Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Systematic studies in Lepidosperma (Cyperaceae: Schoeneae) with particular reference to L. laterale

Lepidosperma laterale exhibits much morphological variation across its geographical range. This study included L. laterale, and morphologically similar species, as well as several comparator species. Phenetic analyses based on 27 morphological and 25 vegetative anatomical characteristics were undertaken in an attempt to resolve taxonomic issues within the study group. Evidence for broadening the delimitation of L. laterale is strong as OTUs of this variable species formed a group with indistinct clusters in all analyses. The mixed, diffuse clusters obtained of OTUs of specimens identified as L. gunnii with specimens of L. laterale suggest that the species limits of the former lie within the limits of the latter. Specimens of most other study group taxa formed relatively cohesive, discrete clusters in ordination and cluster analyses. The results provide strong support for recognition of L. sp. Whian Whian S.F. (J. Hodgon 331 & D.M. Hodgon) and L. sp. Mt Coolum (P.R. Sharpe 5605A) as new species.
Corn types with different nutritional profiles, extruded or not, on piglets (6 to 15 kg) feeding

Two experiments were carried out to determine the nutritional value and verify piglets' performance in the nursery phase fed with diets containing common corn (CC), extruded common corn (ECC), high-lysine corn (HLC), extruded high-lysine corn (EHLC), high-oil corn (HOC) and extruded high-oil corn (EHOC). In the total digestibility trial 14 barrows averaging 6.49 ± 0.16 kg initial body weight were allotted in metabolism cages, distributed in a randomized design with seven diets, six replicates, and one piglet per experimental unit. The values of digestible energy (DE), as well as metabolizable energy (ME) as-fed basis for CC, ECC, HLC, EHLC, HOC and EHOC were: 3,428 and 3,327 kcal/kg; 3,439 and 3,355 kcal/kg; 3,533 and 3,414 kcal/kg; 3,515 and 3,427 kcal/kg; 3,483 and 3,377 kcal/kg; 3,585 and 3,482 kcal/kg, respectively. In the performance experiment, 84 piglets, weaned at 21 days old, initial live weight of 6.06 ± 0.54 kg were used. Animals were allotted in a completely randomized design in a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement, using three types of corn (CC, HLC and HOC), two forms of processing (processed or not by extrusion), seven replicates and two piglets per experimental unit. Six diets containing CC, ECC, HLC, EHLC, HOC and EHOC were studied. There were no advantages in the digestibility and performance by extruding the types of corn with different nutritional profiles, for their use in commercial diets for piglets. The results of the two experiments emphasize the importance of segregating the types of corn, extruded or not, in their real chemical and energetic composition as well as the values of true digestible amino acids for the formulation of piglet diets in the nursery phase.
The effect of dietary carbohydrates on the growth response, digestive gland glycogen and digestive enzyme activities of early spiny lobster juveniles, Jasus edwardsii

The effect of various carbohydrate sources (glucose, sucrose, agar, wheat, tapioca, maize, potato and dextrin), and inclusion levels of gelatinized maize starch (0, 70, 170, 270 g kg -1 ), incorporated in semi-purified diets on the performance [growth, survival, food consumption (FC), enzyme activity and glycogen content of the digestive gland (DG)] of spiny lobster juveniles was investigated in a 12- week culture experiment. There was no difference in specific FC among diets (1.1% BW day -1 ), but lobsters fed with fresh mussel grew significantly faster (specific growth rate = 1.8% BW day -1 ) than on the formulated diets (0.9– 1.1% BW day -1 ). None of the carbohydrate supplements tested produced a significant improvement in growth or survival over a basal control diet. However, the diet containing 270 g kg -1 native wheat starch resulted in the highest moulting (mean = 2.1 moults per lobster), glycogen (3.3 mg g -1 ) and free glucose (1.1 mg g -1 ) concentrations among lobsters fed with the formulated diets, suggesting a superior utilization of this source of carbohydrate. The greater glycogen (8.0 mg g -1 tissue) and free glucose (2.0 mg g -1 tissue) concentrations, as well as higher specific activity of α-amylase (2.3 versus -1 for other diets), found in the DG of lobsters fed with fresh mussel indicated a metabolism strongly directed to the utilization of glycogen.
Utility of quick sepsis-related organ failure assessment (qSOFA) score to predict outcomes in out-of-ICU patients with suspected infections

Background: Referral of sepsis patients at the level of primary care is often delayed due to the lack of an assessment tool which effectively predicts sepsis. The quick Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment score (qSOFA) can be used in such scenarios to improve patient outcomes. Aim: To assess the prognostic accuracy of qSOFA score in predicting adverse outcomes in patients with suspected infections and to compare it with the SIRS (Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome) and the SOFA (Sequential Organ failure Assessment Score). Methods: This study included 180 participants admitted in the emergency wards of the Department of Medicine, over a period of one year with suspected infection. The primary outcome was the combined outcome of mortality and/or ICU stay of more than three days. Secondary outcomes were the duration of ICU stay, duration of inotrope use, and duration of mechanical ventilation. Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics using SPSS version 19.0 was applied in the study. Results: Of the 180 participants, 54 had a qSOFA score of 2 at admission, 52 participants had an SIRS score of 2. The qSOFA score had the highest AUC for both mortality and the combined outcome of mortality and prolonged ICU stay (0.740 and 0.835, respectively). For a combined outcome of mortality and ICU stay >3 days, the qSOFA score had a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 82%. The positive likelihood ratio was 4.17. Conclusion: In a primary care setting, the qSOFA score of more than 2 can be used reliably to refer patients for admission and intensive care as they are likely to need longer hospital stay and can have worse outcomes.
Oral health status and treatment needs among HIV/AIDS patients attending antiretroviral therapy center in Western India: A cross-sectional study

Aims and Objectives: Human immunodeficiency virus infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) is a major public health problem across the globe. Among 37.9 million people are living with HIV in the world and 21.40 lakh are in India itself. The aim of this study was to assess the oral mucosal, periodontal, and dentition status of HIV/AIDS patients attending ART (antiretroviral therapy) center in Jaipur city, India. Methods and Materials: A total of 588 HIV/AIDS subjects at the ART center in Jaipur city were examined. Oral mucosal, periodontal, and dentition status was recorded using a modified WHO Oral Health Assessment form 1997. A pilot study was conducted among 50 patients. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 20.0. The statistical tests that were applied for the analysis included Chi-square test, Fisher exact test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: Of 588 study subjects examined, 65.6% were men and 34.4% were women. Candidiasis was the most prevalent oral lesion (32.5%) followed by acute necrotizing gingivitis (26%), hyper melanotic pigmentation (15.8%), and ulcerations (8.7%), respectively. Oral hairy leukoplakia was observed in only 3.9% and not a single case of Kaposi's sarcoma was reported. Buccal mucosa (36.7%) was the most common site of the presence of oral mucosal lesions. The mean decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) score was 4.03 ± 1.54. Almost all the subjects needed one or other form of dental treatment. Only 12% of the patients had healthy periodontium. Conclusion: Candidiasis was the most prevalent oral lesion. Efforts should be made to meet the increased treatment needs in these patients.
Why are our elderly distressed? A cross-sectional study in a rural community of West Bengal

Context: Population across the globe are aging rapidly due to demographic transition. More than 50% of the elderly in India suffer from one or more chronic diseases and psychological distress is one of the most common morbidities among them. Aims and Objective: This study was conducted with the objective to assess the status of psychological distress among the elderly. Settings and Design: Acommunity based, cross-sectional study among 347 elderly aged 60 years and above. Methods and Materials: This study was done in 30 villages (clusters) in Singur block of West Bengal. A predesigned and pretested schedule was used to collect data. Statistical Analysis: Data were analysed by univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: The mean (± SD) age of the elderly was 67.67 (± 7.15) years, majority (67.4%) were in the 60–69 years age group. Most (62.8%) of the elderly were suffering from psychological distress which is significantly associated with below primary education level [AOR (95% CI)] = [25.09 (11.88-52.96)], living without spouse and child [AOR (95% CI) =7.88 (3.90-15.89)], financial dependence [AOR (95% CI) =20.23 (7.58-54.00)], dependent functional activity (assessed by ADL) [AOR (95% CI) =3.84 (1.25-11.76)], and decision for healthcare taken by others [AOR (95% CI)] = [3.84 (1.25-11.76)]. Conclusions: Alarmingly, the proportion of psychological distress was found to be high among the elderly of this rural area. Therefore, all steps must be taken with special focus on the mental health of the old people so that they may continue to contribute to the upliftment of the society.
INTERACTIONS OF COTTON RATS WITH A PATCHY ENVIRONMENT: DIETARY RESPONSES AND HABITAT SELECTION'

Previous studies on the Texas coastal prairie implicated habitat as the primary factor producing variation in demography and resource use of the cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus). In this community, secondary succession has resulted in a patchy distribution of habitat types. Hence, dietary responses, individual occurrence, and the process of habitat selection were investigated to elucidate interactions with habitat. Diet measurements for animals constrained to known habitats in each season revealed little variation in diet relative to variation in resource availability. This pattern was maintained by dynamic shifts in resource selectivity. Grasses were most frequent in the diet, forbs were maintained at low levels, and berries were consumed opportunistically. Results of a 2-yr livetrapping census showed that individual cotton rats were nonrandomly distributed on the livetrapping grid. They were positively associated with habitat dominated by monocots and exhibited density-dependent occurrence in dicot and mixed habitat types. Overall, females were more specific to monocot habitat than males, but when lactating they occurred most frequently in mixed habitat, possibly to facilitate acquisition of a balanced diet. Habitat selection was analyzed as a simple Markov chain for which transition probabilities were estimated from capture-recapture data. Transition matrices were stationary with respect to density and sex, but not age. Adults were most likely to select a monocot habitat, subadults selected both mixed and monocot habitats, and juveniles were least selective. Behavioral interactions were suggested to account for these age effects.
Multivariate analysis of morphological variation among closely related species Bromus japonicus, B. squarrosus and B. arvensis (Poaceae) in comparison with isozyme evidences

Morphological variation and taxonomic continuum of 110 specimens of Bromus arvensis, B. japonicus and B. squarrosus were analysed to assess the morphological variability of these close taxa. The importance of every morphological character was estimated by the GLM procedure. Stepwise discriminant analysis was used in order to find a set of morphological characters that maximises differences among the species. According to this, the most important characters appeared to be the length of anthers, width of lemma and lemma margin angle shape. The most important characters for the determination of Bromus arvensis was the length of anthers and for B. squarrosus width of lemma. According to the UPGMA cluster analysis, canonical discriminant, classificatory discriminant and principal component analyses, all specimens were separated into three moderately distinct groups which corresponded to the three traditional species. The study showed that qualitative characters were the best for the delimitation of the tax a by statistical analyses and demonstrated the incongruity between the pattern of morphological and genetic (allozyme) variation among the three Bromus species.
Microplanktonic regeneration of ammonium and dissolved organic nitrogen in the upwelling area of the NW of Spain: relationships with dissolved organic carbon production and phytoplankton size-structure

Ammonium regeneration and dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) release were studied experimentally in the euphotic zone of shelf and oceanic waters of NW Spain in relation to coastal upwelling dynamics and the size-structure of phytoplankton communities. Incubations of plankton labelled with [ 15 N]ammonium were made during four cruises, two of which also included size-fractionated determinations of chlorophyll a and primary production, and experimental determinations of production rates of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) using 14 C. Inorganic nitrogen concentrations were mainly related to nitrate enrichment by upwelling pulses, while ammonium concentrations were generally low in all situations. Ammonium did not accumulate in the study area, suggesting a daily time scale coupling between regeneration and uptake. In contrast, DON largely exceeded inorganic nitrogen in all situations and generally increased from spring to autumn. Ammonium regeneration was positively correlated with DON release and both rates showed the largest variation in summer, with minimum values during active upwelling and maximum values when upwelling relaxed. Comparison of DON stocks and rates in different shelf areas suggests that DON release near the coast during summer was more persistent in the water than DON release in off-shelf and oceanic areas. The carbon:nitrogen ratio of DOC and DON release rates was highly variable, revealing a large excess of DOC compared with DON. This excess can be attributed to either an underestimate of total DON release (as only release from ammonium was measured) or to an enhanced production of carbon-rich organic substances by diatoms in coastal areas. By considering a broad range of trophic situations, this study reveals a fundamental difference between short term release of DOC and DON by plankton. Physiological processes (such as carbohydrate exudation by diatoms) seem to be the cause of large DOC excess, whereas trophic processes (such as grazing) are more likely the cause of enhanced DON release.
Critical periods for weed control in cotton in Turkey

Summary Field studies were conducted over 4 years in southeastern Turkey in 1999–2002 to establish the critical period for weed control (CPWC). This is the period in the crop growth cycle during which weeds must be controlled to prevent unacceptable yield losses. A quantitative series of treatments of both increasing duration of weed interference and of the weed-free period were applied. The beginning and end of CPWC were based on 5% acceptable yield loss levels which were determined by fitting logistic and Gompertz equations to relative yield data representing increasing duration of weed interference and weed-free period, estimated as growing degree days (GDD). Total weed dry weight increased with increasing time prior to weed removal. Cotton heights were reduced by prolonged delays in weed removal in all treatments in all 4 years. The beginning of CPWC ranged from 100 to 159 GDD, and the end from 1006 to 1174 GDD, depending on the weed species present and their densities. Practical implications of this study are that herbicides (pre-emergence residual or post-emergence), or other weed control methods should be used in Turkey to eliminate weeds from 1–2 weeks post-crop emergence up to 11–12 weeks. Such an approach would keep yield loss levels below 5%.
Drinking Water Quality and its Effects on Productive Performance and Immune Response of Layers

3 Abstract: Samples of water were taken from two sources (Nile and well). Physical, chemical and bacteriological analysis of samples revealed that, levels of salinity, hardness, alkalinity, Ca, Mg, Na and K in the well water were higher than those in the Nile water. Total bacterial count was higher in the Nile water than in the well water. Then an experiment was carried out to detect the effects of different sources of water on productive performance and immune response of immunized layers. The control (group A) was supplied with tap water that comes From Nile river. Group B was supplied with water from the same source and immunized with 0.2 ml of sheep red blood cells (SRBCs) at the end of the second week of the experiment. Group C was supplied with well water and immunized with SRBCs at the end of the second week of the experiment. After a 10 days interval group B and C were immunized with a second similar dose of SRBCs. different sources of water had no significant effect (P>0.05) on water and feed consumption, water/feed consumption ratio, egg production, egg weight, feed conversion ratio, change in body weight and on the total antibodies titres of layers when immunized with SRBCs.
Integrated Approach to Immunotoxicity: Electron Transfer, Reactive Oxygen Species, Antioxidants, Cell Signaling, and Receptors

As with all body organs, the immune system is subjected to attack by a variety of toxins. Serious consequences can result because the immune organs serve as a defense against infective agents. The toxins, both organic and inorganic, fall into a large variety of classes, such as metals, therapeutic drugs, industrial chemicals, pollutants, pesticides, fuels, herbicides and abused drugs. Although the mode of action is multifaceted, our focus is on electron transfer (ET), reactive oxygen species (ROS), antioxidants (AOs), cell signaling, and receptors. It is significant that the toxins or their metabolites incorporate ET functionalities capable of redox cycling with resultant generation of ROS and accompanying oxidative stress.
Suppression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase gene expression by secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), a new antidiabetic agent

Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) from flaxseed has been shown to be effective in preventing/delaying the development of type-1 and type-2 diabetes. The hypoglycemic effect of SDG in type-2 diabetes has been suggested to be due to its antioxidant activity. Hyperglycemia in type-2 diabetes could be due to an increase in the expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), a rate-limiting enzyme in the gluconeogenesis in the liver. It is possible that the hypoglycemic effect of SDG in type-2 diabetes is due to suppression of expression of PEPCK gene. An investigation, therefore, was made on the effect of SDG on the PEPCK gene expression. Primary hepatocyte culture was treated with insulin, a physiological inhibitor of PEPCK gene expression, or with SDG for 12 hours. After RNA extractions, Northern blot analysis was done. SDG in the concentration of 100 µM completely suppressed the expression of PEPCK gene. Insulin in the concentration of 10 nM almost completely suppressed the PEPCK gene expression. The results suggest that SDG suppresses the expression of PEPCK gene and that its known hypoglycemic effect may be due to suppression of PEPCK gene expression.
A geometric morphometric analysis of cranial and mandibular shape variation of didelphid marsupials

The New World marsupial family Didelphidae is one of the oldest among mammals and is usually regarded as a morphologically conservative group. We analyzed cranial shape vari- ation among six species of the six largest living genera of the family using two-dimensional land- mark data. We captured and digitized video images of the skull and mandible for the following species: Caluromys philander (n = 65), Chironectes minimus (n = 30), Didelphis aurita (n = 70), Lntreolinu cwssicmdata (n = 37), Metachirus nudicuudatus (n = 77) and Philander frenuta (n = 62). Fourteen landmarks were defined for the lateral, 25 for the ventral, 23 for the dorsal views of the skull, and nine on the mandibular lateral view. Sex, species, and interaction effects were ana- lyzed with a two-way MANOVA on the matrices of coordinates aligned by general least squares. All four views had significant interactions. Canonical Variates Analysis was performed on sexes and species, and shape was regressed on the canonical variate scores for each species. Culuromys philander was clearly the most distinct species, with paedomorphic features that can be related to its arboreal habits. A conspicuous shortening of the rostrum distinguishes the highly carnivorous Lutreolinu r.rassic,audatn. Didelphis aurita and Philundel- fi-enata overlapped somewhat, reflecting shape similarities associated with their phylogenetic affinities, while the few differences observed are probably allometric consequences of size differences. P hilundu fienufa and Chironcctes min- inzus showed similar cranial shapes, while MPtuc,hirus nrrdicaudatlrs was distinctive with a broad and elongated rostrum. In spite of an overall similar shape, the geometric morphometric approach revealed several marked differences among species that can be related to their phylogenetic origin and their adaptive zone.
Uneconomical game cropping in a community-based conservation project outside the Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Since 1993 the Serengeti Regional Conservation Project (SRCP) in Tanzania has conducted a game cropping operation (the commercial utilization of wild animal populations in natural habitats) in areas immediately outside the Serengeti National Park in order to provide adjacent villages with incentives to abstain from illegal hunting. In this study we carry out a comparative economic analysis of the SRCP cropping operation and illegal hunting. The extent of illegal hunting was mapped by utilising questionnaires distributed to Village Game Scouts employed in five of the Project villages. Our research indicates that the cropping operation is not economically sustainable and makes only a minor economic contribution to the Project villages compared to illegal hunting. Furthermore, cropping quotas are small, utilization of quotas low, and the level of community involvement limited. Illegal hunting was extensive around both Project and other villages. We suggest that SRCP discard the inefficient cropping operation and instead concentrate on diversifying income opportunities for the Project villages.
CHARACTER CONVERGENCE, DIVERSITY, AND DISTURBANCE IN TROPICAL RAIN FOREST IN GUYANA

The level of tree diversity varies greatly between sites in Guyana and decreases along a gradient from south to north. We conducted a study to understand what controls this gradient of diversity using data from country-wide forest inventories. Analysis of tree diversity on the basis of soil and rainfall effects in an area of 15 × 106 ha showed that soil exerts a strong local effect on tree diversity, whereas rainfall, potential evapotranspiration, and length of the dry season do not. Community averages of disturbance-sensitive attributes of trees, such as seed mass or wood density, were not correlated with variation in either rainfall or soil, but were strongly correlated with tree diversity. As such, the forests in central Guyana were characterized by generally a high average wood density, large seeds, and rodent or unassisted dispersal. These forests also displayed the highest single dominance, thus lowest diversity and low percentages of pioneers in the community. The more highly diverse forests in sou.