Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Non-genetic factors affecting some production and reproduction traits in Murrah buffaloes

A total of 1214 first lactation records of Murrah buffaloes collected from six military dairy farms viz., Agra, Ambala, Bareilly, Ferozepur, Lucknow and Meerut spreading over a period of 30 years were utilized to assess the effects of farm, period, season and age at first calving on 300 day first lactation milk yield, first lactation period, weight at first calving, first dry period, first service period, number of services per conception and first calving interval. The least-squares means were 1704.51±25.41 kg, 308.27±3.89 days, 501.59±4.04 kg, 184.93±7.40 days, 196.15±7.0l days, 1.23±0.30 nos. and 497.54±8.90 days, respectively for the above mentioned traits. The farm effects were significant for all the traits except the number of services per conception. The period effects were significant for 300 day first lactation milk yield, first lactation period and first dry period. Similarly, significant effects of season of calving on first lactation period, first dry period, first service period and first calving interval were observed. Weight at first calving, 300 day first lactation milk yield and number of services per conception were also observed to be significantly affected by the age of animal at the time of calving.
Gall initiation success and fecundity of Dasineura marginemtorquens on variable Salix viminalis host plants

Genotypic and environmentally determined differences in Salix viminalis L. suitability for Dasineura marginemtorquens (Bremi) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) growth and survival were investigated in laboratory and field experiments. Earlier studies have documented high neonate larval mortality on certain S. viminalis genotypes. Here we present results from laboratory experiments which show no difference in larval establishment behaviour on resistant and susceptible willow genotypes. These data indicate that larvae are not able to detect the plant characteristic responsible for resistance. In a field study insect performance was measured on willow shoots of dissimilar size. Adult body size was positively correlated to willow shoot length. In turn, body size was positively correlated to potential fecundity. These results are discussed in relation to observed high densities of D. marginemtorquens in vigorously growing willows cultivated for biomass production.
HLA-E*0101 Associated with Recurrent Spontaneous Abortion

Objective: Lack of HLA Ia antigens at fetomaternal interface has profound effect on histocompatibility between semiallogeneic fetus and mother but may pose jeopardy as natural killer (NK) cells of immune surveillance may attack cells lacking self HLA antigens. However, expression of non-classical antigens like HLA-G and HLA-E has been implicated in down regulation of immune response via interacting with KIR receptors of NK cells. In the present study, we have investigated HLA-E polymorphism in normal fertile women and recurrent spontaneous abortion, to demonstrate the role of HLA-E alleles in pregnancy. Materials and Methods: In this study 200 recurrent spontaneous aborters (RSA) and 200 normal fertile controls were included. DNA was isolated by salting out procedure. Mutations in exon-2 and -3 were investigated by PCR-RFLP and ARMS-PCR. Results: We have demonstrated E*0101, E*01031 and E*01032 alleles among patients and controls. Allele E*0101 was found to be associated with RSA patients (χ2=5.214 and p=0.0224). Further HLA-E*0101 homozygotes were significantly higher among RSA patients (χ2=9.763 and p=0.0018) as compared to controls. Discussion: Two major alleles E*0101 and E*0103 differ in their biological and biophysical properties. HLA-E*0101 may be associated with recurrent spontaneous abortion because of decreased surface expression, lower peptide affinities and lower stability.
Detecting correlated evolution on phylogenies: a general method for the comparative analysis of discrete characters

I present a new statistical method for analysing the relationship between two discrete characters that are measured across a group of hierarchically evolved species or populations. The method assesses whether a pattern of association across the group is evidence for correlated evolutionary change in the two characters. The method takes into account information on the lengths of the branches of phylogenetic trees, develops estimates of the rates of change of the discrete characters, and tests the hypothesis of correlated evolution without relying upon reconstructions of the ancestral character states. A likelihood ratio test statistic is used to discriminate between two models that are fitted to the data: one allowing only for independent evolution of the two characters, the other allowing for correlated evolution. Tests of specific directional hypotheses can also be made. The method is illustrated with an application to the Hominoidea.
A rare, new species of Atriplex (Chenopodiaceae) comprising two genetically distinct but morphologically cryptic populations in arid Western Australia: implications for taxonomy and conservation

Abstract. A rare, new tetraploid Atriplex, restricted to two populations ∼30 km apart in arid Western Australia, is supported as a distinct species by morphological and molecular evidence. Genetic analyses using amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLPs) showed significant genetic divergence between the two populations. In contrast, an ordination based on elliptic Fourier descriptors for leaf and bracteole shape did not identify any consistent morphological differentiation. Although the level of genetic differentiation is similar to that previously reported between subspecies in other Atriplex, the populations of the new taxon are described herein as A. yeelirrie K.A. Sheph. & K.R. Thiele, without taxonomic recognition at the intraspecific level. We outline our reasoning for this decision and discuss the implications for appropriate conservation management of the species, structured into two genetically distinct populations.
Comparative Evaluation of Nitrogen Release Patterns from Controlled-release Fertilizers by Nitrogen Leaching Analysis

Seven nursery grade (8-9 month duration), polymer-coated, controlled-release fertilizers (CRF) were topdressed or incorporated into a 2 peat: 1 vermiculite: 1 sand (by volume) medium to yield the same amount of N per container. The pots (0.5 L) were uniformly irrigated with DI water every week to produce a target leaching fraction of 25%. Leachate N contents (ammonium plus nitrate), employed as indicators of N release, allowed for comparison of CRF performance as a function of temperature changes over a season. Two distinct N leaching (i.e., release) patterns were observed over the 180-day experimental period. The fertilizers Osmocote 18-6-12FS (Fast Start: OSM-FS), Prokote Plus 20-3-10 (PROK), Osmocote 24-4-8HN (High N: OSM-HN) and Polyon 25-4-12 (POLY) exhibited a N leaching pattern that closely followed changes in average daily ambient temperatures (T avg ) over the season. This relationship was curvilinear, with N leaching rates per pot (NLR) being highly responsive to T avg changes between 20 and 25 °C. Temperatures above 25 °C produced an average maximum NLR of 1.27 mg.d -1 for these fertilizers. OSM-FS, PROK, and OSM-HN had the highest cumulative N losses over the experimental period. In contrast, the CRF group formed by Nutricote 18-6-8 (270: NUTR), Woodace 20-4-12 (WDC), and Osmocote 18-6-12 (OSM) showed a more stable N leaching pattern over a wider range oftemperatures, with rates about 30% to 40% lower than those in the temperature-responsive CRF, and averaging a maximum NLR of 0.79 mg.d -1 for T avg >25 °C. NUTR and WDC had the lowest cumulative N losses over the season. Soluble salt readings paralleled N leaching for each CRF, indicating similar leaching patterns for other nutrients. Incorporation produced significantly higher cumulative N losses than topdressing, but without effect on the actual N leaching pattern over the season. Regardless of the N formulation in the CRF, over 85% of the N recovered in the leachates was in the nitrate form.
Genetic variability of Ethiopian fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) landraces

Keeping in view the lack of information on genetic diversity in Ethiopian, 144 random samples of fenugreek accessions with standard check were used to determine the extent and pattern of genetic diversity and associations with their geographic origins. The field experiment was conducted at Adadi and Ambo during 2006 and 2007 cropping seasons. Treatments were arranged in a 12 ×12 simple lattice design and data were subjected to the ANOVA performed by the SAS software. The mean squares of the accessions were highly significant for most of the characters, implying that a wide range of variability has been obtained for the traits studied. The GCV ranged from 1.65 to 68.95%, while the PCV from 3.30 to 158.06%. The estimated broad sense heritability ranged from 2.92 to 82.02%. The first four PC accounted for more than 88% of the total variation. The 144 germplasm materials were grouped into six clusters based on Mahalanobis’ D 2 statistic. It was asserted that geographic diversity should not necessarily be used as an index of genetic diversity and parental selection but should be based on systematic study of genetic diversity in a specific population.
Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Onion Yield Increased with a Polymer-coated Nitrogen Source

Additional index words. Allium cepa, controlled-release fertilizer, N use efficiency Abstract. Nitrogen (N) losses can be substantial in furrow-irrigated onions (Allium cepa L.). Polymer-coated urea (PU) may reduce N losses and result in an increase in productivity. In this study, we investigated the effects of different rates and blends of urea and PU on onion yield and N use for two cropping seasons. Nitrogen was applied at 112, 168, and 224 kg·ha -1 as PU or urea. In addition, three PU/urea blends equal to 224 kg·ha -1 of N were compared. Plant growth and N concentration, soil nitrate concentrations, and bulb yield were evaluated each year. Onion yield decreased by 95 Mg·ha -1 for each 25% increase in the proportion of urea in the fertilizer blends. Reducing the N rates from 224 to 112 kg·ha -1 had minimal effect on bulb yield when all the fertilizer was supplied by urea. A reduction of N applied from 224 to 168 kg·ha -1 had little effect on yield, although a further reduction to 112 kg·ha -1 did significantly reduce bulb yield when the entire N was supplied from PU. Nitrogen source and rate had no effect on bulb maturity and only minor effects on leaf area and storage potential. Soil sampling indicated that more N was retained in PU- treated onion beds than in urea-treated beds, which improved nitrogen use efficiency. In addition, N use efficiency improved when there was more PU in the blend and when PU was compared with urea at the same rate. We conclude that the use of PU can dramatically improve N use efficiency and productivity in direct-seeded onions.
Natalizumab in acute ischemic stroke (ACTION II)

Objective We evaluated the effect of 2 doses of natalizumab on functional outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Methods In this double-blind phase 2b trial, patients with AIS aged 18–80 years with NIH Stroke Scale scores of 5–23 from 53 US and European sites were randomized 1:1:1 to receive a single dose of 300 or 600 mg IV natalizumab or placebo, with randomization stratified by treatment window (≤9 or >9 to ≤24 hours from patient's last known normal state). The primary endpoint was a composite measure of excellent outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≤1 and Barthel Index score ≥95) at day 90 assessed in all patients receiving a full dose. Sample size was estimated from a Bayesian model; p values were not used for hypothesis testing. Results An excellent outcome was less likely with natalizumab than with placebo (natalizumab 300 or 600 mg odds ratio 0.60; 95% confidence interval 0.39–0.93). There was no effect modification by time to treatment or use of thrombolysis/thrombectomy. For natalizumab 300 mg, 600 mg, or placebo, there were no differences in incidence of adverse events (90.0%, 92.1%, and 92.3%, respectively), serious adverse events (25.6%, 32.6%, and 20.9%, respectively), or deaths (6.7%, 4.5%, and 5.5%, respectively). Conclusions Natalizumab administered ≤24 hours after AIS did not improve patient outcomes. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02730455 Classification of evidence This study provides Class I evidence that for patients with AIS, an excellent outcome was less likely in patients treated with natalizumab than with placebo.
Effect of tailoring anticoagulant treatment duration by applying a recurrence risk prediction model in patients with venous thromboembolism compared to usual care: A randomized controlled trial

Background Patients with unprovoked (i.e., without the presence of apparent transient risk factors such as recent surgery) venous thromboembolism (VTE) are at risk of recurrence if anticoagulants are stopped after 3–6 months, yet their risk remains heterogeneous. Thus, prolonging anticoagulant treatment should be considered in high-risk patients, whereas stopping is likely preferred in those with a low predicted risk. The Vienna Prediction Model (VPM) could aid clinicians in estimating this risk, yet its clinical effects and external validity are currently unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical impact of this model on reducing recurrence risk in patients with unprovoked VTE, compared to usual care. Methods and findings In a randomized controlled trial, the decision to prolong or stop anticoagulant treatment was guided by predicted recurrence risk using the VPM (n = 441), which was compared with usual care (n = 442). Patients with unprovoked VTE were recruited from local thrombosis services in the Netherlands (in Utrecht, Harderwijk, Ede, Amersfoort, Zwolle, Hilversum, Rotterdam, Deventer, and Enschede) between 22 July 2011 and 30 November 2015, with 24-month follow-up complete for all patients by early 2018. The primary outcome was recurrent VTE during 24 months of follow-up. Secondary outcomes included major bleeding and clinically relevant non-major (CRNM) bleeding. In the total study population of 883 patients, mean age was 55 years, and 507 (57.4%) were men. A total of 96 recurrent VTE events (10.9%) were observed, 46 in the intervention arm and 50 in the control arm (risk ratio 0.92, 95% CI 0.63–1.35, p = 0.67). Major bleeding occurred in 4 patients, 2 in each treatment arm, whereas CRNM bleeding occurred in 20 patients (12 in intervention arm versus 8 in control arm). The VPM showed good discriminative power (c-statistic 0.76, 95% CI 0.69–0.83) and moderate to good calibration, notably at the lower spectrum of predicted risk. For instance, in 284 patients with a predicted risk of >2% to 4%, the observed rate of recurrence was 2.5% (95% CI 0.7% to 4.3%). The main limitation of this study is that it did not enroll the preplanned number of 750 patients in each study arm due to declining recruitment rate. Conclusions Our results show that application of the VPM in all patients with unprovoked VTE is unlikely to reduce overall recurrence risk. Yet, in those with a low predicted risk of recurrence, the observed rate was also low, suggesting that it might be safe to stop anticoagulant treatment in these patients. Trial registration Netherlands Trial Register NTR2680
The platelet‐rich plasma and mesenchymal stem cell milieu: A review of therapeutic effects on bone healing

Platelet‐rich plasma is autologous plasma that contains concentrated platelets compared to whole blood. It is relatively inexpensive to produce, can be easily isolated from whole blood, and can be administered while the patient is in the operating room. Further, because platelet‐rich plasma is an autologous therapy, there is minimal risk for adverse reactions to the patient. Platelet‐rich plasma has been used to promote bone regeneration due to its abundance of concentrated growth factors that are essential to wound healing. In this review, we summarize the methods for producing platelet‐rich plasma and the history of its use in bone regeneration. We also summarize the growth factor profiles derived from platelet‐rich plasma, with emphasis on those factors that play a direct role in promoting bone repair within the local fracture environment. In addition, we discuss the potential advantages of combining platelet‐rich plasma with mesenchymal stem cells, a multipotent cell type often obtained from bone marrow or fat, to improve craniofacial and long bone regeneration. We detail what is currently known about how platelet‐rich plasma influences mesenchymal stem cells in vitro, and then highlight the clinical outcomes of administering platelet‐rich plasma and mesenchymal stem cells as a combination therapy to promote bone regeneration in vivo.
Associations of Single Nucleotide Polymorphism in miR-146a Gene with Susceptibility to Breast Cancer in the Iranian Female

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs), short regulatory RNAs, function as negative regulators able to modulate gene expression. Just as other genetic variant, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNA genes, may have an impact on their expression and/or maturation and hence leading to different consequences in carcinogenesis. Accordingly, this study aimed to assess the frequency of miR-146a G/C (rs2910164) polymorphism and its association with susceptibility to breast cancer in Iranian women. Methods: We conducted a case-control study using Tetra ARMS polymerase chain reaction (Tetra ARMS PCR) method in 100 Iranian female participants (50 breast cancer patients and 50 controls). Besides, a number of sequenced samples were chosen to confirm the accuracy of genotyping by Tetra ARMA PCR. SPSS software was utilized for all statistical analyses. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were applied to analyze the association between the SNP frequency and breast cancer. Results: The frequency of genotypes for G/G, G/C, and C/C were 23 (46%), 26 (52%), and 1 (2%) among cases and 15 (30%), 33 (66%), and 2(4%) among controls, respectively. The results generated by the groups did not show any significant correlation between miR-146a G/C (rs2910164) polymorphism and breast cancer, either at genotype or allele levels (P>0.05). F-SNP-based in silico analysis indicated possible modifications in transcriptional regulations induced by miR-146a G/C (rs2910164) variations. Conclusion: Overall, our results indicated no correlation between miR-146a G/C (rs2910164) polymorphism and genetic susceptibility to breast cancer in Iranian female populations. However, these findings need to be further confirmed by analyses of a larger number of cases.
Changing Epidemiology of Hepatitis A in China: Evidence From Three National Serological Surveys and the National Notifiable Disease Reporting System

China has conducted surveillance for hepatitis A since 1990, and hepatitis A was highly‐to‐intermediately endemic in 1992 when a Chinese hepatitis A vaccine (HepA) was licensed and introduced as a family‐pay vaccine. In 2008, HepA was introduced into the Expanded Program on Immunization as a free childhood vaccine.
Risk Scoring System based on lncRNA Expression for Predicting Survival in Hepatocellular Carcinoma with Cirrhosis

Objective: This study aims to explore the roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) for predicting survival in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with cirrhosis. Methods: A set of lncRNAs differentially expressed between HCC patients with or without cirrhosis was identified using expression profiles of The Cancer Genome Atlas database, and these lncRNAs were screened for their risk scoring system to predict recurrence-free survival (RFS) or overall survival (OS). Predictive ability of risk scoring systems was confirmed using uni- and multivariate Cox analyses while adjusting for clinical features. Predictive lncRNAs were analyzed by functional enrichment analysis. Results: Our screen identified 22 lncRNAs that were upregulated in the presence of cirrhosis and 59 that were downregulated. To predict OS of HCC patients with cirrhosis, a risk scoring system was developed with four lncRNAs (LINC02086, LINC00880, LINC01549 and AC136475.3); to predict RFS in these patients, the risk scoring system contained five lncRNAs (SH3RF3-AS1, AC104117.3, AC136475.3, LINC00239 and MRPL23-AS1). All risk scoring systems were associated with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve > 0.7. Based on uni- and multivariate Cox analyses, the risk scoring system could serve as a significant independent predictor for OS in HCC patients with cirrhosis. Functional enrichment analysis suggested that the lncRNAs in the risk scoring systems are involved primarily in the pathway of Wnt signal and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction. Conclusion: Risk scoring systems based on lncRNAs can effectively predict OS of HCC patients with cirrhosis. The system should be further developed and validated in larger, preferably multi-site patient populations.
The Occurrence of Cuterebra (Diptera, Oestridae) in Western Canada

Reference to the National Insect Collection at Ottawa shows that species of the genus Cuterebra have been collected in various localities of Western Canada at different times. Of these Cuterebra grisea Coq. is distributed throughout Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, North-West Territories and British Columbia. There is one record each of C. emasculator Fitch (determined by Aldrich as C. fontinella Clark), of which the locality is unknown, and of C. fasciata Swenk, from Peachland, British Columbia. The specimen of C. emasculator bears a note that it had been reared from a chipmunk, Tamias striatus lysteri Richardson. The remaining species, C. americana var. polita Coq. , C. similis Johnson and C. tenebrosa Coq. have all been collected in British Columbia. There is but a single record from the Eastern Provinces and that a specimen of C. fasciata from Bathurst, New Brunswick, dated August, 1900. Altogether there are 22 specimens in the National Collection belonging to six species. Of these there are 11 specimens of C. grisea, which would thus appear to be the most prevalent species in Western Canada. The comparative paucity of specimens may be correctly attributed to the peculiarly shy habits of the species, the adults of which, according to information furnished me by Criddle, prefer rather dark situations, such as outbuildings, summer kitchens and the ground burrows of rodents. They occur on the wing from June to September and are probably to be found closely attendant upon the haunts of their rodent hosts. That the percentage of parasitism is not high is concluded from the fact that Parker and Wells (1919), in a careful examination of over a thousand rodents in Montana for possible infestation by the Rocky Mountain spotted fever tick, Dermacentor venustus Banks, found but two that were parasitised, each with one larva of C. tenebrosa.