Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial Mechanism of Patrinia scabiosaefolia Against Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus epidermidis

Purpose Staphylococcus epidermidis has become one of the most common causes of septicemia. Meanwhile, S. epidermidis has acquired resistance to many antibiotics. Among these, methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis (MRSE) were frequently isolated. Similar to methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), they also exhibited multi-resistance, which presented a danger to human health. Patrinia scabiosaefolia as traditional Chinese medicine had strong antibacterial activity against MRSE. However, the mechanism of P. scabiosaefolia against MRSE is not clear. Methods Here, the morphology of cell wall and cell membrane, production of β-lactamase and PBP2, energy metabolism, antioxidant system were systematically studied. Results The data showed that P. scabiosaefolia damaged the cell wall and membrane. In addition, β-lactamase, energy metabolism and antioxidant system were involved in mechanisms of P. scabiosaefolia against MRSE. Conclusion These observations provided new understanding of P. scabiosaefolia against MRSE to control MRSE infections.
Equivalent efficacy assessment of QL1101 and bevacizumab in nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer patients: A two-year follow-up data update

Objective Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibodies are an effective means of treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Here, we aim to update the equivalent efficacy assessment between QL1101 and bevacizumab based on two-year follow-up data. Methods In total, 535 eligible NSCLC patients were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to the QL1101 group and the bevacizumab group. The full end time of this study was defined as 24 months after the last enrolled patient was randomized. The primary endpoint was the objective response rate (ORR); equivalence was confirmed if the two-sided 90% confidence interval (90% CI) of the relative risk was within the range of 0.75−1.33. The secondary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Results The two-year updated data showed similar ORR (QL1101 vs. bevacizumab: 53.1% vs. 54.3%; relative risk=0.977; 90% CI: 0.838−1.144), PFS (235 d vs. 254 d, log-rank P=0.311), and OS (577 d vs. 641 d, log-rank P=0.099) results between the QL1101 group and the bevacizumab group. The mean shrinkage ratio of targeted lesions was also similar between the QL1101 group and the bevacizumab group (22.5% vs. 23.5%). For patients who received QL1101 maintenance therapy, similar results were shown between the QL1101 group (n=157) and the bevacizumab group (n=148) (PFS: 253 d vs. 272 d, log-rank P=0.387; OS: 673 d vs. 790 d, log-rank P=0.101; mean tumor shrinkage rate: 26.6% vs. 27.5%). Conclusions This study reported that QL1101 had similar efficacy in treating nonsquamous NSCLC in terms of ORR, PFS and OS based on two-year updated data, providing a basis for the clinical application of QL1101.
Climate variability and grain production in Scania, 1702–1911

Abstract. Scania (Skåne in Swedish), southern Sweden, offers a particularly interesting case for studying the historical relationship between climate variability and grain production, given the favorable natural conditions in terms of climate and soils for grain production, as well as the low share of temperature-sensitive wheat varieties in its production composition. In this article, a contextual understanding of historical grain production in Scania, including historical, phenological, and natural geographic aspects, is combined with a quantitative analysis of available empirical sources to estimate the relationship between climate variability and grain production between the years 1702 and 1911. The main result of this study is that grain production in Scania was primarily sensitive to climate variability during the high summer months of June and July, preferring cool and humid conditions, and to some extent precipitation during the winter months, preferring dry conditions. Diversity within and between historical grain varieties contributed to making this risk manageable. Furthermore, no evidence is found for grain production being particularly sensitive to climate variability during the spring, autumn, and harvest seasons. At the end of the study period, these relationships were shifting as the so-called early improved cultivars were being imported from other parts of Europe. Finally, new light is shed on the climate history of the region, especially for the late 18th century, previously argued to be a particularly cold period, through homogenization of the early instrumental temperature series from Lund (1753–1870).
Liposuction-Like Sclerotherapy Technique for Microcystic Lymphatic Malformation

Background The treatment for microcystic lymphatic malformation (LM) remains challenging. We describe the liposuction-like sclerotherapy technique, a new treatment for extensive microcystic LM. Methods LM data was retrospectively reviewed. This study included patients with a microcystic LM component treated by liposuction-like technique with bleomycin sclerotherapy. Results Between June 2016 and October 2019, 39 consecutive patients (male/female ratio: 21:18; mean age, 33.6 months; range: 5 months to 15 years) with microcystic LM were treated by liposuction-like sclerotherapy (LS-LS) technique. Fifty-six sessions of LS-LS were performed (mean of 1.44 sessions per patient; range: one to four sessions). Follow-up ranged 6-30 months (mean of 21 months). We observed no major complications. Transient minor complications included: postoperative noninfectious fever, vomiting, temporary skin edema, pigmentation, mild local depressions, and/or irregularities, and a small hyperpigmented scar at the incision. No postoperative infection, skin ulcer, or necrosis occurred. The patients’ symptoms were successfully resolved or stable. A sub-complete response and partial response were observed for 26 (76%) and 13 patients (33%), respectively. Conclusion The LS-LS technique for microcystic LMs is safe, feasible, and effective. This technique is an effective intervention with which it is possible to manage and potentially cure microcystic LM clinically.
Comparing the CAM-ICU and ICDSC for assessing delirium in non-intubated intensive care patients

Aim: The study compared two instruments for detecting delirium, the Intensive Care Delirium Screening Checklist (ICDSC) and the Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU) as a reference method. Design: Prospective observational study. Methods: The study included 126 consecutive patients staying in the intensive care unit (ICU) for more than 24 hours. The diagnostic properties of both questionnaires and agreement between them were studied and compared. Additionally, the two tests were used to assess the relationship between selected patient parameters and the presence of delirium. Results: There was a high level of agreement between the CAM-ICU and ICDSC, as expressed by Cohen’s κ of 0.829 (95% CI: 0.821–0.838). Cronbach’s α assessing the internal consistency of a Czech version of the CAM-ICU and ICDSC was 0.903 and 0.865, respectively. The CAM-ICU had 85.5% sensitivity (95% CI: 84.6–91.8) and 94.1% specificity (95% CI: 92.4–95.5); the ICDSC (cut-off ≥ 4) had 90.6% sensitivity (95% CI: 87.0–93.5) and 89.0% specificity (95% CI: 86.8–91.0). Conclusion: Both compared diagnostic instruments, the CAM-ICU and ICDSC, appear to be adequate and usable. When compared with the CAM-ICU as a reference method, the ICDSC showed similar results and a good level
Hydrodynamic Modelling of Tidally-Influenced Fluvial Zone, a study case of Palembang, Indonesia

The development planning of a tidally-influenced fluvial zone poses a complex interaction between river discharge and its effect on the tidal patterns, especially in the dense population and high economic activity like Palembang located in South Sumatra Indonesia. Previous studies on numerical modelling in this area have focused on the flood; however, the hydrodynamic modelling described interaction between river discharge and tidal is not described in more detail. The present study aims to better understand the zone by using a combination of numerical modelling and qualitative assessment of in situ measurement data. Hence, the water level condition in the study area is a mix of tidal and river discharge. A 2D-hydrodynamic modeling has been successfully conducted to assess their interaction in this zone properly by using the commercial software, called MIKE21 FM. This study describes setting up the computational model, boundary location, type of forcing (tidal and non-tidal), bedform roughness, turbulent viscosity and extensive calibration and validation. In situ measurement indicates that the site's water level and flow characteristic is complex, a mixture of tidal force from the downstream and river flows from the upstream in which seasons play an important role. It is found that comparing model outputs and the measurement data in the study area for the validation and verification process effectively describes the hydrodynamic condition in the fluvial-estuarine transition area of Palembang. As the model shows good reliability, the long term hydrodynamic in line with transport model should be developed to support the Palembang area rapid development.
The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Predicting Peer Relationships in Adolescents

The aim of the research is to determine how much peer relationships are explained by emotional intelligence in adolescents. For this purpose, 539 (283 female+256 male) adolescent individuals participated in the study. “Personal Information Form”, “Trait Emotional Intelligence—Adolescent Questionnaire Short Form (TEIQue-ASF)” and “Friendship Qualities Scale” were used as data collection tools in the research. The data collected online were coded and transferred to the SPSS program, and descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and Regression techniques were used in statistical analysis. In the study, the level of significance was taken as p < . 001. According to the results of the analysis, it was determined that there was a positive, significant and low-level correlation between emotional intelligence and peer relationships (r = .283, p = .000). As a result of the regression analysis, in Model 1, TEIQue-ASF explained 7.8% of the total variance of Friendship Qualities; In Model 2, on the other hand, TEIQue-ASF explained 12.7% of the total variance regarding Friendship Qualities, the variables of gender and playing in the school team. As a result, it can be said that emotional intelligence is an important factor for peer relationships in adolescents.
Factors affecting farmers' access to formal financial credit in Basona Worana District, North Showa Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia

Abstract This study examines the factors affecting farmers’ access to formal credit in Basona Worana District, North Showa Zone, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. The study used cross-sectional data while conducting a survey. It was conducted from November 2019 to June 2020 G.C. A multistage random sampling technique was used, and 299 smallholders’ farmers were selected and fully took part in the survey. Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire to identify the main factors of formal financial credit access. Of the total 299 participants, only 72 (24.1%) took formal financial credit from lending institutions. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and logistic regression analysis. The regression result reveals that age, sex of household head, family size, extension contacts, off-farm income, interest rate, lending procedure, group lending and Rapid Repayment Period are the main determinant factors that affect formal financial credit access at the household level, and these variables are found to be statistically significant at 1 % and 5 % levels of precision. On the other hand, the other remaining variables like education status, attitude towards credit risk, experience on credit use, farm land size, livestock ownership and distance from lending institutions are found to be statistically insignificant. Thus, policy makers should work to improve credit service supply and amount of credit and assist smallholders to invest the credit on their farming. Lending institutions should revise their group lending system, interest rate, lending procedure and rigid repayment periods.
FOLIAR SPRAYED-SILICON TO INDUCE DEFENSE-RELATED ENZYMATIC ACTIVITY AGAINST Pyricularia oryzae INFECTION IN AEROBIC RICE

Rice blast disease caused by Pyricularia oryzae is the most devastative disease. The alternative in rice blast disease management using foliar silicon (Si) application is gaining attention. The mechanism underlying defense-related enzyme induced through foliar Si application is still scarce. This research aimed to elucidate the bio-efficacy of foliar Si in inducing defense-related enzyme activity against P. oryzae in two aerobic rice cultivars: MR219-4 (blast-partially resistant) and MARDI Aerob 1 (resistant). Calcium silicate at 9 mg/L was foliar-sprayed and the disease severity index was evaluated and transformed to the area under disease progress curves (AUDPC). Foliar Si application significantly reduced rice blast disease severities in both cultivars tested. The AUDPC was reduced to 96.57 (MR219-4) and 21.90 (MARDI Aerob 1), from 148.57 (MR219-4) and 53.73 (MARDI Aerob 1). Plant defense-related enzymes: peroxidase (PO), polyphenol oxidases (PPO), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) were increased and might be associated to increase resistance. Also, there was a significant interaction (p=0.003) between rice cultivar and treatment to Si content in rice leaf. Thus, foliar application of Si in rice seedling underlined the important role of Si as a modulator in influencing plant defense-related enzymes with interacting with other stress signaling pathways leading to induce resistance.
Targeting the Epithelium-Derived Innate Cytokines: From Bench to Bedside

When epithelial cells are exposed to potentially threatening external stimuli such as allergens, bacteria, viruses, and helminths, they instantly produce “alarmin” cytokines, namely, IL-33, IL-25, and TSLP. These alarmins alert the immune system about these threats, thereby mobilizing host immune defense mechanisms. Specifically, the alarmins strongly stimulate type-2 immune cells, including eosinophils, mast cells, dendritic cells, type-2 helper T cells, and type-2 innate lymphoid cells. Given that the alarm-raising role of IL-33, IL-25, and TSLP was first detected in allergic and infectious diseases, most studies on alarmins focus on their role in these diseases. However, recent studies suggest that alarmins also have a broad range of effector functions in other pathological conditions, including psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, and cancer. Therefore, this review provides an update on the epithelium-derived cytokines in both allergic and non-allergic diseases. We also review the progress of clinical trials on biological agents that target the alarmins and discuss the therapeutic potential of these agents in non-allergic diseases.
Conjugated linoleic acid ameliorates hepatic steatosis by modulating intestinal permeability and gut microbiota in ob/ob mice

Background Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is an effective supplement for reducing fat mass, but its effect on hepatic steatosis remains controversial. Objective This study aims to evaluate the effect of CLA on liver fat accumulation, inflammation, gut microbiome, and intestinal barrier integrity. Design Wild-type (WT) mice and ob/ob (OB) mice were randomly divided into four groups according to the treatment with/without 1% CLA: WT, WT mice treated with CLA (WT-CLA), OB, and OB mice treated with CLA (OB-CLA). Lipid metabolism and hepatic fat accumulation were evaluated by changes in histological and biochemical parameters. Gene expressions related to liver inflammation and intestinal barrier integrity were examined. The effect of CLA on the gut microbiota population was investigated. Results The body weight, fatty tissue mass, and serum lipid levels of the WT-CLA group and OB-CLA group were separately lower than those of the WT group and OB group, but the livers of the WT-CLA group had more fatty lipids, higher triglyceride properties, and saturated fatty acid (FA) composition than those of the WT group, which was contrary to the effect of CLA on OB mice. Real time quantitative PCR results showed that CLA increased hepatic inflammation and intestinal permeability in the WT mice, while it significantly decreased the mRNA expression of liver TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-1β and markedly ameliorated intestinal tight junction proteins in the OB mice. The gut microbiota testing indicated a higher abundance of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Lachnoclostridium, Roseburia, Dubosiella, Oscillibacter, and Anaerostipes) and a lower abundance of pro-inflammatory bacteria (e.g., Tyzzerella and Alistipes) in the OB-CLA group than those of the OB group. Correlation analysis suggested that gut microbiota correlated with liver inflammation, intestinal permeability, and hepatic FA composition. Conclusion CLA potentially contributed to ameliorating hepatic steatosis in OB mice via modulating liver inflammation, intestinal permeability, and gut microbiota, which suggests CLA is more suitable for people with obesity or overweight.
Synchronized Efficacy and Mechanism of Alkaline Fertilizer and Biocontrol Fungi for Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect and mechanism of alkaline fertilizer, bio-control fungi, and their synergistic application on control of Fusarium Tr4 incidence. Synchronized use of the alkaline fertilizer and biocontrol fungi eliminates rhizome browning and reduces the incidence rate of banana Fusarium wilt. The incidence of yellow leaves (ratio of yellow leaf to total leaf) and disease index in +Foc Tr4 CF treatment were the same (65%), while incidence of yellow leaves and disease index in +Foc Tr4 AFBCF were 31% and 33%, respectively. Under the stress of Foc Tr4 infection, the synergistic utilization of the alkaline fertilizer and biocontrol fungi would raise the activities of peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase in banana roots. The root activity of banana was also increased. As a result, the banana height and stem diameter increments, shoot and root dry weight, accumulation of N, P and K in banana plants had been increased. The efficacy of the synergistic application of alkaline fertilizer and biocontrol fungi was not only reducing Foc Tr4 pathogen colonization and distribution in banana plants, but also preventing tylosis formation in vascular vessel effectively. Therefore, the normal transport of water and nutrients between underground and aboveground is ensured.
ZINC TOXICOSIS IN DIVING DUCKS

Zinc toxicosis was diagnosed in four species of diving ducks associated with the ingestion of pennies and fence clips containing zinc. Clinical signs included weight loss, depression, anorexia, and posterior paresis. A presumptive diagnosis of zinc toxicosis was made in one Bahama pintail (Anas bahamensis bahamensis) and two redhead ducks (Aythya americana) that had ingested metal fence clips. Diagnosis was based on complete recovery of the ducks after endoscopie removal of the clips, which contained 96% zinc. Assays for zinc and other minerals were performed on four Barrow's goldeneyes (Bucephala isl? ndica) that died and one American merganser (Mergus mer ganser americanus) survivor. All of the animals had ingested one or two pennies. Two of four goldeneyes, from which serum was available, had elevated zinc concentrations of 12.6 and 13.1 (x%l ml (normal range, 1.84-4.65 Mg/ml, n = 8); all four goldeneyes had liver zinc concentrations ranging from 242 to 548 /? g/g (normal, 35.9 jug/g, wet weight basis, n = 1). The American merganser from which a penny was removed endoscopically from the gizzard had an elevated serum zinc concen tration of 16.6 jLtg/ml. Pertinent pathologic findings in the four goldeneyes included necrotizing ventriculitis. Pennies in various stages of dissolution were present in the ventriculus. The pancreas had degenerative lesions that resulted in acinar atrophy and ductular proliferation.
Symptom Burden and Complexity in the Last 12 Months of Life among Cancer Patients Choosing Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) in Alberta, Canada

Background: In 2019, cancer patients comprised over 65% of all individuals who requested and received Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) in Canada. This descriptive study sought to understand the self-reported symptom burden and complexity of cancer patients in the 12 months prior to receiving MAID in Alberta. Methods: Between July 2017 and January 2019, 337 cancer patients received MAID in Alberta. Patient characteristics were descriptively analyzed. As such, 193 patients (57.3%) completed at least one routine symptom-reporting questionnaire in their last year of life. Mixed effects models and generalized estimating equations were utilized to examine the trajectories of individual symptoms and overall symptom complexity within the cohort over this time. Results: The results revealed that all nine self-reported symptoms, and the overall symptom complexity of the cohort, increased as patients’ MAID provision date approached, particularly in the last 3 months of life. While less than 20% of patients experienced high symptom complexity 12 months prior to MAID, this increased to 60% in the month of MAID provision. Conclusions: Cancer patients in this cohort experienced increased symptom burden and complexity leading up to their death. These findings could serve as a flag to clinicians to closely monitor advanced cancer patients’ symptoms, and provide appropriate support and interventions as needed.
Seroprevalence of Infectious Bronchitis Virus in Broiler and Layer Farms of Central Ethiopia

Background Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is a highly contagious viral disease of chicken typically affecting the reproductive and respiratory tract and results in possible economic causes from its serious infectious and transmission characteristics. Methods A cross-sectional study was carried on serum samples of chickens selected from six (two commercial and four small holder) farms and two types of production (broiler and layer) to detect seroprevalence of IBV and its associated risk factors in Bishoftu and Holeta areas of central Ethiopia from June 2021 to September 2021. A total of 354 blood samples were collected and subjected to indirect ELISA test by IBV antibody test kit ((ProFLOK IBV), from ProFLOK Laboratories Inc., (USA)) to detect specific antibodies against IBV. Results Overall, 97.46% seroprevalence was identified. From 230 and 124 samples collected from commercial and smallholder poultry farms, 226 (98.26%) and 119 (95.98%) positive results were obtained, respectively. Among the production types of chickens, high seroprevalence (99.31%) was found in layer poultry, and lower seroprevalence (96.17%) was found in the case of broiler chicken. Significant association was observed among different associated risk factors particularly age, sex, breed, and production types of chickens. From the tested chickens, all age groups, species, and farm types have high seroprevalence of IBV. The prevalence of IBV was highly significant (p ≤ 0.01) in the study site. The risk factors indicated could have increased infection prevalence, pathogens' economic impact, and disease occurrence. Conclusion IBD is complicating factor affecting poultry production systems in the area. Vaccine and biosecurity measures are recommended for the control of IBV. Furtherly, identification and characterization (by using RT-PCR) of persistent serotype of IBV circulating in the field are recommended.