Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distribution of the Red Imported Fire Ant Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Central Florida Pastures

Abstract Habitat disturbance has been found to facilitate the introduction of a wide range of species, including the red imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Myrmicinae). Despite the link between S. invicta colonization and disturbance, little is known about how different intensities or types of disturbance might impact S. invicta populations. In this study, we used S. invicta populations in cattle pastures to understand how variation in disturbance type and frequency correlates with the density of S. invicta mounds. In total, 56 plots were surveyed for mound abundance during both the wet and dry seasons on a subtropical south Florida ranch. Explanatory variables were grouped into five categories based on disturbance type: 1) historic pasture conversion; 2) modern pasture management (mowing, dragging, chopping, or aerating); 3) grazing intensity (a measure vegetation height and dung pat abundance); 4) distance to human-made and natural localized disturbance (roads, ditches, and wetlands); and 5) abiotic conditions (soil temperature, soil moisture). Overall, the average number of mounds per plot was not significantly different between seasons, but was significantly higher in intensive pastures, which are converted to nonnative forage grasses than in seminative pastures during the dry season.Time since soil disturbance (aeration and chopping of pasture) was a significant predictor of S. invicta densities in both dry and wet seasons, with an increase in time since disturbance being associated with higher mound densities. Other forms of pasture management that did not disturb the soil, such as dragging and mowing, as well as distance to localized disturbances (wetlands, roads, and ditches) were not found to have a significant correlation in either season.
Diversity, distribution, development, and evolution of medullary bundles in Nyctaginaceae.

PREMISE Medullary bundles, i.e., vascular units in the pith, have evolved multiple times in vascular plants. However, no study has ever explored their anatomical diversity and evolution within a phylogenetic framework. Here, we investigated the development of the primary vascular system within Nyctaginaceae showing how medullary bundles diversified within the family. METHODS Development of 62 species from 25 of the 31 genera of Nyctaginaceae in stem samples was thoroughly studied with light microscopy and micro-computed tomography. Ancestral states were reconstructed using a maximum likelihood approach. RESULTS Two subtypes of eusteles were found, the regular eustele, lacking medullary bundles, observed exclusively in representatives of Leucastereae, and the polycyclic eustele, containing medullary bundles, found in all the remaining taxa. Medullary bundles had the same origin and development, but the organization was variable and independent of phyllotaxy. Within the polycyclic eustele, medullary bundles developed first, followed by the formation of a continuous concentric procambium, which forms a ring of vascular bundles enclosing the initially formed medullary bundles. The regular eustele emerged as a synapomorphy of Leucastereae, while the medullary bundles were shown to be a symplesiomorphy for Nyctaginaceae. CONCLUSIONS Medullary bundles in Nyctaginaceae developed by a single shared pathway, that involved the departure of vascular traces from lateral organs toward the pith. These medullary bundles were encircled by a continuous concentric procambium that also constituted the polycyclic eustele, which was likely a symplesiomorphy for Nyctaginaceae with one single reversion to the regular eustele.
Intraspecific genetic variation in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and its consequences for molecular biology, ecology, and development of inoculum

It has been known for some time that different arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) taxa confer differences in plant growth. Although genetic variation within AMF species has been given less attention, it could potentially be an ecologically important source of variation. Ongoing studies on variability in AMF genes within Glomus intraradices indicate that at least for some genes, such as the BiP gene, sequence variability can be high, even in coding regions. This suggests that genetic variation within an AMF may not be selectively neutral. This clearly needs to be investigated in more detail for other coding regions of AMF genomes. Similarly, studies on AMF population genetics indicate high genetic variation in AMF populations, and a considerable amount of variation seen in phenotypes in the population can be attributed to genetic differences among the fungi. The existence of high within-species genetic variation could have important consequences for how investigations on AMF gene expression and function a.
Patients' criteria for choosing a dentist: comparison between a university-based setting and private dental practices.

BACKGROUND Most clinical studies in dentistry are conducted in university-based settings. However, whether findings can be generalized to private dental practices is not clear. Aims of this study were to determine patients' criteria for choosing a dentist, and to assess whether criteria differ between patients in university dental clinic and private dental practices. MATERIAL AND METHODS In this cross-sectional study, a convenience sample of 300 subjects involving dental patients of a university dental clinic and private dental practices, and subjects from general population (each n=100) were included. Criteria for choosing a dentist were assessed with a 31-item questionnaire, covering socio-demographic characteristics, qualifications, psychosocial skills, practice structure, practice offers, and accessibility, with a 6-point ordinal rating scale ranging from "very crucial"-(5) to "not crucial at all"-(0). RESULTS A total of 189 subjects (63%) provided completed questionnaires for analyses. Dentists' psychosocial skills (mean 4.4) were rated as most important when choosing a dentist, whereas socio-demographic characteristics were of almost no significance (mean 1.0). Significant differences between settings were observed only for practice offers and accessibility with highest ratings in university setting. However, after controlling for potential confounders, ratings differed only slightly and not statistically significantly. CONCLUSIONS Dentists' psychosocial skills appear to be most important criteria for choosing a dentist. Setting-related differences in criteria seem to be likely but obviously result from differences in socio-demographic characteristics.
Comparison of 13CαH and 15NH backbone dynamics in protein GB1

This study presents a site‐resolved experimental view of backbone CαH and NH internal motions in the 56‐residue immunoglobulin‐binding domain of streptococcal protein G, GB1. Using 13CαH and 15NH NMR relaxation data [T1, T2, and NOE] acquired at three resonance frequencies (1H frequencies of 500, 600, and 800 MHz), spectral density functions were calculated as F(ω) = 2ωJ(ω) to provide a model‐independent way to visualize and analyze internal motional correlation time distributions for backbone groups in GB1. Line broadening in F(ω) curves indicates the presence of nanosecond time scale internal motions (0.8 to 5 nsec) for all CαH and NH groups. Deconvolution of F(ω) curves effectively separates overall tumbling and internal motional correlation time distributions to yield more accurate order parameters than determined by using standard model free approaches. Compared to NH groups, CαH internal motions are more broadly distributed on the nanosecond time scale, and larger CαH order parameters are related to correlated bond rotations for CαH fluctuations. Motional parameters for NH groups are more structurally correlated, with NH order parameters, for example, being larger for residues in more structured regions of β‐sheet and helix and generally smaller for residues in the loop and turns. This is most likely related to the observation that NH order parameters are correlated to hydrogen bonding. This study contributes to the general understanding of protein dynamics and exemplifies an alternative and easier way to analyze NMR relaxation data.
Systemic treatment options for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer: making sense of the data.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Systemic treatment options for metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (mHSPC) have recently shifted from the traditional androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) monotherapy to multidrug approaches incorporating drugs initially approved for castration-resistant state and ADT. However, clinicians have difficulties in choosing the adequate combination therapy for individualized patient care, because of the lack of consensus regarding disease risk factors, differences in study design of the major clinical trials and lack of direct comparisons between drugs. The aim of this review is to provide an update of the current treatment options for this heterogenous group of patients. RECENT FINDINGS Current oncological guidelines strongly recommend that patients with newly diagnosed mHSPC and high-volume disease (CHAARTED criteria) should receive docetaxel and ADT, whereas those with high-risk disease (LATITUDE criteria) abiraterone and ADT. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration approved apalutamide and enzalutamide for mHSPC. Moreover, new data support the efficacy of docetaxel and abiraterone in patients with mHSPC, regardless of metastatic burden. SUMMARY Today, the combination approach should be recommended for newly diagnosed mHSPC over ADT monotherapy, but treatment initiation must be personalized based on disease, drug and patient characteristics. Thanks to continuous efforts and progress in patient and disease-related outcomes, mHSPC could become a chronic disease.
Unintended and unexpected incidental findings on cone beam computed tomography: A retrospective study of 1500 scans

Introduction: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has revolutionized the field of oral radiology. With the detailed three-dimensional views of dental tissues, incidental findings which were once considered abnormalities present outside the area of interest can now be recognized. Here, we report various incidental findings found on CBCT. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study consisted of 1500 CBCT scans. Different fields-of-view ranging from 5 × 5 to 11 × 13 were selected. Age group of the subjects included in the study was 5 to 89 years. All incidental findings were categorized in seven groups according to the area and nature of pathology – dento-alveolar region, cysts and tumors, nasal and sinus pathologies, supernumerary and impacted teeth, artifacts, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) region, and miscellaneous. Results: Out of 1500 patients, 723 (48.2%) were males and 777 (51.8%) were females. Mean age of patients referred for CBCT was 47.08 years. Most frequently referred patient age group was 60–69 years (19.75%). Eighty-nine percent of the subjects showed incidental findings. Total number of incidental findings was 2734. The most common area showing incidental findings was dento-alveolar area (44.3%), the least number of findings were seen in the TMJ area (0.4%). Most common finding was mucositis/mucous retention cyst (83.4%) whereas the least finding found was odontogenic keratocyst cyst and coronoid hyperplasia (0.6%). Conclusion: The full CBCT dataset should be fully examined and interpreted by Oral Maxillofacial Radiologists. Correct identification of various potentially pathological lesions outside the area of interest on CBCT scan should be reported and documented.
Salinity tolerance of the burrowing ocypodid crab, Paratylodiplax blephariskios, in the St. Lucia and Mhlathuze estuaries, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The ocypodid crab, Paratylodiplax blephariskios, is endemic to the southeast coast of southern Africa where it forms an important component of the estuarine benthic fauna in muddy substrata. The St. Lucia and Mhlathuze estuaries are two of the largest estuaries in which P. blephariskios occurs, and probably support the largest populations of the crab. While there is relatively little information from the Mhlathuze estuary, the maintenance of an open mouth through dredging at St. Lucia between 1970 and 1992 prevented excessive salinities from occurring in the tidal portion of this system, called the Narrows. However, the mouth was allowed to close in December 1992, after which salinities rose to 51ppt before the mouth was breached in September 1993. This period constitutes the only record of hypersaline conditions in the Narrows and coincides with a marked decline in the P. blephariskios population. Given that there are no published data on the salinity tolerance limits of species in the genus, it was decided to investigate the salinity tolerance of the crab from the St. Lucia and Mhlathuze estuaries. Multiple regression of salinity and temperature on crab counts at St. Lucia showed significant differences between crab abundance and temperature in both hypersaline and fresh conditions, and between crab abundance and salinity in fresh conditions. Ninety-six-hour LC50 testing on adult crabs determined that they could tolerate salinities up to approximately 55ppt. Significant decreases in LC50 values were recorded at temperatures between 30 and 35°C, and between 20 and 17.5°C compared with the control at 25°C. However, the near collapse of the St. Lucia crab population could not be explained simply by their acute upper salinity tolerance limit being exceeded. It was found that the onset of torpor occurred at approximately 5ppt lower than the upper acute limit and it was suggested that cessation of feeding may occur before the onset of torpor. If this was the case, it could reduce the effective lethal concentration as much as 15ppt lower than the acute LC50 and would account for the general decline in the crab population. There was a difference of approximately 5ppt between the salinity tolerance limits of the two populations, with the Mhlathuze population having an upper limit of approximately 60ppt compared with 55ppt in the St. Lucia population. This difference was ascribed to the exposure of the Mhlathuze population to wider salinity fluctuations arising from greater tidal exchange volumes and freshwater input compared with St. Lucia, which has no major rivers entering it.
The study of feeding preferences using radiography: oxytetracycline as a feeding deterrent and squid extract as a stimulant in diets for Atlantic salmon

A method for identifying and confirming the efficacy of feeding stimulants and deterrents is described. Feeding studies carried out using Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. , have shown that the addition of squid extract as a stimulant to feeds may lead to modification of feed intake, and may ameliorate the negative effects of unpalatability when fish are presented with medicated diets.
Response of the phenylpropanoid pathway to Venturia inaequalis infection in maturing fruit of ‘Braeburn’ apple

Summary This study investigated the activities of key enzymes in the phenylpropanoid pathway and the accumulation of phenolic products in apple peel in response to infection with Venturia inaequalis [(Cooke) G. Wint. ]. We compared healthy apple peel with apple peel showing symptomatic scab lesions, and with peel tissue from 1 – 2 mm around the scab lesions in fruit 1 month before maturity [140 d after full bloom (DAFB)] and at physiological maturity (175 DAFB). Infection with V. inaequalis enhanced the synthesis of some phenolic compounds. Compared to healthy peel, scab lesion tissue had ≤ 3.1-times higher hydroxycinnamic acid content, ≤ 1.3-times higher dihydrochalcone content, and ≤ 3.9-times higher flavan-3-ol content. Scab lesions showed slightly higher phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, chalcone synthase, chalcone isomerase, flavonol synthase, and dihydroflavonol 4-reductase activities. The total amount of phenolics remained relatively stable between the two sampling dates, except for epicatechin and caffeic acid which decreased in amount toward fruit maturity, and levels of catechin which increased in more mature fruit. During fruit maturation, only chalcone synthase and chalcone isomerase activities decreased in all tissues examined. This study showed that the phenylpropanoid pathway in apple fruit peel changed significantly following infection with the apple scab pathogen.
Intestinal brush border membrane enzyme activities of rats fed chemically defined diets containing oligopeptides or amino acids as the nitrogen source.

We have investigated the effect of oligopeptides on brush border membrane aminopeptidase and cytosol peptidase activities in rat small intestine. Activities of these enzymes were significantly higher in the group fed a diet containing small peptides (SP group) than in the group fed a diet containing a mixture of amino acids (AA group). There were no significant differences in the activities of maltase, sucrase, lactase, and alkaline phosphatase between the two diet groups. The elevation of activity of brush border membrane aminopeptidase was inhibited by cycloheximide, indicating this enzyme to be an adaptive enzyme induced by oligopeptides as intraluminal substrates. The SP group also showed increased absorption of not only Gly-Leu, the dipeptide, but also of Gly and Leu, the free amino acids. The present study indicates that there could be advantages of using oligopeptides rather than amino acids as the nitrogen source in chemically defined diets from the viewpoint of peptidase activities as well as absorption of amino acids.
Andrographis paniculata and Its Bioactive Diterpenoids Protect Dermal Fibroblasts against Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) has long been used in ayurvedic medicine through its anti-inflammatory properties. However, its protective effect of skin aging has not been studied in vitro. This study aimed to investigate the anti-aging effects of methanolic extract (ME), andrographolide (ANDRO), neoandrographolide (NEO), 14-deoxyandrographolide (14DAP) and 14-deoxy-11,12-didehydroandrographolide (14DAP11-12) on human dermal fibroblasts (HDFa) under pro-oxidant or pro-inflammatory condition. The in vitro anti-aging capacity of ME, ANDRO, NEO, 14DAP, and 14DAP11-12 (1, 2.5 and 5 µg/mL) was performed in HDFa. Oxidative stress and inflammation were induced by hydrogen peroxide and lipopolysaccharide/TNF-α, respectively. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured by the fluorescence of DCF-DA probe and cytokines were quantified by ELISA (IL6 and IL8) or RTqPCR (TNF-α). Procollagen type I production was determined by an ELISA. Our results showed a decrease in ROS production with ME and 14DAP at 5 µg/mL and 1 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, IL-6 production and TNF-α expression decreased under ANDRO and ME at 5 µg/mL. Our data indicated that ME and 14DAP protect from oxidative stress. Additionally, ME and ANDRO decreased an inflammation marker, IL-6. This suggests their potential natural treatment against skin damage. Hence, their applications could be of interest in cosmetics for preventing skin ageing.
Diversity in community gardens: Evidence from one region in the United Kingdom

Literature tends to assume that all community gardens are essentially the same and focuses on their potential contribution to environmental sustainability, human health, and social inclusion through the creating of a communal space for growing food products. This paper investigates differences that exist by profiling community gardens in one region in the United Kingdom. Community gardens were found to differ in how and when they were established, how they are managed and funded, as well as their size and who uses the site for a variety of purposes. From a list of many possibilities, the two most common objectives from their organisers were community development, through a range of food-related activities, and contributing to environmental sustainability. The evidence suggests that longevity is not certain as one third of the community gardens in the study region were not active. To enhance their durability, it would appear that individual gardens should aim to create a sense of ownership from within the local community as well as ensure that they are managed in ways that are consistent with the tenure of their funding source(s) and aspirations of their volunteers.
New and little‐known Aphyoditeina (Pisces, Characoidei) from the Amazon Basin∗

Summary One new genus and nine new species of Amazonian Aphyoditeina (Pisces, Chara‐coidei) are described, together with six new records, as follow: Aphyodite grammi‐ca Eigenmann, redescription and new record, Microschemobrycon cf. casiquiare Bohlke, new record, Microschemobrycon cf. callops Bohlke, new record, Microschemobrycon cf. melanotus (Eigenmann), new record, Microschemobrycon geisleri sp.nov., Microschemobrycon elongatus sp.nov. (with a key to the genus Microschemobrycon), Aphyocharacidium bolivianum sp.nov., Macropsobrycon xinguen‐sis sp.nov., Axelrodia lindae sp.nov. (with a key to the genus Axelrodia), Brittanichthys axelrodi Gery, new record, Thrissobrycon pectinifer Bohlke, new record, Tyttobrycon gen.nov., type‐species Tyttobrycon xeruini sp.nov., Tyttobrycon dor‐simaculatus sp.nov., Tyttobrycon spinosus sp. nov. and Tyttobrycon hamatus sp.nov., with a key to the genus Tyttobrycon.
Novel 3′-Substituted-1′,2′,4′-Oxadiazole Derivatives of 18βH-Glycyrrhetinic Acid and Their O-Acylated Amidoximes: Synthesis and Evaluation of Antitumor and Anti-Inflammatory Potential In Vitro and In Vivo

A series of novel 18βH-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) derivatives containing 3′-(alkyl/phenyl/pyridin(-2″, -3″, and -4″)-yl)-1′,2′,4′-oxadiazole moieties at the C-30 position were synthesized by condensation of triterpenoid’s carboxyl group with corresponding amidoximes and further cyclization. Screening of the cytotoxicity of novel GA derivatives on a panel of tumor cell lines showed that the 3-acetoxy triterpenoid intermediates—O-acylated amidoxime 3a-h—display better solubility under bioassay conditions and more pronounced cytotoxicity compared to their 1′,2′,4′-oxadiazole analogs 4f-h (median IC50 = 7.0 and 49.7 µM, respectively). Subsequent replacement of the 3-acetoxy group by the hydroxyl group of pyridin(-2″, 3″, and -4″)-yl-1′,2′,4′-oxadiazole-bearing GA derivatives produced compounds 5f-h, showing the most pronounced selective toxicity toward tumor cells (median selectivity index (SI) > 12.1). Further detailed analysis of the antitumor activity of hit derivative 5f revealed its marked proapoptotic activity and inhibitory effects on clonogenicity and motility of HeLa cervical carcinoma cells in vitro, and the metastatic growth of B16 melanoma in vivo. Additionally, the comprehensive in silico study revealed intermediate 3d, bearing the tert-butyl moiety in O-acylated amidoxime, as a potent anti-inflammatory candidate, which was able to effectively inhibit inflammatory response induced by IFNγ in macrophages in vitro and carrageenan in murine models in vivo, probably by primary interactions with active sites of MMP9, neutrophil elastase, and thrombin. Taken together, our findings provide a basis for a better understanding of the structure–activity relationship of 1′,2′,4′-oxadiazole-containing triterpenoids and reveal two hit molecules with pronounced antitumor (5f) and anti-inflammatory (3d) activities.