Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Recent Analytical Methodologies in Lipid Analysis

Lipids represent a large group of biomolecules that are responsible for various functions in organisms. Diseases such as diabetes, chronic inflammation, neurological disorders, or neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases can be caused by lipid imbalance. Due to the different stereochemical properties and composition of fatty acyl groups of molecules in most lipid classes, quantification of lipids and development of lipidomic analytical techniques are problematic. Identification of different lipid species from complex matrices is difficult, and therefore individual analytical steps, which include extraction, separation, and detection of lipids, must be chosen properly. This review critically documents recent strategies for lipid analysis from sample pretreatment to instrumental analysis and data interpretation published in the last five years (2019 to 2023). The advantages and disadvantages of various extraction methods are covered. The instrumental analysis step comprises methods for lipid identification and quantification. Mass spectrometry (MS) is the most used technique in lipid analysis, which can be performed by direct infusion MS approach or in combination with suitable separation techniques such as liquid chromatography or gas chromatography. Special attention is also given to the correct evaluation and interpretation of the data obtained from the lipid analyses. Only accurate, precise, robust and reliable analytical strategies are able to bring complex and useful lipidomic information, which may contribute to clarification of some diseases at the molecular level, and may be used as putative biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets.
The Diversity of Wolbachia across the Turtle Ants (Formicidae: Cephalotes spp.)

Simple Summary One of the most widespread bacteria associated with insects are those in the genus Wolbachia. These bacteria can cause a wide range of behavioral and physiological changes within their host species, but not all these interactions are well-documented. Specifically in ants, the diversity of Wolbachia has not been characterized fully leaving many open questions regarding its interactions with this globally distributed insect family. This study surveyed the genus Cephalotes for its Wolbachia diversity and aimed to characterize the singly infected samples found along with discovering any patterns in infections. Using multilocus sequence typing, novel genes and Wolbachia strains were discovered across the native distribution of Cephalotes. There were no clear patterns in infections nor any association with biogeographic distribution. Overall, the unique sequences should be investigated further but provide important information on the distribution and relationship between Cephalotes and Wolbachia at the genus level. This provides further information for future studies to continue investigating these unusual bacteria and their complex relationships with ant-hosts. Abstract Wolbachia is a widespread and well-known bacterium that can induce a wide range of changes within its host. Ants specifically harbor a great deal of Wolbachia diversity and are useful systems to study endosymbiosis. The turtle ants (Cephalotes) are a widespread group of tropical ants that rely on gut microbes to support their herbivorous diet for their survival, yet little is known of the extent of this diversity. Therefore, studying their endosymbionts and categorizing the diversity of bacteria within Cephalotes hosts could help to delimit species and identify new strains and can help lead to a further understanding of how the microbiome leads to survival and speciation in the wild. In our study, 116 individual samples were initially tested for positive infection with the wsp gene. Of the initial 116 samples, 9 samples were infected with only one strain of Wolbachia, and 7 were able to be used successfully for multilocus sequence typing (MLST). We used the new MLST data to infer a phylogeny with other Formicidae samples from the MLST online database to identify new Wolbachia strains and related genes, of which only one came back as an exact match. The 18 Wolbachia-positive samples ranged across 15 different species and 7 different countries, which we further test for species identity and geographic correlation. This study is the first comprehensive look into the diversity of Wolbachia in the turtle ants, providing insight into how endosymbionts are oriented in widespread species and providing a strong foundation for further research in host-microbe interactions.
Zinc Supplementation Enhances the Hematopoietic Activity of Erythropoiesis-Stimulating Agents but Not Hypoxia-Inducible Factor–Prolyl Hydroxylase Inhibitors

Since zinc is involved in many aspects of the hematopoietic process, zinc supplementation can reduce erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) in patients undergoing hemodialysis. However, it remains unclear whether hypoxia-inducible factor–prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors (HIF-PHIs) have similar reduction effects. HIF-PHI stabilizes HIF, which promotes hematopoiesis, although HIF-1α levels are downregulated by zinc. This study aimed to investigate the effect of zinc supplementation on the hematopoietic effect of HIF-PHI in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Thirty patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis who underwent periods of treatment with roxadustat or darbepoetin alfa during the past 3 years were retrospectively observed. Participants who underwent periods with and without zinc supplementation were selected, with nine treated with darbepoetin alfa and nine treated with roxadustat. Similarly to the ESA responsiveness index (ERI), the hematopoietic effect of zinc supplementation was determined by the HIF-PHI responsiveness index (HRI), which was calculated by dividing the HIF-PHI dose (mg/week) by the patient’s dry weight (kg) and hemoglobin level (g/L). Zinc supplementation significantly increased ERI (p < 0.05), but no significant change was observed (p = 0.931) in HRI. Although zinc supplementation did not significantly affect HRI, adequate zinc supplementation is required to alleviate concerns such as vascular calcification and increased serum copper during the use of HIF-PHI.
Synthesis and Optimization of Ni-Based Nano Metal–Organic Frameworks as a Superior Electrode Material for Supercapacitor

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are hybrid materials that are being explored as active electrode materials in energy storage devices, such as rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors (SCs), due to their high surface area, controllable chemical composition, and periodic ordering. However, the facile and controlled synthesis of a pure MOF phase without impurities or without going through a complicated purification process (that also reduces the yield) are challenges that must be resolved for their potential industrial applications. Moreover, various oxide formations of the Ni during Ni-MOF synthesis also represent an issue that affects the purity and performance. To resolve these issues, we report the controlled synthesis of nickel-based metal–organic frameworks (NiMOFs) by optimizing different growth parameters during hydrothermal synthesis and by utilizing nickel chloride as metal salt and H2bdt as the organic ligand, in a ratio of 1:1 at 150 °C. Furthermore, the synthesis was optimized by introducing a magnetic stirring stage, and the reaction temperature varied across 100, 150, and 200 °C to achieve the optimized growth of the NiMOFs crystal. The rarely used H2bdt ligand for Ni-MOF synthesis and the introduction of the ultrasonication stage before putting it in the furnace led to the formation of a pure phase without impurities and oxide formation. The synthesized materials were further characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and UV–vis spectroscopy. The SEM images exhibited the formation of nano NiMOFs having a rectangular prism shape. The average size was 126.25 nm, 176.0 nm, and 268.4 nm for the samples (1:1)s synthesized at 100 °C, 150 °C, and 200 °C, respectively. The electrochemical performances were examined in a three-electrode configuration, in a wide potential window from −0.4 V to 0.55 V, and an electrolyte concentration of 2M KOH was maintained for each measurement. The charge–discharge galvanostatic measurement results in specific capacitances of 606.62 F/g, 307.33 F/g, and 287.42 F/g at a current density of 1 A/g for the synthesized materials at 100 °C, 150 °C, and 200 °C, respectively.
Risk factors for the development of stifle injuries in canine agility athletes

Objectives Our aim was to determine risk factors for developing stifle injuries in canine agility athletes. We hypothesized that increased weight, increased frequency of competing, and greater number of runs/day would increase risk. Study design Internet based survey, n = 4,197. Methods Individuals with at least one dog who had competed in agility in the past 3 years were eligible. Injury history was defined as an injury to the stifle that kept the dog from participating in agility for >1 week. Logistic regression models were used to estimate associations between variables of interest and injury history. Results Handlers of 216 dogs reported a history of injury. The majority were cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injury (101/216), and patella luxation (40/216). In the final model, five variables were independently associated with odds of stifle injury (in addition to age). Heavier dogs (adjusted for height), Border Collies, male dogs neutered <10 months, female dogs spayed before their first heat cycle, handlers aged 18–24, and teeter contact behavior were associated with increased risk. Conclusion Heavier dogs were more likely to report injury, but there was no association with injury and increased number of competition days, or runs/day. The Border Collie breed was at the highest risk of injury. There was substantial risk for stifle injury with early spay/neuter. Additionally, a significant increase in risk of injury was reported for younger (18–24) vs. older handlers (65+). Athlete fitness level, conformation, and genetic predisposition to injury may play the most significant role in the development of injury.
Fabrication and Testing of a Vapor Polishing Device for ABS 3D-Printed Parts

Post-processing plays a significant role in improving the surface and mechanical properties of 3D-printed parts. One of these post-processing methods is vapor polishing which utilizes acetone to polish 3D-printed Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) specimen. This process is usually done using an improvised vapor polishing setup to achieve the desired surface finish of parts. Hence, in order to accomplish a uniform and standard polishing procedure for laboratory use, a vapor polishing device has been developed in this study. To assess the efficiency of the said device, the resulting surface roughness, dimensional accuracy, and tensile strength of ABS 3D-printed polished specimens have been evaluated and compared to unpolished specimen. The surface roughness of the cube specimen was captured using a Trinocular Microscope and was uploaded to the Mountains9 Topography software. Further, the dimensional accuracy of both polished and unpolished specimen has been measured using a digital Vernier Caliper. The data demonstrated that the polished specimen’s surface was enhanced while its shape, geometry, and dimension were preserved. Tensile tests on two (2) sample sets of polished and unpolished specimens revealed that polishing with acetone vapor using this developed device could improve the specimen’s tensile strength.
Genetic Parameter Estimation and Selection for Resistance to Gastrointestinal Nematode Parasites in Sheep—A Review

Simple Summary Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) infection in sheep is a common problem affecting small and large farms worldwide. These GIN parasites will normally infect the intestine of a sheep and may lead to diarrhea, weight loss, anemia and, in some cases, the animal’s death. The animals can also present a decrease in meat, wool, and milk production, which will lead to substantial economic losses. The use of anthelmintics to treat infected sheep as a single approach has resulted in worms developing resistance against the available commercial drugs. Other studies have shown that the animals resistant to GIN infection are capable of coping with the infection and have reduced health impairment caused by the GIN parasites. In this review, we summarize the results from the literature on the estimated genetic parameters for traits assessing GIN resistance in sheep. Additionally, we summarize the possible genetic gains when sheep are selected to be resistant to GIN and how genetics and genomics have impacted breeding programs in different countries. Abstract Gastrointestinal nematodes (GINs) are a major problem affecting sheep production systems worldwide. The flocks infected with GINs can undergo significant economic losses due to a decrease in productivity, the animals’ deaths, and the costs associated with treatments. The over-reliance on anthelmintics in the past years to eliminate GINs has resulted in the development of resistance against the available commercial anthelmintics. Genetically resistant animals can be used in mating systems to improve the overall flock resistance. This review aimed to summarize the estimated genetic parameters for resistance traits and genetic gains through the use of genetic/genomic selection for resistance to GINs in sheep. Heritability estimates from the literature ranged from 0.00 to 0.46 for fecal egg counts, 0.12 to 0.37 for packed cell volume/hematocrit, 0.07 to 0.26 for FAffa MAlan CHArt (FAMACHA©), from 0.10 to 0.37 for blood parameters, and 0.19 for Immunoglobulin A. Genetic correlations between traits measuring resistance to GINs and production traits ranged from negative to positive values in the literature. Genetic gains are possible when genetic/genomic selection for GIN resistance is applied. Therefore, genetic/genomic selection can be used to improve flocks’ resistance to GINs as a sustainable approach in sheep production systems.
The Effect Of Intercropping On Growth And Yield Of Sorghum (Sorghum Bicolor (L. Moench.))

A field experiment was carried out for one season (2003-2004) in the Experimental Farm of the Faculty of University of Khartoum Agriculture at Shambat in order to study the effect of intercropping with two legumes (pigeon pea cajanus cajan L.Mill sp and cowpea Vigna unguiculata L. Walp) on growth and yield of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L .Moench)). The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with four replicates. Treatments were sole sorghum (S), sole pigeon pea (P) sole cowpea (C) and three planting patterns of sorghum intercropped with each of the two legumes namely, alternate rows (PS1, CS1), alternate holes (PS2, CS2) and in the same hole (PS3, CS3). The results showed that intercropping tended to reduce vegetative growth of sorghum, sometimes significantly especially the same hole (PS3, CS3) treatments. Moreover intercropping sorghum with either of the two legumes(pigeon pea and cowpea) significantly increased seed yield /plant and straw yield, but it significantly reduced seed protein content and final seed yield. Intercropping also tended to increase 1000-seed weight and number of seeds/head, and delayed the time to 50% flowering, but the effect was not significant. Intercropping depressed vegetative growth of both legumes. Intercropped pigeon pea showed no change in the number of seeds/pod and 100-seed weight, but it exhibited insignificant increase in yield/plant. However, final seed yield and hay yield of pigeon pea were significantly reduced by intercropping. Intercropping cowpea with sorghum resulted in non-significant reduction in the number of seeds/pod and 100seed weight. Yield/plant, hay yield and final seed yield of cowpea showed significant reduction with intercropping. Intercropping caused significant increase in protein content of both legumes, and on days to 50% flowering of pigeon pea, but it had no effect on days to 50% flowering of cowpea. The land equivalent ratio for all the intercropping systems was greater than one, indicating that intercropping was more efficient than sole cropping in utilizing the available resources and resulted in higher productivity.
Exploring the Impact of Model-Informed Precision Dosing on Procalcitonin Concentrations in Critically Ill Patients: A Secondary Analysis of the DOLPHIN Trial

Model-informed precision dosing (MIPD) might be used to optimize antibiotic treatment. Procalcitonin (PCT) is a biomarker for severity of infection and response to antibiotic treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of MIPD on the course of PCT and to investigate the association of PCT with pharmacodynamic target (PDT) attainment in critically ill patients. This is a secondary analysis of the DOLPHIN trial, a multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial. Patients with a PCT value available at day 1 (T1), day 3 (T3), or day 5 (T5) after randomisation were included. The primary outcome was the absolute difference in PCT concentration at T1, T3, and T5 between the MIPD and the standard dosing group. In total, 662 PCT concentrations from 351 critically ill patients were analysed. There was no statistically significant difference in PCT concentration between the trial arms at T1, T3, or T5. The median PCT concentration was highest in patients who exceeded 10× PDT at T1 [13.15 ng/mL (IQR 5.43–22.75)]. In 28-day non-survivors and in patients that exceeded PDT at T1, PCT decreased significantly between T1 and T3, but plateaued between T3 and T5. PCT concentrations were not significantly different between patients receiving antibiotic treatment with or without MIPD guidance. The potential of PCT to guide antibiotic dosing merits further investigation.
Size effect in flow conductance of a closed small-scale hydraulic fracture in granite

Two-dimensional aperture distributions of a small-scale hydraulic fracture in granite were determined by measuring the height distributions of the two fracture surfaces along matched paths. Based upon the aperture data, water flow during closure of the fracture was simulated by solving the Reynolds equation for different flow areas at different positions. The main results obtained in this study are: (1) As the fracture closes, channeling flow becomes predominant and the flow conductance rapidly deviates from the value estimated by Darcy's law. A size-independent relation between a standardized mean aperture (e m /σ 0 ) and the ratio of a hydraulic aperture to the mean mechanical aperture (e n /e m ) was obtained for the small-scale hydraulic fracture. (2) The flow conductance at a given mean aperture decreases with the size of the flow area. This results fundamentally from the increase of the percentage of the contact point, which is caused by the increase of the initial standard deviation of the aperture with the size of the flow area.
Forecasting Vegetation Behavior Based on PlanetScope Time Series Data Using RNN-Based Models

Accurate vegetation behavior forecasting is essential for understanding the dynamics of plant life in the context of climate change and other natural or human-induced disturbances. Recurrent neural network (RNN) deep learning (DL) models represent a modern approach to predict vegetation behavior with a high level of precision. In this article, we explore the potential of different DL and more traditional methods to forecast the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), which is directly related to the state of vegetation and its dynamics. A time-series dataset consisting of 70 NDVI images calculated from PlanetScope data from April 2017 to January 2023 was used. Initially, all selected methods were evaluated and compared. From the six tested methods, simple RNN (SRNN) proved to be the most accurate method for predicting vegetation dynamics. The SRNN model results achieved a mean RMSE of 0.051 when compared to the actual 2022 NDVI values. The high accuracy was reflected in all five studied vegetation classes characterizing the selected Mediterranean test area. The SRNN method performs very well in most months, except in autumn where it underestimates NDVI values. To get a thorough insight into the results, we also compared them to the Sentinel-2 NDVI data and climate data consisting of temperature and precipitation values. It was found that most of the prediction differences were due to the irregular variations in meteorological conditions during the year analyzed. The predictive capabilities of RNNs are an effective tool for forecasting vegetation dynamics but can be further improved by incorporating climate data into the prediction process.
Association of a High Healthy Eating Index Diet with Long-Term Visceral Fat Loss in a Large Longitudinal Study

We aimed to investigate the association of a sustainable diet with a long-term reduction in waist circumference (WC) while identifying novel biomarkers for WC reduction (WCR). The participants were recruited initially during 2004–2013 in a large hospital-based cohort, and the follow-up measurements were conducted during 2012–2016. The 65,611 adults aged 45–75 were categorized into WC-loss (n = 22,290) and WC-gain (n = 43,321). Each study investigated demographic, anthropometric, biochemical, genetic, and dietary factors. The modified Healthy Eating Index (MHEI), dietary patterns, and glycemic index were calculated from a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Novel biomarkers influencing WC reduction were identified using machine learning approaches. A WCR was inversely associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) risk and its components. Daily energy intake did not differ between those with and without WCR. However, MHEI, which represents diet quality, demonstrated a positive association with WCR. Among various dietary patterns, the Asian-style balanced diet (ABD), including more fermented soybeans and less restricted salt than the Diet Approach to Stop Hypertension, was positively associated with WCR. However, an inverse association was observed between the diet that was high in noodle and processed meat consumption and that which was high in rice consumption. However, the PRS for abdominal obesity did not significantly interrupt WCR. The receiver operating characteristic curve in the prediction model for WCR was about 0.86. The biomarkers in the models included MetS components, inflammation index, diet components, alcohol consumption, and smoking status, but not genetic factors. In conclusion, adopting a high-quality diet with a high MHEI like ABD leads to WCR, irrespective of genetic influences. These results could be applied to develop effective strategies for preventing and managing abdominal obesity.