Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anaemia in patients undergoing major bowel surgery – Prevalence and current practice: A public and private institution experience

Aim The study aimed to compare the frequency and alignment of preoperative anaemia screening and treatment with Australian guidelines in elective bowel surgery and determine the impact on clinical outcomes. Methods We performed a retrospective observational study, with an audit of 559 adult patients who underwent major elective bowel surgery in an Australian metropolitan hospital, January 2016–December 2018. Outcome measures included rate of anaemia, guideline compliance, hospital length of stay, and transfusion rate. Results Preoperative anaemia assessment occurred in 82.6% of patients. However, only 5.2% received recommended biochemical tests at least one week before surgery. Only 25.2% of anaemic patients received preoperative treatment; they experienced a longer hospital length of stay (9.93 days versus 7.88 days, p < 0.001) and an increased rate of transfusion (OR: 3.186, p < 0.05). Conclusion The gaps between current preoperative anaemia screening, management and national guidelines may place patients at higher risk of poor surgical outcome.
Yew matriarchies of the Sierra de Francia. Dynamics and ecology of recently identified yew populations in the Central Iberian mountain range (Sistema Central).

Aim of study : Our study design presents two main objectives: 1) to create a census that details the number of yew individuals and their geographic distribution, and 2) to attempt to unravel possible reproductive relationships and their connection between true population nuclei and meta-population models. Area of study : Recently identified yew populations ( Taxus baccata L.) were studied in the western sector of the Sistema Central mountain range of theIberian Peninsula, known as the Sierra de Francia. The study was carried out in five watersheds within Las Batuecas-Sierra de Francia Natural Park. Material and Methods : All yew specimens were counted and assigned to age groups. The notable differences observed in regeneration aof these communities propitiates population analysis aimed at explaining the landscape connectivity relationships between the different population nuclei and the possibility of defining the meta-population set. Ecological niche models were also created to define the main ecological characteristics of the different subpopulations studied, and to compare them. Main results : Yew in the Sierra de Francia live in an array of different Mediterranean forests, indicative of species dynamics in theIberian Peninsula. 2,450 specimens were recorded and classified into the three types of yew forest population dynamics: regressional-, naturally regenerating-, and incipient- (i.e. colonizing new territories). Research highlights : The essential role of connectivity between populations was recognized and confirmed in this study, specifically among the large female trees located at the headwaters. Based on the role of these female trees, we have created a model called “yew matriarchies”, which serves to express the relevance of large female yew trees in population dynamics. Keywords : Taxus baccata ; census; connectivity; seed dispersal.
MICROBIAL DIVERSITY AND ISOLATION OF MULTIPLE METAL-TOLERANT BACTERIA FROM SURFACE AND UNDERGROUND PITS WITHIN THE COPPER MINING AND SMELTING COMPLEX BOR

The bacterial diversity of the surface and deep sediment of the Copper Mining and Smelting Complex Bor, Serbia, was investigated using culture-dependent and culture-independent approaches. Sequencing analysis of 16S rDNA libraries revealed greater bacterial diversity in the surface sediment of the mining complex (MS) in comparison to deeper mine sediment (MU). While in the MS sample members of seven different phylogenetic groups were detected, in the MU sample library representatives of only three different groups were detected. The use of a culture-dependent approach revealed the presence of only three bacterial groups in both samples: Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria, while six isolates exhibiting the highest metal tolerance were members of Arthrobacter and Staphylococcus genera. The most promising isolate, MSI08, was able to grow in the presence of high concentrations of Cd2+ (535 μM), Ni2+(17 mM) and Cr6+ (38.5 mM) and as such this indigenous strain has potential in the bioremediation of the contaminated surrounds of the city of Bor.
Immobilization of glycerol dehydrogenase on magnetic silica nanoparticles for conversion of glycerol to value-added 1,3-dihydroxyacetone

Abstract Glycerol dehydrogenase (GlyDH) which oxidizes glycerol to the value-added chemical, 1,3-dihydroxyacetone, is of interest due to the oversupply of glycerol as a by-product of the biodiesel industry. To exploit the enzymatic oxidation of glycerol industrially, silica coated magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles were prepared and then activated with an amino-silane reagent for covalent immobilization of GlyDH via a glutaraldehyde linkage. At the optimal glutaraldehyde concentration of 0.05% (v/v), an enzyme loading of up to 57.5 mg/g-nanoparticles was achieved with 81.1% of the original activity retained. Reaction kinetic analysis indicated that the immobilized GlyDH had almost the same Michaelis-Menten constants for both NAD+ and glycerol as the free GlyDH did. However, after immobilization the turnover number kcat of the GlyDH decreased from 164 s−1 to 113 s−1, and the reaction was 1.3-fold less sensitive to inhibition by DHA, which could compensate the decrease in kcat. The immobilized GlyDH was also less sensitive to changes in pH and temperature, and showed a 5.3-fold improvement in thermal stability at 50°C. Furthermore, excellent reusability was observed such that 10 cycles of re-use only led to 9% loss of enzyme activity.
Changes of saliva microbiota in the onset and after the treatment of diabetes in patients with periodontitis

The relationship between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and oral microbiota is still insufficiently recognized. In the present study, we compared the salivary microbiome of nondiabetic individuals, treatment-naïve diabetic patients, and diabetic patients treated with metformin or a combination of insulin and other drugs. The α- and β-diversity demonstrated significant differences in the salivary microbiome between the nondiabetic people and patients with a history of diabetes, while little divergence was found among individuals with a history of diabetes. After characterizing the effects of periodontitis on the microbial composition of each group, the salivary microbiome of the treatment-naïve diabetic patient group was compared with that of nondiabetic people and the metformin/combined treatment groups. The results revealed changes in the contents of certain bacteria after both the onset and the treatment of diabetes; among these differential bacteria, Blautia_wexlerae, Lactobacillus_fermentum, Nocardia_coeliaca and Selenomonas_artemidis varied in all processes. A subsequent correlational analysis of the differential bacteria and clinical characteristics demonstrated that salivary microbes were related to drug treatment and certain pathological changes. Finally, the four common differential bacteria were employed for distinguishing the treatment-naïve diabetic patients from the nondiabetic people and the treated patients, with prediction accuracies of 83.3%, 75% and 75%, respectively.
A First Insight into North American Plant Pathogenic Fungi Armillaria sinapina Transcriptome

Armillaria sinapina, a fungal pathogen of primary timber species of North American forests, causes white root rot disease that ultimately kills the trees. A more detailed understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying this illness will support future developments on disease resistance and management, as well as in the decomposition of cellulosic material for further use. In this study, RNA-Seq technology was used to compare the transcriptome profiles of A. sinapina fungal culture grown in yeast malt broth medium supplemented or not with betulin, a natural compound of the terpenoid group found in abundance in white birch bark. This was done to identify enzyme transcripts involved in the metabolism (redox reaction) of betulin into betulinic acid, a potent anticancer drug. De novo assembly and characterization of A. sinapina transcriptome was performed using Illumina technology. A total of 170,592,464 reads were generated, then 273,561 transcripts were characterized. Approximately, 53% of transcripts could be identified using public databases with several metabolic pathways represented. A total of 11 transcripts involved in terpenoid biosynthesis were identified. In addition, 25 gene transcripts that could play a significant role in lignin degradation were uncovered, as well as several redox enzymes of the cytochromes P450 family. To our knowledge, this research is the first transcriptomic study carried out on A. sinapina.
Choroid Plexus: The Orchestrator of Long-Range Signalling Within the CNS

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is the liquid that fills the brain ventricles. CSF represents not only a mechanical brain protection but also a rich source of signalling factors modulating diverse processes during brain development and adulthood. The choroid plexus (CP) is a major source of CSF and as such it has recently emerged as an important mediator of extracellular signalling within the brain. Growing interest in the CP revealed its capacity to release a broad variety of bioactive molecules that, via CSF, regulate processes across the whole central nervous system (CNS). Moreover, CP has been also recognized as a sensor, responding to altered composition of CSF associated with changes in the patterns of CNS activity. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in our understanding of the CP as a signalling centre that mediates long-range communication in the CNS. By providing a detailed account of the CP secretory repertoire, we describe how the CP contributes to the regulation of the extracellular environment—in the context of both the embryonal as well as the adult CNS. We highlight the role of the CP as an important regulator of CNS function that acts via CSF-mediated signalling. Further studies of CP–CSF signalling hold the potential to provide key insights into the biology of the CNS, with implications for better understanding and treatment of neuropathological conditions.
Use of Playback Alarm Calls to Detect and Quantify Habitat Use by Richardson's Ground Squirrels

Abstract As part of a larger study on prairie ecosystems, we evaluated the use of playback alarm calls as a monitoring protocol to obtain more representative measures of the detection rate and abundance of Richardson's ground squirrels (Spermophilus richardsonii). Using these data we quantified habitat preferences of Richardson's ground squirrels by comparing availability and use of native pastures and cultivated lands. Lastly, we determined whether grass height influenced Richardson's ground squirrel habitat use. Results from surveys indicated that the playback of alarm calls increased levels of detection of Richardson's ground squirrels in 2003 (t24 = −6.82, P < 0.001) and 2004 (t32 = −5.91, P < 0.001) and estimates of abundance in 2003 (t24 = −4.35, P < 0.001) and 2004 (t32 = −6.82, P < 0.001). Our habitat comparisons showed that Richardson's ground squirrels preferred native pasture and selected against cultivated lands when compared to habitat type availability (χ21 = 45.22, P < 0.001). Ground squirrels selected native pasture with grass heights between 0–30 cm and selected against areas with tall grass (>30 cm; χ21 = 7.69, P = 0.0056). Our results suggest that playback alarm calls may constitute an important monitoring protocol to determine Richardson's ground squirrel abundance and habitat use.
Functional metal oxide ink systems for drop-on-demand printed thin film transistors.

Drop-on-demand printing is a non-contact, directing patterning and rapid manufacturing printing technology which shows considerable potential in future display manufacturing. Metal oxide is one of the most important kinds of functional materials in thin film transistors which are the core component of active matrix display technology, thus printing high quality metal oxide functional layer is of great importance. In this paper, we focused on the current progress on one of the foundations of drop-on-demand printing technology-the ink system. We explained the basic principles of metal oxide ink system for printed electronics and summarized the application of several kinds of ink systems in thin film transistors printing. Meanwhile, we also summed up problems that printed thin film transistors is facing as well as the corresponding solutions from the aspect of ink system.
Factors Affecting Time to Suicidal Resolution for Depressed Inpatients During Acute Treatment With Fluoxetine.

2020 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights re Edition) identifies suicidality, which encompasses suicidal ideation, thought, and behavior, as one criterion of a major depressive disorder (MDD). Suicidal ideation increases the risk for an eventual suicide attempt, and a suicide attempt is the most relevant risk factor for a suicide. Whether the variables associated with suicide risk affect suicidal resolution after antidepressant treatment should be investigated. The purpose of this study was to determine which baseline clinical variables affect time to suicidal resolution for MDD patients during acute treatment with fluoxetine. This study was the secondary analysis of a 6-week trial conducted fromMay 2007 to February 2010 for MDD inpatients receiving fluoxetine. The trial was approved by Kai-Syuan Psychiatric Hospital's institutional review board. Acutely ill MDD inpatients (n = 131) were enrolled to receive 20 mg of fluoxetine daily for 6 weeks if they were aged 18 to 75 years, had satisfied Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition, Text Revision) criteria for MDD, had a 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17) score ≥18 at baseline, had no diagnosis of substance abuse/dependence or treatment-resistant depression, and had given written informed consent. No other psychotropic agents were administered during the treatment period, except for anxiolytic or sedative-hypnotic medications as needed for insomnia or severe anxiety. The level of suicidality was rated using the HAMD-17 suicide item (item 3). Subjects reporting at least one postbaseline assessment and a suicide item score ≥1 were included for analysis. Symptom severity and the level of suicidality were assessed using HAMD-17 at baseline, and again at weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 during the acute treatment period. The HAMD-16, the HAMD-17 without a suicide item, was used to represent the severity of other depressive symptoms. Past suicide attempt was defined as a history of self-damaging acts with intent to die. Anxious depression was defined as depressed patients with a baseline HAMD-17 anxiety/somatization factor (including items 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, and 17) score ≥7. The level of hopelessness experienced during the past week was rated using item 14 of the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (ZDS). Pain over the past 1 month was measured by the Body Pain Index of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey. The Work and Social Adjustment Scale measured the level of psychosocial functional impairment. Analysis was done on a modified intent-to-treat basis. Subjects reporting at least one postbaseline assessment and baseline suicide item score ≥1 (ie, item 3 score ≥1) were included in the analysis.
Highly Luminescent and Anti-Photobleaching Core-Shell Structure of Mesoporous Silica and Phosphatidylcholine Modified Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles

Highly fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles (Eu(TTA)3(P(Oct)3)3@mSiO2@SPION) [europium (III) chloride hexahydrate = Eu; 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(2-thienyl)-1,3-butanedione = TTA; trioctylphosphine = (P(Oct)3); mesoporous silica = mSiO2; superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle = SPION] were developed as a dual-functional imaging agent. The hierarchical structure was composed of a magnetic core and mesoporous silica shell was constructed using a cationic surfactant template after coating with phosphatidylcholine of oleic acid coated SPION. Afterward, the surface and cavities of mSiO2@SPION were modified with 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate (TMSPMA) as a silane coupling agent to introduce methacrylate groups. Eu(TTA)3(P(Oct)3)3 molecules are penetrated, located and bonded covalently inside of the cavities/mesopores of mSiO2, it shows extremely stable anti-photobleaching properties. The emission spectra of Eu(TTA)3(P(Oct)3)3@mSiO2@SPION indicated typical hypersensitivity transition 5D0→7F2 at 621 nm. The concentration of Eu(TTA)3(P(Oct)3)3@mSiO2@SPION was varied between 10 and 500 μL/mL to evaluate the cytotoxicity with NCI-H460 (H460) cells using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay. In addition, the presence of a strong red-emitting Eu(TTA)3(P(Oct)3)3@mSiO2@SPION in the cytoplasm was observed by fluorescence microscopy. Those results that it can be a potential candidate for dual-functional contrast agent and PL nanomaterials for fabricating the diagnostic kits to amplify the low signal.
Fine‐scale spatial genetic structure, mating, and gene dispersal patterns in Parkia biglobosa populations with different levels of habitat fragmentation

Premise A good understanding of genetic variation and gene dispersal in tree populations is crucial for their sustainable management, particularly in a context of rapid environmental changes. West African Sudanian savannahs are being fragmented and degraded, partly due to expansion of crop cultivation and monocultures that reduce tree density and may impact pollinators. The population dynamics of important indigenous trees could also be affected. We investigated the influence of habitat fragmentation on patterns of genetic diversity and gene dispersal of a key Sudanian agroforestry tree species, Parkia biglobosa. Methods Using 10 highly polymorphic nuclear microsatellites, we genotyped 2475 samples from reproductive trees, seedlings, and embryos in four tree populations presenting different levels of habitat fragmentation. Results Parkia biglobosa presented similar high genetic diversity across the four populations studied. Genetic diversity and inbreeding were similar between adults and embryo cohorts. In all four populations, the selfing rate was less than 1%. The effective number of pollen donors per tree was high (N EP~ 18–22), as was the pollen immigration rate (from 34 to 74%). Pollen dispersal was characterized by a fat‐tailed distribution with mean estimates exceeding 200 m. In three populations, stem diameter had a pronounced effect on male reproductive success. Here, the highest male reproductive success was observed in trees with a diameter at breast height between 60 and 75 cm. Conclusions At the scale analyzed, fragmentation does not seem to pose limitations to gene flow in any of the sites investigated, regardless of the landscape configuration associated with the different tree stands. The study provides useful insights on the reproductive biology of an important tree species in the West African savannahs.
ANTIOXIDANT AND HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF ORIGANUM MAJORANA IN CCL4 INDUCED LIVER INJURY IN RATS

Objective: The present study was aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of methanolic extract of Origanum majorana aerial parts against CCL4 induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Materials and methods: Wistar rats (150-200 gm) were divided into five groups each group containing six rats. Group A treated as normal control receives 1% v/v tween-80, p.o for 14 days. Group B received 0.1ml/kg of CCL4 i.p for 10 days which is treated as experimental control. Group C receives 100 mg/kg of silymarin for 14 days which is treated as standard. Group D and E treated as tests t1 and t2 which receives methanolic extract of Origanum majorana aerial parts of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg for 14 days respectively. Group C, D and E were intoxicated with CCL4 (0.1ml/kg i.p) for 10 days 1hr before administration of silymarin and extract. Antioxidant effect of methanolic extract of Origanum majorana was also evaluated by in- vitro antioxidant parameters like Hydroxyl and Superoxide radicals scavenging activities. The hepatoprotective effect was evaluated by the assessment of biochemical parameters such as SGPT, SGOT, ALP, bilirubin and serum total protein levels and histopathological studies of liver. Results were analyzed by one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's multiple comparison tests. Results: Treatment of animals with methanolic extract of Origanum majorana in doses of 200 mg /kg and 400 mg/kg significantly altered the CCL4 induced changes in the serum and tissue enzyme levels to near normal values. It also improved the liver histopathology profile. And also the extract is having hydroxyl and superoxide radical scavenging activities and there IC50 values were found to be 133. 33µg/ml and 245. 09µg/ml. Conclusion: The results of the study indicate that the methanolic extract of Origanum majorana aerial parts possesses hepatoprotective activity against CCL4 induced hepatotoxicity in rats due to the extract is having antioxidant activity.
Are Moms Manipulative Or Just Selfish? Evaluating the “Maternal Manipulation Hypothesis” and Implications For Life-History Studies of Reptiles

Abstract Recent discussion in the life-history literature has examined “adaptive maternal effects,” defined as maternal effects that benefit offspring, and concluded that this definition is too narrow, because maternal effects may not always benefit current offspring fitness, but can still be adaptive to female lifetime reproductive success. The “maternal manipulation hypothesis” suggests that females modify their physiology and behavior when gravid to increase offspring fitness, an example of adaptive maternal effects in the narrow sense. The maternal manipulation hypothesis has been tested almost exclusively using studies of reptiles, especially viviparous species. We argue that interpretations of modifications of female reptile behavior and physiology while gravid are hampered by the maternal manipulation hypothesis' exclusive focus on offspring fitness. We suggest broadening the approach of such studies to attempt to determine whether behaviors benefit fitness of the current batch of offspring, or benefit female lifetime reproductive success, or both. Using this approach, researchers acknowledge that females may modify physiology and behavior when gravid to benefit their own lifetime reproductive success, which may, or may not, also enhance fitness of the current batch of offspring. We recommend tests of benefits in reptiles to include the idea that females may increase their lifetime reproductive success by engaging in specific behaviors while gravid, independent of (or in addition to) benefits to offspring. We conclude that a broader view of maternal effects, less focused on offspring fitness and including both mothers and offspring, is the way forward for understanding maternal effects.