Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High proportion of multiple copies of Plasmodium falciparum Plasmepsin-2 gene in African isolates: Is piperaquine resistance emerging in Africa?

Emergence of Plasmodium falciparum resistance to antimalarial drugs is currently the primary rationale supporting the development of new and well-tolerated drugs. In 2014-2015, a phase 2b clinical study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a single oral dose of Artefenomel (OZ439)-piperaquine (PPQ) in Asian and African patients presenting with uncomplicated falciparum malaria. Blood samples collected before treatment offered the opportunity to investigate the proportion of multidrug resistant parasite genotypes including P. falciparum Kelch13 mutations and copy number variation of both P. falciparum plasmepsin2 (Pfpm2) and P. falciparum multidrug resistance 1 (Pfmdr1) genes. Validated Kelch13 resistance mutations including C580Y, I543T, P553L and V568G were only detected in parasites from Vietnamese patients. In Africa, isolates with multiple copies of the Pfmdr1 gene were shown to be more frequent than previously reported (21.1%, range from 12.4% in Burkina Faso to 27.4% in Uganda). More strikingly, high proportions of isolates with multiple copies of the Pfpm2 gene, associated to PPQ resistance, were frequently observed in the African sites, especially in Burkina Faso and Uganda (>30%). Our findings sharply contrast with the recent description of increased sensitivity to PPQ of Ugandan parasite isolates. This emphasizes the necessity to decipher the genetic background associated with PPQ resistance in Africa by investigating in vitro susceptibilities to PPQ of isolates with multiple copies of the Pfpm2 gene and the urgent need to assess the risk of development of PPQ resistance, along with the efficacy of both current frontline therapies and new antimalarial combinations.
PREVALENCE OF Entamoeba histolytica INFECTION AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN IN FIVE SELECTED COMMUNITIES OF WUSHISHI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA

Ameobiasis is an infection caused by Entamoeba histolytica, which is a serious problem especially in developing countries and ranks third among the parasitic infections that lead to death mostly in primary age children.The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of E. histolytical in young children.Three hundred (300) children aged 0-14 years were sampled for E. histolytica infection in five rural communities in Wushishi Local Government Area, Niger State, North Central Nigeria. The stool samples were examined for cysts of E. histolytica using saline and iodine preparations. The prevalence rate of 17 % was recorded. The prevalence by sex had a higher infection rate in males (19.3 %) than females (14.6%) which was not significantly (P>0.05). The prevalence of the infection in relation to age was highest (23%) in 7 to 10 year age group, while the least infection of 12 (12%) was recorded in 11 to 14 year age group A significant association was found between the sources of drinking water and prevalence of E. histolytica (P<0.05). The highest was recorded in those using stream/pond (89.2%) and least recorded from Borehole/Tap (40.3%). Therefore, it become necessary need for improved sanitation, personal hygiene, health education policy and a proper deworming scheme amongst school children in the study areas in order to decrease infections rate.
EFFICIENCY OF IRRIGATED AND RAIN-FED RICE (ORYZA SATIVA) PRODUCERS IN FADAMA AGRICULTURE, NIGERIA

SUMMARY Given the importance of irrigation for rice production, this study compared the technical efficiency of irrigated and rain-fed rice (Oryza sativa) farms in the Upper Niger River Basin and Rural Development Authority (UNRBDA), Nigeria. Primary data were collected from 300 irrigators and 325 rain-fed rice producers. Applying the stochastic frontier Cobb–Douglas production function, net income analysis and Likert scale rating techniques, the study found that irrigated scheme increased marginal factor productivity and profitability. The study revealed the existence of large technical inefficiency in rain-fed farms when compared with irrigated farms. This suggests that there is room for output gains through technical efficiency improvement in the rain-fed system. The mean value of the marginal physical product of inputs (VMPPX) in the irrigated farms (₦2.32) was more than that of rain-fed farm (₦1.67). Thus, if the average producers in the rain-fed are to achieve the technical efficiency level of the average producer in the irrigated farms, they can realize 38% output gains. Similarly, the mean net farm income (NFI) of ₦62,280.00 per ha in the irrigated farm was more than double of that of rain-fed farms ₦22,391.00. The partial regression coefficients for the individual production factors (β1) and (β3) for labour input (X1) and other variable inputs (X3), respectively, were positive and significant at 1% level, suggesting that the partial elasticity of crop output with respect to labour and other costs was higher in the irrigated farms than in the rain-fed farms. The Likert scale rating techniques showed that the poor knowledge of irrigation techniques, insufficient water for irrigation during the dry season, high cost of labour and lack of access to credit were the critical constraints preventing the rain-fed rice producer from joining the irrigation scheme. In view of this, rice irrigators should be encouraged to train more rain-fed farmers on some rudiments of irrigation techniques. They should also be linked to the sources of finance. Water Users Association (WUA) should be established in communities within the scheme areas for effective communication between farmers and the officials of the UNRBDA. Decision on the allocation of resources to Fadama sites including water should be given to WUA to strengthen the membership of the organization, while the government officials serve as supervisory and advisory body.
Antisense lncRNA transcription drives stochastic Protocadherin α promoter choice

Stochastic and combinatorial activation of clustered Protocadherin (Pcdh) α, β, and γ gene promoters generates a cell-surface identity code in individual neurons that functions in neural circuit assembly. Here we show that Pcdhα promoter choice requires transcription of a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) initiated from newly identified promoters located in the protein coding sequence of each Pcdhα exon. Antisense transcription of the lncRNA through the sense promoter results in its activation and in DNA demethylation of the binding sites for the CCCTC-binding protein, CTCF, located in close proximity to both sense and antisense promoters. Increased CTCF binding promotes the assembly of long-range DNA contacts between the activated promoter and a neuron-specific enhancer, thus locking in the epigenetic state of the stochastically chosen Pcdhα promoter. Examination of this hierarchical molecular mechanism in differentiating olfactory sensory neurons, suggests that antisense Pcdhα transcription is a key prerequisite for stochastic Pcdhα promoter choice in vivo.
Age and growth of sharks: do vertebral band pairs record age?

Inaccurate age estimates can have severe consequences in the management of elasmobranchs. Numerous studies in shark age validation have demonstrated a disconnect between band pair counts and age, resulting in age underestimation, particularly in older individuals. To investigate the relationship between band pairs, vertebral shape and growth, we quantified intracolumn differences in centrum morphology (size and structure) and band pair counts in seven shark species: Squatina dumeril, Carcharodon carcharias, Lamna nasus, Isurus oxyrinchus, Alopias vulpinus, Prionace glauca and Carcharhinus obscurus. In all species examined, band pair deposition was closely related to body girth and the structural properties of the cartilaginous skeleton, relative to maximum size, and body type. These results have strong implications for accurately assessing age for fisheries management of these species.
Trait means, trait plasticity and trait differences to other species jointly explain species performances in grasslands of varying diversity

Functional traits may help to explain the great variety of species performances in plant communities, but it is not clear whether the magnitude of trait values of a focal species or trait differences to co‐occurring species are key for trait‐based predictions. In addition, trait expression within species is often plastic, but this variation has been widely neglected in trait‐based analyses. We studied functional traits and plant biomass of 59 species in 66 experimental grassland mixtures of varying species richness (Jena Experiment). We related mean species performances (species biomass and relative yield RY) and their plasticities along the diversity gradient to trait‐based pedictors involving mean species traits (Tmean), trait plasticities along the diversity gradient (Tslope), extents of trait variation across communities (TCV; coefficient of variation) and hierarchical differences (Tdiff) and trait distances (absolute values of trait differences Tdist) between focal and co‐occurring species. Tmean (30–55%) and Tdiff (30–33%) explained most variation in mean species performances and their plasticities, but Tslope (20–25%) was also important in explaining mean species performances. The mean species traits and the trait differences between focal species and neighbors with the greatest explanatory power were related to plant size and stature (shoot length, mass:height ratios) and leaf photosynthetic capacity (specific leaf area, stable carbon isotopes and leaf nitrogen concentration). The contribution of trait plasticities in explaining species performances varied in direction (positive or negative) and involved traits related to photosynthetic capacity, nitrogen acquisition (nitrogen concentrations and stable isotopes) as well as structural stability (shoot carbon concentrations). Our results suggest that incorporating plasticity in trait expression as well as trait differences to co‐occurring species is critical for extending trait‐based analyses to understand the assembly of plant communities and the contribution of individual species in structuring plant communities.
Isotopic Evidence for Multiple Recycled Sulfur Reservoirs in the Mangaia Mantle Plume

Mangaia, an ocean island in the Cook‐Austral volcanic chain, is the type locality for the HIMU mantle reservoir and has also been shown to exhibit evidence for recycled sulfur with anomalous δ34S and Δ33S that has been attributed an Archean origin. Here we report bulk S‐isotope data from sulfide inclusions in olivine and pyroxene phenocrysts from one of the previously analyzed and four additional Mangaia basalts to further test for the prevalence of anomalous S in the HIMU mantle source feeding Mangaia. We document compositions that range from −5.13‰ to +0.21‰ (±0.3 2σ), +0.006‰ to +0.049‰ (±0.016 2σ), −0.81‰ to +0.69‰ (±0.3 2σ) for δ34S, Δ33S, and Δ36S, respectively. These data extend the range of measured compositions and suggest S‐isotope heterogeneity in the HIMU mantle source at Mangaia. We show that S‐isotope compositions of bulk sulfide in olivine is not in isotopic equilibrium with bulk sulfide in pyroxene from the same samples and that samples from a confined area (M4, M10, M12, and M13) in the northern central part of the island show a distinct covariation for δ34S and Δ33S. This isotopic variation (forming an array) suggests mixing of sulfur from two sources that were captured at different stages of crystallization by phenocrysts in the Mangaia HIMU sulfur endmember.
Feedback: an important key in the online environment of a flipped classroom setting

ABSTRACT This study investigates the impact of providing teacher feedback on answers to guiding questions in the online environment of a flipped classroom setting. Participants were second year bachelor students enrolled in the “Invertebrates” courses (N = 104) at the School of Education in CanTho University (Vietnam), and were randomly assigned to two research conditions: (1) With extra feedback (WEF, n = 52) and (2) No extra feedback (NEF, n = 52) in a flipped classroom setting. One way repeated measure ANOVA was used to analyze learning performance, self-efficacy beliefs, and appreciation of feedback. The findings reflect significantly higher learning performance of students studying in the WEF-condition. In addition, significant changes were observed in their self-efficacy beliefs and appreciation of feedback.
Influence of Race in the Deep End of the Juvenile Justice System

Racial inequalities pervade U.S. justice systems and are the focus of a growing body of research. However, there are fewer studies on racial disparities in juvenile justice settings, particularly on decisions points at the “deep end” of the system after youth have been adjudicated delinquent. The current study examines racial disparities in length of stay, institutional misconduct, and community program placement for youth admitted to the Virginia juvenile justice system from 2012–2017. We find that black youth have significantly longer lengths of stay and more serious institutional misconduct than white youth. Controlling for legal and extralegal factors eliminates the disparity for length of stay, but it remains significant for serious institutional misconduct. In recent years, youth of all races are placed into community programs rather than traditional correctional centers at similar rates. Disparities for Hispanic youth and other races are difficult to distinguish because few are admitted to the system.
Giant panda distributional and habitat‐use shifts in a changing landscape

Long‐term data on populations, threats, and habitat‐use changes are fundamentally important for conservation policy and management decisions affecting species, but these data are often in short supply. Here, we analyze survey data from 57,087 plots collected in approximately three‐fourths of the giant panda's (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) distributional range during China's national surveys conducted in 1999–2003 and 2011–2014. Pandas associated preferentially with several ecological factors and avoided areas impacted by human activities, such as roads, livestock, mining, and tourism. Promise is shown by dramatic declines in logging rates, but is counterbalanced with recently emerging threats. Pandas have increasingly utilized secondary forest as these forests recovered under protective measures. Pandas have undergone a distributional shift to higher elevations, despite the elevational stability of their bamboo food source, perhaps in response to a similar upward shift in the distribution of livestock. Our findings showcase robust on‐the‐ground data from one of the largest‐scale survey efforts worldwide for an endangered species and highlight how science and policy have contributed to this remarkable success story, and help frame future management strategies.
Targeting biofilm inhibition using Quercetin – Interaction with bacterial cell membrane and ROS mediated biofilm control

Background: Quercetin is an active nutraceutical ingredient widely distributed in foods, vegetables, fruits, and more. Quercetin is a versatile functional food with extensive protective effects against many infectious and degenerative diseases due to their antioxidant activities. Apsergillus niger is a filamentous fungus and the most abundant mold found in the environment. This fungus has been the source of several bioactive compounds and industrial enzymes through biotransformation.Aim: In this report we emphasized the potential of Aspergillus species for the selective conversion of rutin to quercetin, which involved stereoselective and regiospecific reactions with enhanced production and minimization of the formation of toxic wastes. This fungal microbe was able to transform the complex structure of rutin to quercetin with remarkable catalytic activity for the reaction with high product yield. The quercetin produced demonstrated the ability to inhibit biofilm formation and eradicate established biofilm involving the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) indicative of membrane activity. These results suggest quercetin may have implications in biofilm control targeting reactive oxygen species as a novel therapeutic strategy.Methods: Quercetin was synthesized by microbial biotransformation recruiting Aspergillus niger. The synthesis of quercetin was compared with the chemical process. Furthermore, the quercetin produced by the biotransformation process was characterized by high performance thin layer liquid chromatography. The quercetin produced was assessed for biological activities. The antimicrobial activity, hemolytic activity, inhibition of biofilm by crystal violet staining, and cell viability by confocal laser scanning microscope was assessed. The membrane interaction effect and oxidant scavenging effect by DPPH, Intracellular ROS release, and lipid peroxidation was measured.Results: Quercetin produced by microbial transformation demonstrated antimicrobial activity against S. aureus by effectively inhibiting the growth and dispersion of preformed biofilms. Quercetin demonstrated a significant free radical scavenging activity and significant inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Significant release of reactive oxygen species was observed in bacterial cells.Conclusion: In conclusion, the bio transformed quercetin exhibited disruptive potential of biofilm formation by preventing cell surface attachment and biofilm growth. Therefore, it can be suggested that the major public health benefits could be achieved by substantially increasing the consumption of quercetin rich foods.
Life Table and Demographic Parameters of the Neotropical Apple Snail Asolene platae (Caenogastropoda, Ampullariidae)

Abstract: Apple snails are regarded as invasive or potentially problematic species but some species may be under threat. Life tables are a useful tool to understand the growth potential of freshwater snail populations. Our aim was to estimate the demographic parameters of the Neotropical apple snail Asolene platae (Maton, 1811) to allow a quantitative comparison with invasive apple snails like Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck, 1822). Life tables were calculated for three laboratory cohorts bred at 25 °C. Life expectancy rises abruptly up to 32–37 months after a period of high post-hatching mortality of one month. The reproductive value peaked at 15–19 months for two cohorts and at 33 months in the other one. The net reproductive rates (R0), generation times (GT) and intrinsic rates of increase (r) were as 55.86 hatchlings, 25.7 months, and 0.188 individuals per individual per month on average, respectively. Among freshwater snails there is a clear inverse relationship between r and GT while R0 has a minor positive influence. The values of GT and r for A. platae are among the highest and lowest, respectively, calculated for freshwater snails at 24–26 °C. These low values of r under optimum conditions indicate a relatively low potential of A. platae populations to increase in new habitats or to recover from disturbances.
Gender difference in prevalence and incidence of mucosal lesions associated with wearing removable dentures

Anirudh BVM1, Keerthi Sasanka L*2, Venkatesh K2, Nivethigaa B3 1Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 77, Tamil Nadu, India 2Department of Prosthodontics, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 77, Tamil Nadu, India 3Department of Orthodontics, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 77, Tamil Nadu, India
Effects of a modular teacher coaching program on child attention problems and disruptive behavior and on teachers’ self-efficacy and stress

Symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity and oppositional defiant disorder are associated with a multitude of psychosocial developmental risks, e.g. academic underachievement. Various cognitive behavioral interventions have proven to be effective in reducing problem behavior in school settings. Drawing on this previous work and on our parent-focused preventive and therapeutic programs, we developed the school-based coaching for elementary school teachers of children with attention deficits or disruptive behavior problems (SCEP). Based on functional behavior assessment, SCEP addresses teachers of children with severe externalizing behavior problems in an individualized modular manner. It consists of a one-day training course and fortnightly one-to-one or team-coaching sessions. We analyzed the effects of SCEP in a within-subject control group design (N = 60), with student attention problems and rule-breaking behavior during class as the primary outcome measure. SCEP was found to reduce problem behavior during lessons, with small to medium effect sizes (d = 0.42–0.6). After the intervention, teachers reported changes in their use of praise and felt more confident managing the class (d = 0.58). The results of SCEP are discussed in light of multi-tiered preventive approaches that suggest extensive individualized interventions based on functional behavior analysis for children with severe problem behavior.
COMPARISON OF FRACTURE RESISTANCE BETWEEN TWO MONOLITHIC AND ONE VENEERED ZIRCONIA MATERIALS ON MOLAR CROWNS AFTER THERMOMECHANICAL FATIGUE

Objective: The purpose of this in-vitro study is to evaluate fracture resistance of two monolithic and one veneered zirconia crowns on human molar teeth fabricated after thermomechanical fatigue. Materials and methods: Seventy-two human molar teeth were prepared to receive zirconia crowns. The specimens were divided into three experimental groups (n=24) according to restoration design, monolithic or veneered. The crowns were fabricated from GC initial zirconia, Dentsply Sirona TZI and Dentsply Sirona ZI. The prepared teeth were scanned with Sirona inEos X5 and the restorations were milled using Cerec inLab MC X5. The crowns were cemented by resin cement. Twelve crowns of each experimental group underwent thermomechanical fatigue using chewing Simulator for 240 000 chewing cycles with load of (100 N) and thermocycling (5 °C/55 °C), the remaining 12 crowns in each group did not undergo any thermomechanical fatigue and were considered as control group. All specimens were loaded until fracture using universal testing machine. Forces were applied to occlusal surface with 90° angle. Loads of fracture were recorded. Collected data of fracture loads of all specimens were analyzed using SPSS 23.00 program. Results: Although thermomechanical fatigue significantly decreased fracture loads of only monolithic groups, monolithic zirconia crowns had higher fracture loads than veneered one. Among all specimens, the highest fracture load was found in GC group (5001,81 N) and the lowest was found in ZI group (2117.37 N). Conclusion: Thermomechanical fatigue has significant influence on monolithic zirconia, however, it showed higher fracture loads and can be alternative to veneered design.