Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cell-free DNA as a marker for the outcome of end-stage renal disease patients on haemodialysis

Abstract Background DNA damage and inflammation are common in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Our aim was to evaluate the levels of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and the relationship with inflammation, anaemia, oxidative stress and haemostatic disturbances in ESRD patients on dialysis. By performing a 1-year follow-up study, we also aimed to evaluate the predictive value of cfDNA for the outcome of ESRD patients. Methods A total of 289 ESRD patients on dialysis were enrolled in the study: we evaluated cfDNA, haemogram, serum iron, hepcidin, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, and haemostasis. Events and causes of deaths were recorded throughout the follow-up period. Results ESRD patients, as compared with controls, presented significantly higher levels of cfDNA, hepcidin, and inflammatory and oxidative stress markers, and significantly lower values of iron and anaemia-related haemogram parameters. The all-cause mortality rate was 9.7%; compared with alive patients, deceased patients (n = 28) were older and presented significantly higher values of inflammatory markers and of cfDNA, which was almost 2-fold higher. Furthermore, cfDNA was the best predictor of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in ESRD patients, in both unadjusted and adjusted models for basic confounding factors in dialysis. Conclusions Our data show cfDNA to be a valuable predictive marker of prognosis in ESRD patients on dialysis treatment; high levels of cfDNA were associated with a poor outcome.
Fundamental Extrapolation and Stock Returns

We explore the effects of fundamental extrapolation on stock returns. Empirically, we propose a novel approach to extrapolate firms' fundamental information and find that a strategy based on fundamental extrapolation earns an average return of 0.80% per month. Theoretically, we show that fundamental extrapolation has dual effects on stock price: a cash flow effect and a discount rate effect. The former pushes stock price up relative to its fundamental value, whereas the latter increases the representative investor's expected volatility and depresses today's stock price. Our empirical results suggest that the discount rate effect dominates the cash flow effect overall.
Referential choice in stories with characters of one or different genders: A study of monolingual Croatian speakers

During narration, speakers constantly choose appropriate referential forms (nominals or pronominals). Children may engage in this reference marking differently than adults. Discourse- or listener-oriented approaches make different predictions about referential behaviour in cognitively demanding situations: the first predicts a higher number of nominals; the second, a higher number of pronominals. The current study explores referential forms chosen by 50 children (6;0–6;11) and 50 adults, all monolingual speakers of Croatian, under the increased cognitive load of having to narrate a story from picture stimuli involving three characters of one or different genders. Generally, adults produce more referential expressions in their narratives. For both story types, children and adults use nominals more often than pronominals, children use a higher percentage of nominals than adults, and both groups use nouns to introduce and re-introduce characters. When maintaining characters in the narrative, both groups use more nouns and fewer pronouns in the story with characters of one gender, whereas they use fewer nouns and more pronouns in the story with characters of different genders. These findings suggest that Croatian monolingual adults and children more often use nominals for referencing in cognitively demanding stories, consistent with the discourse-oriented approach.
OLFACTORY BULB SYNCHRONY: SPATIALLY LOCALIZED COINCIDENT INHIBITION OF MITRAL CELLS BY GABAERGIC MICROCIRCUITS

By LOREN JANES SCHMIDT Activity in the mammalian olfactory bulb (OB) has been long known to oscillate in response to olfactory stimulus. Oscillations in neural substrates are thought to represent synchronous activity of underlying neurons. Due to the circuitry and cytoarchitecture of the OB, the primary neurons, mitral cells (MCs), have been long thought to participate in lateral inhibition that would improve contrast during odor sensing. Activating large ensembles of MCs in an acute slice of the OB with serotonin (5HT) recruited an increase in inhibitory events onto MCs, surprisingly without a concomitant increase in inhibitory cell action potential rates. The increase in MC inhibitory rate was used to probe the lateral extent to which synchronous inhibition can be found amongst MCs. Contrary to what might be expected due to cell morphology, only nearby MCs share coincident inhibition above levels expected by chance. Directly activating MCs’ inhibitory partners, granule cells (GCs), using electrical stimulation evokes synchronous inhibition above chance levels in MC pairs that did not have not have significant synchronous inhibition in 5-HT. Simulating the temporal jitter associated with the cellular processes of neurotransmitter release indicated that both 5-HT and electrical stimulation recruit divergent inhibition from spiking interneurons. Due to differences in the amplitude distribution of inhibitory events between 5-HT and electrical stimulation it is possible that these two conditions recruit distinct populations of
Adherence to safety practices and risks associated with toxic chemicals in the research and postgraduate laboratories at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria, South Africa

The study investigated the knowledge of postgraduate students in the Biology, Chemistry and Biochemistry departments regarding safety practices, protective measures and risks associated with toxic chemicals in the postgraduate and research laboratories. The study was exploratory and was conducted through administering 83 questionnaires. The results showed that the majority (78%) of the students received training on laboratory safety even though only 34% of them could identify all the warning signs associated with hazardous chemicals. Protective measures practised by students included wearing of buttoned laboratory coats (74%), closed shoes (78%), use of latex gloves (43%), correct use of dustbins for waste disposal (10%) and inspection of warning signs on chemical containers before use (54%), while only 25% of the students used fume cupboards. In case of an emergency, 72% knew what steps to take, whereas 28% were unaware of the steps to take. Students were aware of the potential risks associated with hazardous chemicals in the laboratory and had knowledge on the warning signs on chemicals even though adherence to the safety practices was still a problem. The majority of the participants felt that there was a need for continuous training on laboratory safety and regular reminders through the use of safety charts in laboratories.
Chronic Hemodialysis Patients Hospitalized with COVID-19: Short-term Outcomes in the Bronx, New York.

Background Patients with ESKD who are on chronic hemodialysis have a high burden of comorbidities that may place them at increased risk for adverse outcomes when hospitalized with COVID-19. However, data in this unique patient population are limited. The aim of our study is to describe the clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes in patients on chronic hemodialysis who require hospitalization for COVID-19. Methods We performed a retrospective study of 114 patients on chronic hemodialysis who were hospitalized with COVID-19 at two major hospitals in the Bronx from March 9 to April 8, 2020 during the surge of SARS-CoV-2 infections in New York City. Patients were followed during their hospitalization through April 22, 2020. Comparisons in clinical characteristics and laboratory data were made between those who survived and those who experienced in-hospital death; short-term outcomes were reported. Results Median age was 64.5 years, 61% were men, and 89% were black or Hispanic. A total of 102 (90%) patients had hypertension, 76 (67%) had diabetes mellitus, 63 (55%) had cardiovascular disease, and 30% were nursing-home residents. Intensive care unit (ICU) admission was required in 13% of patients, and 17% required mechanical ventilation. In-hospital death occurred in 28% of the cohort, 87% of those requiring ICU, and nearly 100% of those requiring mechanical ventilation. A large number of in-hospital cardiac arrests were observed. Initial procalcitonin, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase, C-reactive protein, and lymphocyte percentage were associated with in-hospital death. Conclusions Short-term mortality in patients on chronic hemodialysis who were hospitalized with COVID-19 was high. Outcomes in those requiring ICU and mechanical ventilation were poor, underscoring the importance of end-of-life discussions in patients with ESKD who are hospitalized with severe COVID-19 and the need for heightened awareness of acute cardiac events in the setting of COVID-19. Elevated inflammatory markers were associated with in-hospital death in patients with ESKD who were hospitalized with COVID-19.
The Mechanism of the Pupal Gin Trap: I. Segmental Gradients and the Connexions of the Triggering Sensilla

1. Pupae of the privet hawk moth Sphinx ligustri are equipped with defensive devices known as gin traps. 2. The function of the traps depends on a discrimination between receptors inside and outside their margins. The traps close when the sensilla within them are disturbed. 3. There is no consistent difference in the response of the trichoid sensilla inside and outside the traps. Discriminations between them must depend on a difference in their central connexions. 4. There is no fusion of the afferent axons from individual receptors in the region of the gin trap. 5. Maps of the triggering and non-triggering receptors show that the pupa does not discriminate between receptors inside and outside the trap, but between receptors at different points on the antero-posterior axis. 6. The distinctive feature of the triggering receptors may be their position in a segmental antero-posterior gradient.
Imazethapyr plus Propanil Mixtures in Imidazolinone-Resistant Rice

Abstract A study was conducted in three locations in Louisiana to evaluate interactions of imazethapyr at 0 and 70 g ai ha-1 mixed with propanil at 0, 1,120, 2,240, 3,360, and 4,480 g ha-1 for the control of red rice, barnyardgrass, and hemp sesbania. According to Blouin's modified Colby's, a synergistic response occurred for red rice treated with imazethapyr mixed with propanil at 4,480 g ha-1 for all evaluations. Observed control was 93% to 95% compared with expected control of 81% to 87%. An antagonistic response occurred for barnyardgrass control with imazethapyr mixed with propanil at 1,120 g ha-1 at 35 and 49 d after treatment (DAT), with control of 75% and 64%, respectively, compared with expected control of 89% and 78%. However, a neutral response occurred for barnyardgrass control when treated with all other imazethapyr plus propanil combinations. An antagonistic interaction occurred for hemp sesbania when treated with imazethapyr plus propanil at 3,360 and 4,480 g ha-1 at 21 DAT with an observed control of 89% compared with an expected control of 96%; however, a neutral response occurred at all other evaluation dates. An increase in rice yield was observed with an imazethapyr plus propanil at 4,480 g ha-1 mixture compared with a single application of imazethapyr or propanil at any rate evaluated. Nomenclature: Imazethapyr; propanil; barnyardgrass, Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) Beauv. ; hemp sesbania, Sesbania herbacea (P. Mill.) McVaugh; red rice/rice, Oryza sativa L.
Antimicrobial Efficacy, Secondary Metabolite Constituents, Ligand Docking of Enantia chlorantha on Selected Multidrug Resistance Bacteria and Fungi

This study aimed at determining the phytochemical constituents and antimicrobial efficacy of Enantia chlorantha on multidrug resistance microorganisms.And also to study the interaction of plant secondary metabolite (phytochemicals) from Enantia chlorantha with three proteins. Antimicrobial activity of the extracts of E. chlorantha (leaf and stem bark) against selected microorganisms was done using agar well diffusion method. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs), minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) were also determined using standard methods. The qualitative Original Research Article Abike et al.; JABB, 23(6): 17-32, 2020; Article no.JABB. 60911 18 and quantitative phytochemical screening of E. chlorantha were also determined. The molecular docking was determined using in-silico techniques and was elucidated. Protein generation, Ligand generation and Ligand Docking using GLIDE were determined. Standard precision (SP) flexible ligand docking was carried out in Glide of Schrödinger-Maestro 11.1 and the extra-precision (XP) mode. The crude extracts tested showed antimicrobial activities against all the test bacterial and fungal isolates for the stem bark extract while the leaf extract showed antimicrobial activities against some of the isolates with little differences. The zones of inhibition ranges between 9mm-24mm at 100mg/ml for the ethanol extract and 10mm-13mm at 12.5mg/ml. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) at which the isolates were sensitive to the various extracts differed and the MIC values ranged from 12.5mg/ml to 100mg/ml while the MBC for the organisms ranged from 25mg/ml to 100mg/ml.The qualitative phytochemical screening of Enantia chlorantha leaf and stem bark revealed the presence of medicinally active constituent such as cardiac glycoside, steroids, anthraquinone,tannin, saponin, phenol, and reducing sugar. The quantitative phytochemical screening of E. chlorantha stem bark and leaf using different solvents, showed the presence of different phytoconstituents in different quantities. Molecular docking results revealed some components of the plant to be more active compared to levofloxacin by inhibiting topoisomerase IV. Jartrorrhizine-1 and canadine-1 present in Enantia chlorantha have docking scores of -2.267 and 1.625 respectively which are greater than that of levofloxacin (-1.557) against Salmonella typhi. For Staphylococcus aureus, Argentine.sdf (-7.373) and Jartrorrhizine.sdf (-4.225) have high docking scores compared to Levofloxacin.sdf (-3.436) as well as Candida albican.The promising evidence for the antimicrobial effects of E. chlorantha against bacterial and fungal isolates in this study especially the stem bark extract showed that Enantia chlorantha is more effective at treating diseases caused by Salmonella typhi and other organisms and therefore can be used as an alternative source of therapeutic agents.
Altered Kinetics of Non-Homologous End Joining Mediated DNA Repair in Mouse Models of Aging and Leukemia

DNA encodes the genetic instructions for the development and function of organisms and hence maintaining genomic integrity is essential for the propagation of life. However, DNA molecules are under constant threat of metabolic and environmental insults resulting in DNA damages including DNA double strand breaks (DSB), which are considered as a serious threat to cell survival. The majority of these DSB are repaired by Non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). Unrepaired DSB can lead to genomic instability resulting in cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, and mutations. Thus, delineating this DNA repair process is important in understanding the molecular mechanisms of aging and malignant progression. B lymphocytes undergo physiological DNA breaks and NHEJ-mediated DNA repair during their bone marrow differentiation and peripheral class switch recombination (CSR), thus lending them as a good model system in which to delineate the DNA repair mechanisms. To determine the effect of aging on NHEJ, B lymphocytes from old mice were analyzed. The results showed compromised DNA repair in cells from old mice compared to cells from adult mice. These results suggest that NHEJ is compromised during aging and might play critical roles in the aging process and ageassociated conditions. To delineate the role of a CT in regulating the immune system, transgenic mice expressing NUP98-HOXD13 (NHD13) were analyzed for B lymphocyte differentiation, peripheral development, CSR, and antibody production. The results showed impaired B cell development and antibody production, which worsened with antigenic stimulation, suggesting the role of NHD13 in immune regulation. These studies explored the possibility of altered NHEJiii mediated DNA repair as a contributing reason for aging process and age-associated conditions. Also, the results from NHD13 study suggested that a primary CT can result in impaired NHEJ and regulate immune cell development and function. Furthermore, the results pointed to the possibility that a primary CT may lead to secondary mutations through altered NHEJ. Thus, these studies shed insight into the molecular mechanisms of altered NHEJ and may help in developing preventive or therapeutic strategies against accumulation of DNA damage, aging process and secondary mutations.
Seasonal Variation in Body Condition Score and Morphometry with Age of Crossbred Cattle at an Organized Farm in Kashmir Valley

Present study was conducted to evaluate season wise variation in body condition score (BCS) in different physiological stages and association of morphometry with age of crossbred cattle (Jersey x local cattle) maintained at Mountain Livestock Research Institute, Mansbal, SKUAST-Kashmir. Fifty four crossbred cattle of same parity were examined for BCS on 6 point scale through seven different physiological stages viz; calving (CL), early lactation (EL), mid lactation (ML), late lactation (LL), dry period (DP) and heifers. Body measurements visa,body length, height at withers, chest girth and pelvic girth were taken in animals of age group 1.5-2, 2-3, 3-4, 4-5 and 5-8 years. Results revealed that BCS of crossbred cattle was comparatively low in winter than autumn with more depression in months of November and December. Body length and height at withers increased significantly (P
Antibacterial, Antifungal and Antiviral Properties of Malpighiaceae Family and Its Potential Impact for Oral Cavity Infectious Diseases

Recently, the impact of oral infections on global human health and their importance in the complications of patients with some chronic conditions have been recognized. Current medical treatments deal with the specificity and resistance of pathogenic strains of the oral cavity made up of by bacteria, fungi and viruses; thus, novel substances are necessary for use as effective drugs. Plants have been a source of active chemical agents since ancient times; however, a number of family plants still remain unstudied. This is the case of Malpighiaceae, a flowering plant family that possesses secondary metabolites that have exhibited a variety of pharmacological effects with promising results. This review has as objective to provide an overview of the extracts and active constituents isolated from species belonging to the Malpighiaceae family, to emphasize their activities against bacteria, fungi and viruses during recent years and their potential impact on the pathogens of the oral cavity.
Storage Conditions Deteriorate Cotton and Wheat Seeds Quality: An Assessment of Farmers’ Awareness in Pakistan

Seed quality is accessed by appropriate seed germination, seed moisture contents, insect/pathogen infestations and seed vigor. Seed storage conditions are essential to protect from deterioration. In this study, knowledge and practices of wheat and cotton seeds storage were accessed among commercial seed growers (CSGs) and non-commercial seeds growers (NCSGs) in the Vehari District of Pakistan, while samples of stored wheat and cotton seeds were also collected to assess the quality of stored seeds. Stored seeds in the study area were contaminated by a variety of fungi, with infestation percentages reaching 13% for wheat and 20.7% for cotton in seeds from NCSGs, compared to 9% (wheat) and 9.5% (cotton) in seeds from CSGs. The majority of seed growers (75.0%) did not have any training on seed storage. The growers (60.9%) were unaware that seed should not be stored in closed polythene bags and most (62.2%) were not well aware about seed-borne crop diseases. Most growers did not maintain the temperature and humidity of storage rooms (82.7%) and did not calculate the seed rate before sowing after seed germination tests (87.2%). However, seed dressing with fungicides was implemented by most farmers (69.9%). Controlling the temperature of the seed storage was significantly influenced by growers’ age, while controlling the humidity of the seed storage was significantly influenced by growers’ farming experience. Seed dressing with fungicides was positively associated with the graduation level of growers, while checking seed maturity was positively associated with the higher education (Master’s level) of growers. There was a lack of active information centers in the study areas and a lack of agricultural information provision to farmers. Awareness regarding bad-quality seeds should be initiated to increase growers’ knowledge. Training programs for providing adequate knowledge to growers and skills in seed storage should be organized. Legislation regarding the seed business and seed storage protective measures should be enforced to minimize problems by a seed-borne inoculum and deterioration of seed quality.
Basic life support: a cross-sectional study of knowledge in undergraduate medical students of Maharashtra

Background: Basic life support (BLS) is defined as medical procedures and skills that can be utilized in case of emergency to save lives. Objective was to study the knowledge of basic life support in undergraduate medical students of Maharashtra.Methods: A cross-sectional study on undergraduate medical students from first to final year MBBS in July 2018 in the Community Medicine department, Government medical college, Maharashtra.Results: Out of the total 300 students, 59.34% were females and 40.66% were males. 42% were from first MBBS, 38% from second and 20% from final MBBS. While 67% had previous training of BLS and 38% had performed CPR before. (91%) knew abbreviation of BLS (32%) students could identify location for chest compression in adults, (31%) knew the compression rate and (19%) knew about rescue breathing in infants. While (30%) and (21%) had the knowledge on depth of chest compression in adults and infants respectively. However, only (31%) and (29%) knew that the recommended chest compression to ventilation ratio in adult and infants respectively.Conclusions: The study highlights that majority of students were lacking the knowledge of basic life support. It is the need of the hour to provide BLS training to all the medical students.