Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endoplasmic reticulum stress and ubiquitin-proteasome system impairment in natural scrapie

Chronic accumulation of misfolded proteins such as PrPSc can alter the endoplasmic reticulum homeostasis triggering the unfolded protein response (UPR). In this pathogenic event, the molecular chaperones play an important role. Several reports in humans and animals have suggested that neurodegeneration is related to endoplasmic reticulum stress in diseases caused by the accumulation of misfolded proteins. In this study, we investigated the expression of three endoplasmic reticulum stress markers: PERK (protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase), BiP (binding immunoglobulin protein), and PDI (Protein Disulfide Isomerase). In addition, we evaluated the accumulation of ubiquitin as a marker for protein degradation mediated by the proteasome. These proteins were studied in brain tissues of sheep affected by scrapie in clinical and preclinical stages of the disease. Results were compared with those observed in healthy controls. Scrapie-infected sheep showed significant higher levels of PERK, BiP/Grp78 and PDI than healthy animals. As we observed before in models of spontaneous prion disease, PDI was the most altered ER stress marker between scrapie-infected and healthy sheep. Significantly increased intraneuronal and neuropil ubiquitinated deposits were observed in certain brain areas in scrapie-affected animals compared to controls. Our results suggest that the neuropathological and neuroinflammatory phenomena that develop in prion diseases cause endoplasmic reticulum stress in brain cells triggering the UPR. In addition, the significantly higher accumulation of ubiquitin aggregates in scrapie-affected animals suggests an impairment of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in natural scrapie. Therefore, these proteins may contribute as biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets for prion diseases.
Low nitrogen stress-induced transcriptome changes revealed the molecular response and tolerance characteristics in maintaining the C/N balance of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.)

Nitrogen (N) is an essential macronutrient for plants, acting as a common limiting factor for crop yield. The application of nitrogen fertilizer is related to the sustainable development of both crops and the environment. To further explore the molecular response of sugar beet under low nitrogen (LN) supply, transcriptome analysis was performed on the LN-tolerant germplasm ‘780016B/12 superior’. In total, 580 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in leaves, and 1,075 DEGs were identified in roots (log2 |FC| ≥ 1; q value < 0.05). Gene Ontology (GO), protein−protein interaction (PPI), and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses clarified the role and relationship of DEGs under LN stress. Most of the downregulated DEGs were closely related to “photosynthesis” and the metabolism of “photosynthesis-antenna proteins”, “carbon”, “nitrogen”, and “glutathione”, while the upregulated DEGs were involved in flavonoid and phenylalanine biosynthesis. For example, GLUDB (glutamate dehydrogenase B) was identified as a key downregulated gene, linking carbon, nitrogen, and glutamate metabolism. Thus, low nitrogen-tolerant sugar beet reduced energy expenditure mainly by reducing the synthesis of energy-consuming amino acids, which in turn improved tolerance to low nitrogen stress. The glutathione metabolism biosynthesis pathway was promoted to quench reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protect cells from oxidative damage. The expression levels of nitrogen assimilation and amino acid transport genes, such as NRT2.5 (high-affinity nitrate transporter), NR (nitrate reductase [NADH]), NIR (ferredoxin-nitrite reductase), GS (glutamine synthetase leaf isozyme), GLUDB, GST (glutathione transferase) and GGT3 (glutathione hydrolase 3) at low nitrogen levels play a decisive role in nitrogen utilization and may affect the conversion of the carbon skeleton. DFRA (dihydroflavonol 4-reductase) in roots was negatively correlated with NIR in leaves (coefficient = −0.98, p < 0.05), suggesting that there may be corresponding remote regulation between “flavonoid biosynthesis” and “nitrogen metabolism” in roots and leaves. FBP (fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase) and PGK (phosphoglycerate kinase) were significantly positively correlated (p < 0.001) with Ci (intercellular CO2 concentration). The reliability and reproducibility of the RNA-seq data were further confirmed by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT−PCR) validation of 22 genes (R2 = 0.98). This study reveals possible pivotal genes and metabolic pathways for sugar beet adaptation to nitrogen-deficient environments.
Effects of low-dose combined olanzapine and sertraline on negative and depressive symptoms in treatment-resistant outpatients with acute exacerbated schizophrenia

Background: Treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) is a major clinical challenge. Current antipsychotic medications do not adequately address negative and depressive symptoms in patients with TRS, and novel treatments are thus needed. This study examines the efficacy of low-dose combined olanzapine (OLA) and sertraline on depressive and negative symptoms in patients with TRS. Methods: A total of 34 TRS outpatients with acutely exacerbated schizophrenia were randomly assigned to OLA monotherapy (12.5–20 mg/day) (control group) or low-dose combined OLA (7.5–10 mg/day) and sertraline (50–100 mg/day) (OS group). Clinical symptoms were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) at baseline and at the end of treatment in weeks 4, 8, 12, and 24. Depressive symptoms and social functioning were also assessed. Results: Compared to the control group, the OS group showed significant improvements in depressive and negative symptoms over time. In addition, the low-dose combination of OLA and sertraline significantly improved social functioning compared with OLA monotherapy. There were no significant between-group differences in psychotic symptom improvement. However, the reduction in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale total score and PANSS negative subscore were not associated with improvements in social functioning, suggesting that these effects of combined treatment are independent. Conclusion: Low-dose combined OLA and sertraline may be effective in the treatment of negative and depressive symptoms compared with standard OLA monotherapy in patients with TRS who are experiencing an acute exacerbation of schizophrenia. Clinical Trial Registration: [ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT04076371].
The contemporary context of relativity and relativism

In this paper an analogy is drawn between certain features of Einstein's Special Theory of Relativity and the model of signification encountered in the work of the post-structuralists Lacan and Derrida. This analogy pivots on an achievement that is common to Einstein's theory and the (post-)structuralist model of the sign, namely the subversion of the conceit of having access to something "absolute" - an "absolute" spatiotemporal vantage point in the case of Einstein, and "absolute" (immediate, fully present) meaning in the case of Derrida and Lacan. To be able to demonstrate this, the functionings of the structuralist "sign" and its radicalised post-structuralist counterpart are contrasted with the traditional referential model of meaning, while Einstein's Special Theory is scrutinised with a view to establishing a basis for comparison with post-structuralist semiotics. End Die kontemporere konteks van relatiwiteit en relativisme In hierdie artikel word betoog dat 'n analogie aangetoon kan word tussen Einstein se spesiale relatiwiteitsteorie en die betekenismodel wat by poststrukturaliste Lacan en Derrida aangetref word. Hierdie analogie berus op dit wat Einstein se teorie en die (post)strukturalistiese model van die teken met mekaar gemeen het, naamlik om die waandenkbeeld van menslike toegang tot iets "absoluuts" te ondergrawe - 'n "absolute" tydruimtelike oogpunt in die geval van Einstein, en "absolute" (onmiddellike, volledig teenwoordige) betekenis in die geval van Derrida en Lacan. Ten einde dit te demonstreer, word die funksionering van die strukturalistiese "teken" asook die geradikaliseerde poststrukturalistiese weergawe daarvan met die tradisionele referensiele betekenismodel gekontrasteer, terwyl Einstein se spesiale relatiwiteitsteorie onder die loep geneem word met die doel om 'n basis te vind vir 'n vergelyking met poststrukturalistiese semiotiek. End
INSECTICIDAL ACTIVITY OF STEM BARK AND POD OF LOCUST BEAN

Laboratory experiment was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of Stembark and pod powders of locust bean ( Pakia biglobossa) and their appropriate concentration for the management of cowpea weevils ( Callosobruchus maculatus F.). Spintor (0.125%) and dust (0.125 g) was used a positive control and untreated cowpea seeds serving as negative control. The experiment was laid in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) comprising of Stem bark powder (1 g, 3 g and 5 g), Pod powder (1 g 3 g and 5 g), spintor 0.125% Dust (0.125 g) and control. These were applied to 100 g healthy cowpea seeds and repeated three times. Contact activity of the plant products were evaluated and data collected were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) using SPSS software (version 23) and means were separated using NDMRT at 1% and 5% probability level. The results showed that higher concentration (5 g/100g) of plant products significantly (P<0.05) caused mortality of C. Maculatus after 24 (2.33), 48 (2.66), 72 (2.66) and 96 hours (3.00) by contact toxicity compared to other treatments. Similarly, higher concentration (5 g/100g seed) of the pod powder significantly (P<0.05) decreased oviposition (3.67), adult emergence (3.66), percentage seed damage (1.73%), number of exit holes (6.33) and weight loss (1.03%) compared to untreated cowpea seed that record 58.00, 54,67, 19.67%, 56.33 and 13.87%, respectively. It was concluded that germination of the treated seeds was not affected negatively. The Pod powder of P. biglobossa could be recommended as suitable alternatives to chemical pesticides to be used as contact protectant against C. maculatus on stored cowpea seeds.
Clinical, biochemical, and histopathological diagnosis of Egyptian paediatric patients with suspected mitochondrial diseases: A hospital‑based study

Background. Mitochondrial respiratory chain (RC) disorders are a growing group of disorders with a large variety of clinical presentations ranging from well-defined clinical syndromes to nonspecific manifestations, such as failure to thrive, exercise intolerance and seizures.Objective. To describe the clinical, biochemical, and histochemical spectrum of 38 Egyptian patients clinically suspected of havingmitochondrial RC disorders.Methods. A total of 38 patients (female, n=18 (47.4%); male, n=20 (52.6%)) clinically suspected of having mitochondrial diseases had been referred to the Inherited Metabolic Diseases Laboratory at Cairo University Children’s Hospital. Laboratory investigations and analyses included histochemical staining of cytochrome c oxidase and succinate dehydrogenase in muscle biopsies, as well as spectrophotometric assays of RC complexes in muscle homogenates.Results. Twenty-three patients (60.5%) were diagnosed with different RC enzyme deficiencies. Fifteen patients (65%) had complex Ideficiency and all of them also had lactic acidosis (mean (standard deviation)) plasma lactate concentration of 4 (1.65) mmol/L). Twopatients (9%) with marked complex IV deficiency both showed COX-negative ragged red fibers (RRFs) on histochemical staining.Combined complex I and complex II deficiency with scattered COX-stain deficiency and RRFs was diagnosed in 2 patients (5.25%), whilea further 2 patients (5.26%) had combined (complex I, II+III, complex IV) deficiencies. Isolated complex II deficiency was diagnosed in2 patients (5.26%) and 15 (39.5%) patients had normal RC enzyme activities.Conclusion. Biochemical assay of RC complexes is considered the cornerstone for diagnosis of RC complex mitochondrial disorders.These disorders are common among Egyptian paediatric patients.
UTILIZATION OF GRADED LEVELS OF PEARL MILLET AS DIETARY ENERGY SOURCE BY JAPANESE QUAILS

The study was carried out to investigate the inclusion levels of pearl millet in the diets of quails ( Coturnix coturnix japonica ). A total number of 480 day-old quail birds were used in the study. Experimental diets contained 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% millet. Diets contained 24% CP, 2888 kcal/kg ME and 20% CP, 2778 kcal/kg ME for growing and laying phases, respectively. The experiment lasted for 119 days and data were collected on daily feed intake (DFI), total weight gain, daily water intake, egg weight, hen day egg production, egg quality, and haematological parameters. At growing phase (2-6 weeks), most of the parameters measured were significantly influenced by the dietary levels of millet except initial weight (20.50-21.755g/bird), age and weight at 1 st lay, 39-43 days and 6.00-7.00 g, respectively. At the laying phase (6-17 weeks) all the parameters measured showed significant (P<0.001) differences except in DFI (26.70-30.60 g). In carcass characteristics, most of the parameters measured were not significantly (P<0.05) affected by the dietary levels except in live weight which is significantly (P<0.01) different; breast weight and back weight were significantly (P<0.05) different and thigh weight (P<0.001), respectively. The following egg quality parameters; albumen width and albumen weight were highly significantly (P<0.01) different while yolk weight was very highly significantly (P<0.001) different. The haematological indices showed that there were significant (P<0.001) differences among the white blood cell, red blood cell, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration. It was concluded that pearl millet can be included at 100% levels in diets of Japanese quails without adverse effects on growth performance and hen day egg production. Since carcass yield, haematological parameters and prime cuts were not adversely influenced by the dietary levels of pearl millet, it was therefore, recommended as energy dietary source for Japanese quails.
SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND INSTITUTIONAL FACTORS INFLUENCING ACCEPTANCE OF NERICA 1 RICE PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGIES AMONG FARMERS IN GOMBE STATE, NIGERIA

The study analysed socio-economic and institutional factors influencing the acceptance of NERICA 1 rice among farmers in Gombe State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used for the study. Primary data were collected through a well-structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to achieve the objectives of the study. The finding showed that the overall mean age of the respondents was 37.8 years. Also, about 43% of the respondents had 11-20 years’ experience and majority (81.1%) were members of cooperative. The result of the logit regression estimate showed that age and farm size had a negative and significant influence on the acceptance of NERICA 1 rice at a P≤0.01 level of probability. Farming experience, amount of credit and membership of cooperative had significant and positive (P≤0.01) relationship with the acceptance of NERICA 1 rice. It was concluded that the majority of the respondents were young, male, literate, married, members of cooperative with moderate household size, and low rice farming experienced. Age, farming experience, farm size amount of credit and membership of cooperative were found to have a significant influence on the adoption of NERICA 1 rice. The study recommended that Federal, State, and Local Governments, private sectors, and NGOs should encourage youth to sustain the organizational spirit and create seminars and workshop to stimulate women participation in farming activities.
ADOPTION OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES IN DISSEMINATION OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION SERVICES TO FARMERS IN DELTA STATE, NIGERIA: A PARADIGM SHIFT

Information and communication technologies (ICTs) is a modern means of disseminating agricultural extension services to farmers. Extension agents’ adoption of ICTs in the dissemination of agricultural extension services to farmers in Delta State, Nigeria as a paradigm shift was examined in this study. The objectives were to describe the socio-economic characteristics of the extension agents, identify the ICTs that are within the extension agents reach for use, ascertain respondents’ level of adoption of ICTs and factors limiting extension agents’ effective use of ICTs in disseminating agricultural information to farmers in the study area. Fifty-eight (58) respondents were randomly selected from Delta North and South agricultural zones of the State. Descriptive and inferential statistics were respectively used to analyze objectives and hypotheses of the study. Results revealed that the average age, household size and work experience were 43.28 years, 6 persons and 13.05 years, respectively. The respondents’ level of adoption of ICT tools was high (72.41%). Lack of funds, on-the-job training, supportive services from government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), electricity supply and technical skills were of the serious constraints limiting effective use of ICTs by the extension agents. Other limiting factors were high cost of the tools and poor network coverage. Socio-economic variables like sex, age, educational level and work experience were found to have significantly influenced on the level of adoption of ICTs in dissemination of agricultural information to farmers. The study also revealed a significant difference between respondents with high from those with low level of adoption of ICTs. The study recommended an improvement in electricity supply to those areas where it is epileptic and the push of network providers to make network available to those areas where such is lacking or poor.
ANALYSIS OF FACTORS INFLUENCING THE ADOPTION OF POTATO PLANTING MATERIAL TECHNOLOGIES IN PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

The study examined the factors influencing the adoption of potato planting material technologies in the central agricultural zone of Plateau State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedure was employed to select 306 potato farmers randomly from the study area. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics, adoption index, logit regression and factor analysis. The result revealed that 74.8% of the potato farmers were males, with a mean age of 40 years. The study further revealed that majority (91.2%) of the respondents had a form formal education with a mean household size of 6 persons. The results from the adoption index showed that seed tuber technology was highly adopted with an adoption score of 5.96, cutting seed technology with 2.52 and true potato seed technology with adoption score of 1.81. The results of logit regression revealed that household, labour and other occupations other than potato farming all significantly influenced adoption of potato planting technologies. The result of factor analysis revealed the major constraints faced by farmers to include poor technical information, economic problem, inadequate resources, environmental problem, pathological problem and technological problem. The study concluded that seed tuber potato planting technology was the most highly adopted in the study area. The study recommended that the dissemination of technical information should be increased by ensuring more contacts with farmers by extension agents; and proper soil, water, pest and disease management practices should be intensified among farmers.
FACTORS INFLUENCING IRRIGATED CABBAGE ( BRASSICA OLERACEAE ) PRODUCTION IN TORO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA

The study was conducted to examine the factors influencing irrigated cabbage production in Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling technique was used to select a total of 100 farmers for the study. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The result shows that all (100%) of the farmers were male and 35.7% of cabbage farmers were youth with average age of 35.6 years. The result further reveals that all (100%) of the respondents were male and majority (69.4%) of the farmers were literate who obtained various form of formal education. The average farm land cultivated was 1.5 hectares and 74.5% of the farmers acquired their inputs from the market. Majority (80.6%) of the farmers sourced water from the river/stream and used pumping machine for the irrigation. The result also shows that most (93.9%) of the farmers adopted treated and improved seeds technology. The result revealed that quantity of seeds, labour, fertilizer and farm size had positive coefficients and significantly influenced cabbage output. The R 2 was estimated at 0.398 which implies about 40% of the variation in output of cabbage production was explained by explanatory factors included in the model. The R 2 was estimated at 0.398 which implies about 40% of the variation in output of cabbage production was explained by explanatory factors included in the model. This is not by chance as justify by F-value of 10.027 and significant at P<0.001, indicating combine effect of independent variables on the total output. The study recommends that farmers should be encouraged to form cooperative societies to obtain input resources collectively and enjoy group marketing of cabbage. The use of more improved irrigation technologies is also recommended in order to boast cabbage production for high income.
Transition form factors $\gamma^*\gamma\to\eta$ and $\gamma^*\gamma\to\eta'$ in QCD

We update the theoretical framework for the QCD calculation of transition form factors $\gamma^*\gamma\to\eta$ and $\gamma^*\gamma\to\eta'$ at large photon virtualities including full next-to-leading order analysis of perturbative corrections, the charm quark contribution, and taking into account SU(3)-flavor breaking effects and the axial anomaly contributions to the power-suppressed twist-four distribution amplitudes. The numerical analysis of the existing experimental data is performed with these improvements.
GROSS MARGIN ANALYSIS OF MARKETING PADDY RICE (Oryza sativa) IN SELECTTED MARKETS IN BAUCHI STATE, NIGERIA

The study examined the gross margin and factors influencing marketing margin, as well as constraints to paddy rice (Oryza sativa) marketing in selected markets in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Six (6) markets were purposively selected and a total of 124 marketers were randomly chosen. Primary data were collected by the use of structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Based on the findings of the study, paddy rice marketing was a profitable enterprise in Bauchi State, Nigeria with gross margin of N1,126.20 and marketing efficiency was 13.5%. Factors that influenced marketing margin of paddy rice include marital status at P≤0.01, household size at P≤0.1, years of experience and educational level at P≤0.05, respectively. The result indicates that the model has an F-ratio (11.562) which shows that the whole model was significant at P≤0.01 level of probability. The coefficient of determination (R 2 ) indicated that 45.5% variation in the dependent variable was explained by the explanatory variables included in the model, while the remaining was as a result of variables not included in the model as well as errors in estimation. The results further revealed that 48.4% of the market participants were retailers. The major constraints identified include inadequate capital, poor road network and storage facility, seasonality of supply and lack of standard unit of measurement. It was recommended that Government provides credit facilities; improved transportation network and marketers encouraged to form cooperatives so that they can pool their resources together to increase their scale of operation.