Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Discordance of vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus at 2 μg/mL between Vitek II, E-test, and Broth Microdilution

Background Vancomycin, the first line antibiotic for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia, is often administered inappropriately when MIC is greater than 2 µg/mL, including ‘susceptible’ strains. This study assessed the discordance of vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Methods In total, 229 MRSA isolates from blood cultures collected between 2009 and 2015 at a tertiary hospital in Taiwan were examined. The MICs of vancomycin were measured using Vitek 2, E-test, and standard broth microdilution at the level of 2 µg/mL. Results The geometric mean of the MICs of hospital-acquired MRSA was higher than that of community-acquired MRSA (P < 0.001), with the exact agreement rates (with broth microdilution) at 2 µg/mL being 53.6% in Vitek 2 and 86.7% in E-test. Overall, E-test (98.1%) had more categorical accordance than did Vitek 2 (94.0%; P = 0.026). Vitek 2 had a tendency to overestimate MRSA in high-MIC isolates, whereas E-test inclined underestimation in low-MIC isolates. Surprisingly, the discordance rates of MRSA vancomycin MICs were higher in hospital-acquired isolates (13.3%–17.0%) than in community-acquired isolates (6.2%–7.0%). Conclusion The Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends the use of alternative antimicrobial agents when vancomycin MIC is ≥ 2 µg/mL; in this study, only 53.6% of the isolates tested using Vitek 2 showed a high MIC in the broth microdilution method. Accurate identification of the resistance profile is a key component of antimicrobial stewardship programs. Therefore, to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use and mitigate the emergence of resistant strains, we recommend using complementary tests such as E-test or Broth microdilution to verify the MIC before administering second-line antibiotics. Strengths (1) We compared the categorical agreement between different methods measuring MRSA MICs level. (2) Physicians should incorporate this information and consider a complementary test to verify the appropriateness of the decision of shifting vancomycin to second-line antibiotic treatment to improve patients’ prognosis. (3) MRSA-vancomycin MICs at a cutoff of 2 µg/mL obtained using Vitek II exhibited a higher sensitivity level and negative predictive value than those obtained using E-test in the prediction of categorical agreement with standard broth microdilution. Limitation (1) Our research was based on a single hospital-based study. (2) The MRSA strains in this study were stored for more than 12 months after isolation. (3) We did not collect information on clinical prognosis.
Establishing the Causal Relationship between Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) Exposure and Hepatic Neoplasms and Neoplasia-Related Liver Lesions in English Sole (Pleuronectes vetulus)

For almost 25 years our laboratory has studied the impact of PAHs and related industrial contaminants on benthic fish, following an interdisciplinary approach involving chemical exposure assessment linked to synoptic detection of various effects at several levels of biological organization. These data demonstrate a cause-and-effect relationship between neoplastic and neoplasia-related liver lesions in English sole, and exposure to PAHs, and to a lesser degree, chlorinated hydrocarbons such as PCBs. In statistical analyses of data from multiple field studies conducted since 1978, exposure to PAHs measured in various compartments has consistently been identified as a highly significant, major risk factor for neoplasms and related lesions in this species, with PCB exposure shown to be a significant, but less consistent and less strong risk factor for these lesions. A cause-and-effect relationship between PAHs and toxicopathic liver lesions in this species is further supported by the experimental induction of toxicopathic lesions identical to those observed in field-collected fish, in sole exposed in the laboratory to model carcinogenic PAHs such as BaP or to PAH-rich extracts of sediments from Eagle Harbor, a severely PAH-contaminated site in Puget Sound. More recent field studies have identified significant associations between hepatic cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) induction and xenobiotic-DNA adduct formation, and hepatic lesion prevalences in wild subadult English sole. Field studies in Eagle Harbor subsequent to capping of the most PAH-contaminated region of this harbor with clean dredge spoils have shown a decline in exposure to PAHs as assessed by biliary fluorescent aromatic compounds (FACs) and hepatic xenobiotic-DNA adducts. This decline in PAH exposure has been accompanied by a dramatic decline in risk of occurrence of toxicopathic hepatic lesions in English sole from Eagle Harbor. Further, laboratory studies have induced lesions in English sole by injections of extracts from PAHcontaminated sediments. Overall, these findings relating to exposure to PAHs and chlorinated hydrocarbons and the occurrence of hepatic neoplasms and neoplasiarelated lesions in English sole fulfill the classic criteria for causality in epizootiological or ecological risk assessment studies, including: (1) strength of association, (2) consistency of association, (3) specificity of association, (4) toxicological and biological plausibility, (5) temporal sequence/timing (i.e., exposure precedes disease, effect decreases when the cause is decreased or removed), (6) dose-response or biological gradient, and (7) supportive experimental evidence.
Karyology of Acanthocyclops Kiefer, 1927 (Copepoda, Cyclopoida), Including the First Karyological Reports on Acanthocyclops Trajani Mirabdullayev & Defaye, 2002 and A. Einslei Mirabdullayev & Defaye, 2004

Standard karyotypes of three cyclopoid copepods belonging to the genus Acanthocyclops are reported for freshwater populations from NW Germany and Uzbekistan, namely: A. vernalis (S. Fischer, 1853), A. trajani Mirabdullayev & Defaye, 2002, and Acanthocyclops einslei Mirabdullayev & Defaye, 2004. A comprehensive survey of karyological studies within Acanthocyclops is provided. Species of Acanthocyclops reveal remarkable karyotypic diversity, but also show differences in the mere number of chromosomes, with standard karyotypes ranging from 4 to 12 (2n). Data can provide only limited information on phylogenetic relationships, but are useful diagnostically in clarifying taxonomic boundaries and in separating taxa. Phylogenetic and methodological implications of the karyological findings in Acanthocyclops are discussed. Standardkaryotypen von drei cyclopoiden Copepodenarten der Gattung Acanthocyclops werden von Susswasserpopulationen NW-Deutschlands und Uzbekistans beschrieben, namentlich von A. vernalis (S. Fischer, 1853), A. trajani Mirabdullayev & Defaye, 2002 und A. einslei Mirabdullayev & Defaye, 2004. Acanthocyclops Arten weisen erhebliche karyologische Diversitat auf, zeigen aber auch Unterschiede in der Chromosomenanzahl, mit Karyotypen zwischen 4 und 12 (2n). Die vorhandenen Informationen stellen nur eingeschrankt Informationen zu phylogenetischen Beziehungen zur Verfugung, sind aber brauchbar fur die Diagnose und zur Abgrenzung von Taxa. Phylogenetische und methodologische Aspekte der karyologischen Befunde bei Acanthocyclops werden diskutiert.
The Effect of Barley β-Glucan Fiber Fractions on Starch Gelatinization and Pasting Characteristics

ABSTΡACT: We evaluated the effects of estraction treatment on the yield and composition of β-glucan-rich fiber fractions from barley, and the subsequent influence of these traction on the thermal properties and pasting behavior of starch pastes. Estraction treatment affected the yield of barley β-glucan (EBG) fiber fraction, and β-glucan recovery efficiency (P < 0.005). The level of inclusion of these frection in starch water allspersions bad a significant =influence on the pasting characteristics such as peak viscosity (PV), breakdown (BI)), and final viseosity (FV) development (as determined using a Rapid Visco Analyser), Substitution of 5% wheat starch with the fiber fractions decreased PV, HD, and FV in comparison to the control starch (P < 0.05). Substitution of 5% wheat starch with BBG fiber fraction resulted in a decrease in enthalpy (J/g) values compared with the control (P < 0.05). A reduction in pasting characteristics may be associated with a reduced enthalpy of starch galatinlzation and retentiln of the integrity of the starch granale. The reduction in PV may also indicate a reduced degree of starch grande swelling.
Phenology and growth of shoots, needles, and buds of Douglas-fir seedlings with elevated CO2 and (or) temperature

Increased atmospheric CO2 and global warming may affect overall tree growth, but impacts of these combined stresses are largely unknown in terms of multiple growing season impacts on specific flushes. Thus, the effects of ambient or elevated CO2 (approximately 200 µmol·mol-1 above ambient) and ambient or elevated temperature (approximately 4°C above ambient) were evaluated for both main and second (lammas) flushes of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco). Established seedlings were grown for three full growing seasons in outdoor, sunlit chambers, which maintained diel and seasonal variation in climate. A reconstructed forest soil was used with a seasonal wet and dry cycle and without added fertilizer. Compared with ambient CO2, elevated CO2 had no impact on overall phenology and growth of terminal shoots, needles, or buds. In contrast, compared with ambient temperature, elevated temperature resulted in higher shoot and needle growth rates early in the season; reduced final terminal shoot leng.
Tolerance to Postharvest Physiological Deterioration in Cassava Roots

ABSTRACTCassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) roots spoil 2 to 3 d after harvest because of postharvest physiological deterioration (PPD), which has remained an unsolved problem. Roots from dif-ferent sources of germplasm were evaluated 5, 10, 20, and 40 d after harvest and some were found to be tolerant to PPD. Three genotypes showed zero levels of PPD even 40 d after harvest. Tolerance to PPD in roots with high carotenoid levels may be explained by their anti-oxidant properties. Irradiation of seeds in muta-genized populations may have silenced one of the genes involved in the expression of PPD. The tolerance to PPD found in other sources cannot be properly explained. The identi! cation of several sources of resistance (and at least two different modes of action) suggests that now there are alternatives available for solving this problem, bene! ting millions of resource-limited farmers worldwide.N. Morante, T. Sanchez, H. Ceballos, F. Calle, J.C. Perez, C. Egesi, A.F. Escobar, D. Ortiz, A.L. Chavez, and M. Fregene, International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT), A.A. 6713, Cali, Colombia. H. Cebal-los and C.E. Cuambe, Univ. Nacional de Colombia, Cra 32, Chapinero via Candelaria, Palmira, Colombia. C.E. Cuambe, Inst. de Investigacao Agraria de Mocambique, Caixa Postal 3658, Maputo, Mozambique. C. Egesi, National Root Crops Research Inst. , Umudike, P.M. B. 7006, Umuahia 44000, Nigeria. M. Fregene, current address, Danforth Cen-ter, 975 North Warson Rd., St. Louis, MO 63132. Received 11 Nov. 2009. *Corresponding author (h.ceballos@cgiar.org).
Coupling of dietary phosphorus and growth across diverse fish taxa: a meta-analysis of experimental aquaculture studies

Imbalances in phosphorus (P) intake relative to demand negatively affect animal growth, but their consequences are less understood for vertebrates, in which bone represents a significant and potentially flexible pool of P. Flexibility in body-P content could buffer vertebrates from the effects of imbalances between P intake and demand, reducing the likelihood of a sharp stoichiometric “knife-edge” in the relationship between growth rate and diet-P level. We conducted a meta-analysis of published aquaculture experiments that tested effects of diet %P on fish growth rate (49 studies, 28 species) and body-P content (27 of the studies in the main data set, 20 species). Our meta-analysis revealed significant P limitation of growth, as well as significant negative effects of excess P on growth rate. Diet-P thresholds for these effects occurred at ecologically relevant levels (optimal diet-P of 1.2% ± 0.45%, mean ± SD, under experimental conditions of high ration). Finally, the analysis also suggested a pattern .
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome and field archaeology : Guidelines for risk reduction

AbstractIn 1993, a previously unrecognized hantavirus was identified as the causative agent of a severe respiratory disease, subsequently named hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). Rodents shed hantaviruses in their saliva, urine, and feces, and humans can become infected after inhaling either aerosolized droplets of urine or particulates contaminated with rodent excreta. Because archaeological excavations frequently disturb rodents and their nests, field crews may be at increased risk for HPS. Activities that could expose archaeologists and other field specialists to the newly recognized hantavirus are discussed, and guidelines for reducing the risk of exposure are presented.
The relationship between stomatal conductance, transpiration rate and tracheid structure in Pinus radiata clones grown at different water vapour saturation deficits

Abstract. Stomatal conductance and needle water potential of P. radiata clones were measured after 2, 5 and 8 months on plants grown in controlled environment rooms with markedly different water vapour saturation deficits (D). Conductance was significantly lower at high D, but water potential differences between treatments were not significant. When trees were moved between treatments most of the changes in conductances occurred within 2 h, with residual changes after 24 h. Water potentials were not different 24 h after the trees were moved. The effects were completely reversible. Transpiration rates of individual trees were highest in the high D treatment and lowest in the low D treatment. They were not linearly related to D because of decreasing conductance with increasing D. Height growth, diameter growth and foliage areas were not significantly different between treatments. Tracheid lumen diameters tended to be larger in trees grown at higher D although treatment differences were not significant. There were significant clonal differences in shoot conductance and tracheid dimensions.
Five New Spathidiids (Ciliophora: Haptoria) from Caribbean Tank Bromeliads

There is a widespread belief that spathidiids have few morphological features. In contrast, we show a rich morphological diversity in five new species discovered in tank bromeliads from the Caribbean, using live observation; protargol impregnation; morphometry; scanning electron microscopy; and resting cyst morphology, demonstrating lepidosomes (organic scales) for the first time in spathidiid haptoria. Arcuospathidium bromelicola nov. spec. is very similar to the previously described A. muscorum but its resting cyst has conspicuous, pillar-shaped lepidosomes on the surface. Protospathidium lepidosomatum nov. spec. is very similar to the previously described P. muscicola but has outstanding, nipple-shaped (vs. conical) lepidosomes on the cyst surface. Spathidium bromeliophilum nov. spec. , whose ontogenesis is highly similar to that of S. turgitorum, differs from similar species by the body length: width ratio, the number of ciliary rows, the shape of the oral bulge, and details of the ciliary pattern. Spathidium bromelicola nov. spec. is similar to S. muscicola (extrusomes bluntly fusiform and 4 mu m long vs. rod-shaped and > 15 mu m long) and S. stammeri (resting cyst wall smooth vs. spinous). Spathidium wolfi nov. spec. has an anterior and a posterior contractile vacuole. It differs from the supposed nearest relative, S. faurefremieti, by body size (on average 135 x 25 mu m vs. 240 x 17 mu m), the shape of the macronucleus (moniliform vs. a long, tortuous strand), and the total number of dorsal brush bristles (on average 47 vs. 72). The bent oral bulge of Arcuospathidium bromelicola and Spathidium bromeliophilum as well as the occurrence of lepidosomes on the cyst surface of Arcuospathidium bromelicola and Protospathidium lepidosomatum are discussed.
Ethanol extracts of Newbouldia laevis stem and leaves modulate serum liver marker enzymes and antioxidant enzymes activities in diabetic rats

Diabetes is known to involve oxidative stress and changes in antioxidant enzymes. Many plants metabolites have been shown to possess antioxidant activities, improving the effects of oxidative stress complications in diabetic conditions. This study evaluated the effects of extracts from Newbouldia laevis leaves and stem on liver marker enzymes and antioxidant enzymes in rat model. The results confirmed that the untreated diabetic rats were subjected to oxidative stress as indicated by significantly abnormal activities of their scavenging enzymes (low superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione activities) to the extent of liver enzymes leakage from the hepatocytes when compared with apparently healthy rats. The ethanol extracts of N. laevis leaves and stem possessed antioxidant activity as shown by increased activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, and glutathione levels of the diabetic rats after treatment. High levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), which are typical of oxidative stress condition were differentially ameliorated after treatment with the ethanol extracts of N. laevis leaves and stem in a dose dependent manner. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, oxidative stress, Newbouldia laevis, liver enzymes, antioxidant enzymes African Journal of Biotechnology , Vol 13(22) 2265-2275
Potential Role of Protein Phosphorylation in GTP-γ-S-Dependent Activation of Phospholipase D

Abstract Mammalian phospholipase D (PLD) is known to require nearly absolutely guanosine 5′- O -3-thiotriphosphate (GTP-γ-S) and a small G-protein for its activation. In streptolysin- O -permeabilized HL-60 cells, phorbol ester or diacylglycerol enhanced greatly this PLD activation in the presence of ATP-Mg 2+ . Nonhydrolysable ATP analogue was inactive. This phorbol-ester-induced PLD activation was completely counteracted not only by protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitors but also by tyrosine kinase inhibitors. In cell-free lysates, the GTP-γ-S-dependent activation of PLD was stimulated by ATP-Mg 2+ . This stimulation by ATP-Mg 2+ did not respond to phorbol ester nor was it inhibited by PKC inhibitors, but was fully restrained by tyrosine kinase inhibitors. The results suggest that protein phosphorylation reactions by PKC and tyrosine kinase may take part, possibly in this order, in the small G-protein-coupled PLD activation.
ONTOGENY AND ANATOMY OF THE FLOWER OF LIMNOCHARIS FLAVA (BUTOMACEAE)

The flowers of Limnocharis flava (L.) Buch. are borne in an indeterminate umbel and each consists of three sepals, three yellow petals, and about 18 carpels surrounded by numerous stamens and staminodia. The androecium is centrifugally developed, and the last-formed members are staminodial; it is supplied by branching vascular systems. Carpels arise almost simultaneously, and a prominent residual floral apex remains. The carpels are partially conduplicately closed and are also primitive in possessing laminar placentation and in lacking differentiation of a style. The gynoecium is essentially apocarpous, but there are slight fusions of adjacent carpels near their ventral margins where they are attached to the receptacle. It is suggested that the Limnocharis flower is the most primitive in the family. The Butomaceae are considered by many to be among the most primitive of the monocotyledons, yet little anatomical work has been done on them. Saunders (1929) and Singh (1966a) studied the floral anatomy of Butomus umbellatus, and its development has been described by Payer (1857) and Buchenau (1857). Ronte (1891) and Eber (1934) studied the floral morphology of Hydrocleis nymphoides and of Limnocharis flava, and Saunders (1929) studied the floral anatomy of Hydrocleis nymphoides. The writer (1964) has investigated some aspects of the structure of mature flowers of Butomus Hydrocleis, Limnocharis, and Tenagocharis. Centrifugal development of the androecium of Limnocharis flava and that of Hydrocleis nymphoides was noted by Ronte (1891), but it has been overlooked (Corner, 1946; Eames, 1961) until recently. No other monocotyledonous genera are known to possess such a developmental pattern. Troll (1932) studied the gynoecium of Limnocharis flava and proposed a pattern of modification of gynoecia in the family. The present study has been undertaken to attempt to clarify by ontogenetic study certain positional relationships among various organs which are not readily apparent in the mature flowers. Special attention has also been given to the fate of the floral apex, to the relationship between the carpels and the floral apex, and to the vascular anatomy of the mature flower. Materials and Methods Inflorescences in all stages of development from plants collected by the author in Ceylon, Malaya, and North Borneo were fixed in FAA. Flowers from the larger inflorescences were removed and embedded in paraffin while smaller inflorescences were embedded whole. Determination of relative ages of the flowers is simplified by the fact that they are borne in an easily traced spiral phyllotaxy. Transverse and longitudinal sections at 15 μ were made of both single flowers and entire inflorescences and were stained with safranin and fast green. Flowers larger than 1 mm in diam were also cleared in 5 % NaOH, rinsed, and stored in lactic acid for study without staining. Some of the cleared flowers were also stained with safranin and crystal violet and stored in xylene.
Oxygen consumption of active and inactive adult tiger beetles

ABSTRACT. Oxygen consumption (V̇O2) in six species of adult tiger beetles Cicindela spp. (Coleoptera: Cicindelidae) was correlated with body mass and temperature during rest. In beetles forced to run and/or right themselves continuously for 5–10 min at 25°C, V̇O2 was approximately 7–12 times as high as in resting individuals; the difference increased with increasing mass. Resting and active VO2 were similar to previous results for other beetles, although the slope of log V̇O2 on log mass was lower. Detailed analysis suggests the existence of taxonomic and ecological correlates of resting metabolism. The possible ecological implications and adaptive advantages of these results for adult tiger beetles are discussed.
FORMATION OF RESTING SPORES BY LEPTOCYLINDRUS DANICUS (BACILLARIOPHYCEAE) IN A CONTROLLED EXPERIMENTAL ECOSYSTEM 1

Leptocylindrus danicus Cleve became the dominant phytoplankton species, comprising 70–80% of the total assemblage, in one of the CEPEX Controlled Experimental Ecosystems (CEE) at Saanich Inlet, British Columbia (Canada). In the first week of June, when nitrate levels were reduced below 0.5 μm, the majority of the L. danicus cells present in the CEE formed resting spores. The spores were heavily armored with spines and appeared to sink unmolested to the bottom of the CEE. Four continuous cultures were started with an inoculum from the CEE and, in a 24 h period when N became depleted, 86% of the L. danicus present (∼80% of the total phytoplankton assemblage) formed resting spores. A daily dilution culture with nutrients kept at saturating levels was started at the same time from the same inoculum and continued for 2 wk beyond the spore formation event in the N‐limited cultures. No spores were observed in the nutrient‐saturated culture, indicating that N limitation was necessary to trigger spore formation. Spores were kept in the dark at 3 and 10 C. After 36 and 97 days, a large percentage of the spores germinated. After 214 days, >1% of the spores were still capable of germination. Laboratory studies with L. danicus isolated from the CEE confirmed that N limitation was the primary factor triggering spore formation. Microscope observations of these cultures indicated that the spores were formed by auxospores following sexual reproduction.