Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of microbials and botanicals against Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in Sunflower.

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) is one of the principal and promising oilseeds crop next to groundnut and soybean in India. In India, more than 50 insect species have been found affecting yield of sunflower, of which the major lepidopteran are Helicoverpa armigera (Hub.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). In Vidarbha region of Maharashtra where the major area is covered under the Bt cotton, the key pest on cotton is Helicoverpa armigera (Hub.). This pest is shifting toward another crop like sunflower, soybean and safflower and emerging as a major pest of these oilseed crops. Helicoverpa armigera is a highly polyphagous and widespread insect pest, which causes enormous economic losses to many crops including tomato, sunflower, corn, maize, tobacco, pigeonpea, chickpea and cotton. (Fitt, 1989). Helicoverpa armigera inflicting annual crop damage in India is worth US $ 1 billion. The problem of this pest is magnified due to direct attack on fruiting structures, voracious feeding habits, high mobility and fecundity, overlapping generations with facultative diapause, nocturnal behavior, migration and genetic variability on different hosts. Although nearly 30 % of total insecticides are used for controlling this pest alone on different crops yet many of them do not prove effective as pest has been reported to have developed resistance to almost all kinds of insecticides (Armes, 1996) resulting into build up of minor pests and environment degradation. Transgenic plants having BT and other genes at one stage appeared to be the answer to the problem posed by this pest.
Transcription termination downstream of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae FPB1 poly(A) site does not depend on efficient 39 end processing

Efficient transcription termination downstream of poly(A) sites has been shown to correlate with the strength of an upstream polyadenylation signal and the presence of a polymerase pause site. To further investigate the mechanism linking termination with 39-end processing, we analyzed the cis-acting elements that contribute to these events in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae FBP1 gene. FBP1 has a complex polyadenylation signal, and at least three efficiency elements must be present for efficient processing. However, not all combinations of these elements are equally effective. This gene also shows a novel organization of sequence elements. A strong positioning element is located upstream, rather than downstream, of the efficiency elements, and functions to select the cleavage site in vitro and in vivo. Transcription run-on analysis indicated that termination occurs within 61 nt past the poly(A) site. Deletion of two UAUAUA-type efficiency elements greatly reduces polyadenylation in vivo and in vitro, but transcription termination is still efficient, implying that FBP1 termination signals may be distinct from those for polyadenylation. Alternatively, assembly of a partial, but nonfunctional, polyadenylation complex on the nascent transcript may be sufficient to cause termination.
Prey Use and Selection in Relation to Reproduction by Peregrine Falcons Breeding along the Yukon River, Canada

Abstract Some raptors are considered to be generalist predators and switch among different species of prey according to their availability in the environment. In contrast, other raptor species are specialists with narrow dietary niche widths, selecting only one or a few types of prey; reproductive success in these species is often closely related to variability in abundance of preferred prey species. Determining whether raptors are generalist or specialist predators is important for understanding the degree to which fluctuations in their population sizes are influenced by individual responses to changes in prey availability. We assessed diet components based on prey remains collected at nest ledges to determine whether Peregrine Falcons breeding along the Yukon River in northern Canada were specialist feeders or, conversely, whether they took prey according to its relative abundance. We also examined whether the use of certain types of prey had consequences for reproductive success. Compositional analyses showed that peregrines exhibited nonrandom prey selection, with shorebirds, jays and thrushes, and waterbirds being used more than expected based on their abundance, whereas sparrows and other small passerines were used significantly less than expected. Similarly, medium-sized prey was selected by peregrines, but small (<50 g) and large (>1000 g) prey were used significantly less than expected. Pairs occupying territories in which the diet included large numbers of waterbirds, and few sparrows and small passerines, fledged more young. Although prey >1000 g were among the least selected by pairs in our study population, pairs that used these larger prey species fledged more offspring. These patterns may relate directly to the contribution of female parents to provisioning. Females that are able to capture large prey items may deliver larger amounts of biomass to their nests and, as a consequence, may have high reproductive output. We conclude that Peregrine Falcons in the Yukon are selective predators and that some of the variation in reproductive rates in this population may be attributed to variation in the types of prey available to and utilized by individual pairs.
National Survey of US HIV Clinicians: Knowledge and Attitudes About the Affordable Care Act and Opinions of its Impact on Quality of Care and Barriers to Care

Abstract Background The Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) major reforms started in 2014. In addition to assessing HIV clinicians’ ACA knowledge and attitudes, this study aims to evaluate HIV clinicians’ perspectives on whether the ACA has impacted the quality of HIV care and whether it addresses the main barriers to HIV care. Methods HIV clinicians were emailed a survey weblink in 2018. Descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U tests, and binary logistic regression were performed. Results Of the 211 survey participants, the majority (70%) answered all 4 knowledge questions correctly. About 80% knew correctly whether their state had expanded Medicaid. Participants from Medicaid expansion states were more likely to report an improved ability to provide high-quality care compared with participants from Medicaid nonexpansion states (50% vs 34%; P = .01). The average response to whether the ACA addresses the main barriers to HIV care was neutral and did not differ based on Medicaid status. The top 3 main barriers to HIV care cited were mental health, substance use, and transportation. Conclusions HIV clinicians in Medicaid expansion states were more likely to report an improved ability to provide high-quality care since ACA implementation compared with those in Medicaid nonexpansion states. However, HIV clinicians across the United States are concerned that the ACA does not address the main barriers to HIV care. To be successful, the “Ending the HIV Epidemic” initiative should address these identified barriers.
Prevalence of sleep-related breathing disorders in children with malocclusion

Background The paediatric population has a high incidence of sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBD). A notable risk factor is the presence of craniofacial abnormalities. The objective of the study was therefore to survey the prevalence of SRBD in patients presenting for interceptive treatment. Material and Methods Prospective study with a sample of 249 healthy patients. The “Paediatric Sleep Questionnaire” and “Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children” were completed by the children’s parents and the results were evaluated. All patients had their medical records reviewed and underwent orthodontic diagnosis by oral examination, as well as dental cast and cephalometric analysis. Finally, we compared the results of the pre- and post-treatment questionnaires of 50 patients in the sample. Results Based on the results of the questionnaires, 22.8% of the study sample had SRBD. No statistically significant correlation was found between SRBD and the anthropometric characteristics and occlusal variables assessed. According to the cast analysis, patients with SRBD had a smaller maxillary width (p<0.003), and according to the cephalometric study, less overbite (p<0.003). Furthermore, the prevalence of SRBD was higher among patients with a history of adenotonsillectomy (p<0.02). Comparison of the results of pre- and post-treatment questionnaires revealed significant differences after orthodontic treatment (p<0.0005). Conclusions It is necessary to identify the presence of SRBD in orthodontic patients given its high prevalence. Patients with SRBD have a smaller maxillary width and less overbite. Key words:Sleep-related breathing disorders, paediatric sleep questionnaire, cephalometry.
Health-Related Quality of Life and Sleep Quality after 12 Months of Treatment in Nonsevere Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Randomized Clinical Trial with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and Mandibular Advancement Splints

In this randomized controlled trial, patients with nonsevere obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) were treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or a twin block mandibular advancement splint (MAS). The primary objective was to compare how CPAP and MAS treatments change the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and self-reported sleep quality of patients after 12 months of treatment. In total, 104 patients were recruited: 55 were allocated to the CPAP treatment group and 49 to the MAS treatment group. We used the SF36 questionnaire to evaluate HRQoL and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to evaluate sleep quality. All patients were included in the intention-to-treat analyses. These analyses showed improvements in the SF36 physical component score (from 48.8 ± 7.6 at baseline to 50.5 ± 8.0 at follow-up, p=0.03) in the CPAP treatment group and in the mental component score (from 44.9 ± 12.1 to 49.3 ± 9.2, p=0.009) in the MAS treatment group. The PSQI global score improved in both the CPAP (from 7.7 ± 3.5 to 6.6 ± 2.9, p=0.006) and the MAS (8.0 ± 3.1 to 6.1 ± 2.6, p < 0.001) treatment groups. No difference was found between the treatment groups in any of the SF36 scores or PSQI global score at the final follow-up (p > 0.05) in any analysis. The improvement in the SF36 vitality domain moderately correlated to the improvement in the PSQI global score in both groups (CPAP: |r|=0.47, p < 0.001; MAS: |r|=0.36, p=0.01). In the MAS treatment group, we also found a weak correlation between improvements in the SF36 mental component score and PSQI global score (|r|=0.28, p=0.05). In conclusion, CPAP and MAS treatments lead to similar improvements in the HRQoL and self-reported sleep quality in nonsevere OSA. Improvements in aspects of HRQoL seem to be moderately correlated to the self-reported sleep quality in both CPAP and MAS treatments.
The Halticini of the world (Insecta: Heteroptera: Miridae: Orthotylinae): generic reclassification, phylogeny, and host plant associations

The plant bug tribe Halticini (Heteroptera: Miridae) is revised. The genus Coridromius Signoret, 1862 is removed from the Halticini to form the new monogeneric tribe Coridromiini. A generic reclassification of the Halticini is given, comprising 25 genera: Acratheus Distant, 1910; Anapus Stal, 1858; Barbarosia Kiyak, 1995; Chorosomella Horvath, 1906; Compositocoris Schwartz, Schuh & Tatarnic, 2008; Dampierella Tatarnic, 2009; Dasyscytus Fieber, 1864; Dicyphopsis Poppius, 1914; Dimorphocoris Reuter, 1890; Ectmetopterus Reuter, 1906; Euryopicoris Reuter, 1875; Goodeniaphila Tatarnic, 2009; Halticus Hahn, 1833; Labops Burmeister, 1835; Microtechnites Berg, 1883; Myrmecophyes Fieber, 1870; Nanniella Reuter, 1904; Namaquacapsus Schuh, 1974; Orthocephalus Fieber, 1858; Pachytomella Costa, 1890; Piezocranum Horvath, 1877; Plagiotylus Scott, 1874; Schoenocoris Reuter, 1890; Scirtetellus Reuter, 1890, and Strongylocoris Blanchard, 1840. Microtechnites is reinstated from synonymy with Halticus, and Platyporus Reuter, 1890 is proposed as a new junior synonym of Anapus. The following new combinations are proposed for ten species formerly placed in Halticus: Ectmetopterus bicoloratus (Kulik, 1965), Ectmetopterus comitans (Josifov & Kerzhner, 1972), Ectmetopterus fuscous (Zou, 1985), Ectmetopterus maculipes (Zou, 1985), Ectmetopterus niger (Zou, 1985) and Microtechnites bractatus (Say, 1832), Microtechnites canus (Distant, 1893), Microtechnites chrysolepis (Kirkaldy, 1904), Microtechnites minutus (Reuter, 1885), and Microtechnites spegazzini (Berg, 1883). New combinations for two species formerly placed in Cafayatina Carvalho & Carpintero, 1986 are also proposed: Microtechnites altigena Carvalho & Carpintero, 1986 and Microtechnites inesalti (Carvalho & Carpintero, 1986). Revised diagnoses are provided for each genus. Redescriptions are provided for all but the most recently described genera. A key to the genera of Halticini is provided. Colour habitus photos of the type species for most genera are given. Scanning electron micrographs of salient characters and illustrations of male and female genitalia are provided for exemplars of each of the genera. Based on our phylogenetic analysis, we define a monophyletic Halticini, with the exclusion of Coridromius. Within the Halticini, Halticus is found to be sister to the remainder of the tribe. © 2012 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2012, 164, 558–658.
Wood resource and not fungi attract early‐successional saproxylic species of Heteroptera – an experimental approach

The availability of dead wood and ability to colonise these ephemeral structures are crucial for sustaining vital populations of saproxylic insects. These insects locate suitable resources mostly visually and via olfactory cues emitted by dead wood and/or wood‐decaying fungi. For the conservation of saproxylic species of Heteroptera, a poorly studied group with a high proportion of threatened species, it is crucial to know which dead‐wood structures are needed and how they are detected and colonised. In a field experiment, we exposed different amounts of dead‐wood logs and branches of the main tree species of montane beech forests (Abies alba, Fagus sylvatica) on sunny and shady forest plots. We sampled saproxylic heteropterans and sporocarps of wood‐decaying fungi in two consecutive years to test the hypothesis that early‐successional saproxylic heteropterans are more attracted to wood‐decaying fungi than to wood itself. The activity densities of saproxylic heteropterans measured with flight‐interception traps increased with increasing surface of coarse woody debris and was higher under sunny conditions. Tree species, fine woody debris and abundance of sporocarps had no significant effect. Our results suggest that during the early‐successional forest stage, dead wood provides more important cues than fungi in the search of saproxylic heteropterans for suitable hosts despite assumed close associations of the insects and certain fungal species. To improve habitats for saproxylic heteropterans, we recommend increasing the supply of dead wood of large diameter (>30 cm) in montane beech forests, particularly in sunny gaps. This can easily be realised during logging operations by gap felling.
Molecular Detection of Clostridium Species in Beef Obtained from Retail Shops in North West Province, South Africa

Clostridium species cause diseases in humans that result from consumption of undercooked beef. The objectives of this study were to isolate Clostridium species from beef then the detection of the presence of tpi housekeeping gene as well as determination of the antibiotic resistant profile of the isolates. Twenty six (26) beef samples were bought from butcheries, supermarkets and street vendors. The samples were analyzed for the characteristics of Clostridium species and a total of 78 presumptive isolates were subjected to Gram-staining, catalase test, API 20A sugar fermentation profiles 16S rRNA and tpi species specific PCR analysis. Susceptibility profiles to 8 antibiotics were determined and antibiotic resistance patterns were compiled. Large proportions (93.3%- 100%) of the isolates were penicillin, vancomycin and erythromycin resistant. PCR were performed to amplify species-specific 16S rRNA gene to confirm the identity of the isolates and 44.7% of the isolates were positively identified as Clostridium species. PCR were performed to amplify tpi housekeeping gene fragments. The tpi housekeeping gene produced amplicons of 501bp after PCR amplification and 19% of the isolates possess tpi housekeeping gene which confirmed the presence of Clostridium species in beef.
Cytotoxicity, antibacterial and physicochemical properties of a new epoxy resin-based endodontic sealer containing calcium hydroxide

Background This study evaluated the cytotoxicity, antibacterial and physicochemical properties of a new epoxy resin-based endodontic sealer containing calcium-hydroxide Sealer Plus. AH Plus was used as a reference for comparison. Material and Methods Cytotoxicity evaluation was performed according to ISO-10993-5 specifications using MTT assay to check the 3T3 cells viability at 1- to 4-week periods. Antibacterial activity was evaluated using a direct contact test against Enterococcus faecalis. Radiopacity, solubility and flow evaluations were performed according to ISO-6876/2012 specifications. Setting time was assessed following the ANSI/ADA-standard-n.57. The pH level was measured at 3,24,48,72, and 168 hours. Data were statistically analyzed using t-test. The signiﬁcance level adopted was P<0.05. Results AH Plus and Sealer Plus showed cytotoxic effects after 24 hours and 1 week of manipulation and become noncytotoxic after 2 weeks. No differences were observed in the cytotoxicity of both tested sealers (P>0.05). Direct contact results revealed that both freshly prepared sealers has antibacterial effects against Enterococcus faecalis. However, after 7 days both sealers had lost much of their antibacterial effects. Although AH Plus presented higher radiopacity and flow than Sealer Plus (P<0.05), both sealers showed minimum required values. No differences were observed in the solubility of both sealers (P>0.05). AH Plus showed a higher setting time when compared to Sealer Plus (P<0.05). AH Plus and Sealer Plus showed a neutral pH during all tested periods (P<0.05). Conclusions It can be concluded that Sealer Plus showed suitable properties to be used as an endodontic sealer, comparable with those obtained by AH Plus. Key words:Cytotoxicity, root canal filling materials, root canal obturation.
Testing for potential survey bias: the effect of roads, urban areas and nature reserves on a southern African mammal data set

Mammalian record collection densities and bias attributable to observer survey preferences are assessed for the former Transvaal region of South Africa using a geographic information system (GIS). A method is presented which may be used to distinguish between highly biased and relatively unbiased sampling densities. Small mammal survey records within the region appear to have been collected relatively independently of the road and urban area infrastructure and are not biased towards nature reserves. Large mammal data on the other hand has mostly been collected within existing conservation areas. Although this latter data set would appear to be highly biased, it does accurately reflect the current distributions of larger mammalian taxa, which are presently almost entirely restricted to conservation areas.
Growth form and population genetic structure of Azorella selago on sub-Antarctic Marion Island

Abstract Seven community complexes have been described across sub-Antarctic Marion Island, amongst these fellfield that comprise low plant cover dominated by Azorella selago Hook. f. Azorella is considered a keystone species since it forms nutrient rich environments for microarthropod communities and epiphytic plants. Two distinct growth forms typify Azorella, namely discrete cushions and continuous mats. Whether these continuous mats normally consist of a single large cushion individual, or whether several individual plants merge, interdigitating to form a continuous area, remains unclear. As such, it is important to obtain some measure of Azorella growth dynamics before embarking on phylogeographic studies. Previous genetic studies indicated that several microarthropod species are significantly substructured across Marion Island, but it remains unclear whether similar subdivisions characterize Azorella. We used chloroplast sequence data (trnH-psbA) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) to investigate these questions. No sequence variation characterized the trnH-psbA region in Azorella across Marion Island. In contrast, the AFLP results indicated that an A. selago mat comprises multiple individuals. We argue that mats can be formed through at least two processes namely fragmentation, where parts of the cushion plant die off creating open areas for the establishment of different individuals and/or high density of interdigitating individuals merging to form the mat. Fragment data further indicated significant substructure for Azorella across Marion Island (FST = 0.101, P = 0.01) and we attribute this to past vicariance.
Preliminary Investigation of Association between Methylphenidate and Serum Growth Markers in Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Case-Control Study

Objectives It remains unclear whether methylphenidate (MPH) has yadverse effects on growth in children. This study aimed to investigate the association of MPH with serum biological markers of growth in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Methods The present study included 103 children with ADHD (64 drug-naive children, 39 MPH-treated children) and 112 control subjects. Children with ADHD were diagnosed on the basis of a semi-structured interview. Levels of biochemical markers of growth, including insulin-like growth factor-I, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free T4, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, vitamin D, hemoglobin, total protein, albumin, total cholesterol, and hematocrit were measured in these individuals. Results Except in case of TSH, no intergroup differences were found in the levels of the growth markers. The levels of TSH were found to be lower in the MPH-treated boys with ADHD than in the drug-naive and control groups (p < 0.05), although the levels of TSH in all the groups were within normal limits. Conclusion In this cross-sectional study, no significant association was found between MPH and growth markers. This calls for the need to carry out prospective longitudinal research studies in the future that investigate the effect of MPH on the growth trajectory in children.