Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regulatory mechanisms of microbial homeostasis in insect gut

Insects live in incredibly complex environments. The intestinal epithelium of insects is in constant contact with microorganisms, some of which are beneficial and some harmful to the host. Insect gut health and function are maintained through multidimensional mechanisms that can proficiently remove foreign pathogenic microorganisms while effectively maintaining local symbiotic microbial homeostasis. The basic immune mechanisms of the insect gut, such as the dual oxidase–reactive oxygen species (Duox‐ROS) system and the immune deficiency (Imd)‐signaling pathway, are involved in the maintenance of microbial homeostasis. This paper reviews the role of physical defenses, the Duox‐ROS and Imd signaling pathways, the Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription signaling pathway, and intestinal symbiotic flora in the homeostatic maintenance of the insect gut microbiome.
Assessing the validity and reliability and determining cut-points of the Actiwatch 2 in measuring physical activity

Objective: The Actiwatch 2 (AW2) is a wrist-worn accelerometer typically used to measure sleep. Although it can measure physical activity, there is limited evidence supporting its validity. We assessed the validity and reliability of the AW2 to measure sedentary behavior and physical activity (light, moderate, vigorous intensities), and reported their respective count cut-points. Approach: Twenty-eight males and 22 females completed a task battery comprising three sedentary tasks and six randomized physical activity tasks at varying intensities, whilst wearing the AW2, a reference accelerometry device (Actigraph GT3X) and a cardiopulmonary gas analyzer on two separate occasions. Validity was assessed using correlations (AW2 counts versus GT3X counts and metabolic equivalent (MET) values), reliability using Bland–Altman analyses, and cut-points were determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) analyses. Main results: AW2 counts were positively correlated with GT3X counts (rho = 0.902, p < 0.001) and METs (rho = 0.900, p < 0.001). AW2-derived counts were comparable across independent assessment periods. Sedentary (AUC = 0.99, cut-point: 256 cpm) and vigorous activity (AUC = 0.95, cut-point: 720 cpm) were strongly characterized, and moderate activity (AUC = 0.66, cut-point: 418 cpm) was weakly characterized. Significance: The use of the AW2 in physical activity monitoring looks promising for sedentary behavior, moderate and vigorous activity, however, further validation is needed.
Spatially Resolved Root Water Uptake Determination Using a Precise Soil Water Sensor1[OPEN]

A very precise soil water sensor determines root water uptake profiles employing light intensity variations. To answer long-standing questions about how plants use and regulate water, an affordable, noninvasive way to determine local root water uptake (RWU) is required. Here, we present a sensor, the soil water profiler (SWaP), which can determine local soil water content (θ) with a precision of 6.10−5 cm3 ⋅ cm−3, an accuracy of 0.002 cm3 ⋅ cm−3, a temporal resolution of 24 min, and a one-dimensional spatial resolution of 1 cm. The sensor comprises two copper sheets, integrated into a sleeve and connected to a coil, which form a resonant circuit. A vector network analyzer, inductively coupled to the resonant circuit, measures the resonance frequency, against which θ was calibrated. The sensors were integrated into a positioning system, which measures θ along the depth of cylindrical tubes. When combined with modulating light (4-h period) and resultant modulating plant transpiration, the SWaP enables quantification of the component of RWU distribution that varies proportionally with total plant water uptake, and distinguishes it from soil water redistribution via soil pores and roots. Additionally, as a young, growing maize (Zea mays) plant progressively tapped its soil environment dry, we observed clear changes in plant-driven RWU and soil water redistribution profiles. Our SWaP setup can measure the RWU and redistribution of sandy-soil water content with unprecedented precision. The SWaP is therefore a promising device offering new insights into soil–plant hydrology, with applications for functional root phenotyping in nonsaline, temperature-controlled conditions, at low cost.
Latest therapies to fight against MRSA infections in dairy animals

Mastitis is a common disease in dairy animals. Mastitis is mammary gland inflammation S.aureus is considered as predominant agent in causing mastitis. S.aureus belongs to the Staphylococcus Genus, is spherical shaped Gram positive bacteria. S. aureus growth as well as survival depends on many different physical environment factors like presence of oxygen, temperature (T), pH and water activity (aw). Staphylococcus causes food poisoning after ingestion of food which has Staphylococcus enterotoxins. It causes nosocomial infections in humans and also wide range of diseases like skin infections, food poisoning, septicemia, endocarditis, toxic shock syndrome, soft tissue and bone infections and mastitis either bovine or ovine. Staphylococci are usually considered as the normal flora of skin, respiratory mucosal surface, (UGT) urogenital tract of human and animals (Werckenthin et al., 2001). Staphylococci can be easily spread by direct contact with skin, excretions, and also can be spread by animal products as by non- pasteurized milk. Staphylococcus aureus were susceptible to all type of antibiotic naturally. Now they are resistance to different antibiotics either by acquiring genes by horizontal transfer from other sources, or by mutation in chromosome and by antibiotic selection. Evolutionary history of S.aureus was predicted by using sequence-based molecular methods for genotyping and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of S.aureus strains.Bacteriophages were isolated as therapeutically tools (Boerlin 2010, Maura and Debarbieux 2011). Bacteriophage can be used alone or in combination with antimicrobials in veterinary medicine for bacterial control.Lysins has selective and rapid action against target bacteria, these have no effect on normal flora. And also no side effects like antibiotics ( Hausler, 2007 ). These have low probability to develop resistance.Different type of phages have been detected against S.aureus that destroy cell wall of S.aureus by producing different endolysins i.e. Lysostaphin,LysK andPly187AN-KSH3b:
Thyroglobulin Antibodies as a Prognostic Factor in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Patients with Indeterminate Response After Initial Therapy

Abstract The clinical outcome of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) patients with an indeterminate response after initial therapy is reported to be intermediate, between incomplete and excellent responses. This study evaluated the outcomes of PTC patients with indeterminate response after initial therapy. It was further determined whether the indeterminate findings predicted outcomes more precisely. Patients were further classified into 3 groups based on risk of structural persistence/recurrence: Tg group: detectable thyroglobulin, negative antithyroglobulin antibody, regardless nonspecific imaging findings; TgAb group: positive antithyroglobulin antibody, regardless thyroglobulin levels and nonspecific imaging findings, and Image group: nonspecific findings on neck ultrasonography or faint uptake in the thyroid bed on whole-body scan, undetectable thyroglobulin and negative antithyroglobulin antibody. Sixty-six patients aged 44.1±12.7 years were studied, of whom 58 (87.9%) were females. All patients underwent total thyroidectomy, and 52 patients (78.8%) received radioiodine. After 5.7 years (P25–75 2.6–9.75 years) of follow-up, most patients (89.4%) were reclassified as having an excellent response or remained in the indeterminate response to therapy. Structural recurrence/persistence disease was detected in 7 (10.6%) patients. The persistence/recurrence rate in groups were as follow: Tg, 2.63%; TgAb, 31.25%; Image, 8.3% (p=0.007). The 10-years disease-free survival rate in the TgAb group was significantly reduced (p=0.022). Our results suggest that patients with PTC and indeterminate response due to positive serum antithyroglobulin antibody have more risk of development of structural disease. These findings suggest a more individualized follow-up strategy for patients with an indeterminate response.
Association of deficits in short-term learning and Aβ and hippocampal volume in cognitively normal adults

Objective To determine the extent to which deficits in learning over 6 days are associated with β-amyloid–positive (Aβ+) and hippocampal volume in cognitively normal (CN) adults. Methods Eighty CN older adults who had undergone PET neuroimaging to determine Aβ status (n = 42 Aβ− and 38 Aβ+), MRI to determine hippocampal and ventricular volume, and repeated assessment of memory were recruited from the Australian Imaging, Biomarkers and Lifestyle (AIBL) study. Participants completed the Online Repeatable Cognitive Assessment–Language Learning Test (ORCA-LLT), which required they learn associations between 50 Chinese characters and their English language equivalents over 6 days. ORCA-LLT assessments were supervised on the first day and were completed remotely online for all remaining days. Results Learning curves in the Aβ+ CN participants were significantly worse than those in matched Aβ− CN participants, with the magnitude of this difference very large (d [95% confidence interval (CI)] 2.22 [1.64–2.75], p < 0.001), and greater than differences between these groups for memory decline since their enrollment in AIBL (d [95% CI] 0.52 [0.07–0.96], p = 0.021), or memory impairment at their most recent visit. In Aβ+ CN adults, slower rates of learning were associated with smaller hippocampal and larger ventricular volumes. Conclusions These results suggest that in CN participants, Aβ+ is associated more strongly with a deficit in learning than any aspect of memory dysfunction. Slower rates of learning in Aβ+ CN participants were associated with hippocampal volume loss. Considered together, these data suggest that the primary cognitive consequence of Aβ+ is a failure to benefit from experience when exposed to novel stimuli, even over very short periods.
Observations on the Ecology of Paramecium, with Comments on the Species Problem

It is necessary to make some assumptions in order to make progress in any area of biology, but it would be conceded that the precision of the conclusions is improved with the substitution of certainty for any of the assumptions made. One of the assumptions that is nearly always made in studies on the comparative ecology of different species is that they really represent reproductively isolated populations, or that changes effected by evolutionary forces acting on one cannot be transmitted to the others. The certainty of reproductive isolation has been established in only cases such as Drosophila, Anopheles, and a number of vertebrates. One group in which the possibilities remain practically unexplored is the ciliate protozoa, particularly the group of species currently known collectively as Parameciumc aurelia (Sonneborn, 19381957). Although identification of the reproductively isolated groups is somewhat tedious, the act of identification confirms the reproductive isolation, and the results of an ecological study on such a group would thus gain considerable precision. An added advantage of working with Paramecium would be that the organisms under investigation are easily grown in the laboratory, and experiments on interspecific relationships could be devised. These experiments could then have more relevance to the field situation than previous experiments on interspecific competition (Gause, Nastukova, and Alpatov, 1934; Park, 1948; Crombie, 1947). Such
Sexual Selection and Sexual Dimorphism in the Amphibia

This paper reviews published literature on amphibians to examine predicted correlations between male combat and sexual dimorphism. Females grow larger than males in most species (61% of urodeles, 90% of anurans), but males are often larger than females in species in which males engage in physical combat with each other. Although amphibian male combat has been reported only rarely (in 19% of urodeles and 5% of anurans), the association between male combat and male body size equal to or larger than female body size is highly significant within the urodele suborders Salamandroidea (n = 25 spp.) and Ambystomatoidea (n = 46), in the urodeles as a whole (n = 79), in the anuran Dendrobatidae (n = 34) and Ranidae (n = 149), and in the anurans as a whole (n = 589). Similarly, large male size and the occurrence of male combat are highly correlated in a comparison between several anuran families. Spines and tusks of male anurans appear to be adaptations to male combat. Combat, large male size and sexually dimorphic weapons appear to be most common in species that are relatively invulnerable to predation while fighting, by virtue of large body size or toxic skin secretions. ia, 1979(2), p . 297-306
Supporting patients to be involved in decisions about their health and care: Development of a best practice health literacy App for Australian adults living with Chronic Kidney Disease.

ISSUE ADDRESSED Inadequate health literacy is common in those with chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially among culturally and linguistically-diverse groups. Patient information for people with CKD, including those with kidney failure requiring dialysis, is often written beyond their literacy level, and many CKD-related apps are not accurate or evidence-based. These represent important barriers to healthcare decision-making and equity in access to healthcare. METHODS We developed a cross-platform application (the 'SUCCESS app') to support Australian adults with kidney failure requiring dialysis to actively participate in self-management and decision-making. App content was informed by health literacy theory which recognises the importance of reducing the complexity of health information as well as equipping consumers with the skills necessary to access, understand and act on this information. The development team comprised members of diverse backgrounds and expertise, including nursing, allied health, psychology, epidemiology, nephrology and IT, as well as consumer representatives. RESULTS Content areas included diet, fluids, medicine, physical activity, emotional wellbeing and supportive care, chosen as they represent important decision-points in the CKD trajectory. To support functional health literacy, a four-step process to simplify written content was used including calculating readability statistics, applying the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool, supplementing written information with video and audio content, and incorporating micro-learning and interactive quizzes. To develop communicative and critical health literacy skills, question prompt-lists and evidence-based volitional help sheets were included in each module to support question-asking and behaviour change. We also developed animated skills training related to communication, shared decision-making and critical appraisal of health information. CONCLUSIONS This is the first health literacy informed app developed to promote active patient participation in CKD management and decision-making. Ongoing evaluation of the SUCCESS app through analysis of quantitative and qualitative data will provide valuable insights into the feasibility of implementing the app with dialysis patients, and the impact of the intervention of psychosocial and clinical outcomes. SO WHAT? : Digital health solutions have been found to improve self-management for chronic conditions, and could optimise the use of healthcare services and patient outcomes.
Reproduction of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus in brackish water

ABSTRACT Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus were held at a water salinity of 11.5 ppt, a temperature of 27 ± 0.5°C, pH of 7.6–8.1, 100% of oxygen saturation, and 18:6 (L:D) 2,500 lux light regimen. Fish were fed a 40% protein food. A total of 78% of spawns were by brooders of 21.5–31 cm and 165–495 g. Absolute fecundity varied between 50 and 2,600 (mean 853 ± 25) eggs per clutch. Relative fecundity varied from 0.29 to 6.8 (mean 2.77 ± 0.13) eggs/g of female. Mean of wet weight of egg clutches was 4.98 ± 0.31 g during the study period, increasing with size of female (p < .05). Mean of wet egg weight was 0.0062 ± 0.0001 g. Means of wet weight of tilapia eggs gradually increased during the study period. Diameter of the eggs varied between 1.8 and 3.5 mm, with a mean of 2.58 ± 0.009 mm, increasing with average length and weight of spawners.
Natural re generation in tropical forests

The sustainability of forest management is supported by the natural regeneration of species, whose mechanisms have been investigated by foresters and ecologists. Numerousstudies have addressed the dynamics of tropical forests, always based on a previously existing vegetation and fl oristic composition. However, in assessing the population dynamics of isolated species, concepts such as recruitment and ingrowth, generally taken as synonyms, can express distinct principles that will be discussed in this review, whose aim is to analyze the strategies of natural regeneration of tree species in tropical forests and models used to evaluate its dynamics, some of which show mathematical indeterminacy in evaluating recruitment and ingrowth. The Rate of Natural Regeneration (NR) proposed in this studyrepresents an approach that eliminates this problem of mathematical indeterminacy. Strategies for natural regeneration of tree species include concepts such as seed or seedling banks, and classifi cation in ecological groups as pioneer and climax species based on seed size, germination, seedling establishment, demand for gaps, etc. The classifi cation based on the diameter distribution of tree species considers that this structure expresses their life story, as the result of the interaction of genetic factors with biotic and abiotic factors of the ecosystem. Therefore, many timber species whose static natural regeneration does not exist in the primary forest, but present mature trees, have as regeneration strategy a strong dependence on disturbances to regenerate and grow. Thereat, the lack of continuous anddecreasing distribution cannot prevent their use via forest management.
Strength Conditioning Program to Prevent Adductor Muscle Strains in Football: Does it Really Help Professional Football Players?

Coaches at the professional level are often concerned about negative side effects from testing and intensive resistance training periods, and they are not willing to base their training prescriptions on data obtained from semiprofessional or amateur football players. Consequently, the purpose of this study was to analyze the reliability and effectiveness of two adductor injury active prevention programs using the adductor/abductor ratio and deficit between legs, on the basis of adduction–abduction power output during the exercises proposed, in professional football players. Forty-eight professional football players undertook complementary strength training for the adductor and abductor muscles in their dominant and non-dominant legs, once or twice a week throughout the playing season. The volume of the session was determined by the adductor/abductor ratio and the deficit between legs in the last session training measured. The number and severity of muscle injuries per 1000 h of exposure were recorded. Both prevention programs showed a very low rate of adductor injury (0.27 and 0.07 injuries/1000 h) with mild-to-moderate severity, maintaining a balance in percentage asymmetry between dominant and non-dominant legs for adductor (10.37%) and in the adductor/abductor ratio (0.92) in top professional football players throughout the season. The strength conditioning program proposed can help to prevent adductor muscle injuries in top professional football players.
Current Strategies Involved in Biofuel Production from Plants and Algae

Global population is increasing day by day, which, in a way is leading to the utilization of natural resources and fuels. This phenomenon is gradually paving a way towards the depletion of these resources. One of such important necessity to human kind which is in the verge of depletion is the fossil fuel. Since it cannot be replenished, once it gets depleted, it cannot be produced again. Declining global oil producing capacity combined with a rising oil demand provides the most compelling global reason for alternative fuels. Present review focuses on the production of such fuels which are not only potential alternatives for fossil fuels, but also are eco-friendly in nature, which are called Biofuels. In this article, production of biofuel from plants & algae; advantages & disadvantages; and their role in effective replacement of existing fuels are mainly discussed.
Why White-Winged Crossbills Do Not Defend Feeding Territories

Most passerine bird species defend feeding territories while breeding (Welty 1975), but crossbills (Loxia) •nd many other cardueline finches (subfamily Carduelinae) do not (Newton 1972, Samson 1976). Instead, male crossbills usually defend only their mate and, at times, a small area around the nest. This type of defense probably deters extrapair copulations but does not reduce food consumption by conspecifics or other potential competitors, except possibly in the vicinity of the nest. The absence of territoriality presumably arises when resources are indefensible or when no net benefit is
Seasonal Expression of NGF and Its Cognate Receptors in the Ovaries of Grey Squirrels (Sciurus carolinensis)

Simple Summary Invasive alien species pose a significant threat to biodiversity, as once they have adapted to their new environment, they cause the reduction and even extinction of native species. In this framework, the American grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis) poses a serious threat to the European red species squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), especially in the Umbria region of Italy. In fact, an invasive grey squirrel population has adapted well to the Umbrian territory, showing high reproductive success. In addition to its role in the development of the vertebrate nervous system, nerve growth factor (NGF) has recently been found to play an important role in reproduction. In order to investigate the reproductive physiology of female grey squirrels, the ovarian presence, distribution, and gene expression of NGF and its cognate receptors were evaluated during both breeding and nonbreeding seasons. The presence and gene expression of this system at the ovarian level, mainly during the breeding season, confirm the possible involvement of NGF and its receptors in the gonadal activity of this invasive grey squirrel population. Abstract The grey squirrel is an invasive alien species that seriously threatens the conservation of the native red squirrel species. With the aim of characterizing the reproductive physiology of this species due to its great reproductive success, the function of the ovarian nerve growth factor (NGF) system was analyzed in a grey squirrel population living in central Italy. During the breeding and nonbreeding seasons, the ovarian presence, distribution, and gene expression of NGF, neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor 1 (NTRK1), and nerve growth factor receptor (NGFR), as well as NGF plasma concentrations, were evaluated in female grey squirrels. NGF was found in the luteal cells and in the thecal and granulosa cells of follicles, while NTRK1 and NGFR were only observed in follicular thecal and granulosa cells. NGF and NGFR transcripts were almost two-fold greater during the breeding season, while no seasonal differences were observed in NTRK1 gene expression. During the breeding season, NGFR was more expressed than NTRK1. Moreover, no changes were observed in NGF plasma levels during the reproductive cycle. The NGF system seems to be involved in regulating the ovarian cycle mainly via local modulation of NGF/NGFR, thus playing a role in the reproductive physiology of this grey squirrel population.