Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Food limitation in Australian desert rodents: experiments using supplementary feeding

Supplementary feeding experiments were used to directly test the hypotheses that populations of two species of Australian desert rodents (Pseudomys hermannsburgensis and Notomys alexis) are food limited. Addition of sunflower seeds to a series of trap plots resulted in an increase in the captures of P. hermannsburgensis. Captures of P. hermannsburgensis were related directly to the amount of supplementary food provided and the amount of food consumed. Supplementary feeding was not, however, able to reverse a population decline, yet it did slow the overall rate of the decline in P. hermannsburgensis. Notomys alexis showed an increase in mean body mass in response to supplementary feeding, but population numbers did not change. Neither species showed a long-term response to the dispersion of supplementary food (clumped vs spread). The combination of pattern analyses and experimental manipulations suggests that the population of P. hermannsburgensis is limited by the availability of food, whereas the population of N. alexis is not. This contrasts with natural patterns of increase, which suggest similar mechanisms are involved in both species, highlighting the need for experimental evidence to support correlative studies.
Impact of ineffective esophageal motility on chemical clearance in patients with gastroesophageal reflux symptoms.

Ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) is the most common manometric abnormality in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, the impact of IEM on esophageal chemical clearance has not been fully investigated. This study aimed to determine the impact of IEM on esophageal chemical clearance in patients with GERD. A total of 369 patients with GERD symptoms who underwent upper endoscopy and high-resolution manometry (HRM) test were retrospectively analyzed. The relationship between IEM and erosive esophagitis was examined. In addition, the impact of IEM on chemical clearance was examined in patients who underwent an additional combined multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH (MII-pH) test. Esophageal chemical clearance capability was evaluated via postreflux swallow-induced peristaltic wave (PSPW) index and acid clearance time (ACT). Of 369 patients, 181 (49.1%) had esophageal motility disorders, of which 78 (21.1%) had IEM. The proportion of IEM patients in those with erosive esophagitis and those without were 16.2% and 21.7%, respectively, and no significant difference was observed (P = 0.53). After excluding patients other than those with IEM and normal esophageal motility, 64 subsequently underwent MII-pH test. The median values of the PSPW index in the IEM and normal esophageal motility group were 11.1% (4.2%-20.0%) and 17.1% (9.8%-30.6%), respectively. The PSPW index was significantly lower in the IEM group than in the normal esophageal motility group (P < 0.05). The median ACT values in the IEM group and normal esophageal motility group were 125.5 (54.0-183.5) seconds and 60.0 (27.2-105.7) seconds, respectively. The ACT was significantly longer in the IEM group than in the normal esophageal motility group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, IEM was found to be associated with chemical clearance dysfunction as measured against the PSPW index and ACT. As this condition could be a risk factor for GERD, future treatments should be developed with a focus on chemical clearance.
Scorpion Venom: Detriments and Benefits

Scorpion venom may cause severe medical complications and untimely death if injected into the human body. Neurotoxins are the main components of scorpion venom that are known to be responsible for the pathological manifestations of envenoming. Besides neurotoxins, a wide range of other bioactive molecules can be found in scorpion venoms. Advances in separation, characterization, and biotechnological approaches have enabled not only the development of more effective treatments against scorpion envenomings, but have also led to the discovery of several scorpion venom peptides with interesting therapeutic properties. Thus, scorpion venom may not only be a medical threat to human health, but could prove to be a valuable source of bioactive molecules that may serve as leads for the development of new therapies against current and emerging diseases. This review presents both the detrimental and beneficial properties of scorpion venom toxins and discusses the newest advances within the development of novel therapies against scorpion envenoming and the therapeutic perspectives for scorpion toxins in drug discovery.
The shrub Rhodomyrtus tomentosa acts as a nurse plant for seedlings differing in shade tolerance in degraded land of South China

Questions: What are the nurse effects of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa in degraded land of South China? Are canopy or soil factors responsible for the main nurse effect? Do facilitative effects increase with the shade tolerance of the target species? Location: Degraded shrubland in South China. Methods: Seedlings of three native climax woody species (Schima superba, Michelia macclurei, Castanopsis fissa) that differ in shade tolerance were subjected to four treatments by transplantation: (1) under the canopy of R. tomentosa shrubs; (2) in open interspaces without vegetation cover (control); (3) under the canopy of R. tomentosa from which canopies had been removed; and (4) in open interspaces without vegetation but covered by branches and leaves of R. tomentosa. Results: At low soil nutrient levels, increased canopy shade, soil porosity and soil moisture under the canopy of R. tomentosa increased seedling survival of the climax tree species S. superba, C. fissa and M. macclurei, and shoot height of S. superba. The nurse effect (a form of facilitation) of R. tomentosa depended more on canopy shade than on soil amelioration. The magnitude of facilitation or nurse effect was positively correlated with shade tolerance of the target species. Conclusions: Use of nurse plants in restoration differs from traditional reforestation (clearing and/or burning to reduce interspecific competition between target tree species and non-target species) because it focuses on positive interactions between nurse plants and target plants that increase establishment of target species and reduce time required for restoration. Because nurse effects of R. tomentosa shrubs tended to be larger on target species with greater shade tolerance, shade-tolerant plants are suggested as target species to accelerate restoration.
Reflexos da utilização de farelo de coco sobre o valor nutricional do filé de tilápia-do-nilo (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1857)

The use of coconut meal may represent an alternative source to fish feeding. The purpose of this work was to assess the impact of the use of coconut meal in Nile tilapia feeding and on the nutritional value of the fish fillets. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with 4 treatments (T1 - 0%, T2 - 10%, T3 - 20%, and T4 - 30% for the inclusion of coconut meal) with five repetitions. The proximate composition, cholesterol, and fatty acids were determined. There was a difference (p < 0.05) between the treatments T1 and T3 and between T2 and T3 with regard to moisture levels; between T2 and T3 with regard to lipids; T1 and all the other treatments with regard to carbohydrates, and finally between T1 and T2 and between T3 and T4 with regard to ash. The cholesterol level showed a significant gradual increase following the increase in the inclusion of coconut meal. There was also a difference (p < 0.05) between the treatments concerning the following fatty acids: C10:0; C12:0; C14:0; C18:1; C18:3 (gama); C20:3 , and C22:6 , but the nutritional quality of the product was not affected.
SELECTION FOR IMPROVED SEEDLING VIGOR IN RUSSIAN WILD RYEGRASS

Seedling emergence of 30 open-pollinated progeny lines of Russian wild ryegrass (Psathyrostachys juncea (Fisch.) Nevski. Syn: Elymus junceus Fisch. ) ranging in seed weight from 2.1 to 4.5 mg/seed was evaluated in laboratory and greenhouse tests and compared to stand establishment capability in the field. Increases in emergence percentage and coleoptile length associated with increased seed weight diminished when seed weights of parents increased beyond 3.0 mg/seed. Emergence in two field environments was correlated with emergence from a 5-cm planting depth in the greenhouse (r = 0.70** and 0.71** for field tests 1 and 2, respectively) and with coleoptile length (r = 0.51** and 0.64**), but not with emergence under laboratory-induced drought stress of −1.1 MPa matric potential (r = −0.05 and 0.13). Experimental error was high for measurements of forage yields in the establishment year (CV = 38% and 36% for field tests 1 and 2, respectively), and resources required to obtain reliable yields would limit test.
Biological diversification in a complex region: a spatial analysis of faunistic diversity and biogeography of the Andes of Colombia

Aim Understanding large‐scale patterns of beta diversity and endemism is essential for ecoregional conservation planning. We present a study of spatial patterns of faunal diversification and biogeographical relationships in the Andean region of Colombia. This region has a great geomorphological complexity, as it is formed by several mountain ranges with different geologic origins. We hypothesize that this complexity results in a high turnover in species composition among subregions.
Scoring System Based on Neural Networks for Identification of Factors in Image Perception

In the paper, the authors analyze the image memorability prediction using memorability experiments (tests) and neural networks. With the development of modern technologies for processing and presenting data, images make it easy to demonstrate the visualization of results, the visibility of materials, design features, etc. Image memorability prediction (image perception) has high scientific and practical importance and can be used in various fields, in particular, business, education, design, etc. Recently, deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have been attracting considerable attention in image restoration. The factors that influence the image memorability and the technologies and approaches for data processing are analyzed. This paper shows the effectiveness of applying the considered technologies and approaches on the experimental data of the public LaMem set, while calculating the quantitative assessment of image memorability. Photographers, designers, and advertisers will benefit from the results of this study directly. The peculiarities of the “Deep Learning” technology implementation are discussed in detail. Results confirm the efficiency of the considered approach for image memorability recognition. In our case studies, we have compared different neural network architectures and develop a scoring system for image memorability. To achieve this target, the authors use PHP as a programming language.
The utilization of sown and indigenous plant species by sheep and goats grazing hill pastures

The utilization of sown and indigenous plant species was studied in three experiments in which plots were stocked with similar live weights of sheep and goats. In the first experiment the animals grazed plots containing 0–5 ha of rush (Juncus effusus)- infested reseeded pasture and 0–5 ha of unimproved blanket bog. The second and third experiments took place on old rush-infested improved pasture; in one experiment two levels of herbage mass of grass were provided while in the other the rushes were cut in spring or remained uncut. The goats grazed the rushes readily in all three experiments. Reduction in herbage mass of grass increased utilization of rushes by goats although these animals still grazed rushes when grass supply was plentiful. Sheep scarcely grazed J. effusus even when hard-pressed by shortage of grass. Both sheep and goats grazed J. acutiflorus. In Experiment I sheep utilized reseeded pasture more heavily than did goats. Sheep grazed similar proportions of the leaves of grass and clover while goats grazed a lower proportion of clover leaves as compared with grass. Among the grasses sheep discriminated in favour of Lolium perenne whereas goats did not. On the blanket bog vegetation, Eriophorum vaginatum and Calluna vulgaris were grazed both earlier in the season and more heavily by goats than by sheep. The relationships between sward structure and grazing height in accounting for differences in species selection by sheep and goats are briefly discussed. The possibility of using goals to control coarse weeds in hill pasture and for strategic grazing to manipulate floristic composition is outlined.
Improving growth performance and caudal fin stripe pattern in selected F6–F8 generations of GIFT Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus L.) using mass selection

Genetic improvement using the mass selection method of growth performance and stripe pattern on caudal fin in selected F6, F7 and F8 generations from genetically improved farmed tilapia strain Nile tilapia was evaluated at the National Tilapia Seed Farm of Qingdao, north China. In experiment I (2003), the average of daily body-weight gain of F7 was 12.5% higher than F6, and 28.6% higher than F5 (P<0.05). In experiment II (2004), the average daily body-weight gain of F8 was 12.9% larger than F7, and 56.9% larger than F6 (P<0.05). Coefficient of variation [(SD/mean)100] of body weight of F8 decreased significantly (P<0.05) to 79.7% of F6 and 72.9% of F7, respectively, indicating that the growth became more synchronous after continuous selection. The percentage of fish with ideal vertical and parallel stripes on caudal fins in F5, F6, F7 and F8 reached 24.8%, 28.8%, 32.2% and 37.6%, respectively, significantly higher than that of the base population (17.6%) (P<0.05).
Vector competence of Aedes aegypti from New Caledonia for the four recent circulating dengue virus serotypes

In New Caledonia (NC), Aedes aegypti is the only proven vector of dengue virus (DENV), which is the most prevalent arbovirosis in NC. Since World War II, the four DENV serotypes have circulated regularly in NC. The epidemiological profile, however, has evolved over the last ten years, with the persistence of DENV-1 circulation and the co-circulation of several DENV serotypes. The current study evaluated the ability of Ae. aegypti from NC to transmit four DENV serotypes (and two DENV-1 genotypes) isolated during recent outbreaks in NC. An Ae. aegypti F1 generation was twice independently orally challenged with each DENV strain (107 FFU/ml). Infection, dissemination and transmission rates and transmission efficiency were measured at day 7 and 14 post-exposure, as well as the quantity of infectious virus particles. Mosquito infection was observed as early as 7 days post-infection. Infection rates between 18 and 58% were measured for all DENV serotypes/genotypes tested. Although dissemination rates ranged from 78 to 100%, transmission efficiencies were low, with values not exceeding 21% at 14 days post-infection for all DENV strains. This study shows that NC Ae. aegypti are moderately competent for DENV in laboratory conditions. In link with epidemiological data, these results suggest implication of other factors in the sustained circulation of DENV-1 in New Caledonia.
Outcomes Following Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatment of Patients With Microsatellite Instability-High Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Importance The mismatch repair (MMR) pathway plays a crucial role in repairing DNA replication errors in normal and cancer cells. Defects in DNA MMR proteins that determine the microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) condition lead to the accumulation of mutations and the generation of neoantigens, which may stimulate the antitumor immune response. Clinical trials have demonstrated that MSI-H status is associated with long-term benefit in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Objective To evaluate the activity of ICIs in terms of overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with MSI-H cancers. Data Sources Published articles that evaluated ICIs in the treatment of advanced MSI-H tumors from inception to December 2019 were identified by searching the PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. Study Selection Prospective or retrospective studies, published in the English language, providing outcome data with ICIs in patients with MSI-H cancer were selected. Data Extraction and Synthesis Author and year of publication, type of studies, diseases included, median follow up, type of ICI, median OS ,and PFS, ORR, DCR and 1-, 2-, and 3-year OS were retrieved. Analysis was performed in December 2019. Main Outcome and Measures The primary outcome of interest was ORR. Secondary end points were median PFS, median OS, pooled rate of patients alive at 1, 2 ,and 3 years, and pooled rate of patients that attained disease control rate ([DCR] calculated as the sum of stable disease rate and ORR). Results Overall, 939 patients (14 studies) were analyzed mainly in pretreated settings. The pooled ORR was 41.5% (95% CI, 34.9%-48.4%). The pooled DCR was 62.8% (95% CI, 54.5%-70.3%). Pooled median PFS was 4.3 months (95% CI, 3-6.8 months). The pooled median OS was 24 months (95% CI, 20.1-28.5 months). The pooled 1- and 2-year OS were 75.6% (95% CI, 61.8%-85.5%) and 56.5% (95% CI, 46%-66.4%), respectively. Because only 1 study provided 3-year OS data, a formal pooled analysis for 3 years was not possible. Conclusions and Relevance In this meta-analysis of patients with pretreated MSI-H cancer, ICIs were associated with high activity independent of tumor type and drug used. Among molecular biomarkers for selection of treatment, MMR proteins may have a predictive value for the activity of immunotherapy.
Estimating Differences in Growth and Metabolism in Two Spatially Segregated Groups of Columbia River White Sturgeon Using a Field-Based Bioenergetics Model

Recovery of white sturgeon in the Upper Columbia River continues to be limited by our understanding of the species' biology, including factors which influence growth, habitat selection and their interaction. Sampling challenges in large rivers coupled with limitations to invasive research on endangered species also create specific challenges to the de- tailed understanding of growth and metabolism. A new bioenergetics modelling approach which estimates basic parame- ters from field data, specifically length-increment and length-at-age data was therefore applied in order to provide novel insights into white sturgeon growth and metabolism. A large existing capture database was used to examine two groups of white sturgeon which preferentially occupy habitats in the transboundary section of the Upper Columbia River down- stream of Keenleyside Dam (HLK group) or further downstream near Waneta (WAN group). Successful application of the model showed differences in both growth and metabolism. Mean annual food intake appears similar for the two groups; however growth was more rapid for the HLK group. This resulted from a higher metabolic rate for the WAN group cou- pled with contrasts in seasonal food intake. Growth differences between groups lead to slower growth and later maturity for the WAN group. In aggregate, results suggest that the WAN group may be food limited and ultimately may have lower lifetime fecundity due its apparently later maturity and the possibility that lower energy intake might increase the interspawning interval. Finally, the functional structure of the model leads to concerns that both groups are approaching the thermal maxima for consumption, which may lead to reductions in body growth if increases in water temperature con- tinue. Overall, application of this bioenergetics model identified new avenues for study which should assist conservation efforts in this species.
Associations between major dietary patterns and anxiety in middle-aged adults in eastern China

Abstract Objective: The current study aimed to evaluate the association of major dietary patterns with anxiety in middle-aged adults in eastern China. Design: Dietary intake was assessed using a semi-quantitative FFQ. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to estimate OR and 95 % CI for anxiety according to quartiles of each dietary pattern score. Setting: Evidence regarding the relationship between dietary patterns and anxiety in the Chinese population is scarce. Participants: The study participants were 1360 Chinese adults aged 45–59 years, who participated in a health survey at the time of periodic check-up in the city of Linyi, Shandong Province, China. Results: Four major dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis: traditional Chinese, western, grains–vegetables and high-salt diets. After adjusting for potential confounders, participants in the highest quartile of the western pattern had greater odds for anxiety, compared with those in the lowest quartile (OR 1·35, 95 % CI 1·000, 3·086, P < 0·05). In contrast, participants in the highest quartile of the grains–vegetables pattern had lower odds for anxiety than did those in the lowest quartile (OR 0·78, 95 % CI 0·574, 1·000, P < 0·05). Moreover, no significant associations were observed between the traditional Chinese and high-salt patterns and the risk of anxiety. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the western pattern is associated with an increased risk, and the grains–vegetables pattern is associated with a decreased risk of anxiety.
Baculovirus-based strategies for the management of insect pests: a focus on development and application in South Africa

There is growing concern among governments, scientists, agricultural practitioners and the general public regarding the negative implications of widespread synthetic chemical pesticide application for the control of crop pests. As a result, baculovirus biopesticides are gaining popularity as components of integrated pest management (IPM) programmes in many countries despite several disadvantages related to slow speed of kill, limited host range and complex large scale production. In South Africa, baculoviruses are incorporated into IPM programmes for the control of crop pests in the field, and recent bioprospecting has led to the characterisation of several novel isolates with the potential to be formulated as commercial products. This contribution will provide an overview of the use of baculoviruses against insect pests in South Africa, as well as research and development efforts aimed at broadening their application as biocontrol agents. Challenges faced by researchers in developmental projects as well as potential users of baculoviruses as biopesticides in the field are also discussed.