Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Seasonal Variation in Diurnal Cave-Roosting Behavior of a Malagasy Fruit Bat (Rousettus madagascariensis, Chiroptera: Pteropodidae)

This study examines seasonal behavioral activity in a cave day roost of an endemic Malagasy fruit bat, Rousettus madagascariensis (Chiroptera: Pteropodidae). Activities of both sexes (male and female) classified by age (neonate, sub-adult, and adult) were filmed in the cave using an infrared camcorder during the wet and dry seasons. Analyses of the videos were used to calculate the proportion of time spent conducting predefined behavior types during different 10 min periods. Measurements taken from captured individuals were employed to calculate the body condition index (BCI, ratio of body mass to forearm length) for the different age and sex classes. The results indicate that cave-roosting behavior changed as according to season. During the dry season, roosting individuals spent more time in ‘rest’and ‘consume ectoparasites’ behaviors and limited ‘move’ (flight and crawl) and ‘groom’ activities. Further, the BCI was lower during this period, as compared to the wet season, and this shift is presumably related to food availability or quality. During the wet season, ‘groom’ behavior frequency was higher and individuals formed a more dispersed roosting group configuration. The threshold for the shift to ‘tight’ group configuration and less grooming activity is correlated with climatological variables, specifically when the average temperature outside the cave was ≤ 25.3°C, the mean temperature inside the cave was ≤ 24.0°C, and the average relative humidity was ≤ 68.2%. In contrast, the presence of solitary roosting individuals and ‘loose’ group configuration were more common when the average temperature outside the cave was ≥ 27.1°C and the average temperature and relative humidity inside the cave was ≥ 25.0°C and ≥ 93.4%, respectively. Future studies should examine aspects of thermoregulation in cave-roosting pteropodids living in tropical areas, combined with measures of food availability and quality, and the relationship of these variables to reproduction.
Pediatric ovarian tumors in a tertiary care hospital of Kolkata: An experience of last 5 years with its clinicopathological correlation

Background: Pediatric ovarian tumors are rare with an approximate incidence of 2.6 per 100,000 girls per year. Aims and Objectives: This study was done to delineate the clinicopathological profile of pediatric ovarian masses encountered in a tertiary care hospital over 5 years. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted for a period of 5 years during which all patients whose age did not exceed 20 years and underwent surgical resection of ovarian masses, were included. History, operative notes, gross findings, and microscopic features of each case were noted. Results: A total of 76 cases were included in the study. The age of patients ranged between 2 and 20 years with a mean of 17 ± 2.5 years. Of the 76 cases, 53 (69.7%) were benign and 23 (30.3%) malignant tumors. The benign tumors included 16 cases each of teratoma (21.1%) and serous cystadenoma (21.1%), and 21 cases of mucinous cystadenoma (27.6%). Germ cell tumors were the commonest malignant tumors in patients up to 15 years of age and they included four cases of dysgerminoma (5.3%) and one case of immature teratoma (1.3%). Between 16 and 20 years, 8 cases of serous cystadenocarcinoma were found (10.5%), in addition to seven malignant germ cell tumors (9.2%). One case (1.3%) each of granulosa cell tumor and sertoli leydig cell tumor was also found in the same age group. Conclusion: Pediatric ovarian tumors require early attention and institution of appropriate treatment since they bear important implications on the future lives of young females.
Predictors of anemia in pregnancy among pregnant women accessing antenatal care in a poor resource setting in South Eastern Nigeria

Background: Anemia in pregnancy affects about half of pregnant women and constitutes a serious health problem. Objectives: The aim was to determine the prevalence of anemia in pregnancy, as well as its pattern and determinants. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted at antenatal booking clinic of Federal Teaching Hospital Abakaliki from February to July 2012. Hemoglobin <11 g/dl was regarded as anemia. Estimation of hemoglobin concentration, HIV infection, blood group, genotype and blood film for malaria parasite and erythrocyte morphology were done. Stool analysis was also done. Results: Prevalence of anemia in pregnancy was 58%. Anemia in pregnancy was a common finding among primigravida 82 (66.1%), social Class II 14 (56.0%), social Class III 98 (53.6%), social Class IV 45 (61.6%), social Class V 117 (65.4%), antenatal booking at 14–27 weeks 211 (70.3%), and antenatal booking at ≥28 weeks 47 (74.6%). The significant predictors of anemia in pregnancy include HIV in pregnancy (odds ratio [OR] =4.88 [1.09–21.84]), P = 0.04, obstetric hemorrhage (OR = 2.97 [1.27–6.97]), P = 0.01, malaria parasitemia (OR = 4.28 [2.28–8.03]), P < 0.001, primigravidity (OR = 0.04 [1.03–2.41]), P = 0.04, and helminthiasis (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Anemia is still a common finding in pregnancy, and important contributing factors include malaria parasitemia, helminthic infestation and HIV in pregnancy.
Recovery of 2R.2Sk Triticale-Aegilops kotschyi Robertsonian Chromosome Translocations

Robertsonian translocations (RobTs) in the progeny of triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack) plants with monosomic substitution of Aegilops kotschyi chromosome 2Sk (2R) were investigated by fluorescence in-situ hybridization. Chromosome 2Sk of Ae. kotschyi is reported to possess many valuable loci, such as Lr54 + Yr37 leaf and stripe (yellow) rust resistance genes. We used a standard procedure to produce RobTs, which consisted of self-pollination of monosomic triticale plants, carrying 2R and 2Sk chromosomes in monosomic condition. This approach did not result in RobTs. Simultaneously, we succeeded in producing 11 plants carrying 2R.2Sk compensatory RobTs using an alternative approach that utilized ditelosomic lines of triticale carrying 2RS (short arm) and 2RL (long arm) telosomic chromosomes. Identification of molecular markers linked to Lr54 + Yr37 genes in the translocation plants confirmed that these resources can be exploited in current triticale breeding programmes.
Comparing the Clinical Features and Trauma Scores of Trauma Patients Aged Under 65 Years with Those of Patients Aged over 65 Years in the Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Study for Last Ten Years.

Objective This retrospective study aimed to compare the clinical characteristics and trauma scores of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) trauma patients 65 years and older with the patients under 65 years old. Materials and Methods Trauma patients (n=161) who stayed at least 24 hours in ICU were included. Patients younger than 65 years were included into Group 1 (n=109) and patients aged ≥65 years (n=52) were included into Group 2. Patient characteristics and trauma index scores (GCS; APACHE II score, ISS; TRISS and RTS) at ICU admission were calculated. Results The patients in Group 2 had more comorbid disease compared with Group 1 (61.5%, 6.4%) (p=0.001). The Trauma-related Injury Severity Score score were higher in Group 1 (49.76±33.75) compared with Group 2 (35.38±34.93) (p=0.006). The APACHE II score were higher in Group 2 (20.08±7.60) compared with Group 1 (17.00±6.90) (p=0.007). The need for invasive mechanical ventilation and tracheostomy were more frequent in Group 2 trauma patients compared with those of patients in Group 1 (92.3%, 73.4%; p=0.003; 26.9%, 8.3%; p=0.002; respectively). The need for transfusion of packed red blood cell suspension (PRBC) was more frequent in Group 2 compared with Group 1 (92.3%, 55.0%; respectively) (p=0.001). The mortality rate was found to be higher in Group 2 compared with Group 1 (48.1%, 19.3%; respectively) (p=0.001). Conclusion The elderly trauma patients have more comorbid disease, higher scores for APACHE II and lower scores for TRISS, more mechanical ventilation and tracheostomy requirements and higher mortality rate compared with young trauma patients.
The mitochondrial genome of the Carniolan honey bee, Apis mellifera carnica (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Apidae)

Abstract Sequencing the mitochondrial genome of the Carniolan honey bee, Apis mellifera carnica, revealed 16,358 bp, consisting of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and a control region. Phylogenetic analysis supported a close relationship to another south-eastern European (C-lineage) honey bee, A. m. ligustica.
Pivotal Role of Mesophyll Conductance in Shaping Photosynthetic Performance across 67 Structurally Diverse Gymnosperm Species

Premise of research. Recent research on evolutionarily old species has uncovered mesophyll conductance (gm) as a key player in realized assimilation, but considerable variation was found. However, in gymnosperms, photosynthetic limitations, particularly how limitation combinations contribute to realized photosynthetic rates, have been studied in very few species, precluding any broad conclusions about the share of different controls and hindering reliable global modeling of the gymnosperm forest’s contributions to the global carbon cycle and responses to climate change. Methodology. Using combined gas exchange and fluorescence measurements, we studied photosynthetic limitations in 67 species of gymnosperms (7% of all extant species) to uncover the share of photosynthetic limitations and the consequences of the variation in gm. These studied species were grown in a common garden but originated from globally contrasting habitats and evolutionary histories and represent species with flat leaves, scales, and needle-shaped foliage. Pivotal results. Remarkably, gm varied 21-fold, extending almost across the whole range of values observed in vascular plants to date, and this variation was associated with 6- and 12-fold differences in the net assimilation rate per area and mass and with more than 3-fold differences in the CO2 drawdown from the intercellular airspace to chloroplasts. Photosynthetic limitation analysis revealed that mesophyll and stomatal limitations were dominant, correspondingly spanning 8%–72% and 5%–57% of the total photosynthetic limitation. Both limitations were correlated with foliage structural characteristics, challenging the hypothesis that the phylogenetic background of a species directly determines the partitioning of photosynthetic limitations. Conclusions. The results of the current study emphasize that highly variable gymnosperm leaf structure results in major variations in mesophyll diffusion conductance that needs to be included in carbon gain estimations, especially in evolutionarily old species.
Congenital Dacryocystocele: A Rare and Benign Nasolacrimal Duct Cyst Condition

Dacryocystocele is an uncommon congenital obliteration of the nasolacrimal drainage system. Based on a case diagnosed at 30 weeks gestation using two-dimensional (2D) and threedimensional (3D), its ultrasound characteristics as well as the evolution and therapeutic options applied in the scarce existing literature are described.
Factors that influence follow-up after an abnormal mammogram

Factors That Influence Follow-up After an Abnormal Mammogram. (December 2006) Valerie Anne Copeland, B.A. Mount Holyoke College; M.P.H. University of California, Berkeley Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. Jeffrey J. Guidry The focus of this study was to explore women’s experiences with follow-up after an abnormal mammogram, and factors that influence follow-up. Factors, including health status, found in the cancer screening and treatment literature, are necessary in identifying variables which have the potential to affect a person’s perception, and promote or deter follow-up. Protection Motivation Theory constructs utilized in this study are found in the literature to improve diagnostic health behaviors such as performing breast self-examination and complying with diagnostic tests. A non-experimental, descriptive, cross-sectional design was used to identify the barriers to follow-up after an abnormal mammogram by: 1) determining the noncompliance rate of follow-up mammograms among women screened at an urban hospital’s mammography mobile unit in North Texas (October 1, 2004, to September 31, 2005) who were found to need further evaluation for suspected abnormal findings; and 2) identifying factors associated with noncompliance and perceived barriers to noncompliance. The sample consisted of 262 participants, 136 (52%) women whom the hospital reported had not returned for follow-up and 126 (48%) women who were reported to
The nutritional management of adult burn wound patients in South Africa

OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to determine the nutritional practices used in burns units in South Africa and to compare them with the latest available literature in order to make appropriate recommendations for possible implementation. METHODS: Validated questionnaires were sent out to surgeons, dietitians and professional nurses working in burns units that complied with the inclusion criteria. Information on the units was obtained from an advertisement placed via email through ADSA. Non-random sampling was done and all the burns units were included in the study. Descriptive cross-sectional statistics were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Twelve burns units were identified. Ten of the burns units’ health professionals (surgeons, dietitians and professional nurses) participated in the study. All the health professionals had experience in burned patients’ management judging by the average number of year’s experience. The average number of adult burned patients treated was 188 (58-350) and the mortality per year was 16% [Standard Deviation (SD) 6.4%] About half of the professionals indicated they used a protocol for the implementation of nutrition support. A degree of miscommunication was noted between the health professionals working in the units. Very few units (n=2) were able to perform wound excisions within 72 hours post-burn. All the dietitians used predictive equations when estimating energy requirements and the most popular formula remained the Curreri formula. Various different predictive equations were used. Even though most institutions indicated that micronutrient supplementation was routine practice, no standard regimen existed and supplementation varied significantly between units. The oral route, enteral route or a combination were used to feed patients with different degrees of burns, and the majority (60%) of the health professionals stated that they waited until oral diets were tolerated before enteral nutrition was stopped. The nasogastric enteral route remained the most popular route. Very few units used other feeding routes, and they would rather opt for TPN if nasogastric feeding should fail. The estimated nutritional requirements were met in 90% of patients in whom the feeding tube was successfully placed. From the results it appeared that dietitians were less confident regarding the use of immunonutrition in burned patients, in spite of the available literature. Anabolic agents were not very
VALIDATION OF LACTATE AND THE SEQUENTIAL ORGAN FAILURE ASSESSMENT SCORE IN THE PREDICTION OF MORTALITY OF THE CRITICALLY ILL CIRRHOTIC PATIENTS.

Background and Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of SOFA score in comparison with liver specific scoring systems (Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) and Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD)) in providing a predictive measure of mortality for critically ill cirrhotic patients. Methodology: Forty patients with cirrhosis were admitted to the ICU with varying indications. Informed consents were obtained from the patients’ relatives. Patients were assessed clinically, by laboratory and imaging investigations . Different scorning systems such as CTP , MELD and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores were calculated on admission, and 48 hours, together with blood lactate level, measured on admission, at 6, 24 and 48 hours. The results were compared between died and surviving patients in a period of six weeks follow up to explore the significant determinants of ICU mortality for cirrhotic patients. Results: CTP, MELD and SOFA scores were significantly higher in patients who died than in those who survived. SOFA calculated 48 hours after ICU admission was shown to be the best prognostic model, with AUROC of 0.908. SOFA score predicted mortality of 72% if it exceeded 8. SOFA score tested at 48 h of admission also showed significant progression in survivors compared to non survivors in a decreasing manner. Conclusions: In terms of prognostic value, SOFA score is superior to MELD and CTP scores and can be used for prioritization of high risk patients and preservation of ICU resources and its reevaluation after 48 h adds to its prognostic significance.
Plasma Interleukin-1β Levels in Children With Febrile Seizures

Proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines regulate the febrile response during infection. In this study, the role of cytokines in the pathogenesis of febrile seizures was investigated, through comparing levels of interleukin-1β in the peripheral blood of children with febrile seizures and in a matched control group of children with febrile illnesses without seizures. The study included 33 children with febrile seizures (mean ± SD, 29.94 ± 14.9 months) and 38 controls with comparable age, sex, and type of infection. A laboratory workup for the diagnosis of infection was performed, and interleukin-1β levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the patients and the control groups immediately on arrival at the hospital. The plasma levels of interleukin-1β were comparable in the patients and the control group (mean ± SD, 7.321 ± 3.123 and 8.087 ± 4.8 pg/mL, respectively). Furthermore, there was no significant difference when comparing the plasma levels of interleukin-1β in patients with simple and complex types of febrile seizures. Plasma interleukin-1β levels did not show a significant correlation to either the duration of the last seizure, the number of the previous attacks of febrile convulsion, or the degree of temperature. However, interleukin-1β levels were negatively correlated to the duration from the last seizure attack (r = −.8). Thus, the results of the present study do not support the hypothesis that increased production of interleukin-1β is involved in the pathogenesis of febrile seizures in children.
Ablation of Arf-expressing cells ameliorates cigarette smoke-induced lung dysfunction in mice

Senescent cells accumulate in tissues during aging or pathological settings. The semi-genetic or pharmacological targeting of senescent cells revealed that cellular senescence underlies many aspects of the aging-associated phenotype and diseases. We previously reported that cellular senescence contributes to aging- and disease-associated pulmonary dysfunction. We herein report that the elimination of Arf-expressing senescent cells ameliorates cigarette smoke-induced lung pathologies in mice. Cigarette smoke induced the expression of Ink4a and Arf in lung tissue with concomitant increases in lung tissue compliance and alveolar airspace. The elimination of Arf-expressing senescent cells prior to cigarette smoke exposure protected against these changes. Furthermore, the administration of cigarette smoke extract lead to pulmonary dysfunction, which was ameliorated by subsequent senescent cell elimination. Collectively, these results suggest that senescent cells are a potential therapeutic target for cigarette smoking-associated lung disease.
Safe Method to Control Powdery Mildew Disease of Pepper and Cucumber

Two experiments were conducted in 2013 and 2014 at El-Bostan Farm at the north coast of Egypt. Powdery mildew is one of the most serious foliar diseases effecting several crops. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of compost solution on disease severity of powdery mildew infected pepper and cucumber plants. The treatments iculude injection of compost solution into drip irrigation system and three foliar sprays of organic solution treatments (control, once per week and once per two weeks). Data indicated that organic solution improved plant growth and yield during the two successive seasons. Combination between injection and foliar treatments using compost solution greatly decreased the severity of infection by Leveillula taurica,on pepper Sphaerotheca fuliginea on cucumber and significantly increased plant yields, compared with the single treatment. Combination treatments were the most effective, when compost was applied for twice / week. Economic analysis suggested injection of compost solution twice a week in addition to foliar application once a week can save 40% of the mineral fertilizer beside saving 61.7% of fungicide, compared to a system with mineral fertilizer application only.
Path integration in large-scale space and with novel geometries: Comparing vector addition and encoding-error models

Path integration is thought to rely on vestibular and proprioceptive cues yet most studies in humans involve primarily visual input, providing limited insight into their contributions. We developed a paradigm involving walking in an omnidirectional treadmill in which participants were guided on two legs of a triangle and then found their back way to origin. In Experiment 1, we tested a range of different triangle types while keeping distance relatively constant to determine the influence of spatial geometry. Participants overshot the angle they needed to turn and undershot the distance they needed to walk, with no consistent effect of triangle type. In Experiment 2, we manipulated distance while keeping angle relatively constant to determine how path integration operated over both shorter and longer distances. Participants underestimated the distance they needed to walk to the origin, with error increasing as a function of the walked distance. To attempt to account for our findings, we developed computational models involving vector addition, the second of which included terms for the influence of past trials on the current one. We compared against a previously developed model of human path integration, the Encoding Error model. We found that the vector addition models captured the tendency of participants to under-encode guided legs of the triangles and an influence of past trials on current trials. Together, our findings expand our understanding of body-based contributions to human path integration, further suggesting the value of vector addition models in understanding these important components of human navigation. Author Summary How do we remember where we have been? One important mechanism for doing so is called path integration, which refers to the ability to track one’s position in space with only self-motion cues. By tracking the direction and distance we have walked, we can create a mental arrow from the current location to the origin, termed the homing vector. Previous studies have shown that the homing vector is subject to systematic distortions depending on previously experienced paths, yet what influences these patterns of errors, particularly in humans, remains uncertain. In this study, we compare two models of path integration based on participants walking two legs of a triangle without vision and then completing the third leg based on their estimate of the homing vector. We found no effect of triangle shape on systematic errors, while path length scaled the systematic errors logarithmically, similar to Weber-Fechner law. While we show that both models captured participant’s behavior, a model based on vector addition best captured the patterns of error in the homing vector. Our study therefore has important implications for how humans track their location, suggesting that vector-based models provide a reasonable and simple explanation for how we do so.