Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Corticotroph Aggressive Pituitary Tumors and Carcinomas Frequently Harbor ATRX Mutations

Abstract Context Aggressive pituitary tumors (APTs) are characterized by unusually rapid growth and lack of response to standard treatment. About 1% to 2% develop metastases being classified as pituitary carcinomas (PCs). For unknown reasons, the corticotroph tumors are overrepresented among APTs and PCs. Mutations in the alpha thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked (ATRX) gene, regulating chromatin remodeling and telomere maintenance, have been implicated in the development of several cancer types, including neuroendocrine tumors. Objective To study ATRX protein expression and mutational status of the ATRX gene in APTs and PCs. Design We investigated ATRX protein expression by using immunohistochemistry in 30 APTs and 18 PCs, mostly of Pit-1 and T-Pit cell lineage. In tumors lacking ATRX immunolabeling, mutational status of the ATRX gene was explored. Results Nine of the 48 tumors (19%) demonstrated lack of ATRX immunolabelling with a higher proportion in patients with PCs (5/18; 28%) than in those with APTs (4/30;13%). Lack of ATRX was most common in the corticotroph tumors, 7/22 (32%), versus tumors of the Pit-1 lineage, 2/24 (8%). Loss-of-function ATRX mutations were found in all 9 ATRX immunonegative cases: nonsense mutations (n = 4), frameshift deletions (n = 4), and large deletions affecting 22-28 of the 36 exons (n = 3). More than 1 ATRX gene defect was identified in 2 PCs. Conclusion ATRX mutations occur in a subset of APTs and are more common in corticotroph tumors. The findings provide a rationale for performing ATRX immunohistochemistry to identify patients at risk of developing aggressive and potentially metastatic pituitary tumors.
Heritability, Correlation and Path Coefficient Analysis for Determining Interrelationships among Grain Yield and Related Characters in Maize (Zea mays L.)

Knowledge of interrelationships between grain yield and its contributing components will improve the efficiency of breeding programs through the use of appropriate selection indices. The objective of this study was to evaluate of interrelationships among grain yield and related Characters in 45 F1 corn hybrids. The hybrids were evaluated in randomized complete block design with three replications. The genetic parameters studied among the traits included the mean performance, genotypic variances, phenotypic variances, genotype by environment variances, broad sense heritability, phenotypic and genotypic correlation coefficients and path analysis. Significant differences were recorded for all traits studied thereby revealing the diversity of the maize genotypes. Grain yield per plant, shelling%, and 100seed weight (g) showed high heritability had high genotypic variances suggesting the involvement of additive gene action. Days to 50% tasseling, days to 50% silking and physiological maturity showed the highest heritability but low genotypic variance suggesting the preponderance of non-additive gene action. The grain yield was positively and strongly correlated with 100seed weight, shelling%, cob length, plant height, kernels per row and kernel rows per cob. Path analysis was used to partition the genetic correlations between grain yield and related characters. Days to 50% silking, physiological maturity, shelling% and 100-seed weight showed positive direct effect on grain yield. The highest direct effect belonged to days to 50% silking the highest direct effect (0.3032), followed by physiological yield (0.1586).
Achieving Food System Transformation: Insights From A Retrospective Review of Nutrition Policy (In)Action in High-Income Countries

Background: Comprehensive nutrition policies are required urgently to help transform food systems to more equitably deliver healthy, sustainable diets. Methods: Literature was searched systematically for nutrition policies of the then 34 Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) members as part of a scoping study. Recently, results were re-analysed, against the NOURISHING framework. Results: Twenty-three nutrition policy documents were identified for 19 jurisdictions. Most policy actions focused on the behaviour change communication domain: all (100%) promoted consumption of ‘healthy’ choices. In the food environment domain, most policies included food labelling (84%), product reformulation (68%), providing healthy foods in public institutions (89%, mainly schools), and restricting food advertising (53%), largely through voluntary codes. Relatively few economic tools were being applied. There was very little focus on reducing consumption of ‘unhealthy’ food or drinks. Not all nutrition policy actions identified were covered by the NOURISHING framework. Conclusion: The NOURISHING framework could be expanded to more comprehensively encompass the health and sustainability dimensions of food systems, eg, by detailing optimum governance arrangements. As recently as seven years ago, half of the most developed economies globally did not have a publicly available nutrition policy. Existing policies were dominated by conventional nutrition education approaches, while policy actions targeting food environments, and regulatory and legislative reforms, were rare. This is consistent with a neo-liberal approach centring individual responsibility. No examples of the multi-strategy, inter-sectoral, coordinated, evidence-based policies required to drive systemic transformation were identified. Therefore, it is not surprising that rates of obesity and diet-related conditions have continued to rise in these jurisdictions, nor that governments are currently off-track to deliver the systemic transformation required to meet relevant global health and sustainable development goals.
Relationship between sedentary behaviour and anxiety symptoms among youth in 24 low- and middle-income countries

Background Anxiety is burdensome and common in youth. Sedentary behaviour has been identified as potentially modifiable dangerous factors for many diseases. Nevertheless, little is known about the relationship between sedentary behaviour and the risk of anxiety symptoms in youth. Therefore, we aimed to examine the association among youth in 24 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Methods Data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS) were analyzed in 59587 youth aged 12–15 years. Most of the country-wide data were nationally representative. Anxiety symptoms were self-reported. Multivariable logistic regression and meta-analyses of country-wise estimates were conducted. Results The prevalence of anxiety symptoms was 10.3%. Countrywide meta-analysis demonstrated that sedentary behaviour of >2 h/day (vs.≤2 h/day) was associated with an increased risk of anxiety symptoms (OR = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.10–1.37). Conclusions This study provides multi-national evidence of the dangerous effect of sedentary behaviour against anxiety symptoms among youth in LMICs. Decreasing the level of sedentary behaviour during adolescence could be an important target for reducing the prevalence of anxiety.
Humboldt Core – toward a standardized capture of biological inventories for biodiversity monitoring, modeling and assessment

Species inventories, i.e. the recording of multiple species for a specific place and time, are routinely performed and offer particular value for characterizing biodiversity and its change. However, reporting standards allowing these inventories to be re-used, compared to one another, and further integrated with other sources of biodiversity data are lacking, impeding their broadest utility. Here we provide a conceptual informatics framework for capturing, in a standardized and general way, core information about processes underpinning inventory work. We dub this set of terms Humboldt Core, and demonstrate its utility. This proposed framework is based on a community input process, followed by extensive refinement and testing using published inventories. We first develop a typology of inventories and inventory processes, distinguishing between single, elementary inventories, extended and summary inventories, representing increasing levels of sampling event aggregation. We then further describe typical reporting content for inventory processes, along with their value for inferring absence and use in occupancy modeling. Next we provide an overview of the Humboldt Core terms for capture of geospatial, temporal, taxonomic, and environmental conditions, along with methodological descriptors related to the assessment of sampling effort and inventory completeness. Finally, we introduce a pilot implementation of Humboldt Core for the ingestion and provision of inventory process metadata into Map of Life, demonstrating standardized mobilization of metadata from several hundred previously published summary inventories. Humboldt Core helps facilitate integration of different types of inventories and their use in model-supported assessment of spatial biodiversity and its change, critical for meeting global monitoring goals. Humboldt Core will benefit from further enhancements based on community testing and input, but represents a step toward significantly expanding biodiversity dataset discovery, interoperability, and modeling utility for a type of data essential to the assessment of biodiversity variation in space and time. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Rob and MarA alter susceptibility of Escherichia coli to antibiotics in presence of salicylate

When exposed to stress, bacterial cells launch a diverse response to enhance their chances of survival. This response involves modulation of expression of a large number of proteins which help the cell counter stress. This modulation is facilitated by several transcription factors in bacteria and in E. coli three homologous regulators, MarA, Sox, and Rob are known to launch a coordinated response to combat various stress environments. MarA and SoxS are known to control multiple antibiotic resistance and superoxide regulon respectively. Rob has been observed to control similar downstream targets as MarA and SoxS. However, physiological relevance of Rob in not understood. We show that Rob along with MarA, in presence of inducer salicylate, can help cell survive in presence of lethal concentration of wide range of antibiotics.
Walnut pollination dynamics: Pollen flow in walnut orchards

We have been conducting analyses of pollination dynamics in a California 'Chandler' walnut (Jtiglans regia) orchard. Our objectives are to document effective sources of pollen during the dichogamous bloom cycle of the two cultivars present in the orchard by determining pollen parentage of nuts, to describe the bloom phenology and to develop recommendations on pollinizer requirements in walnut orchards consistent with management of blackline disease and pollen-induced pistillate flower abortion (PFA). Trees are spaced at 28.5m. Prevailing winds are from the north and west. The orchard has 'Cisco' pollinizers every fourth row along the north and west outside rows of the orchard and there is a single 'S. Franquette' tree on the east edge. Other potential pollinizers are approximately a kilometer distant. We are analyzing pollen flow by conducting paternity analyses using microsatellite (SSR) DNA markers on nuts collected from trees at various distances from the pollinizer rows. Our results for 2001 are based on nuts harvested from flowers tagged at two bloom dates. The results show much higher than expected levels of pollen parentage originating from sources outside the orchard (i.e. neither self pollen, 'Cisco' pollen nor 'S. Franquette' pollen). During Chandler staminate lull bloom, when copious amount of self pollen is present in the orchard, high levels of non-self paternity occur at the upwind portions of the orchard. For 2002, we expanded our level of temporal resolution by tagging flowers 8 times over the bloom cycle. SSR-based paternity anal yses of approximately 900 nuts identified according to bloom date and orchard location again show high levels of paternity from sources outside the orchard. Because we cannot exclude 'Chandler' or'Cisco' pollen from sources outside the orchard, it is likel y that our estimates of pollen from distant external sources is significantly higher than the data would indicate. INTRODUCTION Pollination requirements in walnut orchards are inadequately understood. Pollination relationships in this species are more complex than is typical of other orchard crops. The species is self compatible, however because it is also dichogamous, the period of overlap between pollen shed and pistillate flower receptivity may be inadequate for maximum productivity. Although there are no data on the relationship between pollen Proc. ml. Walnut Syrup. Eds. M.E. Malvolti and D. Avanzato 465 Acta i-Ion. 705, ISHS 2006
SEQUENCE ANALYSIS OF MATURASE K (MATK): A CHLOROPLAST-ENCODING GENE IN SOME SELECTED PULSES

The application and utilization of sequence data has been found very informative in the characterization and phylogenetic relationship of different crops species. This study aimed to use bioinformatics tools to characterize the matK gene in some selected legumes with special reference to pigeon pea [ cajanus cajan (L.)Millsp] matK sequence as a quarry sequence. Nucleotide and amino acid sequence of matK gene of 10 legumes were retrieved from NCBI database and analysed for homology, physiochemical properties, motifs, GC content as well as phylogenetic relationships. Results showed that the nucleotide and amino acid sequence lengths of this gene among the selected legumes differs. Its nucleotide length varied between 631-1580bp, while the amino acids sequence varied between 21 and 509 residues. P. tetragonolobus matK and C. cajan matK sequences had percentage identity of 88% while V. sativa had the lowest percentage identity of 70%. G.tomentella and P. tetragonolobus matK sequence shared the same percentage similarity of 91% with C.cajan while V. sativa had the least (78%) with C.cajan . The motif predicted were tyrosine kinase phosphorylation site, N-myristoylation site, N-glycosylation site, protein kinase phosphorylation site, casein kinase II phosphorylation site and cAMP- and –cGMP dependent protein kinase phosphorylation site. However, microbodies C-terminal targeting site was only predicted in the amino acid sequence of matK gene of P. sativum and C.cajan . Phylogenetically, two major clades were revealed with P.sativum , V.sativa , and C. arientinum matK gene sequence in clade A and matK gene sequence of P.tetragonolobus, C. cajan, G. tomentella, P.vulgaris, V.unguiculata, V. angularis and V. radiate in clade B. It showed that clade A diverged from the ancestry legume approximately 39MYA while legume sequences in clade B diverged from the ancestor about 57MYA. GC content of the nucleotide sequence of matK gene of V. sativa was highest (31.37%) with the range in the selected legume varying between 7.29%-31.37%. The secondary structure of amino acids sequence of matK gene in the selected legume revealed the alpha helix (34.14%-41.27%), extended strand (11.56%-20.99%) and random coil (39.48%-51.76%). The major domain architecture found in the amino acid sequence were single and double types. Implicitly, though maturase K gene sequences in the selected legumes differ in lengths physiochemical properties, GC content and motif. The result of this study revealed that C.cajan matK gene sequences is closely related to that of P. tetragonolobus but distant to V. unguiculata as well as P. vulgaris .
Introduction pratique à la systématique des organismes des eaux continentales françaises. 6. Hétéroptères aquatiques et ripicoles. Genres et principales espèces

Des cles illustrees permettent la determination des genres et de certaines especes d'Heteropteres aquatiques et ripicoles vivant en France et dans les regions voisines. Les principales caracteristiques morphologiques et biologiques sont fournies pour chaque famille et chaque genre. On trouvera dans la bibliographie les references de nombreuses faunes et articles.
Structure, composition and functional properties of storage proteins extracted from bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) landraces

Bambara groundnut is a protein-rich traditional legume. In this study, storage proteins were isolated from three bambara landraces. Bambara protein revealed four major protein bands: one broad band at 55 kDa, two medium bands at 62 kDa and 80 kDa and a high molecular weight (HMW) protein at 141 kDa. The vicilin (7S) subunits with molecular weight of 55 kDa and 62 kDa were major fractions in bambara storage proteins. Bambara proteins showed two endothermic peaks ranging from 64 to 69 °C and 76 to 90 °C, respectively. Bambara protein isolates had well-defined tertiary and secondary structures, respectively, at pH 3.0, and this well-defined structure decreased slightly at higher pH values. The isolates revealed a strong secondary structure dominated by α-helical conformation. Foaming capacities of bambara proteins were dependent on pH with maximum percentage FC observed at pH 3.0, while the emulsion activity increased with increasing pH for all the isolates. Vicilin (7S) fraction seems to be the major storage protein fraction of bambara. Bambara proteins could serve as excellent ingredients for the formulation of food foams and emulsions.
Phylogenetic conservatism of climatic niche in bats

Aim Bats are commonly considered in the literature as an example of strong niche conservatism. However, no specific tests have been conducted to investigate the extent to which bat species niches are evolutionarily conserved. We address this question at different phylogenetic scales using phylogenetic and geographical approaches. Location Global. Methods We used nine climatic variables to describe a multivariate representation of bat climatic niches. We measured niche position, niche breadth and niche overlap between sister species pairs. We performed a Mantel test to verify whether niche overlap was related to phylogenetic distance among species. We also tested for phylogenetic signal and compared the relative fit of evolutionary models with the observed variation of niche features. Results Niche overlap and phylogenetic distances were not related. At deeper evolutionary scales, we found evidence that climatic niche evolved more slowly than expected under a Brownian motion model. This indicates phylogenetic conservatism, particularly for niche position of Vespertilionidae and Molossidae. Main conclusions We found evidence of phylogenetic niche conservatism at the order and family levels but not at the species level. Evolution of climatic niches is non-stationary across the order Chiroptera, consistent with the different histories of clades. We stress the importance of taking into account the method of choice, the niche feature and the phylogenetic scale being evaluated when testing for phylogenetic niche conservatism at higher taxonomic levels and its influence on biodiversity gradients.
Selección y caracterización de la patogenicidad de una cepa de bacillus pumilus activa frente a la mosca de la fruta del mediterráneo: Ceratitis capitata (diptera tephritidae)

Ceratitis capitata is one of the most important fruit pests worldwide. The medfly is a polyphagous species that causes losses in almost 300 crops, which leads to huge economic losses. Entomopathogenic bacteria belonging to the genus Bacillus have been proven to be safe, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective tools to control pest populations. As no control method for C. capitata based on these bacteria has been developed, isolation of novel strains is needed. Here, we report the isolation of 115 bacterial strains and the results of toxicity screening with adults and larvae of C. capitata. As a result of this analysis, we obtained a novel Bacillus pumilus strain, strain 15.1, that is highly toxic to C. capitata larvae. The toxicity of this strain for C. capitata was related to the sporulation process and was observed only when cultures were incubated at low temperatures before they were used in a bioassay. The mortality rate for C. capitata larvae ranged from 68 to 94% depending on the conditions under which the culture was kept before the bioassay. Toxicity was proven to be a special characteristic of the newly isolated strain, since other B. pumilus strains did not have a toxic effect on C. capitata larvae. Here we also show approaches in the biology of the 15.1 strain, in its principal pathogenicity characteristics, and some aspects of its mode of action. Thus, toxicity assays of strain 15.1 against Medfly at different developmental stages were carried out, leading to the finding that activity is larvicidal with no significant effects on other stages. The action of the strain on the development of Medfly in various fruits is then described, showing promising effects in citrus. The strain was analyzed phylogenetically, showing similarities to B. cereus group strains. Finally, the bacterial community of the Medfly larval gut was analyzed under different conditions, showing that partial elimination of this microbiota did not affect the mortality rates caused by B. pumilus 15.1. To our knowledge, the entomopathogenic activity of B. pumilus against Medfly, and the isolation of a Bacillus strain pathogenic for C. capitata larvae are reported here for the first time. The results of our study have revealed that there are strains of Bacillus genus with unexplored activities and potential uses. We do not expect that B. pumilus will provide total control on C. capitata larvae, but the results of the present study suggest that B. pumilus 15.1 could be considered as a strong candidate for the biological control of C. capitata. Moreover, these findings represent an important starting point for the development of pest control strategies that could help to reduce economic losses in fruit crops. However, further studies are now required in order to determine the toxicity against insects from other orders, the biosecurity and validate its effectiveness in the suppression of Medfly populations under field conditions.
Macroinvertebrates on the front lines: projected community response to temperature and precipitation changes in Mediterranean streams

ABSTRACT As temperatures rise and precipitation patterns change, approaches are needed for early detection of the effects on ecosystems. Macroinvertebrate data collected from 81 sites with multiple habitat kick sampling were compiled for this study. We used a binary logistic regression model to predict the probability of local extinction or range expansion of aquatic macroinvertebrates with changes in temperature and precipitation in watersheds of Castilla-La Mancha, Spain. Aquatic insect families from the following orders were found to be sensitive to an increase in average spring temperatures: Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Megaloptera, Trichoptera, Coleoptera and Diptera. Taxa in Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, Hemiptera and Coleoptera showed negative relationships with minimum (winter) temperature, maximum spring temperature and/or precipitation. One mayfly, Caenis, exhibited a positive relationship with minimum temperature. These results indicate that these aquatic communities are expected to change significantly in the short-term, with the potential to alter stream ecosystem functioning. Mediterranean ecosystems are considered biodiversity hotspots, and biotic communities in freshwater habitats in these areas may be particularly vulnerable to projected increases in temperature and decreases in precipitation. The ability of taxa to withstand these changes will depend on resistance, resilience and dispersal capabilities of the aquatic macroinvertebrates as well as available habitat.