Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
TOWARDS A MORE ECOLOGICAL DENDROECOLOGY

ABSTRACT The use of tree-ring methods to study ecological processes, known as dendroecology, has been booming over the last decade. We believe that the incredible methodological strides in this subdiscipline over the last half century will be further advanced by purposefully integrating with other ecological subdisciplines and broadening the scope of dendroecology both in terms of methods and theory. Simultaneously, these efforts will greatly benefit a broad range of ecological disciplines through the incorporation of one of the greatest strengths of dendrochronology: highly-resolved ecological data that spans from seasons to centuries. Because these data are still alarmingly scarce in ecology but are crucial to understand the ecology of long-living organisms, we believe better integrating dendroecology and mainstream ecology will benefit both disciplines. We discuss five actions that can be readily embraced by the dendrochronological community to further advance the field while also making it more open for non-dendroecologists. These actions include: (i) promoting diverse or multi-discipline scientific collaborations and partnerships, (ii) diversifying dendroecological data sources, (iii) incorporating inference-based and hierarchical models to the dendroecological toolbox, (iv) improving and updating the global tree-ring databases, and (v) increasing the focus on ecological and evolutionary mechanisms in tree-ring-driven papers. We believe these actions will help facilitate a broad discussion on how to better integrate tree-ring-based ecology within mainstream ecology. We believe this has the potential to trigger major advancements in dendroecology, help resolve long-standing ecological questions and, ultimately, bring a new perspective and scale to ecological theory.
An Extinct Eagle (Aves: Accipitridae) from the Quaternary of Hispaniola

Abstract. We report late Quaternary fossils of the hind limb (tibiotarsus, tarsometatarsus, hallux, pedal phalanges) of an extinct species of eagle (Accipitridae) from Hispaniola (Haiti, Dominican Republic). We are unable to refer these 24 fossils with confidence to any Accipitrid genus, living or extinct. Among living genera, the Hispaniolan fossils are most similar in nonquantitative characters to leg elements in Geranoaetus Kaup 1844, as represented in our comparisons by the South American species Black-chested Buzzard-Eagle (G. melanoleucus Vieillot 1819). Although it may be that Geranoaetus eventually will be found to accommodate the Hispaniolan eagle and perhaps other large, extinct species of West Indian eagles (from Cuba and Bahamas), the fossil material available at this time is inadequate. Generic assignment is complicated further by uncertain generic limits among surviving New World buteonine/buteogalline hawks and eagles, which themselves also are not well represented in scientific collections. Measures of the tibiotarsus suggest the Hispaniolan eagle was 15–30% larger than the extant Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos). It is likely that the large Hispaniolan eagle went extinct along with, and potentially as a consequence of, the extinction of most endemic species of large- and medium-sized mammals (primates, rodents, and sloths) that once served as prey.
A New Endangered Species of Fritzschia Cham. (Melastomataceae, Marcetieae) from Espinhaço Range, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract During a field expedition to the Serra do Cipó, Minas Gerais state, Brazil, we found a new species of Fritzschia, a genus endemic to campos rupestres from the Espinhaço Range. Fritzschia cordifolia has cordate and succulent leaves with an apical gland, petals with glandular-ciliate margin, campanulate hypanthium, and antesepalous stamens with ventral appendages with deltoid lobes. The presence of seeds with a crested testa is reported here for the first time in Fritzschia. A description and illustration of the new species is provided, as well as its conservation status and its geographical distribution.
ECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND DISTRIBUTION OF ARBUTUS XALAPENSIS (TEXAS MADRONE) POPULATIONS IN CENTRAL TEXAS

Abstract Arbutus xalapensis Kunth (Texas madrone, Ericaceae) is found in western and central Texas, but its ecological characteristics are little known. Mature A. xalapensis plants were found in the Albert and Bessie Kronkosky State Natural Area in Kendall and Bandera counties, central Texas (29.740278 N, –98.838333 W). Habitats studied included Acer grandidentatum Nutt. (bigtooth maple) canyon bottoms, Juniperus ashei J.Buchholz/Quercus L. sp. (Ashe juniper/mixed oak) hillsides, and J. ashei uplands. Population characteristics were compared to habitat and surface geology. A total of 98 A. xalapensis plants were found in the communities studied. Differences were found for all parameters except height. Upland A. xalapensis trees had the lowest mean (±SD) density (2 ± 3 plants/ha), highest basal area (210 ± 190 cm2/plant), community elevation (573 ± 14 m) and height (4.09 ± 1.70 m/plant). Hillside communities had the highest density (61 ± 38 plants/ha), but lower basal area (110 ± 170 cm2/plant). The canyon bottom plant basal area was 80 ± 100 cm2/plant and density was 10 ± 5 plants/ha. The canyon bottoms had the deepest soil (27.2 ± 20.4 cm) and lowest elevation (510 ± 16 m). When geological substrates were examined, 128 additional plants were found. The largest plants were on the Fort Terrett member of the Edwards limestone (hard limestone, 230 ± 220 cm2/plant), but density was the lowest (2 ± 3 plants/ha). Whereas greater density was on the Upper Glen Rose limestone (softer limestone, 16 ± 7 plants/ha), where plants were smaller (110 ± 150 cm2/plant). Community type and geological substrate seem critical for growth of this species.
Broadband photoresponse of graphene photodetector from visible to long-wavelength infrared wavelengths

Abstract. Graphene-based transistors were investigated as simple photodetectors for a broad range of wavelengths. Graphene transistors were prepared using p-doped silicon (Si) substrates with a SiO2 layer, and source and drain electrodes. Monolayer graphene was fabricated by chemical vapor deposition and transferred onto the substrates, and the graphene channel region was then formed. The photoresponse was measured in the broadband wavelength range from the visible, near-infrared (NIR), and mid- to long-wavelength IR (MWIR to LWIR) regions. The photoresponse was enhanced by the photogating induced by the Si substrate at visible wavelengths. Enhancement by the thermal effect of the insulator layer became dominant in the LWIR region, which indicates that the photoresponse of graphene-based transistors can be controlled by the surrounding materials, depending on the operation wavelength. These results are expected to contribute to provide the key mechanism of high-performance graphene-based photodetectors.
Current status of use of big data and artificial intelligence in RMDs: a systematic literature review informing EULAR recommendations

Objective To assess the current use of big data and artificial intelligence (AI) in the field of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). Methods A systematic literature review was performed in PubMed MEDLINE in November 2018, with key words referring to big data, AI and RMDs. All original reports published in English were analysed. A mirror literature review was also performed outside of RMDs on the same number of articles. The number of data analysed, data sources and statistical methods used (traditional statistics, AI or both) were collected. The analysis compared findings within and beyond the field of RMDs. Results Of 567 articles relating to RMDs, 55 met the inclusion criteria and were analysed, as well as 55 articles in other medical fields. The mean number of data points was 746 million (range 2000–5 billion) in RMDs, and 9.1 billion (range 100 000–200 billion) outside of RMDs. Data sources were varied: in RMDs, 26 (47%) were clinical, 8 (15%) biological and 16 (29%) radiological. Both traditional and AI methods were used to analyse big data (respectively, 10 (18%) and 45 (82%) in RMDs and 8 (15%) and 47 (85%) out of RMDs). Machine learning represented 97% of AI methods in RMDs and among these methods, the most represented was artificial neural network (20/44 articles in RMDs). Conclusions Big data sources and types are varied within the field of RMDs, and methods used to analyse big data were heterogeneous. These findings will inform a European League Against Rheumatism taskforce on big data in RMDs.
Workshop on proposal writing on research for health care professionals: a brief report

Abstract A one-day workshop on proposal writing for research for health care professionals was organized by Hospital Research Board (HRB), Nepal Cancer Hospital and Research Center Pvt. Ltd, Harisiddhi, Lalitpur, Nepal on 2nd March 2019. The main aim of this workshop was to identify, motivate and prepare health care professionals for conducting research in their respective professional institution in collaboration. The workshop was facilitated by international and national resource persons. The deliberations of the workshop were focused on seven topics: “Turning research into impact, Essentials of the research protocol, Why proposals are rejected? , Plagiarism in medical research, Research with medical records, Grant writing workshop, Manuscript writing workshop” based on a presentation by the different resource persons. Ninety-nine persons participated in the workshop including physicians, medical oncologists, pharmacists, nurses and other allied health professionals. The interactive teaching-learning methods were utilized in all sessions of the workshop. The feedback of the participants was taken on semi-structured feedback format. Overall evaluations from the feedback forms showed that majority (90%) of the participants agreed that the workshop achieved its objectives with a major recommendation as to the allocation of short duration for the workshop and timely organize of research activities regarding scientific writing. In conclusion, the workshop on research proposal writing for health care professionals was successfully organized and the participants are looking forward for future ones.
Assessing methods of measuring medication adherence in chronically ill children–a narrative review

Abstract Nonadherence in children who use long-term medication is a serious problem and assessing adherence is an important step to provide solutions to this problem. Medication adherence can be measured by several methods, including (a) self-report questionnaires or structured interviews, (b) therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), (c) electronic devices, and (d) pick-up/refill rates. The objective of this narrative review is to provide an overview of the literature about methods for the measurement of medication adherence in chronically ill children and adolescents. Therefore, we conducted a literature search by using multiple databases. Four methods of monitoring medication adherence are presented for the most described chronic diseases: asthma, HIV/AIDS, epilepsy, diabetes mellitus and ADHD. First, 10 commonly used self-report questionnaires and structured interviews are described, including the main characteristics, (dis)advantages and their validation studies. Second, the use of TDM in pediatric trials for medication adherence measurement is discussed. New sampling methods (e.g. dried blood spot) and sampling matrices (e.g. hair, saliva and urine) have shown their benefits for TDM in children. Third, electronic devices to measure medication adherence in children are presented, being developed for several drug administration routes. Fourth, the analyses, advantages and disadvantages of pharmacy data are discussed. The usage of this data requires specific calculations and interpretations to assess adherence. As presented in this review, every adherence method has specific (dis)advantages. When deciding which adherence method is applicable, validity and generalizability should be taken into account. Combining multiple methods seems to offer the best solution in the daily clinical practice.
Application of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles in tumor-associated bone segmental defect

We developed an implant combined with both antitumor and bone regeneration functions. Hydroxyapatite (HA) has been widely applied in bone repair because of its superior biocompatibility. Recently, a proliferation-suppressive effect of HA nanoparticles (n-HA) against various cancer cells was reported. This study was aimed at assessing the translational value of n-HA both as a bone-regenerating material and as an antitumor agent. Inhibition of tumor growth, prevention of metastasis, and enhancement of the survival rate of tumor-bearing rabbits treated with n-HA were demonstrated. Activated mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis in vivo was confirmed, and we observed that a stimulated immune response was involved in the n-HA–induced antitumor effect. A porous titanium scaffold loaded with n-HA was fabricated and implanted into a critical-sized segmental bone defect in a rabbit tumor model. The n-HA–releasing scaffold not only showed a prominent effect in suppressing tumor growth and osteolytic lesion but also promoted bone regeneration. These findings provide a rationale for using n-HA in tumor-associated bone segmental defects.
Association between vitamin D and latent tuberculosis infection in the United States: NHANES, 2011–2012

Background Latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) is a precursor of active tuberculosis diseases and an important issue in the United States and worldwide. The association between vitamin D deficiency and LTBI is poorly understood. Methods From 2011 to 2012, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) assessed LTBI (according to tuberculin skin testing and QuantiFERON®-TB Gold In-Tube) and measured serum levels of vitamin D. We evaluated the association between LTBI and vitamin D using multivariate logistic regression models adjusted for known confounders. Results The LTBI group had a lower 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] level than the non-LTBI group (p=0.0012). The adjusted risk of LTBI was significantly higher among participants with serum 25(OH)D levels <12 ng/ml (adjusted OR [aOR], 2.27; 95% CI, 1.40–3.66) and 12–19 ng/ml (aOR, 1.75; 95% CI, 1.25–2.46) compared to those with a level ≥30 ng/ml. The higher risk of LTBI among the participants with serum 25(OH)D levels <12 ng/ml and 12–19 ng/ml remained unchanged in both male and summer season subgroups. Conclusions A low serum 25(OH)D level was significantly associated with the risk of LTBI in this US cohort.
Cardiovascular disease-related chronic conditions among Veterans Affairs nonmetastatic colorectal cancer survivors: a matched case–control analysis

Purpose The growing number of colorectal cancer (CRC) survivors often have multiple chronic conditions. Comparing nonmetastatic CRC survivors and matched noncancer controls, our objectives were to determine the odds of CRC survivors being diagnosed with cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related chronic conditions and their likelihood of control during the year after CRC diagnosis. Patients and methods We retrospectively identified patients diagnosed with nonmetastatic CRC in the Veterans Affairs health care system from fiscal years 2009 to 2012 and matched each with up to 3 noncancer control patients. We used logistic regression to assess differences in the likelihood of being diagnosed with CVD-related chronic conditions and control between nonmetastatic CRC survivors and noncancer controls. Results We identified 9,758 nonmetastatic CRC patients and matched them to 29,066 noncancer controls. At baseline, 69.4% of CRC survivors and their matched controls were diagnosed with hypertension, 52.4% with hyperlipidemia, and 36.7% with diabetes. Compared to matched noncancer controls, CRC survivors had 57% higher odds of being diagnosed with hypertension (OR=1.57, 95% CI=1.49–1.64) and 7% higher odds of controlled blood pressure (OR=1.07, 95% CI 1.02, 1.13) in the subsequent year. Compared to matched noncancer control patients, CRC survivors had half the odds of being diagnosed with hyperlipidemia (OR=0.50, 95% CI=0.48–0.52) and lower odds of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) control (OR 0.88, 95% CI 0.81–0.94). There were no significant differences between groups for diabetes diagnoses or control. Conclusion Compared to noncancer controls, nonmetastatic CRC survivors have 1) greater likelihood of being diagnosed with hypertension and worse blood pressure control in the year following diagnosis; 2) lower likelihood of being diagnosed with hyperlipidemia or LDL control; and 3) comparable diabetes diagnoses and control. There may be a need for hypertension control interventions targeting cancer survivors.
Role of OCT1 in hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers causing death worldwide. It is difficult to detect at an early stage and most patients with advanced HCC rarely achieve satisfying therapeutic results. Accordingly, researchers have been trying to find new biomarkers for diagnosis and new methods of treatment. OCT1, a member of solute carrier super family, is highly expressed in normal liver tissues, and predominantly transports endogenous and exogenous substances, such as metabolites, drugs and toxins to hepatocytes. Studies have demonstrated that the expression of OCT1 is related to the progression and survival of HCC patients. Furthermore, sorafenib, which is regarded as the only effective molecular targeting drug for advanced HCC, is affected by OCT1 variants. In the current review, we summarized the reports about OCT1 and HCC in order to present a comprehensive overview of the relationship between OCT1 and HCC.
Gene expression profiling reveals candidate biomarkers and probable molecular mechanism in diabetic peripheral neuropathy

Purpose To investigate the molecular mechanism and search for candidate biomarkers in the gene expression profile of patients with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Methods Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of progressive vs non-progressive DPN patients in dataset GSE24290 were screened. Functional enrichment analysis was conducted, and hub genes were extracted from the protein–protein interaction network. The expression level of hub genes in serum samples in another dataset GSE95849 was obtained, followed by the ROC curve analysis. Results A total of 352 DEGs were obtained from dataset GSE24290. They were involved in 14 gene ontology terms and 10 Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways, mainly related to lipid metabolism. Eight hub genes (LEP, APOE, ADIPOQ, FABP4, CD36, GPAM, CIDEC, and PNPLA4) were revealed, and their expression level was obtained in dataset GSE95849. The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that CIDEC (AUC=1), APOE (AUC=0.833), CD36 (AUC=0.803), and PNPLA4 (AUC=0.861) might be candidate serum biomarkers of DPN. Conclusion Lipid metabolism of Schwann cells might be inhibited in progressive DPN. CIDEC, APOE, CD36, and PNPLA4 might be potential predictive biomarkers in the early DPN diagnosis of patients with DM.
S-Adenosylmethionine Affects Cell Cycle Pathways and Suppresses Proliferation in Liver Cells

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a kind of common liver-protection medicine. Recent studies have shown that SAMe has the inhibitory effects on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). But the specific mechanism has not been elucidated. Here, we examine the effects and relevant mechanisms of SAMe on human hepatocellular carcinoma cell HepG2 and mouse hepatocyte AML12. We applied the technique of RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) to identify the differentially expressed genes between HepG2 cells which were treated with SAMe or not. And western blot and Quantitative RT-PCR was used to confirm some of these genes. To investigate the response to SAMe treatment, cell proliferation assay (MTS) and flow cytometry-based assays were carried out. A total of 472 SAMe-related genes were identified by RNA-Seq. We found that differentially expressed genes were enriched in cell cycle related signaling pathway significantly by the KEGG and GO Pathway enrichment analysis. Through the construction of protein-protein interaction network, we observed the module associated with cell cycle is in the core of the whole network. All these results implied that cell cycle pathway may be very important in the regulation of SAMe effected on HepG2 cells. Then the RNA-Seq-characterized genes involved in cell cycle (MCM3, MCM4, and E2F1) were confirmed by Western blot and Quantitative RT-PCR in HepG2 and AML12 cells. MTS analysis showed that SAMe could diminish cell proliferation. And flow cytometry-based assays indicated that treatment with SAMe altered cell cycle kinetic S phase cell cycle arrest. Altogether, our data uncovered the evidence of the antiproliferative action of SAMe in liver cells, and SAMe could lead to cell cycle inhibition by up-regulating MCM3, MCM4 and E2F1 expression. It provided an important theoretical basis for the clinical chemoprevention and treatment in HCC of SAMe.
Simultaneous, Delayed and Liver-First Hepatic Resections for Synchronous Colorectal Liver Metastases: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Background Systematic reviews and meta-analyses that compare simultaneous, delayed and liver-first approach for synchronous colorectal liver metastases have found no significant differences. The aim of this study was to determine the best treatment strategy on the basis of effect sizes and the probabilities of treatment ranking by using a network meta-analysis. Moreover, first-time pairwise and network meta-analyses were used to estimate the existing evidence, and their results were compared to detect any discrepancies between them. Methods Systematic review, pairwise meta-analysis and network meta-analysis were performed. The primary and secondary outcomes were 5-year overall survival and postoperative major morbidity, respectively. Results No significant differences in long-term survival and major morbidity were found amongst the three approaches. The hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) for 5-year overall survival for the simultaneous, delayed and liver-first approaches were 0.93 (0.69 - 1.24, P = 0.613), 0.97 (0.87 - 1.07, P = 0.596) and 0.90 (0.67 - 1.22, P = 0.499), respectively. Moreover, the liver-first approach with a surface under the cumulative ranking area score of 89% was ranked as the potentially best treatment option based on probabilities of treatment ranking. Conclusions On the basis of the relative ranking of treatments, the liver-first approach ranked first, followed by the delayed and simultaneous approaches. Therefore, a three-arm randomized controlled trial that compares the liver-first, simultaneous and delayed approaches needs to shed further light as to which is the best treatment option.
Cooking With Computers: The Vision of Digital Gastronomy [Point of View]

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations lists the main challenges in feeding 10 billion people in 2050. Many aspects of our food systems need to be improved, as today we waste around one-third of the food we produce. One way to minimize food waste is to rely on dry substances in the form of powders, which have a longer shelf life than fresh products and are easier to store.