Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Black Tea Aqueous Extracts Improve Human Sperm Functions: An In Vitro Study

Infertility affects about 25% of couples worldwide, and oxidative stress (OS) is linked to its idiopathic etiology. Green, black, white, and oolong teas are produced from Camellia sinensis, depending on their oxidation level, and contain antioxidant properties that may enhance male reproductive functions. The study aimed to investigate the effects of black tea aqueous extract on human sperm functions in vitro. Semen samples were collected from donors, liquefied, analyzed, and divided into normal (n = 40) and abnormal (n = 19) groups using the World Health Organization 2010 criteria. Samples were washed and incubated with black tea aqueous extracts (0, 0.4, 4, 40, 405 μg/ml) for 1 hr and analyzed. Along with a considerable decrease in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, DNA-fragmented spermatozoa, and acrosome reaction, the percentage of sperm vitality and intact mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) increased (p<0.05). Furthermore, compared to the normal group, a substantial increase in the percentage of acrosome reaction, ROS production, and percentage of spermatozoa with fragmented DNA, while a reduction in the percentage of intact MMP and sperm vitality, was noted in the abnormal group (p<0.05). Compared to the controls, there was no significant change in motility between the normal and abnormal groups (p>0.05). Black tea’s antioxidant activity, caffeine concentration, or both may have contributed to its improvement in human sperm function in vitro.
Medicinal potential and health benefits of torch Medicinal potential and health benefits of torch Medicinal potential and health benefits of torch Medicinal potential and health benefits of torch

AbstractAbstractAbstract Indo-Pacific Region has a rich diversity of medicinal and aromatic plants. Torch ginger ( Etlingera elatior ) from the Zingiberaceae family in exemplary, is one of the valuable sources for condiment, ornamental and medicinal purposes. This perennial herb can be found growing in clumps of aromatic rhizomes with their distinctive inflorescences, borne on erect stalks and showy bracts. Their torch-like flowers are edible, usually appeared during the second year of cultivation and continuous harvesting is feasible for the flower production. The varieties of torch ginger with pink-color flowers are often cultivated compared to white and red flower varieties due to the market demand. Interestingly, almost every part of this herb produces certain percentages of beneficial phytochemicals. In this review, the botanical aspects of torch ginger as well as their progresses in usage and properties in different forms as fresh, extract and essential oils have been conversing with respect to their plant parts. Major compounds found in torch ginger are phenols, polyphenols, flavonoids and terpenoids. Those compounds correlate with the significant health benefits of torch ginger such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, antitumor, antihyperuricemic, antiallergic, cytotoxicity, antidiabetic as well as their cosmeceutical potential in skin care application. Moreover, the prominent pharmacological activities of this herb with particular attention to the chemical composition also have been uncovered, suggesting the substantial medicinal benefits of torch ginger.
Demography, habitat use and activity budget of a wild group of black-faced black spider monkeys (Ateles chamek) in Las Piedras, south-eastern Perú

Spider monkeys are one of the main seed-dispersal agents in the Amazonian ecosystem and therefore help regenerate the rainforest. The black-faced black spider monkey (Ateles chamek) is internationally recognized as Endangered, and its range is limited to Peru, Bolivia and Brazil. Spider monkeys are a difficult genus to study and little is known about their populations in the wild. Here we present the results of a study on demography, habitat use, activity budget and preliminary notes on ranging pattern and diet of a wild group of A. chamek studied in a floodplain forest in south-eastern Peru. The group (in total eight to nine individuals) had a home range of approximately 1.6 km2 (160 hectares) with a daily path length of approximately 1,200 m. The group was encountered at canopy levels above 20 m in height 75.2% of the time and rarely descended to lower forest levels. There was a weak but significant positive correlation between the number of encounters with individuals of the study group and the number of feeding trees in an area (R2 = 0.38, N = 93, P > 0.001). The majority of their diet consisted of fruits, followed by leaves. Resting accounted for 41.9% of their activity budget, with foraging accounting for 30% and traveling 23.8%. Most findings of this study are consistent with other studies on the species, but we found that the group size in our study was unusually small. However, this did not seem to have an influence on home range size or activity budget.
Exploration of Metabolomic Markers Associated With Declining Kidney Function in People With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Abstract Background Metabolomics, the study of small molecules in biological systems, can provide valuable insights into kidney dysfunction in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but prospective studies are scarce. We investigated the association between metabolites and kidney function decline in people with T2DM. Methods The Edinburgh Type 2 Diabetes Study, a population-based cohort of 1066 men and women aged 60 to 75 years with T2DM. We measured 149 serum metabolites at baseline and investigated individual associations with baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), incident chronic kidney disease [CKD; eGFR <60 mL/min/(1.73 m)2], and decliner status (5% eGFR decline per year). Results At baseline, mean eGFR was 77.5 mL/min/(1.73 m)2 (n = 1058), and 216 individuals had evidence of CKD. Of those without CKD, 155 developed CKD over a median 7-year follow-up. Eighty-eight metabolites were significantly associated with baseline eGFR (β range −4.08 to 3.92; PFDR < 0.001). Very low density lipoproteins, triglycerides, amino acids (AAs), glycoprotein acetyls, and fatty acids showed inverse associations, while cholesterol and phospholipids in high-density lipoproteins exhibited positive associations. AA isoleucine, apolipoprotein A1, and total cholines were not only associated with baseline kidney measures (PFDR < 0.05) but also showed stable, nominally significant association with incident CKD and decline. Conclusion Our study revealed widespread changes within the metabolomic profile of CKD, particularly in lipoproteins and their lipid compounds. We identified a smaller number of individual metabolites that are specifically associated with kidney function decline. Replication studies are needed to confirm the longitudinal findings and explore if metabolic signals at baseline can predict kidney decline.
Spatial-Temporal Evolution of Land Use/Cover Change in Middle Section of Heihe Basin Since 1975

The Heihe River is one of the most important inland rivers in the northwest arid region of China.With its economy and population growing rapidly,the Heihe basin is faced with deteriorating ecological environment in recent years.Therefore,it is very important and urgent to analyze changes in land use/cover in the area,and their driving forces,and eco-environment problems.The middle section of Heihe basin was chosen as a research area,of which the remote-sensing images of 1975,1987,1992,2001 and 2010 were picked as basic data for comprehensive analysis using correlation analysis method and principal component analysis method in combination with transfer matrix.Variation amplitude,dynamic degree and intensity of land use were set as indices.Results show that within 35 years after 1975,the proportions of cultivated land and land for urban and rural housing and public facilities and for industrial and mining expanded steadily by 5.60 and 0.46 percentage points,respectively,and the area of grassland and water surface decreased by 3.87×104 and 0.41×104 hm2,respectively.Among the various types of land use in the study,cultivated land was the highest in variation amplitude,reaching 0.160 4% and was followed by grassland.The conversions of grassland into farmland and wasteland,and the conversion of wasteland into farmland and grassland and the conversion of forestland into grassland and vice versa were the main trends of the landuse variation.The major force driving the variation of the land use is development of the social economy.
Aspectos biométricos de frutos e de sementes de Tamarindus indica L.

Tamarindus indica L. é uma espécie arbórea muito apreciada para ornamentação, sendo considerada uma árvore multifuncional, uma vez que se pode utilizar a polpa, as sementes, as flores, as folhas, a madeira, a casca, seja para uso nutricional ou medicinal. Além disso, esta espécie apresenta em sua composição química aminoácidos, ácidos graxos, minerais, se destacando por apresentar excelentes qualidades nutricionais. Assim, o presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a biometria de frutos e sementes de Tamarindus indica L. Para isso, realizou-se a biometria utilizando uma amostra aleatória de 100 frutos e 100 sementes de Alta Floresta e na cidade de Juara, em Mato Grosso. Foram avaliadas a massa, o comprimento, a largura e a espessura de frutos e de sementes, e o número de sementes por fruto. Os frutos de Tamarindus indica apresentaram valores médios de comprimento, largura, espessura e massa de: 59,72; 22,80; 15, 29 mm e 7,78g respectivamente, com média de três sementes por fruto. Na análise biométrica das sementes observou-se médias de comprimento, largura, espessura, e massa de 14,7; 10,15, 3,85mm e 1,12g respectivamente.Os frutos e as sementes de Tamarindus indica apresentaram variabilidade em suas características biométricas, para as arvores avaliadas neste estudo. Os frutos apresentaram maior variação no comprimento, enquanto nas sementes foi observado maior variabilidade na espessura e na largura.
Daily activity recognition from egocentric images

By analysing people way of life we can create methods of prevention and intervention for human behaviour derived diseases. Lifelogging allow us to obtain information, through image capture, of the daily life and the environment in which we move. However, we need to classify those images in order to obtain information, and then to analyse that data to detect behaviour patterns that may be affecting people. But how can we classify thousand of images in a quick way? Automatic classification algorithms, such as convolutional neural networks based techniques and deep learning have shown promising results when classifying images. This work introduces the challenge, first, of realizing a tool for a manual classification, with a website showing images that allow us to easily classify images using batches. Such a tool allows us to create a data set of nearly 20.000 images to, in the second part of the project, realize a fine-tuning over a convolutional neural network trained with ImageNet. After that fine-tuning, the convolutional neural network is combined to obtain the features from the images in order to train a Random Decision Forest classifier. Finally the results are studied. The global accuracy for the CNN system based is that of 58%. A better solution is obtained when combining CNN’s and RDF’s reaching up to 85% of global accuracy. Thus concluding that the classification system based on training a RDF with the data provided by the CNN, image features and probabilities, is the system offering better results.
Correlation Between Lipoprotein-Related Phospholipase A2 and Metabolic Syndrome

Background Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) has been recognized as a valuable biomarker for identifying the risk of cardiovascular diseases and inflammation. Furthermore, there is strong evidence to suggest that metabolic syndrome is closely associated with chronic inflammation. Accordingly, the present study endeavors to examine the potential correlation between metabolic syndrome and the levels of Lp-PLA2. Methods To explore the relationship between Lp-PLA2 levels and metabolic syndrome, and to establish the predictive cut-off value of Lp-PLA2, a retrospective analysis was conducted using medical data from a sample of 3549 Chinese adults (comprising 2182 men and 1367 women) aged between 18 and 50 years, who had undergone health check-ups. In addition, the study also sought to investigate any potential differences in Lp-PLA2 levels based on sex and age. Results The analysis of the data indicated that participants had a mean age of 44.2 years, a mean Lp-PLA2 level of 589 IU/L, and a metabolic syndrome prevalence of 22%. Lp-PLA2 levels were significantly different between males and females, and a significant correlation was observed between Lp-PLA2 levels and clinical and metabolic characteristics, including BMI, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Interestingly, Lp-PLA2 demonstrated potential as an indicator of metabolic syndrome, particularly in females, despite other biomarkers, such as TG/HDL-C and WHR, exhibiting better area under the curve. Conclusion Our findings suggest that Lp-PLA2 may serve as a useful biomarker for identifying individuals at risk of developing metabolic syndrome, particularly in females. Further research is needed to explore the potential of Lp-PLA2 as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for metabolic syndrome.
Theoretical Study on the Multiple Free Radical Scavenging Reactions of Pyranoanthocyanins

The free radical trapping capacities of multiple pyranoanthocyanins in wine storage and ageing were theoretically explored by density functional theory (DFT) methods. Intramolecular hydrogen bonds were detected in all pyranoanthocyanins, and the planarity of the compounds worsened with an increasing dielectric constant in the environment. Solvents significantly influenced the reaction enthalpies; thus, the preferred thermodynamic mechanisms of the free radical scavenging reactions were modified in different phases. This study incorporates hydrogen atom transfer (HAT), proton loss (PL), electron transfer (ET) reactions, and demethylation (De) of methoxy group mechanisms. The three pyranoanthocyanins have the capacity to capture n1+1 free radicals, where n1 represents the number of methoxy groups. In the gas phase, they prefer employing the n1-De-HAT mechanism on the guaiacyl moiety of the B ring, resulting in the formation of a stable quinone or a quinone radical to scavenge free radicals. In the benzene phase, pyranoanthocyanins trap free radicals via a PL−n1−De−HAT mechanism. In the water phase, the targeted pyranoanthocyanins may dissociate in the form of carboxylate and tend to utilize the n2−PL−n1−De−ET mechanism, where n2 and n1 represent the number of phenolic groups and methoxy groups, respectively, facilitating multiple H+/e− reactions.
Impact of exacerbations on respiratory system impedance measured by a forced oscillation technique in COPD: a prospective observational study

Background: Forced oscillation technique (FOT) has been reported to be useful in the evaluation and management of obstructive lung disease, including COPD. To date, no data are available concerning long-term changes in respiratory system impedance measured by FOT. Additionally, although exacerbations have been reported to be associated with excessive lung function decline in COPD, the impact of exacerbations on the results of FOT has not been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to investigate the longitudinal changes in respiratory system impedance and the influence of exacerbations thereon. Methods: Between March 2011 and March 2012, outpatients who attended Kobe City Medical Center West Hospital with a diagnosis of COPD were assessed for eligibility. Baseline patient characteristics (age, sex, body mass index, smoking history, current smoking status, COPD stage), lung function (post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV 1 ]), blood tests (neutrophils and eosinophils), FOT, and COPD assessment test results were collected at enrollment. Lung function and FOT were examined every 6 months until March 2016. Annual changes in FEV 1 and FOT parameters were obtained from the slope of the linear regression curve. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on exacerbation history. Results: Fifty-one of 58 patients with COPD were enrolled in this study. The median follow-up period was 57 (52–59) months. Twenty-five (49%) patients experienced exacerbations. A significant annual decline in FEV 1 and respiratory system impedance were shown. Additionally, annual changes in FEV 1 , respiratory system resistance at 5 Hz, respiratory system reactance at 5 Hz, and resonant frequency were greater in patients with exacerbations than in those without exacerbations. Conclusion: Exacerbations of COPD lead not only to a decline in lung function but also to an increase in respiratory system impedance.
The role of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation therapy in functional bowel disease

Objective This study investigates the effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as a biophysical therapy for alleviating symptoms of functional bowel disorder (FBD) and associated psychological symptoms by targeting the brain-gut axis. Methods We conducted a comparative analysis involving 226 subjects, comprising the FBD group (n = 113) and a healthy control group (n = 113). Within the FBD group, participants were further divided into those who received rTMS therapy (FBD treatment group, n = 63) and those who did not (FBD control group, n = 50). The FBD treatment group was subcategorized based on the number of rTMS treatments received. We evaluated various factors, including gender, age, monthly household income, daily activity level, and sleep quality, as potential risk factors for FBD. Severity assessments of FBD and associated symptoms (constipation, anxiety, depression, and somatization disorders) were conducted using validated scales before and after treatment. Results Our findings revealed a higher incidence of FBD in women, with most cases emerging at age 50 or older. We identified lower monthly household income, reduced daily activity levels, and poorer sleep quality as factors associated with a higher likelihood of FBD. FBD patients exhibited higher scores for constipation, anxiety, depression, and somatization disorders compared to healthy controls. rTMS therapy was effective in reducing gastrointestinal symptoms, anxiety, depression, and somatization disorders among FBD patients. Notably, the extent of improvement was positively correlated with the number of rTMS sessions. No adverse effects were observed during the study. Conclusion Our study underscores the efficacy of biophysical therapy, specifically repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation, in mitigating FBD symptoms and associated psychological distress. The treatment’s effectiveness is positively linked to the frequency of rTMS sessions.
Notes on the ecology and behaviour of the black rhinoceros Diceros bicornis Linn. 1758 in South West Africa

At the London Convention of 1933 the Union of South Africa (since 1961 the Republic of South Africa) pledged an behalf of the Administration of South West Africa, to ensure the conservation of all indigenous animals and plants in South West Africa. Although the treaty has become obsolete in the meantime, conservation initiated at the time is still being carried out by the Department of Nature Conservation and Tourism in South West Africa.
Fatal Hypermagnesemia in Patients Taking Magnesium Hydroxide

Hypermagnesemia is a rare but potentially fatal electrolyte disorder often overlooked because of its unfamiliarity. Magnesium is regulated through a balance of bone, intestinal absorption, and renal excretion. Hypermagnesemia typically arises from excessive magnesium intake or reduced renal excretion; however, it also occurs in patients with normal kidney function. Herein, we report two cases of hypermagnesemia in patients taking magnesium hydroxide for constipation. The first case involved an 82-year-old woman with end-stage renal disease who developed metabolic encephalopathy due to hypermagnesemia, after taking 3,000 mg of magnesium hydroxide daily for constipation. Her magnesium level was 9.9 mg/dL. Her treatment involved discontinuing magnesium hydroxide and continuing hemodialysis, which led to her recovery. In the second case, a 50-year-old woman with a history of cerebral hemorrhage and mental retardation developed hypermagnesemia despite having normal renal function. She was also taking magnesium hydroxide for constipation, and her magnesium level was 11.0 mg/dL. She experienced cardiac arrest while preparing for continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). After achieving return of spontaneous circulation, CRRT was initiated, and her magnesium level showed a decreasing trend. However, vital signs and lactate levels did not recover, leading to death. These cases highlight the importance of prompt diagnosis and intervention for hypermagnesemia and the need to regularly monitor magnesium levels in individuals receiving magnesium-containing preparations, especially those with impaired kidney function.
CHARACTERISTICS OF MAMMAL FAUNA AND ECO-GEOGRAPHY IN BEIJING AREA

Studies on the mammal ecology had been undertaken from May, 1982 to July, 1983 in Beijing. This paper deals with the characteristics of mammal fauna and eco-geography only. Beijing is located in the northwest of North-China plain, and its mountain area accounts for 62%. The following aspects have been attained. 1. Characteristics of mammal fauna (1) The species are poor in Beijing and unevenly distributed, with a total number of 41 species. (2 ) None of the species are out of the ordinary. The whole fauna is a mixture of the fauna of South China, North China, Inner Mogolia-Xin-jiang and the Pacific monsoon area. ( 3 ) Human's economic activities have led to distinct changes of the fauna. 2. Characteristics of the Eco-geography According to the composition character of the rodent community and environment, eight types of Eco-geography can be formed. 3. The mammal resourses, natural protection as well as rodent damage and population growth were discussed.
Comparison and Verification of Three Algorithms for Accuracy Improvement of Quartz Resonant Pressure Sensors

Pressure measurement is of great importance due to its wide range of applications in many fields. AT-cut quartz, with its exceptional precision and durability, stands out as an excellent pressure transducer due to its superior accuracy and stable performance over time. However, its intrinsic temperature dependence significantly hinders its potential application in varying temperature environments. Herein, three different learning algorithms (i.e., multivariate polynomial regression, multilayer perceptron networks, and support vector regression) are elaborated in detail and applied to establish the prediction models for compensating the temperature effect of the resonant pressure sensor, respectively. The AC-cut quartz, which is sensitive to temperature variations, is paired with the AT-cut quartz, providing the essential temperature information. The output frequencies derived from the AT-cut and AC-cut quartzes are selected as input data for these learning algorithms. Through experimental validation, all three methods are effective, and a remarkable improvement in accuracy can be achieved. Among the three methods, the MPR model has exceptionally high accuracy in predicting pressure. The calculated residual error over the temperature range of −10–40 °C is less than 0.008% of 40 MPa full scale (FS). An intelligent automatic compensation and real-time processing system for the resonant pressure sensor is developed as well, which may contribute to improving the efficiency in online calibration and large-scale industrialization. This paper paves a promising way for the temperature compensation of resonant pressure sensors.