Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EXINE PATTERN FORMATION BY PLASMA MEMBRANE IN BOUGAINVILLEA SPECTABILIS WILLD. (NYCTAGINACEAE)

Transmission and scanning electron microscopy of exine development in Bougainvillea spectabilis (Nyctaginaceae) confirmed that the exine pattern is initiated by invagination of the microspore plasma membrane at the early tetrad stage. Invaginated plasma membranes take the form of a reticulate pattern that corresponds to the mature exine tectum. Protectum is the first exine layer to be deposited on the reticulate-patterned plasma membrane. Subsequently, probacules elongate basally on protruding sites of the plasma membrane under the protectum and in the lumina. These sites retreat as the probacules elongate. After the dissolution of the callose wall, a foot layer forms through the accumulation of lamellated structures. Clearly, the plasma membrane serves a determinative role in the initial pattern formation of exine. Deposition of primexine at the microspore tetrad stage has been traditionally regarded as initiating exine formation (Heslop-Harrison, 1963). The primexine, a microfibrillar cellulosic layer beneath the callose wall, functions primarily as matrix into which probacules are formed in the shape of radially directed rods. This distribution pattern determines the principal structural features of the mature exine. However, pollen developmental processes in some taxa are different from the primexine scheme. Dickinson (1970) proposed in Lilium that individual probacular initials were first formed in a primary fibrillar layer, and a rapid synthesis of lamellate material during the withdrawal of the plasma membrane caused a proliferation of the "tops" of these structures so that they met with their neighbors to form muri. Later, Dickinson and Sheldon (1986) modified
Distribution of phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes in Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolated from cultivated oysters and estuarine water.

A total of 594 Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolates from cultivated oysters (n = 361) and estuarine water (n = 233) were examined for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenotype and genotype and virulence genes. Four hundred and forty isolates (74.1%) exhibited resistance to at least one antimicrobial agent and 13.5% of the isolates were multidrug-resistant strains. Most of the V. parahaemolyticus isolates were resistant to erythromycin (54.2%), followed by sulfamethoxazole (34.7%), and trimethoprim (27.9%). The most common resistance genes were qnr (77.8%), strB (27.4%), and tet(A) (22.1%), whereas blaTEM (0.8%) was rarely found. Four isolates (0.7%) from oysters (n = 2) and estuarine water (n = 2) were positive to tdh, whereas no trh-positive isolates were observed. Significantly positive associations among AMR genes were observed. The SXT elements and classes 1, 2, and 3 integrons were absent in all isolates. The results indicated that V. parahaemolyticus isolated from oysters and estuarine water were potential reservoirs of resistance determinants in the environment. This increasing threat of resistant bacteria in the environment potentially affects human health. A 'one health' approach involved in multidisciplinary collaborations must be implemented to effectively manage antimicrobial resistance.
Some aspects of selenium metabolism in sheep.

The occurrence and relationship of various complaints in lambs and hoggets, preventable by selenium prophylaxis, are reviewed. The excretion and tissue retention of selenium by animals on normal feeds and on oral dosing with sodium selenite are given. Faecal excretion of selenium, even on low levels of intake, is high and it is suggested that reduction of dietary selenium to a non-available form occurs in the rumen. In all animals investigated, the kidney showed the highest selenium levels and was the organ most influenced by selenium absorption. The kidney selenium levels provide an adequate index of the animal's selenium status. Tissue selenium levels from healthy, white muscle, and ill-thrifty lambs and hoggets were investigated. There is evidence that the occurrence of muscular dystrophy in lambs, but not necessarily in hoggets, is related to lowered tissue levels of selenium. Findings with respect to ill-thrift and selenium tissue levels were equivocal. The above work is considered together with published information on the nutritional causes of muscular dystrophy in sheep.
MicroRNA-21/PDCD4 Proapoptotic Signaling From Circulating CD34+ Cells to Vascular Endothelial Cells: A Potential Contributor to Adverse Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Critical Limb Ischemia

OBJECTIVE In patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and critical limb ischemia (CLI), migration of circulating CD34+ cells predicted cardiovascular mortality at 18 months after revascularization. This study aimed to provide long-term validation and mechanistic understanding of the biomarker. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS The association between CD34+ cell migration and cardiovascular mortality was reassessed at 6 years after revascularization. In a new series of T2D-CLI and control subjects, immuno-sorted bone marrow CD34+ cells were profiled for miRNA expression and assessed for apoptosis and angiogenesis activity. The differentially regulated miRNA-21 and its proapoptotic target, PDCD4, were titrated to verify their contribution in transferring damaging signals from CD34+ cells to endothelial cells. RESULTS Multivariable regression analysis confirmed that CD34+ cell migration forecasts long-term cardiovascular mortality. CD34+ cells from T2D-CLI patients were more apoptotic and less proangiogenic than those from control subjects and featured miRNA-21 downregulation, modulation of several long noncoding RNAs acting as miRNA-21 sponges, and upregulation of the miRNA-21 proapoptotic target PDCD4. Silencing miR-21 in control CD34+ cells phenocopied the T2D-CLI cell behavior. In coculture, T2D-CLI CD34+ cells imprinted naive endothelial cells, increasing apoptosis, reducing network formation, and modulating the TUG1 sponge/miRNA-21/PDCD4 axis. Silencing PDCD4 or scavenging reactive oxygen species protected endothelial cells from the negative influence of T2D-CLI CD34+ cells. CONCLUSIONS Migration of CD34+ cells predicts long-term cardiovascular mortality in T2D-CLI patients. An altered paracrine signaling conveys antiangiogenic and proapoptotic features from CD34+ cells to the endothelium. This damaging interaction may increase the risk for life-threatening complications.
Good Relationships with Parents During Childhood as Buffers of the Association Between Childhood Disadvantage and Adult Susceptibility to the Common Cold.

OBJECTIVE Children reared by parents of low socioeconomic status (SES) go on to have elevated rates of physical health problems and premature mortality. However, many children reared in low SES families remain healthy throughout the life span. Here, secondary analyses of archival data tested the hypothesis that a positive relationship with parents during childhood acts as a buffer of the increased risk of adult susceptibility to infectious illness associated with low childhood SES. METHODS One-hundred-seventy-six healthy adults reported their childhood SES, and the quality of their relationships with their parents during childhood. Relationship quality was defined as parental care, love and support, lack of conflict with parents, and family cohesiveness. Afterwards, participants were exposed to a respiratory virus and monitored in quarantine for 5 days for the development of a "common cold" as indicated by infection and objective markers of illness. RESULTS The increased risk of developing a cold associated with being reared in a low SES household was attenuated by a positive relationship with parents during childhood (B(SE) = 0.08(0.03), p = . 010). This buffering of disease risk held up across the four components of relationship quality (p values < .05). The association was independent of adult SES, demographics, pre-challenge immunity to the virus, current levels of neuroticism and stress, parental divorce during childhood, and number of siblings (p values < .05). CONCLUSIONS Individuals with positive relationships with their parents during childhood are buffered from the increased risk of adult susceptibility to an infectious disease associated with low childhood SES.
MUS-ROVER: A Self-Learning System for Musical Compositional Rules

Throughout music history, theorists have identiﬁed and documented rules that capture the decisions of composers. This paper asks, “Can a machine behave like a music theorist? ” It presents MUS-ROVER, a self-learning system for automatically discovering rules from symbolic music. MUS-ROVER performs feature learning via n -gram models to extract compositional rules — statistical patterns over the resulting features. We evaluate MUS-ROVER on Bach’s (SATB) chorales, demonstrating that it can recover known rules, as well as identify new, characteristic patterns for further study. We discuss how the extracted rules can be used in both machine and human composition.
Habitats, stress, and evolutionary rates

Habitats of organisms are expressed as an interaction between stress intensity, magnitude of environmental fluctuations, and energy availability from resources. Under this model organisms should evolve broad biological properties defined by such physical characteristics. When energy is severely restricted under the continuing constant stress of adversity‐selection, or in widely fluctuating and highly stressful environments, little evolutionary change is expected; relict species and ‘living fossils’ are the respective expectations. In rather stable abiotic environments where resources are limited habitat preferences may develop leading to specialization and ultimately adaptive radiations. On the other hand major new innovations are more likely in highly disturbed resource‐rich habitats. Evidence from the living and fossil biota is presented which is consistent with these conclusions.
Phytosociological review on the forests of Quercus pyrenaica Willd

Abstract Quercus pyrenaica Willd. is distributed throughout the western Mediterranean and southwestern France (France, Portugal, Spain and Morocco). In the present work, these Pyrenean oak forest communities have been analysed, beginning with 228 phytosociological relevés from 21 published tables. The data was numerically analysed by indirect gradient, using the detrended correspondence analysis (DCA). As a result, the relationship between all the used relevés is shown and a synthetic table is made in order to clarify the syn- taxonomical and phytogeographical affinities. Four phytocoenoses, formerly considered as associations, are proposed as synonymous and the existence of 14 associations is verified, 13 of these included in the order Quercetalia roboris (11 in the Mediterranean—submediterranean suballiance Quercenion pyrenaicae and 2 in the temperate suballiance Quercenion robori-pyrenaicae) plus 1 in the order Querco-Cedretalia atlanticae (alliance Violo munbyanae—Cedrion atlanticae, endemic to northern Africa).
Elicited upper limb motions through transcutaneous cervical spinal cord stimulation

Objective. Transcutaneous cervical spinal cord stimulation (tsCSC) has been demonstrated to activate the dorsal root and activate targeted muscles. However, it is unclear whether tsCSC can elicit functionally relevant movements of the upper limb for assistive/rehabilitative purposes. Approach. The current study sought to elicit arm and hand movements by tsCSC by placing an electrode array near the cervical segments of the spinal cord. Anode stimulation current pulses were delivered to the dorsal side at 120 Hz and 30 Hz in separate trials. The elicited joint kinematics were captured using a motion tracking system. Main results. The results revealed that distal and proximal joint movements can be elicited either independently or synergistically. Specifically, different motions, including flexion and extension of the elbow, wrist, and five digits, can be selectively elicited by adjusting the stimulation parameters, such as stimulation location and stimulation intensity. Significance. The findings demonstrated the feasibility of the spinal cord stimulation technique in eliciting functional movements of the upper limb. The outcomes also revealed the potential of the tsCSC technique as a promising assistive or rehabilitative method for individuals with impaired function of the upper limb.
PET Imaging Quantifying 68Ga-PSMA-11 Uptake in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

At diagnosis, 22% of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients have metastases, and 50% later develop metastasis. Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), such as 177Lu-PSMA-617, is used to treat metastatic prostate cancer. 177Lu-PSMA-617 targets prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a cell-surface protein enriched in prostate cancer and the neovasculature of other solid tumors, including CRC. We performed 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT imaging of 10 patients with metastatic CRC to assess metastasis avidity. Eight patients had lesions lacking avidity, and 2 had solitary metastases exhibiting very low avidity. Despite expression of PSMA in CRC neovasculature, none of the patients exhibited tumor avidity sufficient to be considered for 177Lu-PSMA-617 PRRT.
HEADS UP: Design and Methods of a Louisiana State-Funded Surgical and Non-Surgical Weight Loss Program

This paper describes the methodology, design and procedures used in the HEADS UP Project, an observational study to examine the feasibility of a state-funded weight loss program. HEADS UP offered two weight loss approaches: bariatric surgery or a non-surgical intervention composed of medical management, a low-calorie liquid diet and lifestyle change promotion. Participants were recruited through a multi-stage screening process, in-person interviews, and an initial low-calorie diet program. Eligible participants were entered into a lottery system, with 100 participants selected for the surgical group and 200 selected for the non-surgical group annually for five years. Anthropometric, clinical, and psychosocial assessments were completed at baseline and follow-ups. More than 6800 individuals completed the initial web screening. Screening procedures yielded 1412 participants (490 surgical and 922 non-surgical). Approximately 84% of the total participant population were female and 38% were Black. Participants had an average body mass index of 47.9 and 43 kg/m2 in the surgical and non-surgical groups, respectively. Recruitment and enrollment results of the HEADS UP study demonstrated significant interest in both the surgical and non-surgical treatment programs for obesity. These results support the feasibility of providing a state-funded weight loss program within a healthcare setting.
Effect of Dietary Supplementation of Biological Curcumin Nanoparticles on Growth and Carcass Traits, Antioxidant Status, Immunity and Caecal Microbiota of Japanese Quails

Simple Summary Nanoparticles such as nano-curcumin are easier to pass through cell membranes in organisms and interact rapidly with biological systems. Therefore, using nano-curcumin is one of the recommendations for improving the bioavailability of curcumin, which would increase its absorption. Thus, this study focused on effects of nano-curcumin levels on the growth, carcass yield, blood chemistry and caecal microbiota of growing quails. From our results, supplemental nano-curcumin had beneficial impacts on growth, lipid profile, antioxidant, immunity of quail, and reduction in pathogenic bacteria. Abstract This study was planned to evaluate the impact of different nano-curcumin levels on the growth rate, carcass, blood chemistry and caecal microbes of growing quail. A total of 270 Japanese quails at one-week-old were distributed to six equal groups; each group consisted of 45 unsexed birds with five replications (nine quails each). The 1st group was fed a basal diet, whereas the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th groups were fed diets containing nano-curcumin (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5 g/kg diet, respectively). Nano-curcumin levels significantly increased (p ≤ 0.0001) body weight at 3 weeks and 5 weeks of age. Body weight gain during 1–3, 3–5 and 1–5 weeks of age was significantly increased (p < 0.0001) in groups treated with nano-curcumin levels (except at 0.3 g/kg; 1–3 weeks) compared to control. During 1 to 5 weeks, feed intake was decreased (p < 0.0001) in birds receiving nano-curcumin (0.1, 0.3 and 0.4 g/kg) diets. The best values of feed conversion ratio were recorded for the 0.4 g nano-curcumin-treated group. Carcass traits were not affected Nano-curcumin levels. The inclusion of nano-curcumin (0.2, 0.3 or 0.5 g/kg) significantly increased serum TP (p = 0.0004), albumin (p = 0.0078) and globulin (p < 0.0001). Quails fed with nano-curcumin (0.2 g/kg) exhibited the highest SOD and GSH activities, serum IgG and IgM concentrations and complement values compared to control. The addition of any level of nano-curcumin in the quail diet also significantly improved the lipid profile. In conclusion, supplemental nano-curcumin had beneficial impacts on growth, lipid profile, blood constituents, antioxidant indices, and immunity of growing quail, as well as increasing counts of lactic acid bacteria and reducing pathogenic bacteria.
The integration of occupational- and household-based chronic stress among South African women employed as public hospital nurses

Background Nurses are a critical part of healthcare delivery systems, especially in under-resourced environments. Compared to other female-dominated professions in South Africa, nurses are securely employed and relatively well-paid. However, they are often drawn from complex, poor communities where they are responsible for many dependents and must accommodate community and family expectations of financial, health, and other forms of support. Aim The aim of the study was to explore public hospital-employed, black women nurses’ lived experiences to better understand their stressors and consider interventions that may reduce psychological distress. Methods In 2015, we conducted semi-structured life history interviews with 71 nurses in Johannesburg. Using grounded theory and social network mapping, we trace complex, interrelated stressors and networks of familial dependency. Results Every participant experienced high levels of stress. Nurses described daily lives of chronic distress, with extreme pressures on their incomes, time, and resources. Much of the pressure on nurses comes from familial and partner dependency, both in absolute number of dependents and intensity, and related financial obligations and debt. Dependency is a function of social and cultural norms which assign women primary responsibility for unpaid work, yet nurses characterized their efforts as unsustainable and anxiety-inducing; their pay and paid work schedules made meeting that responsibility virtually impossible. Conclusions The structure of the nursing occupation contributes to stress outside the workplace, while the structure of nurses’ households contributes to stress and emotional exhaustion. The integrated nature of their chronic stress suggests that occupationally-oriented interventions are unlikely to adequately address it. To fully alleviate chronic stress, the gender norms that place responsibility for unpaid work on nurses with already full-time employment need to shift. A better understanding of the extensive networks dependent on nurses should inform interventions designed to improve their wellbeing. Assistance addressing childcare, mental health, and financial planning may be especially useful.
Longitudinal Change of SARS-Cov2 Antibodies in Patients with COVID-19

Abstract Background A novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has recently emerged and caused the rapid spread of COVID-19 worldwide. Methods We did a retrospective study and included COVID-19 patients admitted to Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University between February 1 and February 29, 2020. Antibody assay was conducted to detect COVID-19 envelope protein E and nucleocapsid protein N antigen. Results 112 patients were recruited with symptoms of fever, cough, fatigue, myalgia, and diarrhoea. All patients underwent antibody tests. Fifty-eight (51.79%) were positive for both IgM and IgG, 7 (6.25%) were negative for both antibodies, 1 (0.89%) was positive for only IgM, and 46 (41.07%) were positive for only IgG. IgM antibody appeared within a week post disease onset, and lasted for one month and gradually decreased, while IgG antibody was produced 10 days after infection, and lasted for a longer time. However, no significant difference in level of IgM and IgG antibody between positive and negative patients of nucleic acid test after treatment was found. Conclusions Our results indicate that serological tests could be powerful approach for the early diagnosis of COVID-19.
Analysis of Tillage Depth and Gear Selection for Mechanical Load and Fuel Efficiency of an Agricultural Tractor Using an Agricultural Field Measuring System

This study was conducted to analyze the effects of tillage depth and gear selection on the mechanical load and fuel efficiency of an agricultural tractor during plow tillage. In order to analyze these effects, we developed an agricultural field measuring system consisting of a load measurement part (wheel torque meter, proximity sensor, and real-time kinematic (RTK) global positioning system (GPS)) and a tillage depth measurement part (linear potentiometer and inclinometer). Field tests were carried out using moldboard plows with a maximum tillage depth of 20 cm and three gear selections (M2H, M3L, and M3H) in a rice stubble paddy field for plow tillage. The average travel speed and slip ratio had the lowest M2H and the highest M3L. M3H had the highest theoretical speed, but the travel speed was 0.13 km/h lower than M3L due to the reduction in the axle rotational speed at deep tillage depth. Regarding engine load, the higher the gear, the greater the torque and the lower the axle rotation speed. The front axle load was not significantly affected by the tillage depth as compared to other mechanical parts, except for the M3H gear. The rear axle load generated about twice the torque of the front wheel and overall, it tended to show a higher average rear axle torque at higher gear selection. The rear axle load and fuel rate were found to be most affected by the combination of the tillage depth and gear selection combination. Overall, field test results show that the M3H had the highest fuel efficiency and a high working speed while overcoming high loads at the same tillage depth. In conclusion, M3H is the most suitable gear stage for plow cultivation, and the higher the gear stage and the deeper the tillage depth during plowing, the higher the fuel efficiency. The results of this study will be useful for analyzing mechanical load and fuel efficiency during farm operations. In a future study, we will conduct load analysis studies in other farming operations that consider various soil mechanics factors as well as tillage depths and gear selections.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Related Myositis: From Biology to Bedside

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-related inflammatory diseases, including polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM), in patients suffering from neoplastic disorders represent a medical challenge. The treatment of these conditions has taken on new urgency due to the successful and broad development of cancer-directed immunological-based therapeutic strategies. While primary and secondary PM/DM phenotypes have been pathophysiologically characterized, a rational, stepwise approach to the treatment of patients with ICI-related disease is lacking. In the absence of high-quality evidence to guide clinical judgment, the available data must be critically assessed. In this literature review, we examine partially neglected immunological and clinical findings to obtain insights into the biological profiles of ICI-related PM/DM and potential treatment options. We show that differential diagnosis is essential to stratifying patients according to prognosis and therapeutic impact. Finally, we provide a comprehensive assessment of druggable targets and suggest a stepwise patient-oriented approach for the treatment of ICI-related PM/DM.