Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of new herbicides for weed control and crop safety in rainy season sorghum

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is a staple cereal grown during both rainy (Kharif) and post-rainy (Rabi) seasons in the semi-arid and arid parts of India on marginal and least fertile soils where only few other crop can survive. Weeds are a major deterrent in increasing the sorghum productivity, especially during rainy season due to wider row spacing, slow initial crop growth rate, and congenial weather conditions for weed growth. Sorghum is mostly grown in rainfed areas, where soil moisture and nutrients are the most limiting factors. Weeds compete with sorghum for light, soil moisture and nutrients (Burnside and Wicks 1969, Smith et al. 1990) and reduce the grain yield by 15 to 83% depending on crop cultivars, nature and intensity of weeds, spacing, duration of weed infestation and environmental conditions (Mishra 1997, Stahlman and Wicks 2000). Therefore, appropriate weed management would help to improve sorghum productivity and input use-efficiency. Presently atrazine as preemergence is the most widely used herbicide for weed control in grain sorghum. However, as sorghum is grown in moisture stress conditions, lack of soil moisture may decrease the efficacy of pre-emergence herbicides. There is no effective post-emergence herbicide for broadspectrum weed control in sorghum. The present experiment was therefore conducted to evaluate new herbicides for weed control and crop safety in grain sorghum.
Effect of nitrogen, its time of application and boron on cauliflower seed production in calcareous soil

Application of nitrogen at the rate of 150 kg/ha +150 q FYM significantly increased the number of branches and pods/plant, length of pod, number of seeds/pod, 1000 seed weight and seed yield of cauliflower variety, Patna Main. This treatment also gave maximum seed germination. Higher dose of nitrogen did noishow positive result. Boron at the rate of 10 kg/ha sigriificantly increased the seed yield as well as number of branches and pods/plant, number of seeds per pod and seed weight as compared to 15 kg/ha. Time of nitrogen application did not have any effect on seed yield and quality. NB treatment combination significantly increased the seed yield. Maximum yield of seeds (315 kg/hal was recorded in B3B1 treatment combination.
Study on root colonization of wheat by recombincent bacillus megaterium and biocontrol efficiency

Study on root colonization of wheat,suppression on dish and biocontrol efficiency in greenhouse by the two recombincent Bacillus megaterium B13011 and B13012 which include chitinase gene,brought wildness Bacillus megaterium B1301 into comparison.The result showed that three strains survived on root of wheat.The number of three strains in the sterile soil was higher than that in the unsterile soil(LSR,P=0.05),B13011,B13012 was endogenesis but B1301 was not.It was whole suppression to fungi on dish.All the biocontrol agents had good control effectiveness,especially the recombincent Bacillus B13011 and B13012 was more effective than B1301(LSR,P=0.05),The strain of B13011 has 81.61% control effect against Rhizoctonia cereails.And they all could enhance wheat and cotton growth.The strain of B13011 has 39.40% increase to cotton. 
Rice Bran Oil

Rice bran is an underused coproduct of rice milling. The value is partially captured through extraction and refining of the rice bran oil. The capital costs have limited the ability of the U.S. rice milling industry to capture this value. However, rice bran oil has performance properties competitive to other widely used oils. An additional advantage of rice bran oil is certainly its nutritional benefits, which include a balance of fatty acids meeting AHA recommendations. Rice oil contains a mixture of antioxidants and promotes cholesterol reduction beyond that of more unsaturated oils. Its taste and performance is complementary to salad, cooking, and frying applications. This chapter reviews the source and composition of rice bran oil, its nutritional characteristics, production, and refining of the oil and its applications. Keywords: rice oil; rice bran oil; rice milling; nonstarch lipids; oil refining; antioxidants
Spatial and temporal dynamics of nano‐ and pico‐size particulate organic matter (POM) in a coastal megatidal marine system

Surface water samples of size‐selected seston (0.7–20 μm) were collected from April 2013 to September 2013 at three similar coarse‐sand benthic habitats. Additionally, seston sampling was performed at a fixed location throughout a complete tidal cycle (2014). A combination of fatty acid (FA), isotope, and flow cytometry analyses were used to determine the quality and quantity of nano‐ and pico‐sized particulate organic matter (POM). High variability was found between fatty acid replicate samples. Similar temporal patterns were observed at two sheltered sites, while the exposed site displayed less pronounced seasonal changes. Lower concentrations of 16C and 18C polyunsaturated fatty acids were found during low tide sampling. Globally, POM was dominated by picoeukaryotes, with concentrations exceeding 50,000 cells mL−1, and (16:4ω3 + 18:3ω3)/Σω3 is proposed as novel biomarker of picoeukaryotes in this region.
Survival, growth and production of Penaeus monodon Fabricius at different stocking densities in earthen ponds with flow-through system and supplemental feeding.

The survival, growth and production of Penaeus monodon in earthen ponds were observed. A significant effect of stocking density on the survival rate of prawns was observed. The final average weight obtained varied inversly with the stocking density and the production varied directly with stocking density and survival rates. The maintenance of a clear water environment is recommended as a preventive measure against Vorticella attack.
Protective Effects of Polyphenols Present in Mediterranean Diet on Endothelial Dysfunction

Endothelial dysfunction tends to be the initial indicator in proinflammatory state and macro- and microvascular complications, such as atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases. It has been shown that certain compounds in diet can generate beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease due to its interactions with endothelial cells. Thus, this review is aimed at investigating whether certain polyphenols present in the Mediterranean diet, specifically catechin, quercetin, resveratrol, and urolithin, could exert positive effects on endothelial dysfunction. After analysis of numerous papers, we found that polyphenols aiding endothelial function is beneficial not only for patients with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or endothelial dysfunction but for all people as it can improve the effects of aging on the endothelia. The additional benefit of these polyphenols on weight loss further improves health and lowers the risk of several diseases, including those caused by endothelial dysfunction. However, it is important to note that the dosages in the majorities of the studies mentioned in this review were of supplemental rather than nutritionally relevant quantities, and therefore, the recommended dosages are difficult to determine.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Intestinal Parasitic Infections among Pregnant Women in West Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia

Background Intestinal parasitic infections are the major causes of morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan countries. The disease burden of these parasites is significantly high among pregnant women in developing countries like Ethiopia. Poor living conditions, sanitation, and hygiene are believed to be the contributing factors. The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of intestinal parasitic infection and factors associated with pregnant women. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2017 to June 2017. A structured questionnaire was used to obtain the sociodemographic and other explanatory variables via face-to-face interviews. Stool samples were collected and examined using formol ether concentration technique. The magnitude of parasitic infection was calculated using descriptive statistics. The association between intestinal parasitic infection and determinant factors was assessed by logistic regression. The differences were considered to be statistically significant if the p value was less than 0.05. Results From a total of 743 pregnant women, the overall prevalence of intestinal parasitosis was 277 (37.3%). The prevalence of hookworm 138 (18.6%) was the leading cause of intestinal parasitosis followed by E. histolytica/dispar 113 (15.2%). Dwelling in rural area (AOR: 2.9 (95% CI: 1.85-4.85)), being a farmer (AOR: 1.91 (95% CI: 1.20-3.03)), eating raw vegetables (AOR: 1.45, 95% CI:0.09-0.24), lack of proper use of latrine (AOR: 2.89 (95%1.18-7.08)), poor environmental sanitation (AOR: 0.19 (95%: CI:0.08-0.47)), habit of soil eating (AOR: 0.42 (95% CI: 0.25-0.72)), having irrigation practice (AOR: 0.47 (95% CI: 0.29-0.77)), and lack of health education (AOR: 0.32 (95% CI: 0.13-0.77)) were significantly associated with intestinal parasitic infections. Conclusions Intestinal parasitic infection is a major problem among pregnant women in the study area. High parasitic infection is associated with poor hygienic and sanitation practices. Therefore, awareness creation through health education should be given to pregnancy on intestinal parasitic infection and associated factors.
Phenotypic Characterization of Tiger Nuts (Cyperus esculentus L.) from Major Growing Areas in Ghana

Tigernut (Cyperus esculentus Lativum) is an important but understudied and underutilized crop in Ghana. The tubers are highly appreciated for their health benefits and nutritive value. To contribute to the conservation process of tiger nut and identify elite genotypes, this study was conducted to assess phenotypic variability in tiger nut genotypes in Ghana. Sixty-four (64) genotypes were collected from major tiger nut growing areas in Ghana. The genotypes were field-grown and characterized based on phenotypic and yield traits. Similarity coefficient (Bray-Curtis) was between 0.82 and 0.98, indicating low variability in both qualitative and quantitative characters. The cophenetic correlation coefficient was 0.64. The genotypes were mainly brown with only a few black (6) tubers from the central region. Materials collected from parts of the eastern region (Aduamoah) generally recorded the highest tuber weight. Tuber weight depended on plant height and number of tillers. There were high tillering genetic materials among the genotypes. Tubers were categorised as oval (10), ovoid (33), or oblong (15). The genotypes clustered into two groups based on shoot and tuber characteristics, rather than on geographical origin. The low genetic diversity among the genotypes suggested either the possible existence of a network among tiger nut farmers in Ghana in circulating the planting material or some form of seed sorting for uniform and homogenous planting materials has been carried out over the years. Our results point to the imperativeness to expand the genetic base of the tiger nuts to facilitate its improvement in Ghana.
Retention in care for adolescents who were newly initiated on antiretroviral therapy in the Cape Metropole in South Africa

Background Long-term retention of adolescents aged 10 -19 years on antiretroviral therapy (ART) is crucial to achieve viral load suppression. However, it is reported globally that adolescents have lower retention in care (RiC) on ART, compared with children and adults. Objectives To determine the prevalence and predictors of RiC of adolescents over 2 years following initiation onto ART in public health facilities in the Metropole District Health Services of the Western Cape province in 2013. Methods Data of 220 adolescent patients who were newly initiated on ART in 2013 were extracted from the provincial electronic database, and subjected to univariate and bivariate analyses using SPSS. Results The rate of RiC post-initiation was low throughout the study period, that is, 68.6%, 50.5% and 36.4% at 4, 12 and 24 months, respectively. The corresponding post-initiation viral load suppression levels on ART of those remaining in care and who had viral loads monitored were 84.1%, 77.4% and 68.8% at 4, 12 and 24 months, respectively. Retention in care after initiation on ART was higher amongst younger adolescents (10-14 years), compared with older adolescents (15-19 years). Male adolescents were significantly more likely to be retained, compared with females. Pregnant adolescents were significantly less likely to be retained compared with those who were not pregnant. Conclusion Key interventions are needed to motivate adolescents to remain in care, and to adhere to their treatment regimen to achieve the target of 90% viral load suppression, with specific emphasis on older and pregnant adolescents.
Activity of Combinations of Antioxidants and Anthelmintic Drugs against the Adult Stage of Schistosoma mansoni

Schistosomiasis remains a major neglected tropical disease. The treatment and control of schistosomiasis rely on a single drug, praziquantel (PZQ). Despite its efficacy, treatment with PZQ presents some major drawbacks including an inability of the chemotherapy to reverse disease-induced fibrosis and the prospect of the emergence of drug resistance. Here, we investigated a novel therapeutic approach with antioxidant biomolecules in combination with PZQ against the adult developmental stage of Schistosoma mansoni and oviposition in vitro, given that this therapeutic approach achieved synergistic/additive activity against larval schistosomes. The antioxidants curcumin and oxadiazole per se exhibited antischistosomal activity against adult worms leading to severe morphological alterations and death. Additionally, the antioxidant flavone combined with vandetanib or imatinib improved antischistosomal activity against adult forms. By contrast, however, these antioxidant-anthelmintic combinations were not as effective against adults in comparison to larval schistosomes. Nevertheless, the antioxidants alone or combined with drugs inhibited oviposition.
Conversational Therapy through Semi-Immersive Virtual Reality Environments for Language Recovery and Psychological Well-Being in Post Stroke Aphasia

Aphasia is a highly disabling acquired language disorder generally caused by a left-lateralized brain damage. Even if traditional therapies have been shown to induce an adequate clinical improvement, a large percentage of patients are left with some degree of language impairments. Therefore, new approaches to common speech therapies are urgently needed in order to maximize the recovery from aphasia. The recent application of virtual reality (VR) to aphasia rehabilitation has already evidenced its usefulness in promoting a more pragmatically oriented treatment than conventional therapies (CT). In the present study, thirty-six chronic persons with aphasia (PWA) were randomly assigned to two groups. The VR group underwent conversational therapy during VR everyday life setting observation, while the control group was trained in a conventional setting without VR support. All patients were extensively tested through a neuropsychological battery which included not only measures for language skills and communication efficacy but also self-esteem and quality of life questionnairies. All patients were trained through a conversational approach by a speech therapist twice a week for six months (total 48 sessions). After the treatment, no significant differences among groups were found in the different measures. However, the amount of improvement in the different areas was distributed over far more cognitive and psychological aspects in the VR group than in the control group. Indeed, the within-group comparisons showed a significant enhancement in different language tasks (i.e., oral comprehension, repetition, and written language) only in the VR group. Significant gains, after the treatment, were also found, in the VR group, in different psychological dimensions (i.e., self-esteem and emotional and mood state). Given the importance of these aspects for aphasia recovery, we believe that our results add to previous evidence which points to the ecological validity and feasibility of VR treatment for language recovery and psychosocial well-being.
Diagnostic Value of Plasma miR-181b, miR-196a, and miR-210 Combination in Pancreatic Cancer

Purpose This study was aimed at investigating the roles of plasma miR-181b, miR-196a, and miR-210 in the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer (PC). Methods Plasma samples were isolated from 40 patients with PC and 40 healthy individuals, respectively. The expression of miR-181b, miR-196a, and miR-210 was detected by qRT-PCR. The level of carbohydrate antigen 199 (CA199) was measured by an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) assay. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of miR-181b, miR-196a, miR-210, CA199, and their combinations in PC. Results The expression of plasma miR-181b, miR-196a, and miR-210 was significantly upregulated in PC patients. The plasma level of CA199 was also significantly increased in PC patients. The expression of miR-181b, miR-196a, and miR-210 was closely associated with lymph node metastasis, clinical stage, and vascular invasion but not correlated with age, gender, and tumor size. miR-181b, miR-196a, and miR-210 have lower AUC than CA199 in the diagnosis of PC. miR-181b+miR-210 and miR-196a+miR-210 also have lower AUC than CA199. It is worth noting that miR-181b+miR-196a+miR-210 has a higher AUC than CA199 in the diagnosis of PC. Conclusion The combination of plasma miR-181b, miR-196a, and miR-210 had a good diagnostic value for PC.
Advanced Glycation End Products Induce Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell-Derived Foam Cell Formation and Transdifferentiate to a Macrophage-Like State

Background Advanced glycation end products play an important role in diabetic atherosclerosis. The effects of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) on vascular smooth muscle cell- (VSMC-) derived foam cell formation and phenotypic transformation are unknown. Methods Serological and histological samples were obtained from diabetic amputation patients and accident amputation patients from the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University. CD68/Actin Alpha 2 (ACTA2) coimmunofluorescence sections were used to quantify the number of VSMCs with macrophage-like phenotypes. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of the receptor of advanced glycation end products in vascular samples. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to evaluate the level of serum Nε-carboxymethyl-lysine (CML). In vitro oil red O staining was used to examine lipid accumulation in VSMCs stimulated by CML. The expression of VSMCs and macrophage markers was measured by western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR. Furthermore, changes in VSMC migration and secretion were detected by the Transwell assay and ELISA. Results In the arterial plaque sections of diabetic patients, VSMCs transformed to a macrophage-like phenotype. The serum CML and RAGE levels in the plaques were significantly higher in the diabetes group than those in the healthy control group and were significantly related to the number of macrophage-like VSMCs. CML stimulation promoted intracellular lipid accumulation. However, CML stimulation decreased the expression of VSMC markers and increased the expression of macrophage phenotype markers. Finally, CML promoted smooth muscle cell migration and the secretion of proinflammatory-related factors. Conclusions CML induces VSMC-derived foam cell formation, and VSMCs transdifferentiate to a macrophage-like state, which may be mediated by the activation of RAGE.
Identification of a Transcription Factor-microRNA-Gene Coregulation Network in Meningioma through a Bioinformatic Analysis

Background Meningioma is a prevalent type of brain tumor. However, the initiation and progression mechanisms involved in the meningioma are mostly unknown. This study aimed at exploring the potential transcription factors/micro(mi)RNAs/genes and biological pathways associated with meningioma. Methods mRNA expressions from GSE88720, GSE43290, and GSE54934 datasets, containing data from 83 meningioma samples and eight control samples, along with miRNA expression dataset GSE88721, which had 14 meningioma samples and one control sample, were integrated analyzed. The bioinformatics approaches were used for identifying differentially expressed genes and miRNAs, as well as predicting transcription factor targets related to the differentially expressed genes. The approaches were also used for gene ontology term analysis and biological pathway enrichment analysis, construction, and analysis of protein-protein interaction network, and transcription factor-miRNA-gene coregulation network construction. Results Fifty-six upregulated and 179 downregulated genes were identified. Thirty transcription factors able to target the differentially expressed genes were predicted and selected based on public databases. One hundred seventeen overlapping genes were identified from the differentially expressed genes and the miRNAs predicted by miRWalk. Furthermore, NF-κB/IL6, PTGS2, MYC/hsa-miR-574-5p, hsa-miR-26b-5p, hsa-miR-335-5p, and hsa-miR-98-5p, which are involved in the transcription factor-miRNA-mRNA coregulation network, were found to be associated with meningioma. Conclusion The bioinformatics analysis identified several potential molecules and relevant pathways that may represent critical mechanisms involved in the progression and development of meningioma. This work provides new insights into meningioma pathogenesis and treatments.
Postprandial Hyperglycemia Lowering Effect of the Isolated Compounds from Olive Mill Wastes – An Inhibitory Activity and Kinetics Studies on α-Glucosidase and α-Amylase Enzymes

In the present study, we isolated seven compounds from olive mill wastes (OMW), one of them being novel, and investigated their antidiabetic potential through inhibition of α-glucosidase and α-amylase enzymes. To assist the possible characterization of the mechanisms involved, we analyzed the inhibitory kinetics of the active compounds. Oleanolic acid 1, maslinic acid 2, 1-acetoxypinoresinol 3, and luteolin-7-O-β-d-glucoside 6 exhibited stronger inhibitory activity against both enzymes, with IC50 values less than or close to that of acarbose. Other compounds pinoresinol and hydroxytyrosol-containing compounds (hydroxytyrosol acetate 4, hydroxytyrosol 7, and the novel one, 3,4-dihydroxyphenyl-2-methoxyethanol 5) showed weak activity against both enzymes (IC50 > 500 μM). Our findings show that, first, the esterification of C-1 of the furofuran ring is the key feature for the stronger activity of 1-acetoxypinoresinol 3 against both enzymes (IC50 = 13.9 and 313 μM for α-amylase and α-glucosidase, respectively), as compared to pinoresinol; second, the oleanane skeletons of the triterpenes (1 and 2) are optimum for the α-glucosidase and α-amylase inhibitory activities, while the hydroxytyrosol moiety may be responsible for the weak activities of 4, 5, and 7. Additionally, kinetics analysis of 1, 6, and 3 revealed that they inhibit α-glucosidase in mixed-type, noncompetitive, and uncompetitive mechanisms, respectively. We confirmed their mechanisms by measuring their affinity for the enzyme (Ki), and they all (1, 6, and 3) had a higher affinity for the enzyme, Ki > 1. This work adds more value to OMW for further studies as a potential source of lead antidiabetic compounds for the prevention and/or treatment of type 2 diabetes.