Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhanced root and shoot growth of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) by Trichoderma harzianum from Turkey.

: It is well known that Trichoderma species can be used as biocontrol and plant growth promote agent. In this study, Trichoderma harzianum isolates were evaluated for their growth promotion effects on wheat in greenhouse experiments. Two isolates of T. harzianum were used. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with three replications. Seeds were inoculated with conidial suspensions of each isolate. Wheat plants grown in steriled soil in pots. T. harzianum T8 and T15 isolates increased wheat length, root dry weight and shoot dry weight according to untreated control. Turkish isolates T8 and T15 did not produce damage in seeds nor in plants.
COVID-19 and Saliva: A Primer for Dental Health Care Professionals

This century has seen the emergence of three novel b coronavirus (CoV), namely the severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV (SARS-CoV-1), the Middle East respiratory syndrome CoV (MERS-CoV) and, most recently, the novel SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) that cause severe human diseases and death. Between November 2002 and August 2003, the global SARS-CoV-1 spread to 32 countries with a mortality rate of 10.87%. Between April and December 2012, the MERS-CoV spread to 27 countries affecting 2,496 individuals and causing 868 deaths. The COVID-19 virus spread even more rapidly constituting a global pandemic with over 6.5 million individuals infected and nearly 400,000 deaths worldwide as of June 2020. The spread of the 2003 SARS outbreak was primarily nosocomial largely affecting healthcare workers caring for sick individuals. However, SARs-CoV-2 spreads by contact with individuals in the early phase of illness accounting for the higher transmissibility. Critically, high percentages of COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms are often missed making the potential for unknown contact much higher. In addition, the short serial interval (4–9 days) and the varied reproduction number (R0) of the COVID-19 virus across the globe supports the potential for transmission by asymptomatic carriers.
Reconstruction Of Segmental Mandibular Loss With Vascularized Free Fibula Flapsn.

BACKGROUND Various methods for mandibular reconstruction have been demonstrated in literature from autogenous bone graft to free flaps and more recently tissue engineered materials. We share our experience of mandibular reconstruction with free fibular flap and evaluate its efficiency as a viable option for mandibular reconstruction. METHODS It was a cross-sectional study, conducted at Plastic surgery department combined military hospital, Rawalpindi. Study was carried out over a period of two years from November 2016 to November 2018. The data of demography, mode of presentation, pattern of reconstruction and procedural complications of the patients who underwent free fibula flap for segmental mandibular loss, were collected and analysed. Patients with segmental loss of mandible ranging from 6 to 15 cm and those who could sustain surgery were included in the study, while the patients with metastatic malignancy and recurrent disease were excluded from the study. Each patient was called for first follow up after 2 weeks then subsequent follow up after 1 month. Descriptive statistics were done with the help of SPSS-20. RESULTS A total of 57 patients with segmental mandibular loss treated with free fibula flap, fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria were included in this study. Thirtyeight patients were male while 19 were female with mean age 56±3 years. Cause of mandibular loss was malignancy in 52 (91.2%), trauma in 3 (5.2%), and ameloblastoma in 2 (3.5%) patients. Major complications like flap failure was seen in one (1.75%), bone exposure in 1 (1.75%) and recurrence was observed in 1 (1.75%) patient. Minor complications like hematoma, wound dehiscence and oro-cutaneous fistula were seen in 2, 1 and 3 patients respectively. CONCLUSIONS Free fibular flap shows good functional results with a high degree of consistency, and acceptable complications rate, so it should be the first choice for mandibular reconstruction.
Are We Living Longer and Healthier?

Objective: To examine whether we live healthier as we live longer in Hong Kong, which has one of the highest life expectancies in the world. Methods: Sullivan’s method was used to evaluate the chronic disease–free life expectancy (CDFLE), life expectancy in good self-perceived health (GPHLE), and impairment-free life expectancy (IFLE) among population aged 50 years and older in Hong Kong in 2007–2016. Results: In spite of the marked improvement in life expectancy in Hong Kong, the increase in GPHLE was much smaller, while CDFLE and IFLE even declined for both genders. The situation was more severe among older population. Discussion: People in Hong Kong live longer but with worsening health. The expansion of chronic diseases, self-perceived poor health, and impairments among older adults calls for more fiscal investments, government attention, and public health policies.
The effects of seed treatments on germination and establishment of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.)

Common Kentucky bluegrass seeds were subjected to four hydration treatments: hydropriming, accelerated germination, matric priming and osmotic priming. Seeds from each hydration treatment were subjected to the 15°C or 25°C germination assay either without drying or with drying for 1 week at 25°C. Hydropriming failed to improve germination. Accelerated germination greatly increased germination rate provided the seeds were not dried before sowing. Primed seeds germinated faster than non-treated seeds at either germination temperature, although germination percentage was not increased. Drying the primed seeds slowed germination and this was more pronounced in matrically than in osmotically primed seeds germinated at 15°C. From the subsequent greenhouse seedling emergence test, we conclude that matric priming, using water as the hydrating agent and without postpriming drying was the most satisfactory hydration treatment for KB. Compared to responses of non-treated seeds, this treatment resulted in 49% less time to 50% emergence, 13% greater emergence and 84% higher shoot dry weight.
Intra-articular saline injection is as effective as corticosteroids, platelet-rich plasma and hyaluronic acid for hip osteoarthritis pain: a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Objective Intra-articular (IA) injections represent a commonly used modality in the treatment of hip osteoarthritis (OA). Commonly used injections include corticosteroids (CCS), hyaluronic acid (HA) and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). A network meta-analysis allows for comparison among more than two treatment arms and uses both direct and indirect comparisons between interventions. The objective of this network meta-analysis is to compare the efficacy of the various IA injectable treatments in treating hip OA at up to 6 months of follow-up. Design This is a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Bayesian random-effects model was performed to assess the direct and indirect comparisons of all treatment options. Data sources PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus and Web of Science, from inception to October 2019. Eligibility criteria for selected studies Randomised controlled trials assessing the efficacy of CCS, HA, PRP and placebo in the form of IA saline injection for patients with hip OA. Results Eleven randomised controlled trials comprising 1353 patients were included. For pain outcomes at both 2–4 and 6 months, no intervention significantly outperformed placebo IA injection. For functional outcomes at both 2–4 and 6 months, no intervention significantly outperformed placebo IA injection. Regarding change from baseline at 2–4 months and 6 months, pooled data demonstrated that all interventions (including placebo), with the exception of HA+PRP, led to a clinically important improvement in both pain, exceeding the minimal clinically important difference. Conclusion Evidence suggests that IA hip saline injections performed as well as all other injectable options in the management of hip pain and functional outcomes.
Genetic Diversity Analysis on 7 Indigenous Sheep Populations with Microsatellite DNA in Western China

7 native sheep populations in Western China were analyzed with the 30 microsatellite markers selected.The samples also included one of the foreign breeds In this article,the genetic relationship and variation between and within breeds are described.The results showed that only part of The segments in MB067 and BL6 loci with PCR was acquired.The other loci showed high diversity and heterozygosity in the populations.The Ds genetic distance with DISPAN soft pack was accounted,and the dendrograms were draw ed with NJ and UPGMA method.The dendrogram relationship between different sheep breeds was generally in accordance with their origins,breeding history and localities,but the different viewpoints should be discussed more in the future.
Association of polymorphisms of apoB genes EcoRI, XbaI, and MspI and apoAI gene - 75 bp and + 83 bp with dyslipidemia in Kazaks

Objective To explore the relationship of polymorphisms of EcoRI, XbaI, and MspI of apolipoprotein B (apoB) gene and -75 bp and + 83 bp of apolipoprotein AI (apoAI) gene with dyslipidemia in Kazaks of Xinjiang, China. Methods Polymorphisms of EcoRI, XbaI, and MspI of apoB gene and -75 bp and +83 bp of apoAI gene were detected by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-PFLP) in 275 Kazaks with dyslipidemia (dyslipidemia group) and 252 healthy Kazaks (control group). Levels of Total triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), apoB, and apoAI were examined. Results No significant difference of the frequencies of genotypes and alleles of the gene sites between the two groups was found. The distribution of each genotypes was different between the two groups (χ2 = 19.26,P 0.05). Frequencies of genotypic coalitions of E+-/X--/Ms++/M1+-/M2++ (coalition 10) and E++/X+-/Ms+-/M1+-/M2++ (coalition 11) were significantly higher in dyslipidemia group than those in control group (45/275 vs. 22/252, χ2 = 5.37, P 0.05; 30/275 vs. 13/252, χ2 = 4.94, P 0.05). TC was higher and apoAI/apoB was lower in the compound of coalition 10 and 11 (coalition 10-11) than those in coalition 1-9 in dyslipidemia group (both P 0.01). ApoAI/apoB was also lower in coalition 10-11 as compared with that in coalition 1-9 in control group. TC in E++/X+-/Ms++/M1+-/M2+-(coalition 2) was lower and apoAI/apoB in coalition 2 was higher than those in coalition 10-11 in both groups, respectively. ApoAI/apoB was negatively correlated with TC and LDL-C, and was positively correlated with HDL-C in both groups. Conclusion Coalition 10-11 of apoB and apoAI gene polymorphisms were related to dyslipidemia in Kazaks, and coalition 2 may have a function of preventing dyslipidemia.
Location Matters: Disparities in the Likelihood of Receiving Services in Late Life

Moving beyond typical dichotomous rural–urban categorizations, this study examines older adults’ likelihood of receiving home- and community-based services. Data from 1608 individuals aged 60+ who requested assistance from Area Agencies on Aging in Virginia in 2014–2015 were analyzed; 88% of individuals received at least one service. Receiving services was associated with geographic-based factors. Individuals living in completely rural areas were significantly less likely to receive any service compared to individuals in mostly rural (OR = 2.46, p = .003) and mostly urban (OR = 1.97, p = .024) areas. There were subtle but significant geographic-based differences in the likelihood of receiving specific services including food/meal, fresh food, information and referral, in-home care, utilities support, and transportation. Findings provide nuanced insights about geographic-based disparities in the receipt of services and suggest the need for new and modified service delivery strategies that maximize older adults’ ability to live.
Risk clusters of COVID-19 transmission in northeastern Brazil: prospective space–time modelling

Abstract This study aimed to analyse the trend and spatial–temporal clusters of risk of transmission of COVID-19 in northeastern Brazil. We conducted an ecological study using spatial and temporal trend analysis. All confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the Northeast region of Brazil were included, from 7 March to 22 May 2020. We used the segmented log-linear regression model to assess time trends, and the local empirical Bayesian estimator, the global and local Moran indexes for spatial analysis. The prospective space–time scan statistic was performed using the Poisson probability distribution model. There were 113 951 confirmed cases of COVID-19. The average incidence rate was 199.73 cases/100 000 inhabitants. We observed an increasing trend in the incidence rate in all states. Spatial autocorrelation was reported in metropolitan areas, and 178 municipalities were considered a priority, especially in the states of Ceará and Maranhão. We identified 11 spatiotemporal clusters of COVID-19 cases; the primary cluster included 70 municipalities from Ceará state. COVID-19 epidemic is increasing rapidly throughout the Northeast region of Brazil, with dispersion towards countryside. It was identified high risk clusters for COVID-19, especially in the coastal side.
Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) metabolism in psychrotolerant and mesophilic bacteria : from substrate uptake to catalysis

Bioremediation of soil contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) is potentially a cost-effective cleanup strategy as it can be performed on-site. M y general 5 aims were to isolate PCB-degrading bacteria from PCB-contaminated Arctic soil and to determine i f these bacteria are adapted for PCB degradation at low temperature. An Arctic soil bacterium and a mesophilic bacterium were compared on the basis of PCB degradation by whole cells, activities of purified biphenyl dioxygenases, regulation of genes encoding these enzymes and the mechanism of biphenyl uptake by these bacteria. 10 In addition to these studies, I demonstrated bioremediation of weathered PCBcontaminated Arctic soil in a microcosm. PCB-degrading bacteria were isolated at 7°C from PCB-contaminated Arctic soil. 16S rDNA sequences indicate that these isolates are members of the genus Pseudomonas. At 7°C, PCB congeners that were transformed by the Arctic bacteria and by the 15 mesophilic PCB-degrader, Burkholderia sp. strain LB400, were transformed at higher initial rates by the Arctic soil isolates. Furthermore, in contrast to PCB transformation by LB400, PCB transformation by the Arctic bacteria was diminished at high temperature (50°C). These observations suggest that the Arctic soil bacteria are adapted to degrade PCBs at low temperature. The effect of temperature on the kinetics of biphenyl 20 dioxygenase and the regulation of bph genes from LB400 and the Arctic soil bacterium Pseudomonas sp. strain Cam-1 were determined. The biphenyl dioxygenase from Cam-1 (BPDO C a mi) and LB400 (BPDOLB40o) were overproduced in E.coli and purified anaerobically. Consistent with observations using whole cells, B P D O c a m i displayed high catalytic activity with biphenyl (k°£f) at low
The vascular nature of lung‐resident mesenchymal stem cells

Human lungs bear their own reservoir of endogenous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Although described as located perivascular, the cellular identity of primary lung MSCs remains elusive. Here we investigated the vascular nature of lung‐resident MSCs (LR‐MSCs) using healthy human lung tissue. LR‐MSCs predominately reside within the vascular stem cell niche, the so‐called vasculogenic zone of adult lung arteries. Primary LR‐MSCs isolated from normal human lung tissue showed typical MSC characteristics in vitro and were phenotypically and functionally indistinguishable from MSCs derived from the vascular wall of adult human blood vessels (VW‐MSCs). Moreover, LR‐MSCs expressed the VW‐MSC‐specific HOX code a characteristic to discriminate VW‐MSCs from phenotypical similar cells. Thus, LR‐MSC should be considered as VW‐MSCs. Immunofluorescent analyses of non‐small lung cancer (NSCLC) specimen further confirmed the vascular adventitia as stem cell niche for LR‐MSCs, and revealed their mobilization and activation in NSCLC progression. These findings have implications for understanding the role of MSC in normal lung physiology and pulmonary diseases, as well as for the rational design of additional therapeutic approaches.
Acute myeloid leukemia: 2021 update on risk‐stratification and management

Management of AML involves choosing between purely palliative care, standard therapy and investigational therapy (“clinical trial”). Even most older patients likely benefit from treatment. Based on randomized trials CPX 351, midostaurin, gemtuzumab ozogamicin, and venetoclax, the latter three when combined with other drugs, should now be considered standard therapy. Knowledge of the likely results with these therapies is essential in deciding whether to recommend them or participate in a clinical trial, possibly including these drugs. Hence here, in the context of established prognostic algorithms, we review results with the recently‐ approved drugs compared with their predecessors and describe other potential options. We discuss benefit/risk ratios underlying the decision to offer allogeneic transplant and emphasize the importance of measurable residual disease. When first seeing a newly‐diagnosed patient physicians must decide whether to offer conventional treatment or investigational therapy, the latter preferably in the context of a clinical trial. As noted below, such trials have led to changes in what today is considered “conventional” therapy compared to even 1‐2 years ago. In older patients decision making has often included inquiring whether specific anti‐AML therapy should be offered at all, rather than focusing on a purely palliative approach emphasizing transfusion and antibiotic support, with involvement of a palliative care specialist.
Molecular identification of Ancylostoma ceylanicum in the Philippines

Abstract Hookworms are some of the most widespread of the soil-transmitted helminths (STH) with an estimated 438.9 million people infected. Until relatively recently Ancylostoma ceylanicum was regarded as a rare cause of hookworm infection in humans, with little public health relevance. However, recent advances in molecular diagnostics have revealed a much higher prevalence of this zoonotic hookworm than previously thought, particularly in Asia. This study examined the prevalence of STH and A. ceylanicum in the municipalities of Palapag and Laoang in the Philippines utilizing real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on stool samples previously collected as part of a cross-sectional survey of schistosomiasis japonica. Prevalence of hookworm in humans was high with 52.8% (n = 228/432) individuals positive for any hookworm, 34.5% (n = 149/432) infected with Necator americanus, and 29.6% (n = 128/432) with Ancylostoma spp; of these, 34 were PCR-positive for A. ceylanicum. Considering dogs, 12 (n = 33) were PCR-positive for A. ceylanicum. This is the first study to utilize molecular diagnostics to identify A. ceylanicum in the Philippines with both humans and dogs infected. Control and elimination of this zoonotic hookworm will require a multifaceted approach including chemotherapy of humans, identification of animal reservoirs, improvements in health infrastructure, and health education to help prevent infection.
ONS Guidelines™ for Cancer Treatment-Related Skin Toxicity.

BACKGROUND Management of cancer treatment-related skin toxicities can minimize treatment disruptions and improve patient well-being. OBJECTIVES This guideline aims to support patients and clinicians in decisions regarding management of cancer treatment-related skin toxicities. METHODS A panel developed a guideline for management of cancer treatment-related skin toxicities using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) for certainty of evidence and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine criteria for trustworthy guidelines. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool assessed risk of bias. A quantitative or narrative synthesis of the evidence was completed. RESULTS The panel issued seven conditional recommendations for epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor rash, hand-foot skin reaction, hand-foot syndrome, and chemotherapy-induced alopecia. The panel suggested strategies for prevention and treatment for all toxicities except hand-foot syndrome, which only has a prevention recommendation. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Cancer treatment-related skin toxicities can significantly affect quality of life. Incorporation of these interventions into clinical care can improve patient outcomes. SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL CAN BE FOUND AT&NBSP;HTTPS //onf.ons. org/supplementary-material-ons-guidelines-cancer-treatment-related-skin-toxicity.
Factor VIII: Perspectives on Immunogenicity and Tolerogenic Strategies for Hemophilia A Patients

A major complication in treating hemophilia A is the development of neutralizing antibodies (inhibitors) against therapeutic administered factor VIII (FVIII), which occurs in approximately 20-30% of patients with severe disease. These inhibitors render FVIII replacement therapy ineffective and increase the morbidity and mortality risk. The currently accepted method to eradicate inhibitors is immune tolerance induction (ITI), and frequent intensive administration of FVIII until inhibitor titers drop. Current ITI protocols are extremely costly and not effective in all patients. During the last decade, many types of research have been accomplished to clarify the mechanisms that mediate immune tolerance induction. Novel experimental therapies including monoclonal antibodies, viral vector-mediated gene therapy, regulatory T cell induction using immunosuppressive drugs, and nanoparticle-based immune modulation show promising results in hemophilia A clinical trials. This review focuses on treatment options towards the anti-FVIII immune responses and current novel therapies in clinical trials.
Uveitis occurrence in patients with ankylosing spondylitis according to the type of tumour necrosis factor inhibitor: a cohort study of 175 patients.

OBJECTIVES To compare the occurrence of non-infectious uveitis based on the type of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor used to manage spondyloarthritis in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients. METHODS The occurrence (new-onset and recurrence) of uveitis was reviewed retrospectively in AS patients receiving different TNF inhibitor therapies (adalimumab [ADA], infliximab [IFX], etanercept [ETN], and golimumab [GOL]) for the management of spondyloarthritis from 2005 to 2018. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to calculate the cumulative occurrence rates of uveitis during TNF inhibitor therapy, and a log-rank test was used to analyse differences between the survival curves. Multivariable Cox proportional-hazards models were used to compute hazard ratios (HRs) of different TNF agents for uveitis occurrence after adjusting for concurrent confounding factors. RESULTS The three-year cumulative occurrence rates of uveitis were significantly different according to the type of anti-TNFs used (23.1% in IFX, 18.5% in ETN, and 11.9% in ADA+GOL group) (p=0.020). The risk of new-onset uveitis was similar for different drugs. However, the IFX group showed a 5.4 times higher risk of recurrence than the ADA+GOL group (p=0.022). After adjusting for other confounding factors, IFX use was independently associated with a more frequent occurrence of uveitis in AS patients (HR=2.01; p=0.011). CONCLUSIONS A significant number of AS patients who received anti-TNF therapy developed uveitis. Different types of anti-TNF drugs were associated with uveitis recurrence. Particularly, chimeric mouse-human monoclonal antibody (IFX) was found to increase the risk of uveitis occurrence compared to humanised monoclonal antibody (ADA or GOL).