Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Clear-Cut Harvesting on Boreal Ground-Beetle Assemblages (Coleoptera: Carabidae) in Western Canada

We compared pitfall catches from four types of mature lodgepole pine—white spruce forest with those from five age classes of young forest regenerating subsequent to clear-cutting. Ground beetles were most abundant in the youngest sites (1–2 years since cutting) and in the mature stands on moist soil. Species richness was higher in regenerating sites than in mature forest. Cluster analysis grouped the ground-beetle fauna according to forest age and forest type, suggesting that there is a general pattern of recovery after logging. Responses of common species to forest cutting fell into three groups: (1) forest generalists (2 species) were not dramatically affected, (2) species of open habitat (27 species) appeared and/or increased in abundance, and (3) mature forest species (10 species) disappeared or decreased in abundance. Populations of many mature forest species appear to recover following logging, but several specialists did not recolonize even the oldest regenerating stands. Furthermore, fragmentation and creation of large areas of relatively homogeneous young forest stages through logging may have detrimental long-term effects even on the more abundant forest generalists. We must better understand subtle variations in habitat in order to maintain invertebrate diversity while harvesting the boreal forest. Nosotros comparamos la captura de carabidos (Coleoptera: Carabidae), utilizando trampas de suelo, en cuatro tipos de bosques maduros de pino (Pinus contorta)—abeto blanco (Picea glauca), con aquella de cinco clases de bosques jovenes en regeneracion despues de tala indiscriminada. La abundancia de carabidos fue mayor en los sitios jovenes (1–2 anos despues de la tala), y en rodales maduros con suelo humedo. La riqueza de especies fue mayor en los sitios en regeneracion que en los bosques maduros. Analisis de agrupamiento (cluster analysis) separo la fauna de carabidos de acuerdo a la edad y al tipo de bosque, sugiriendo que despues de la tala existe un patron general de recuperacion. Las respuestas a la tala de especies comunes del bosque recayeron en tres grupos: (1) generalistas del bosque (2 especies) no fueron notablemente afectadas, (2) especies de habitats abiertos (27 especies) aparacieron y/o incrementaron en abundancia y (3) especies de bosques maduros (10 especies) desaparecieron o incrementaron en abundancia. Las poblaciones de muchas especies de bosques maduros parecen recuperarse despues de la tala, pero varias especialistas ni siquiera recolonizaron los rodales mas antiguos en regeneracion. Mas aun, la fragmentacion y creacion de extensas areas de bosques jovenes relativamente homogeneas a causa de la tala puede tener efectos adversos a largo plazo, aun para las especies generalistas mas abundantes del bosque. Debemos comprender mejor las sutiles variaciones en el habitat, para poder mantener la diversidad de invertebrados cuando se explotan los bosques boreales.
Associated factors and compliance with iron-folic acid therapy among pregnant women of Karachi, Pakistan

Objectives: To assess the compliance with Iron Folic Acid (IFA) supplements and associated factors influencing their compliance among pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at KVSS Site Hospital Karachi. Methods: This hospital based cross-sectional study was conducted on 290 pregnant mothers from October 1, 2016 to December 31, 2016 using Non-probability consecutive sampling technique. A structured pretested questionnaire was used to collect data. SPSS version 21.0 was used for data analysis. Results: Compliance with IFA supplements was found to be 63.1%. The age of the mother (AOR=1.955, CI =1.086-3.521), Knowledge on causes of anemia (AOR=2.815, CI= 1.669-4.749) and time of registration at ANC during the pregnancy (AOR= 1.815, CI= 1.047-3.146) were significantly associated with compliance to IFA supplements (p
Red Palm Oil Supplementation Ameliorates Oxidative Stress in Rats Injected with Tert-Butylhydroperoxide

Potential benefits of dietary supplementation as quenching agent against oxidative stress-related conditions has been extensively investigated. Red palm oil (RPO), from the tropical plant Elaeis guineensis has captivated much interest in the health sector lately; hence the aim to assess the potential effects of RPO supplementation on the antioxidant status and protection against oxidative damage in experimentally-induced oxidative stress male Wistar rats. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=5). Rats were fed 0.175g RPO (7g RPO/kg chow) supplementation for 6 weeks. Oxidative stress was induced by intraperitoneal injections of 0.5mL (20µM/100g of body weight) organic tert-butylhydroperoxide (t-BHP). All parameters were determined in plasma and erythrocytes by using appropriate methods. Data were expressed as mean ± SEM. Exposure to t-BHP caused a significant increase in malondialdehydes (MDA) levels in plasma of non-supplemented rats. MDA was significantly reduced by RPO-supplementation. This proved that RPO-supplementation reduced the increase in MDA level induced by t-BHP injection, thereby protecting cellular integrity against induced oxidative stress. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity increased significantly (p<0.05) in group supplemented with RPO not induced with oxidative stress. This suggests that RPO supplementation could also improve antioxidant status in a biological system. RPO supplementation offers a protective effect against lipid peroxidation in an oxidative stress-induced biological system and that RPO supplementation had potential benefits in improving antioxidant status.
Taxonomic Study of Lactobacillus mali Carr and Davis 1970 and Related Strains: Validation of Lactobacillus mali Carr and Davis 1970 over Lactobacillus yamanashiensis Nonomura 1983

Six motile Lactobacillus strains with meso-diaminopimelic acid in their cell walls were isolated from fermented cane molasses in Thailand and were compared with three strains labeled Lactobacillus mali (strains JCM 1116T [T = type strain], JCM 3821, and JCM 3822) and with a strain labeled Lactobacillus yamanashiensis (strain JCM 1153T). Morphological, biochemical, and chemotaxonomic characteristics of these 10 strains were similar, and the levels of deoxyribonucleic acid-deoxyribonucleic acid homology among the strains revealed that they belong to a single species, Lactobacillus mali Carr and Davis 1970, which has precedence according to the International Code of Nomenclature of Bacteria.
Attitudes of Libyan Patients towards the Use of Rubber Dam in Endodontic Treatment in Benghazi

Aims: this study investigated the attitudes of adult patients in Benghazi towards the use of rubber dam (RD) and evaluated time needed for rubber dam application and duration of use. Methodology: A self-administrated questionnaire was designed and distributed to 200 patients receiving endodontic treatment by: (a) General Dental Practitioners (GDPs) (b) Endodontists. Patients were kindly requested to fill the questionnaire directly after the treatment. Data were entered into a database and subsequently analyzed using SPSS. Results: The majority of patients (77% and 70%) whom were treated by endodontists and GDPs respectively reported they would prefer RD to be used at their next appointment, and most had a positive attitude of the experience. A statistically significant association between age and gender was found among the GDPs' patients (P<0.05). 87.9% and 65.6% of patients whom were treated by endodontists and GPDs respectively reported that the operators sufficiently explained the purpose of rubber dam to them, a statistically significant difference between the two groups of patients (P<0.001) was reported. The mean time needed for rubber dam placement was 4.28 min for GDPs and 1.10 minutes for endodontists, which was statistically significant. A significant difference between the two groups of patients with regards to their opinions toward the benefit of using the rubber dam was noticed (P< 0.05). Prolonged RD use exhibited association with a negative opinion of the experience of RD. Conclusions: Patients generally showed a positive attitude towards the RD. Moreover, some patients showed a negative attitude because of time taken by inexperienced operator in placement of rubber dam.
Biological Invasions in the Amazonian Tropical Rain Forest: The Case of Drosophilidae (Insecta, Diptera) in Ecuador, South America

There have been few reports of invasions in continental rain forests, especially for exotic animals. This study provides original data concerning the potential of exotic drosophilid species to colonize the Amazonian tropical rain forest. To investigate if the structure of drosophilid assemblages differed in response to anthropogenic disturbance, we performed a taxonomic survey at six sites within the Yasuni National Park in Ecuadorian Amazonia along a disturbance gradient from pristine to clearcut artificial forest. A total of 7425 individuals from 34 species were collected of which seven species were exotic. There was significant variation in the assemblage composition along this disturbance gradient; 31 percent of which was explained by the presence of exotic species, particularly at the most disturbed sites, through nonmetric multidimensional scaling and SIMPER analyses. These results confirm the susceptibility of continental rain forests to invasion by exotic species. There is an urgent need to develop and implement monitoring systems, for example, based on drosophilid assemblage surveys, to detect exotic invasions in continental tropical forests.
Estimation of seed production by Myosotis arvensis, Veronica hederifolia, Veronica persica and Viola arvensis under different competitive conditions

Lutman PJW, Wright KJ, Berry K, Freeman SE & Tatnell L (2011). Estimation of seed production by Myosotis arvensis, Veronica hederifolia, Veronica persica and Viola arvensis under different competitive conditions. Weed Research51, 499–507. Summary Seed production by Myosotis arvensis, Viola arvensis, Veronica persica and Veronica hederifolia was estimated in a series of 12 experiments. These species were grown in the field either on their own or in competition with a range of arable crops, though mainly winter wheat. Plants were harvested in summer, as they approached maturity and capsule and flower head numbers and dry weights were recorded. Seeds produced by each capsule (flower head) were also assessed in all experiments. Seed numbers were regressed with plant weight on a log/log basis, and high correlations were achieved in all cases (percentage variance accounted for >91%). Slopes of the overall regression lines were slightly <1.0 for all species (0.77–0.92). In the absence of crop competition, M. arvensis was estimated to produce c. 100 000, V. arvensis 3714, V. persica 4100 and V. hederifolia 980 seeds per plant. Competition from winter wheat reduced seed production of three of the species by more than 70%, but only reduced V. hederifolia production by 56%. These data on seed production form a key building block for the construction of population dynamics models to predict the likely consequences of the lower input weed management that is being promoted to reduce the environmental impact of weed control.
Role of sex hormone binding globulin as the early predictor for gestational diabetes mellitus

Background: The aim of this study was to find role of SHBG as an early predictor for gestational diabetes mellitus.Methods: A hospital based prospective/observational/diagnostic and explorative study. The necessary information was collected from the participants through the prepared set of questionnaires. Pregnant women between 11 to 14 weeks of gestation who visited JSS OPD for antenatal checkup satisfying inclusion and exclusion criteria giving informed and written consent for the study were examined clinically. 3ml of venous blood was drawn with aseptic precautions for the estimation of SHBG and adiponectin. OGTT with 75gms glucose first done at 11 to 14weeks and again at 24-28 weeks and 32-36 weeks were done to the same patient to find out whether the patient developed GDM or not. These mothers were followed periodically till delivery. The sensitivity and specificity of SHBG were assessed and compared in patients who developed GDM.Results: 100 cases were selected for the study. About 12 patients were diagnosed as gestational diabetes mellitus in present study by OGCT at 32 weeks to 36 weeks. In present study about 14 patients had low level of SHBG. Low level of SHBG is found to be statistically significant in predicting GDM in first trimester.Conclusions: The combination of SHBG can be used as predictor of GDM in first trimester.
METALLOTHIONEIN IN THE THYROID GLAND

The localization of the low-molecular-weight heavy-metal-binding protein metallothionein (MT) in the thyroid gland and medullary thyroid carcinoma was investigated by an immunohistochemical technique, and the amount of MT in the thyroid gland was assayed by radioimmunoassay.MT was immunohistochemically identified in epithelial cells of follicular and parafollicular cells. Both the cytoplasm and the nuclei of the cells stained positive for MT. The nuclear staining for MT was strong. The follicular epithelial cells and colloid were positive for thyroglobulin, and the parafollicular cells were strongly positive for calcitonin.Medullary thyroid carcinoma was strongly positive for calcitonin, but most tumor cells were negative for MT. MT-positive cells in the tumor were sporadic, and both their nucleus and cytoplasm stained positive.Radioimmunoassay revealed high levels of MT in the thyroid gland, about 148.7±45.0 μg/g wet weight.
Ecological networks act as extensions of protected areas for arthropod biodiversity conservation

Summary 1. Landscape-scale ecological networks (ENs) are composed of linear corridors and are widely used to mitigate the adverse effects of intensive land use. One drawback with ENs used for conservation is that being small or linear they result in more edge relative to interior than would be the case naturally. Furthermore, there is little evidence to date that ENs do conserve indigenous biodiversity. 2. Here, we use five arthropod taxa at many sites over two geographical areas within South Africa with different elevations and grassland types to test the conservation value of remnant grassland ENs in a plantation forestry context. In particular, the relative value of arthropod biodiversity in exotic plantation blocks, their edges and the interiors of ENs among the plantations were compared with those in neighbouring protected areas (PAs). We use the effects that the plantation blocks have on the adjacent PAs as a reference for comparing the ENs among the plantations. Arthropods were selected to represent biodiversity, as they are small, diverse, habitat sensitive, resource dependent, ecologically important and can be sampled in large numbers. 3. In total, 10 422 individuals from 244 species were sampled. Importantly, there were no significant differences in species richness, abundance or assemblage composition between EN interior zones and PA interior zones in both geographical areas. 4. Using earlier established edge zones of 32 m, we found that plantation blocks had the lowest species richness and abundance compared with either grassland edge zones (<32 m from the edge) or grassland interior zones (≥ 32 m from the edge). 5. Synthesis and applications. Ecological networks are established to conserve biodiversity in areas of intensive land use. Provided that ecological networks are wide enough (i.e. >64 m) to overcome edge effects, they can support similar levels and quality of arthropod biodiversity as protected areas. Remnant grassland ecological networks in agroforestry can provide natural finger-like extensions from neighbouring protected areas and therefore have conservation value.
COMPARISON OF TRAP-CATCH AND BAIT INTERFERENCE METHODS FOR ESTIMATING POSSUM DENSITIES

Leg-hold trapping is a standard method for estimating possum population densities in New Zealand. However, the method is costly because traps are heavy and bulky and by law are required to be checked daily. This limits the number of sampling lines that can be used, which reduces precision. Traps also threaten rare native ground-birds. We evaluated two lightweight alternatives that are more cost-effective to use, orange quarters and WaxTags®. WaxTags® are wax-blocks on a plastic tag and are marketed specifically for possum and rat population monitoring. Results showed that both the orange quarters and WaxTags® were more effective for indicating the presence of possums than leg-hold traps. WaxTags® were considered the better of the two alternatives because they did not attract more possums through time which can confound density estimates. Observers also indicated that possum bite-marks were easier to identify on the WaxTags® than orange quarters.
Sex-related variation in growth rate as a result of selection for large size and protandry in a bivoltine butterfly, Pieris napi

This paper explores what factors influence size, development time and growth rate in a polyandrous and bivoltine butterfly, Pieris napi L. In butterflies male/female sexual size dimorphism has been shown to be positively correlated with female polygamy. Hence, males of P. napi should be selected for large size. Comparing time constraints between the directly developing and the diapause developing generations, it is obvious that the former is more pressed for time, having to complete two generation cycles in one season, whereas the latter only completes one life cycle. On top of this comes selection on males to emerge before females. Rearing larvae at the critical daylength, where part of the individuals develop directly and part diapause, a two-way ANOVA on growth rate shows that there is an interaction between sex and developmental pathway (.)
Vegetation and landforms of the Saint Catherine area, southern Sinai, Egypt

Abstract Floristically, the Sinai peninsula is represented by four main phytogeographical chorotypes Saharo–Arabian, Irano–Turanian, Sudanian, and Mediterranean. The Saint Catherine area, in the southern Sinai, is characterized by a unique vegetation due to its geomorphological formations and altitudinal climatic variations. The origin of the vegetation is primarily Irano–Turanian, dominated by Artemisia herba-alba and accompanied by Atraphaxis spinosa , Agatophora alopecuroides and Gymnocarpos decandrum at high elevations (Gebel Catherina, 2641 m). Lower elevations (1500–1700 m) are dominated by Artemisia herba-alba , Zilla spinosa and Fagonia mollis on stony alluvium and cobble deposits. The vegetation is relatively diverse in sub-shrubs and trees, with few annuals. Vegetation is sparse and characterized by a variety of chasmophytic and endemic species. Six landforms are distinguished in the area: gorges, slopes, terraces, ridges, wadis , and plains. Narrow wadis and gorges are relatively floristically rich and are dominated by phanerophytes ( Crataegus sinaica , Ficus pseudosycomorus and Lycium shawii ) and chamaephytes ( Phlomis aurea , Conyza stricta , Plantago sinaica , and Teucrium polium ). The character of the soil surface, altitudinal gradients, and landform types provide microhabitats dominated by characteristic vegetation.
CD 116: a healthy wheat cultivar with industrial quality.

Cultivar CD 116 was developed by the Cooperativa Central de Pesquisa Agricola (COODETEC) and is suitable for cultivation in the states of Parana, Sao Paulo, Mato Grosso do Sul, Mato Grosso, Minas Gerais, Goias, and Distrito Federal. CD 116 is tolerant to the major diseases, particularly blast, has a high industrial grain quality and mean yield of 3908 kg ha -1 , exceeding the control cultivars by 6%.
Immune suppressive cells in chronic HIV-1 infection

The loss of efficacy of the CD8 T cell response is a crucial process for the progression of HIV infection. Despite intense research efforts in the last years, the reasons for the so-called immune exhaustion remain elusive. Forefront among supposed causes are inhibitory T cell receptors and immunosuppressive cells. The aim of this dissertation was to specify the impact of immune suppressive cells in chronic HIV infection.
Simple Red Cell Indices in Screening and Discrimination of Iron Deficiency Anemia and Beta Thalassemia Trait in Egyptian Patients

Background: The most common causes of microcytic hypochromic anemia are iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and the beta-thalassemia trait (β-TT). The aim of the work is to compare the validity of the various simple indices to differentiate between iron deficiency anemia and β-thalassemia trait. Subjects and methods: A total of 2000 individuals were screened, by complete blood picture, measurement of serum iron, serum ferritin and hemoglobin separation; 224 patients were detected as having hypochromia and microcytosis. Among them 166 cases were IDA and 58 cases were β-TT. We calculated 11 discrimination indices. The number of correctly identified cases were determined, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value and Youden’s index (YI) of each discrimination index was calculated. Results: The percentage of correctly diagnosed patients is highest for Matos and Carvalho index (MCI) (95.5%) which is closely followed by Red cell distribution width index (RDWI) (93.7%). The third high index was Green and King (GKI) (91.9%). Sensitivity, specificity of MCI for detection of IDA was found 98.8%, 87.9% respectively. For β-TT, sensitivity and specificity was found 86.2% and 98.8% respectively. The YI of MCI was found 85.9%. It is followed by RDWI; its sensitivity and specificity for detection of IDA was found 97.6%, 85.3%. For β-TT, sensitivity and specificity was found 82.7% and 97.6% respectively. The YI of RDWI was 81.6%. Conclusion: Matos and Carvalho index and RDWI are easily available automated cell-count-based indices coming out as good discriminator between IDA and β-TT in our study.
Histopathological spectrum of urinary bladder cancer — experience from a tertiary care hospital

Background: Urinary bladder cancer is a disease of elderly and ranks 9th most common malignancy around the globe and 4th commonest in the men. In Pakistan it is the commonest urological malignancy and 4th commonest in men. Type of the tumor, grade and stage are important prognostic factors. The purpose of the study is to evaluate demography, types of the tumors along with grading and staging in patients presenting at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study done at the Department of Pathology, King Edward Medical University, Lahore in collaboration with Urology Department of Mayo Hospital Lahore from January 2010 till December 2017. Total of 377 cases with diagnosis of urinary bladder cancer were studied. Demographic details, diagnosis, tumour grade and stage were evaluated. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis. Descriptive analysis and results were tabulated as frequencies and percentages. The results were then compared with local and international studies. Results: Out of 377 cases of urinary bladder cancer, 319 were male and 59 were female (male to female ratio of 5.4:1) with mean age of 58.9±12.9 years. Transitional cell carcinoma comprised 92.3% of bladder cancer followed by squamous cell carcinoma (4%) and adenocarcinoma (2.4%). Majority of cancers were high grade (61%). Results of Stage PTa, PT1 and PT2 were 160 (42.4%), 56 (14.8%) and 161 (42.7%) respectively. High grade was associated with higher stage at diagnosis. Total of 41 (25.6%), 36 (64.3%) and 153 (95%) cases of high grade tumors were seen out of 160, 56 and 161 cases against PTa, PT1 and PT2 stages. Conclusion: Transitional cell carcinoma was the commonest malignant tumor among urinary bladder cancers followed by squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. High grade cancer was the most common finding and was associated with advance stage of disease.