Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Further observations on zooplankton of the Potengi Estuary (Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil) with special reference to the larvae of Brachyura (Crustacea, Decapoda)

The present paper deals with data on zooplankton collected from the estuary of Potengi, Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil covering a period of one year from October 1992 to October 1993. Three fixed stations within the estuary located at varying distances from the mouth of the river were sampled. Sampling was done monthly when the tide was lowest. Analysis of the samples has shown clear pattern of seasonal variations in abundance of the dominant zooplankton components which are composed of Copepoda, Appendicularia, larvae of Brachyura, larvae of Cirripedia and Chaetognalha. A detailed study of the larvae of Brachyura was also attempted which showed that seven species can be identified in the samples, of which those of Aratus pisonii (H. Milne Edwards) and Cardisoma guanhumi Latreille have already been described. Other five species are designated here numerically and description of various stages present in the samples are given.
Pazopanib for metastatic soft-tissue sarcoma: A multicenter retrospective study

Purpose Soft tissue sarcomas are associated with a poor prognosis and low chemotherapeutic efficiency. Pazopanib is an orally available multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor that was explored in patients with non-adipocytic advanced soft tissue sarcomas. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the real life data of single-agent pazopanib efficacy and safety for soft tissue sarcomas in the Turkish population. Materials and methods We evaluated a total of 103 patients (41 males, 62 females) who received pazopanib for advanced non-adipocytic soft tissue sarcomas diagnosis in eight centers of Turkey, retrospectively. The pazopanib dose was 800 mg once daily. Progression-free survival, overall survival, and adverse events were analyzed. Results The median age was 50 years (range, 38–58). Majority of the patients had leimyosarcoma (41%). Median progression-free survival was 4.3 months, and the median overall survival was 10.1 months. The main common toxicities were fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, nausea, hypertension, and grade ≥3 toxicities were fatigue, anorexia, weight loss, and liver disorder. Conclusion Pazopanib is an efficient and tolerable agent and is well tolerated in good performance status patients with relapsed, advanced non-adipocytic soft tissue sarcomas.
Post-European changes to the fluvial geomorphology of Bega catchment, Australia: implications for river ecology

1. Within a few decades of European disturbance in the mid-nineteenth century, river character and behaviour were transformed in Bega catchment on the south coast of New South Wales, Australia. Ecological impacts of geomorphic changes to river structure and function throughout the catchment are assessed. 2. At the time of European settlement, many water courses in Bega catchment were discontinuous, with extensive swamps along middle and upper courses. Following a series of direct and indirect human impacts, channels became continuous in the middle and upper parts of the catchment, as extensive valley fills at the base of the escarpment were incised. Along the lowland plain, the channel widened by over 300%, fundamentally altering the relationship between the channel and its adjacent floodplain. 3. Geomorphic changes to river structure have modified habitat availability throughout Bega catchment. The impacts have been least pronounced in headwater streams, but have been dramatic along virtually all river courses beyond the base of the escarpment. 4. Changes in river structure have been directly related to altered riparian vegetation cover, and vice versa. As a consequence of changes to river structure, bed substrate calibre (and supply volume/rate) has been modified along most streams. 5. A series of indirect, secondary impacts have modified habitat viability along river courses. Lateral, longitudinal and vertical linkages within the river system have been altered, affecting the transfer of water, sediment, organic matter, nutrients and other biotic interactions. 6. These direct and indirect consequences of geomorphic changes in river structure suggest that ecologists need to adopt a longer-term, catchment-framed view of human disturbance to river ecosystems. 7. Effective, sustainable ecological rehabilitation of river courses is dependent on an understanding of geomorphic processes and determination of appropriate river structure at differing positions in catchments.
miR-3196 acts as a Tumor Suppressor and Predicts Survival Outcomes in Patients With Gastric Cancer

Background: Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignancies worldwide with high mortality. Therefore, identifying cancer-related biomarkers for predicting prognosis and progression of gastric cancer is essential. This study aimed to investigate the clinical value and functional role of microRNA-3196 in gastric cancer. Methods: The relative expression levels of microRNA-3196 in gastric cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues were detected by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. In this study, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, cell proliferation assay, and Transwell migration and invasion assays were performed to explore microRNA-3196 expression level and its effects on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in gastric cancer cells. The Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to explore the prognostic significance of microRNA-3196 in gastric cancer. Dual-luciferase report assay was performed to validate the potential target gene regulated by microRNA-3196 in gastric cancer. Results: The expression of microRNA-3196 was downregulated in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. Downregulation of microRNA-3196 was associated with lymph node metastasis and Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) stage. The Kaplan-Meier curve analysis indicated that patients with low expression of microRNA-3196 had a poor prognosis, and the Cox regression analysis results showed microRNA-3196 expression was an independent prognostic factor of gastric cancer. Moreover, overexpression of microRNA-3196 inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, while knockdown of microRNA-3196 promoted these cellular behaviors in AGS and MKN45 cells. OTX1 may be a potential target gene regulated by microRNA-3196 in gastric cancer. Conclusions: These results suggested that microRNA-3196 might not only a tumor suppressor in gastric cancer cells by modulating OTX1 but also might be an independent prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target of gastric cancer.
The interplay between genetic and learned components of behavioral traits

Abstract This article considers the evolution of behavioral traits that have both a genetic basis and can be modified. The modifications considered concern an adaptive (learnt) response to environmental influences. In theory, the evolution of such traits may lead to two extreme outcomes; one where the trait becomes genetically fixed (and phenotypically invariable) and the other where it is entirely shaped by environmental influences. Between these extremes lies a spectrum of traits containing a genetic component, but also, to differing degrees, a modifiable component. We review theory considering how learning may affect the genetic evolution of a behavioral trait (commonly referred to as the Baldwin effect). We claim behavioral interactions in tritrophic systems, such as the responses of natural enemies to herbivore-induced plant volatiles, provide an excellent model system to study the Baldwin effect and we illustrate this with recent findings on the searching behavior of the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis.
The Different Vascular Patterns of Slime Glands in the Hagfishes, Myxine glutinosa Linnaeus and Eptatretus stouti Lockington A Scanning Electron Microscope Study of Vascular Corrosion Casts

The vascular patterns of the epidermally derived slime glands of the Atlantic hagfish, Myxine glutinosa, and of the Pacific hagfish, Eptatretus stouti, have been studied by scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts. In Myxine a simple two-dimensional vascular network sheaths the slime glands, while in Eptatretus there is also a great number of capillary loops of different lengths arising from the sheathing network and extending into the interior of the glands. These basic differences in slime glands vascular patterns are thought to reflect substantially different physiological behaviour of the slime glands in Myxine and Eptatretus.
Within-River Spawning Migration of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)

The migration pattern of adult spawners of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) in two Norwegian streams was analysed by ultrasonic and mechanical tagging to investigate within-river migration. Salmon were tagged in the estuary as they approached the river before spawning. They displayed a systematic and directional upstream pattern of movement in the river. Seventy-one percent of the fish transplanted 6 km downstream from the capture site about 2 mo before spawning returned to the donor area. Fish transported 7 km upstream from the capture site exhibited a low degree of backtracking to the donor site (one of seven fish). Mechanical tagging of salmon on spawning grounds showed that both male and female spawners released 150 and 600 m upstream from the spawning area were able to return to the original site of spawning with a mean precision of 87%. In both streams, the migration pattern and the return to original site of capture support the hypothesis of local homing of Atlantic salmon, although some fish stray to.
Prospective study of pigmented lesions managed by shave excision with no deep margin transection of melanomas

Shave excision is a simple and cost‐effective technique for the removal of suitable skin lesions. We performed a prospective study over six months, collecting data from pigmented lesions that were treated with shave excision by dermatologists. Only shave excisions with the intent to remove the lesion in toto were included. A total of 349 lesions were included in this study, 50 (14%) of these were melanomas and no melanoma diagnosed had deep margin involvement, while 13 (26%) had lateral margin involvement.
Improved nitrogen supply to cereals in Central Queensland following short legume leys

Summary. The growth and ability of 12 summer-growing annual and perennial legumes to fix nitrogen and the response of a subsequent wheat crop was examined in a field trial on a deep cracking clay soil in the Central Highlands of Queensland. Twelve legumes [Lablab purpureus cv. Highworth, Vigna radiata cv. Satin, Macroptilium atropurpureum cv. Siratro, Medicago sativa cv. Trifecta, Vigna trilobata (CPI 13671), Macroptilium bracteatum (CPI 27404), Glycine latifolia (CQ 3368), Desmanthus virgatus cv. Marc, Desmanthus virgatus cv. Bayamo, Stylosanthes sp. aff scabra (104710), Clitoria ternatea cv. Milgarra, Cajanus cajan cv. Quest)] and grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor cv. Tulloch) as a non-legume control were established in November 1994 and their growth monitored until March 1995. The legumes averaged greater than 5 t/ha dry matter production and 77 kg N/ha (above-ground only). Dry matter production ranged from less than 2 t/ha for G. latifolia and M. sativa to greater than 9 t/ha for D. virgatus cv. Bayamo and C. cajan. Annual legumes initially had much higher relative growth rates than the perennial legumes but they rapidily exhausted all the plant available water content of the soil thus allowing the well-established perennials to eventually match this production. The proportion of plant nitrogen (above ground) derived from N2 fixation was generally low, reflecting high soil NO3, but varied widely between species ranging from less than 20% for D. virgatus cv. Marc and G. latifolia to over 45% for C. ternatea, S. scabra and V. trilobata. The quantity of nitrogen derived from fixation was correlated with above-ground dry matter and nitrogen content. There was a significant (P C. cajan = M. sativa = V. trilobata = M. bracteatum = G. latifolia > S. scabra = D. virgatus = C. ternatea. Previous legume growth had no significant (P>0.05) effect on yield or nitrogen concentration in a second ‘plant-back’ crop (sorghum). It was concluded that a wide range of pasture-ley legumes have the potential to improve cereal crop production in this region.
Tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1α production in cachectic, tumor‐bearing mice

Weight‐stable mice bearing a syngeneic, methylcholanthrene‐induced, rapidly growing tumor lost approximately 22% of their lean tissue, became significantly hypoalbuminemic and had a marked increase in serum amyloid P concentrations during progressive tumor growth. Tumors from cachectic mice were producing both TNF‐α and IL‐1α in vivo as documented by the presence of TNF‐α and IL‐1α mRNA and immune‐reactive protein for IL‐1α. Only spleens from tumor‐bearing mice had statistically significantly elevated quantities of IL‐1 mRNA. In general, alterations in tissue concentrations of IL‐1 mRNA in tumor‐bearing animals agreed qualitatively with those found in endotoxin‐stimulated, nontumor‐bearing control mice. However, endotoxin‐stimulated mice had significantly elevated tissue concentrations of TNF mRNA in spleen and livers, while TNF mRNA levels were not significantly increased in any host tissues. Cytokine mRNA levels in tumor tissue were not higher than those found constitutively in various tissues from non‐tumor‐bearing control animals. Plasma from tumor‐bearing mice and endotoxinstimulated controls contained high levels of IL‐6 but low (endotoxin‐stim.) or no measurable levels (tumor‐bearing) of either IL‐1 or TNF. When tumor cells from cachectic mice were placed into long‐term cell culture, immune reactive TNF‐α and IL‐1α were produced, but IL‐6 bioactivity was not produced in measurable amounts.
In Vitro Effect of Methanolic Extract of Argemone mexicana against Trichomonas vaginalis

Infections caused by Trichomonas vaginalis in humans are one of the main public health problems caused by sexually transmitted diseases. Objective of this study was to evaluate potential biological activity of the medicinal plant Argemone mexicana (Mexican poppy) on T. vaginalis. Methanolic extracts of the stems and leaves of A. mexicana, and different fractions were prepared with solvents of different polarities. The extracts and functional groups were detected containing sterols, triterpenes, quinones, flavonoids and, alkaloids. Extracts from both the stems and leaves of A. mexicana inhibited the growth of T. vaginalis with half-maximal inhibitory concentration value of 70.6 and 67.2 μg/ml, respectively. In the active fractions, the most abundant compounds were berberine and jatrorrhizine, with presumed antiparasitic activity.
Access to bike lanes and childhood obesity: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

The lack of bike lane access has been a proven risk factor for childhood obesity due to its role in discouraging healthy lifestyles. However, there has not been a systematic review of this important association in the existing literature. This study aims to fill this gap. A literature search was conducted in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for studies published from 1 January 2019 onwards that examined the association between bike lane access and weight‐related behaviours and outcomes among children aged <18 years. A total of 21 studies were included in this systematic review. Among them, most of the studies showed that bike lane access was significantly associated with children and adolescents' physical activity (PA), whereas only two studies showed a negative association. Meta‐analysis also supported these findings and showed that bike lane access was significantly associated with children and adolescents' PA (odds ratio [OR] = 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.37–1.81). Additionally, we reviewed how bike lane characteristics and microenvironment variables such as children and adolescents' choice of bicycle travel mode, the degree of separation of cycle path, cycle path unevenness, and street maintenance were associated with adolescents' preferences and intention to cycle. This systematic review and meta‐analysis strongly suggests that bike lane access is associated with children and adolescents' PA. Nonetheless, it was difficult to draw a conclusion on the association between bike lane access and weight‐related outcomes.
Investigation of abrasive saw kickback

Saw kickback can cause fatal injuries, but only woodcutting saws have regulations and assessment methodologies for kickback. These regulations do not apply to abrasive cutting saws, as their cutting mechanism and dominant kickback mode differ from those of woodcutting saws. This work combines theoretical and experimental tools to investigate abrasive saw kickback. A theoretical model based on frictional engagement during a pinch-based kickback event is shown to predict resultant kickback energy in good agreement with experimental measurements. These measurements were obtained using a specialized machine that generates pinch-based kickback events and measures resultant kickback energy. Upon validating the model, two representative saws, a circular cutoff saw and a chainsaw, were tested using the prototype machine to evaluate their comparative kickback risk. This work demonstrates that pinch-based kickback is a potential safety risk for abrasive cutting saw operators and provides a testing machine design and analytical framework for evaluating this risk.
Rice white stemborer Scirpophaga innotata (Walker) in southern Mindanao, Philippines. I. Supplantation of yellow stemborer S. incertulas (Walker) and pest status

Abstract The rice white stemborer (WSB) Scirpophaga innotata (Walker) supplanted the closely related rice yellow stemborer (YSB) S. incertulas (Walker) in irrigated, double-rice culture in both Koronadal, South Cotabato, Philippines and Java, Indonesia. In Java, WSB became a serious pest but not in Koronadal where damage levels remained unchanged. The species shift and subsequent outbreaks are seen as independent events. The former occurred just after the El Niño droughts in 1982 – 1983 which suggests that climatic factors triggered the demise of YSB which does not aestivate. A contributing factor may have also been the crop failures from pest outbreaks that occurred during the same period creating long fallows which would have allowed WSB larvae selectively to survive. WSB larvae have been known to diapause for up to 10 – 12 months and consequently is able to survive climatically driven long fallows. Diapause is terminated by rainfall >10 mm after larvae have rested for a minimum of 4 months. Supportive evidence in favour of climate as the causal agent of change is that the distribution of WSB in Asia and Oceania overlaps that of the Intertropical Convergence Zone of the Southern Oscillation. YSB on the other hand is more adapted to a monsoon climate. It is also hypothesised that WSB, normally associated with single-crop, rainfed-rice culture, was able to adapt to double-cropped, irrigated culture due to the introduction of early maturing rices. From what is known about rice stemborer ecology, five cultural practices and natural events were postulated as the reasons keeping WSB densities in check in Koronadal: (1) medium maturing varieties to reduce the dry season fallow, (2) low inorganic N levels, (3) natural enemies, (4) destruction of crop residue harbouring larvae and pupae during land preparation, and (5) rainfall in the dry season causing suicide flights. Control strategies for areas where WSB is a pest should be based on: (1) reducing the fallow period by growing longer maturing varieties and (2) undertaking early ploughing for the wet season crop.
Contribution to the taxonomy of the Hormogastridae (Annelida: Oligochaeta) with description of two new species from southern France

A new species of earthworm, Vignysa vedovinii n. sp. (Hormogastridae), is described from Provence. On the basis of genetic and morphological evidence, the new species Hormogaster gallica n. sp. is also proposed for two French populations of H. pretiosa Michaelsen. Supplementary taxonomic characters for the Hormogastridae are provided.
Comparative Analysis of Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA)-Mediated Real-Time PCR Clamping and DNA Direct Sequencing for EGFR Mutation Detection.

Background: Although the gold standard method for research trials on epide rmal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations has been direct sequencing, this approach has the limitations of low sensitivity and of being time-consuming. Peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-mediated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) clamping is known to be a more sensitive detection tool. The aim of this study was to compare the detection rate of EGFR mutation and EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) responsiveness according to EGFR mutation status using both methodologies. Methods: Clinical specimens from 112 NSCLC patients were analyzed for EGFR mutations in exons 18, 19, 20, and 21. All clinical data and tumor specimens were obtained from 3 university hospitals in Korea. After genomic DNA was extracted from paraffin-embedded tissue specimens, both PNA-mediated PCR clamping and direct-sequencing were performed. The results and clinical response to EGFR-TKIs were compared. Results: Sequencing revealed a total of 35 (22.9%) mutations: 8 missense mutations in exon 21 and 26 deletion mutations in exon 19. PNA-mediated PCR clamping showed the presence of genomic alterations in 45 (28.3%) samples, including the 32 identified by sequencing plus 13 additional samples (6 in exon 19 and 7 in exon 21). Conclusion: PNA-mediated PCR clamping is simple and rapid, as well as a more sensitive method for screening of genomic alterations in EGFR gene compared to direct sequencing. This data suggests that PNA-mediated PCR clamping should be implemented as a useful screening tool for detection of EGFR mutations in clinical setting.
Use of organic manure with mineral N fertilizer increases wheat yield at Rawalakot Azad Jammu and Kashmir

A field experiment was conducted to examine the effect of the integrated use of organic and mineral N fertilizer on the yield and yield attributes of wheat. Treatments included: Control; full recommended mineral N (120 kg ha − 1); 90 kg mineral N + farm yard manure (FYM); ½ mineral N + ½FYM, 30 kg mineral N + FYM; full dose of FYM alone. Wheat variety Inqulab-91 was used as a testing crop. Results indicated a significant response of wheat to both mineral and organic N fertilization. The morphological characteristics of the crop increased significantly with N fertilization. The maximum response was observed at the highest N rate (mineral N 150 kg N + 120 kg P2O5 ha − 1). In comparison to control, combinations of organic and mineral N increased most of the traits significantly, but generally had a non-significant difference among each other. Single or combined application of mineral N fertilizer with FYM increased grain yield significantly over control. A maximum of 72% increase in yield was recorded at the highest N application rate applied with P (150 kg N + 120 kg P2O5 ha − 1). The recommended level of N (120 kg N ha − 1) applied in T2 increased grain yield by 24% while an 11% increase in yield was recorded in T6 where FYM was applied alone. Integrated use of mineral N + FYM had a significant effect and a maximum of 35% increase in yield was recorded in T4 where ½ mineral N + ½ FYM were applied. The economic analysis of data showed that the treatment T4 had an economical net return of Rs. 1776 with a VCR of 8.39 and therefore recommended for Rawalakot conditions. This study indicates that the combination of mineral fertilizers with organic manures helps in increasing the yield of wheat and implies a savings of almost 50% cost compared to a system with only mineral N application.