Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cultivable Actinobacteria First Found in Baikal Endemic Algae Is a New Source of Natural Products with Antibiotic Activity

Inadequate use of antibiotics has led to spread of microorganisms resistant to effective antimicrobial compounds for humans and animals. This study was aimed to isolate cultivable strains of actinobacteria associated with Baikal endemic alga Draparnaldioides baicalensis and estimate their antibiotic properties. During this study, we isolated both widespread and dominant strains related to the genus Streptomyces and representatives of the genera Saccharopolyspora, Nonomuraea, Rhodococcus, and Micromonospora. For the first time, actinobacteria belonging to the genera Nonomuraea and Saccharopolyspora were isolated from Baikal ecosystem. Also, it was the first time when actinobacteria of the genus Nonomuraea were isolated from freshwater algae. Some rare strains demonstrated activity inhibiting growth of bacteria and yeasts. Also, it has been shown that the strains associated with Baikal alga D. baicalensis are active against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. According to this study and previously published materials, diversity of cultivable actinobacteria and rare strains isolated from D. baicalensis is comparable to that of cultivable actinobacteria previously isolated from plant sources of Lake Baikal. Also, it exceeds the cultivable actinobacteria diversity previously described for macroinvertebrates, water, or sediments of Lake Baikal. The large number of rare and active strains associated with the endemic alga D. baicalensis could be the promising sources for biopharmaceutical and biotechnological developments and discovery of new natural compounds.
CLEC4M overexpression inhibits progression and is associated with a favorable prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains the most common malignant cancer worldwide. Numerous studies have indicated that C-type lectin domain family 4 member M (CLEC4M) is associated with tumor progression; however, the biological functions of CLEC4M in HCC have not been investigated. In the present study, CLEC4M overexpression was observed to be associated with a favorable patient overall, relapse-free, progression-free and disease-specific survival by using the KMplot™ database. The present study then concentrated specifically on the functions of CLEC4M by performing cell counting kit-8 proliferation, 5-Ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine and flow cytometric assays. CLEC4M overexpression inhibited proliferation and enhanced apoptosis in Huh7 and PLC/PRF/5 cells. Furthermore, the results demonstrated by using western blotting that CLEC4M overexpression inhibited the Janus kinase 1/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway, which is involved in various types of tumors including HCC. In conclusion, the present study reported that CLEC4M may be considered as a novel indicator of HCC and may provide a theoretical basis for improving the survival of patients with HCC.
Reducing Neuron Apoptosis in the Pontine Micturition Center by Nerve Root Transfer for Restoration of Micturition Function after Spinal Cord Injury

Objective The rate of neuronal apoptosis increases after spinal cord injury (SCI). Anastomosing the normal nerve roots above the SCI level to the injured sacral nerve roots can enhance the functional recovery of neurons. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of sacral nerve root transfer after SCI on pontine neuronal survival. Methods Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: Group A, reconstruction of afferent and efferent nerve pathways of the bladder after SCI; Group B, SCI only; and Group C, control group. We examined pontine neuronal morphology using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining after SCI and nerve transfer. Bcl-2 and Bax protein expression changes in the pontine micturition center were quantified by immunohistochemistry. The number of apoptotic neurons was determined by TUNEL staining. We examined pontine neuronal apoptosis by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) at different time points. Results H&E staining demonstrated that the number of neurons had increased in Group A, but more cells in Group B displayed nuclear pyknosis, with the disappearance of the nucleus. Compared with Group B, Group A had significantly higher Bcl-2 expression, significantly lower Bax expression, and a significantly higher Bcl-2/Bax ratio. The number of apoptotic neurons and neuron bodies in Group A was significantly lower than that in Group B, as indicated by TUNEL staining and TEM. Conclusions These findings demonstrate that lumbosacral nerve transfer can reduce neuronal apoptosis in the pontine micturition center and enhance functional recovery of neurons. This result further suggests that lumbosacral nerve transfer can be used as a new approach for reconstructing bladder function after spinal cord injury.
Status and conservation of Mewari and Jaisalmeri camels in India

Summary The Mewari and Jaisalmeri breeds of camel are among the four major breeds of Indian camel. The Mewari breed is known for the production of milk and its adaptability to the hilly terrain of the Aravali hills in south Rajasthan whereas the Jaisalmeri breed is known for its riding and race potential. A total of 320 camels from 16 herds in eight villages belonging to three districts of the major breeding tract of the Mewari camel were covered. The population of the Mewari camel was estimated to be 16 221 heads with a 28% decline in the last five years. The extent of cross breeding was estimated to be 36%. The average adult Mewari camel had a 193 cm height at wither, 194 cm heart girth and 158 cm body length. Adult Mewari camels produce about 700 grams of hair per annum and the females produce 5-7 litres of milk per day. An integrated rotational grazing pasture development programme could be of great use in maintaining the Mewari camels with diverse livestock species under optimum production. To define the status of the Jaisalmeri camel, an investigation encompassing 1 760 camel breeders belonging to the 181 villages distributed over the entire strata of the tract was carried out. The population of the Jaisalmeri camel was estimated to be 118 083 heads with a 31% decline in the last five years. An adult Jaisalmeri camel had a 199 cm height at wither, 211 cm heart girth and 156 cm body length. Adult males and females weighed 593 and 519 kg, respectively. Emphasis should be placed on making the breedable males of the breed available throughout the strata and on improving the utility of the breed for in-situ maintenance of genetic diversity in the breed.
LncRNA MAFG-AS1 Accelerates Cell Migration, Invasion and Aerobic Glycolysis of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells via miR-765/PDX1 Axis

Background LncRNA dysregulation is implicated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) progression; However, the precise role and function of lncRNA MAFG-AS1 in ESCC remains unknown. Materials and Methods Expressions of MAFG-AS1, miR-765, PDX1, GLUT1 and LDH-A were detected via qRT-PCR or/and Western blot in ESCC tissues and cell lines. CCK-8, transwell and glycolysis assays were used to investigate the effects of MAFG-AS1 on ESCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and aerobic glycolysis after knockdown or overexpression of MAFG-AS1, and bioinformatics analyses, RNA pull-down and dual luciferase reporter systems were applied to investigate the interaction between MAFG-AS1, miR-765 and PDX1. Results MAFG-AS1 was significantly up-modulated in ESCC tissues and cell lines. MAFG-AS1 significantly accelerated ESCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and aerobic glycolysis. MAFG-AS1 competitively adsorbed miR-765, while miR-765 negatively modulated the expression of PDX1. miR-765 and PDX1 participated in the promotive effects of MAFG-AS1 on cell migration, invasion and aerobic glycolysis in ESCC cells. Conclusion Our research indicates that the MAFG-AS1/miR-765/PDX1 axis accelerates ESCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion and aerobic glycolysis.
Significance of varying concentrations of T-2 toxin on growth performance, serum biochemical and hematological parameters in broiler chickens

Abstract The study was to determine the effects of diverse concentrations of T-2 toxin in broiler diet. Three hundred 1-day-old chicks with initial body weight of 46 ± 0.52 g were chosen and randomly assigned into five dietary treatments with 5 replicate cages and 12 broilers per cage for 42 d feeding trial. Dietary treatments were prepared with basal diets containing 0 (T1), 50 (T2), 100 (T3), 150 (T4), 200 (T5) ppb T2-toxin. Significant results were observed in the decreased intake of feed, feed conversion ratio (FCR), body weight gain (BWG), level of serum protein, cholesterol and hemoglobulin of broilers in increased concentration of the T-2 toxin in diet (150 and 200 ppb) groups than control. Also, observed that the uric acid, serum glutamic pyruvic transferase (SGPT), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transferase (SGOT) and Heterophil/Lymphocyte (H/L) ratio value were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in groups T4 and T5 than control. However, the BWG, feed intake and FCR, as well blood biochemical profiles of serum protein, cholesterol, hemoglobulin, uric acid, SGPT, SGOT and H/L ratio in groups T2 and T3 were statistically similar to control diet of broilers. It was concluded that the results showed that no adverse effects on growth performance and blood biochemical parameters in broilers feed with T-2 toxin (50 and 100 ppb) during the entire trial.
Age and Sequence of Permanent Teeth Eruption in Lebanese Children

Background The timing of eruption of permanent teeth can be a precious help to the pediatric practitioner in identifying an appropriate treatment plan. Usually, it presents a more precise sign of an early or late growth of the child. Aims It is to determine whether the timing of the permanent teeth eruption in Lebanese pediatric population can be considered as standard Lebanese values, since no other study was previously performed. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study is conducted, and the clinical emergence data are collected for a sample of 2317 Lebanese children aged between 5.5 years and 13 years (1129 girls and 1188 boys) from different socioeconomic groups in rural and urban communities spread over different regions in Lebanon. The study investigates dental emergence patterns. Results Statistical analysis is performed with the SPSS Software. A confidence interval of 95% and significance level of 5% are adopted. The trend is for males to begin their permanent teeth eruption later than girls. Emergence of all permanent mandibular teeth is earlier than maxillary ones. Symmetry is found between the right and left teeth in the maxilla, as well as in the mandibula. Conclusion In this study, the results indicate that premolars and second permanent molars erupt earlier in the Lebanese children compared to children of other countries reflected in several studies.
The effect of Trypanosoma vivax infection on energy and nitrogen metabolism, and serum metabolites and hormones in West African Dwarf Goats at different feed intake levels.

Effects of Trypanosoma vivax infection on nitrogen and energy metabolism and serum hormones and metabolites were measured using 24 castrated West African Dwarf bucks. In order to discriminate between the effect of infection and the effect of food intake level on energy and nitrogen balance, food quantity restriction was applied for isonutritional comparison; a number of the animals were not infected and served as controls. Daily dry-matter (DM) intake was measured, and energy and nitrogen balance for a 7-day period in weeks 2, 4 and 6 after infection. Weekly blood sampling for analysis of hormones and metabolites was carried out. Infected animals had a lower DM intake, compared with control animals, viz. 38·6 (s.e. 3·2) and 16·1 (s.e. 2·0) g/kg M 0·75 per day, respectively ( P Metabolizability was not changed by infection and averaged 0·44. Heat production was increased by infection with an average of 33 kJ/kg M 0·75 per day. Energy and nitrogen retention were negative for all groups; infection reduced energy retention and, during week 2 and 4 after infection, also nitrogen retention. The required metabolizable energy (ME) intake for maintenance was increased in infected animals (406 and 335 kJ/kg M 0·75 per day for infected and control goats respectively), based on linear regression of energy retention on ME intake. The efficiency with which energy mobilization from body stores was substituted by dietary ME was estimated at 0·809 for both infected and control animals. The relationship between nitrogen retention and energy retention was not changed by infection. Therefore no indications were found for an increased catabolism of protein due to infection. Serum thyroxine and triiodothyronine were reduced by infection; serum metabolites and insulin levels reflected the negative energy balance in infected animals.
Effects of pesticides on the apple rust mite Aculus schlechtendali (Nal.) (Eriophyidae)

SummaryOf a range of pesticides tested for their effect on Aculus schlechtendali in field trials pirimiphos-methyl and amitraz gave the most effective control pre-blossom, though these materials were very toxic to the predator, Typhlodromus pyri. Endosulfan and carbaryl gave moderate control pre-blossom and good control post-blossom; cyhexatin was only effective post-blossom. Several of the materials tested were more toxic to A. schlechtendali than to T. pyri and so are potentially useful for inclusion in IPM programmes. Of the fungicides tested only dispersible sulphur reduced rust mite populations substantially.
The influence of “Stimix Zoostim” and “Normosil” probiotics on fecal microflora, hematologic indicators, nutrient digestibility, and growth of mother-bonded calves

Aim: This paper presents the results of the studies on “Stimix Zoostim” and “Normosil” probiotics and their influence on fecal microflora, hematologic indicators, immunoresistance, nutrient digestibility, and growth intensity of mother-bonded calves. Materials and Methods: The calves of the control group were fed with their basic diet (BD) without “Stimix Zoostim” or “Normosil,” whereas the calves of the experimental group were fed with their BD supplemented with “Stimix Zoostim” and Normosil. ” For 10-20-day-old calves, the daily dose was 10 mL per head, whereas 21-90-day-old calves received 15 mL of probiotics per head per day. The calves of the experimental group were administered probiotics every day. Calves aged 10 to 60 days received probiotics with milk, and then at the age of 61 to 90 days, received probiotics with water. (This is a sequential process. At 60 days old, calf rearing with milk stops, and after that, we use probiotics added to water to rear them). Both groups were administered probiotics twice a day, specifically 50% of the daily dose at each feeding time. Results: The results in this study proved that “Stimix Zoostim” and “Normosil” probiotics exhibit high probiotic activity and have a positive effect on the calves’ fecal microflora. Feeding the calves with probiotics resulted in a significant increase in the number of normal flora, such as lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria, and a decrease in the amount of Escherichia. It also resulted in an increase in red blood cells, hemoglobin, and γ-globulins within the physiological range. In our study, we found that the phagocytic reaction in the blood serum of the experimental group was slightly enhanced, suggesting a high response of the body to infectious agents. Conclusion: Thus, the group of calves receiving probiotic “Stimix Zoostim” exhibited an exceedance of phagocytic activity by 4.8% and the group receiving “Normosil” by 4.4%, in comparison with the control group. The daily dose of 10 mL of probiotics per head for 10-20-day-old calves and 15 mL per head for 21-90-day-old calves also had a positive effect on nutrient digestibility, growth, and forage consumption. The economic benefit per animal was 149.23 and 157.0 rubles, respectively.
Development of a Chemiluminescence Immunoassay for Quantification of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D in Human Serum

In this study, a chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) for human serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was established by a competition model. In serum, more than 99% of total circulating 25(OH)D binds to protein and less than 1% of 25(OH)D is in free form (Jassil et al., 2017). Before measuring concentration of 25(OH)D in serum, a releasing procedure should be conducted. A new reagent is used to release binding 25(OH)D to free form. Streptavidin (SA) was labeled to magnetic beads by a 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide/N-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) method. Biotinylated VD was used as a competitor of 25(OH)D in samples. Anti-VD antibody (aby) was labeled to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) by EDC to react with 25(OH)D and biotinylated-VD molecules. The pretreated samples or standards were added into the reaction tube with biotin-VD and anti-VD aby-HRP, free 25(OH)D in the sample competes with biotinylated VD for binding to anti-VD aby-HRP, an SA-labeled magnetic particle is added to isolate the signal-generating complex, and the signal is inversely proportional to the 25(OH)D concentration in the sample. The method established shows good thermostability and performance. The limitation of detection (LoD) is 1.43 ng/mL. The intra-assay coefficient of variation (CV) is 3.66%–6.56%, the interassay CV is 4.19%–7.01%, and the recovery rate is 93.22%–107.99%. Cross-reactivity (CR) was remarkably low with vitamin D2, vitamin D3, 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, and 1, 25-dihydroxyvitamin D2. At the same time, the cross-reaction values with 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 were 97% and 100%, respectively. The developed method shows good correlation with the total VD product from Roche and DiaSorin. 1096 clinical patient samples were measured with developed reagent kit in this study. 7 types of disease were involved, and the concentration of 25(OH)D is less than 30 ng/mL in 94.98% of patients.
Risk factors for voice disorders in public school teachers in Cyprus

Summary Aims The purpose of this study was to investigate risk factors for self-perceived voice disorders in teachers in Cyprus in order to determine the necessity for a preventative vocal hygiene education program which could improve their work performance. Methods An online questionnaire was completed by 449 teachers. The questionnaire extracted data regarding risk factors that may contribute to the development of voice disorders, occupational consequences of voice disorders and vocal hygiene education, as well as, a self-perceived severity of a participant’s voice problem. Subjects were split into two groups, teachers with Voice Disorder Index (VDI) ≤ 7 and teachers with VDI > 7. The chi-squared test was used to explore the differences in responses for each voice risk factor, occupational consequence and vocal hygiene education between the two groups. Results Teachers in the VDI > 7 group were more likely to frequently experience nasal allergies and respiratory infections, coughing, throat clearing, stress and yelling, have shorter breaks between classes, use loud voice, use their voice to discipline students, teach above students talking, etc. than teachers in the VDI ≤ 7 group. Moreover, teachers in the VDI > 7 group were more likely to limit their ability to perform certain tasks at work and reduce their activities or interactions “3-5 or more days” annually due to voice problems. Conclusions Health, voice use, lifestyle, and environmental factors may play a part in the development of voice disorders in teachers and have an impact on their job. Therefore, a preventative vocal hygiene education program is suggested.
Influence of Wood and Other Habitat Characteristics on the Distribution and Abundance of Coho Salmon in a Relatively Large River

Abstract The influences of wood and other habitat variables on juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) summer distribution and relative abundance, which has rarely been studied in relatively large river channels (> 15 m wide), were assessed in a relatively large river channel in Washington State (summer wetted width 15–30 m). The influence of wood and habitat variables including water depth, velocity, and substrate on juvenile coho salmon summer relative abundance was assessed by snorkelling areas with introduced (generally 2–3 evergreen trees from the riparian zone), natural, and no wood. Juvenile coho salmon relative densities were compared at stations with introduced, natural, and no wood and their distribution (presence) assessed at natural wood stations using logistic regression. Relative densities of coho salmon were greatest at stations with introduced wood and were greater at introduced and natural wood stations than stations lacking wood, where juvenile coho salmon were generally absent. Wood cover complexity influenced juvenile coho salmon presence at natural wood stations, while wood type, wood surface area, and substrate influenced presence during one of two years. The results suggest that wood and aspects of wood cover (i.e., complexity and size) are important components of juvenile coho salmon summer rearing habitat in larger river channels, and managers should attempt to maintain and/or restore complex wood cover in relatively large river channels to provide summer habitat for juvenile coho salmon.
Genetic Polymorphisms in Transforming Growth Factor-β, Interferon-γ and Interleukin-6 Genes and Susceptibility to Behcet’s Disease in Saudi Population

Background Behcet’s disease (BD) is a complex, inflammatory, immune-mediated multi-systemic disease of unknown etiology. Cytokines play major roles in the pathophysiology of BD, and its production may be affected by polymorphism in cytokine genes. Hence, the present study was planned to investigate any possible association between the polymorphism in TGF-β, IFN-γ, and IL-6 genes and BD in the Saudi population. Materials and Methods The present study includes 79 BD cases and 117 age-matched controls. Polymerase chain reaction with restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and amplification refractory mutation systems (ARMS) PCR methods were used for polymorphic analysis. Results The heterozygous (CT) and (CT+TT) combined genotypes of TGF-β (509-C/T), heterozygous (AT), variant (TT), and (AT+TT) combined genotypes of IFN-γ (874-A/T) were significantly (P<0.05) associated with BD in the Saudi population. No significant differences were observed for IL-6 (174-G/C) genotypes and alleles between BD cases and controls. Gender does not reflect any significant genotypic and allelic association with males and females. Conclusion CT genotype of TGF-β, and AT and TT genotypes of IFN-γ could be associative genetic risk factors for BD in Saudis. Regulatory region polymorphism in cytokines gene can increase inflammation and deregulated immune response, which could be risk factor for BD.