Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acorn Ants May Create and Use Two Entrances to the Nest Cavity

Simple Summary Large nests of ants, or ant hills, which are inhabited by numerous workers, are universally known. However, many ant species live in small colonies and do not construct nests, but instead dwell in ready-for-use cavities. In Central Europe, acorn ants are among the most widely distributed and common species but are also frequently overlooked as the workers are small and colonies of the species typically range from only a few dozen to about two hundred individuals. Often, a whole colony lives in just one empty acorn or a cavity inside a small twig. Such a cavity, such as an empty acorn, typically has one hole resulting from the activity of wood-boring beetles, and that hole is used by the ant colony as the entrance to the nest. Acorn ants have been the subject of numerous experiments, including those focused on the choice of nest sites. For example, it was previously found that ants prefer sites with a narrow vs. a wider entrance. However, cavities with good-sized hole are rare; thus, the possibility to modify a potential nest site, including a reduction in the size of the hole, should be a favorable matter for the ants. The results of this study showed that the ant colonies could inhabit imperfect cavities that need a modification, e.g., a reduction of the available holes, and that such small colonies may even create two entrances to the nest cavity. However, the effect of the presence of more than one entrance to the nest on the behavior of the ants is unknown. Abstract Many ant species construct large nests that are inhabited by numerous workers, but other species dwell in ready-for-use cavities and live in small colonies. Ants of the genus Temnothorax inhabit small cavities, e.g., in acorns, twigs, and under rocks. Although a preference for nest sites with a narrower entrance is known, recent studies have shown that they also use cavities with wider entrances and may modify the size of such entrances. As good cavities for nest sites are a limited resource, the possibility to modify a potential nest site, including a reduction in the size of the hole, should be a favorable matter for the ants. Through field and laboratory experiments, I studied the acorn ant Temnothorax crassispinus. Observations showed that they readily inhabited imperfect cavities and, if necessary, modified the holes to such cavities. If they had to repair a nest site, they sometimes created a second entrance; there was no difference in the sizes of the entrances. In the field, for entrance modification or blocking an unnecessary hole, the acorn ants used soil, grains of sand, and parts of plants. In the laboratory, the ant colonies showed no preference for nest sites with one entrance vs. a nest cavity with two entrances. The results of this study showed that even such small ant colonies could use nest sites with multiple entrances; however, the effect of the presence of more than one entrance on the behavior of the ants is unknown.
Measuring Heart Rate Variability in Patients Admitted with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction for the Prediction of Subsequent Cardiovascular Events: A Systematic Review

Background and objectives: Ischemic heart disease represents the leading cause of death, emphasizing risk stratification and early therapeutic intervention. Heart rate variability (HRV), an indirect marker of autonomic nervous system activity, was investigated extensively as a risk factor for adverse cardiovascular events following acute myocardial infarction. Thus, we systematically reviewed the literature to investigate the association of HRV parameters with mortality and adverse cardiovascular events in patients presenting with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Materials and methods: Following the search process in the MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, and Cochrane databases, nine studies were included in the final analysis. Results: Lower time-domain HRV parameters and a higher ratio between power in the low-frequency (LF) band and power in the high-frequency (HF) band (LF/HF) were associated with higher all-cause mortality during follow-up, even in patients treated mainly with percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Although most studies measured HRV on 24 h ECG recordings, short- and ultra-short-term measures (1 min and 10 s, respectively) were also associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Although data were discrepant, some studies found an association between HRV and cardiac mortality, reinfarction, and other major adverse cardiovascular events. Conclusions: In conclusion, HRV measurement in patients with STEMI could bring crucial prognostic information, as it was associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality documented in clinical studies. More and larger clinical trials are required to validate these findings in contemporary patients with STEMI in the context of the new generation of drug-eluting stents and current antithrombotic and risk-modifying therapies.
The Complementarity of Amino Acids in Cooked Pulse/Cereal Blends and Effects on DIAAS

The aim was to study the complementary effect between cereals and pulses on protein quality. The values for the digestible indispensable amino acid score (DIAAS) in cooked cereals and pulses, given alone, and blends of cooked cereals and pulses, were determined. True ileal digestibility (TID) values of amino acids for adult humans were obtained. It is difficult to determine ileal amino acid digestibility in humans directly, and for this reason, the growing pig is often used to obtain such values, as a preferred animal model. Seven growing pigs fitted with a T-cannula at the terminal ileum were allotted to a 7 × 6 incomplete Latin square with seven semi-synthetic diets (cooked mung bean, adzuki bean, millet, adlay, mung bean + millet, adzuki bean + adlay, and an N-free diet) and six 7-day periods. The mean TID values for crude protein differed significantly (p < 0.05), with millet having the highest digestibility (89.4%) and the adzuki bean/adlay mixture having the lowest (79.5%). For lysine, adzuki bean had the highest TID (90%) and millet had the lowest (70%). For the mean of all the amino acids, there was a significant (p < 0.05) effect of diet, with the TID ranging from 72.4% for the adzuki bean/adlay mixture to 89.9% for the adzuki beans. For the older child, adolescent, and adult, the DIAAS (%) was 93 for mung beans, 78 for adzuki beans, 22 for millet, 16 for adlay, and 66 for mung beans + millet, and 51 for adzuki beans + adlay. For mung beans, valine was first-limiting, and the SAA for adzuki beans, while lysine was first-limiting for the other foods. Chinese traditional diets, containing both cereals and pulses, are complementary for most, but not all of the indispensable amino acids.
Alcohol Use and the Risk of Communicable Diseases

The body of knowledge on alcohol use and communicable diseases has been growing in recent years. Using a narrative review approach, this paper discusses alcohol’s role in the acquisition of and treatment outcomes from four different communicable diseases: these include three conditions included in comparative risk assessments to date—Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), and lower respiratory infections/pneumonia—as well as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) because of its recent and rapid ascension as a global health concern. Alcohol-attributable TB, HIV, and pneumonia combined were responsible for approximately 360,000 deaths and 13 million disability-adjusted life years lost (DALYs) in 2016, with alcohol-attributable TB deaths and DALYs predominating. There is strong evidence that alcohol is associated with increased incidence of and poorer treatment outcomes from HIV, TB, and pneumonia, via both behavioral and biological mechanisms. Preliminary studies suggest that heavy drinkers and those with alcohol use disorders are at increased risk of COVID-19 infection and severe illness. Aside from HIV research, limited research exists that can guide interventions for addressing alcohol-attributable TB and pneumonia or COVID-19. Implementation of effective individual-level interventions and alcohol control policies as a means of reducing the burden of communicable diseases is recommended.
Probing Antimicrobial Halloysite/Biopolymer Composites with Electron Microscopy: Advantages and Limitations

Halloysite is a tubular clay nanomaterial of the kaolin group with a characteristic feature of oppositely charged outer and inner surfaces, allowing its selective spatial modification. The natural origin and specific properties of halloysite make it a potent material for inclusion in biopolymer composites with polysaccharides, nucleic acids and proteins. The applications of halloysite/biopolymer composites range from drug delivery and tissue engineering to food packaging and the creation of stable enzyme-based catalysts. Another important application field for the halloysite complexes with biopolymers is surface coatings resistant to formation of microbial biofilms (elaborated communities of various microorganisms attached to biotic or abiotic surfaces and embedded in an extracellular polymeric matrix). Within biofilms, the microorganisms are protected from the action of antibiotics, engendering the problem of hard-to-treat recurrent infectious diseases. The clay/biopolymer composites can be characterized by a number of methods, including dynamic light scattering, thermo gravimetric analysis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy as well as a range of microscopic techniques. However, most of the above methods provide general information about a bulk sample. In contrast, the combination of electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy allows assessment of the appearance and composition of biopolymeric coatings on individual nanotubes or the distribution of the nanotubes in biopolymeric matrices. In this review, recent contributions of electron microscopy to the studies of halloysite/biopolymer composites are reviewed along with the challenges and perspectives in the field.
Prediction of Spatiotemporal Invasive Risk of the Red Import Fire Ant, Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), in China

Simple Summary The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), is an invasive pest, and it has spread rapidly all over the world. In this study, based on the distribution data and environmental factor data of S. invicta, the optimized MaxEnt model was used to predict the suitable areas of S. invicta growth in China under current and future climatic conditions. The results show that the potential suitable area of S. invicta growth in the current climate is 81.37 × 104 km2 in size and is mainly located in the south and southeast of China. The total suitable area of S. invicta growth is expected to increase in the future climate change scenario, and the suitable area is likely to spread to higher latitudes. Abstract The red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), is an invasive pest, and it has spread rapidly all over the world. Predicting the suitable area of S. invicta growth in China will provide a reference that will allow for its invasion to be curbed. In this study, based on the 354 geographical distribution records of S. invicta, combined with 24 environmental factors, the suitable areas of S. invicta growth in China under current (2000s) and future (2030s and 2050s) climate scenarios (SSPs1-2.5s, SSPs2-3.5s and SSPs5-8.5s) were predicted by using the optimized MaxEnt model and geo-detector model. An iterative algorithm and knife-cut test were used to evaluate the important environmental factors that restrict the suitable area under the current climatic conditions. This study also used the response curve to determine the appropriate value of environmental factors to further predict the change and the center of gravity transfer of the suitable area under climate change. The optimized MaxEnt model has high prediction accuracy, and the working curve area (AUC) of the subjects is 0.974. Under climatic conditions, the suitable area is 81.37 × 104 km2 in size and is mainly located in the south and southeast of China. The main environmental factors affecting the suitable area are temperature (Bio1, Bio6, and Bio9), precipitation (Bio12 and Bio14) and NDVI. In future climate change scenarios, the total suitable area will spread to higher latitudes. This distribution will provide an important theoretical basis for relevant departments to rapidly prevent and control the invasion of S. invicta.
Biobased Waterborne Polyurethane-Ureas Modified with POSS-OH for Fluorine-Free Hydrophobic Textile Coatings

Waterborne polyurethane-urea dispersions (WPUD), which are based on fully biobased amorphous polyester polyol and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), have been successfully synthesized obtaining a finishing agent that provides textiles with an enhanced hydrophobicity and water column. Grafting of trans-cyclohexanediol isobutyl POSS (POSS-OH) to the biobased polymer backbone has also been investigated for the first time and its properties compared to a standard chain extender, 1,3-propanediol (PDO). The chemical structure of WPUD has been characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The thermal properties have been evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Mechanical properties have been studied by tensile stress–strain analysis. Moreover, the particle size, particle size distribution (PSD), and stability of developed waterborne dispersions have been assessed by dynamic light scattering (DLS), Z-potential, storage aging tests, and accelerated aging tests by analytical centrifuge (LUM). Subsequently, selected fabrics have been face-coated by the WPUD using the knife coating method and their properties have been assessed by measuring the water contact angle (WCA), oil contact angle (OCA), water column, fabric stiffness, air permeability, and water vapor resistance (breathability). Finally, the surface morphology and elemental composition of uncoated and coated fabrics have been studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), respectively. All of the synthesized polyurethane-ureas provided the coated substrates with a remarkable hydrophobicity and water column, resulting in a more sustainable alternative to waterproof coatings based on fluoropolymers, such as PTFE. Grafting POSS-OH to the polymeric backbone has led to textile coatings with enhanced hydrophobicity, maintaining thermal, mechanical, and water column properties, giving rise to multifunctional coatings that are highly demanded in protective workwear and technical textiles.
Anti-Biofilm Activity of Cannabigerol against Streptococcus mutans

Streptococcus mutans is a common cariogenic bacterium in the oral cavity involved in plaque formation. Previous studies showed that Cannabigerol (CBG) has bacteriostatic and bacteriocidic activity against S. mutans. The aim of the present study was to study its effect on S. mutans biofilm formation and dispersion. S. mutans was cultivated in the presence of CBG, and the resulting biofilms were examined by CV staining, MTT assay, qPCR, biofilm tracer, optical profilometry, and SEM. Gene expression was determined by real-time qPCR, extracellular polysaccharide (EPS) production was determined by Congo Red, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were determined using DCFH-DA. CBG prevented the biofilm formation of S. mutans shown by reduced biofilm biomass, decreased biofilm thickness, less EPS production, reduced DNA content, diminished metabolic activity, and increased ROS levels. CBG altered the biofilm roughness profile, resulting in a smoother biofilm surface. When treating preformed biofilms, CBG reduced the metabolic activity of S. mutans with a transient effect on the biomass. CBG reduced the expression of various genes involved in essential metabolic pathways related to the cariogenic properties of S. mutans biofilms. Our data show that CBG has anti-biofilm activities against S. mutans and might be a potential drug for preventive treatment of dental caries.
Developing Functional Relationships between Soil Waterlogging and Corn Shoot and Root Growth and Development

Short- and long-term waterlogging conditions impact crop growth and development, preventing crops from reaching their true genetic potential. Two experiments were conducted using a pot-culture facility to better understand soil waterlogging impacts on corn growth and development. Two corn hybrids were grown in 2017 and 2018 under ambient sunlight and temperature conditions. Waterlogging durations of 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 days were imposed at the V2 growth stage. Morphological (growth and development) and pigment estimation data were collected 15 days after treatments were imposed, 23 days after sowing. As waterlogging was imposed, soil oxygen rapidly decreased until reaching zero in about 8–10 days; upon the termination of the treatments, the oxygen levels recovered to the level of the 0 days treatment within 2 days. Whole-plant dry weight declined as the waterlogging duration increased, and after 2 days of waterlogging, a 44% and 27% decline was observed in experiments 1 and 2, respectively. Leaf area and root volume showed an exponential decay similar to the leaf and root dry weight. Leaf number and plant height were the least sensitive measured parameters and decreased linearly in both experiments. Root forks were the most sensitive parameter after 14 days of waterlogging in both experiments, declining by 83% and 80% in experiments 1 and 2, respectively. The data from this study improve our understanding of how corn plants react to increasing durations of waterlogging. In addition, the functional relationships generated from this study could enhance current corn simulation models for field applications.
Management of COVID-19 Patients in the Emergency Department

COVID-19 is an emerging disease of global public health concern. As the pandemic overwhelmed emergency departments (EDs), a restructuring of emergency care delivery became necessary in many hospitals. Furthermore, with more than 2000 papers being published each week, keeping up with ever-changing information has proven to be difficult for emergency physicians. The aim of the present review is to provide emergency physician with a summary of the current literature regarding the management of COVID-19 patients in the emergency department.
The Pattern of Uveitis in a Pediatric Population at a Tertiary Center in Thailand

ABSTRACT Purpose To describe the clinical characteristics and longitudinal pattern of visual acuity (VA) of pediatric patients with uveitis at a tertiary center in Thailand. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the records of children with uveitis ≤16 years who presented to the clinic between January 2010 and June 2020. Results The mean age at onset was 9.1(±4.3) years; the main characteristics were chronic (64.4%), unilateral (68.6%), and panuveitis (39%). The common etiologies were ocular toxoplasmosis (11.9%), herpetic uveitis (10.2%), and ocular toxocariasis (6.8%). Further, 40% of the eyes presented with VA of ≤20/200; mean VA at baseline improved from 0.93 to 0.72 logMAR at 3 months after presentation (P < .001), the baseline VA of ≤20/200 was significantly associated with poor VA outcome at 1 year. Conclusion Chronic, unilateral, and panuveitis represented the majority of our children with uveitis. Infectious etiology was common. Significant VA improvement can be achieved with optimum management.
Copper and Copper/Zn Ratio in a Series of Children with Chronic Diseases: A Cross-Sectional Study

Copper is an essential micronutrient for humans. A cross-sectional and comparative study was done to assess serum Cu levels and serum copper/zinc (Cu/Zn) ratio and its association with nutritional indicators in a series of children and adolescents with chronic diseases. Anthropometric, biochemical, dietary, body composition, and bone densitometry assessments were carried out. Serum Cu and Zn were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Seventy-eight patients (55% women) participated. The mean serum Cu in the entire series and by nutritional status through body mass index (BMI) was normal. Serum Cu decreased significantly with age and was meaningfully higher in children than in adolescents. The risk of finding altered Cu levels in children and men was higher than in adolescents and women, respectively. Twenty-two per cent of patients had abnormal serum copper levels, 13 had hypercupremia, and four had hypocupremia. The Cu/Zn ratio was greater than 1.00 for 87% of the patients, which is an indicator of an inflammatory state. All patients with hypozincemia and hypocupremia had deficient Zn intake, but only 65% of the patients with hypercupremia had dietary Zn deficiency. Consequently, the Cu/Zn ratio could indicate an inflammatory state and a high risk of zinc deficiency in this specific child population.
Aflatoxin B1 Toxicity in Zebrafish Larva (Danio rerio): Protective Role of Hericium erinaceus

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a secondary metabolite produced by fungi of the genus Aspergillus, has been found among various foods as well as in fish feed. However, the effects of AFB1 on fish development and its associated toxic mechanism are still unclear. In the present study, we confirmed the morphological alterations in zebrafish embryos and larvae after exposure to different AFB1 doses as well as the oxidative stress pathway that is involved. Furthermore, we evaluated the potentially protective effect of Hericium erinaceus extract, one of the most characterized fungal extracts, with a focus on the nervous system. Treating the embryos 6 h post fertilization (hpf) with AFB1 at 50 and 100 ng/mL significantly increased oxidative stress and induced malformations in six-day post-fertilization (dpf) zebrafish larvae. The evaluation of lethal and developmental endpoints such as hatching, edema, malformations, abnormal heart rate, and survival rate were evaluated after 96 h of exposure. Hericium inhibited the morphological alterations of the larvae as well as the increase in oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation. In conclusion: our study suggests that a natural extract such as Hericium may play a partial role in promoting antioxidant defense systems and may contrast lipid peroxidation in fish development by counteracting the AFB1 toxicity mechanism.
Measurement of Tissue Oximetry in Standing Unsedated and Sedated Horses

Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) noninvasively measures peripheral tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) and may be useful to detect early changes in StO2 in anaesthetized and critically ill horses. This study aimed to identify the muscle belly that provided the highest percentage of successful StO2 readings and the highest mean StO2 value. Fifty adult horses were enrolled in a prospective controlled study. StO2 was measured at six different muscles in each horse, for each intervention: hair overlying the muscle was clipped (post clipping: PC), clipped skin was cleaned with chlorhexidine (post-surgical prepping: PP) and medetomidine was administered intravenously (post medetomidine: PM). Mean StO2 values were calculated for each muscle, and a linear effects model was used to assess the effect of muscle group and intervention on StO2. The sartorius muscle gave the highest percentage of successful StO2 values (p < 0.001) and the highest mean (90% CI) StO2 values for the PC, PP and PM interventions. Surgical prepping of the skin increased the success for measurement of StO2 values. For all muscles, administration of medetomidine was associated with lower StO2 values (p < 0.001). In conclusion, of the muscles examined, the sartorius muscle may be the preferred muscle to measure StO2 in horses, and clipping and cleaning of the probe placement site is recommended.