Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Occurrence and Antibiogram of Shigella spp in Free Range and Intensively Reared Chickens in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria

Introduction: Shigellosis is considered a veterinary and public health problem of major importance. Shigella is implicated in food poisoning and bloody diarrhoea in humans and is an important cause of various diseases of livestock resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Shigella spp. is spread by direct contact with an infected host, or by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water. A cross-sectional survey was conducted to determine the occurrence of Shigella in free range and intensively reared chickens from markets and poultry farms in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria, and to determine their antibiogram. Materials and Methods: A total of 300 cloacal swabs from 150 free range and 150 intensively reared chickens, collected from 3 local markets and 3 farms respectively, were sampled. Shigella was isolated after passing the samples through pre-enrichment, selective enrichment and culture in a selective medium and identified using standard microbiological and biochemical methods. Original Research Article Okechukwu and Anthony; MRJI, 25(4): 1-7, 2018; Article no.MRJI. 44934 2 Antibiotic susceptibility test was performed by the disc diffusion method according to the CLSI method (Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion test) on Muller-Hinton agar. Results: Out of the 300 samples, 10 (3.3%) were positive for shigellae. The occurrence in freerange chickens was 6.7%, while none was isolated in intensively reared chickens (0% occurrence). The Shigella spp. isolated were sensitive to ciprofloxacin (100%), moderately sensitive to ofloxacin (70%), gentamicin (70%), nalidixic acid (60%), cotrimoxazole (60%) and tetracycline (70%), and resistant to amoxicillin (100%) and augmentin (100%). The MIC ranges for cotrimoxazole, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and tetracycline, were 8-32, 0.015-0.25, 0.5-2.0, and 2.0-64.0 μg/ml, respectively. The MBC values obtained for ciprofloxacin, gentamicin, and tetracycline were 0.015-8, 2.0-8.0, and 128.0-512.0 μg/ml, were, respectively. The Shigella spp. isolates were classified as multidrug resistant. The difference in susceptibility patterns of the isolates from different sources was not significant (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The findings of this study have shown that free-range chickens could serve as reservoirs/vehicles for the transmission of Shigella spp. in the study area.
Understanding the management organization structure of paprika production areas in Indonesia based on the viewpoint of forthcoming globalization

The purpose of this study was to understand the management structure that is developing based on social marketing style within the largest paprika-production areas in Indonesia. Through this research, we aimed to clarify the direction and challenges for future development using the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis method. A field survey of local farming organizations was conducted on December 2011 at West Bandung Regency, Java, Indonesia. The results show that nearly the entire structure of the system was dedicated to the production and sale of raw paprika without creating any processed product. The counterparties were not corporations but individual buyers. Farming organizations could expand their counterparties to include corporations, but they do not use this strategy because they believe that the production speed of the mature laborers was not sufficient to keep up with market demands, and a rash judgment to expand the management scale would necessarily lead to the degradation of product quality. These farming organizations empirically understand that they could lose counterparties; therefore, they attach greater importance to maintaining faithful counterparties than to attracting new customers.
A Survey of Scale Insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) in Citrus Orchards in São Paulo, Brazil

Abstract Many scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea), including species of great economic importance, are associated with plants of the genus Citrus in citrusproducing regions around the world. Revision and updating of lists of scale insect species based on field surveys contributes to improving their management and is an important tool for preventing their introduction into non-infested areas. The purpose of this study was to present an updated list of scale insect species in citrus orchards in São Paulo, Brazil. Samples were collected between Sep 2014 and Sep 2015, and between Sep 2016 and Jul 2017, from rural and urban areas and from nurseries in 27 municipalities in the principal citrus-producing regions in the state of São Paulo, known as the “citrus belt. ” A total of 22 species in 6 families were identified: (1) Coccidae: Ceroplastes floridensis Comstock, Coccus viridis (Green), Parasaissetia nigra (Nietner), Saissetia coffeae (Walker); (2) Diaspididae: Acutaspis scutiformis (Cockerell), Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell), Chrysomphalus aonidum (L.), Lepidosaphes gloverii (Packard), Melanaspis smilacis (Comstock), Parlatoria cinerea Hadden in Doane & Hadden, Parlatoria ziziphi (Lucas), Pinnaspis aspidistrae (Signoret), Pseudaonidia trilobitiformis (Green), Selenaspidus articulatus (Morgan), Unaspis citri (Comstock); (3) Lecanodiaspididae: Lecanodiaspis rugosa Hempel; (4) Monophlebidae: Icerya purchasi Maskell; (5) Ortheziidae: Praelongorthezia praelonga (Douglas), and (6) Pseudococcidae: Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell), Leptococcus minutus (Hempel), Planococcus citri (Risso), and Pseudococcus cryptus Hempel. This is the first report of L. gloverii, P. nigra, P. aspidistrae, P. trilobitiformis, and P. cryptus on citrus in São Paulo, and of M. smilacis on Rutaceae host plants. Parlatoria ziziphi, S. articulatus, and U. citri were the most frequently observed species on the sampled plants, and they are among those that reached high levels of infestation throughout the collection period. A review of all scale insects associated with Citrus spp. in Brazil also is included.
Cressonnières naturelles du Limousin et risques de distomatose humaine à Fasciola hepatica

Cinquante-neuf cressonnières naturelles du Limousin ont été suivies sur une période de 15 années (de 1990 à 2004) pour détecter la contamination du cresson par les métacercaires de Fasciola hepatica et vérifier la présence d’infestations naturelles par ce Digène chez les deux espèces de limnées qui colonisent ces sites en juin-juillet. Le nombre de cressonnières contaminées par les métacercaires de F. hepatica fluctue au cours des années (de 15 en 1994 à 32 en 1999) et la charge en larves sur les plantes est assez faible : de 2,6 à 6,3 larves vivantes en moyenne par site. La même variabilité se retrouve au niveau de l’infestation naturelle de Galba truncatula par F. hepatica car l’effectif des mollusques parasités se distribue de 11 à 42 et la prévalence de l’infestation de 1,2 à 2,4 % en fonction des années. L’infestation naturelle d’Omphiscola glabra par F. hepatica n’a été observée qu’à partir de 1996 et la prévalence s’est accrue par la suite jusqu’en 2001 (à 1,8 %), date au-delà de laquelle on observe un plateau dans les valeurs. Chez G. truncatula, la charge moyenne en cercaires indépendantes (de 19,3 à 78,5 larves) ne présente pas de variation significative en fonction des années. Par contre, chez O. glabra, on constate un accroissement significatif de cette charge depuis 1996. La contamination de ces plantations par F. hepatica au cours de ces 15 années se révèle identique à celle que l’auteur a notée dans les mêmes sites entre 1970 et 1986. Les seuls changements importants sont l’apparition d’un autre Digène, Paramphis-tomum daubneyi, dans ces cressonnières et la possibilité pour O. glabra d’assurer le développement larvaire de F. hepatica.
"Mutações no gene OCT4 em células eritroleucêmicas humanas: implicações sobre o fenótipo de resistência a múltiplas drogas (MDR)”

The OCT4 transcription factor is a crucial stem cells marker and it has been related to the cancer stem cells (CSCs) concept. More recently, it has also been associated to the multiple drug resistance (MDR) phenotype. Our objective was to test whether OCT4 is linked to the MDR phenotype in erythroleukemic cells derived from LMC-K562 cell line. For this, we performed expression analyses of genes associated to the ATP Binding Cassette (ABC) superfamily, as well as stem cells-related transcription factors. Our first results pointed out the straight correlation between OCT4 and ABC transporters in K562-derivative MDR (Lucena) cells. Sequencing of ABC promoters did not reveal any mutation that could explain the differential expression of OCT4 in Lucena cells. Furthermore, sequencing of the homeobox domain region from the OCT4 gene isolated from both cell lines evinced, for the first time, that this transcription factor is a target of mutations and might be related to the MDR phenotype. The encountered mutations implied in several amino acids substitutions in both cell lines. K562
Domesticating Commercially Important Native Tree Species in the Philippines: Early Growth Performance Level

Selection of native tree species for commercial purposes is a continuing challenge and an opportunity in tropical silviculture. Because of this, we explored domesticating 33 native species in the Philippines that were tested for survival rate, total height, and diameter-at-ground-level (dgl) increments. The first five years (2014–2018) of assessment showed that 13 species (40%) of the 33 native species reached a survival rate of more than 80%. Grouped as ‘slow’-, ‘medium’- and ‘fast’-growing field trial species, a 709 cm average total height at five years was attained by the fast-growing cluster where Bagalunga (Melia dubia L.) and Kupang (Parkia javanica (D.C.) Merr. ) were among the fastest-growing species. Slow-growing trees like Tindalo (Afzelia rhomboidei (Blanco)) and Kamagong (Diospyros blancoi (Willd)) were among the slowest-growing with an average height of 193.8 cm. Dipterocarps like Yakal (Shorea stylosa (Foxw.)), Tanguile (Shorea polysperma (Blanco)) and Mayapis (Shorea squamata (Blanco) Merr. ) had the lowest diameter at ground level (dgl) increments (average 25.9 mm) while diametric expansion of fast-growing species spanned up to 93.5 mm. Overall, height and dgl increments were almost five times the original measurement five years after planting. A sudden surge in the rate of change in total height (83%) and dgl (72%) occurred a year after planting, yet a sudden decline occurred in the fifth year with only 21% for height and 23% for diameter growth suggesting the first 3–4 years as the crucial stage in seedling development. Survival rate is better correlated with the changes in dgl increment (R2 = 0.19, p < 0.05) than the height growth (R2 = 0.12, p < 0.05). Increasing rainfall and optimum air temperature significantly correlated with height and diameter growth while any increase in recorded wind speed slightly reduced the growth of the species. Our findings are initial steps towards developing appropriate silvicultural and management interventions when planning for the massive plantation development of domesticated Philippine native trees in the future.
Basophils Are Dispensable for the Control of a Filarial Infection

Basophils are innate effector cells that contribute to allergic reactions and provide protection against parasites. Using basophil-deficient Mcpt8-cre mice, we have previously shown that these granulocytes contributed to the immune mediated early control of the gastrointestinal helminth Strongyloides ratti in mice. In this study, we analyze the impact of basophils on the immune response and defense against the tissue-dwelling filarial helminth parasite Litomosoides sigmodontis. Although basophils and IgE increased at the site of infection, the absence of basophils did not change the outcome of L. sigmodontis infection. Worm burden in the thoracic cavity and microfilaremiae in the peripheral blood were alike in L. sigmodontis–infected Mcpt8-cre mice compared with Mcpt8 wild type littermates during the entire course of infection. Analysis of the cytokine and Ab response to L. sigmodontis revealed no consistent alterations in the absence of basophils. Furthermore, basophil-deficient and -competent mice were protected to the same extent during a secondary infection with L. sigmodontis. In summary, our findings suggest that basophils are dispensable for the initiation of the appropriate immune response and host defense against L. sigmodontis infection in mice.
Narrative review of prostate cancer grading systems: will the Gleason scores be replaced by the Grade Groups?

The Gleason grading system, proposed by Dr. Donald F. Gleason in 1966, is one of the most important prognostic factors in men with prostate cancer (PCa). At consensus conferences held in 2005 and 2014, organized by the International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP), the system was modified to reflect the current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. In particular, in the 2014 Conference, it was recognized that there were weaknesses with the original and the 2005 ISUP modified Gleason systems. Based on the results of a research conducted by Prof. JI Epstein and his group, a new grading system was proposed by the ISUP in order to address some of such deficiencies: i.e., the five distinct Grade Groups (GGs). Since 2014, results of studies have been published by different groups and societies, including the Genitourinary Pathology Society (GUPS), giving additional support to the prognostic role of the architectural Gleason patterns and, in particular, of the GGs. A revised GG system, taking into account the percentage of Gleason pattern (GP) 4, cribriform and intraductal carcinoma, tertiary GP 5, and reactive stroma grade, has shown to have some advantages, however not ready for adoption in the current practice. The aim of this contribution was to review the major updates and recommendations regarding the GPs and GSs, as well as the GGs, trying to give an answer to the following questions: “How has the grade group system been used in the routine? ” and “will the Gleason scoring system be replace by the grade groups? ” We also discussed the potential implementation in the future of molecular pathology and artificial intelligence in grading to further define risk groups in patients with PCa.
Investigation of Population Structure in the Rare Amsonia ludoviciana Vail (Louisiana Bluestar; Apocynaceae)

Abstract Amsonia ludoviciana (Louisiana Bluestar), in the Apocynaceae family, is a rare herbaceous perennial plant species found in the ecotones of granite rock outcrops of Georgia as well as the pine flatwoods in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas. This research focused on using fluorescently tagged primers to amplify polymorphic microsatellite loci as a way to characterize the population genetic structure of the rare Louisiana Bluestar in Georgia. We sampled 6 populations across the Georgia range of Louisiana Bluestar. We employed 8 microsatellite loci to detect variation within and among Louisiana Bluestar populations and to detect patterns in population structure and dispersal. Values of the genetic-diversity estimator Gst suggested that the majority of the sampled populations demonstrated moderate genetic similarity. Further, Geneland software indicated the presence of 3 clusters. From our population genetic analyses, it can also be inferred that there is substantial gene flow between populations of Louisiana Bluestar in the state of Georgia.
The relationship between politicization and the Spanish savings banks’ defaults

IMPACT The authors show the extremely negative impact of having inexperienced directors with minimal or no knowledge of economics or finance serving on the boards of directors of Spanish savings banks. The failure of the savings banks would have bankrupted the Spanish banking sector and so the government had to invest public money to rescue it. Other public spending was therefore drastically reduced. The authors call for banks to be depoliticized and for their supervisory systems to be strengthened to guarantee their solvency in the long term. ABSTRACT The heavy politicization of the corporate governance of the Spanish savings banks is shown in this paper to be a key factor explaining a large number of defaults. The authors explain the effect of political influence on savings banks boards of directors and provide empirical evidence about the factors that led to both poor performance and failures. The authors found a negative association between the percentage of savings banks’ board members appointed by politicians and performance. The demise of savings banks was important in terms of the public sector finances because the Spanish government had to spend millions of euros to rescue the banking system, with consequent cuts in government spending in other areas.
The Application of the Law of Anomalous Numbers on Global Food Prices in Examining Psychological Pricing Strategies

Abstract The goal of this paper is to present a new approach to examining psychological pricing strategies using the law of anomalous numbers on the global food prices database. Benford’s Law distribution is used in order to see whether first price digits follow Benford’s Law. On top of that, the discrete uniform distribution is used to examine whether the last digit and the last two digits of a price have the same frequency of occurrence or whether there are indications that there are symbolic meanings to price endings. The results of the analysis showed that the global food price digits distribution does not follow the chosen distributions.
Evolution of a local population of a multiple-strain pathogen in its vector

The vector-to-host and host-to-vector transmission steps are the two critical events that define the life cycle of any vector-borne pathogen. We expect negative genetic correlations between these two transmission phenotypes, if parasite genotypes specialized at invading the vector are less effective at infecting the vertebrate host and vice versa. We used the tick-borne bacterium Borrelia afzelii, a causative agent of Lyme borreliosis in Europe, to test whether genetic trade-offs exist between tick-to-host, systemic (host-to-tick), and a third mode of co-feeding (tick-to-tick) transmission. We worked with six strains of B. afzelii that were differentiated according to their ospC gene. We compared the three components of transmission among the B. afzelii strains using laboratory rodents as the vertebrate host and a laboratory colony of Ixodes ricinus as the tick vector. We used next generation matrix models to combine these transmission components into a single estimate of the reproductive number (R0) for each B. afzelii strain. We also tested whether these strain-specific estimates of R0 were correlated with the strain-specific frequencies in the field. We found significant genetic variation in the three transmission components among the B. afzelii strains. This is the first study to document genetic variation in co-feeding transmission for any tick-borne pathogen. We found no evidence of trade-offs as the three pairwise correlations of the transmission rates were all positive. The R0 values from our laboratory study explained 45% of the variation in the frequencies of the B. afzelii ospC strains in the field. Our study suggests that laboratory estimates of pathogen fitness can predict the distribution of pathogen strains in nature. © 2015 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.
OIL PALM ETHYLENE RECEPTOR GENE FAMILY: IDENTIFICATION, CHARACTERISATION AND EXPRESSION ANALYSIS

The ethylene receptor family is the first component of the ethylene signaling pathway to trigger the plant’s response towards ethylene and consequently affect plant growth and developmental processes. In oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.), an ethylene receptor gene has been isolated and characterised. However, the full information about the gene family is unavailable. Thus, in this study, we focused on the identification, isolation and characterisation of the ethylene receptor gene family from oil palm. A total of seven genes were identified, isolated and characterised using a combination of in silico bioinformatics tools and experimental insights. Structural comparison and phylogenetic analyses showed the genes are classified into two subfamilies. Subfamily I consists of three members whereas subfamily II has four members. Expression analyses of the ethylene receptors in various oil palm tissues suggested multiple roles of the ethylene receptors in regulating many processes in oil palm growth and development such as fruit growth, ripening and abscission, and flower development. Therefore, all together, these results will be beneficial to further investigate the functions of ethylene and the potential use of the genes to manipulate ethylene responses in oil palm for yield improvement.
White‐faced darter distribution is associated with coniferous forests in Great Britain

Understanding of dragonfly distributions is often geographically comprehensive but less so in ecological terms. White‐faced darter (Leucorhinnia dubia) is a lowland peatbog specialist dragonfly which has experienced population declines in Great Britain. White‐faced darter is thought to rely on peat‐rich pool complexes within woodland, but this has not yet been empirically tested. We used dragonfly recording data collected by volunteers of the British Dragonfly Society from 2005 to 2018 to model habitat preference for white‐faced darter using species distribution models across Great Britain and, with a more detailed landcover data set, specifically in the North of Scotland. Across the whole of Great Britain, our models used the proportion of coniferous forest within 1 km as the most important predictor of habitat suitability but were not able to predict all current populations in England. In the North of Scotland, our models were more successful and suggest that habitats characterised by native coniferous forest and areas with high potential evapotranspiration represent the most suitable habitat for white‐faced darter. We recommend that future white‐faced darter monitoring should be expanded to include areas currently poorly surveyed but with high suitability in the North of Scotland. Our results also suggest that white‐faced darter management should concentrate on maintaining Sphagnum rich‐pool complexes and the maintenance and restoration of native forests in which these pool complexes occur.
How yeast cells find their mates

Accurate detection of extracellular chemical gradients is essential for many cellular behaviors. Gradient sensing is challenging for small cells, which experience little difference in ligand concentrations on the up-gradient and down-gradient sides of the cell. Nevertheless, the tiny cells of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae reliably decode gradients of extracellular pheromones to find their mates. By imaging the behavior of polarity factors and pheromone receptors during mating encounters, we found that gradient decoding involves two steps. First, cells bias orientation of initial polarity up-gradient, even though they have unevenly distributed receptors. To achieve this, they measure the local fraction of occupied receptors, rather than absolute number. However, this process is error-prone, and subsequent exploratory behavior of the polarity factors corrects initial errors via communication between mating partners. The mobile polarity sites convert the difficult problem of spatial gradient decoding into the easier one of sensing temporal changes in local pheromone levels.