Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The dose and determinants of atropine requirements and outcomes in acute organophosphate and carbamate poisoning

Objective: Our objective was to use RBC cholinesterase and POP scale at admission for prognosis. We also looked at atropine toxicity, rates of complications, and outcomes in organophosphorus and carbamate poisoning. Methods: It was prospective cohort study of 1 year duration including patients with organophosphorus and carbamate poisoning. The data was collected by the principal investigator and followed up the patients daily till discharge. The baseline BChE and RBC AChE were collected at admission. Data entry using epidata software and was analyzed by SPSS software. Statistical method: t-test was used for analysis of continuous data with Normal distribution and Mann- Whitney U test for data with non- Normal distribution. Chi-square test was performed for categorical variables. Differences were considered significant at p value of <0.05. Results: Out of 60 patients in the study, 18(30%) patients developed intermediate syndrome.33 required ICU admission and mechanical ventilation of which14 required tracheostomy for prolonged ventilation. 3 patients died. RBC cholinesterase levels and POP scale at admission had statistical significant relation with the initial and total atropine requirements. POP scale also predicted the need for intubation and ICU stay. Atropine toxicity was common 60% but mild. We conclude that RBC cholinesterase and POP scale be used as new standards for assessment and guiding management of patients with organophosphorus and carbamate poisoning.
Genetic diversity in Spanish and foreign almond germplasm assessed by molecular characterization with simple sequence repeats.

Genetic diversity of the Spanish national almond (Prunus amygdalus Batsch) collection was characterized with 19 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers selected because of their polymorphism in almond and other Prunus L. species. A total of 93 almond genotypes, including 63 Spanish cultivars from different growing regions, as well as some international cultivars and breeding releases were analyzed. All primers produced a successful amplification, giving a total of 323 fragments in the genotypes studied, with an average of 17 alleles per SSR, ranging from 4 (EPDCU5100) to 33 (BPPCT038). Allele size ranged from 88 bp at locus PMS40 to 260 bp at locus CPPCT022. The heterozygosity observed (0.72) was much higher not only than in other Prunus species, but also than in other almond pools already studied. The dendrogram generated using the variability observed classified most of the genotypes according to their geographical origin, confirming the particular evolution of different almond ecotypes. The SSR markers have consequently shown their usefulness for cultivar identification in almond, for establishing the genetic closeness among its cultivars, and for establishing genealogical relationships. Almond {Prunus amygdalus (syn. P. dulcis (Mill.) D.A. Webb)} is a species in the Rosaceae family with a genome 2n = 16. The almond is the most important tree nut crop in terms of production and is one of the most polymorphic fruit species (Kester et al., 1991; Socias i Company and Felipe, 1992). This high polymorphism may be due to its self-incompatibility (Socias i Company, 1998) and to the utilization of open- pollinated seedlings in traditional almond culture (Grasselly, 1972; Rikhter, 1972). The almond originated in central Asia (Grasselly, 1976) and is probably the oldest tree nut crop to be domesticated, possibly during the third millennium BCE (Spiegel-Roy, 1986). Over several centuries, almond spread from its center or origin toward the Mediterranean Basin, and was introduced by the Phoenicians, Greeks, and Romans into the different Mediterranean regions, expanding from Greece and the Balkans to Spain and Portugal. In all the Mediterranean Basin, both in the northern and southern shores, almond production became concentrated in specific areas, mostly with a traditional cultural system, adapted to the drought-resistant and frost-sensitive characteristics of the available almond germplasm, resulting as a consequence in the emergence of adapted land races associated with specific production areas (Grasselly and Crossa-Raynaud, 1980). Although seedling propagation resulted in the proliferation of a large number of
A History of Foot ulcer increases Mortality among Persons with Diabetes. 10-year Follow-up of the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study, Norway

Abstract Objective — To compare mortality rates for persons with diabetes with and without a history of foot ulcer (HFU) and with the non-diabetic population. Research design and methods— This population-based study included 155 diabetic persons with a HFU, 1,339 diabetic persons without a HFU, and 63,632 non-diabetic persons who were all followed for 10 years with mortality as the end point. Results — During the follow-up period, a total of 49.0% of diabetic persons with a HFU died, compared to 35.2% of diabetic persons without a HFU and 10.5% of those without diabetes. In Cox regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, education, current smoking, and waist circumference, having a HFU was associated with more than a twofold (2.29 [95% CI 1.82–2.88]) hazard risk for mortality compared to the non-diabetic group. In corresponding analyses comparing diabetic persons with and without a HFU, a HFU was associated with 47% increased mortality (1.47 [1.14–1.89]). Significant covariates were older age, being male and current smoking. After also including HbA1c, insulin use, microalbuminuria, cardiovascular disease and depression scores in the model, each was significantly related to life expectancy. Conclusions — A HFU increased mortality risk among community-dwelling adults and elderly people with diabetes. The excess risk persisted after adjusting for comorbidity and depression scores, indicating that close clinical monitoring might be warranted among persons with a HFU, who may be particularly vulnerable to adverse outcomes.
Biocoenotic changes of the zooplankton in the German Bight: the possible effects of eutrophication and climate

Meso- and macrozooplankton have been sampled in the German Bight since 1974. Inter-annual changes in the dynamics of selected species have been analysed in terms of mean annual abundance and timing of abundance maxima. Information on new immigrants is also presented. Possible causes of the observed changes, particularly in relation to nutrient availability and climatic signals, are discussed. 1996 International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
SOIL WATER CONSERVATION, GROWTH, YIELD AND WATER USE EFFICIENCY OF SORGHUM AS AFFECTED BY LAND CONFIGURATION AND WOOD-SHAVINGS MULCH IN SEMI-ARID NORTHEAST NIGERIA

Water is perhaps the most important single factor that limits crop production in the semi-arid northeast of Nigeria. A four-year field experiment was therefore initiated in 1999 to evaluate the influence of land configuration practices with or without wood-shavings mulch on water conservation, yield and water use efficiency (WUE) of sorghum. The experimental treatments consisted of flat bed (FB), open ridging (OR), tied ridging (TR), FB + mulch (FBM), OR + mulch (ORM), and TR + mulch (TRM). Ridge heights were 15 to 20 cm and furrows were left open (for OR and ORM) or tied (for TR and TRM). Wood-shavings mulch was used at the rate of 5 t ha−1 in 1999, but this was increased to 10 t ha−1 in subsequent years to ensure adequate soil coverage. Differences in soil water storage at various sampling dates were significant only in some cases in each year, but trends were towards greater soil water storage in the mulched treatments than in the non-mulched treatments, irrespective of tillage method. Growth parameters (plant height and leaf area index) indicated significant differences between treatments on only some measurement dates in each year. Sorghum water use varied significantly between years and treatments. Seasonal water use was greater with FBM, ORM and TRM than with the FB treatment in all cropping seasons. Averaged over the four-year period, mean increases in grain yield relative to the FB treatment were 16 % for OR, 25 % for TR, 77 % for FBM, 50 % for ORM and 57 % for TRM. Pooled across the experimental years, the WUE (ET) of FB, OR, TR, FBM, ORM and TRM were 1.95, 2.12, 2.13, 2.74, 2.36 and 2.48 kg ha−1 mm−1 respectively. The corresponding WUE(R) values for these treatments were 1.26, 1.46, 1.56, 2.22, 1.88 and 1.97 kg ha−1 mm−1 respectively. It is concluded that combining the practice of flat bed cultivation with mulching may eliminate the need for ridging in increasing the productivity of sorghum grain in semi-arid northeast Nigeria.
Are nuclear loci ideal for barcoding plants? A case study of genetic delimitation of two sister species using multiple loci and multiple intraspecific individuals

Abstract Considerable debate remains as to which DNA region should be used to barcode plants. Several different chloroplast (cp) DNA regions (rbcL, matK, and trnH–psbA) and nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed regions (ITS) have been suggested as suitable barcodes in plants. Recently, low‐copy nuclear loci were also suggested to be potentially ideal barcode regions. The aim of the present study was to test the effectiveness of these proposed DNA fragments and five additional low‐copy loci (CHS, DET1, COP1, PGIC1, and RPS2; comprising both coding and non‐coding regions) in barcoding closely related species. We examined the divergences within and between two species of Pugionium (Brassicaceae). We failed to find any interspecific variation from three cpDNA fragments with which to discriminate the two species. However, a single base mutation in the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) could discriminate between the two species consistently. We found more variations among all individuals of the two species using each of the other five low‐copy nuclear loci. However, only alleles from one locus (DET1) of the five low‐copy loci related to flowering regulations was able to distinguish the sampled individuals into two species. We failed to amplify the corresponding fragments out of Brassicaceae using the designed DET1 primers. We further discussed the discrimination power of different loci due to incomplete lineage sorting, gene flow, and species‐specific evolution. Our results highlight the possibility of using the nuclear ITS as a core or complementary fragment to barcode recent diverged species.
Free amino acids in lakes: Concentrations and assimilation rates in relation to phytoplankton and bacterial production1

Diel changes of concentrations and assimilation rates of dissolved free amino acids (DFAA) were followed every third day during periods of 3-5 weeks in eutrophic Frederiksborg Slotsss and Lake Hylke and oligotrophic Lake Almind. Concentrations of DFAA varied from 78 to 3,672 nM, but most concentrations were between 200 and 1,600 nM. Diel variations of DFAA ranged from < lo%, but were occasionally 500%. In Fr. Slotsso, concentrations were maximal in the morning and minimal at noon. The high morning concentrations coincided with the diel minimum bacterial production. In Lake Hylke mean concentrations were measured at noon, but in Lake Almind no diel trends were obvious. Statistical analyses demonstrate that long-term changes of the DFAA pools in the lakes were negatively correlated with both primary production (except Lake Almind) and bacterial production. In Fr. Slotsso and Lake Hylke, assimilation of DFAA (based on assimilation of five abundant DFAA) did not demonstrate diel trends, but within the study periods, the mean diel assimilation rates correlated negatively with primary production. In Lake Almind, no tendencies in the DFAA assimilation rates were observed. Carbon flux of DFAA assimilation in the lakes on the average made up from 6.9 to 11.3% of the primary production, and from 28.5 to 93.1% of the bacterial production, determined with the [3H]thymidine incorporation procedure. Data from the two eutrophic lakes suggest that degradation of phytoplankton can be a major source of DFAA in lakes.
Implications of warming temperatures for population outbreaks of a nonindigenous species (Membranipora membranacea, Bryozoa) in rocky subtidal ecosystems

To quantify and explore the role of temperature on population outbreaks of a nonindigenous bryozoan (Membranipora membranacea) in kelp beds in the western North Atlantic (Nova Scotia, Canada), we constructed an individual‐based model using field‐derived estimates for temperature‐dependent colony settlement and growth. Using temperature as the single input variable, the model successfully simulated the timing of onset of settlement, colony abundance, colony size, and coverage on kelps. We used the model to examine the relative effect on the population of varying temperature by ‐2°C to +2°C each day. The timing of onset of settlement varied by 18°C−1 with changes in temperature from January to August. Variations in temperature had nonlinear effects on the population, with an increase in daily temperature of 1°C and 2°C causing the cover of colonies on kelps to increase by factors of 9 and 62, respectively. Changes in winter and spring temperature had the most pronounced effects on the timing and abundance of colonies, while changes in summer temperature had the most pronounced effect on colony size and coverage on kelp blades. Outbreaks of this species will increase in frequency and intensity if temperatures warm as a result of climate change, causing defoliation of kelp beds and, thus, facilitating the invasion of other nonindigenous benthic species.
Low Expression of DDX60 Gene Might Associate with the Radiosensitivity for Patients with Breast Cancer

DEXD/H box helicase 60 (DDX60) is a new type of DEAD-box RNA helicase, which is induced to express after virus infection. It might involve in antiviral immunity by promoting RIG-I-like receptor-mediated signal transduction. In addition, previous studies had shown that the expression of DDX60 is related to cancer, but there was still a lack of relevant research in breast cancer. In this study, we used the information of patients with breast cancer in the TCGA database for statistical analysis and found that the breast cancer patients with low expression of DDX60 exhibited radiosensitivity. Comparing the radiotherapy groups with the nonradiotherapy groups, for patients with low expression of DDX60, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) values for radiotherapy were 0.244 (0.064–0.921) and 0.199 (0.062–0.646) in the training and validation datasets, with the p values 0.040 and 0.007, respectively. However, for patients with high expression of DDX60, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) values were 3.582 (0.627–20.467) and 2.421 (0.460–12.773), with the p values 0.054 and 0.297, respectively. These results suggested that the expression of DDX60 might strongly associate with individualized radiosensitivity in patients with breast cancer.
Biglycan binds to α‐ and γ‐sarcoglycan and regulates their expression during development

The dystrophin‐associated protein complex (DAPC), which links the cytoskeleton to the extracellular matrix, is essential for muscle cell survival, and is defective in a wide range of muscular dystrophies. The DAPC contains two transmembrane subcomplexes—the dystroglycans and the sarcoglycans. Although several extracellular binding partners have been identified for the dystroglycans, none have been described for the sarcoglycan subcomplex. Here we show that the small leucine‐rich repeat (LRR) proteoglycan biglycan binds to α‐ and γ‐sarcoglycan as judged by ligand blot overlay and co‐immunoprecipitation assays. Our studies with biglycan‐decorin chimeras show that α‐ and γ‐sarcoglycan bind to distinct sites on the polypeptide core of biglycan. Both biglycan proteoglycan as well as biglycan polypeptide lacking glycosaminoglycan (GAG) side chains are components of the dystrophin glycoprotein complex isolated from adult skeletal muscle membranes. Finally, our immunohistochemical and biochemical studies with biglycan null mice show that the expression of α‐ and γ‐sarcoglycan is selectively reduced in muscle from young (P14‐P21) animals, while levels in adult muscle (≥P35) are unchanged. We conclude that biglycan is a ligand for two members of the sarcoglycan complex and regulates their expression at discrete developmental ages. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 439–447, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome According to Causes of Physical Activity Limitation

Purpose One cause of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is inactivity. This study analyzed the prevalence of MetS due to causes of activity limitation (AL) in adults over 40 years old. Paticipants and Methods Participants included 2885 people aged 40–79 (1198 men and 1687 women) who completed the Korean National Health and Nutrition Survey (KNHANES) conducted between 2013 and 2017. They were divided into two groups based on age: the middle age group (MA) included 1148 total participants, 515 men and 633 women from 40–59 years old; the older age group (OA) included 1737 total participants, 683 men and 1054 women from 60–79 years old. MetS was diagnosed according to the Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program and the Expert Panel on Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Cholesterol in Adults (NCEP-ATP III). Logistic regression was conducted to calculate the odds ratio for MetS prevalence. Results The prevalence of MetS in people with AL increased 1.432-fold in the MA men group, 1.511-fold in the OA men group, 1.546-fold in the MA women group, and 1.565-fold in the OA women group. There were several causes of AL; people with physical activity for diabetes mellitus and hypertension increased MetS prevalence in both sexes and all age groups: MA men group (OR=3.216, 95% CI=1.852–7.354, P=0.034), MA women group (OR=2.159, 95% CI=1.854–5.346, P=0.032), OA men group (OR=3.200, 95% CI=1.235–7.841, P=0.009), and OA women group (OR=3.444, 95% CI=1.310–6.627, P=0.008). Also, mental problems in the MA men group (OR=2.284, 95% CI=1.591–4.986, P=0.012) and OA men group (OR=1.149, 95% CI=1.017–2.941, P=0.012), and musculoskeletal problems in the MA women group (OR=1.784, 95% CI=1.102–2.902, P=0.021) and OA women group (OR=1.459, 95% CI=1.054–1.993, P=0.004) increased the prevalence. Conclusion The prevalence of MetS due to activity limitation was increased in MA and OA groups. Activity limitation increased the MetS prevalence from 1.4- to 1.5-times, Therefore, to prevent metabolic syndrome, physical activity should be increased, and guidelines should be presented according to the activity limitation causes, age, and sex.
The Emerging Role of Vitamin D and Vitamin D Receptor in Diabetic Nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN), one of the most common and severe microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus (DM), is an important risk factor for DM patient's death. Nowadays, DN has become the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in most countries without effective therapeutic methods. Recently, the renoprotective effects mediated by vitamin D (VD) and vitamin D receptor (VDR) have been evidenced. VD, a kind of steroid with the active form 1,25(OH)2D3, has been known for the crucial roles in the modulation of serum calcium and phosphorus concentrations. It exerts important functions by binding with its receptor VDR.VDR, a transcription factor located at chromosome 12 containing 9 exons, is one of the nonsteroid nuclear hormone receptor superfamily, which participates in transcriptional regulation of genes in tissue- and cell-specific ways. Increasing evidences have demonstrated that VD/VDR signaling pathway possesses a variety of kidney-protective effects in DN patients, such as antiproteinuria, antifibrosis, anti-inflammatory, and preventing podocyte damage. Although there are many studies on the role of the VD/VDR signaling pathway in DN, the effects and mechanisms still need to be further explained. This review summarized the multiple roles of VD/VDR in podocyte injury, tubule lesions, interstitial fibrosis, and inflammation, as well as the clinical applications about DN to explore much more and effective therapeutic methods for DN.
Vultures in Cambodia: population, threats and conservation

Summary Asian vultures have undergone dramatic declines of 90–99% in the Indian Subcontinent, as a consequence of poisoning by veterinary use of the drug diclofenac, and are at a high risk of extinction. Cambodia supports one of the only populations of three species (White-rumped Vulture Gyps bengalensis, Slender-billed Vulture G. tenuirostris and Red-headed Vulture Sarcogyps calvus) outside of South Asia where diclofenac use is not widespread. Conservation of the Cambodian sub-populations is therefore a global priority. This study analyses the results of a long-term research programme into Cambodian vultures that was initiated in 2004. Population sizes of each species are estimated at 50–200+ individuals, ranging across an area of approximately 300 km by 250 km, including adjacent areas in Laos and Vietnam. The principal causes of vulture mortality were poisoning (73%), probably as an accidental consequence of local hunting and fishing practices, and hunting or capture for traditional medicine (15%). This represents a significant loss from such a small population of long-lived, slow breeding, species such as vultures. Cambodian vultures are severely food limited and are primarily dependent on domestic ungulate carcasses, as wild ungulate populations have been severely depleted over the past 20 years. Local people across the vulture range still follow traditional animal husbandry practices, including releasing livestock into the open deciduous dipterocarp forest areas when they are not needed for work, providing the food source. Reducing threats through limiting the use of poisons (which are also harmful for human health) and supplementary food provisioning in the short to medium-term through ‘vulture restaurants’ is critical if Cambodian vultures are to be conserved.