Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of Alleles in the MSP1 Gene Related to Complicated Malaria in Patients Infected with Plasmodium falciparum in Southeast of Iran

Background: To overcome human malaria problem several solutions have been employed including extensive studies in the field of Plasmodia relevant antigens. The aim of this study was to determine allelic variation in the MSP1 gene of Plasmodium falciparum among some falciparum malaria-infected patients in Southeastern Iran. Methods: Twenty P. falciparum positive cases were enrolled from Sistan and Baluchistan Province, southeastern Iran in 2013–15. From each case, 1.5ml of peripheral blood was collected into EDTA contained tubes. Thick and thin blood smears were stained with standard Giemsa stain and were checked with conventional microscopical method. DNA was extracted from blood samples and amplification of block 2 MSP1 was performed using specific primers. Gel electrophoresis was done and results showed some amplification fragments corresponding to block 2 regions of Pf MSP1 gene. Finally, four samples from different allelic types were sent for sequencing process. Results: Fragments were different in size, so classified into six allelic types as kinds of 1–6 based on happening frequencies. Digestion of PCR products revealed two sub allelic types (A and B) within allelic types 2 and 3, but not in allelic types 1, 4, 5 and 6. Twenty percent of samples were sent for sequencing. Sequence alignment showed 78.95% to 91.83% identity between samples. Conclusion: Identity between samples and phylogenetic tree revealed that there is an extensive diversity range among isolates. Fifty percent of the isolates were under the risk of complicated malaria. Two of these patients (10%) needed special care and recovery was obtained after getting hospital services.
Effect of Nutrient Management through STCR Equation in Groundnut-Potato Cropping Sequence on Nutrient Uptake of Sequence

A field investigation on “Nutrient management through STCR equation in groundnut-potato cropping sequence” was carried out at PGI Research Rahuri (M.S.) during the year 2014-15 and 2015-16 to study residual soil fertility status of groundnut– potato cropping sequence. The experiment was laid out in split plot design with 3 replications. The main plot comprised of 6 nutrient management treatments viz., STCR equation 20 q ha -1 without FYM, STCR equation 25 q ha -1 without FYM, STCR equation 30 q ha -1 without FYM, STCR equation 35 q ha -1 without FYM, GRDF and RDF. Sub plot treatments consisted of 3 fertilizer levels viz., Control (No fertilizer), 75 % of RDF and 100 % RDF. The uptake of N, P and K by groundnut plant, kernel and in total after harvest was influenced significantly GRDF recorded significantly higher uptake of N, P and K by plant, kernel and in total during both the years, respectively. However, the treatment GRDF was at par with STCR equation for 35 q ha -1 without FYM, was during first year and second year. The uptake of N, P and K by potato plant, tuber and in total after harvest was influenced significantly GRDF recorded significantly higher uptake of N, P and K by plant, tuber and in total respectively, during both the years. Application of 100% RDF noticed significantly maximum uptake of N,P and K by plant, tuber and in total respectively, during both the years the quality of land likely to remain available for agriculture which will be poor due to severe competition from urbanization, industrialization and civic needs. Also STCR equation,
Identification, characterization and ultrastructure aspects of Alfalfa mosaic virus infecting potato(Solanum tuberosum L.) in Egypt

ABSTRACT Aim: The purpose of this study is to characterize biologically and serologically AMV infecting potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Egypt. Moreover, the study described the histological and cytological effects of AMV infection in potato leaf cells. Background: Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) is only virus in the genus Alfamovirus and has very wide host range among weed and crop plants which produces a variety of symptoms. It can cause problems in potato in some regions where vectors easily move into potato fields from reservoir host, particularly if a tuber necrosis-causing strain is involved. Methods: Leaf samples were collected on the basis of visual symptoms from potato plants with yellow blotching symptoms, called Calico and leaf distortion. A sap-transmitted virus isolated from potato was biologically purified after three successive single local lesion passages onto Chenopodium ammaranticolor which reproduced prominent local lesions. The virus isolate was then propagated in potato Ditta cv. plants, The virus was identified on the bases of host range, symptomatology, transmission and serological diagnosis, in addition to the ultrastructural changes pro duced in potato leaf cells infected with AMV Results: Reaction of thirteen plant species and cultivars belonging to four families (Amaranthaceae, Solanaceae, Fabaceae and Laminaceae) to AMV infection was demonstrated. The presence or absence of the virus was verified by back inoculation onto healthy indicator host plant and/or ELISA test. AMV was readily transmitted by mechanical means and by Myzus persicae with percentage of 60 %. In addition to visible symptoms, infection with AMV also causes ultrastructural changes in potato leaf cells. Examination of epidermal strips of N. tabacum cv. White Burley using light microscope showed amorphous cytoplasmic inclusion bodies seemed to be attached to the nucleus from one or two sites, while those inclusions have never been observed in the epidermal stripes of healthy leaves. Electron microscopy, revealed cytological and histological changes induced by Alfalfa mosaic virus infection in potato leaves. Conclusion: In this work, Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV) characterized and ultrastructure aspected of infecting potato (Solanum tuberosum L. ) in Egypt illustrating important effect of AMV on potato plant
University of Meta-analysis of prognostic factors for patients with colorectal peritoneal metastasis undergoing cytoreductive surgery and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy

Background: Up to 15 per cent of colorectal cancers present with peritoneal metastases (CPM). Cytoreductive surgery and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC) aims to achieve macroscopic tumour resection combined with HIPEC to destroy microscopic disease. CRS + HIPEC is a major operation with significant morbidity and effects on quality of life (QoL). Improving patient selection is crucial to maximize patient outcomes while minimizing morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to identify prognostic factors for patients with CPM undergoing CRS + HIPEC. Methods: A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane Library electronic databases was performed using terms for colorectal cancer, peritoneal metastasis and CRS + HIPEC. Included studies focused on the impact of prognostic factors on overall survival following CRS + HIPEC in patients with CPM. Results: Twenty-four studies described 3128 patients. Obstruction or perforation of the primary tumour (hazard ratio (HR) 2 ⋅ 91, 95 per cent c.i. 1 ⋅ 5 to 5 ⋅ 65), extent of peritoneal metastasis as described by the Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Index (PCI) (per increase of 1 PCI point: HR 1 ⋅ 07, 1 ⋅ 02 to 1 ⋅ 12) and the completeness of cytoreduction (CC score above zero: HR 1 ⋅ 75, 1 ⋅ 18 to 2 ⋅ 59) were associated with reduced overall survival after CRS + HIPEC. Conclusion: Primary tumour obstruction or perforation, PCI score and CC score are valuable prognostic factors in the selection of patients with CPM for CRS + HIPEC.
Prevalence of the major ectoparasites of poultry in extensive and intensive farms in Jimma, southwestern Ethiopia

Ectoparasites pose a serious health threat and constitute major impediments in poultry production in many countries of the world including Ethiopia. However, they are paid less attention as endoparasites and infectious diseases; the huge economic burden of the parasites need a comprehensive study encompassing both intensive and free range poultry in order to generate accurate information about the disease. The current study was designed to identify species composition, estimate prevalence and assess associated risk factor of ectoparasites of poultry in extensive and intensive farms in and around Jimma town. A cross sectional study was conducted from January to June 2017 and a total of 384 chickens from purposively selected two intensive farms (n=222) and randomly selected free range systems (n=162) were sampled by systematic random sampling technique. Ectoparasites were collected from different parts of the body including skin scrapings from the shank and base of the wing. Breed, ages, sexes and management system were recorded. This study showed overall prevalence of 65.6% and lice, fleas and mites were predominant ectoparasite in the current area with prevalence rates of 28, 26.6 and 10.9% respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that ectoparasite infestation was significantly higher in local than exotic chickens (OR=12; CI=7.320-19.673; P<0.001). Regarding ages, adults were found to be 6.29 more likely susceptible to ectoparasites than young chickens (OR=6.29; CI=3.745-10.587; P<0.001). Similarly, statistically significant variation was encountered between sexes as females were more infested than male chicken in the current study (OR=1.48; CI=1.277-2.242; P=0.040). Additionally, chickens kept under extensive management were significantly prone to ectoparasites than that kept under intensive management system (OR=8.12; CI=5.012-13.164; P<0.001). Generally, the study revealed that ectoparasites are highly prevalent in extensive farming system than in intensive farming system and in exotic than local chicken. Therefore, control of ectoparasites and creation of awareness in the community on the overall effect of ectoparasites on productivity of poultry is highly recommended. Key words: Prevalence, chicken, poultry, ectoparasites, intensive, extensive farm.
Error Correction and Feedback in the EFL Writing Classroom: Comparing Instructor and Student Preferences.

2 0 0 6 N U M B E R 3 | E N G L I S H T E A C H I N G F O R U M How to respond to student writing is a controversial topic in second language writing instruction and theory. Several studies have investigated the effects of various types of teacher feedback on students’ writing skills, but little research has explored instructors’ and students’ preferences for feedback and error correction. But preferences are important; if teachers and students both understand the purpose of certain correction techniques and agree on their use, feedback is more likely to be productive. Conversely, if teachers and students have mutually exclusive ideas regarding correction techniques, the result will most likely be feedback that is ineffective and, in the worst case, discouraging for students who are learning to write in their second language. This article will compare the preferences for error correction and paper-marking techniques of EFL university instructors with the preferences of their students. In addition, some implications for classroom teaching will be discussed.
Serum proteinogram and biochemistry of Holstein cows in the peripartum period

ABSTRACT: In face of the few reports found in national literature analyzing the potential influence of parturition number in serum proteinogram and biochemical profile in the peripartum period of high yielding dairy cows, the aim of the present study was to comparatively evaluate the dynamics of these serum constituents’ concentrations in blood samples obtained from primiparous and multiparous Holstein cows, 60 and 30 days prepartum and in the day of parturition. Data were analyzed by repeated measures variance analysis (ANOVA) and differences between groups and moments were analyzed by Tukey’s test. Results were considered significant when P<0.05. Parity influenced levels of total protein, albumin, globulins, magnesium, cholesterol, which were higher in multiparous cows, as well as concentrations of ceruloplasmin, total calcium, chloride and alkaline phosphatase activity, which were higher in primiparous cows. Parturition influenced serum concentrations of ceruloplasmin (+58%), transferrin (-25%), haptoglobin (+33%), total protein (-17%), globulins (-25%), immunoglobulin A (-43%), immunoglobulin G (-24%), total calcium (-12%), inorganic phosphorus (-10%), chloride (+5%), sodium (+4%), cholesterol (-23%), triglycerides (-38.6%), as well as activities of aspartate aminotransferase (+14%) and alkaline phosphatase (+28%). A decrease in serum levels of total calcium, inorganic phosphorus, cholesterol and triglycerides was more pronounced in multiparous than in primiparous cows. These results demonstrate that the interpretation of proteinogram and serum constituents should take into consideration lactation number and the moment of parturition as relevant factors in high yielding dairy cows in the transition period.
Differential Activity of Antioxidant Enzymes and Physiological Changes in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Under Drought Stress

Drought stress is one of the most significant environmental factors restricting plant production all over the world. In arid and semi-arid regions where drought often causes serious problems, wheat is usually grown as a major crop and faces water stress. In order to study drought tolerance of wheat, an experiment with 34 genotypes including 11 local and commercial cultivars, 17 landraces, and six genotypes from International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) was conducted at the experimental station, School of Agriculture, Shiraz University, Iran in 2010-2011 growing season. Three different irrigation regimes (100%, 75% and 50% Field Capacity) were applied and physiological and biochemical traits were measured for which a significant difference was observed in genotypes. Under severe water stress, proline content and enzymes’ activities increased while the relative water content (RWC) and chlorophyll index decreased significantly in all genotypes. Of these indices, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and RWC were able to distinguish tolerant genotypes from sensitives. Moreover, yield index (YI) was useful in detecting tolerant genotypes. The drought susceptibility index (DSI) varied from 0.40 to 1.71 in genotypes. These results indicated that drought-tolerant genotypes could be selected based on high YI, RWC and SOD and low DSI. On the whole, the genotypes 31 (30ESWYT200), 29 (30ESWYT173) and 25 (Akbari) were identified to be tolerant and could be further used in downstream breeding programs for the improvement of wheat tolerance under water limited conditions.
Inhibition of TGF-β1 Signaling by IL-15: A Novel Role for IL-15 in the Control of Renal Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition: IL-15 Counteracts TGF-β1-Induced EMT in Renal Fibrosis

Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis is the final common pathway in end-stage renal disease and is characterized by aberrant accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components secreted by myofibroblasts. Tubular type 2 EMT, induced by TGF-β, plays an important role in renal fibrosis, by participating directly or indirectly in myofibroblasts generation. TGF-β1-induced apoptosis and fibrosis in experimental chronic murine kidney diseases are concomitantly associated with an intrarenal decreased expression of the IL-15 survival factor. Since IL-15 counteracts TGF-β1 effects in different cell models, we analyzed whether (1) human chronic inflammatory nephropathies evolving towards fibrosis could be also characterized by a weak intrarenal IL-15 expression and (2) IL-15 could inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and excess matrix deposition in human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (RPTEC). Our data show that different human chronic kidney diseases are characterized by a strong decreased expression of intrarenal IL-15, which is particularly relevant in diabetic nephropathy, in which type 2 tubular EMT plays an important role in fibrosis. Moreover, primary epithelial tubular cultures deprived of growth supplements rapidly produce active TGF-β1 inducing a “spontaneous” EMT process characterized by the loss of membrane-bound IL-15 (mbIL-15) expression. Both “spontaneous” EMT and recombinant human (rh) TGF-β1-induced EMT models can be inhibited by treating RPTEC and HK2 cells with rhIL-15. Through a long-lasting phospho-c-jun activation, IL-15 inhibits rhTGF-β1-induced Snail1 expression, the master inducer of EMT, and blocks TGF-β1-induced tubular EMT and downstream collagen synthesis. In conclusion, our data suggest that intrarenal IL-15 could be a natural inhibitor of TGF-β in human kidney able to guarantee epithelial homeostasis and to prevent EMT process. Thus, both in vivo and in vitro an unbalance in intrarenal IL-15 and TGF-β1 levels could render RPTEC cells more prone to undergo EMT process. Exogenous IL-15 treatment could be beneficial in some human nephropathies such as diabetic nephropathy.
Impact of oral probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus vaccine strains on the immune response and gut microbiome of mice

The potential role of probiotic bacteria as adjuvants in vaccine trials led to their use as nonparenteral live mucosal vaccine vectors. Yet, interactions between these vectors, the host and the microbiome are poorly understood. This study evaluates impact of three probiotic, Lactobacillus acidophilus, vector strains, and their interactions with the host’s immune response, on the gut microbiome. One strain expressed the membrane proximal external region from HIV-1 (MPER). The other two expressed MPER and either secreted interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß) or expressed the surface flagellin subunit C (FliC) as adjuvants. We also used MPER with rice bran as prebiotic supplement. We observed a strain dependent, differential effect suggesting that MPER and IL-1β induced a shift of the microbiome while FliC had minimal impact. Joint probiotic and prebiotic use resulted in a compound effect, highlighting a potential synbiotic approach to impact efficacy of vaccination. Careful consideration of constitutive adjuvants and use of prebiotics is needed depending on whether or not to target microbiome modulation to improve vaccine efficacy. No clear associations were observed between total or MPER-specific IgA and the microbiome suggesting a role for other immune mechanisms or a need to focus on IgA-bound, resident microbiota, most affected by an immune response.
Oropouche virus cases identified in Ecuador using an optimised qRT-PCR informed by metagenomic sequencing

Oropouche virus (OROV) is responsible for outbreaks of Oropouche fever in parts of South America. We recently identified and isolated OROV from a febrile Ecuadorian patient, however, a previously published rRT-PCR assay did not detect OROV in the patient sample. A primer mismatch to the Ecuadorian OROV lineage was identified from metagenomic sequencing data. We report the optimisation of an rRT-PCR assay for the Ecuadorian OROV lineage, which subsequently identified a further five cases in a cohort of 196 febrile patients. We isolated OROV via cell culture and developed an algorithmically-designed primer set for whole-genome amplification of the virus. Metagenomic sequencing of the patient samples provided OROV genome coverage ranging from 68 - 99%. The additional cases formed a single phylogenetic cluster together with the initial case. OROV should be considered as a differential diagnosis for Ecuadorian patients with febrile illness to avoid mis-diagnosis with other circulating pathogens.
Effect of 3B, 5A and 3A QTL for Fusarium head blight resistance on agronomic and quality performance of Canadian winter wheat

The objectives of this study were to investigate (i) the correlations between Fusarium head blight (FHB) index, deoxynivalenol (DON) accumulation and percentage of Fusarium-damaged kernels (FDK) with agronomic and quality traits and (ii) the effect associated with the presence of single QTLs for FHB resistance on agronomic and quality traits in winter wheat. The population was derived from the cross between ‘RCATL33’ (FHB resistance derived from ‘Sumai 3’ and ‘Frontana’) and ‘RC Strategy’. Parental lines and recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were genotyped with SSR markers associated with the 3B, 5A and 3A QTLs. The population was planted in FHB-inoculated nurseries and in agronomy trials. Lines in the 3B QTL class had the lowest FHB index, DON content and FDK level and did not have a significantly lower yield, thousand kernel weight or protein content compared with the lines grouped in other QTL classes (including no QTL class). Marker-assisted selection of the 3B QTL for FHB resistance into high-yielding FHB-susceptible winter wheat is the recommended approach for the development of lines with increased FHB resistance without significant yield and quality penalties.
Use of Cumulative Live Birth Rate per Total Number of Embryos to Calculate the Success of IVF in Consecutive IVF Cycles in Women Aged ≥35 Years

Objective The use of cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) per ovarian stimulation cycle is proving to be an accurate method to calculate the success of IVF; however, the cycle outcome is closely associated with the number of embryos transferred (ET). Our aim was to report CLBR after IVF according to the number of embryos required to achieve a live birth in women aged ≥35 years, considering age, body mass index (BMI), and ethnicity. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study including 1344 patients who underwent IVF between January 2013 and June 2016 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University. The cumulative probability of live birth for each couple was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and survival curves were compared according to age, BMI, and ethnicity using the log-rank test. Results CLBR increased rapidly from 1 to 5 ETs, moderately from 6 to 10 ETs, and slowly thereafter. CLBR was significantly different across 4 categories based on BMI as well as across those based on age; low CLBR was significantly associated with the age of ≥42 years and obesity. Conclusion The association between CLBR and number of ET provides realistic and precise information regarding the success of IVF and can be applied to guide clinicians and patients.
Implications of a long‐term mast seeding cycle for climatic entrainment, seedling establishment and persistent monodominance in a Neotropical, ectomycorrhizal canopy tree

In Guyana, we examined temporal variability and ecological consequences of seed-based reproduction in the ectomycorrhizal, monodominant leguminous canopy tree Dicymbe corymbosa using an extensive 2003 – 2017 dataset encompassing two masting events. Annual seed output, predation and nutrient investment were recorded in primary D. corymbosa forests. Seedling establishment, survival and growth were monitored. Mast seeding occurred in 2003 and 2016 and low seeding events occurred every 3 – 4 years, separated by non-reproductive years. In accordance with predicted climatic entrainment of regional masting, El Niño-intensified dry seasons preceded each masting event but not low seeding events. The regularly variable seeding pattern by D. corymbosa suggests that innate supra-annual period-icity may initiate D. corymbosa flowering. Internal resource thresholds may also contribute to periodicity, but El Niño-associated intensified dry seasons appear necessary to entrain mass flowering and successful mast seeding across the region. In accordance with a predator satiation hypothesis, seed predation was proportionally higher during low seed years. Competitive gains from the 2016 masting event were evidenced by strong replenishment of declining seedling pools.