Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Home Ranges of Rat Snakes (Colubridae: Elaphe) in Different Habitats

Cayo Pisaje, which may explain, along with the greater spatial isolation, the fewer species present on these keys. Surprisingly, five species are present on both Monte Chico and Monte Grande (Burns et al. 1992). Unlike Isla Cabras, Monte Chico and Monte Grande are similar in topographical relief to Cayo Pisaje. In addition, sea grapes, present on Monte Grande, and arborescent scrub (predominately Acacia), present on Monte Chico (Burns et al. 1992), add a vertical dimension comparable to that of Cayo Pisaje. Because Monte Grande and Monte Chico are similar to Cayo Pisaje in topography and habitat heterogeneity and are smaller, the greater number of species on these keys compared to Cayo Pisaje contradicts the expected pattern. Anolis cybotes cybotes, Ameiva chrysolaema ficta, Ameiva taeniura vulcanalis, Celestus costatus oreistes, and Celestus curtissi aporus are all ecological generalists present along the coast of the main island adjacent to Cayo Pisaje (Schwartz and Henderson 1991). That none has been recorded on Cayo Pisaje is surprising. Anolis c. cybotes, a heliophilic trunk-ground anole, requires vertical structure, such as that provided by mangroves and sea grapes, which are present on Cayo Pisaje. Ameiva c. ficta and A. t. vulcanalis, opportunistic foragers found sympatrically on the main island (Sprosten et al. 1999), can be found in habitats such as mangrove borders and scrublands (Schwartz and Henderson 1991), which are present on Cayo Pisaje. Debris along the beach seemed to be suitable habitat for either Celestus c. oreistes or C. c. aporus (Schwartz and Henderson 1991). Consequently, this key is seemingly capable of supporting at least some of these additional species, rendering its low diversity of lizard species all the more surprising.
Propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia improves survival compared to desflurane anesthesia in gastric cancer surgery

Abstract Surgical management of cancer may induce stress and increase the likelihood of cancer metastasis and recurrence. Appropriate surgical and anesthetic techniques may affect the patient's outcome. Although numerous studies have been performed, conflicting results have been obtained regarding the effect of anesthetic techniques on the outcome of patients with cancer. We conducted this study to evaluate the association of anesthetic techniques with overall and recurrence-free survival in patients who had undergone gastric cancer surgery. This retrospective study reviewed the electronic medical records of patients, who had visited our hospital and had been diagnosed with gastric cancer between July 1st, 2006 to June 30th, 2016. Univariate analysis of the potential prognostic factors was performed using the log-rank test for categorical factors, and parameters with a P-value < . 05 at the univariate step were included in the multivariate regression analysis. Propensity Score Matching was performed to account for differences in baseline characteristics: propofol or desflurane, in a 1:1 ratio. A total of 408 patients anesthetized with desflurane (218) and propofol (190) were eligible for analysis. After propensity matching, 167 patients remained in each group. The overall mortality rate was significantly higher in the desflurane group (56%) than in the propofol group (34%) during follow-up (P < .001). In addition, a greater percentage of patients in the desflurane group (41%) exhibited postoperative metastasis than those in the propofol group (19%, P < .001). The authors found some association between types of anesthesia used and the long-term prognosis of gastric cancer. Propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia improved survival and reduced the risk of recurrence and metastasis during the 5-year follow-up period after gastric cancer surgery.
Significance of phytic acid and supplemental phytase in chicken nutrition: a review

Phytic acid is an anti-nutritional constituent of plant derived feeds. As a reactive anion, it forms a wide variety of insoluble salts with minerals including phosphorus, calcium, zinc, magnesium and copper. Phytic acid is also known to form complexes with protein and proteolytic enzymes (pepsin and trypsin). Because of the lack of endogenous phytase enzymes that hydrolyze phytic acid; phosphorus, calcium, protein and other phytic acid bound nutrients are less available to poultry. Commercially-available microbial phytase has great nutritional significance and ecological importance. Poultry diets supplemented with microbial phytase result in improved growth performance and increased digestibility and availability of phytate bound phosphorous, calcium, zinc and copper. Microbial phytase supplementation has also been shown to increase ileal digestibility of crude protein and amino acids. The efficacy of supplemental microbial phytase depends on its rate of inclusion, dietary calcium and phosphorus ratio, vitamin D3, nature of diet, age and genotype of birds. Thus, microbial phytase can be used to exploit the inherent nutritional potential of feedstuffs for more economic and environmentally-friendly poultry production.
Closed-loop control in insulin pumps for type-1 diabetes mellitus: safety and efficacy

ABSTRACT Introduction Type 1 diabetes is a lifelong disease with high management burden. The majority of people with type 1 diabetes fail to achieve glycemic targets. Algorithm-driven automated insulin delivery (closed-loop) systems aim to address these challenges. This review provides an overview of commercial and emerging closed-loop systems. Areas covered We review safety and efficacy of commercial and emerging hybrid closed-loop systems. A literature search was conducted and clinical trials using day-and-night closed-loop systems during free-living conditions were used to report on safety data. We comment on efficacy where robust randomized controlled trial data for a particular system are available. We highlight similarities and differences between commercial systems. Expert opinion Study data shows that hybrid closed-loop systems are safe and effective, consistently improving glycemic control when compared to standard therapy. While a fully closed-loop system with minimal burden remains the end-goal, these hybrid closed-loop systems have transformative potential in diabetes care.
MicroRNA-145 suppresses uveal melanoma angiogenesis and growth by targeting neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog and vascular endothelial growth factor.

BACKGROUND Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults. It has been demonstrated that microRNA-145 (miR-145) is correlated with the progression of various cancers by regulating the expression of multiple target genes, especially a number of genes that regulate angiogenesis and proliferation. However, the underlying mechanisms of miR-145 in tumor angiogenesis of UM are still not well illustrated. Thus, we aimed to explore the potential target genes or pathways regulated by miR-145 in UM and the effect of miR-145 on invasion and angiogenesis. METHODS Totally, 24 choroid samples were collected in our study, including 12 UM samples and 12 normal uveal tissues. The expression of neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog (N-RAS), phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-AKT), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in UM tissues and normal uveal tissues was analyzed using Western blotting analysis. Lentivirus expression system was used to construct MUM-2B and OCM-1 cell lines with stable overexpression of miR-145. Transwell and endothelial cell tube formation assay were used to measure the effects of miR-145 on the invasion and angiogenesis of UM in vitro. The downstream target genes of miR-145 were predicted by bioinformatics and confirmed using a luciferase assay. BALB/c nude mice models were established to investigate the mechanisms of miR-145 on tumor growth and angiogenesis in vivo. Group data comparisons were performed using analysis of Student's t test. A two-tailed P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS The results of Western blotting analysis indicated that the expressions of N-RAS (1.10 ± 0.35 vs. 0.41 ± 0.36, t = 3.997, P = 0.012), p-AKT (1.16 ± 0.22 vs. 0.57 ± 0.03, t = 7.05, P = 0.001), and VEGF (0.97 ± 0.32 vs. 0.45 ± 0.21, t = 3.314, P = 0.008) in UM tumor tissues were significantly higher than those in normal uveal tissue. Luciferase assay demonstrated N-RAS and VEGF as downstream targets of miR-145. Moreover, tube formation assay revealed that miR-145-transfected human microvascular endothelial cell line formed shorter tube length (36.10 ± 1.51 mm vs. 42.91 ± 0.94 mm, t = 6.603, P = 0.003) and less branch points (350.00 ± 19.97 vs. 406.67 ± 17.62, t = 3.685, P = 0.021) as compared with controls. In addition, the numbers of invaded MUM-2B and OCM-1 cells with miR-145 overexpression were significantly lower than the controls (35.7 ± 3.3 vs. 279.1 ± 4.9, t = 273.75, P < 0.001 and 69.5 ± 4.4 vs. 95.6 ± 4.7, t = 21.27, P < 0.001, respectively). In vivo, xenografts expressing miR-145 had smaller sizes (miR-145 vs. miR-scr, 717.41 ± 502.62 mmvs. 1694.80 ± 904.33 mm, t = 2.314, P = 0.045) and lower weights (miR-145 vs. miR-scr, 0.74 ± 0.46 g vs. 1.65 ± 0.85 g, t = 2.295, P = 0.045). CONCLUSION Our results indicated that miR-145 is an important tumor suppressor and the inhibitory strategies against N-RAS/VEGF signaling pathway might be potential therapeutic applications for UM in the future.
A new eremophilane-sesquiterpene from the cultured lichen mycobiont of Graphis sp

Abstract Lichens, a natural source producing a number of valuable compounds is economically not feasible and profitable due to its slow growth. Mycobiont cultures are alternative sources which have become highly attractive for chemists recently. Mycobiont of Graphis sp. , a native lichens in Vietnam was separated then cultivated in test tubes. The present study aimed to identify chemical constituents of the cultured mycobiont of Graphis sp. Multiple chromatographic methods were applied to isolate three eremophilane sesquiterpenes including one new compound, graphilane (1) and two known compounds sporogen-AO-1 (2) and dihydrosporogen-AO-1 (3). Their chemical structures was elucidated by extensive 1 D and 2 D NMR analysis and high resolution mass spectroscopy as well as comparisons in literature. Compound 1 was evaluated for the cytotoxic activity against K562 cancer cell line and revealed moderate activity with IC50 value of 87.20 ± 0.76 µM.
Density of Japanese Macaque (Macaca fuscata yakui) Males Ranging Alone: Seasonal and Regional Variation in Male Cohesiveness with the Group

Abstract. We conducted point censuses in Yakushima island to estimate the density of Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata yakui) males ranging alone, focusing on its vegetational, seasonal, and regional variation. In highland areas, the detection frequency of males ranging alone did not differ among different types of vegetation, despite the latter's effect on overall population density. The detection frequency of males ranging alone in the mating season was a third of that in the non-mating season. In the mating season, males exhibit strong cohesiveness with a group, probably in search of resident estrous females. Outside of the mating season, we detected 25% fewer males ranging alone in lowland areas, which have high population densities and strong inter-group competition, than in highland areas. The absolute density of males ranging alone was estimated to be 1.2–5.7 individuals/km2. Meanwhile, the group and population densities were 1.25/km2 and 19.3/km2, respectively. A considerable number of males therefore remained outside of groups, and male cohesiveness with groups is flexible in relation to ecological and social circumstances.
Syrian hamsters as a small animal model for SARS-CoV-2 infection and countermeasure development

Significance Since SARS-CoV-2 emerged in China, it has spread rapidly around the world. Effective vaccines and therapeutics for SARS-CoV-2−induced disease (coronavirus disease 2019;COVID-19) are urgently needed. We found that SARS-CoV-2 isolates replicate efficiently in the lungs of Syrian hamsters and cause severe pathological lesions in the lungs of these animals similar to commonly reported imaging features of COVID-19 patients with pneumonia. SARS-CoV-2−infected hamsters mounted neutralizing antibody responses and were protected against rechallenge with SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, passive transfer of convalescent serum to naïve hamsters inhibited virus replication in their lungs. Syrian hamsters are a useful small animal model for the evaluation of vaccines, immunotherapies, and antiviral drugs. At the end of 2019, a novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2; SARS-CoV-2) was detected in Wuhan, China, that spread rapidly around the world, with severe consequences for human health and the global economy. Here, we assessed the replicative ability and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2 isolates in Syrian hamsters. SARS-CoV-2 isolates replicated efficiently in the lungs of hamsters, causing severe pathological lung lesions following intranasal infection. In addition, microcomputed tomographic imaging revealed severe lung injury that shared characteristics with SARS-CoV-2−infected human lung, including severe, bilateral, peripherally distributed, multilobular ground glass opacity, and regions of lung consolidation. SARS-CoV-2−infected hamsters mounted neutralizing antibody responses and were protected against subsequent rechallenge with SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, passive transfer of convalescent serum to naïve hamsters efficiently suppressed the replication of the virus in the lungs even when the serum was administrated 2 d postinfection of the serum-treated hamsters. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that this Syrian hamster model will be useful for understanding SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and testing vaccines and antiviral drugs.
Correlates of reproductive success in a wild population of Hippocampus whitei

An analysis of 27 broods born in situ to wild male seahorses Hippocampus whitei, with known partners, showed that female size was the key determinant of the number of young released by the male. There was also an apparent decline in both the number of young per brood, and the size of those young, over the breeding season. The size of the brood and of the young may be more proximate indicators of reproductive success in seahorses than in other fishes, because they can be measured at the time of release, here 20–22 days after fertilization, after which survival is presumed to be relatively higher than in other species. The best model, however, explained <40% of the brood size.
Fungi in the winter diets of northern flying squirrels and red squirrels in the boreal mixedwood forest of northeastern Alberta

Gut contents of 138 northern flying squirrels (Glaucomys sabrinus) and 75 red squirrels (Tamiasciurus hudsonicus), which had been trapped from November to February in the boreal forest of northeastern Alberta, were examined to determine which fungi were consumed as food during the winter months in this habitat. Spores of epigeous Boletales, Russulaceae, and Cortinariaceae were most frequent and numerous. Hypogeous ascomycetes (unidentified species of Elaphomyces and Tuber) and basidiomycetes (unidentified species of Gautieria, Hymenogaster, Hysterangium, and Rhizopogon) were sometimes present in substantial amounts but were not as frequent as the remains of epigeous fungi. Guts sometimes contained remains of the tough or carbonaceous sporocarps of unidentified species of the Hymenochaetales, Diatrypaceae, Xylariaceae, and Bankeraceae. The spores of some rust fungi (e.g., Phragmidium fusiforme) along with the conidia (e.g., Helicoma sp.) and ascospores of microfungi (e.g., Sordariaceae) were also detected.
The phenomena of host resistance and the course of infection of Ostertagia ostertagi in calves

A study of the changes in the worm burden in calves receiving daily doses of infective larvae of Ostertagia ostertagi indicates that the following processes occur: (1) A constant loss of adult worms at a rate depending on the number present. (2) An inhibition of development in the early fourth stage which depends partly on the presence of adult worms. This inhibition is not irreversible; larvae resume their development, the number which do so depending on the number present. (3)A stunting of adult worms, those developing late in the infection failing to grow as large as those which developed earlier. (4)An inhibition of ovulation, distinct from the stunting, which prevents worms developing later from becoming as prolific as those which developed earlier. (5)A resistance to the establishment of newly acquired worms, which begins to operate after prolonged exposure to infection. The loss of adult worms and their replacement by the further development of fourth stage larvae leads to a frequent exchange of populations of adult worms. The effect of these phenomena in determining the course of the infection is discussed.
Characterization of the sexual pattern of Parastacus varicosus (Crustacea: Decapoda: Parastacidae)

Freshwater crayfishes of the genus Parastacus are intersex, i.e., show characteristics of both sexes in the same individual; also, intersexuality has been documented in hermaphroditic species. The aim of this study was to analyze the gonads of Parastacus varicosus, characterizing its sexual pattern. The animals were collected at Cova do Touro, Gravatai, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Three sexual forms were identified: intersex females, intersex males, and transitional specimens showing an ovotestes gonad that could only be identified by means of histological analysis. All specimens had two pairs of gonopores and gonoducts. The oviduct had a wider diameter in females, whereas in males the vasa deferentia were more developed. Gonads were composed of two parallel structures located in the cephalothorax. Female gonads were classified into three stages. The presence of transitional specimens may indicate that sex change occurs, with protandric hermaphroditism, as observed in other species of Parastacus. Because previous studies had demonstrated that P. varicosus is a gonochoristic species in a population from Uruguay, the present study addressed the possibility that the sexual pattern depends on differences in environmental factors among populations. To improve understanding of evolution of hermaphroditism in these crustaceans, their reproductive dynamics should be studied, including identification of the factors stimulating male and female functions.
The Attitudes of Progressive Neurological Disease Patients and Their Family Members to End of Life Care: A Cross-Sectional Study

The objective was to identify the attitudes of progressive neurological disease (PND) patients and their family members regarding end-of-life care, and their worries about dying. The sample included 327 participants. The Attitudes of Patients with PND to End-of-Life Care questionnaire was used to collect the data. Statistically significant differences in the assessment of attitudes towards end-of-life care between patients and family members were identified (p < 0.001). Family members more frequently favored patients being kept alive at any cost; patients more commonly wished to have their end of life under control. Respondents most frequently deferred to doctors when it came to decisions on treatment to keep patients alive. However, both patients and family members wanted patients to be able to decide on their treatment by leaving a written record of their previously stated wishes. The demands of patients and their families regarding end-of-life care should be documented in individual care plans.
Genetic and phenotypic characterization of Phaeodactylum tricornutum (Bacillariophyceae) accessions 1

In the last few years, genome‐based studies in diatoms have received a major boost following the genome sequencing of the centric species Thalassiosira pseudonana Hasle et Heimdal and the pleiomorphic raphid pennate diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum Bohlin. In addition, molecular tools, such as genetic transformation, have been developed for both species. Despite these molecular advances, relatively little is known regarding the genetic diversity of the available strains of these diatoms. In this study, we have compiled a historical summary of the known P. tricornutum species resources and have provided a genetic and phenotypic overview of 10 different axenic strains. Examination of intraspecies genetic diversity based on internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequence and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analyses indicate four different genotypes. Seven strains are predominantly fusiform, whereas one strain is predominantly oval, and another is predominantly triradiate. Another is defined as a tropical strain because it appears better acclimated to growth at higher temperatures. Observations in the natural environment indicate that P. tricornutum is a coastal marine diatom that is able to adapt to unstable environments, such as estuaries and rock pools. Because it has rarely been noted in nature, we have developed specific primers to amplify ITS2 sequences and have successfully identified it in environmental samples. These resources should become useful tools for the diatom community when combined with the whole genome sequence and will open up a range of new possibilities for experimental investigations that can exploit the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics described.
Effect of temperature maintenance by forced-air warming blankets of different temperatures on changes in inflammatory factors in children undergoing congenital hip dislocation surgery

Abstract Background Hypothermia is associated with many adverse clinical outcomes in pediatric patients, and thus, it is important to find an effective and safe method for preventing peri-operative hypothermia and its associated adverse outcomes in pediatric patients. This study aimed to investigate the effect of forced-air warming blankets with different temperatures on changes in the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-10 levels in children undergoing surgical treatment for developmental displacement of the hip (DDH). Methods The study included 123 children undergoing surgery for DDH under general anesthesia. The patients were randomly assigned to three groups, using a random number table: the 32, 38, and 43°C groups according to the temperature setting of the forced-air warming blankets. For each patient, body temperature was recorded immediately after anesthesia induction and intubation (T0), at initial incision (T1), at 1 h after incision (T2), at 2 h after incision (T3), at the end of surgery (T4), immediately upon return to the ward after surgery (T5), and then at 12 h (T6), 24 h (T7), 36 h (T8), and 48 h (T9) after the surgery. The serum levels of TGF-β, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-10 were measured at T0 and T4 for all groups. Results The number of patients with fever in the 38°C group was significantly less than those in the 32 and 43°C groups (χ2 = 6.630, P = 0.036). At T0, the body temperatures in the 38 and 43°C groups were significantly higher than that in the 32°C group (F = 17.992, P < 0.001). At T2, the body temperature was significantly higher in the 43°C group than those in the 32 and 38°C groups (F = 12.776, P < 0.001). Moreover, at T4, the serum levels of TGF-β (F = 3286.548, P < 0.001) and IL-10 (F = 4628.983, P < 0.001) were significantly increased in the 38°C group, and the serum levels of TNF-α (F = 911.415, P < 0.001) and IL-1β (F = 322.191, P < 0.001) were significantly decreased in the 38°C group, compared with the levels in the 32 and 43°C groups. Conclusion Force-air warming blankets set at 38°C maintained stable body temperature with less adverse outcome and effectively inhibited the inflammatory response in pediatric patients undergoing surgery for DDH. Clinical trial registration ChiCTR1800014820; http://www.chictr. org.cn/showproj.aspx? proj=25240.