Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the utility of camera traps in field studies of predation

Artificial prey techniques—wherein synthetic replicas of real organisms are placed in natural habitats—are widely used to study predation in the field. We investigated the extent to which videography could provide additional information to such studies. As a part of studies on aposematism and mimicry of coral snakes (Micrurus) and their mimics, observational data from 109 artificial snake prey were collected from video-recording camera traps in three locations in the Americas (terra firme forest, Tiputini Biodiversity Station, Ecuador; premontane wet forest, Nahá Reserve, Mexico; longleaf pine forest, Southeastern Coastal Plain, North Carolina, USA). During 1,536 camera days, a total of 268 observations of 20 putative snake predator species were recorded in the vicinity of artificial prey. Predators were observed to detect artificial prey 52 times, but only 21 attacks were recorded. Mammals were the most commonly recorded group of predators near replicas (243) and were responsible for most detections (48) and attacks (20). There was no difference between avian or mammalian predators in their probability of detecting replicas nor in their probability of attacking replicas after detecting them. Bite and beak marks left on clay replicas registered a higher ratio of avian:mammalian attacks than videos registered. Approximately 61.5% of artificial prey monitored with cameras remained undetected by predators throughout the duration of the experiments. Observational data collected from videos could provide more robust inferences on the relative fitness of different prey phenotypes, predator behavior, and the relative contribution of different predator species to selection on prey. However, we estimate that the level of predator activity necessary for the benefit of additional information that videos provide to be worth their financial costs is achieved in fewer than 20% of published artificial prey studies. Although we suggest future predation studies employing artificial prey to consider using videography as a tool to inspire new, more focused inquiry, the investment in camera traps is unlikely to be worth the expense for most artificial prey studies until the cost:benefit ratio decreases.
Draft Genomic Sequence of Escherichia coli Sequence Type 131, Isolated from Retail Chicken Skin

Escherichia coli sequence type 131 (ST131) is a foodborne pathogen increasingly associated with urinary tract infections. We report here the draft genomic sequence of ST131 B7S75, isolated from retail chicken skin, including information about its virulence factors and antibiotic resistance. ABSTRACT Escherichia coli sequence type 131 (ST131) is a foodborne pathogen increasingly associated with urinary tract infections. We report here the draft genomic sequence of ST131 B7S75, isolated from retail chicken skin, including information about its virulence factors and antibiotic resistance.
A review of nitrogen translocation and nitrogen-use efficiency

Abstract Nitrogen (N) is a primary nutrient for crop growth. In most agricultural areas, crop production relies heavily on the supply of exogenous N fertilizers. Globally, a large amount of nitrogenous fertilizer is applied to achieve maximum crop productivity. However, N fertilizer application is costly and negatively impacts the environment. One way around these problems is to provide a new N-use efficiency (NUE) framework that promotes the efficient acquisition and use of N and high N translocation rates from vegetative organs to reproductive organs under reduced N inputs. This review integrates the current knowledge about the direct and indirect effects of soil properties, crop varieties, soil water status, soil N fertilizers, and soil microbes on N translocation. In addition, we explore strategies that specifically accomplish N translocation via mycorrhizal fungi. Finally, we discuss recent advances in plant physiology, demonstrating that N translocation is an effective target to improve cereal yields and NUE. Although the relationship between crop variety and N translocation is mostly unknown, understanding this relationship is necessary to select and breed crop varieties that exhibit high yields and N translocation efficiency.
Sampling the Functional Sequence Neighbourhood of Phi29 DNA Polymerase for XNA Synthesis

Xenobiotic nucleic acids are unnatural analogues of DNA (and RNA) of great biotechnological and pharmaceutical interest. Their chemical synthesis is highly challenging and expensive, rendering the discovery of functional XNAs impractical. Enzymatic synthesis of XNA is a viable alternative but is limited by the low efficiency and low substrate selectivity of the currently available engineered XNA polymerases. A better understanding of the functional space of polymerases is needed to improve their engineering. Directed evolution techniques were implemented to map the sequence-function relationships of phi29 DNA polymerase (phi29 DNAP) in the process of evolving a more efficient HNA polymerase. Phi29 DNAP is a small and well-characterised polymerase with remarkable processivity and limited HNA synthesis activity. Diversity in phi29 DNAP was introduced through insertions and deletions, multiple-site saturation mutagenesis and random mutagenesis, targeting different subdomains of the enzyme. Libraries were partitioned through compartmentalised self-tagging (CST), a functional selection platform for XNA synthetases. A single round of selection did not substantially alter the overall activity of libraries for HNA synthesis, and variants isolated in screening were of comparable activity to the wild-type enzyme. Nevertheless, the results give insight into the functional landscape of phi29 DNAP. Deep sequencing of the libraries used in selection was used to quantify the functional consequence of sequence variation and investigate signs of epistasis for HNA synthesis. Variants that were enriched more than the wild-type, with potentially enhanced HNA synthesis activity, as well as variants that were significantly depleted were identified, both of which contribute to our understanding of the functional sequence space of phi29 DNAP. Altogether, the directed evolution and deep mutational scanning approaches implemented could be used to develop a new generation of more efficient XNA polymerases.
Time–motion analysis examining of the impact of Medic Bleep, an instant messaging platform, versus the traditional pager: a prospective pilot study

Objectives Efficient and accurate communication between healthcare professionals (HCPs) serves as the backbone to safe and efficient care delivery. Traditional pager-based interpersonal communication may contribute to inefficient communication practices and lapses in medical care. Methods This study aimed to examine the impact of Medic Bleep, a National Health Service (NHS) information governance-compliant instant messaging application, in an NHS Hospital Trust. We examined Medic Bleep’s impact on participant time and workflow using time–motion methodology. Cohorts of doctors and nurses using both Medic Bleep and the traditional pager were compared. Secondary endpoints of our study were to assess whether efficient communications could lead to better resource utilisation, patient safety as well as better quality of work life for the end user. Results Assimilation of Medic Bleep corresponded to a reduction in mean task-duration that was statistically significant (p < 0.05) for To Take Out (TTO) and Patient Review categories. Nurses saved an average of 21 minutes per shift (p < 0.05), whereas doctors saved an average of 48 minutes (p < 0.05) per shift. Qualitative analysis suggested that HCPs benefited from better work prioritisation, collaboration and reduced medical errors enabled by an auditable communication workflow. Conclusion Medic Bleep reduced time spent on the tasks requiring interpersonal communication. Efficiencies were seen in Discharge Patient Flow, Patient Review and TTO categories. This improved HCP availability and response times to the benefit of patients. End users revealed that Medic Bleep had a positive effect on quality of work life.
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Bacillus spp. and an Oceanobacillus sp. Strain Isolated from Marine Macroalgae

We present the draft genome sequences of Bacillus flexus strain DMTMMB08, Bacillus licheniformis strain DMTMMB10, and Oceanobacillus picturae strain DMTMMB24, isolated from marine macroalgae. ABSTRACT We present the draft genome sequences of Bacillus flexus strain DMTMMB08, Bacillus licheniformis strain DMTMMB10, and Oceanobacillus picturae strain DMTMMB24, isolated from marine macroalgae.
The Effect of Lower and Higher Calorie Meal on the Parameters of Ventricular Repolarization in Healthy Subjects

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular modulation following meal consumption has been known. Little and conflicting data is present regarding electrocardiographic QT and QTc intervals after a meal, and status of ventricular repolarization following meal is not known comprehensively. AIM: To inquire the electrocardiographic status of ventricular repolarisation thoroughly after lower and higher calorie meal consumption in a comparative manner. METHODS: A group of 61 healthy individuals were studied before and after lunch. They were divided into two groups according to the calorie consumed (higher calorie and lower calorie; median 1580 and 900 kcals, respectively). Calorie consumed was estimated using dietary guidelines. Data was collected from 12-lead ECG both in a fasted state and 2nd postprandial hour for each participant. Parameters of ventricular repolarization, namely, JTp, Tp-e, QT, QTc intervals and their ratios, as well as RR intervals, were compared between fasted and postprandial states for every participant. RESULTS: Tp-e and QTc intervals, and Tp-e/QTc ratio do not significantly change after both higher- and lower-calorie meals. JTp and QT intervals significantly shorten in both groups, regardless of the calorie consumed. While JTp shows a positive correlation with RR interval both before and after a meal in lower calorie intake group, no correlation was found with RR interval after a meal in higher calorie group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that higher calorie intake during a meal is a predictor for greater shortening in JTp and QT, compared to lower calorie meal. CONCLUSION: Our study may guide future studies on ventricular repolarisation, particularly those conducted on various disease conditions or drug effect of cardiac electrophysiology.
Light Microscopic Morphology of Indigenous Ghanaian African Hair from Scalp, Eyebrow, Axilla, and Pubic Regions

Context: Relatively scanty literature on autochthonic African Negroid hair morphology provokes research interest for anthropological, forensic, and cosmetic purposes. Aims: This study aimed to contribute basic morphological information on Ghanaian African hairs. Settings and Design: The study was done in selected second-cycle schools in Accra, Ghana, using convenient sampling. Subjects and Methods: Hairs were obtained by pluck method, from 30 males and 30 females aged 15–20 years. Ghanaian African autochthony was established if individuals had two generations of indigenous Ghanaian parentage. Scalp, eyebrow, axilla, and pubic hairs were image captured using a digital light microscope eyepiece connected to a computer. Diameters of hair strands were measured; types of the medulla and the form and shape of the hair roots were studied. Statistical Analysis Used: ANOVA test (SPSS Version 17.0) was used to compare the means of quantitative hair features among the sexes and the four regions of the body studied. Results: Pubic hair shaft was thickest (respective male and female diameters were 100.21 μm, 88.40 μm) and eyebrow hair was thinnest (53.97 and 46.69-μm diameters in males and females, respectively). Axillary and scalp hairs were the closest in diameters with 76.21 and 72.02 μm, respectively, in males and 73.07 and 71.15 μm, respectively, in females. Continuous type medulla was predominant in all hairs, with a trend of percentage occurrence in descending order from the pubic, axilla, eyebrow, and scalp in both sexes. Conclusions: Bodily regional differences in diameter of hair shaft and medullary presence were affirmed.
Perceptions of insulin therapy in people with type 2 diabetes and physicians: a cross-sectional survey conducted in France

Objective To evaluate perceptions of people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and treating physicians living in France toward insulin therapy. Methods Adults with T2D receiving oral glucose-lowering treatment alone (INS−) or basal insulin for ≥2 months (INS+) completed an online cross-sectional survey comprising 39 questions, including some regarding perceptions and fears of insulin therapy. Physicians were interviewed by telephone using eleven similar questions. The survey was designed by French clinicians experienced in treating diabetes and conducted under the auspices of an independent market-research agency. Results The questionnaire was completed by 590 adults with T2D (two-thirds INS+) and 130 physicians (65 diabetologists/endocrinologists, 65 general practitioners). INS+ adults reported fewer negative feelings and more positive feelings than INS− adults. Two-thirds of INS+ adults reported that transitioning to insulin therapy was less difficult than expected. Overall, 44% of INS+ adults and 26% of physicians reported a fear of diabetic complications as being important, and 80% of physicians and 21% of INS+ adults considered injections to be a major patient fear. Conclusion Most people with T2D reported that transitioning to insulin therapy was less difficult than they had feared. People with T2D and physicians exhibited differing perceptions regarding the transition. Reasons for the apprehension surrounding the transition to insulin therapy in people with T2D need to be better identified. Support from insulin-treated peers may enable this transition to occur with fewer anxieties in insulin-naïve people with T2D.
Near-Complete Genome Sequences of 12 Coxsackievirus Group A Strains from Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease and Herpangina Cases with Different Clinical Symptoms

Coxsackievirus group A (CV-A) strains are important pathogens of hand, foot, and mouth disease and herpangina. We report here the near-complete genome sequences of 12 CV-A strains isolated from infants and children with different clinical diseases. ABSTRACT Coxsackievirus group A (CV-A) strains are important pathogens of hand, foot, and mouth disease and herpangina. We report here the near-complete genome sequences of 12 CV-A strains isolated from infants and children with different clinical diseases. The presented data will be very useful for future genome-based epidemiological studies.
Effect of Carbon Tetrachloride (CCL4) on Liver in Adult Albino Rats: Histological study

Background: The liver is a vital organ that plays a key role in the detoxification of endogenous and exogenous substances. Variety of pathological factors including viral hepatitis (especially hepatitis B and C), alcohol and drug abuse, metabolic diseases, autoimmune diseases and congenital abnormalities can cause hepatic injury. Chronic hepatic disease is quite common in daily clinical practice. Liver cirrhosis is the final stage of all chronic hepatic diseases. Liver transplantation is the treatment of choice for chronic liver failure, although, it faces several difficulties. Aim of the work: to evaluate the toxic effect of carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) on the liver structure. Materials and methods: Twenty male rats of average weight 200 grams and aged 6-8 weeks were included in this study. The Rats were divided into the following two groups: Group I (control group): ten male rats were subdivided into two subgroups, one of them acted as negative control and the other received the equivalent volume of the solvent olive oil. Group II (experimental group): ten male rats were injected intraperitoneally (IP) by CCL4 twice weekly for four weeks. Results: Histological examination of liver specimens showed that CCl4 caused patchy and variable pathological changes in the liver tissue along with significant increase in collagen fiber content. Conclusion: The induced liver fibrosis by CCL4 in rats showed markedly pathological effects on hepatic stroma and parenchyma.
Sodium rutin ameliorates Alzheimer’s disease–like pathology by enhancing microglial amyloid-β clearance

Saltified rutin enhances microglial Aβ clearance, providing a potential therapeutic avenue for Alzheimer’s disease treatment. The accumulation of aggregated amyloid-β (Aβ) in the brain is the first critical step in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), which also includes synaptic impairment, neuroinflammation, neuronal loss, and eventual cognitive defects. Emerging evidence suggests that impairment of Aβ phagocytosis and clearance is a common phenotype in late-onset AD. Rutin (quercetin-3-rutinoside) has long been investigated as a natural flavonoid with different biological functions in some pathological circumstances. Sodium rutin (NaR), could promote Aβ clearance by increasing microglial by increasing the expression levels of phagocytosis-related receptors in microglia. Moreover, NaR promotes a metabolic switch from anaerobic glycolysis to mitochondrial OXPHOS (oxidative phosphorylation), which could provide microglia with sufficient energy (ATP) for Aβ clearance. Thus, NaR administration could attenuate neuroinflammation and enhance mitochondrial OXPHOS and microglia-mediated Aβ clearance, ameliorating synaptic plasticity impairment and eventually reversing spatial learning and memory deficits. Our findings suggest that NaR is a potential therapeutic agent for AD.
Realization of a Type‐II Nodal‐Line Semimetal in Mg3Bi2

Nodal‐line semimetals (NLSs) represent a new type of topological semimetallic phase beyond Weyl and Dirac semimetals in the sense that they host closed loops or open curves of band degeneracies in the Brillouin zone. Parallel to the classification of type‐I and type‐II Weyl semimetals, there are two types of NLSs. The type‐I NLS phase has been proposed and realized in many compounds, whereas the exotic type‐II NLS phase that strongly violates Lorentz symmetry has remained elusive. First‐principles calculations show that Mg3Bi2 is a material candidate for the type‐II NLS. The band crossing is close to the Fermi level and exhibits the type‐II nature of the nodal line in this material. Spin–orbit coupling generates only a small energy gap (≈35 meV) at the nodal points and does not negate the band dispersion of Mg3Bi2 that yields the type‐II nodal line. Based on this prediction, Mg3Bi2 single crystals are synthesized and the presence of the type‐II nodal lines in the material is confirmed. The angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy measurements agree well with the first‐principles results below the Fermi level and thus strongly suggest Mg3Bi2 as an ideal material platform for studying the as‐yet unstudied properties of type‐II nodal‐line semimetals.
Effect of different doses of gadolinium contrast agent on clinical outcomes in MS

Objective The objective of this paper is to evaluate potential dose-dependent adverse effects of gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) on MS progression. Methods Outcomes from a cohort of 612 secondary progressive MS (SPMS) patients, enrolled in a two-year, placebo-controlled (negative) trial assessing the efficacy of MBP8298, were acquired. Patients received one to four (infrequent cohort; IFR) or 5–11 (frequent cohort; FR) GBCA injections between week 4 and week 104. The primary outcome was the change in Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) and time to confirmed EDSS progression. Secondary outcomes included the changes in the Multiple Sclerosis Functional Composite (MSFC), Timed 25-Foot Walk (T25FW), 9-Hole-Peg Test (9HPT), and Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) from baseline to week 104. Results The 512 IFR and 100 FR participants showed no differences in baseline demographics or disease history. The mean change from baseline to week 104 in EDSS was +0.21 (IFR) and +0.13 (FR); MSFC –0.38 (IFR) and –0.14 (FR); T25FW +1.28 (IFR) and +0.55 (FR); 9HPT –0.06 (IFR) and –0.08 (FR); and PASAT +0.22 (IFR) and +0.20 (FR). The FR to IFR progression hazard ratio equaled 0.68 (p = 0.09). There were no significant differences in any of the outcomes between the two cohorts. Conclusion There were no differences in the disability progression measures between the two cohorts, indicating that gadolinium does not result in greater clinical worsening in SPMS after a two-year period.
Prevalence of severe moral distress among healthcare providers in Saudi Arabia

Background Moral distress is a serious problem in healthcare environments that requires urgent attention and management. It occurs when healthcare providers are unable to provide the care that they feel is right or take, what they believe to be, ethically appropriate actions for their patients. Thus, this study aims to examine moral distress among nurses and physicians working in tertiary teaching hospitals in Saudi Arabia, as well as to evaluate the level of association between moral distress and turnover. Methods This cross-sectional study, which employed an anonymous 21-item Moral Distress Scale, was undertaken at a large medical institution located in different regions of Saudi Arabia. The data were analyzed using bivariate analyses, and logistic regression. Results Of the 342 participants, 239 (69.9%) were nurses/staff physicians and 103 (30.1%) were fellows/consultants. Approximately 24.3% of respondents experienced severe moral distress, whereas 75.7% reported mild moral distress. There was no statistically significant difference between men and women in terms of moral distress. Age was found to be a notable factor: moral distress was significantly higher in those younger than 37 years compared to those 37 years and older (P=0.015). Less than half of the participants (137, 42.8%) indicated their willingness to leave their jobs. A significant association was observed between severe moral distress and leaving the career (OR=3.16; P<0.01). Job category was also an important factor: nurses/staff physicians were almost two times more likely (OR =1.95, P=0.038) to leave their positions compared to fellows/consultants. Conclusion This study revealed that moral distress, which is a serious problem that compromises the well-being of caregivers, was a predictive variable for the intention of healthcare providers to leave their jobs. Therefore, it should be routinely examined, and efficient action plans should be implemented to alleviate its consequences.
Autophagy Induced by Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation Mediates the Injury to the Neurovascular Unit

Background Autophagy is characterized by the degradation of cellular components in autophagosomes. It plays a significant role in cerebral ischemic injury and has a complex functional connection with apoptosis. The neurovascular unit (NVU) is a structural and functional unit of the nervous system presented as a therapeutic target of stroke. This study aimed to investigate the effect of autophagy induced by ischemic damage on NVUs. Material/Methods SH-SY5Y cells, C6 cells, and rat brain microvascular endothelial cells were cultured with oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) exposure for different time durations, and 3-methyladenine (3-MA) was added as an autophagy inhibitor. In all 3 cell lines, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release was measured. Furthermore, apoptosis was detected using Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/propidium iodide labeling and immunofluorescence staining. Autophagosomes were observed through AO/MDC (acridine orange/monodansycadaverine) double staining. LC3-II expression levels were evaluated by western blot analysis. Results In the OGD groups of 3 cell lines, LDH leakage, and apoptotic rates were obviously increased. Remarkable increase in LC3-II expression was found in the OGD groups of SH-SY5Y cells and C6 cells. However, 3-MA decreased the LC3-II expression to varying degrees. Conclusions OGD could induce the over-activation of autophagy and augment the apoptotic activity in neurons and glial cells of NVUs.