Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Intestinal Parasitic Infections and Associated Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Risk Factors among School Children in Mwea Irrigation Scheme, Kirinyaga County, Kenya

School children bear a significant burden of intestinal parasitic infections. Because they spend most of their time at home and school, it is necessary to identify the key water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) factors associated with these infections in both environments. This was a cross-sectional survey conducted in Mwea West, Kirinyaga County. 180 primary school children aged 8–14 years were randomly selected from three schools (Mianya, Mbui Njeru, and Mukou primary schools). Questionnaires and checklists were administered and single stool samples were collected. Stool samples were microscopically examined for Schistosoma mansoni, soil-transmitted helminths, and protozoan infections. Data on WASH were obtained at home and school. The factors significantly associated with S. mansoni and intestinal protozoa infections in the school children were determined using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models reporting the odds ratio at 95% confidence intervals. The overall prevalence of S. mansoni and intestinal protozoa infections was 70.5% (95% CI: 59.1–84.3) and 32.7% (95% CI: 26.8–40.1), respectively. Only one case of STH (A. lumbricoides) was identified. The prevalence of coinfections of S. mansoni and intestinal protozoa infections was 22.8% (95% CI: 19.2–27.1). An increased prevalence of S. mansoni infection was associated with children above 12 years (aOR = 3.19, p=0.015), those in Mianya primary (aOR = 1.23, p=0.001), those in Mukou primary (aOR = 3.19, p=0.001), and reported behavior of wearing shoes at home (aOR = 1.67, p=0.010). However, handwashing behavior after defecation at home (aOR = 0.39, p=0.001) was protective against S. mansoni infection. For any protozoan infection, male children had increased odds of infection (aOR = 2.41, p=0.001) while use of wiping material (aOR = 0.55, p=0.019) and water contact (aOR = 0.32, p=0.001) was protective against intestinal protozoa infections. Infections with S. mansoni and any protozoa and their coinfection were present. Findings revealed that several hygiene factors were protective against infections while other were risk factors. Therefore, deworming should be complemented with behavior education on hygienic habits.
Cost of Tuberculosis Care in Programmatic Settings from Karnataka, India: Is It Catastrophic for the Patients?

Background TB diagnostic and treatment services in India are provided free of cost in the programmatic context across the country. There are different costs incurred during health care utilization, and this study was conducted to estimate such costs. Methodology. A longitudinal study was conducted among patients of three urban tuberculosis units (TUs) of Davangere, Belagavi, and Bengaluru, Karnataka. Trained data collectors administered a validated questionnaire and recorded monthly costs incurred by the patients which are expressed in median Indian National Rupees (INR). The analysis was done using SPSS version 23.0. A p value of <0.05 was taken as statistically significant. Results Among 214 patients, about 37%, 42%, and 21% belonged to Davangere, Belagavi, and Bengaluru, respectively. Median total pre- and postdiagnostic costs incurred across the three TUs were 3800 and 4000 INR, respectively. The direct nonmedical cost was higher for accommodation (median cost of 800 INR) and direct medical cost for non-TB drugs (median cost of 2000 INR). However, maximum direct medical and nonmedical costs were attributed to hospital admissions (1200 INR) and accommodation costs (700 INR) in the postdiagnostic period, respectively. The median indirect cost incurred was 300 INR overall, and the maximum total indirect cost was 40000 INR in the postdiagnostic period. About one-third of patients faced loss of income and 19.6% faced coping costs. Patients spent about 6.7% (0.97%–52.3%) of their income on TB treatment. About 12.3% patients faced catastrophic expenditure. Median cost was significantly higher among those seeking private health care facilities (12100 INR in private vs. 6800 INR in public; p < 0.05) during the prediagnostic period. Prediagnostic and diagnostic out-of-pocket expenditures (OPE) were significantly higher across all the three centres (p < 0.05). Conclusion The TB patients experienced untoward expenditure under programmatic settings. The costs encountered by one in eight patients were catastrophic by nature.
Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE): Its context in New Zealand and new tests

Abstract Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) such as Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (CJD), scrapie, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), and chronic wasting disease (CWD) are infectious lethal pathologies of mammalian neurons. Protein alone is responsible for infectivity resulting from conversion of normal membrane protein PrPC to the infectious pathological “conformational isomer” called PrPSc, which has a different three‐dimensional (3D) shape. Variations in the 3D shape of PrPSc in turn result in the numerous strains of TSE such as in scrapie and CJD. Understanding this key property in molecular terms is essential to recognising and controlling TSEs. Though all TSEs are infectious and can be acquired, usually by food‐borne means, human TSEs originally arise from heritable mutations in PrPC (10–15%), or sporadically for unknown reasons (c. 85%), and some of these may arise by de novo mutation. Though not yet observed, it is possible TSEs in animals could arise from similar sporadic or de novo mutation events. Accordingly, the literature on sporadic occurrence and mutant alleles is reviewed in some detail, albeit most of such literature pertains to human TSEs. BSE, scrapie, and CWD are not present in New Zealand and surveillance is conducted using an internationally validated immuno‐blot test onpost mortem samples that depends on relative protease resistance of PrP in diseased tissues. To date there is no validated ante mortem test. Recently developed immuno‐blot tests (CDI) can differentiate strains and subtypes of TSEs and potentially are capable of detection of disease in ante mortem blood samples and possibly in subclinical infection. An amplification methodology (PCMA) can detect minimum infectious doses but CDI and PCMA require authentic PrPSc. Animal PrPScs are statutorily excluded from New Zealand, even for development of laboratory tests, out of concern for a potential biohazard should the infectious amyloid somehow escape a containment laboratory. Alternatives for obtaining a safe local PrPSc positive control allowing adaption/development of improved tests such as ante mortem testing of subclinical infection are discussed.
New Caledonian Crows' (Corvus moneduloides) Pandanus Tool Designs: Diversification or Independent Invention?

Abstract New Caledonian Crows (Corvus moneduloides) manufacture the most complex foraging tools used by nonhuman animals. Not only do they shape multiple tool designs of different complexity out of raw material using distinct, design-specific manufacture techniques, they are the only species to incorporate hook technology. The three different hook tool designs that they cut out of barbed Pandanus spp. leaves are suggested to have evolved by a process of diversification through cumulative changes rather than independent invention. Here, I describe three examples of an oversized version of the so-called ‘narrow’ pandanus tool design in an area where narrow tools are also made. My observation of the way a crow used one of these oversized tools in the wild suggests that they may be efficient for foraging in especially deep probe sites. The co-occurrence of two different designs originating from a very similar manufacture technique is consistent with diversification. Furthermore, qualitative data suggest that shape variation in the three previously described pandanus tool designs might be associated with ecological function. These findings strengthen the possibility that pandanus tool designs are an example of rudimentary diversification developed in close association with functional requirements.
Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation and Dysphagia Rehabilitation: A Narrative Review

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) was introduced as a modality for dysphagia rehabilitation more than a decade ago. The underlying premise of this modality is improving the structural movements and enhancing neural activation based on stimulation-induced muscle contractions. However, divisive evidence exists regarding the effectiveness of this treatment modality. This manuscript reviews current evidence regarding the effects of transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TES) on clinical and physiological aspects of swallowing function. Furthermore, this narrative review delineates the knowledge gap in this area and recommends future research roadmap. This review gives a comprehensive picture regarding current knowledge of TES to practicing speech and language pathologists and interested researchers. It highlights the need for more robust studies in this area. It also encourages researchers to focus more on the physiologic studies to understand the physiologic underpinning behind this treatment modality.
Cross-Protection Induced by Encephalitis Vaccines against COVID-19 Might be a Reason for Relatively Lower Mortality Rate in Some Countries

COronaVIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an on-going pandemic attributed to a novel virus named SARS‐CoV‐2. Comparing the statistics of incidence and death rates between nations reveals that there is discrepancy amongst countries in these regards, even between countries that share borders. We herein present information from the literature indicating how cross-protection against COVID-19 conferred by the encephalitis vaccine could be the reason for lower fatality rate in the countries where immunization against encephalitis is widespread or included in national programs. This may pave the way for arriving at efficient prevention strategies as well as vaccine development.
Plasma cfDNA as a Potential Biomarker to Evaluate the Efficacy of Chemotherapy in Gastric Cancer

Objective To investigate the clinical value of plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as a potential biomarker for advanced gastric cancer (GC). Patients and Methods One hundred and six cases of advanced gastric cancer patients receiving chemotherapy were selected as study objects. Another 40 healthy volunteers were included as control groups. Plasma cfDNA concentration was detected by (SuperbDNATM) hybridization. Changes in cfDNA concentration during chemotherapy in patients with gastric cancer whose efficacy was assessed as partial response (PR), stable disease (SD) and disease progression (PD) were analyzed respectively. The relationship between the level of cfDNA and the efficacy of chemotherapy and clinical characteristics was also explored. In addition, cfDNA and other tumor markers were subjected to specificity and sensitivity analyses using ROC. Results cfDNA concentration in advanced GC patients was significantly higher than that in healthy controls (P<0.05). The concentration of plasma cfDNA in patients with PD showed an increasing trend over time. The concentration of plasma cfDNA in patients with therapeutic effect of PR decreased over time. In patients with therapeutic effect of SD, the plasma DNA concentration showed a stable trend over time. There was no significant correlation between cfDNA concentration and factors including gender, age, pathological type, CA724, CA125,CA199, AFP and CEA. ROC results showed that the area under the curve of cfDNA was larger than other tumor markers. Conclusion Plasma cfDNA concentration was significantly increased in patients with gastric cancer, and its diagnostic efficacy was superior to that of traditional tumor markers. It can be used as a tumor biomarker to monitor the efficacy of chemotherapy for gastric cancer.
Detection of fungal metabolites of various Trichoderma species by the aphid Schizaphis graminum

The feeding preferences of alate and apterous morphs of the aphid Schizaphis graminum (Rondani) (Homoptera: Aphididae) were evaluated using leaves treated with powdered rice cultures of four fungal isolates belonging to different species of the genus Trichoderma (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes). All of the fungal isolates restrained alate morphs of S. graminum from visiting treated leaves, but only Trichoderma citrinoviride Bisset also influenced the preference of apterous morphs. Trials carried out with supernatants obtained by centrifuging aqueous suspensions of the fungal cultures showed that the feeding preference of aphids was maintained in the absence of fungal spores and mycelia, supporting the hypothesis that at least part of the fungal metabolites responsible for this effect were water‐soluble compounds. Electrophysiological studies showed that the structures involved in the perception of the fungal metabolites are located on the aphid tarsomeres.
New Zealand lakes research, 1967–91

Abstract Research on New Zealand lakes over the past 25 years has focused mainly on eutrophication, measures of water quality, patterns, processes and production in plankton communities, and the spread and growth of submerged adventive macrophytes. Compared with most northern temperate lakes many New Zealand lakes show: low levels of inorganic nitrogen (N) and frequent N‐limitation of phyto‐plankton growth; diffuse, rather than point source, nutrient inflows; a great diversity of optical properties; unusual and often variable timing of plankton growth (attributed to the pervasive influence of New Zealand's oceanic climate); low productivity and biomass of zooplankton, which appear to be limited by food rather than predators; and sensitivity to invasion by adventive macrophytes. Notable research develop‐ments include improved methods of measuring nutrients, empirical predictive models that relate indices of eutrophication to nutrient loading, and significant advancements in methods of quantifying and measu.
Management of the COPD Patient with Comorbidities: An Experts Recommendation Document

Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with multiple comorbidities, which impact negatively on patients and are often underdiagnosed, thus lacking a proper management due to the absence of clear guidelines. Purpose To elaborate expert recommendations aimed to help healthcare professionals to provide the right care for treating COPD patients with comorbidities. Methods A modified RAND-UCLA appropriateness method consisting of nominal groups to draw up consensus recommendations (6 Spanish experts) and 2-Delphi rounds to validate them (23 Spanish experts) was performed. Results A panel of Spanish internal medicine experts reached consensus on 73 recommendations and 81 conclusions on the clinical consequences of the presence of comorbidities. In general, the experts reached consensus on the issues raised with regard to cardiovascular comorbidity and metabolic disorders. Consensus was reached on the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in cases of depression and the usefulness of referring patients with anxiety to respiratory rehabilitation programmes. The results also showed consensus on the usefulness of investigating the quality of sleep, the treatment of pain with opioids and the evaluation of osteoporosis by lateral chest radiography. Conclusion This study provides conclusions and recommendations that are intended to improve the management of the complexity of patients with COPD and important comorbidities, usually excluded from clinical trials.
Tumor necrosis factor‐α and αB‐crystallin up‐regulation during antibody‐mediated demyelination in vitro: A putative protective mechanism in oligodendrocytes

By using an in vitro model of antibody‐mediated demyelination, we investigated the relationship between tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and heat shock protein (HSP) induction with respect to oligodendrocyte survival. Differentiated aggregate cultures of rat telencephalon were subjected to demyelination by exposure to antibodies against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) and complement. Cultures were analyzed 48 hr after exposure. Myelin basic protein (MBP) expression was greatly decreased, but no evidence was found for either necrosis or apoptosis. TNF‐α was significantly up‐regulated. It was localized predominantly in neurons and to a lesser extent in astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, and it was not detectable in microglial cells. Among the different HSPs examined, HSP32 and αB‐crystallin were up‐regulated; they may confer protection from oxidative stress and from apoptotic death, respectively. These results suggest that TNF‐α, often regarded as a promoter of oligodendroglial death, could alternatively mediate a protective pathway through αB‐crystallin up‐regulation. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Importing deciduous wood chips from North America to northern Europe – the risk of introducing bark- and wood-boring insects

Increasing inter-continental trade with wood chips represents a challenge for phytosanitary authorities as such trade may lead to pest introductions and invasions with huge impacts on forest ecosystems and economy. Predicting species invasions and their impacts in advance may be difficult, but improved information about potential invasive species ahead of any interceptions is an important precautionary step to reduce the probability of invasions. Here we identify bark- and wood-boring insects that have a potential to become invasive in northern Europe and that may be introduced by import of deciduous wood chips from North America. The potentially most damaging species belong to the beetle genus Agrilus (Buprestidae), which includes the highly damaging emerald ash borer A. planipennis. We give a brief presentation of this and seven other Agrilus species or subspecies and review factors of importance for the risk of establishment and potential economic and ecological impacts of these species. We also discuss one Scolytinae, Hylurgopinus rufipes. There are strong indications in the literature that some north European trees are highly susceptible to attack from the selected beetle species. We therefore conclude that because north European trees have not coevolved with these herbivores and thus may lack adequate defenses, most of the identified beetle species are likely to spread in “defense- and enemy-free space” if they are introduced to northern Europe, with considerable economic and ecological consequences.
Effect of Molasses on Regrowth of E. coli O157:H7 And Salmonella in Compost Teas

Compost water extracts (compost teas) are gaining popularity among organic growers, largely because of their disease suppressive activity when applied to foliage or soil. Production methods often include addition of supplemental constituents, particularly molasses, to stimulate plant-beneficial microbial populations. We have found that molasses amendments also favor regrowth of human pathogenic bacteria, raising public health concerns about potential contamination of treated crops, particularly produce intended for fresh consumption. Using disease outbreak strains marked with green fluorescent protein (GFP) and spontaneous antibiotic-resistance, we found that regrowth of Salmonella enterica serovar Thompson and Escherichia coli O157:H7 was positively correlated with molasses concentration. For Salmonella, regrowth was also dependent on the type of starter compost material used. Salmonella populations increased from 1 at time 0 to over 1000 CFU ml−1 in dairy manure compost tea with 1% molasses, and from 1 at time 0 to over 350,000 CFU ml−1 in chicken manure compost tea by 72 h. E. coli populations increased from 1 at time 0 to approximately 1000 CFU ml−1 in both types of tea by 72 h. Pathogen regrowth did not occur when molasses was eliminated or kept to 0.2%.
Metabolism of the insecticide phoxim in plants and cell suspension cultures of soybean

The metabolism of phoxim (Z-α-[[(diethoxyphosphinothioyl)oxy]imino]phenylacetonitrile), Volaton, was investigated using heterotrophic cell suspension cultures of soybean (Glycine max L.) and isolated organs (roots, stems, cotyledons, and leaves) of aseptically grown soybean plants. In both systems phoxim was first hydrolyzed to the corresponding oxime, which was then reduced to a primary nitrile amine. The primary amino group was N-malonylated as the terminal step of the catabolic sequence. The structure of this terminal metabolite was elucidated by spectroscopic (UV, IR, NMR, and MS) methods and chemical synthesis. In the plant no organ-specific differences in phoxim metabolism were observed. In the cell culture system phoxim was quantitatively converted to the N-malonate within 18-20 h, whereas in plant organs such extensive conversion could not be observed even within incubation times of about 5 days. The N-malonate was found to be excreted from the cultured cells into the medium; this effect could not be shown for the plant tissues
Giants on the landscape: modelling the abundance of megaherbivorous dinosaurs of the Morrison Formation (Late Jurassic, western USA)

The ecosystem impact of megaherbivorous dinosaurs of the Morrison Formation would have depended on their abundance (number of animals per unit of habitat area) on the landscape. We constrain Morrison megaherbivore abundance by modelling dinosaur abundance in terms of carrying capacity (K), average body mass (ABM) and animal's energy needs. Two kinds of model are presented: ‘demand-side’ models that estimate K in terms of the aggregate energy demand of the dinosaur community, and ‘supply-side’ models that estimate K in terms of retrodicted primary productivity. Baseline values of K, ABM and energy needs for the models are further derived from comparisons with modern large herbivores, and from the composition of the megaherbivore fauna from a particular stratigraphic interval of the Morrison, but in all models a broad range of fractions and multiples of these baseline parameters are considered. ‘Best-guess’ estimates of Morrison megaherbivore abundance suggest an upper limit of a few hundred animals across all taxa and size classes per square kilometre, and up to a few tens of individuals of large subadults and adults.
Eye vs. Head: Comparing Gaze Methods for Interaction in Augmented Reality

Visualization in virtual 3D environments can provide a natural way for users to explore data. Often, arm and short head movements are required for interaction in augmented reality, which can be tiring and strenuous though. In an effort toward more user-friendly interaction, we developed a prototype that allows users to manipulate virtual objects using a combination of eye gaze and an external clicker device. Using this prototype, we performed a user study comparing four different input methods of which head gaze plus clicker was preferred by most participants.
Faces strongly attract early fixations in naturally sampled real-world stimulus materials

Faces are an important and salient stimulus in our everyday life. They convey social information and, consequently, attract our attention easily. Here, we investigate this face-attraction-bias in detail and analyze the first fixations made in a free-viewing paradigm. We presented 20 participants with natural, head-centered, live-sized stimuli of indoor scenes, taken during unconstrained free-viewing in a real-world environment. About 70% of first fixations were made on human faces, rather than human heads, non-human faces or the background. This effect was present even though human faces constituted only about 5% of the stimulus area and occurred in a wide variety of positions. With a hierarchical logistic model, we identify behavioral and stimulus’ features that explain this bias. We conclude that the face-attraction bias replicates under more natural conditions, reflects high-level properties of faces, and discuss its implications on the measurement of brain dynamics.