scholarly journals Unexpected Diversity of Feeding Modes among Chisel-Mouthed Ethiopian Labeobarbus (Cyprinidae)

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (17) ◽  
pp. 2345
Author(s):  
Boris A. Levin ◽  
Aleksandra S. Komarova ◽  
Oksana L. Rozanova ◽  
Alexander S. Golubtsov
Keyword(s):  
Adaptive Radiation ◽  
Resource Partitioning ◽  
Piscivorous Fish ◽  
Evolutionary Diversification ◽  
Feeding Modes ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Trophic Resource ◽  
C And N ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Protein Rich

Trophic resource partitioning is one of the main drivers of adaptive radiation. The evolutionary diversification of large African barbs, the genus Labeobarbus, seems to be related to mouth polymorphism. The chisel-mouthed or scraping phenotype has repeatedly evolved within Labeobarbus. At least five ecomorphs with a scraping mouth morphology were detected in the waters of the Ethiopian Highlands and can be provisionally classified into two groups: (i) “Varicorhinus”-like, and (ii) “Smiling”-like. Previously, all Labeobarbus with a scraping-mouth morphology were considered to be periphyton feeders. Using data on morphology, diet and stable isotope ratios (C and N), we addressed the question: does a scraping-mouth morphology predict feeding on periphyton? Our study revealed that five scraper ecomorphs exhibited three main feeding modes: (i) periphyton-eating, (ii) herbivory–detritivory, and (iii) insectivory. Two cases of the parallel divergence of sympatric ecomorphs with distinct feeding modes (herbivory–detritivory vs. insectivory) were revealed in two geographically isolated basins. A significant difference in δ15N values was detected among sympatric scraper ecomorphs. A periphytonophagous scraper was rich in δ15N values that are comparable with those in sympatric piscivorous fish. This data sheds light on the possibility of the utilization of periphyton as a protein-rich food by fishes.

scholarly journals The Effect of Alcohol on Telomere Length: A Systematic Review of Epidemiological Evidence and a Pilot Study during Pregnancy

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (9) ◽  
pp. 5038
Author(s):  
Andrea Maugeri ◽  
Martina Barchitta ◽  
Roberta Magnano San Lio ◽  
Maria Clara La Rosa ◽  
Claudia La Mastra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Alcohol Consumption ◽  
Telomere Length ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Epidemiological Studies ◽  
Potential Association ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Periconceptional Period ◽  
Using Data

Several studies—albeit with still inconclusive and limited findings—began to focus on the effect of drinking alcohol on telomere length (TL). Here, we present results from a systematic review of these epidemiological studies to investigate the potential association between alcohol consumption, alcohol-related disorders, and TL. The analysis of fourteen studies—selected from PubMed, Medline, and Web of Science databases—showed that people with alcohol-related disorders exhibited shorter TL, but also that alcohol consumption per se did not appear to affect TL in the absence of alcohol abuse or dependence. Our work also revealed a lack of studies in the periconceptional period, raising the need for evaluating this potential relationship during pregnancy. To fill this gap, we conducted a pilot study using data and samples form the Mamma & Bambino cohort. We compared five non-smoking but drinking women with ten non-smoking and non-drinking women, matched for maternal age, gestational age at recruitment, pregestational body mass index, and fetal sex. Interestingly, we detected a significant difference when analyzing relative TL of leukocyte DNA of cord blood samples from newborns. In particular, newborns from drinking women exhibited shorter relative TL than those born from non-drinking women (p = 0.024). Although these findings appeared promising, further research should be encouraged to test any dose–response relationship, to adjust for the effect of other exposures, and to understand the molecular mechanisms involved.

scholarly journals Lockdown, slow down: impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on physical activity—an observational study

Open Heart ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. e001600
Author(s):  
Joanne Kathryn Taylor ◽  
Haarith Ndiaye ◽  
Matthew Daniels ◽  
Fozia Ahmed
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
New York ◽  
Heart Association ◽  
Evaluation Study ◽  
Activity Data ◽  
Cardiac Devices ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
New York Heart Association ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Uk

AimsIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK was placed under strict lockdown measures on 23 March 2020. The aim of this study was to quantify the effects on physical activity (PA) levels using data from the prospective Triage-HF Plus Evaluation study.MethodsThis study represents a cohort of adult patients with implanted cardiac devices capable of measuring activity by embedded accelerometery via a remote monitoring platform. Activity data were available for the 4 weeks pre-implementation and post implementation of ‘stay at home’ lockdown measures in the form of ‘minutes active per day’ (min/day).ResultsData were analysed for 311 patients (77.2% men, mean age 68.8, frailty 55.9%. 92.2% established heart failure (HF) diagnosis, of these 51.2% New York Heart Association II), with comorbidities representative of a real-world cohort.Post-lockdown, a significant reduction in median PA equating to 20.8 active min/day was seen. The reduction was uniform with a slightly more pronounced drop in PA for women, but no statistically significant difference with respect to age, body mass index, frailty or device type. Activity dropped in the immediate 2-week period post-lockdown, but steadily returned thereafter. Median activity week 4 weeks post-lockdown remained significantly lower than 4 weeks pre-lockdown (p≤0.001).ConclusionsIn a population of predominantly HF patients with cardiac devices, activity reduced by approximately 20 min active per day in the immediate aftermath of strict COVID-19 lockdown measures.Trial registration numberNCT04177199.

scholarly journals Integration of Dental Implants in Conjunction with EDTA-Conditioned Dentin Grafts: An Experimental Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 63
Author(s):  
Payam Farzad ◽  
Ted Lundgren ◽  
Adel Al-Asfour ◽  
Lars Andersson ◽  
Christer Dahlin
Keyword(s):  
Direct Contact ◽  
Mineral Content ◽  
X Rays ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Dentin Surface ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
C And N ◽  
Micro Implants ◽  
Demineralized Dentin

This study was undertaken to investigate the integration of titanium micro-implants installed in conjunction with previously dentin-grafted areas and to study the morphological appearance, mineral content, and healing pattern of xenogenic EDTA-conditioned dentin blocks and granules grafted to cavities in the tibial bone of rabbits. Demineralized and non-demineralized dentin blocks and granules from human premolars were implanted into cavities prepared on the lateral aspects of the tibias of rabbits. After a healing period of six months, micro-implants were installed at each surgical site. Histological examinations were carried out after 24 weeks. Characterization of the EDTA-conditioned dentin blocks was performed by means of light microscopy, dental X-rays, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). No implants were found to be integrated in direct contact with the dentin particles or blocks. On the EDTA-conditioned dentin surface, the organic marker elements C and N dominated, as revealed by EDX. The hydroxyapatite constituents Ca and P were almost absent on the dentin surface. No statistically significant difference was observed between the EDTA-conditioned and non-demineralized dentin, as revealed by BIC and BA. The bone-inductive capacity of the dentin material seemed limited, although demineralization by means of EDTA indicated higher BIC and BA values in conjunction with the installed implants in the area. A 12 h EDTA treatment did not fully decalcify the grafts, as revealed by X-ray analysis.

The Contact Diffusion of Linguistic Practices

2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-201 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jürgen Bohnemeyer ◽  
Katharine T. Donelson ◽  
Randi E. Moore ◽  
Elena Benedicto ◽  
Alyson Eggleston ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Language Contact ◽  
Language Use ◽  
Reference Frames ◽  
Indigenous Languages ◽  
Spatial Reference ◽  
Diffusion Analysis ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Education Levels ◽  
Spatial Reference Frame ◽  
Using Data

We examine the extent to which practices of language use may be diffused through language contact and areally shared, using data on spatial reference frame use by speakers of eight indigenous languages from in and around the Mesoamerican linguistic area and three varieties of Spanish. Regression models show that the frequency of L2-Spanish use by speakers of the indigenous languages predicts the use of relative reference frames in the L1 even when literacy and education levels are accounted for. A significant difference in frame use between the Mesoamerican and non-Mesoamerican indigenous languages further supports the contact diffusion analysis.

scholarly journals Efficacy of high-pressure balloon for the treatment of arteriovenous fistula stenosis: a meta-analysis

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Li ◽  
Wenhao Cui ◽  
Jukun Wang ◽  
Chao Zhang ◽  
Tao Luo
Keyword(s):  
High Pressure ◽  
Arteriovenous Fistula ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Cochrane Library ◽  
Technical Success Rate ◽  
Stenosis Rate ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Arteriovenous Fistula Stenosis ◽  
Using Data ◽  
The Cochrane Library

AbstractObjectiveThe objective of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of high-pressure balloon (HPB) versus conventional balloon angioplasty (BA) in treating arteriovenous fistula (AVF) stenosis.Materials and MethodsA meta-analysis was conducted using data acquired from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, SinoMed, CNKI, WanFang and VIP databases from the time the databases were established to November 2020. All analyses included in the studies comprised the subgroups of HPB and BA. The patency of AVF was compared between the two groups at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after operation.ResultsNine studies comprising 475 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results revealed that stenosis rate of AVFs treated with HPB was significantly lower than that of AVFs treated with conventional balloon at 3 months (OR= 0.37, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.67, p<0.001) and 6 months after operation (OR= 0.33, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.75, p=0.008). In addition, the technical success rate of HPB groups was high (OR= 0.14, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.35, p<0.001). However, no significant difference was observed between the experimental and control groups at 12 months after operation (OR= 0.61, 95% CI 0.29 to 1.25, p=0.18). No significant publication bias was observed in the analyses.ConclusionHPB is a potential primary option for the treatment of AVF stenosis, with a lower 3- and 6-month stenosis rate than BA. However, the long-term effect of HPB was not satisfactory; therefore, further research should be conducted to elucidate the relationship between the two groups.

scholarly journals The Effect of the Use of Canva Application Learning Media on the Creativity of Students in Language Studio Extracurricular Activities at SMPN 1 Tanjung Emas

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 506
Author(s):  
Deni Putri Sartika ◽  
Vevi Sunarti
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Data Processing ◽  
Experimental Method ◽  
Extracurricular Activities ◽  
School Principals ◽  
Paired Sample ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Quasi Experimental ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Efficient Learning

This research is motivated by the low creativity of students in language studio extracurricular activities at SMPN 1 Tanjung Emas. This condition is thought to be due to factors that influence the low creativity of students, one of the factors that is thought to greatly influence is the use of learning media that is less effective and efficient. This study aims to see the creativity of students through the use of Canva application learning media in language studio extracurricular activities at SMPN 1 Tanjung Emas. This type of research is using a quantitative approach to the quasi-experimental method (Quasi Experiment). The population in this study were students in the language studio extracurricular activities at SMPN 1 Tanjung Emas as many as 25 students, all of whom became the research sample. By using data analysis using the test formula paired sample t-test. From the data processing, it can be concluded that there is a significant difference between the creativity of students before being given an action (pretest) and after being given an action (posttest) using the Canva application learning media in the language studio extracurricular activities at SMPN 1 Tanjung Emas. Suggestions and results of this research are for educators to be able to further increase the creativity of students in using the Canva application learning media and for school principals at SMPN 1 Tanjung Emas as leaders at the school so that they can further increase the availability of facilities and infrastructure, especially effective and efficient learning media. as well as to support the creativity of students

scholarly journals Challenges with the public policy of measuring assets to set tariffs in the electricity sector: should someone benefit and someone be sacrificed?

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (75) ◽  
pp. 344-360
Author(s):  
Maria Elisabeth Moreira Carvalho Andrade ◽  
Eliseu Martins
Keyword(s):  
Public Policy ◽  
Return On Investment ◽  
Consumer Price Index ◽  
Fair Value ◽  
Electricity Sector ◽  
Asset Valuation ◽  
The Public ◽  
Valuation Method ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Using Data

ABSTRACT This paper contributes by encouraging discussions about the public policy of setting tariffs for public services based on the value of the investment made by the providers of these services. The purpose of this study was, in an unprecedented way and by combining theories of equity valuation and finance, to identify the asset valuation method that can lead to a fair value and balance between an affordable price for the consumer and an adequate return on investment for the concessionaires. The value assigned to these assets affects the tariff in two ways: (i) via depreciation/amortization, which affects the cost of service; (ii) via the return on investment, which is the portion that corresponds to the investor’s profit. We analyzed the Brazilian electricity sector, in which the rates set by the Brazilian Electricity Regulatory Agency (ANEEL) currently use the new replacement value (NRV) approach. We carried out empirical tests using data available on the ANEEL website from the second cycle periodic tariff review and information obtained in financial statements from 1995 onwards. The analysis included the NVR and restated historical cost (RHC) methods, the latter being updated by the extended consumer price index (IPCA). After the descriptive and statistical analyses, we used the test of means to verify the differences between the variables in terms of NRV vs. RHC. The first conclusion was the absence of a significant difference between the NRV and RHC methods; that is, on average, the replacement price showed no significant difference to what would be the pure and simple restatement of assets. But this was found to hide something relevant, the fact that this average is derived from two main groups: that of the consumers who are paying more for energy services than they should, which constitutes a visible benefit to investors and loss for these consumers, and that of the consumers who are paying less than they should, which benefits them but harms investors.

scholarly journals The Use of Green Coffee Extract as a Weight Loss Supplement: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomised Clinical Trials

2011 ◽  
Vol 2011 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igho Onakpoya ◽  
Rohini Terry ◽  
Edzard Ernst
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Clinical Trials ◽  
Methodological Quality ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Risk Of Bias ◽  
Significant Heterogeneity ◽  
Green Coffee ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Using Data

The purpose of this paper is to assess the efficacy of green coffee extract (GCE) as a weight loss supplement, using data from human clinical trials. Electronic and nonelectronic searches were conducted to identify relevant articles, with no restrictions in time or language. Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed the methodological quality of included studies. Five eligible trials were identified, and three of these were included. All studies were associated with a high risk of bias. The meta-analytic result reveals a significant difference in body weight in GCE compared with placebo (mean difference: kg; 95%CI: , ). The magnitude of the effect is moderate, and there is significant heterogeneity amongst the studies. It is concluded that the results from these trials are promising, but the studies are all of poor methodological quality. More rigorous trials are needed to assess the usefulness of GCE as a weight loss tool.

scholarly journals Measuring regional differences in food security from access and stability dimensions: A methodological proposal based on elasticities

2020 ◽  
Vol 66 (No. 3) ◽  
pp. 112-119
Author(s):  
Germán Forero-Cantor ◽  
Javier Ribal ◽  
Neus Sanjuán
Keyword(s):  
Food Security ◽  
Food Insecurity ◽  
Regional Differences ◽  
Food Product ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Animal Origin ◽  
Pork Meat ◽  
Measurement Tools ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Protein Rich

One constraint when dealing with food security problems is the absence of measurement tools that allow for mitigation strategies to be targeted on each region individually. The elasticities can be used as a good exploratory instrument of food security. This paper presents a proposal for measuring the food insecurity dimensions of access and stability, integrating the values of the different kinds of elasticities. The methodology was applied to Spain, using data from nine groups of protein-rich foods of animal origin during the 2004–2015 period in 17 regions. The results suggest that, as regards foods rich in animal proteins, Navarra and Galicia are the regions with the highest food insecurity, and pork meat is the most insecure food product. Comparisons can be carried out between and within regions.  

scholarly journals Nitrogen Fixation and Resource Partitioning in Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), Cicer Milkvetch (Astragalus cicer L.) and Sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) Using 15N Enrichment under Controlled Environment Conditions

Agronomy ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (9) ◽  
pp. 1438
Author(s):  
Gazali Issah ◽  
Jeff J. Schoenau ◽  
Herbert A. Lardner ◽  
J. Diane Knight
Keyword(s):  
Medicago Sativa ◽  
Resource Partitioning ◽  
Dry Matter ◽  
Measured Parameter ◽  
Pasture Production ◽  
Soil C ◽  
Onobrychis Viciifolia ◽  
C And N ◽  
Medicago Sativa L ◽  
Astragalus Cicer

Availability of nitrogen (N) limits pasture production. Inclusion of legumes into grass pastures can provide an alternative N source through biological N2 fixation (BNF), and enhance retention and cycling of soil C and N. Despite the use of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer L.) and sainfoin (Onobrychis viciifolia Scop.) in grass-legume pastures to improve forage quality, relative BNF potentials and resource partitioning are unknown. We quantified BNF using 15N isotope dilution and estimated resource partitioning in alfalfa, two cultivars of cicer milkvetch and two cultivars of sainfoin under controlled conditions. Percentage of nitrogen derived from atmosphere followed the order alfalfa (92%) > cicer milkvetch (87%) > sainfoin (81%); corresponding to estimated N contributions of 200, 128 and 65 kg N ha−1 yr−1, respectively, based on total herbage. Root dry matter was 24% to 36% greater than shoot dry matter in all of the legumes, providing substantial below-ground C and N. Cultivars of the same species did not differ in any measured parameter (p > 0.05). Despite the lower BNF in cicer milkvetch and sainfoin compared to alfalfa, their use may not negatively affect stand productivity and C storage.

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