Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-β/δ (PPARβ/δ) ligands do not potentiate growth of human cancer cell lines

Ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-beta/delta (PPARbeta/delta) increase skeletal muscle fatty acid catabolism, improve insulin sensitivity, increase serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, elicit anti-inflammatory activity and induce terminal differentiation. Contradictory findings are also reported suggesting that PPARbeta/delta ligands potentiate tumorigenesis by increasing cell proliferation, by inhibiting apoptosis through phosphorylation of Akt and by increasing cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. The contradictory findings could be due to differences in the model system (cancer cell line versus in vivo), differences in cell culture conditions (with and without serum) or differences in ligands. The present study examined the effect of two different PPARbeta/delta ligands (GW0742 and GW501516) in human cancer cell lines (HT29, HCT116, LS-174T, HepG2 and HuH7) cultured in the presence or absence of serum and compared in vitro analysis with in vivo analysis. Neither PPARbeta/delta ligand increased cell growth or phosphorylation of Akt and no increase in the expression of VEGF or COX2 were detected in any cancer cell line in the presence or absence of serum. Similarly, liver, colon and colon polyps from mice administered these PPARbeta/delta ligands in vivo did not exhibit changes in these markers. Results from these studies demonstrate that serum withdrawal and/or differences in ligands do not underlie the disparity in responses reported in the literature. The quantitative nature of the present findings are inconsistent with the hypothesis that cancer cell lines respond differentially as compared with normal cells, and provide further evidence that PPARbeta/delta ligands do not potentiate tumorigenesis.
Suicidal ideation, hopelessness, and affective temperament in patients with blepharospasm

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between suicidal ideation and neurological, psychological, and psychiatric features in patients with blepharospasm (BSP). Methods We enrolled 70 BSP patients and 80 control subjects. All participants underwent a psychiatric and psychometric evaluation: Structured Clinical Interview, Clinical Global Impression, Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale, Beck Hopelessness Scale, Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, San Diego Auto-questionnaire. BSP severity was assessed using the Blepharospasm Severity Rating Scale. Results Suicidal ideation was reported in 18% of BSP patients and 6% had current suicidal ideation. 83% of BSP patients had severe hopelessness. BSP patients presented an increased sense of hopelessness (OR= 1.39, 95% CI = 1.13/1.70) and a pronounced depressive temperament (OR= 1.36, 95% CI = 1.12/1.65). Suicidal ideation in BSP patients correlated with psychiatric disorders (OR = 3.96, 95% CI = 1.23/12.74) and higher scores on the HAM-A (OR = 1.11, 95% CI = 1.02/1.20), HAM-D (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.05/1.32), CGI (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.18/2.90), TEMPS-A Cyclothymia (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.02/1.31). Conclusion Our findings suggest the presence of suicidal ideation and severe hopelessness in BSP patients. KEY POINTS BSP patients as compared to controls more frequently reported the presence of a psychiatric disorder and more severe anxiety and depressive symptoms, psychopathology on the CGI, suicidal ideation, and hopelessness. BSP patients with prevalent cyclothymic temperament had more severe suicidal ideation, suggesting an increased suicide risk most likely due to difficulties in psychological adaptation to changing environments, including the neurological disease. A psychiatric assessment is recommended for patients with this condition, with possible referral to a suicide prevention centre.
Assessment of potential health risk of heavy metals in soils from a rapidly developing region of China

ABSTRACT Soil heavy metal contamination is a major environmental concern, and health risk associated with heavy metals is not fully explored. A combination of spatial analysis and Monte Carlo simulation was successfully used to identify the possible sources and health risk of cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), and copper (Cu) in soils collected from a rapidly developing region of China. It was found that mean concentrations of Cd (0.17 mg/kg ), As (8.74 mg/kg ), Hg (0.15 mg/kg ), Pb (27.28 mg/kg ), and Cu (33.32 mg/kg ) were greater than the soil background values. Accumulation and spatial variability of heavy metals were significantly affected by anthropogenic activities and soil properties. The risk assessment indicated that non-carcinogenic risk was not significant. However, 95% of the total cumulative carcinogenic risk of children was greater than 1E-05, implying high potential carcinogenic risk with As and Pb representing the major contributors. Ingestion of heavy metals in the soils was the main exposure pathway compared with the inhalation and the dermal exposure. Concentration of heavy metals in the soils, particulate emission factor, and dermal exposure ratio were the major parameters affecting health risk. This study highlights the importance of assessment of soil direct exposure health risk in studying heavy metal exposures.
Accuracy of self‐reported weight, height and body mass index among older people in Japan

Weight and height are usually self‐reported in population‐based epidemiological surveys. While the accuracy of self‐reports has been extensively studied in younger populations, less is known in older populations. We investigated the accuracy of self‐reported weight, height and body mass (BMI) in an older cohort in Japan, where overweight/obesity and underweight coexist.
The rational use of thromboprophylaxis therapy in hospitalized patients and the perspectives of health care providers in Northern Cyprus

Background Despite the presence of effective strategies and standard guidelines for the prevention of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a considerable proportion of patients at risk of developing thromboembolism did not receive prophylaxis during hospitalization, while others received it irrationally, thus led to unwanted side effects. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the current thromboprophylaxis practice and management of hospitalized patients at risk of developing DVT, along with the assessment of health care providers (HCPs) knowledge, and attitudes regarding DVT prevention. Methods An observational study was conducted in the general wards of two leading tertiary university hospitals in Northern Cyprus in which patients from multiple clinics were enrolled to investigate the rational use of DVT prophylaxis using the Caprini risk assessment tool. Patients were also followed for possible complications two weeks post-hospitalization. A cross-sectional study followed to assess the knowledge and attitude of HCPs regarding DVT risks and prophylaxis. Results Of the 180 patients enrolled, 47.7% were identified as irrationally managed, 52.3% were identified as rationally managed, 77.8% of patients were identified as having a high level of risk. Notably, Four of thirteen patients who received more thromboprophylaxis developed minor complications. Additionally, 73.3% of nurses had not received DVT education. Furthermore, more than 50% of physicians and nurses achieved a low knowledge score for DVT risks and prophylaxis. Conclusions A high degree of irrationality in the administration of thromboprophylaxis therapy to hospitalized patients was observed. The overall scores for HCPs indicated insufficient knowledge of DVT risk assessments and prophylaxis.
Nest and Brood Survival of Lesser Prairie-Chickens in West Central Kansas

Abstract We evaluated the effect of habitat use and other sources of variation on survival of lesser prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus pallidicinctus) and greater prairie-chicken (Tympanuchus cupido) nests and broods. Daily nest and brood-survival probabilities were a function of a quadratic time trend, and both declined as the season progressed. Daily nest survival was negatively associated with nest age, and daily brood survival was positively associated with brood age. Lastly, broods tended by adult females had higher daily survival rates than broods reared by subadult females. The probability of a nest surviving from 10 May to 1 June was 0.72 (SE = 0.06). The probability of a brood surviving from 1 June to 30 July (hatch to 60 days posthatch) was 0.49 (SE = 0.19) and 0.05 (SE = 0.03) for broods reared by adults and subadults, respectively. Although nesting females and females with broods were using Conservation Reserve Program grasslands, there appeared to be no benefit to nest and brood survival during our study. Instead, age of the nest and brood, timing during the season, age of the brooding female, and precipitation during brooding were more important predictors of survival. Further experimentation is needed to determine the mechanisms responsible for decreased nest and brood survival throughout the season. Results from such research could be used to formulate management strategies to improve nest and brood survival.
Breeding potential of introgressions into upland cotton: genetic effects and heterosis.

With 5 tables Abstract As new technology in the textile industry demands higher quality fibres, improving cotton fibre quality has become increasingly important. Twelve cotton lines selected from different breeding programmes with diverse fibre characteristics were used for this study. These lines and their F2 hybrids were grown at the Mississippi State University research farm in three environments. Agronomic and fibre traits were measured and analysed by the additive-dominance genetic model. Significant additive effects were detected for all traits except seed cotton yield and fibre elongation. Dominance effects were significant for all traits. All MD lines and CS-B16 showed positive additive effects for lint percentage (LP), indicating that these lines can be used as general combiners to improve LP. MD90ne was a good general combiner for cotton yield. MD51ne, MD52ne, MD90ne and three derived day-neutral lines were associated with increased additive effects for fibre strength. Some F2 hybrids with positive middle-parent heterosis for both yield and fibre quality were identified. This study revealed that these genetic lines can be used for inbred line and/or hybrid development.
Perioperative outcomes of interrupted anticoagulation in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation undergoing non-cardiac surgery

Background This study aimed to investigate the incidences of and risk factors for perioperative events following anticoagulant discontinuation in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) undergoing non-cardiac surgery. Methods A total of 216 consecutive patients who underwent cardiac consultation for suspending perioperative anticoagulants were enrolled. A perioperative event was defined as a composite of thromboembolism and major bleeding. Results The mean anticoagulant discontinuation duration was 5.7 (±4.2) days and was significantly longer in the warfarin group (p<0.001). Four perioperative thromboembolic (1.9%; three strokes and one systemic embolization) and three major bleeding events (1.4%) were observed. The high CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED scores and a prolonged preoperative anticoagulant discontinuation duration (4.4±2.1 vs. 2.9±1.8 days; p=0.028) were associated with perioperative events, whereas the anticoagulant type (non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants or warfarin) was not. The best cut-off levels of the HAS-BLED and CHA2DS2-VASc scores were 3.5 and 2.5, respectively, and the preoperative anticoagulant discontinuation duration for predicting perioperative events was 2.5 days. Significant differences in the perioperative event rates were observed among the four risk groups categorized according to the sum of these values: risk 0, 0%; risk 1, 0%; risk 2, 5.9%; and risk 3, 50.0% (p<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the HAS-BLED score was an independent predictor for perioperative events. Conclusion Thromboembolic events and major bleeding are not uncommon during perioperative anticoagulant discontinuation in patients with NVAF, and interrupted anticoagulation strategies are needed to minimize these.
Has Danish agriculture maintained farmland bird populations

Summary 1 Rapid agricultural change in western Europe has occurred in the last three decades, at cost to farmland biodiversity, particularly birds. This study reviewed agricultural change in Denmark from 1983 to 2001, to compare patterns of intensification and farmland bird abundance with the UK. 2 Changes in 26 agricultural variables summarized using principal components analysis (PCA) showed consistent changes throughout the period that were similar to the UK. Pig and sheep production, and the extent of winter cereals, rape and fodder maize, all increased. The area used to grow fodder beet and spring barley, the applications of agrochemicals and the numbers of cattle reared all declined. The greatest change in land area in Denmark was the switch from spring- to autumn-sown cereals in the 1980s, almost a decade later than in the UK. 3 PCA described changes in annual indices of bird abundance based on Danish point count surveys from 1983 to 2001, which were most marked during 1983–90, after which ordination values varied little despite continued agricultural change. Of 27 bird species associated with farmland habitat in Denmark, five declined, 10 showed stable trends and 12 increased, compared with 15, eight and four, respectively, among the same species in the UK. 4 Agricultural yields have been sustained or enhanced during the survey period, while most farmland bird species declining in the UK have remained stable or increased in Denmark. Of the five declining Danish species, only lapwing Vanellus vanellus and yellowhammer Emberiza citrinella are associated with predominantly farmland habitat. The timing of the declines suggests that the switch to autumn sowing in Denmark has had little effect on any species. 5 In contrast to the UK, pesticide and inorganic fertilizer use has declined and organic farming has expanded in Denmark since 1983, coinciding with the period of stability/increase in farmland bird abundance. It is not possible to establish any causality from this analysis. 6 The ability of species showing marked declines in Europe to maintain their number and distribution in the Danish landscape in the face of agricultural intensification gives some optimism for safeguarding farmland birds and biodiversity in the future. However, we need to understand the reasons behind contrasting population trends in Denmark and the UK. 7 Synthesis and applications. Marked differences between national patterns of agriculture and the contrasting nature of historical intensification offer the opportunity to contrast the effects of major changes in land-use practice on European farmland biodiversity. Appropriate comparative and individual studies of the effects of changes in specific agricultural management at greater spatial (i.e. supranational) scales are necessary in order to underpin the successful development of future European agricultural policies that will sustain and enhance agricultural yields whilst maintaining farmland biodiversity.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids in Antarctic bacteria

Thirty eight strains of Antarctic bacteria were screened for the ability to produce polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Five strains contained eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5ω3) in the range of trace to 3.3% of total fatty acids, and up to 1.4 mg g-1 dry weight. Thirteen strains produced polyunsaturates including 18:2ω6, 18:3ω3, 18:4ω3 and 20:4ω6 in the range of trace to 7.0% of total fatty acids. Although the data set is currently small, the proportion of Antarctic strains found to produce PUFA's is higher than that found for temperate marine bacteria (and is similar to that recorded for barophilic bacteria). This suggests that the Antarctic environment has naturally selected for bacterial strains capable of maintaining membrane lipid fluidity by the production of PUFA. These results highlight the potential of Antarctic bacteria for possible consideration in the industrial production of PUFA. These results highlight the potential of Antarctic bacteria for possible consideration in the industrial production of PUFA. The fatty acid composition of Flectobacillus glomeratus is reported and discussed in relation to other closely related Antarctic flavobacteria. Fatty acid composition is also shown to represent an important chemotaxonomic tool to aid with the identification of Antarctic bacteria.
Effectiveness of the flexible progestin primed ovarian stimulation protocol compared to the flexible GnRH antagonist protocol in women with decreased ovarian reserve

Abstract The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to compare the effectiveness of the new flexible progestin primed ovarian stimulation (fPPOS) protocol with the flexible gonadotropin-releasing-hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant) protocol in women with decreased ovarian reserve (DOR). Twenty-seven women who underwent fPPOS and 54 age-matched women who received GnRH-ant for pituitary suppression were included in the study. All women had DOR and underwent oocyte cryopreservation. Three-hundred IU/day FSH was started on cycle day 2–3 and 0.25 mg/day GnRH-ant or 10 mg/day medroxyprogesterone acetate was started when the leading follicle reached 14 mm or serum oestradiol level was ≥200 ng/mL. The median duration of stimulation, day of commencing pituitary suppression and duration of suppression were similar in both groups, with 8, 5, and 5 days, respectively. The median number of cumulus-oophorous complexes (4.0 vs 5.5), metaphase-two oocytes (3 vs 4), the total number of oocytes cryopreserved (3.0 vs 4.5), and oocyte maturation rates (0.67 vs 0.70) were similar between the fPPOS and GnRH-ant groups, respectively. There was one case of premature ovulation in the fPPOS group and none in the GnRH-ant group (p = 0.91). In conclusion, fPPOS may be used in women with DOR without compromising the number of oocytes retrieved and seems a viable alternative to the flexible GnRH-ant protocol.
Climatic factors influence the spread of COVID-19 in Russia

ABSTRACT The study is the first attempt to assess the role of climatic predictors in the rise of COVID-19 intensity in the Russian climatic region. The study used the Random Forest algorithm to understand the underlying associations and monthly scenarios. The results show that temperature seasonality (29.2 ± 0.9%) has the highest contribution for COVID-19 transmission in the humid continental region. In comparison, the diurnal temperature range (26.8 ± 0.4%) and temperature seasonality (14.6 ± 0.8%) had the highest impacts in the sub-arctic region. Our results also show that September and October have favorable climatic conditions for the COVID-19 spread in the sub-arctic and humid continental regions, respectively. From June to August, the high favorable zone for the spread of the disease will shift towards the sub-arctic region from the humid continental region. The study suggests that the government should implement strict measures for these months to prevent the second wave of COVID-19 outbreak in Russia. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Life table characteristics of Macrolophus caliginosus preying upon Tetranychus urticae

The life table characteristics of the polyphagous mirid Macrolophus caliginosus Wagner (Heteroptera: Miridae) preying on various stages of Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae) with tomato as host plant were described at 22 °C. The following average parameters were obtained: Female longevity: 28.7 days; fecundity: 0.7 eggs/female/day; egg mortality: 2.6%; pre‐oviposition period: 5.5 days; oviposition period: 18.1 days; post‐oviposition period: 3.2 days; juvenile development time: 26.8 days; juvenile mortality: 34.9%; and sex ratio (♀/(♀+♂)) 0.46. Life table parameters were estimated as net reproduction rate (R0): 6.15; intrinsic rate of increase (rm): 0.031 day−1; finite rate of increase (≤): 1.032; mean generation time (Tc): 58.17 days; and doubling time (T2) 22.2 days. The parameters obtained were in accordance with those reported for M. caliginosus fed on another mite species (T. turkestani Ugarov & Nikolski (Acari: Tetranychidae)). However, compared to the performance of M. caliginosus fed on common glasshouse insect pests, a diet consisting of only mites appeared to be inferior. However, being a voracious predator, M. caliginosus may be a valuable addition to existing methods of mite control.
Prey of the Red Imported Fire Ant (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Oklahoma Peanuts

Abstract The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta Buren, is an important predator in some cropping systems in the United States, particularly sugarcane and cotton, where it preys on key pests such as the sugarcane borer, Diatraea saccharalis (F.), and beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner). A study was undertaken to characterize the prey items collected by foraging S. invicta in an Oklahoma peanut field. From June to September 1999, 19 h of collecting yielded 1,276 foraged items. The largest percentage of foraged items (>20%) (other than unidentifiable fragments [39%]) were lepidopteran larvae, of which 87% were Stegasta bosqueella Chambers, the rednecked peanutworm. Overall, S. invicta collected approximately seven times more pest arthropods than beneficial arthropods. Forager success rates were ≈3.8 times higher for solids than liquids. Refuse piles in the field contained a large percentage of Coleoptera (≈26%) and did not mirror foraged material collections. Percent damaged pods on plants growing within S. invicta mounds was significantly (approximately three times) lower than on plants not within mounds. Additional data are presented on forager success rates and foraging/temperature relations.
Response of carbon utilization and enzymatic activities to nitrogen deposition in three forests of subtropical China

Nitrogen (N) deposition has been shown to affect soil carbon (C) and N cycling in subtropical forests; however, the underlying microbial mechanisms are poorly understood. We used patterns of community-level physiological profiles and enzyme activities to assess the relative effects of the addition of four N levels (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg.ha(-1.)year(-1)) on the soil microbial community in three forest stands (pine, mixed, and broadleaf forests) in southern China, where the forests have been experimentally manipulated for over 8 years. In pine forests, N50 addition significantly increased microbial biomass carbon (MBC) concentration but decreased soil pH levels. N100 addition significantly increased soil peroxidase activity but decreased soil beta-1,4-glucosidase activity. In broadleaf forests, N addition increased soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentration and polyphenol oxidase activity but decreased soil MBC concentration and soil pH levels. N addition also significantly increased soil microbial metabolism activity (expressed as average well color development) in pine forest and broadleaf forest soils. However, the mixed forests responded slowly to N additions and exhibited no significant response of C-utilization profiles and soil enzyme activities. Principal component analysis of C-utilization data separated microbial communities with respect to N addition and forest successional stage. In addition, microbial C utilization was driven by soil pH levels. Although enzyme activities were correlated with soil MBC and microbial biomass nitrogen concentrations, stepwise regression results indicated that soil total carbon contents that were integrated with soil pH levels were key integrators of soil enzyme activities. Our results suggest that soil acidification due to N addition increased soil bacterial C utilization and enzyme activities.