Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Any role for the dissemination of Nosema spores by the blue-tailed bee-eater Merops philippinus?

Pathogens are major suspects for the current massive losses of honey bee colonies worldwide. Information about circulation and modes of transmission of Nosema ceranae, an emergent microsporidium parasite of Apis mellifera, is currently lacking. Here we examine the dispersion of N. ceranae and N. apis by the blue-tailed bee-eater Merops philippinus, a migratory bird whose distribution along Southeast Asia overlaps with the original distribution of N. ceranae. We investigate the presence of Nosema spp. spores in bee-eater pellets, feces and nest material collected on the isolated Kinmen island (Taiwan). We found N. ceranae in all types of samples, whilst N. apis was not detected. We describe for the first time the occurrence of N. ceranae spores in birds’ feces, which increases the potential of this bird species as a dispersive agent of the parasite. We molecularly assessed the occurrence of A. cerana and A. mellifera remains in infected and non-infected samples. We discuss the low prevalence of N. ceranae in fomites with Apis spp. in relation to the ecological characteristics of the study area (isolation, low abundance of bees) and their implications on the origin and dispersal of the pathogen. Our results allow us to generalize the likely role of avian bee predators as potential disseminators of this pathogen all over the world.
Reproductive ecology of the catfish, Hassar affinis (ACTINOPTERYGII: DORADIDAE), in three lakes of the Pindaré-Mearim Lake System, Maranhão

Reproductive biology affords fundamental features for the establishment of protective measures for fish. The aim of the present work therefore was to determine the reproductive features of the catfish, Hassar affinis, known locally as bico-de-flor, in three lakes of the Pindare-Mearim Lake System, in the state of Maranhao, with the aim of subsidising the closed season. Monthly collections were carried out between July 2014 and July 2015, when 206 individuals were sampled from Lake Aquiri (LA), 247 from Lake Cajari (LC), and 126 from Lake Viana (LV). In the laboratory, each individual was weighed and measured; a ventral longitudinal incision was then made in order to observe the gonads macroscopically. They were then fixed in Bouin’s solution for microscopic analysis and in Gilson’s solution for an analysis of fecundity. Positive allometry was recorded at the three study sites. The sex ratio for the total period was 3.29F:1M (LA), 2.43F:1M (LC) and 2.15F:1M (LV). Mean length at first sexual maturity was estimated at 10.60 cm (LA), 10.84 cm (LC) and 11.12 cm (LV). The period from March to May was defined as the breeding season for this species in the three lakes. Mean absolute fecundity was 21,634 oocytes (LA), 16,357 oocytes (LC) and 25,898 oocytes (LV). The information obtained through this study indicates that, in addition to being important spawning areas, the three lakes are interconnected in relation to the migratory dynamics of H. affinis, so it is necessary to arrive at a model that would satisfactorily cover the three lakes, considering that the dam has a negative effect on Lake Viana.
Spatial dimension of body size evolution in Pterosauria: Bergmann’s rule does not drive Cope’s rule

Background: Little is known about the existence or validity of ecogeographical rules – spatial patterns in biological traits – over geological time scales and in extinct clades. Some have claimed that pterosaurs, a Mesozoic clade of flying reptiles, follow Cope’s rule – the trend of increasing body size through time – yet no conclusive explanations for this rule have been provided and some explanations even converge with those about Bergmann’s rule: the tendency of species to be larger in colder environments. Goals: Determine whether Bergmann’s rule exists in pterosaur reptiles over their evolutionary history, and discuss its potential association with Cope’s rule. Data: Previously published morphological, phylogenetic, and geographic occurrence data of Pterosauria. Search methods: We applied cross-species and assemblage-based approaches along with phylogenetic comparative methods as well as sister-pair comparisons to evaluate the validity of Bergmann’s rule in Pterosauria. Conclusions: Pterosaurian body size did not follow Bergmann’s rule during the TriassicJurassic. But a converse Bergmann’s rule may have been present during the Cretaceous. There is no strong evidence to support an influence of Bergmann’s rule in the evolution of pterosaurian body size. Therefore, Cope’s rule in Pterosauria seems to be a mechanistically independent macroevolutionary pattern.
The psychology of obesity: An umbrella review and evidence-based map of the psychological correlates of heavier body weight

Psychological factors may explain why some people develop obesity and others remain a normal weight during their life course. We use an umbrella review approach to build an evidence-based map of the psychological correlates of heavier body weight. Synthesising findings from 42 meta-analyses that have examined associations between psychological factors and heavier body weight, we assessed level of evidence for a range of cognitive, psychosocial and mental health individual difference factors. There is convincing evidence that impaired mental health is associated with heavier body weight and highly suggestive evidence that numerous cognitive factors are associated with heavier body weight. However, the relatively low methodological quality of meta-analyses resulted in lower evidential certainty for most psychosocial factors. Psychological correlates of heavier body weight tended to be small in statistical size and on average, people with obesity were likely to be more psychologically similar than different to people with normal weight. We consider implications for understanding the development of heavier body weight and identifying effective public health interventions to reduce obesity.
The chelating peptide (GPAGPHGPPG) derived from Alaska pollock skin enhances calcium, zinc and iron transport in Caco‐2 cells

Summary Gly-Pro-Ala-Gly-Pro-His-Gly-Pro-Pro-Gly (GPAGPHGPPG), a chelating peptide derived from Alaska pollock skin, has been approved with outstanding ability to chelate calcium, zinc and iron ions. In this study, the stability of GPAGPHGPPG during in vitro gastrointestinal enzymatic digestion, the potential binding site between peptide and metal ions as well as its effects on mineral transport in Caco-2 cells were investigated. Results showed that approximately 75% of GPAGPHGPPG remained intact at the end of the in vitro gastrointestinal enzymatic digestion. The formation of peptide-metal complex was potentially related to histidine and cyclic structure in terms of dehydration. Moreover, GPAGPHGPPG revealed significant promotional effects on calcium (112.7%, P < 0.01), zinc (32.3%, P < 0.01) and iron (27.7%, P < 0.01) transport in Caco-2 cell monolayer. In conclusion, GPAGPHGPPG could be developed as a potential functional ingredient to prevent mineral deficiency.
Parental coordination with respect to color polymorphism in a crater lake fish

Lay Summary Parental duties, observed in the natural lake environment of cichlid fish, were better coordinated when the parents had the same body color. Indeed, individuals that pair up with a mate of other color varieties than their own may be disadvantaged due to behavioral incompatibilities. These findings are important because they show how coordination of parental tasks can be important in the evolution of species that have multiple co-occurring morphologies.
Ex vivo ability of a noninstrumentation technique to disinfect oval-shaped canals

Context: Oval-shaped canals represent a challenge in endodontics. Infected tissue may remain in their recesses. This concern may be more critical with minimally instrumentation techniques. Aims: The present study evaluated the disinfection ability in oval-shaped canals of a noninstrumentation technique using ultrasonic agitation and intracanal heating of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) compared to rotary canal preparation and ultrasonic agitation with and without heating of NaOCl. Settings and Designs: Sixty extracted mandibular incisors were included. The teeth had pulp necrosis and apical periodontitis and oval-shaped canals. They were divided into three groups depending on the treatment protocol: (1) IHAN: intracanal heating and ultrasonic agitation of NaOCl only, (2) R-IHAN: Rotary preparation followed by IHAN, and (3) R-passive ultrasonic agitation (PUA): Rotary preparation and ultrasonic agitation of NaOCl. Methods: Root canal samples were taken before (S1) and after (S2) the endodontic procedures were completed and cultured anaerobically. Statistical Analysis Used: Wilcoxon tests were performed to compare colony-forming units (CFUs) before and after the endodontic procedures for the three groups. The percentage of variation of CFUs was compared among the three groups using Kruskal–Wallis tests, followed by Mann–Whitney U-tests. Results: All S1 samples were positive. All S2 samples showed bacterial growth in R-PUA compared to 17 in R-IHAN. None of the S2 samples in IHAN were positive. Bacteria reduction was significant in each group (P < 0.001). The percentage of bacteria reduction was highest for IHAN and lowest for R-PUA (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Intracanal heating and ultrasonic agitation of NaOCl without instrumentation completely eliminated bacteria from infected oval-shaped canals.
Safety and efficacy of lopinavir/ritonavir combination in COVID-19: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression analysis

BACKGROUND: Being protease inhibitors and owing to their efficacy in SARS-CoV, lopinavir + ritonavir (L/R) combination is being used in the management of COVID-19. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we have evaluated the comparative safety and efficacy of L/R combination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Comparative, observational studies and controlled clinical trials comparing L/R combination to standard of care (SOC)/control or any other antiviral agent/combinations were included. A total of 10 databases were searched to identify 13 studies that fulfilled the predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. RESULTS: No discernible beneficial effect was seen in the L/R group in comparison to SOC/control in terms of “progression to more severe state” (4 studies, odds ratio [OR]: 1.446 [0.722–2.895]), “mortality” (3 studies, OR: 1.208 [0.563–2.592]), and “virological cure on days 7–10” (3 studies, OR: 0.777 [0.371–1.630]), while the L/R combination arm performed better than the SOC/control arm in terms of “duration of hospital stay” (3 studies, mean difference (MD): −1.466 [−2.403 to − 0.529]) and “time to virological cure” (3 studies, MD: −3.272 [−6.090 to − 0.454]). No difference in efficacy was found between L/R versus hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and L/R versus arbidol. However, in a single randomized controlled trail (open label), chloroquine (CQ) performed better than L/R. The combination L/R with arbidol may be beneficial (in terms of virological clearance and radiological improvement); however, we need more dedicated studies. Single studies report efficacy of L/R + interferon (IFN, either alpha or 1-beta) combination. We need more studies to delineate the proper effect size. Regarding adverse effects, except occurrence of diarrhea (higher in the L/R group), safety was comparable to SOC. CONCLUSION: In our study, no difference was seen between the L/R combination and the SOC arm in terms of “progression to more severe state,” “mortality,” and virological cure on days 7–10;” however, some benefits in terms of “duration of hospital stay” and “time to virological cure” were seen. No significant difference in efficacy was seen when L/R was compared to arbidol and HCQ monotherapy. Except for the occurrence of diarrhea, which was higher in the L/R group, safety profile of L/R is comparable to SOC. Compared to L/R combination, CQ, L/R + arbidol, L/R + IFN-α, and L/R + IFN-1β showed better efficacy, but the external validity of these findings is limited by limited number of studies (1 study each).
Clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and outcomes in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a common subtype of interstitial lung disease (ILD). Information about the associated comorbidities and predictors of survival among Saudi patients with IPF is limited. AIMS: The aim of the study was to determine the clinical characteristics, associated comorbidities, and prognostic factors that impact IPF survival. METHODS: Consecutive IPF patients diagnosed in our ILD center were included. The information analyzed included demographics, physiological parameters, and associated comorbidities, among others. Cox regression models were used to identify independent predictors of survival. RESULTS: The data of 212 patients with IPF were available for the analysis. The mean age was 66.4 years, and 70.8% were male. The mean time between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis was 11.6 months (range: 1–48 months). Common comorbid conditions noted in the IPF cohort included pulmonary hypertension (49.6%), diabetes mellitus (43.2%), hypertension (42.2%), osteoporosis (40.4%), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (32.1%). Acute exacerbation (AE) was noted in 21.2% of the IPF patients. AE, final saturation <85%, walking distance <300 m, and antifibrotic therapy were independent predictors of survival. CONCLUSIONS: In our IPF cohort, we found that there was a significant delay between the onset of symptoms and diagnosis. Moreover, we identified multiple comorbidities associated with IPF, which increases the burden on both IPF patients and clinicians. Importantly, AE and the use of antifibrotic therapy were independent predictors of survival. It is of paramount importance for clinicians to diagnose IPF at an early stage, refer patients to experienced centers, recognize comorbidities, and initiate antifibrotic therapy regardless of the underlying disease severity.
Prevalence of sleep disorders in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and utility of global sleep assessment questionnaire: An observational case–control study

INTRODUCTION: Although sleep disorders in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common, no study has comprehensively evaluated sleep disorders in COPD, and there are no screening tools available for COPD patients. Global sleep assessment questionnaire (GSAQ) is one of the best screening tools for the general population. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aims and objectives of the study were to find (i) the prevalence of sleep disorders in COPD based on GSAQ score; (ii) if the GSAQ score in COPD is high compared to healthy adult population; (iii) the prevalence of insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), restless leg syndrome (RLS), and depression in COPD patients; and (iv) the sensitivity and specificity of GSAQ. METHODS: This was a prospective case–control study where GSAQ is administered to 100 stable COPD and 50 healthy individuals. The presence of sleep disorder in COPD was further confirmed based on the diagnostic criteria and polysomnography. RESULTS: GSAQ was positive in 68% of the COPD patients compared to 16% of the matched healthy adults (P < 0.001). The sleep disturbance was confirmed in 66 COPD patients. Insomnia, OSA, RLS, depression/anxiety, and overlap of two or more disorder were seen in 39, 13, 30, 22, and 31 patients, respectively. The overall sensitivity/specificity of GSAQ for sleep disturbances in COPD was 90.9%/70.58%, respectively. The sensitivity/specificity of GSAQ for insomnia, OSA, RLS, and anxiety/depression was 87/75%, 77/67%, 90/80%, and 91/65%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Sleep disorders in COPD patients are significantly high. GSAQ is a good screening tool for detecting the presence of disturbed sleep in COPD. Overlap of two or more sleep disorders is common in COPD.
Bowen's disease of vulva: A rare case of vulvar premalignant disorder

Bowen's disease was initially described by JT Bowen in 1912 and is believed to be a squamous cell carcinoma in situ. It can develop on any part of the skin surfaces, particularly sun-exposed areas, but vulvar Bowen disease is quite rare. It is one of the vulvar premalignant lesions which can progress to squamous cell carcinoma if not diagnosed and treated early as most cases of vulvar premalignant lesions are treated by dermatologists with topical steroid therapy as was in our case. The incidence is very rare. This was the first case detected in our institution in the last 20 years. She underwent wide local excision of the lesion and currently disease-free at 12 months of follow-up.
Comparing Effectiveness Rituximab (Mabthera®) to Other Second-line Biologics for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment in Patients Refractory to or Intolerant of First-line Anti-tumor Necrosis Factor Agent: An Observational Study

Objective. Failure of first-line anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents in in rheumatoid arthritis patients leads to decisions among second-line biologic agents. To better inform these decisions, the therapeutic effectiveness of rituximab is compared with other second-line biologic agents in this observational study. Methods. Between November 2011 and December 2014, study subjects were observed for 12 month periods. Patients with an inadequate response to initial anti-TNF agent received either rituximab or alternative anti-TNF agents (adalimumab/etanercept/infliximab) based on the preference of patients and physicians. The efficacy end point of this study was the change in 28-joint count Disease Activity Score (DAS28) at six and 12 months from baseline. Safety data were also collected. Results. Ninety patients were enrolled in the study. DAS28 at six months did not change significantly whether the patients were treated with rituximab or alternative anti-TNF agents in intention-to-treat analysis (n=34, -1.63±0.30 vs. n=31, -2.05±0.34) and standard population set analysis (n=31, -1.51±0.29 vs. n=24, -2.21±0.34). Similarly, the change in DAS28 at 12 months did not reach statistical significance (-1.82±0.35 in the rituximab vs. -2.34±0.44 in the alternative anti-TNF agents, p=0.2390). Furthermore, the incidences of adverse events were similar between two groups (23.5% for rituximab group vs. 25.8% for alternative anti-TNF agents group, p=0.7851). Conclusion. Despite the limitations of our study, switching to rituximab or alternative anti-TNF agents after failure of the initial TNF antagonist showed no significant therapeutic difference in DAS28 reduction. (J Rheum Dis 2017;24:227-235)
Chilled Storage of Pangasianodon hypophthalmus Fillets Coated with Plant Oil Incorporated Alginate Gels: Effect of Clove Leaf, Clove Bud, Rosemary and Thyme Oils

ABSTRACT Essential oil incorporated alginate coating provides a novel way to improve the safety and shelf life of pangasius (Pangasianodon hypophthalmus) fillet. Oils from the leaves and buds of clove, flowering tops of rosemary, and dried seeds of thyme were incorporated separately in alginate coating. All the plant oils showed antibacterial activity, but the zone of inhibition was relatively larger for thyme oil. Alginate coating was performed using sodium alginate (1.5%), glycerol (10%), and calcium chloride (2%) and plant oil at 1% (v/v). The coated fillets were stored under chilled conditions and samples were analyzed for bacteriological, chemical, sensory, color, and texture parameters. Psychrotrophic counts crossed 7 log cfu/g by the 13th day and 15th day of chilled storage in control and plant oil treated fillets, respectively. The peroxide value of treated fillets was relatively low. Texture profile analysis indicated that plant oil incorporated alginate coating reduced the rate of loss of texture (softening) during chilled storage. Plant essential oil incorporated alginate gels were relatively better compared to control fillets in preserving pangasius fillet quality during chilled storage, and incorporation of thyme oil was relatively better compared to clove leaf oil, clove bud oil, and rosemary oils.
ANALYSIS OF LAND COVER CHANGES IN THE BONSA CATCHMENT, ANKOBRA BASIN, GHANA

Multi-temporal land cover changes in the Bonsa catchment of the Ankobra Basin in Ghana were determined using four satellite images from 1986, 1991, 2002 and 2011. The results indicate that evergreen forest is the largest class occupying an area of 68% in 1986, 62% in 1991, 50% in 2002 and 51% in 2011 and during the past 26 years, the largest land cover change has been the conversion of evergreen and secondary forests to shrubs/farms, mining areas and settlements. During this period, mining areas increased over two-fold, while settlements and shrubs/farms increased more than three and four-fold, respectively. This resulted in increasing annual deforestation rate of 0.33% between 1986 and 1991, 0.70% between 1991 and 2002 and 2% between 2002 and 2011. The results suggests that the drivers of the land cover changes in the Bonsa catchment, are both local and global and include, international trade, local population growth, agriculture extensification and urbanization. The identified land cover changes have the potential to impact negatively on the hydrological regimes of the Bonsa River and the local communities by leading to flooding, soil erosion and the siltation and pollution of the river during peak seasons and the scarcity of water during dry seasons. Therefore, the maps and statistics generated can be applied to assess the impacts of the land use changes on the local hydrology and provide a better basis for future land use planning. Through these findings the importance of multi-temporal analysis of satellite imagery for planning in data poor regions is highlighted.
Genetic Variability and Correlation Studies in Winter Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Germplasm for Morphological and Biochemical Characters

The morphological characterization of the genotypes as per the DUS norms revealed that more than 50% of the genotypes had absence of coleoptile anthocyanin colouration, green foliage colour and awned, intermediate type of growth habit, absence of waxiness and medium pubescence. The genotypes were also evaluated for variability parameters and correlations for seven metric traits. Significant genotypic differences were observed for all the traits studied indicating considerable amount of variation among genotypes for each character. The estimates of genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) and phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) were high for proline content and number of grains per earhead, moderate for earhead length, peduncle length, number of effective tillers per plant and plant height. The heritability estimates were high for all the traits studied. The expected genetic advance as per cent means were high for proline content, number of grains per earhead, earhead length, peduncle length, number of effective tillers per plant and plant height and moderate for total phenols. Plant height exhibited highly significant and positive genotypic and phenotypic correlation with peduncle length, number of effective tillers per plant and non-significant and positive genotypic and phenotypic correlation with total phenols and earhead length.