Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microbial metabolism influences microplastic perturbation of dissolved organic matter in agricultural soils

Abstract An estimated 258 million tons of plastic enter the soil annually. Joining persistent types of microplastic (MP), there will be an increasing demand for biodegradable plastics. There are still many unknowns about plastic pollution by either type, and one large gap is the fate and composition of dissolved organic matter (DOM) released from MPs as well as how they interact with soil microbiomes in agricultural systems. In this study, polyethylene MPs, photoaged to different degrees, and virgin polylactic acid MPs were added to agricultural soil at different levels and incubated for 100 days to address this knowledge gap. We find that, upon MP addition, labile components of low aromaticity were degraded and transformed, resulting in increased aromaticity and oxidation degree, reduced molecular diversity, and changed nitrogen and sulfur contents of soil DOM. Terephthalate, acetate, oxalate, and L-lactate in DOM released by polylactic acid MPs and 4-nitrophenol, propanoate, and nitrate in DOM released by polyethylene MPs were the major molecules available to the soil microbiomes. The bacteria involved in the metabolism of DOM released by MPs are mainly concentrated in Proteobacteria, Actinobacteriota, and Bacteroidota, and fungi are mainly in Ascomycota and Basidiomycota. Our study provides an in-depth understanding of the microbial transformation of DOM released by MPs and its effects of DOM evolution in agricultural soils.
Cambrian trilobites from the Nounan Dolomite and lower St. Charles Formation (upper Marjuman to lower Sunwaptan; Miaolingian to Furongian Series), Smithfield Canyon, northern Utah

The trilobite faunas that occur with the Steptoean Positive Isotope Carbon Excursion (SPICE) at Smithfield Canyon, Utah, have been reported, but not illustrated. Given the importance of the SPICE at this section for international correlations, the trilobites from new collections from the upper Nounan Dolomite to lower St. Charles Formation at Smithfield Canyon are reported herein and integrated with the previously reported taxa. Trilobite assemblages indicate that the upper Cedaria to the Ellipsocephaloides biozones (Miaolingian Series, Guzhangian Stage to Furongian Series, Jiangshanian Stage) are present stratigraphically below or above the SPICE. Some of the taxa reported herein may represent new species, but they are not represented by well-enough preserved specimens and are left in open nomenclature. However, Kingstonia smithfieldensis n. sp. and Bromella utahensis n. sp. are named on the basis of common and well-preserved specimens. New carbon isotope data from Smithfield Canyon from an overlapping section of the lower St. Charles Formation, that add to the overall shape of the SPICE curve, are presented. The new δ13C values above the Elvinia Biozone range from –0.36‰ to +1.5‰, confirming that the SPICE concludes within the Elvinia Biozone. UUID: http://zoobank.org/ad4fd372-8da4-4caa-98ed-ea82700cca60
Stability and Success of Clear Aligners in Orthodontics: A Narrative Review

The implementation of Clear Aligner Therapy (CAT) in adult orthodontics exemplifies the integration of advanced technology in the dental healthcare sector. Representing a significant shift in modern orthodontics, CAT offers a convenient and aesthetic alternative to traditional fixed appliance treatments for mal-aligned dentition. This narrative review aims to explore the applicability of CAT, delineating its biomechanics, indications, contraindications, scope, limitations, and factors influencing long-term stability and successful outcomes. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases like Google Scholar, PubMed, Cereus, and the Cochrane Library. Articles were selected based on their relevance to clear aligners, without brand specificity, and covered a wide range of cases to establish CAT’s scope and limitations. This review includes individual case studies, systemic reviews, comparative analyses, case reports, finite element analyses, and prospective and retrospective analyses, all contributing to a nuanced understanding of CAT’s applicability and long-term treatment stability. The conclusion underscores CAT’s growing acceptance in orthodontics, including its application in challenging cases, and highlights key determinants that bolster its long-term efficacy.
Getting clues from nature: the impact of grass hay on suckling piglets’ gastrointestinal growth and colonic microbiota

Introduction The effect of dietary fiber on pig production has been extensively evaluated. Inspired by observations of the diet of wild, young piglets, this study aimed to examine the possibility of feeding grass hay to suckling piglets besides concentrated creep feed. Methods The sow-nursed piglets in this study were divided into two groups based on balanced sow parities. The control group (CON, n = 7 sows) only received a regular, concentrated creep feed, while the treatment piglets (GH, n = 8 sows) were also provided with chopped grass hay from 2 days of age until weaning (28 days). At weaning, one piglet with a median weight was selected from each litter for post-mortem evaluation. Subsequently, six pigs around median weight per sow were grouped into nursery pens and monitored for their feed intake and body weight gain until 9 weeks of age. Results and discussion Piglets in GH consumed, on average, 57 g of grass hay per piglet during the entire lactation period. The emptied weight of the small and large intestine was significantly greater in GH (280 vs. 228 g, 88.8 vs. 79.3 g, respectively, p < 0.05), and the length of the large intestine was stimulated by the grass hay (164 vs. 150 cm, p < 0.05). Morphologically, the villus height in the jejunum was higher in GH (p < 0.05). In the large intestine, the crypt depth of the mid-colon was lower in GH. Moreover, the short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations in the cecum were increased in GH compared to CON (1,179 vs. 948 µmol/g dry matter, p < 0.05), whereas in the colon, SCFA concentrations were lower in CON (341 vs. 278 µmol/g dry matter, p < 0.05). There was no major impact of grass hay inclusion on the colonic microbiota composition. Only a trend was observed for a lower inverse of the classical Simpson (InvSimpon) index and a higher abundance of Lactobacillus genera in GH. After weaning, no significant differences in feed intake and body weight gain were observed. In conclusion, supplementing the grass hay to suckling piglets led to alterations in intestinal morphology, increased SCFA fermentation in proximal sections of large intestine, stimulation of gastrointestinal tract growth, and subtle modifications in colonic microbiota.
The Effect of Thermo Cycling on Fracture Resistance Of Temporary Prosthesis Fabricated By CAD/CAM With Composite- Based Material

Aim: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of thermo cycling on fracture resistance of temporary prosthesis constriction by computer-aided design/ computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) with those of composite materials. Material and Methods: A dentoform maxillary molar tooth was prepared for full coverage crown, temporary prosthesis was constriction and divided into the following groups: CAD/CAM poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) blocks, and auto- polymerizing temporary material. All specimens were subjected to thermo cycling and then fracture strength was measured by a universal testing machine. Results: The mean ± Stander deviation values for CAD CAM group before thermo cycling (560.50 ±83.581 Newton) and after thermo cycling (901.00± 311.598 Newton) were recorded statistically significant higher fracture resistance mean compared with composite fabricated interim restorations. Conclusion: Interim prosthesis constructed using CAD CAM technique showed higher fracture
Infections and Their Outcomes in Cancer Patients With and Without Neutropenia: A Single-Center Experience

Background Patients with cancer are at a high risk of developing infections due to immunosuppression resulting from cancer treatment. Infections may occur both during neutropenic and non-neutropenic episodes and negatively impact outcomes both in terms of hospital stay and mortality. In this study, we aimed to determine the infection types, microbiological picture of infections, their outcomes, and associated factors in cancer patients during neutropenic and non-neutropenic episodes. Methods This is a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted at the Department of Medical Oncology, Geetanjali Medical College & Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in northern India. A total of 82 cancer patients with infections between August 2021 and July 2022 were included in this study. Results A total of 82 patients had 96 episodes of infections. Out of 82 patients, 24 (29.3%) had hematological malignancies, and 58 (70.7%) had solid malignancies. The majority of episodes (n = 60; 62.5%) were seen in patients with solid malignancies, and the rest (n = 36; 37.5%) of them were seen in patients with hematological malignancies. Among all the episodes of infection, 28 (29.2%) were encountered during neutropenic episodes, while the rest (n = 68; 70.8%) of the incidences were encountered during non-neutropenic episodes. Out of 28 neutropenic episodes of infection, the majority (n = 23; 82.1%) occurred in patients with hematological malignancies. An absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of <500 cells/mm3 (severe neutropenia) was present in 26 (92.8%) patients in the neutropenic group. There was no major difference in causative microbiology among both groups. Gram-negative organisms were the predominant pathogens in both groups. Escherichia coli was the most commonly isolated, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida spp. The mortality rate was 12.5%, with a significantly higher mortality in the neutropenic group (odds ratio (OR) 3.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.178-9.813; p = 0.042). Neutropenic patients also had a longer median length of stay (LOS, 10 days) as compared to non-neutropenic patients (seven days). Conclusion This study revealed a high frequency of neutropenia in patients with hematological malignancies. Gram-negative pathogens were the major causative organisms of infection in both patient groups. E. coli infection rates were high in both groups. Neutropenic patients had significantly higher mortality rates and a longer LOS compared to non neutropenic patients.
THE ROLE OF ATTRACTIONS, SERVICE QUALITY AND FACILITIES IN SATISFACTION AND REVISIT INTENTION

Many tourist destinations in Indonesia have great potential to develop and are widely known by tourists, both local and foreign tourists. One of the tourist areas in Indonesia is Lake Lau Kawar. There are still many tourism potentials of Lake Lau Kawar that have not been developed as tourism products for the welfare and improvement of the quality of life of the surrounding community, both in the form of natural beauty, natural phenomena and landscapes, as well as the way of life of the people. Facilities and infrastructure such as road facilities, transportation, lodging, restaurants, promotions, the application of sapta charms and other supporting facilities are inadequate. Communities around the tourist area also have not played a direct role in the development of the Lau Kawar Lake tourism object. This is thought to be the cause of tourists who have visited there not interested in visiting again. This study aims to determine and analyze the effect of Attractions, Service Quality, and Facilities on Revisit Intention through Satisfaction as a variable Intervening. The population in this study were cafe owners in the city of Kabanjahe, totaling 30 cafes. The number of samples in this study were 100 visitors to the Lake Lau Kawar tour using the accidental sampling technique. The data analysis method used is SEM-PLS. The results showed that Attractions had a positive and insignificant effect on Revisit Intention, Attractions had a positive and significant effect on Satisfaction, Service Quality had a positive and significant effect on Revisit Intention, Service Quality had a positive and significant effect on Satisfaction, Facilities had a positive and insignificant effect on Revisit Intention , Attraction has a positive and not significant effect on Satisfaction, Satisfaction has a positive and significant effect on Revisit Intention.
The Extent and Nature of Functional Limitations According to the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Severe Functional Disability

Background: For a subgroup of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and severe disability, insight into their limitations is crucial for adequate treatment. Aim: To describe the extent and nature of functional limitations in people with RA and severe disability and to explore the associations of the extent of the functional limitations with patient characteristics, disease characteristics, and outcome measures. Methods: Baseline data of 215 participants in an RCT on the (cost-)effectiveness of longstanding physiotherapy were used. Functional limitations were assessed with the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI). The total HAQ-DI including eight domain scores were calculated. Associations between high HAQ-DI scores (≥2, yes/no) and other variables were examined using the Student’s t-test or Chi-squared test where appropriate. Results: The participants (90% women, age 58.8 ± 12.8 years) had a mean HAQ-DI score of 1.7 ± 0.5. The majority (56%) showed a moderate-to-severe disability in all domains. Higher HAQ-DI scores seemed to be associated with advanced age, longer disease duration, unemployment, joint replacements, and outcomes for daily functioning and physical quality of life, but not with measures of disease activity. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that a comprehensive assessment of all areas of daily activities in this subgroup is necessary in order to provide appropriate (non-)pharmacological care.
Science and Engineering Undergraduates’ Attitudes and Perceptions of English-Mediated Instruction – A Case Study in A Chongqing International Cooperative Program

This research sought to investigate the perspective of science and engineering students at Chongqing universities towards English-medium instruction (EMI) delivered by foreign instructors. The participants were 156 undergraduate students who studied at a Sino-Foreign Cooperative Education Programme in Chongqing University of Technology (CQUT). In this study, data was collected through interviews and questionnaires. The research indicates that most students have a high regard for English-medium instruction and have found that taking Science and Engineering classes instructed by foreign teachers in English has been beneficial in terms of enhancing their English language skills and developing their understanding of the subject. Nevertheless, some students with limited English proficiency encountered difficulties understanding specialized knowledge. They found that full English instruction from foreign teachers did not improve their English language skills. Therefore, this study suggested that China’s Sino-foreign Cooperation Programmes should consider the divergences in students’ English proficiency and vocational objectives and offer differentiated instruction, mentoring, and professional English language training.
Effect of dietary untreated field pea (Pisum sativum L.) as substitute for soybean meal and enzymes supplementation on egg production and quality of laying hens

This study was designed to establish the effect on laying performance and egg quality resulting from substitution of soybean meal with untreated field pea (Pisum sativum L.) and enzyme supplementation in the diet of the entire cycle of laying hens. A total of 270 Lohmann Brown Classic pullets, 18 wks of age were randomly allocated to five experimental groups of 54, hens each. Each treatment had six replicates of 9 hens with similar levels of production at the beginning of the trial and fed 35 wks (between 20 and 54 wks of age). The dietary treatments were as follows: 1) corn/soybean meal diet (Soybean diet); 2) corn/pea diet (Pea diet); 3) Pea diet supplemented with Kemzyme HF® (100 mg/kg diet); 4) Pea diet supplemented with AllzymeVegpro (100 mg/kg diet); 5) Pea diet supplemented with enzyme combination [Kemzyme HF® (50 mg/kg diet) plus Allzyme Vegpro (50 mg/kg diet)]. The substitution of soybean meal with untreated pea did not significantly change the growth performance as well as feed intake and efficiency of layers; egg production rate and none of egg quality traits examined were influenced, except for yolk color that was higher in hens fed the pea diet. Our results show that the addition of Allzyme Vegpro or the enzyme combination (Kemzyme HF® plus AllzymeVegpro), respectively to pea-based diets significantly improved laying performance; however, the effect of Kemzyme HF® was not statistically significant in pea-based diet. Egg quality of layers fed enzymes supplementation had no statistically significant difference with hens fed pea-based diet without enzyme or soybean meal diet.
Collaborative metabolisms of urea and cyanate degradation in marine anammox bacterial culture

Abstract Anammox process greatly contributes to nitrogen loss occurring in oceanic oxygen minimum zones (OMZs), where the availability of NH4+ is scarce as compared with NO2−. Remineralization of organic nitrogen compounds including urea and cyanate (OCN−) into NH4+ has been believed as an NH4+ source of the anammox process in oxygen minimum zones. However, urea- or OCN−- dependent anammox has not been well examined due to the lack of marine anammox bacterial culture. In the present study, urea and OCN− degradation in a marine anammox bacterial consortium were investigated based on 15N-tracer experiments and metagenomic analysis. Although a marine anammox bacterium, Candidatus Scalindua sp. , itself was incapable of urea and OCN− degradation, urea was anoxically decomposed to NH4+ by the coexisting ureolytic bacteria (Rhizobiaceae, Nitrosomonadaceae, and/or Thalassopiraceae bacteria), whereas OCN− was abiotically degraded to NH4+. The produced NH4+ was subsequently utilized in the anammox process. The activity of the urea degradation increased under microaerobic condition (ca. 32–42 μM dissolved O2, DO), and the contribution of the anammox process to the total nitrogen loss also increased up to 33.3% at 32 μM DO. Urea-dependent anammox activities were further examined in a fluid thioglycolate media with a vertical gradient of O2 concentration, and the active collaborative metabolism of the urea degradation and anammox was detected at the lower oxycline (21 μM DO).
TCRβ clones in muscle tissue share structural features in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathy and are associated with disease activity

Objectives To characterize the T cell receptor (TCRβ) repertoire in peripheral blood and muscle tissues of treatment naïve patients with newly diagnosed idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIMs). Methods High throughput RNA sequencing of the TCRβ chain was performed in peripheral blood and muscle tissue in twenty newly-diagnosed treatment-naïve IIM patients (9 DM, 5 NM/OM, 5 IMNM and 1 ASyS) and healthy controls. Results thereof were correlated with markers of disease activity. Results Muscle tissue of IIM patients shows more expansion of TCRβ clones and decreased diversity when compared to peripheral blood of IIM as well as healthy controls (both p=0.0001). Several expanded TCRβ clones in muscle are tissue restricted and cannot be retrieved in peripheral blood. These clones have significantly longer CDR3 regions when compared to clones (also) found in circulation (p=0.0002), while their CDR3 region is more hydrophobic (p<0.01). Network analysis shows that clonal TCRβ signatures are shared between patients. Increased clonal expansion in muscle tissue is significantly correlated with increased CK levels (p=0.03), while it tends to correlate with decreased muscle strength (p=0.08). Conclusion Network analysis of clones in muscle of IIM patients shows shared clusters of sequences across patients. Muscle-restricted CDR3 TCRβ clones show specific structural features in their T cell receptor. Our results indicate that clonal TCRβ expansion in muscle tissue might be associated with disease activity. Collectively, these findings support a role for specific clonal T cell responses in muscle tissue in the pathogenesis of the IIM subtypes studied.
Impact of varying disturbances on the structure and composition of grassland vegetation in Anantnag, Kashmir Himalayas

Grasslands known for their aesthetic, biological and cultural values are being subjected to varied disturbances like grazing, moving, trampling etc. Owing to overgrazing, degradation of pastures has achieved critical dimensions all across the globe. Jammu and Kashmir with significant population of Gujjar and Bakerwal communities is facing more intense problem of grazing and consequently grasslands have degraded. In fact during the present study mild grazing was found to promote growth of more species in grasslands as against heavy grazing which decreases species number. However total protection from grazers also leads to decrease in species number in grasslands.
Open field test for the assessment of anxiety-like behavior in Gnathonemus petersii fish

The open field test (OFT) is a basic and most widely used test for investigation in animal studies of the neurobiological basis of anxiety and screening for novel drug targets. Here, we present the results of an OFT for weakly electric fish Gnathonemus petersii. This study aimed to describe the behavioral response of G. petersii exposed to an OFT, simultaneously with an evaluation of electrical organ discharges (EOD), to determine whether any association between EOD and patterns of motor behavior in the OFT exists. Treatment of OFT activity and its temporal patterning was assessed for the whole 6-min trial as well as per-minute distributions of activity using a near-infrared camera and an EOD data acquisition system. Our results demonstrated that the time spent, distance moved, and time of activity were significantly higher in the periphery of the OFT arena. The zone preference pattern over the 6-min test session showed that G. petersii prefer the outer zone (83.61%) over the center of the arena (16.39%). The motor behavior of fish measured as distance moved, active time, and swim speed were correlated with the number of EODs; however, no relationship was found between EOD and acceleration.
Seeding method and weed competition effect on growth and yield of direct-seeded rice under puddled condition.

Rice is the most important staple food crop of India. It is grown as transplanted crop in most of the command areas. But, labour shortage at the peak of planting activities has encouraged many rice farmers to shift from transplanting to direct-seeding in irrigated areas. Direct-seeded rice are subjected to greater weed pressure than conventional transplanting systems since there is no standing water to suppress weeds at the time of crop emergence (Mahajan and Chauhan 2013). The crop is likely to experience yield reduction, unless weeds are kept free during a part of its growing period (Azmi et al. 2007). However, use of suitable seeding methods for rapid establishment of rice seedlings (Tilahun et al. 2013) may counter weed competition under direct-seeded condition. Hitherto, such studies are meager which evaluate the effect of critical period of weed interference in direct-seeded rice with different seeding methods under puddled condition. Hence, this study was carried out to assess the effect of seeding methods and critical period of weed competition in direct-seeded rice under puddled irrigated condition in coastal ecosystem of Karaikal, Puducherry, Union Territory (UT), India.