Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influência da adubação e da cobertura morta na produtividade e no teor de flavonóides de Calendula officinalis L. (Asteraceae)

Palavras-chave: Calendula officinalis, flavonoides, adubacao, cobertura morta ABSTRACT: Influence of fertilization and mulching on the productivity and flavonoid content of Calendula officinalis L. (Asteraceae). Calendula officinalis was experimentally grown under field conditions with different fertilization types and mulching in order to evaluate inflorescence production, plant drugs and flavonoid levels. Experimental design was in randomized blocks, with 3 replicates, in a 3x2 factorial arrangement, consisting of six treatments, as follows: 1. chemical fertilization (100 kg N ha -1 + 50 kg P ha -1 ); 2. chemical fertilization + mulch (dry grass - Paspalum notatum); 3. organic fertilization (cured bovine manure 50 t ha -1 ); 4. organic fertilization + mulch; 5. no chemical or organic fertilization + mulch; 6. no chemical or organic fertilization and no mulch (control). Data regarding number of produced capitula, dry matter of inflorescences and plant drug matter were totaled after five months of planting. Flavonoids were quantified by spectrophotometry. The results were statistically analyzed (ANOVA / Tukey-Kramer test-5%) and showed significant differences (70% higher) for number of inflorescences, inflorescence dry matter and plant drug matter between the treatment with organic fertilization (3) and treatments with no chemical or organic fertilization with mulching (5) and control (6). The remaining comparisons, including flavonoid content, did not result in significant differences among treatments.
Heavy Rainfall Induced by Tropical Cyclones across Northern Taiwan and Associated Intraseasonal Oscillation Modulation

AbstractTropical cyclones (TCs) moving northwestward/westward across northern Taiwan are defined to have a type-2 track. This study aims to analyze heavy rainfall associated with type-2 TCs in Taiwan, focusing on the modulation processes of the intraseasonal oscillation (ISO). During 1958–2011, 21 summer type-2 TCs are separated into three rainfall types: strong, moderate, and weak. For the strong rainfall type, both 30–60-day and 10–24-day ISOs propagate northwestward across Taiwan. During landfall and the ensuing two days, both ISOs exhibit a cyclonic anomaly centering northwest of Taiwan that causes anomalous westerly flows (or enhance seasonal southwesterly flows) from the South China Sea (SCS) onto Taiwan. Persistent moisture supply and strong moisture convergence result in prolonged heavy rainfall on the windward side over western Taiwan. TCs with weak rainfall are accompanied by a northward-propagating 30–60-day ISO from the tropical western Pacific toward Japan and a westward-propagating 10–24-day.
Multiple roles of LncRNA-BMNCR on cell proliferation and apoptosis by targeting miR-145/CBFB axis in BMECs

Abstract Bovine mastitis is one of the most serious and costly disease affecting dairy cattle production. The present study explored the inflammatory response and autoprotective mechanism of a novel specific high expression BMNCR (bovine mastitis related long non-coding RNA) in S. aureus induced mastitis by miR-145/CBFB axis in dairy cows from the perspective of molecular genetics. In bovine mammary epithelial cells, we preformed loss of function experiments to detect changes in cytokine, proliferation and apoptosis by qRT-PCR, western blot, flow cytometry and EdU staining. The results demonstrated that BMNCR significantly increased cell apoptosis, and inhibited cell proliferation. However, the secretion of IL-1α, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8 and IL-12 were enhanced after knock-down BMNCR. Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated that BMNCR could target 8 miRNAs, in-depth analyses indicated that BMNCR acts as a molecular sponge for bta-miR-145 and CBFB was one of 23 target gene of bta-miR-145 . The results of the present study demonstrated that the role of BMNCR in S. aureus induced mastitis can be mediated by sponge bta-miR-145 activating CBFB expression. BMNCR could be a potential target for mastitis diagnosis and therapy, which may enrich the theoretical research of therapeutic intervention, and further increase milk yield and improve milk quality.
The utility of parathyroid autofluorescence as an adjunct in thyroid and parathyroid surgery 2023

Thyroid and parathyroid surgery requires careful dissection around the vascular pedicle of the parathyroid glands to avoid excessive manipulation of the tissues. If the blood supply to the parathyroid glands is disrupted, or the glands are inadvertently removed, temporary and/or permanent hypocalcemia can occur, requiring post‐operative exogenous calcium and vitamin D analogues to maintain stable levels. This can have a significant impact on the quality of life of patients, particularly if it results in permanent hypocalcemia. For over a decade, parathyroid tissue has been noted to have unique intrinsic properties known as “fluorophores,” which fluoresce when excited by an external light source. As a result, parathyroid autofluorescence has emerged as an intra‐operative technique to help with identification of parathyroid glands and to supplement direct visualization during thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy. Due to the growing body of literature surrounding Near Infrared Autofluorescence (NIRAF), we sought to review the value of using autofluorescence technology for parathyroid detection during thyroid and parathyroid surgery. A literature review of parathyroid autofluorescence was performed using PubMED. Based on the reviewed literature and expert surgeons' opinions who have used this technology, recommendations were made. We discuss the current available technologies (image vs. probe approach) as well as their limitations. We also capture the opinions and recommendations of international high‐volume endocrine surgeons and whether this technology is of value as an intraoperative adjunct. The utility and value of this technology seems promising and needs to be further defined in different scenarios involving surgeon experience and different patient populations and conditions.
ANÁLISE DA DINÂMICA ESPACIAL DA OCUPAÇÃO ANTRÓPICA EM PARANAGUÁ/PR (1952-1996), ATRAVÉS DO USO DE SISTEMA DE INFORMAÇÕES GEOGRÁFICAS

Este trabalho estuda a dinâmica espacial da ocupacao antropica no perimetro urbano de Paranagua, Parana (Brasil), nos anos de 1952, 1962, 1980 e 1996. A metodologia aplicada fundamenta-se na utilizacao do sistema de informacao geografica, aliado ao sensoriamento remoto. Foram geradas series temporais de planos de informacoes (tipos de cobertura vegetal e categorias de uso da terra), os quais foram cruzados, para acompanhar a evolucao da mancha urbana. Observacoes de campo e levantamentos bibliograficos foram necessarios para o apoio a compreensao dessa dinâmica. Detectou-se uma forte dinâmica espacial da ocupacao antropica no perimetro urbano de Paranagua; entre 1952 e 1996, a area antropizada foi de 2.269 ha. Tal antropizacao ocorreu a partir do centro da cidade em direcao ao porto e nas margens dos rios que a banham; e decorrente principalmente dos ciclos economicos ligados ao setor portuario, a migracao, ao crescimento natural da populacao e ao acesso as praias. Spatial dynamic analysis of antropic occupation in Paranagua-PR (1952-1996), through the geographical information use Abstract This study covers the spatial dynamics of anthropic occupation in the urban area of Paranagua, Parana, Brazil, in the years 1952, 1962, 1980, and 1996. The methodology applied was based on GIS (Geographical Information System) associated to remote sensing. Temporal series of information plans were generated (types of vegetation and land use categories), and the information therefore were crossed in order to observe the evolution of the urban sprawl. Field observation and bibliographic surveys were required to support the understanding of such dynamics. It was found strong spatial dynamics of anthropic occupation in the urban area of Paranagua; between 1952 and 1996, the area occupied was 2.269 ha. This anthropization occured from downtown to the port and at hedge of the rives; due to the economic fases of the port, to the migration, to the natural population increase and the roads to the beaches.
Integrating Explainability into Graph Neural Network Models for the Prediction of X-ray Absorption Spectra

The use of sophisticated machine learning (ML) models, such as graph neural networks (GNNs), to predict complex molecular properties or all kinds of spectra has grown rapidly. However, ensuring the interpretability of these models’ predictions remains a challenge. For example, a rigorous understanding of the predicted X-ray absorption spectrum (XAS) generated by such ML models requires an in-depth investigation of the respective black-box ML model used. Here, this is done for different GNNs based on a comprehensive, custom-generated XAS data set for small organic molecules. We show that a thorough analysis of the different ML models with respect to the local and global environments considered in each ML model is essential for the selection of an appropriate ML model that allows a robust XAS prediction. Moreover, we employ feature attribution to determine the respective contributions of various atoms in the molecules to the peaks observed in the XAS spectrum. By comparing this peak assignment to the core and virtual orbitals from the quantum chemical calculations underlying our data set, we demonstrate that it is possible to relate the atomic contributions via these orbitals to the XAS spectrum.
Elevated triglyceride-glucose index predisposes to the initial episode of peritonitis in chronic peritoneal dialysis patients

Abstract Objective The serum triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a marker of inflammation. However, the relationship between TyG index and peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis (PDRP) is unclear. This study aimed to investigate the potential relationship between the baseline TyG index and the initial episode of PDRP. Methods A total of 208 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients were enrolled from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2019 and followed up until December 31, 2022. They were divided into 2 groups according to the median TyG. The primary outcome was the occurrence of the initial episode of PDRP while on PD therapy. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analyses were used to examine the association between them. Results Eighty-five initial episodes of PDRP were identified. The risk of PDRP was higher in the high-TyG index group (p = 0.030). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed a higher risk of PDRP in patients with a high TyG index (HR = 1.800, 95% CI 1.511–2.815, p = 0.010). Conclusion The baseline serum TyG index was an independent risk factor for the initial episode of PDRP in chronic PD patients.
Task‐dependent spatial processing in the visual cortex

To solve spatial tasks, the human brain asks for support from the visual cortices. Nonetheless, representing spatial information is not fixed but depends on the reference frames in which the spatial inputs are involved. The present study investigates how the kind of spatial representations influences the recruitment of visual areas during multisensory spatial tasks. Our study tested participants in an electroencephalography experiment involving two audio–visual (AV) spatial tasks: a spatial bisection, in which participants estimated the relative position in space of an AV stimulus in relation to the position of two other stimuli, and a spatial localization, in which participants localized one AV stimulus in relation to themselves. Results revealed that spatial tasks specifically modulated the occipital event‐related potentials (ERPs) after the onset of the stimuli. We observed a greater contralateral early occipital component (50–90 ms) when participants solved the spatial bisection, and a more robust later occipital response (110–160 ms) when they processed the spatial localization. This observation suggests that different spatial representations elicited by multisensory stimuli are sustained by separate neurophysiological mechanisms.
Segmentation for urban destination: gender, place of residence, and trip purpose: a case of Nizhni Novgorod, Russia

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine whether a priori segmentation of visitors to a large urban destination along the dimensions of gender, place of residence (domestic, former states, and international), and trip purpose (business, leisure, and VFR) is indeed commonsense for the city's DMO. Specifically, the study investigated whether gender, place of residence, and trip purpose are associated with tourists’ destination risk perceptions, evaluations of destination performance, and post-visitation behavior; that is, intention to revisit and willingness to recommend. Design/methodology/approach – The analysis used data obtained in a 2013 survey of visitors to Nizhni Novgorod, a large urban center in Russia. Findings – The results indicate that place of residence and trip purpose discriminate tourists with respect to selected variables and can serve as segmentation bases for marketing communications about the city to potential target markets. Practical implications – In view of the mega-sport e.
Impact of serum level concentrations of IgG and IgM on abortion in women who had both risk factors diabetes and hypertension.

Abortion is a significant global public health concern affecting millions of women each year. Factors such as maternal diabetes and hypertension have been recognized as major contributors to increased abortion risk. Immunoglobulins, specifically IgG and IgM, play crucial roles in pregnancy outcomes and have been studied extensively. This study aimed to assess the levels of Toxoplasma IgG and IgM in aborted women with and without diabetes or hypertension. This cross-sectional study examined 64 women who experienced Toxoplasma gondii-induced abortions at Erbil Maternity Teaching Hospital between January 2021 and May 2021. Their medical history, including diabetes and hypertension status, was collected through interviews. Blood samples were analyzed using VIDAS technology to measure serum IgG and IgM levels. The mean IgG and IgM antibody levels were compared between groups of women based on the number of abortions, diabetes status, and hypertension status. In women with a history of abortion, IgM antibody levels differed significantly among the five groups (P ≤ 0.01). While the average serum toxoplasma IgG concentration varied between diabetic and non-diabetic women, these differences were not significant (P>0.05). Conversely, there were highly significant differences in the concentration of serum toxoplasma IgM (P<0.01). Comparing women with and without hypertension, no significant differences were found in the mean concentrations of serum toxoplasma IgG and IgM (P > 0.05). The IgM antibody had a significant impact on the number of performed abortions, and these effects were also observed in abortion in women with diabetes.
Using 81Kr and isotopic tracers to characterise old groundwater in the Bangkok metropolitan and vicinity areas

ABSTRACT Krypton-81 was applied to investigate the age of groundwater in the aquifer system in the Bangkok metropolitan and vicinity areas. Stable (2H, 18O and 13C) and radioactive (3H, 85Kr and 14C) isotopes and noble gases were applied in parallel. Low levels of 14C and significant radiogenic 4He confirm that groundwater in the deep aquifers is older than 30 ka. 81Kr analysis identified groundwater with ages ranging from 17 to 300 ka. At some sites, large age discrepancies between 81Kr and 14C indicated that inter-aquifer mixing is likely occurring. The interpretation of the noble gases suggests that groundwaters in the deeper aquifers, with apparent ages of 300 to 10 ka, have recharged in slightly colder and wetter climates than those found in the upper aquifers with apparent ages < 10 ka. Degradation of water quality from seawater intrusion was identified in the upper four aquifers. This was also evidenced by higher δ18O and δ2H values, typical of seawater. The four deeper aquifers contain high quality water characterised by less enriched 18O and 2H. This work presents new findings of very old groundwater in the Bangkok aquifer system.
Greywater Use in Irrigation: Characteristics, Advantages and Concerns

Agriculture and urban irrigation import large volumes of clean water to provide for the water needs. The shortage of freshwater resources is an ever-increasing concern worldwide, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, where the availability of water is reaching crisis levels and chronic water stress (Jury & Vaux Jr, 2007). The awareness of the natural limitations of this resource is growing and so, water reuse has assumed a great significance. In some countries, like Israel, 70% of the treated wastewater is reused for agriculture irrigation (Mekorot, 2007). Water resources are being, over decades, intensively over explored and polluted, and it is estimated that in a few years, it is reached highly values of water stress in Europe. Portugal is already in the ranking of countries with medium water stress (10-20%). According to Melo-Baptista, (2002), 87.3% of the volume of water used in Portugal is for agriculture and 91.9% of this volume is inefficiently used which represents 219M€/year. The amount of water needed for domestic consumption in developed countries is around 100-180 L/hab.dia, representing 30-70% of the amount of water required in an urban area (Friedler, 2004). The increased demand for water leads to demand for new more distant sources and / or greater depths, which leads to increased environmental costs and economic exploitation. Within this context, new approaches are emerging to achieve a more sensible and sustainable management of existing water researches. In fact, to avoid the deterioration of this situation it is imperative to consider different approaches such as water reuse strategies. Indeed, one of ways by which we can reduce the pressure on town water supplies is to reuse greywater for irrigation around household. The use of domestic greywater for irrigation is becoming increasingly common in both developed and developing countries to cope with the water scarcity. The adoption of this and other measures will lead, in Portugal, to the increase of efficiency in the use of water, in agriculture, what will allow savings of 65 M€/year (Melo-Baptista, 2002). The use of decentralise, alternative water sources such as rainwater or greywater is increasingly promoted worldwide.
Antiviral opportunities of Mannich bases derived from triterpenic N‐propargylated indoles

Oleanolic and glycyrrhetic acids alkyne derivatives were synthesized as a result of propargylation of the indole NH‐group condensed with the triterpene A‐ring, the following aminomethylation led to a series of Mannich bases. The synthesized compounds were tested for their potential inhibition of influenza A/PuertoRico/8/34 (H1N1) virus in Madin‐Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cell culture and SARS‐CoV‐2 pseudovirus in baby hamster kidney‐21‐human angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (BHK‐21‐hACE2) cells. Mannich bases of oleanolic and glycyrrhetic acids N‐propargylated indoles 7, 8, and 12 were the most efficacious against influenza virus A with IC50 7–10 μM together with a low toxicity (CC50 > 145 μM) and high selectivity index SI value 20. Indolo‐oleanolic acid morpholine amide Mannich base holding N‐methylpiperazine moiety 9 showed anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 pseudovirus activity with EC50 value of 14.8 μM. Molecular docking and dynamics modeling investigated the binding mode of the compounds 7 and 12 into the binding pocket of influenza A virus M2 protein and compound 9 into the RBD domain of SARS‐CoV‐2 spike glycoprotein.
Lineage specific 3D genome structure in the adult human brain and neurodevelopmental changes in the chromatin interactome

Abstract The human brain is a complex organ comprised of distinct cell types, and the contribution of the 3D genome to lineage specific gene expression remains poorly understood. To decipher cell type specific genome architecture, and characterize fine scale changes in the chromatin interactome across neural development, we compared the 3D genome of the human fetal cortical plate to that of neurons and glia isolated from the adult prefrontal cortex. We found that neurons have weaker genome compartmentalization compared to glia, but stronger TADs, which emerge during fetal development. Furthermore, relative to glia, the neuronal genome shifts more strongly towards repressive compartments. Neurons have differential TAD boundaries that are proximal to active promoters involved in neurodevelopmental processes. CRISPRi on CNTNAP2 in hIPSC-derived neurons reveals that transcriptional inactivation correlates with loss of insulation at the differential boundary. Finally, re-wiring of chromatin loops during neural development is associated with transcriptional and functional changes. Importantly, differential loops in the fetal cortex are associated with autism GWAS loci, suggesting a neuropsychiatric disease mechanism affecting the chromatin interactome. Furthermore, neural development involves gaining enhancer-promoter loops that upregulate genes that control synaptic activity. Altogether, our study provides multi-scale insights on the 3D genome in the human brain.
Reinvestigating the Perceptions of Annual Skin Cancer Screening Scale: a suitable measure for older adults.

OBJECTIVES The Perceptions of Annual Skin Cancer Screening Scale (PASCSS) explains significant variance in whether people undergo annual clinical skin cancer screening beyond other relevant predictors. When developing the PASCSS, the author only tested its psychometric properties and validity with participants representative of the general USA population, despite the particular relevance of annual clinical skin cancer screenings to at-risk populations, namely, older adults. We reanalyze the PASCSS using a sample of older adults. METHODS We conducted a three-wave survey study (n = 237) with each wave separated by one week. Demographic information was recorded at Time 1. The PASCSS was administered at Time 2. Outcomes were measured at Time 3. RESULTS The model fit of our confirmatory factor analysis met or closely approached traditional cutoffs, and each item loaded very strongly onto its respective latent factor. These PASCSS's dimensions together explained an additional 38% of variance in dermatologist screening and 37% of variance in any medical professional screening beyond our control variables (both P < 0.01). The dimension of Unknowledgeable was statistically significant in predicting dermatologist screening (P = 0.03), whereas the three dimensions of Forget, Recommended, and Unknowledgeable were statistically significant in predicting any medical professional screening (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Our results supported the psychometric properties and validity of the PASCSS, and we showed that the dimensions significantly relate to whether participants received a clinical skin cancer screening in the past year. The current investigation supports that the PASCSS is appropriate to administer to older adults.