Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous ultrasound guided radiofrequency and microwave ablation in the treatment of hepatic metastases. A monocentric initial experience.

AIM Percutaneous radiofrequency (RFA) and microwave ablation (MWA) are currently the best treatment options forpatients with liver metastases (LM) who cannot undergo a liver resection procedure. Presently, few studies have evaluated theefficacy of tumor ablation in beginner's hands but none at all in hepatic metastasis. Our aim was to report the initial experiencewith ultrasound as a tool to guide tumor ablation in a low volume center with no experience in tumor ablation. MATERIAL AND METHODS We conducted a retrospective cohort study, on a series of 61 patients who had undergone percutaneous US-guided ablations for 82 LM between 2010 and 2015. Long term outcome predictors were assessed using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS Complete ablation was achieved in 86.9% of cases (53/61). All MWA sessions (20/20) attained ablation margins >5mm, compared to 79% (49/62) for RFA sessions (p=0.031). Ablation time was significantly shorter for MWA, with a median duration of 10 minutes (range: 6-12) vs. 14 minutes (range: 10-19.5, p=0.003). There was no statistically significant difference in local tumor progression (LTP)-free survival rates between MWA and RFA (p=0.154). On univariate analysis, significant predictors for local recurrence were multiple metastases (p=0.013) and ablation margins <5 mm (p<.001), both retaining significance on multivariate analysis. Significant predictors for distant recurrence on both univariate and multivariate analysis were multiple metastases (p<0.001) and non-colorectal cancer metastases (p<0.05). CONCLUSION A larger than 5 mm ablation size is critical for local tumor control. We favor the use of MWA due to its ability to achieve ablation in significantlyshorter times with less incomplete ablations.
Toothbrushes may convey bacteria to the cystic fibrosis lower airways

ABSTRACT Recent findings indicate that the oral cavity acts as a bacterial reservoir and might contribute to the transmission of bacteria to the lower airways. Control of a potentially pathogenic microbiota might contribute to prevent the establishment of chronic infection in cystic fibrosis. We evaluated the presence of CF microorganisms in saliva and toothbrushes of CF patients and verify their possible transmission to lower airways. Methods: We assessed the presence of P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, S. maltophilia, A. xylosoxidans, S. marcescens, and yeasts in saliva, toothbrushes and sputum of 38 CF patients and assessed the clonal identity of the strains occurring contemporary in multiple sites by PFGE. Results: At least one of the investigated species was isolated from 60 saliva samples and 23 toothbrushes. S. aureus was the most abundant species, followed by Candida spp. 31 patients contemporary had the same species in sputum and saliva/toothbrush: in most cases, clonal identity of the strains among the different sites was confirmed. Conclusion: Toothbrushes may be sources of oral contamination and might act as reservoirs favoring transmission of potentially pathogenic microorganisms from the environment to the oral cavity and eventually to the LAW. Oral hygiene and toothbrush care are important strategies to prevent CF lung infections.
Molecular systematics of Thaumaleidae (Insecta: Diptera): The first phylogeny depicting intergeneric relationships and other taxonomic discoveries

Neothaumalea atlantica new genus, new species (Diptera: Thaumaleidae), is described from the state of Santa Catarina in southern Brazil. This represents the first thaumaleid collected east of the Andes mountain range. The egg, larva, pupa, and both adults are described and illustrated, distribution map presented, and phylogenetic affinities discussed. A key to the genera of South America is also provided.
Morphometrical observations on the thyroid gland of prenatal goat (Capra hircus).

Gross morphological studies were conducted on thyroid gland of goat foetii ranging from 51 to 134 days of gestation. The thyroid gland consisted of oval shaped left and right lobes connected by a narrow flattened band called isthmus. Both lobes were present on the ventro-lateral aspect of caudal part of larynx and initial part of trachea and extended upto 5 th or 6 th tracheal rings. The average length of the left lobe was more than right lobe but average width and thickness of the right lobe were more than the left lobe.
Icariin-loaded porous scaffolds for bone regeneration through the regulation of the coupling process of osteogenesis and osteoclastic activity

Objective Icariin (IC) promotes osteogenic differentiation, and it may be a potential small molecule drug for local application in bone regeneration. Icariin-loaded hydroxyapatite/alginate (IC/HAA) porous composite scaffolds were designed in this study for the potential application of the sustainable release of icariin and subsequent bone regeneration. Methods An icariin-loaded hydroxyapatite/alginate porous composite scaffold was prepared and characterized by SEM and HPLC for morphology and release behavior, respectively. The mechanical properties, degradation in PBS and cytotoxicity on BMSCs were also evaluated by MTT assay, compression strength and calculation of weight remaining ratio, respectively. Rabbit BMSCs were cocultured with IC/HAA scaffolds, and ALP activity and Alizarin Red staining were performed to evaluate osteogenic differentiation induction. The mRNA and protein expression level of an osteogenic gene was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. In vivo animal models of critical bone defects in the radius of rabbit were used. Four and 12 weeks after the implantation of IC/HAA scaffolds in the bone defect, radiographic images of the radius were obtained and scored by using the Lane and Sandhu X-ray scoring system. Tissue samples were also evaluated using H&E and Masson staining, and an osteogenic gene and Wnt signaling pathway genes were detected. Results A hydroxyapatite/alginate (HAA) porous composite scaffold-loaded icariin was fabricated using a freeze-drying method. Our data indicated that the icariin was loaded in alginate scaffold without compromising the macro/microstructure or mechanical properties of the scaffold. Notably, the IC/HAA promoted the proliferation of rBMSCs without exerting cytotoxicity on rBMSCs. In vivo, rabbit radius bone defect experiments demonstrated that the IC/HAA scaffold exhibited better capacity for bone regeneration than HAA, and IC/HAA upregulated the relative expression levels of an osteogenic gene and the Wnt signaling pathway genes. Most notably, the IC/HAA scaffold also inhibited osteoclast activity in vivo. Conclusion Our data suggests a promising application for the use of HAA scaffolds to load icariin and promote bone regeneration in situ through mediation of the coupling processes of osteogenesis induction and osteoclast activity inhibition.
Effect of Pinching and Spraying of Paclobutrazol on Vegetative Growth, Flowering and Chemical Composition of Zinnia elegans, Jacq.

This investigation was carried out in the Experimental Farm of Sakha Horticulture Research Station, Kafr ElSheikh, during two successive seasons of 2014 and 2015 to investigate the effect of pinching and foliar spray of paclobutrazol (PBZ) at 0, 50, 100 and 150 ppm as well as interaction with them on growth, flowering and chemical composition of Zinnia elegans as pot plant. The obtained results revealed that the pinching increased stem diameter, number of branches and flowers/plant, fresh and dry weights of vegetative parts and flowers/plant, and N, P and K percentages but decreased plant height, leaf area, flower diameter as well as chlorophyll a, b and (a+b) contents. PBZ treatments caused an increase in the stem diameter, number of branches and flowers/plant, chlorophyll a, b and (a+b) as well as P and K percentages, while decreased plant height, fresh and dry weight of vegetative parts and flowers/plant and flower diameter. Concerning the interaction, shortest plant height, the largest number of branches and flowers/plant and the highest amount of chlorophyll content were obtained with pinching and 150 ppm PBZ treatment. It may be concluded that the pinching and treated with PBZ at 100 or 150 ppm gave a good feature for potted Zinnia elegans plants.
Single-Cell Delineation of Who's on First and Second Heart Fields During Development.

Traditional lineage tracing and gene knockout studies have provided significant insights into our understandings of the developmental origins of the 4 chambered heart. Yet, the molecular mechanisms that lead to the early segregation of cardiac progenitors remain unclear. During early development, gastrulating mesoderm gives rise to 2 temporally separated waves of progenitors that eventually become the first and second heart fields. Descendants of the first heart field (FHF) cells are found in the left ventricle and a portion of left and right atrium, while descendants of the second heart field (SHF) give rise to cells in right ventricle, both atria, and the outflow tract (OFT). 1 While much is known about markers that segregate FHF from SHF cells, the precise transcriptional and signaling cues that direct the segregation of these 2 lineages remain unknown. With the advent of single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies, however, new data have become available to decipher the precise mechanisms that regulate cardiac development and cellular identity.
Mineral composition and nutritional properties of Trachystemon orientalis (L.) G. Don populations in the Central Black Sea Region of Turkey

This study was conducted to determine the mineral contents and some nutritional properties of Trachystemon orientalis L. growing in the Central Black Sea Region, Turkey, and that is consumed as vegetable. Surveys and field studies were started during the spring semester of 2011 (April–May) and they were collected from Samsun and Ordu, where they are intense. In the study, it is was observed that pH, dry matter, content of ash, N, protein, vitamin C, macro- and microelements examined in Trachystemon orientalis varied considerably. The pH, dry matter, ash, N, protein and C content of the plants ranged from 6.61 to 6.88, 13.0 to 22.1%, 9.2 to 17.0%, 2.3 to 3.3%, 14.1 to 20.3% and 0.12 to 39.03 mg/100g, respectively. Mineral analysis showed that Trachystemon orientalis contained considerably high amounts of potassium (3883.8 to 5791.4 mg/100g), phosphorus (339.7 to 540.9 mg/100 g), calcium (159.4 to 432.4 mg/100g), magnesium (108.0 to 176.4 mg/100 g), iron (10.7 to 63.1 mg/100 g), sodium (22.1 to 66.3 mg/100g), copper (0.6 to 1.5 mg/100 g), manganese (1.5 to 3.6 mg/100g) and zinc (2.3 to 7.6 mg/100g). Mineral compositions of the plants varied significantly depending on the genotypes. T. orientalis was determined as abundant in contents of vitamin C, minerals and protein.
Health of offspring of subfertile couples

In vitro fertilization (IVF) allows subfertile couples to achieve pregnancy resulting in the birth of a child. A couple is considered subfertile when not succeeding to get pregnant within 12 months after the start of unprotected intercourse. During IVF the early environment of the oocyte and embryo are altered. This may influence fetal development so that it results in increased vulnerability for health related problems in later life. This implies that IVF components, such as the in vitro culture procedure, controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH), the underlying parental subfertility and preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) all could affect the health of IVF offspring. COH induces the growth of multiple follicles, bypassing the natural selection of the development of one dominant follicle. During the in vitro culture procedure and PGS oocytes, sperm and embryos are handled outside the human body. In PGS a single cell is taken away from the embryo to be screened for abnormalities. This thesis evaluates the possible long-term effects of the IVF procedures and PGS on the health of IVF offspring up until the age of 9 years. Overall, the results of our studies regarding IVF procedures and PGS are reassuring. We found no differences in cardiovascular risk profile or asthma prevalence between singletons conceived after IVF and naturally conceived children to subfertile couples. Yet, we did find that children conceived with IVF are at increased risk for wearing glasses on medical indication, and that subfertility is associated with a less favourable cardiovascular risk profile in the offspring.
Breeding and genetic resources of five-needle pines: Growth, adaptability, and pest resistance

__________________________________________________ Sniezko, Richard A. ; Samman, Safiya; Schlarbaum, Scott E. ; Kriebel, Howard B. eds. 2004. Breeding and genetic resources of five-needle pines: growth, adaptability, and pest resistance; 2001 July 23-27; Medford, OR, USA. IUFRO Working Party 2.02. 15. Proceedings RMRS-P-32. Fort Collins, CO: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station. 259 p. This volume presents 29 overview and research papers on the breeding, genetic variation, genecology, gene conservation, and pest resistance of five-needle pines (Pinus L. subgenus Strobus Lemm.) from throughout the world. Overview papers provide information on past and present research as well as future needs for research on white pines from North America, Europe, and Asia. Research papers, more narrowly focused, cover various aspects of genetics. Throughout the distribution of five-needle pines, but particularly in many of the nine North American species, the pathogen Cronartium ribicola J.C. Fisch. continues to cause high levels of mortality and threatens ecosystems and plantations. Studies on genetic resistance to C. ribicola are described in papers from different regions of the world. Use of P. strobus as an exotic species in Europe and Russia and corresponding problems with white pine blister rust are discussed in several papers. Other papers focus on examining and exploiting patterns of genetic variation of different species.
Map3k2-Regulated Intestinal Stromal Cells (MRISC) Define a Distinct Sub-cryptic Stem Cell Niche for Damage Induced Wnt Agonist R-spondin1 Production

Intestinal stem cell propagation and differentiation are essential for rapid repair of tissue damage in the gut. While intestinal stromal cells were recently identified as key mediators of this process, the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which this diverse population induces tissue repair remains poorly understood. Here we show that Map3k2 has a colon stromal cell specific function critically required for maintenance of Lgr5+ intestinal stem cells and protection against acute intestinal damage. This Map3k2-specific function is mediated by enhancing Wnt agonist R-spondin1 production. We further reveal a unique novel cell population, named Map3k2-regulated intestinal stromal cells (MRISC), as the primary cellular source of R-spondin1 following intestinal injury. Together, our data identify a novel intestinal stem cell niche organized by MRISC, which specifically dependent on the Map3k2-signaling pathway to augment the production of Wnt agonist R-spondin1 and promote regeneration of the acutely damaged intestine. Highlights Map3k2 protects mice from DSS-induced colitis by promoting intestinal stem cell regeneration. Map3k2-MAPK pathway cross-talks with Wnt signaling pathway via upregulation of R-spondin1. Map3k2-Regulated Intestinal Stromal Cells (MRISC) marked by co-expression of CD90, CD34 and CD81 defines a novel colonic stem cell niche.
Plant growth-promoting bacteria and silicon fertilizer enhance plant growth and salinity tolerance in Coriandrum sativum

ABSTRACT Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) and silicon (Si) can augment salinity tolerance in plants. In this study, 25 potential PGPB were isolated from alfalfa rhizosphere and screened for their ability to synthesize indole-3-acetic acid, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate deaminase, and solubilize tricalcium phosphate. Two promising strains were tentatively identified as Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes (KB-10) and P. putida (KB-25) based on phenotypic, biochemical and 16S rRNA gene phylogeny. Subsequently, a pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of KB-10 and KB-25 treatment, alone or in combination with Si fertilizer, in alleviating salinity stress in coriander. The results showed that treatment with PGPB strains and/or Si significantly increased relative water content, concentrations of photosynthetic pigments, peroxidase activity, total biomass, salt tolerance index, and reduced salt-induced total phenolic contents. Overall data suggested that the combined application of PGPB and Si fertilizer could be a feasible and effective approach to improve growth and salinity tolerance in coriander.
Antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli isolates from cattle in Eastern Algeria

Background and Aim: Lack of information about the antibiotic resistance in commensal Escherichia coli from Algerian livestock prompted us to do this study to determine the different levels of antimicrobial susceptibility, antibiotic multidrug resistance (MDR) rates, and phenotypical patterns of E. coli strains isolated from healthy cattle to control the spread of animal-resistant strains to humans and the environment. Materials and Methods: A total of 198 cattle were sampled (swabbed in the rectum), reared in the farms of Souk Ahras, Tebessa, and Oum el Bouaghi governorates of Eastern Algeria. Isolation of E. coli strains was performed on MacConkey agar and then the different strains were identified to the species level using an API 20E identification kit. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined using a panel of 13 antibiotic disks by disk diffusion method on Mueller-Hinton agar. The double-disk synergy test with cefotaxime and amoxicillin-clavulanate disks was used for the screening of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase phenotypes. For colistin susceptibility, the minimum inhibitory concentration was examined using broth microdilutions technique. Results: The results showed that among the 198 E. coli isolates, elevated resistance rates were observed for ampicillin (59.09%) and tetracycline (43.43%), and moderate resistance rates for cephalothin (16.16%), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (15.15%), and amoxicillin/clavulanate (11.62%); however, low resistance rates were found for nalidixic acid (8.08%), ciprofloxacin (7.07%), kanamycin (6.56%), cefotaxime (4.54%), chloramphenicol (4.04%), nitrofurantoin (2.52%), cefoxitin (2.02%), gentamycin (1.01%), and no resistance to colistin. However, nine extended-spectrum ß-lactamases producing E. coli strains were identified. Forty-four different patterns were determined, indicating a wide variety of resistance, ranging from one antimicrobial to a combination of 10. Analysis of coresistances revealed that 63 isolates (31.82%) were susceptible to all antibiotics used in the study, 42 isolates (21.21%) were resistant to one antibiotic, 43 isolates (21.72%) were resistant to two antibiotics, 24 isolates (12.12%) resistant to three antibiotics, 26 isolates (13.13%) were resistant for more than three agents, and 45 isolates (22.73%) were MDR (which means resistant to three or more families of antibiotics). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that commensal E. coli remains a potential source of antibiotic resistance in view of the high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance. The vast range of MDR phenotypes, especially extended-spectrum ß-lactamases producing strains, emphasizes the urgent requirement to adopt measures to control the use of antimicrobials, in particular, by private veterinarians, as well as the strengthening of veterinary surveillance networks for antimicrobial resistance to control the spread of MDR bacteria from animals to humans and the environment.
Rubber Tree (Hevea brasiliensis) Biomass, Nutrient Content, and Heating Values in Southern Thailand

Rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis (Willd.) Muell.Arg. ) are cultivated for latex production, but they also produce timber for industry, and logging residues can be used for power generation. In this study, we determined the biomass of above- and below-ground tree compartments (leaves, branches <3 cm in diameter, branches 3–5 cm in diameter, stumps and roots) of 20-, 25-, and 30-year-old rubber tree plantations in Songkhla province, southern Thailand, at the clear-cutting stage. We also studied the nutrient content and heating value of the compartments. The total dry mass (including leaves, branches, stems and stumps and roots) of the mature rubber wood stands was 157–289 Mg ha−1. The residual harvestable dry mass without leaves (39–68 Mg ha−1, branches <5 cm in diameter, stumps and roots) comprised 25% of the total dry mass. Nutrient concentrations were highest in the leaves, followed by small branches. In most cases, the stems and larger branches had similar concentrations. One ton of rubber tree biomass (leaves and stumps and roots included) contained an average of 2.4 kg N, 0.2 kg P, 3.4 kg K, and 4.8 kg Ca. Depending on the biomass of the stands, the rubber trees had 380–700 kg, 36–64 kg, 530–980 kg, and 750–1360 kg of bound N, P, K, and Ca per hectare, respectively. The effective heating value of the stumps and roots was the lowest (17.65 MJ kg−1). Stems and branches were similar (18.37–18.58 MJ kg−1), and leaves were the highest (20.34 MJ kg−1). The unharvested residual biomass in southern Thailand is a potential fuel source for power generation.
Data-driven estimates of global nitrous oxide emissions from croplands

Abstract Croplands are the single largest anthropogenic source of nitrous oxide (N2O) globally, yet their estimates remain difficult to verify when using Tier 1 and 3 methods of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Here, we re-evaluate global cropland-N2O emissions in 1961–2014, using N-rate-dependent emission factors (EFs) upscaled from 1206 field observations in 180 global distributed sites and high-resolution N inputs disaggregated from sub-national surveys covering 15593 administrative units. Our results confirm IPCC Tier 1 default EFs for upland crops in 1990–2014, but give a ∼15% lower EF in 1961–1989 and a ∼67% larger EF for paddy rice over the full period. Associated emissions (0.82 ± 0.34 Tg N yr–1) are probably one-quarter lower than IPCC Tier 1 global inventories but close to Tier 3 estimates. The use of survey-based gridded N-input data contributes 58% of this emission reduction, the rest being explained by the use of observation-based non-linear EFs. We conclude that upscaling N2O emissions from site-level observations to global croplands provides a new benchmark for constraining IPCC Tier 1 and 3 methods. The detailed spatial distribution of emission data is expected to inform advancement towards more realistic and effective mitigation pathways.