Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seasonal variation in C:N:P stoichiometry, nonstructural carbohydrates, and carbon isotopes of two coniferous pioneer tree species in subtropical China

The characteristics of C:N:P stoichiometry, nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) content, and C stable isotopes and their relationships affect plant responses to environmental changes and are critical to understanding the ecosystem carbon and water cycles. We investigated the water use strategies and physiological changes of two pioneer tree species (Pinus armandii and Pinus yunnanensis) in response to seasonal drought in subtropical China. The seasonal variation in needle δ13C values, C:N:P stoichiometry, and NSC contents of the two tree species were studied in 25-year-old plantation in central Yunnan Province. The needle δ13C values of both species were highest in summer. Soluble sugars, starch and NSC content of the two tree species decreased from spring to winter, while there was no significant difference in the seasonal variation of soluble sugars/starch in P. armandii needles, the maximum soluble sugars/starch in P. yunnanensis needles was in autumn. In addition, the C, N, and P contents of the needles and the C:N and C:P ratios of the two species showed different seasonal fluctuations, whereas the N:P ratio decreased with the season. The C:N:P stoichiometry and NSC content of the needles showed significant correlations, whereas the needle δ13C was weakly correlated with C:N:P stoichiometry and NSC content. Phenotypic plasticity analysis and principal component analysis revealed that the needle nutrient characteristics (NSC and P contents and N:P ratio) and needle δ13C values were critical indicators of physiological adaptation strategies of P. armandii and P. yunnanensis for coping with seasonal variation. These results increase our understanding of the water-use characteristics of the two pioneer tree species and the dynamic balance between the NSC, C, N, and P contents of the needles.
Analysis of HBsAg, anti-HCV, anti-HIV, VDRL, and TPHA test results in patients diagnosed with condyloma acuminata

Short title: Genital warts and coinfections

Objective: Anogenital warts (AGWs) are among the most common sexually transmitted viral infections characterized by verrucae located in the anogenital region due to human papillomavirus. Although tests for other sexually transmitted diseases are recommended for patients diagnosed with AGWs, there is not sufficient information concerning the frequency of coinfections. This study aimed to determine the frequency of coinfection with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis in patients diagnosed with AGWs. Materials and Methods: For the 401 patients who presented to the Dermatology Clinic of XXX Hospital between 2014 and 2020 and were diagnosed with AGWs by a dermatologist, the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti-hepatitis C virus antibody (anti-HCV), anti-HIV, venereal disease research laboratory and treponema pallidum hemagglutination test results, and demographic characteristics were recorded. As controls, 350 patients who presented to the same hospital for a check-up and who did not have AGWs according to systemic examinations were evaluated, and the HBsAg, anti-HCV and anti-HIV results and demographic characteristics of these patients were also recorded for comparisons. Results: Hepatitis B was positive in 12 (3%) patients in the AGW group and seven (2%) patients in the control group. Hepatitis C was positive in two (0.5%) patients in the AGW group and negative in all the controls. While two (0.5%) patients in the AGW group were HIV-positive, all the controls were HIV-negative. Conclusion: The frequencies of hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV were found to be significantly higher in the AGW group than in the control group.
Changing Marine Exploitation During Late Pleistocene in Northern Wallacea: Shell Remains from Leang Sarru Rockshelter in Talaud Islands

The previous excavation by Tanudirjo and our recent excavation at Leang Sarru in the Talaud Islands, located between northern Sulawesi and southern Mindanao, reveal intermittent human colonization and marine exploitation in these remote islands as early as 35,000 to 32,000 B.P. The evidence indicates that humans migrated and colonized the northern part of Wallacea by ocean crossings of over 100 km, equivalent to the human migrations from southern Wallacea to Sahul, and Sahul to the Bismarck Archipelago during the late Pleistocene. The 14C dates obtained from the marine shell samples collected during our excavation and the earlier excavation by Tanudirjo, along with other archaeological evidence enable us to conclude that the site was occupied during at least four main periods: (1) the earliest phase during 35,000 to 30,000 B.P. ; (2) the intensive occupation phase during 21,000 to 17,000 B.P. , partly corresponding with Last Glacial Maximum (LGM); (3) the early Holocene during 10,000 to 8000 B.P. ; and (4) during the "Metal Age" with some ceramic evidence not identified by 14C dates. Such intermittent use of the site tentatively shows that humans in Wallacea might not have had the strategies and skills to sustain continuous colonization or habitation of remote islands like Talaud, having limited terrestrial resources during the late Pleistocene and even in the Holocene before the maturity of an agricultural system and knowledge as part of their subsistence strategies. We also discuss the past maritime exploitation and adaptation from the late Pleistocene to the early Holocene in the Talaud Islands.
Modulation of Swine Gut Microbiota by Phytogenic Blends and High Concentrations of Casein in a Validated Swine Large Intestinal In Vitro Model

Simple Summary The wide use of antibiotics as growth promoters poses a great threat to One Health, as the acquisition of resistance to antibiotics in bacteria leads to ineffective therapy of infectious diseases. That is why there is a need for alternatives for antibiotic growth promotors. Phytogenic blends are composed of various plant-derived bioactive compounds and are considered an alternative to antibiotics as feed supplements for improving production performance due to their beneficial effects on swine gut microbiota, resulting in improving the overall wellbeing of pigs. In this study, we used an artificial swine large intestine model to assess how two phytogenic blends and their combinations with casein affect swine gut microbiota. As a result, we observed that a combination of phytogenic blends and casein had the most promising effect as modulators of microbiota composition, as their supplementation caused an increase in the abundance of bacteria, which are associated with greater production performance in pigs. The results of this study showed promising feed additives for pig diet as replacement of antibiotics as growth promotors, which could have beneficial effects on growth performance, as the microbiota composition of pigs is directly correlated with it. However, the data should be proven in living pigs, as artificial GIT models do not fully reproduce the swine physiology. Abstract Phytogenic feed additives are gaining popularity in livestock as a replacement for antibiotic growth promotors. Some phytogenic blends (PB) positively affect the production performance, inhibit pathogens within the gut microbiota, and improve the overall health of farm animals. In this study, a swine large intestine in vitro model was used to evaluate the effect of two PBs, alone or in combination with casein, on swine gut microbiota. As a result, the combination of casein with PB1 had the most beneficial effects on swine gut microbiota, as it increased the relative abundance of some commensal bacteria and two genera (Lactobacillus and Oscillospiraceae UCG-002), which are associated with greater production performance in pigs. At the same time, supplementation with PBs did not lead to an increase in opportunistic pathogens, indicating their safety for pigs. Both PBs showed fewer changes in swine gut microbiota compared to interventions with added casein. In contrast, casein supplementation significantly increased beta diversity and the relative abundance of commensal as well as potentially beneficial bacteria. In conclusion, the combination of casein with PBs, in particular PB1, had the most beneficial effects among the studied supplements in vitro, with respect to microbiota modulation and metabolite production, although this data should be proven in further in vivo studies.
Response of seedling barley (Hurdeom vulgar, L.) to foliar fertilization of nano-oxides (Fe, Cu, Mg)

Background. An experiment was conducted at the Grain Technology Laboratory, Crop Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Omar Al-Mukhtar University, during the 2023 season. The experiment utilized a completely randomized design to study the response of barley to foliar application of fine nanoscale iron, manganese, and copper fertilizers. The application was carried out as foliar spray at two different doses, two weeks and one month after sowing, using 3 kg capacity pots with 20 seeds per pot. The experiment included three observations for each treatment, with the nanoscale iron, manganese, and copper oxides applied at a concentration of 1 cmol/L. The data revealed the following: Significant positive response of barley shoots to foliar application of nanoscale iron, manganese, and copper fertilizers in various growth indicators, including shoot weight, shoot length, leaf area, crop growth rate, and specific leaf weight. High significant differences were observed in the effect of nanoscale iron, manganese, and copper oxides on the average shoot weight, crop growth rate, and leaf area. Copper oxide and manganese oxide showed the highest means, followed by iron oxide, compared to the control. Iron oxide exhibited the highest specific leaf weight for barley shoots, followed by copper oxide and then manganese oxide, compared to the control treatment.
The preservation of the Neogene Brassington Formation of the southern Pennines and its bearing on the evolution of Upland Britain

The Brassington Formation of the southern Pennines comprises a succession of sands, gravels and clays, the youngest beds of which contain Lower Pliocene fossil plants. These strata are generally considered to have foundered into the Carboniferous Limestone through solution subsidence mechanisms. The subsidencc cavities also contain detached marginal blocks of shale, which locally contain Namurian goniatites. Examination of the shale blocks from a number of widely separated localities has revealed that all contain Namurian spore assemblages, datable in some cases as E2 (Arnsbergian) age. The contact between the shale blocks and oldest sands of the Brassington Formation is unconformable and, characteristically, the latter are seen to rest on zones of lilac-stained weathered shale, representing a pre-subsidence land surface. Evidence is presented which indicates that the Brassington Formation strata are conformable and that the succession represents a single cycle of sedimentation. Because of this conformable relationship it is inferred that this land surface is also of Lower Pliocenc (or Upper Miocene) age. A tacheometric survey of a well-exposed solution subsidence complex at the Bees Nest Pit, Brassington, has enabled structure contour maps to be made of key horizons in the succession. Laboratory tests have been conducted which have attempted to duplicate this structure and so indicate the probable subsidence mcchanisms. Results suggest that subsidence was gradual, with block-by-block removal of the host limestone, and took place in deep, steep-sided pipe-like forms. The depth of subsidence, and hence the elevation of the land surface prior to the deposition of the Brassington Formation, has been determined by estimating the thickness of limestone and Namurian shale which, as suggested by previous research work in the southern Pennines, was once present over the sites of the present subsidence masses. Subsidence can be shown to be of the order of 150–250 m, which implies that the Lower Pliocene land surface of the southern Pennines lay at about 450m O.D. Based on the evidence of the contemporary sea level, the presence of the Lower Pleistocene deposits of se England, and the sub-Neogene surface of the southern Pennines, a graph has been constructed which suggests broadly that Upland Britain has undergone a regular uplift since the main Alpine episode at a rate of about 1 metre in 15,250 years. In this light, the possible age of other well known planation surfaces is discussed.
Observed Trends in Severe Weather Conditions Based on Humidex, Wind Chill, and Heavy Rainfall Events in Canada for 1953–2012

ABSTRACT Observed trends in severe weather conditions based on public alert statements issued by Environment Canada are examined for Canada. Changes in extreme heat and extreme cold events represented by various humidex and wind chill indices are analyzed for 1953–2012 at 126 climatological stations. Changes in heavy rainfall events based on rainfall amounts provided by tipping bucket rainfall gauges are analyzed for 1960–2012 at 285 stations. The results show that extreme heat events, defined as days with at least one hourly humidex value above 30, have increased significantly at more than 36% of the stations, most of which are located south of 55°N; days with nighttime hourly humidex values remaining above 20 have increased significantly at more than 52% of the stations, most of which are located south of 50°N. Extreme cold events represented by days with at least one hourly wind chill value below −30 have decreased significantly at more than 76% of the stations across the country. No consistent changes were found in heavy rainfall events. Because city residents are very vulnerable to severe weather events, detailed results on changes in extreme heat, extreme cold, and heavy rainfall events are also provided for ten urban centres.
The Impact of Greenwashing on Brand Reputation, Brand Credibility, and Green Brand Equity: Evidence from the Household Appliances Market

As customer consciousness of environmental topics increases, green marketing is quickly emerging as a crucial strategy for companies to achieve a competitive advantage. In addition, the rapid expansion of green practices has created concerns among consumers about companies that covertly capitalize on green trends and initiate a discussion about their potential effects on environmental quality. As a result, companies have skillfully used “green” phrases and labeling on any occasion to trick buyers into thinking they are purchasing more environmentally friendly products than they are. Therefore, the question arises: does the practice of greenwashing affect brand reputation, brand credibility, and green brand equity? We assess the proposed model using partial least squares structural equation modeling (Smart PLS software, version 4). Data were collected from 336 customers of green household appliances in Egypt. The results show that greenwashing has a negative effect on green brand equity, brand reputation, and brand credibility. In addition, green brand equity has a positive impact on brand reputation. Brand reputation has a positive influence on brand credibility. Finally, green brand equity has a mediation role in the relationship between greenwashing and brand reputation. The findings have discussed many initiatives intended to lessen the damaging impacts of greenwashing. Additionally, we provide several insightful avenues for the household appliance market.
Trends in Suicidal Mortality and Motives among Working-Ages Individuals in Japan during 2007–2022

Suicides in Japan consistently decreased from 2009–2019, but increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. To identify causes of increasing suicides, age-dependent and temporal fluctuations of suicide mortality rate per 100,000 (SMRP) in working-age generations (20–59 years) disaggregated by suicidal motives (7-categories; 52-subcategories) and sex from 2007 to 2022, were analyzed by analysis of variance and joinpoint regression, respectively, using the government suicide database “Suicide Statistics”. The SMRP of 20–29 year-old males and 20–49 year-old females began to increase in the late 2010s. SMRPs of these high-risk groups for suicides caused by depression (the leading suicidal motive for all groups) began increasing in the late 2010s. Economic-related, employment-related, and romance-related problems contributed to the increasing SMRPs in 20–29 males in the late 2010s. Romance-related and family-related problems contributed to the increasing SMRPs of 20–29 females in the late 2010s. Increasing SMRPs caused by child-raising stress in 20–39 year-old females from the late 2010s was a remarkable finding. In contrast, SMRPs of 30–59 year-old males consistently decreased until 2021; however, in these groups, SMRPs for suicides caused by various motives sharply increased in 2022. The consistent increase in SMRPs of high-risk groups from the late 2010s to the pandemic suggest recent socioeconomic and psychosocial problems in Japan possibly contributed to the increasing SMRPs in these high-risk groups independently of pandemic-associated factors, whereas the SMRPs of males of 30–59 years were probably associated with the ending of the pandemic rather than pandemic-associated factors.
Comparison Of Naproxen And Diacerein In The Treatment Of Knee Joint Osteoarthritis

Background: Knee osteoarthritis is a common disease in older age. Pain and limitation of movement are the main symptoms of knee osteoarthritis. Many pharmacological options are available for symptomatic relief but NSAIDs are mostly prescribed. Diacerein is also prescribed for osteoarthritis but data regarding its efficacy is still controversial. Moreover, studies regarding the comparison of diacerein with NSAIDs are deficient in Pakistan. Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the clinical efficacy of naproxen (NSAID) with diacerein in treating knee osteoarthritis. Methodology: Patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were included in the study. After written informed consent 60 patients of knee osteoarthritis were included in the study. They were divided randomly into two groups. Group A (n=30) was prescribed with tablet naproxen 500mg twice daily and group B (n=30) was given capsule diacerein 50mg twice daily for 12 weeks. Baseline VAS and WOMAC scores of the patients were noted. These scores were compared with scores achieved 12 weeks after intervention. Intra-group comparison of the scores was also carried out. SPSS version 23.0 was used for statistical analysis. Results: WOMAC and VAS scores comparison of the two groups (A & B) before intervention showed an insignificant p-value that is 0.815 for the WOMAC score and 0.509 for the VAS score. After intervention means WOMAC score i.e.10.50 ± 2.46 of group A (treated with naproxen) was better than the mean 29.62 ± 7.03 of group B (treated with diacerein) showing significant p-value (< 0.001). Similarly mean VAS of group A 1.92 ± 0.58 improved more than the mean VAS of group B i.e 3.38 ± 0.75 with significant p-value (< 0.001). Intra-group comparison of the groups also showed a significant p-value. Conclusion: Clinical efficacy of naproxen is better than diacerein in treating knee osteoarthritis.
Pediatric acute hydrocephalus developing after tubercular meningitis: a case report study

Background: Tuberculosis ranks second as the most common cause of death among infectious diseases, preceded only by COVID-19, which can involve multiple organs. Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) is known to have serious and atypical complications affecting the central nervous system, especially in more vulnerable populations such as children and adolescents. Case presentation: The 15-year-old female patient was admitted to the hospital with altered mental status after complaining of nausea, weakness, and cough for 3 weeks. A chest computed tomography (CT) scan showed cavitary lesions, a lumbar puncture sample had a glucose level of 15 mg/dl, and the brain CT scan revealed acute hydrocephalus. While the patient was treated with anti-tubercular medications, an external ventricular drain was placed and the patient was monitored. Conclusion: This report presents acute hydrocephalus as a rare and atypical consequence of disseminated tubercular infection resulting in meningitis.
Study on the Impact of metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) on patients with Corona Virus Disease – 2019 (COVID-19)

Purpose: This study’s purpose was to assess the impact of metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) on the outcome of patients affected by Corona Virus Disease – 2019 (COVID-19). Patients and Methods: This prospective observational study `was conducted on patients affected by COVID-19 who were treated at our Hospital from January 2022 to February 2023. The study involved 200 adult patients with confirmed COVID-19, excluding those with other chronic hepatic disorders, and included comprehensive clinical, laboratory, and ultrasonographic assessments. The existence of MAFLD was assessed as newly established, and the COVID-19 severity was evaluated per the Egyptian protocol, and the diagnosis of MAFLD followed international consensus criteria. Results: Patients with MAFLD and COVID-19 (Group I) had a significantly higher number of patients with severe disease (n = 60, 60%) than patients with COVID-19 alone (Group II) (n = 21, 21%, p < 0.001). The mortality rate was 11% (n = 22), with a significantly higher rate encountered in Group I (n = 16, 16% vs. n = 6, 6%, p = 0.024). Conclusion: Patients with MAFLD exhibited distinct clinical and laboratory features and were more likely to develop severe COVID-19, with a higher mortality rate.
Time-space structure and evolution of the arc-basin system on the southern side of the Bangong Co-Nujiang junction zone

On the basis of1 ∶ 250000mapping of the Boindoi Sheet and Comai Sheet,the time-space structure and evolution of the arc-basin system on the southern side of the Bangong Co-Nujiang junction zone is analyzed by using the archipelagic arc orogeny model.The authors believe that during the Middle-Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous an archipelagic arc-basin system formed on the southern side of the Bangong Co-Nujiang ocean concomitantly with its southward subduction and extinction,and that during the late Early Cretaceous to Late Cretaceous the arc-basin system evolution on the southern side of the Bangong Co-Nujiang junction zone ended through remnant sea basin sedimentation,closing and subduction,and subsequent collisional orogeny.
The Temporal and Spatial Change in Position of Squid Fishing Ground in Relation to Oceanic Features in the Northeastern Waters of Taiwan

We studied the squid fishing ground and satellite imageries of the northeastern waters of Taiwan, southern East China Sea, during the period of 1998-2001. Two obvious oceanic features, offshore thermal front and upwelling eddy that varied seasonally, were examined by using image edge detection function. The nearest distance of offshore thermal (or chlorophyll) front away from the coastline of Mainland China and the upwelling size (standard deviation) were generally within the range of 92 to 259 km and 643 to 2920 km^2, respectively. The monthly CPUEs and the spatial fishing position of torch-lighted squid fishery by season were varied with time. The CPUE was positively related with both the nearest distance of offshore thermal front to Mainland China and the size of upwelling eddy. In spring and summer, the fishing grounds were simultaneously formed in the shelf and coastal waters in the southern East China Sea. Its position was also anomaly varied and moved northward to the periphery of the upwelling during summer, as the upwelling was enhanced by passing typhoons. In autumn, the fishing ground was significantly formed further south in the vicinity of upwelling. Our result showed that location of the squid fishing ground was associated not only with oceanographic conditions of an extended area influenced by the Kuroshio, but also with local and instantaneous oceanographic environments (such as typhoon) in the southern East China Sea.