Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Alternative food sources of Aethina tumida (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae)

Summary The small hive beetle (SHB) is a parasite and scavenger of honey bee colonies, but may also be able to exploit alternative food sources. We conducted experiments to shed further light on the role of alternative foods for SHB. 1) Laboratory choice experiments showed that adult SHB oviposit on fruit and even on decaying meat and that SHB larvae feed on it despite the presence of bee products. 2) In the laboratory, SHB reproduced on mango, banana and grapes at lower rates than on a pollen and honey mixture. 3) Adult SHB were rarely observed on fruit buckets in the field. They reproduced only when caged and in much smaller numbers than Drosophilidae and other Nitidulidae. 4) While Aethina concolor was repeatedly observed during a field survey, no adult SHB were found on any flowers. 5) Less than 2% of adult SHB survived on blooming pot plants and no reproduction was recorded, suggesting that flowers are unlikely to serve as an alternative food and breeding substrate. Nevertheless, the high degree of opportunism displayed, supports the view that honey bee nests are not essential for SHB survival and reproduction. Despite the observed high degree of SHB opportunism, it appears as if alternative food sources play a minor role only for reproduction in the field when host colonies are available. Even though SHB may use alternative food sources in the absence of bee hives (e.g. after migratory beekeeping), it is unclear whether this is likely to contribute to SHB population build up.
Modulating the Inflammatory Response With Hemadsorption (CytoSorb) in Patients Undergoing Major Aortic Surgery.

ABSTRACT This retrospective, pilot study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of hemadsorption with CytoSorb® on changes in inflammatory markers in patients undergoing aortic surgery. 16 consecutive patients were treated either with hemadsorption (n=8) or without it serving as controls (n=8). Treatment with hemadsorption resulted in significant reductions in interleukin-6 and procalcitonin levels. It also preserved the mean arterial pressure better, with less norepinephrine requirement; and resulted in better PaO2: FiO2 ratio, shorter durations of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stay, and hospital stay.
FDG‐PET/CT after two cycles of R‐CHOP in DLBCL predicts complete remission but has limited value in identifying patients with poor outcome – final result of a UK National Cancer Research Institute prospective study

The UK National Cancer Research Institute initiated a prospective study (UKCRN‐ID 1760) to assess the prognostic value of early fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG)‐positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). In total, 189 patients with DLBCL treated with R‐CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone) had baseline and post‐cycle‐2 PET (PET2) within a quality assurance framework. Treatment decisions were based on CT; PET2 was archived for central blinded reporting after treatment completion. The association of PET2 response with end‐of‐treatment CT, progression‐free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was explored. The end‐of‐treatment complete response rate on CT was 83·9%, 75·0%, 70·5%, 40·4% and 36·4% for Deauville score (DS) 1 (n = 34), 2 (n = 39), 3 (n = 46), 4 (n = 56) and 5 (n = 14) (P < 0·001); and 64·1% and 50·0% for the maximum standardised uptake value (∆SUVmax) of ≥66% (n = 168) and <66% (n = 21), respectively (P = 0·25). After a median 5·4 years of follow‐up, the 5‐year PFS was 69·4%, 72·8%, 76·7%, 71·2% and 47·6% by DS 1–5 (P = 0·01); and 72·6% and 57·1% by ∆SUVmax of ≥66% and <66% (P = 0·03), respectively. The association with DS remained in multivariable analyses, and was consistent for OS. Early complete metabolic response (DS 1–3) at interim PET/CT after two cycles of R‐CHOP in DLBCL was associated with a higher end‐of‐treatment complete and overall response rate; however, only DS‐5 patients had inferior PFS and OS.
Subjective and objective evaluation of pain for older adults with knee osteoarthritis in Saudi Arabia: A reliability study

Aims: This study establishes the reliability and validity of pain pressure threshold (PPT) in evaluating pain for older adults with knee arthritis, and explores the importance of using a standard tool to measure pain in older adults. Methods: The study consisted of a group of 31 older adult patients with bilateral symptomatic knee osteoarthritis, intra- and inter-rater reliability, and concurrent validity that were assessed for PPT and were compared with standard visual analogue scale (VAS). Physical therapy intervention was provided to combat the pain. Results: The PPT showed excellent intra-assessor reliability by not only meeting acceptable standards but also representing very high values. The intra-assessor reliability between test sessions was excellent. The inter-assessor agreement was also very high before treatment. The highest ICC showed very good agreement (0.860) during the initial treatment for pain pressure measurement. The study also established concurrent validity of VAS and PPT (before treatment and after treatment), where the rho correlation was high (-0.708 and -0.625) and significant, indicating that PPT is adequately sensitive for detecting changes over time. Conclusion: PPT is a reliable and valid tool for measuring pain, and it helps clinicians understand the prognostic effect of the intervention, especially in older adults. The tool is consistent at measuring pain and is a valid tool compared to subjective pain scoring.
Significance and genetic diversity of SPAD chlorophyll meter reading in chickpea germplasm in the semi-arid environments

The SPAD chlorophyll meter reading is a measurement of the leaf chlorophyll contents, viz., the nitrogen acquisition capability, and so it is often used to improve the yield through improved nitrogen status. The genetic diversity of the SCMR was investigated in the chickpea mini-core germplasm collection plus five control cultivars of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) (n = 216) of ICRISAT Genebank under field conditions during two consecutive post rainy seasons of 2005-06 and 2006- 07. A large genetic variability for SCMR was observed among the 216 chickpea accessions. The SCMR at 62 days after sowing was positively correlated with the seed yield under drought environments. The SCMR at the earlier or later growth stages or under irrigated environment was not related to yield under drought environment, indicating that the selections for SCMR in chickpea need to be done at about mid pod-fill stage under drought stress conditions. A known drought avoidant chickpea genotype, ‘ICC 4958’ that has prolific and deep rooting system also showed the best SCMR performances among the 216 chickpea germplasm. ‘ICC 4958’ can be a potential donor parent for both root systems and SCMR advantages. In addition, few other outstanding genotypes such as ‘ICC 1422’, ‘ICC 10945’, ‘ICC 16374’ and ‘ICC 16903’, with the higher SCMR, were also identified in this study. This genetic variability for SCMR in the mini core provides valuable baseline knowledge in chickpea for further progress on the selection and breeding for drought tolerance through nitrogen acquisition capability.
Effects of Deer Feeders, Habitat and Sensory Cues on Predation Rates on Artificial Turtle Nests

Abstract We used artificial nests modeled after those of Trachemys scripta, a wide-ranging freshwater turtle species, to evaluate the effects of deer feeders, habitat type and visual and olfactory cues on nest predation in northern Florida. Nests were placed at lake sites with and without deer feeders, and in three habitat types: road, edge and forest. Overall nest mortality due to predators was high (89%). Nest survival was 5.5 times higher at lakes without deer feeders than at those with feeders. Among habitat types, survival was highest at road nests (23%), while survival rates at forest (4%) and edge nests (6%) were lower than that at road nests. No significant difference in survival was detected with respect to the presence of visual or olfactory cues. Our results suggest that deer feeders reduce recruitment in freshwater turtle populations, and that generalizations regarding the negative impacts of roads should be made cautiously, in a taxon and site-specific fashion.
Establishment Systems for Glyphosate-Resistant Alfalfa

Glyphosate-resistant alfalfa offers new weed control options for alfalfa establishment. Field studies were conducted in 2004 and 2005 to determine the effect of establishment method and weed control method on forage production and alfalfa stand establishment. Seeding methods included clear seeding and companion seeding with oats. Herbicide treatments included glyphosate, imazamox, imazamox + clethodim, and no herbicide. Temporary stunting from the glyphosate treatments was observed (< 7%); however, injury did not reduce forage yield or stand density in 2004. No glyphosate injury was observed in 2005. Weed control with glyphosate was more consistent than with imazamox or imazamox + clethodim. In 2004, total seasonal forage yield, which consisted of alfalfa, weeds, and oats (in some treatments), was the highest where no herbicide was applied in the oat companion crop and was reduced where herbicides were applied in both establishment systems. In 2005, seeding method or weed control method did not affect total seasonal forage production. Alfalfa established with the clear-seeded method and treated with glyphosate yielded the highest alfalfa dry matter in both years. Imazamox injury reduced first-harvest alfalfa yield in the clear-seeded system in both years. When no herbicide was applied, alfalfa yield was higher in the clear-seeded system. The oat companion crop suppressed alfalfa yield significantly in both years. Alfalfa established with an oat companion crop had a lower weed biomass than the clear-seeded system where no herbicide was applied in both years. Nomenclature: Clethodim, glyphosate, imazamox, alfalfa, Medicago sativa L. , oat, Avena sativa L. ‘Ida’
Association between periodontal disease, tooth loss, and liver diseases risk.

AIM The purpose of this study is to assess the associations between periodontal disease, tooth loss and liver diseases. MATERIALS AND METHODS PubMed and Embase databases were utilized to search eligible studies. Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was used as effect size to assess the associations between periodontal disease, tooth loss and liver diseases risk. RESULTS Our results indicated positive associations between periodontal disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (OR =1.19, 95% CI = 1.06-1.33), liver cirrhosis (OR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.50-3.48), and elevated transaminase level risk (OR =1.08, 95% CI = 1.02-1.15). Moreover, tooth loss could increase NAFLD (OR =1.33, 95% CI =1.12- 1.56) and liver cancer risk (OR =1.34, 95% CI = 1.04-1.74), and every 5 increment in tooth loss was associated with 5% increased liver cancer risk (OR = 1.05, 95 % CI = 1.01 - 1.10) with a linear relationship. In addition, tooth loss had a positive tendency toward liver cirrhosis risk (OR =2.03, 95% CI = 0.85-4.85) although there was no statistical significance. CONCLUSION Periodontal disease and tooth loss are positively associated with liver diseases including NAFLD, elevated transaminase level, liver cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Inhibition of CYP2D6 with low dose (5 mg) paroxetine in patients with high 10‐hydroxynortriptyline serum levels‐A prospective pharmacokinetic study

The antidepressant nortriptyline is metabolized by cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) to the less active and more cardiotoxic drug metabolite, 10‐hydroxynortriptyline. High serum levels of this metabolite (>200 μg/L) may lead to withdrawal of nortriptyline therapy. Adding CYP2D6 inhibitors reduce the metabolic activity of CYP2D6 (phenoconversion) and so decrease the forming of hydroxynortriptyline. In this study, 5 mg paroxetine is administered to patients with high hydroxynortriptyline concentrations (>200 μg/L). The shift in number of patients to therapeutic nortriptyline (50–150 μg/L) and safe hydroxynortriptyline (<200 μg/L) concentrations, and the degree of phenoconversion, expressed as the change in ratio nortriptyline/hydroxynortriptyline concentrations before and after paroxetine addition, are prospectively observed and described. After paroxetine addition, 12 patients (80%) had therapeutic nortriptyline and safe hydroxynortriptyline concentrations. Hydroxynortriptyline concentrations decreased in all patients. The average nortriptyline/hydroxynortriptyline concentrations ratio increased from 0.32 to 0.59. This study shows that 5 mg paroxetine addition is able to lower high hydroxynortriptyline serum levels to safe ranges.
Techno‐economical optimization using Box–Behnken (BB) design for chemical oxygen demand and chloride reduction from hospital wastewater by electro‐coagulation

The study examines the optimum condition of an electro‐coagulation (EC) unit for treatment of hospital wastewater (HWW) using iron (Fe) electrodes. The impact of factors such as pH, current, and electrolysis time on COD, chloride, and anode dissolution was investigated. For this purpose, Box–Behnken (BB) design based on the response surface methodology (RSM) was used to design and analyze the results. The predicted value of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and chloride removal at optimum conditions (pH: 7.41, current: 2.64 A and electrolysis time: 41.31 min) were 92.81% and 71.23%, respectively. At same optimum conditions, the value of energy and electrode consumption per kg of COD was 0.06376 kWh/kg COD and 1.362 kg/kg COD, respectively. High value of R2 (i.e., R2 > 99%) for all three responses (Y1, Y2, and Y3) obtained from ANOVA confirms that the proposed model is valid, accurate, and acceptable. The kinetic study shows linear relationship and follows pseudo‐first‐order kinetics. Pareto graph shows that the percentage impact of current factor on COD and chloride removal was maximum, that is, 54.984% and 66.79%, respectively. Lastly, the total cost of EC treatment was calculated in terms of COD removal and was found to be 55.47 ₹/kg COD.
Three‐year outcome with drug‐coated balloon percutaneous coronary intervention in coronary Takayasu arteritis: A case review

We describe the first long‐term follow‐up of a young patient with active Takayasu arteritis who presented with an acute coronary syndrome, treated endovascularly with percutaneous coronary intervention without stenting. A drug‐coated balloon was used with high‐resolution coronary imaging guidance in the form of optical coherence tomography on a critical ostial left anterior descending coronary artery lesion. A repeat procedure was undertaken after 4 months confirming a durable coronary angioplasty result and the patient remained symptom‐free beyond 3 years. Coronary stenting in this population is associated with early and aggressive stent failure. Hence, this is an innovative approach. We believe that the stent, regardless of whether it is first, second or subsequent generation, leaves a permanent foreign body within the vasculature that becomes the seed for inflammatory reactions, resulting in recurrent in‐stent restenotic fibrosis irrespective of concurrent immunotherapy or the degree of disease activity.
Construct Validity of Outcome Rating Scale (ORS) Scores in Clinical Samples: Extension of Harris, Murphy, and Rakes' (2019) Narrative Review.

PURPOSE A recent review of 24 studies primarily evaluated psychometric properties of the Outcome Rating Scale (ORS) related to coefficient alpha and convergent validity. METHOD To provide a fuller picture, this review examined effect size (ES) estimates and the full range of correlations between ORS scores and related measures. RESULTS Mean ORS ESs equaled 1.00 for 44 comparison periods. ORS scores correlated highest with measures of depression and evidenced larger ESs in depression treatments. DISCUSSION The ORS functions as a robust measure for detecting client progress in clinical samples that were primarily young, female, and Caucasian. Some results suggest ORS scores primarily reflect a rapid response to interventions. CONCLUSION AND LIMITATIONS Future research should assess ORS scores' psychometric properties in response to interventions with more heterogeneous client samples as well as its capacity to monitor change beyond initial sessions.
Professionalism of Information Management in Health Care: Development and Validation of the Construct and Its Measurement

Abstract Background Against the background of a steadily increasing degree of digitalization in health care, a professional information management (IM) is required to successfully plan, implement, and evaluate information technology (IT). At its core, IM has to ensure a high quality of health data and health information systems to support patient care. Objectives The goal of the present study was to define what constitutes professional IM as a construct as well as to propose a reliable and valid measurement instrument. Methods To develop and validate the construct of professionalism of information management (PIM) and its measurement, a stepwise approach followed an established procedure from information systems and behavioral research. The procedure included an analysis of the pertaining literature and expert rounds on the construct and the instrument, two consecutive and comprehensive surveys at the national and international level, exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses as well as reliability and validity testing. Results Professionalism of information management was developed as a construct consisting of the three dimensions of strategic, tactical, and operational IM as well as of the regularity and cyclical phases of IM procedures as the two elements of professionalism. The PIM instrument operationalized the construct providing items that incorporated IM procedures along the three dimensions and cyclical phases. These procedures had to be evaluated against their degree of regularity in the instrument. The instrument proved to be reliable and valid in two consecutive measurement phases and across three countries. Conclusion It can be concluded that professionalism of information management is a meaningful construct that can be operationalized in a scientifically rigorous manner. Both science and practice can benefit from these developments in terms of improved self-assessment, benchmarking capabilities, and eventually, obtaining a better understanding of health IT maturity.
Built‐in software in children on long‐term ventilation in real life practice

Information gathered with built‐in software (BIS) on new ventilators allow clinicians to access long‐term noninvasive ventilation (LTNIV) data. Nevertheless, few evidence are available in literature that highlight potential strengths and disadvantages of using BIS in pediatrics. We aim to evaluate the use of BIS in a cohort of 90 children on LTNIV in our unit, focusing mainly on adherence, air leaks, and residual sleep events. We found that caregivers' perception of ventilator use is independent from objective adherence (P = .137). Furthermore, we failed to find any predictors of adherence. As regards air leaks, we found that pre‐scholars' (0‐6 years old) total air leaks are lower than teenagers' (more than 12 years old) (P < .05). Multiple regressive analysis showed that age at the beginning of therapy is a predictor of total air leaks: prescholars are associated with lower values (P < .05), while scholars (6‐12 years old) are associated with higher values (P < .05). Finally, we explored the validity of BIS automatic scoring of sleep events (AHIBIS) as compared with the manual scoring of polygraphy (AHIPG). AHIBIS is within a range of 3.98 from AHIPG in 95% of cases, with a 64% of sensitivity and a 67% of specificity in identifying a pathological state. The disagreement between the two methods seems to increase for high AHI values. In conclusion, data gathered by BIS are a useful support tool for the clinician in assessing the course of LTNIV. However, clinicians must be aware of the several limitations of built‐in software, especially in pediatrics.
Update on high‐power short‐duration ablation for pulmonary vein isolation

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is the cornerstone of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. However, this procedure remains complex and time‐consuming, and the recurrence of AF after PVI is still unsatisfactory. Current technologies have improved our knowledge of the association between radiofrequency lesion creation and ablation parameters (power and duration), which triggered the development of high‐power short‐duration (HPSD). During the past decade, several preclinical and clinical studies have been conducted to confirm the feasibility, safety, and outcome of PVI ablation with HPSD or very high‐power short‐duration (vHPSD) settings, which increased electrophysiologists' interests in the utility of HPSD strategies. This paper describes the theoretical basis and recent research findings of HPSD or vHPSD ablation and summarizes the state‐of‐the‐art evidence behind the role of this strategy in PVI.
The minerals in the clay fractions of a black cotton soil and a red earth from Hyderabad, Deccan State, India

The mineral compositions of the clays from a red earth and a black cotton soil from Hyderabad, Deccan State, India, occurring in close proximity in the field are determined. Both soils are derived from the same or from very similar parent rocks, a coarsely crystalline granite or gneiss. For both soils there is practically no variation in the mineralogical composition of the clay throughout the profile, but for any given clay there is some variation with grain size. The main contrast between the two is that the red clay contains predominantly kaolinite or halloysite, whereas the black clay contains mainly beidellite, a member of the montmorillonite group. The topography appears to be the principal factor associated with this difference in minerals, and the processes of weathering believed to have produced the contrasted clays are discussed with reference to experiments on the leaching of felspar in the laboratory and on hydrothermal synthesis.
Cytological studies on a new species of rickettsia found in association with a phage in the digestive gland of the marine bivalve mollusc, Tellina tenuis (da Costa)

The secretory cells of the digestive glands of up to 75% of Tellina tenuis from sheltered sandy beaches on the Scottish coast contained intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies consisting of microcolonies of a rickettsia-like organism. The development and morphology of these parasitic bacteria and the cytopathic effect on the host cells are described. These features closely resemble those of the genus Coxiella of the family Rickettsiaceae. It was possible to culture the organism in embryonated hens' eggs. Scattered particles and paracrystalline arrays of a virus were seen in association with the bacteria. This is believed to be the first description of a phage from a rickettsia.
Mechanisms of heart valve development and disease

ABSTRACT The valves of the heart are crucial for ensuring that blood flows in one direction from the heart, through the lungs and back to the rest of the body. Heart valve development is regulated by complex interactions between different cardiac cell types and is subject to blood flow-driven forces. Recent work has begun to elucidate the important roles of developmental pathways, valve cell heterogeneity and hemodynamics in determining the structure and function of developing valves. Furthermore, this work has revealed that many key genetic pathways involved in cardiac valve development are also implicated in diseased valves. Here, we review recent discoveries that have furthered our understanding of the molecular, cellular and mechanosensitive mechanisms of valve development, and highlight new insights into congenital and acquired valve disease. Summary: This Review discusses recent discoveries of molecular, cellular and mechanosensitive mechanisms of valve development in mammals and zebrafish, along with relevance to human congenital and acquired valve disease.