Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology and risk factors of pesticide poisoning in Malaysia: a retrospective analysis by the National Poison Centre (NPC) from 2006 to 2015

Objective Pesticide poisoning is a global health problem, and its progressive deterioration is a major cause of concern. The objective of this study is to assess epidemiological characteristics and identify risk factors of pesticide poisoning in Malaysia. Setting Pesticide poisoning database of Malaysia National Poison Centre (NPC) from 2006 to 2015. Participants Telephone enquiries regarding pesticide poisoning were made by healthcare professionals. Information received by the NPC was entered into a retrievable database of standardised Poison Case Report Form, as adapted from the World Health Organization (WHO). Outcomes The outcome of the study is to provide an overview of national epidemiological profile of pesticide poisoning. High-risk groups of people and their circumstances were also identified to ensure that appropriate measures are strategised. Results Within the study period, a total of 11 087 pesticide poisoning cases were recorded. Sixty per cent of these cases were intentional in nature and most were found among male individuals (57%) of the Indian race (36.4%) aged between 20 and 29 years (25.5%), which occurred at home (90%) through the route of ingestion (94%). The highest number of poisoning was due to herbicides (44%) followed by agricultural insecticides (34%), rodenticides (9.9%), household insecticides (9.5%) and fungicides (0.5%). In addition, 93.6% of intentional pesticide poisoning cases were caused by suicide attempts. The results of this study show that there was an increasing trend in pesticide poisoning incidents over the 10-year duration. This indicates that pesticide poisoning is a prevalent public health problem in Malaysia, resulting in an average incidence rate of 3.8 per 100 000 population. Conclusions Deliberate pesticide ingestion as a method of suicide has become a disturbing trend among Malaysians. Therefore, regulation of highly hazardous pesticides must be enforced to ensure controlled and limited access to these chemicals by the public.
Gastric Cancer Staging: Is It Time for Magnetic Resonance Imaging?

Gastric cancer (GC) is a common cancer worldwide. Its incidence and mortality vary depending on geographic area, with the highest rates in Asian countries, particularly in China, Japan, and South Korea. Accurate imaging staging has become crucial for the application of various treatment strategies, especially for curative treatments in early stages. Unfortunately, most GCs are still diagnosed at an advanced stage, with the peritoneum (61–80%), distant lymph nodes (44–50%), and liver (26–38%) as the most common metastatic locations. Metastatic disease is limited to the peritoneum in 58% of cases; in nonperitoneal distant metastases, the most involved GC metastasization site is the liver (82%). The eighth edition of the tumor-node-metastasis staging system is the most commonly used system for determining GC prognosis. Endoscopic ultrasonography, computed tomography, and 18-fluorideoxyglucose positron emission tomography are historically the most accurate imaging techniques for GC staging. However, studies have recently shown renewed interest in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a useful tool in GC staging, especially for distant metastasis assessment. The technical improvement of diffusion-weighted imaging and the increasing use of hepatobiliary contrast agents have been shown to increase the diagnostic performance of MRI, particularly for detecting peritoneal and liver metastasis. However, no principal oncological guidelines have included the use of MRI as a first-line technique for distant metastasis evaluation during the GC staging process, such as the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guidelines. This review analyzed the role of the principal imaging techniques in GC diagnosis and staging, focusing on the potential role of MRI, especially for assessing peritoneal and liver metastases.
Effects of forest floor organic layer and root biomass on soil respiration following boreal forest fire

Soil respiration and its spatial and temporal variation were studied at three boreal forest sites in central Saskatchewan, Canada, burned in 1998, 1989, and 1977. Soil respiration, soil temperature, and organic layer thickness were measured at 100 points in a grid pattern of 2 m × 2 m at each site in 2004 and 2005. The mean within-site spatial coefficient of variation was 35%, and the measurements were not spatially autocorrelated. We found no significant difference in variance between the two youngest sites (P > 0.05), whereas the older site showed significantly lower variance (P < 0.05). Soil respiration was not correlated with the forest floor organic layer thickness at any of the sites (R2 < 0.1). Removal of the forest floor layer reduced the soil respiration by 17% to 38%, depending on the site. Thus, the respiration from the mineral soil seemed to contribute a major fraction of the total soil respiration (62%–83%). Soil respiration was positively linearly related to the fine root biomass (R2 = 0.63–.
Nitrogen‐Containing Bisphosphonates Are Associated With Reduced Risk of Pneumonia in Patients With Hip Fracture

The objective of this work was to study the risk of pneumonia and pneumonia mortality among patients receiving nitrogen‐containing bisphosphonates (N‐BPs), non‐N‐BP anti‐osteoporosis medications, and no anti‐osteoporosis medications after hip fracture. We studied a historical cohort using a population‐wide database. Patients with first hip fracture during 2005–2015 were identified and matched by time‐dependent propensity score. The cohort was followed until December 31, 2016, to capture any pneumonia and pneumonia mortality. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Cox‐proportional hazards regression. Absolute risk difference (ARD) and number needed to treat (NNT) were calculated. We identified 54,047 patients with hip fracture. Of these, 4041 patients who received N‐BPs and 11,802 without anti‐osteoporosis medication were propensity score–matched. N‐BPs were associated with a significantly lower risk of pneumonia compared with no treatment (6.9 versus 9.0 per 100 person‐years; HR 0.76; 95% CI, 0.70 to 0.83), resulting in an ARD of 0.02 and NNT of 46. A similar association was observed with pneumonia mortality (HR 0.65; 95% CI, 0.56 to 0.75). When N‐BPs were compared with non‐N‐BP anti‐osteoporosis medications, the association remained significant. N‐BPs were associated with lower risks of pneumonia and pneumonia mortality. Randomized controlled trials are now required to determine whether N‐BPs, non–vaccine‐based medications, can reduce pneumonia incidence in high risk groups. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Nomogram for the prediction of diabetic nephropathy risk among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus based on a questionnaire and biochemical indicators: a retrospective study

Purpose: Develop a diabetic nephropathy incidence risk nomogram in a Chinese population with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Results: Predictors included systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin A1c, total triglycerides, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen and body mass index. The model displayed medium predictive power with a C-index of 0.744 and an area under curve of 0.744. Internal verification of C-index reached 0.737. The decision curve analysis showed the risk threshold was 20%. The value of net reclassification improvement and integrated discrimination improvement were 0.131, 0.05, and that the nomogram could be applied in clinical practice. Conclusion: Diabetic nephropathy incidence risk nomogram incorporating 8 features is useful to predict diabetic nephropathy incidence risk in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients. Methods: Questionnaires, physical examinations and biochemical tests were performed on 3489 T2DM patients in six communities in Shanghai. LASSO regression was used to optimize feature selection by running cyclic coordinate descent. Logistic regression analysis was applied to build a prediction model incorporating the selected features. The C-index, calibration plot, curve analysis, forest plot, net reclassification improvement, integrated discrimination improvement and internal validation were used to validate the discrimination, calibration and clinical usefulness of the model.
Effect of enzyme additives on quality of alfalfa/grass silage and dairy cow performance

First- and second-cut alfalfa/grass forage crops were wilted to approximately 40% dry matter (DM) and ensiled untreated (control) or treated with either of two enzyme additives to determine the effects on silage quality and animal performance of crops that contain different ratios of legume to grass. An alfalfa enzyme mix (Alfa) contained cellulase, amylase and glucose oxidase; a grass enzyme mix (Grass) was similar but contained no amylase. Both additives contained identical inoculants of lactobacillus. Silage was fed to mid-lactation Holstein cows at 60 d (second cut) and 120 d (first cut) postensiling using repeated Latin square designs. Silage samples and animal performance data were collected during the last 7 d of each of three 28-d feeding periods that comprised each Latin square. Colony-forming units of lactic acid bacteria, concentrations of water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC), ammonia N, acid-detergent fiber N and organic acids, pH, DM disappearance, and temperature changes during ensiling were mea.
Nest site selection of the Southern Pale Chanting Goshawk in the Little Karoo, South Africa

This study investigated whether Southern Pale Chanting Goshawks Melierax canorus that nest in the low woody vegetation of the arid Little Karoo reduce nest predation by selecting nest trees and sites that are less accessible to and conspicuous for terrestrial predators. The 114 nest trees and shrubs sampled were taller (0 = 4.4m) than surrounding random trees (0 = 3.0m). The birds selected bush clumps for nesting that contained, on average, two plants, including creepers, compared to the 1.4 plants in random clumps. The birds also nested mainly in irregular and dome-shaped trees, a selection that differed from the dominant shapes of random trees. Most nests were placed in the centre of the trees and thorns and shoots covered the main stem of 68% of nest trees. In spite of these preferences, only nest height and — to a lesser extent — nest placement and tree shape, prevented predation by visually hiding the nest. The other features had no impact on predation, indicating that once a nest was discovered, the predators were able to climb through the foliage to the nest. Pale Chanting Goshawks therefore had some success in hiding their large nests in the low and sparsely-growing arid trees and shrubs. Although 19% of nests studied were depredated, the seasonal, irregular and low-density breeding pattern of the birds probably resulted in their offspring being an unpredictable food source for opportunistic predators.
Association of a CT-Based Clinical and Radiomics Score of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) with Lymph Node Status and Overall Survival

Background: To evaluate whether a model based on radiomic and clinical features may be associated with lymph node (LN) status and overall survival (OS) in lung cancer (LC) patients; to evaluate whether CT reconstruction algorithms may influence the model performance. Methods: patients operated on for LC with a pathological stage up to T3N1 were retrospectively selected and divided into training and validation sets. For the prediction of positive LNs and OS, the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) logistic regression model was used; univariable and multivariable logistic regression analysis assessed the association of clinical-radiomic variables and endpoints. All tests were repeated after dividing the groups according to the CT reconstruction algorithm. p-values < 0.05 were considered significant. Results: 270 patients were included and divided into training (n = 180) and validation sets (n = 90). Transfissural extension was significantly associated with positive LNs. For OS prediction, high- and low-risk groups were different according to the radiomics score, also after dividing the two groups according to reconstruction algorithms. Conclusions: a combined clinical–radiomics model was not superior to a single clinical or single radiomics model to predict positive LNs. A radiomics model was able to separate high-risk and low-risk patients for OS; CTs reconstructed with Iterative Reconstructions (IR) algorithm showed the best model performance.
Silencing of Cytochrome P450 in Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) by RNA Interference Enhances Susceptibility to Chlorantraniliprole

Abstract Fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith), has caused significant losses for crop production in China. The fall armyworm is mainly controlled by the chemical insecticides, whereas the frequent application of insecticides would result in the resistance development. Insect cytochrome P450 monooxygenases play an essential part in the detoxification of insecticides. In this study, five P450 genes were selected to determine the role in response to insecticides by RNA interference (RNAi). Developmental expression pattern analysis revealed that S. frugiperda CYP321A8, CYP321A9, and CYP321B1 were highest in second-instar larvae among developmental stages, with 2.04-, 3.39-, and 8.58-fold compared with eggs, whereas CYP337B5 and CYP6AE44 were highest in adult stage, with 16.3- and 10.6-fold in comparison of eggs, respectively. Tissue-specific expression pattern analysis exhibited that CYP321A8, CYP321B1, and CYP6AE44 were highest in the midguts, with 3.56-, 3.33-, and 3.04-fold compared with heads, whereas CYP321A9 and CYP337B5 were highest in wings, with 3.07- and 3.36-fold compared with heads, respectively. RNAi was also conducted to explore detoxification effects of the five P450 genes on chlorantraniliprole. The second-instar larvae became more sensitive to chlorantraniliprole with a higher mortality rate than the control, after silencing CYP321A8, CYP321A9, and CYP321B1, respectively. These findings strongly supported our viewpoint that CYP321A8, CYP321A9, and CYP321B1 may play a critical role in insecticide detoxification. It will provide a basis for further study on regulation of P450 genes and the management of S. frugiperda.
167 FAECAL STEROID ANALYSES FOR MONITORING REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTION IN POLAR BEARS (URSUS MARITIMUS)

Although there has been only limited research on polar bears (Ursus maritimus), it is known that they are seasonal breeders that mate in early spring and experience delayed implantation in the fall, giving birth to cubs in early winter. A non-invasive method for monitoring reproductive function in polar bears would facilitate the management of captive and wild polar bears while expanding the physiological database on this species. Longitudinal faecal steroid analyses were conducted on a captive female polar bear (8 years old) to identify suitable enzyme immunoassay (EIA) techniques for monitoring reproduction. Faecal samples were collected over 23 months (July 2006 to June 2008). In January 2007, the female was introduced to an intact male (17 years old) for breeding. For the first 6 months of the study, faecal samples were collected weekly. However, prior to introducing the male, collection frequency was increased to thrice weekly. Animal keeper staff recorded behaviour daily. Steroid hormones were extracted from 0.1 g of lyophilized faeces by mechanically shaking samples overnight in 3 mL 90% v/v ethanol. Samples were centrifuged at 500g for 10 minutes and the supernatant stored at –20°C until assayed. Immunoreactive progesterone (P4), estrogen (E2), progesterone metabolite (PdG) and androgen metabolite concentrations were measured in the faecal samples. Due to the established reproductive seasonality of the species, differences in faecal steroid excretion between breeding (January to June) and non-breeding (July to December) seasons were examined with ANOVA. Values are presented as mean ± SEM dry mass faeces (dmf). Seasonal differences in faecal androgen and PdG excretion were significant (P < 0.05). Baseline androgen metabolite concentrations during the breeding season (124.7 ± 4.8 ng g–1 dmf) were higher (P < 0.05) than during the non-breeding season (105.6 ± 4.7 ng g–1 dmf). Peak androgen metabolite concentrations during the breeding season averaged 1108.8 ± 171.2 ng g–1 dmf and coincided with oestrus behaviour and mating. There was no correlation (P ≥ 0.05) between faecal androgen and E2 patterns. In addition, there were no increases in faecal E2 coinciding with mating behaviour or copulation. Therefore, E2 was deemed unsuitable for oestrous cycle monitoring. Faecal P4 and PdG results were significantly correlated (P < 0.05). Prior to breeding, PdG concentrations were 167.5 ± 22.5 ng g–1 dmf. After a March 2007 breeding, the faecal PdG profile appeared to demonstrate a luteal phase (282.5 ± 25.8 ng g–1 dmf) followed by a PdG spike in mid-October (coinciding with expected implantation) lasting approximately 60 days (1025.5 ± 142.6 ng g–1 dmf). Concentrations of PdG declined precipitously to baseline in early December, but cubs were never observed with the female in her den. These preliminary data suggest that non-invasive faecal steroid analyses can be used to monitor reproductive function in female polar bears.
Inoculação de sementes com Bacillus subtilis, formulado com farinha de ostras e desenvolvimento de milho, soja e algodão

Bacillus subtilis, bacteria habitante natural do solo, produz antibioticos, enzimas e fitohormonios que proporcionam beneficios para as plantas. Essa especie microbiana e tambem descrita como rizobacteria promotora de crescimento de plantas (RPCP). Sementes de milho, algodao e soja foram inoculadas com celulas de B. subtilis formulado com farinha de ostras objetivando-se avaliar a emergencia e o desenvolvimento das plantas. A inoculacao proporcionou aumento de emergencias em algodao e soja. Alem disso, a inoculacao com o produto biologico incrementou significativamente a producao de massa seca, na parte aerea do milho. Os teores de fosforo e nitrogenio foram maiores no tecido foliar de milho, inoculados com a bacteria e farinha de ostras, comparando-se com a testemunha. A interacao do residuo orgânico com a bacteria proporcionou ganhos no crescimento e nutricao das plantas. A inoculacao de sementes com B. subtilis, formulado com o residuo orgânico, apresentou-se como uma alternativa tecnologica viavel para a inoculacao de sementes.
Incidence and determinants of QT interval prolongation in COVID‐19 patients treated with hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin

Combined use of hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin was globally adopted, in part due to paucity and high cost of alternative therapies. However the utility of these medications has been questioned; and thus safety becomes a major concern given clinical equipoise regarding efficacy. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
Ginkgo biloba Extract Protects against Methotrexate-Induced Hepatotoxicity: A Computational and Pharmacological Approach

Ginkgo biloba extract possess several promising biological activities; currently, it is clinically employed in the management of several diseases. This research work aimed to extrapolate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Ginkgo biloba (Gb) in methotrexate (MTX)-induced liver toxicity model. These effects were analyzed using different in vivo experimental approaches and by bioinformatics analysis. Male SD rats were grouped as follows: saline; MTX; Gb (pretreated for seven days with 60, 120, and 180 mg/kg daily dose before MTX treatment); silymarin (followed by MTX treatment); Gb 180 mg/kg daily only; and silymarin only. Histopathological results revealed that MTX induced marked hepatic injury, associated with a substantial surge in various hepatic enzymes such as alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Furthermore, MTX caused the triggering of oxidative distress associated with a depressed antioxidant system. All these injury markers contributed to a significant release of apoptotic (caspase-3 and c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK)) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α)-like inflammatory mediators. Treatment with Gb counteracts MTX-mediated apoptosis and inflammation dose-dependently along with modulating the innate antioxidative mechanisms such as glutathione (GSH) and glutathione S-transferase (GST). These results were further supplemented by in silico study to analyze drug-receptor interactions (for several Gb constituents and target proteins) stabilized by a low energy value and with a good number of hydrogen bonds. These findings demonstrated that Gb could ameliorate MTX-induced elevated liver reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammation, possibly by JNK and TNF-α modulation.
Estradiol-induced GnRH Surge in Ovariectomized Goats.

Neurosecretion of hypothalamic GnRH was monitored during the LH surge in ovariectomized goats given estradiol using microdialysis sampling. The microdialysis probe with a polycarbonate dialysis membrane was stereotaxically implanted in the median eminence, and was perfused with the artificial cerebrospinal fluid at a flow rate of 5ƒÊl/min under conscious and unrestrained conditions. The LH surge was induced by means of an intravenous infusion of estradiol (3 ƒÊg/h, i.v.) for 16 h and hourly fractions of microdialysis perfusate were collected for GnRH measurement. The perfusate GnRH showed a marked increase to peak levels of 25.3•}6.9 pg/ml over basal levels of 2.6•}1.1 pg/ml at the onset of the LH surge, and then gradually decreased so that the GnRH surge lasted longer than the LH surge. These results suggest that the LH surge is induced by a surge release of GnRH from the hypothalamus but ends despite a continued supply of GnRH.