Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fecundity and Egg Laying in Helicoverpa armigera (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae): Model Development and Field Validation

Abstract Models can be useful to help understand population dynamics of insects under diverse environmental conditions and in developing strategies to better manage pest species. Adult longevity and fecundity of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) were evaluated against a wide range of constant temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 37.5°C). The modified Sharpe and DeMichele model described adult aging rate and was used to estimate adult physiological age. Maximum fecundity of H. armigera was 973 eggs per female at 25°C decreasing to 72 eggs per female at 37.5°C.The relationship between adult fecundity and temperature was well described by an extreme value function. Age-specific cumulative oviposition rate and age-specific survival rate were well described by a two-parameter Weibull function and sigmoid function, respectively. An oviposition model was developed using three temperature-dependent components: total fecundity, age-specific oviposition rate, and age-specific survival rate.The oviposition model was validated against independent field data and described the pattern of field occurrence of H. armigera egg numbers very well. Our model will be a useful component for population modeling of H. armigera and can be independently used for the timing of sprays in management programs targeting this key pest species.
Carbohydrate Mouth Rinse Improves Relative Mean Power During Multiple Sprint Performance

Multiple investigations have confirmed carbohydrate mouth rinse (CMR) enhances high intensity endurance performance lasting under 1 hour, but the effects of CMR on high intensity intermittent exercise has received less attention. This study examined the effect of CMR on high intensity multiple sprint performances in a protocol designed to emulate a cyclocross or mountain biking event. Seven trained men (28.2 ± 6.8 years, 185 ± 9 cm, 85.3 ± 14.8 kg, VO2peak 51.4 ± 7.3 ml/kg*min-1) completed two, 48 min high intensity intermittent cycling protocols that consisted of 6 bouts of 5 min cycling at 50% VO2 peak followed by sets of three, 10-s Wingate sprints with 50 s of recovery between sprints. Prior to each set of Wingate sprints, either a 6.4% carbohydrate solution (CMR) or placebo (PLA) were rinsed for 10 s using a counterbalanced crossover design. There was a significant main effect (CMR 10.51 ± 0.82, PLA 10.33 ± 0.87 W/kg; p < 0.05 ES=0.21) for mean power, but post hoc tests only revealed statistically significant performance improvement with CMR during the 6th bout (CMR 10.5 ± 0.75, PLA 10.22 ± 0.92 W/kg; p = 0.01 ES=0.33). No treatment effect was exhibited for peak power, fatigue index, ratings of perceived exertion, or blood glucose. Most team sport situations provide multiple opportunities for access to beverages, but gastrointestinal distress associated with fluid intake may reduce desire for significant beverage consumption. Under such circumstances, a small but practical ergogenic advantage may be exhibited if the fluid rinsed in the mouth contains carbohydrates.
MicroRNA Expression Profiling in Adrenal Myelolipoma

Introduction Adrenal myelolipoma (AML) is the second most common and invariably benign primary adrenal neoplasm. Due to the variable proportion of fat and hematopoietic elements and its often large size, it can cause differential diagnostic problems. Several reports confirmed the utility of miRNAs in the diagnosis of tumors, but miRNA expression in AML has not yet been investigated. Materials and Methods Next-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed on 30 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) archived tissue samples [10 each of AML, adrenocortical adenoma (ACA), and adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC)]. Validation was performed by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction on a cohort containing 41 further FFPE samples (15 AML, 14 ACA, and 12 ACC samples). Circulating miRNA counterparts of significantly differentially expressed tissue miRNAs were studied in 33 plasma samples (11 each of ACA, ACC, and AML). Results By NGS, 256 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs were discovered, and 8 of these were chosen for validation. Significant overexpression of hsa-miR-451a, hsa-miR-486-5p, hsa-miR-363-3p, and hsa-miR-150-5p was confirmed in AML relative to ACA and ACC. hsa-miR-184, hsa-miR-483-5p, and hsa-miR-183-5p were significantly overexpressed in ACC relative to ACA but not to AML. Circulating hsa-miR-451a and hsa-miR-363-3p were significantly overexpressed in AML, whereas circulating hsa-miR-483-5p and hsa-miR-483-3p were only significantly overexpressed in ACC vs ACA. Conclusions We have found significantly differentially expressed miRNAs in AML and adrenocortical tumors. Circulating hsa-miR-451a might be a promising minimally invasive biomarker of AML. The lack of significantly different expression of hsa-miR-483-3p and hsa-miR-483-5p between AML and ACC might limit their applicability as diagnostic miRNA markers for ACC.
ED SUM: Signaling by the neurotransmitter acetylcholine is monitored in cells and animals with a sensitive reporter.: A genetically encoded fluorescent acetylcholine indicator for in vitro and in vivo studies

The neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh) regulates a diverse array of physiological processes throughout the body. Despite its importance, cholinergic transmission in the majority of tissues and organs remains poorly understood owing primarily to the limitations of available ACh-monitoring techniques. We developed a family of G-protein-coupled receptor activation-based ACh (GACh) sensors with sensitivity, specificity, signal-to-noise ratio, kinetics and photostability suitable for monitoring ACh signals in vitro and in vivo. GACh sensors were validated with transfection, viral and/or transgenic expression in a dozen types of neuronal and non-neuronal cells prepared from multiple animal species. In all preparations, GACh sensors selectively responded to exogenous and/or endogenous ACh with robust fluorescence signals that were captured by epifluorescence, confocal and/or two-photon microscopy. Moreover, analysis of endogenous ACh release revealed firing pattern-dependent release and restricted volume transmission, resolving two long-standing questions about central cholinergic transmission. Thus, GACh sensors provide a user-friendly, broadly applicable tool for monitoring cholinergic transmission underlying diverse biological processes. fine half-time bath solution was s, of the bath was 34.0 ± 0.5
Severely injured trauma patients with admission hyperfibrinolysis: Is there a role of tranexamic acid? Findings from the PROPPR trial

INTRODUCTION Administration of tranexamic acid (TXA) in coagulopathy of trauma gained popularity after the CRASH-2 trial. The aim of our analysis was to analyze the role of TXA in severely injured trauma patients with admission hyperfibrinolysis. METHODS We reviewed the prospectively collected Pragmatic, Randomized Optimal Platelet and Plasma Ratios database. We included patients with admission hyperfibrinolysis (Ly30 >3%) on thromboelastography. Patients were stratified into two groups (TXA and No-TXA) and were matched in 1:2 ratio using propensity score matching for demographics, admission vitals, and injury severity. Primary outcome measures were 6-, 12-, and 24-hour and 30-day mortality; 24-hour transfusion requirements; time to achieve hemostasis; and rebleeding after hemostasis requiring intervention. Secondary outcome measures were thrombotic complications. RESULTS We analyzed 680 patients. Of those, 118 had admission hyperfibrinolysis, and 93 patients (TXA: 31 patients; No-TXA: 62 patients) were matched. Matched groups were similar in age (p = 0.33), gender (p = 0.84), race (p = 0.81), emergency department (ED) Glasgow Coma Scale (p = 0.34), ED systolic blood pressure (p = 0.28), ED heart rate (p = 0.43), mechanism of injury (p = 0.45), head Abbreviated Injury Scale score (p = 0.68), injury severity score (p = 0.56), and blood products ratio (p = 0.44). Patients who received TXA had a lower 6-hour mortality rate (34% vs. 13%, p = 0.04) and higher 24-hour transfusion of plasma (15 vs. 10 units, p = 0.03) compared with the No-TXA group. However, there was no difference in 12-hour (p = 0.24), 24-hour (p = 0.25), and 30-day mortality (p = 0.82). Similarly, there was no difference in 24-hour transfusion of RBC (p = 0.11) or platelets (p = 0.13), time to achieve hemostasis (p = 0.65), rebleeding requiring intervention (p = 0.13), and thrombotic complications (p = 0.98). CONCLUSION Tranexamic acid was associated with increased 6-hour survival but does not improve long-term outcomes in severely injured trauma patients with hemorrhage who develop hyperfibrinolysis. Moreover, TXA administration was not associated with thrombotic complications. Further randomized clinical trials will identify the subset of trauma patients who may benefit from TXA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic study, level III.
Predictors of autonomic dysfunction among predialysis chronic kidney disease patients in Nigeria

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a global public health problem with increasing incidence and mortality in Africa. Autonomic dysfunction (AD) has been implicated as a major contributor to the disease morbidity and mortality, but little is known about the predictors of this dysfunction in African populations. Understanding the predictors of this condition is necessary for early detection and management of CKDs. Objectives: This study was designed to determine the predictors of AD in CKD patients in Nigeria. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study of CKD patients at University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria. The CKD patients with AD were compared with those without AD and a normal control group. Autonomic function was assessed through noninvasive cardiovascular tests: measurement of resting tachycardia, orthostatic hypotension, heart rate response (HRR) to standing, HRR to Valsalva maneuvre, and HRR to respiration. Data on symptoms of CKD and AD were obtained using a validated questionnaire. Results: The mean age of the CKD patients was 41.3 ± 1.5 (range: 21–69) years. Early hospital presentation is associated with significantly less risk of the development of AD (P < 0.001). Dizziness, nocturnal diarrhea, and impotence are the major markers/predictors of AD in CKD patients (P < 0.05). Conclusion: AD is common among predialysis CKD patients in Nigeria, and best predicted by the presence of postural dizziness, nocturnal diarrhea, and impotence in men. Physicians should, therefore, be on the lookout for these features for prompt and adequate management of cases.
Associations between repeated ultrasound measures of fetal growth and biomarkers of maternal oxidative stress and inflammation in pregnancy

Perturbations in normal fetal growth during pregnancy are associated with poor child and adult health outcomes. Inflammation and oxidative stress are recognized as important mechanisms in preeclampsia and preterm birth but have been examined less in relation to fetal growth. We hypothesized that maternal inflammation and oxidative stress in pregnancy would be associated with reduced fetal growth and sought to identify windows of vulnerability.
Development of the Broad Learning Adult Questionnaire

Infants and children experience an intense form of intellectual engagement associated with learning a variety of new skills. A recent theory proposes that such broad learning experiences may be the key to maximal cognitive development not just during infancy and childhood but also during adulthood. To begin investigating this possibility, the present questionnaire on broad learning in adulthood builds on prior research on need for cognition, intellectual engagement, personal growth, and leisure activities. After several rounds with preliminary versions of the questionnaire, the final version consists of 28 items. Responses were gathered from two mTurk samples to measure scale reliability and to assess model fit. In the end, we obtained a satisfactory measure of broad learning that consists of six separate reliable scales. Once this questionnaire is validated in future studies, perhaps it could be used as a predictor for cognitive development during adulthood and for interventions inducing broad learning.
Digest: Untangling the influence of soft and hard selection in experimental populations—from environment to genomics *

Gallet et al. (2018) studied the effect of two selection regimes on the maintenance of polymorphism in experimental populations. They took two strains of Escherichia coli, each resistant to a different antibiotic, evolved them in culture conditions representing “soft” or “hard” selective regimes, and measured polymorphism levels for three to five transfers. Their results supported theoretical predictions that only “soft” selection maintains polymorphism, highlighting the importance of experimental studies to understand maintenance of variation in nature.
Analysis of Plasmodium vivax Apical Membrane Antigen-1 (PvAMA-1) Haplotypes among Iranian Isolates

Plasmodium vivax apical membrane antigen-1(PvAMA-1) is a surface protein with polymorphic sites. This study was aimed to analyze the polymorphic amino acid residues at PvAMA-1 in different infected age groups. 92 blood samples were collected from the south and southeast of Iran. The DNA coding for the domain I (DI), DII, and partial DIII of this antigen was amplified by Nested-PCR, and sequenced. Nucleotide mutations were found in 49 sites and based on the amino acid sequence, 30 variable sites were detected. Age distribution of malaria cases showed that the majority of the patients were between 10 to 30 years old. The scattering plot haplotypes by age showed an increasing incidence rate with age during childhood, whereas, incidence was the lowest in patients under five years old. Comparison of the polymorphic sites of PvAMA-1 in Iranian isolates with those found in other geographic regions of the world indicated nine common variable positions. In addition, a significant dependence was found between some particular substitutions and age categories. Dependence between particular substitutions and age groups suggests that certain residues in AMA-1 are responsible for clinical attacks in different ages, likely as a result of host immune pressure. The crystal structure of the PvAMA-1 showed that the amino acid substitutions that changed the protein charge were exclusively located in loops and turns where, the interactions with antibodies could occur. These data provide the necessary information for an AMA-1 based malaria vaccine design to be effective across all ages.
Antibacterial activity of some Lamiaceae species against Staphylococcus aureus in yoghurt-based drink (Doogh).

Doogh is a dairy drinkable fermented product, whose shelf-life and quality is mostly affected by bacteria such as Staphylococcus spp. This study investigated the antibacterial activity of essential oils (EOs) from Thymus vulgaris L. , Mentha piperita L. and Ziziphora tenuior L. , alone or in combination, against Staphylococcus aureus in industrial doogh. A three-level and three-variable face centered central composite design experiment was used. Results showed that EOs significantly inhibited S. aureus growth after 1 and 7 days of storage. According to the model, the maximum inhibition was obtained in the presence of 0.2% of EO, independently of the type, and no synergistic or additive effects were observed. Slightly lower S. aureus survivals were observed at the maximum concentration of Z. tenuior EO. In spite of the antimicrobial activity of these EOs, further research is needed to assess their performance in food matrix and, in particular, in dairy product.
Prognostic value of platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio in oncologic outcomes of esophageal cancer: what should we expect from a meta-analysis?

We read with interest the work by Zhang et al.1 published in the April 2018 issue of the International Journal of Biological Markers. These authors performed a meta-analysis to evaluate the association between the platelet-tolymphocyte ratio (PLR) and the oncologic outcome of esophageal cancer patients. Nineteen articles with 6134 patients from 2011 to 2017 were included in their metaanalysis. The authors demonstrated that high PLR is associated with poor overall survival in patients with esophageal cancer. This is an interesting systematic review and metaanalysis in our understanding concerning the establishment of a biomarker with significant prognostic ability for this type of cancer. However, before the results of this meta-analysis achieve wider uptake, a few points should be taken into account. It is well known that in a meta-analysis the interpretation of the results of included studies is analyzed by advanced mathematical models in order to precisely calculate a common pooled effect. As a result, the conclusions of a meta-analysis are directly proportional to the quality of the included studies.2 This metaanalysis included studies with different designs, making the conclusions controversial. There is significant heterogeneity in the studies that the authors decided to include in their meta-analysis: mainly the histological type of the esophageal cancer (squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma), the treatment methods (surgery, chemotherapy, or chemo-radiotherapy), the cutoff value of PLR (the cut-off point ranged from 103 to 300), the definition of outcomes after treatment (cancerspecific survival, disease-free survival, disease-specific survival, progression-free survival), the stage of disease, the neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant treatment, the timing of intervention, and the demographic differences. Also we noticed significant heterogeneity among the included studies for categorized PLR (I2=72.20%; P < 0.001) as well as the relationship between ethnicity and PLT (I2=83.90%; P=0.013); the association between cutoff value and PLT (I2=65.60%; P=0.008); and the correlation between treatment strategies and PLT (I2=72.20%; P=0). The above important heterogeneity significantly reduces the statistical power because the included studies have widely varying outcomes.3,4 Additionally, the vast majority of the research studies took place in Asian countries apart from three, which were performed in the UK. For this reason, these preliminary results have to be proven and compared with other regions. Furthermore, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was the predominant histological subtype. It is well known that SCC compared with the adenocarcinoma and the small-cell carcinoma of the esophagus has a different prognosis and cell biological behaviors. Further studies are needed in order to compare the different geographic regions and the histological subtypes of esophageal cancer.
The promise of functional near-infrared spectroscopy in autism research: What do we know and where do we go?

ABSTRACT Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a neuroimaging technique that has been gaining increasing interest as a method to investigate the brain function of individuals on the autism spectrum. It is a non-invasive, portable and relatively motion-tolerant method of measuring haemodynamic activity in the brain. fNIRS can be particularly effective for quantifying brain function in challenging clinical populations. In light of this, there is a growing body of fNIRS literature focusing on individuals on the autism spectrum. The aim of this review is to evaluate and summarise key studies from the literature and discuss their implications for the field. Potential limitations of the fNIRS approach and resolution of these issues based on emerging fNIRS research are also discussed.
Clinical Associations with ABO Blood Group and Rhesus Blood Group Status in Patients with Breast Cancer: A Nationwide Retrospective Study of 3,944 Breast Cancer Patients in Turkey

Background The aim of this study was to investigate the association between A, B, O, Rhesus (Rh)-positive and Rh-negative blood groups and breast cancer in a nationwide cohort of 3,944 patients in Turkey. Material/Methods A retrospective study included 3,944 patients diagnosed with breast cancer between 2004 and 2015 and with known blood type. Clinical and demographic patient data included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), menopausal status. The breast tumor type, size, grade, TNM stage, and the presence of lymph node and distant metastases were noted. Histopathology of the breast tumors had included routine detection of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and estrogen receptor (ER) levels. Results The 3,944 patients with breast cancer were blood group, type A, B, O, and Rh-positive or Rh-negative; the median age was 47.9 years (range, 18.2–89.6 years); 99.5% (3923/3,844) were women, and 0.5% (21/3944) were men. Patients with blood type 0 had a significantly smaller tumor size compared with patients with blood types A or B. There were no significant differences between blood groups and patient age, BMI, menopausal status, tumor histology, ER status, HER2 status, lymph node and distant metastasis. However, there was a significant difference in the prevalence of lobular breast cancer, levels of ER-positive tumor cells, and prevalence of cases with tumor metastases in Rh-positive patients compared with Rh-negative patients. Conclusions The findings of this retrospective study showed that the type, grade, stage, and hormonal status of breast cancer showed no significant associations with ABO blood grouping.
EBV‐positive diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma, not otherwise specified: 2018 update on diagnosis, risk‐stratification and management

Epstein Barr virus‐positive (EBV+) diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), not otherwise specified (NOS) is an entity included in the 2016 WHO classification of lymphoid neoplasms. EBV+ DLBCL, NOS, is an aggressive B‐cell lymphoma associated with chronic EBV infection, and a poor prognosis with standard chemotherapeutic approaches.