Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
09. Influence of small-scale fires on the populations of three lizard species in Rome

The effect of small summer fires on three species of Mediterranean lizards (the lacertids Podarcis muralis and Lacerta bilineata, and the scincid Chalcides chalcides) were studied at five burnt transects and eight unburnt control transects in urban green areas of Rome. Overall, the fire had different effects on the three species at the local level of the single transects. Lacerta bilineata was not affected by fire treatment. Podarcis muralis showed a significant increase in numbers in two of five burnt transects. Chalcides chalcides declined after fire in all transects. The potential ecological causes for the observed patterns are discussed.
Diet of juvenile meagre, Argyrosomus regius, within the Tagus estuary

La nourriture des juveniles du maigre Argyrosomus regius a ete etudiee pour determiner l'importance de la competition avec d'autres especes de poissons dans les nourriceries de l'estuaire du Tage. Les contenus stomacaux de 274 individus ont ete examines. Les jeunes maigres presentent un spectre trophique etroit, ou les Mysidacea et la crevette Crangon crangon constituent les proies principales. L'importance des proies de plus grande taille, en particulier des Decapodes et des Teleosteens augmente avec la taille des poissons. Le chevauchement alimentaire entre le maigre et le bar, Dicentrarchus labrax, est eleve dans l'estuaire du Tage, mais la competition entre ces especes sympatriques est sans doute limitee, du fait d'une difference dans la repartition de l'habitat.
HEALING POTENCY OF HAEMATOCOCCUS PLUVIALIS EXTRACT FOR TREATING TYPE 2 DIABETES IN RATS

Objective: The present study aims to evaluate the antidiabetic effect of ethanolic extract of Haematococcus pluvialis (H. pluvialis) in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. Methods: The antidiabetic activity of H. pluvialis was investigated by the determination of glucose and insulin levels, aspartate (AST), alanine transaminases (ALT), lipid profile including total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density-lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C). Histopathological examination of pancreas and liver were also carried out. Results: The results revealed that the levels of glucose, TC, TG, LDL-C as well as AST and ALT enzyme activities were increased significantly in diabetic rats. While, insulin and HDL-C levels decreased significantly in STZ-induced diabetic rats. The remediation of diabetic rats with H. pluvialis attenuated the elevated levels of glucose, TC, TG, LDL-C as well as AST and ALT activities in diabetic rats. Besides, it improved insulin, HDL-C levels, pancreas and hepatic architectures. Conclusion: H. pluvialis extract has a promising antidiabetic potency through attenuation of several metabolic disorders associated diabetes.
Acute Kidney Injury in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients: Results From the Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research in Traumatic Brain Injury Study

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. OBJECTIVES: Acute kidney injury is frequent in polytrauma patients, and it is associated with increased mortality and extended hospital length of stay. However, the specific prevalence of acute kidney injury after traumatic brain injury is less recognized. The present study aims to describe the occurrence rate, risk factors, timing, and association with outcome of acute kidney injury in a large cohort of traumatic brain injury patients. DESIGN: The Collaborative European NeuroTrauma Effectiveness Research in Traumatic Brain Injury is a multicenter, prospective observational, longitudinal, cohort study. SETTING: Sixty-five ICUs across Europe. PATIENTS: For the present study, we selected 4,509 traumatic brain injury patients with an ICU length of stay greater than 72 hours and with at least two serum creatinine values during the first 7 days of ICU stay. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We classified acute kidney injury in three stages according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome criteria: acute kidney injury stage 1 equals to serum creatinine × 1.5–1.9 times from baseline or an increase greater than or equal to 0.3 mg/dL in 48 hours; acute kidney injury stage 2 equals to serum creatinine × 2–2.9 times baseline; acute kidney injury stage 3 equals to serum creatinine × three times baseline or greater than or equal to 4 mg/dL or need for renal replacement therapy. Standard reporting techniques were used to report incidences. A multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to model the cause-specific hazard of acute kidney injury and its association with the long-term outcome. We included a total of 1,262 patients. The occurrence rate of acute kidney injury during the first week was as follows: acute kidney injury stage 1 equals to 8% (n = 100), acute kidney injury stage 2 equals to 1% (n = 14), and acute kidney injury stage 3 equals to 3% (n = 36). Acute kidney injury occurred early after ICU admission, with a median of 2 days (interquartile range 1–4 d). Renal history (hazard ratio = 2.48; 95% CI, 1.39–4.43; p = 0.002), insulin-dependent diabetes (hazard ratio = 2.52; 95% CI, 1.22–5.197; p = 0.012), hypernatremia (hazard ratio = 1.88; 95% CI, 1.31–2.71; p = 0.001), and osmotic therapy administration (hazard ratio = 2.08; 95% CI, 1.45–2.99; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with the risk of developing acute kidney injury. Acute kidney injury was also associated with an increased ICU length of stay and with a higher probability of 6 months unfavorable Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Acute kidney injury after traumatic brain injury is an early phenomenon, affecting about one in 10 patients. Its occurrence negatively impacts mortality and neurologic outcome at 6 months. Osmotic therapy use during ICU stay could be a modifiable risk factor.
Visual Dysfunction Predicts Cognitive Impairment and White Matter Degeneration in Parkinson's Disease

Visual dysfunction predicts dementia in Parkinsons disease (PD), but whether this translates to structural change is not known. We aimed to identify longitudinal white matter changes in patients with Parkinsons disease and low visual function and also in those who developed mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We used fixel-based analysis to examine longitudinal white matter change in PD. Diffusion MRI and clinical assessments were performed in 77 patients at baseline (22 low visual function /55 intact vision; and 13 MCI, 13 MCI converters /51 normal cognition) and 25 controls and again after 18 months. We compared micro-structural changes in fibre density, macro-structural changes in fibre bundle cross-section (FC) and combined fibre density and cross-section across white matter, adjusting for age, gender and intracranial volume. Patients with Parkinsons and visual dysfunction showed worse cognitive performance at follow up and were more likely to develop MCI compared with those with normal vision (p=0.008). Parkinsons with poor visual function showed diffuse micro-structural and macro-structural changes at baseline, whereas those with MCI showed fewer baseline changes. At follow-up, Parkinsons with low visual function showed widespread macrostructural changes, involving the fronto-occipital fasciculi, external capsules, and middle cerebellar peduncles bilaterally. No longitudinal change was seen in baseline MCI or in MCI converters, even when the two groups were combined. Parkinsons patients with poor visual function show increased white matter damage over time, providing further evidence for visual function as a marker of imminent cognitive decline.
Performance of different genotypes of maize subjected to inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense

The lack and/or inconsistent behavior of results found in literature have limited Azospirillum use in maize crops. In this regard, this study aimed at evaluating the performance and chlorophyll a fluorescence of maize hybrids inoculated with Azospirillum brasilense under different nitrogen levels and protected crop conditions with nutrient solution. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse at Instituto Federal Goiano, Rio Verde Campus. Adapted jars from "Leonard" were used in the experiment. For each bottle, 1.5 kg of substrate with washed sand and vermiculite in a proportion of 1:1 and nutrient solution of Sarruge was used. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design in a 4 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with four replications, totaling 160 treatments: four maize hybrids: simple hybrid– H1 (NS 90); modified simple hybrid– H2 (AS 1581); double hybrid– H3 (DKB 310); triple hybrid– H4 (ATL 310); with absence and presence of N (NP and NA) and absence and presence of inoculation (IP and IA). Physiological evaluations of chlorophyll a fluorescence using a modulated portable fluorometer, MINI-PAM model were performed at the end of the experiment. Initial fluorescence (F0), maximum fluorescence (Fm), potential quantum yield (Fv/Fm) variable fluorescence/maximum fluorescence), effective quantum yield (ΔF/Fm’), photochemical dissipation (qp), non-photochemical dissipation (qn and NPQ) and electron transport rate (ETR) were determined. On average, there was a difference in ETR of about 34% between treatments. For H4, it was observed that Fv/Fm was lower with inoculant when compared with plants without inoculation, a difference of approximately 11%, on average, was observed in value of Fv/Fm ratio. Due to better efficiency in absorption and utilization of nitrogen promoted by bacteria (A. brasilense), inoculated maize hybrids showed a good photosynthetic performance.
Phylogenomics of Rapid Avian Radiations

I use data from sequence capture of ultraconserved elements to resolve three rapid radiations in the avian tree of life and in the process gain insights on applying analytical strategies with gene tree-based coalescent methods (GCM). In Chapter 1, I explore analytical strategies that can be employed with GCMs to increase phylogenetic resolution and minimize highly supported conflicting results, including subsampling taxa to increase the number of gene trees analyzed, trimming sequences to eliminate sequence length heterogeneity, and filtering loci based on information content. These strategies are used to reconstruct a highly resolved and consistent phylogenetic hypothesis for the relatively young avian family, Zosteropidae. I show how conflicting results from different GCMs can arise from biases introduced by sequence length heterogeneity and uninformative loci that can lead to strongly supported incorrect estimates of phylogeny. In Chapter 2, I examine higher-level relationships in the enigmatic core Corvoidea group of Oscine passerines. A highly resolved phylogeny of core Corvoidea is recovered, with a majority of nodes receiving high support from both ML and coalescent analyses. I show that short sequence lengths do not bias species tree estimates of GCMs if informative sites are present in these sequences. In contrast, some samples that have longer sequence lengths compared to most taxa but shorter sequence lengths compared to taxa in its clade can also bias species tree estimates of GCMs. In Chapter 3, I develop a hypothesis on the origins of the trogons (Trogonidae) based on a robust dated phylogeny estimated from thousands of genome-wide loci. I recover the first well-supported hypothesis of relationships among trogon genera. This topology, combined with the trogon fossil record, geologic, and climatic data, suggests an Old World origin in the Late Oligocene/Early Miocene for the crown group. In this
Glycosylated Aroma Compound Responses in ‘Riesling’ Wine Grapes to Cluster Exposure and Vine Yield

Concentrations of aroma precursor compounds in ‘Riesling’ wine grapes (Vitis vinifera) are reported to correlate with fruit zone cluster exposure, although optimal cultural influences with respect to exposure timing and canopy assessment methods have not been established. To determine the impact of cluster exposure on concentrations of potential aroma compounds, correlations between light exposure metrics during the growing season and relative concentrations of eight representative aroma compounds at harvest were determined. The aroma compounds were carbon-13 (C13) norisoprenoids [1,1,6-trimethyl1,2-dihydronaphthalene (TDN), b-damascenone, and vitispirane], monoterpenes (linalool oxide, a-terpineol), and phenolics (4-vinylguaiacol, vanillin and eugenol). Cluster exposure was determined using metrics of varying spatial precision [percent interior cluster (PIC), cluster exposure layer (CEL), ln(CEL), cluster exposure flux availability (CEFA), and the percent ambient photosynthetic photon flux (PPF)] at two sites and two phenological stages (fruit set and veraison) in two consecutive seasons (2008 and 2009). Pairwise combinations of cluster exposure metrics and compounds resulted in 360 permutations, of which 22 were significant. Response data suggested that none of the compounds studied respond to variable cluster exposure levels below 20% of ambient sunlight (CEFA < 0.2), and that low cluster exposure may be particularly effective in minimizing C13 norisoprenoid concentrations at harvest. Yield components were also tested but found to have lower R values compared with cluster exposure metrics. Active canopy management, in which vine vigor and fruit exposure are independently controlled, is likely to be more effective in influencing potential aroma compounds than selectively harvesting for naturally occurring variation in cluster exposure. In comparing the relative predictive strength among metrics, CEFA @ ln(CEL) > CEL > PIC @ percent PPF, suggesting that cluster exposure metrics with greater spatial sensitivity are more effective for establishing light response curves.
Mesenchyme-derived IGF2 is a major paracrine regulator of pancreatic growth and function

The genetic mechanisms that determine the size of the adult pancreas are poorly understood. Imprinted genes, which are expressed in a parent-of-origin-specific manner, are known to have important roles in development, growth and metabolism. However, our knowledge regarding their roles in the control of pancreatic growth and function remains limited. Here we show that many imprinted genes are highly expressed in pancreatic mesenchyme-derived cells and explore the role of the paternally-expressed insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2) gene in mesenchymal and epithelial pancreatic lineages using a newly developed conditional Igf2 mouse model. Mesenchyme-specific Igf2 deletion results in acinar and beta-cell hypoplasia, postnatal whole-body growth restriction and maternal glucose intolerance during pregnancy, suggesting that the mesenchyme is a developmental reservoir of IGF2 used for paracrine signalling. The unique actions of mesenchymal IGF2 are demonstrated by the absence of any discernible growth or functional phenotypes upon Igf2 deletion in the developing pancreatic epithelium. Additionally, increased IGF2 levels specifically in the mesenchyme, through conditional Igf2 loss-of-imprinting or Igf2r deletion, leads to pancreatic acinar overgrowth. Furthermore, ex-vivo exposure of primary acinar cells to exogenous IGF2 activates AKT, a key signalling node, and increases their number and amylase production. Based on these findings, we propose that mesenchymal Igf2, and perhaps other imprinted genes, are key developmental regulators of adult pancreas size and function.
The impact of anthropogenic disturbances on the genetic diversity of terrestrial species: A global meta‐analysis

Human activities are primarily responsible for habitat loss and changes in natural environments around the world. It has been suggested that populations inhabiting human‐modified landscapes experience reduced gene flow, inbreeding depression, and loss of alleles due to genetic drift. However, empirical evidence shows the contrasting effects of anthropogenic disturbances on the genetic diversity of species. We performed a meta‐analysis of 61 studies that compared the genetic diversity of plant and/or animal populations in disturbed and more preserved areas (316 paired comparisons) to investigate the genetic responses to different disturbance types. There is a negative effect (effect size: −0.45; 95% confidence interval: −0.61, −0.29) of disturbances on genetic diversity, in which the most detrimental effects are caused by the loss of connectivity and forest cover. The methodological approach can explain part of the heterogeneity among the genetic responses detected by primary studies: (a) studies using the number of effective alleles did not detect genetic erosion, while all other indices revealed negative responses to disturbances; and (b) only studies performed with transferred or a combination of transferred and specific microsatellites detected negative responses. The effects on animal populations are more detrimental than in plant populations. Only plant species with a shrub life form, self‐incompatible reproductive systems, and biotic pollination and seed dispersal showed negative responses to disturbances. Despite heterogeneity among studies, there is an overall negative effect of disturbances on genetic diversity, which indicates that remaining populations inhabiting human‐modified landscapes have reduced evolutionary potential and are prone to local extinction.
How does the Leader’s Centrality affect Team Performance Assessment? Testing the Role of Leader’s Satisfaction

Abstract The study aims to test how the association between leader’s centrality (outdegree and betweenness) in the group network, considering both workflow and friendship ties between leader and members, and the perception of team performance is mediated by the leader’s satisfaction with the team. The research included a total of 74 formal leaders of organizational teams from several organizations. Total, direct and indirect effects were calculated through the estimation of an OLS regression-based mediation model, controlling for team size. Results revealed that only leader’s outdegree and betweenness centrality in the team friendship network positively predicted the leader’s perception of team performance. In contrast to the predictions, a significant negative indirect effect of outdegree centrality of the leader within the team workflow network on the evaluation of group performance through leader’s satisfaction was observed. Also, both leader´s outdegree and betweenness centrality levels in the friendship network were shown to have a positive effect on leader’s assessment of team performance through leader’s satisfaction with the team. Overall, findings point to the negative effects of leader’s centrality in the workflow team network and the positive effects of leader’s centrality in the friendship team network on his/her attitudes toward the team. The effects of the more or less central position of the leader within each of the group networks are discussed.
Male breast cancer: an update.

PURPOSE To summarize and compare the most recent data from the literature to clarify the management of male breast cancer. METHODS A review article. RESULTS Diagnosis and Treatment of Male Breast Cancer have been derivative for years. Nowadays MBC is a nosological entity in its own right with biological, molecular and clinical features that require a multidisciplinary approach and the involvement of specific skills. Multimodal treatment involves surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. It is evident that the outcome of the MBC is worse than the female one. MBC is often diagnosed in advanced stages. Screening programs in the male population need to be strengthened to obtain an earlier diagnosis. It is necessary to know even more in depth the endocrine-metabolic and behavioral risk factors related to the neoplasm. Finally in the coming years it is reasonable to expect an improvement in multigenic tests: the sensitivity of these methods could predict the risk of recurrence even more precisely. This could lead to substantial changes in the choice and duration of treatment with results that could be surprising. KEY WORDS Male breast cancer, management, Review, Update.
Safety and efficacy of robotic-assisted Burch for pure stress urinary incontinence: a large case series

Abstract Burch urethropexy is one of the earliest and most effective surgeries for stress urinary incontinence. Minimally invasive robotic surgery is becoming more popular in the field of urogynecology. Herein, we present the safety and efficacy of a large case series of robotic-assisted Burch urethropexy. A retrospective chart review was performed on robotic-assisted Burch urethropexy cases performed between 2013 and 2019. Patient characteristics, perioperative data and follow-up outcomes were collected at a single teaching institution. A total of 76 women underwent robotic-assisted Burch urethropexy for pure stress urinary incontinence. Fifty of them had concomitant robotic procedures at the time of the Burch. We performed the robotic-assisted Burch urethropexy alone on 26 patients. The mean age was 55 years old. The overall treatment success rate was 85% with a mean follow-up time of 134 (±157.8) days. Complications included cystotomy (3%), urinary tract infection (16%) and postoperative voiding dysfunction (10%). Our study reveals that robotic-assisted Burch urethropexy is a feasible option in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in terms of operative outcomes and short-term efficacy. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Minimally invasive robotic surgery is becoming more popular in the field of urogynecology. Surgical repairs for stress urinary incontinence will likely increase in the coming years secondary to an aging population. Burch urethropexy is one of the earliest and most effective surgeries for stress urinary incontinence and can be performed abdominally, laparoscopically and now, using robotic assistance. What do the results of this study add? This study reveals that robotic-assisted Burch urethropexy is a feasible option in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in terms of intraoperative outcomes with good short-term efficacy. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Lately, interest in colposuspension procedures has been rekindled as physicians seek alternative stress urinary incontinence treatment options. Robotic-assisted Burch urethropexy will continue to gain popularity with its efficacy and safety.
Women’s oral health-related quality of life as a risk factor for TMD symptoms. A case-control study

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the association between temporomandibular disorder (TMD) symptoms and women’s oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Methods: An observational case-control study was performed with 765 adult women aged 21.5 years on average. Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) assessed OHRQoL and determined the selection of cases and controls matched by age and marital status at a ratio of 1:4 (153 cases: 612 controls). American Academy of Orofacial Pain’s self-explanatory questionnaire assessed the TMD symptoms. The TMD symptoms’ impact on OHRQoL was analyzed, estimating the odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval. Results Of the women, 86.9% in the case group, and 69.6% in the control group presented some TMD symptoms (p< 0.05). Women with an impacted OHRQoL are 2.95 (95% CI:1.79–4.86) times more likely to report some TMD symptoms (p< 0.05). Discussion Women with a negative impact on OHRQoL are more likely to report TMD symptoms.