Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ascospore release in Mycosphaerella cryptica (Cooke) Hansford

Data obtained from spore trapping studies in the field and in controlled climate chambers indicated that leaf wetting was the most important factor controlling ascospore release in Mycosphaerella cryptica. Temperature was also important, no spores being released at 30°C. There was no diurnal or nocturnal pattern of ascospore discharge.
Total Lipids and Fatty Acid Profile of Different Spirulina Strains as Affected By Salinity and Incubation Time

Three Spirulina strains which were able to withstand salt stress were evaluated for lipid accumulation and fatty acid profile under different salinity levels and incubation period. Presence of salt stress increased the lipid accumulation in selected Spirulina strains upto 25.53%. The fatty acid profile varied differently as palmitic, linolenic, oleic, linoleic and docosahexaenoic acids (in order of abundance) were most prevalent. Fatty acid ratios were found to be different under different salt stress conditions and incubation times in which PUFA and γ -linolenic acid was accumulated in higher quantities at increased salt stress in all Spirulina strains.
A prospective regionalaudit of surgicalmanagement of endometrial cancer in the South and West of England

The results of a prospective audit of surgical management of endometrial cancer in the South and West of England is presented. A minimum data set was defined and information collected prospectively. There was limited tertiary referral to a gynaecological oncologist. The role of centralisation of endometrial cancer care has been questioned, as surgery has traditionally been simple in patients perceived to be at increased risk of more radical surgery. However, this audit demonstrates that standards of even this simple care within the region are often inadequate, with only one-third of patients having basic staging procedures performed fully. This has important implications for patients management, future interpretation of outcome data and clinical governance in endometrial cancer care.
COMPARATIVE STUDIES ON THE BEHAVIOR OF THREE SPECIES OF ANTS (HYMENOPTERA: FORMICIDAE): II. TRAIL FORMATION AND GROUP FORAGING

Abstract Methods of trail formation and organization of group foraging by the ants Formica obscuriventris Mayr, Myrmica americana Weber, and Crematogaster lineolata (Say) were studied under laboratory conditions. Each species was able to organize group travel to a persistent food source. M. americana and C. lineolata achieved this by using trail pheromones, the former species using these pheromones only to establish the trail and the latter using them in all stages of foraging. F. obscuriventris apparently did not use trail pheromones and each individual learned the route to the food independently.
Resident fishes and macrobenthos in mangrove-rimmed habitats: Evaluation of habitat restoration by hydrologic modification

An impounded area (Cabbagehead Bayou) in Upper Tampa Bay, Florida, was studied for 13 mo prior to and 22 mo after berm removal. Sampling for small fish and macrobenthos was conducted both at Cabbagehead Bayou and at a nearby control site, Double Branch Bay. Before and After Control and Impact (BACI) analyses, as well as similarity indices, were used to evaluate faunal characteristics in control versus impacted areas. Berm removal drastically changed periodicity of water cover in the impacted site, with the previously impounded site becoming almost entirely exposed during low tide. Fish abundances, biomass, and mean monthly number of species decreased in Cabbagehead Bayou after tidal flow was established as compared to when it was impounded. Responses of macrofauna varied among taxa, but total amphipod and polychaete abundance displayed a relative increase in the impacted site after berm removal. BACI analyses indicated that the relationship between mean values for almost all polychaete and amphipod taxa in the impacted and control sites changed significantly after berm removal. Additional differences were apparent in BACI analyses, which showed a significant change in the relationship of fish abundance and biomass at both sites for prebreach vs post-breach samples. The changes in relationships were generally not indicative of convergence of control and impacted sites, however. Community similarity of fish, amphipod, and polychaete assemblages increased during the last year of the post-breach sampling but remained generally very low. These findings suggest that distinct faunal responses to alteration of tidal periodicity can be detected within less than 2 yr after reestablishment of tidal flow. However, attainment of close correspondence to control conditions for certain fauna may require more than 22 mo. Therefore, future studies attempting to document recovery of restored wetlands may benefit from extended duration.
Management of Spreading Dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium) in Wild Blueberry Fields

Abstract Spreading dogbane is a troublesome weed of wild blueberry fields. Field studies were conducted in 2008 and 2009 to evaluate efficacy of different herbicides and application techniques on spreading dogbane as well as blueberry tolerance. Results indicated that summer-broadcast nicosulfuron at 25 g ai ha−1 with 0.5% v/v blend of surfactant with petroleum hydrocarbons suppressed (> 60%) spreading dogbane at three of four sites. Spot sprays with dicamba at 1 kg ae ha−1 effectively controlled (> 80%) spreading dogbane with minimal (19 to 23%) blueberry damage at three of four sites. Glyphosate spot sprays at 5 g ae L−1 water provided more effective and longer control than hand pulling. Wiping with glyphosate at 154 g ae L−1 water or wiping triclopyr at 29 g ae L−1 water onto the shoots is also an effective control method for localized patches of spreading dogbane. Although low to moderate crop damage may accompany these techniques, it may still be tolerable for growers to apply these options to limit long-term yield loss caused by spreading dogbane. Nomenclature: Dicamba; glyphosate; mesotrione; nicosulfuron; primisulfuron; spreading dogbane, Apocynum androsaemifolium L. ; wild blueberry, Vaccinium angustifolium L. Resumen Apocynum androsaemifolium es una maleza problemática en campos de arándano silvestre. En 2008 y 2009, se realizaron estudios de campo para evaluar la eficacia de diferentes herbicidas y técnicas de aplicación sobre A. androsaemifolium y la tolerancia del arándano. Los resultados indicaron que la aplicación general durante el verano de nicosulfuron a 25 g ai ha−1 con una mezcla de surfactante con hidrocarburos de petróleo 0.5% v/v, suprimió (>60%) A. androsaemifolium en tres de los cuatro sitios experimentales. Aplicaciones localizadas de glyphosate a 5 g ae L−1 agua brindaron un control más efectivo y duradero que la deshierba manual. La aplicación con azadón químico de glyphosate a 154 g ae L−1 agua o de triclopyr a 29 g ae L−1 agua sobre tejido aéreo fueron también métodos efectivos de control cuando A. androsaemifolium tuvo una distribución localizada. Aunque un daño al cultivo de bajo a moderado puede acompañar a estas técnicas de aplicación, esto puede ser tolerable para productores que apliquen estas opciones con el objetivo de limitar pérdidas en rendimiento a largo plazo causadas por A. androsaemifolium.
Predominance of norovirus GI.4 from children with acute gastroenteritis in Jambi, Indonesia, 2019

Norovirus (NoV) is one of the most important viral causes of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children worldwide. Only a few studies have reported AGE with NoV‐positive in some cities in Indonesia. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and clinical characteristic of NoV infection, and also genotype distribution of NoV in children with AGE in Jambi, as the capital and the largest city of Jambi province, Indonesia. Stool samples were collected from children (≤15 years of age) with AGE at three participating hospitals in Jambi from February to April 2019. The detection of NoV and its genotyping were carried out by reverse‐transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. Of the 91 stool samples collected, 14 (15.4%) were positive for NoV. Fever, vomiting, and severe diarrhea were commonly observed in AGE with NoV, while level of dehydration was statistically significant difference between children with NoV‐positive and those with NoV‐negative. The most prevalent genotype was GI.4 (42.9%), followed by GII.6 (28.6%) and some other genotypes. Interestingly, this study found the predominance of GI.4, differed from previous reports in Indonesia. Continuously investigation of the circulating genotype is needed to control the NoV‐infected AGE.
Empirical Evidence that Declining Species Diversity May Alter the Performance of Terrestrial Ecosystems

We examined experimentally the association between species diversity and ecosystem processes in a series of terrestrial mesocosms. We developed and maintained 14 mesocosms whose biota were assembled from a single pool of plant and animal species and whose environmental conditions were identically controlled. Each community contained four trophic levels: primary producers (annual herbs), consumers (herbivorous molluscs and phloem sucking insects), secondary consumers (parasitoids) and decomposers (earthworms, Collembola and microbes). All mesocosms received the same diurnal pattern of light, temperature, relative humidity and water. The initial volume of soil, soil structure, composition, nutrient content and inocula of both soil microbes and nematodes were also identical among replicates. The only experimentally manipulated factor was the number of plant and animal species within each trophic level. High, medium and low diversity communities had nine, 15 or 31 plant and animal species, respectively. We measured five ecosystem processes as response variables in these mesocosms over the course of 206 days: (i) community respiration; (ii) productivity; (iii) decomposition; (iv) nutrient retention; and (v) water retention. The manipulation of diversity produced communities that differed significantly in their ecosystem processes. Our results provide the first evidence (obtained by a direct manipulation of diversity under controlled environmental conditions) that ecosystem processes may be affected by loss of diversity.
Linear analysis of fetal magnetocardiogram recordings in normal pregnancies at various gestational ages

In this study we investigated the fetal magnetocardiogram recordings (FMCG) in 64 women, 21-30 years old, with single normal pregnancies and gestational ages 28-40 weeks. Spectral analysis was used to quantify heart rate variability and to identify the maturation of the autonomic nervous system. According to our results, there was an increase of the ratio LF/HF of the power spectrum, which reflects the maturation of the autonomous nervous system and also an increase in heart rate variability in the course of pregnancies, which was statistically significant (ANOVA test, P < 0·0005) comparing the R-R intervals of the number of cases in the four groups of 28-30, 37-40, 31-33 and 37-40 weeks of gestation. This study highlights some of the advantages of FMCG as a novel, non-invasive technique for obtaining useful clinical information.
Delivery of macrosomic babies: management and outcomes of 330 cases

This study reviews the deliveries of macrosomic babies and their outcomes. A total of 330 macrosomic (birth weight ≥4 kg) cases were studied retrospectively from July 1999 to December 1999 in the Maternity Hospital of Kuala Lumpur. The variables studied included induction of labour, mode of delivery and the incidence of maternal and perinatal complications. Three hundred and thirty macrosomic infants were delivered during the period of study. Vaginal delivery was achived in 56% of the study cases. The percentage of vaginal delivery was higher among those who had induction of labour (63%) compared to the group without induction of labour (50%). Vaginal delivery was planned in 267 mothers and of these 69% achieved vaginal delivery. Twelve per cent of the macrosomic infants were delivered by elective caesarean section. Shoulder dystocia occurred in 4·9% of vaginal deliveries. Eighty-eight neonates were admitted to the special care nursery unit and 57% of these infants were delivered by elective caesarean section. Perineal trauma occurred in 26% of vaginal deliveries. Post-partum haemorrhage occurred in 32% of caesarean deliveries compared to 4% in vaginal deliveries. Two cases of stillbirths were documented but no maternal death occurred during the period of study. Vaginal delivery is the most frequent mode of delivery for a fetus weighing in excess of 4 kg and vaginal delivery should be attempted in the absence of contraindications, because vaginal delivery has less maternal morbidity compared to caesarean delivery. However, shoulder dystocia remains a significant complication of vaginal delivery for macrosomic fetuses.
Clinical and prognostic value of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio for patients with thyroid cancer

Abstract Background: Although the malignant degree is relatively low and overall prognosis is excellent, some patients with thyroid cancer still experience metastasis during the follow-up, which leads to their possible death. Pretreatment neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been recommended as a biomarker for the prediction of metastasis and prognosis in patients with cancers. However, its value in thyroid cancer remains inconclusive. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the prognostic and clinicopathological significance of NLR for thyroid cancer by a meta-analysis. Methods: Eligible studies were identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. The associations between NLR level and disease-free survival (DFS) or clinicopathological parameters were estimated by calculating hazard ratio (HR) or effect size with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: Nine studies consisting of 3081 patients were enrolled. Results of meta-analysis showed that elevated NLR was not significantly associated with unfavorable DFS overall, but subgroup analysis of multivariate-adjusted studies demonstrated an elevation in pretreatment NLR predicted poor DFS (HR = 3.51, 95%CI = 1.42–8.70). Overall, a high level of NLR was significantly correlated with larger tumor size (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.49, 95%CI = 0.33–0.64), and metastasis status (risk ratio [RR] = 1.70, 95%CI = 1.10–2.64). The association with tumor size was still significant in the stratified analyses by country and histology type (Asian: SMD = 0.719, 95%CI = 0.44–0.98; non-Asian: SMD = 0.36, 95%CI = 0.17–0.56; medullary thyroid carcinoma: SMD = 0.57, 95%CI = 0.09–1.05; papillary thyroid carcinoma: SMD = 0.48, 95%CI = 0.31–0.64). The association between NLR and metastasis was only significant for papillary thyroid carcinoma subtype (RR = 1.82, 95%CI = 1.04–3.20). Conclusion: Pretreatment NLR may serve as an excellent biomarker for prediction of tumor growth, metastasis, and prognosis in patients with thyroid cancer.
Genetic similarity, inbreeding and hatching failure in blue tits: are unhatched eggs infertile?

We use data from a long-term population study in combination with DNA fingerprint data to study the frequency of inbreeding and its effects on reproductive parameters in a blue tit population. Close inbreeding was very rare in this population. The proportion of unhatched eggs in a clutch was related to the degree of genetic similarity between the parents as determined by multilocus DNA fingerprinting. Data from blue and great tit populations studied over 15 years show that about 25—30% of blue tit and 20 % of great tit nests contained at least one unhatched egg. The number or proportion of unhatched eggs in the nest was highly repeatable for pairs breeding in different years, but not for individual males or females. Unhatched eggs, therefore, were unlikely to result from functional infertility. The hypothesis that female blue tits engage in extra-pair copulations as insurance against their mate’s infertility can thus be discarded. Because the genetic similarity between the female and the extra-pair male was not lower than that between the female and her social partner, our data do not support the hypothesis that females engage in extra-pair copulations to reduce inbreeding depression.
Copper and Cadmium Binding to Fish Gills: Modification by Dissolved Organic Carbon and Synthetic Ligands

Adult fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) were exposed to 17 g Cu∙L−1 or 6 g Cd∙L−1 for 2 to 3 h in synthetic softwater solutions at pH 6.2 containing either naturally-occurring, freeze-dried dissolved organic carbon (DOC) or synthetic ligands such as EDTA. After exposures, gills were assayed for bound Cu or Cd. As a first approximation, lake of origin or molecular size fraction of DOC did not influence Cu binding to gills, while DOC concentration did. DOC concentrations ≥4.8 mg∙L−1 prevented Cu from accumulating on fathead gills. At the relatively low concentrations used, neither Cu nor Cd interfered with binding of the other metal on gills, suggesting different gill binding sites. Cadmium accumulation on gills was more sensitive to increased concentrations of Ca and H+ than was Cu. Surprisingly, Cd bound to gills to the same or greater extent than did Cu: for synthetic ligands, Cd binds less well than Cu. This result corroborates previously published observations that Cd, unlike Cu, is taken up at gil.
Natural History of a Northern Population of Twin-Spotted Rattlesnakes, Crotalus pricei

Abstract The twin-spotted rattlesnake (Crotalus pricei) is a small-bodied pitviper that has received little attention in the literature to date. The species reaches the northern limit of its range in southeastern Arizona, where it inhabits higher elevations than any of the state's 10 other rattlesnake species. During 1997–2000, we captured, measured, and marked 127 C. pricei in Arizona's Chiricahua Mountains between 2530 and 2900 m elevation. We also used radiotelemetry to track the movements of 16 C. pricei in the study area during 1997–1998. Mean (± SE) snout–vent length of C. pricei was 387.8 ± 8.3 mm (range = 168–572), and mean mass was 53.5 ± 3.3 g (range = 3.6–188.5). Based on fecal analyses, lizards constituted the bulk of prey (74%), but the diet of C. pricei also included mammals, birds, and a conspecific. Mating was concentrated in August and early September and parturition took place during late July and August. Mean number of embryos was 3.94 ± 0.34 (range = 1–6) and female reproduction appeared biennial or less frequent. Based on shed and growth rates, female C. pricei develop embryos at 4–5 years of age. Gravid females maintained warmer body temperatures relative to substrate temperature than nongravid females or males, presumably by spending more time basking than other snakes. Radiotelemetry revealed that movement patterns varied from year to year, as males moved over six times farther per week during the 1998 monsoon season (July to September) than during the 1997 monsoon season. Additionally, use of talus slopes by males decreased during 1998. During dry years, such as 1998, males may be forced off talus into cooler microclimates where resources are less concentrated than on talus.
Engineering of 2D Ti3C2 MXene Surface Charge and its Influence on Biological Properties

Current trends in the field of MXenes emphasize the importance of controlling their surface features for successful application in biotechnological areas. The ability to stabilize the surface properties of MXenes has been demonstrated here through surface charge engineering. It was thus determined how changing the surface charges of two-dimensional (2D) Ti3C2 MXene phase flakes using cationic polymeric poly-L-lysine (PLL) molecules affects the colloidal and biological properties of the resulting hybrid 2D nanomaterial. Electrostatic adsorption of PLL on the surface of delaminated 2D Ti3C2 flakes occurs efficiently, leads to changing an MXene’s negative surface charge toward a positive value, which can also be effectively managed through pH changes. Analysis of bioactive properties revealed additional antibacterial functionality of the developed 2D Ti3C2/PLL MXene flakes concerning Escherichia. coli Gram-negative bacteria cells. A reduction of two orders of magnitude of viable cells was achieved at a concentration of 200 mg L−1. The in vitro analysis also showed lowered toxicity in the concentration range up to 375 mg L−1. The presented study demonstrates a feasible approach to control surface properties of 2D Ti3C2 MXene flakes through surface charge engineering which was also verified in vitro for usage in biotechnology or nanomedicine applications.
Three decades of acquired gynaetresia in Ibadan: clinical presentation and management

A retrospective analysis of acquired gynaetresia (Vaginal Stenosis) managed at the University College Hospital Ibadan, Nigeria between 1967 and 1996 was conducted in terms of clinical presentation and management. The prevalence rate was 7/1000. The peak age incidence was 20-30 years. Chemical vaginitis resulting from insertion of caustic vaginal pessaries for various reasons was the major cause of acquired gynaetresia. Dyspareunia/apyreunia and vaginal stenosis/occlusion were the most common symptoms and clinical findings respectively.The various surgical treatment of acquired gynaetresia included one stage vaginoplasty, McIndole-Read's two stage vaginplasty, separation of labial agglutination, Williams's operation, and simple dilatation of the vagina. Successful correction was recorded in 68% of the patients while 28% had residual partial stenosis, 4% had complete stenosis and 6% were lost to follow-up. It was concluded that acquired gynaetresia is preventable. Efforts should be made by authorities to address this issue and create designated centres in the country for the management of these cases and training of junior gynaecologists.
Ubiquitous Electron Transport in Non-Electron Transfer Proteins

Many proteins that have no known role in electron transfer processes are excellent electronic conductors. This surprising characteristic is not generally evident in bulk aggregates or crystals, or in isolated, solvated peptides, because the outer hydrophilic shell of the protein presents a barrier to charge injection. Ligands that penetrate this barrier make excellent electrical contacts, yielding conductivities on the order of a S/m. The Fermi Energy of metal electrodes is aligned with the energy of internal electronic states of the protein, as evidenced by resonant transmission peaks at about 0.3V on the Normal Hydrogen Electrode scale. This energy is about 0.7 V less than the oxidation potential of aromatic amino acids, indicating a large reduction in electrostatic reorganization energy losses in the interior of the proteins. Consistent with a possible biological role for this conductance, there is a strong dependence on protein conformation. Thus, direct measurement of conductance is a powerful new way to read out protein conformation in real time, opening the way to new types of single molecule sensors and sequencing devices.