Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Methanolic leaf extract of Parkia biglobosa protects against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats

Summary . Aqueous-methanolic leaf extract of Parkia biglobosa (PBE) was investigated for its effects on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and phytochemical constituents. Adult albino rats weighing (200g-220g) were pretreated with ramipril (10mg/kg/day) or PBE (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, 75 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg/day) by gavage for 14 consecutive days before receiving single i ntraperitoneal (i.p) dose of doxorubicin (15mg/kg) on the 13 th day. Animals were sacrificed twenty hours after the last administration and the heart homogenate and serum were analysed for biochemical indices of oxidative stress, tissue markers of cardiotoxicity and serum lipid profile. Results revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, cardiac glycosides, total flavonoid (121.30±3.2 mg Quercetin equivalent), total phenol (55.40±1.2 mg gallic acid equivalent), and dose-dependent reduction of iron-induced MDA formation in rat’s heart by PBE. Doxorubicin caused significant elevations (P<0.05) of cardiac MDA, serum creatine kinase-MB, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and dyslipidemia while causing significant reduction in the levels/or activities of cardiac reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione S-transferase and superoxide dismutase. Pretreatment with PBE prevented most of these derangements in a comparable manner to that of ramipril. It may be concluded from the study that PBE can protect against doxorubicin-induced toxicity probably via antioxidative and antihyperlipidemic mechanisms. Industrial relevance. The use of plants and plant-products will continue to find relevance in the treatment and management of numerous diseases and /or pathological conditions especially in the low-income countries due to the ready accessibility and inexpensive nature of these materials. Parkia biglobosa (Jacq.) Benth. , is a common and widespread tree in tropical Africa where it is used for timber and food and also with popular ethnomedicinal applications in the treatment of cardiovascular-related complications. This study was undertaken to provide scientific information on the folkloric claims on the plant. The active phytoconstituents responsible for the medicinal property could be isolated and developed into suitable formulations to provide a cheaper, safer and effective cardioprotective option, on a commercial scale. Keywords. Parkia biglobosa; cardiotoxicity; doxorubicin; antioxidants; antihyperlipidemic
Amphibians and Reptiles, Luzon Island, Aurora Province and Aurora Memorial National Park, northern Philippines: new island distribution records

We report 35 new amphibian and reptile distribution records for two regions within the southern Sierra Madre Mountain Range, Aurora Province, central Luzon Island, Philippines. Together with results of our previous survey work in Aurora, our new data result in a total of 82 amphibian and reptile species for the area. These results highlight the degree to which the island’s biodiversity continues to be underestimated and poorly understood. We report on observations of rarely encountered species including the skink Sphenomorphus leucospilos , the forest gecko Luperosaurus cf. cumingii , and a sensational new species of monitor lizard, V aranus bitatawa . Our recent collections clarify the conservation status of the “critically endangered” Polillo Island forest frog Platymantis polillensis , now known to be widespread, abundant, and common throughout Camarines Norte, Quezon, and Aurora Provinces on the adjacent mainland of Luzon Island. These results add to our growing understanding of many species’ distributions in the region.
‘Rare and Threatened Bryophytes of Ireland’ – A step towards their conservation

Officially launched by the Irish ministers for arts and environment, this important book provides Ireland with a full-scale Red Data Book of bryophytes. Ireland has an exceptionally rich bryophyte flora, comprising about 854 terminal taxa (454 mosses, 227 liverworts and 3 hornworts), which represents approximately 50% of the European flora (Holyoak, 2006). This makes Ireland an important international center for bryophyte diversity. Despite, or perhaps due to, its inherent richness, extensive bryophyte records and surveys for the whole country were relatively scarce. Intensive field surveys over the last 10 years by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) were carried out to fill in data gaps or to confirm past reports of many bryophyte species. The result of all that work is this beautifully presented book. The release of this book is of paramount importance for current and future bryologists working in Ireland, but the international bryologist has a lot to gain from it too. For readers unfamiliar with the environmental history of north-western Europe, a succinct account of how glaciation events and anthropogenic disturbances affected the rise, succession and distribution of bryophytes is considerately provided. The later accounts of typical bryophyte habitats and of the assessment procedures and criteria for endangered bryophytes is useful information for both sets of bryologists. Those with a particular fondness for recording history of bryophytes will be pleasantly rewarded; an entire section is devoted to tracing this history. The authors also invite discussion on the uncertainties concerning certain records and document modern attempts to clarify those doubts through repeated extensive field surveys. The entire section is thoughtful as well as informative. The importance of foreign contribution, mainly through the well documented quadrennial field excursions of the British Bryological Society, is also noted. Although these historically focussed sections of the book are not essential to the conservational aim of the book, they nevertheless provide an interesting and insightful exploration into Ireland’s bryological past. Protecting vulnerable species of bryophytes involves preservation of their fragile habitats. A small imbalance is often enough to shift the dynamics of a community. All of the most important bryophyte habitats are wonderfully detailed and illustrated here. Whilst general information on the habitat and typical bryophyte formations are covered, more importantly
Bridging the GAP: Identifying Needs and Aspirations of Indigenous Students to Facilitate Their Entry into University.

The negative trend of enrolment of Indigenous students into tertiary study indicates gaps between their current achievement and knowledge levels and university requirements for admission. This study was designed to determine the perceived needs, attitudes and knowledge of Indigenous secondary school students when considering admission to university; investigate remedial strategies in order to make university a more attractive choice for Indigenous students; and ascertain the types of assistance and support the Indigenous students would like to receive in order to meet the enrolment requirements as well as completion of study at university. Focus groups were conducted with 50 Indigenous students in Years 10 to 12 within the Toowoomba District and surveys conducted with 30 first year Indigenous undergraduate and Indigenous Higher Education Pathways Program (IHEPP) students at the University of Southern Queensland. The findings of the research illustrated that the school students were not aware of the IHEPP and university programs. Scholarships and bursaries need to be developed and publicised. Tutorial assistance and learning support (e.g., assignment preparation, multicultural activities, childcare facilities, group accommodation) needs to be promoted. Furthermore, there is a need for the university to establish and maintain relationships with local Indigenous communities and understand the 'cultural dimension' impacting on Indigenous students and their families.
Effect of Probiotic Milk containing L. casei Shirota on Immunoglobulin G Levels among Anemic Adolescent Girls

Probiotic play important role on immune systems. This study was to investigate effect of probiotic milk containing L. casei Shirota on immunoglobulin G levels among anemic adolescent girls. A total of 22 adolescent girls aged 13-18 years with anemia were included on this study. The subjects were separated into 2 groups i.e. a probiotic group and a control group by simple random sampling. During 4 weeks, a probiotic group received 1 tablet of 60 Fe elemental + 250 µg folate acid once a week and probiotic milk once daily. While a control group received 1 tablet of 60 Fe elemental + 250 µg folate acid once a week. Blood samples were collected at 0 and 4 weeks and assayed for immunoglobulin G levels by ELISA. Immunoglobulin G levels were not significantly increase after intervention. Compared with control group, probiotic milk administration in probiotic group did not significantly increased immunoglobulin G levels (p>0.05). The probiotic milk containing L. casei Shirota did not improve immunoglobulin G levels on anemic adolescent girls. Keywords: Probiotic, Immunoglobulin G levels, Anemia, Adolescent girls
A cross-sectional survey of Indians in Kuwait with risk factors for coronary artery disease

Background: The Indian sub-population is the biggest among the foreigners in Kuwait. Due to the harsh weather conditions most of the time in the year there is less inclination towards a healthy lifestyle. The present study was conducted to determine the extent of the Indian population living in Kuwait having the risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted including 400 subjects aged 18 years or more (346 males and 54 females). They were subjected to general physical examination, and were asked to respond to a standard questionnaire.Results: Significantly more females than males were found to be overweight (63% vs. 43.9%, p<0.01) or obese (16.7% vs. 4.3%, p<0.005). Females also had higher proportions than males in having inadequate physical activity (79.6% vs. 53.2%, p<0.001). Significantly more males were having an inadequate intake of fruits and vegetables as compared to females (34.7% vs. 18.5%, p<0.005). There was no significant difference between the genders in proportions of hypertension, smoking, and diabetes. Overweight, hypertension, and inadequate physical activity showed a rising trend with increasing age. The studied population was compared with several geographically different populations, as well as the different populations living in India.Conclusions: As the stay and the jobs of Indians in Kuwait depend upon their health-status, prevention of CAD is of paramount importance. Looking at the levels of the prevalence of several risk factors, multilevel interventions are needed for reducing the CAD-morbidity and mortality.
The identification of the first isolate of influenza B virus using a duplex RT-PCR DNA sequencing in Saudi Arabia (B/Riyadh/01/2007).

Although Influenza virus infections threaten thousands of lives each year worldwide and bear the risk of been an epidemic, little is known about the circulating strains in Saudi Arabia. The availability of a rapid and accurate diagnostic approach is essential for effective treatment and disease control. In the current study, we optimized a duplex RT-PCR assay for the simultaneous detection of influenza A and B viruses in clinical samples. The developed assay was utilized for testing 100 nasopharyngeal aspirates collected from young children hospitalized with acute respiratory tract infection in Riyadh. Influenza B not A viruses, were identified as possible causes of the disease syndrome. Recovery of influenza B virus from clinical samples was achieved by serial passage in chicken embryos and the virus isolate was designated as Influenza B/Riyadh/01/2007. The identity of B/Riyadh/01/2007 was confirmed by sequencing the RT-PCR product. The sequenced data was submitted to the Gene Bank under the accession number GU135839. An almost complete homology was recognized with all Influenza B virus strains available on Gene Bank. Although several studies suggested the presence of influenza B virus in respiratory tract infection of Saudi children, this is the first report that describes the isolation and partial identification of the circulating virus. Further studies that fully characterize the isolated strain are ongoing.
Diet Quality of Low‐income and Higher‐income Americans in 2003‐2004 as Measured by the Healthy Eating Index‐2005

The Healthy Eating Index‐2005 (HEI‐2005) has 12 components designed to measure diet quality in terms of compliance with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Mean HEI‐2005 scores were estimated using one 24‐hour recall from 8,272 participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2003‐2004. Long‐term intakes were estimated using the population ratio method. For the population age 2 and older, the total score was 57.5 out of a possible 100. Scores were particularly low for Dark Green and Orange Vegetables and Legumes, Whole Grains, Sodium, and Calories from Solid Fats, Alcoholic beverages, and Added Sugars. Total scores of the low‐income and higher‐income populations were not significantly different; however, compared to higher‐income people, low‐income people (family income less than 130% of poverty) had significantly lower scores for Total Vegetables, Dark Green and Orange Vegetables and Legumes, and Whole Grains; and a higher score for Sodium (indicating a lower intake) (p<.05). There was no significant difference in total HEI‐2005 scores for children ages 2 to 18 by income level. Low‐income children (less than 185% of poverty) had a higher score for Total Vegetables. All Americans, regardless of income level, could benefit from increased intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat‐free or low‐fat milk; choosing more nutrient‐dense forms of foods; and lower sodium intake.
Complete Response to Anti-PD-1 Antibody Monotherapy in Metastatic Melanoma-Can Therapy be Discontinued? A Review of Current Literature

Newer immunotherapeutic agents such as Nivolumab and Pembrolizumab have changed the landscape of management of metastatic melanoma, with a subset of patients achieving durable responses. The ideal duration of therapy in patients who achieve a complete response with these agents has not been determined. We report a case of a 68 year old man with metastatic melanoma who progressed with Ipilimumab and BRAF-directed therapies, but achieved a complete response with Nivolumab monotherapy and continues to be in remission at almost 2 years after discontinuation of treatment. Review of the current data indicates that discontinuation of anti-PD-1 antibodies after complete response is achieved is feasible. The majority of these patients maintain their responses long-term. In those who relapse, re-treatment with the same agent is effective in most cases according to the current data. Prospective studies are necessary to determine the optimal duration of therapy and strategies to maximize the benefit of these drugs.
Stress in senior computer interaction

• A submitted manuscript is the version of the article upon submission and before peer-review. There can be important differences between the submitted version and the official published version of record. People interested in the research are advised to contact the author for the final version of the publication, or visit the DOI to the publisher's website. • The final author version and the galley proof are versions of the publication after peer review. • The final published version features the final layout of the paper including the volume, issue and page numbers.
Coexistence of cryptic species

Recent discovery of cryptic species in fig-pollinating wasps creates a puzzle for the ecological competition theory: how do two or more apparently identical species coexist? Conventional theory predicts that they should not. Chesson (Trends Ecol. Evol., 1991, 6, 26–28) identified one exception which he considered unlikely to occur in reality: coexistence might be possible if appropriate social behaviour was discriminately directed towards conspecifics and heterospecifics. Here we present an example of the exception by showing that two identical species with local mate competition and population size-dependent sex ratio adjustment may coexist. The new findings about fig-pollinating wasps provide a putative example of unexpected coexistence of identical competitors via this mechanism.
Growth Pattern and Phenological Stages of Early-maturing Peach Trees Under a Mediterranean Climate

The phenological stages of early-maturing peach trees were described using the traditional nomenclature of Baggiolini and according to the BBCH General Scale. The heat requirement of each stage was calculated as growing degree hours (GDH) and growing degree days (GDD). The annual growth pattern of trunk, shoot, and fruit was also studied. After dormancy breaking involving 225 chilling units, this early peach cultivar required '6244 GDH to reach full bloom and 27106 GDH before the fruit could be harvested. In the case of GDD, the heat requirements were 329 and 1246 for full bloom and fruit harvest, respectively. According to plant growth measurements, shoot growth lasted '7 months with a significant increase in the growth rate after fruit harvest reaching a maximum value in July. Trunk growth followed a similar annual pattern as that of the shoots but with its maximum rate occurring '30 days latter. Fruit growth, which lasted an average of 89 days from full bloom to harvesting, took place under mild climatic conditions (10 Feb. to 10 May) coinciding with only 30% of the total annual shoot length. This pattern of reproductive and vegetative growth pointed to the interest of redirecting regulated deficit irrigation practices in early-maturing cultivars toward postharvest water-saving strategies, but only to the extent that any limitation of shoot and trunk growth does not adversely affect the productivity of the following year.
Measurement of the 24Mg(3He, p)26Al cross section : Implication for 26Al production in the early solar system

The nucleosynthetic origin of 26 Al (t 1/2 = 0.72 Myr) in the early solar system is still an open question. Several models predict that short-lived radionuclides could be produced by irradiation of circumsolar material by light charged particles emitted by the young sun. Within some models, most of the 26 Al is produced by 3 He-induced reactions on 24 Mg. Little experimental data exist on 3 He reactions so that irradiation models have had to rely on theoretical cross sections deduced from statistical nuclear reaction codes. We performed a direct measurement of the 26 Al production on Mg target by means of y ray spectroscopy and accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). The data indicate that the theoretical cross section used in previous approaches was overestimated by a factor of 3. Taking the particle spectra considered in theoretical approaches these data lead to a net reduction of the 26 Al production of a factor of 2. We calculated the relative contribution of the different 26 Al production channels depending on the irradiation scenario. We show that extremely large particles fluxes would be necessary to reach the canonical 26 Al/ 27 Al = 5 × 10 -5 in solids that were present in the early solar system. An in situ origin of this important isotopic chronometer by irradiation is unlikely.
Altruism and Internal Locus of Control as Determinants of the Intention to Participate in Crowdfunding: The Mediating Role of Trust

This paper aims to analyze the determinants of participation in crowdfunding. As any individual may participate in a crowdfunding project, the study analyzes the general audience as potential contributors. This study develops and tests a model that includes personal determinants-internal locus of control and altruism-of the intention to participate in crowdfunding. Trust in crowdfunding is proposed as a mediator in the model. Data from 245 individuals were gathered via an online panel to test the hypotheses. Altruism and internal locus of control are found to enhance trust in crowdfunding, which, in turn, influences individuals’ intention to participate. Companies or entrepreneurs that are currently using or expecting to use crowdfunding to finance their project should develop marketing strategies that focus on enhancing trust towards their projects. Likewise, they should target individuals who are more altruistic and with higher levels of internal locus of control.
Assessment of the utility of Yale observation scale as a predictor of bacteremia in children aged 3 months to 36 months

Background: The Yale observation scale (YOS) is an illness severity helps to diagnose bacteremia based on simple noninvasive clinical signs and symptoms. The aim of the present study was to assess the utility of YOS as a predictor of bacterial infection in febrile children aged 3 to 36 months.Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on 200 children aged 3 to 36 months presenting with fever, at the Institute of Child Health and Hospital for Children during the period from April 2016 to September 2016. Rectal temperature was taken for all children. Clinical examination was done as required based on the YOS and scores were given accordingly at the time of initial presentation of the child before invasive investigations. All the observation was assessed statistically and receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve was performed to analyze the sensitivity of the YOS.Results: Highly significant correlation (p=0.0001) was found to exist between the age of the child, duration of the fever, higher body temperature >104, WBC count, ANC and improved condition of patient with higher YOS. ROC curves showed that the sensitivity and specificity of YOS at the best cut off value of 14.5 was found to be 97% and 79.6% respectively.Conclusions: YOS is very good tool for predicting bacteremia in young febrile children based on simple non-invasive clinical signs and symptoms. The findings ruled out by YOS aids in the immediate and early management of bacterial infections before the arrival of the results of the biochemical diagnostic tests.
Efeitos de programas de iluminação na produção de ovos de codornas (Coturnix coturnix)

Com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de programas de iluminacao continuo e intermitentes sobre a producao de codornas-japonesas (Coturnix japonica) criadas em galpao aberto, neste trabalho, realizado no Departamento de Zootecnia da Universidade Federal de Lavras MG, utilizaram-se 720 codornas de 36 semanas de idade, durante 5 periodos de 28 dias submetidas a 3 programas de luz em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso com restricoes nos tratamentos e 12 repeticoes. O programa continuo contou com fotoperiodo medio de 15h30 (natural + artificial) e noite principal (escotoperiodo) de 8h30 (± 12 min); o programa intermitente 1 contou com iluminacao intermitente com duas fotofases fracionadas em 15h30 e com uma noite principal de 8h30 (± 12 min); o programa intermitente 2 teve iluminacao intermitente com 3 fotofases em um periodo estimulatorio de 15h30 (duas fotofases e duas escotofases equidistantes entre a luz natural) e escotoperiodo de 8h30. Avaliaram-se o consumo de racao (g/ave/dia), producao de ovos (ovos/ave/dia x 100), peso e massa dos ovos (g), conversao alimentar expressa por peso de ovo (g/g) e por duzia de ovos e as medias foram comparadas pelo teste SNK (5%). Os resultados das aves nos diferentes programas apresentaram-se semelhante (P>0,05) para postura, peso, massa dos conversao/duzia de ovos. As codornas no programa intermitente 1 apresentaram menor (P<0,05) consumo de racao e melhor (P<0,05) conversao alimentar/peso de ovos em relacao as aves dos demais programas. O uso de programas de iluminacao intermitente em codornas criadas em galpao aberto, a partir da 36a semana de idade, reduz o tempo de iluminacao artificial, sem afetar a producao de ovos, o peso, massa de ovos e conversao alimentar/duzia de ovos; no entanto, o consumo de racao e reduzida e a conversao alimentar/peso de ovos e melhorada com o regime intermitente 1.