Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evidence for Elton's diversity-invasibility hypothesis from belowground.

Sixty year ago, Charles Elton posed that species-rich communities should be more resistant to biological invasion. However, still little is known about which processes could drive the diversity-invasibility relationship. Here we examined whether soil-microbes-mediated apparent competition on alien invaders is more negative when the soil originates from multiple native species. We trained soils with five individually grown native species, and used amplicon sequencing to analyze the resulting bacterial and fungal soil communities. We mixed the soils to create trained soils from one, two or four native species. We then grew four alien species separately on these differently trained soils. In the soil-conditioning phase, the five native species built species-specific bacterial and fungal communities in their rhizospheres. In the test phase, it did not matter for biomass of alien plants whether the soil had been trained by one or two native species. However, the alien species achieved 11.7% (95% CI: 3.7% ~ 20.1%) less aboveground biomass when grown on soils trained by four native species than on soils trained by two native species. Our results revealed soil-microbes-mediated apparent competition as a mechanism underlying the negative relationship between diversity and invasibility.
Association of Hypertension with Non-HDL Cholesterol in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

OBJECTIVE To determine the association of hypertension with Non-HDL Cholesterol (Non-HDL.C) among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. STUDY DESIGN Descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Shifa Foundation Community Health Centre, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, from January to December 2019. METHODOLOGY This study comprised of 214 patients with type 2 diabetes. Detailed history, examination, anthropometric measurements, fasting lipid profiles and blood glucose levels were recorded for all patients. Non-HDL.C was determined in all patients by subtracting HDL Cholesterol (HDL.C) from total Cholesterol (Total.C). Association of hypertension with Non-HDL.C was analysed using Chi-square Fisher Exact test for qualitative data and post-stratification t-test for quantitative data. Correlation of rising levels of Non-HDL.C with Total.C, LDL.C, Triglycerides, HDL.C and fasting blood sugar was analysed using ANOVA. SPSS version 23 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Non-HDL.C was raised in 169 (78.97%) patients with type 2 diabetes. However, there was no significant difference in the mean Non-HDL.C among patients with hypertension and without hypertension (156.35 +38.52 mg/dl versus 156.81 +45.82 mg/dl; p = 0.936). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the Total.C, LDL.C, Triglycerides and the number of patients with raised Non-HDL.C among both groups. Increasing values of Non-HDL.C correlated significantly to Total.C, LDL.C and Triglycerides (p <0.001). CONCLUSION Hypertension had no significant association with Non-HDL.C in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, the raised level of Non-HDL.C in majority of type 2 diabetic patients in addition to significant correlation with Total.C, LDL.C and Triglycerides necessitates its screening irrespective of the blood pressure status. Key Words: Non-HDL cholesterol, Dyslipidemia, Diabetes, Hypertension.
AGE AND GROWTH OF RHINOGOBIO CYLINDRICUS GüNTHER IN THE UPPER REACHES OF THE YANGTZE RIVER

Rhinogobio cylindricus Gunther is a cyprinid fish endemic to the upper reaches of the Yangtze River.The upper Yangtze River basin is experiencing critical changes to its ecosystem through multiple ecological threats in recent years,especially the impoundment of the Three Gorges Reservoir.R.cylindricus is a rheophilics species requiring diverse habitats to fulfill its life cycle.Otherwise the habitat once changed,life of R.cylindricus would be deeply affected.Therefore the study of age and growth,using scale,which is a basic and important aspect of fish biology and ecology,was essential to find out the growth characteristic of R.cylindricus after filling.The purpose of this study was to determine age structure and growth characteristics of R.cylindricus,and to propose reasonable measures to manage and protect this species.A total of 511 samples of R.cylindricus were collected from the upper reaches of the Yangtze River in Hejiang of Sichuan and Mudong of Chongqing from 2008 to 2010.The results showed that there were 6 age groups of our collected samples,and most individuals were 2—4 year-old accounting for about 95.7 percent of the total.According to the comparison of coefficient among linear function,exponential function,polynomial function and power function,and the relationship between body length(L) and scale radius(R) showed no significant difference between females and males,which could be expressed as L=51.28R+37.45(r = 0.85,n = 397). And there was no significant difference between measured body length and back-calculated body length at each age group between females and males(t = 0.751,P 0.05). Meanwhile,the relationship between body length(L) and body weight(W) showed no significant difference between females and males,and could be expressed as W= 8×10 6L3.099(r = 0.97,n = 397). Von Bertalanffy growth function was Lt= 348.78 [1 e 0.18(t +1.15)] and Wt = 603.17 [1 e 0.18(t +1.15)]3.099. In addition,the age at the inflection point of body weight growth was 5.12 years old,when body length and body weight were 236.23 mm and 180.33 g,respectively.Besides,R.cylindricus was isometric growth and individual miniaturization.The exploitation of R.cylindricus in the upper of the Yangtze River was unreasonable,so we should take action to strictly ban catching in the future and strengthen scientific research on R.cylindricus to protect better.
Endocast structures are reliable proxies for the sizes of corresponding regions of the brain in extant birds

Endocasts are increasingly relied upon to examine avian brain evolution because they can be used across extant and extinct species. The endocasts of birds appear to be relatively faithful representatives of the external morphology of their brains, but it is unclear how well the size of a surface feature visible on endocasts reflects the volume of the underlying brain region. The optic lobe and the Wulst are two endocast structures that are clearly visible on the external surface of avian endocasts. As they overlie two major visual regions of the brain, the optic tectum and hyperpallium, the surface areas of the optic lobe and Wulst, respectively, are often used to infer visual abilities. To determine whether the surface area of these features reflects the volume of the underlying brain regions, we compared the surface areas of the optic lobes and Wulsts from digital endocasts with the volumes of the optic tecta and hyperpallia from the literature or measured from histological series of brains of the same species. Regression analyses revealed strong, statistically significant correlations between the volumes of the brain regions and the surface areas of the overlying endocast structures. In other words, the size of the hyperpallium and optic tectum can be reliably inferred from the surface areas of the Wulst and optic lobe, respectively. This validation opens the possibility of estimating brain‐region volumes for extinct species in order to gain better insights in their visual ecology. It also emphasizes the importance of adopting a quantitative approach to the analysis of endocasts in the study of brain evolution.
Spatial extent and consequences of black bass (Micropterus spp.) invasion in a Cape Floristic Region river basin

Black bass (Micropterus spp.) are invasive fish that have adversely affected native fish communities in many regions of the world. They are known to threaten native fishes in the Cape Floristic Region of South Africa, a fish endemism hotspot, but the extent of invasion and consistency of impacts at river basin scales are not known. This study investigated the extent of black bass invasions in 41 tributaries in the Olifants–Doorn River basin (ODR) using above-water observations, snorkel surveys and underwater video assessment. Physical barriers that defined the upper limit of black bass distributions in tributaries were measured. Black bass impacts on the densities and diversity of the native fish fauna across the basin were assessed. Black bass were found to have invaded 81% of stream habitat in the basin, with Micropterus dolomieu and Micropterus punctulatus consistently being blocked by physical barriers in the form of waterfalls, cascades and chutes. These barriers had a minimum height of 49 cm and a median height of 1.09 m. Small-bodied cyprinid minnows (Barbus calidus and Pseudobarbus phlegethon) were consistently extirpated from black bass-occupied reaches, while larger cyprinid species co-occurred with black bass, but only when they were larger than 10 cm. These findings demonstrate the severe habitat loss to native fishes as a result of black bass invasion, and the prevention of the further spread and removal of black bass from these rivers should be a high conservation priority. The study demonstrates the critical role physical barriers play in preventing the extinction of native fish species and provides a basis for the planning of conservation interventions such as the construction of in-stream invasion barriers. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Telemedicine in rheumatology: a reliable approach beyond the pandemic

Abstract Objectives The SARS-CoV-2 outbreak has imposed considerable restrictions on people’s mobility, which affects the referral of chronically ill patients to health care structures. The emerging need for alternative ways to follow these patients up is leading to a wide adoption of telemedicine. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of this approach for our cohort of patients with CTDs, investigating their attitude to adopting telemedicine, even after the pandemic. Methods We conducted a telephonic survey among consecutive patients referred to our CTD outpatients’ clinic, evaluating their capability and propensity for adopting telemedicine and whether they would prefer it over face-to-face evaluation. Demographical and occupational factors were also collected, and their influence on the answers has been evaluated by a multivariate analysis. Results A total of 175 patients answered our survey (M/F = 28/147), with a median age of 62.5 years [interquartile range (IQR) 53–73]. About 80% of patients owned a device allowing video-calls, and 86% would be able to perform a tele-visit, either alone (50%) or with the help of a relative (36%). Telemedicine was considered acceptable by 78% of patients and 61% would prefer it. Distance from the hospital and patient’s educational level were the strongest predictive factors for the acceptance of telemedicine (P < 0.05), whereas age only affected the mastering of required skills (P < 0.001). Conclusion Telemedicine is a viable approach to be considered for routine follow-up of chronic patients, even beyond the pandemic. Our data showed that older patients would be willing to use this approach, although a proper guide for them would be required.
Role of REIC / Dkk-3 Protein in Tumorigenesis

REIC gene was discovered in immortalized cell lines and some tumor cell lines.Dkk-3 expression was down-regulated not only in the tumor-derived cell lines,but also in different types of human cancers.Several evidences suggest that Dkk-3 down-regulation in cancers is caused by promoter methylation.Aberrant expression causes cell phenotype abnormal,which can play an important role in the formation and development of the malignant tumor.Cytoplasmic and secretory Dkk-3 reacted with the target protein,and then cell signaling was started,but its biological function has been unclear.Research on the REIC/Dkk-3 may impel the development of tumor etiology theoretically and provide a new molecular target for the tumor diagnosis and treatment.If anti-tumor drug about reorganized multi-peptides and the chemotherapy drug to improve the function of REIC/Dkk-3 were found out,it will open the new way for the treatment of tumor patients.The study on REIC/Dkk-3 protein in the formation and development of tumor was reviewed.
Structural and immunohistological modifications in olfactory bulb of the staggerer mutant mouse

In the present study, we describe the structural and cytological changes observed in staggerer mutant olfactory bulbs, as compared to normal mice. On the basis of photonic and ultrastructural observations we tried to define the alterations induced by the mutation: ie a reduction of bulb size, a reduction in the volume of three out of the six architectonic layers (glomerular, external and internal plexiform), a reduction of glomeruli size, a loss of half the mitral cells and a slight decrease in juxtaglomerular interneuron number. In staggerer, an hypertrophy of glial ensheathing cell processes was especially evident at the level of each glomerulus, whereas the density of the astrocyte network was weaker in the granular layer and the nerve layer not apparently impaired. An immunofluorescent labelling study combined with confocal scanning microscopy was performed in order to identify the cellular type and the differentiation degree of the various elements. Antibodies anti‐GFAP, a protein present in both ensheathing cells and astrocytes, and anti‐OMP, the specific maturation protein of the nerve layer, were used for that purpose. Data confirmed the reality of the gliosis and the persistence of the sensory component in the mutant. All the structural alterations described in staggerer olfactory bulb were in close agreement with the functional troubles previously recorded. Our results are discussed in connection with the present knowledge on embryonal origin, fetal development and adult cellular renewal of the olfactory bulb.
Nature of Physical and Chemical and Pathogenic Function of Toxin of Curvularia lunata(Wakker) Boed

Nature of physical and chemical,pathogenic function of toxin produced by maize curvularia lunata were studied.Protein and solute carbohydrate were mainly content of toxin;Germinating rate of seeds and degree of leaf wilt were different when those were treated by toxin,this results were same as pathogenic function of curvularia lunata to different inbred lines.
Adrenalectomy does not affect the nocturnal peak of fos expression within hypothalamic pro‐opiomelanocortin neurons

Circulating glucocorticoid (GC) levels are thought to modulate the basal activity of pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons within the mediobasal hypothalamus (MBH) of the male rat. In a recent study we demonstrated that Fos‐immunoreactivity (Fos‐IR) was spontaneously induced throughout the dark phase of the light/dark cycle within a large population of these MBH neurons. Here, we have investigated the effect of adrenalectomy on the nocturnal expression of Fos protein within POMC neurons. To this aim, groups of intact (IN), adrenalectomized (ADX) and sham‐operated (sham) rats were killed 7 days after surgery (or no surgery) at times when Fos‐IR is known to show either nadir (at light offset) or peak (6 h after light offset) values within MBH POMC neurons. Brains were processed for Fos‐ and/or POMC‐immunohistochemistry. The results showed that, at both times studied, 7‐day adrenalectomy did not affect the number of POMC/Fos double‐stained neurons within the MBH. The rostro‐caudal pattern of distribution of such labeled neurons throughout the MBH of ADX rats was also similar to that of IN or sham rats. The present data demonstrate that the nocturnal induction of Fos within MBH POMC neurons is not controlled via the nychtemeral rhythm of secretion of the adrenal gland. Furthermore, this study shows that basal levels of circulating GC do not alter the nocturnal peak of Fos synthesis within POMC neurons.
Chemical Characterization, Antioxidant Capacity and Antimicrobial Potential of Essential Oil from the Leaves of Baccharis oreophila Malme

This is the first time that composition, antimicrobial potential and antioxidant ability of essential oil from the leaves of Baccharis oreophila are reported. Essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC/MS. Antimicrobial potential was evaluated by diffusion disk and broth microdilution methods. ABTS. +, DPPH. and FRAP methods were employed for antioxidant activity evaluation. Essential oil yield was 0.47 %. Sixty‐five compounds were identified, representing 88.53 % of the total essential oil, which showed to be rich in oxygenated (37.88 %) and hydrocarbons sesquiterpenes (34.84 %). The main constituents were khusimone (16.37 %) and spathulenol (16.12 %). Antimicrobial activity was verified against S. aureus (10.33±0.5 mm, MIC: 1250 μg mL−1) and C. albicans (8.66±0.5 mm, MIC: >2500 μg mL.1). Antioxidant ability was evidenced by FRAP (4.09 μmol FeSO4 E mL−1), ABTS. + (1.45 μmol TE mL−1) and DPPH. (1.04 μmol TE mL−1) scavenging capacity. Results showed that this essential oil has interesting biological potential, encouraging further investigations especially in relation to action mechanisms of antimicrobial and antioxidant activity.
Repetitive DNA elements as mediators of genomic change in response to environmental cues

There is no logical or theoretical barrier to the proposition that organismal and cell signaling could transduce environmental signals into specific, beneficial changes in primary structure of noncoding DNA via repetitive element movement or mutation. Repetitive DNA elements, including transposons and microsatellites, are known to influence the structure and expression of protein‐coding genes, and to be responsive to environmental signals in some cases. These effects may create fodder for adaptive evolution, at rates exceeding those observed for point mutations. In many cases, the changes are no doubt random, and fitness is increased through simple natural selection. However, some transposons insert at specific sites, and certain regions of the genome exhibit selectively and beneficially high mutation rates in a range of organisms. In multicellular organisms, this could benefit individuals in situations with significant potential for clonal expansion: early life stages or regenerative tissues in animals, and most plant tissues. Transmission of the change to the next generation could occur in plants and, under some circumstances, in animals.
Tissue Pathology of Experimental Tsutsugamushi Disease (Scrub Typhus) in Swiss Mice and Macacus Rhesus Monkeys and the Report of one Human Case Acquired in the Laboratory

Summary and Conclusions It has been demonstrated that experimental tsutsugamushi disease in Swiss mice and M. rhesus monkeys in the terminal stages is pathologically similar to the terminal stages of the disease in man. It is a disease in which there is widespread involvement of tissues of mensenchymal origin, an involvement that depends on lymphoid-macrophage proliferation, mobilization, and invasion. The lymphoid elements show signs of hyperplasia early in the disease. In Swiss mice, the spleen is the first organ to react, increased mitotic activity being noted on the second or third day post inoculation followed by hyperplasia. One or two days later the generalized systemic involvement begins, manifested by the appearance of the lymphoid-macrophage cells in the stroma of the various organs. Endothelial stickiness is prominent early in mice and monkeys but gradually subsides in the monkey as the convalescent period is reached. In neither experimental animals or man is the endothelium destroyed, but sometimes it appears swollen and hypertrophied. Likewise the blood vessel walls may be infiltrated with lymphoid-macrophage cells, but only rarely is the reaction severe enough to cause tissue necrosis. Perivascular cell collections increase in number and size as the disease progresses and persist during the healing period. Small focal necroses in the parenchyma of the various organs may be seen in the advanced stage of the disease particularly in the vicinity of the large cell collections. However, because of the lack of truly pathognomonic lesions, diagnosis of the disease should depend not only on tissue changes, but should include observations on the history of exposure to the mite vector, demonstration of the presence of the organism by blood or ground spleen passage to animals and by staining of organ impression smears, and finally, by observation of the trend of Proteus OX-K agglutination titers.
Recurring themes in oocyte maturation

I am pleased to contribute to this special issue of Biology of the Cell in honor of Yoshio Masui. Oocyte maturation remains a small enough and young enough field that the authors assembled for this issue can trace the entire development of the field over the last 30 years, beginning with the early demonstration by Masui (1967) and others that steroids can induce complete maturation of denuded oocytes in vitro. Not very long after that Masui and Markert (1971) published the seminal paper that identified MPF and CSF activity. In this article I intend to highlight recurring themes in oocyte maturation that continue to be actively investigated, almost all of which derive from studies pursued at some point in time by Masui and his colleagues.
C Tutor usage in relation to student achievement and progress: A study of introductory programming courses in Portugal and Serbia

Previous research studies on introductory programming courses in engineering education in Portugal and Serbia have indicated that although high motivation and high expectations seem to be reported by students, many students may fail the course. This prompted a further inquiry into student attitudes, behavior, and achievement, and it also led to the introduction of C Tutor, a widely known program visualization tool, into courses in both countries. As a result, in the present study, self‐reported student achievement (grades), self‐reported student progress (knowledge improvement and confidence), and self‐reported usage and helpfulness of C Tutor were investigated. Anonymous data about students and their experience in the course, which also included the usage of C Tutor, were collected in a survey in Portugal and Serbia. Quantitative methods, including descriptive statistics, clustering, statistical testing of independence, and partial correlation analysis, were applied in analyses of survey data. The distribution of grades differed between the two countries, but overall attitudes were similar. Various uncovered patterns involving student attitudes and usage of C Tutor may serve as a starting point for new research studies.
Effects of drought stress on the growth and chlorophyll fluorescence of reed seedlings

Five indices including morphological structure,biomass dynamics,cell membrane permeability,chlorophyll content and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of reed seeding were measured under different soil water content.The results showed that the plant height,base diameter and above ground biomass of reed seeding decreased with the reduction of soil water content.Plant seeding decreased transpiration by the way of diminishing individual body,reducing leaf quantity and area,slowering growth rate.They could use limited available water to maintain vital activity,keeping balance between plant leaf water content and soil available water content.Different drought stress made chlorophyll content including chlorophyll a,chlorophyll b and carotenoid content decreased,but chl a/b increased with reduction of soil water content,which decreased light capture of the leaf and reduced the danger of photosynthesis structure on light oxidation.So it was a light protection regulatory mechanism of plant seeding to drought stress.Drought pricked up plant leaf cell membrane lipid peroxidation,increased cell membrane permeability which reached to 29.3% under severe drought stress.Fv/Fm,qP,ETR decreased and reed protected PSII by increase of qN.