Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular Techniques for Discrimination of Late Watergrass (Echinochloa oryzicola) and Early Watergrass (Echinochloa oryzoides) Species in Turkish Rice Production

Abstract Molecular techniques are useful tools for solving taxonomic confusion among species. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methods were applied for the identification of barnyardgrass, early watergrass, and late watergrass. Total DNA was extracted from 266 accessions, which were collected from different rice growing areas of Turkey. The two primer sets (trn-a and trn-b1, and trn-c and trn-d) specific to a target region of the intergenic spacer between trnT (UGU) and trnL (UAA) and the entire intron region of trnL (UAA), respectively, were used in PCR amplifications. Of the 266 accessions of Echinochloa spp. , only eight accessions gave a similar fragment size, which was slightly shorter than 495 bp. The PCR product obtained with the primers trn-a and trn-b1 gave two fragments when EcoRI restriction enzyme was used in barnyardgrass and early watergrass. However, not all accessions of late watergrass were digested with this enzyme. In contrast to EcoRI, the PCR product obtained using the trn-c and trn-d primer set was digested into two fragments by using AluI restriction enzyme in all accessions of late watergrass; whereas, it was not digested in barnyardgrass and early watergrass. This molecular differentiation among barnyardgrass, early watergrass, and late watergrass supports the hypothesis that late watergrass is not a synonym of early watergrass in Turkish accessions. Nomenclature: Barnyardgrass, Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. , early watergrass, Echinochloa oryzoides (Ard.) Fritsch. , late watergrass, Echinochloa oryzicola (Vasing.) Vasing. , rice, Oryza sativa L.
Shared predators and indirect trophic interactions: lemming cycles and arctic‐nesting geese

Summary 1 We investigated the hypothesis that cyclic lemming populations indirectly affect arctic-nesting greater snow geese (Anser caerulescens atlanticus L.) through the behavioural and numerical responses of shared predators. 2 The study took place on Bylot Island in the Canadian High Arctic during two lemming cycles. We recorded changes in foraging behaviour and activity rate of arctic foxes, parasitic jaegers, glaucous gulls and common ravens in a goose colony during one lemming cycle and we monitored denning activity of foxes for 7 years. We also evaluated the total response of predators (i.e. number of eggs depredated). 3 Arctic foxes were more successful in attacking lemmings than goose nests because predators were constrained by goose nest defence. Predators increased their foraging effort on goose eggs following a lemming decline. 4 Activity rates in the goose colony varied 3·5-fold in arctic foxes and 4·8-fold in parasitic jaegers, and were highest 2 and 3 years after the lemming peak, respectively. The breeding output of arctic foxes appeared to be driven primarily by lemming numbers. 5 Predators consumed 19–88% of the annual goose nesting production and egg predation intensity varied 2·7-fold, being lowest during peak lemming years. Arctic foxes and parasitic jaegers were the key predators generating marked annual variation in egg predation. 6 Our study provides strong support for short-term, positive indirect effects and long-term, negative indirect effects of lemming populations on arctic-nesting geese. The outcome between these opposing indirect effects is probably an apparent competition between rodents and many terrestrial arctic-nesting birds.
Migration route and wintering area of Northern Goshawk Accipiter gentilis breeding in Hokkaido, northern Japan

ABSTRACT Northern Goshawks Accipiter gentilis are widely distributed in forested areas across the Holarctic Region. To confirm whether the goshawks breeding in Hokkaido are migrants or residents, and to locate migration routes and wintering areas, I satellite tracked two breeding female goshawks in Hokkaido. Both two goshawks moved southward in winter. The distances between nest sites and wintering areas were 540 and 1,046 km, and the two goshawks stayed in the wintering areas for 98 and 148 days, respectively. These results suggest that some goshawks breeding in Hokkaido are migrants.
New Observations on the Human Fossils from Petit-Puymoyen (Charente)

The site of Petit-Puymoyen has yielded several Neandertal fossils as well as Mousterian stone tools. The anatomy of the PPm1 mandible has been the subject of comment in the past because it has been described as showing a combination of primitive and derived features. Examination of the original fossil confirms the presence of some individual chin elements on the external aspect of the symphysis and superior and inferior transverse tori on the internal aspect. However, this specimen can be comfortably accommodated within the known Neandertal range of variation. Both the PPm1 and PPm3 mandibles show a more modest degree of midfacial prognathism than most Neandertals. In addition, the PPm3 individual possesses a P 3 which shows multiple roots. While a division of the pulp chamber can occasionally be found in Neandertal specimens, complete separation of the roots, as in PPm3, has not been reported in any other Neandertal individual, and represents a primitive feature only rarely found in specimens attributed to the genus Homo. A previously unpublished fragment of human occipital bone also was recognized within the sample of human fossils from the site. The presence of unfused sutures and the low thickness values for the bone suggest it represents a late adolescent or young adult individual. The presence of a suprainiac fossa suggests Neandertal affinities for this specimen.
Inpatient rehabilitation facilities’ hospital readmission rates for medicare beneficiaries treated following a stroke

ABSTRACT Background Stroke is the leading cause for admission to the nearly 1,200 Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (IRFs) nationally in the US. For many patients, post-acute care is an important component of their rehabilitation. Several quality measures have been publicly reported for post-acute care providers, including hospital readmissions. However, to date none have focused on specific medical conditions, limiting the usability for patients and quality improvement. Objective To assess hospital readmission rates for Medicare patients receiving inpatient rehabilitation following stroke and to identify risk factors in order to evaluate the feasibility of a stroke-specific hospital readmission measure. Methods Observational study analyzing national Medicare inpatient claims and administrative data to assess hospital readmissions. Using logistic regression, we calculated unadjusted and risk-standardized readmission rates, which adjusted for patient characteristics, including type of stroke and admission function, to capture stroke severity. Results Our national study included 116,073 fee-for-service Medicare beneficiary discharged from IRFs in 2013–2014 following stroke from 1,162 IRFs nationally. The observed hospital readmission rate among IRF patients following stroke was 11.6% and varied by patients’ admission motor function. Patients with greater functional dependence had higher readmission rates on average. Lower admission function, hemorrhagic and other stroke types (relative to ischemic) were significantly associated with higher odds of hospital readmission. Conclusion Results suggest it is feasible to assess hospital readmission rates among a stroke-cohort treated in IRFs. Stroke-focused quality measures would be useful to patients in selecting a provider and for providers in evaluating their stroke rehabilitation program outcomes. Secondary results suggest that admission function (FIM) capture stroke severity, a limitation with other claims-based stroke measures.
Mite Pests of Honey Bees

Mites that affect honey bees or are found in bee hives may be divided into three groups: parasites, phoretic mites, and house guests. The number of species of parasitic mites are few, but some are the causes of serious diseases of bees. The primary problem mites are Varroa jacobsoni, Acarapis woodi, and Tropi/ae/aps clareae. Phoretic mites are fl ower or leaf-feeding mites that use honey bees for transport from one plant to another and arrive accidentally in a beehive. Among the many house guests are species that feed on old provisions and a few species that feed on other mites. Mites rarely feed on stored pollen in active hives, although large numbers of pollen-feeding mites are often found in stored combs. There are four species of honey bees on earth. Apis melli/era is native to Europe and Africa; A. cerana, A. dorsata, and A. florea are native to Asia. Apis melli/era has been transported to all areas where men reside. They have been successfully established everywhere except in tropical Asia where mites that prey on some of the three Asian species are apparently responsi­ ble for their demise. In the past few decades one species of mite native to Europe and one native to Asia have been spread by men to other continents and pose a threat to the beekeeping industry. The only major honey-producing areas unin­ fested by one or both at present are the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. Beekeepers in these four countries are alert to the dan­ gers these mites pose; however, given the rate at which people move around earth and the laxity of customs officials in most countries, these mites will eventually be as ubiquitous as their hosts.
Influence of Arctic Terns on Survival of Artificial and Natural Semipalmated Plover Nests

Abstract Survival of Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus) nests was compared in areas with and without nesting Arctic Terns (Sterna paradisaea) to determine whether the protection provided to plovers by association with this colonial species is passive or aggressive. Artificial and natural nests placed ≤100 m from terns had similar rates of survival (<10% of all nests lost to predators), and benefited substantially from protection against predators through aggressive behavior of nesting terns. Natural nests had much higher survival than artificial nests when positioned >100 m from nesting terns, suggesting that the presence of incubating adult plovers reduces the probability of nest predation. Nesting in association with Arctic Terns may represent an alternate form of habitat selection by Semipalmated Plovers and suggests that plovers can employ alternate nest defense strategies when opportunities are present.
Effect of Divergent Solar Radiation Exposure With Outdoor Versus Indoor Training in the Heat: Implications for Performance

Abstract O'Connor, FK, Doering, TM, Minett, GM, Reaburn, PR, Bartlett, JD and Coffey, VG. Effect of divergent solar radiation exposure with outdoor versus indoor training in the heat: implications for performance. J Strength Cond Res 36(6): 1622–1628, 2022—The aim of this study was to determine physiological and perceptual responses and performance outcomes when completing high-intensity exercise in outdoor and indoor hot environments with contrasting solar radiation exposure. Seven cyclists and 9 Australian Football League (AFL) players undertook cycling trials in hot conditions (≥30 °C) outdoors and indoors. Cyclists completed 5 × 4 minutes intervals (∼80% peak power output [PPO]) with 2 minutes recovery (∼40% PPO) before a 20-km self-paced ride. Australian Football League players completed a standardized 20 minutes warm-up (∼65% mean 4-minute power output) then 5 × 2 minutes maximal effort intervals. Heart rate (HR), PO, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE), thermal comfort (TC), and thermal sensation (TS) were recorded. Core (Tc) and skin temperature (Tsk) were monitored in cyclists alone. In both studies, ambient temperature, relative humidity, and solar radiation were monitored outdoors and matched for ambient temperature and relative humidity indoors, generating different wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) for cyclists, but the similar WBGT for AFL players through higher relative humidity indoors. The statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Cyclists' HR (p = 0.05), Tc (p = 0.03), and Tsk (p = 0.03) were higher outdoors with variable effects for increased RPE, TS, and TC (d = 0.2–1.3). Power output during intervals was not different between trials, but there were small-moderate improvements in cyclists' PO and 20-km time indoors (d = 0.3–0.6). There was a small effect (d = 0.2) for AFL players' mean PO to increase outdoors for interval 4 alone (p = 0.04); however, overall there were small-moderate effects for lower RPE and TS indoors (d = 0.2–0.5). Indoor training in hot conditions without solar radiation may promote modest reductions in physiological strain and improve performance capacity in well-trained athletes.
Climatic breadth of calling behaviour in two widespread Neotropical frogs: Insights from humidity extremes

Climate change is severely altering precipitation regimes at local and global scales, yet the capacity of species to cope with these changes has been insufficiently examined. Amphibians are globally endangered and particularly sensitive to moisture conditions. For mating, most amphibian species rely on calling behaviour, which is a key weather‐dependent trait. Using passive acoustics, we monitored the calling behaviour of two widespread Neotropical frogs in 12 populations located at the humidity extremes but thermal mean of the species distribution. Based on 2,554 hr of recordings over a breeding season, we found that both the aquatic species Pseudis paradoxa and the arboreal species Boana raniceps exhibited calling behaviour at a wide range of relative humidity. Calling humidity was significantly lower in conspecific populations subjected to drier conditions, while calling temperature did not differ between populations or species. Overall, no variation in climatic breadth was observed between large and small choruses, and calling behaviour was scarcely detected during the driest, hottest and coldest potential periods of breeding. Our results showed that calling humidity of the studied species varies according to the precipitation regime, suggesting that widespread Neotropical anurans may have the capacity to exhibit sexual displays in different climatic environments. Regardless of the underlying mechanism (plasticity or local adaptation), which should be determined by common garden experiments, a wide and population‐specific climatic breadth of calling behaviour may assist species to deal with changing humidity conditions. To our knowledge, this is the first study to explore the response capacity of anurans to perform calling behaviour under contrasting precipitation regimes.
An “energy‐auxotroph” Escherichia coli provides an in vivo platform for assessing NADH regeneration systems

An efficient in vivo regeneration of the primary cellular resources NADH and ATP is vital for optimizing the production of value‐added chemicals and enabling the activity of synthetic pathways. Currently, such regeneration routes are tested and characterized mainly in vitro before being introduced into the cell. However, in vitro measurements could be misleading as they do not reflect enzyme activity under physiological conditions. Here, we construct an in vivo platform to test and compare NADH regeneration systems. By deleting dihydrolipoyl dehydrogenase in Escherichia coli, we abolish the activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase and 2‐ketoglutarate dehydrogenase. When cultivated on acetate, the resulting strain is auxotrophic to NADH and ATP: acetate can be assimilated via the glyoxylate shunt but cannot be oxidized to provide the cell with reducing power and energy. This strain can, therefore, serve to select for and test different NADH regeneration routes. We exemplify this by comparing several NAD‐dependent formate dehydrogenases and methanol dehydrogenases. We identify the most efficient enzyme variants under in vivo conditions and pinpoint optimal feedstock concentrations that maximize NADH biosynthesis while avoiding cellular toxicity. Our strain thus provides a useful platform for comparing and optimizing enzymatic systems for cofactor regeneration under physiological conditions.
Alveolar Ridge Regeneration of Damaged Extraction Sockets using a Bovine-derived Bone Graft in Association with a Titanium Foil: Prospective Case Series.

AIMS This study aimed to determine the dimensional change in the alveolar ridge after using an anodized titanium foil (Tseal) in association with bovine bone (BB) grafting in damaged extraction sockets by cone-beam computerized-tomography. MATERIALS AND METHODS Fifteen patients who had one hopeless tooth with over 80% of the buccal wall lost were selected and then the teeth were carefully extracted. The alveolar socket was filled with bovine bone and the Tseal was trimmed and adapted over the bone crest. The primary outcome variable was the change in the alveolar dimension (AD) measurements between baseline (T1) and 6 months (T2) after extraction in three points of analysis, 1mm, 3mm and 5mm below the palatal bone crest. RESULTS Bone regeneration was observed to occur between 87% and 116% of the AD assessed at the baseline. No statistical differences were observed. The mean AD value varied from 7.82±2.75 mm (T1) to 8.02±2.43 mm (T2) in the 1 mm point, from 7.99±2.67 mm to 8.71±2.26 mm to 3 mm and 8.56±2.60 mm to 9.00±2.52 mm at 5 mm area. CONCLUSION Bovine bone graft in association with Tseal achieved horizontal reconstruction of the alveolar crest in compromised socket within 6 months after surgery.
Isolation of ST398 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus from pigs at abattoirs in Tohoku region, Japan

Here, we investigated the presence of ST398 livestock-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (LA-MRSA) in nasal swabs of 420 slaughtered pigs from 84 farms at three abattoirs in Tohoku, Japan. MRSA were isolated from 13 (3.1%) samples from 9 (10.7%) farms at two abattoirs. All isolates were classified as ST398 and were resistant to ampicillin and tetracycline. Ten and three isolates were classified as Staphylococcal Cassette Chromosome mec (SCCmec) types V and IVa, respectively. All type V isolates possessed czrC. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of zinc chloride against types IVa and V were 1 and 4 mM, respectively. This study shows the presence of ST398 MRSA in pigs in this region. Antimicrobials and zinc compounds in feed and drugs might select SCCmec type V ST398 MRSA.
Congenital Horner’s Syndrome and Internal Carotid Artery Hypoplasia

Congenital Horner’s syndrome is characterized by the presence of ipsilateral miosis, ptosis, facial anhidrosis, and iris hypochromia. A few case reports have found the condition to co-exist with other rare congenital entities involving the internal carotid artery (ICA): agenesis, aplasia, or hypoplasia. We present a case of a healthy 21-year-old male who was found to have a left eye ptosis during a routine consult with his family physician. Subsequently, an ophthalmologist made the diagnosis of Horner’s syndrome. After neurovascular imaging identified a small left ICA, he was referred to our institution for a
Propagation of Hedera helix: Influence of irradiance to stock plants, length of internode and topophysis of cutting

Abstract Stock plants of Hedera helix cv. Pittsburgh were grown in controlled environment rooms at four different irradiances (light intensities) 10, 22, 37 or 46 W m-2 PAR (photosynthetically active radiation). The root formation on single internode cuttings from these stock plants was observed in relation to length of the internodes and the position on the vine (topophysis). The analysis indicated that the root number was primarily dependent on internode length which in turn was dependent on irradiance to stock plants and topophysis. The irradiance of 37 W m-2 PAR was optimal for internode length and root number and the basal internode was the one which produced the greatest number of roots.
[Potential biomarkers predictors of mortality in COVID-19 patients in the Emergency Department].

OBJECTIVE Identify which biomarkers performed in the first emergency analysis help to stratify COVID-19 patients according to mortality risk. METHODS Observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study performed with data collected from patients with suspected COVID-19 in the Emergency Department from February 24 to March 16, 2020. The univariate and multivariate study was performed to find independent mortality markers and calculate risk by building a severity score. RESULTS A total of 163 patients were included, of whom 33 died and 29 of them were positive for the COVID-19 PCR test. We obtained as possible factors to conform the Mortality Risk Score age> 75 years ((adjusted OR = 12,347, 95% CI: 4,138-36,845 p = 0.001), total leukocytes> 11,000 cells / mm3 (adjusted OR = 2,649, 95% CI: 0.879-7.981 p = 0.083), glucose> 126 mg / dL (adjusted OR = 3.716, 95% CI: 1.247-11.074 p = 0.018) and creatinine> 1.1 mg / dL (adjusted OR = 2.566, 95% CI: 0.889- 7.403, p = 0.081) This score was called COVEB (COVID, Age, Basic analytical profile) with an AUC 0.874 (95% CI: 0.816-0.933, p <0.001; Cut-off point = 1 (sensitivity = 89.66 % (95% CI: 72.6% -97.8%), specificity = 75.59% (95% CI: 67.2% -82.8%). A score <1 has a negative predictive value = 100% (95% CI: 93.51% -100%) and a positive predictive value = 18.59% (95% CI: 12.82% -25.59%). CONCLUSIONS Clinical severity scales, kidney function biomarkers, white blood cell count parameters, the total neutrophils / total lymphocytes ratio and procalcitonin are early risk factors for mortality. The variables age, glucose, creatinine and total leukocytes stand out as the best predictors of mortality. A COVEB score <1 indicates with a 100% probability that the patient with suspected COVID-19 will not die in the next 30 days.
Strontium Substitution of Gelatin Modified Calcium Hydrogen Phosphates as Porous Hard Tissue Substitutes.

Aiming at the generation of a high strontium-containing degradable bone substitute, the exchange of calcium with strontium in gelatin-modified brushite was investigated. The ion substitution showed two mineral groups, the high-calcium containing minerals with a maximum measured molar Ca/Sr ratio of 80%/20% (mass ratio 63%/37%) and the high-strontium containing ones with a maximum measured molar Ca/Sr ratio of 21%/79% (mass ratio 10%/90%). In contrast to the high-strontium mineral phases, a high mass loss was observed for the calcium-based minerals during incubation in cell culture medium (alpha-MEM), but also an increase in strength owing to dissolution and re-precipitation. This resulted for the former in a decrease of cation concentration (Ca + Sr) in the medium, while the pH value decreased and the phosphate ion concentration rose significantly. The latter group of materials, the high-strontium containing ones, showed only a moderate change in mass and a decrease in strength, but the Ca + Sr concentration remained permanently above the initial calcium concentration in the medium. This might be advantageous for a future planned application by supporting bone regeneration on the cellular level. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.