Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of a UHPLC-MS/MS method for quantification of the prodrug remdesivir and its metabolite GS-441524: a tool for clinical pharmacokinetics of SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 and Ebola virus disease

Abstract Background Remdesivir has received significant attention for its potential application in the treatment of COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2. Remdesivir has already been tested for Ebola virus disease treatment and found to have activity against SARS and MERS coronaviruses. The remdesivir core contains GS-441524, which interferes with RNA-dependent RNA polymerases alone. In non-human primates, following IV administration, remdesivir is rapidly distributed into PBMCs and converted within 2 h to the active nucleoside triphosphate form, while GS-441524 is detectable in plasma for up to 24 h. Nevertheless, remdesivir pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in humans are still unexplored, highlighting the need for a precise analytical method for remdesivir and GS-441524 quantification. Objectives The validation of a reliable UHPLC-MS/MS method for remdesivir and GS-441524 quantification in human plasma. Methods Remdesivir and GS-441524 standards and quality controls were prepared in plasma from healthy donors. Sample preparation consisted of protein precipitation, followed by dilution and injection into the QSight 220 UHPLC-MS/MS system. Chromatographic separation was obtained through an Acquity HSS T3 1.8 μm, 2.1 × 50 mm column, with a gradient of water and acetonitrile with 0.05% formic acid. The method was validated using EMA and FDA guidelines. Results Analyte stability has been evaluated and described in detail. The method successfully fulfilled the validation process and it was demonstrated that, when possible, sample thermal inactivation could be a good choice in order to improve biosafety. Conclusions This method represents a useful tool for studying remdesivir and GS-441524 clinical pharmacokinetics, particularly during the current COVID-19 outbreak.
Quantification analysis of lactate dehydrogenase and C-reactive protein in evaluation of the severity and prognosis of the acute pancreatitis.

To evaluate the value of C-reactive protein (CRP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in assessing the severity and prognosis of acute pancreatitis (AP). A retrospective analysis was performed with the clinical data of 115 AP patients who were delivered to this hospital between December 2012 and December 2017 for treatment, in which there were 76 patients with mild AP (MAP group) and 39 with moderately severe AP (MSAP) and severe AP (SAP) (non-MAP group). Within 24 h after admission, we detected the levels of CRP, LDH and amylase (AMY) in serum, and according to the sensitivity and specificity of CRP, LDH and AMY, as well as the SROC curve, we evaluated the diagnostic value of these indicators in assessing the severity of AP. In serum, the levels of CRP and LDH in the non-MAP group were significantly higher than those in the MAP group (P <0.05). And in predicting the development of AP, the sensitivity, specificity and accordance rate of CRP were 59.0%, 97.4% and 84.3%, with a cut-off value of 176.00 mg/L; for LDH, these indexes were 94.9%, 88.2% and 90.4%, with a cut-off value of 235.50 U/L. Thus, LDH, combined with the CRP can well predict the incidence rate of the MODS and mortality rate of AP. Finally, we conclude that within 24 h after admission, the levels of CRP and LDH in patients can serve as indicators for evaluating the severity and prognosis of AP.
The effect of dietary crude protein level on ileal and fecal amino acid digestibility in early‐weaned pigs

Zusammenfassung Der Einflus des Rohproteingehaltes in der Ration auf die ileale undfekale Aminosauren-Verdaulichkeit bei fruhabgesetzten Ferkeln Der Einflus des Rohproteingehaltes in der Ration auf die ileale und fekale Verdaulichkeit des Rohproteins und der Aminosauren wurde an 12 Ferkeln (Yorkshire × Landrasse), die nach drei Wochen abgesetzt wurden, untersucht. Die Ferkel waren mit einer einfachen T-Kanule am distalen Ileum versehen und erhielten vier Rationen auf der Basis von Maisstarke mit 16,5, 19,5, 22,5 und 25,5% Rohprotein aus Sojabohnenmehl. Die Ferkel wurden viermal taglich um 02.00, 08.00, 14.00 und 20.00 Uhr gefuttert und erhielten 5% (w/w) ihres durchschnittlichen Korpergewichtes, das jeweils am Beginn der Versuchsperiode ermittelt wurde. Jede Versuchsperiode umfaste 9 Tage. Kot wurde an Tag 6 und 7 gesammelt, ileale Digestaproben wurden an Tag 8 und 9 genommen. Zur Bestimmung der Verdaulichkeit wurde Chromoxid als Marker zugesetzt. Es konnten keine Unterschiede (P > 0,05) in den scheinbaren ilealen Verdaulichkeiten beim Rohprotein und bei den Aminosauren in Abhangigkeit vom Rohproteingehalt in der Ration beobachtet werden. Die durchschnittlichen ilealen Verdaulichkeiten fur die essentiellen Aminosauren lagen bei 84,2, 84,6, 83,3 und 83,2% mil 16,5, 19,5,22,5 und 25,5% Rohprotein. Auf der Basis einer polynomialen Regressionsanalyse fielen die ilealen Verdaulichkeiten der meisten Aminosauren linear (P 0,05).
To alert coinfection of COVID-19 and dengue virus in developing countries in the dengue-endemic area

Coronavirus disease 2019 (CoVID-19) is a new outbreak infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, which was originated from Wuhan in China and has now spread to the whole world. At the meantime, dengue was endemic in the Southeast Asia and South America, and a part of the patients shared the same symptoms, so, we write this paper to alert the clinicians to distinguish these two diseases.
THE WATER RELATIONS AND IRRIGATION REQUIREMENTS OF THE DATE PALM (Phoenix dactylifera L.): A REVIEW

SUMMARY Date palm is a crop suited to hot, arid regions. It originated in Mesopotamia and the centres of production are in West Asia and North Africa. Despite its regional and international importance, and its dependence on irrigation or a shallow water table for survival, relatively little research has been published on the water relations and irrigation need of date palm. Following early work in California, the majority of the recent research reported in the literature has been conducted in Saudi Arabia and Tunisia. The date palm has a terminal crown of 100–120 leaves. At the base of each leaf is an axillary bud, most of which develop in the winter as flower buds. It takes 150–200 days from pollination to fruit maturity. Stomata occur on both leaf surfaces. Different techniques have been used to measure the water use of date palm, including micrometeorological and sap flow methods. In Syria, mean actual evapotranspiration rates varied between 0.5 mm d−1 (winter) and 3.5 mm d−1 (summer), in Saudi Arabia from 2–3 to 8–11 mm d−1 depending on location and in Jordan from 2 to 8–10 mm d−1 respectively. In Tunisia, there was some (limited) evidence of stomatal control of transpiration rates (seasonal range 0.5 to 3.5 mm d−1) when temperatures exceeded 32 °C. Experimentally determined values of the crop coefficient were inconsistent, varying from 0.6–0.7 to 1.18. In the vicinity of an oasis, advection may increase potential water use substantially above that of a reference crop. In the absence of a shallow water table, roots can extract water from soil depths greater than 2 m. There is little published information on the water productivity of date palm. A target benchmark figure is probably about 1.3-kg fresh fruit m−3 of irrigation water applied. Under controlled conditions, phenotypes differed in their responses to water stress. The date palm is traditionally considered to be relatively salt-tolerant, with a threshold electrical conductivity value for the saturated soil extract of 4.0 dS m−1, but recent evidence from Israel suggests that this view may be mistaken. Since early times, flood irrigation has been used to irrigate date palm and it is still probably the most common method in many countries. Since the 1980s, farmers have been encouraged by governments to use localised irrigation methods (e.g. micro-sprinklers, drip and bubbler) as a means of saving water. Since water is a scarce resource in the West Asia and North Africa region, research should focus on developing ways to improve the water productivity of this high value crop.
Experimental Studies on the Biology of Capillaria obsignata Madsen, 1945, a Nematode Parasite of the Domestic Fowl

The life history and biology of C. obsignata in the domestic fowl is described and discussed, together with aspects of the host-parasite relationship. The development of the eggs is shown to be influenced by temperature, humidity, ultra violet radiation and other environmental conditions and these are related to the epidemiology of the parasite. The fowl is susceptible to the development of large numbers of worms, but shows some reaction to very large infective doses. The numbers of worms developing in the host are influenced by the size of the infection and by the age of the host. Large infections produce a consistent depression in weight gain and reduce the efficiency of food conversion. Pathological changes arising from experimental infections are described and compared with those observed in natural infections.
Improving the Quality of Swiss Cheese by Clarification of the Milk

Summary Experiments have demonstrated that clarification of milk produces a marked and consistent improvement in the quality of Swiss cheese. Studies were conducted of the properties of the cheese milk for the purpose of investigating the intermediate factors in the improvement in the cheese. Specific effects of clarification on milk include a decrease in the tendency of the fat to form aggregates upon standing, removal of a large proportion of the leucocytes from mastitis milk, an increase in the rate of multiplication of starter organisms and improvement in results of fermentation tests, an increase in concentration of oxygen and decrease of carbon dioxide, an increase in the rate at which the oxidation-reduction potential changes at 30° C. , and a slight decrease in stability to alcohol. Specific effects of the process on the properties of the cheese include a marked decrease in number and increase in size and uniformity of eyes, an increase in the firmness of the cheese and in the incidence of the glaesler defect, an increase in the rate of multiplication of starter organisms and of acid formation, a decrease in moisture content and in yield of cheese, and an increase in the fat loss in the whey. The effects of clarification on properties of milk and on properties and quality of cheese were found to be diminished by clarifying the milk at a relatively low temperature and with a relatively slow bowl speed; they were increased by decreasing the rate of flow of milk through the bowl by one-half, and by increasing the temperature from 21° to 32° C. The beneficial effects of clarification of milk for cheesemaking were especially pronounced in the case of mastitis milk. Of the intermediate factors in the improvement of quality of clarified milk cheese, those that appear most significant are a decrease in aggregation of the fat globules, an increase in oxygen and decrease in carbon dioxide, improvement in effectiveness of starters, and a reduction in leucocytes when present in large numbers.
Sex Differences in Symptom Presentation in Acute Coronary Syndromes: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis

Background Timely recognition of patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is important for successful treatment. Previous research has suggested that women with ACS present with different symptoms compared with men. This review assessed the extent of sex differences in symptom presentation in patients with confirmed ACS. Methods and Results A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane up to June 2019. Two reviewers independently screened title‐abstracts and full‐texts according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. Pooled odds ratios (OR) with 95% CI of a symptom being present were calculated using aggregated and cumulative meta‐analyses as well as sex‐specific pooled prevalences for each symptom. Twenty‐seven studies were included. Compared with men, women with ACS had higher odds of presenting with pain between the shoulder blades (OR 2.15; 95% CI, 1.95–2.37), nausea or vomiting (OR 1.64; 95% CI, 1.48–1.82) and shortness of breath (OR 1.34; 95% CI, 1.21–1.48). Women had lower odds of presenting with chest pain (OR 0.70; 95% CI, 0.63–0.78) and diaphoresis (OR 0.84; 95% CI, 0.76–0.94). Both sexes presented most often with chest pain (pooled prevalences, men 79%; 95% CI, 72–85, pooled prevalences, women 74%; 95% CI, 72–85). Other symptoms also showed substantial overlap in prevalence. The presence of sex differences has been established since the early 2000s. Newer studies did not materially change cumulative findings. Conclusions Women with ACS do have different symptoms at presentation than men with ACS, but there is also considerable overlap. Since these differences have been shown for years, symptoms should no longer be labeled as “atypical” or “typical. ”
Association of HPV35 with cervical carcinogenesis among women of African ancestry: Evidence of viral‐host interaction with implications for disease intervention

HPV35 has been found in only ∼2% of invasive cervical cancers (ICC) worldwide but up to 10% in Sub‐Saharan Africa, warranting further investigation and consideration of impact on preventive strategies. We studied HPV35 and ethnicity, in relation to the known steps in cervical carcinogenesis, using multiple large epidemiologic studies in the U.S. and internationally. Combining five U.S. studies, we measured HPV35 positivity and, in Northern California, observed HPV35 type‐specific population prevalence and estimated 5‐year risk of developing precancer when HPV35‐positive. HPV35 genetic variation was examined for differences in carcinogenicity in 1053 HPV35+ cervical specimens from a U.S. cohort and an international collection. African‐American women had more HPV35 (12.1% vs 5.1%, P < .001) and more HPV35‐associated precancers (7.4% vs 2.1%, P < .001) compared to other ethnicities. Precancer risks after HPV35 infection did not vary by ethnicity (global P = .52). The HPV35 A2 sublineage showed an increased association with precancer/cancer in African‐Americans (OR = 5.6 vs A1, 95% CI = 1.3‐24.8) and A2 was more prevalent among ICC in Africa than other world regions (41.9% vs 10.4%, P < .01). Our analyses support a strong link between HPV35 and cervical carcinogenesis in women of African ancestry. Current HPV vaccines cover the majority of cervical precancer/cancer across all ethnic groups; additional analyses are required to determine whether the addition of HPV35 to the already highly effective nine‐valent HPV vaccine would provide better protection for women in Africa or of African ancestry.
Vaginal Dilator and Pelvic Floor Exercises for Vaginal Stenosis, Sexual Health and Quality of Life among Cervical Cancer Patients Treated with Radiation: Clinical Report

Abstract This clinical report aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the combination of vaginal dilator (VD) and pelvic floor muscle exercises (PFME) on vaginal stenosis, sexual health and quality of life among women undergoing radiotherapy treatment for cervical cancer; PFME were instructed prior to radiotherapy with six-month follow-up. An intention-to-treat analysis was performed for the 28 women. At four-months after radiotherapy, most of the women (90.9%) maintained/increased one size of the VD and were sexually active (81.8%). Adherence to VD was high. Regarding quality of life, there was more limitation in emotional functioning. VD and PFME were effective at preventing stenosis.
Risk assessment in conservation biology

A framework for risk assessment. A probabilistic framework. Causes of Extinction. Summary. White rhinoceros on Ndumu. Formulating a birth-and death model. Parameters and initial condition. The deterministic prediction. Adding demographic stochasticity. Introducing a population ceiling. Removing constant numbers. Environmental variation. Risk Assessment. Summary. Useful methods when data are scarce. The Exonential model for population growth. Density dependence, the logistic equation and magpie geese. Other forms of density dependence. A model for suburban shrews. More about unstructured models. Summary. Structured populations. Age structure. The Leslie matrix. Stage structure. Simulating variability. Correlation and authocorrelation. Migration and dispersal. Density and dependence. Conclusion. Summary. Spatial structure and metapopulation dynamics. Conservation of spatial structure. Occupancy models. Population dynamic model. Summary. Conservation genetics. Consequences of loss of genetic diversity. Drift, risk and genetic diversity. The effects of inbreeding on population dynamics. Stochastic model for Banksia Cunteata. The genetics of metapopulations. Summary. Extensions of risk assessment. Appendices. Reference. Index. Conclusions. Random numbers. Random events and correlated random numbers. More about sensitivity analysis. References. Index.
Lepidopteran herbivory in restored and successional sites in a tropical dry forest

Abstract To determine if ecological restoration is a feasible practice that can accelerate the recovery of biodiversity and ecological processes, we evaluated the reestablishment of the lepidopteran larval community and rates of herbivory in a site in secondary succession and a restored site in the Chamela-Cuixmala Region, Mexico. Species richness and abundance of lepidopterans were similar at both sites; however, there was a strong difference in composition of species. Only 27% of species were shared between sites; however, Simpson's diversity indices were not different between sites. Rates of herbivory and percentage of consumption of leaves by herbivores in two species of trees, Apoplanesia paniculata (Leguminosae) and Heliocarpus pallidus (Tiliaceae), were equivalent between sites. Restoration of tropical dry forests appears to be feasible, and this practice is helping to reestablish the lepidopteran larval community associated with the vegetation and, more importantly, also is reestablishing the ecological process of herbivory.
Head and Neck Tumor Resection and Free Flap Reconstruction in Low-Volume Center

Objective: To determine the surgical outcomes of free tissue transfer surgery following head and neck tumor extirpation in a low-volume medical center. Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients who underwent free tissue transfer surgery for head and neck cancer at Moanalua Medical Center from 2015 to 2018. Main Outcome of Measure: Free flap failure rate and free flap-related complications. Results: From 2015 to 2018, there were 27 free tissue transfer surgery (mean 6.75 flap surgery/year). There were 2 events of partial flap necrosis, and no cases of total flap loss. One patient required leech therapy for venous congestion. One patient required additional free flap surgery. Two patients developed orocutaneous fistula that resolved with local wound care. One patient developed malocclusion following mandible reconstruction using fibular free flap. Overall free flap success rate was 96%. Conclusion: This study supports the ability of small-volume centers to produce positive outcomes with few complications in head and neck cancer free flap reconstructive surgery. While the data are limited to a single surgical team in one care center, it provides additional support for the idea that there are factors beyond the surgical volume that determine outcome.
Caprimulgiform birds from the Middle Eocene of Messel (Hessen, Germany)

ABSTRACT The Middle Eocene caprimulgiform birds of Messel (Hessen, Germany) are described. The three known species belong to two higher taxa within the Caprimulgiformes. The new genus and species Masillapodargus longipes is the earliest and most substantial fossil record of the Podargidae, a family which is today confined to Australasia. Masillapodargus longipes mainly differs from the two recent genera in the narrower beak, the wider pars symphysialis of the mandible, and in having longer legs. The Preficinae Olson, 1987 (so far only comprising the Lower Eocene species Prefica nivea) are represented by two species belonging to the new genus Paraprefica (Paraprefica kelleri, sp. nov. and Paraprefica major, sp. nov.). The phylogenetic affinities of the Preficinae need further investigation as at present their classification into the Steatornithidae (Olson, 1987) can only be supported with the extremely abbreviated tarsometatarsus which however differs trenchantly in details of its morphology between the tw.
Evidence of Pre‐mating Reproductive Isolation in Two Allopatric Populations of the Vlei Rat, Otomys irroratus

Laboratory experiments were undertaken to ascertain whether or not individuals of two allopatric Otomys irroratus populations (Kamberg and Karkloof) distinguish between mates from the same (homotype) and the other (heterotype) population. The study aimed to establish the existence of pre-mating reproductive isolation mechanisms between the two populations. In both ‘whole-animal choice’ trials and olfactory discrimination tests, all females significantly preferred homotype stimulus males or odour. Although males of both populations preferred homotype females, males were less discriminating at the start of experiments, possibly because of increased exploratory drive at this time. Furthermore, Kamberg males demonstrated equal preference for both stimulus females during the dark phase of the light cycle; no explanation is given for this phenomenon. Overall, the results indicate the existence of population-specific courtship behaviour, with olfactory cues apparently playing an important role in mate recognition. It is therefore possible that, should representatives of the two populations meet in nature, they may be reproductively isolated through behavioural means.
Effect of platelet-rich plasma on pregnancy outcomes in infertile women with recurrent implantation failure: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Aim: Recurrent implantation failure is an important issue in Assisted reproduction and despite various treatments that have been described before, there is no agreement on which is the best option. Methods This study was directed to assess the efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on pregnancy rate in recurrent implantation failure. Between 2016 and 2019, a total of 98 women who unsuccessful to be pregnant after three or more high-quality embryo transfers undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer with or without an intrauterine infusion of platelet-rich plasma. Thus, 0.5 ml of platelet-rich plasma at 4–6 times higher concentration than peripheral blood infused intrauterine 48 h before embryo transfer. A control group underwent standard protocol. Results There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, body mass index and duration and cause of infertility and total transferred embryos and kind of treatment protocol, but secondary infertility and endometrial thickness 96 h before embryo transfer, was more in the intervention group. The clinical pregnancy (48.3% versus 23.26; p = .001) and ongoing pregnancy (46.7% versus 11.7%; p = .001) and implantation rate (58.3% versus 25%; p = .001) was more significant in the intervention group rather than controls. In conclusion, intrauterine infusion of platelet-rich plasma 48 h before freeze-thawed embryo transfer may have more effectiveness in in vitro fertilization (IVF) outcomes in recurrent implantation failure.
Parasitism of Cameraria ohridella (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae) in natural and artificial horse‐chestnut stands in the Balkans

1 The horse‐chestnut leafminer, Cameraria ohridella Deschka & Dimic, was discovered during a mass outbreak on planted horse‐chestnut trees, Aesculus hippocastanum, near Lake Ohrid in Macedonia. However, several peculiarities in the leafminer's biology and ecology, such as its inefficient control through natural enemies, indicate that it may be of exotic origin.