Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Culture of Embryos in the Silkworm, Bombyx Mori L : I. Culture in Silkworm Egg Extract, with Special Reference to Some Characteristics of the Diapausing Egg

1. Experiments have been carried out on the in vitro culture of silkworm embryos with silkworm egg extracts. 2. Non-diapausing embryos can be cultured well beyond the stage of appendage formation with the extract from non-diapausing eggs, while fully diapausing embryos at about the 30th day are, for the most part, unable to grow in the same extract. 3. 1-2-day-old diapausing embryos still retain the ability to develop in vitro as well as non-diapausing ones. 4. The extract from 1-2-day-old diapausing eggs has nearly the same nutritive effect on the in vitro culture of embryos as that from non-diapausing eggs, though the extract becomes less nutritive with age of eggs. 5. Diapause of both embryo and yolk can almost be prevented by cold-storage at 5° C. 6. The yolk of diapausing eggs kept continuously at 25° C. possibly recovers, after about 150 days, its nutritive effect, which falls with the onset of diapause. This change is independent of activation of the embryo, and is accompanied by little morphological change in the yolk cells.
TPMT gene polymorphism detection by conventional PCR in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia and its toxic effect

Introduction The purine analog mercaptopurine is a key medication for the successful treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia, particularly for the consolidation and continuation therapies. Thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) catalyzes the inactivation of mercaptopurine. TPMT single-nucleotide polymorphisms can prospectively identify patients at higher risk for mercaptopurine toxicity. Patients and methods The TPMT genotype was determined by in-house conventional PCR followed by digestion of the product with restriction enzymes, MwoI FastDigest and AccI FastDigest. The study was carried out on a total of 80 participants: 40 pediatric patients with standard risk B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and 40 age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls. Mercaptopurine was given to the patients in consolidation phase with oral dose of 75 mg/m 2 daily for 4 weeks. Toxicity of the drug was assessed at the end of this phase by complete blood profile and liver function tests. Results In the patients group, 97.5% were of the wild-type homozygous TPMTFNx011/FNx011 genotype and 2.5% were of the heterozygous TPMTFNx011/FNx013A genotype. In the control group, we identified 90% with the TPMTFNx011/FNx011 genotype, 7.5% with the TPMTFNx011/FNx013A genotype, and 2.5% with the TPMTFNx011/FNx013C genotype. Among the wild-type FNx011/FNx011 genotype patients in the patient group, 32.5% of patients suffered from either hepatoxicity and/or myelosuppression. Conclusion The homozygous wild-type TPMTFNx011/FNx011 genotype was the most frequent genotype in both cases and controls. TPMTFNx011/FNx013A was the most prevalent mutant genotype in this study. Although some patients had wild-type allele genotyping, they developed signs of toxicity.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Patients as Regard to Tuberculosis

Objectives: Knowledge about tuberculosis (TB) and the perceived risk to individuals, families, and communities in Nigeria may increase the tendency of care-seeking with greatest importance. This study was aimed to determine the level of knowledge about TB in Aba, Nigeria; and its association with the attitude and practices of patients towards TB. Methods: Data on socio-demographic characteristics, and questions regarding the etiology, transmission, prevention, treatment of TB, beliefs about TB and healthcare-seeking behavior were collected cross-sectional from 288 adult patients from November 2017 to March, 2018 in Living Word and Seventh Day Adventist Hospitals, Aba. Participants were patients who indicated willingness by filling a consent form and were at least 18 years old. Data collected were analyzed using Chi-squared test and multiple regression models. Results: One-hundred eighty-eight (65.2%) of the study population had adequate knowledge about TB. The sources of knowledge were health workers (136 participants, 47.2%), Media (76, 26.4%), Friends (28, 9.7%), Family (28, 9.7%) and others (40, 13.9%). Their knowledge about TB was associated with level of education (α value= 0.05) but not with tendency to seek care from nearest facilities before hospital. The length of time they spent before visiting the hospital when they had TB symptoms was associated with their level of knowledge about TB, level of education, sex and severity of symptoms. Conclusions: Level of knowledge about TB in the study area still needs to be improved. Means of creating awareness about TB should be diversified and the stop TB program strengthened. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2020; 10(1):24-30.
Long‐term yield and performance of 15 different Miscanthus genotypes in southwest Germany

A field experiment with 15 Miscanthus genotypes including M. × giganteus, M. sacchariflorus, M. sinensis and M. sinensis hybrids was conducted for 14 years at the experimental Ihinger Hof station of the University of Hohenheim in southwest Germany to evaluate interannual yield performance stability over 14 years of harvests of the different genotypes. In this article, a simple formula is presented which could be used to forecast late winter yields using morphological traits in autumn. The data obtained indicated a shorter establishment period to reach a yield plateau of M. × giganteus and M. sacchariflorus than M. sinensis hybrids and M. sinensis genotypes. The best performing genotype was M. × giganteus (Gig-2, No. 16.21) with a mean spring harvestable yield of 14.1 t DM ha−1 year−1. A correlation analysis with climatic parameters revealed precipitation during the growing period as the key factor for high yields at this site. Likewise, but to a lesser degree, heat sum during the growing period was positively correlated with yields. It could be shown that precipitation/snow during the winter correlated with yield losses, until the harvest date in February/March. Phenological measurements indicated that a high yield potential of the tested genotypes is associated with either an absence of flowering or late flowering. Also, height of the plants and shoot diameter were indicators for high yield potential. Shoot density and plant height at senescence were found to be solid parameters to estimate harvestable biomass in late winter. Yield approximations with a mean accuracy of 80.9% for M. × giganteus genotypes were obtained using the newly developed equation. Yields of M. sinensis hybrid (Sin-H7) were projected most accurately with this simple formula, resulting in a mean accuracy of 84.5%.
Replacement of fish meal with blend of rendered animal protein in diets for Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii Brandt), results in performance equal to fish meal fed fish

An 8w growth trial was conducted to determine the effect of partial replacement of fish meal (FM) by a blend of rendered animal protein (BAP, comprised of 40% meat and bone meal, 40% poultry by-product meal, 20% hydrolyzed feather meal in diets for juvenile Siberia sturgeon (Acipenser baerii Brandt). Five experimental diets were formulated. The control diet (C) contained 48% FM, whereas in the remaining four diets, FM were replaced by BAP at 25% or 50% level balanced by crystallized amino acid (AA) or spray-dried blood meal (BM), which named as BAP25-AA, BAP25-BM, BAP50-AA and BAP50-BM, respectively. Weight gain rate of BAP50-AA group was significantly higher than that of C group, while other BAP diets did not show negative effect on growth performance. The BAP25-BM group exhibited the lowest feed conversion rate (FCR) (P < 0.05). FM replacement by BAP did not affect chemical composition of the whole body and crude fat level of the liver, but significantly affect the fillet lipid content. Hepatic aspartate aminotransferase and serum total protein, total cholesterol and triglyceride were reduced in fish fed diet BAP50B. Siberian sturgeon showed high efficiency on utilization of crystalline amino acid as good as those from BM.
Daily movement, grazing activity and diet of savanna buffalo, Syncerus caffer brachyceros, in Benoue National Park, Cameroon

Summary Observations on daily movement, grazing activity and diet of savanna buffalo (Syncerus caffer brachyceros) were made over a 10-month period during 1974–1975 in Benoue National Park, Cameroon. Regular, almost rhythmic, movement to feeding areas and watering sources occurred during mornings and afternoons. Mean distances travelled over a 24-h period were 7.2±2.62 km during the dry season, and 5.6±1.92 km during the wet season. Dry and wet season ranges were calculated as 61 km2 (0.80 buffalo km-2), and 46 km2 (1.19 buffalo km-2) respectively, with 32 km2 (54%) overlap area. Buffalo probably grazed more during daylight hours than at night during the dry season. Total times spent grazing and resting (over a 24-h period) were estimated at 7.9 h and 9.6 h respectively, during the dry season. Daytime grazing and resting periods during the wet season were estimated at 3.1 h and 3.8 h respectively. Night-time estimates during the wet season were not possible. Sixteen taxa of plants comprised the diet of buffalo in Benoue National Park. Graminoids, particularly Andropogon gayanus, were taken most often during the wet season (86% of the diet), and dry season (74% of the diet). Woody plants, particularly Piliostigma thonningii, provided 14% of the wet season and 26% of the dry season diets. Resume On a recolte des observations sur les deplacements quotidiens, le broutage et le regime alimentaire du buffle de savane (Syncerus caffer brachyceros) pendant une periode de dix mois de 1974 a 1975 au Parc National de Benoue, au Cameroun. Des mouvements reguliers, presque rythmiques, vers les zones de nourrissage et les points d'eau s'observent le matin et l'apres-midi. Sur une periode de 24 h. , les distances moyennes parcourues sont de 7,2±2,62 km en saison seche et de 5,6±1,92 km en saison des pluies. On a calcule que les territoires frequentes sont de 61 km2 (0,80 buffle/km2) en saison seche et de 46 km2 (1,19 buffle/km2) en saison des pluies avec un recouvrement de 32 km2 (54%). Le buffle broute probablement plus pendant la journee que pendant la nuit en saison seche. Le temps total consacre au broutage et au repos en 24 h. a ete estimea 7,9 h. et 9,6 h. en saison seche. Ces memes estimations sont de 3,1 h. et 3,8 h. en saison des pluies. Il n'a pas ete possible de faire des estimations nocturnes es saison des pluies. Le regime alimentaire du buffle au Parc National de Benoue se compose de 16 especes de plantes. Les graminees et en particulier Andropogon gayanus sont plus souvent broutees tant en saison des pluies (86% du regime) qu'en saison seche (74%). Les plantes ligneuses, particulierement Piliostigma thonningii, participent pour 14% du regime alimentaire en saison des pluies et 25% en saison seche.
Dynamics of tuberculosis in a naturally infected Badger population

The dynamics of bovine tuberculosis infection in a wild Badger population have been studied since 1981. Faeces are sampled regularly to determine the distribution of infection in the study area. Badgers in known infected social groups, plus the neighbouring groups, are periodically caught and subjected to full clinical and bacteriological examination to monitor the progression of infection within and between groups of Badgers. The interim results of this study are presented and discussed. During 5 years (1981–1985), the temporal spread of infection between social groups in the study area was slow and restricted. Some clinically affected Badgers have survived for long periods. Evidence of infection in individual Badgers indicates that pseudo-vertical (mother to cub) transmission may be important in the maintenance of infection in the Badger population. There is also evidence of horizontal transmission by bite wounding and aerosol infection. Badger mortality due to Mycobacterium bovis infection was low, and the prevalence of infection in male Badgers is greater than in females. The data accumulated so far show no apparent relationship between Badger population density and the prevalence of M. bovis infection, nor is there any evidence to support the hypothesis that M. bovis infection acts to depress Badger population density significantly below disease-free levels. Cattle and infected Badgers can co-exist for long periods without the disease necessarily being transmitted to cattle.
A New Species of Maytenus (Celastraceae) with Fleshy Fruits from Eastern Brazil, with Notes on the Delimitation of Maytenus

Abstract A new species of Celastraceae, Maytenus megalocarpa, is described and illustrated. The species is known from only a small number of collections from eastern Brazil, in the Atlantic Rainforest of Bahia and Minas Gerais states. It is considered endangered given the rapid deforestation of this biome. The species is readily distinguished from its congeners by its large, tardily dehiscent fruit that does not open by reflexed valves and by the seeds enveloped by thick arils. Given its remarkable fruits and the consequent initial doubt about the generic position of the new species in Celastraceae, a phylogenetic analysis using molecular data from plastid and nuclear rDNA gene regions, together with morphological characters, was performed. The new species was consistently resolved as nested within Maytenus, which itself is paraphyletic. Incongruence between the nuclear and plastid gene regions was identified for Fraunhofera, Maytenus texana, and Plenckia. Future taxonomic changes are necessary to rigorously delimit Maytenus as a natural genus. Additional comments on geographical distribution, phenology and conservation status of the new species are also provided, as well as a key to the species of Neotropical Maytenus with spinose leaves.
Bacterial Community Structure in a Semi-Arid Haloalkaline Soil Using Culture Independent Method

Bacterial community structures in two physicochemically different soils from the coastal region of Gujarat, India were investigated using PCR, 16S rRNA gene clone libraries and sequencing methods. The aim of the study was to determine the diversity of bacterial communities inhabiting haloalkaline soil from a semi-arid coastal region. The phylogenetic diversity of bacteria in a haloalkaline soil (EC 20 dS/m; pH 9.5) was compared with a normal soil (EC 0.93 dS/m; pH 7.2). Clones representing phyla Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria and Planctomycetes were found in both soils. Cyanobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, OP10 and Bacteria incertae sedis were detected in normal soil whereas Nitrospira was found only in haloalkaline soil. The dominant phylum in the haloalkaline soil was Bacteroidetes followed by Proteobacteria whereas normal soil was dominated by Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria. About 82% of the sequences from the haloalkaline library were related to those previously retrieved from various saline, alkaline and oil-natural gas field ecosystems whereas 50% of the sequences from normal soil resembled sequences of bacteria retrieved from agriculture-related habitats viz. agriculture fields, rhizosphere and grasslands. One third of the total sequences from both soil samples showed low BLAST identities (<95%) suggesting that these soils may harbor unique, novel taxa. Further, the correlation analysis revealed negative correlations of Shannon diversity indices and species evenness with salinity (EC) and pH but positive correlations with total carbon and total nitrogen contents of the soil samples. The haloalkaline soil exhibited less bacterial diversity and communities were significantly different from those of normal soil. In this study, the haloalkaline soil from a semi-arid region supports oligotrophic microbes. Supplemental materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Geomicrobiology Journal to view the supplemental file.
Characterisation of gold kiwifruit pectin isolated by enzymatic treatment

Summary Pectin was extracted from gold kiwifruit by four commercial enzyme preparations (Celluclast 1.5 L, Cytolase CL, Cellulyve TR 400 and NS33048). The chosen enzymes were used either in single or in combination, with and without protease addition. The recovered pectin was characterised and compared for the yield, total nonstarch polysaccharide and neutral sugar composition, protein and ash, pectin, molecular weight distribution and the viscosity. Results indicated that enzyme-extracted gold kiwifruit pectin was rich in galacturonic acid. Purified pectin yield, and their physicochemical composition and rheological property (viscosity), was significantly affected by the type of enzyme used. The pectin extracted by Celluclast 1.5 L demonstrated to be the most viscous and recorded the highest in molecular weight (Mw) (1.65 × 106 g mol–1) compared with the other extracts. The extract Mw and their distribution were discussed and related to their viscosity behaviour.
Six new records of Afrotropical lizard and snake species (Reptilia: Squamata) from the Republic of South Sudan

We report on reptilian specimens collected in southern Sudan (currently the Republic of South Sudan) in 1978 and stored at the Zoologisches Forschungsmuseum Alexander Koenig, Bonn. Six species (one lizard, Leptosiaphos kilimensis, and five snakes, Hapsidophrys lineatus, Thrasops jacksoni, Toxicodryas pulverulenta, Amblyodipsas unicolor, Atheris squamigera) are documented as new records for the fauna of South Sudan and are discussed in a biogeographical context.
Vertebrate‐dispersed species in a fire‐prone environment

It is hypothesized that plant species that produce vertebrate-dispersed seeds (fleshy fruits and brightly coloured arillate seeds) would not be common in fire-prone vegetation because seeds are deposited on the soil surface and are unlikely to survive fires. They have not previously been known to have any means of burial that would enable them to await the next fire as a buried soil seed-bank. We studied vertebrate-dispersed species in fire-prone sclerophyll vegetation to look at mechanisms used by vertebrate-dispersed plants for persisting in these environments. Seeds do not survive heating to 150°C, although species from fire-prone environments are more likely to tolerate moderate heating (80°C) without affecting viability than vertebrate-dispersed species from environments where fire is rare. Most vertebrate-dispersed species have the capacity to regenerate vegetatively, although they are not more likely to have this strategy than ant-dispersed species. Finally, ants do take vertebrate-dispersed seeds and fruits (particularly small ones) indicating the potential for the formation of a soil seed-bank. Some species only persist in fire-prone environments by recolonizing from unburnt areas.
Pre-test probability for SARS-Cov-2-related infection score: The PARIS score

Background: Diagnostic tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection (mostly RT-PCR and Computed Tomography) are not widely available in numerous countries, expensive and with imperfect performance Methods: This multicenter retrospective study aimed to determine a pre-test probability score for SARS-CoV-2 infection based on clinical and biological variables. Patients were recruited from emergency and infectious disease departments and were divided into a training and a validation cohort. Demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, and results of blood tests (complete white blood cell count, serum electrolytes and CRP) were collected. The pre-test probability score was derived from univariate analyses between patients and controls, followed by multivariate binary logistic analysis to determine the independent variables associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Points were assigned to each variable to create the PARIS score. ROC curve analysis determined the area under the curve (AUC) Findings: One hundred subjects with clinical suspicion of SARS-CoV-2 infection were included in the training cohort, and 300 other consecutive individuals were included in the validation cohort. Low lymphocyte (<1.3 G/L), eosinophil (<0.06G/L), basophil (<0.04G/L) and neutrophil counts (<5G/L) were associated with a high probability of SARS-CoV-2 infection. No clinical variable was statistically significant. The score had a good performance in the validation cohort (AUC=0.889 (CI: [0.846-0.932]; STD=0.022) with a sensitivity and Positive Predictive Value of high-probability score of 80.3% and 92.3% respectively. Furthermore, a low-probability score excluded SARS-CoV-2 infection with a Negative Predictive Value of 99.5% Interpretation: The PARIS score based on complete white blood cell count has a good performance to categorize the pre-test probability of SARS-CoV-2 infection. It could help clinicians avoid diagnostic tests in patients with a low-probability score and conversely keep on testing individuals with high-probability score but negative RT-PCR or CT. It could prove helpful in countries with a low-availability of PCR and/or CT during the current period of pandemic
ENHANCING THE AVAILABLE WATER CONTENT IN UNSATURATED SOIL ZONE USING HYDROGEL, TO IMPROVE PLANT GROWTH INDICES

Abstract The effects of hydrogels on the soil water retention characteristic curve (WRC) and on the growth indices of Ligusrum ovalifolium (an ornamental plant dominating in the landscape of central Iran) were studied. Various amounts of hydrogels (Suprab A200) were added to soil samples having different percentage of water proportional to potential evapotranspiration data. A factorial experiment was used for statistical analysis of data. The results of the soil water retention model showed that, hydrogel caused the residual water content and saturated water content to increase. Available water content increases to a maximum of about 2.3 times the control. Application of hydrogels can result in significant reduction in the required irrigation frequency particularly for coarse-textured soils. This is an important issue in arid and semi-arid regions of the world for enhancing the water management of coarse-textured soils.
Risk prediction for poor outcome and death in hospital in-patients with COVID-19: derivation in Wuhan, China and external validation in London, UK

Background Accurate risk prediction of clinical outcome would usefully inform clinical decisions and intervention targeting in COVID-19. The aim of this study was to derive and validate risk prediction models for poor outcome and death in adult inpatients with COVID-19. Methods Model derivation using data from Wuhan, China used logistic regression with death and poor outcome (death or severe disease) as outcomes. Predictors were demographic, comorbidity, symptom and laboratory test variables. The best performing models were externally validated in data from London, UK. Findings 4.3% of the derivation cohort (n=775) died and 9.7% had a poor outcome, compared to 34.1% and 42.9% of the validation cohort (n=226). In derivation, prediction models based on age, sex, neutrophil count, lymphocyte count, platelet count, C-reactive protein and creatinine had excellent discrimination (death c-index=0.91, poor outcome c-index=0.88), with good-to-excellent calibration. Using two cut-offs to define low, high and very-high risk groups, derivation patients were stratified in groups with observed death rates of 0.34%, 15.0% and 28.3% and poor outcome rates 0.63%, 8.9% and 58.5%. External validation discrimination was good (c-index death=0.74, poor outcome=0.72) as was calibration. However, observed rates of death were 16.5%, 42.9% and 58.4% and poor outcome 26.3%, 28.4% and 64.8% in predicted low, high and very-high risk groups. Interpretation Our prediction model using demography and routinely-available laboratory tests performed very well in internal validation in the lower-risk derivation population, but less well in the much higher-risk external validation population. Further external validation is needed. Collaboration to create larger derivation datasets, and to rapidly externally validate all proposed prediction models in a range of populations is needed, before routine implementation of any risk prediction tool in clinical care.