Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protective effect of FOXP3-mediated miR-146b-5p/Robo1/NF-κB system on lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice

Background As a key transcription factor, forkhead box protein 3 (FOXP3) plays an important role in the development and function of natural cluster of differentiation 4 [CD4 (+)] regulatory T cells (Treg cells). However, the function of FOXP3 in Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) through regulating miR-146b-5p is unclear. This research aimed to disclose the regulatory effect of the FOXP3-mediated miR-146b-5p/Roundabout 1 (Robo1)/NF-κB system on LPS-induced ALI in mice. Methods The mice were subjected to 5 mg/kg of LPS via intratracheal instillation to induce ALI and generate the ALI model. Mice was divided into five group, including control group, ALI group, ALI + FOXP3 group, the ALI + miR antagomir group and ALI + miR antagomir+ FOXP3 group. Lung tissue injury were detected by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining. Lung wet/dry weight ratio, total cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), total protein in BALF and the polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) in BALF were detected. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Interleukin 6 (IL-6) and IL-1β were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The dual-luciferase reporter assay were used to detect the target relationship between FOXP3 and Robo1. Mice was divided into five group, including control group, ALI group, ALI + FOXP3 group, ALI + Robo1 group and ALI + FOXP3+ Robo1 group. The protein levels of FOXP3, Robo1 and p-p65 were detected by western bolt. The mRNA levels of miR-146b-5p and Robo1 were detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Results Although protein expression levels of FOXP3 were significantly down-regulated in the ALI model, the increased FOXP3 levels promoted an increase in miR-146b-5p. Compared with the control group, the ALI model group exhibited severe histopathologic injury, such as thickening of the alveolar wall, pulmonary congestion, and decreased alveolar numbers. By mediating the overexpression of miR-146b-5p, FOXP3 also increased alveolar clearance and inhibited inflammatory responses in the ALI model. Importantly, Robo1 is a potential target of miR-146b-5p. Conclusions FOXP3 could inhibit NF-κB activation, reduce lung pathological damage, and inhibit inflammatory responses by mediating the miR-146b-5p/Robo1/NF-κB system in the ALI model. These results may provide a new potential target for the treatment of ALI disease.
Three-dimensional live imaging of bovine embryos by optical coherence tomography

While embryo transfer (ET) is widely practiced, many of the transferred embryos fail to develop in cattle. To establish a more effective method for selecting bovine embryos for ET, here we quantified morphological parameters of living embryos using three-dimensional (3D) images non-invasively captured by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Seven Japanese Black embryos produced by in vitro fertilization that had reached the expanded blastocyst stage after 7 days of culture were transferred after imaged by OCT. Twenty-two parameters, including thickness and volumes of the inner cell mass, trophectoderm, and zona pellucida, and volumes of blastocoel and whole embryo, were quantified from 3D images. Four of the seven recipients became pregnant. We suggest that these 22 parameters can be potentially employed to evaluate the quality of bovine embryos before ET.
Effects of Ripeness Stages on the Storage Atmosphere, Color, and Textural Properties of Minimally Processed Apple Slices

ABSTRACT: Fruit maturity is a determinative factor in maintaining the original color and, to a greater extent, the texture of minimally processed fresh-cut apple slices. Mature-green apples (because of their lower respiration and ethanol formation) were the most suitable to process for extending post-cutting-quality shelf life. Sliced apples processed at an earlier stage of ripeness, but dipped in a solution of ascorbic acid (C6H8O6) and calcium chloride (CaCl2) and stored under 100% N2, preserved their original color with minor changes. However, these processing and packaging treatments could not effectively prevent the apple slices from softening, and apple flesh underwent a progressive loss of firmness from 8.0 to 4.8 N.
Functional Outcomes of Nerve Root Sparing Posterior Corpectomy in Lumbar Vertebral Burst Fractures

Study Design: Retrospective observational. Objectives: This study aimed to document the safety and efficacy of lumbar corpectomy with reconstruction of anterior column through posterior-only approach in complete burst fractures. Methods: In this retrospective study, we analyzed complete lumbar burst fractures treated with corpectomy through posterior only approach between 2014 and 2018. Clinical and intraoperative data including pre and post-operative neurology as per the ISNCSCI grade, VAS score, operative time, blood loss and radiological parameters, including pre and post-surgery kyphosis, height loss and canal compromise was assessed. Results: A total of 45 patients, with a mean age of 38.89 and a TLICS score 5 or more were analyzed. Preoperative VAS was 7-10. Mean operating time was 219.56 ± 30.15 minutes. Mean blood loss was 1280 ± 224.21 ml. 23 patients underwent short segment fixation and 22 underwent long segment fixation. There was no deterioration in post-operative neurological status in any patient. At follow-up, the VAS score was in the range of 1-3. The difference in preoperative kyphosis and immediate post-operative deformity correction, preoperative loss of height in vertebra and immediate post-operative correction in height were significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The posterior-only approach is safe, efficient, and provides rigid posterior stabilization, 360° neural decompression, and anterior reconstruction without the need for the anterior approach and its possible approach-related morbidity. We achieved good results with an all posterior approach in 45 patients of lumbar burst fracture (LBF) which is the largest series of this nature.
Testing protocol affects the velocity at VO2max in semi-professional soccer players

ABSTRACT To compare three different protocols to assess the velocity associated with the maximal oxygen uptake (Vmax) in soccer players. Sixteen semi-professional soccer players performed three maximum incremental tests on treadmill: two continuous protocols [1 km·h−1·min−1 (CP1); and 1 km·h−1 every 2 min (CP2)], and one discontinuous (DP) protocol to determine Vmax, maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) and oxygen cost of running (i.e., the slope of the VO2 vs velocity relationship at submaximal exercise). Vmax was higher in CP1> CP2> DP (19.4 ± 1.7, 17.4 ± 1.2, 16.1 ± 1.1 km·h−1 for CP1, CP2, and DP, respectively; P < 0.05 ES: 0.09 to 3.36). No difference in VO2max was found between CP1, CP2 and DP (P > 0.05). Oxygen cost of running showed between-protocol differences (CP1> CP2> DP; P < 0.05; ES: 0.28 to 3.30). Vmax was higher when determined using continuous vs discontinuous protocols due to the greater overestimation in oxygen cost of running. Such differences in Vmax should be considered to optimize acute physiological responses during high-intensity running activities.
Elastic properties of andradite and grossular, by synchrotron X-ray diffraction at high pressure conditions

The bulk elastic properties of natural andradite and grossular have been investigated by synchrotron radiation powder diffraction at high pressure conditions, up to 37 GPa, on the ID9 beamline (ESRF). The P-V data have been interpolated by the Birch-Murnaghan EOS and the Vinet EOS, and the bulk modulus and its first derivative versus P determined. The results obtained by the different EOS models are compared with one another, and with earlier issues. For andradite and grossular the Birch-Murnaghan EOS yields K 0 = 158.5(±1.0) GPa and K 0 ’ = 5.77(±0.10) [ K 0 “=−0.056 GPa −1 implied value], and K 0 =169.3(±1.2) and K 0 ’ = 5.92(±0.14) [ K 0 ”=-0.056 GPa −1 implied value], respectively. The elastic properties here reported are compared with previous issues. The cell edge compressibilities, which have been determined by fitting the experimental lattice parameters with polynomials in P , are β a = 0.00208(2) GPa −1 , for andradite, and β a = 0.00194(3) GPa −1 , for grossular.
Novel 2H-chromen derivatives: design, synthesis and anticancer activity

A series of novel dihydropyrazole derivatives linked with 2H-chromen were designed and synthesized. All of the compounds have been screened for their antiproliferative activity against MGC-803, Bcap-37, SGC-7901 and HepG2 cell lines in vitro. The results revealed that compounds 4a and 10a exhibited strong inhibitory activity against HepG2 cell and manifested obvious un-toxic effect on GES-1 and L-02 cell lines. Some title compounds were tested against telomerase, compound 10a showed the most potent inhibitory activity with IC50 value at 0.98 ± 0.11 μM, it could fit well into the active site of TERT. The further molecular mechanism of antiproliferation was explored, the data suggested that compound 10a could inhibit hTERT expression and Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
An Examination of Shallow-Water Hydroids (Cnidaria, Hydrozoa, Hydroidolina) in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Using Morphology and DNA Barcoding

Abstract - Hydroids are common constituents of marine environments, both as benthic polyps and planktonic hydromedusae. Despite the volume of hydroid research focused on the northwest Atlantic, the only comprehensive examinations of hydroids from Cape Breton Island were published by Charles McLean Fraser in 1913 and 1927. In this study, we reexamined the shallow-water hydroid community of Cape Breton. We collected hydroids from 19 sites between July 2016 and June 2017 spanning intertidal and shallow subtidal habitats. We sorted specimens into individual taxa based on morphology and then preserved them for further morphological and molecular analyses. We amplified the 16SrRNA barcoding gene for select specimens and used BLAST searches to determine the strongest matches in GenBank. We performed molecular phylogenetic analyses to refine identifications where necessary. We recorded 19 hydroid taxa spanning 15 genera, 10 families, and 2 orders. Species diversity was low relative to other NW Atlantic regions, likely due to sporadic sampling and our focus on nearshore, shallow-water localities. However, 3 species, Pachycordyle michaeli, Podocorynoides minima, and Lizzia blondina, were new occurrences for Atlantic Canada. Additionally, our results provided further evidence of cryptic speciation in Obelia dichotoma. This updated species inventory represents an important benchmark of hydroid diversity for future comparisons.
The generic placement of Grimmia teretinervis Limpr.

Abstract: Kiebacher, T. & Meier, M. 2020. The generic placement of Grimmia teretinervis Limpr. – Herzogia 33: 544 –547. Grimmia teretinervis is a dioicous moss of the Grimmiaceae that has never been found with sporophytes. Consequently, its generic placement is uncertain, and although it is mostly referred to Grimmia, some authors assign it to Schistidium. The phylogenetic analysis of the nuclear ITS region indicates that it is a species of Schistidium and that it is related to the likewise dioicous S. tenerum.
Species of Pronectria (Bionectriaceae) and Xenonectriella (Nectriaceae) growing on foliose Physciaceae, with a key of the European species

Abstract: Berger, F. , Zimmermann, E. & Brackel, W. v. 2020. Species of Pronectria (Bionectriaceae) and Xenonectriella (Nectriaceae) growing on foliose Physciaceae, with a key of the Central European species. – Herzogia 33: 473 – 493. Confusion about the identity of Xenonectriella leptaleae (J.Steiner) Rossman & Lowen led us to revise Central European material of the hypocrealean genera Pronectria and Xenonectriella growing on foliose Physciaceae to clarify the taxonomy. Consequently, we reinstate Pronectria leptaleae and describe Pronectria etayoi, Xenonectriella physciacearum and X. zimmermanni as new species. The new combination Xenonectriella angulospora is proposed. A key to the species of the genera Pronectria and Xenonectriella growing on Physciaceae in Europe is provided.
Drepanium fastigiatum and Microhypnum sauteri new for Croatia

Abstract: Šegota, V. , Rimac, A. , Dragićević, S. , Koletić, N. & Alegro, A. 2020. Drepanium fastigiatum and Microhypnum sauteri new for Croatia. – Herzogia 33: 291–299. In the course of a bryological study of the Croatian mountains Velebit and Snježnik Drepanium fastigiatum and Microhypnum sauteri were recorded for the first time in Croatia. Literature data on the distribution of the species in Southeast Europe have been summarized, while their habitat preferences, ecology and accompanying taxa are discussed within the broader European context, complemented with new insights from Croatian records.
Choleoeimeria spp. Prevalence in Captive Reptiles in Germany and a New Treatment Option in a Lawson's Dragon (Pogona henrylawsoni)

Abstract Coccidia are common endoparasites in reptiles, especially lizards. Within this class Choleoeimeria spp. infections are rarely detected, but they may have a high pathogenic potential and treatments are often unsuccessful. A retrospective study was performed evaluating the prevalence of Choleoeimeria in fecal samples from lizards submitted for routine examination to a diagnostic laboratory in Germany. Between 2013 and 2014, 1.5% (n = 24/1,621; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0–2.2%) of coprological samples from different lizard species tested positive for Choleoeimeria oocysts using a fecal flotation technique. This prevalence was similar to data obtained 10 yr earlier at the same laboratory. Infected species included central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps), collared lizards (Crotaphytus collaris), unclassified agamids, monitors, one horned tree lizard (Acanthosaura sp.), one gecko, one common bluetongue (Tiliqua scincoides), and one chameleon. Different treatments (toltrazuril in varying intervals or trimethoprim and sulfonamide) in combination with strict environmental hygiene and disinfection with p-Chlor-m-Kresol did not impact fecal oocyst shedding for one juvenile Lawson's dragon (Pogona henrylawsoni). A new therapy approach using 10 mg/kg toltrazuril PO q 24 h for 3 days, with a repeat in 7 days, combined with 5 mg/kg clindamycin PO q 24 h for 7 days, finally resulted in negative oocyst shedding. Possible explanations for the challenging treatment of Choleoeimeria spp. are their localization in the gallbladder or the phylogenetical distance of the genus Choleoeimeria to the typical members of the family Eimeriidae. Further research is needed to increase our knowledge of these parasites and to develop an evidence-based treatment approach for diseased reptiles.
Alterações na temperatura do ar mediante telas nas laterais de ambientes protegidos cultivados com tomateiro

This study aims to assess the influence of insect-proof screens installed in plastic greenhouses cultivated with tomato on the air temperature and crop yield. The experiment was conducted in Itajai, SC, Brazil (27o 34' S; 48o 30' W), from 17/03 to 25/07/2003. Four greenhouses cultivated with tomato and all covered with polyethylene of low density (PEBD) in the superior part were used. Three of these environments were covered laterally, each one with a different kind of screen: clarite insect-proof screens (12 meshes per cm), citros insect-proof screens (25 meshes per cm) and afideo insect-proof screens (50 meshes per cm). The fourth environment did not receive any side coverage. The covered environment with afideo insect-proof screens on sides presented the highest maximum air temperatures during the autumn-winter period, causing a mean increase of 2.0 °C, in the daily mean temperature, compared with the environment without insect-proof screens. Variations of the air temperature in protected environments with citros insect-proof and clarite afideo insect-proof screens were similar, and showed 0.4 °C thermal gains in comparison with the without insect-proof screens, so promoting more regular thermal conditions during nights and days for cultivation of tomato during the autumn-winter period.
Behaviour of pyrene and its decomposition by-products in chlorination

The behaviour of pyrene and its decomposition by-products in chlorination and their aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) ligand activities were investigated. In the study on pyrene behaviour in chlorination, the pyrene and chlorine concentrations and the pH range were 0.82–21 μg l −1 , 2.0–2.1 mg l −1 and 3.2–10, respectively. In the pH range of 3.2–5.1, pyrene was decomposed faster in the order of pH 3.2, 3.7 and 5.1. However, when the pH ranged from 5.1 to 10, pyrene was decomposed faster in a pH range of approximately 7.8–8.8. When the effects of the initial pyrene concentration were investigated, a lower pyrene concentration was decomposed faster. Pyrene decomposition in chlorination was inhibited by the presence of 30 mM ethanol, but was enhanced by the presence of 3.0 and 6.0 mgC l −1 humic acid. Pyrene decomposition by-products in chlorination were also characterized (pyrene, 92 μg l −1 ; chlorine, 7.9 mg l −1 ; pH, 7.1). 1-Chloropyrene, 1,6- and 1,8-dichloropyrenes, and pyrene-4,5-dione were identified as pyrene decomposition by-products. 1-Chloropyrene and pyrene-4,5-dione in chlorination were found to be major by-products at pH 3.2, but minor by-products at pH 7.1 (pyrene, 56–67 μg l −1 ; chlorine, 3.9–4.0 mg l −1 ). The yeast assay revealed that pyrene-4,5-dione was an AhR agonist.
Breakup of thin liquid sheets through hole–hole and hole–rim merging

Abstract The dynamics of the merging of two distinct holes (hole–hole) and a single hole with a straight rim (hole–rim) are investigated using three-dimensional numerical simulations. Thin liquid sheets with thicknesses ranging from $25$ to $150\ \mathrm {\mu }\textrm {m}$ are considered using air/water conditions. Preliminary simulations of a single hole expansion and the retraction of a bounded liquid sheet edge have shown good agreements with the well-known Taylor–Culick end rim regime. For the hole–hole and the hole–rim cases, our computations reveal that the liquid bridge, formed after the merging, is subjected to three different motions: the extension of the bridge, the mid-plane contraction and vertical/horizontal oscillations of its diameter, with an exponentially decaying amplitude. The mid-plane diameter of the liquid bridge is shown to decrease linearly with time for the hole–rim case while a faster quadratic decrease is observed for the hole–hole case. The small ratio of the extension rate to the capillary contraction rate indicates a slow extension limit of the bridge. However, the liquid bridge does not contract and pinch off on a single point, as predicted in the literature, and its central part forms a cylindrical ligament. Thus, this cylindrical part pinches off at its ends and forms a receding ligament with bulbous ends which can either detach by the end-pinching mechanism or remain attached, recoil and merge into a single large drop. The size of the formed drop, in the case where the ligament does not break, is later expressed as a power-law function of the initial liquid sheet thickness.
The Many Faces of Teacher Differentiation: Using Q Methodology to Explore Teachers Preferences for Differentiated Instruction

Abstract Differentiated instruction occurs when teachers use students’ level of readiness, interests, and learning preferences to adjust the content, process, or products, which increases engagement and academic performance. However, teachers cannot offer every form of differentiation to every student all the time. There exist limits of resources as well as an essential balance that teachers need to make in terms of benefits for student learning on the one hand and classroom efficiency on the other. Additionally, the choices teachers make in terms of differentiation are also rooted in and stem from their personal beliefs systems. The goal of this research was to investigate teachers’ preferences for differentiating their instruction by using Q methodology. 32 teachers, coming from a single Dutch secondary school, completed a paper version of a Q sort containing 33 statements. Three groups of teachers were identified who emphasized 1) content mastery over students’ interests, 2) offering options over content growth, and 3) students’ interests or experiences over deliberate teaching. Therefore investigating teacher’s personal differentiation preferences will offer insight into what teachers choose to focus on in their differentiation, as well as, what teachers to not to emphasize. Each cluster is explored in terms of possible effects on student learning. Additionally, the implications for teacher development are also discussed per cluster.
Women’s insights on anaemia and the impact of nutrition training: An intervention study among rural women in Dodoma, Tanzania

Abstract An interventional pre-post study was conducted to evaluate rural women’s insights on anaemia and the effects of nutritional training on the knowledge and haemoglobin (Hb) levels among women of reproductive age (19–45 years) in Dodoma, Tanzania. The respondent was the mother/woman or any other person responsible for food preparation and serving in the household. Baseline and endline data on demographic and socioeconomic information, women’s insights on anaemia, knowledge gaps of mothers’/caregivers’ in nutrition, iron deficiency and iron-rich foods were collected using a face to face interviewer-administered questionnaire. Haemoglobin concentration of the women was measured at baseline and endline using a portable battery-operated electronic HemoCue Hemoglobinometer. Training was done once every month for three months consecutively. A total of 350 women were involved at baseline and 260 women at endline. Among all respondents, only 18% of women had baseline knowledge regarding the causes of anaemia which was increased significantly to 72% after the intervention. At baseline, 19% of women had haemoglobin levels of below 12.0 g/dl this number decreased to 13% during the endline survey. The results indicated a significant association between a woman having consumed green leafy vegetables in the previous 24 hours preceding the survey and haemoglobin levels during the endline period. The findings of this study indicate that the nutrition education given directly to rural women could have some impact in improving women’s knowledge and haemoglobin status.
Gas Permeation Properties of Solid Polymer Electrolyte (SPE) Membranes

Gas permeation properties for Nafion membranes and their composites were investigated under variou conditions. The permeability coefficients of Nafion depended greatly on the water content, the cation form, an the ion-exchange capacity. The gas permeation rate through a same sample varied with temperature, pressure, and membrane thickness. The permeability of hydrogen was about twice as great as that of oxygen. The electrocatalyst plated on the membrane did not serve as a barrier for gas permeation, but the structure of the catalyst layer played an important role in gas permeation during water electrolysis.