Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HAEMONCHOSIS AND HAEMOPARASITES OF SMALL RUMINANTS REARED IN NORTH WESTERN, NIGERIA

Small ruminants (goats and sheep) production systems worldwide are significantly constrained by haemo and gastrointestinal parasites. The study was carried out in North-western Nigeria from November 2011 to October 2012 with the aim to identify the common haemoparasites and haemonchosis in small ruminants. Three hundred abomasum samples with corresponding blood samples were collected from 200 goats and 100 sheep, respectively at necropsy. The abomasa were examined by Hansen and Perry method for the presence of Haemonchus contortus while blood samples were examined using the thin blood smear and Haematocrit Centrifugation Techniques (HCT). The prevalence of Haemonchus contortus in small ruminants was 80.3% with goats and sheep having prevalence of 78% and 85%, respectively. The prevalence for H. contortus in small ruminants during late dry, early dry, late rain and early rain were 64.9%, 84.1%, 89.9% and 81.1%, respectively. The prevalence were statistically significant among the seasons (p<0.05) with highest prevalence in the late rainy season. The total number of adult worms collected was 21862. The highest adult worm burdens were obtained during late rainy season (August to October) when a mean worm burden of 180.2 ± 51.45 and PCV of 26.63 ± 0.63 were recorded. The mean worm burdens for early dry, late dry and early rain were 42.60 ± 6.93, 31.67 ± 5.56 and 61.10 ± 11.33, respectively. The PCV values for the season were 27.73 ± 0.79, 26.60 ± 0.87 and 28.40 ± 0.65, respectively. The values of PCV for the four sub-seasons were not significant from one another but the value of PCV obtained during early rain was different from those of other sub-seasons. The PCV had a weak negative correlation with worm burdens with Pearson correlation coefficient of -0.2632 which was highly significant (p<0.001). Out of 200 goats and 100 sheep examined for haemoparasites, only one goat had heavy infection with Trypanosoma vivax and a sheep had mixed infection with Theileria ovis and Anaplasma ovis. The prevalence of three protozoans encountered was 0.33% each in small ruminants. The PCV of infected goat and sheep with protozoan parasites was 25% and 20%, respectively. The results suggest that Haemonchus contortus may be the major cause of anaemia in the study area. It is therefore recommended that further research be embarked upon to determine the effect of nutrition in ameliorating the effects of helminth infections and anaemia in small ruminant.
Potentiating TMEM16A does not stimulate airway mucus secretion or bronchial and pulmonary arterial smooth muscle contraction

Abstract The calcium‐activated chloride channel (CaCC) TMEM16A enables chloride secretion across several transporting epithelia, including in the airways. Additional roles for TMEM16A have been proposed, which include regulating mucus production and secretion and stimulating smooth muscle contraction. The aim of the present study was to test whether the pharmacological regulation of TMEM16A channel function, could affect any of these proposed biological roles in the airways. In vitro, neither a potent and selective TMEM16A potentiator (ETX001) nor the potent TMEM16A inhibitor (Ani9) influenced either baseline mucin release or goblet cell numbers in well‐differentiated primary human bronchial epithelial (HBE) cells. In vivo, a TMEM16A potentiator was without effect on goblet cell emptying in an IL‐13 stimulated goblet cell metaplasia model. Using freshly isolated human bronchi and pulmonary arteries, neither ETX001 or Ani9 had any effect on the contractile or relaxant responses of the tissues. In vivo, ETX001 also failed to influence either lung or cardiovascular function when delivered directly into the airways of telemetered rats. Together, these studies do not support a role for TMEM16A in the regulation of goblet cell numbers or baseline mucin release, or on the regulation of airway or pulmonary artery smooth muscle contraction.
Combination of NKT14m and Low Dose IL-12 Promotes Invariant Natural Killer T Cell IFN-γ Production and Tumor Control

Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are innate-like T lymphocytes characterized by the expression of an invariant T cell receptor (iTCR) that recognizes glycolipid antigens presented by the MHC I-like CD1d molecule. Following antigenic stimulation, iNKT cells rapidly produce large amounts of cytokines that can trans-activate dendritic cells (DC) and promote the anti-tumor functions of cytotoxic lymphocytes, such as natural killer (NK) and CD8 T cells. Additionally, iNKT cells can mediate robust and direct cytotoxicity against CD1d+ tumor targets. However, many tumors down-regulate CD1d and evade iNKT cell attack. To circumvent this critical barrier to iNKT cell anti-tumor activity, a novel monoclonal antibody (mAb), NKT14 has been recently developed. This agonistic antibody binds directly and specifically to the iTCR of murine iNKT cells. In the current study, we demonstrate that NKT14m mediates robust activation, cytokine production and degranulation of murine iNKT cells, in vitro. Consistently, NKT14m also promoted iNKT cell activation and immunomodulatory functions, in vivo. Finally, administration of NKT14m with low dose interleukin (IL)-12 further augmented iNKT cell IFN-γ production in vivo, and this combination conferred superior suppression of tumor cell growth compared to NKT14m or IL-12 alone. Together, these data demonstrate that a combination treatment consisting of low dose IL-12 and iTCR-specific mAb may be an attractive alternative to activate iNKT cell anti-tumor functions.
Disynaptic cerebrocerebellar pathways originating from multiple functionally distinct cortical areas

The cerebral cortex and cerebellum both play important roles in sensorimotor processing, however, precise connections between these major brain structures remain elusive. Using anterograde mono-trans-synaptic tracing, we elucidate cerebrocerebellar pathways originating from primary motor, sensory, and association cortex. We confirm a highly organized topography of corticopontine projections in mice; however, we found no corticopontine projections originating from primary auditory cortex and detail several potential extra-pontine cerebrocerebellar pathways. The cerebellar hemispheres were the major target of resulting disynaptic mossy fiber terminals, but we also found at least sparse cerebrocerebellar projections to every lobule of the cerebellum. Notably, projections originating from association cortex resulted in less laterality than primary sensory/motor cortices. Within molecularly defined cerebellar modules we found spatial overlap of mossy fiber terminals, originating from functionally distinct cortical areas, within crus I, paraflocculus, and vermal regions IV/V and VI - highlighting these regions as potential hubs for multimodal cortical influence.
Driving Force of Covid-19 Among People Living With HIV/AIDS in Wuhan, China

Background: Even people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) were considered to be at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the driving force among this group of individuals is still not clear. Methods: We investigated 1,701 PLWHA through a telephone interview and found 11 COVID-19 patients in four districts of Wuhan, China. The demographic features and major clinical characteristics of these patients were retrieved from the information management systems for COVID-19 patients of four districts’ CDC. Statistical analysis was performed to find out the driving force of COVID-19 among PLWHA. Results: The incidence proportion of COVID-19 in PLWHA is 0.6% (95% CI: 0.2% - 1.0%), which is comparable to the overall population incidence rate in Wuhan city (0.6%). Nine out of the 11 COVID-19/AIDS patients had relatively high CD4+ T lymphocyte count (>200/μl) and undetectable HIV viral load (20 copies/ml), and ten of them were on antiretroviral therapy. PLWHA who were old, had low CD4+ T lymphocyte count, infected HIV through homosexual activity, and had been diagnosed for HIV for a long time, were more likely to develop COVID-19. Conclusions: PLWHA has comparable COVID-19 morbidity rates as the general population, and older age, low CD4 count, long length since HIV diagnosis, and treatment-naive were potential driving forces of COVID-19 occurrence among PLWHA. Strategies in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection among PLWHA with worse immune responses are needed. Article Summary Line: As COVID-19 continues to spread around the world, people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) are also at risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2. We investigated the factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection among PLWHA in Wuhan, China.
Nitrogen application and inoculation with Rhizobium tropici on common bean in the fall/winter

The objective of this study was to evaluate doses of nitrogen in the cultivation of bean under field conditions, associated with seed inoculation. The study was conducted under field conditions in two traditional bean cultivation in Parana northern (Cafeara and Florestopolis). The experiment consisted of plots with or without seed inoculation with Rhizobium tropici and use of five doses of nitrogen coverage(0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 kg ha-1). Evaluations were made about the nodulation, N content in leaves, shoot dry matter, N uptake, number of pods per plant and grain yield. The experimental design was randomized blocks with ten treatments and four replicates. It was factorially arranged in five levels of nitrogen with and without inoculation. In this study there was no response to inoculation in the evaluation of the yield of bean in Cafeara and Florestopolis with different soil management. The nodulation of bean with Rhizobium is reduced by fertilization with mineral nitrogen. The system with tillage cultivation favored the development of bean during autumn-winter. Key words: N2 fixation, Rhizobium spp. , Phaseolus vulgaris.
Reconciling Functional MRI Findings With Intraoperative Anatomy in Brain Tumor Surgery: Stereotactic-Guided Resection of Glioma in Broca’s Area

Stereotactic navigation and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) are increasingly used as important tools for intraoperative guidance and preoperative mapping for lesions in eloquent areas. We report a case in which a WHO grade II oligodendroglioma in Broca’s area with functional activation was successfully resected with the support of blood-oxygen-level-dependent imaging (BOLD)-fMRI mapping in a patient who refused an awake craniotomy. This case highlights key principles of tumor surgery navigation. Specifically, it calls into question the utility of awake craniotomy in this modern era. Ultimately, fMRI is an important tool for tumor resections and can limit the need for more expensive or invasive measures.
Heritability of the extra-pair mating behaviour of the pied flycatcher in Western Siberia

Males and females take part in extra-pair copulations in most socially monogamous bird species. The mechanisms leading to the frequent occurrence of extra-pair offspring in socially monogamous couples are strongly debated and unresolved, and they are often difficult to distinguish from one another. Most hypotheses explaining the evolution of extra-pair reproduction suggest selective and adaptive scenarios for their origination and persistence. Is extra-pair paternity a heritable trait? We evaluated the heritability of extra-pair paternity in the pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) nesting in Western Siberia. Estimated heritability was low: depending on the model used, the point estimate of the heritability (mode) varied from 0.005 to 0.11, and the bounds of the 95% confidence interval are [0–0.16] in the widest range. Thus, it seems that extra-pair mating behaviour in the pied flycatchers is a plastic phenotypic mating tactic with a small or no genetic component. Our data can help to understand the evolution of extra-pair mating behaviour in socially monogamous species.
Effectiveness and Safety of Complete Decongestive Therapy of Phase I: A Lymphedema Treatment Study in the Greek Population

Background Lymphedema is a chronic condition caused by a failure in the lymphatic system that most commonly occurs in the limbs. Complete decongestive therapy (CDT) is the gold standard for lymphedema management. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of complete decongestive therapy (CDT) of phase I in the Greek population with lymphedema. Methods The patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. CDT was implemented in all patients for 20 sessions in a four-week treatment period. The edema’s (excess volume (EV) and percent of excess volume (PEV)) measurements were carried out four times in the treatment period, whereas the percent reduction of excess volume (PREV) was calculated at the end of phase I. Moreover, we recorded every infection, trauma of skin, and pain of limb during the treatment. Results One-hundred five patients with lymphedema were enrolled in the present study, of whom 31.4% had upper limb lymphedema and 68.6% had lower limb lymphedema. All patients with upper limb lymphedema had a secondary type while the corresponding proportion of patients with lower limb lymphedema was 58.3%. A significant reduction (p<0.001) between the pre-treatment and post-treatment values of EV and PEV was found for both upper and lower limb lymphedema. For patients with upper limb lymphedema, the average PREV was 66.5% (interquartile range, 57.3%-80.6%), whereas for patients with lower limb lymphedema, a 71.5% (interquartile range, 64.5%-80.7%) median value was measured. No side effects from the treatment were recorded during CDT. Conclusion The proper treatment of the CDT phase I ensures safety and a great reduction in edema in patients with lymphedema that predispose the success of phase II of CDT.
Are Archeobatrachian Anurans Ambidextrous? Assessing Handedness in Bombina orientalis

Lateralized behaviors (i.e., "handedness"), in the absence of conspicuous morphological asymmetry, have been noted in a variety of nonmammalian vertebrates, including certain fishes, frogs, and birds (reviewed in Bisazza et al., 1998; Vallortigara et al., 1999). Lateralized behaviors, such as turning preference during the initiation of a startle response, may facilitate quick reaction. When these behaviors first evolved, though, is unknown. Yamashita et al. (2000) suggested that lateralized behaviors might be common among anurans. However, their presence in any archeobatrachian anurans has not been assessed. One of the most basal archeobatrachian families is the Bombinatoridae (Cannatella, 1999). Here, we test tadpoles and postmetamorphic juveniles of the bombinatorid taxon Bombina orientalis for turning bias and forelimb use, respectively, to determine whether lateralized behaviors occur in this family. There is a fairly extensive literature on handedness in postmetamorphic anurans, at least for neobatrachian taxa. Dill (1977), for example, examined jumping direction in the Pacific tree frog, Hyla regilla, and found a significant left side preference in certain individuals. Bisazza et al. (1997) and Robins et al. (1998) examined handedness in toads of the genus Bufo using a series of protocols. Their first test required each toad to remove a plastic balloon from its head. In this test, Bufo bufo showed significantly greater use of the right forelimb than the left at the population level. Their second test consisted of placing a thin wet strip of paper on a toad's snout and noting which limb it used to clean the paper off. Again, B. bufo showed significant use of the right forelimb. The third test was an underwater righting test in which each toad was submerged in water in a supine position and allowed to right itself. In this test, Bufo marinus exhibited a right forelimb preference, causing it to roll to the left side. In addition, Robins et al. (1998) found lateralized hind limb use by B. marinus, Bufo viridis, and B. bufo when allowed to right themselves on a dry surface. Specifically B. marinus and B. bufo showed a significant preferential use of the right hind limb, and B. viridis showed significant use of the left hind limb. More recently, behavioral laterality was reported in the preferred turning direction of anuran larvae (Wassersug et al., 1999; Yamashita et al., 2000). When tadpoles are startled, or when they descend after surfacing to take a gulp of air, they can turn preferentially
Assessment of Melanogenesis in a Pigmented Human Tissue-Cultured Skin Equivalent

Background: Organotypic tissue-cultured skin equivalents are used for a broad range of applications either as possible substitute for animal tests or for transplantation in patient-centered care. Aims: In this study, we implemented melanocytes in a tissue-cultured full-thickness skin equivalent, consisting of epidermis and dermis. The versatility of this skin-like model with respect to pigmentation and morphological criteria was tested. Materials and Methods: Pigmented skin equivalents were morphologically characterized, and melanogenesis was evaluated after treatment with kojic acid – a tyrosinase inhibitor and forskolin – a well-known activator of the cyclic adenosine 3,5-monophosphate pathway. Pigmentation was measured either by determination of the extinction at 400 nm after melanin extraction with KOH correlated to a melanin standard curve or by reflectance colorimetric analysis, monitoring reflectance of 660 nm and 880 nm emitting diodes. Results: The morphological analysis revealed characteristic epidermal stratification with melanocytes located at the basal layer. Stimulation with forskolin increased the pigmentation, whereas treatment with kojic acid caused bleaching. Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that the herein-introduced organotypic tissue-cultured skin equivalent is comparable to the normal human skin and its versatility in tests regarding skin pigmentation. Therefore, this model might help understand diseases with dysfunctional pigmentation such as melasma, vitiligo, and postinflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Structural characterisation of the prokaryotic sodium channel C-terminal domain

Since the discovery of the first prokaryotic voltage gated sodium channel (Nav) in 2001, prokaryotic Navs have been a high priority target for structural study. Prokaryotic Navs are of interest as a model system due to their homology to eukaryotic Navs, which are high value drug development targets for their roles in pain perception and neural function. While prokaryotic Navs have function and pharmacology distinct from their eukaryotic homologues, understanding their structure holds implications for drug development and for understanding diseases stemming from neuronal dysfunction. However, Navs have historically been challenging targets for structural study, resisting attempts at crystallisation until recently. In this study, expression, purification, and characterisation of a chimera of the NavBh channel and the ligand gating RCK domain from the prokaryotic potassium channel MthK has been performed. It was hypothesised that the addition of the RCK domain would improve the channel’s crystallisation potential, and create a ligand gated Nav for functional characterisation. Electrophysiological studies demonstrated that the RCK domain was capable of gating NavBh, however the chimera had reduced solubility, indicating that this chimeric fusion was not an ideal target for structural study due to low purification yields. Following this, and in light of recent studies that suggested the structure of the prokaryotic Nav C-terminus had a role in channel function, structural analysis of the C-terminus of a prokaryotic Nav homologue cloned from Bacillus alcalophilus has been performed. Synchrotron radiation circular dichroism analysis of serial C-terminal truncations demonstrated the structure of the NsvBa C-terminus consists of a helical region connected to the channel pore by a disordered neck region, despite conflicting bioinformatics predictions. This offers further support for the hypothesis that in functional Navs, the C-terminus consists of a disordered neck region connecting a coiled-coil to the base of the pore, which acts as a spring to assist in channel gating and inactivation.
TRPC3 properties of a native constitutively active Ca2+‐permeable cation channel in rabbit ear artery myocytes

We have previously shown a constitutively active and noradrenaline‐evoked Ca2+‐permeable cation channel in rabbit ear artery myocytes which is proposed to have an important role is setting resting membrane conductance and increasing excitability of vascular tissue. In the present work we compared the properties of these native constitutively active cation channels with known properties of canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) cation channel proteins at the single channel level using freshly dispersed rabbit ear artery myocytes and patch clamp techniques.
The Unintended Consequences of Sarbanes-Oxley on Technology Innovation and Supply Chain Integration

This paper reports the results of a series of case studies conducted to explore the impact of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This issue is critical as the SEC and the PCAOB continue to defend the requirement that SMEs adhere to the internal control reporting requirements of Section 404 in the Act, albeit at a revised level of expectation focusing on more of a top-down risk-based approach. Cross-sectional case study data is used to explore the impacts of SOX on SMEs adopting organizational theories as a lens for observing behavior and outcomes. The results of the study confirm that there are both benefits and costs associated with SOX compliance. All of the organizations studied experienced substantial improvements in enterprise risk management approaches. However, the level of difficulty experienced by the various organizations in implement- ing SOX requirements was highly variable and could be traced back to the underlying factors in structural inertia theory: size, complexity, experience with change, experience with strict controls, and adaptability. Perhaps the most important finding is that SOX does impact organizational flexibility to various degrees as predicted by theory; and this impact can in turn affect production cycle times, information technology invest- ment, supply chain performance, and ultimately, market competitiveness.
In-vitro plant regeneration in Kinnow mandarin (Citrus nobilis Lour. × C. deliciosa Tenora)

The experiment was conducted on Kinnow mandarins using epicotyl segments obtained from in-vitro grown seedlings. Among the different levels of BAP evaluated, maximum mean shoot proliferation, shoot number, shoot length and leaf number were observed in BAP (1 mg/litre). This shows the optimum level of BAP for morphogenic response in Kinnow mandarins. The root development was better in concentrations of 0.5–1.0 mg/litre IBA + 0.5 mg/litre NAA. The complete plantlets were obtained with a survival rate of 68.8%. This is the first report on in-vitro plant regeneration of Kinnow mandarins via direct organogenesis obtained through epicotyl segments from in-vitro grown seedlings.