Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Untargeted metabolic profiling reveals geography as the strongest predictor of metabolic phenotypes of a cosmopolitan weed

Abstract Plants produce a multitude of metabolites that contribute to their fitness and survival and play a role in local adaptation to environmental conditions. The effects of environmental variation are particularly well studied within the genus Plantago; however, previous studies have largely focused on targeting specific metabolites. Studies exploring metabolome‐wide changes are lacking, and the effects of natural environmental variation and herbivory on the metabolomes of plants growing in situ remain unknown. An untargeted metabolomic approach using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, coupled with variation partitioning, general linear mixed modeling, and network analysis was used to detect differences in metabolic phenotypes of Plantago major in fifteen natural populations across Denmark. Geographic region, distance, habitat type, phenological stage, soil parameters, light levels, and leaf area were investigated for their relative contributions to explaining differences in foliar metabolomes. Herbivory effects were further investigated by comparing metabolomes from damaged and undamaged leaves from each plant. Geographic region explained the greatest number of significant metabolic differences. Soil pH had the second largest effect, followed by habitat and leaf area, while phenological stage had no effect. No evidence of the induction of metabolic features was found between leaves damaged by herbivores compared to undamaged leaves on the same plant. Differences in metabolic phenotypes explained by geographic factors are attributed to genotypic variation and/or unmeasured environmental factors that differ at the regional level in Denmark. A small number of specialized features in the metabolome may be involved in facilitating the success of a widespread species such as Plantago major into such wide range of environmental conditions, although overall resilience in the metabolome was found in response to environmental parameters tested. Untargeted metabolomic approaches have great potential to improve our understanding of how specialized plant metabolites respond to environmental change and assist in adaptation to local conditions.
Mechanisms and Regulation of Transforming Growth Factor Superfamily Mediated Gene Expression.

Transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) promotes renal interstitial fibrosis in vivo and the expression of mesenchymal genes in vitro, however most of its direct targets in epithelial cells are still elusive. In a screen for genes directly activated by TGF-β, we found that components of the Wnt signaling pathway, especially Wnt11, were targets of activation by TGF-β and Smad3 in primary renal epithelial cells (PRECs). In gain and loss of function experiments, Wnt11 mediates the actions of TGF-β through enhanced activation of mesenchymal marker genes, such as Zeb1, Snail1, Pai1, and αSMA, without affecting Smad3 phosphorylation. Inhibition of Wnt11 by receptor knockdown or treatment with Wnt inhibitors limited the effects of TGF-β on gene expression. We found no evidence that Wnt11 activated the canonical Wnt signaling pathway in renal epithelial cells, rather the function of Wnt11 was mediated by the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Our findings demonstrate cooperativity among the TGF-β, Wnt11 and JNK signaling pathways and suggest new targets for anti-fibrotic therapy in renal tissue.
Potency of Trona on Fungi Associated with Tinea Capitis from Children in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS)

Aim: The potency of trona against fungi associated with dermatophytes isolated from children in Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (UDUS) local farming community was investigated. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry and Department of Pharmacognosy, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria, between January 2017 and September 2017. Methodology: The samples were collected from errand children within UDUS, and the organisms were isolated and identified microscopically using standard methods. Elemental analysis of the two types of trona (red and white) was also determined using standard Analytical methods. The sensitivity test was carried out using agar well diffusion method. Results: In the two types of trona (red and white) Sodium was found to have the highest concentration of 9500 mg/kg and 8300 mg/kg, and the lowest was 0.15 and 0.10 mg/kg. Potassium was reported to have a concentration of 4400 mg/kg and 1800 mg/kg for the white and red trona respectively. Some of the organisms identified were Microsporum Canis, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes etc. Highest mean zone of inhibition of 20.7 and 23.3 mm was recorded for the red and white trona respectively. The least zone of inhibition recorded was 2.7 and 4.7 mm for the red and white trona respectively. Increased activity was recorded when the concentration of the trona was increased. Conclusion: The results revealed promising potentials of trona in the treatment of fungi associated with dermatophytoses. However, further studies should be done to determine the mechanism of action of trona on these organisms.
Populations studies on two endemic taxa of southwestern Sardinia: Dianthus morisianus Vals. (Caryophyllaceae) and Anchusa littorea Moris (Boraginaceae)

In the Mediterranean region as elsewhere, intense coastal development has resulted in widespread modification of coastal ecosystems. Here, coastal sand dunes represent an extremely vulnerable habitat to many forms of disturbance, including those connected with recreational tourism which in recent years has increasingly contributed to the destruction and fragmentation of natural coastal habitats. This study concerns two narrow endemic plants growing on coastal dune systems of southwest Sardinia. Anchusa littorea Moris is a short-lived species of open dunes and D. morisianus is a perennial species which grows on stabilized dunes. The only natural populations of these species are located in southwest Sardinia. Like many other rare species of this type of habitat we know little of the reasons for their extreme rarity, making it difficult to identify and recommend conservation actions. The thesis provides a detailed investigation of the population ecology of the existing populations of the two species with the aim of identifying the constraints on their viability. Specifically, the aims of the present study were to analyze the following features: To investigate the conservation status of this species; To individuate and quantify the main threats acting on this population; To analyse some critical stage of their life-cycle (i.e. modeling of emergence and germination); To evaluate the phenological pattern; To propose adequate conservation measures. Three years of study has been reveal some critical elements in the ecology of the species and their rarity and the investigation of each biology aspect about these psammophilous endangered plants yielded the information needed in order to identifythe critical aspects that affect the survival and toguide the proposal and implementation of conservation measures.
Safety of xylo‐oligosaccharides (XOS) as a novel food pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on a mixture of xylo‐oligosaccharides (XOS) as a novel food (NF) pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2015/2283. The NF is obtained from corncobs (Zea mays subsp. mays) via enzyme‐catalysed hydrolysis and subsequent purification. The main components of the NF, the oligosaccharides, are resistant to human digestive enzymes and are fermented by colonic bacteria. The intention is to add the NF to a variety of foods such as bakery and dairy products, fruit jelly, chocolates and soy‐drinks. The information provided on composition, specifications, production process and stability of the NF, does not raise safety concerns. There were effects observed in the animal studies with the NF or with other XOS which were considered by the Panel to be expected from the intake of non‐digestible carbohydrates. The Panel notes that the acute and transient gastrointestinal observed in human intervention studies with the NF or with other XOS have also been associated with the consumption of other non‐digestible carbohydrates. The Panel concludes that the NF, a mixture of XOS, is safe under the proposed uses and use levels. The target population is the general population.
The music matrix: A qualitative participatory action research project to develop documentation for care home music therapy services

This article presents a small Participatory Action Research project involving music therapists working in a care home company, creating a documentation tool (The Music Matrix) that is fit for purpose. The project emerged out of a commonly held dissatisfaction with existing documentation among the Music Therapists in the care home company’s national team. The Music Matrix tool uses graphic notation to record observations of client participation, systematised into 10 dimensions of activity. The tool was developed in a cycle of practice and reflection between members of the music therapy team and stakeholders in the wider organisation. This was systematised in a three-stage trial process of profiling, peer review and thematic synthesis of feedback. Findings suggest that the tool was viewed to be useful in a number of aspects. First, it enabled insights for Music Therapists, in seeing patterns and recognising unacknowledged habits in their own practice. It helped show complex experience in an immediate graphic way. This was useful for reporting to stakeholders and was flexible in applying to numerous formats of practice. However, this flexibility also created a level of uncertainty for some research respondents, as the tool’s wide applicability does not have the appearance of objectivity afforded by other methods. Stakeholders saw applications beyond music therapy, particularly for non-musical care work and activities. Insights emerged regarding how Music Therapists can usefully meet the many demands that care documentation serves.
Short-Term Oral Endothelin-Receptor Antagonist Therapy in Conventionally Treated Patients With Symptomatic Severe Chronic Heart Failure

Background—The vasoconstrictor peptide endothelin-1 (ET-1) is important for increased vascular tone in patients with chronic heart failure, but the effects of endothelin-receptor blockade in addition to conventional triple therapy are unknown. Methods and Results—Thirty-six men (mean age±SD, 55±8 years) with symptomatic heart failure (NYHA class III; left ventricular ejection fraction, 22.4±4.5%) despite treatment with diuretics, digoxin, and ACE inhibitors received, in a double-blind and randomized fashion, either additional oral bosentan (1.0 g BID; n=24) or placebo (n=12) over 2 weeks. Hemodynamic and hormonal (plasma ET-1, norepinephrine, renin activity, and angiotensin II) measurements were obtained before and repeatedly for 24 hours after administration of bosentan on days 1 and 14. Bosentan was discontinued in 1 patient with symptomatic hypotension, and 2 patients (bosentan group) declined hemodynamic investigations on day 14. Compared with placebo, bosentan on day 1 significantly decreased mean ar.
What Keeps Nurses in Nursing?

Interpretive phenomenology was used in this study to explore what keeps nurses in nursing by examining the impact of the relational experience of the nurse caring for the nursed in the context of the nursing situation. Eight practicing nurses were interviewed about what keeps them in nursing. Data were analyzed using Heideggerian hermeneutics and the theoretical framework of Boykin and Schoenhofer’s nursing as caring theory. Four themes, practicing from inner core beliefs, understanding the other from within, making a difference, and nursing as an evolving process, supported one constitutive pattern, intentional compassion energy, revealing that nurses intend to care compassionately.
Factors underlying the nonbreeding distribution of Western Sandpipers

Avian species in which males and females migrate to different nonbreeding areas provide candidate systems to study ecological factors underlying distribution patterns. Western Sandpipers (Calidris mauri) are such 'differential migrants'. They breed mainly in Alaska and overwinter along the American Pacific and Caribbean coastlines. In this thesis, I document an increasing proportion of females at more southerly latitudes. I review existing explanatory hypotheses for differential migration, propose two novel hypotheses, and test these with data collected at four latitudes. According to the feeding niche hypothesis, intertidal invertebrates are buried more deeply towards the south, possibly due to higher ambient temperature andlor desiccation. Longer bills enable probing (foraging on buried prey) to greater depths. Females have disproportionately long bills, and therefore can exploit a feeding niche at greater vertical depth. Bill length residuals, corrected for tarsus length, were predicted to increase towards the south. This was only found in males. No clear change of feeding mode with latitude was detected. Females probed more than males at all locations, even though aspects of the ultrastructure of female bills did not indicate greater specialisation for probing. At the one site where the relationship was measured, both sexes probed more with increasing sediment temperature. According to the predation danger hypothesis, predator escape ability of males and females, indexed by wingloading, differs consistently across latitudes. Escape ability is generally reduced with higher wingloading. Individuals with poorer escape ability were therefore predicted to prefer southern sites, where less fat is required as insurance against environmental variability. Wingloading was higher overall for females. At one site I compared the sex ratio of carcasses, assessed molecularly, to that of fiee-living birds, but found no evidence for any sex-bias in predator-induced mortality. Wingloading increased with latitude in both sexes, but an index of predation danger remained constant across latitudes. Within latitudes, wingloading was lower at smaller, and presumably more dangerous, sites. My results provide evidence for both hypotheses, while other hypotheses for differential migration were not supported. I suggest that both escape performance and feeding niche divergence are important factors in determining large-scale spatial distribution in Western Sandpipers.
A new record of the invasive species Hydrilla verticillata (Linn. F.) royal on the Iraqi rivers.

In order to increasing the morphological and anatomical information of exotic species, specimens of Hydrilla verticillata (Hydrocharitaceae) were collected from the little Zab River within Al-Zab area about 90 km from the Kirkuk city. It is a first study that H. verticillata noted on the north Iraqi Rivers. The morphological study showed that the leaves have visible saw-tooth margins and rough teeth on the underside of the leaves.They also have spines along the lower midrib of the leaf which distinguished with reddish in color. In anatomical study, the cross sections through the internodal area of erect stems showed that the aerenchyma consists of lacunae which decreasing in their sizes toward the endodermis. The central cylinder distinguished by non-definiteness xylem tissues, and large lacuna at the center of the stem.
Effects of Intake of Soy and Non-Soy Legume on Serum HDL-Cholesterol Levels

High-density lipoprotein (HDL) has been shown to have a variety of functions that contribute to anti-atherogenesis. Here we review meta-analyses on the effects of intake of soy protein and isoflavones on serum HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels, and we would also review meta-analysis on the effects of intake of non-soy legume on serum HDL-C, to make “Dietary Reference Intake for Japanese 2020”. We searched meta-analyses of randomized, placebo-controlled trials. A search was conducted by using PubMed, Embase and Google Scholar, with the following keywords: soy and HDL and meta-analysis. The search period was comprised from 2007 up to July 2018. We found three meta-analyses about effects of intake of soy protein and isoflavones on HDL-C after 2007. All meta-analyses reported that intake of soy protein and isoflavones was associated with a significant increase of HDL-C. We found the meta-analysis which evaluated effects of intake of non-soy legume on HDL-C, in which a significant association of intake of non-soy legume with HDL-C was not obtained due to a significant heterogeneity of collected data. In conclusion, intake of soy was significantly associated with elevation of HDL-C; however, non-soy consumption was not associated with a significant increase of HDL. J Endocrinol Metab. 2018;8(5):83-86 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jem524w
Cervical ripening by using extra-amniotic dexamethasone infusion versus extra-amniotic saline infusion

الخلاصة :خلفية الموضوع:إن تحفيز الولادة من الممارسات الشائعة في مجال التوليد التي تستخدم لنضج عنق الرحم وإحداث الولادة اصطناعيا . لغرض تجنبالولادة بواسطة العملية الجراحية)القيصرية (الهدف: لبيان مدى صحة النظرية التي تنص على إن استخدام مادة الكورتزون المحقونة خارج السائل الامينوسي تستطيع تحفيز عملية الولادة وتقلل المدةبين التحفيز و حصول الولادة بالمقارنة مع استخدام مادة المحلول الملحي النظامي المحقون بنفس الطريقة .طريقة الدراسة:دراسة تداخليه مقارنة سريريه أجريت على 99 امرأة حامل )حمل منفرد(وكانت مدة الحمل ما بين 37 - 42 أسبوع أحيلت إلى مستشفىالبتول التعليمي ديالى العراق – – .لغرض تحفيز الولادة وكان مقياس بيشوب اقل من 5.وقد أجريت الدراسة للفترة من كانون الثاني 2014 آذار - 2016.وقدتم تقسيم النساء الحوامل إلى مجموعتين:الأولى:تتكون من 58 امرأة حامل تم إدخال قسطرة فولي عن طريق عنق الرحم وتم حقن 20 ملغ من مادة الدكساميثازون مخلوطة مع 20 مل منالمحلول الملحي النظامي .الثانية:تتكون من 41 امرأة حامل تم إدخال قسطرة فولي بنفس الطريقة للمجموعة الأولى مع استبدال مادة الدكساميثازون ب 500 مل محلول ملحينظامي بمعدل 5 قطرات بالدقيقةوفي كلتا المجموعتين ننتظر خروج الفولي من عنق الرحم تلقائيا وإذا لم يتم ذلك تلقائيا يتم استخراجه من عنق الرحم .وبعد ذلك يتم إعطاء المادة المحفزةللولادة)هرمون الولادة(لحين الحصول على ثلاث تقلصات خلال عشر دقائق . وبعد ساعتين يتم إجراء الفحص الداخلي للمريضة لغرض معرفة مدىتقدم مقياس بيشوب . وفي حال دخول المريضة إلى طور الولادة الفعال يتم استكمال خطة الدراسة . أما في حالة عدم حصول أي تقدم أو حصول تقدم بطئ يتم إيقاف المادةالمحفزة للولادة وبذلك يكون تحفيز الولادة قد فشل . النتائج:حقن مادة الدكساميثازون خارج السائل الامينوسي عن طريق قسطرة فولي يحسن مقياس بيشوب ويقلل الفترة بين تحفيز الولادة وحصول الولادةمع تقليل مدة كل من المرحلة الأولى والثانية للولادة بدون أي زيادة في نسبة الولادة بواسطة العملية القيصرية . الاستنتاج:حقن مادة الدكساميثازون خارج السائل الامينوسي طريقة فعالة وآمنة ورخيصة يمكن استخدامها لتحفيز الولادة .
Maternal Infections Associated with Bad Obstetric Outcome: Toxoplasmosis and Rubella.

Toxoplasmosis is caused by infection with the obligated intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It is one of the most prevalent chronic infections affecting one third of the world's human population. The prevalence of T. gondii infection varies among different geographical regions. The infection is characterized by non-specific signs with the consequent formation of cysts that may stay in latent form in many organs. Primary infection is usually subclinical but in some patient's cervical lymphoadenopathy or ocular disease can be present. Rubella is a mild disease caused by a togavirus. There may be a mild prodromal illness involving a low-grade fever, malaise, coryza and mild conjunctivitis. Lymphadenopathy involving post-auricular and sub-occipital glands may lead to rash. The rash is usually transitory, erythematous and mostly seen behind the ears and on the face and neck. Clinical diagnosis is unreliable as the rash may be fleeting and is not specific to rubella. Rubella is spread by droplet transmission. The incubation period is 14 to 21 days, with the majority of individuals developing a rash 14 to 17 days after exposure. Individuals with rubella are infectious from one week before symptoms appear to four days after the onset of the rash. Complications include thrombocytopaenia (the rate may be as high as one in 3000 infections) and post-infectious encephalitis (one in 6000 cases).
Tumour bed localisation after oncoplastic breast conservative surgery: a comparative contouring study

Abstract Purpose To investigate the modalities of tumour bed (TB) localisation of target volume delineation [clinically computed tomography (CT), ultrasound (US) compared with surgical clips-guided] and the impact of their differences in delineated TB volumes. Material and methods In total, 27 patients who underwent oncoplastic breast conservative surgery with surgical clips insertion (at least three) were included. CT and US imaging for TB localisation were done 3–4 weeks post-operatively in the same treatment position. TB was delineated four times, guided by surgical clips, clinical data, CT (seroma) and US. A plan was done for each TB delineated. The four delineated volumes were compared regarding the volumetric differences, the geographical miss index (GMI) and the overlap index. Results Comparing the four modalities, median TB volume was for clinical (60.7), CT (60.8) and US (49.3) cm3, in comparison with 59.7 cm3 for clips, p=0.05. Median of GMI (represented the tissue at risk of recurrence and not had been treated) was for clinical (61.8), CT (45) and US (62.4)%, with significant difference of p=0.02. Median of normal tissue index (normal tissue has been included unnecessarily) was for clinical (59.5), CT (49.6) and US (62.3)%, p=0.17. Overlap index with clips-guided was for clinical (0.36), CT (0.42) and US (0.35) with significance of p=0.04. Median superior/inferior direction was 0.72, −0.03 and −0.2 cm for clinical, CT and US, respectively, with significant value of p=0.02, whereas the anterior–posterior was −0.07, −0.15 and −0.09 cm, p-value=0.45 and the medio–lateral was 0.4, −0.13 and 0.09 cm, p=0.60. Conclusion Significant differences in shifts and indices were detected between each of modalities compared with surgical clips. Thus, in the setting of oncoplastic breast surgery, surgical clips should be routinely used for TB localisation. In view of the larger volumes of breast tissue excised and the extensive remodelling that are inherent to oncoplastic procedures, the concept of TB boost irradiation should be re-challenged.