Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of fire on mammals in eastern oak forests

With the exception of small mammals, little research has been conducted in eastern oak forests on the influence of fire on mammals. Several studies have documented little or no change inrelative abundance or community measures for non-volant small mammals in eastern oak (Quercus spp.) forests following fires despite reductions in leaf litter, small woody debris, and changes in understory and midstory composition and structure. Other studies have documented short-term improvements in quantity and quality of forage for white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), but none has demonstrated changes in population parameters. For other mammal species there are no explicit studies and influences must be based on inferences from other research. We suggest that species that prefer partially open canopies, herbaceous understories, reduced midstories, or savannah habitats likely will prosper in the presence of fire. Fire has the potential to both recruit as well as eliminate den sites and cavity trees; burning regimes and fire intensity likely will determine outcomes. Species of high conservation concern, such as the Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) and some subspecies of fox squirrels (Sciurus niger), should benefit from increased fire in these landscapes. An insidious consequence of continued preclusion of fire in oak systems is the loss of structure and the change in vegetative species composition to more fire-intolerant species.
Women: The Key to Food Security

Eight hundred million people in the developing world currently face food insecurity, and the challenge of meeting their food and nutrition needs is likely to become greater in the years ahead. One untapped source of agricultural growth to help meet these needs could lie in reducing the bias against women in agriculture. Women in developing countries play significant roles in maintaining the three pillars of food security: food production, economic access to available food, and nutrition security. But they play these roles in the face of enormous social, cultural, and economic constraints. Women: The Key to Food Security, an IFPRI Food Policy Report, brings together the latest evidence on the key roles that women play in ensuring food security and examines ways to strengthen the three pillars of food security through policies and programmes that enhance women’s abilities and resources to fulfill their roles.
The role of PI3K in Ephrin-A1 induced cell retraction

The Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases and their cognate ligands, the Ephrins, form a coordinated program of cell contact-mediated migration control, polarity establishment, and tissue architecture development. Specifically, the ligand Ephrin-A1 has been shown to regulate cell morphology and motility through the activation of EphA receptors, which signal to the small GTPase RhoA, leading to actin cytoskeleton remodeling and cell retraction away from regions of high Ephrin-A1 concentration. The aim of this study is to investigate the molecular signaling events, which regulate Ephrin-A1- induced morphological remodeling and cell retraction. My results indicate that Ephrin-A1-induced cell retraction is mediated by PI3K-p85[Beta]-dependent signaling to RhoA, MLC2, and the actin cytoskeleton. Treatment of wildtype MEFs or NIH3T3 fibroblasts with Ephrin-A1 is sufficient to induce the rapid activation of RhoA, the phosphorylation of MLC2, and actin reorganization, leading to marked cell retraction. In contrast, p85[Beta]-/- MEFs exhibited markedly impaired RhoA activation, decreased MLC2 phosphorylation, and lack of actin reorganization or cell retraction following Ephrin-A1 stimulation. Signaling to RhoA, MLC2, and the induction of cell retraction could be rescued in p85[Beta]-/- MEFs, following the re-expression of the p85[Beta] gene. Furthermore, we have shown that Ephrin-A1, when used as a surface coating, prevents cell adhesion/spreading or migration onto the coated surface. Moreover, Ephrin-A1 treatment results in the dephosphorylation of paxillin and induces the reorganization of phospho-paxillin-containing focal adhesions. The present study contributes significantly to the understanding of the molecular signaling pathways that regulate Ephrin-A1-mediated cell retraction and adhesion to the substrate
An Innovative Technology to Curb Maternal and Child Mortality In Sub-Saharan Africa: The GiftedMomTM Approach

Maternal and child mortality are public health problems, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The main causes of these deaths can be prevented through adequate antenatal care and vaccination, respectively. In a bid to reduce the burden of these deaths, an android software called GiftedMomTM was developed in Cameroon. This application is geared at improving antenatal care attendance and the promotion of breastfeeding and child vaccination in areas with poor access to health services. The software is simple, inexpensive, and adapted for pregnant women and nursing mothers of all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. GiftedMomTM project could be the key to curb the alarming burden of maternal and child mortality in Cameroon.
The C0-C2 axial rotation test: normal values, intra- and inter-rater reliability and correlation with the flexion rotation test in normal subjects

ABSTRACT Objectives: Impairment in upper cervical spine mobility is associated with cervicogenic headache severity and disability. Measures of such mobility include the flexion-rotation test (FRT), which requires full cervical flexion and may be influenced by lower cervical spine dysfunction. The C0-C2 axial rotation test also evaluates upper cervical mobility but normal values and reliability have not been reported. Our objective is to determine normal values, and intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the C0-C2 axial rotation test. Methods: Two therapists independently evaluated the FRT and C0-C2 axial rotation test with an iPhone compass application on 32 asymptomatic subjects with mean age 40.53 (SD 11.64) years on two occasions. Measurement procedures were standardized; and order of testing randomized. Results: For the FRT and C0-C2 axial rotation test reliability was high (ICC > 0.88). For rater one, Mean range to the left during the FRT and C0-C2 axial rotation test was 45.0° (6.04) and 14.43° (2.94), respectively, while range to the right was 44.6° (6.57) and 15.44° (2.68). For the FRT and C0-C2 axial rotation test the standard error of measurement was at most 2°, while the minimum detectable change was at most 4°. A strong positive correlation exists between the FRT and C0-C2 axial rotation test (r = 0.84, P < 0.01). Discussion: The range recorded during the C0-C2 axial rotation test and FRT have high levels of reliability when evaluated using an iPhone. The strong correlation between the FRT and C0-C2 axial rotation test indicate that both may be measuring similar constructs, but each test needs to be referenced to normal values.
Clinical Experiences with Self-Ligation Brackets in India

As the markets get flooded by ever evolving self-ligation brackets, the clinician is likely to get carried away by marketing gimmicks and false promises. A simple yet extensive review of self-ligating brackets used by the authors is presented along with case reports. The purpose is not to be critical of individual products but present the wide variety of such brackets available today. The choice of the bracket system is based on multiple factors and quality of certain products just makes the life of the clinician as well as the patient more comfortable. The case reports emphasis that the end result is primarily due to the clinical acumen of the operator and every individual system requires a learning curve to be overcome.
Dynamic histone modifications at the promoters of Hox genes in embryonic stem cells

Histone modifications have been closely associated with changing levels of gene expression, but their role in determining, or possibly predicting, patterns of expression is uncertain. Here, the link between histone modifications and Hoxb gene expression in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells was explored. Levels of the “active” modifications H3K9ac and H3K4me3 at Hoxb promoters varied widely from gene to gene, but were closely correlated in ES cells. Contrastingly, the repressive modification H3K27me3 was found at equivalent levels across the cluster. Treatment with the histone deacetylase inhibitor valproate induced a coordinate increase in the levels of H3K9ac and H3K4me3 at all Hoxb promoters, but not other genes, whilst H3K27me3 was unaffected. Such increases were not maintained upon removal of the inhibitor. All Hoxb genes were silent in undifferentiated ES cells, but expression was activated at defined times of differentiation in the expected 3’ to 5’ sequence. The valproate induced increase in active modifications did not induce Hoxb expression from the cluster in undifferentiated cells, nor was there any major shift in the timing of Hoxb expression in cells transiently exposed to valproate (ie. hyperacetylated) during the start of differentiation. Thus, active histone modifications at the Hox genes are uncoupled from transcription.
Obesity and Hypertension among Christian Religious Subgroups: Pentecostal vs. Orthodox

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of religious practices and diet doctrines on obesity and hypertension among Pentecostal and orthodox Christians in the Tamale metropolis. Study Design: This study was a cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted between January and June 2014, at the Original Research Article Amidu et al.; BJMMR, 13(2): 1-14, 2016; Article no.BJMMR. 16724 2 Tamale metropolis, Ghana. Methodology: Three hundred (300) Ghanaian subjects (50.3% Pentecostal participants from the Perez Chapel International and the Church of Pentecost and 49.7% Orthodox participants from the Presbyterian Church and Bethel Methodist Church), 18-72 years of age were recruited for this study. Anthropometric measurements including height, weight, waist and hip circumference as well as blood pressure were measured for each of the study participants. Results: The male participants were taller, heavier with higher mean WHR as well as higher mean SBP as compared to the female participants. The females however, had broader hips as compared to the male participants. The males were more likely to fully comply with the religious prescription on fasting (52.6% vs. 40.7%; p = 0.0397) and diet (30.8% vs. 20.4%; p = 0.0375) as compared to the female. The prevalence of obesity among the population in this study ranged from 17% to 28% depending on the criteria used in the weight classification (i.e. BMI, WHR and WC) and the prevalence of hypertension was 15.0% with no significant difference between both genders. Conclusion: This study highlights the significant increase in the prevalence of obesity and hypertension among both males and female populations, with obesity being more prevalent among females. Compliance to religious doctrines on fasting and or diet does not have an impact on the prevalence of obesity and hypertension from this study.
Acute bioactivation and hepatotoxicity of ketoconazole in rat and the determinant presence of flavin-containing monooxygenase (FMO) isoforms in human duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and colon microsomes and Caco-2 cell line

approved Rosita J. Rodriguez Two specific goals were addressed for this dissertation. First to investigate and identify the mechanistic profile of ketoconazole (KT)-induced hepatotoxicity by utilizing in vivo and in vitro approaches determining the mechanism of action for the hepatotoxicity incurred. To date, there has not been a mechanistic determination of the hepatotoxicity associated with KT in vivo. This dissertation evaluates the possible metabolic bioactivation of KT by cytochrome-P450 (CYP) or flavin-containing monooxygenases (FMO) resulting in covalent binding with hepatic macromolecules. The hypothesis of this study was to reveal whether covalent binding by the parent compound, KT, and/or reactive metabolites Redacted for privacy produces hepatic damage associated with increased serum alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) release and decreased hepatic glutathione (GSH). The first objective was determination of in vivo covalent binding in a dose-time response comparison in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat ALT and GSH levels. Increased ALT and reduced hepatic GSH levels occurred. The second objective was an in vitro comparison of covalent binding with GSH levels utilizing SD microsomal protein with incubations of KT. Covalent binding decreased with added GSH to microsomal incubations. Thirdly, correlate in vivo with in vitro findings. Covalent binding of KT in vivo and in vitro occurred with increased doses and time. The final objective was to determine the bioactivation pathway utilizing heat inactivation and no NADPH in vitro. Covalent binding of KT decreased in the absence of NADPH and deactivation of FMO. The second goal was to determine and quantitate in vitro the presence of FMO isozymes in microsomes of the human intestinal duodenum, jejunum, ileum, and colon as well as the Caco-2 (HTB-37), epithelial intestinal (CCL-241) and colon (CRL 1790) cell lines. The presence of FMO could result in a first-pass effect decreasing the bioavailability of soft nucleophiles or a toxicity effect due to inhibition or modulation of the enzyme from co-administration. To date, this is the first evaluation of FMO isoforms in human intestine and cell lines. Western blot techniques were utilized for detection of human FMO1, FMO3, and FMO5 using human FMO-expressed recombinant cDNA from a baculovirus system. Quantifiable detection of FMO 1 was verifiable for the jejunum, ileum, colon, and Caco-2 cells.
Pest categorisation of Melampsora farlowii

Abstract Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Melampsora farlowii, a well‐defined and distinguishable fungus of the family Melampsoraceae. M. farlowii is the causal agent of a leaf and twig rust of hemlocks (Tsuga spp.) in eastern North America. The pathogen is regulated in Council Directive 2000/29/EC (Annex IAI) as a harmful organism whose introduction into the EU is banned. M. farlowii is not reported to be present in Europe and could enter the EU via host plants for planting and cut branches. Cones and fruits are listed as plant parts that can carry the pest in trade and transport, but are not regulated. The pathogen could establish in the EU, as climatic conditions are favourable and Tsuga spp. have been planted as ornamentals and in plantations in several EU countries. M. farlowii would be able to spread following establishment by human movement of host plants for planting and cut branches, as well as natural spread. Should the pathogen be introduced in the EU, impacts can be expected on Tsuga spp. plantations, ornamental trees and especially nurseries. Hemlock rust is considered a destructive rust attacking Tsuga spp. , particularly Tsuga canadensis in nurseries. The main uncertainties concern whether the impact of the pathogen in plantations under European conditions could be different than observed in eastern North America, whether fruit/cones of Tsuga can be a pathway of entry, and the dissemination potential of the pathogen under European conditions. However, M. farlowii is found in North America in most of the natural distribution range of T. canadensis, suggesting little dispersal limitation of the pathogen. The criteria assessed by the Panel for consideration as a potential quarantine pest are met, whilst, for regulated non‐quarantine pests, the criterion on the pest presence in the EU is not met.
Registration of Aspergillus flavus Seed Infection Resistant Peanut Germplasm ICGV 91278, ICGV 91283, and ICGV 91284

Improved Spanish peanut (Arachis hypogaea L. subsp. fastigiata var. vulgaris) germplasm ICGV 91278 (Reg. no. GP-98, PI 614083), ICGV 91283 (Reg. no. GP-99, PI 614084), and ICGV 91284 (Reg. no. GP-100, PI 614085) were developed at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) Center, Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh, India. These lines were released by the Plant Materials Identification Committee of ICRISAT in 1999 for resistance to natural seed infection and invitro seed colonization by the aflatoxin-producing fungus Aspergillus flavus (Link:Fr).
PERIOPERATIVE ANESTHESIA: TO DO OR NOT TO DO?

Introduction. In patients with chronic loco-motor system diseases the pain often persists after arthroplasty and does not respond to symptomatic therapy.Purpose of study: to evaluate the efficacy of perioperative use of Meloxicam in patients after hip arthroplasty. Patients and methods. The follow-up covered 120 patients (mean age 64.4±5.23 years) after hip arthroplasty. In the main group (n=60) Meloxicam was given 7 days prior to and 3 weeks after surgery; after intervention narcotic analgesic was used on the request. In control group (n=60) the patients were only on narcotic analgesic on request after operation. Treatment results were assessed by 100-millimeter visual analog scale (VAS) and D’Aubigné-Postel Score.Results. Seven days before the surgery the pain severity in the main and control groups was comparable: 85±2.3 and 84±2.1, respectively. In 2 days after operation the pain relief was more pronounced in the main group — 69±2.1 mm versus 82±3.4 mm in the control group (p0.05). In 3 months those indices made up 10±2.1 and 35±12.6 mm (p0.001), respectively. In the main group the result was assessed as the excellent and good in 22 patients, in the rest of patients as satisfactory by d’Aubigné-Postel Score. In the control group the good result was recorded in 9, satisfactory — in 47 and poor — in 4 cases.Conclusion. Meloxicam may be considered as an effective perioperative analgesic in large joints arthroplasty.
Seasonal Variations in Nutritional Status in Rural Areas of Developing Countries: A Review of the Literature

In developing countries, most people make their living directly from the land. In those regions where there is one main crop a year, there are commonly wide variations in seasonal food availability and in physical economic activity. Some reports [18, 39] suggest that people tend to eat more when food is readily available, even if this does not coincide with heavy physical work, and this pattern may be the most efficient way of using the food that is available [16] . The result is that nutritional status, as measured by body weight and other anthropometric indicators, will vary throughout the year. This can have significant effects on the health and particularly the work capacity of adults. This review deals with the seasonal variations in food intake, energy output, and nutritional status of adult males and non-pregnant adult females, as these groups carry the main economic activity of the community. The papers reviewed vary widely in their content. Some report only one of the factors, for example the level of economic activity throughout the year. There have been few reports on the economic activities of farmers practicing shifting (swidden) cultivation. (Where quantitative data are available on two or more of the factors at different seasons, the data have been tabulated and will be furnished on request by the authors. See also references 8, 25 and 27, as well as those cited throughout the text.) SEASONAL VARIATIONS IN ECONOMIC WORK ACTIVITY
A review of best evidenced-based enteral and parenteral nutrition support practices for preterm infants born <1,500 grams

Nutrition monitoring must remain a priority for very low birth weight infants who are at high risk for nutritional deficiencies and growth failure. Research demonstrates that as many as 50% of North American infants experience extrauterine growth failure, primarily attributable to inadequate nutrition delivery. Consequently, the purpose of this review is to identify the best enteral and parenteral nutrition management practices for preterm infants born <1,500 grams. Nutrition recommendations set forth for preterm infants by leading references were reviewed and compared. Infant nutrition and growth studies identified by extensive literature review were also assessed in comparison to current recommendations, neonatal clinical experience, and gaps within clinical practice. Modern literature demonstrates that more aggressive parenteral nutrition provision, early enteral feeding initiation, more rapid enteral feeding advancement, and early human milk fortification are well tolerated and promote improved nutrition, growth, and clinical outcomes. This review identifies clinically feasible and evidenced-based enteral and parenteral nutrition support practices that promote best outcomes for very low birth weight infants.
Feed Supplementation with Natural Extracts of Cranberry and its Efficacy on Campylobacter Colonization in Poultry

Campylobacter spp. has been identified as one of the leading causative agents of food borne diarrheal illness. Epidemiological evidence has shown that poultry is the main source for human infection. Poultry are asymptomatic carriers of Campylobacter within their gastrointestinal tract, with colonization levels reaching 10 6 -10 8 cfu/g cecal content. Surveys of domestic poultry flocks have estimated that approximately 90% of flocks are positive for Campylobacter colonization. Risk assessment studies have determined that by reducing levels of Campylobacter colonization during rearing, incidences of human infection will be significantly reduced. Currently there are no consistently effective treatments to eliminate Campylobacter from poultry flocks. The use of natural plant extracts to control food borne pathogens is an area of resurgent interest due to growing consumer demand for removal of sub-theraputic administration of antibiotics in conventionally raised livestock and the increased demand for organic meat products. Extracts from American Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) contain proanthocyanidins which have demonstrated antimicrobial activity against other food borne pathogens including E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. However, their ability to reduce Campylobacter in chickens has not been reported. The objective of this study was to evaluate two different cranberry extracts, either containing a lower (1%) or higher concentration (30%) of proanthocyanidins by the manufacturer (L-PAC or H-PAC, respectively), to inhibit the growth of Campylobacter, in vitro and in vivo. In replicate in vitro trials, a 0.1 or 0.5% dose had no effect, the 1% dose produced a modest reduction and the 2 or 4% doses produced at least a 5 log reduction in Campylobacter counts when compared to controls 8 or 24 hours after inoculation. For the in vivo studies, 70 chicks were randomly assigned to one of seven treatment groups (n=10 per treatment group). Treatment groups for each trial included a positive Campylobacter control (no cranberry extract) or 0.5%, 1%, or 2% of either H-PAC or L-PAC added to the feed. The same dosages were used in two replicate trials. For each trial, all birds were given feed supplemented with H-PAC or L-PAC, except for positive Campylobacter controls, starting at day of placement and continuing through the entire 14 day trial. At day 7 all birds were challenged with a mixture of three wild type Campylobacter jejuni strains by oral gavage (approximately 2.5 x10 5 cfu/mL). On day 14, birds were euthanized by CO2 and cecal contents were collected for enumeration of Campylobacter. In both trials cecal Campylobacter counts were not reduced by administration of L-PAC or H-PAC in the feed. Follow up experiments are needed to increase the potency of these cranberry extracts to reduce this important food borne pathogen in chickens. This thesis is approved for recommendation to the Graduate Council