Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative Mitogenomics of Flesh Flies: Implications for Phylogeny

Simple Summary Flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) make up the second-largest family of Oestroidea. They are well known for their veterinary, forensic, and medical importance due to their extremely diverse feeding habits, making them a hotspot in dipterology research. Therefore, efforts have been devoted to accumulating the mitochondrial genomes of Sarcophagidae. However, the mitogenome of flesh flies has mostly been sequenced for the genus Sarcophaga of the subfamily Sarcophaginae, and the other two subfamilies, Miltogramminae and Paramacronychiinae, have barely been touched. Here, we sequenced the mitochondrial genomes of five sarcophagid species from four genera representing all three subfamilies and investigated the phylogeny and evolution of flesh flies from the perspective of the mitogenome via comprehensive comparative analyses employing all mitogenomic data. This study will broaden our knowledge of flesh flies and make contributions to forensics, veterinary science, entomology, and ecology. Abstract Flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) represent a rapid radiation belonging to the Calyptratae. With more than 3000 known species, they are extraordinarily diverse in terms of their breeding habits and are therefore of particular importance in human and veterinary medicine, forensics, and ecology. To better comprehend the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary characteristics of the Sarcophagidae, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genomes of five species of flesh flies and performed mitogenomic comparisons amongst the three subfamilies. The mitochondrial genomes match the hypothetical condition of the insect ancestor in terms of gene content and gene arrangement. The evolutionary rates of the subfamilies of Sarcophagidae differ significantly, with Miltogramminae exhibiting a higher rate than the other two subfamilies. The monophyly of the Sarcophagidae and each subfamily is strongly supported by phylogenetic analysis, with the subfamily-level relationship inferred as (Sarcophaginae, (Miltogramminae, Paramacronychiinae)). This study suggests that phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial genomes may not be appropriate for rapidly evolving groups such as Miltogramminae and that the third-codon positions could play a considerable role in reconstructing the phylogeny of Sarcophagidae. The protein-coding genes ND2 and ND6 have the potential to be employed as DNA markers for species identification and delimitation in flesh flies.
Graduate Literacy Students’ Reading Completion

Course reading completion enhances student learning and helps deepen students’ thinking about concepts and ideas presented in class. To better understand the students’ reading completion and the factors which impact course reading compliance, the researchers engaged in an action research with 434 students enrolled in six graduate level literacy courses, or 28 classes, over nine years from 2009 through 2017. The researchers shared the results and discussed recommendations to Literacy instructors for course improvement.
Cytokine Storm Signature in Patients with Moderate and Severe COVID-19

Hypercytokinemia, found in SARS-CoV-2 infection, contributes to multiple organ dysfunctions with acute respiratory distress syndrome, shock etc. The aim of this study was to describe cytokine storm signatures in patients with acute COVID-19 and to investigate their influence on severity of the infection. Plasma levels of 47 cytokines were investigated in 73 patients with moderate and severe COVID-19 (41 and 32, respectively) and 11 healthy donors (HD). The most elevated levels comparing patients and the HD were observed for seven pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-15, IL-18, IL-27, IFNγ, TNFα), three chemokines (GROα, IP-10, MIG), two anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1RA, IL-10), and two growth factors (G-CSF, M-CSF). The patients with severe disease had significantly higher levels of FGF-2/FGF-basic, IL-1β, and IL-7 compared to the HD. The two groups of patients differed from each other only based on the levels of EGF, eotaxin, and IL-12 p40. Pneumonia lung injury, characterized by computer tomography, positively correlated with levels of EGF, IP-10, MCP-3 levels and negatively with IL-12 p40. Pro-inflammatory factors including IL-6, TNFα, and IP-10 negatively correlated with the frequency of the circulating T-helper17-like cells (Th17-like) and follicular Th cells that are crucial to develop SARS-CoV-2-specific plasma cells and memory B cells. Obtained data on the cytokine levels illustrate their influence on progression and severity of COVID-19.
Generation of an Immortalized Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Line Suitable for Wound Healing Therapy

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (ADSC) are a promising source for cellular therapy of chronic wounds. However, the limited life span during in vitro expansion impedes their extensive use in clinical applications and basic research. We hypothesize that by introduction of an ectopic expression of telomerase into ADSC, the cells’ lifespans could be significantly extended. To test this hypothesis, we aimed at engineering an immortalized human ADSC line using a lentiviral transduction with human telomerase (hTERT). ADSC were transduced with a third-generation lentiviral system and a hTERT codifying plasmid (pLV-hTERT-IRES-hygro). A population characterized by increased hTERT expression, extensive proliferative potential and remarkable (potent) multilineage differentiation capacity was selected. The properties for wound healing of this immortalized ADSC line were assessed after 17 passages. Their secretome induced the proliferation and migration of keratinocytes, dermal fibroblasts, and endothelial cells similarly to untransduced ADSC. Moreover, they sustained the complete re-epithelialization of a full thickness wound performed on a skin organotypic model. In summary, the engineered immortalized ADSC maintain the beneficial properties of parent cells and could represent a valuable and suitable tool for wound healing in particular, and for skin regenerative therapy in general.
Predictive Models of Dairy Cow Thermal State: A Review from a Technological Perspective

Simple Summary Heat stress in cattle is broadly defined as a physiological condition in which body temperature rises, and the animals are no longer able to adequately dissipate body heat to maintain thermal equilibrium due to environmental factors. Dairy cattle are particularly sensitive to heat stress because of the higher metabolic rate needed for milk production. Due to global warming and the expected growth of milk production in warmer regions, an increase in the occurrence of heat stress can only be avoided with the use of environmental control systems. However, most available systems were developed to take corrective measures or are not accurate enough to effectively prevent heat stress, as there is not yet an automated technological solution that considers all the environmental and animal variables that determine the occurrence of this condition. Further, these systems must be connected in time to prevent this condition in cattle but also disconnected when they are no longer needed, as their use raises major economic and environmental concerns regarding energy and water consumption. This review describes and discusses three types of predictive models that can make these systems more effective in preventing heat stress and more efficient in the use of energy and water. Abstract Dairy cattle are particularly sensitive to heat stress due to the higher metabolic rate needed for milk production. In recent decades, global warming and the increase in dairy production in warmer countries have stimulated the development of a wide range of environmental control systems for dairy farms. Despite their proven effectiveness, the associated energy and water consumption can compromise the viability of dairy farms in many regions, due to the cost and scarcity of these resources. To make these systems more efficient, they should be activated in time to prevent thermal stress and switched off when that risk no longer exists, which must consider environmental variables as well as the variables of the animals themselves. Nowadays, there is a wide range of sensors and equipment that support farm routine procedures, and it is possible to measure several variables that, with the aid of algorithms based on predictive models, would allow anticipating animals’ thermal states. This review summarizes three types of approaches as predictive models: bioclimatic indexes, machine learning, and mechanistic models. It also focuses on the application of the current knowledge as algorithms to be used in the management of diverse types of environmental control systems.
Relationship between Children’s Independent Activities and the Built Environment of Outdoor Activity Space in Residential Neighborhoods: A Case Study of Nanjing

Children are a vulnerable population that is frequently overlooked in urban planning. The spatial demands of children are garnering broader consideration in the development of public spaces in cities as efforts to promote child-friendly cities. Children’s independent activities (CIAs) during childhood are undeniably beneficial to their physical and mental health. Residential areas are the main places for children’s daily activities. Building a suitable outdoor activity space in the community for children’s recreation is an essential foundation for improving CIAs and promoting the development of child-friendly neighborhoods. A sample of 15 typical children’s outdoor activity spaces in residential neighborhoods of Nanjing, China, was selected for the study to observe and record CIAs. The built environment indicators of residential outdoor spaces were extracted, and correlation analysis was employed to investigate the residential outdoor space elements relevant to CIAs. The results indicated that at the site level, higher percentages of tree coverage and soft paving enhanced CIAs, while high functional mix inhibited them. Additionally, gated communities, top-notch sanitation, secure facilities, neighborhoods with higher residential densities, and a diversity of activity facilities all stimulated children to engage in independent activities. Furthermore, questionnaires for the guardian indicated that they placed a high priority on site safety, and that waterfront areas and activity sites where incidents had occurred decreased parents’ willingness to allow participation in CIAs, whereas safety education or the use of positioning devices may promote CIAs. Based on the above results, we proposed appropriate adaptations for places in residential neighborhoods. The study expects to create a higher quality environment in residential neighborhoods for children to play in public spaces and provide beneficial help to improve the child-friendly neighborhood.
Assessment of Total Procollagen Type 1 Intact N-terminal Propeptide, C-telopeptide of type 1 collagen, Bone Mineral Density and its Relationship to Body Mass Index in Men with Type 2 Diabetes

Background: Type 2 diabetes negatively affects the biochemical parameters of bone turnover more than obesity and is associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and fragility fractures. Obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2DM) are linked to increased fracturing risk; however, the effect of obesity on diabetes-related bone deficit is unknown. Objective: The goal of this research is to compare the indications, bone density, and bone turnover in T2DM men and a control group, and to investigate the effect of body mass index on bone turnover levels. Subjects, Material and Method: This case-control study was conducted on 120 men whose ages were from 40 - 69 years. They were grouped into two categories: T2DM (n=80) and healthy control (n=40). Serum samples from both groups were analyzed for blood glucose, Calcium and Albumin, by using (Cobas c111), PTH by (Cobas e 411), P1NP and CTX-1 levels in the serum using ELISA kits. Participants underwent (DEXA) measuring Bone Mass Density (BMD) at the lumbar spine. Results: The control (obese and non-obese) participants had statistically significant higher levels of CTX-1 and P1NP than the patients (obese and non-obese) (P-value = 0.000). There was no significant differences in Spine BMD, T-score (p-value = 0.27 and 0.37 respectively). Conclusion: Men with T2DM had a low bone turnover level and deteriorated bone quality compared to controls. The obese healthy controls can maintain healthy bone metabolism if T2DM is prevented.
Chaperone-Mediated Autophagy in Pericytes: A Key Target for the Development of New Treatments against Glioblastoma Progression

Glioblastoma (GB) cells physically interact with peritumoral pericytes (PCs) present in the brain microvasculature. These interactions facilitate tumor cells to aberrantly increase and benefit from chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) in the PC. GB-induced CMA leads to major changes in PC immunomodulatory phenotypes, which, in turn, support cancer progression. In this review, we focus on the consequences of the GB-induced up-regulation of CMA activity in PCs and evaluate how manipulation of this process could offer new strategies to fight glioblastoma, increasing the availability of treatments for this cancer that escapes conventional therapies. We finally discuss the use of modified PCs unable to increase CMA in response to GB as a cell therapy alternative to minimize undesired off-target effects associated with a generalized CMA inhibition.
Environmental Exposure to Cyanobacteria Hepatotoxins in a Pacific Island Community: A Cross-Sectional Assessment

(1) Background: Cyanobacteria produce a wide range of secondary metabolites, including tumor-promoting hepatotoxins. We recently reported evidence of an independent association between oral cyanobacteria and hepatocellular carcinoma in a U.S. population. We sought to characterize the nature, sources, and health correlates of cyanotoxin exposure in the U.S. Pacific Island territory of Guam, which has a high incidence of liver cancer. (2) Methods: Seventy-four adult males and females were enrolled in a cross-sectional study to quantify cyanotoxins in saliva, urine, and blood and their correlation with health behaviors, medical history, and environmental exposures. Plant samples were collected from locations throughout the island. Microcystin/nodularin (MC/NOD), cylindrospermopsin (CYN), and anabaenopeptin (AB) were measured in biospecimens and in plant extracts by ELISA. (3) Results: Overall, among study participants MC/NOD were detected in 53.9% of saliva, 7.5% of urine, and 100% of serum. ; CYN in 40.0% of saliva, 100.0% of urine, and 70.4% of serum; AB in 30.8% of saliva, 85% of urine, and 92.6% of serum. Salivary MC/NOD levels were significantly higher in individuals using municipal tap water as their primary source of drinking water; both salivary and urinary MC/NOD levels were higher in those not using store-bought/commercial water. Urine MC/NOD levels were highest among individuals consuming fruits and vegetables exclusively from local sources. Urine MC/NOD levels were elevated in individuals with hypertension and hyperlipidemia and salivary MC/NOD in those with recent alcohol consumption. Cyanotoxins were prevalent in plant samples including MC/NOD (46.6%), CYN (35.1%), and AB (51.7%). (4) Conclusions: Our study provides evidence that exposure to cyanobacterial hepatotoxins, including tumor promoters, may be prevalent in Guam and may originate from environmental sources. Population-based epidemiologic studies are needed to investigate the role of cyanotoxins in liver cancer development.
Workplace Violence in Healthcare Settings: Work-Related Predictors of Violence Behaviours

Healthcare workers are exposed to workplace violence such as physical assaults, psychological violence and threats of violence. It is crucial to understand factors associated with workplace violence to prevent and mitigate its consequences. This study aims to identify work-related factors that might influence workplace violence in healthcare settings. A cross-sectional study was developed between March and April of 2022 with healthcare workers. The Aggression and Violence at Work Scale was used to assess workplace violence, and psychosocial risks were assessed through the Health and Work Survey—INSAT. Statistical analysis using bivariate analysis was performed to identify the psychosocial risk factors related to physical violence, psychological violence and vicarious violence. Subsequently, a multiple linear regression was performed to identify the models that better explained the relationship between psychosocial risk factors and the three dimensions of violence. Psychological violence was frequently experienced by the healthcare workers. Significant associations were found between psychosocial risk factors and physical, psychological and vicarious violence, namely working hours, work relationships, employment relations, high demands and work intensity. These findings highlight the importance of taking into consideration work-related factors when designing interventions to prevent and address workplace violence in healthcare settings.
Learning as a peer assessor: evaluating peer-assessment strategies

Abstract When students engage in peer assessment activities, they often put emphasis on the feedback they receive from peers but fail to appreciate how their role as a peer assessor can contribute to their learning process and improve their own work. Because of this, students and sometimes teachers undervalue the peer assessment process. This scholarship of teaching and learning project conducts a small-scale controlled experiment with students undertaking peer assessment in randomly assigned groups that either focus on giving and receiving peer feedback or assessing peers’ work only without receiving feedback on their own. In addition, it explores how different peer assessment strategies such as rubric creation, rank order assessment and assessment without qualitative feedback affect both students’ ability to improve their work and their perception of the value of peer assessment. Consistent with theoretical expectations, the results provide exploratory evidence that students’ perceived value of peer assessment is lower when they do not receive feedback, but improvement in their writing is actually higher when they focus on assessing peers’ work rather than receiving feedback on their own. While feedback is a potential benefit of the peer assessment process, it may also distract focus from the potentially more valuable learning that derives from students’ self-evaluating their own work after critically assessing their peers’.
Influence of preoperative serum albumin levels on postoperative complications in cardiac surgery

Objective: Verify whether lower preoperative serum albumin levels in cardiac surgery patients increase the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI), pneumonia, postoperative stay in hospital and mortality. Methodology: A hundred and eighty-five medical records of patients that underwent cardiac surgery between January 2014 and December 2017 were surveyed. The albumin levels were compared between the group that presented at least one of the complications listed above and the group where that complication was not observed. The KDIGO criterion was used to define AKI. Pneumonia diagnosis was established based on clinical, radiologic and laboratory results. The postoperative time in hospital was considered increased when the patient had to stay for a period longer than 8 days. The mortality rate was defined by deaths that occurred up to 30 days after the surgery. Results: Albumin levels ≤3.87 mg/dL were associated to an increase in the risk to develop AKI (p= 0,0072). Albumin values ≤3.91 also increased the chance to have pneumonia (p= 0.0001). However, albumin was not statistically significant to predict mortality and increase in the postoperative stay in hospital. Conclusion: Serum albumin levels that were lower than or equal to 3.91 mg/dL and 3.87 mg/dL increased, respectively, the chances of developing both pneumonia and acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery. No significant results were obtained regarding albumin levels influence on postoperative stay in hospital or mortality.
Preparation of a naturally driven cotton wound dressing via honey, Tragacanth and Sumac

An antibacterial wound dressing with wound healing effects of honey (H), Tragacanth Gum (TG) and Sumac (S) (Rhus coriaria L.) has been prepared. The antibacterial properties of five different concentrations of water extracted Sumac has been examined to find out the best sample. Ratios of honey and Tragacanth Gum are investigated along with the chosen concentration of Sumac in order to find out the optimum compound with desirable antibacterial and healing effects. The results of the well diffusion test indicate antibacterial activities against S. aureus and E. coli on all samples. Scratch test results demonstrate improvement in the proliferation of fibroblasts on the fabric treated with compounds. The prepared wound dressing accelerates the healing process and eliminates bacterial growth causing wound infection.
FUNGAL SPECIES ASSOCIATED WITH BLACK SPOT DISEASE IN ROSE

Black spot disease is a significant worldwide disease on the rose plant. Due to this infection, the leaves become yellow and eventually fall off. The occurrence of this disease has become a major problem, especially in landscape purpose. Therefore, this research was conducted to isolate fungal species from black spot disease in rose and identify using morphological characteristics. Then, all the isolates were tested for pathogenicity to confirm Koch’s postulates. In this study, four fungal isolates have been successfully isolated from black spot disease in rose namely Rhizoctonia sp. (one isolate), Colletotrichum sp. (two isolates) and Penicillium sp. (one isolate). Based on pathogenicity test result using potato dextrose agar (PDA) plug technique, fungus UMTT27R (Penicillium sp.) showed highly pathogenic on rose’s leaves with disease severity (DS) = 88.89% followed by UMTT13R (Colletotrichum sp.) with DS=72.22%, UMTT21R (Colletotrichum sp.) with DS=66.67% and UMTT4R (Rhizoctonia sp.) with DS=61.11%. Correct identification of fungal pathogens is very important to strategize a proper method to control the black spot disease in rose cultivation.
A systematic review of threat assessment in K-12 schools: Adult and child outcomes

ABSTRACT To promote school safety across K-12 settings, one preventative approach to school violence is school-based threat assessment. The current study utilizes a systematic review of empirical threat assessment investigations to inform evidence-based practices for school threat assessment. Twenty-three articles met inclusion criteria for the review. The primary threat assessment framework utilized within the identified studies was the Virginia School Threat Assessment Guidelines and its revised version, the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines. Despite evidence supporting the use of CSTAG in schools, limitations include racial disproportionality within disciplinary outcomes and threat identification. Overall, there was minimal evidence of implementation fidelity of the threat assessment frameworks, highlighting the need for fidelity measures to evaluate threat assessment implementation in schools. Future research and implications are discussed.