Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Taxonomy of the ant genus Pheidole Westwood (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in the Afrotropical zoogeographic region: definition of species groups and systematic revision of the Pheidole pulchella group

This paper is a starting point towards a much needed comprehensive taxonomic treatment of the genus Pheidole in theAfrotropical region. Despite its hyperdiversity, the taxonomy of this globally distributed ant genus is limited to importantrevisions for the New World and several Asian faunas. However, Pheidole of the Afrotropical zoogeographic region hasnever been revised. The most recent Afrotropical Pheidole species descriptions are fifty years old and many are consider-ably older. Identification keys are not available and many species descriptions are of limited diagnostic value. This callsfor a series of taxonomic revisions in order to resolve the complicated taxonomic situation for the complete Afrotropical Pheidole fauna. In this paper the following preliminary morphological species groups for the Afrotropical region are de-fined: P. aurivillii group, P. excellens group, P. megacephala group, P. nigeriensis group, and P. speculifera group. We also establish and revise the P. pulchella group, which currently contains eleven species, of which seven are new. The four spe-cies described prior to this study are: P. pulchella Santschi, P. dea Santschi, P. nimba Bernard, and P. batrachorum Wheeler stat. rev., which is removed from synonymy under P. dea and regains species status. The following new synonymy isproposed (senior synonym listed first): P. pulchella Santschi = P. pulchella achantella Santschi. The following seven spe-cies are described as new: P. christinae sp. n. , P. darwini, sp. n. , P. glabrella sp. n. , P. heliosa sp. n. , P. rebeccae sp. n. , P. semidea sp. n. and P. setosa, sp. n. An illustrated key combining the minor and major worker subcastes is presented.
Gender variation in a threatened and endemic palm Trachycarpus takil Becc.

A detailed study of flowering and fruiting in endemic and threatened palm, Trachycarpus takil was carried out. Earlier reports on the male and female concept of the plant were found incorrect; the plant is not perfectly dioceous. Gender expression in this species is not stable and it was noted that there is a tendency of young plants to behave as male which subsequently changes the sex from male to bisexual and female on ageing. It was also noted that the species is evolutionarily at superior stage and basically planned to outbreed but if the chances of cross pollination fails, the plant has capacity to develop pollen grains in staminodes to ensure the sexual reproduction.
Influence of season, form of feed, dietary energy level, age and sex on broiler organ biometry

In a 3 x 2 x 2 x 2 x 2 factorial experiment, 864 broiler chicks were raised in cages. The treatments were, three levels of ME (2500, 2700 and 2900 KCal/kg) x mash s. pellets x summer vs. winter x male vs. female x 6th vs. 8th week of age (48 treatments); with 4 replicates per treatment having 18 chicks per replicate. Eight birds per treatment (4 males and 4 females) were slaughtered and the biometry of various organs were studied. The intestine length was longer in winter raised and pellet fed birds. Males had longer intestines than females. Caecal length was significantly longer in winter raised birds and males. Proventriculus weight and thickness was significantly higher in winter raised birds. At six weeks of age, birds raised in winter had significantly higher liver weights; but at eight weeks of age, high energy diet fed birds had the highest liver and heart weight. Pellet fed birds had significantly (P<0.05) lower gizzard weight irrespective of other factors.
Production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in human monocytes : regulation and signaling

Les tissus vivants repondent aux agressions par l'inflammation qui elimine les agents prejudiciables et initie la guerison des tissus leses. Les dereglements de l'inflammation entrainent des pathologies (polyarthrite rhumatoide (PR), sclerose en plaques (SEP)). Les cytokines pro- (TNF, IL-1β) et anti-inflammatoires (sIL-1Ra), peuvent jouer des roles salutaires ou deleteres dans l'inflammation aigue/physiologique ou chronique/pathologique. Dans l'inflammation chronique (PR, SEP) les cytokines sont induites par le contact cellulaire direct des monocytes/macrophages avec les lymphocytes T stimules. Ce travail de these a demontre: 1) que l'interaction CD40L-CD40 n'etait pas impliquee dans ce mecanisme; 2) que l'IFNβ (traitement de la SEP et la PR) orientait les monocytes vers une fonction anti-inflammatoire dans des conditions d'inflammation chronique, mais pas aigue ; 3) que l'activation des P13Ks controlaient la transcription de sIL-1Ra par les monocytes quel que soit l'activateur ; et 4) que les P13Ks reprimaient la secretion d'IL-1β dans l'inflammation sterile ou infectieuse.
Resting-state Functional Network Disruptions in a Rodent Model of Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE)

Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is themost common form of drug-refractory epilepsy. The clinical application of non-invasively mapped networks using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI) in humans has been rather limited due to heterogeneous (varying etiology, drugs, onset, latent period, etc.) patient groups. We employed a pharmacological (kainic acid) rodent model of TLE to measure the extent of functional network disruptions using rsfMRI, and study selected behaviors and olfactory to hippocampus transmission. Graph theoretical network modelling and analysis revealed significant increase in functional connectivity connectivity to the temporal lobe (hippocampus) in epileptic-rats compared to controls in the limbic (nucleus accumbens, medial dorsal thalamus), and “default mode” network (retrosplenial, sensorimotor, auditory and posterior parietal cortices). Loss in righting reflex that occurred in response to a lower isoflurane concentration in kainate-treated rats compared to controls was also revealed. These results suggest extensive disruptions in brain networks affected by TLE.
Are adenoma and serrated polyp detection rates correlated with endoscopists’ sensitivity of optical diagnosis?

Abstract Introduction Endoscopists with a high adenoma detection rate (ADR) and proximal serrated polyp detection rate (PSPDR) detect these polyps more frequently, which may be attributable to better recognition of their endoscopic features. Little is known about the association between endoscopic lesion detection and differentiation skills. Therefore, we evaluated the correlation between the ADR, PSPDR, and the sensitivity of optical diagnosis for adenomas and serrated polyps. Methods We performed an exploratory post-hoc analysis of the DISCOUNT-2 study, including complete colonoscopies after a positive fecal immunochemical test (FIT) performed by endoscopists who performed ≥ 50 colonoscopies. The correlations between the ADR, PSPDR, and the sensitivity of optical diagnosis were calculated using Pearson’s rho correlation coefficient. Results 24 endoscopists performed ≥ 50 colonoscopies, resulting in a total of 2889 colonoscopies. The overall ADR was 84.5 % (range 71.4 % – 95.3 %) and overall PSPDR was 13.7 % (4.3 % – 29.0 %). The sensitivity of optical diagnosis for adenomas and serrated polyps were 94.5 % (83.3 % – 100 %) and 74.0 % (37.5 % – 94.1 %), respectively. No correlation could be demonstrated between the ADR and the sensitivity of optical diagnosis for adenomas (−0.20; P = 0.35) or between the PSPDR and the sensitivity of optical diagnosis for serrated polyps (−0.12; P = 0.57). Conclusions In a homogeneous FIT-positive population, no correlation between the ADR, PSPDR, and the sensitivity of optical diagnosis for adenomas and serrated polyps could be demonstrated. These exploratory results suggest that lesion detection and differentiation require different endoscopic skills. Further prospective studies are needed; until then, monitoring of both performance indicators is important to secure optimal efficacy of FIT-based colorectal cancer screening.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Diabetogenic Adipose Morphology in the GENetics of Adipocyte Lipolysis (GENiAL) Cohort

An increased adipocyte size relative to the size of fat depots, also denoted hypertrophic adipose morphology, is a strong risk factor for the future development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. The regulation of adipose morphology is poorly understood. We set out to identify genetic loci associated with adipose morphology and functionally evaluate candidate genes for impact on adipocyte development. We performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in the unique GENetics of Adipocyte Lipolysis (GENiAL) cohort comprising 948 participants who have undergone abdominal subcutaneous adipose biopsy with a determination of average adipose volume and morphology. The GWAS identified 31 genetic loci displaying suggestive association with adipose morphology. Functional evaluation of candidate genes by small interfering RNAs (siRNA)-mediated knockdown in adipose-derived precursor cells identified six genes controlling adipocyte renewal and differentiation, and thus of potential importance for adipose hypertrophy. In conclusion, genetic and functional studies implicate a regulatory role for ATL2, ARHGEF10, CYP1B1, TMEM200A, C17orf51, and L3MBTL3 in adipose morphology by their impact on adipogenesis.
Investigating the link between phosphoinositides, endosomal trafficking and ESCRT function

The maturation of early endosomes into multivesicular bodies (MVBs) and subsequent trafficking to lysosomes is an important event for the control and silencing of endocytosed membrane receptors. The endosomal-sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) proteins appear to play a key role in this event. Phosphatidylinositol lipids including PtdIns(3,5)P2 have been implicated in the MVB-lysosomal pathway and an ESCRT-III component CHMP3 binds to this lipid in vitro. The purpose of this thesis was to investigate the link between ESCRT proteins, PtdIns(3,5)P2 and endo-lysosomal trafficking. Firstly, a protein expressed by Salmonella, which is a phosphatase that acts on PtdIns(3,5)P2, was investigated as a potential tool for manipulating cellular PtdIns(3,5)P2 levels. Our results suggest that it is potentially a useful tool for this purpose and that expression of SopB perturbs endosome to lysosome trafficking. These findings provide further evidence for a role of PtdIns(3,5)P2 in endo-lysosomal trafficking.
Predictive pharmacogenetic biomarkers for breast cancer recurrence prevention by simvastatin

Abstract Background: Statins treat hyperlipidemia and prevent cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Evidence suggests that they also have anti-neoplastic activity. Several studies show a reduced rate of breast cancer recurrence among lipophilic statin users (e.g., simvastatin), motivating calls for clinical trials of statins in breast cancer patients. We measured the impact of genetic variation in statin-metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters on the recurrence rate in simvastatin-treated breast cancer patients. Methods: We conducted a nested case-control study among Danish women diagnosed with non-metastatic, invasive breast cancer between 2004–2010 who had filled ≥1 prescription for simvastatin after diagnosis. Cases were all breast cancer recurrences from the source population; one control was matched to each case on cancer stage, estrogen receptor and hormone therapy status, calendar period of diagnosis, and duration of simvastatin exposure. We genotyped variants in simvastatin-metabolizing enzymes (CYP3A4/rs35599367 and CYP3A5/rs776746) and drug transporters (ABCB1/rs2032582 and SLCO1B1/rs4149056), and estimated their association with recurrence with logistic regression models. Results: We observed protective (though imprecisely-measured) associations between variants in genes encoding drug transporters (ABCB1 and SLCO1B1) and simvastatin-metabolizing enzymes (CYP3A4 and CYP3A5) and breast cancer recurrence in simvastatin-treated women. For example, carrying two variant alleles in ABCB1 was associated with a 31% lower rate of recurrence (multivariable OR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.31, 1.5). Conclusion: Our study provides weak evidence to support the use of genetic variation in ABCB1, SLCO1B1, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5 as biomarkers of breast tumor response to simvastatin. Validation of these findings within adjuvant clinical trials is encouraged.
Sex‐limited association of Fergusobia nematodes with female Fergusonina flies in a unique Australasian mutualism (Nematoda: Neotylenchidae; Diptera: Fergusoninidae)

All known species of Fergusonina flies (Fergusoninidae) participate in an obligate mutualism with Fergusobia nematodes (Neotylenchidae). From dissections, it is believed that all female third-instar larvae, pupae and adult female flies carry nematodes internally, while male adults and larvae do not. This observation of sex-limited association was tested using a molecular diagnostic approach. Nematode-specific primers were used for polymerase chain reaction amplification of a portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene in order to screen DNA extractions from flies for the presence of nematode DNA. Consistent with evidence from dissections, nearly all extractions from adult female flies were positive for nematode DNA, while all DNA extractions from adult male flies were negative. Nearly half of late-instar larvae screened showed evidence of nematode DNA, consistent with the hypothesis that nematodes are only present within females. This paper is the first to use a molecular method to confirm this phenomenon within the Fergusonina/Fergusobia system.
Experimental Study on a Novel Shear Connection System for FRP-Concrete Hybrid Bridge Girder

The study presents experimental results of an investigation on a novel shear connection system for hybrid bridge girders composed of laminated composite beams and concrete slabs. The special connector comprised of a steel plate and welded bolts is attached to beam’s top flange by adhesive bonding and with a preset torque of nuts. The study’s purpose is to check ductility, safety, reliability and robustness of the shear connection before its implementation in the first Polish composite bridge. Three static push-out tests and fatigue test were performed to evaluate the shear connection behavior under static and cyclic loading. The load–slip curves, shear capacity, fatigue strength and failure mechanisms of the novel shear connectors are discussed. The high-slip modulus indicates that the connectors can very efficiently promote the composite action. The ultimate resistance and the fatigue strength obtained from the test was about 12% and 66% higher than the characteristic resistance and the fatigue strength of common headed studs, according to Eurocode 4, respectively. An estimated global safety factor of 3.67 showed the high safety, reliability and robustness of the novel connection system. The study discusses the structural performance of the proposed connection system, demonstrating its technical suitability.
Hair Cortisol Concentrations as a Biomarker to Predict a Clinical Pregnancy Outcome after an IVF Cycle: A Pilot Feasibility Study

Our objective was to examine the feasibility of hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) as a biomarker to predict clinical pregnancy outcomes and investigate its potential associations with perceived anxiety, resilience, and depressive symptoms. A total of 43 participants were assessed using HCC, the state trait anxiety inventory (STAI), resilience scale (RS), and the depression subscale of the symptom checklist 90-R (SCL-90-R). Participants were approached at their second consultation with the reproductive endocrinologist (T1), before scheduling their IVF cycle, and then 12 weeks after (T2), at their post-transfer visit with the study coordinators, before the human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) pregnancy test. The logistic regression model revealed that HCC at T2 predicted 46% of a positive pregnancy test [R2 = 0.46, (ß = 0.11, p < 0.05)]. Pregnant women had higher levels of resilience at T2 (M = 149.29; SD = 17.56) when compared with non-pregnant women at T2 (M = 119.96; SD = 21.71). Significant differences were found between both groups in depression at T2 (t = 3.13, p = 0.01) and resilience at T2 (t = −4.89, p = 0.01). HCC might be a promising biomarker to calculate the probability of pregnancy in women using assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
Evidence of infection with Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in South Australia: using wild rabbits as a sentinel species.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to utilise wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) as a sentinel species to study levels of environmental contamination with N. caninum and T. gondii in South Australia, and to examine associations with rainfall, climate and land use. DESIGN Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii), an apicomplexan parasite, causes the clinical disease toxoplasmosis, which can affect sheep as well as humans and many other animals. Neosporosis, the clinical disease caused by closely related Neospora caninum (N. caninum), causes abortions in cattle, with large economic impacts to cattle industries. METHODS Aliquots of wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) serum were obtained from twelve sites across South Australia over a period of eighteen years, with a total of 2114 samples. An in-house Modified Agglutination Test (MAT) was developed, and samples were screened for the specific antibodies against both T.gondii and N. caninum. RESULTS Overall, 9.9% of samples screened for T. gondii tested positive and 6.1% of samples screened for N. caninum tested positive. There was no difference observed in seroprevalence of T.gondii specific antibodies between samples collected throughout summer, autumn, winter or spring. By contrast, a significantly higher (p=0.030) seroprevalence of N. caninum specific antibodies was observed in spring than any other season. T. gondii and N. caninum antibodies were discovered at sites across a broad area of South Australia, indicating these environments maybe infected with both parasites. CONCLUSION Results provide evidence that suggests N. caninum oocysts may have different survival characteristics, such as varying tolerances to low relative humidity, than T. gondii oocysts.
Cooling, Storing and Quality of Raw Milk

Abstract Full-scale experiments with cooling of raw milk of good initial quality from a herd of 70 dairy cows have been performed under practical farm conditions, with different cooling and storage conditions, including instant cooling in a continuous process versus normal cooling in a batch process. During each milking, the milk was divided equally and successively for different cooling procedures. Quality evaluations (number of bacteria, acidity and oxidation of fat, sensoric quality) indicated that instant cooling/continuous process compared with normal cooling/batch process over 2.5 hours, both to 4°C, resulted in a slightly slower bacterial growth and a slightly slower hydrolysis and oxidation of milk fat. Instant raw milk cooled and stored at 2.5°C maintained a good quality for about one to two days more than when normal cooling over 1.5 hours and storing at 4°C was used.
Evolution of molar shape in didelphid marsupials (Marsupialia: Didelphidae): analysis of the influence of ecological factors and phylogenetic legacy

The diversity of items consumed by modern didelphids, varying from mostly fruits in Caluromys Allen to mostly small vertebrates in Lutreolina O. Thomas, may cause changes in molar size and shape. We evaluated the morphometric variation of the first and third upper and lower molars of 16 genera of didelphid marsupials, with the aim of assessing the relationship between molar shape change, diet and phylogeny. We used a geometric morphometric approach to analyse how shape changes with diet. We mapped shape onto the phylogeny of the group to reconstruct ancestral states and analyse the evolution of molar shape. Finally, we statistically estimated the effect of size, diet and phylogeny on molar shape. All the analyses indicated little correlation between diet and molar shape and a strong correlation between the position of each genus on the phylogeny and molar shape. We believe that the wide ecological niche used by most of the groups (at least regarding diet) makes the evolutionary changes not strong enough to override pre-existing differences that occur among clades, and the absence of highly diet-specialized species (e.g. hypercarnivory or obligate folivory) causes the need for retaining a molar shape that can be useful to process different kinds of food items. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London
COVID-19 and mental health of older adults in the Philippines: a perspective from a developing country

As the world grapples with the public health emergency and economic crisis from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, developing countries become the most vulnerable to its profound negative impact. The current struggles of developed countries in responding to the pandemic despite their wealth of resources, solid economies, and established healthcare infrastructures are magnified and intensified for developing countries. Challenges of meeting even the most basic health needs in developing countries become much more acute in the setting of a pandemic, and physical health takes precedence over mental health needs. In this commentary, we discuss the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of older Filipinos, who are more vulnerable to the effects of COVID-19, and describe ways that healthcare workers can help alleviate the negative impact on their mental health to the extent possible within the limited resources available in the Philippines.