Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Indiscriminate feeding of commercial entomopathogenic nematodes caused death of Aedes aegypti larvae: potential for vector control of chikungunya, dengue and yellow fever

ABSTRACT Aedes aegypti, is a major vector of several human diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, chikungunya and Zika virus. Multiple strategies are adopted for its control including eradication of mosquito breeding sites by improving water storage and solid waste disposal as well as treating breeding sites with chemical insecticides. However, continuous use of insecticides has resulted in development of insecticide resistance in Ae. aegypti. This study explores the potential biocontrol of Ae. aegypti by the use of commercial entomopathogenic nematodes, namely Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, H. downesi, H. megidis, Steinernema carpocapsae, S. feltiae and S. kraussei. The pathogenic effect of nematodes (concentrations 10, 250, 500 and 1,000 infective juveniles (IJs)) was assessed against third instar Ae. aegypti in multi-well culture plates for 3 days. The evaluated nematode species were pathogenic to Ae. aegypti, however, their virulence varied significantly. Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and S. carpocapsae were most virulent causing 90-100% mortality at 100 IJs per larva, whereas H. megidis and S. kraussei showed least virulence causing 40-60% mortality. Heterorhabditis downesi and S. feltiae had intermediate virulence. Third instar Ae. aegypti indiscriminately overfeed nematodes triggering melanisation but ingested nematodes overcome the defence system resulting in killing the larvae and reproduced within them. Some of the nematodes were melanised, suggesting a strong humoral defence response by Aedes, nevertheless, with variable degree of melanisation. The melanisation did not stop nematode from multiplying and killing Aedes larvae and thus, they have potential to be developed into a novel strategy for Ae. aegypti control.
Effect of Stocking Densities on Growth and Feed Utilization of Hybrid Catfish ( Clarias gariepinus X Heterobranchus longifilis ) Fed at 1% Body Weight

The stocking density of hybrid catfish (Clarias gariepinus X Heterobranchus longifilis) fed at 1% body weight was investigated. The fish were reared using tarpaulin tanks measuring 1m3 in 250 litres of water and was grouped into five densities-9, 18, 38, 75 and 100 fish/m3. The experiment had three replicate and lasted for 12 months during wish monthly sampling was done to measure body weight and feed was adjusted accordingly. The highest mean weight gain was at stocking density 75 fish/m3 (766.60 ± 139.18) while the lowest weight gain was recorded at stocking density 100 fish/m3 (625.16 ± 68.14) and was not significantly different (p>0.05). There was no significant difference in specific growth rate and feed conversion ratio in all the stocking densities (p>0.05). Protein efficiency ratio of stocking density 100 fish/m3 and 75 fish/m3 were similar (p>.05) and significantly different from others (p<0.05). The highest percentage survival of 64% was recorded at stocking density 38 fish/m3 while the least was recorded at stocking density 100 fish/m3. There was significant difference among the treatments (p<0.05). Mean water quality parameters ranged from: temperature 28.3°C-28.7°C, Dissolved oxygen 5.05 mg L – 5.42 mg/L, pH 7.08 -7.69. This was within the range suitable for aquaculture. Stocking density 75 fish/m3 can be used at 1% body weight feeding to achieve high weight gain.
Biosynthesis of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles with Potential Biomedical Applications

Introduction In recent years, the use of cost-effective, multifunctional, environmentally friendly and simple prepared nanomaterials/nanoparticles have been emerged considerably. In this manner, different synthesizing methods were reported and optimized, but there is still lack of a comprehensive method with multifunctional properties. Materials and Methods In this study, we aim to synthesis the copper oxide nanoparticles using Achillea millefolium leaf extracts for the first time. Catalytic activity was investigated by in situ azide alkyne cycloaddition click and also A3 coupling reaction, and optimized in terms of temperature, solvent, and time of the reaction. Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity of the synthesized nanoparticles was screened in terms of degradation methylene blue dye. Biological activity of the synthesized nanoparticles was evaluated in terms of antibacterial and anti-fungal assessments against Staphylococcus aureus, M. tuberculosis, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, P. mirabili, C. diphtheriae and S. pyogenes bacteria’s and G. albicans, A. flavus, M. canis and G. glabrata fungus. In the next step, the biosynthesized CuO-NPs were screened by MTT and NTU assays. Results Based on our knowledge, this is a comprehensive study on the catalytic and biological activity of copper oxide nanoparticles synthesizing from Achillea millefolium, which presents great and significant results (in both catalytic and biological activities) based on a simple and green procedure. Conclusion Comprehensive biomedical and catalytic investigation of the biosynthesized CuO-NPs showed the mentioned method leads to synthesis of more eco-friendly nanoparticles. The in vitro studies showed promising and considerable results, and due to the great stability of these nanoparticles in a green media, effective biological activity considered as an advantageous.
Incorporating traditional and emerging biomarkers in the clinical management of metastatic colorectal cancer: an update

ABSTRACT Introduction Molecular profiling has led to significantly longer survival in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. Clinical guidelines recommend testing for KRAS/NRAS, BRAF and MSI status, and new biomarkers such as HER2 amplification and NTRK fusions have emerged more recently in refractory CRC, supported by overwhelming clinical relevance. These biomarkers can guide treatment management to improve clinical outcomes in these patients. Areas covered Preclinical and clinical data over the last decade were reviewed for known and novel biomarkers with clinical implications in refractory CRC. Molecular alterations are described for classic and novel biomarkers, and data for completed and ongoing studies with targeted and immunotherapies are presented. Expert opinion Use of targeted therapies based on biomarker testing in CRC has enabled impressive improvements in clinical outcomes in refractory patients. BRAF, MSI, NRAS and KRAS should be tested upfront in all patients given their indisputable therapeutic implications. Other molecular alterations such as HER2 and NTRK are emerging. Testing for these alterations may further improve outcomes for refractory CRC patients. Nonetheless, many key aspects remain to be defined including the optimal timing and technique for testing, the most adequate panel, and whether all patients should be tested for all alterations.
Machine-Learning-Optimized Aperiodic Superlattice Minimizes Coherent Phonon Heat Conduction

Run Hu, Sotaro Iwamoto, Lei Feng, Shenghong Ju , Shiqian Hu, Masato Ohnishi, Naomi Nagai, Kazuhiko Hirakawa , and Junichiro Shiomi 2,5,6,* State Key Laboratory of Coal Combustion, School of Energy and Power Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo, Tokyo 113-8656, Japan Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan Institute for Nano Quantum Information Electronics, University of Tokyo, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153-8505, Japan Center for Materials Research by Information Integration, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-2-1 Sengen, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0047, Japan RIKEN Center for Advanced Intelligence Project, 1-4-1 Nihombashi Chuo-ku, 103-0027 Tokyo, Japan
Rearing Environment Affects the Brain Size of Guppies: Lab‐Reared Guppies have Smaller Brains than Wild‐Caught Guppies

Animals bred for captivity often have smaller brains and behave differently than their wild counterparts. These differences in brain size have been attributed to genetic changes resulting from, for example, inbreeding depression and pleiotropic effects of artificial selection for traits such as docility. A critical question, though, is whether these differences in brain size are due to plastic responses to the environment, not just genetic changes. We observed a large reduction in brain size in first generation, lab-reared female guppies compared with wild-caught ones (19% smaller telencephalon, 17% smaller optic tectum). We then reared first-generation, lab-born guppies in environments varying in spatial complexity and size in an attempt to isolate factors that might increase brain size and change temperament, but no significant differences in phenotype were observed. The results of these experiments show that, although the environmental factors responsible for the effect have not been found, even first generation lab-reared individuals can have smaller brains than wild individuals.
Genetic relatedness among cultivated and wild mulberry (Moraceae: Morus) as revealed by inter-simple sequence repeat analysis in China

The genetic diversity of 27 mulberry (Morus spp.) genotypes mainly from China was investigated using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers to assist in addressing breeding objectives and conserving existing genetic resources. Of the 22 primers screened, 15 produced highly reproducible ISSR bands. Using these 15 primers, 138 discernible DNA fragments were generated with 126 (91.3%) being polymorphic, indicating considerable genetic variation among the mulberry genotypes studied. Genetic similarity ranged from 0.6014 between Yu 2 and Yu 711 to 0.9493 between Cuizhisang and Dejiang 10. The phenetic dendrogram based on ISSR data generated by the unweighed pair group method with arithmetical averages (UPGMA) method grouped the 27 accessions into two major clusters: cluster I, cultivated mulberry species (M. multicaulis Perr. , M. alba Linn. , M. atropurpurea oxb. , M. bombycis Kiodz. , M. australis Poir. , M. rotundiloba Kiodz. , M. alba var. pendula Dipp. , M. alba var. macrophylla Loud. , and M. alba var. veno.
Optimized tandem CD19/CD20 CAR-engineered T cells in refractory/relapsed B cell lymphoma.

Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR T) cells targeting CD19 have achieved breakthroughs in the treatment of hematological malignancies, such as relapsed/refractory non-Hodgkin lymphoma (r/rNHL); however, high rates of treatment failure and recurrence after CAR T cell therapy are considerable obstacles to overcome. In this study, we designed a series of tandem CARs (TanCARs) and found that TanCAR7 T cells not only showed dual antigen targeting of both CD19 and CD20 but also formed superior and stable immunological synapse (IS) structures, which may be related to their robust antitumor activity. In an open-label, single-arm phase I/IIa trial (ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT03097770), we enrolled 33 patients with r/rNHL, and a total of 28 patients received an infusion after conditioning chemotherapy. The primary objective was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of TanCAR7 T cells. Efficacy, progression-free survival and overall survival were evaluated as secondary objectives. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) occurred in 14 patients (50%), with 36% grade 1 or 2 and 14% grade 3. No cases of CAR T cell-related encephalopathy syndrome (CRES) of grade 3 or higher were confirmed in any patient. One patient died from a treatment-associated severe pulmonary infection. The overall response rate was 79% (95% confidence interval [CI], 60 to 92), and the complete response rate was 71%. The progression-free survival rate at 12 months was 64% (95% CI, 43 to 79). In this study, TanCAR7 T cells elicited a potent and durable antitumor response but not grade 3 or higher CRES in patients with r/rNHL.
The development of English as a heritage language: The role of chronological age and age of onset of bilingualism

This study explores typically developing bilingual children’s performance in their English as a heritage language. The aim of this study is to advance our understanding of heritage language expectations and the role of chronological age and bilingual exposure. A broad range of receptive and expressive linguistic domains are investigated as a function of chronological age and age of onset of bilingualism. English–Hebrew typically developing bilingual children (N = 240), ages 60–77 months, were compared to monolingual norms, using seven subtest standardized scores from the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals Preschool-2 (CELF-Preschool-2). Descriptive statistics, t-tests, ANCOVAs, multiple regression analysis, and post-hoc comparisons were conducted. English heritage language speakers presented with an asymmetric linguistic system influenced by their chronological age and age of onset of bilingualism. Results demonstrated that performance was more advanced for measures that were less reliant on language-specific skills. Measures dependent on grammatical knowledge were vulnerable to limitations but they were within the monolingual norms. In contrast, the lexicon was heavily influenced by bilingualism. These findings contribute to the literature on bilingual linguistic expectations and will have implications for theories of heritage language acquisition and language acquisition in general.
Electrolyte measurement in goats: Comparison of 2 blood gas analyzers and evaluation of the preanalytical blood sample preparation on measurement results

Zusammenfassung Ziel 1) Vergleich zwischen einem mobilen, vollautomatischen Elektrolyt-Blutgasanalysegerät (Abaxis VetScan i-STAT 1) (POC) und einem stationären Elektrolyt-Blutgasanalysegerät (Opti CCA-TS2) (VBG) hinsichtlich ihrer Übereinstimmung bei Elektrolytmessungen bei Ziegen und 2) Evaluierung der Auswirkung des Probentyps auf die von beiden Analysegeräten gemessenen Elektrolytkonzentrationen. Material und Methoden Bei insgesamt 30 Ziegen (21 Patienten und 9 Versuchstiere) wurden Blutproben entnommen und in heparinhaltigen Röhrchen (33 IE/2 ml Natrium-Heparin) (TUBE) und einer heparinisierten Spritze (430 IE/ml Natrium-Heparin) (SYRINGE) gesammelt. Die Proben wurden mittels POC und VBG analysiert und unter Verwendung einer Bland-Altman-Analyse und Pearson-Korrelation verglichen. Der Vergleich zwischen den verschiedenen Probentypen erfolgte unter Verwendung einer ANOVA. Ergebnisse Im Vergleich zwischen den Analysegeräten ergab sich für die Natriumkonzentrationen (Na) ein Bias (95 % Limits of Agreement) von 0,07 mmol/l (–4,37 bis 4,52) für TUBE und –6,13 mmol/l (–11,04 bis 1,22) für SYRINGE. Kaliumkonzentrationen (K) zeigten ein Bias von 0,09 mmol/l (–0,5 bis 0,67) und 0,08 mmol/l (–0,4 bis 0,56) für TUBE bzw. SYRINGE. Bei den Konzentrationen an ionisiertem Kalzium (iCa) wurde ein Bias von 0,05 mmol/l (0,01 bis 0,1) bzw. –0,02 mmol/l (–0,18 bis 0,14) für TUBE bzw. SYRINGE ermittelt. Der Vergleich der unterschiedlichen Probentypen ergab für den POC ein Bias für Na von 5,13 mmol/l (0,18–10,09), für K von 0,04 mmol/l (–0,12 bis 0,2) und für iCa von 0,4 mmol/l (0,12–0,68). Schlussfolgerung und klinische Relevanz Der POC zeigte im Vergleich zum VBG eine klinisch vernachlässigbare Verzerrung der Ergebnisse der Elektrolytanalyse. Beim ionisierten Kalzium fanden sich Unterschiede zwischen den Probentypen, was auf einen Effekt der Heparinkonzentration auf iCa hinweist.
Greater risk of severe COVID-19 in Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic populations is not explained by cardiometabolic, socioeconomic or behavioural factors, or by 25(OH)-vitamin D status: study of 1326 cases from the UK Biobank

Abstract Background We examined whether the greater severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) amongst men and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) individuals is explained by cardiometabolic, socio-economic or behavioural factors. Methods We studied 4510 UK Biobank participants tested for COVID-19 (positive, n = 1326). Multivariate logistic regression models including age, sex and ethnicity were used to test whether addition of (1) cardiometabolic factors [diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, prior myocardial infarction, smoking and body mass index (BMI)]; (2) 25(OH)-vitamin D; (3) poor diet; (4) Townsend deprivation score; (5) housing (home type, overcrowding) or (6) behavioural factors (sociability, risk taking) attenuated sex/ethnicity associations with COVID-19 status. Results There was over-representation of men and BAME ethnicities in the COVID-19 positive group. BAME individuals had, on average, poorer cardiometabolic profile, lower 25(OH)-vitamin D, greater material deprivation, and were more likely to live in larger households and in flats/apartments. Male sex, BAME ethnicity, higher BMI, higher Townsend deprivation score and household overcrowding were independently associated with significantly greater odds of COVID-19. The pattern of association was consistent for men and women; cardiometabolic, socio-demographic and behavioural factors did not attenuate sex/ethnicity associations. Conclusions In this study, sex and ethnicity differential pattern of COVID-19 was not adequately explained by variations in cardiometabolic factors, 25(OH)-vitamin D levels or socio-economic factors. Factors which underlie ethnic differences in COVID-19 may not be easily captured, and so investigation of alternative biological and genetic susceptibilities as well as more comprehensive assessment of the complex economic, social and behavioural differences should be prioritised.
Coagulopathy in COVID‐19

The COVID‐19 pandemic has become an urgent issue in every country. Based on recent reports, the most severely ill patients present with coagulopathy, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)‐like massive intravascular clot formation is frequently seen in this cohort. Therefore, coagulation tests may be considered useful to discriminate severe cases of COVID‐19. The clinical presentation of COVID‐19‐associated coagulopathy is organ dysfunction primarily, whereas hemorrhagic events are less frequent. Changes in hemostatic biomarkers represented by increase in D‐dimer and fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products indicate the essence of coagulopathy is massive fibrin formation. In comparison with bacterial‐sepsis‐associated coagulopathy/DIC, prolongation of prothrombin time, and activated partial thromboplastin time, and decrease in antithrombin activity is less frequent and thrombocytopenia is relatively uncommon in COVID‐19. The mechanisms of the coagulopathy are not fully elucidated, however. It is speculated that the dysregulated immune responses orchestrated by inflammatory cytokines, lymphocyte cell death, hypoxia, and endothelial damage are involved. Bleeding tendency is uncommon, but the incidence of thrombosis in COVID‐19 and the adequacy of current recommendations regarding standard venous thromboembolic dosing are uncertain.
Variability, heritability and genetic advances for water use efficiency traits in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Twenty eight F2 crosses were evaluated for genetic parameters for water use efficiency traits during rabi 2009. Studies revealed that moderate phenotypic coefficient of variation and moderate genotypic coefficient of variation was observed for dry haulms yield per plant. High heritability values were observed for days to 50% flowering (85.46%). High genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for leaf area index, dry haulms yield per plant and harvest index. High heritability and moderate genetic advance as per cent of mean observed for days to 50% flowering. Moderate heritability and high genetic advance as per cent of mean was showed for leaf area index, dry haulms yield per plant and harvest index, whereas moderate heritability and moderate genetic advance as per cent of mean was recorded for specific leaf area. This indicates that these characters are under additive genetic control and selection for genetic improvement will be worthwhile and may rapidly contribute yield.
Classification of Common Oysters from North China

Abstract Oysters are commonly found on rocky shores along China's northern coast, although there is considerable confusion as to what species they are. To determine the taxonomic status of these oysters, we collected specimens from nine locations north of the Yangtze River and conducted genetic identification using DNA sequences. Fragments from three genes, mitochondrial 16S rRNA, mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI), and nuclear 28S rRNA, were sequenced in six oysters from each of the nine sites. Phylogenetic analysis of all three gene fragments clearly demonstrated that the small oysters commonly found on intertidal rocks in north China are Crassostrea gigas (Thunberg, 1793), not C. plicatula (the zhe oyster) as widely assumed. Their small size and irregular shell characteristics are reflections of the stressful intertidal environment they live in and not reliable characters for classification. Our study confirms that the oysters from Weifang, referred to as Jinjiang oysters or C. rivularis (Gould, 1861), are C. ariakensis (Wakiya, 1929). We found no evidence for the existence of C. talienwhanensis (Crosse, 1862) and other Crassostrea species in north China. Our study highlights the need for reclassifying oysters of China with molecular data.
Evaluation the Antibacterial Activity Of Aniseed: In Vitro Study

Multiple drug resistance in human pathogenic microorganisms has built-up due to random use of commercial antimicrobial drugs usually used in the conduct of infectious diseases and the development of antibiotic resistance is multifactorial. This situation has requisite scientists to search for novel antimicrobial substances from a diversity of sources as narrative antimicrobial chemotherapeutic agents. The aim of present study is to show the antibacterial activity of Aniseed on se lected Gram-pos i t ive and Gram-negative bacteria with minimal inhibitory concentrations. The bacterial strains involved in this s tudy were Pseudomonas ae rug inosa , Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and streptococcus pneumoniae. The aqueous extraction of the water-soluble ingredients was conceded out by grounded 4 gm of leaves then consecutive drenched for 2hrs using 10 ml of distilled water in a 250 ml sterile tapering flask Well Diffusion method and Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) determined the antibacterial potency. Results showed that aniseed produced significant antibacterial activity against commom pathogenic G+ and Gbacteria p? 0.05 in comparison with negative control. In conclusion the aniseed aqueous extracts have great potential as antimicrobial components against microorganisms and they can be used in the treatment of infectious diseases caused by bacteria.
In Vitro Bovine Embryo Production: The Role of FCS and Cysteamine on Cleavage Rate

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Cysteamine (C) and Fetal Calf Serum (FCS) on cleavage rates in bovine embryo production. The oocytes were obtained from the slaughtered ovaries by slicing method. They were selected and divided into two groups and maturated in TCM and TCM+Cysteamine for 24 hour at 38.8oC in atmosphere of 5% CO 2 in humidified air. The matured oocytes were transferred to IVF-TALP and allowed to fertilize with frozen bull semen to be 400-600x 10 3/ well which were washed with Sperm-TALP in an incubator containing 5% CO 2 for 18-22 hours at 38.8oC. At the end of this period, the embryos of each group which were denuded by vortexing transferred to Synthetic Oviduct Fluid (SOF) and Charles and Rosenkrans (CR1) media to be developed. These culture media were divided into 4 subgroups according to whether they contain Cysteamine (C) and Fetal Calf Serum (FCS). For this reason Group A1: (SOF C+F+), Group A2: (SOF C+F-), Group A3: (SOF C-F+), Group A4: (SOF C-F-), Group B1: (CR1 C+F+), Group B2: (CR1 C+F-), Group B3: (CR1 C-F+), Group B4: (CR1 C-F-) were formed. Embryos were cultured in an incubator containing 5% CO 2 , 5% N 2 and 90% humidity at 38.8oC for 48 hours. At the end of this period, the clevage rate of the embryos were recorded and there was no statistical difference (P<0.05) between all groups.