Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of bacteria isolated from a platinum mine tailings dam

Contamination from various sources has a huge impact on soil health and microbial community composition. Metal contamination of soil in mining scenarios is of concern and is not adequately addressed, particularly with respect to the microbial community. The mining industry is one of the largest contributors to heavy metal contamination of soil in South Africa, especially since the country is one of the major mining countries in the world. Platinum mining is of special importance, since the largest percentage of the world’s reserves of platinum group metals are found and mined in South Africa. Metals from mining activities become irreversibly immobilized in soil systems because they cannot be degraded and has a huge impact on soil systems. In this study, bacteria was isolated from soil samples collected from a platinum mine tailings dam outside Rustenburg. During the warm sampling season (March 2006) most isolates were found, especially in sites 3 and 4. During the colder and drier season (May 2006) there were less isolates. Most of the isolated cultures also displayed a wide temperature growth range, mostly between 24°C 37°C. Paenibacillus lautus and Bacillus subtilus DN-10 had a growth range between 5°C 40°C. Culturable metal tolerant bacteria were isolated, purified and identified using 16S rDNA sequences. Nine different species were found namely Paenibacillus lautus strain DS19, Paenibacillus lautus, Paenibacillus sp. C15, uncultured Paenibacillaceae, Bacillus subtilis strain DN-10, Bacillus sp. KDNB5, Bacillus cereus, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and Alcaligenes sp. DJWH 146-2. The ability of these strains to tolerate metal concentrations were explored by determining their minimum inhibitory concentrations for a selection of metals e.g. aluminum, barium, cobalt, chromium, cadmium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, nickel and mercury. Most isolates were able to tolerate >5mM of the Al\Ni alloy and cobalt. Transmission electron microscopy was used to determine the location of metals inside bacterial cells and
TGF- and the TGF- Family

AS OUTLINED IN THE PREVIOUS CHAPTER, the biochemical characterization of human transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), now known as TGF-β1, and the determination of its sequence through cDNA cloning provided the basis for identification of TGF-β as structurally distinct from TGF-α. The most striking characteristic that set it apart from TGF-α at that time was that TGF-β was a 25-kD disulfide-linked dimer that was reduced to a 12.5-kD band on gel following treatment with β-mercaptoethanol (Roberts et al. 1983). Following its cDNA cloning (Derynck et al. 1985), it became apparent that TGF-β did not at all resemble TGF-α to which it had been functionally compared thus far and that its polypeptide sequence was unrelated to anything known before. The predicted polypeptide sequence also clearly showed that the mature TGF-β monomer corresponded to only the carboxy-terminal third of a much larger precursor, thus requiring proteolytic cleavage (see Fig. 3 of Chapter 1). Subsequent cDNA cloning demonstrated that the polypeptide chains that define the heteromeric disulfide-linked inhibin are structurally related to TGF-β (Mason et al. 1985; Vale et al. 1986). These polypeptides are, similarly to TGF-β, encoded as carboxyterminal polypeptides of larger precursors, and only the carboxy-terminal mature polypeptides show structural similarity with TGF-β. Thus was born the realization that there may be a family of secreted disulfide-
Pathogenicity and Production of Mamestra brassicae Nucleopolyhedrovirus (MabrNPV)-K1

The objective of our study was the evaluation of pathogenicity of a local strain of Mamestra brassicae nucleopolyhedrovirus-K1 (MabrNPV-K1) derived from a diseased larva of M. brassicae found in Korea. The effect of temperature and larval instar on the pathogenicity and production of MabrNPV-K1 was determined under laboratory conditions. The median lethal concentration () values of MabrNPV-K1 for 3rd instar larvae were PIBs/larva at , PIBs/larva at and PIBs/larva at , respectively. The for the 4th instar larvae was similar to that for the 3rd instar larvae. However, the pathogenicity to the 3rd instar larvae was higher than that to the 4th instar larvae. The median lethal time () values of MabrNPV-K1 were 11.4 to 5.0 days at and 18.3 to 5.5 days at for the 3rd instar larvae. The value was lowered as temperature went up to and dependent on viral concentration. In production efficiency of MabrNPV-K1 using M. brassicae larvae, the mortality of the 3rd instar larvae was 100% when inoculated with PIBs/larva and the yield of MabrNPV-K1 was maximal. Regarding the mortality, yield of polyhedra, inoculation doses and required time, the PIBs/larva at was determined as optimal conditions producing polyhedra efficiently.
Contribution of Italian Clinical Research for Contrast Media-Induced Nonrenal Adverse Drug Reactions over the Last Three Decades: A Systematic Review

The aim of this study was to investigate the scientific contribution of Italian clinical research for contrast media-induced nonrenal adverse drug reactions over the last three decades. Ovid Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Methodology Register were used as data sources to identify Italian descriptive studies, observational studies, meta-analyses, and clinical trials assessing contrast media-induced nonrenal adverse drug reactions as a safety outcome. The population of interest was men and women exposed to a contrast medium. Between 1990 and 2017, 24 original articles investigating contrast-induced nonrenal adverse drug reactions were identified. The cohort study was the most representative study design (10/24; 41.7%). The 24 studies were conducted mainly as monocenter studies (14/24; 58.3%) and without receiving funding (17/24; 70.8%). Seventeen out of 24 studies provided a level of evidence ranging from III-2 (11/24; 45.8%) to IV (6/24; 25.0%) on a Merlin scale. In total, 14 of 24 (58.3%) studies were published in a scientific journal ranked in the first quartile of their subject area. The 24 original articles mainly focused on adverse drug reactions already observed during clinical trials (i.e., idiosyncratic systemic reactions). In conclusion, during the last three decades and a burst was not observed in the Italian clinical research investigating contrast-induced nonrenal adverse drug reactions. High-quality clinical research is needed especially for procedures to prevent the onset of the aforementioned events, to identify risk factors, to minimize the risk of their occurrence, and to optimize their related prognosis.
Molecular Epidemiology of Bloodstream Infection-causing Acinetobacter baumannii from Five Tertiary Hospitals in Beijing, China

Acinetobacter baumannii has emerged as a pathogen that is commonly involved in various nosocomial infections and sometimes community-acquired infections over the last decade. Nosocomial A.baumannii infections mainly include ventilator-pneumonia(VAP), bloodstream infections (BSI), meningitis, and wound infections. Epidemiological studies indicate the mortality rates of A. baumannii infections have increased from 10 to 43% in intensive care units (ICUs) and from 7.8 to 23% outside ICUs. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) A. baumannii bacteremia usually leads to an even higher mortality [2, 3].
OPTIMIZATION AND EVALUATION OF CHLORPHENIRAMINE MALEATE ORAL STRIP FOR PEDIATRIC USE

Objective: The goal of performing this study is to prepare an oral strip, especially designed for pediatric use that provides fast onset of action with ease of swallowing particularly for young individuals who suffer from difficulty of swallowing, in addition provides maximum therapeutic effectiveness by reducing the first pass effect.Materials and Methods: The oral strip was prepared by solvent casting technique through using different sole polymers (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose [HPMC] 15cp, HPMC 50cp, polyvinyl alcohol, and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose). Maltodextrin (MD) was added as the secondary polymer in different ratios to optimize the release parameters, and disintegration time (DT), three different plasticizers were employed (propylene glycol, dibutyl phthalate, and glycerin) to boost the film forming polymer characteristics.Results: From this study, it is obvious that F10 which composed of HPMC as a main polymer and MD as a secondary polymer in ratio 2:1, respectively, provides adequate physicochemical characteristics, in vivo/in vitro DT (40/36 s), respectively, nevertheless a satisfactory release parameters as (59.9%) released at 2 min and 80% of drug released at 14.8 min.Conclusion: The optimized formula is pretty encouraging to originate an oral strip that provides ease of administration, fast onset of action with wide acceptance for the pediatric population.
Diurnal variation of TNFα in the rat brain

TUMOR necrosis factor-α (TNFα) is thought to play a physiological role in the brain. These studies were performed to determine whether a diurnal rhythm of TNFα exist in the rat brain. Samples were collected from hippocampus, hypothalamus, cerebral cortex, cerebellum, pons and midbrain at light onset and at 6 h intervals thereafter over a day. A TNFα bioassay was used to measure TNFα in each area. TNFα was highest at light onset in the hypothalamus, hippocampus and cerebral cortex. Levels at light onset were about 10-fold greater than minimal night-time levels. Changes in TNFα activity in other brain areas were also evident, but smaller. These results support the hypothesis that TNFα has physiological roles in the brain.
Tuber quality assessment of orange-fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) cultivars and their genetic relatedness as revealed by SDS-PAGE of tuber proteins

Orange-fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) is an important source of β-carotene and can make a major contribution in alleviating vitamin A malnutrition. Replacement of white-fleshed varieties with new b-carotene-rich OFSP cultivars that meet local preference would benefit the children who are at risk for vitamin A deficiency related problems. Twelve OFSP cultivars of diverse origin were analyzed for biochemical and antioxidant composition, viz dry matter, crude protein, crude fat crude fibre, carbohydrate, starch, amylose, reducing sugars, total phenols, ascorbic acid and b-carotene contents of their tubers. Many of the investigated cultivars have high levels of dry matter, crude protein, starch, β-carotene, phenols and ascorbic acid. Cultivars with high dry matter and b-carotene can be utilized to develop cultivars for commercial exploitation. This paper also highlights the genetic relatedness among the OFSP cultivars, assessed by using sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) of tuber proteins. High genetic similarities were observed among the cultivars originated in India.
Factors Related to Nest Survival and Over-winter Survival of a Northern Bobwhite (Colinus virginianus) Population in Southwest Florida

9 INTRODUCTION 9 STUDY AREA 12 METHODS 14 Field Methods 14 Trapping 14 Handling and Marking 16 Radio Telemetry 16 Nest Location and Monitoring 17 Data Analyses 17 Nest Habitat Selection 18 Daily Nest Survival 19 RESULTS 27 Nest Habitat Selection 29 Daily Nest Survival 31 DISCUSSION 37 Nest Habitat Selection 38 Daily Nest Survival 42 CONCLUSIONS 49 LITERATURE CITED 51
Acute kidney injury among paediatric emergency room admissions in a tertiary hospital in South West Nigeria: a cohort study

Abstract Background Epidemiological data on paediatric acute kidney injury (AKI) in sub-Saharan Africa are limited and largely retrospective. We performed a prospective study of AKI among patients admitted through the emergency room. Methods Children admitted to the post-neonatal emergency room of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria between February 2016 and January 2017 were studied. AKI was defined by Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes serum creatinine criteria. AKI ascertainment relied on serum creatinine measurements carried out in routine care by post-admission Day 1. We compared in-hospital mortality by post-admission Day 7 for patients with and without AKI (no-AKI). Results Of the 1344 children admitted to the emergency room, 331 were included in the study. AKI occurred in 112 patients (33.8%) with a median age of 3.1 years [interquartile range (IQR) 0.9–9.4] and was Stage 3 in 50.5% of the cases. The no-AKI group had a median age of 1.8 (IQR 0.7–5.8) years. The underlying diagnoses in patients with AKI were sepsis (33.0%), malaria (12.5%) and primary renal disorders (13.4%). Twenty-four of the patients with AKI underwent dialysis: haemodialysis in 20 and peritoneal dialysis in 4. By Day 7 of admission, 7 of 98 (7.1%) patients in the AKI group had died compared with 5 of 175 (2.9%) patients in the no-AKI group [odds ratio 2.6 (95% confidence interval 0.8–8.5)]. Outcome data were not available for 58 (17.5%) patients. Conclusions AKI is common among paediatric emergency room admissions in a tertiary care hospital in sub-Saharan Africa. It is associated with high mortality risk that may be worse in settings without dialysis.
The role of plectin in the regulation of carcinoma cell invasion

The research presented in this thesis endeavours to understand the role of the plakin family of cytoskeletal linker proteins in the migration and invasive potential of epithelial carcinomas. This study focuses on plectin, a plakin family member that has previously been implicated with a role in tissue integrity of the skin and muscle. I investigated the complex gene organisation of the alternative first exons in human plectin, leading to the discovery of a further novel isoform plectin-lk. A panel of colon and breast carcinoma cell lines that vary in their differentiation and metastatic potential were used to investigate the expression of the isoforms at the mRNA and protein levels, showing plectin to be expressed at higher levels in the more invasive cell types. The subcellular localisation of the alternatively spliced plectin isoforms was investigated using green fluorescent protein (GFP) and polyclonal antibodies, revealing isoform specific targeting to different actin structures. Ablation of plectin or vimentin (a major intermediate filament protein of mesenchymal cells that interacts with plectin), by small interfering RNAs suggest these proteins are able to modulate invasion, migration and attachment of the epithelial carcinoma cells. Further investigation into the novel isoform plectin-lk reveals a role in the formation of podosome like adhesion structures in a Rho kinase dependant manner that facilitate migration in the SW480 colon carcinoma cells. The above findings are novel and contribute to the understanding of migration and invasion of cancer cells. Furthermore, this understanding could provide novel targets of cancer cell metastasis.
A roof rat bait station that excludes deer mice

1986-87. Pages 139-166 in J. F. Voelzer, compiler. 1986. Productivity surveys of geese, swans, and brant wintering in North America 1983 to 1986. Part 1. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. , Off. of Migr. Bird Manage. , Portland, Oreg. FREDERICK, R. B. , W. R. CLARK, AND E. E. KLAAS. 1987. Behavior, energetics, and management of refuging waterfowl: a simulation model. Wildl. Monogr. 96. 35pp. OWEN, M. 1980. Wild geese of the world: their life history and ecology. B. T. Batsford, Ltd. London. 236pp. OWENS, N. W. 1977. Responses of wintering brent geese to human disturbance. Wildfowl 28:5-14. PREVErr, J. P., AND C. D. MACINNES. 1980. Family and other social groups in snow geese. Wildl. Monogr. 71. 46pp. RAVELING, D. G. 1969a. Roost sites and flight patterns of Canada geese in winter. J. Wildl. Manage. 33: 319-330. 1969b. Social classes of Canada geese in winter. J. Wildl. Manage. 33:304-318. 1978. Dynamics of distribution of Canada geese in winter. Trans. North Am. Wildl. Nat. Resour. Conf. 43:206-225. 1979a. The annual energy cycle of the cackling Canada goose. Pages 81-93 in R. L. Jarvis and J. C. Bartonek, eds. Management and biology of Pacific Flyway geese. Oregon State Univ. Bookstores, Inc., Corvallis, Oreg. * 1979b. Traditional use of migration and winter roost sites by Canada geese. J. Wildl. Manage. 43:229-235. , W. E. CREWS, AND W. D. KLIMSmRA. 1972. Activity patterns of Canada geese during winter. Wilson Bull. 84:278-295. REEVES, H. M. , H. H. DILL, AND A. S. HAWKINS. 1968. A case study on Canada goose management. The Mississippi Valley population. Pages 150-165 in R. L. Hine and C. Schoenfeld, eds. Canada goose management: current continental problems and programs. Dembar Educational Research Services, Inc. Madison, Wis. RUSCH, D. H. , S. R. CRAVEN, R. E. TROST, J. R. CARY, R. L. DRIESLEIN, J. W. ELLIS, AND J. WETZEL. 1985. Evaluation of efforts to redistribute Canada geese. Trans. North Am. Wildl. Nat. Resour. Conf. 50: 506-524. SAUNDERS, G. B. , AND D. C. SAUNDERS. 1981. Waterfowl and their wintering grounds in Mexico, 193764. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. Resour. Publ. 138. 151pp. WILLIAMS, G. , AND J. E. FORBES. 1980. The habitat and dietary preferences of dark-bellied brent geese and wigeon in relation to agricultural management. Wildfowl 31:151-157.
Screening of pre cancer and cancer cervix by Pap smear among women in reproductive age group: a community based study

Background: Cervical cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in females worldwide. The disproportionately high burden of cervical cancer in developing countries is largely due to a lack of screening that allows detection of precancerous and early stage cervical cancer. The objective of this study was to identify pre cancer, cancer of cervix by Pap smear test and the factors associated with cervical cancer.Methods: A cross sectional study was done among married women in the reproductive age group of 15-49 years in the urban field practice area of A.J. Institute of Medical Sciences, from Jan 2013 to March 2013. The study comprised of 357 women. A pretested semi structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Screening was done by Pap smear test. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software.Results: 49.6% women were in the age group of 40-49 years. 62 (17.4%) were illiterates. 67.5 % belonged to low socioeconomic status. Pap smear test detected premalignant lesions among 2.1% women; no cancer cervix cases were detected. Association between premalignant lesion and educational status, early age at marriage, multi parity, erosion cervix was found to be statistically significant.Conclusions: Regular cytological screening by Pap smear will help in early detection of precancerous lesions and thereby prevent cancer cervix.
Histopathological investigation of endometrium in repeat breeder cows

This study consisted of comparative histopathological examination of endometrium in repeat breeder as well as fertile cows. In fertile and repeat breeder cows, hyperaemia, edema, and focal haemorrhages with the desquamated epithelial cells in gland lumens were observed. Subclinical endometritis was determined in 8 repeat breeder cows (53.33%). Inflammatory cell infiltration, degeneration and desquamation in the epithelial lamina, glandular dilatation and periglandular fibrosis were determined in 8 (53.33%), 5 (33.33%), 3 (20.0%) and 2 (13.33%) of cows having endometritis respectively. It was concluded that subclinical endometritis was one of the reasons of repeat breeder syndrome, and histopathological investigation on biopsies from uterine horns and body would be a useful diagnostic tool.
Thirst perception, drinking, arginine vasopressin activity and associated neurohumoral factors

Thirst, drinking, and arginine vasopressin (AVP) secretion are essential correlated osmoregulatory mechanisms that are crucial for normal physiologic function and overall survival of humans. These homeostatic mechanisms require or are operated via complex central and peripheral neural connections with influence from other peptides and hormones including angiotensin II, atrial natriuretic peptide and relaxin. The effectiveness of these mechanisms declines with age, and the consequences manifest during hyperosmotic challenges as decreased thirst and urine concentrating ability. The neurohumoral cascades involved in the physiological response to alterations in fluid and electrolyte balance are examined. Keywords: Thirst perception, drinking, arginine vasopressin, angiotensin II, atrial natriuretic peptide, relaxin
Bactericidal Effect of Chlorine on Attached Salmonellae With and Without Sonification.

Broiler breast skin was immersed in a Salmonella typhimurium cell suspension for 0.25, 30, or 60 min, then i) shaken for 1 min or stirred for 30 min in a Cl2 solution with 0.5 ppm free residual Cl2 and ii) sonified for 15 or 30 min with or without chlorine (0.5 ppm free residual). Data showed that attached/entrapped salmonellae are not readily accessible to chlorine. Salmonellae were reduced by <1 log10 by chlorine. Sonification seemed to detach attached/entrapped cells thus reducing counts by 1 to 1.5 logs. Sonification of skin in a chlorine solution was the most effective treatment which reduced Salmonella counts by 2.44 to 3.93 logs.
Fertility and Labor Market Responses to Reductions in Mortality

We investigate women's fertility, labor and marriage market responses to large declines in child and maternal mortality that occurred following a major medical innovation in the US. In response to the decline in child mortality, women delayed childbearing and had fewer children overall. Fewer women had three or more children, and a larger share remained childless. We present a new theory of the extensive margin response, premised upon improvements in child survival reducing the time women need to achieve their target number of children. This prompts fertility delay and labor market entry which, coupled with wage or fecundity shocks, can result in childlessness. Consistent with these predictions, we find that reductions in child mortality increased women's labor force participation, improved their occupational status and reduced their chances of ever having married. Maternal mortality decline had opposing effects on all of these outcomes.
Calagem, adubação com micronutrientes e produção de arroz irrigado e feijoeiro em solo de várzea

Avaliou-se o efeito de tratamentos que associaram cinco doses de calcario e duas doses de micronutrientes aplicados a um solo Gley Pouco Humico do municipio de Goianira, GO, sobre a producao de graos e a absorcao de nutrientes pelas plantas de arroz irrigado (cultivares Cica-8 e BR IRGA-409) e de feijoeiro (cultivar Carioca e linhagem LM 30030), em cultivos sucessivos e alternados. A calagem nao influenciou a producao de graos das duas culturas, e os micronutrientes causaram aumento significativo (p<0,05) apenas da producao de graos do feijoeiro. Nas parcelas sem micronutrientes, as plantas de feijoeiro mostraram sintomas semelhantes aos de deficiencia de B e toxidez de Mn. Em todos os tratamentos, a cultivar de arroz BR IRGA-409 acumulou mais Fe na parte aerea do que a cultivar Cica-8, mas nenhuma das cultivares mostrou sintomas de toxidez do elemento.