Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Barley HISTIDINE KINASE 1 (HvHK1) coordinates transfer cell specification in the young endosperm.

The cereal endosperm represents the most important source of world's food production; nevertheless, molecular mechanisms underlying cell and tissue differentiation in cereal grains remain poorly understood. Endosperm cellularization commences at the maternal-filial intersection of grains and generates the endosperm transfer cells (ETCs), a cell type with a prominent anatomy optimized for efficient nutrient transport. Barley HISTIDINE KINASE1 (HvHK1) was identified as a receptor component with spatially restricted expression in the syncytial endosperm where ETCs emerge. Here, we demonstrate its function in ETC fate acquisition by using RNAi-mediated downregulation of HvHK1. Repression of HvHK1 impairs cell specification in the central ETC region, development of the transfer cell morphology and consecutively, defects differentiation of adjacent endosperm tissues. Coinciding with reduced HvHK1 expression, disturbed cell plate formation and fusion was observed at the initiation of endosperm cellularization revealing that HvHK1 triggers initial cytokinesis of ETCs. Cell-type specific RNA-seq confirmed loss of transfer cell identity, compromised cell wall biogenesis and reduced transport capacities in aberrant cells and elucidated two-component signaling (TCS) and hormone pathways that are mediated by HvHK1. Gene regulatory network modeling was used to specify direct targets of HvHK1 and predicted non-canonical auxin signaling elements as main regulatory links that govern cellularization of ETCs potentially through interaction with type-B response regulators. The work provides clues on previously unknown molecular mechanisms directing ETC specification, a process with fundamental impact on grain yield in cereals.
Hyaluronic acid for the treatment of airway diseases in children: Little evidence for few indications

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is major physiological component of the extracellular matrix, which, in its high molecular weight form (HMW‐HA) has anti‐inflammatory properties. The diffusion of many different medical devices for inhalation therapy containing HA has led to an increase in their prescription, also in children. Here, we systematically review the published evidence on the efficacy and safety of HA for the treatment of upper and lower airway diseases in childhood.
Características quantitativas e qualitativas da carcaça de novilhas alimentadas com diferentes fontes energéticas em dietas à base de cascas de algodão e de soja

This work was carried out to evaluate carcass characteristics, physicochemical and fatty acids compositions of Longissimus muscle from feedlot heifers fed cottonseed hulls (CSH) and soybean hulls (SBH) as forage, and different energy sources: ground corn (COR), corn germ meal (CGM) or whole rice meal (WRM). Twenty-four crossbred heifers (initial body weight of 350 ± 35 kg) were allocated in a completely randomized design into three treatments (diets) and eight replications (animals). Heifers were slaughtered after a 24-hour fasting period. Carcasses were identified, weighed and stored in a cold chamber at 2oC until following morning in order to perform carcass evaluations. The animals fed the experimental diets did not differ as carcass characteristics, the average values for hot carcass dressing were 51.4%, the loin eye area, 50.8 cm2, and fat thickness, 3.3 mm. The diets also did not influenced the physicochemical composition of Longissimus muscle, which showed 73.4% of moisture, 23.0% CP, 48.2 mg/100 g of cholesterol and 4.84 kgf/cm3 of shear force. Animals fed with CGM diet showed higher concentrations of CLA (0.48%), trans-vaccenic acid (7.69%) and worse omega 6/omega 3 ratio in the Longissimus muscle, due to the higher supply of linoleic acid provided by this diet as compared to the others. Animals fed WRM diet presented higher concentration of stearic acid in the Longissimus muscle, probably as a result of the higher content of oleic acid in this diet.
Dogs and pigs are transport hosts of Necator americanus: Molecular evidence for a zoonotic mechanism of human hookworm transmission in Ghana

Hookworm infection (Necator americanus and Ancylostoma spp) causes significant morbidity in resource‐limited countries. Dog and pig ownership is associated with human infection, although the mechanism through which animals increase risk remains unknown. We first confirmed this association in Kintampo North, Ghana, using a retrospective analysis and serology, followed by a prospective molecular study of animal faeces. As a proxy of exposure to dog faeces, we analysed immunoreactivity of human serum to the zoonotic nematode Toxocara canis. Anti‐Toxocara antibodies were present in 62% of samples (n = 89), and reactivity was associated with dog ownership. A subsequent prospective study revealed that 43% of dog and 56% of pig faecal samples contained hookworm eggs by microscopy. PCR analysis confirmed the presence of N. americanus DNA in 47% of samples from dogs and 56% pig samples. Nematode larvae were successfully cultured from samples collected from 36 dogs and seven pigs. These results demonstrate that dogs and pigs have a likely role in the transmission of N. americanus in endemic communities.
Pathological and Molecular Characterization of H5 Avian Influenza Virus in Poultry Flocks from Egypt over a Ten-Year Period (2009–2019)

Simple Summary Avian influenza virus (H5) remains one of the challenging zoonotic viruses in Egypt. Our study investigated the occurrence of this virus among chickens from Dakhalia governorate, Egypt over ten years through histopathological examination and molecular characterization of the virus. The molecular characterization was followed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the positive samples. Importantly, we have reported several interesting pathological changes and high occurrence of the H5 avian influenza virus, the phylogenetic analysis revealed that positive samples were aligned with several Egyptian sub clades. Clearly, our study concludes the widespread of the virus among poultry flocks in Egypt and suggests further future research aims to develop an efficient surveillance program with investigation into the effectiveness of the implemented control measures for controlling this disease of public health concern. Abstract Avian influenza virus (AIV) remains one of the enzootic zoonotic diseases that challenges the poultry industry in Egypt. In the present study, a total of 500 tissue samples were collected from 100 chicken farms (broilers and layers) suspected to be infected with AIV through the period from 2009 to 2019 from Dakahlia governorate, Egypt. These samples were pooled in 100 working samples and screened for AIV then the positive samples were subjected to histopathological examination combined with real time-polymerase chain reaction (RRT-PCR). RRT-PCR positive samples were also subjected to conventional reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for detection of H5 AIV and some of these resulting positive samples were sequenced for detection of the molecular nature of the studied virus. Interestingly, the histopathological examination revealed necrotic liver with leukocytic infiltration with degenerative changes with necrotic pancreatitis, edema, and intense lymphoid depletion of splenic tissue and hyperplastic tracheal epithelium. Likewise, edema and congested sub mucosal blood vessels and intense bronchial necrosis with hyalinized wall vascular wall and heterophils infiltration were reported. Pneumonic areas with intense leukocytic aggregation mainly and vasculitis of the pulmonary blood vessels were also detected in lung. Collectively, these significant pathological changes in examined tissues cohered with AIV infection. Regarding the molecular characterization, 66 samples were positive for AIV by RRT-PCR and 52 of them were positive for H5 AIV by RT-PCR. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that the H5 viruses identified in this study were aligned with other Egyptian H5N1 AIVs in the Egyptian sub clade 2.2. 1, while some of the identified strains were aligned with other Egyptian H5N8 strains in the new Egyptian sub clade 2.3. 4.4. Taken together, our present findings emphasize the wide spread of AIV in Egypt and the importance of developing an efficient surveillance and periodical screening program for controlling such disease of public health concern.
A new species of Passiflora L. (Passifloraceae), from Espírito Santo, Brazil

In this paper we describe and illustrate Passiflora junqueirae , a new species for the Brazilian flora. The new species was collected in the Caparao National Park, Espirito Santo, Brazil, and belongs to the genus Passiflora , subgenus Passiflora , supersection Stipulata , section Granadillastrum .
Spore Morphology in Relation to Phylogeny in the Fern Genus Elaphoglossum (Dryopteridaceae)

The perispore structure of Elaphoglossum was studied using a scanning electron microscope. Of the species examined, 119 corresponded to those used in a previously published phylogenetic analysis of the genus based on two chloroplast noncoding DNA regions, trnL‐trnF and rps4‐trnS. The spores of 102 additional species were examined for comparative purposes. Five perispore characters were scored for each species and optimized onto the previously published molecular tree. The morphology of the perispore and its character state changes are described and discussed in a phylogenetic context. Synapomorphies for major clades within the genus were identified, such as spines for the Neotropical species of sect. Squamipedia and perforations, spines, and cristae for subsect. Pachyglossa and a large subclade within sect. Setosa. This study is the largest done on perispore morphology in relation to phylogeny in a genus of ferns. Spore images of all species studied are available at http://www.plantsystematics. org.
Measuring intrarater association between correlated ordinal ratings

Variability between raters' ordinal scores is commonly observed in imaging tests, leading to uncertainty in the diagnostic process. In breast cancer screening, a radiologist visually interprets mammograms and MRIs, while skin diseases, Alzheimer's disease, and psychiatric conditions are graded based on clinical judgment. Consequently, studies are often conducted in clinical settings to investigate whether a new training tool can improve the interpretive performance of raters. In such studies, a large group of experts each classify a set of patients' test results on two separate occasions, before and after some form of training with the goal of assessing the impact of training on experts' paired ratings. However, due to the correlated nature of the ordinal ratings, few statistical approaches are available to measure association between raters' paired scores. Existing measures are restricted to assessing association at just one time point for a single screening test. We propose here a novel paired kappa to provide a summary measure of association between many raters' paired ordinal assessments of patients' test results before versus after rater training. Intrarater association also provides valuable insight into the consistency of ratings when raters view a patient's test results on two occasions with no intervention undertaken between viewings. In contrast to existing correlated measures, the proposed kappa is a measure that provides an overall evaluation of the association among multiple raters' scores from two time points and is robust to the underlying disease prevalence. We implement our proposed approach in two recent breast‐imaging studies and conduct extensive simulation studies to evaluate properties and performance of our summary measure of association.
Componentes de (co)variância e parâmetros genéticos para caracteres produtivos à desmama de bezerros Angus criados no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul

(Co) variance components and genetic parameters for birth weight (BW), adjusted weaning gain (AWG) and for conformation (WC), precocity (WP), muscling (WM) and size (WS) scores at weaning were estimated, from records of 40,915 Angus calves, raised in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. From that data, 12,706 had birth weight records and 11,863 had complete records for visual scores (VS). The data were analyzed using an animal model, in uni and multivariate analyses, and the variance components estimated by restrict maximum likelihood. The direct additive heritabilities estimated were 0.29, 0.25, 0.18, 0.19, 0.19 and 0.21, respectively for BW, AWG, WC, WP, WM and WS. Maternal heritability for AWG was 0.16 and genetic correlation between direct and maternal effects was ¾0. 51. This high negative correlation indicates antagonism between these effects and decreases total heritability for AWG to 0.18. The contribution of dam permanent environment to phenotypic variance was between a minimum of 0.05 for BW and a maximum of 0.12 for AWG. Genetic correlation between BW and AWG was ¾0. 06, showing that these traits are genetically non-dependent. The genetic correlations found between AWG and VS were from 0.71 to 0.86, and among VS traits from 0.58 to 0.91. These positive associations among VS traits and these with pre-weaning growth phase, support the simultaneous selection of these traits, by means of selection indexes.
The effect of ionic liquid media on activity, selectivity and stability of Candida antarctica lipase B in transesterification reactions

Nineteen different 1,3-dialkylimidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) were used as reaction media for the synthesis of butyl butyrate by transesterification from vinyl butyrate and 1-butanol catalyzed by Candida antarctica lipase B (CaLB). The reaction was also carried out in hexane as a reference solvent. In all the water-immiscible ILs assayed, the enzymatic activity and selectivity were higher than that obtained in hexane. However, in water-miscible ILs, the activity was lower than in the reference solvent, although they showed >99.99% selectivity. Two solvent properties, hydrophobicity and nucleophilicity, were considered key parameters for analyzing the behavior of CaLB in ILs. In the case of ILs based on the same anion, the synthetic activity was gradually enhanced by increasing cation hydrophobicity. Furthermore, the activity of CaLB was greater in ILs containing anions of lower nucleophilicity. Stability studies indicate that CaLB exhibited greater stability in water-immiscible ILs than in water-miscible ILs.
Improved treatment of community-acquired pneumonia through tailored interventions: Results from a controlled, multicentre quality improvement project

Background Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is one of the leading causes of healthcare utilisation and death worldwide. Treatment according to evidence-based clinical guidelines can reduce mortality, antibiotic exposure and length of hospital stay related to CAP. Local problem Several studies, including a pilot study from one of our sites, indicate that physicians show a low grade of guideline adherence when managing patients with CAP. Methods To improve the guideline-based treatment of patients with CAP admitted to hospital, we designed a quality improvement study. Four process indicators were combined in a CAP care bundle: chest X-ray, CURB-65 severity score, lower respiratory tract samples and antibiotics within 8 hours from admission. After a 4-month baseline period, we applied multiple interventions at three hospitals during 8 months. Progression in our process indicators was measured continuously and compared with a control site without interventions. After the 8-month intervention period, we continued with a 4-month follow-up period to assess the sustainability of the improvements. Results The care bundle utilisation rate within 8 hours increased from 11% at baseline to 41% in the follow-up period at the intervention sites, whereas it remained below 3% at the control site. The most considerable improvements have been observed regarding documentation of CURB-65 (34% at baseline, 68% at follow-up) and the collection of lower respiratory tract samples (43% at baseline, 63% at follow-up). Conclusion Our study has demonstrated poor adherence to CAP guidelines at all sites at baseline. After implementing multiple tailored interventions, guideline adherence increased substantially. In conclusion, we recommend that CAP guidelines should be actively adapted in order to be followed in a daily routine.
Prognostic implications of left ventricular myocardial work indices in cardiac amyloidosis.

AIMS Left ventricular (LV) myocardial work index (LVMWI) derived from pressure-strain analysis resembles a novel non-invasive method for LV function evaluation. LV global longitudinal strain (LVGLS) has proven beneficial for risk stratification in cardiac amyloidosis (CA) patients. This study aimed to evaluate the potential additive value of LVMWI for outcome prediction in CA patients. METHODS AND RESULTS We enrolled 100 CA patients in the period 2014-19 from Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark and Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden. All patients underwent comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation and were prospectively followed until censuring date on 31 March 2019 or death. During follow-up, we registered major adverse cardiac events (MACE) comprising heart failure requiring hospitalization and all-cause mortality. The median follow-up was 490 (228-895) days. During follow-up, a total of 42% of patients experienced MACE and 29% died. Patients with LVMWI <1043 mmHg% had higher MACE risk than patients with LVMWI >1043 mmHg% [hazard ratio (HR) 2.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2-4.3; P = 0.01]. Furthermore, patients with LVMWI <1039 mmHg% also had higher all-cause mortality risk than patients with LVMWI >1039 mmHg% (HR 2.6, 95% CI 1.2-5.5; P < 0.05). Moreover, the apical-to-basal segmental work ratio was a significant MACE and all-cause mortality predictor. By combining LVMWI and apical-to-basal segmental work ratio, we obtained an independent model for all-cause mortality prediction (high vs. low risk: HR 6.4, 95% CI 2.4-17.1; P < 0.0001). In contrast, LVGLS did not predict all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION LV myocardial work may be of prognostic value in CA patients by predicting both MACE and all-cause mortality.
The effectiveness of HPV16 and HPV18 genotyping and cytology with different thresholds for the triage of human papillomavirus-based screening on self-collected samples

Background/Objective Human papillomavirus (HPV) genotyping and cytology have been recommended for colposcopy triage, but it is unclear which combinations of high-risk HPV (hrHPV) types and cytology with various thresholds provide clinically useful information for the triage after primary HPV screening on self-collected samples. Method Chinese Multi-site Screening Trial (CHIMUST) database focused on self-collected samples was reviewed using the results of Cobas4800 HPV assay. Absolute risks of each genotype for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia 2 or worse/ 3 or worse (CIN2+/CIN3+) were calculated. Triage of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) or worse cytology was used as the comparator, and diagnostic accuracy for paired comparisons between algorithms was obtained using McNemar’s test. Results A total of 10, 498 women were included, the overall prevalence of hrHPV, HPV16, HPV18, and Other hrHPV genotypes were 13.7%, 2.4%, 0.8%, and 10.5%, respectively. HPV16-positive women had the highest absolute risk among various genotypes for CIN2+/CIN3+ whether in normal or abnormal cytology (ASCUS or worse) and among all age groups. When compared with the comparator, combining HPV16 positivity and/or high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) or worse yielded higher specificity (97.7% vs. 97.0%, p<0.0001), similar sensitivity (90.7% vs. 96.3%, p = 0.256) for detection of CIN3+, and a decrease in colposcopy referral rate from 3.5% to 2.7%, similar results were found for CIN2+. Positivity for HPV16 and/or (ASCUS or worse), and positivity for (HPV16 and/or HPV18) and/or (ASCUS or worse) achieved favorable sensitivity compared with the comparator (80.6% and 81.3% vs. 70.1% respectively for CIN2+, p<0.0001; both 96.3% vs. 96.3% for CIN3+, p = 1.000), these algorithms would reduce the colposcopy referral rate to 5.0% and 5.6% respectively, compared with 13.7% of that for HPV alone. Conclusions Triage of HPV-positive women on self-collected samples by combining HPV16 or HPV16/18 genotyping with different thresholds of cytology could provide tradeoffs in sensitivity for detecting cervical lesions and colposcopy referral rates, and tailor management in various circumstances of clinical practice.
Feasible Policy Evaluation by Design: A Randomized Synthetic Stepped-Wedge Trial of Mandated Disclosure in King County

Evidence-based policy is limited by the perception that randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are expensive and infeasible. We argue that carefully tailored research design can overcome these challenges and enable more widespread randomized evaluations of policy implementation. We demonstrate how a stepped-wedge (randomized rollout) design that adapts synthetic control methods overcame substantial practical, administrative, political, and statistical constraints to evaluating King County’s new food safety rating system. The core RCT component of the evaluation came at little financial cost to the government, allowed the entire county to be treated, and resulted in no functional implementation delay. The case of restaurant sanitation grading has played a critical role in the scholarship on information disclosure, and our study provides the first evidence from a randomized trial of the causal effects of grading on health outcomes. We find that the grading system had no appreciable effects on foodborne illness, hospitalization, or food handling practices but that the system may have marginally increased public engagement by encouraging higher reporting.
Long peripheral catheters for intravenous access in adults and children: A systematic review of the literature

Background: Long peripheral catheters are peripheral intravenous catheters of 6–15 cm in length. They are commonly inserted into the forearm, antecubital fossa or upper arm using a direct Seldinger technique. They have proven to be valuable for peripheral intravenous catheters, particularly in patients with difficult intravenous access. Methods: We conducted a systematic review of studies reporting the use of long peripheral catheters. The following keywords were used: ‘long’, ‘Seldinger’, ‘guidewire’, ‘peripheral’, ‘venous’, ‘intravenous’, ‘IV’, ‘vascular’, ‘cannula’ and ‘catheter’. Results: Three hundred forty-one publications were identified; 16 were included in the systematic review. There were 11 adult studies and 5 paediatric studies documenting 1288 long peripheral catheters in 1271 patients. Majority of studies (12/16) were conducted in acute care settings, (emergency department, n = 6; intensive care unit, n = 3; high dependency unit, n = 1; surgical unit, n = 2). The most frequently studied long peripheral catheter was 8 cm in length and 20 G in size. Nine studies recruited patients with difficult intravenous access; 11 studies used ultrasound guidance. Insertion success rate and mean procedural time ranged between 86% and 100% and 8 and 16.8 minutes, respectively. Average catheter duration ranged between 4 and 14.7 days (mean) and 1.1 and 9 days (median). Catheter failure occurred in 4.3–52.5% of long peripheral catheters, with leakage, infiltration and dislodgement being the most frequent causes of failure. In 3 randomised controlled trials, long peripheral catheters outperformed peripheral intravenous catheters in terms of duration and failure rate. Conclusion: Long peripheral catheters are safe and reliable in both adults and children. In addition, long peripheral catheters may provide improved quality of care over peripheral intravenous catheters for multi-day intravenous therapy.