Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluating electronic cigarette cytotoxicity and inflammatory responses in vitro

INTRODUCTION Cigarette smoking poses many health risks and can cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiovascular disease, cancer of the lung and other organs. Smokers can substantially reduce their risks of these diseases by quitting, but nicotine addiction makes this difficult. Alternatives, such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), may provide a similar dose of nicotine, but expose users to fewer toxic chemicals than traditional cigarettes and may still be harmful especially for dual users, therefore, we sought to develop bioassays that can assess the potential toxicity and inflammatory response induced by e-cigarette liquids (e-liquids) with and without flavors. METHODS E-liquids with varying nicotine content and flavors were aerosolized through growth media and exposed to human bronchial epithelial cell line (BEAS-2B) and human monocyte-macrophage cell line (THP-1) in vitro. Cytotoxicity in response to e-cigarette aerosols was measured by MTT assay in BEAS-2B cells and inflammatory response was measured by TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 released from THP-1 cells. In addition, the oxidative stress marker, REDD1, and impact on phagocytosis, was assessed following exposure of BEAS-2B and THP-1 derived macrophages, respectively. Cigarette smoke extract was used as a positive control with known cytotoxicity and impairment of inflammatory response. RESULTS E-cigarette aerosols induced moderate cellular toxicity in bronchial epithelial cells. Our data also show that low nicotine levels are less damaging to the bronchial epithelial cells, and flavors in e-liquids influence the combined inflammatory response markers, phagocytosis, and REDD1 when examined in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Our in vitro bioassays can be utilized to effectively measure flavor and nicotine-induced effects of e-cigarettes on combined inflammatory response and cytotoxicity in human macrophages and human bronchial epithelial cells, respectively.
Wetland Habitat Characteristics Predict Nest Site Selection of American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) in an Inland Freshwater Ecosystem

Abstract: Habitat characteristics can have large effects on nest site selection of oviparous vertebrates. It is thought that habitat preference in many species is driven by natural selection because of habitat-specific fitness consequences. However, long-term studies on nesting of oviparous reptiles, in particular, are less common in comparison with other nesting vertebrates. As a result, specific habitat associations that define nesting habitat for many species are largely unknown. We studied habitat characteristics and selection of American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) nest sites in inland freshwater wetlands. We investigated the habitat characteristics associated with 112 nests studied during the 2013–2019 nesting seasons, and quantified habitat characteristics in relation to nest locations and random points. A nearest neighbor analysis indicated that American Alligator nests are not randomly distributed across wetlands, but are more representative of a clumped spatial distribution, suggestive of habitat preference and site selection. We measured habitat variables such as wetland vegetation cover, average water depth, island density, bank slope, canopy cover, and wet bulb globe temperature, as well as alligator population demographics such as relative adult proportion, at each nest and random site. Subsequently, we found that the best variables for predicting American Alligator nest site selection included island density, slope of bank, canopy cover, and wet bulb globe temperature. The best predictive model demonstrated that the odds of nest site selection increased with increasing canopy cover, wet bulb globe temperature, island density, and decreasing bank slope. These habitat choices presumably reduce the risk of nest predation and provide thermal cover for proper balance of nest site microclimate. Based on our results, practices focused on alligator nesting habitat should consider these specific habitat characteristics in outlining applied strategies and working toward management and conservation goals.
Understanding of Majority Opinion Formation in Online Environments Through Statistical Analysis of News, Documentary, and Comedy YouTube Channels

Social networking services have been placed where people share opinions and information about various topics. These services allow users to express their opinions in direct (e.g., writing a comment or reply) and indirect ways (e.g., clicking a Like button). Based on commending, replying, and liking activities, users construct majority opinions in online environments. Previous studies examined perceptual and behavioral characteristics in the circumstance of majority opinions but only few of them provided how they differ depending on content types. Based on three different types of YouTube channels (news, documentary, and comedy), this study addresses how statistical properties of user opinions and majority opinions in online environments are presented differently depending on types of content. Based on the results of statistical analyses, we provide detailed properties of user activities in three types of YouTube channels and discuss several theoretical and practical implications.
Patterns for IoT-based Business Process Improvements: Developing a Metamodel

: The number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is constantly growing across all areas of private and professional life. Especially industrial organizations are increasingly recognizing the IoT’s disruptive capabilities and potential benefits for business processes along all value chain activities. In this regard, the integration of IoT technology into existing business processes enables valuable Business Process Improvements (BPI). However, it often remains unclear which BPIs can be expected by organizations and how the anticipated BPIs are realized in detail. Furthermore, the integration of IoT technology into existing business processes constitutes a major challenge caused by a lack of supporting methods, models, or guidelines. The paper at hand addresses this research gap by providing a metamodel that enables the illustration of generic IoT-based BPI patterns. It contains all relevant elements that are comprised by IoT applications with BPI propositions and can be used by industrial organizations as blueprints for conducting IoT projects. The metamodel development follows fundamental principles of design science research (DSR) and is extensively evaluated by deriving a first set of patterns from real-life IoT applications of three market-leading corporations. In addition, an expert survey is conducted to assess the metamodel’s usefulness.
Acute-phase Serum Cytokine Levels and Correlation with Clinical Outcomes in Children and Adults with Primary and Secondary Dengue Virus Infection in Myanmar between 2017 and 2019

The dengue virus (DENV) has been endemic in Myanmar since 1970, causing outbreaks every 2–3 years. DENV infection symptoms range from mild fever to lethal hemorrhage. Clinical biomarkers must be identified to facilitate patient risk stratification in the early stages of infection. We analyzed 45 cytokines and other factors in serum samples from the acute phase of DENV infection (within 3–5 days of symptom onset) from 167 patients in Yangon, Myanmar, between 2017 and 2019. All of the patients tested positive for serum DENV nonstructural protein 1 antigen (NS1 Ag); 78.4% and 62.9% were positive for immunoglobulin M (IgM) and G (IgG), respectively; and 18.0%, 19.8%, and 11.9% tested positive for serotypes 1, 3, and 4, respectively. Although the DENV-4 viral load was significantly higher than those of DENV-1 or DENV-3, disease severity was not associated with viral load or serotype. Significant correlations were identified between disease severity and CCL5, SCF, PDGF-BB, IL-10, and TNF-α levels; between NS1 Ag and SCF, CCL5, IFN-α, IL-1α, and IL-22 levels; between thrombocytopenia and IL-2, TNF-α, VEGF-D, and IL-6 levels; and between primary or secondary infection and IL-2, IL-6, IL-31, IL-12p70, and MIP-1β levels. These circulating factors may represent leading signatures in acute DENV infections, reflecting the clinical outcomes in the dengue endemic region, Myanmar.
Stimuli Followed by Avian Malaria Vectors in Host-Seeking Behaviour

Simple Summary Vector-borne diseases (VBDs) (e.g., malaria, yellow fever, dengue fever) account for 17% of the estimated global burden of all infectious diseases. They are transmitted to humans and other animals by blood-feeding arthropods. In their pursuit of blood meal, insect vectors use different cues to detect their hosts. The knowledge of these stimuli followed by vectors in this host-seeking behaviour is essential to design strategies to prevent VBD infections. Since its discovery in the late 19th century, avian malaria investigations have allowed significant advances to understand the dynamics and mechanisms of VBD transmission to many organisms, including humans. Here, we review published contributions on the different physical and chemical cues used by mosquitoes and other bird haemosporidian vectors to locate their hosts. This information would be highly valuable for vector surveillance and public health policies. Abstract Vector-borne infectious diseases (e.g., malaria, dengue fever, and yellow fever) result from a parasite transmitted to humans and other animals by blood-feeding arthropods. They are major contributors to the global disease burden, as they account for nearly a fifth of all infectious diseases worldwide. The interaction between vectors and their hosts plays a key role driving vector-borne disease transmission. Therefore, identifying factors governing host selection by blood-feeding insects is essential to understand the transmission dynamics of vector-borne diseases. Here, we review published information on the physical and chemical stimuli (acoustic, visual, olfactory, moisture and thermal cues) used by mosquitoes and other haemosporidian vectors to detect their vertebrate hosts. We mainly focus on studies on avian malaria and related haemosporidian parasites since this animal model has historically provided important advances in our understanding on ecological and evolutionary process ruling vector-borne disease dynamics and transmission. We also present relevant studies analysing the capacity of feather and skin symbiotic bacteria in the production of volatile compounds with vector attractant properties. Furthermore, we review the role of uropygial secretions and symbiotic bacteria in bird–insect vector interactions. In addition, we present investigations examining the alterations induced by haemosporidian parasites on their arthropod vector and vertebrate host to enhance parasite transmission. Finally, we propose future lines of research for designing successful vector control strategies and for infectious disease management.
Southeastern US Snake Species are Vulnerable to Egg Predation by Red Imported Fire Ants (Solenopsis invicta)

Abstract: Invasion and spread of Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA; Solenopsis invicta) is cited as a possible cause for enigmatic reptile declines in the southeastern United States. Reptiles are negatively affected by RIFA through predation of eggs, hatchlings, and adults. We used short-term (12-h) field trials early in incubation to evaluate whether RIFA could successfully depredate intact eggs from six species of native terrestrial oviparous snakes: North American Racer (Coluber constrictor), Speckled Kingsnake (Lampropeltis holbrooki), Prairie Kingsnake (L. calligaster), Rough Greensnake (Opheodrys aestivus), Black Ratsnake (Pantherophis obsoletus) and Great Plains Ratsnake (P. emoryi). Then we used an artificial nest field experiment at the end of incubation to test whether RIFA predation differed between a species that has apparently declined in areas of its range where RIFA has invaded (L. holbrooki) and a species that has apparently not declined (C. constrictor). We measured pip–hatch and incubation time for each species in the laboratory to determine whether differences in time between pipping and hatching (pip–hatch time) could account for interspecific differences in RIFA predation on eggs. Overall, RIFA predation rates on snake eggs were high for all species (25–67% during early trials, 50–100% at end of incubation), although P. obsoletus was only depredated after hatching in the field. Coluber constrictor had significantly shorter pip–hatch times than other species, but probability of predation by RIFA did not differ for C. constrictor and L. holbrooki. Our study provides novel observations of RIFA predation and suggests that time spent in nest, eggshell characteristics, and nest microhabitat may be more important than pip–hatch time in mediating vulnerability of snake eggs to RIFA predation.
In vitro Inhibition of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) and Arginase by a Dietary Supplement and Its Potential for Improving Quality of Life Factors in Adults

Aim: Somatopause is the progressive and age-related decline of growth hormone (GH) production due to changes in hypothalamic-pituitary axis signaling and results in typical physiological changes associated with the aging process. The purpose of our study was to investigate the anti-aging potential of several botanical ingredients, including noni fruit juice, as well as a dietary supplement formulation. Methodology: Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) influences hypothalamic-pituitary axis signaling and reduces GH production and secretion. Since DPP-4 concentrations increase with age, we evaluated the ability of several botanical ingredients to inhibit DPP-4 activity in vitro. We subsequently formulated an anti-aging dietary supplement with this blend of botanical ingredients by adding amino acids (L-arginine, L-Lysine, citrulline and beta-alanine), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), flax seed oil and several nutrients. The supplement was evaluated for anti-arginase activity in vitro, as the expression of this enzyme also increases with age. The dietary supplement was also consumed by three men and one woman, ages 56 to 62, with relevant but disparate medical histories. Following short-term ingestion of the supplement, these volunteers were interviewed to ascertain any changes in health status. Results: We discovered that a blend of the botanical ingredients synergistically inhibited DPP-4 in vitro by up to approximately 99%. A concentration-dependent reduction in arginase activity was also observed for the anti-aging dietary supplement. Further, all volunteers reported positive improvements in at least one quality of life factor, which included more restful sleep, reduced musculoskeletal discomfort, increased energy, improved physical stamina and better skin quality. Conclusion: These initial findings suggest that the anti-aging dietary supplement can mitigate declines in quality of life associated with aging by reducing DPP-4 and arginase activities, thereby supporting healthy GH production and endothelial nitric oxide production.
Comparative Efficiency for in vitro Transfection of Goat Undifferentiated Spermatogonia Using Lipofectamine Reagents and Electroporation

Introduction Spermatogonial stem cells (SSC), also referred to as undifferentiated spermatogonia, are the germline stem cells responsible for continuous spermatogenesis throughout a male’s life. They are, therefore, an ideal target for gene editing. Previously, SSC from animal testis have been isolated and transplanted to homologous recipients resulting in the successful reestablishment of donor-derived spermatogenesis. Methods Enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) gene transfection into goat SSC was evaluated using liposomal carriers and electroporation. The cells were isolated from the prepubertal Galla goats testis cultured in serum-free defined media and transfected with the eGFP gene. Green fluorescing of SSC colonies indicated transfection. Results The use of lipofectamineTM stem reagent and lipofectamineTM 2000 carriers resulted in more SSC colonies expressing the eGFP gene (25.25% and 22.25%, respectively). Electroporation resulted in 15% ± 0.54 eGFP expressing SSC colonies. Furthermore, cell viability was higher in lipofectamine transfection (55% ± 0.21) as compared to electroporation (38% ± 0.14). Conclusion These results indicated that lipofectamine was more effective in eGFP gene transfer into SSC. The successful transient transfection points to a possibility of transfecting transgenes into male germ cells in genetic engineering programs.
Role of organisational culture when shaping a shared service organisation into a lean system

The importance of managing organisational culture for the sustainable implementation of lean systems in shared services is of increasing interest to researchers and practitioners. The current state of research demonstrates that companies have failed to establish a sustainable lean system with a virtuous continuous cycle of improvements. People and conflicting organisational cultures are conceived as the predominant reasons for lean failures. This study explains and explores the interdependencies of organisational culture and lean systems in captive shared services with regard to their potential of sustained performance and competitiveness. Hence, the research identifies the organisational cultural attributes and types that are addressed by a lean system, explores how culture management happened during a lean system implementation, and challenges the sustainability of the implemented lean system. So far, research has looked into the topics of organisational culture, shared service organisation, and lean system in isolation. This study is original as it synthesises all 3 topics. As this research places organisational culture influenced by leadership at the centre of its investigation, it critically applies not only Cameron and Quinn’s competing values framework (CVF), but also Martin’s 3 perspectives of culture as well as a synthesis of different relationship frameworks demonstrating the link between leadership, organisational culture, and organisational performance. This study is ground breaking as it critically looks at lean systems and their sustainability through the lens of organisational culture. Drawing on an in-depth case study conducted in a shared service organisation (SSO) of a global service company, this investigation applied a critical realist-based mixed-methods approach with a variety of primary data collection techniques. Different types of secondary data were used, also for the purpose of triangulation. A critical realist approach to thematic analysis was used to identify relevant stratified, institutional mechanisms. By applying a critical realist worldview, this research offers a multilevel understanding of the dynamics, contradictions and complexities when establishing a lean system. As a result, the study reveals that the implementation of lean systems in the service industry is not a linear approach as each instance and stage of culture management is unique. This multidimensional, culture-oriented interpretation, based upon pioneering empirical evidence from a global service company’s SSO, extends and deepens the understanding of the dynamic contradictions and complexity of lean system implementation that both constrain and enable organisational change. Key words: culture, shared services, lean, performance, leanness, lean sustainability, visual management, Competing Values Framework, leadership, mixed-methods, critical realism, culture management, continuous improvement.
Accessing Insurance Flood Losses Using a Catastrophe Model and Climate Change Scenarios

Impact Forecasting has developed a catastrophe flood model for Czechia to estimate insurance losses. The model is built on a dataset of 12,066 years of daily rainfall and temperature data for the European area, representing the current climate (LAERTES-EU). This dataset was used as input to the rainfall–runoff model, resulting in a series of daily river channel discharges. Using analyses of global and regional climate models dealing with the impacts of climate change, this dataset was adjusted for the individual RCP climate scenarios in Europe. The river channel discharges were then re-derived using the already calibrated rainfall–runoff models. Based on the changed discharges, alternative versions of the standard catastrophe flood model for the Czechia were created for the various climate scenarios. In outputs, differences in severity, intensity, and number of events might be observed, as well as the size of storms. The effect on the losses might be investigated by probable maximum losses (PML) curves and average annual loss (AAL) values. For return period 1 in 5 years for the worst-case scenario, the differences can be up to +125 percent increase in insurance losses, while for the return period 1 in 100 years it is a −40 percent decrease. There is no significant effect of adaptation measures for the return period 1 in 100 years, but there is a −20 percent decrease in the return period 1 in 5 years.
Riboflavin and Bacillus subtilis effects on growth performance and woody-breast of Ross 708 broilers with or without Eimeria spp. challenge

Abstract This study was conducted to assess the effects of the dietary supplementation of riboflavin (as a bile salt hydrolase [BSH] inhibitor) and Bacillus subtilis on growth performance and woody breast of male broilers challenged with Eimeria spp. Intestinal bacteria, including supplemented probiotics, can produce BSH enzymes that deconjugate conjugated bile salts and reduce fat digestion. A 3 × 2 × 2 (riboflavin × Bacillus subtilis × Eimeria spp. challenge) factorial arrangement of treatments in randomized complete block design was used. On d 14, birds were gavaged with 20× doses of commercial cocci vaccine (CoccivacR-B52, Merck Animal Health, Omaha, NE). Dietary treatment of riboflavin and B. subtilis did not affect body weight (BW), body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion (FCR) d 0 to 14 and overall d 0 to 41. Eimeria spp challenge reduced BWG, feed intake (FI), and increased FCR between d 14 to 28, but increased BWG and lowered FCR between d 28 to 35. There were no effects of the Eimeria spp. challenge on the overall d 0 to 41 FCR and FI, but BWG was reduced. Eimeria spp. challenge increased the abdominal fat pad weight and slight woody breast incidences on processed birds on d 42. Dietary inclusion of B. subtilis and riboflavin at tested levels did not help birds to mitigate the negative impact of Eimeria spp. challenge to enhance the growth performance.