Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LONG‐TERM CHANGES IN THE STRUCTURE OF INTERTIDAL ASSEMBLAGES AFTER INVASION BY SARGASSUM MUTICUM (PHAEOPHYTA) 1

The macroalgal assemblages at the low intertidal zone were studied at three localities on the north coast of Spain between 1977 and 2002. Two of these localities were invaded at the end of the 1980s by the brown seaweed Sargassum muticum (Yendo) Fensholt (Phaeophyta, Sargassaceae), whereas the third locality remained free of the invader. In 2002, distinct algal assemblages were noticed in invaded and noninvaded localities. No major changes were detected in the noninvaded locality. Apart from the obvious presence of S. muticum, the changes observed in the invaded localities included a significant reduction in abundance of the previous dominant species (the red alga Gelidium spinosum (S. G. Gmelin) P. C. Silva) as well as an increased number of species and diversity, increased primary productivity, and variations in the seasonal abundance patterns of some species. We speculate that the arrival of S. muticum had a negative effect on the dominant native G. spinosum, probably related to competition for light. This resulted in indirect positive effects on other species of the assemblage (such as Bifurcaria bifurcata R. Ross). Other small epiphytic opportunistic species might also have been benefited from the presence of S. muticum, because the invader has a rich associated epiphytic assemblage.
Elevated circulating amyloid concentrations in obesity and diabetes promote vascular dysfunction

Diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are associated with vascular complications and impaired nitric oxide (NO) production. Furthermore, increased β-site amyloid precursor protein–cleaving (APP-cleaving) enzyme 1 (BACE1), APP, and β-amyloid (Aβ) are linked with vascular disease development and increased BACE1 and Aβ accompany hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia. However, the causal relationship between obesity and diabetes, increased Aβ, and vascular dysfunction is unclear. We report that diet-induced obesity (DIO) in mice increased plasma and vascular Aβ42 that correlated with decreased NO bioavailability, endothelial dysfunction, and increased blood pressure. Genetic or pharmacological reduction of BACE1 activity and Aβ42 prevented and reversed, respectively, these outcomes. In contrast, expression of human mutant APP in mice or Aβ42 infusion into control diet–fed mice to mimic obese levels impaired NO production, vascular relaxation, and raised blood pressure. In humans, increased plasma Aβ42 correlated with diabetes and endothelial dysfunction. Mechanistically, higher Aβ42 reduced endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), cyclic GMP (cGMP), and protein kinase G (PKG) activity independently of diet, whereas endothelin-1 was increased by diet and Aβ42. Lowering Aβ42 reversed the DIO deficit in the eNOS/cGMP/PKG pathway and decreased endothelin-1. Our findings suggest that BACE1 inhibitors may have therapeutic value in the treatment of vascular disease associated with diabetes.
Influence of salinity stress on growth parameters, photosynthetic activity and cytological studies of Zea mays, L. plant using hydrogel polymer.

The effects of incorporating a hydrogel polymer with sand on development of selected maize (Zea mays, L.) grown under saline conditions has been demonstrated. The seeds of maize was germinated in sand/swollen hydrogel polymer mixture (80:20 v/v) with added Hoagland nutrient solution, then transplanted after 7 days from germination into a range of sand/swollen hydrogel polymer (90:10 v/v) in plastic growbags. Saline solutions containing NaCl, CaCl2, mgCl2 (0.0, 2,000, 4,000, 6,000, 8,000 ppm.)were applied to the growbags (to field capacity twice per week, alternating with a comparable watering regime. Polymer incorporating with sand reduced the effect of salinity treatments. Maize (Zea mays, L.) adapted to salinity (< 8,000 ppm) was found to have undergone extensive osmotic adjustment by accumulation of organic and inorganic solutes. With the exception of 2,000 ppm, salinity decreased seed germination, plant growth yield production and mitotic division. With salinity treatment the water content tended to increase more in the root with salinity treatment, but succulence was greater in shoot than root. Total pigments (chlorophyll a + b & carotenoids) and photosynthetic activity decreased with salinity treatments. The results indicate that adaptation of maize plant to salinity stress had occurred; may make significant contributions by using hydrogel polymer to improve the soil characters and adapted the maize plant to salinizations.
The use of nutrient bioassays to assess the response of Eucalyptusgrandis to fertilizer application. 2. A field experiment

The nutrient status of a Eucalyptusgrandis Hill ex Maiden field fertilizer experiment in Natal, South Africa, was assessed at 6 and 18 months by a bioassay test in which the rate of influx of 15N, 32P, and 86Rb in roots excised from trees was measured. Fertilizer treatments consisted of all combinations of two levels of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and trace elements, applied at planting and at either 3 or 6 months. There were also untreated control plots. At 6 months, bioassay influx rates of the three isotopes by the roots were all higher when a nutrient was applied at a lower level than when it was applied at a higher level. Foliar analysis did not indicate that any of the trees were deficient in N, P, or K, although control plants were significantly smaller than fertilized ones. There was no difference in the foliar P or K content between the treatments, although percent N increased with increasing application of N. The greatest difference in the root response between fertilizer levels.
Caractérisation d'ADNc dont l'expression est régulée lors du développement de l'ectomycorhize d'Eucalyptus

Summary Molecular analysis of the differentiation of mycorrhiza has been performed by developping a differential screening of a cDNA library from Eucalypt ectomycorrhiza. Fungal mRNA populations have been characterized and about 50 % of these populations are affected by the formation of the symbiotic organ. Six cDNA clones have been selected for further identification by DNA sequencing. For 5 of them, no significative homology have been found when comparing their sequences with those compiled in data bases. The sixth one is homologous with a PR protein, suggesting that (i) it is encoded by the root genome and (ii) defence reaction is one of the genetic program which is changed during the development of the eucalypt ectomycorrhiza.
Dynamic transcriptome analysis unveils key pro-resolving factors of chronic inflammatory arthritis.

Despite recent advances in understanding chronic inflammation remission, global analyses have not been explored to systematically discover genes or pathways underlying the resolution dynamics of chronic inflammatory diseases. Here, we performed time-course gene expression profiling of mouse synovial tissues along progression and resolution of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and identified genes associated with inflammation resolution. Through network analysis of these genes, we predicted three key secretory factors responsible for the resolution of CIA: Itgb1, Rps3, and Ywhaz. These factors were predominantly expressed by regulatory T cells and anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages, suppressing production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In particular, Ywhaz was elevated in the sera of mice with arthritis resolution and in the urine of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients with good therapeutic responses. Moreover, adenovirus-mediated transfer of the Ywhaz gene to the affected joints substantially inhibited arthritis progression in mice with CIA and suppressed expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in joint tissues, lymph nodes, and spleens, suggesting Ywhaz as an excellent target for RA therapy. Therefore, our comprehensive analysis of dynamic synovial transcriptomes provides previously unidentified anti-arthritic genes, Itgb1, Rps3, and Ywhaz, which can serve as molecular markers to predict disease remission, as well as therapeutic targets for chronic inflammatory arthritis.
Studies on the lipids of flour. II.—chemical and toxicological studies on the lipid of chlorine‐treated cake flour

A study was made of the effect of chlorine treatment on the fatty acid components of cake flour lipid: dichlorostearic acid is demonstrated as a consequential trace constituent. Comprehensive feeding tests with rats, including multi-generation studies, showed that the lipid from chlorine-treated flour produced no adverse reaction at ingestion levels normally associated with cake consumption in the human diet. It was not until an exceedingly high intake of chlorinated lipid was fed that any novel effect was observed, when lactation in the female rat and coat texture in the male rat appeared to be affected. Comparison of the body fat from rats on different diets showed some change in its unsaturated fatty acid content at high intake levels of chlorinated lipid. These effects were below the limit of detection at lipid intake levels derived from chlorinated cake flours in amounts equivalent to those commonly ingested in the human daily diet.
Self-Reported Prevalence of Allergies in the USA and Impact on Skin—An Epidemiological Study on a Representative Sample of American Adults

Background: The rising prevalence of allergies can substantially impact the skin, which is one of the largest targets for allergic and immunologic responses. Objective: Here, we describe the results of an online survey assessing self-reported allergy prevalence in Americans, outline the populations who report allergies, and characterize the skin conditions associated with allergy. Methods: An online survey was conducted in the USA of 2008 adults as a representative sample of the general American population. Results: 41.7% of American adults (mean age 44.7 ± 15.3 years old) reported having allergies. Reported allergies included respiratory allergies (45.2%), skin allergies (41.4) and food allergies (33.9%). 47.7% of those who reported allergies also reported experiencing associated skin reactions. In addition, those who reported allergies were 2 to 4.5 times more likely to report a cutaneous skin disease, 7 times more likely to report sensitive skin, and twice as likely to report experiencing skin reactions when using skincare products compared to those who did not report allergies. Conclusions: It is estimated that over 100 million American adults have allergies. These results will help raise awareness about the burden of allergies and the need to develop solutions to mitigate their impact on health.
Sexual-risk and STI-testing behaviors of a national sample of non-students, two-year, and four-year college students

Abstract Objective To determine whether sexual-risk and STI-testing behaviors differ by college student status. Participants Sexually experienced 17- to 25-year-olds from a 2013 nationally representative panel survey that evaluated the “Get Yourself Tested” campaign. Non-students (n = 628), 2-yr (n = 319), and 4-yr college students (n = 587) were surveyed. Methods Bivariate analyses and multiple logistic regression were used. Results Students were less likely than non-students to have had an early sexual debut and to have not used condoms in their most recent relationship. 4-yr students were less likely than non-students to have had multiple sexual partners. 2-yr students were less likely than non-students to have not used contraception in their most recent relationship. Conclusions 2-yr and 4-yr college students were less likely than non-students to engage in sexual-risk behaviors. Given potentially greater risk for STI acquisition among non-students, identification and implementation of strategies to increase sexual health education and services among this population is needed.
Free-radical scavenging activity of wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L) extracts

In an effort to discover new antioxidant natural compounds, wormwood (Artemisia absinthium L) an aromatic-bitter herb, was screened. The sequential extraction was realized with five solvents of different polarities (70% methanol, petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol). The antioxidative activity was tested by measuring their ability to scavenge stable 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and reactive hydroxyl radical during the Fenton reaction trapped by 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide (DMPO), using electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. Results demonstrated that the antiradical and antioxidative activity depend on the type and concentration of applied extracts and increased in the order ethyl acetate > methanol > n-butanol > chloroform > petroleum ether > remaining water extracts. The investigation showed that the antiradical activity increased with increasing concentration of all extracts. The high contents of total phenolic compounds (25.6 mg g−1) and total flavonoids (13.06 mg g−1) indicated that these compounds contribute to the antiradical and antioxidative activity. In a model system, the formation of o-semiquinone radicals from quercetin and chlorogenic acid was obtained to prove the mechanism (hydrogen donating and/or one-electron reduction) of free-radical scavenging activity. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Apparent diffusion coefficient as a valuable quantitative parameter for predicting clinical outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed primary CNS lymphoma

Background This study attempted to identify novel prognostic factors in patients with newly diagnosed primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods We retrospectively evaluated 67 patients diagnosed with central nervous system (CNS) tumors. The enrollment criteria were as follows: i) pathologic diagnosis of CNS lymphoma, ii) no evidence of systemic involvement, iii) no evidence of human immunodeficiency virus-1 infection or other immunodeficiencies, and iv) MRI scans available at diagnosis. Fifty-two patients met these criteria and were enrolled. Results The 3-year overall survival (OS) and failure-free survival rates were 69.7% and 45.6%, respectively, with a median follow-up duration of 36.2 months. OS of patients with low apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) was lower than those with higher ADC. Multivariate analysis revealed that old age (>60 yr) [hazard ratio (HR), 20.372; P=0.001], Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) ≥2 (HR, 10.429; P<0.001), higher lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels (HR, 7.408; P=0.001), and low ADC (HR, 0.273; P=0.009) were associated with lower OS. We modified the conventional prognostic scoring system using low ADC, old age (>60 yr), ECOG PS ≥2, and higher LDH. The risk of death was categorized as high (score 3-4), intermediate-2 (score 2), intermediate-1 (score 1), and low (score 0), with three-year OS rates of 33.5%, 55.4%, 88.9%, and 100%, respectively. Conclusion ADC demonstrated significant prognostic value for long-term survival in patients with newly diagnosed PCNSL. Low ADC was an independent unfavorable prognostic factor, suggesting that ADC obtained from MRI can improve the current prognostic scoring system.
Role of the 40S beak ribosomal protein eS12 in ribosome biogenesis and function in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

ABSTRACT In eukaryotes, the beak structure of 40S subunits is formed by the protrusion of the 18S rRNA helix 33 and three ribosomal proteins: eS10, eS12 and eS31. The exact role of these proteins in ribosome biogenesis is not well understood. While eS10 is an essential protein encoded by two paralogous genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, eS12 and eS31 are not essential proteins encoded by the single-copy genes RPS12 and UBI3, respectively. Here, we have analysed the contribution of yeast eS12 to ribosome biogenesis and compared it with that of eS31. Polysome analysis reveals that deletion of either RPS12 or UBI3 results in equivalent 40S deficits. Analysis of pre-rRNA processing indicates that eS12, akin to eS31, is required for efficient processing of 20S pre-rRNA to mature 18S rRNA. Moreover, we show that the 20S pre-rRNA accumulates within cytoplasmic pre-40S particles, as deduced from FISH experiments and the lack of nuclear retention of 40S subunit reporter proteins, in rps12∆ and ubi3∆ cells. However, these particles containing 20S pre-rRNA are not efficiently incorporated into polyribosomes. We also provide evidence for a genetic interaction between eS12 or eS31 and the late-acting 40S assembly factors Enp1 and Ltv1, which appears not to be linked to the dynamics of their association with or release from pre-40S particles in the absence of either eS12 or eS31. Finally, we show that eS12- and eS31-deficient ribosomes exhibit increased levels of translational misreading. Altogether, our data highlight distinct important roles of the beak region during ribosome assembly and function.
Why are mammalian tendons so thick

The maximum stresses to which a wide range of mammalian limb tendons could be subjected in life were estimated by considering the relative cross‐sectional areas of each tendon and of the fibres of its muscle. These cross‐sectional areas were derived from mass and length measurements on tendons and muscles assuming published values for the respective densities. The majority of the stresses are low. The distribution has a broad peak with maximum frequency at a stress of about 13 MPa, whereas the fracture stress for tendon in tension is about 100 MPa. Thus, the majority of tendons are far thicker than is necessary for adequate strength. Much higher stresses are found among those tendons which act as springs to store energy during locomotion. The acceptability of low safety factors in these tendons has been explained previously (Alexander, 1981). A new theory explains the thickness of the majority of tendons. The muscle with its tendon is considered as a combined system which delivers mechanical energy: the thickness of the tendon is optimized by minimizing the combined mass. A thinner tendon would stretch more. To take up this stretch, the muscle would require longer muscle fibres, which would increase the combined mass. The predicted maximum stress in a tendon of optimum thickness is about 10 MPa, which is within the main peak of the observed stress distribution. Individual variations from this value are to be expected and can be understood in terms of the functions of the various muscles.
EEG changes associated with subjective under- and overestimation of sleep duration.

Feeling awake although sleep recordings indicate clear-cut sleep occurs sometimes in good sleepers and to an extreme degree in patients with so-called paradoxical insomnia. It is unknown what underlies sleep misperception, as standard polysomnographic (PSG) parameters are often normal in these cases. Here we asked whether regional spectral power changes could account for the mismatch between objective and subjective total sleep times (TST). To set cutoffs and define the norm, we first evaluated sleep perception in a population-based sample, consisting of 2092 individuals who underwent a full PSG at home and estimated TST the next day. We then compared participants with a low mismatch (normoestimators, n=1147, ±0.5 SD of mean) with those who severely underestimated (n=52, <2.5th percentile) or overestimated TST (n=53, >97.5th percentile). Compared to normoestimators, underestimators displayed increased EEG activation (beta/delta power ratio) in both REM and NREM sleep, while overestimators showed decreased EEG activation (significant in REM sleep). To spatially map these changes, we performed a second experiment, in which 24 healthy subjects (HS) and 10 insomnia patients underwent high-density sleep EEG recordings. Similarly to underestimators, patients displayed increased EEG activation during NREM sleep, which we localized to central-posterior brain areas. Our results indicate that a relative shift from low- to high-frequency spectral power in central-posterior brain regions, not readily apparent in conventional PSG parameters, is associated with underestimation of sleep duration. This challenges the concept of sleep misperception, and suggests that instead of misperceiving sleep, insomnia patients may correctly perceive subtle shifts towards wake-like brain activity.
The temporal regulation of TEK contributes to pollen wall exine patterning

Pollen wall consists of several complex layers which form elaborate species-specific patterns. In Arabidopsis, the transcription factor ABORTED MICROSPORE (AMS) is a master regulator of exine formation, and another transcription factor, TRANSPOSABLE ELEMENT SILENCING VIA AT-HOOK (TEK), specifies formation of the nexine layer. However, knowledge regarding the temporal regulatory roles of TEK in pollen wall development is limited. Here, TEK-GFP driven by the AMS promoter was prematurely expressed in the tapetal nuclei, leading to complete male sterility in the pAMS:TEK-GFP (pat) transgenic lines with the wild-type background. Cytological observations in the pat anthers showed impaired callose synthesis and aberrant exine patterning. CALLOSE SYNTHASE5 (CalS5) is required for callose synthesis, and expression of CalS5 in pat plants was significantly reduced. We demonstrated that TEK negatively regulates CalS5 expression after the tetrad stage in wild-type anthers and further discovered that premature TEK-GFP in pat directly represses CalS5 expression through histone modification. Our findings show that TEK flexibly mediates its different functions via different temporal regulation, revealing that the temporal regulation of TEK is essential for exine patterning. Moreover, the result that the repression of CalS5 by TEK after the tetrad stage coincides with the timing of callose wall dissolution suggests that tapetum utilizes temporal regulation of genes to stop callose wall synthesis, which, together with the activation of callase activity, achieves microspore release and pollen wall patterning.
The impact of teleneurologists on acute stroke care at an advanced primary stroke centre

Introduction We evaluated the impact of teleneurologists on the time to initiating acute stroke care versus traditional bedside neurologists at an advanced stroke center. Methods This observational study evaluated time to treatment for acute stroke patients at a single hospital, certified as an advanced primary stroke centre, with thrombectomy capabilities. Consecutive stroke alert patients between 1 March, 2016 and 31 March, 2018 were divided into two groups based on their neurology consultation service (bedside neurology: 1 March, 2016–28 February, 2017; teleneurology: 1 April, 2017–31 March, 2018). Door-to-tPA time and door-to-IR time for mechanical thrombectomy were compared between the two groups. Results Nine hundred and fifty-nine stroke patients met the inclusion criteria (436 bedside neurology, 523 teleneurology patients). There were no significant differences in sex, age, or stroke final diagnosis between groups (p > 0.05). 85 bedside neurology patients received tPA and 35 had mechanical thrombectomy, 84 and 44 for the teleneurology group respectively. Door-to-tPA time (median (IQR)) was significantly higher among teleneurology (64 min (51.5–83.5)) than bedside neurology patients (45 min (34–69); p < 0.0001). There was no difference in door-to-IR times (mean ± SD) between bedside neurology (87.2 ± 33.3 min) and teleneurology (90.4 ± 33.4 min; p = 0.67). Discussion At this facility, our teleneurology services vendor was associated with a statistically significant delay in tPA administration compared with bedside neurologists. There was no difference in door-to-IR times. Delays in tPA administration make it harder to meet acute stroke care guidelines and could worsen patient outcomes.