Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EFFECT OF THE TOXIC DOSE OF LEVAMISOLE ON SOME HEMATOLOGICAL PARAMETERS, LIVER AND KIDNEY FUNCTIONS IN LAMBS

The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of levamisole, administrated at therapeutic and toxic doses, on some hematological and biochemical parameters in lambs. For this purpose ten lambs were used during the period from 22 October to 5 November 2016. Animals were distributed randomly into two groups (therapeutic and toxic groups). Levamisole was given orally at single doses of 7.5mg/kg for therapeutic group and 20mg/kg for toxic group. Blood samples were taken from the jugular vein prior to administrations of levamisole, then at 2, 24, 48, 96 and 144 hours postadministrations. Hematological and biochemical parameters were performed. Clinical follow-up of the lambs related to therapeutic group revealed mild and transient complications which did not interfere with animals health. In contrast harmful problems were noticed in toxic group such as neurotoxicity, paralysis, vomiting, diarrhea and difficult respiration. Hematological analysis showed that the levamisole was decreased the RBCs count and Hb and increased the levels of PCV and WBCs count in both groups which were significant (P<0.05) and more clear in toxic group. Liver enzymes, (ALT), (AST) and (ALP) showed significant increased (P<0.05) in both groups especially in toxic group. For the kidney function, urea and creatinine were estimated and they recorded an increment in their values mainly in toxic group. The conclusion of the study was that levamisole in therapeutic doses caused mild changes in studied parameters; further more toxic doses were evocated in serious changes in blood picture, liver and kidney functions which were life threatening to lambs health.
Dissipation of metham-sodium from soil and its effect on the control of Orobanche aegyptiaca

Summary The effect of metham-sodium on Orobanche aegyptiaca Pers. was tested in the laboratory and in soil columns. The laboratory experiment was carried out on O. aegyptiaca seeds placed in Petri dishes and germinated with GR24, a synthetic strigol analogue. In soil columns, metham-sodium was applied by application of the chemical through the irrigation water to three different soils and its dissipation determined in three soil layers by gas chromatography, by a lettuce bio-assay to check the herbicide's phytotoxicity, and with a flax bioassay to check its effect on O. aegyptiaca. Results of the germination experiments showed an exponential decrease in O. aegyptiaca germination, parallel with the increase of metham-sodium concentration, with an average effective concentration (EC50) of 18 mg L−1. In a soil column, methylisothiocyanate (MIT, the metham active product) rapidly disappeared from the upper soil level (0–10 cm) within 24 h. Seven days after application only traces of MIT remained in all soil layers in all soils, except for the sandy Rehovot soil that contained low concentrations in the lower soil layer (20–30 cm). Flax bioassay confirmed the chemical analysis, showing that O. aegyptiaca tubercles developed only on plants grown in the upper soil layer of all three soils.
Movement patterns of coastal bottlenose dolphins in the presence of a fast-flowing, prevailing current: shore-based observations at Cape Vidal, South Africa

The presence and movement of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins Tursiops aduncus were investigated using shore-based observations made during a humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae migration survey at Cape Vidal, South Africa, undertaken between June and October 1988–1991. Occurrence was analysed as counts of dolphin sightings per hour within a generalised estimating equation framework. Bottlenose dolphin sightings decreased throughout the daily survey period, and there was a small seasonal peak in sightings during August. Data on movement trajectory were collected using a theodolite for 60% of the groups of dolphins sighted. Most groups were observed travelling in a northerly direction, with few groups recorded moving south. A generalised linear model indicated that northward-travelling dolphins were located closer to shore, travelled at higher speeds, and occurred in bigger groups under low-tide conditions, than those seen moving in a southerly direction. The southward-flowing Agulhas Current is close to shore at Cape Vidal, where the continental shelf is particularly narrow. We suggest that bottlenose dolphins in this area have adopted a specific movement regime to cope with the consistent fast-flowing currents that dominate their environment at Cape Vidal.
Epidemiology of Sickle Hemoglobin in India

The inherited disorders of hemoglobin are the commonest monogenic disorders in India. Of these, α-thalassemia is seen practically in every community of the country with varying frequency while sickle gene is confined mainly to dravidians and predravidians tribes inhabiting malaria endemic regions. It is also seen among certain caste groups from coastal areas of Orrisa and Andhra Pradesh. Sickle hemoglobin was first detected by Lehman and Cutbush in 1952 among the tribals from Nilgiris. During the last 54 years, several groups of investigators conducted hospital based or epidemiological surveys in various ethnic groups. Based on these surveys, prevalence of sickle gene is found to be 0-18% in north eastern India, 0-33.5% in western India, 22.5-44.4% in central India and 1-40% in southern India and the gene frequency of Hb-S varies between 0.0310. 41. Wide variability in the prevalence of Hb-S trait is observed in population groups within small geographical areas. Apart from malaria, factors like endogamy, ethnicity and inbreeding are responsible for this variability. Hence, a systematic study in a small geographic area like a district is required to understand the population structure and natural history of sickle syndromes. This should be followed by creating awareness, genetic counseling prenatal diagnosis (if possible) to control the birth of sicklers.
Drivers of Commercial Banks’ Profitability in Sri Lanka

Profitability of the banking sector is central as the wellbeing of the industry is closely associated with the wellness of the whole economy in general. Thus a proficient and productivity banking sector is able and better placed to endure negative economic stocks. This study investigated drivers of Commercial banks’ profitability in Sri Lanka.The study explored the effects of bank size, adequacy of capital, liquidity, credit risk and operational efficiency on commercial banks’ profitability. The study adopted a descriptive design helped to establish the factors, which influence the Sri Lankan commercial banks’ profitability. The study used secondary data from11 commercial banks from the years 2012 to 2016. The study employedmultiple regression analysis and Pearson correlation test so as to arrive at the findings. Capital plays a key role in driving commercial banks’ profitability and higher levels of capital adequacy increases profitability of commercial banks, findings reveal. The study also concluded that an increase in nonperforming loans increase credit risk which adversely affects profitability.
Relationship Between Hook Type and Hooking Location in Sea Turtles Incidentally Captured in the United States Atlantic Pelagic Longline Fishery

Because incidental capture in pelagic longline fishing gear potentially kills or injures thousands of sea turtles annually, solutions to reduce the frequency and mortality rate of these interactions are critical conservation priorities. Understanding factors that affect post-hooking mortality rates remains an important component to evaluating the population-level impact of these interactions. Post-release mortality may be dependent upon the nature of the interaction (hooking location and/or entanglement) and amount of gear remaining at release. Hooking location can impact the ability of the crew to remove gear, as deeply ingested hooks cannot be removed safely. We examined the effects of hook type (circle vs J-hooks), offset (degrees), and other factors on hooking location in leatherback, Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli, 1761), and loggerhead, Caretta caretta (linnaeus, 1758), sea turtles incidentally captured from 2000 to 2010 using fishery observer data. Significant differences in hooking location in loggerheads were observed between offset J-hooks and non-offset and 10° offset circle hooks; loggerheads were most often mouth/beak hooked with circle hooks, whereas most had swallowed offset J-hooks. Greater offsets appear to increase the frequency of deeply ingested hooks. Leatherback sea turtles were predominately externally hooked regardless of hook type, but mouth hookings occurred significantly more often on non-offset (0°) circle and J-hooks than on 10° offset circle hooks. When combined with outreach and education on careful release protocols, the use of circle hooks may increase post-interaction survival by modifying hooking location and facilitating maximum gear removal.
Identification of small molecules enhancing autophagic function from drug network analysis

Enhancing autophagy is a potentially effective strategy for the treatment of several human disorders. Therefore, there is a great effort in developing drugs modulating autophagy, and various approaches have been taken towards this goal. Gene expression has been considered an important biomarker for drug activity for prediction of drug mode of action. However, the lack of efficient method of analysis has hampered recognition of drug mode of action based on the analysis of gene expression profiles. A novel and robust tool for prediction of drug mode of action and drug repositioning overcomes the limitations of previously available methods. This novel tool is based on a data set of expression profiles derived from a large number of drugs integrated into a “drug network” constructed by comparing the transcriptional responses induced in human cell lines. Automatic analysis of the topology of the drug network makes it possible to classify compounds and to predict unreported effects of well-known drugs. Using this tool, it was possible to identify fasudil as a new enhancer of autophagy.
Vibrations of elastic stretched strips with cracks

Abstract— Vibrations of elastic plate strips supported at two opposite edges and free at the other edges are studied. It is assumed that the thickness of the strip is piece wise constant whereas stable part-through cracks are located at the re-entrant corners of steps. Making use of the basic concepts of the fracture mechanics a method for determination of eigenfrequencies of stepped plates with cracks is developed. The influence of a crack on the behavior of the strip is modeled as a change of the local flexibility or as a distributed line spring. Numerical results are presented for strips with cracks and without any crack subjected to the tension applied at an edge of the strip. Keywords— Crack, Eigenfrequency, Plate, Strip, Vibration
Life cycle of Perforatella bidentata (Gmelin, 1791) (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Helicidae)

Laboratory and field observations made it possible to ascertain the following life cycle parameters of Perforatella bidentata (Gmel.): mating includes four phases, the longest being courtship; sperm is transferred in spermatophores. Eggs are laid in winter (November–February) and summer (May–September), in batches of 2–20. They are calcified, slightly oval, ca. 1.5 × 1.8 mm. Incubation takes 8–34 days, hatching is asynchronous. Growth from hatching to maturity lasts from ca. 3 to 9 months. In the wild the youngest age class appears in July. The maximum life span is 3 years. The activity is the greatest in spring and autumn; in all seasons it is greater in the night and early morning; juveniles are more active than adults. The individual mobility is up to 5 m/month.
Hypertension and Management

Background: To evaluate the association of self-reported race with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and modification of this association by paraoxonase gene (PON1, PON2 and PON3) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Methods: This cross-sectional study included 11,992 Black or White participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) cohort with PON genotyping. Ankle brachial index (ABI) was measured at baseline (1987-1989); PAD was defined as ABI < 0.90. Data also included demographic, health and behavioral information. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between race and PAD after adjustment for age, gender, BMI, education, smoking, high cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes. The associations between PON SNPs and PAD were also assessed. Results: Blacks comprised 24.6% of the ARIC cohort; overall, 4.0% of participants had PAD. After adjustment for age, gender and BMI, Blacks had 1.27 times greater odds of PAD than Whites (95% CI = 1.04, 1.57), but this association became non-significant after adjustment for smoking, education, cholesterol, hypertension and diabetes. None of the SNPs evaluated met significance after Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons (p < 0.001). Conclusion: No association between race and PAD was identified after adjusting for health and behavioral covariates, suggesting that modifiable risk factors are major determinants of PAD. Further studies are needed to confirm this observation.
Evaluation of Yield Performance of Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] through Cluster Front Line Demonstrations

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] is the world’s most important seed legume crop, which contribute to 25% of the global edible oil, about two-thirds of the world’s protein concentrate for livestock feeding. Soybean is recognized as golden or miracle bean due to its high nutritive value and various usage viz., for feed, oil and soy food products. It is rich in protein (38-42%) and contains 1822 per cent edible oil. Soybean ranked first in the world in oil production (57%) and in the international trade markets (Meena et al., 2012). Soybean continues to be number one oilseed crop in India occupying 10.47 million International Journal of Current Microbiology and Applied Sciences ISSN: 2319-7706 Volume 9 Number 4 (2020) Journal homepage: http://www.ijcmas. com
Duodenal intraepithelial γ/δ T cells and soluble CD8, neopterin, and β2‐microglobulin in serum of IgA‐deficient subjects with or without IgG subclass deficiency

Expression of the γ/δ T cell receptor (TCR) on CD3+ intracpithclial lymphocytes (IELs) was studied by two‐colour immunofluorescence in duodenal tissue sections from healthy (n= 6) or infection‐prone (n = 7) subjects with selective IgA deficiency (IgAD), and subjects (n= 4) with combined IgAD and IgG subclass deficiency. TCRγ/δ+ IEL proportions in selective IgAD subjects (median 6.3%, range 1.0–41%) and in those with combined deficiency (median 4.5%, range 1±2.33%) were well within the range (0.3.38%) for histologically normal controls (n= 11), but the healthy IgAD subgroup tended to show raised TCRγ/δ+ IEL proportions (median 13.6%) compared with the other two subgroups. Also the number of TCRγ/δ+ IELs per intestinal length unit was relatively high (median 13.9/mm) in the healthy IgAD subjects, and significantly raised (P < 0.03) compared with controls (median 3.2/mm). Paired staining revealed that most TCRγ/δ+ IELs in both selective IgAD (98%) and combined deficiency (99%) were CD8, and a large fraction (median 84% and 63%, respectively) expressed the Vδ1/Jδ1‐encoded epitope. The total number of CD3’ IELs (mostly CD8+) was similar to controls. IgAD subjects, and especially the healthy subgroup, had significantly increased serum concentrations of soluble CD8 (P < 0.0002), neopterin (P < 0.005), and β2‐microglobulin (P < 0.007). which was similar to our previous observations in common variable immunodeficiency, and probably reflected stimulation of cell‐mediated immunity. In addition, the increased TCRγ/δ+ IELs might reflect a component of compensatory surface protection in the healthy IgAD subgroup.
Construction of Epitope-Based Peptide Vaccine Against SARS-CoV-2: Immunoinformatics Study

Recently, a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) appeared which is conscientious for the current outbreak in China and rapidly spread worldwide. Unluckily, there is no approved vaccine found against SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, there is an urgent need for designing a suitable peptide vaccine constituent against the SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we characterized the spike glycoprotein of SARS-CoV-2 to obtain immunogenic epitopes. In addition, we used 58 SARS-CoV-2 isolates were retrieved from the Global Initiative on Sharing All Influenza Data (GISAID) and National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), then aligned to obtain the conserved region of SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein. The interaction between the conserved region with ACE2 receptor, a SARS-CoV-2 receptor on the host cell, has been evaluated through molecular docking approach. The B-cell epitope was identified using the immune epitope database (IEDB) web server. Interestingly, we recommend Pep_4 ADHQPQTFVNTELH as a epitope-based peptide vaccine candidate to deal with the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak. Pep_4 has a high level of immunogenicity and does not trigger autoimmune mechanisms. Pep_4 is capable of forming BCR/Fab molecular complexes with the lowest binding energy for activation of transduction signal the direct B-cell immune response. However, further study is suggested for confirmation (in vitro and in vivo).
Developing and Evaluating a New Scale for Product Positioning Uncertainty in India

Managing uncertainty is a major challenge for the start-ups.This paper aims to examine the reliability and validity of a new uncertainty scale as an instrument for measuring the variables necessary for product positioning for start-ups in India and its underlying dimensions. The literature is under developed in providing a comprehensive list of product positioning uncertainty constructs and its underlying variables. Therefore, an uncertainty scale measuring the variables of product positioning is required. Initially the scale consisted of 16 items under three conceptual subscales.151 founders and co-founders of start-ups from all over India participated in the study. This paper presents the result of the final scale of the factor structure that resulted from PCA and consists of 12 items out of the 16 items, which has been supported by strong evidences.
Revisiting the Full Sets of Orbital Parameters for the XO-3 System: No Evidence for Temporal Variation of the Spin–Orbit Angle

We present 12 new transit light curves and 16 new out-of-transit radial-velocity measurements for the XO-3 system. By modeling our newly collected measurements together with archival photometric and Doppler velocimetric data, we confirmed the unusual configuration of the XO-3 system, which contains a massive planet ( MP=11.92−0.63+0.59MJ ) on a relatively eccentric ( e=0.2853−0.0026+0.0027 ) and short-period (3.19152 ± 0.00145 day) orbit around a massive star ( M*=1.219−0.095+0.090M⊙ ). Furthermore, we find no strong evidence for a temporal change of either Vsini* (and by extension, the stellar spin vector of XO-3), or the transit profile (and thus orbital angular momentum vector of XO-3b). We conclude that the discrepancy in previous Rossiter–McLaughlin measurements (70.0° ± 15.0°; Hébrard et al. 2008; 37.3° ± 3.7°; Winn et al. 2009; 37.3° ± 3.0°; Hirano et al. 2011) may have stemmed from systematic noise sources.
Toxicity of herbicide formulations to frogs and the implications for product registration: A case study from Western Australia

Growing concern about the decline of amphibian populations has highlighted the need to assess the potential impact of agricultural chemicals on these animals. Although the relative sensitivity of amphibians to the toxic effects of pesticides and other environmental contaminants has yet to be established, the perceived vulnerability of amphibians to pesticide effects may actually be attributable to their specific habitat requirements. Shallow temporary ponds, essential to the life cycles of many amphibians, are also areas where pollutants may accumulate without substantial dilution. Research in Western Australia has highlighted the potential risk that agricultural chemicals may pose to fauna that inhabit low dilution environments, and indicates that the data currently required for pre-registration assessment of pesticides may be inadequate to effectively protect these environments.
The b2-adrenoceptor activates a positive cAMP-calcium feedforward loop to drive breast cancer cell invasion

Activation of the sympathetic nervous system by stress increases breast cancer metastasis in vivo. Preclinical studies suggest that stress activates b-adrenoceptors (bARs) to enhance metastasis from primary tumors and that b-blockers may be protective in breast cancer. However, the subtype of bAR that mediates this effect, as well as the signaling mechanisms underlying increased tumor cell dissemination, remain unclear. We show that the b2AR is the only functionally relevant bAR subtype in the highly metastatic human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231HM. b2AR activation results in elevated cAMP (formoterol pEC50 9.86 6 0.32), increased intracellular Ca (formoterol pEC50 8.20 6 0.33) and reduced phosphorylated ERK (pERK; formoterol pIC50 11.62 6 0.31). We demonstrate that a highly amplified positive feedforward loop between the cAMP and Ca pathways is responsible for efficient inhibition of basal pERK. Importantly, activation of the b2AR increased invasion (formoterol area under the curve [AUC] relative to vehicle: 1.826 0.36), which was dependent on the cAMP/ Ca loop (formoterol AUC in the presence of 2959dideoxyadenosine 0.646 0.03, orBAPTA-AM0.456 0.23) but independent of inhibition of basal pERK1/2 (vehicle AUC with U0126 0.60 6 0.30). Specifically targeting the positive feedforward cAMP/Ca loop may be beneficial for the development of therapeutics to slow disease progression in patients with breast cancer. —Pon, C. K. , Lane, J. R. , Sloan, E. K. , Halls, M. L. The b2-adrenoceptor activates a positive cAMP-calcium feedforward loop to drive breast cancer cell invasion. FASEB J. 30, 1144–1154 (2016). www.fasebj. org
Effect of Arrival Time on Recruitment, Mortality, and Reproduction in Successional Plant Populations

Delay in immigration significantly reduced emergence, delayed reproduction, and reduced seed production per unit area, but had little effect on juvenile mortality of Daucus carota L. (Umbelliferae) in southern Michigan old fields. Establishment of reproductive populations was most sensitive to events prior to seedling emergence. Reductions in seedling emergence and delays of reproduction were strongly responsive to the present of perennial grasses. See full-text article at JSTOR