Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distribution of herbs and shrubs in relation to landform and canopy cover in riparian forests of coastal Oregon

In this study we characterized the distribution of herb and shrub species relative to landform and forest canopy attributes of streamside forests in the moist, conifer-dominated mountains of coastal Oregon. Species cover and environmental data were collected along transects at 94 sites. Species with relatively similar distributions were classified into 10 species groups to identify major patterns in the vegetation. Although these patterns were highly variable, ordination and gradient analyses indicated that vegetation composition is ordered along a complex environmental gradient running from streamside to hillslope. Similarly, species diversity followed a decreasing trend from active fluvial surfaces to lower hillslopes. Vegetation patterns were related to specific landforms, topographic positions, microsites, and coniferous tree cover within the trans-riparian gradient. We hypothesize that the environmental features correlated with these patterns are surrogates for the underlying mechanisms responsible for them. These are (i) hillslope processes and associated moisture gradients; (ii) hydrological disturbance; (iii) tolerance of saturated, valley-floor soils; (iv) shade tolerance; and (v) mineral soil disturbance. This study indicates that valley-floor and lower-slope plant communities are distinct elements in these forest landscapes, supporting the assumption that riparian zones require a different management and conservation strategy than upland forest communities.
ANXA1 Binds and Stabilizes EphA2 to Promote Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Growth and Metastasis

These findings show that EphA2 is a potential target for NPC therapeutics and an ANXA1-derived peptide suppresses NPC growth and metastasis. Overexpression of ANXA1 and EphA2 has been linked to various cancers and both proteins have attracted considerable attention for the development of new anticancer drugs. Here we report that ANXA1 competes with Cbl for binding EphA2 and increases its stability by inhibiting Cbl-mediated EphA2 ubiquitination and degradation in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Binding of ANXA1 to EphA2 promoted NPC cell growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo by elevating EphA2 levels and increasing activity of EphA2 oncogenic signaling (pS897-EphA2). Expression of ANXA1 and EphA2 was positively correlated and both were significantly higher in NPC tissues than in the normal nasopharyngeal epithelial tissues. Patients with high expression of both proteins presented poorer disease-free survival and overall survival relative to patients with high expression of one protein alone. Furthermore, amino acid residues 20-30aa and 28-30aa of the ANXA1 N-terminus bound EphA2. An 11 amino acid–long ANXA1-derived peptide (EYVQTVKSSKG) was developed on the basis of this N-terminal region, which disrupted the connection of ANXA1 with EphA2, successfully downregulating EphA2 expression and dramatically suppressing NPC cell oncogenicity in vitro and in mice. These findings suggest that ANXA1 promotes NPC growth and metastasis via binding and stabilization of EphA2 and present a strategy for targeting EphA2 degradation and treating NPC with a peptide. This therapeutic strategy may also be extended to other cancers with high expression of both proteins. Significance: These findings show that EphA2 is a potential target for NPC therapeutics and an ANXA1-derived peptide suppresses NPC growth and metastasis. Graphical Abstract: http://cancerres.aacrjournals. org/content/canres/80/20/4386/F1.large. jpg. Graphical Abstract
The Temporal Abundance and Distribution of Polychaete Fauna along the Shoreline of Bonny River in Nigeria

The Diversity and Association of Polychaete fauna collected at the shoreline of the Bonny Estuary was analyzed to assess the temporal changes in abundance and composition through a twelve month cycle. The diversity indices of Shannon-Weiner and Margalef indicated a poor to moderate environment as supported by the ecological quality assessment (EQS) which in turn was corroborated by the poor to moderate diversity values of Shannon-Weiner (1.81-2.49) and Margalef (1.9-3.79) obtained in this study.The three polychaete associations identified using average linkage cluster analyses were tightly associated with temporal co- occurrence between distributions. Thethree associations were identified as two groups of repeater species (Generalists)made up of eleven species and one group of an "assemblage of drifters" (Specialists) made up of twenty-one species. The high species turnover among the specialists which were observed with single month occurrenceswas evaluated plausibly as a result of their tendency to have low environmental tolerances since the Bonny river mouth is known to be a stable Polyhaline environment. The implications for environmental and ecological monitoring programmes are proposed in the study underscoring the need to recognize that the specialist-generalist relationship patterns may not always reflect impacts. Rather efforts to use benthic Polychaetes to monitor ecological impacts must integrate detailed species biotic interactions with the environment along with known physical and chemical variables in order to be able to understand the effects of human activities on the estuarine environment and associated management strategies.
The effects of self-efficacy and social support on behavior problems in 8~18 years old children with malignant tumors

Objective To explore the influence factors of behavior problems of 8~18 years old children with malignant tumors in the treatment period, as well as the mediating effects of social support self-efficacy and post-traumatic growth. Methods From May 2019 to October 2019, 160 children with malignant tumors during the treatment were selected through convenience sampling method, and were investigated via the General Self-Efficacy Scale, Social Support Questionnaire, Post-Traumatic Growth Scale and Conners’ Parent Symptom Questionnaire. Structural equation model was established on the basis of survey results. Results The total detection rate of behavior problems in 8~18 years old children with malignant tumors was 10.6%. The structural equation models indicated that boys had more behavior problems than girls, self-efficacy, social support and post-traumatic growth can directly affect the behavior problems of 8~18 years old children with malignant tumors in the treatment period, and the standardized total effect of self-efficacy in both of the first model and the second model was the largest. Self-efficacy is also able to indirectly and negatively predict the behavior problems based on social support or post-traumatic growth. Social support can directly affect behavior problems or indirectly predict behavior problems through self-efficacy and post-traumatic growth. After 2000 bootstrap tests, the mediating effects of social support self-efficacy and post-traumatic growth were confirmed. Conclusion Reduced total detection rate of behavior problems suggests that targeted interventions in recent years may be effective. Interventions focused on improving self-efficacy, social support and post-traumatic growth may lessen behavior problems of children with malignant tumors in the treatment period.
Levels of stress and resilience related to the COVID‐19 pandemic among academic medical staff in Serbia

Dragana Ignjatović Ristić, MD, PhD1, Darko Hinić, PhD2, Dragić Banković, PhD2, Aleksandar Kočović B Pharm1, Ivan Ristić, MD3, Gvozden Rosić, MD, PhD1, Branko Ristić, MD, PhD1, Dragan Milovanović, MD, PhD1, Vladimir Janjić, MD, PhD1, Mirjana Jovanović, MD, PhD1, Dragica Selaković, MD, PhD1, Milena Jovičić, PhD1, Nebojša Stevanović, MD4, Pavle Milanović Mr1, Nemanja Milenković Mr1, Milan Paunović, MD1, Ivana Stašević Karličić, MD, PhD5, Ivona Novaković, MD4, Jelena Aleksić, MD4, Marija Drašković, MD4, Nevena Ranđelović, MD1, Milan Đorđić, MD1, Jagoda Gavrilović, MD1
Metformin improves boar sperm quality via 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase-mediated energy metabolism in vitro

Sperm are specialized cells that require adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to support their function. Maintaining sperm energy homeostasis in vitro is vitally important to improve the efficacy of boar sperm preservation. Metformin can activate 5′-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) to improve metabolic flexibility and maintain energy homeostasis. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether metformin can improve boar sperm quality through AMPK mediation of energy metabolism. Sperm motility parameters, membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), ATP content, glucose uptake, and lactate efflux were analyzed. Localization and expression levels of AMPK and phospho-Thr172-AMPK (p-AMPK) were also detected by immunofluorescence and western blotting. We found that metformin treatment significantly increased sperm motility parameters, ΔΨm, and ATP content during storage at 17 °C. Moreover, results showed that AMPK was localized at the acrosomal region, connecting piece, and midpiece of sperm and p-AMPK was distributed at the post-acrosomal region, connecting piece, and midpiece. When sperm were incubated with metformin for 4 h at 37 °C, sperm motility parameters, ΔΨm, ATP content, p-AMPK, glucose uptake, and lactate efflux all significantly increased, whereas the addition of Compound C treatment, an inhibitor of AMPK, counteracted these positive effects. Together, our results suggest that metformin promotes AMPK activation, which contributes to the maintenance of energy hemostasis and mitochondrial activity, thereby maintaining boar sperm functionality and improving the efficacy of semen preservation.
Serologic Incidence of Cryptosporidial Infection in Broiler Flocks in Shiraz, Iran

Summary An antigen from the isolated propagated, and purified oocysts of Cryptosporidium bailey was prepared. To evaluate the serologic prevalence of Cryptosporidium in broiler flocks in Shiraz area a Cryptosporidiumspecific indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed by using the antigen. Both the sensitivity and specifity of the ELISA was compared with an indirect immunofluorescent (IIF) test using the purified oocysts of the isolated C.baileyi as antigen. 125 out of 1522 (8.2%) serum samples from 26 broiler flocks were positive against Crytosporidium. Upon the result, previous reports on faecal shedding of Cryptosporidium in poultry farms was confirmed and C.baileyi can be added to the list of respiratory pathogens in Iran poultry industry.
The synthesis of xyloglucan, an abundant plant cell wall polysaccharide, requires CSLC function

Significance Plant cells have a polysaccharide-based wall that maintains their structural and functional integrity and determines their shape. Reorganization of wall components is required to allow growth and differentiation. One matrix polysaccharide that is postulated to play an important role in this reorganization is xyloglucan (XyG). While the structure of XyG is well understood, its biosynthesis is not. Through genetic studies with Arabidopsis CSLC genes, we demonstrate that they are responsible for the synthesis of the XyG glucan backbone. A quintuple cslc mutant is able to grow and develop normally but lacks detectable XyG. These results raise important questions regarding cell wall structure and its reorganization during growth. The series of cslc mutants will be valuable tools for investigating these questions. Xyloglucan (XyG) is an abundant component of the primary cell walls of most plants. While the structure of XyG has been well studied, much remains to be learned about its biosynthesis. Here we employed reverse genetics to investigate the role of Arabidopsis cellulose synthase like-C (CSLC) proteins in XyG biosynthesis. We found that single mutants containing a T-DNA in each of the five Arabidopsis CSLC genes had normal levels of XyG. However, higher-order cslc mutants had significantly reduced XyG levels, and a mutant with disruptions in all five CSLC genes had no detectable XyG. The higher-order mutants grew with mild tissue-specific phenotypes. Despite the apparent lack of XyG, the cslc quintuple mutant did not display significant alteration of gene expression at the whole-genome level, excluding transcriptional compensation. The quintuple mutant could be complemented by each of the five CSLC genes, supporting the conclusion that each of them encodes a XyG glucan synthase. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that the CSLC genes are widespread in the plant kingdom and evolved from an ancient family. These results establish the role of the CSLC genes in XyG biosynthesis, and the mutants described here provide valuable tools with which to study both the molecular details of XyG biosynthesis and the role of XyG in plant cell wall structure and function.
GRB7 is an oncogenic driver and potential therapeutic target in oesophageal adenocarcinoma

Efficacious therapeutic approaches are urgently needed to improve outcomes in patients with oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC). However, oncogenic drivers amenable to targeted therapy are limited and their functional characterisation is essential. Among few targeted therapies available, anti‐human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) therapy showed only modest benefit for patients with OAC. Herein, we investigated the potential oncogenic role of growth factor receptor bound protein 7 (GRB7), which is reported to be co‐amplified with HER2 (ERBB2) in OAC. GRB7 was highly expressed in 15% of OAC tumours, not all of which could be explained by co‐amplification with HER2, and was associated with a trend for poorer overall survival. Knockdown of GRB7 decreased proliferation and clonogenic survival, and induced apoptosis. Reverse phase protein array (RPPA) analyses revealed a role for PI3K, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), MAPK, and receptor tyrosine kinase signalling in the oncogenic action of GRB7. Furthermore, the GRB7 and HER2 high‐expressing OAC cell line Eso26 showed reduced cell proliferation upon GRB7 knockdown but was insensitive to HER2 inhibition by trastuzumab. Consistent with this, GRB7 knockdown in vivo with an inducible shRNA significantly inhibited tumour growth in cell line xenografts. HER2 expression did not predict sensitivity to trastuzumab, with Eso26 xenografts remaining refractory to trastuzumab treatment. Taken together, our study provides strong evidence for an oncogenic role for GRB7 in OAC and suggests that targeting GRB7 may be a potential therapeutic strategy for this cancer. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
A framework and standardized terminology to facilitate the study of predation-risk effects.

The very presence of predators can strongly influence flexible prey-traits such as behavior, morphology, life history and physiology. In a rapidly growing body of literature representing diverse ecological systems, these trait (or "fear") responses have been shown to influence prey fitness-components and density, and to have indirect effects on other species. However, this broad and exciting literature is burdened with inconsistent terminology that is likely hindering the development of inclusive frameworks and general advances in ecology. We examine the diverse terminology used in the literature, and discuss pros and cons of the many terms used. Common problems include the same term being used for different processes, and many different terms being used for the same process. To mitigate terminological barriers, we developed a conceptual framework that explicitly distinguishes the multiple predation-risk effects studied. These multiple effects, along with suggested standardized terminology, are: risk-induced trait responses (i.e., effects on prey traits), interaction modifications (i.e., effects on prey-other species interactions), nonconsumptive effects (i.e., effects on the fitness and density of the prey), and trait-mediated indirect effects (i.e., the effects on the fitness and density of other species). We apply the framework to three well studied systems to highlight how it can illuminate commonalities and differences among study systems. By clarifying and elucidating conceptually similar processes, the framework and standardized terminology can facilitate communication of insights and methodologies across systems and foster cross-disciplinary perspectives.
Morel-Lavallée lesions (internal degloving injuries) of the lower extremity in the pediatric and adolescent population

ABSTRACT Purpose To describe the largest case series of lower extremity traumatic internal degloving injury, i.e. Morel-Lavallée lesion (MLL) in the pediatric and adolescent population, its treatment and outcomes. Methods Retrospective review of patients under 18 years who presented with MLL to a tertiary children’s hospital. Demographic, clinical, radiographic, treatment and outcomes data were collected. Descriptive statistical analysis was conducted. Results 38 patients having MLL with mean age 14.6 years were classified into two groups: hip/thigh MLL (nine patients) and lower leg MLL (29). Most common cause of lower leg and hip/thigh MLL was sports injury (79.3%) and motor vehicle accident (MVA) (33%) respectively. Most implicated sports were football and baseball. Primary care physicians/pediatricians were the initial treating providers for 63% of patients. Imaging modality of choice was magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for lower leg MLLs (72.4%) and ultrasonography (US) for hip/thigh MLL (66.7%). Twenty-five (65.8%) patients were treated with conservative management, 12 (31.6%) with minimally invasive methods and 1 (2.6%) needed surgical management. Average return to normal activities took 14.3 and 9.1 weeks for hip/thigh and lower leg MLL, respectively. Twenty-four patients with adequate documentation demonstrated lower extremity functional score (LEFS) and pain level of 74/80 (92.5%) and 0.7/10, respectively, at mean 12.5 months follow-up. Conclusion In contrast to adult injury literature, pediatric MLLs are more common in the leg/knee than hip/thigh region and caused mostly by sports injuries. Primary care physicians are the initial treating providers for the majority of the patients. Intervention is more often needed in the hip/thigh MLLs as opposed to non-operative management for lower leg injuries. This large case series on MLL in the pediatric population demonstrates differences in the management of hip and thigh lesions when compared to the management of the knee and leg lesions in the majority of these patients. Non-operative management in the majority of these lesions provided overall satisfactory outcomes.
Changes in Song Thrush Turdus philomelos Density and Habitat Association in Apple Orchards During the Breeding Season

Summary. Within-season changes in habitat and distribution of breeding birds have been poorly investigated but are likely to be important for several species. With this work, we investigated what factors affect the density of a multi-brooded bird species breeding in apple orchards, the song thrush Turdus philomelos, in three different periods of the breeding season in the Trento province, northern Italy. Birds were counted along transects, and analyses carried out using a Generalised Mixed Linear Model (GLMM) approach. A further analysis assessed the effect of conspecific occurrence and habitat variables on the changes in local density. Thrush density changed during the season, increasing from early to late period, and was mainly affected by tree height (positively), bare soil (negatively in third period), shrubland (negatively), wetland (positively), grassland (negatively), percentage of rows irrigated by droplet system (negatively), percentage of orchard covered by anti-hail nets (negatively), urbanised area (negatively in first period, positively in third period). Intra-seasonal variation in density was affected by tree height (positively), anti-hail nets (negatively), use of herbicide during the late period (negatively), difference in bare ground (negatively), and initial thrush density (negatively), the latter suggesting that best habitats are occupied first. Multi-brooded bird species may show varying density and changing species-habitat relationships during the breeding season, and their distribution could change during the period of reproduction. This pattern could apply to a large number of bird species, requires deeper investigation and could have important implications for conservation and management.
Androgen Receptor Signaling Reduces the Efficacy of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin Therapy for Bladder Cancer via Modulating Rab27b-Induced Exocytosis

Although intravesical bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy has been the gold standard for nonsurgical management of non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer, a considerable number of patients exhibit resistance to the adjuvant treatment with unexplained mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate whether and how androgen receptor (AR) signals modulate BCG cytotoxicity in bladder cancer. AR knockdown or overexpression in bladder cancer lines resulted in induction or reduction, respectively, in intracellular BCG quantity and its cytotoxic activity. Microarray screening identified Rab27b, a small GTPase known to mediate bacterial exocytosis, which was upregulated in BCG-resistant cells and downregulated in AR-shRNA cells. Knockdown of Rab27b, or its effector SYTL3, or overexpression of Rab27b also induced or reduced, respectively, BCG quantity and cytotoxicity. In addition, treatment with GW4869, which was previously shown to inhibit Rab27b-dependent secretion, induced them and reduced Rab27b expression in bladder cancer cells. Meanwhile, AR expression was upregulated in BCG-resistant lines, compared with respective controls. In a mouse orthotopic xenograft model, Rab27b/SYTL3 knockdown or GW4869 treatment enhanced the amount of BCG within tumors and its suppressive effect on tumor growth. Moreover, in non–muscle-invasive bladder cancer specimens from patients subsequently undergoing BCG therapy, positivity of AR/Rab27b expression was associated with significantly higher risks of tumor recurrence. AR activation thus correlates with resistance to BCG treatment, presumably via upregulating Rab27b expression. Mechanistically, it is suggested that BCG elimination from urothelial cells is induced by Rab27b/SYTL3-mediated exocytosis. Accordingly, Rab27b inactivation, potentially via antiandrogenic drugs and/or exocytosis inhibition are anticipated to sensitize the efficacy of BCG therapy, especially in patients with BCG-refractory AR/Rab27b-positive bladder cancer.
Coprescription of mood stabilizers in schizophrenia, dosing, and clinical correlates: An international study

Studies examining coprescription and dosages of mood stabilizers (MSs) with antipsychotics for psychotic disorders are infrequent. Based on sparse extant data and clinical experience, we hypothesized that adjunctive MS use would be associated with certain demographic (e.g., younger age), clinical factors (e.g., longer illness duration), and characteristics of antipsychotic treatment (e.g., multiple or high antipsychotic doses).
Body weight is negatively associated with direct oral anticoagulant trough concentrations in dabigatran and apixaban users

tion of pseudo-TMA due to B12 deficiency, finding it in 0 6% cases of vitamin B12 <180 pg/ml. Our study largely confirmed findings from prior case reports of this phenomenon, while also identifying tear drop cells as a frequent feature. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for pseudo-TMA in the presence of reticulocytopenia, markedly elevated LDH, lower than expected bilirubin, and absence of significant thrombocytopenia. Careful review of the peripheral smear will also be helpful as tear drop cells were more common in pseudo-TMA. Distinguishing pseudo-TMA from TTP is crucial to allow for prompt diagnosis and treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency and to avoid unnecessary diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.