Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic Variation of GSTP1 in Diabetic Retinopathy

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a severe complication of diabetes and the leading cause of blindness among working adults worldwide. Chronic extra cellular hyperglycemia in diabetes stimulates reaction oxygen species (ROS) production and increase oxidative stress. Glutathion Stransferases (GSTs) enzymes have been shown to protect human from reactive oxygen compounds damage. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the genetic polymorphism of GSTP1 is associated with DR. Materials and Methods: This case–control study, included 70 patients with DR and 70 healthy volunteers. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood leukocytes. Genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Statistical analysis was performed using the MedCalc program for Windows version 12. Results: The prevalence of genotype frequencies of the GSTP1 Ile/Ile and Ile/Val were 71.42% and 28.57% respectively, in DR subject, whiles in healthy volunteers were 78.58% and 21.42%, respectively. Statistical analysis has not emerged significant difference from the comparison
The new normal?: A pandemic of task engagement in language learning

Abstract This article demonstrates how, at a time when learners may be experiencing fear and chaos in other aspects of their lives, a focus on language task engagement is essential across both online and offline language learning contexts. It presents a model of language task engagement and describes why and how teachers can use it to support learner achievement during the current crisis and in the future.
Intestinal parasitic infections among patients attending a Tertiary Health Institution in Northeastern Nigeria

A study on human intestinal parasitic infections among patients attending University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, was conducted from the period of March, 2013 to May, 2013. The study was carried out to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among patients during the aforementioned time period. 200 stool samples of patients divided into 112 males and 88 females were examined using the formol-ether concentration method. The overall prevalence rate of the various parasitic infections was 17.5%, with 57% of infection among males and 43% among females. Difference in sex in relation to rate of infection was not statistically significant (X 2 = 0.72, P>0.01). Entamoeba histolytica recorded the highest prevalence rate of 40%, followed by Hookworm infection (17%); Giardia lamblia (14.3%); Ascaris lumbricoides (11.4%); Hymenolepis nana (8.5%); Enterobius vermicularis (2.9%); Strongyloides starcoralis (2.9%) and Dicrocoelium dendriticum (2.9%). Proper waste disposal and water treatment before consumption is advocated as a means of preventing exposure to these parasitic infections. The results further support public education on good personal hygiene and the dangers of open defeacation in fields and water ways.
Evaluation of energy and amino acids of brown rice and its effects on laying performance and egg quality of layers

Abstract Two experiments were conducted to determine apparent metabolizable energy (AME), nitrogen-corrected AME (AMEn), and ileal digestible amino acid (AA) content of brown rice (BR) and to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of BR on laying performance and egg quality of laying hens. In Exp. 1, 72 Hy-line Brown layers (49-week-old) were allocated to two treatments using a completely randomized block design, and each treatment included six cages per treatment and six hens per cage. A semi-purified diet was formulated to include BR as the sole source of AA and energy and an N-free diet was used to determine basal endogenous loss of AA. The hens were fed a commercial layer diet for adaptation to the experimental environment and diet for 7 days from d 0, and then fed experimental diets for 5 days from d 7. Excreta were collected from d 10 to 11 and ileal digesta were collected on d 12. On a dry matter (DM) basis, the AME and AMEn of BR was determined at 3,773 and 3,729 kcal/kg, respectively. The apparent ileal digestibility (AID) of BR ranged from 32.7% for Thr to 73.7% for Arg. The range of the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) value was between 79.4% for Met and 96.6% for Lys. In Exp. 2, 252 Hy-line Brown layers (44-week-old) were divided into four groups, comprising seven replicates of nine birds each and assigned to four experimental diets containing 0 (Control), 5%, 10%, or 15% BR for 5 weeks. The BR-containing diets were formulated to be equal in the content of AMEn and digestible AA to those of the diet without BR. No significant differences were observed in laying performances. Egg quality and blood profiles were not linearly or quadratically affected by dietary treatments. These results suggest that up to 15% BR can be included into layer feed without any adverse effects on laying performance and egg quality, if its energy and digestible AA values are well evaluated.
Selenium Content of Forage and Hay Crops in the Pacific Northwest

A map illustrating the Se content of forage and hay crops in different sections of the Pacific Northwest was prepared, based on analyses of crop samples. The primary criterion used in mapping was to delineate areas where forage and hay crops generally contain insufficient Se to meet requirements of lambs and calves, and thus prevent white muscle disease (WMD) and other Seresponsive diseases. The minimal requirement may vary from 11.03 to 0.10 ppm Se in the diet, depending upon the diet level of vitamin E -and possibly other substances. Under normal livestock management practices, WMD is common when forages and hay contain less than 0.10 ppm Se and the incidence is greater at lower Se levels. The western half of Washington and Oregon and part of northern California comprise an extremely low Se area. The eastern half of Washington, northern Idaho, extreme western Montana, and the northeast corner of Oregon comprise a low Se area. Most of the remaining portion of the Northwest may be considered as variable in Se, with farm-to-farm variations common, but some small areas of adequate Se were found and mapped. Additional index words; white muscle disease, trace elements, animal nutrition, plant composition.
The impact of impoundment on the physical and chemical hydrology of Ibiekuma stream in southern Nigeria

A dam was constructed in 1994 at the headwaters of the Ibiekuma stream to provide treated drinking water for the Ambrose Alli University community and its environs. Changes in the physical and chemical characteristics of the stream after impoundment were investigated between February and August 1995. Three stations (two within the dam site and one downstream of the dam) were identified for this study along a 3 km stretch of the upper reaches of the First order stream. Only water level, flow velocity, transparency and dissolved oxygen were significantly different (P<0.05) among the study stations. The interstation com- parison of parameters using Kruskal-Wallis test indicated that water level, flow velocity, transparency and dissolved oxygen were significantly different (P<0.05). Dissolved oxygen con- tent of the pool stations at the dam site were similar but significantly lower than that of the lotic station. Variability Coefficients revealed two patterns: (1) low variability in all the sta- tions for temperature, water level, total suspended solid and pH; (2) high variability in all the stations for the other parameters. The fluctuations in the physical and chemical hydrology of the stream appear to be influenced by the changes in the fluvial dynamics of the stream due to impoundment.
Genome-wide analysis of the C3H zinc finger family reveals its functions in salt stress responses of Pyrus betulaefolia

Transcription factors regulate gene expression in response to various external and internal cues by activating or suppressing downstream genes. Significant progress has been made in identifying and characterizing the Cysteine3Histidine (C3H) gene family in several dicots and monocots. They are characterized by their signature motif of three cysteine and one histidine residues, and reportedly play important roles in regulation of plant growth, developmental processes and environmental responses. In this study, we performed genome-wide and deep analysis of putative C3H genes, and a total of 117 PbeC3H members, were identified in P. betulaefolia and classified into 12 groups. Results were supported by the gene structural characteristics and phylogenetic analysis. These genes were unevenly distributed on 17 chromosomes. The gene structures of the C3H genes were relatively complex but conserved in each group. The C3H genes experienced a WGD event that occurred in the ancestor genome of P. betulaefolia and apple before their divergence based on the synonymous substitutions (Ks) values. There were 35 and 37 pairs of paralogous genes in the P. betulaefolia and apple genome, respectively, and 87 pairs of orthologous genes between P. betulaefolia and apple were identified. Except for one orthologous pairs PbeC3H66 and MD05G1311700 which had undergone positive selection, the other C3H genes had undergone purifying selection. Expression profiles showed that high salinity stress could influence the expression level of C3H genes in P. betulaefolia. Four members were responsive to salt stress in roots, nine were responsive to salt stress in leaves and eight showed inhibited expression in leaves. Results suggested important roles of PbeC3H genes in response to salt stress and will be useful for better understanding the complex functions of the C3H genes, and will provide excellent candidates for salt-tolerance improvement.
THERAPEUTIC MANAGEMENT OF REPEAT BREEDING IN BOVINES

In this study, 46 bovines 37 buffaloes, 9 cows were noted with history of cycling normally without any clinical abnormalities and returned to estrus even after three or more consecutive insemination. The animals were treated with Ciprofloxacin and Tinidazole combination after confirming as repeat breeders based on consistency and pH of vaginal discharges. The animals were inseminated on subsequent estrous. The conception rates were 71.2% and 85.2% respectively for buffaloes and cows.
Genome-wide analysis of lectin receptor-like kinases family from potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)

Lectin receptor-like kinases (LecRLKs) are involved in responses to diverse environmental stresses and pathogenic microbes. A comprehensive acknowledgment of the family members in potato (Solanum tuberosum) genome is largely limited until now. In total, 113 potato LecRLKs (StLecRLKs) were first identified, including 85 G-type, 26 L-type and 2 C-type members. Based on phylogenetic analysis, StLecRLKs were sub-grouped into seven clades, including C-type, L-type, G-I, G-II, G-III G-IV and G-V. Chromosomal distribution and gene duplication analysis revealed the expansion of StLecRLKs occurred majorly through tandem duplication although the whole-genome duplication (WGD)/segmental duplication events were found. Cis-elements in the StLecRLKs promoter region responded mainly to signals of defense and stress, phytohormone, biotic or abiotic stress. Moreover, expressional investigations indicated that the family members of the clades L-type, G-I, G-IV and G-V were responsive to both bacterial and fungal infection. Based on qRT-PCR analysis, the expressions of PGSC0003DMP400055136 and PGSC0003DMP400067047 were strongly induced in all treatments by both Fusarium sulphureum (Fs) and Phytophthora infestans (Pi) inoculation. The present study provides valuable information for LecRLKs gene family in potato genome, and establishes a foundation for further research into the functional analysis.
Phosphorus uptake and growth kinetics of two planktonic desmid species

Phosphorus (P) uptake and growth kinetics under continuous P limitation in chemostat culture were studied in two planktonic desmid species: Cosmarium abbreviatum originating from an oligo-mesotrophic lake, and Straurastrum pingue from a eutrophic lake. Under stringent P limitation (steady-state growth rates up to 0·015 h-1) C. abbreviatum showed a higher affinity for P uptake and for growth than S. pingue. This competitive advantage over S. pingue disappeared when P limitation became less severe (growth rates above 0·015 h-1), due to a sharp decline in the affinity of C. abbreviatum for P. At all growth rates tested C. abbreviatum showed a higher biomass yield per unit of P than S. pingue. As S. pingue had double the maximum growth rate of C. abbreviatum and displayed higher maximum P uptake rates, it is likely to be better adapted to a eutrophic, dynamic environment where P release is predominantly in pulses.
Effects of dietary energy and lysine levels on physiological responses, reproductive performance, blood profiles, and milk composition in primiparous sows

Abstract The adequate intake of energy and lysine for primiparous sows are necessary for maternal growth of sows and growth of their progeny. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary energy and lysine levels on primiparous sows and their progeny. A total of 48 gilts (Yorkshire × Landrace), with an initial body weight (BW) of 168.1 ± 9.71 kg and at day 35 of gestation, were allotted to eight treatment groups with a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement. The first factor was metabolizable energy levels in diet (3,265 or 3,365 kcal of ME/kg), and the second factor was lysine levels in diet (gestation 0.55%, 0.65%, 0.75%, 0.85%, lactation 0.70%, 0.85%, 1.00%, 1.15%). The BW gain (p = 0.07) and backfat thickness (p = 0.09) in the gestation period showed a tendency to be increased in sows fed the high-energy diets. In the lactation period, sows fed the high-energy diets tended to be greater BW (p = 0.09) and less BW loss (p = 0.05) than those of sows fed the low-energy diets. Sows fed high-energy diets had a tendency of greater piglet weight at day 21 of lactation and greater piglet weight gain (p = 0.08 and p = 0.08, respectively). Although the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was increased linearly as dietary lysine level increased at day 110 of gestation (Linear, p = 0.03), the BUN was decreased linearly as dietary lysine level increase at day 21 of lactation (Linear, p < 0.01). In the composition of colostrum, sows fed high-energy diets had greater casein, protein, total solid, solid not fat, and free fatty acid concentrations than those of sows fed low-energy diets (p < 0.05). Supplementation of total lysine 0.75% for gestation and 1.00% for lactation with 3,365 kcal of ME/kg energy level could be applied to the primiparous sows’ diet to improve performance of sows and growth of their progeny.
Malaysian adolescents’ exposure to secondhand smoke in the car of their parents/guardians: A nationwide cross-sectional school-based study

INTRODUCTION We investigated the prevalence of children’s exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) in the car of their parents/guardians and the associated factors. METHODS A self-administered validated questionnaire was used to obtain data from the nationally representative samples of school-going adolescents aged 11–19 years in Malaysia. Prevalence rates were computed and chi-squared tests and multiple logistic regression were conducted. RESULTS Of the participants, 23.3% reported exposure to SHS at least once in the car of their parents/guardians during the last 7 days before the survey. The prevalence and likelihood of SHS exposure were significantly higher in Malays, descendants of natives of Sabah and Sarawak, schools in rural areas, females, and current smokers. However, age group and knowledge on the harmful effects of SHS were not significant after adjusting for confounding effects. CONCLUSIONS A substantial proportion of school-going adolescents were exposed to secondhand smoke in the car of their parents/guardians. This highlights the need for effective tobacco control measures to include health promotion and smoke-free car regulations to be introduced to prevent severe health hazards and to reduce smoking initiation among non-smoking adolescents.
Prevalence and Pattern of Road Traffic Accidents among Commercial Motorcyclists in the Central Tongu District, Ghana

Background The World Health Organisation estimates that 1.35 million people die as a result of road traffic crashes. Motorcycles as a means of transport are increasingly becoming the preferred and easiest means of transportation for most people in developing countries despite the associated risk. This study determined the prevalence and pattern of motorcycle crashes in Adidome among commercial motorcyclists. Methods A descriptive, cross-sectional study design was used as 114 commercial motorcyclists were recruited to respond to a pretested research questionnaire in the Adidome district of the Volta Region. Data were analyzed using SPSS, version 22.0. Data were presented as simple descriptive statistics. A chi-square relationship was determined using the demographic variables, and the history of accident at a 95% confidence interval with 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results The prevalence of road traffic crashes at Adidome was 64.0%. Motorcyclists (74.0%) were reported to have been involved in crashes in the past one year prior to the study. Motorcyclists attributed the last accident to excessive speeding (31.5%) and bad roads (23.3%), this accident as a result of colliding with another motorcycle (50.7%), and slippery surfaces (24.7%). The majority (63.0%) of the respondents had an accident once. The consumption of alcohol was associated with the occurrence of an accident as 34.2% occurred among cyclists who drank alcohol, compared with 29.8% who did not (p < 0.05). Conclusion There should be strict implementation of current road traffic regulations of Ghana by the MTTD of the Ghana Police Service, and penalties should be awarded against anybody caught riding a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol. Helmet and other protective devices must be made compulsory for motorcycle riders to prevent injuries, especially head injuries, if an accident occurs.
Evaluation of risk factors and drug adherence in the occurrence of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation

Background: Atrial fibrillation (AF) patients are at high risk of developing a stroke and anticoagulant medications are generally prescribed to prevent stroke in AF population. Objective: This study aims to evaluate stroke risk factors among hospitalized patients with AF and to assess the level of adherence to medications in AF patients and their relation with stroke. Methods: This is a case-control study conducted between June 1st, 2018 and December 31th, 2018 among AF patients admitted to seven tertiary Lebanese hospitals. Data were collected using a standardized questionnaire. Adherence to medications was assessed using the Lebanese Medication Adherence Scale-14. Odds ratios (OR) expressed the strength of association between the independent variables and the dependent variable and were estimated using unconditional logistic regression adjusted for confounding factors. P<0.05 determined statistical significance. Results: In total, 174 cases of AF patients were included with 87 cases and 87 controls. The risk of stroke among AF significantly increased with the presence of a history of hypertension, aOR 16.04 (95%CI, 2.27-113.37; p=0.005), history of coronary heart disease/myocardial infarction, and history of obesity. Anticoagulant medication significantly decreased the risk of stroke among AF patients, aOR 0.27 (95%CI, 0.07-0.98; P=0.047). High adherence to medications was significantly associated with a reduced risk of stroke, aOR 0.04 (95%CI, 0.01-0.23; p<0.001). Conclusions: Having a history of hypertension is one of the strongest risk factors for stroke among AF patients in Lebanon. While anticoagulant medication use was associated with a reduced risk for stroke, high adherence to medications is critical for stroke prevention. Public health interventions are needed to tackle low-adherence to medication and prevent stroke among AF patients.
Relative time of redroot pigweed emergence affects dry matter partitioning

Abstract The partitioning coefficient is defined as the proportion of new dry matter partitioned among different plant parts. Partitioning coefficients can be used to model plant dry matter accumulation. In 1994 and 1995, field studies were conducted at two locations near Manhattan, KS, to determine the influence of density and relative time of emergence of redroot pigweed on dry matter partitioning to stem, leaves, and reproductive parts throughout the season. Redroot pigweed was grown with sorghum and in monoculture at densities of 2, 4, and 12 plants m−1 of row each year at each location. Dry matter partitioning during vegetative growth was not influenced by plant density. However, partition coefficients during the reproductive growth stage changed as a linear function of the time of pigweed emergence relative to the sorghum leaf stage. The later the emergence time relative to sorghum leaf stage, the higher the partitioning coefficient values for leaf (PCleaf) and stem (PCstem) and the lower the partitioning coefficient values for reproductive parts (PCrp). The observed differences in partitioning coefficients due to relative emergence time are valuable information to those interested in simulating growth of competing plant species, especially with reference to their seed production. Nomenclature: Barnyardgrass, Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) ECHCG; common lambsquarters, Chenopodium album L. CHEAL; redroot pigweed, Amaranthus retroflexus L. AMARE; sorghum, Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.
Thirteen Years of Shifting Top-Down and Bottom-Up Control

Abstract For 13 years, we studied the role of biotic interactions, including predation, herbivory, and interspecific competition, in a semiarid thorn scrub community in north-central Chile. Using a large-scale field manipulation, we monitored changes in small mammals, plants, and vertebrate predators. We documented important “top-down” predation effects on some small-mammal species, and small-mammal effects on some plant species resulting from experimental exclusions. However, periodic El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events caused several high rainfall episodes during this interval, resulting in large “bottom-up” increases in both plants and animals. Therefore, we suggest that instead of exclusive top-down or bottom-up control, this system undergoes shifting control, with relatively greater importance of biotic interactions in wet years and of resource limitation in dry ones. Because intervals between ENSO events are long and responses are slow, long-term studies are essential for understanding such effects in semiarid or arid systems.
A Spatio‐Temporal Analysis of the Environmental Correlates of COVID‐19 Incidence in Spain

The novel SARS‐CoV2 has disrupted health systems and the economy, and public health interventions to slow its spread have been costly. How and when to ease restrictions to movement hinges in part on whether SARS‐CoV2 will display seasonality due to variations in temperature, humidity, and hours of sunshine. Here, we address this question by means of a spatio‐temporal analysis in Spain of the incidence of COVID‐19, the disease caused by the virus. Use of spatial Seemingly Unrelated Regressions (SUR) allows us to model the incidence of reported cases of the disease per 100,000 population as an interregional contagion process, in addition to a function of temperature, humidity, and sunshine. In the analysis we also control for GDP per capita, percentage of older adults in the population, population density, and presence of mass transit systems. The results support the hypothesis that incidence of the disease is lower at higher temperatures and higher levels of humidity. Sunshine, in contrast, displays a positive association with incidence of the disease. Our control variables also yield interesting insights. Higher incidence is associated with higher GDP per capita and presence of mass transit systems in the province; in contrast, population density and percentage of older adults display negative associations with incidence of COVID‐19.