Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HUMAN ALVEOLAR LONG-TERM CLEARANCE OF FERROMAGNETIC IRON OXIDE MICROPARTICLES IN HEALTHY AND DISEASED SUBJECTS

Monodisperse ferrimagnetic microparticles (Fe 3 O 4) with 1.3 μ m geometric diameter were inhaled to study alveolar long-term clearance in healthy and diseased human subjects. Nineteen younger (age 20 to 39 years) and 20 older (age 40 to 65 years) healthy volunteers participated in the study as well as 15 patients with sarcoidosis (SAR), 12 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), and 15 patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis (COB). In each group the subjects were divided into never smokers (NS) and active smokers (S). Clearance was measured by magnetopneumography (MPG)for 300 days after inhalation. In COB, 50% of the deposited particles were removed from the lungs after 2 days, indicating high bronchial deposits due to bronchial obstructions. In healthy NS, only 10% of the particles were removed after 2 days and cigarette smoking enhanced the fraction of fast-cleared particles. In subjects who smoked, slow clearance was significantly impaired (P <;. 02). Clearance half-lives (in days) for younger, healthy, NS were 124 ± 66 (mean ± SD) compared to 220 ± 74 for S. Similarly for older subjects, the times were 162 ± 120 for NS and 459 ± 334 for S. The impairment of alveolar clearance due to cigarette smoking increases by 5.7 ± 1.3 days/pack-year (P <; 01). Alveolar clearance was impaired in SAR and in IPF; half-lives were 275 ± 109 days (P <;. 05) and 756 ± 345 days (P <. 02), respectively, compared to healthy NS. Most COB patients were ex-smokers, their long-term clearance was 240 ± 74 days, which is more than healthy NS (P <; 01), but less than healthy S and might indicate a recovery of alveolar clearance. In view of studies using totally inert particles like Teflon, we conclude that the lung clearance measured with iron oxide tracer particles primarily reflects clearance by intraphagosomal particle dissolution within alveolar macrophages, which is impaired by cigarette smoke consumption and in patients.
Effect of fungicide application on Wheat Head Blight, occurrence of Fusarium spp. and mycotoxin production

Effect of fungicide application on Wheat Head Blight, occurrence of Fusarium spp. and mycotoxin production The aim of the study was to determine if azoxystrobin and metconazole used for the control of wheat FHB at half, full, and quarter more the recommended dose rate may affect in differentiated way on the occurrence of Fusarium spp. and their ability to mycotoxin production in harvested grain, in wheat ears artificially inoculated with two DON-producing isolates of F. culmorum. Macroscopic evaluation showed high incidence of fusariosis. Plant health in the plots where the heads were artificially inoculated and fungicide was not applied was similar to the protected ones. Only increasing the dose metconazole resulted in a stronger reduction of fusariosis. The advantageous effect of azoxystrobin was not observed. Mycological analysis of harvested grain showed the presence of a number of F. culmorum, but from samples sprayed with metconazole it was isolated in smaller quantities. Also F. avenaceum, F. graminearum, F. poae and F. tricinctum were isolated. Molecular analysis showed the presence of F. culmorum in all samples of harvested grain. Also genes from Tri cluster were identified, involved in the synthesis of type-A and type-B trichothecenes - especially DON and 3Ac-DON. Chromatography revealed the presence of small quantities of mycotoxins. In all samples DON and 3Ac-DON were predominant. In general, F. culmorum isolate, which caused weaker symptoms of FHB and was less numerously isolated from grain that the other one, produced smaller amounts of mycotoxins. Samples protected with azoxystrobin contain the largest quantities of DON. Effect of different doses of fungicides on the number of mycotoxins was not clearly established.
ANTIGEN-INDUCED BRONCHIAL HYPERREACTIVITY AND BRONCHOPULMONARY INFLAMMATION IN RATS: Effect of TNF Receptor Binding Protein

The effect of a receptor binding protein for tumor necrosis factor (TNFrbp) on cell infiltration, bronchial hyperreactivity, and release of inflammatory mediators were studied following antigen challenge in sensitized rats. A 3-fold increase in total cell number, mainly neutrophils and eosinophils, was noted in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid 8 hours after antigen challenge. Antigen challenge also induced a significant hyperreactivity of the lower bronchus to carbachol and serotonin, but did not affect the reactivity of the trachea and upper bronchus. This increased responsiveness of the lower bronchus was transient, being detected 8 hours but not 24 hours after antigen challenge. Thromboxane B2 (TxB2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and nitric oxide (NO) levels increased in the BAL fluid of sensitized rats 8 hours after antigen challenge by 197%, 172%, and 173%, respectively. TNFrbp treatment reduced by 83% the antigen-induced cell infiltration, with neutrophils being the cells most affected. The bronchial hyperreactivity induced by antigen challenge was also significantly inhibited by TNFrbp, whereas TxB2, PGE2, and NO levels in the BAL fluid were not affected. In our animal model, the cell infiltration and bronchial hyperreactivity appear to be mediated to some extent by TNF, but not by prostanoids nor NO.
Activation of NF-κB and COX-2 expression is associated with breakthrough bleeding in patients using oral contraceptives in extended regimens

The objective of the present study was to determine whether there is an increase in endometrial inflammation associated with the occurrence of breakthrough bleeding in patients using an oral contraceptive in extended regimens. The presence of nuclear factor NF-κB and Cox-2 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in endometrial samples removed by hysteroscopy from patients with breakthrough bleeding during continuous use of an oral contraceptive containing gestodene. All patients had a history of menorrhagia associated or not with the presence of uterine pathology. The percentage of endometria showing a positive staining reaction for NF-κB in cell nuclei was significantly higher in patients with breakthrough bleeding than in those with amenorrhea. Cox-2 expression in the endometrium was also significantly more frequent in patients with breakthrough bleeding. The occurrence of breakthrough bleeding in patients with uterine pathology using combined oral contraceptives is associated with the activation of endometrial inflammation through the NF-κB pathway.
Hearing-aid outcomes in Chinese adults: Clinical application and psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life questionnaire

Objective: To adapt the Satisfaction with Amplification in Daily Life questionnaire into Chinese (the SADL-CH questionnaire) and investigate hearing-aid satisfaction in a group of adult Hong Kong Chinese fitted with free hearing aids. Design: Cross-sectional survey. Study sample: One hundred and twenty-five experienced hearing-aid users. Methods: The subjects completed a history form seeking demographic data and a questionnaire combining the SADL-CH instrument with questions seeking subjects’ subjective ratings of satisfaction with some hearing-aid features and overall satisfaction with their hearing aid. Results: The SADL-CH questionnaire had a good internal consistency reliability estimate (α = 0.79) comparable to that of the original version. SADL-CH scores were observed to have significant correlations with other satisfaction ratings on some hearing-aid features and the overall satisfaction measure. A high degree of test-retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.79) was observed. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the SADL-CH questionnaire had a four-factor structure. Interim norms were derived for the SADL-CH questionnaire. The level of hearing-aid satisfaction in Chinese adults was generally lower than that reported in studies conducted among Western populations. Conclusion: The SADL-CH questionnaire is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring hearing-aid satisfaction.
Migration and seasonal range dynamics of deer using adjacent deeryards in northern Michigan

In Michigan's Upper Peninsula, forest management that seeks to integrate wildlife, recreation, and silviculture goals is complicated by the seasonal movements of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) between summer and winter ranges. From January 1992 to January 1995, we conducted a radiotelemetry study of seasonal range use by deer that winter in 2 important deeryards in the central Upper Peninsula. Distance, direction, and timing of seasonal movements between summer and winter ranges were largely independent of age class or sex (P > 0.05, n = 95). Yearly overlap of seasonal ranges for individual deer suggested that spatial use was traditional. Overlap of composite ranges of deer that occupied study area deeryards suggested that herds specific to deeryards were isolated spatially during winter but not other seasons. These findings suggest a secondary level of social structure reflecting the location of suitable winter range in the surrounding landscape. We suggest that managers use deeryard-summer range pairs that are connected by the migration tradition of discrete deer herds to design deer management units (DMUs) that are biologically meaningful. The surgical application of liberal hunting regulations in selected DMUs could then provide a landscape-level network of areas managed for the benefit of species and communities that are threatened by deer herbivory.
Use of Nigerian Medicinal Plants Protected Liver from Injury in Plasmodium berghei Infected Mice

The effects of ethanol leaf extracts of Spilanthes uliginosa, Ocimum basilicum, Hyptis spicigera and Cymbopogon citratus on mice infe cted with malaria parasite was investigated . Eighty four (84) swiss mice of both sexes were used for the study. All the mice were passaged intraperitoneally with 0.2 ml parasitized blood suspension and parasitemia assessed by Geimsa stain thin blood films after seventy two hours. The mice were divided into 6 groups namely; A, B, C, D, E and F.
ABSENCE OF LATE AIRWAY RESPONSE DESPITE INCREASED AIRWAY RESPONSIVENESS AND EOSINOPHILIA IN A MURINE MODEL OF ASTHMA

In asthmatics an immediate asthmatic response occurs after antigen provocation. Furthermore, asthmatic patients display airway hyperresponsiveness,accompanied by airway eosinophilia. In some patients late asthmatic responses can be detected. Many controversies still exist about the relations between the different airway responses and inflammatory cell infiltration, we therefore used a murine model to investigate associations between these phenomena. In this study we show the presence of antigen-induced early bronchoconstrictive responses, accompanied by increased serum mucosal mast cell protease-1 (MMCP-1) levels. However, we were unable to demonstrate late bronchoconstrictive responses either at the time when eosinophils start to infiltrate the lungs or when both airway hyperresponsiveness and eosinophilia are established. With sequential exposures to antigen, an association exists between development of airway hyperresponsiveness and eosinophilia. In contrast, resolution of this hyperreactivity appears to be dissociated from eosinophilia after stopping the antigen challenges. Based on these data, we conclude that mast cell degranulation is a plausible cause of early bronchoconstrictive responses. Furthermore, late bronchoconstrictive responses are not related to the infiltration of eosinophils or development of airway hyperresponsiveness in this murine model. Finally, we conclude that airway hyperresponsiveness and eosinophilia are only associated with each other during the induction phase and not after the final antigen challenge.
Can plants use entomopathogens as bodyguards

For 20 years, ecologists have been gathering evidence in support of the hypothesis that plants can use insect natural enemies such as predators and parasitoids as bodyguards to protect themselves from herbivory, but entomopathogens have escaped this consideration. We extend the bodyguard hypothesis to ask whether plants can use entomopathogens as bodyguards. We first discuss the evolutionary context of such tritrophic interactions and then categorize possible mechanisms as: (1) maintaining a population of bodyguards on the plant surface, (2) increasing contact rates between insect host and pathogen and (3) increasing the susceptibility of the host. We explore these mechanisms further, examining published studies for evidence for the hypothesis. We then discuss potential costs to the plant of promoting pathogens as bodyguards which may include a reduction in the efficiency of other “bodyguard” species, the incidental promotion of plant pathogens and the risk of entomopathogens developing phytopathogenicity. Aside from our intention to stimulate the testing of the bodyguard hypothesis with entompathogens and to provide a conceptual framework for this, we hope to bring evolutionary ecology and insect pathology closer together.
ION Transport into the Xylem

TRANSPORT ACROSS THE ROOT . The Apoplast . Transport in the Symplast . FORMAL REPRESENTATION OF J, . RELATION OF J, TO EXTERNAL CONCENTRATION .
Revision of the western atlantic clingfishes of the genus Tomicodon (Gobiesocidae), with descriptions of five new species

Williams, Jeffrey T, and James C. Tyler. Revision of the Western Atlantic Clingfishes of the Genus Tomicodon (Gobiesocidae), with Descriptions of Five New Species. Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology, number 621, 26 pages, 13 figures, 1 table, 2003. —Extensive collecting efforts involving rotenone sampling throughout the Caribbean Sea during the last four decades have vastly increased the numbers of specimens of cryptic fishes in museum collections. Among such collections containing clingfishes of the genus Tomicodon Brisout de Barneville taken by ourselves and others, we have discovered numerous Caribbean species of Tomicodon in addition to those recognized by W.F. Smith-Vaniz in 1968 (T.fasciatus (Peters, 1859) and T. rhabdotus Smith-Vaniz, 1968). We recognize herein eight more species: three for which names are available—T. rupestris (Poey, 1860), T. australis Briggs, 1955, and T. reitzae Briggs, 2001 (the last erroneously described as a species from the eastern Pacific Ocean); and five species described as new herein—T. briggsi, T. clarkei, T. cryptus, T. lavettsmithi, and T. leurodiscus. OFFICIAL PUBLICATION DATE is handstamped in a limited number of initial copies and is recorded in the Institution's annual report, Annals of the Smithsonian Institution. SERIES COVER DESIGN: The coral Montastrea cavernosa (Linnaeus). Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Williams, Jeffrey T. Revision of the western Atlantic clingfishes of the genus Tomicodon (Gobiesocidae), with descriptions of five new species / Jeffrey T. Williams and James C. Tyler. p. cm. — (Smithsonian contributions to zoology ; no. 621) Includes bibliographical references (p.). 1. Tomicodon. I. Tyler, James C , 1935II. Title. III. Series. QLl.S54no. 621 [QL638.G6] 590 s—dc21 [597.62] 2003054263 ® The paper used in this publication meets the minimum requirements of the American National Standard for Permanence of Paper for Printed Library Materials Z39.48—1984.
Ecological changes in a lake fishery and their effects on a stunted roach Rutilus rutilus population

Data for two sampling years (1969/70 and 1970/71) is presented to illustrate the changing composition, density and biomass of the macroinvertebrate fauna in a South Lancashire lake. Six faunal groupings are recognised for a non-parametric analysis of the data and significance levels are given for the between-station and between-year differences recorded. The mean density of macroinvertebrates (1.2 mm mesh sieve) estimated for the lake as a whole increased by 28.5% in the second year (2519 m−2-3237 m−2) whereas the estimated mean biomass in g m−2 increased by 86% wet weight (8.61−16.01) and 196% dry weight (1.74−5.15). Molluscs contributed substantially to the increased standing crop which was accompanied by increased development of macrophytes. A comparative study of the diets of roach in two size groups in winter and summer is described. The variety of food items consumed was found to be greater than in a preliminary study in May 1969 and, for the roach sampled, the average quantity of food consumed per fish increased after the 1969/70 winter. The possible relationships between invertebrate standing crop, roach diet and previously reported changes in the growth of the roach are discussed and an explanation is offered concerning the sequence of biological changes observed in the lake.
Effects of Transmyocardial Revascularization on Myocardial Perfusion and Systolic Function Assessed by Nuclear and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Methods

Objective - There is no obvious explanation, except placebo, to the symptomatic effect of transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR) in patients with refractory angina. Whether TMR improves myocardial perfusion or relieves symptoms without altering cardiac function is not clarified. Methods - One hundred patients with refractory angina were randomized 1:1 to TMR (CO2 laser) and medical treatment, or medical treatment alone. Technetium 99m (99mTc)-tetrofosmin myocardial perfusion tomography (SPECT), quantitative myocardial perfusion gated SPECT (QGSPECT), technetium 99m (99mTc) multiple gated acquisition radionuclide ventriculografi (MUGA) and cine-magnetic resonance imaging (cine-MRI) were performed at baseline and after 3 and 12 months. Results - Following TMR, a slight reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (p < 0.05) was observed (MUGA and QGSPECT) compared to baseline. Inclusion of incomplete studies (QGSPECT) revealed a significant reduction in LVEF and increase in left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) (p < 0.05) compared to a control group. Otherwise, no between-group comparisons showed statistically significant differences. Conclusion - TMR did not improve myocardial perfusion, but led to a reduction in LVEF and increase in LVEDV, however not significantly different from the control group.
Risk of Adulteration in Market Milk Supplied to Public Sector

Most of the milk from production to ultimate consumption is marketed under traditional pattern, whereby unethical activities of adulteration in market milk occurs. In this regards, 900 market milk samples from different milk marketing channels at three different zones of Sindh province were screened for adulterants. Results indicated 745 (82.78%) samples were found positive for different adulterants. Twenty adulterants were detected from raw market milk where samples with extraneous water were comparatively (P˂0.05) high and with salicylic acid the low, while with detergent at second top followed by with rice flour, cane sugar, starch, sodium chloride, caustic soda, formalin, skimmed milk powder, urea, hydrogen peroxide, vegetable oil, glucose, ammonium sulfate, boric acid, arrowroot, dalda ghee, sorbitol and hypochlorite. In conclusion, among all milk marketing channels, water adulteration was noticed remarkably high at retail level followed by milk collector, middleman, processor and producer level among all three zones of Sindh, Pakistan.
Variations among field isolates of Botrytis cinerea in their sensitivity to antifungal compounds

Seventeen field isolates of Botrytis cinerea were compared by determining their radial growth on synthetic media containing various amounts of 21 antifungal compounds. Twelve of these compounds were fungicides that are recommended for the control of Botrytis infections. There were marked differences between the isolates in their sensitivity to the compounds. Individual isolates displayed high levels of resistance to some of the fungicides, including benomyl, carbendazim, iprodione, thiabendazole, thiophanate-methyl, vinclozolin and zineb. The most potent growth inhibitors were benomyl and carbendazim (ED95 values for most isolates 25 μg ml−1).
Regulation of Reproduction in Brown Algae by Light and Temperature

Reproductive phenologies derived from field data and laboratory culture studies of five species of brown algae (Saccorhiza dermatodea, Phyllariopsis brevipes, Onslowia endophytica, O. bahamensis and Syringoderma floridana) are presented as pictorial models. These models indicate how light and temperature regulate reproduction, and make possible conclusions about how life histories proceed in the field even when direct observations are lacking.
Oxidative stress and DNA damage in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) as biomarkers of aquatic pollution

The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Cd) aquatic pollution of EL-Mahmoudeyia canal on the antioxidant enzymatic activities, GSH content and lipid peroxidation levels (MDA) in Oreochromis. niloticus muscles tissues collected from two areas ELMahmoudeyia canal as Polluted area and Rosetta branch of river Nile as reference area in summer 2018 and winter 2019 as well as DNA damage was assessed in fish gills(erythrocytes) samples by applying comet assay. EL-Mahmoudeyia canal exposed to excessive of industrial effluents which impact the living organisms especially fish. The herein results showed that higher concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cu, Fe, and Cd) were detected in water and fish samples collected from the polluted area in comparison with the reference area, especially in winter. The accumulation patterns of heavy metals in muscles of O. niloticus, were in the following order: Fe > Zn >Pb> Cu and Cd.The antioxidant enzymatic activities of (SOD, CAT, GPx and GST) and the lipid peroxidation biomarker MDA levels in muscles of O. niloticus collected from the polluted area were found to be significantly increased compared to that of the reference area. Meanwhile, there was a significant decrease in the GSH content level in muscles of O. niloticus collected from the polluted area compared to that of the reference area. A significant elevation in DNA damage frequencies was observed in fish collected from the polluted areas compared with those from the reference area. These noticeable alterations in the selected antioxidant enzymatic activities in muscles of the O. niloticus go in parallel with the remarkable elevation in the levels of the detected heavy metals in water from EL Mahmoudeyia canal, as a result of pollution in these areas. This study explored the utility of the DNA damage, the altered antioxidant enzymatic activities, GSH content and MDA level as biomarkers of aquatic pollution.