Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effects of soil water deficit on physiological, morphological and chemical traits of Eucalyptus

Drought periods leading to soil water deficit can fundamentally affect plant growth and survival, and alter plant traits such as leaf chemistry. Predictions of increased drought periods in many regions means that widespread plant species may experience soil water deficit that differs in duration and severity over the species natural range. Glasshouse experiments were used to test the effect of water deficit level, water deficit duration and re-watering on juveniles from genetically-distinct Eucalyptus globulus and E. viminalis provenances by quantifying plant morphological, physiological and chemical traits. Eucalyptus globulus provenances vary in genetic-based drought tolerance, and provenances are located across a rainfall gradient. I hypothesised that juveniles of provenances from wet locations would be affected by water deficit to a larger degree than those from dry locations due to intra-specific adaptation to local rainfall patterns. Both species and all provenances responded similarly to all water deficit treatments and to re-watering regardless of genetic-based constitutive trait variation, local rainfall patterns, or in the case of adult E. globulus, field drought susceptibility. The only response to water deficit which varied between provenances was foliar abscisic acid (ABA) levels, and the response pattern was similar for both species at each paired locality, indicating parallel evolution and local adaptation. While many E. viminalis constitutive chemical and morphological traits changed over time due to plant development, the duration of moderate (50%) water deficit had no impact on any trait. Eucalyptus globulus leaf water potential, foliar ABA levels, plant biomass and C:N were affected by different levels of water availability ranging from 90 – 0% of control evapotranspiration. Plant secondary metabolite (PSM) responses to water deficit varied between experiments, and also between the selected PSM traits. Overall, concentrations of individual terpenes and total oil were not influenced by water deficit. Concentrations of phenols were more plastic in response to water deficit than terpenes, as condensed tannin concentrations increased in some experiments and total phenolic and formylated phloroglucinol compound (FPC) concentrations decreased in some experiments. A short re-watering period reversed the effects of water deficit on some chemical traits, but also decreased phenol concentrations. Variation in responses to water deficit between experiments is discussed. Overall, genetic-based quantitative PSM variation was high between species and provenances, with comparably low levels of plasticity due to water deficit. While responses to soil water deficit may largely be similar in juveniles across each species range, the ecological impact of modest changes to Eucalyptus PSM concentrations during drought may be equally modest, and the effect on mature trees is unknown.
Pharmacokinetics of piperine after oral administration of Sahastara remedy capsules in healthy volunteers

Background and purpose: To investigate the pharmacokinetics of piperine after single oral doses of capsules containing Sahastara (SHT) remedy dried ethanolic extracts in healthy Thai volunteers. Experimental approach: Twenty-four healthy volunteers were divided into two dosage groups. They received a single oral dose of SHT remedy extract capsules of 100 or 200 mg. Blood was collected at time intervals of 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h. Acute clinical safety was monitored by complete physical examination and laboratory tests during the study period. Piperine concentration in blood and urine was determined by liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry. Findings/Results: No serious adverse events were detected, only one volunteer had abdominal pain that was self-limiting. The pharmacokinetics of piperine following SHT remedy extract capsule administration demonstrated a mean peak concentration (Cmax) of piperine of 3.77 μg/mL and 6.59 μg/mL after dosing with 100 and 200 mg, respectively. Interestingly, a secondary maximum concentration of piperine was observed in this study, which might be related to enterohepatic recirculation. Negligible amounts of unchanged piperine were detected in urine. Conclusion and implication: The systemic exposure of piperine after SHT remedy ethanolic extract demonstrated dose proportionality after single oral dosing of 100-200 mg. Piperine was detectable in plasma for at least 48 h with evidence of enterohepatic recirculation. Metabolism and excretion profiles of piperine after administration of SHT remedy extract capsule need to be further explored for phytopharmaceutical product development.
Indocyanine Green Angiography Predicts Tissue Necrosis More Accurately Than Thermal Imaging and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in a Rat Perforator Flap Model

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background: Clinical examination alone is neither sensitive nor specific for predicting flap necrosis, so several technologies, including indocyanine green angiography, thermal imaging (using the FLIR ONE), and near-infrared spectroscopy, have been developed to supplement perfusion assessment. This study aims to compare the accuracy of these three methods for intraoperatively predicting clinical flap necrosis in a rat perforator flap model. The authors hypothesized that near-infrared spectroscopy, assessing oxygenation rather than direct perfusion, would yield significantly different predictions. Methods: A 10 × 3-cm epigastric perforator flap was elevated in 14 adult male rats weighing 250 ± 50 g. Flap perfusion was assessed immediately after flap elevation using thermal imaging, near-infrared spectroscopy, and indocyanine green angiography. Measurements were correlated to the clinical endpoint and gold standard of flap necrosis on postoperative day 7. Results: All three technologies detected significant differences in perfusion along flap length (all p < 0.001), and were associated with significant differences in the odds of developing flap necrosis (all p < 0.001). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves were 0.948 for indocyanine green angiography as an absolute value, 0.873 for relative changes with thermal imaging, and 0.792 for tissue oxygenation. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for indocyanine green angiography measured as an absolute value were the highest at 97.8, 87.5, and 92 percent, respectively. Conclusions: Indocyanine green angiography most accurately predicted flap necrosis in this study; however, tissue oximetry and thermal imaging were also capable of predicting necrosis and represented potentially less expensive or more readily available alternatives for objective perfusion assessment. Additional research can further delineate their roles and cost-efficacy in clinical practice.
Speckled and plain regions of avian eggshells differ in maternal deposition of calcium and metals: A hitherto overlooked chemical aspect of egg maculation

ABSTRACT Although it has been strongly implied that studies on structural function might resolve certain conflicting theories regarding the huge variability of coloration in avian eggs, including maculation, the fundamental physiological question about the functional role of eggshell speckling in the maternal deposition of micronutrients into maculated (pigment spots) and plain (unpigmented) eggshell regions remains largely unanswered. We measured (within the same egg) the concentrations of 2 micronutrients, the staple components of avian eggshells (calcium and magnesium), and 6 trace elements (copper, manganese, iron, cobalt, cadmium, and lead) in maculated (a superficial layer of brown pigment) and unpigmented areas of eggshells in 2 groups of Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) eggs representing 2 extremes of eggshell coloration: those with darker eggshells and more extensive pigment spots vs. those with bright eggshells and small, more clearly demarcated pigment spots. We found evidence that the concentrations of calcium and magnesium and of 2 trace elements (copper and cadmium) in both types of egg were significantly higher in speckled eggshell areas (where the shells were also significantly thicker) than in unpigmented ones. Conversely, lead (a toxic element) peaked markedly in the plain areas of eggshells compared with the speckled ones, whereas the concentrations of the 3 other trace elements (manganese, iron, and cobalt) measured in the speckled and unpigmented eggshell regions were variable and dependent on egg coloration. Our results give a clear indication that egg maculation can play a functional role in the chemistry of avian eggs, one that enables females to distribute micronutrients and trace elements into pigment spots and unpigmented regions of an eggshell to varying extents. This presumably represents a mechanism permitting prompt physiological adjustment to varying levels of maternal resources. It is possible that elements sequestered into protoporphyrin speckles are not further utilized by developing embryos; this might be a form of physiological chemoprotection through the disposal or deactivation of certain elements in pigment speckles, which do not (or only marginally) contribute to the biochemical processes of embryogenesis.
Understanding Livelihoods for Protected Area Management: Insights from Northern Madagascar

Protected Areas (PAs) are the most common approach to conservation globally; however, their effectiveness is unclear when neighbouring human communities are highly natural resource dependent. While forest-based livelihoods provide important income for rural communities, destructive livelihoods such as charcoal production can also threaten the sustainability of PAs. We aimed to understand drivers of livelihood choices in communities surrounding a proposed PA threatened by charcoal production in northern Madagascar, to inform management strategies that promote forest conservation without negatively impacting local communities. We used semi-structured interviews and focus groups to understand local livelihood dynamics using the Sustainable Livelihoods Framework (SLF). Our findings showed charcoal production to be an important livelihood used to deal with annual food insecurity. Agricultural yields were limited by a lack of assets for clearing land and building protective fences. Households were also hesitant to invest in agriculture due to the perceived risks associated with unpredictable rainfall and cattle grazing. While fishing was an important livelihood for filling income gaps, declining catches due to overexploitation across the study region appeared to be increasing the need for charcoal production. While improvements to agriculture were perceived to be promising strategies for reducing forest-dependence, a landscape approach to conservation in the region will be necessary in order to promote sustainability of all livelihoods and to reduce overall pressures on forest resources.
Comparative evaluation of wear resistance of CAD-CAM zirconia and cast cobalt chromium alloy for indirect restorations against human enamel - An In Vitro study

Purpose of the Study: To comparatively evaluate the wear resistance of two different posterior indirect restorative materials against human enamel. Materials and Methods: Two different posterior indirect restorative materials of ten in each Group-I (Monolithic zirconia) (n = 10) and Group-II (Cast cobalt chromium) (n = 10) were formed into disc and used as a substrate for the wear test. Freshly extracted mandibular first premolars were used as a pin (antagonist) (n = 20). Pin-on-disc wear testing machine was used to simulate the masticatory parameters and evaluation of the wear parameters was done after 1,20,000 cycles, with load of 40N for specific duration. Data related to wear testing procedure were tabulated and evaluated. Results were statistically analyzed using Mann–Whitney test and Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: Mean surface roughness value (Ra value) obtained for Group-I disc test samples showed no statistical significance (P value < 0.05). Mean wear rate value of test disc samples was statistically significant between Group-I and Group-II (P value < 0.05). Mean surface roughness value was statistically significant between Groups–I and II before and after wear test (P value < 0.05). Conclusion: From the results obtained, it was found that the Group-I (Monolithic zirconia) exhibited higher wear resistance than Group-II (cast cobalt chromium) and causes less wear to the opposing enamel antagonist.
Two new species of eumenine wasps in the genus Zethus Fabricius (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Eumeninae) from the New World

Zethus (Zethus) caetetus sp. nov. (Brazil) and Zethus (Zethus) flaviventris sp. nov. (Costa Rica) are described and figured.Both species belong to the Z. heydeni species group. A total of 218 species of Zethus are currently recognized for the Americas.
The Phenotypic Spectrum of 47 Czech Patients with Single, Large-Scale Mitochondrial DNA Deletions

Background: In this retrospective study, we analysed clinical, biochemical and molecular genetic data of 47 Czech patients with Single, Large-Scale Mitochondrial DNA Deletions (SLSMD). Methods: The diagnosis was based on the long-range PCR (LX-PCR) screening of mtDNA isolated from muscle biopsy in 15 patients, and from the buccal swab, urinary epithelial cells and blood in 32 patients. Results: A total of 57% patients manifested before the age of 16. We did not find any significant difference between paediatric and adult manifestation in either the proportion of patients that would develop extraocular symptoms, or the timespan of its progression. The survival rate in patients with Pearson Syndrome reached 60%. Altogether, five patients manifested with atypical phenotype not fulfilling the latest criteria for SLSMD. No correlation was found between the disease severity and all heteroplasmy levels, lengths of the deletion and respiratory chain activities in muscle. Conclusions: Paediatric manifestation of Progressive External Ophthalmoplegia (PEO) is not associated with a higher risk of multisystemic involvement. Contrary to PEO and Kearns-Sayre Syndrome Spectrum, Pearson Syndrome still contributes to a significant childhood mortality. SLSMD should be considered even in cases with atypical presentation. To successfully identify carriers of SLSMD, a repeated combined analysis of buccal swab and urinary epithelial cells is needed.
Three New Outcome Measures That Tap Into Cognitive Processes Required for Real-Life Communication

To increase the ecological validity of outcomes from laboratory evaluations of hearing and hearing devices, it is desirable to introduce more realistic outcome measures in the laboratory. This article presents and discusses three outcome measures that have been designed to go beyond traditional speech-in-noise measures to better reflect realistic everyday challenges. The outcome measures reviewed are: the Sentence-final Word Identification and Recall (SWIR) test that measures working memory performance while listening to speech in noise at ceiling performance; a neural tracking method that produces a quantitative measure of selective speech attention in noise; and pupillometry that measures changes in pupil dilation to assess listening effort while listening to speech in noise. According to evaluation data, the SWIR test provides a sensitive measure in situations where speech perception performance might be unaffected. Similarly, pupil dilation has also shown sensitivity in situations where traditional speech-in-noise measures are insensitive. Changes in working memory capacity and effort mobilization were found at positive signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), that is, at SNRs that might reflect everyday situations. Using stimulus reconstruction, it has been demonstrated that neural tracking is a robust method at determining to what degree a listener is attending to a specific talker in a typical cocktail party situation. Using both established and commercially available noise reduction schemes, data have further shown that all three measures are sensitive to variation in SNR. In summary, the new outcome measures seem suitable for testing hearing and hearing devices under more realistic and demanding everyday conditions than traditional speech-in-noise tests.
Late-onset versus early-onset systemic lupus: characteristics and outcome in a national multicentre register (RELESSER).

OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to describe the demographic, clinical and immunological characteristics of patients with late-onset (≥50 years) SLE vs patients with early-onset SLE (<50 years). METHODS We performed a cross-sectional retrospective study of 3619 patients from the RELESSER database (National Register of Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus of the Spanish Society of Rheumatology). RESULTS A total of 565 patients (15.6%) were classified as late-onset SLE and 3054 (84.4%) as early-onset SLE. The male-to-female ratio was 5:1. Mean (s.d.) age at diagnosis in the late-onset group was 57.4 (10.4) years. At diagnosis, patients with late-onset SLE had more comorbid conditions than patients with early-onset SLE; the most frequent was cardiovascular disease (P <0.005). Furthermore, diagnostic delay was longer in patients with late-onset SLE [45.3 (3.1) vs 28.1 (1.0); P <0.001]. Almost all patients with late-onset SLE (98.7%) were Caucasian. Compared with early-onset SLE and after adjustment for time since diagnosis, patients with late-onset SLE more frequently had serositis, major depression, thrombotic events, cardiac involvement and positive lupus anticoagulant values. They were also less frequently prescribed immunosuppressive agents. Mortality was greater in late-onset SLE (14.3% vs 4.7%; P <0.001). CONCLUSION Late-onset SLE is insidious, with unusual clinical manifestations that can lead to diagnostic errors. Clinical course is generally indolent. Compared with early-onset disease, activity is generally reduced and immunosuppressants are less commonly used. Long-term prospective studies are necessary to determine whether the causes of death are associated with clinical course or with age-associated comorbidities in this population.
Phytoplankton of Aras dam reservoir (Iran): an attempt to assess water quality

The Aras reservoir, located in the north-west of Iran, plays an important role in fisheries, drinking and agricultural water supplies and recreational activities in the region. This study was performed to characterize the seasonal fluctuations of phytoplankton communities and their relationship with environmental factors in the Aras reservoir from August 2013 to May 2014. Sampling was carried out seasonally from 5 sampling locations. In each location three samples were taken for phytoplankton identification and enumeration, chemical analysis and chlorophyll a determination. In total, 72 species belonging to 5 divisions were determined. Cyanobacteria contained the highest density (74%) during the study period with Pseudanabaena limnetica as the most abundant species. This group retained its dominance the whole year round which indicated the poor quality and high nutrient load of the Aras reservoir, mainly due to human activities. On average, Trophic State Index (TSI) showed that water in the reservoir was eu-hypereutrophic. The results indicated that phytoplankton density negatively correlated with Secchi disc depth (R = -0.479), total alkalinity (R = 0.564), total hardness (R = -0.727) and HCO3 concentration (R = -0.589). On the other hand, there was a positive correlation between the phytoplankton density and TP (R = 0.734). A comparison between the present and a previous study indicated that the cyanobacterial bloom pattern in the Aras reservoir has shifted from warm season toward an all year round cycle which in addition to basin pollution due to anthropogenic activities, can be related to global warming and climate change.
Influenza A Viruses in Ruddy Turnstones (Arenaria interpres); Connecting Wintering and Migratory Sites with an Ecological Hotspot at Delaware Bay

Each May for over three decades, avian influenza A viruses (IAVs) have been isolated from shorebirds and gulls (order Charadriiformes) at Delaware Bay (DE Bay), USA, which is a critical stopover site for shorebirds on their spring migration to arctic breeding grounds. At DE Bay, most isolates have been recovered from ruddy turnstones (Arenaria interpres), but it is unknown if this species is involved in either the maintenance or movement of these viruses outside of this site. We collected and tested fecal samples from 2823 ruddy turnstones in Florida and Georgia in the southeastern United States during four winter/spring sample periods—2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013—and during the winters of 2014/2015 and 2015/2016. Twenty-five low pathogenicity IAVs were recovered representing five subtypes (H3N4, H3N8, H5N9, H6N1, and H12N2). Many of these subtypes matched those recovered at DE Bay during the previous year or that year’s migratory cycle, suggesting that IAVs present on these southern wintering areas represent a source of virus introduction to DE Bay via migrating ruddy turnstones. Analyses of all IAV gene segments of H5N9 and H6N1 viruses recovered from ruddy turnstones at DE Bay during May 2012 and from the southeast during the spring of 2012 revealed a high level of genetic relatedness at the nucleotide level, suggesting that migrating ruddy turnstones move IAVs from wintering grounds to the DE Bay ecosystem.
Targeted Molecular Therapies in the Treatment of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma, Are We There Yet?

Simple Summary Traditional therapeutic approaches to esophageal adenocarcinoma involve a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Despite innovations in treatment, outcomes remain poor. Targeted molecular therapies and immunotherapies have been used to great effect in various other solid tumors. Several targeted agents show promise in treating esophageal adenocarcinoma. In this review, we aim to highlight recent developments in the arena of targeted therapeutics and suggest topics of future investigations. Abstract Esophageal adenocarcinoma is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma has increased at an alarming rate in the Western world and long-term survival remains poor. Current treatment approaches involve a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Unfortunately, standard first-line approaches are met with high rates of recurrence and metastasis. More recent investigations into the distinct molecular composition of these tumors have uncovered key genetic and epigenetic alterations involved in tumorigenesis and progression. These discoveries have driven the development of targeted therapeutic agents in esophageal adenocarcinoma. While many agents have been studied, therapeutics targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathways have demonstrated improved survival. More recent advances in immunotherapies have also demonstrated survival advantages with monoclonal antibodies targeting the programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1). In this review we highlight recent advances of targeted therapies, specifically agents targeting receptor tyrosine kinases, small molecule kinase inhibitors, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. While targeted therapeutics and immunotherapies have significantly improved survival, the benefits are limited to patients whose tumors express biomarkers such as PD-L1 and HER2. Survival remains poor for the remainder of patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma, underscoring the critical need for development of novel treatment strategies.