Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Agreement on Grading Retinal Findings of Patients with Diabetes Using Fundus Photographs by Allied Medical Personnel when Compared to an Ophthalmologist at a Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Program in Nepal

Introduction Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is the emerging cause of blindness in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the accuracy of grading retinal findings of patients with diabetes using fundus photographs by allied medical personnel (AMP) when compared to an ophthalmologist. Materials and Methods Six AMPs were enrolled for grading fundus photographs of patients with diabetes after three and six months of training twice at two weeks interval. The total number of fundus photographs graded were 1,344. Grading by a retina specialist was used as the gold standard. Intra-rater and inter-rater agreement was assessed using the kappa coefficient (k). Results The intra-rater agreement of half of the AMPs in both three months and six months was almost perfect for grading of any retinal abnormalities, and substantial for retinal hemorrhages. In three months, the overall inter-rater agreement at the second rating was moderate for any retinal abnormalities (k=0.60) and retinal hemorrhage (k=0.48) and was fair for macular exudates (k=0.35). The overall inter-rater agreement of AMPs in six months at the second rating was substantial for any retinal abnormalities (k=0.61), fair for retinal hemorrhage (k=0.30), and moderate for macular exudates (k=0.49). The overall inter-rater agreement at first rating was almost similar to the second rating in both three months and six months. Conclusion Intra-rater agreement of AMPs was almost perfect for any retinal abnormalities and substantial for retinal hemorrhage. The inter-rater agreement of AMP was substantial for any retinal abnormalities and moderate for retinal hemorrhages and macular exudates. The agreement results were almost similar at three months and six months. AMPs could be utilized in screening of DR and other retinal pathologies for timely referral to reduce the blindness in low-resource settings.
The Effects of Waste Gas Flares on the Surrounding Vegetation in South- Eastern Nigeria

Throughout the Nigerian oil fields, large quantities of gas are produced. This gas contains about 900 . methane and is difficult to liquefy and transport. It is therefore burned off, at the flow stations above the oil wells, using stacks 7-9 m high. The stacks in this study have burned uninterruptedly for over three years, and there is considerable speculation among local farmers about the possible effects of these flares on the surrounding crops and vegetation. Air analysis (Shell-BP Internal Memorandum 1972a, b) indicated almost complete combustion of gas (hydrocarbons <0.001%0 at 45 m from the Rare). There was no appreciable increase in the CO2 content of the atmosphere at this distance. Preliminary observations (Sanford 1974) indicated little or no effect on the moss and lichen cover of tree boles except on trees very close to the stacks. The primary aim of the present study was to determine whether flares significantly affected the surrounding vegetation, but some measurements of the physical environment were also made in an attempt to interpret any effects on plants.
Evaluation of cold resistance and selection of chill-proof measure of three Phlox cultivars.

In this study, Phlox paniculata cultivars ‘Aida,’ ‘Purpurea,’ and ‘Rosea’ were investigated in a cold resistance experiment. Relative electrical conductivity, soluble sugar content, and free proline content were selected as physiological targets, and the states of growth of the three Phlox cultivars under cold stress were observed after a year. Results showed that P. paniculata ‘Purpurea’ was more tolerant to cold than the two other cultivars. Earth covering, use of straw curtains, and frost -proof water were used as chill-proof measures in winter, and field conditions were analyzed for comparison. The most feasible chill -proof measure for the three Phlox cultivars was found to be earth covering. Overall, this study plays an important role in the introduction of Phlox species in Northern China.
The Production of Virus-Free Rhubarb by Apical Tip-Culture

SummaryThe apical tip-culture technique has been used to produce virus-free rhubarb from infected plants of the varieties Timperley Early, Victoria and Prince Albert. Growth on various nutrient media was compared. The survival rate of the tips was directly related to their size within the range 300–2,500 μ (diam.). After initial culture on filter paper in sterile tubes, the young plants were transferred to autoclaved sand watered with mineral nutrient on which they made better growth than on other media.Turnip mosaic, cherry leaf-roll, strawberry latent ringspot and cucumber mosaic viruses, in various combinations, were eliminated by this method. Arabis mosaic was removed from most plants but a few retained this virus. This retention was not related to the size of the tip taken.
Evaluation of aldosterone antagonist utilization in heart failure with reduced and preserved ejection fraction at an academic medical center

Background: Aldosterone antagonists (AA) have historically been underutilized despite evidence that they reduce morbidity, mortality, and readmission rates to the hospital when used appropriately. Objective: We sought to determine if AAs were being prescribed in accordance with the 2013 ACCF/AHA guidelines and if there was any benefit surrounding 30-day readmissions or 30-day mortality for patients taking AAs with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) or heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of adult patients who were discharged between October 1, 2015 and February 1, 2016 with any ICD-10 code for heart failure to assess compliance with guideline directed medical therapy. At baseline, patients were stratified by HFpEF and HFrEF. Patients were excluded if they died during the admission, discharged with hospice care, received a heart transplant or ventricular assist device, if they were miscoded or left against medical advice. Descriptive statistics, and Chi Square were used to evaluate the data. Results: We reviewed 601 patient charts for eligibility in our study, and determined 438 met the criteria for inclusion. Ninety-seven patients (22%) received an AA. Within the HFrEF group, only 37% of patients who were eligible per 2013 ACCF/AHA guidelines, received an AA at time of discharge. Fourteen percent of HFpEF patients were discharged on an AA. We found a trend towards decreased rates of our 30-day outcomes in patients who took AAs in both the HFpEF and HFrEF groups. Conclusions: AAs were underutilized during the timeframe we evaluated, despite the evidence for their use.
Effects of Spring Leaf-Fall on Composition and Density of Breeding Birds in Two Southern Arizona Woodlands

Nesting bird composition and population densities reflect the suitability of a given plant community for providing the requisites for survival and reproduction, and also, the selection of these suitable habitats by the birds. Two important features in habitat selection are availability of food and nest-sites (Hilden 1965). Open-nesting species depend on foliage for concealment and protection of the nest from harsh weather and predators (Nice 1957). More than ample foliage for nest-sites is usually available to these species, whereas a major problem confronting hole-nesting species is locating suitable sites (von Haartman 1957). Tree-foliage nesting birds of the oak woodlands in southeastern Arizona may be limited in the same manner as hole-nesters because
Purification and Some Properties of a Polyphenol Oxidase from Koshu Grapes

Polyphenol oxidase (EC 1.10.3.1) was extracted from an acetone powder prepared from Koshu grapes. The enzyme was purified 172-fold by ammonium sulfate fractionation followed by three successive column chromatographies on O -(carboxymethyl) cellulose, O -(diethylaminoethyl) cellulose and hydroxylapatite. The purified enzyme was homogeneous on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The molecular weight of this enzyme was estimated to be 39 000 - 41 000 by gel filtration and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and the enzyme molecule had no subunit. The temperature and pH optima were 25°C and 6.0, respectively. The enzyme was stable in the alkaline pH range (between pH 7.0 and pH 11.0) and at temperatures up to 30°C. The enzyme exhibited high activity toward o -diphenolic compounds and showed no activity toward monophenols.
Field Observations of Carpinus (Betulaceae) Demonstrate High Dispersal Asymmetry and Inform Migration Simulations with Implications for Times of Rapid Climate Change

Premise of research. Propagule dispersal allows for the movement of plants across landscapes, establishing spatial structure and driving geographic range expansions and shifts. Because this movement is critical to the survival of plant populations and species, particularly during times of rapid and large-scale climate change, dispersal patterns and potential are important to consider when both exploring the past and predicting the future. Methodology. This study analyzes wind dispersal patterns in the genus Carpinus using field collections of dispersed fruits, sampled with high spatial resolution over two complete dispersal seasons and in multiple directions away from parent plants. These detailed collections, with direction-specific information, were then used in an observation-based migration simulation developed to identify the impact of dispersal patterns on population movement. Pivotal results. Field observations indicate short dispersal distances for the vast majority of fruits as well as a high level of directional asymmetry for both species of Carpinus. This asymmetry was intensified in the environment with an open vegetative structure, consistent with wind variability being the primary driver of dispersal distances. Migration simulations that incorporate local dispersal processes suggest low migration potential with a high level of directional asymmetry. Conclusions. Results stress the importance of rare long-distance-dispersal events in circumventing dispersal limitation in Carpinus and identify an important directional aspect to the process of wind dispersal. Because of the significant relationship found between dispersal patterns and wind directionality, the addition of a direction parameter to dispersal analyses and models could enhance the understanding of historic tree population dynamics, more accurately predict future movements, and inform conservation strategies of abiotically dispersed organisms. The enhanced asymmetry found in open forest structures makes it even more important to consider wind direction for predictive methods and conservation approaches as environments become more open due to forest clearing and other human disturbances.
Food niche of Exomalopsis (Exomalopsis) fulvofasciata Smith (Hymenoptera: Apidae) in Brazilian savannah: the importance of oil-producing plant species as pollen sources

ABSTRACT Exomalopsis are ground-nesting species, and their food-niche breadth is little known due the difficulty in locating the nests and finding efficient bait plants to attract these bees. Some species of Exomalopsis were recorded as tomato, hot pepper and eggplant pollinators. Information about the food niche could be useful to increase Exomalopsis populations, providing consistent and comparable data for the enrichment of natural and crop areas with adequate plant sources. This study aimed to determine the food niche and the role of pollen size in the diet of E. fulvofasciata. We analysed pollen loads of 28 individuals of E. fulvofasciata collected from bait plants, in two natural areas of the Brazilian savannah. Only five pollen types belonging to the families Malpighiaceae, Solanaceae, Leguminosae, Myrtaceae and Lythraceae were important for this species. This result indicates that E. fulvofasciata is probably a polylectic species. However, we noticed that the Byrsonima used as bait plants contribute significantly for its larval provision, indicating that small pollen grains were more frequently collected.
A comparison of DNA methylation levels in selected isolates of higher fungi

The extent of cytosine methylation in the DNAs of four basidiomycetes and two ascomycetes has been determined by RP-HPLC. The highest levels of 5-methyldeoxycytidine (5mdC) were found in the homobasidiomycetes Agaricus bisporus and Armillaria bulbosa (with 4.01 ± 0.93% and 4.34% + 1.03% of the cytosine residues methylated, respectively). The two heterobasidiomycetes examined also contained 5mdC, but at lower levels; (2.26 + 0.31% for Ustilago maydis and 2.14 + 0.21% for U. violaceae). The DNA of the dimorphic ascomycete Ophiostoma novo-ulmi showed a 5mdC content ranging from 1.37 + 0.11% to 1.67 + 0.39%, depending on the isolate and the morphological stage. Methylated bases were not de- tected in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. No general corre- lation between strain degeneration and enhanced or decreased methylation could be found in the com- mercial mushroom A. bisporus. The possible impli- cation of extensive DNA methylation in genetic trans- formation of homobasidiomycetes using the bacterial gene for hygromycin phosphotransferase as a select- able marker is discussed.
Physical characterization of seed microsites--movement on the ground.

1. A dispersed seed must remain in a microsite long enough to imbibe water and germinate. Here the post-dispersal movement caused by wind of four asymmetric samaras of Picea engelmannii, P. abies, Pinus contorta var. latifolia and P. strobus was studied on four surface roughnesses (a smooth board, c. 250 μm, c. 750 μm and 2.0 mm). A mechanistic approach is taken to determine the chance that a seed will remain on a surface long enough to germinate. 2. The threshold or lift-off velocities for all combinations of four samaras and four surface roughnesses were determined in a wind tunnel
Interactions between Hatch Dates, Growth Rates, and Mortality of Age-0 Native Rainbow Smelt and Nonnative Alewife in Lake Champlain

AbstractTiming of hatch in fish populations can be critical for first-year survival and, therefore, year-class strength and subsequent species interactions. We compared hatch timing, growth rates, and subsequent mortality of age-0 Rainbow Smelt Osmerus mordax and Alewife Alosa pseudoharengus, two common open-water fish species of northern North America. In our study site, Lake Champlain, Rainbow Smelt hatched (beginning May 26) almost a month earlier than Alewives (June 20). Abundance in the sampling area was highest in July for age-0 Rainbow Smelt and August for age-0 Alewives. Late-hatching individuals of both species grew faster than those hatching earlier (0.6 mm/d versus 0.4 for Rainbow Smelt; 0.7 mm/d versus 0.6 for Alewives). Mean mortality rate during the first 45 d of life was 3.4%/d for age-0 Rainbow Smelt and was 5.5%/d for age-0 Alewives. Alewife mortality rates did not differ with hatch timing but daily mortality rates of Rainbow Smelt were highest for early-hatching fish. Cannibalism is prob.
Ureaplasmas: from commensal flora to serious infections

The two existing human pathogen Ureaplasma species containing 14 serovars are associated with a variety of maladies. Colonizing the human urogenital tract, ureaplasmas cause infections mainly in these organs. However, in the special population of immunosuppressed patients or preterm and very low birth weight newborns such serious Ureaplasma infections such as meningitis or pericarditis have been described. Because they lack a cell wall, ureaplasmas are very susceptible to drying and other adverse environmental conditions; therefore, careful attention has to be given to specimen collection and transportation. Commercially available culture based tests made the laboratory diagnosis of Ureaplasma species much easier. PCR methods provide further facilities to get faster diagnosis, simultaneously with serovar identification, quantitation of Ureaplasma or detection of other sexually transmitted infectious pathogens. Although fluoroquinolone, macrolide, and tetracycline resistant strains are known, antibiotic treatment of Ureaplasma infections is not problematic for now. The mechanism of antibiotic resistance has not been entirely understood till now. Biofilm-forming ability of Ureaplasmas can be important in chronic infections and antibiotic resistance. The basic microbiology of Ureaplasma species, such as clinical manifestations, the diagnostic opportunities, and the therapeutic options are reviewed in the current article.
Carbon primary sources and estuarine habitat use by two congeneric ariid catfishes in a subtropical coastal lagoon

Although ariid catfishe species are known to use coastal systems during some stages of their life cycles, the energetic contribution of estuarine resources and habitat use by many species in this family are still unclear. We used stable isotope analyses to estimate the assimilation of primary carbon sources and to infer the use of estuarine and freshwater habitats by two ariid catfishes Genidens barbus (Lacepede, 1803) and Genidens genidens (Cuvier, 1829). An isotopic mixing model revealed that juveniles of both catfish species consume considerable amounts of estuarine-produced carbon sources (G. barbus: 54-87% and G. genidens: 36-84%). However, G. genidens adults rely more on freshwater-derived carbon sources (31-77%) than on estuarine sources (23-69%). These results support the hypothesis that both species occupy the estuary and assimilate organic carbon produced in this region during their early stages, but G. genidens adults consume carbon sources associated with the freshwater portion of the lagoon.
The Dynamics of Bovine Tuberculosis in Possum Populations, and its Eradication or Control by Culling or Vaccination

A simple model is used to investigate the feasibility of eradicating bovine tuberculosis (Mycobacterium bovis Karlson and Lessel) from possum (Trichosurus vulpecula Kerr) populations by culling, or by distributing a (hypothetical) non-transmissible vaccine ; and of reducing the prevalence of tuberculosis to a defined level within a fixed time period. The model suggests that tuberculosis could be eradicated from a possum population by reducing its density to 43% of the (no-disease) carrying capacity, which would require culling possums at a rate of 9.2% per year ; or by maintaining 40% of the population in a vaccine-immune state, which would require vaccinating possums at a rate of 15% year -1 . The model suggests that the prevalence of tuberculosis could be reduced to 10% of its pre-control level within 5 years by culling possums at a rate of 12% year -1 , or by vaccinating possums at a rate of 13% year -1 . Taken together, these results suggest that culling possums to maintain a low population density may be the most efficient method of preventing tuberculosis from establishing in an uninfected population, but vaccination could be as or more efficient as a means of removing tuberculosis from an infected population. Both of these statements are sensitive to changes in parameter values. The culling rate needed to achieve eradication of tuberculosis is sensitive to the maximum population growth rate, r, and to the logistic shape parameter, 0. It is insensitive to whether density-dependent population regulation acts through the birth or death rates. The disease dynamics are sensitive to the shape of the contact rate function, which is determined by the relative importance of mating, den sharing (possibly sequentially), aerosols and marking, and other mechanisms in the transmission of tuberculosis. All results are sensitive to the increased population mortality due to disease, α, which is difficult to estimate. The results have been calculated under the assumption that immigration ofpossums from other areas does not occur. If it did it could change the results significantly.
Baculovirus Transduction in Mammalian Cells Is Affected by the Production of Type I and III Interferons, Which Is Mediated Mainly by the cGAS-STING Pathway

Baculoviruses are nonpathogenic viruses that infect mammals, which, among other applications, are used as vehicles for gene delivery. Here, we demonstrated that the cytosolic DNA sensor cGAS recognizes baculoviral DNA and that the cGAS-STING axis is primarily responsible for the attenuation of transduction in human and mouse cell lines through type I and type III IFNs. Furthermore, we identified DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) as a cGAS-independent and alternative DNA cytosolic sensor that contributes less to the antiviral state in baculovirus infection in human epithelial cells than cGAS. Knowledge of the pathways involved in the response of mammalian cells to baculovirus infection will improve the use of this vector as a tool for gene therapy. ABSTRACT The baculovirus Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus is an insect virus with a circular double-stranded DNA genome, which, among other multiple biotechnological applications, is used as an expression vector for gene delivery in mammalian cells. Nevertheless, the nonspecific immune response triggered by viral vectors often suppresses transgene expression. To understand the mechanisms involved in that response, in the present study, we studied the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of interferon genes (cGAS-STING) pathway by using two approaches: the genetic edition through CRISPR/Cas9 technology of genes encoding STING or cGAS in NIH/3T3 murine fibroblasts and the infection of HEK293 and HEK293 T human epithelial cells, deficient in cGAS and in cGAS and STING expression, respectively. Overall, our results suggest the existence of two different pathways involved in the establishment of the antiviral response, both dependent on STING expression. Particularly, the cGAS-STING pathway resulted in the more relevant production of beta interferon (IFN-β) and IFN-λ1 in response to baculovirus infection. In human epithelial cells, IFN-λ1 production was also induced in a cGAS-independent and DNA-protein kinase (DNA-PK)-dependent manner. Finally, we demonstrated that these cellular responses toward baculovirus infection affect the efficiency of transduction of baculovirus vectors. IMPORTANCE Baculoviruses are nonpathogenic viruses that infect mammals, which, among other applications, are used as vehicles for gene delivery. Here, we demonstrated that the cytosolic DNA sensor cGAS recognizes baculoviral DNA and that the cGAS-STING axis is primarily responsible for the attenuation of transduction in human and mouse cell lines through type I and type III IFNs. Furthermore, we identified DNA-dependent protein kinase (DNA-PK) as a cGAS-independent and alternative DNA cytosolic sensor that contributes less to the antiviral state in baculovirus infection in human epithelial cells than cGAS. Knowledge of the pathways involved in the response of mammalian cells to baculovirus infection will improve the use of this vector as a tool for gene therapy.
Stimulus-induced Alpha Suppression Tracks the Difficulty of Attentional Selection, Not Visual Working Memory Storage

Human alpha-band activity (8–12 Hz) has been proposed to index a variety of mechanisms during visual processing. Here, we distinguished between an account in which alpha suppression indexes selective attention versus an account in which it indexes subsequent working memory storage. We manipulated two aspects of the visual stimuli that perceptual attention is believed to mitigate before working memory storage: the potential interference from distractors and the size of the focus of attention. We found that the magnitude of alpha-band suppression tracked both of these aspects of the visual arrays. Thus, alpha-band activity after stimulus onset is clearly related to how the visual system deploys perceptual attention and appears to be distinct from mechanisms that store target representations in working memory.