Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Innate immunity in chicken lines developed by EMBRAPA Suínos e Aves: antimicrobial activity of macrophages and serum

The objective of this study was to compare the antimicrobial activity of macrophages and serum in laying hen (MM, CC, and CCc) and broiler chicken lineages (TT and LL). Macrophages were evaluated for phagocytic and antimicrobial activity. Microbicidal serum activity was evaluated by the resistance test for serum and the agar test. The results showed that phagocytic activity was higher in males of the MM strain, with 13% of macrophages presenting phagocytosis, while the other lineages studied, and even female MM, presented a rate of 6% of phagocytic cells. However, antimicrobial activity in macrophages from males of CCc lineage and females of TT lineage were higher, eliminating more than 30% of the Salmonella enterica inoculum, while in the other strains, the results were similar, with inoculum reduction below 30%. In the serum resistance assay, female laying lines presented higher antibacterial activity than female broiler lines. In the trials to evaluate the microbicide activity of the serum, females of both broiler and laying lineages presented higher performance when compared with males of the same lineage. Females of laying hen lines (MM and CC) present a greater antibacterium activity than males. These results can contribute to a better understanding of the immune response in broiler chicken and laying hen lineages, to aid development of lineages of birds more resistant to pathogens.
LOW-ORDER MODEL OF THE DYNAMICS AND START-UP OF A PULSATING HEAT PIPE

A simple open-loop pulsating heat pipe model is proposed, which allows to analytically determine the start-up behavior by a linear stability analysis. Two distinct types of instability can occur in such a pulsating heat pipe: oscillatory and non-oscillatory. This paper demonstrates that for bubbles consisting of non-condensible gas, large temperature gradients along the wall are required to achieve start-up, whereas start-up is fairly easy to achieve when there is only a single working medium that forms bubbles from its vapor. The study also finds that surface tension as such only influences start-up indirectly, while contact angle hysteresis dampens out any instabilities.
Protein Fractionation of Green Leaves as an Underutilized Food Source—Protein Yield and the Effect of Process Parameters

Green biomass has potential as a sustainable protein source for human consumption, due to its abundance and favorable properties of its main protein, RuBisCO. Here, protein fractionation outcomes of green leafy biomass from nine crops were evaluated using a standard protocol with three major steps: juicing, thermal precipitation, and acid precipitation. Successful protein fractionation, with a freeze-dried, resolubilized white protein isolate containing RuBisCO as the final fraction, was achieved for seven of the crops, although the amount and quality of the resulting fractions differed considerably between crops. Biomass structure was negatively correlated with successful fractionation of proteins from biomass to green juice. The proteins in carrot and cabbage leaves were strongly associated with particles in the green juice, resulting in unsuccessful fractionation. Differences in thermal stability were correlated with relatedness of the biomass types, e.g., Beta vulgaris varieties showed similar performance in thermal precipitation. The optimal pH values identified for acid precipitation of soluble leaf proteins were lower than the theoretical value for RuBisCO for all biomass types, but with clear differences between biomass types. These findings reveal the challenges in using one standard fractionation protocol for production of food proteins from all types of green biomass and indicate that a general fractionation procedure where parameters are easily adjusted based on biomass type should instead be developed.
Validating Consensus-Defined Severity Grading of Lymphatic Complications after Kidney Transplant

Lymphatic complications after kidney transplantation (KTx) are associated with morbidities such as impaired wound healing, thrombosis, and organ failure. Recently, a consensus regarding the definition and severity grading of lymphoceles has been suggested. The aim of the present study was to validate this classification method. All adult patients who underwent KTx between December 2011 and September 2016 in our department were evaluated regarding lymphoceles that were diagnosed within 6 months after KTx based on the recent definition. Patients with lymphoceles were categorized according to the classification criteria, and clinical outcomes were compared between the groups. In our department, a total of 587 patients underwent KTx between 2011 and 2016. Lymphoceles were detected after KTx in 90 patients (15.3%). Among these patients, 24 (26.6%) had grade A lymphoceles, 14 (15.6%) had grade B, and 52 (57.8%) had grade C. The median duration times of intermediate care (IMC) and hospital stay were significantly higher among patients with grade C lymphoceles than they were among patients with grade A and B lymphoceles. Significantly more patients with grade C lymphoceles were readmitted to the hospital for treatment. The recently published definition and severity grading of lymphoceles after KTx is an easy-to-use and valid classification system, which may facilitate the comparison of results from different studies on lymphoceles after KTx.
Detection of quorum sensing activity among biofilm forming Acinetobacter baumannii isolates

Bacteria communicate with each other by producing chemical signals (acyl homoserine lactones, AHLs) through the quorum sensing (QS) signaling circuits, which control the expression of virulence genes. Also QS plays a significant role in biofilm formation, therefore it is important to develop new strategies to inhibit QS and get rid of biofilm. Acinetobacter baumannii is a major nosocomial pathogen that has a high resistance to antimicrobials and dessication. In addition, it has a strong ability to form biofilm in chronic infections. In the present study, quantification of biofilm and screening of MDR A. baumannii for QS signal molecules (AHLs) were performed. Out of the 52 MDR Acinetobacter baumannii isolates, 42 isolates were found to be strong biofilm formers. Out of the 42 strong biofilm forming isolates, 20 isolates produced long chain AHL signals and none of them produced short chain AHL signals. The results revealed that 81% of the isolates formed strong biofilm and 48% of the strong biofilm forming isolated have QS activity, which indicates that QS has a potential role in the control of A. baumannii biofilm formation.
Impact of merging of historical and future climate data sets on land carbon cycle projections for South America

Earth System Models (ESMs) project climate change, but they often contain biases in their estimates of contemporary climate that propagate into simulated futures. Land models translate climate projections into surface impacts, but these will be inaccurate if ESMs have substantial errors. Bias concerns are relevant for terrestrial physiological processes which often respond non-linearly (i.e. contain threshold responses) and are therefore sensitive to absolute environmental conditions as well as changes. We bias-correct the UK Met Office ESM, HadGEM2-ES, against the CRU–JRA observation-based gridded estimates of recent climate. We apply the derived bias corrections to future projections by HadGEM2-ES for the RCP8.5 scenario of future greenhouse gas concentrations. Focusing on South America, the bias correction includes adjusting for ESM estimates that, annu-ally, are approximately 1 degree too cold, for comparison against 21st Century warming of around 4 degrees. Locally, these values can be much higher. The ESM is also too wet on average, by approximately 1 mm ⋅ day − 1 , which is substantially larger than the mean predicted change. The corrected climate fields force the Joint UK Land Environment Simulator (JULES) dynamic global vegetation model to estimate land surface changes, with an emphasis on the carbon cycle. Results show land carbon sink reductions across South America, and in some locations, the net land–atmosphere CO 2 flux becomes a source to the atmosphere by the end of this century. Transitions to a CO 2 source is where increases in plant net primary productivity are offset by larger enhancements in soil respiration. Bias-corrected simulations estimate the rise in South American land carbon stocks between pre-industrial times and the end of the 2080s is ∼ 12 GtC lower than that without climate bias removal, demonstrating the importance of merging historical observational meteorological forcing with ESM diagnostics. We present evidence for a substantial climate-induced role of greater soil decom-position in the fate of the Amazon carbon sink.
The first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic in primary schools in the Czech Republic: Parental perspectives

Abstract The article presents results of a survey among parents of primary‐school pupils, in which they commented on education during school closures due to the COVID‐19 disease pandemic in the spring of 2020. The questionnaire mapped family arrangements, parents' competencies, parenting practices concerning learning, and communication with the school. It was administered to more than 2,500 respondents at the end of the period of school closures (May–June 2020). The analysis focused on the question of whether the parents of pupils in primary schools assessed the home‐based distance learning as well handled and whether they felt concerned about their child's future school results. We understand parents' satisfaction as a result of the interaction between family arrangements on one hand, and requirements formulated by the schools on the other. The analysis showed that most parents rated home education positively. However, the socio‐economic status (SES) and cultural status of parents was a significant factor. Among the low‐SES parents, 47% reported concerns, while among the high‐SES parents, only 30% did. The strongest moderators of the link between SES and concerns about the school results of children were: school‐family communication during closures, adequacy of curriculum, parental practices supporting child's concentration and motivation, perceived school success of a child and parents' educational aspirations for the child.
Navigating the path from technical engineering to engineering education research: a conceptual model of the transition process

ABSTRACT As the engineering education research (EER) field is yet to fully mature, there are few formally established pathways to EER. Consequently, most researchers transition to EER after completing technical engineering qualifications. Reconciling this training with the distinctly different expectations of educational research creates unique challenges for these researchers, who must also navigate colleagues’ perceptions of EER as a ‘soft’ discipline with reduced reward and recognition prospects. To understand why and how individuals make the transition, this study used semi-structured interviews with emerging engineering education researchers to develop a conceptual model of the EER transition process through the lens of Bourdieu’s Theory of Practice. Those engaging in EER are intrinsically interested in education and recognise research output is highly valued within universities. Transitioning requires researchers to develop capital in the form of networks, opportunities, and skills. This leads to researchers evolving their epistemological beliefs to align with educational research. Recommendations are made for supporting successful transitions to EER.
Hemocytes are essential for Drosophila melanogaster post-embryonic development, independent of control of the microbiota

ABSTRACT Proven roles for hemocytes (blood cells) have expanded beyond the control of infections in Drosophila. Despite this, the crucial role of hemocytes in post-embryonic development has long thought to be limited to control of microorganisms during metamorphosis. This has previously been shown by rescue of adult development in hemocyte-ablation models under germ-free conditions. Here, we show that hemocytes have an essential role in post-embryonic development beyond their ability to control the microbiota. Using a newly generated strong hemocyte-specific driver line for the GAL4/UAS system, we show that specific ablation of hemocytes is early pupal lethal, even under axenic conditions. Genetic rescue experiments prove that this is a hemocyte-specific phenomenon. RNA-seq data suggests that dysregulation of the midgut is a prominent consequence of hemocyte ablation in larval stages, resulting in reduced gut lengths. Dissection suggests that multiple processes may be affected during metamorphosis. We believe this previously unreported role for hemocytes during metamorphosis is a major finding for the field.
Assessment of Screening Approach in Early and Differential Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the leading cause of dementia in the elderly population. Currently, diagnosis is based on invasive and expensive techniques, so there is a growing need to look for other possible tests, as well as carry out clinical validation. Studies from the literature showed potential diagnosis models, including some AD risk factors (age, gender, ApoE-ε4 genotype) and other variables (biomarkers levels, neuroimaging). Specifically, a recent model was performed from lipid peroxidation compounds in plasma samples to identify patients with early AD. However, there is a lack of studies about clinical validation of these preliminary diagnosis models. Methods: Plasma samples from participants classified into AD (n = 61), non-AD (n = 17), and healthy (n = 44) were analyzed. In fact, lipid peroxidation compounds were determined by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Then, a previously developed diagnosis model was clinically validated, evaluating some diagnosis indexes. Results: The validation of the preliminary diagnosis model showed satisfactory diagnosis indexes (accuracy 77%, sensitivity 89%, specificity 61%, diagnostic odds ratio 12.5, positive predictive value 76%). Next, a useful screening tool, including the ApoE genotype, was developed, identifying patients with a higher risk of developing AD and improving the corresponding diagnosis indexes (accuracy 82%, sensitivity 81%, specificity 85%, diagnostic odds ratio 23.2, positive predictive value 90.5%). Conclusion: A new screening approach could improve the early, minimally invasive, and differential AD diagnosis in the general population.
The Value of Citizen Participation in Technology Assessment, Responsible Research and Innovation, and Sustainable Development

The participation of citizens in scientific research has a long tradition, and in some disciplines, especially medical research, it is even common practice. In Technology Assessment (TA), Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI), and Sustainable Development (SD), the participation of citizens can be of considerable value. In this paper, we explore this value for three concepts, based on the researcher’s insights from three participatory research projects. The first project is the citizen science project TeQfor1, which was conducted with, for, and on the type 1 diabetes community, who do not feel adequately supported by the conventional health care system. In the second project, citizens with vision impairments participated in the technological development of an audio-tactile navigation tool in the TERRAIN project. The third project (Nachtlichter) dealt with light pollution. Based on the three projects presented, we show that citizen participation makes specific contributions to TA, RRI, and SD. We also investigate the specificity of citizen engagement and motivation by differentiating between existing and emerging involvement. In conclusion, we discuss the benefits that may be added by participatory approaches for the three concepts of TA, RRI, and SD.
Uses and microbiological quality of fresh cows milk sold in three markets in South Benin

1 Laboratory of Biology and Molecular Typing in Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin. 2 National Agronomic Research Institute of Benin, 01 BP 884 Cotonou, Republic of Benin. 3 Department of Chemical Engineering, IRGIB-Africa, Benin. 4 Animal Biotechnology and Meat Technologies Laboratory, Animal production Department, EPAC, University of Abomey-Calavi, Benin. 5 Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Polytechnic School of Engineering, Gijón Campus, University of Oviedo, Spain.
Local Knowledge of Utilisation and Threats Patterns of Termites around Pendjari Biosphere Reserve, West – Africa

Background: Termites are social insects filling many ecological functions and ecosystem services in tropical ecosystems, and are also used differently for human well-being in several parts of the world. Documenting their use knowledge and associated threats are fundamental for their sustainability. Thus, this study aimed at analysing use knowledge patterns and threat factors of termites within the local communities around Pendjari biosphere reserve (PBR). Methods: Semi-structured questionnaire was administrated to 151 informants to collect socio-demographic data, use-types and use-categories of termites and their threat factor levels. Fidelity indexes, informant diversity and equitability indexes were computed and compared regarding socio-demographic traits by using a generalized linear models. A pairwise ranking of threat factors followed by series of ordinal logistic regression were performed to assess how informants’ socio – demographic traits do influence the perceived effect of threats on termite species. The statistical analyses were done by using R programming language in Rstudio. Results: Twenty five use-types of termites and termite mounds were recorded. Ethnicity and gender have significant (P-value < 0.05) influence on the use knowledge pattern of termites, with Gourmantche and Berba the most knowledgeable ethnics of termite and termite mound uses, while women are more knowledgeable than men. Ethnicity and age category have significant (P-value < 0.05) influence on perceived threats of agricultural activities and bush fire, while the reported global use values and age category have significant (P-value < 0.05) influence on the perceived threat of climate change on termites. Old informants are likely to perceive the influence of bushfire, agricultural activities and climate change threats than adult and young informants. Berbas are likely to perceive the influence of agricultural activities and bushfire threats than Gourmantche, Waama and other ethnics. Conclusion: The findings were therefore supported by gender, age and dynamic of knowledge hypothesis, with gender and ethnicity, the two factors that have significant influence on the uses’ diversity and use knowledge pattern of termite and termite mounds. Thus, the sustainable management of termites will be achieved by sensitizing indigenous communities to adopt sustainable agricultural practices associated with the creation of alternative activities to reduce pressure on termites.
Estimating Intra‐Urban Inequities in PM2.5‐Attributable Health Impacts: A Case Study for Washington, DC

Air pollution levels are uneven within cities, contributing to persistent health disparities between neighborhoods and population sub‐groups. Highly spatially resolved information on pollution levels and disease rates is necessary to characterize inequities in air pollution exposure and related health risks. We leverage recent advances in deriving surface pollution levels from satellite remote sensing and granular data in disease rates for one city, Washington, DC, to assess intra‐urban heterogeneity in fine particulate matter (PM2.5)‐ attributable mortality and morbidity. We estimate PM2.5‐attributable cases of all‐cause mortality, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, ischemic heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, and asthma emergency department (ED) visits using epidemiologically derived health impact functions. Data inputs include satellite‐derived annual mean surface PM2.5 concentrations; age‐resolved population estimates; and statistical neighborhood‐, zip code‐ and ward‐scale disease counts. We find that PM2.5 concentrations and associated health burdens have decreased in DC between 2000 and 2018, from approximately 240 to 120 cause‐specific deaths and from 40 to 30 asthma ED visits per year (between 2014 and 2018). However, remaining PM2.5‐attributable health risks are unevenly and inequitably distributed across the District. Higher PM2.5‐attributable disease burdens were found in neighborhoods with larger proportions of people of color, lower household income, and lower educational attainment. Our study adds to the growing body of literature documenting the inequity in air pollution exposure levels and pollution health risks between population sub‐groups, and highlights the need for both high‐resolution disease rates and concentration estimates for understanding intra‐urban disparities in air pollution‐related health risks.
MORTALITY AMONG PATIENTS WITH ACUTE ON TOP OF CHRONIC LIVER FAILURE IN ZAGAZIG UNIVERSITY HOSPIATALS

Corresponding Author Dr Amr Samir Ebrahim, amrsamir500@yahoo.com ABSTRACT Introduction: ACLF is acute deterioration of preexisting chronic liver disease usually related to a precipitating event characterized by the presence of organ failure and a very high risk of short-term mortality. We focused in this study on mortality outcome among ACLF patients which is more devastating than patients with mere acute decompensation. Several definitions have been developed by expert groups all over the world for better characterization of this group of patients; however there is no consensus on one definition. Aim of the study: to identify the characteristics of patients with ACLF and their mortality in Zagazig university hospitals. Patients and methods: we followed patients admitted to hepatology intensive care unit with acute hepatic decompensation, we included 30 patients of them as ACLF and they were managed with tight monitoring and close follow up till either discharge or death. Results: The present study proved that there was high mortality rate among ACLF patients in our study (19 out of 30 patients). Conclusion: ACLF carries a high mortality rate in comparison with patient’s admitted with acute decompensation.
Interactional Effects of Multidimensional Perfectionism and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Strategies on Eating Disorder Symptoms in Female College Students

Given the inconclusive findings regarding the relation between perfectionism and eating disorder symptoms, it is important that we determine whether this relation is modulated by emotion dysregulation, which is a prominent risk factor for eating disorders. We sought to identify specific cognitive emotion regulatory strategies—rumination, self-blame, and catastrophizing—that interact with multidimensional perfectionism to shape eating disorder symptoms (i.e., shape, weight, eating concerns, and dietary restraint). Using latent moderated structural equation modeling, we analyzed data from 167 healthy young female adults. We found that only rumination significantly moderated the relation between socially prescribed perfectionism and eating disorder symptoms. However, this was not observed for self-oriented perfectionism or other regulatory strategies. These findings held true when a host of covariates were controlled for. Our findings underscore the crucial role of rumination, a modifiable emotion regulatory strategy, in augmenting the relation between socially prescribed perfectionism and eating disorder symptoms in young women.