Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Degeneration of the midgut epithelium in Epilachna cf. nylanderi (Insecta, Coccinellidae): apoptosis, autophagy, and necrosis

This study investigates mechanisms of adaptation to metal toxicity peculiar to the midgut epithelium of Epi- lachna cf. nylanderi (Mulsant, 1850) (Coccinellidae). This species of beetle has currently been identified in only one local- ity in South Africa and is known to feed on the nickel hyperaccumulator Berkheya coddii Roessl. (Asteraceae), an endemic plant species of the South African ultramafic ecosystem. Our focus involves an analysis of the morphological fea- tures of cells forming the midgut epithelium, which is the first organ exposed to toxic levels of metals ingested by the in- sect. Through the three key processes of apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy, excess metals are eliminated from the organism and homeostatic conditions are maintained. Apoptosis and necrosis are both known to be involved in the degra- dation of midgut epithelial cells, while the role of autophagy is mainly implicated in the disintegration of the organelles of cells. This study reports on the participation of these three key degenerative processes in the removal of excess metals based on targeted observations of the insect midgut epithelium by light and electron microscopies. Additionally, the TUNEL reaction was specifically used to detect apoptosis. Resume ´ : Notre etude explore les mecanismes d'adaptation a la toxicitedes metaux specifiques al'epithelium du tube di- gestif moyen d'Epilachna cf. nylanderi (Mulsant, 1850) (Coccinellidae). Cette espece de coleoptere a eteactuellement ret- rouvee dans une seule localited'Afrique du Sud et est connue pour s'alimenter de Berkheya coddii Roessl. (Asteraceae), une plante hyperaccumulatrice de nickel et endemique al'ecosysteme ultramafique de l'Afrique du Sud. Notre etude se concentre sur l'analyse des caracteristiques morphologiques des cellules qui forment l'epithelium du tube digestif moyen, le premier organe aetre exposeaux niveaux toxiques des metaux ingeres par l'insecte. Atravers les trois processus essen- tiels d'apoptose, de necrose et d'autophagie, les metaux excedentaires sont elimines de l'organisme et les conditions home ´- ostatiques maintenues. L'apoptose et la necrose sont toutes deux connues comme etant impliquees dans la degradation des cellules epitheliales du tube digestif moyen, alors que l'autophagie est surtout impliquee dans la desintegration des organ- ites cellulaires. Notre etude decrit la participation de ces trois processus de degenerescence essentiels au retrait des metaux excedentaires apartir d'observations ciblees de l'epithelium du tube digestif moyen par microscopies photonique et elec- tronique. De plus, nous avons utilisela reaction TUNEL specifiquement pour detecter l'apoptose. (Traduit par la Redaction)
A promising tool to tackle the risk of cerebral vascular disease, the emergence of novel carotid wall imaging

Stroke is a heterogeneous vascular disease. Carotid artery atherosclerosis is associated with almost one-quarter of ischemic strokes. Moreover, a large percentage of preventable strokes are currently attributed to carotid atherosclerosis. Over the past three decades, the management of carotid artery disease has evolved. The benefits of carotid revascularization alongside medical therapy have early been recognized. Nonetheless, the debate regarding the optimal strategy is still ongoing, particularly in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery disease. One of the challenges is the use of luminal stenosis to quantify the severity of the carotid artery disease and to guide decision-making regarding invasive revascularization. Characterizing carotid atherosclerotic plaque is a promising tool to identify vulnerable plaque. Certain features such as large lipid core have already been linked to acute vascular events, not only at the plaque level but also to predict systemic cardiovascular events. Recently, a quantitative T2 mapping magnetic resonance imaging technique was developed and validated against histology. The ability to accurately quantify plaque lipid content using this technique opens several new opportunities. In this review articles, we will discuss the current challenges in the management of carotid artery disease and the future roles of T2 mapping to aid therapeutic options. These roles may include how to determine the mode of invasive carotid revascularization in symptomatic patients. Moreover, there may be a rational to use T2 mapping as a risk stratification tool in asymptomatic patients with carotid artery stenosis. It may also provide an opportunity to stage atherosclerosis and identify patients with coronary atherosclerosis who may benefit maximally from intensive lipid interventions.
Geographical differences in the feeding patterns of red rockfish (Sebastes capensis) along South American coasts

Feeding habits and feed- ing strategy of red rockfish (Sebastes capensis) were studied from fish cap- tured along most of the range of this species in coastal waters of South America. Stomach contents of 613 individuals, collected during 2003, were analyzed. Fish were obtained from six locations along the Chil- ean (23°S to 46°S) and Argentinian (43°S) coasts. The main prey items were Mysidacea (75.06% IRI), Osteich- thyes (6.29% IRI),and Rhynchocinetes typus (6.03% IRI). Predator sex and size did not significantly affect the diet, but significant differences were found between locations. Four geo- graphical areas, discriminated by prey occurrence and frequencies, were determined: three on the Pacific coast and one on the Atlantic coast. These areas correspond roughly with biogeographic zones described for the Chilean and southern Argentinian coasts. The feeding strategy index (FSI) indicated a specialized feed- ing strategy for S. capensis for most of its range. However, the FSI does not include the behaviour of a preda- tor, and the FSI must be interpreted carefully for fishes like S. capensis that are passive ambush feeders. The abundance and availability of different prey may explain both the geographic differences in dietary com- position and the specialized feeding strategy of S. capensis.
Research Prospects in Nutrition and the Chemical Senses in Aging

The conference upon which this volume is based, Nutrition and the Chemical Senses in Aging. which was supported by a grant from the National Institute on Aging, emerged from a desire to link parallel courses of research on chemosensory functioning, which influences what we eat, and nutrition, which reflects how well we have chosen what to eat. These matters take on particular importance in aging. The conference succeeded in opening discussions that neither chemosensory scientists nor nutrition scientists could have had alone. The synopsis that follows includes some of the ideas and questions presented formally and informally over the three days of the meeting.
Inhibitory effect of Cytisus nigricans L. and Cytisus capitatus Scop. on growth of bacteria

In vitro antibacterial activity of ethanol, ethyl acetate and acetone extract from Cytisus nigricans and Cytisus capitatus and their synergistic interaction with gentamicin and cephalexin were studied. Antibacterial efficacy of the extracts was defined by determining minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC). The values were in the range from 1.25 mg/ml to > 20 mg/ml. The most sensitive bacteria were: Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Bacillus subtilis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853. Herb-drug interactions tested by checkerboard method and expressed as fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) index showed indifferent and synergistic effects. Synergism was observed only in combination between antibiotics and ethanol, ethyl acetate extract of C. nigricans. In the presence of sub-inhibitory concentrations (1/4 MIC, 1/8 MIC) of the extracts the activity of gentamicin and cephalexin were increased up to 16-fold. The highest amount of flavonoids was measured in acetone extracts while the highest amount of total phenols had ethanol extract of C. nigricans and acetone extract of C. capitatus.
Effect of dietary N-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on longuissimus dorsi and semitendinosus muscle in pigs

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary linolenic acid in pigs in growingfattening-finishing period on performances, fatty acids (FA) composition on two types of muscle (Longissimus dorsi, LD and Semitendinosus, ST) and carcass quality. Gas chromatography method was used to determine the composition in FA and cholesterol. Intramuscular fat was determined gravimetrically by Soxlet method and protein content by Kjeldhall method. Addition of Camelina oil in the E group diet determined a significant increase of C18:3n-3 FA content (P<0.0001) whatever the type of muscle. Camelina oil with a high content of n-3 FA improved nutritional value of meat favouring incorporation of C18:3n-3 in muscle and adipose tissue and its conversion into long chain FA (especially, eicosadienoic si DHA). In addition, such nutritional strategy has allowed the incorporation of (CLA) conjugated linoleic acid, all of them being beneficial for human health.
The diet of white-chinned petrels Procellaria aequinoctialis, Linnaeus 1758, in years of contrasting prey availability at South Georgia

The diet of breeding white-chinned petrels was studied during the summers of 1996 and 1998 at South Georgia. Krill abundance/availability was high throughout 1996 but apparently low at the beginning of the 1998 breeding season. The diet of white-chinned petrels was similar between years and consistent with previous studies. Krill Euphausia superba (41–42% by weight) was the single most important prey item followed by fish (39–29%) and squid (19–25%). Meal mass was consistent (110 g in 1996, 119 g in 1998) between years but a significant decrease (46%) in feeding frequency in 1998 (0.54 meals day−1 compared to 0.75 meals day−1 in 1996) resulted in 19% less food delivered to chicks in 1998 than in 1996. Breeding success, however, was consistent between years at 44% and similar to that recorded previously at Bird Island. This is in contrast to black-browed and grey-headed albatrosses, both of which experienced almost total breeding failure in 1998. It is suggested that their varied and versatile feeding methods, together with their greater diving ability, capacity to feed at night and extensive foraging range, help white-chinned petrels minimise the effects of krill shortage.
Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysanoptera, Thripidae) in leek: within‐plant distribution

Both larvae and adults of the onion thrips (Thrips tabaci Lindeman) showed a preference for particular parts of leek (Allium porrum L.) plants. In the vertical plane most thrips were located in the transition zone where the leaves in the shaft were still white but gradually changed through yellow to pale green. At high population densities mixed groups of adults and larvae could be found along the entire leaf. In the horizontal plane larvae and adults showed a normal distribution pattern preferring certain leaves. Chemical treatments did not influence the within‐plant distribution pattern of larvae and adult thrips in the horizontal plane when compared to distribution patterns in untreated plants. Reinfestation of treated plants by immigrating adults took place swiftly and developed into the characteristic pattern within a few days.
Surgical outcomes of parathyroidectomy for secondary hyperparathyroidism resistant to calcimimetic treatment: A retrospective single‐center cohort study

To evaluate the surgical outcomes of parathyroidectomy (PTx) for secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) resistant to calcimimetic treatment, we retrospectively studied 187 patients with SHPT who had no history of calcimimetic treatment (NCMT) (NCMT group) and 186 patients with SHPT who were resistant to calcimimetic treatment (RCMT) (RCMT group). Success rate and operative time of PTx were compared among the two groups. Operative time was significantly longer in the RCMT group than in the NCMT group (180 vs 158 minutes, P < .001), but the difference was attenuated after multivariate adjustment including the weight of the largest parathyroid gland. No significant differences were observed in success rate of PTx (90.9% vs 91.4%, P = 1.000) between the two groups. In patients with SHPT who are resistant to calcimimetic treatment, operative time could be elongated but success rate of PTx remains unchanged.
Antifungal potential of plant extracts and chemicals for the management of black scurf disease of potato.

Five plant extracts and five chemicals were evaluated against Rhzioctonia solani in lab conditions under completely randomized design (CRD). In plant extracts maximum inhibition against the pathogen expressed by Azadirachta indica (71%) followed by Allium sativum (56%), Eucalyptus camaldulensis (48%), Allium cepa (41%) and Peganum harmala (34%) while in chemicals Moncerene (75.8%) showed significant results followed by Topsin-M (62%), Copper oxychloride (53%), Score (45%) and Shankar (41%) as compared to control. In greenhouse different concentrations of Moncerene and Azadirachta indica alone and their combination were evaluated against the black scurf disease of potato. Combine treatment of Moncerene x A. indica showed highest eyes germination (78%) followed by Moncerene (58%) and Azadirachta indica (62%). Minimum disease incidence % and severity was recorded on combine treatment of Moncerene X Azadirachta indica (8%, 1%) followed by Moncerene (19%, 1.2%) and Azadirachta indica (20%, 1.4%) respectively. Under field conditions same combine treatment of Moncerence X Azadirachta indica showed highest eyes germination (78%) with minimum disease incidence (8%) and severity (1%) as compared to Moncerene (56.6%, 12.4%, 2.4%0) and Azadirachta indica (51%, 12.2%, 2.4%) respectively. Randomized complete block design (RCBD) was applied in field conditions. All experiments were conducted in Research Area of Department of Plant pathology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.
Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in the Study of Bilingual Code Switching

OVER THE LAST two decades, research in socioand ethnolinguistics (Labov 1972,1980; Gumperz and Hymes 1972; Hymes 1974a,b; Gumperz 1983), communicative competence (Cazden et al. 1972)’ constitutive ethnography (Mehan 1978), micro-ethnography (McDermott 1974; Erickson 1977), child d-iscourse (Mitchell-Kernan and Ervin Tripp 1977; Schieffelin and Ochs 1987), and school and community ethnography (Philips 1972; Heath 1983), have made significant contributions to our understanding of the verbal and non-verbal abilities and knowledge that speakers must have in order to be competent members of their communities and/or classrooms. All native speakers demonstrate a tacit cultural knowledge of how to speak their language correctly and appropriately by shifting phonological, syntactic, and discourse features to adjust to different speech situations. Students of a second language (L2) must learn not only new rules for the linguistic code they are attempting to master, they must also learn the rules for the social conduct of speech in Lz, the community’s “ways of speaking” (Hymes 1974b). True fluency and ultimate bilinguality is achieved when the learner’s control of phonological, grammatical, and discourse structures is accompanied by their culturally appropriate use in the right setting, at the right time, in the right way. Whereas monolinguals switch features within one linguistic code, bilinguals alternate between the languages in their linguistic repertoire as well. Members of bilingual speech communities share rules for communicative competence which prescribe not only when and where each language may be used, but also whether and how the two languages may be woven together in a single utterance along a continuum of styles of speaking. Each bilingual community code switches in ways peculiar to the group. Uriel Weinreich’s contention that “the ideal bilingual switches from one language to the other according to appropriate changes in the speech situation, (interlocutors, topic, etc.), but not in unchanged speech situations, and certainly not within a single sentence”
EFFECTS OF AMBIENT NOISE ON THE WHISTLES OF INDO-PACIFIC BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN POPULATIONS

Abstract Communication among animals should use signals that are most efficient in their particular habitat. Here, we report data from 3 populations of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in Japan that produce whistles transmitted efficiently through environmental ambient noise. We compared the characteristics of the ambient noise in the dolphins' habitats and the whistles produced. In habitats with less ambient noise, dolphins produced whistles at varying frequencies with greater modulations; when ambient noise was greater, dolphins produced whistles of lower frequencies with fewer frequency modulations. Examination of our results suggests that communication signals are adaptive and are selected to avoid the masking of signals and the attenuation of higher-frequency signals. Thus, ambient noise may drive the variation in whistles of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin populations.
Free radical scavenging potential, reducing power, phenolic and biochemical constituents of Porphyra species from India

Inorganic elements, organic composition and antioxidant properties of Porphyra indica and P. veiatnamensis, were investigated. Heavy metals were found below toxic level, protein and ash contents were found to be the most abundant components. Antioxidant potentials of algae were assessed through phenolic content, 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) activity, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), scavenging power and reducing potential. A dose-dependent free radical scavenging action against DPPH and H2O2, and concentration dependent reducing potential were exhibited by the Porphyra spp. Overall data suggested, these species could be rich source of natural antioxidants as well as stuff of high nutritional values.
Stem cell patenting in Europe: the approaching climax*

A European patent application covering a culture of primate embryonic stem cells has been referred to the Enlarged Board of Appeal of the European Patent Office (EPO) after rejection by the Examining Division. These stem cells are derived directly from an embryo and so the case falls under the morality provisions of European Patent Convention (EPC) Article 53(a) and the interpretation of Rule 23d(c) of the EPC Regulations, which excludes the patenting of ‘uses of human embryos for industrial or commercial purposes’. The issues before the Enlarged Board are analysed and possible approaches to their resolution are offered. An opinion on the likely outcome of the Appeal is provided. Additional observations on non-moral issues are also offered.
ST2 silencing aggravates ventricular remodeling and chronic heart failure in rats by mediating the IL‐33/ST2 axis

Heart failure appears to be a severe public health problem affecting millions of people worldwide. Knowledge of the molecular mechanism contributing to ventricular remodeling would allow for earlier prevention of heart failure. Evidence exists reporting the involvement of IL‐33 and ST2 and in heart remodeling. Thus, this study aims to delineate the effects of ST2 on chronic heart failure (CHF) via the IL‐33/ST2 axis. Coronary artery ligation was employed to simulate CHF in rats, which were characterized by transthoracic echocardiography for cardiac function. After that, ST2 silencing and IL‐33 overexpression were induced in rat models to evaluate apoptosis and pathological alterations in myocardial tissues and serum levels of biochemical indices. It was revealed that cardiac function was impaired in response to ST2 silencing. Furthermore, ST2 knockdown suppressed the activities of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and accelerated cardiomyocyte apoptosis via blockade of the IL‐33/ST2 axis. These findings suggest an inhibitory role of ST2 silencing on the IL‐33/ST2 axis, which consequently increases the risk of cardiac dysfunction, accelerates ventricular remodeling, and aggravates heart failure in rats. This study highlights that ST2 silencing may be a novel potential preventive or therapeutic target for CHF.
In vitro proliferation and genetic diversity of Cypripedium macranthos var. rebunense

In vitro culture from seeds to full maturity of Cypripedium macranthos var. rebunense, one of the most endangered species in Japan, was studied. Immature seeds from wild plants germinated efficiently in Tsutsumi-Tomita medium and 1/3 strength Murashige-Skoog medium both supplemented with 1% sucrose. Formed protocorms were transferred onto the same Murashige-Skoog medium developed into seedlings, which were subjected to a cold-treatment. The seedlings were further successively cultured in artificial soils (Florialite and then Cryptomoss) under artificially controlled photoperiod and temperature conditions. After 7 years, fully matured plants successfully flowered. The genetic diversity of the wild colony of this orchid in Rebun Island was examined. Leaf samples randomly collected were subjected to random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis. Initially examined 31 samples were classified into independent 5 groups, indicating that the colony consists of genetically different individuals. This suggested that plants in the habitat are heterogenous as to the genetic structure. Introduction of artificially propagated plants with a similar genetic background to this habitat would match the genetic diversity of the existing population. The results of this study may be helpful in planning the rescue of other endangered plant species.
Comparing generalized and specific problematic smartphone/internet use: Longitudinal relationships between smartphone application-based addiction and social media addiction and psychological distress

Abstract Background and aims The literature has proposed two types of problematic smartphone/internet use: generalized problematic use and specific problematic use. However, longitudinal findings on the associations between the two types of problematic use and psychological distress are lacking among East-Asians. The present study examined temporal associations between both generalized and specific problematic use of the smartphone/internet, and psychological distress. Methods Hong Kong University students (N = 308; 100 males; mean age = 23.75 years; SD ± 5.15) were recruited with follow-ups at three, six, and nine months after baseline assessment. All participants completed the Smartphone Application-Based Addiction Scale (for generalized problematic smartphone/internet use), the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (for specific problematic smartphone/internet use), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (for psychological distress) in each assessment. Latent growth modeling (LGM) was constructed to understand temporal associations between generalized/specific problematic use and psychological distress. Results The LGM suggested that the intercept of generalized problematic use was significantly associated with the intercept of psychological distress (standardized coefficient [β] = 0.32; P < 0.01). The growth of generalized problematic use was significantly associated with the growth of psychological distress (β = 0.51; P < 0.01). Moreover, the intercept of specific problematic use was significantly associated with the intercept of psychological distress (β = 0.28; P < 0.01) and the growth of psychological distress (β = 0.37; P < 0.01). Conclusion The initial level of problematic use of smartphone/internet increased the psychological distress among university students. Helping young adults address problematic use of the smartphone/internet may prevent psychological distress.