Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Management of Lung Nodules and Lung Cancer Screening During the COVID-19 Pandemic: CHEST Expert Panel Report

Background The risks from potential exposure to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and resource reallocation that has occurred to combat the pandemic, have altered the balance of benefits and harms that informed current (pre-COVID-19) guideline recommendations for lung cancer screening and lung nodule evaluation. Consensus statements were developed to guide clinicians managing lung cancer screening programs and patients with lung nodules during the COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods An expert panel of 24 members, including pulmonologists (n = 17), thoracic radiologists (n = 5), and thoracic surgeons (n = 2), was formed. The panel was provided with an overview of current evidence, summarized by recent guidelines related to lung cancer screening and lung nodule evaluation. The panel was convened by video teleconference to discuss and then vote on statements related to 12 common clinical scenarios. A predefined threshold of 70% of panel members voting agree or strongly agree was used to determine if there was a consensus for each statement. Items that may influence decisions were listed as notes to be considered for each scenario. Results Twelve statements related to baseline and annual lung cancer screening (n = 2), surveillance of a previously detected lung nodule (n = 5), evaluation of intermediate and high-risk lung nodules (n = 4), and management of clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer (n = 1) were developed and modified. All 12 statements were confirmed as consensus statements according to the voting results. The consensus statements provide guidance about situations in which it was believed to be appropriate to delay screening, defer surveillance imaging of lung nodules, and minimize nonurgent interventions during the evaluation of lung nodules and stage I non-small cell lung cancer. Conclusion There was consensus that during the COVID-19 pandemic, it is appropriate to defer enrollment in lung cancer screening and modify the evaluation of lung nodules due to the added risks from potential exposure and the need for resource reallocation. There are multiple local, regional, and patient-related factors that should be considered when applying these statements to individual patient care. © 2020 RSNA; The American College of Chest Physicians, published by Elsevier Inc; and The American College of Radiology, published by Elsevier Inc.
Patch spraying of weeds in spring cereals: Simulated influences of threshold level and spraying resolution on spraying errors and potential herbicide reduction

Abstract A major obstacle to patch spraying of broad-leaved weeds in cereals is a cost-effective method to assess within-field heterogeneity of the weed population. One method could be a camera mounted in front of the spraying vehicle, online image analysis, and field sprayer shifting between ‘on’ and ‘off’ as the predefined weed damage threshold level is reached. Because such a camera will capture a very limited area (<1 m2) compared to the sprayer width (several m), success of this method requires that spraying decisions vary little within boom width, thereby causing few spraying errors. This approach was evaluated by simulations for varying boom widths and three levels of a weed damage threshold model. Potential herbicide reductions compared to blanket application were also simulated. The average potential herbicide reductions estimated as proportions of fields below the threshold, were 60%, 64% and 53% for the original, 25% increased and 25% reduced threshold levels, respectively. The simulated herbicide reductions were not influenced by boom width, but varied significantly between fields, and between threshold levels. As evaluated by spraying errors, the suitability of the suggested approach will increase by decreasing boom width, vary between fields, and in some fields vary between the threshold levels. For boom widths of 15 m and 24 m, the spraying errors were about 10% and 15%, respectively, where omission of spraying areas above the threshold constituted 5% and 8%, respectively.
Meiosis occurs normally in the fetal ovary of mice lacking all retinoic acid receptors

Functional oocytes are produced in the complete absence of retinoic acid receptors. Gametes are generated through a specialized cell differentiation process, meiosis, which, in ovaries of most mammals, is initiated during fetal life. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is considered as the molecular signal triggering meiosis initiation. In the present study, we analyzed female fetuses ubiquitously lacking all ATRA nuclear receptors (RAR), obtained through a tamoxifen-inducible cre recombinase-mediated gene targeting approach. Unexpectedly, mutant oocytes robustly expressed meiotic genes, including the meiotic gatekeeper STRA8. In addition, ovaries from mutant fetuses grafted into adult recipient females yielded offspring bearing null alleles for all Rar genes. Thus, our results show that RAR are fully dispensable for meiotic initiation, as well as for the production of functional oocytes. Assuming that the effects of ATRA all rely on RAR, our study goes against the current model according to which meiosis is triggered by endogenous ATRA in the developing ovary. It therefore revives the search for the meiosis-inducing substance.
Physiological mechanisms linking cold acclimation and the poleward distribution limit of a range-extending marine fish

Abstract Extensions of species’ geographical distributions, or range extensions, are among the primary ecological responses to climate change in the oceans. Considerable variation across the rates at which species’ ranges change with temperature hinders our ability to forecast range extensions based on climate data alone. To better manage the consequences of ongoing and future range extensions for global marine biodiversity, more information is needed on the biological mechanisms that link temperatures to range limits. This is especially important at understudied, low relative temperatures relevant to poleward range extensions, which appear to outpace warm range edge contractions four times over. Here, we capitalized on the ongoing range extension of a teleost predator, the Australasian snapper Chrysophrys auratus, to examine multiple measures of ecologically relevant physiological performance at the population’s poleward range extension front. Swim tunnel respirometry was used to determine how mid-range and poleward range edge winter acclimation temperatures affect metabolic rate, aerobic scope, swimming performance and efficiency and recovery from exercise. Relative to ‘optimal’ mid-range temperature acclimation, subsequent range edge minimum temperature acclimation resulted in absolute aerobic scope decreasing while factorial aerobic scope increased; efficiency of swimming increased while maximum sustainable swimming speed decreased; and recovery from exercise required a longer duration despite lower oxygen payback. Cold-acclimated swimming faster than 0.9 body lengths sec−1 required a greater proportion of aerobic scope despite decreased cost of transport. Reduced aerobic scope did not account for declines in recovery and lower maximum sustainable swimming speed. These results suggest that while performances decline at range edge minimum temperatures, cold-acclimated snapper are optimized for energy savings and range edge limitation may arise from suboptimal temperature exposure throughout the year rather than acute minimum temperature exposure. We propose incorporating performance data with in situ behaviour and environmental data in bioenergetic models to better understand how thermal tolerance determines range limits.
The mouse chorionic gonadotropin β‐subunit‐like (muCGβl) molecule produced by tumor cells elicits the switch of T‐cell immunity response from TH2 to TH1 in mice immunized with DNA vaccine based on rhesus monkey homologous CGβ (rmCGβ)

CGβ is expressed not only in placenta, but also in a wide range of tumors. To study DNA vaccine based on xenogeneic CGβ for cancer immuno‐therapy, we investigated whether rhesus monkey CGβ (rmCGβ) DNA vaccine could induce protective T‐cell responses and humoral responses in mouse.
AN ECOLOGICAL BASIS FOR EXTRACELLULAR CARBONIC ANHYDRASE IN MARINE UNICELLULAR ALGAE

Extracellular carbonic anhydrase (CAe) is expressed by many, but not all, autotrophic species of aquatic unicellular protists. We measured CAe activities in unicellular marine algae characteristic of either high nutrient spring, fall, and winter blooms or low nutrient summer populations to provide ecological/evolutionary information about the enzyme. Highest activities occurred in spring bloom and opportunistic diatoms exposed to long photoperiods (16 h) when pH was highest and CO2 was lowest. Lower activities were recorded for a fall‐bloom diatom exposed to the long photoperiod, and lowest values were found under all culture conditions for one diatom and a number of flagellated species typical of summer low nutrient environments. Other potential sources of variance in measurements of CAe activity were examined. Maximum activities of CAe were recorded for the diatom, Skeletonema costatum (Greville) Cleve, during late exponential phase of growth and within 8 h of the beginning of the photoperiod. We concluded that ecological factors are important in determining CAe activities in marine unicellular protists. Potential functions of CAe in the metabolism of marine unicellular algae are discussed.
IL-8 mediates a positive loop connecting increased neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and colorectal cancer liver metastasis

Host and tumorous inflammation actively affect liver metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Neutrophils have been recognized as one active participant in metastasis procedure, with controversial roles however. Activated neutrophils release extracellular traps (NETs) which are involved in infection and multiple pathological conditions. NETs on cancer metastasis is getting recognized but less elucidated in mechanism. How NETs interact with cancer cells is still largely unknown. In this study, we found that neutrophils from CRC patients, especially those with liver metastatic, underwent remarkably enhanced NETs. Clinically, sera and pathological NETs marker closely correlated with onset of liver metastasis. Through in vivo and in vitro studies, we proved that increased NETs positively contribute to onset of CRC liver metastasis. Digesting NETs with DNase 1 diminished the increased liver metastasis associated with NETs. In detail, NETs trapped CRC cells in liver and exerted no cytotoxicity on tumor cells, but boosted tumorous proliferation and invasion capacity. We further found this enhanced malignancy of trapped CRC cells was due to the elevated tumorous interleukin (IL)-8 expression triggered by NETs. Blocking IL-8 activity effectively abrogated the enhanced proliferation and invasion triggered by NETs. Moreover, overproduced IL-8 in turn activate neutrophils towards NETs formation, thus forming a positive loop optimizing CRC liver metastasis. Collectively, our study propose a novel positive feedback between elevated tumorous IL-8 and NETs to promote CRC liver metastasis, and identify potential strategy against liver metastasis.
Comparison of long-term prognosis for differentiated thyroid cancer according to the 7th and 8th editions of the AJCC/UICC TNM staging system

Background: The 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer/Union for International Cancer Control (AJCC/UICC) tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) staging system was released with major revisions. The purpose of this retrospective study was to investigate differences between the 7th and 8th editions of the AJCC/UICC TNM staging system and to compare the predictability of prognosis between the two staging systems with patients who underwent thyroidectomy for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) at a single institution. Methods: A total of 3238 patients underwent thyroid operation from January 2002 to December 2006 at Yonsei University Hospital (Seoul, Korea), of which 2294 with complete clinical data and sustained follow up were enrolled. Clinicopathologic features and TNM staging by applying the 7th and 8th editions of the AJCC/UICC were analyzed retrospectively by the complete review of medical charts and pathology reports of patients. Mean follow-up duration was 132.9 ± 27.9 months. Results: A significant number of T3 patients were downstaged to T1 (838, 36.5%) and T2 (122, 5.3%). After applying the 8th edition of the AJCC/UICC TNM staging system, the number of stage I patients increased significantly from 1434 (62.5%) to 2058 (89.7%), whereas numbers of stage III and IV patients decreased significantly from 644 (28.1%) to 33 (1.4%) and from 199 (8.7%) to 17 (0.7%), respectively. According to Kaplan–Meier survival analyses and values of the Harrell’s c-index and integrated area under the curve (iAUC), the 8th edition has significantly better predictive performance for disease-free survival (DFS) and disease-specific survival (DSS) than the 7th edition. Conclusions: A significant population was downstaged after applying the 8th edition of the AJCC/UICC TNM staging system, and the 8th edition provided significantly better accuracy in predicting DFS and DSS in patients with DTC.
Ergastic Substances (Calcium Oxalate Crystals) in the Leaf of Combretum Loefl. (Combretaceae) Species in Nigeria

Leaves of twenty-two (22) species of Combretum in Nigeria were examined for occurrence and distribution of different types and sizes of ergastic substances (calcium oxalate crystals). Fresh and herbarium specimens were used for the study. These specimens were wax embedded, sectioned, mounted and micro-photographed using Leica WILD MPS 52 microscope camera on Leitz Diaplan microscope. Results revealed two types of calcium oxalate crystals—crystal sand and druses. Based on the observed differences in the size of the crystals, three groups of calcium oxalate crystals are reported [large crystals: 180.0 - 360.0 μm (241 ± 44.57 μm), moderate crystals: 90.0 - 144.0 μm (117.0 ± 20.60 μm), and small crystals: 18.0 - 72.0 μm (50.21 ± 20.42 μm)]. Crystal sand was found only in Combretum sp. 1 but druses of varying sizes predominated amongst species of the genus. Crystals were distributed within the spongy mesophyll, palisade mesophyll, sub-epidermis adaxial, sub-epidermis abaxial and between the palisade and spongy mesophyll. The findings of this work provide information on the occurrence and distribution of the crystals in the leaf epidermis of these taxa in Nigeria. The formation, occurrence and distribution of the crystal type in the Combretum species constitute dependable taxonomic character especially when combined with other characters.
Effects of Phospholipase C Inhibitors on Ca2+Channel Stimulation and Ca2+Release from Intracellular Stores Evoked by α1A- and α2A-Adrenoceptors in Rat Portal Vein Myocytes

Abstract The ability of phospholipase C inhibitors to inhibit Ca2+channel stimulation and Ca2+release from intracellular stores evoked by norepinephrine in single rat portal vein myocytes was investigated in the aim of identifying the type of phospholipase C involved in the transduction pathways activated by α1A- and α2A-adrenoceptors. U73122 (an inhibitor of phosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C) inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner the release of Ca2+from the intracellular stores induced by activation of α1A-adrenoceptors and related to inositol phosphate production whereas U73343 was ineffective. Both compounds had no effect on the release of Ca2+induced by caffeine. However, U73122 and U73343 inhibited the L-type Ca2+channel. D609 (an inhibitor of phosphatidylcholine-phospholipase C) had no direct inhibitory effects on the L-type Ca2+channel but it inhibited concentration dependently the α2A-adrenoceptor-induced stimulation of Ca2+channels, which had been shown to be independent of phosphatidylinositol hydrolysis. Therefore, these results suggest that α2A-adrenoceptors activate a phosphatidylcholine-phospholipase C in vascular myocytes. However, D609 had other sites of action as it blocked norepinephrine- and caffeine-induced Ca2+release from the intracellular stores.
Comparative Studies of Leaf Cuticle Ultrastructure between Living and the Oldest Known Fossil Ginkgos in China

Based on sections from both macerated and unmacerated cuticles and, for the extant species, the leaf cuticles from male and female trees, we investigated the leaf cuticle ultrastructure of Ginkgo biloba and Ginkgo yimaensis from the Jurassic of Yima, China. All of the cuticles were cut in two different directions: perpendicular and parallel to the leaf length. The cuticular membranes of both fossil and living species were generally similar, each having a cuticle proper and a fibrillar cuticular layer. The cuticle proper may be divided into an outer peripheral polylamellate layer and an inner, mainly granular, layer. In the upper part of the polylamellate layer, the lamellae were more regularly arranged than in the lower part. Comparisons of macerated and unmacerated cuticles show that the cuticular layer became thinner after treatment with chemical agents. Examining sections in different directions is important for studying leaf cuticular ultrastructure because of the considerable variation. Available evidence shows that taxonomic differences might have more bearing on the cuticle ultrastructure than do environmental differences. Although influences of diagenesis in the geological ages do not appear to be very conspicuous on the leaf cuticular ultrastructure, leaf cuticle ultrastructure might be potentially significant in plant taxonomy.
Changes in Alaskan soft-bottom prey communities along a gradient in sea otter predation

Sea otters (Enhydra lutris), well documented as "keystone" predators in rocky marine communities, were found to exert a strong influence on infaunal prey com- munities in soft-sedimnent habitats. Direct and indirect effects of sea otter predation on subtidal soft-bottom prey communities were evaluated along a temporal gradient of sea otter occupancy around the Kodiak Archipelago. The results indicate that Kodiak otters forage primarily on bivalve prey and dramatically reduce infaunal bivalve and green sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis) prey populations. Bivalve prey abundance, bio- mass, and size were inversely related to duration of sea otter occupancy. The relative conditions of shells discarded by otters in shallow ( 20 m) water at the same sites indicate that otters first exploited Saxidomus in shallow-water feeding areas, and later switched to Macoma spp. in deeper water. Otter-cracked shells of the deep- burrowing clam Tresus capax were rarely found, even at otter foraging sites where the clam accounted for the majority of available prey biomass, suggesting that it has a partial depth refuge from otter predation. The indirect effects of otter predation included substratum disturbance and the facili- tation of sea star predation on infaunal prey. Sea stars, Pycnopodia helianthoides, were attracted to experimentally dug excavations as well as natural sea otter foraging pits, where the sea stars foraged on smaller size classes of infaunal bivalves than those eaten by otters. Otters also discard clam shells on the sediment surface and expose old, buried shells during excavation. Surface shells were found to provide attachment sites for large anemones and kelp. Our study shows that sea otters can affect soft-sediment communities, not only through predation, as in rocky habitats, but also through disturbance, and thus retain a high degree of influence in two very different habitat types.
Precipitation Chemistry and Chemical Limnology of Fertilized and Natural Lakes at Saqvaqjuac, N.W.T.

Precipitation at Saqvaqjuac (northwest coast of Hudson Bay, 60°39′N) had high concentrations of sea salts, was moderately acidic, and had less SO4 and total N than lower latitude precipitation, although SO4 sources were distant. Watershed retention was high for H+, but negative for other elements as a consequence of isostatic rebound. Annual element runoff was a function of the timing of melt runoff and summer rain events because of permafrost. Lake retention of Si was higher than P because of the different times of loading, late summer versus spring. Conservative element mass did not change overwinter except in low-elevation Spring Lake, where residual Cl, Na, and K diffused from the sediments. Phosphorus and N were the only elements incorporated into black ice. As a result of freezeout and incomplete meltwater mixing beneath lake ice, element concentrations were 1.6 times higher in lakes than inflows, and major ion turnover times were 1.5–2.0 times higher than water turnover times.
Life tables and thermal constants of Pediculaster mesembrinae (Acari: Siteroptidae) fed on the Fungus, Trichoderma harzianum Rifai

Abstract Life and fecundity table studies on Pediculaster mesembrinae (Canestrini) (Acari: Siteroptidae) were conducted under controlled conditions (15, 20, 25 and 30°C, relative humidity 60 ± 5 %), using cohorts of 40 individually confined mites in observation arenas. Fermented wheat straw (compost) previously inoculated with Trichoderma harzianum Rifai spores was used as substrate and food source. The study started with mite eggs approximately 5 h old. The life cycle of P. mesembrinae included the stages of egg, larva, quiescent larva or nymphocrysalis, and adult; only females were observed in our population. The length of the life cycle, as well as total longevity, showed an inverse (linear) relation with temperature. Values of rm (intrinsic rate of increase) were 0.146, 0.132, 0.170 and 0.204, for 15, 20, 25 and 30°C, respectively. Developmental rates had a direct and linear relationship with temperature; and threshold temperatures ranged between -0.53 and -3.22°C. Development from egg to adult required 152 degree days.
BIOSYSTEMATICS OF CULEX PIPIENS COMPLEX IN CHINA

Abstract The present paper is the results of the biosystematic studies of Culex pipiens complex in China, including hybridization, mathematical analyses of morphological characters and GC analyses of culticular hydrocarbons. On the bases of the results of these studies, in addition to their allopatric distribution, it can be concluded that Cx. pipiens complex in China consists of four subspecies, including Cx. p ipiens molestus recently discovered in Beijing. Cx. pipiens quinquefasciatus can not be considered as a spearate species and Cx. pipiens pallens is not an intermediate form as claimed by some western workers.
Selective predation on an introduced zooplankter (Bythotrephes cederstroemi) by lake herring (Coregonus artedii) in Harp Lake, Ontario

1. Bythotrephes cederstroemi (Crustacea: Onychopoda: Cercopagidae) invaded Harp Lake, Ontario in 1993, since when the zooplankton community has shifted from dominance of small-bodied to large-bodied species. During 1995 diets of adult lake herring (Coregonus artedii), Harp Lake’s primary planktivorous fish, were examined to determine the extent to which this conspicuous zooplankter has become integrated into the lake’s foodweb and whether fish condition has been affected in consequence. 2. Bythotrephes and Daphnia galeata mendotae were strongly preferred prey, whilst Holopedium gibberum and calanoid and cyclopoid copepods were negatively selected by lake herring. Predation on Bythotrephes and Holopedium was not size-selective, although D. galeata mendotae and calanoid copepods (Leptodiaptomus minutus and L. sicilis) consumed by herring were significantly larger than co-occurring conspecifics in the lake. 3. Caudal spines of Bythotrephes may form boluses in lake herring stomachs. However, the number of caudal spines in fish digestive tracts did not differ significantly from the number of Bythotrephes’ mandible pairs, indicating that the former were not differentially retained. 4. Lake herring weight-at-length relationships in lakes in Muskoka, Ontario, invaded by Bythotrephes did not differ from those in adjacent non-invaded lakes, indicating that Bythotrephes invasion of lakes apparently has not affected condition of lake herring.