Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Radiographic vertebral left atrial size: A reference interval study in healthy adult dogs.

Thoracic radiography is a useful technique for the evaluation of cardiac dimensions, especially when echocardiography is not possible. The vertebral left atrial size (VLAS) has recently been proposed as a new radiographic method for quantifying left atrial dimensions in dogs. The aims of this retrospective, reference interval, observational study were to describe values for VLAS in a group of healthy adult dogs and to compare intraobserver and interobserver agreement for VLAS versus vertebral heart score (VHS) methods. Thoracic radiographs of 80 healthy adult dogs were evaluated. Normal left atrial size was determined based on an echocardiographic left atrial-to-aorta ratio < 1.6. The VLAS and vertebral heart score values were measured from right lateral radiographs. The correlations between VLAS, the vertebral heart score, and the left atrial-to-aorta ratio were evaluated. The effects of body weight, sex, and age were also tested using regression analyses. The median value of VLAS were 1.9, with a reference interval of 1.4-2.2. A positive correlation was found between VLAS and vertebral heart score values (r = 0.53; P < .0001). No effect of body weight, sex, and age on VLAS was detected. Excellent intraobserver and interobserver agreements were found for both VLAS and vertebral heart score methods (intraclass correlation coefficients ≥ 0.91). Findings from this sample of healthy dogs indicated that VLAS is a repeatable radiographic method for quantifying left atrial size. Further studies are warranted to evaluate this measure in clinically affected dogs.
Quadratus lumborum block vs. transversus abdominis plane block for caesarean delivery: a systematic review and network meta‐analysis*

Caesarean delivery is the most commonly performed inpatient surgical procedure globally. Pain after caesarean delivery is moderate to severe if not adequately treated, and is a primary anaesthetic concern for patients. Transversus abdominis plane and quadratus lumborum blocks are fascial plane blocks that have the potential to improve analgesia following caesarean delivery. Although proponents of the quadratus lumborum block suggest that this technique may provide better analgesia compared with transversus abdominis plane block, there are limited data directly comparing these two techniques. We, therefore, performed a systematic review and network meta‐analysis to compare transversus abdominis plane and quadratus lumborum block approaches, seeking randomised controlled trials comparing both techniques to each other, or to control, with or without intrathecal morphine. In all, 31 trials with 2188 patients were included and our primary outcome, the cumulative intravenous morphine equivalent consumption at 24 h, was reported in 12 trials. In the absence of intrathecal morphine, transversus abdominis plane and quadratus lumborum blocks were equivalent, and both were superior to control (moderate‐quality evidence). In the presence of intrathecal morphine, no differences were found between control, transversus abdominis plane and quadratus lumborum blocks (moderate‐quality evidence). Similar results were found for resting and active pain scores at 4–6 h, 8–12 h, 24 h and 36 h, although quadratus lumborum block was associated with lower pain scores at 36 h when compared with transversus abdominis plane block (very low‐quality evidence). However, transversus abdominis plane block was associated with a reduced incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (moderate‐quality evidence) and sedation when compared with inactive control following intrathecal morphine administration (low‐quality evidence). There are insufficient data to draw definitive conclusions, but transversus abdominis plane and quadratus lumborum block appear to be superior to control in the absence of intrathecal morphine, but provide limited additional benefit over inactive control when intrathecal morphine is also used.
Formulation development of paracetamol instant jelly for pediatric use

Abstract Objective Paracetamol is a common antipyretic and analgesic medicine used in childhood illness by parents and physicians worldwide. Paracetamol has a bitter taste that is considered as a significant barrier for drug administration. This study aimed to develop an oral dosage form that is palatable and easy to swallow by pediatric patients as well as to overcome the shortcomings of liquid formulations. Methods The paracetamol was encapsulated in beads, which were prepared mainly from alginate and chitosan through electrospray technique. The paracetamol beads were sprinkled on the instant jelly prepared from glycine, ι-carrageenan and calcium lactate gluconate. The paracetamol instant jelly characteristics, in terms of physical appearance, texture, rheology, in vitro drug release and palatability were assessed on a human volunteer. Results The paracetamol instant jelly was easily reconstituted in 20 mL of water within 2 min to form jelly with acceptable consistency and texture. The jelly must be ingested within 30 min after reconstitution to avoid the bitter taste. The palatability assessment carried out on 12 human subjects established the similar palatability and texture of the paracetamol instant jelly dosage comparable to the commercial paracetamol suspension and was found to be even better in overcoming the aftertaste of paracetamol. Conclusion Such findings indicate that paracetamol instant jelly will compensate for the use of sweetening and flavoring agents as well as develop pediatric dosage forms with limited undesired excipients.
IDENTIFICATION OF SPECIFIC TREE SPECIES IN ANCIENT SEMI-NATURAL WOODLAND FROM DIGITAL AERIAL SENSOR IMAGERY

Remote sensing has great potential as a source of information on tree species. The classification approaches used commonly to extract species information from remotely sensed imagery typically aim to optimize the overall accuracy of species identification, a target which need not satisfy the requirements of a particular user. Often users are interested in a specific species or subset of species, and these may not be accurately identified in a conventional classification. Here, a two-phase classification approach was used to map specific species from aerial sensor imagery of an ancient British woodland. Particular attention was focused on the identification of sycamore since this is displacing the native ash and information on its distribution would enhance basic understanding and management activities. The results show that the classification approach can be adapted to focus on a specific species of interest and used to increase classification accuracy significantly. For example, sycamore was classified to a low accuracy when a conventional approach to classification with a neural network was used (46.6–63.6%, depending on perspective), but the adoption of the two-phase approach increased its accuracy significantly (82.3–93.3%). The results demonstrate the ability to map specific class(es) of interest accurately from remotely sensed imagery. The approach used also highlights the ability to tailor an analysis to the specific requirements of the ecological study in hand and is of broad applicability.
Pathogenicity of clade 2.3.2.1 H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus in American kestrel (Falco sparverius)

ABSTRACT Birds of prey, including endangered species, have been infected with H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) in several countries. In this present study, we assessed the pathogenicity of the clade 2.3. 2.1 H5N1 HPAIV in American kestrels (Falco sparverius) with a view to preventing future outbreaks in raptors. The kestrels were intranasally inoculated with the virus or fed the meat of chicks that had died from viral infection. Kestrels in both groups initially had reduced food intake, showed clinical signs such as depression and neurologic manifestations, and succumbed to the infection within 6 days. The kestrels primarily shed the virus orally from 1 day post-inoculation until death, with an average titre of 104.5–5.7 EID50/ml, which is comparable to the inoculum titre. The viruses replicated in almost all tested tissues; notably, the feather calamuses also contained infectious virions and/or viral genes. Pancreatic lesions were present in several infected birds, as shown in previous cases of HPAIV infection in raptors. These results indicate that kestrels are highly susceptible to infection by clade 2.3. 2.1 H5 HPAIVs, which readily occurs through the consumption of infected bird carcasses. Early detection and removal of HPAIV infected carcasses in the field is essential for preventing outbreaks in raptors. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Clade 2.3. 2.1 H5 HPAIV caused lethal infection in American kestrels. Kestrels with the HPAIV showed neurologic signs and eye disorders. The HPAIV replicated in systemic tissues of kestrels, and was orally shed. The HPAIV was recovered from feather calamus of kestrels.
Turning radius of yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) in unsteady swimming manoeuvres

The specific turning radius of yellowfin tuna Thunnus albacares Cuvier is large relative to that of other fish (0.47 total body length ± 0.18, mean ± 2 s.e.). We argue that specializations for efficient steady swimming compromise performance in transient turning manoeuvres.
Effect of therapeutic doses of enrofloxacin on circulating lymphocyte subpopulations in pigs

Abstract Twenty pigs of similar genetics (PIC) were used. Pigs were randomly divided into two groups: experimental (ENRO, n = 10) and control (C, n = 10). From day 0 to day 4, pigs from ENRO group received enrofloxacin at the recommended therapeutic dose. Pigs from C group received PBS instead of enrofloxacin. Blood samples were collected on days 0 (before antibiotic administration), 2, 4 (during antibiotic therapy), 9, and 13 of the study (after enrofloxacin administration). Haematological examination and flow cytometry were used to establish the relative and absolute counts of various leukocyte subsets. Lymphocyte subpopulations were measured by fluorochrom-labelled antibodies according to following definitions: CD3+ (T cells), CD21+ (B cells), CD4+CD8- (helper T cells, Th), CD4-CD8+ (cytolytic T cells, CLT), CD4+CD8+ (cytolytic and memory T cells). The present study revealed the modulating effect of enrofloxacin on the composition of circulating lymphocytes in pigs. Concentration and percentage of CD8+ cells decreased significantly after treatment with enrofloxacin and as a result the absolute CD4/CD8 ratio increased significantly as compared to control group (P < 0.05). These findings should prompt further studies on the practical significance of the results obtained in terms of clinical implications. In view of the results, it cannot be excluded that enrofloxacin may also have immunomodulatory effects on host response to infection.
The influence of day length and temperature on food intake and growth rate of bulls given concentrate or grass silage ad libitum in two housing systems

In order to study the effect of day length and temperature on performance, data from 495 growing, non-castrated bulls of the Swedish Red and White breed were analysed. Groups of 11 bulls were housed in either an insulated building in pens having slatted floors or in an uninsulated building with pens having both a deep straw bed and a concrete floor. The majority of the bulls (330) were given a concentrate diet ad libitum , while the remainder (165) were given grass silage ad libitum supplemented with concentrate. Energy intake, live-weight gain, housing temperature, day length and change in day length were calculated as 14-day period means for the two housing systems. Regression analyses showed that live-weight gain was associated with increasing day length in bulls on both feeding treatments. For bulls given concentrate ad libitum , metabolizable energy intake was associated with increasing day length. The intake of heavier animals was more influenced by day length than that of those which were lighter. The seasonal influence on daily energy intake in bulls given silage did not show the same pattern as for bulls given concentrate ad libitum . The intake was highest in June and lowest in December for the bulls given concentrate but for the bulls given silage it was highest in August, September and October and lowest in March and April. This was due to the varying quality of the grass silage over the year. No effect or very little effect of temperature or housing system on energy intake or on weight gain was found.
Neuro‐oxysterols and neuro‐sterols as ligands to nuclear receptors, GPCRs, ligand‐gated ion channels and other protein receptors

The brain is the most cholesterol rich organ in the body containing about 25% of the body's free cholesterol. Cholesterol cannot pass the blood–brain barrier and be imported or exported; instead, it is synthesised in situ and metabolised to oxysterols, oxidised forms of cholesterol, which can pass the blood–brain barrier. 24S‐Hydroxycholesterol is the dominant oxysterol in the brain after parturition, but during development, a myriad of other oxysterols are produced, which persist as minor oxysterols after birth. During both development and in later life, sterols and oxysterols interact with a variety of different receptors, including nuclear receptors, membrane bound GPCRs, the oxysterol/sterol sensing proteins INSIG and SCAP, and the ligand‐gated ion channel NMDA receptors found in nerve cells. In this review, we summarise the different oxysterols and sterols found in the CNS whose biological activity is transmitted via these different classes of protein receptors.
Respiratory droplet generation and dispersal during nasoendoscopy and upper respiratory swab testing

Respiratory particle generation and dispersal during nasoendoscopy and swab testing is studied with high‐speed video and laser light illumination. Video analysis reveals droplet formation in three manoeuvres during nasoendoscopy ‐ sneezing, vocalization, and nasal decongestion spray. A capillary bridge of mucus can be seen when a nasoendoscope exits wet nares. No droplet formation is seen during oral and nasopharyngeal swab testing. We outline the following recommendations: pull the face mask down partially and keep the mouth covered, only allowing nasal access during nasoendoscopy; avoid nasal sprays if possible; if nasal sprays are used, procedurists should be in full personal protective equipment prior to using the spray; withdrawal of swabs and scopes should be performed in a slow and controlled fashion to reduce potential dispersion of droplets when the capillary bridge of mucus breaks up.
In vitro propagation and microrhizome induction in Zingiber cassumunar (Roxb.) - an antioxidant-rich medicinal plant.

Rhizomatous buds of Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. - a medicinally important aromatic herb - were cultured on Murashige and Skoog medium supplemented with plant growth regulators for inducing microshoots. Explants inoculated in 4.44 μM 6- benzylaminopurine (BAP) showed 100% response giving both multiple shoots (70%) and single shoots (30%). However, single shoots were induced in higher percentage (80%) in 2.32 μM kinetin supplemented medium. The most effective media for multiplication of microshoots were MS media fortified with 0.54 μM α-naphthalene acetic acid (NAA) and 4.44 μM BAP and 2.69 μM NAA and 4.44 μM BAP producing at the rate of 8 microshoots per explant. Microrhizomes were observed at the base of all in vitro derived shoots cultured on the media supplemented with a range of sucrose concentration (3-9%) within eight weeks of incubation. The best responses in terms of number (up to 6 microrhizomes per culture tube) were obtained in the media supplemented with 7 and 9% sucrose. Average fresh weight of 0.81 g was observed in MS medium supplemented with 5% sucrose.
Phylogenetic signals and predictability in plant–soil feedbacks

Summary There is strong evidence for a phylogenetic signal in the degree to which species share co‐evolved biotic partners and in the outcomes of biotic interactions. This implies there should be a phylogenetic signal in the outcome of feedbacks between plants and the soil microbiota they cultivate. However, attempts to identify a phylogenetic signal in plant–soil feedbacks have produced mixed results. Here we clarify how phylogenetic signals could arise in plant–soil feedbacks and use a recent compilation of data from feedback experiments to identify: whether there is a phylogenetic signal in the outcome of plant–soil feedbacks; and whether any signal arises through directional or divergent changes in feedback outcomes with evolutionary time. We find strong evidence for a divergent phylogenetic signal in feedback outcomes. Distantly related plant species show more divergent responses to each other’s soil microbiota compared with closely related plant species. The pattern of divergence implies occasional co‐evolutionary shifts in how plants interact with soil microbiota, with strongly contrasting feedback responses among some plant lineages. Our results highlight that it is difficult to predict feedback outcomes from phylogeny alone, other than to say that more closely related species tend to have more similar responses.
Fabrication of iron oxide-CNT based flexible asymmetric solid state supercapacitor device with high cyclic stability

Integration of high surface area nanostructures with conducting and deformable electrodes at large scale are of significant importance for flexible supercapacitors with high cyclic stability and low cost. Here, we report water assisted meter scale growth of aligned iron oxide and CNT 1D nanostructures on flexible stainless steel mesh for asymmetric supercapacitor device applications. Electron microscopic investigations revealed the uniform coverage of both iron oxide and CNT forest nanostructures over one meter length of SS mesh. Both iron oxide and CNT nanostructures were tested for supercapacitor electrode material in neutral electrolytes. Further, asymmetric solid state devices were fabricated and connected in serial fashion to demonstrate glowing of LEDs as well as rotation of 5 V micro fan. In addition, at bending angle of 90°, device showed 68% increase whereas, at 180° it showed 13% decrease in capacitance. The calculated specific capacitance for single device is found to be 14.4 mF cm−2. Corresponding energy density and power density are found to be 3 μW-hr cm−2 and 0.74 mW cm−2 respectively. The device showed remarkable capacitance retention of 87% over 25 000 charge discharge cycles. The flexible nature with remarkable cyclic stability of solid state iron oxide/CNT device is suitable for low cost flexible and wearable supercapacitor applications.
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LEVELS OF MINERAL PHOSPHORUS WITH AND WITHOUT NITROGEN ON THE DRY WEIGHT OF PLANKTONIC BIOMASS, INCREASE IN FISH PRODUCTION AND BIOMASS CONVERSION EFFICIENCIES

An experiment to observe the effect of different levels of mineral phosphorus with and without nitrogen on the dry weight of planktonic biomass, increase in fish production and biomass conversion efficiencies was conducted at Fisheries Research Farms, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad in nine earthen ponds. The area under each pond was 30 x 16 x 2m. Fingerlings of Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Labeo rohita and Cyprinus carpio were collected from the Govt. Fish Seed Hatchery, Faisalabad and stocked in the experimental ponds with a stocking density of 251 each pond. The experimental pond 0 served as the control without any additives, whereas the pond 1, 2, 3, and 4 received mineral fertilizer (triple superphosphate, 46% P2O5) at the rate of 0.06, 0.09, 0.12 and 0.15 percent of wet fish body weight per day, while pond 5, 6, 7 and 8 received phosphorus in the same ascending order along with nitrogen (urea, 46%) at the constant rate of 0.12% N, of wet fish body weight daily and the study continued for twelve months. Fortnightly observations on an increase in fish production, dry weight of planktonic biomass and biomass conversion efficiency ratios were made. The overall range of increase in fish biomass in 24 fortnights under T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8 and T0, were in the tune of 1.64-27.42, 1.65-20.93, 1.92-44.59, 1.46-43.70, 1.48-69.63, 2.65-32.24, 0.89-32.09, 1.45-41.46 and 0.59-3.31 g m -3 ; while the dry weight of planktonic biomass throughout the experimental period ranged from 43 to 176, 48 to 215, 42 to 220, 63 to 320, 49 to 327, 58 to 234, 48 to 210, 58 to 234 and 8 to 58 g m -3 , respectively. The biomass conversion efficiency ratios ranged from 0.01 to 0.25, 0.02 to 0.24, 0.02 to 0.55, 0.01 to 0.26, 0.02 to 0.44, 0.02 to 0.30, 0.02 to 0.18, 0.01 to 0.32 and 0.02 to 0.25 in T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8 and T0, respectively. Treatment pond, T5 which was fertilized with 0.06 percent phosphorus plus 0.12 percent nitrogen remained the best treatment in which maximum net fish production of 462.51 kg pond -1 yr
On precision dosing of oral small molecule drugs in oncology

Personalization of oral small molecule anticancer drug doses based on individual patient blood drug levels, also known as therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), has the potential to significantly improve the effectiveness of treatment by maximizing drug efficacy and minimize toxicity. However, this option has not yet been widely embraced by the oncology community. Some reasons for this include increased logistical complexity of dose individualization, the lack of clinical laboratories that measure small molecule drug concentrations in support of patient care, and the lack of reimbursement of costs. However, the main obstacle may be the lack of studies clearly demonstrating that monitoring of oral small molecule anticancer drug levels actually improves clinical outcomes. Without unequivocal evidence in support of TDM‐guided dose individualization, especially demonstration of improved survival with TDM in randomized controlled trials, wide acceptance of this approach by oncologists and reimbursement by insurance companies is unlikely, and patients may continue to suffer as a result of receiving incorrect drug doses. This article reviews the current status of TDM of oral small molecule drugs in oncology and intends to provide strategic insights into the design of studies for evaluating the utility of TDM in this clinical context.
Elucidation of antifungal toxicity of Callistemon lanceolatus essential oil encapsulated in chitosan nanogel against Aspergillus flavus using biochemical and in-silico approaches

ABSTRACT The antifungal and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) inhibitory effect of chemically characterised Callistemon lanceolatus essential oil (CLEO), chitosan nanoparticles, and CLEO loaded chitosan nanoparticles (CLEO-ChNPs) were investigated. Scanning electron microscope observation exhibited the spherical shape of prepared CLEO-ChNPs with an average range of 20–70 nm. An in-vitro release study revealed the controlled volatilisation of CLEO from CLEO-ChNPs. The CLEO-ChNPs caused complete inhibition of growth (4.5 µl/ml) and AFB1 (4.0 µl/ml) production by A. flavus at a low dose compared to free CLEO (5.0 µl/ml). The antifungal and AFB1 inhibitory toxicity of CLEO-ChNPs were elucidated using biochemical (effect on ergosterol biosynthesis, membrane cations, mitochondrial membrane potential, C-sources utilisation and cellular methylglyoxal level) and in-silico (interaction with the gene product Erg 28, Cytochrome c oxidase subunit Va, Omt-A, Ver-1, and Nor-1) approaches. Graphical Abstract