Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Inheritance of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry2Ab2 protein resistance in Helicoverpa zea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

BACKGROUND The corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), is a major target pest of pyramided Bt corn and cotton in the U.S. Field-evolved practical resistance to Cry1 and Cry2 proteins in H. zea has been documented in multiple locations in the U.S. Understanding the genetic basis of Bt resistance is essential in developing insect resistance management (IRM) strategies for the sustainable use of the Bt crop technology. In this study, we characterized the genetic bases of Cry2Ab2 resistance in H. zea using diet-overlay bioassays with two different forms of Cry2Ab2 protein. RESULTS Laboratory bioassays using a Cry2Ab2-resistant (RR) strain, a susceptible (SS) strain, as well as cross and backcross strains, revealed that resistance to Cry2Ab2 was autosomally inherited and controlled by more than one locus. In diet bioassays, the dominance of Cry2Ab2 resistance in H. zea varied from incompletely recessive to incompletely dominant across all tested Cry2Ab2 concentrations of either Bt corn leaf powder or solubilized protein. On leaf tissue of TwinLink cotton (expressing Cry1Ab and Cry2Ae), Cry2Ab2 resistance in H. zea was completely dominant. CONCLUSION These results have significant implications for understanding the widespread field-evolved resistance of H. zea against Cry1 and Cry2 proteins in Bt corn and cotton and should be useful in developing effective IRM strategies for H. zea. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Assessing rodent community responses in disturbed environments of the Chilean Patagonia

Abstract The effects of a perturbation gradient on a Patagonian rodent community were assessed over the course of a year by comparing the community parameters in natural and different disturbed environments in the central Chilean Patagonia. The studied habitat types were mature forest, second-growth forest, forest plantations, and agricultural grassland. We recorded eight species of sigmodontine rodents (Abrothrix longipilis, Abrothrix olivaceus, Chelemys macronyx, Geoxus valdivianus, Irenomys tarsalis, Loxodontomys micropus, Oligoryzomys longicaudatus, and Reithrodon auritus). Most species experience an increment in abundance from summer to autumn, with a notable decrease in winter and spring. The grassland showed lower species abundance than the mature forest. However, we did not detect significant differences in diversity, evenness, or species richness among the forest habitats. Our results suggest that rodents basically distinguish between forested and open areas, but not the specific plant composition of each habitat. Thus, the change in land use in the central Chilean Patagonia has not significantly affected the community parameters of diversity, evenness, or species richness.
A New Screening Model Using F1(AWE × WE) Japanese Quail Embryo for Evaluating Sex Reversal Effects

F1(AWE × WE) strain of Japanese quail (Corturnix japonica) is produced from a mating between male AWE (albino plumage color) and female WE (wild plumage color) strains of Japanese quail. Male and female offspring exhibit wild and albino plumage colors, respectively, ruled by a criss-cross inheritance. F1(AWE × WE) eggs received 17 beta-estradiol (E2) or methyltestosterone (MT) at 0, 20, 200, 2000, and 20000 ng/egg just before incubation. At 16 days of incubation, embryos were subjected to a complete necropsy and their gonads were grossly observed and examined histopathologically. Viabilities of the embryos at 16 days of incubation were not significantly different between the control and all E2 groups and between the control and the MT 20, 200 and 2000 ng groups, whereas viability of the MT 20000 ng group was significantly lower than that of the control group. Grossly, genetic sex confirmed by plumage colors coincided completely with sex phenotype of the gonads in all embryos of the control and treated groups. Histopathologically, E2 exposure induced a dose-dependent feminization such as ovotestis of the left testis. No abnormalities were detected in any male embryos of all the MT groups. E2 and MT exposures induced no noticeable changes in the ovaries of any embryos. The present study suggests that the sex reversal test using F1(AWE × WE) Japanese quail embryos may be a rapid and cost-effective tool to evaluate screening feminization effects of the estrogenic endocrine disrupters.
Previous and current injury and not training and competition factors were associated with future injury prevalence across a season in adolescent elite athletes

ABSTRACT Introduction: Understanding the factors associated with different injury prevalence profiles in young athletes is needed for the design of tailored injury prevention programs. Objectives: To explore the factors associated with different levels of injury prevalence in adolescent elite athletes. Methods: A total of 389 adolescent elite athletes (age range 15–19 years), participating in 16 different sports, were monitored repeatedly over 52 weeks using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Overuse Injury Questionnaire. The athletes were grouped in three injury categories: (1) “Low injury”; (2) “Medium injury”; and (3) “High injury,” based on the proportion of times the athletes reported substantial injury over the season. Results: Logistic and multinomial regression identified substantial injury the first week (odds ratio (OR) 53.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.1–407.7), and an interaction between sex and previous injury (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.1–12.4) as significant factors that increased the odds of belonging in the High injury compared to the Low injury group. A female athlete with a previous injury the last 12 months had a higher probability of belonging in the High injury group compared to a male athlete.No significant (p > .05) difference in training, sleep, or competition exposure was found across the injury category. Conclusion: Current substantial injury and previous injury were strongly associated with the most injured athletes. Coaches and medical team should consider limiting the injured athlete competition exposure.
High-density planting of tomato cultivar's with early decapitation of growing point increased yield in a closed hydroponic system

Decapitation of tomato growing point's results in a shortened growth season with no new flower trusses initiated thereafter. Since less flower trusses could lead to reduced yield, this study was conducted to investigate whether increased plant density could contribute to increase yield per unit area. The response of nine tomato cultivars with early decapitation of growing points at different plant densities (10, 16, 20 and 25 plants/m2) was investigated in a closed hydroponic system under a 40% white shadenet structure. The growing points of all plants were removed between the second and third inflorescence, with two leaves remaining above the second inflorescence. Fruit physiological disorders, number of fruits, as well as total and marketable yield were recorded. Cultivar ‘Miramar’, gave the highest marketable and total yield, followed by cultivars ‘Rodade’ and ‘Alfar’. Cultivars ‘Alexis’, ‘Star9006’ and ‘Zeal’ produced highest average fruit mass compared to other cultivars. There was no significant interaction effect between cultivars and plant densities on tomato yield. Fruit cracking was significantly higher for ‘Linares’ and ‘Star9006’, while raincheck was higher for cultivars ‘Alexis’ and ‘FA593’. ‘Rodade’ showed high incidence of zippering. Plant densities of 20 or 25 plants/m2 produced significantly higher marketable and total yield, while plant densities of 10 or 16 plants/m2 resulted in higher average fruit mass and highest incidence of fruit cracking. Nutrient uptake, as revealed in the mineral content of fruit, was not affected by plant density. Cultivar ‘Rodade’, an open-pollinated determinate cultivar, especially shows potential to compete with more expensive hybrid cultivars in such a production system in terms of yield. Results demonstrate that high-density planting of tomato with decapitated growing points increased yield per unit area in a closed hydroponic system.
Observations on the Nutation of Helianthus annuus

IN the year i890 Kellerman2 reported some observations on the nutation of the sunflower, in which he concluded that, contrary to an almost universal popular belief, the heads of Heliannthzus annuus do not turn with the sun, facing toward the east in the morning and gradually moving westward until evening. He considered the belief mainly traditional, although he found some movement through a very small space, but rarely if ever through a space approaching a half circle. He suggested, however, that nutation might be more marked in the head previous to anthesis. Having been a firm believer in the supposed nutation, and recalling numerous instances which seemed to support the belief, the writer desired to ascertain for himself the true facts in the case and also the conditions which may have given rise to the traditional belief. Accordingly a long series of observations were made in Clay county, Kansas, during the summers of i896 and 1897, extending in both years from June to September. The summer of I896 was especially favorable for the study, there being a more abundant and luxuriant crop of this characteristic western weed than usual. The western variety of Hel/azt/us ayinuus differs considerably in many anatomical characters from the common cultivated variety which was not included in the study. The observations of the second season were entirely a confirmation of those recorded during the first.
Stop playing with data: there is no sound evidence that Bacille Calmette-Guérin may avoid SARS-CoV-2 infection (for now)

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 epidemic, a possible explanation for the high heterogeneity of infection/mortality rates across involved countries was hinted in the prevalence of tuberculosis vaccination with Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG). A systematic review was therefore performed on May 2, 2020. A total of 13 articles were ultimately retrieved, 12 of them as preprint papers. All articles were ecological studies of low quality. Most of them did not include main confounding factors (i.e. demographic of the assessed countries, share of people residing in urban settings, etc.), and simply assessed the differences among incidence/mortality of COVID-19 with vaccination rates or by having vs. having not any vaccination policy for BCG. Even though all studies shared the very same information sources (i.e. international registries for BCG vaccination rates and open source data for COVID-19 epidemics), results were conflicting, with later studies apparently denying any true correlation between COVID-19 occurrence and BCG vaccination rates and/or policies. As a consequence, there is no sound evidence to recommend BCG vaccination for the prevention of COVID-19. (www.actabiomedica.it)
Lijndenia, a re–established paleotropical genus of the Melastomataceae–Memecyleae

The genus Lijndenia Zoll. & Mor. is re–established and emended to include four species, L. laurina Zoll. & Mor. from W Malesia and Java, L. capitellata (Arn.) Bremer from Ceylon, L. gardneri (Thw.) Bremer from Ceylon, and L. barteri (Hook. f.) Bremer from tropical W Africa. The latter three names are new combinations.
Quality characteristics of duck jerky: combined effects of collagen and konjac

The effects of curing solution prepared using various ratios of a combination of collagen and konjac (100/0, 80/20, 60/40, 40/60, 20/80, and 0/100) on the quality characteristics of duck jerky were investigated. The moisture, processing yield, water activity, tenderness score, and overall acceptability score of duck jerky were the highest when the ratio of added collagen and konjac was 60/40. The rehydration ratio of duck jerky increased due to the addition of collagen and konjac combinations in curing solution, and was higher for the 60/40 and 40/60 combinations than for the others. The shear force of duck jerky was the highest for the untreated jerky, and the lowest for the jerky formulated with the 60/40 combination of collagen and konjac solution. No significant differences were observed in lightness and yellowness between jerky treated with combinations of collagen and konjac. Taken together, our results indicate that addition of a combination of collagen and konjac at a 60/40 ratio results in good quality characteristics of duck jerky. Thus, we suggest that the use of combinations of collagen and konjac in duck jerky processing is beneficial for improving the quality characteristics of the jerky.
Effects of Didymosphenia geminata removal on river macroinvertebrate communities

Periphyton blooms dominated by Didymosphenia geminata have been reported from hundreds of rivers. D. geminata blooms consist of thick mats that cover kilometers of riverbed. Benthic habitat conditions are altered when large areas of sediment and native periphyton are replaced by D. geminata mats and these habitat changes may lead to changes in the composition and abundance of benthic invertebrates. Mensurative studies have provided circumstantial evidence of changes in invertebrate communities in response to D. geminata blooms. However, those studies may have confounded the effects of D. geminata and other environmental variables. To identify direct effects of D. geminata on invertebrate communities, we conducted a paired before–after, control-impact (BACIP) experiment in three D. geminata-infested rivers. The experimental impact was the removal of D. geminata mats from 35–50 m2 areas of riverbed. We tested for effects of D. geminata removal on macroinvertebrate community metrics, including total density, taxon richness, and the prevalence of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT) and trophic groups. The BACIP analysis indicated that D. geminata removal caused a decrease in total density at two rivers, a decrease in the density of dipterans and an increase in % EPT invertebrates at one river, and an increase in % algivorous invertebrates at another river. A multivariate analysis indicated that there was more variation in invertebrate community structure among rivers than between treatments within rivers. The limited effects of D. geminata removal on invertebrate communities were probably related to the composition of colonist pools and the relatively small cleared areas; cleared areas were surrounded by large areas of D. geminata-covered habitat and the colonist pools were dominated by taxa that inhabit D. geminata mats.
Morphometric analysis of the mandible of Bardhoka autochthonous sheep in Kosovo

Kosovo, one of the countries in the Balkan Peninsula, has a long tradition in sheep farming, and sheep breeds share triple purpose breed characteristics: milk, meat and wool. Bardhoka sheep, also with triple productive profile, is an important sheep breed because of its economic value with its milk production. In this study, 24 mandibles of adult Bardhoka sheep (12 male and 12 female) aged between 2 and 5 were used. The sheep were acquired from slaughterhouse around Kosovo, and the mandibles were selected without any deformities from healthy sheep. After cleaning the mandibles, a total of 12 morphometric measurements were taken from each sample using digital calliper. The difference between female and male was statistically significant (p < .05) for measurement 11 (height of mandible level of alveolar edge of 3rd molar tooth). The mean value of measurement 11 in male individuals was 42.26 ± 3.96, and it had a higher value than in female individuals (39.37 ± 2.57). In the literature, knowledge related to mandible morphometry of Bardhoka sheep was insufficient. The aim of this study was to determine mean values from osteometric measurements of Bardhoka sheep mandible and obtain references with the values acquired.
Vegetarian, pescatarian and flexitarian diets: sociodemographic determinants and association with cardiovascular risk factors in a Swiss urban population

Prevalence and trends of different vegetarian diets remain unknown, with estimates varying depending on the source. Evidence suggests that vegetarian diets are associated with a more favourable cardiovascular risk profile. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence and trends of different types of vegetarian diets in a population-based representative sample, sociodemographic characteristics of participants following such diets and the association of these diets with cardiovascular risk factors. Using repeated cross-sectional population-based surveys conducted in Geneva, Switzerland, 10 797 individuals participated in the study between 2005 and 2017. Participants were classified as vegetarians, pescatarians, flexitarians or omnivores using an FFQ. Sociodemographic and cardiovascular risk factors were evaluated through questionnaires, anthropometric measurements and blood tests. Findings show prevalence of vegetarians increased from 0·5 to 1·2 %, pescatarians from 0·3 to 1·1 % and flexitarians remained stable at 15·6 % of the population over the study period. Compared with omnivores, vegetarians were more likely to be young (OR 2·38; 95 % CI 1·01, 5·6), have higher education (OR 1·59; 95 % CI 1·01, 2·49) and lower income (OR 1·83; 95 % CI 1·04, 3·21); pescatarians and flexitarians were more likely to be women (pescatarian: OR 1·81; 95 % CI 1·10, 3·00; vegetarian: OR 1·57; 95 % CI 1·41, 1·75) and flexitarians were also more likely to have a lower income (OR 1·31; 95 % CI 1·13, 1·53). Participants who adhered to any diet excluding/reducing meat intake had lower BMI, total cholesterol and hypertension compared with omnivores. The present study shows an increase in the prevalence of vegetarians over a 13-year period and suggests that the different vegetarian diets assessed are associated with a better cardiovascular risk profile.
Performance of SNAPPE-II score in neonatal sepsis: an experience from a tertiary care center.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology II with Perinatal Extension (SNAPPE-II) is a vital tool for prognostication in newborns. The study was conducted with the hypothesis that the performance of the SNAPPE-II score might be affected by the presence of sepsis in newborns admitted with possible early onset septicemia and whether score performance varies between culture positive and culture negative sepsis. METHODS The prospective observational study was conducted over a period of 1 year (January 2014 to January 2015) in neonates presenting with clinical suspicion of sepsis to the Sick Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) of a tertiary care hospital in Eastern India. RESULTS SNAPPE-II score cut-off of ≥20 offered the highest sensitivity of 74.5% with specificity 48.3%, PPV 27.6% and NPV 87.7%. Comparison of mortality proportions between the two subgroups defined by this cut-off returned p= 0.005 with OR 3.47 (95% 1.40 to 8.64). No significant association was found between SNAPPE-II score and blood culture results; mean scores for culture positive (25.16 ± 15.6) and negative groups (24.49 ± 15.6) were comparable (p= 0.920). CONCLUSIONS At a cut-off value of ≥20 in presence of sepsis, SNAPPE-II score offers acceptable indices to predict mortality outcome. Prediction of outcome by SNAPPE-II score is not affected by positive or negative blood culture sepsis.
Molecular epidemiology of antimicrobial resistant microorganisms in the 21th century: a review of the literature

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are the most frequent and severe complication acquired in healthcare settings with high impact in terms of morbidity, mortality and costs. Many bacteria could be implicated in these infections, but, expecially multidrug resistance bacteria could play an important role. Many microbial typing technologies have been developed until to the the bacterial whole-genome sequencing and the choice of a molecular typing method therefore will depend on the skill level and resources of the laboratory and the aim and scale of the investigation. In several studies the molecular investigation of pathogens involved in HAIs was performed with many microorganisms identified as causative agents such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Clostridium difficile, Acinetobacter spp. , Enterobacter spp. , Enterococcus spp. , Staphylococcus aureus and several more minor species. Here, we will describe the most and least frequently reported clonal complex, sequence types and ribotypes with their worldwide geographic distribution for the most important species involved in HAIs. (www.actabiomedica.it)
Effects of environmental complexity on welfare indicators of fast-growing broiler chickens

Increasing environmental complexity, e.g., by providing environmental enrichment, has been suggested as a way to increase activity levels and improve leg health in broilers. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different types of environmental complexity on leg health and measures of welfare of fast-growing broilers housed according to conventional European legislation. A total of 58 pens with approximately 500 broilers each (Ross 308), corresponding to a stocking density of 40 kg/m2, were used. A total of 8 treatment groups, of which 5 were enrichment treatments (roughage, vertical panels, straw bales, and elevated platforms at 5 and 30 cm) and 3 were standard resources manipulations [increased distances between feed and water (7 m and 3.5 m), stocking density reduced to 34 kg/m2, and 1 control group (1.5 m distance between feed and water and no enrichment objects)] were randomly assigned to each pen. At 35 D of age, 60 birds from each pen were assessed for gait, footpad dermatitis, hock burns, plumage cleanliness, presence of scratches, and leg deformities. Birds housed with 30 cm elevated platforms had worse gait compared to those housed with straw bales and at the lower stocking density of 34 kg/m2 (P = 0.004 and P = 0.001). Broilers from the control group also had worse gait compared to those housed at 34 kg/m2 stocking density. In addition, birds housed with access to a 30 cm elevated platform had healthier footpads compared to birds housed with access to straw bales (P = 0.0001) and with increased distance between feed and water (P = 0.011). Furthermore, birds housed with straw bales had worse footpad condition compared to birds with access to a 5 cm elevated platform (P = 0.002). There were no observed treatment effects on scratches, plumage cleanliness, leg deformities and body weight (P > 0.05). Based on the welfare indicators used in the present study, decreased stocking density has the potential of improving animal welfare, whereas the effects of elevated platforms need to be further studied before a final conclusion can be drawn, as footpad health was positively affected, but walking ability was impaired.
Orbital cellulitis, sinusitis and intracranial abnormalities in two adolescents with COVID-19

ABSTRACT We review two cases of adolescents with orbital cellulitis, sinusitis and SARS- CoV-2 infection presenting to emergency departments within a 24 hour period. SARS-CoV-2 samples obtained within 24 hours were positive, supporting prior infection despite relatively limited early symptoms of COVID-19. Unusual clinical and radiographic characteristics included hemorrhagic abscess with blood of varying age in the first, intracranial epidural abscess in the second, radiographic signal consistent with hemorrhagic or thrombotic phenomena, retro-maxillary antral fat changes, and meningeal enhancement or extension in both cases. Radiographic findings thereby mimic fungal infection, although final cultures and ancillary investigation for allergic and invasive fungal disease have remained negative. These cases highlight two unusual orbital presentations of cellulitis occurring in the context of SARS-CoV-2 co-infection.