Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Shell Properties, Water Vapor Loss, and Hatching Success of Eggs from a Rain Forest Population of the Pearly-eyed Thrasher (Margarops fuscatus)

I calculated various shell properties, water vapor loss, and hatching success of eggs of the Pearly-eyed Thrasher (Margarops fuscatus) using measurements obtained during a long-term study in the Luquillo Mountains, Puerto Rico. Empirical results were comparable to standard reference formulae, dem- onstrating that published formulae can be used with confidence by field biologists studying this and other passerine birds laying prolate spheroid shaped eggs. Shell mass averaged 0.66 g and shell thickness averaged 0.12 mm. Egg surface area averaged 19.31 cm 2 (range =18.4-20.34 cm 2 ) as derived from published allometric relationships. Observed and derived eggshell densities were 2.06 g/cm 3 and 2.05 g/cm 3 , respectively. Average egg density was 1.32 g/cm 3 . Water vapor flux resulted in an average egg-mass loss of 0.087 g each day, culminating in a 1.22-g reduction over the entire 14-d incubation period. Based on a fresh egg mass of 8.02 g, 3,009 fertile eggs lost 15.2% of their initial mass. Whereas the total loss of egg mass (in grams) was about the same for all eggs in the laying sequence, smaller (3 rd —and 4 th -laid) eggs lost a higher percentage of total mass than did the larger ones (1 st —and 2 nd -laid). There were inter-breeding season differences in mass (= water) loss. The rate of daily water loss increased significantly as the incubation period progressed. The pattern of increase was intermediate between that of small passerines and typical non-passerine species. Hatching success declined throughout the study due to environmental and biological factors.
Estudo de agentes polinizadores em cultura de morango (Fragaria x ananassa Duchesne - Rosaceae)

During the blooming period of different strawberry cultivars we captured flower visitors by walking between beds’ rows to verify bee diversity and bee abundance in two commercial fields in São Paulo State (Brazil). In order to know the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on bee presence and bee activity at flowers we registered data about the weather conditions, flower availability, pesticides application, surrounding vegetation and wild bee nests and bee hives close to the cultivated areas. In two fields the bees were the most abundant visitors of strawberry flowers, being most individuals from Apini and Meliponini tribes. The difference found in bee abundance and diversity between these two areas suggested that although the use of pesticides has been less intense in one them, the narrow surrounding patch of secondary forest preserved around the other must have be favoured the existence and maintenance of wild nests of diverse bee species, particularly the stingless bees. The presence of large number of pollen grains carried by bees from Geotrigona subterranea, Schwarziana quadripunctata and Trigona spinipes, the behaviour of these bees on strawberry flowers similar to that of Apis mellifera and their constant foraging activity during the blooming period suggests that these species can be very important to strawberry crop pollination where they are abundant.
Susceptibility of eggs, larvae and pupae of potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) to ionizing radiation doses used for sprout inhibition in potatoes

The potential of gamma irradiation to control potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella Zeller) infestation on stored potatoes was studied at doses, 0.08 kGy to 0.2 kGy, that effectively induce sprout inhibition in potato without producing any undesirable textural and organoleptic changes. Hatchability of eggs was prevented at 0.2 kGy, while pupation was prevented at 0.15 kGy. Treating the eggs and larvae with 0.12 kGy and above prevented adult emergence, whereas those treated with 0.08 kGy produced deformed adults. Irradiation also affected the developmental time. Irradiation of pupae progressively increased the duration of pupal stage and percentage of deformed adults with shorter life span. None of the adults emerged from irradiated pupae laid eggs.
A Human-Derived, Collagen-Rich Hydrogel Augments Wound Healing in a Diabetic Animal Model

Background Application of collagen products to wounds has been shown to improve wound healing. Using a collagen-based hydrogel (cHG) capable of cellular support previously developed by our laboratory, we hypothesize that our hydrogel will increase the speed of wound healing by providing a 3-dimensional framework for cellular support, increasing angiogenesis and cell-proliferation at the wound bed. Methods Two, 10-mm excisional wounds were created over the dorsum of 12 male, genetically modified Zucker diabetic rats. Wounds were splinted open to limit healing by wound contracture. One wound was treated with an occlusive dressing (OD), whereas the adjacent wound was treated with an OD plus cHG. Occlusive dressings were changed every other day. Hydrogel was applied on day 2 and every 4 days after until complete wound closure. Rate of wound closure was monitored with digital photography every other day. Wounds were harvested at days 10 and 16 for histological and immunohistochemical analysis. Results Wound closure was significantly faster in cHG-treated wounds compared with OD-treated wounds. By day 10, cHG-treated wounds achieved 63% wound closure, compared with 55% wound closure in OD-treated wounds (P < 0.05). By day 16, cHG-treated wounds achieved 84% wound closure, compared with 68% wound closure in OD-treated wounds (P < 0.05). Histologically, wound depth was not different between the cHG and OD groups on days 10 and 16. However, wound length was significantly less in the cHG group compared with the OD group (P < 0.05) consistent with digital photographic analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis for RECA-1 demonstrated that blood vessel density in the wound bed was 2.3 times higher in the cHG group compared with the OD group (P = 0.01) on day 16. Cell proliferation was 3.8 times higher in the cHG group versus the OD group (P < 0.05) on day 10. Conclusions Collagen-based hydrogel–treated wounds demonstrated significantly improved healing compared with control. The thermoresponsive feature of collagen hydrogel and its structural stability at body temperature demonstrate promising clinical potential as a vehicle for the delivery of therapeutic cells to the wound bed.
Abstract 18041: Dysregulated Fatty Acid Metabolism in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension is Associated with Right Ventricular Steatosis and Lipotoxicity

Introduction: The mechanisms of right ventricular (RV) failure in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are poorly understood. We have previously shown that heritable PAH is associated with RV lipotoxicity. Abnormalities in fatty acid metabolism have been described in experimental PAH, but systemic and myocardial fatty acid metabolism have not been well described in human PAH. We hypothesized that abnormal fatty acid metabolism in PAH is associated with altered peripheral lipid metabolism and lipotoxic cardiac steatosis. Methods and Results: We measured plasma free fatty acids (FFA) and acylcarnitine (fatty acid metabolites) profiles in PAH patients and age, gender, and body mass index-matched controls. In a transgenic murine model of PAH, we measured RV FAs and acylcarnitines. Using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy we quantified in vivo myocardial triglyceride content in 6 PAH patients and 5 healthy controls. To test the functional consequences of lipid accumulation, we stained explanted human PAH .
Global Kidney Exchange: opportunity or exploitation? An ELPAT/ESOT appraisal

This paper addresses ethical, legal, and psychosocial aspects of Global Kidney Exchange (GKE). Concerns have been raised that GKE violates the nonpayment principle, exploits donors in low‐ and middle‐income countries, and detracts from the aim of self‐sufficiency. We review the arguments for and against GKE. We argue that while some concerns about GKE are justified based on the available evidence, others are speculative and do not apply exclusively to GKE but to living donation more generally. We posit that concerns can be mitigated by implementing safeguards, by developing minimum quality criteria and by establishing an international committee that independently monitors and evaluates GKE’s procedures and outcomes. Several questions remain however that warrant further clarification. What are the experiences and views of recipients and donors participating in GKE? Who manages the escrow funds that have been put in place for donor and recipients? What procedures and safeguards have been put in place to prevent corruption of these funds? What are the inclusion criteria for participating GKE centers? GKE provides opportunity to promote access to donation and transplantation but can only be conducted with the appropriate safeguards. Patients’ and donors’ voices are missing in this debate.
Algal resource depression by macro-invertebrate herbivores in a chalk stream: An empirical approach

Herbivory is a globally important ecosystem function, occurring in all major biome types; including benthic freshwater habitats. Algal biofilms and their herbivore consumers are therefore important components of stream food webs. However there is relatively little empirical data quantifying the strength of these algal-herbivore interactions, or how these vary with herbivore identity, size, and biofilm physiognomy. Interactions across a diverse herbivore guild were investigated in a chalk stream, using mesocosms to determine the distribution of algal-herbivore interaction strengths. A series of experiments were used to assess: herbivore link strength distribution; context-dependency of interaction strength; the relationship of body size with interaction strength; and the effects of competing grazer species on algal resources. The algal-herbivore sub-web was dominated by weak interactions which concurred with empirical and theoretical evidence, and further supporting web stability theory. Interactions were highly context-dependent, with interaction magnitude and species identity both affected by algal biofilm type. Grazer species identity was important for determining body size relationships. Although competitive effects were apparent, they were not statistically detectable. This research builds on previous investigations of algal grazer interactions and food web structure by emphasizing; the importance of grazing as an ecosystem function, and the diversity of interactions occurring in model systems. The use of experimental mesocosms may be limited in terms of ‘real’ systems, but does provide a valid response of model systems that are both useful and valid tools for assessing community ecology.
Guillain-Barré syndrome related to COVID-19 infection

At the time of this writing, healthcare systems are facing worldwide the pandemic of the coronavirus severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) and its associated disease, named cronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). This virus is a new human pathogen, and currently, there are no specific treatment options.1 COVID-19 mostly affects the respiratory system, ranging from mild flu-like symptoms to severe pneumonia, but extrarespiratory multisystemic involvement has also been reported.2 Li et al.3 recently described the neuroinvasive potential of COVID-19, but, to our knowledge, no case of acute dysimmune neuropathy has been described so far. Here, the authors report the case of an acute and severe peripheral nervous system disorder possibly related to COVID-19 infection.
Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α Agonists as Therapy for Autoimmune Disease1

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily. PPARγ ligands, which include the naturally occurring PG metabolite 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-PGJ2 (15d-PGJ2), as well as thiazolidinediones, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory activity. The PPARα agonists, gemfibrozil, ciprofibrate, and fenofibrate, have an excellent track history as oral agents used to treat hypertriglyceridemia. In the present study, we demonstrate that these PPARα agonists can increase the production of the Th2 cytokine, IL-4, and suppress proliferation by TCR transgenic T cells specific for the myelin basic protein Ac1–11, as well as reduce NO production by microglia. Oral administration of gemfibrozil and fenofibrate inhibited clinical signs of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. More importantly, gemfibrozil was shown to shift the cytokine secretion of human T cell lines by inhibiting IFN-γ and promoting IL-4 secretion. These results suggest that PPARα agonists such as gemfibrozil and fenofibrate, may be attractive candidates for use in human inflammatory conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
High-Throughput Phenotyping (HTP) Data Reveal Dosage Effect at Growth Stages in Arabidopsis thaliana Irradiated by Gamma Rays

The effects of radiation dosages on plant species are quantitatively presented as the lethal dose or the dose required for growth reduction in mutation breeding. However, lethal dose and growth reduction fail to provide dynamic growth behavior information such as growth rate after irradiation. Irradiated seeds of Arabidopsis were grown in an environmentally controlled high-throughput phenotyping (HTP) platform to capture growth images that were analyzed with machine learning algorithms. Analysis of digital phenotyping data revealed unique growth patterns following treatments below LD50 value at 641 Gy. Plants treated with 100-Gy gamma irradiation showed almost identical growth pattern compared with wild type; the hormesis effect was observed >21 days after sowing. In 200 Gy-treated plants, a uniform growth pattern but smaller rosette areas than the wild type were seen (p < 0.05). The shift between vegetative and reproductive stages was not retarded by irradiation at 200 and 300 Gy although growth inhibition was detected under the same irradiation dose. Results were validated using 200 and 300 Gy doses with HTP in a separate study. To our knowledge, this is the first study to apply a HTP platform to measure and analyze the dosage effect of radiation in plants. The method enabled an in-depth analysis of growth patterns, which could not be detected previously due to a lack of time-series data. This information will improve our knowledge about the effects of radiation in model plant species and crops.
An in Vitro investigation of the effects of Rimonabant (a cannabinoid CB1 receptor antagonist) on cell adhesion and inflammatory associated cytokine production

There is good pharmacological evidence that cannabinoids caused cellular changes by interacting with specific cannabinoid receptors (CBR) (Klein et al., 2000). To date, two CBRs have been identified in the human body, designated Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1) and Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (CB2) (Begg et al., 2005). Endogenously occurring compounds with action at the CBRs also exist and they are called endocannabinoids. One of the four known endocannabinoids is anandamide (AEA). The endocannabinoid system, present in the human body, plays a significant role in altering the physiology of the immune system. Enhancement of this system’s anti-inflammatory effect could possibly present a vital therapeutic target for central and peripheral inflammatory disorders. A number of synthetic CB1 or CB2 specific antagonists have been developed including the highly specific CB1 receptor antagonist/reverse agonist named Rimonabant/ SR141716A. SR compounds are considered unique because these compounds not only inhibit the binding and function of cannabimimetic agents, but also act as inverse agonists. Activation of CB1 receptors produces inappropriate CNS side effects including psychoactivity, dependence and sedation (Clayton et al., 2002) whereas CB1 receptor antagonists/inverse agonists avoid or prevent these side effects. Taking the above information into consideration, Rimonabant has the potential to offer an effective long term treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders without the serious side effects of commonly used treatments. The main aim of this study is to investigate the in vitro effects of Rimonabant alone and in combination with anandamide on inflammatory associated cytokine production by human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) and macrophage cultures. After careful consideration of the evidence stating that endothelial cells produce several important molecules vital to the inflammatory response of the body and the confirmation that CB1 receptor mRNA is generally present in endothelial cells, the use of HUVEC was deemed to be satisfactory for this study. The first phase of the study was dedicated to
Effect of Camellia sinensis teas on left ventricular hypertrophy and insulin resistance in dyslipidemic mice

The control of dyslipidemia using plants is an important subject of studies since it has numerous benefits in cardiovascular protection. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three Camellia sinensis L. teas (green, red, and white) on left ventricular hypertrophy and insulin resistance in low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLr-/-) mice fed a high-fat diet. The LDLr-/- mice were divided into four experimental groups: Group C: standard feed; Group CT: standard feed and three teas, Group HL: high-fat feed; HLT Group: high-fat feed and three teas. The three types of tea (green, red, and white) originated from different processing of the Camellia sinensis L. plant, and were administered associated once a day at a dose of 25 mg/kg by gavage for 60 days. The teas partially prevented hyperlipidemia, the decrease of the serum levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL), insulin resistance, and increased C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, and completely prevented left ventricular hypertrophy in LDLr -/- mice of the HLT group. In conclusion, the three Camellia sinensis L. teas used to control genetic dyslipidemia associated with a high-fat diet can be used as an auxiliary treatment associated with the control of lipid intake, thus promoting cardiac protection against hyperlipidemia.
A cross sectional multisite exploration of Italian paediatric nurses' reported burnout and its relationship to perceptions of clinical safety and adverse events using the RN4CAST@IT-Ped.

AIM To explore Italian paediatric nurses' reported burnout and it relationship to their perceptions of safety and adverse events. DESIGN A cross-sectional study utilizing the RN4CAST@IT-Ped database using a web based survey design. METHODS The RN4CAST@IT-Ped questionnaire was used to collect data in 2017. This comprised three main components: three dimensions (22 items) of the Maslach Burnout Inventory including emotional exhaustion, depersonalization and personal accomplishment. Participants also scored an overall grade of patient safety and estimated the occurrence of adverse clinical events. RESULTS Nurses (n=2243) reported high levels of burnout. Most rated clinical safety highly. The risk of adverse events ranged from 1.3-12.4%. The degree of burnout appeared to influence the perception of safety and adverse events. CONCLUSION The association between nurses' burnout and perceptions of higher rates of adverse events and reduced safety in clinical practice is an important finding. However, it is unclear whether this was influenced by a negative state of mind, and whether reduced safety and increased adverse events negatively influenced nurses' well-being, thus leading to burnout. Regardless, the association between nurses' burnout and these quality concepts needs further exploration to examine the effect, if any, on burnout and safety, and identify supportive mechanisms for nurses. IMPACT The association between reported burnout and perception of safety and risk of adverse events in Italian paediatric nurses has been reported for the first time. Nurses reporting burnout are at greater risk of intensely negative perceptions of clinical safety and adverse events. This is an important finding as perceptions can influence practice and behaviours. Quality measures in children's clinical environments need to go beyond obvious indicators to examine nurses' well-being as this also influences quality and safety.
Ability of mathematical models to predict faecal output with a pulse dose of an external marker in sheep and goat

Faecal output estimates derived from a one-compartment, Gamma-2, age-dependent model were compared with estimates derived algebraically by computing the area under the marker excretion curve for adult sheep and goats given a pulse dose of chromium sesquioxide (Cr2O3). Animals were fed one of three diets (as fed basis): 100% alfalfa hay, 64:36 alfalfa hay: barley grain, and 50:50 alfa1fa hay: concentrate mixture. For the one-compartment model, faecal output was calculated as the dose of chromium sesquioxide divided by the initial concentration in the compartment (milligrams of Cr2O3/gram of DM) multiplied by the age-dependent rate constant (per hours). For the algebraic method, faecal output was calculated as the dose of Cr2O3 divided by the area under the marker excretion curve ([milligrams of %/gram of faecal DM].hours), both with the full complement of faecal samples and with faecal samples collected at 12-h intervals. Faecal output estimated by the three methods did not differ (P<0.48) from measured faecal output (total collection). Marker retention time calculated from the one-compartment, age-dependent model was greater (P<0.05) than retention time calculated algebraically (sum of concentration × time divided by sum of concentrations weighted for collection interval) for animals fed all three diets. No interaction was found for species × diet or species × method of prediction (P<0.05). These results suggest that the area under the marker excretion curve generated from a pulse dose of Cr2O3 will provide estimates of faecal output that do not differ from those calculated from a one-compartment, age-dependent model.
Factors affecting the number of leaves preceding the first inflorescence in the tomato.

The effects of several environmental factors and plant growth regulators on the number of leaves preceding the first inflorescence (NLPI) of the tomato are reviewed. Differences in rate of leaf initiation and differences in the time to initiation of the first inflorescence both contribute to differences in the number of leaves preceding this inflorescence. Differences in the time to initiation of the first inflorescence can be explained by the hypothesis that the amount of assimilates available for the apex during the sensitive phase (approximately the first ten days from cotyledon expansion) has to reach a certain minimum before flower initiation can take place (the ‘nutrient diversion hypothesis’ of Sachs and Hackett, 1969). Therefore, factors that increase the total amount of assimilates in the plant (e.g. higher light intensity, lower temperature) as well as those that increase the competitive potential of the apex (e.g. lower temperature, certain plant growth regulators) decrease the number of leaves.