (ASV) levels and much lower at the phylum, class, and order levels. The gut and bladder microbial communities were distinct. We propose that M. decora is an alternative to H. verbana for studies of wild-caught animals and provide evidence for the conservation of digestive-tract and bladder symbionts in annelid models. IMPORTANCE Building evidence implicates the gut microbiome in critical animal functions such as regulating digestion, nutrition, immune regulation, and development. Simplified, phylogenetically diverse models for hypothesis testing are necessary because of the difficulty of assigning causative relationships in complex gut microbiomes. Previous research used Hirudo verbana as a tractable animal model of digestive-tract symbioses. Our data show that Macrobdella decora may work just as well without the drawback of being an endangered organism and with the added advantage of easy access to field-caught specimens. The similarity of the microbial community structures of species from two different continents reveals the highly conserved nature of the microbial symbionts in sanguivorous leeches.
Expressão gênica de transportadores de nutrientes e interleucinas no intestino de pintainhos suplementados com treonina In ovo e inoculados com Salmonella enteritidis

The supplementation in ovo of threonine on glucose, amino acid and peptide transporters in the small intestine of broiler chickens inoculated with Salmonella were assessed. At 17.5 days of embryo development, fertile eggs were inoculated in the amniotic liquid with saline or 3.5% of Threonine (Thr). All hatchlings were individually weighed, and the negative Salmonella status was confirmed. At two days of age, half of the birds of each incubation treatment was inoculated with sterile nutrient broth or nalidixic acid-resistant Salmonella Enteritidis in nutrient broth (8.3x10 UFC SE Nal/ml) and distributed according to a completely randomized design in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement with two threonine levels (0 and 3.5%) and two inoculation status (without or with SE Nal). Ileal gene expression of the sodium and glucose transporter (Sglt1), glucose transporter 2 (Glut2), peptide transporter (PepT1) and threonine, serine, alanine and serine transporter (ASCT1) was determined at hatch (only incubation effect) and 168 hours after SE inoculation (factorial arrangement). At two days of age, Sglt1 and ASCT1 showed higher expression due to threonine supplementation in ovo. There was no interaction at 168 hours post-inoculation for Sglt1 and Glut2, but both Pept1 e ASCT1 showed interaction. In ovo threonine supplementation increased Sglt1 and Glut2 at 24 and 168 hpi, whereas Salmonella challenge decreased Glut2 expression, independent of the incubation treatment. On the other hand, Salmonella challenge decreased both Pept1 and ASCT1 expression in the ileum of birds that had been supplemented with in ovo threonine. The decreased expression of ASCT1 that was seen in Salmonellachallenged groups of birds was more prominent in those non-supplemented with threonine during incubation. The intra-amniotic supplementation of threonine in broiler embryos improved glucose, peptide and amino acid transporter expression in the absence of Salmonella.
Rôle de la fractalkine/CX3CL1 et de son récepteur CX3CR1 dans les pathologies allergiques

Allergic asthma and atopic dermatitis are diseases mainly resulting from the activation of Th2 cells, that produce cytokines favouring IgE production and eosinophilia but also of Th1 cells, that contribute to inflammation chronicity. Lymphocyte recruitment and retention of Th cells in target organs are 2 key events for asthma and atopic dermatitis pathogenesis. While lymphocyte migration is regulated by chemokines and lipid mediators such as leukotrienes and prostaglandins, factors involved in lymphocyte retention and survival within inflammatory tissues remain poorly understood. Recent works show that, in allergic diseases, there is an increased expression of fractalkine/CX3CL1 and its unique receptor CX3CR1 and that this chemokine does not act as chemoattractant. In allergic asthma, CX3CR1 expression regulates Th2 and Th1 cell survival in the inflammatory lung, while, in atopic dermatitis, it regulate Th2 and Th1 cell retention into the inflammatory site. Use of peptides blocking fractalkine binding to its receptor is currently tested in the treatment of asthma and atopic dermatitis.
Sarıyar Barajı Planktonik Algleri Kısım: I - Cyanophyta

In this study, the phytoplankton samples of Sariyar Dam Reservoir was taken monthly from seven stations between March 1996 to June 1997. The total 35 taxa of Cyanophyta were identified. Anabaena, Oscillatoria, Spirulina and Phormidium were found very abundant at the dam reservoir. As the results of this study, as the species composition of planktonic Cyanophyta in Sariyar Dam Reservoir were exposed, distribution of theirs according to physical-chemical parameters and the monthly variations
Kernel-based framework for spectral dimensionality reduction and clustering formulation: A theoretical study

This work outlines a unified formulation to represent spectral approaches for both dimensionality reduction and clustering. Proposed formulation starts with a generic latent variable model in terms of the projected input data matrix. Particularly, such a projection maps data onto a unknown high-dimensional space. Regarding this model, a generalized optimization problem is stated using quadratic formulations and a least-squares support vector machine. The solution of the optimization is addressed through a primal-dual scheme. Once latent variables and parameters are determined, the resultant model outputs a versatile projected matrix able to represent data in a low-dimensional space, as well as to provide information about clusters. Particularly, proposed formulation yields solutions for kernel spectral clustering and weighted-kernel principal component analysis.
A Novel Algorithm For Similarity Calculation Of Image Patches

Coordinating composite representations with advanced face pictures is a testing issue which is of great enthusiasm to law authorization organizations. An algorithm was shown that uses multi-scale highlight extraction utilizing visual saliency, texture components, and credit feedback to match composite representations with advanced pictures. The algorithm uses notable patches to concentrate surface components from both computerized picture and composite portrayal. These texture elements are consolidated together to perform texture based coordinating. The qualities of the portrayal and the picture are used to figure a characteristic match score that is melded with the texture match score. The outcomes demonstrate that distinctive parts of the proposed algorithm contribute towards enhancing the identification exactness.
Productivity does not correlate with species and functional diversity in Australian reforestation plantings across a wide climate gradient

Aim: Understanding biodiversity–ecosystem function (BEF) relationships in forest systems is crucial for effective forest management and restoration, yet testing these relationships is often limited by biased diversity patterns in forestry plantings (biased towards commercially valuable species) and uncontrollable diversity in mature natural forests. Multispecies reforestation plantings present a valuable opportunity to investigate BEF relationships in woody systems, especially across large environmental gradients. Location: Reforestation plantings across the arable region of Australia. Time period: 1951–2012. Major taxa studied: Three hundred and sixty-four woody plant species. Methods: We examined relationships between productivity and diversity using inventory data from 977 plots in 386 multispecies reforestation plantings. Diversity was estimated using observed species richness and three functional diversity indices calculated from four functional traits: specific leaf area, wood density, seed mass and maximum attainable height. We modelled how plot-level biomass accumulation (a productivity proxy) correlated with these diversity indices, as well as age since planting, plant density and three environmental variables: solar radiation, moisture availability and soil sand content. These models were fitted across Australia and, separately, within eight groups of plantings with similar environmental conditions. Results: We found no correlation between diversity and productivity, regardless of the diversity metric or spatial scale used (continent-wide or within environment groups). Instead, productivity was best explained by local environmental conditions and plant density. Main conclusions: A positive relationship between diversity and productivity was not evident in planted forests across a wide range of Australian woodland and forest systems, at least in the first few decades of growth. Our findings suggest that the positive relationship between diversity and productivity commonly reported in experimental settings should not be assumed for all systems and conditions.
Design and Implementation of Photo-induced Heart Beat Monitoring System

This study presents the design of photo-induced heart beat monitor that uses cheap and readily available materials unlike most of all the rather sophisticated heart beat monitoring devices that uses complicated designs and therefore needs the help of an expert to carry out the exercise and also to do the interpretation for users, this device is simple, portable, affordable and easy to operate. This is based on principle and technique of measuring the heart beat with the method of photo induction, through a fingertip using a PIC16F877A Microcontroller interface to a Digital Display for data logging and further analysis of signals generated as a result of such activities. The circuit designed is made up of different stages which involve sensing the Finger Tip through Infrared Receiver; Filtering the Signal, thereby measuring the Heartbeat with the PIC16F877A Microcontroller; calculating through the connected Local Clock Signal and displaying the Result through the 2 X 16 Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) Output. It is therefore a useful design for everyone that wishes to stay healthy and monitor their heart rate for early detection of hypertension and heart related ailments. This design is highly versatile and economical. It can be used everywhere at anytime. It is safe, convenient and easy to use.
Effects of Mangifera indica and Punica granatum extracts on semen after cryopreservation

Semen cryopreservation is used to sustain fertility in conditions like infertility and malignancy. It damages sperm organelles (mitochondria, DNA) due to augmented reactive oxygen species (ROS). In the current research, mango and pomegranate fruit extracts were evaluated for their effect on semen quality of Sahiwal bulls after cryopreservation and post thawing. The main object of the present study was to appraise the effects of herbal antioxidants on semen cryopreservation by assessment of sperm cell viability, motility as well as membrane stability by standard techniques. The addition of all treatments (MFE and PFE) to the semen extender increased the sperm viability, motility and membrane integrity at all evaluation times.
Multi-Step Differential Transform Method for Solving the Influenza Virus Model with Disease Resistance

The spread of the influenza virus with disease resistance has been modeled by the SEIR epidemic model. The model is of the form a system of four nonlinear differential equations where its exact solution is difficult to be determined. In this paper, the model is solved by a multi-step differential transform method (MS-DTM), which is a semi-analytical method. In this case, the domain of computation is divided into a finite number of sub-intervals. At each sub-interval, we apply DTM and continuity condition to ensure the continuity solutions. To see the effectiveness of the MS-DTM, we perform some comparative study between the MS-DTM and the MATLAB ode45 routine. Our MS-DTM solutions have good agreement with those of ode45 routine. The accuracy of MS-DTM can be improved by taking a smaller step size or increase the number of terms in each subinterval.
Prospective Evaluation of Injuries occurred during the Brazilian Soccer Championship in 2016 *

Resumo Objetivo Determinar a prevalência, as características e possíveis fatores de risco para as lesões ocorridas durante as partidas do Campeonato Brasileiro de Futebol. Métodos Realizou-se um estudo prospectivo com coleta dos dados referentes às lesões ocorridas durante o Campeonato Brasileiro de Futebol de 2016. O registro das lesões foi realizado pelo médico responsável de cada equipe, por meio de um sistema online de mapeamento de lesões. Resultados Dentre os 864 atletas que foram incluídos no estudo, 231 (26,7%) dos jogadores apresentaram alguma lesão durante o torneio. No total, foram registradas 312 lesões durante o Campeonato Brasileiro, com média de 0,82 lesões por partida. A incidência de lesões foi de 24,9 lesões para cada 1.000 horas de jogo. Meias e atacantes apresentaram, respectivamente, risco 3,6 e 2,4 vezes maior de sofrer lesão do que os goleiros. Conclusão A prevalência e a incidência de lesões foram, respectivamente, 26,7% e 24,9 lesões/1.000 horas de partida. O segmento corporal mais frequentemente afetado foram os membros inferiores (76,3%), sendo que os atletas que atuaram nas posições meia e atacante foram os mais acometidos. Observou-se também maior predomínio de lesões no primeiro turno do campeonato. Abstract Objective To identify the incidence, the prevalence, the characteristics, and the possible risk factors for injuries occurring during the matches of the Brazilian Soccer Championship. Methods A prospective study was carried out to collect data on the injuries that occurred during the 2016 Brazilian Soccer Championship. Lesions were recorded by the physician responsible for each team through an online software. Results Among the 864 athletes included in the study, 231 (26.7%) of the players presented some injury during the tournament. In total, 312 injuries were recorded during the Brazilian Soccer Championship, with an average of 0.82 injuries per game. The incidence of injuries was 24.9 injuries per 1,000 match hours. Midfielders and forwards presented, respectively, an injury risk 3.6 and 2.4 times higher than goalkeepers. Conclusion The prevalence and incidence of lesions were, respectively, 26.7% and 24.9 injuries per 1,000 match hours. The most frequently affected body segment was the lower limbs (76.3%), and the athletes acting in midfield and forward positions were the most affected. Moreover, the greater prevalence of injuries occurred in the first part of the championship.
Methane emissions, feed intake, and total tract digestibility in lambs fed diets differing in fat content and fibre digestibility

Abstract: This study determined enteric methane (CH4) emissions, intake, and apparent total tract digestibility of diets varying in fibre digestibility and fat content. A Latin square design with two levels of fat [2.0% and 6.0% dry matter (DM); low and high] and two levels of fibre digestibility [low fibre digestibility (LFbD) or high fibre digestibility (HFbD)] was used. Higher dry matter intake (DMI) was observed (P < 0.01) for LFbD versus HFbD diets (2.56 vs. 2.14 kg d-1, respectively), with no effect of fat. Fibre, DM, and organic matter digestibility were higher (P < 0.01) for HFbD than LFbD diets. Increasing fat did not affect intake or digestibility of DM or dietary constituents but there was a fibre digestibility × fat content interaction (P < 0.01) for fat digestibility. There was also a fat content × fibre digestibility interaction (P < 0.05) for CH4 (g kg-1 DMI, organic matter intake, neutral detergent fibre intake, and percent gross energy intake), with emissions being higher when fat was added to the HFbD than the LFbD diet. The CH4 emissions per kilogram of neutral detergent fibre (NDF) digested were higher (P < 0.01) for the HFbD than the LFbD diet. Methane emissions were increased by the HFbD diet, but inclusion of fat had a differential impact on CH4 emissions as a proportion of DMI or NDF intake in diets differing in fibre digestibility.
The crucial role of the event structure in the retrieval of nominalizations in aphasia

In the aphasic production, the verb-noun (V-N) dissociation (a condition whereby brain damage selectively affects one of the two categories, while sparing the other) may have a different nature in different cases, reflecting semantic, syntactic or grammatical class effects. The observation that the V-N dissociations have a different nature goes in hand with the fact that in Linguistics it is hard to spot out the differences between nouns and verbs in a clear-cut way. In this regard, the nominalization phenomenon is explicative since nominalizations share both nominal and verbal properties. In the literature on aphasia, only few have studies tested how verbal and nominal selective deficits impact on closely related pairs involving verbs and the corresponding nominalizations. The present study aims at verifying whether the aphasic production of nominalizations can be affected by class selective impairments or by semantic/syntactic deficits. It will be showed that the aphasic speakers’ errors enlighten the crucial role played by the event structure, the Aktionsart and the grammatical aspect in the retrieval of the nominalizations. Such conclusions provide neurolinguistic evidence in favour of the idea that some features and properties can cross the boundaries of the verb-noun class
Lead and cadmium induced cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on HL-60 and Jurkat cell lines

Humans are exposed to a cocktail of heavy metal toxicants in the environment. Though heavy metals are detrimental, there is a lack of information on the toxicity of mixtures. In this study, two common heavy metals, lead and cadmium, were introduced individually and as mixtures to HL-60 and JURKAT cell lines for 24 hours. The study established that exposures to these two heavy metals induced cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on both cell lines. Also, cadmium exhibited a higher cytotoxic and genotoxic potential than lead. The cytotoxicity data of single metals were used to determine the mixtures interaction profile by using the effect additivity method. Metal mixtures showed synergistic effect in HL-60 cells and antagonistic effect in JURKAT cells, compared to individual metals. The combined effects should be considered in the risk assessment of heavy metal co-exposure and potency.
Guarana as a source of bioactive compounds

A high daily intake of fruits and vegetables is an important strategy to promote health. The mechanism explaining the health benefits of plant food materials is attributed, at least in part, to their high content of bioactive phenolics. Guarana (Paullinia cupana) is a typical product from Amazon biota and, mainly as a source of caffeine; its seeds are commonly used as stimulants. However, guarana seeds are also rich in catechin, epicatechin, procyanidin B1, and procyanidin B2. Guarana exhibits potential health benefits in cognitive function and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, it is a promising source of antihyperglycemic and antibacterial compounds for prevention and/or management of type 2 diabetes and oral diseases. However, to confirm these benefits in humans, clinical trials are needed to provide evidence for these anecdotal observations.
New biological insights into the Middle Triassic capitosaurs from India as deduced from limb bone anatomy and histology

Multiple limb bones of different Middle Triassic capitosaurs from India including Cherninia denwai and Paracyclotosaurus crookshanki were examined to reveal differences in palaeobiology and lifestyle adaptations. Limb bone anatomy of Cherninia is characterized by distinct torsion and its absence in the fore and hindlimb bones, respectively. Substantial torsion is seen in all the limb bones of P. crookshanki. Woven fibred bone tissue, a very rapidly deposited tissue mostly seen in the embryos and very young individuals of higher vertebrates, is reported for the first time in a juvenile temnospondyl. Predominance of incipient fibrolamellar bone tissue is seen in a large bodied Middle Triassic temnospondyl suggesting that such tissues in non‐amniotes helped in achieving large body sizes rapidly. Highly vascularized woven fibred bone tissue in the early ontogeny, transforming to a more stable incipient fibrolamellar bone tissue associated with growth marks later in ontogeny characterizes C. denwai. This suggests rapid sustained growth slowed down and became punctuated later in ontogeny. A continuous slow growth throughout ontogeny is suggested for P. crookshanki as parallel fibred bone and azonal lamellar bone tissue are seen in all the examined limb bones. The growth of C. denwai and P. crookshanki had variable susceptibility to seasonal fluctuations. The onset of sexual maturity was at 55% adult size for Cherninia as implied from the change in tissue type. Cherninia inhabited the bottom of the water column and acted as a passive benthic predator whereas Paracyclotosaurus was a shallow water predator that retained a high level of terrestriality.