Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does the scent of a potential mate prevent the resorption of oocytes by apoptosis in Nauphoeta cinerea?

Abstract We expect organisms to have evolved mechanisms to gather and use the information available within their environments, to steer resource investment decisions toward the traits that will give the greatest fitness returns. Pheromones are social signals, a common purpose of which is to act as indicators of mate presence. Consequently, pheromones have the potential to act as signals to increase or maintain reproductive investment over that of competing life‐history traits. In the cockroach, Nauphoeta cinerea (Oliver), females pay costs of maintaining investment in reproduction when there are no males, and males produce pheromones that are known to effect female reproductive outcomes. Whether the pheromones have an influence on resource physiology is unknown. We subjected newly eclosed females to either a synthetic blend of male pheromones or control. We dissected females at 7, 12, 17 or 22 days. We measured apoptosis levels and size of all oocytes within the vitellerium, and measured dry fat body mass. Synthetic male pheromone blend did not have an effect on any measure of female reproductive or somatic resource physiology. Although negative results are always problematic, the success of the synthetic pheromone method in the past suggests that females may be insensitive to male pheromones in the pre‐oviposition period, and may rely on mating stimulus rather than pheromone as the cue for oocyte maintenance and growth. Previous studies reporting effects of male pheromones on female reproduction suggest that the period of pheromone sensitivity may be between mating and birth.
Oronasal Fistula Risk After Palate Repair

Objective: To assess risk factors for oronasal fistula, including 2-stage palate repair. Design: Retrospective analysis. Setting: Tertiary children’s hospital. Patients: Patients with non-submucosal cleft palate whose entire cleft repair was completed at the study hospital between 2005 and 2013 with postsurgical follow-up. Interventions: Hierarchical binary logistic regression assessed predictive value of variables for fistula. Variables tested for inclusion were 2 stage repair, Veau classification, sex, age at surgery 1, age at surgery 2, surgeon volume, surgeon, insurance status, socioeconomic status, and syndrome. Variables were added to the model in order of significance and retained if significant at a . 05 level. Main Outcome Measure: Postoperative fistula. Results: Of 584 palate repairs, 505 (87%) had follow-up, with an overall fistula rate of 10.1% (n = 51). Among single-stage repairs (n = 211), the fistula rate was 6.7%; it was 12.6% in 2-stage repairs (n = 294, P = .03). In the final model utilizing both single-stage and 2-stage patient data, significant predictors of fistula were 2-stage repair (odds ratio [OR]: 2.5, P = .012), surgeon volume, and surgeon. When examining only single-stage patients, higher surgeon volume was protective against fistula. In the model examining 2-stage patients, surgeon and age at hard palate repair were significant; older age at hard palate closure was protective for fistula, with an OR of 0.82 (P = .046) for each additional 6 months in age at repair. Conclusions: Two-stage surgery, surgeon, and surgeon volume were significant predictors of fistula occurrence in all children, and older age at hard palate repair was protective in those with 2-stage repair.
Letter to the editor on 'Prognostic factors in patients with vulvar cancer: the VULCAN study'

Dear Editor, We would like to comment on the paper 'Prognostic factors in patients with vulvar cancer: the VULCAN study' by Zapardiel et al.[1][1] We have many concerns. For example, reference 3 refers to patients with vulvar intra-epithelial neoplasia, not invasive vulvar cancer. The latter is not
The worldwide utilization of the Chinese soybean germplasm collection

This article focuses on advances in both basic and applied research on soybean germplasm resources collected from China and dispersed to the world. Many landraces developed over the course of the 4500 years since its domestication in the Huangdi period. Systematic germplasm collection was begun in the early 20th century by Professor Shou Wang, and since then over 170,000 accessions have been conserved worldwide. Evaluation with respect to key morphological characteristics, pest resistance, abiotic stress tolerance and nutritional quality attributes has been widely carried out. In addition, genetic diversity has been assessed at the DNA level, and used to establish core collections for both cultivated (Glycine max) and wild (Glycine soja) soybean. Some core sets have targeted the most used parental lines, and others have focused on specific traits, such as resistance to the soybean cyst nematode or to soybean mosaic virus, or enhanced phosphorus use efficiency. The recent acquisition of the soybean genome sequence should accelerate the utilization of not only the Chinese soybean germplasm collection, but also those maintained elsewhere in the world.
Variability, character association and path coefficient analysis in fennel

Genetic variability, heritability, correlation and path analysis were estimated among 45 genotypes of 10 quantitative characters in fennel. The highest genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation was observed for seed yield per plant and biological yield per plant. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was observed for seeds per umbel and biological yield per plant indicating the importance of additive gene effects for these traits. The umbellets per umbel (0.43**), seeds per umbel (0.46**), biological yield per plant (0.84**) and harvest index (0.45**) exhibited positive and significant correlation with the seed yield. Path coefficient analysis revealed that seeds per umbel had highest direct effect on seed yield followed by test weight and biological yield per plant. Therefore, greater emphasis should be given on these characters while selecting for higher yield and related traits.
Comparison of the antioxidant capacity of lipid‐soluble compounds in selected cold‐pressed oils using photochemiluminescence assay (PCL) and DPPH method

The paper describes the use of photochemiluminescence assay (PCL) and DPPH method for the measurement of lipid-soluble antioxidants capacity (ACL) of six commercially available cold-pressed, non-refined flaxseed, walnut, rapeseed, pumpkin seed, evening primrose and black cumin oils. The cold-pressed plant oils are rich in various valuable bioactive compounds, e.g., tocopherols, tocotrienols, carotenoids, sterols, phospholipids and may reveal the antioxidant properties. The photochemiluminescence analysis (PCL) and free radical scavenging activity toward DPPH. were fully applicable for the evaluation of the antioxidant capacity of lipophilic fraction of samples and the outcomes correlated (r = 0.91). The highest ACL exhibited black cumin oil in case of both methods. Practical applications: Photochemiluminescence analysis and radical scavenging activity toward DPPH. were fully applicable for the evaluation of the antioxidant capacity of lipophilic fraction of oil samples. However, providing a simple and reliable analytical method to detect the antioxidant capacities at very low concentrations of antioxidants in the sample is of major interest. Photochemiluminescence analysis shows many advantages over the other methodologies as it is fully automatic, sensitive, quick and does not require any time-consuming or complicated sample preparation steps that is needed in case of, e.g., DPPH method.
Biochemical Changes Induced by Heavy Metal Pollution in Marine Fishes at Khomse Coast, Libya

This study was conducted to determine the concentration of heavy metals (copper, lead, zinc, cadmium and mercury) in seawater as well as in three different types of fishes (Pagellus acarne, Sarpa salpa and Liza saliens) with emphasis on their relation with some biomarkers. Samples were collected from El- Khoms coast Libya during winter 2004. The concentration of all measured heavy metals in sea water significantly (P 0.01) increased in comparison to their concentration 17 years ago , except for Cd which decreased. In muscles and liver tissues of Sarpa salpa, Cu, concentration was markedly higher than the two other fish Pagellus acarne and Liza saliens. Otherwise, Cu, bioaccumulation showed non-significant difference between Pagellus acarne and Liza. Among studied fish species, pb in muscles and liver tissues were obviously higher in Pagellus acarne than in the two other fish species. Zn concentration showed marked differences among different fish species. Cd concentration also elevated in Pagellus acarne than two other fish species. It could be concluded that lipid peroxidation expressed by Malonyldialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione peroxidase (GSSG P), Catalase (CAT) and Superoxide dismutase(SOD) could be used as biomarkers for heavy metals pollution in fish.
An Innovative Test Method for Tensile Strength of Concrete by Applying the Strut-and-Tie Methodology

Tensile strength is one of the important mechanical properties of concrete, but it is difficult to measure accurately due to the brittle nature of concrete in tension. The three widely used test methods for measuring the tensile strength of concrete each have their shortcomings: the direct tension test equipment is not easy to set up, particularly for alignment, and there are no standard test specifications; the tensile strengths obtained from the test method of splitting tensile strength (American Society for Testing and Materials, ASTM C496) and that of flexural strength of concrete (ASTM C78) are significantly different from the actual tensile strength owing to mechanisms of methodologies and test setup. The objective of this research is to develop a new concrete tensile strength test method that is easy to conduct and the result is close to the direct tension strength. By applying the strut-and-tie concept and modifying the experimental design of the ASTM C78, a new concrete tensile strength test method is proposed. The test results show that the concrete tensile strength obtained by this proposed method is close to the value obtained from the direct tension test for concrete with compressive strengths from 25 to 55 MPa. It shows that this innovative test method, which is precise and easy to conduct, can be an effective alternative for tensile strength of concrete.
Anti-Heartburn Effects of Sugar Cane Flour: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) affects approximately 20% of Australians. Patients suffer a burning sensation known as heartburn due to the movement of acidic stomach content into the esophagus. There is anecdotal evidence of the effectiveness of prebiotic sugarcane flour in controlling symptoms of GERD. This pilot study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a prebiotic sugarcane flour in alleviating symptoms in medically-diagnosed GERD patients. This pilot study was a single center, double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized trial conducted on 43 eligible participants. The intervention group (n = 22) were randomized to receive 3 g of sugarcane flour per day, and the control group (n = 21) received 3 g of cellulose placebo per day. Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease were assessed before and after three weeks treatment using the validated Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health Related Quality of Life questionnaire (GERD-HRQL). After three weeks there were significant differences in symptoms for heartburn, regurgitation, and total symptoms scores (p < 0.05) between the sugarcane flour and placebo. Mean GERD-HRQL scores increased in the placebo group for regurgitation (mean increase 1.7; 95% CI 0.23 to 3.2; p = 0.015) and total symptom scores (2.9; 95% CI 0.26 to 5.7; p = 0.033). In contrast, there were significant reductions in heartburn (mean decrease −2.2; 95% CI −4.2 to −0.14; p = 0.037) and total symptom scores (−3.7; 95% CI −7.2 to −0.11; p = 0.044) in the intervention group. This pilot study has shown significant positive effects of sugarcane flour in the reduction of GERD symptoms, and a larger randomized controlled trial is warranted.
Trichoderma: The “Secrets” of a Multitalented Biocontrol Agent

The plant-Trichoderma-pathogen triangle is a complicated web of numerous processes. Trichoderma spp. are avirulent opportunistic plant symbionts. In addition to being successful plant symbiotic organisms, Trichoderma spp. also behave as a low cost, effective and ecofriendly biocontrol agent. They can set themselves up in various patho-systems, have minimal impact on the soil equilibrium and do not impair useful organisms that contribute to the control of pathogens. This symbiotic association in plants leads to the acquisition of plant resistance to pathogens, improves developmental processes and yields and promotes absorption of nutrient and fertilizer use efficiency. Among other biocontrol mechanisms, antibiosis, competition and mycoparasitism are among the main features through which microorganisms, including Thrichoderma, react to the presence of other competitive pathogenic organisms, thereby preventing or obstructing their development. Stimulation of every process involves the biosynthesis of targeted metabolites like plant growth regulators, enzymes, siderophores, antibiotics, etc. This review summarizes the biological control activity exerted by Trichoderma spp. and sheds light on the recent progress in pinpointing the ecological significance of Trichoderma at the biochemical and molecular level in the rhizosphere as well as the benefits of symbiosis to the plant host in terms of physiological and biochemical mechanisms. From an applicative point of view, the evidence provided herein strongly supports the possibility to use Trichoderma as a safe, ecofriendly and effective biocontrol agent for different crop species.
Clostridium botulinum type E occurs and grows in the alga Cladophora glomerata.

In recent years, massive avian die-offs from Clostridium botulinum type E infection have occurred in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (SLBE) area of Lake Michigan. These outbreaks have been coincidental with massive blooms of the green algae Cladophora, mostly Cladophora glomerata. We tested the hypothesis that Clostridium botulinum type E can grow under suitable conditions in these algal mats. In a lab mesocosm study, Cladophora from four outbreak-impacted beaches from SLBE were compared with four unimpacted beaches in the Milwaukee–Racine area for bontE gene of Clostridium botulinum. Frequency of the bontE gene was higher after incubation (25 °C for up to 6 weeks) of Cladophora from impacted vs. the unimpacted area. Since no type E gene was detected initially in Cladophora from any of the eight locations, we infer that the increased occurrence of type E gene arose from spore germination or vegetative Clostridium growth within the existing algal mats of SLBE. Moreover, we found that the congene.
Water relations and microbial proliferation in vase solutions of Narcissus tazetta L. cv. ‘Shahla-e-Shiraz’ as affected by biocide compounds

SummaryDisruption of cut flower water relations due to the growth and proliferation of microorganisms in the vase solution is one of the most important factors causing reduced vase-life and deterioration in cut flowers. These experiments were conducted to study the effects of some biocides in controlling microbial proliferation in vase solutions and on water relations in cut Narcissus tazetta L. cv. ‘Shahla-e-Shiraz’, a native bulbous cut flower of Iran. The stems of ‘Shahla-e-Shiraz’ Narcissus cut flowers were exposed to 17 treatments: aluminium sulphate (at 100, 200 or 300 mg l–1), citric acid (at 150, 300 or 450 mg l–1), 8-hydroxyquinoline citrate (at 200, 300 or 400 mg l–1), sodium hypochlorite (at 400, 600 or 800 mg l–1), calcium hypochlorite (at 400, 600 or 800 mg l–1), sterilised distilled water, or tap water (control). Generally, the least effective compounds in controlling microbial proliferation were low concentrations of aluminium sulphate or citric acid. 8-Hydroxyquinoline citrate treatments w.
Effect of dietary components on the gut microbiota of aquatic animals. A never‐ending story?

It is well known that healthy gut microbiota is essential to promote host health and well-being. The intestinal microbiota of endothermic animals as well as fish are classified as autochthonous or indigenous, when they are able to colonize the host's epithelial surface or are associated with the microvilli, or as allochthonous or transient (associated with digesta or are present in the lumen). Furthermore, the gut microbiota of aquatic animals is more fluidic than that of terrestrial vertebrates and is highly sensitive to dietary changes. In fish, it is demonstrated that [a] dietary form (live feeds or pelleted diets), [b] dietary lipid (lipid levels, lipid sources and polyunsaturated fatty acids), [c] protein sources (soybean meal, krill meal and other meal products), [d] functional glycomic ingredients (chitin and cellulose), [e] nutraceuticals (probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics and immunostimulants), [f] antibiotics, [g] dietary iron and [h] chromic oxide affect the gut microbiota. Furthermore, some information is available on bacterial colonization of the gut enterocyte surface as a result of dietary manipulation which indicates that changes in indigenous microbial populations may have repercussion on secondary host–microbe interactions. The effect of dietary components on the gut microbiota is important to investigate, as the gastrointestinal tract has been suggested as one of the major routes of infection in fish. Possible interactions between dietary components and the protective microbiota colonizing the digestive tract are discussed.
The Association of Race, Sex, and Insurance With Transfer From Adult to Pediatric Trauma Centers

Objective Our objective was to investigate whether racial/ethnic-based or payer-based disparities existed in the transfer practices of pediatric trauma patients from adult trauma center (ATC) to pediatric trauma center (PTC) in Pennsylvania. Methods Data on trauma patients aged 14 years or less initially evaluated at level I and II ATC were obtained from the Pennsylvania Trauma Outcome Study (2008–2012) (n = 3446). Generalized estimating equations regression analyses were used to evaluate predictors of subsequent transfer controlling for confounders and clustering. Recent literature has described racial and socioeconomic disparities in outcomes such as mortality after trauma; it is unknown whether these factors also influence the likelihood of subsequent interfacility transfer between ATC and PTC. Results Patients identified as nonwhite comprised 36.1% of the study population. Those without insurance comprised 9.9% of the population. There were 2790 patients (77.4%) who were subsequently transferred. Nonwhite race (odds ratio [OR], 4.3), female sex (OR, 1.3), and lack of insurance (OR, 2.3) were associated with interfacility transfer. Additional factors were identified influencing likelihood of transfer (increased odds: younger age, intubated status, cranial, orthopedic, and solid organ injury; decreased odds: operative intervention at the initial trauma center) (P < 0.05 for all). Conclusions Although we assume that a desire for specialized care is the primary reason for transfer of injured children to PTCs, our analysis demonstrates that race, female sex, and lack of insurance are also associated with transfers from ATCs to PTCs for children younger than 15 years in Pennsylvania. Further research is needed to understand the basis of these health care disparities and their impact.
End of life experiences of patients with advanced cancer in Myanmar: Results from the APPROACH study

Access to palliative care services is essential for attaining universal health coverage for patients with a terminal cancer. Despite this, many patients with advanced cancer in low‐income countries, such as Myanmar, suffer at the end of life (EOL) due to little or no access to palliative care. However, actual evidence on EOL experiences of cancer patients in Myanmar is lacking. This paper aims to describe various dimensions of EOL experiences among patients with an advanced cancer from the largest public hospital in Myanmar.
Effects of dry period length on milk production and composition in early lactating Holstein cows

Introduction Recently, there has been an interest in shortening the non-income-producing dry period (DP). Retrospective analysis of farm data and planned experiments both indicate about a 5 to 6% loss in milk yield during the subsequent lactation when the DP is reduced by approximately 30 d (Rastani et al., 2005). Additional milk produced during the extra 30 d of lactation can compensate for some of the loss in the subsequent lactation. There are, however, some advantages to reducing the dry period length, including increased income from milk in the current lactation, simplified management of dry cows through movement toward a one-group nutritional strategy, decreased metabolic disorders, and reduced strain on dry cow facilities. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of dry period length on milk production and composition in early lactating Holstein cows.
Clay‐Based Modeling in the Anatomist's Toolkit: A Systematic Review

Anatomical education has suffered from reduced teaching time and poor availability of staff and resources over the past thirty years. Clay‐based modeling (CBM) is an alternative technique for teaching anatomy that can improve student knowledge and experience. This systematic review aimed to summarize and appraise the quality of the literature describing the uses, advantages, and limitations of CBM compared to alternative methods of teaching human gross anatomy to students or qualified healthcare professionals. A systematic search of Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted, and the Medical Education Research Quality Instrument (MERSQI) was used to assess study quality. Out of the 829 studies identified, 12 papers met the inclusion criteria and were eligible for this review. The studies were of high quality, with a mean MERSQI score of 11.50/18. Clay‐based modeling can be used to teach all gross anatomical regions, and 11 studies demonstrated a significant improvement in short‐term knowledge gain in students who used CBM in comparison to other methods of learning anatomy. Eight studies that included subjective assessment showed that CBM is rated highly. However, some studies showed that students viewed CBM as juvenile and experienced difficulty making the models. Additionally, there is no evidence to suggest that CBM improves long‐term knowledge. Clay‐based modeling is an effective learning method for human gross anatomy and should be incorporated into the anatomists' toolkit. In the future, more randomized controlled studies with transparent study designs investigating the long‐term impact of CBM are needed.
Optimization of Beauveria bassiana in a spray formulation against Choristoneura fumiferana.

Most mycoinsecticides require a carrier of natural or synthetic oils for them to be effective when sprayed on forest-defoliating caterpillars such as the eastern spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana (Clemens)). Two isolates of Beauveria bassiana conidia were formulated in natural (vegetable) and synthetic (mineral) oils and tested against late instar larvae of the budworm. Topical application showed the ARSEF 1850 isolate to be more effective than a commercially available strain. Additional laboratory spray trials using a hand-held spinning disc sprayer showed that the ARSEF 1850 natural oil formulation significantly increased mortality when compared with controls. The use of oil-formulated B. bassiana conidia should be considered for future budworm management under the integrated pest management of this pest in North America.