Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Possible reasons for relative salt stress tolerance in nodules of white lupin cv. Multolupa

The effects of different NaCl concentrations on the growth and nitrogen fixation activity of white lupin (Lupinus albus [L.]) was studied over a 6 d period. Plant growth parameters, photosynthesis and shoot respiration were unaffected by NaCl concentrations up to 150 mol m -3 . However, nitrogenase activity decreased with increased NaCl concentration up to 100 mol m -3 , whilst the O 2 diffusion resistance increased with 100 mol m -3 NaCl, but showed no further change when 150 mol m -3 NaCl was applied for 6 d. Increases in NaCl concentration decreased nodular starch content while increasing sucrose content, suggesting an osmotic regulation. These changes were associated with a 77% decrease in sucrose synthase activity. The effect on the O 2 diffusion resistance was paralleled by changes in glycoprotein content of the nodules, as determined by immunogold localization and ELISA. X-ray microanalysis studies of nodules showed that, following a 6d exposure to 150 mol m -3 NaCl, Na + ions were largely excluded from the infected zone, whilst only low levels of Cl - ions penetrated into this region. Na + entry into roots and leaves was also at a low level. Leghaemoglobin content decreased with saline stress, as did superoxide dismutase ; which decreased by 36% following exposure to 100 mol m -3 salt for 6 d. These results are discussed in relation to the relative salt tolerance of the Multolupa/ISLU-16 symbiosis.
Controlling for Selection Bias in Social Media Indicators through Official Statistics: a Proposal

Abstract With the increase of social media usage, a huge new source of data has become available. Despite the enthusiasm linked to this revolution, one of the main outstanding criticisms in using these data is selection bias. Indeed, the reference population is unknown. Nevertheless, many studies show evidence that these data constitute a valuable source because they are more timely and possess higher space granularity. We propose to adjust statistics based on Twitter data by anchoring them to reliable official statistics through a weighted, space-time, small area estimation model. As a by-product, the proposed method also stabilizes the social media indicators, which is a welcome property required for official statistics. The method can be adapted anytime official statistics exists at the proper level of granularity and for which social media usage within the population is known. As an example, we adjust a subjective well-being indicator of “working conditions” in Italy, and combine it with relevant official statistics. The weights depend on broadband coverage and the Twitter rate at province level, while the analysis is performed at regional level. The resulting statistics are then compared with survey statistics on the “quality of job” at macro-economic regional level, showing evidence of similar paths.
The optimal choice for length unstable femoral shaft fracture in school-aged children

Abstract The utilization of elastic stable intramedullary nail (ESIN) in length unstable femoral shaft fractures in children remains controversial, and the results in different studies vary a lot. This study aims to investigate the clinical outcomes of ESINs versus submuscular plate (SMP) in length unstable femoral shaft fractures. Patients aged 5 to 11 years old with length unstable femoral shaft fractures treated at our institute from January 2008 to January 2018 were included and categorized into ESIN and SMP group. The preoperative data and operative variables were collected from the hospital database, and postoperative data including complications were collected at follow-up visits. In all, 77 patients (8.1 ± 1.9 years old, male 45, female 32) in ESIN group and 45 patients (8.0 ± 2.2 years old, male 26, female 19) in SMP group were included in this study. Comparing operative variables, there was significantly less operative time, reduced estimated blood loss (EBL) and shortened hospital stay for ESINs as compared with SMP (P < .001). However, the fluoroscopy frequency was not significantly different between these 2 fixation methods (P = .42). As for elective removal surgery, there was significantly reduced operative time, EBL and shortened hospital stay for ESINs as compared with SMP (P < .001). Both ESIN and SMP are safe and effective choices for length unstable femoral shaft fractures in children aged 5 to 11 years. In ESIN, extra care is required to provide additional immobilization using spica cast or brace. Compared with SMP, ESIN is able to deliver comparable clinical outcomes with less EBL, operative time and shorter hospital stay.
Patterns of variation in the biochemical composition of "Mesopodopsis slabberi" (Van Beneden, 1861) (Crustacea: Mysidacea)

In order to assess the patterns of variation in the biochemical composition of Mesopodopsis slabberi (Van Beneden, 1861) in a temperate estuary, we determined the protein, carbohydrate, chitin and lipid contents of freshly caught immature individuals (juveniles), adult males, and adult females during two annual cycles. Statistical analysis (anova) revealed significant differences in the biochemical components between months and development stages for the months analysed. All of the biochemical components showed significant differences between months. Environmental and trophic conditions were the main processes determining seasonal patterns of variation in biochemical composition. The results of complementary experiments carried out to estimate the effects of starvation on biochemical composition showed that the process of starvation consumed mostly carbohydrates, and also that these compounds, together with lipids, were the most affected during the refeeding period. Our findings also indicate that all body reserves were almost fully replenished during refeeding, except for carbohydrates and lipids in adult females and immature individuals (juveniles) and protein content in immature individuals (juveniles). These results indicate that responses to fasting in M. slabberi may be dependent on individual development stages, an observation that is corroborated by the significant differences in the biochemical components observed between development stages for the months analysed. Reproduction was also found to influence patterns of variation in biochemical composition.
Changes of Ginsenoside Composition in the Creation of Black Ginseng Leaf

Ginseng is an increasingly popular ingredient in supplements for healthcare products and traditional medicine. Heat-processed ginsengs, such as red ginseng or black ginseng, are regarded as more valuable for medicinal use when compared to white ginseng due to some unique less polar ginsenosides that are produced during heat-treatment. Although ginseng leaf contains abundant ginsenosides, attention has mostly focused on ginseng root; relatively few publications have focused on ginseng leaf. Raw ginseng leaf was steamed nine times to make black ginseng leaf using a process that is similar to that used to produce black ginseng root. Sixteen ginsenosides were analyzed during each steaming while using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The contents of ginsenosides Rd and Re decreased and the less polar ginsenosides (F2, Rg3, Rk2, Rk3, Rh3, Rh4, and protopanaxatriol) enriched during steam treatment. After nine cycles of steaming, the contents of the less polar ginsenosides F2, Rg3, and Rk2 increased by 12.9-fold, 8.6-fold, and 2.6-fold, respectively. Further, we found that the polar protopanaxadiol (PPD) -type ginsenosides are more likely to be converted from ginsenoside Rg3 to ginsenosides Rk1 and Rg5 via dehydration from Rg3, and from ginsenoside Rh2 to ginsenosides Rk2 and Rh3 through losing an H2O molecule than to be completely degraded to the aglycones PPD during the heat process. This study suggests that ginseng leaves can be used to produce less polar ginsenosides through heat processes, such as steaming.
Differentiation of stem and progenitor cells in activated immune cells with anti-malignant properties

Studies on the biology of immune cells are mainly focused on their role as immune activators and modulators. In their appropriate cultivation and/or modifications, they have shown abilities for an enhanced expression of specific effective molecules. These properties have characterized them as promising candidates for construction of novel safe vaccines and gene-engineering products on their basis. In this aspect, in the last years, attention is directed towards the development of new safe therapeutic methods and techniques with immune cells. In this connection, according to results obtained, in vitro -co-cultivation derived by myeloid and lymphoid precursors with positive and negative on the additionally-inserted copy of the oncogene Dcn1 transfected cells, no immune reaction is observed against both genetically-manipulated cell types, which could be accepted as a proof for their safety. On the other hand, signs of increased degree for both myeloid and lymphoid differentiation in the presence of transfected cells, positive on additionally-inserted copy of the oncogen are indicated.
Demography and movements of the endangered akepa and Hawaii creeper

we studied populations of the endangered Akepa (hxops coccineus coccineus) and Hawaii Creeper (Oreomystis mana) at four sites on the island of Hawaii. Mean monthly density (-t SE) of Akepa was 5.74 t 0.87, 1.35 + 0.41, 0.96 -+ 0.13, and 0.76 -+ 0.12 Akepa/ha at Kau Forest, Hamakua, Keauhou Ranch, and Kilauea Forest study areas, respec- tively. Hawaii Creepers were found at densities of 1.68 +- 0.53, 1.79 & 0.42, 0.48 & 0.06, and 0.54 2 0.08 birds/ha, respectively, at the four study areas. Highest capture rates and numbers of birds counted from stations occurred from August through November and February through March. Hatching-year birds were captured from May through December for Akepa and April through December for Hawaii Creeper. Annual survival for adults at Keauhou Ranch was 0.70 + 0.27 SE for 61 Akepa and 0.73 ? 0.12 SE for 49 Hawaii Creepers. Lowest rates of mortality and emigration occurred between May and August. Both species appeared to defend Type-B territories typical of cardueline finches, retained mates for more than one year, and showed strong philopatry. Home ranges for Hawaii Creepers (X = 7.48 ha) were larger than those for Akepa (X = 3.94 ha). No difference was found between home range sizes of males and females for either species. Received 21 Dec. 1993, accepted 20 April 1994. The Hawaii subspecies of the Akepa (Loxops coccineus coccineus) and the Hawaii Creeper (Oreomystis mana) are endangered Hawaiian honey- creepers (Fringillidae: Drepanidinae) found only in wet and mesic forests above 1000 m elevation on the island of Hawaii. The two species are similar in that they are insectivorous and occur at highest densities in native forests of ohia (Metrosideros polymorpha) and koa (Acacia koa) where they are mostly syntopic (Scott et al. 1986). Both species have extended breeding and molting periods that reflect the low degree of seasonality in their food supply and environment (Ralph and Fancy 1994a). Because they live in dense, remote rainforests, usually in low density, little is known about the life history of either species. The Akepa on Hawaii occurs in four disjunct populations totaling 14,000 birds, with highest densities in subalpine ohia woodland in the Kau Forest Reserve (Scott et al. 1986, Pratt et al. 1989). Akepa were once abundant and widely distributed on Hawaii (Perkins 1903). Pratt (1991) considered the Akekee on Kauai to be a separate species (L. caeruleirostris) and sug-
What Clinicians Should Consider to Determine a More Beneficial Treatment Strategy for Small to Medium Sized Vestibular Schwannoma With Serviceable Hearing: A Single Surgeon's Long-term Outcome of Microsurgery and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery

Objective: The number of small to medium sized vestibular schwannoma (VS) patients presenting with serviceable hearing has steadily increased. There are various treatment strategies for small to medium sized VS, including microsurgery (MS), gamma knife radiosurgery (GKS), and serial observations using magnetic resonance imaging. In this study, we presented the long-term outcomes of patients with small to medium sized VS with serviceable hearing. We also evaluated the potential prognostic factors for hearing preservation and discussed appropriate treatment strategies. Methods: A retrospective review of 504 cases of all VS patients who underwent MS or GKS between 1993 and July 2019 was conducted. Surgical resection was performed on 267 patients using the retro-sigmoid approach and 55 (20.6%) of them were small to medium sized VS. GKS was performed on 237 patients and 175 (73.8%) of them were small to medium sized VS. Small to medium sized VS was defined as less than 25 mm in the greatest dimension. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 51 patients with small to medium sized VS with serviceable hearing were enrolled in this study and underwent either MS (n = 21) or GKS (n = 30). To define the clinical characteristics of the patients, clinical data at the time of treatment, age, sex, presenting symptoms, tumor location type, preoperative hearing status, posttreatment related complications, recurrence, and hearing loss progression-free survival data were collected. Results: In the MS group, the hearing preservation rate was 71.4% and the tumor control rate was 100%. In the GKS group, the tumor control rate was 93.3% and two patients experienced recurrence at a median interval of 41.5 months. Kaplan–Meier curves showed that the hearing progression-free survival rates at 1-, 3-, and 5-years following GKS were 80, 66.7, and 53.3%, respectively. The MS group had a higher hearing preservation rate at 5 years (71.4 versus 53.3%), but the difference did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.173). Hearing preservation was statistically significant when the preoperative hearing status was class A in the GKS group (p = 0.016), but it was not statistically significant in the MS group (p = 0.777). In the MS group, medial type VS had a higher hearing preservation rate (80%) than the lateral fundal extended type VS (63.6%), and this difference was almost close to statistical significance (p = 0.058). The GKS group had a higher occurrence of postoperative tinnitus (23.3%) than the MS group (9.5%). Conclusion: MS was more suitable for patients who are younger, have good physical status, good preoperative hearing status including AAO-HNS class B, and medial type VS. GKS was more suitable for patients who are elderly, have poor physical status, preoperative AAO-HNS class A hearing.
In vitro Clonal Propagation of Solanum nigrum

Solanum nigrum is a well-known medicinal herb found all over Rajasthan. For cloning, explants were harvested from rejuvenated shoot sprouts of selected plants of Solanum nigrum. Multiple shoots were regenerated from axillary bud proliferation in cultures by repeated transfer and subculture on MS + BAP (6-Benzylaminopurine) (2 μM). The cloned shoots were rooted in vitro on ½ MS + IBA (Indole-3, butyricacid) (10μ M).
SARCOIDOSIS DIAGNOSED IN THE ELDERLY: A CASE CONTROL STUDY.

BACKGROUND Studies on sarcoidosis in elderly patients are scarce and none have specifically evaluated patients aged ≥75 at onset. AIM We aimed to analyze the characteristics of patients with sarcoidosis diagnosed after 75 and to compare them with those of younger patients. DESIGN Multicenter case control study comparing elderly-onset sarcoidosis (EOS) with young-onset sarcoidosis (YOS) seen at Lyon University Hospitals between 2006 and 2018. METHODS Using our institutional database, we included 34 patients in the EOS group and compared them to 102 controls from the YOS group in a 1:3 ratio. Demographic characteristics, medical history, clinical presentation, laboratory and imaging findings, sites of biopsies, histological analyses, treatments and outcomes were recorded using a comprehensive questionnaire. RESULTS There were more Caucasians in the EOS group (94.1% vs. 59.8%; p < 0.001), who had significantly more comorbidities (mean, 3.1±2 vs. 1.1±1.6; p < 0.001). In the EOS group, there was less pulmonary involvement (26.5% vs. 49%; p = 0.022), less lymphadenopathy (2.9% vs. 16.7%; p = 0.041), no erythema nodosum (0% vs. 12.8%; p = 0.029) and no arthralgia (0% vs. 25.5%; p = 0.001). Conversely, uveitis was more common in the EOS group (55.9% vs. 20.6%; p < 0.001). Pathological confirmation was obtained significantly less frequently in the EOS group (67.7% vs. 85.3%; p = 0.023). Corticosteroid-related side effects were significantly more common in the EOS group (100% vs. 75.9%; p = 0.030). CONCLUSION Epidemiology and clinical presentation of EOS differs from YOS, including more comorbidities and more uveitis. Elderly patients are more prone to corticosteroid side-effects.
Some fixed point theorems on nonlinear contractive mappings in Hilbert space

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to establish the existence and uniqueness of a common fixed point for a pair of continuous self mappings over a closed subset of Hilbert space satisfying certain nonlinear rational type contraction condition. Further this result is extended and generalized for some positive integers powers of a pair of continuous self mappings and then is devolved for a sequence of continuous self mappings in the Hilbert space. Our results generalize and extend many well known results in the literature.
Safety profiles of biologic agents for inflammatory bowel diseases: a prospective pharmacovigilance study in Southern Italy

Abstract Introduction Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are a public health issue with over 3.5 million patients in Europe, but the advent of several biologic agents has completely changed their management. Pharmacovigilance is needed to early detect expected/unexpected adverse events (AEs) to assess the safety of drugs in a real-world setting. Aim of this prospective pharmacovigilance study was to evaluate the occurrence of AEs in patients treated with biologic drugs in gastroenterology units in Southern Italy. Methods All consecutive patients treated with one biologic drug during a 2-years period (2017–2018) in six gastroenterology tertiary units and satisfying inclusion criteria were enrolled. Demographic and clinical characteristics of patients, type of treatment used, therapy discontinuation, failures, switch/swap to another biologic, and possible onset of AEs were collected. Adverse events have been compared to the number of AEs reported in the same centres in the two years before the protocol. Results Overall, 623 patients (253 females) with Crohn’s disease (352; 56.5%) or ulcerative colitis (271; 43.5%) have been included. Infliximab (IFX) was the most commonly used (308, 49.4%), followed by adalimumab (ADA; 215, 34.5%), vedolizumab (VED; 73, 11.7%), golimumab (GOL; 26, 4.2%) and ustekinumab (UST; 0.2%). Ninety-two patients have experienced AEs (14.8%) and 10 serious adverse events (SAEs) (1.6%) were recorded. Adverse events and SAEs have been reported with GOL (7/26; p = .88), IFX (51/308; p = .54), ADA (28/125; p = .40) and VED (6/73; p = .11), no AEs occurred with UST (0/1). Conclusion Overall, considering the low rate of AEs reported and discontinuation from therapy, our data seems to confirm the positive beneficial/risk ratio of biologic treatment for IBDs and provide useful data on biologic drugs in gastroenterology.
New crystal structures of alkali metal tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borates

Abstract The crystal structures of the salts [Li(1,2-F2C6H4)] [B(C6F5)4] (1) and Cs[B(C6F5)4] (2) comprise six Li···F contacts (1.965(3) − 2.312(3) Å) and twelve Cs···F contacts (3.0312(1) − 3.7397(2) Å), respectively, which are significantly shorter than the sum of van der Waals radii (3.29 and 4.90 Å).
Preventing Stress Among Undergraduate Learners: The Importance of Emotional Intelligence, Resilience, and Emotion Regulation

In the current investigation, we examined the association among emotional intelligence, emotional regulation tendencies, resilience, and perceived stress within a sample of undergraduate students. Participants (N = 277, 71% Female, 55% White) completed the Brief Emotional Intelligence Scale, Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, Brief Resilience Scale, and Perceived Stress Scale. Using path analysis techniques, we demonstrated that resilience was a negative predictor of perceived stress. Additionally, our results indicated that the use of cognitive reappraisal exerted an indirect influence on perceived stress through resilience. Finally, the current investigation provided evidence that emotional intelligence exerts an indirect influence on stress through both cognitive reappraisal and resilience. We believe the results of the current understanding expand our understanding of the determinants of effective emotional information processing and have implications for intervention efforts designed to reduce perceived stress within university-based samples.
Innovation Types and Sales Growth in Small Firms: Evidence from Kosovo

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of different forms of innovation on firm growth, in terms of sales. A total of 278 samples were collected from SMEs in the manufacturing, service and trade industries throughout Kosovo. The data were analysed using a logistic regression analysis. The findings confirm the hypotheses that marketing innovation is positively associated with firm growth, while new to the firm products is negatively associated with firm growth. Other innovation attributes have resulted with non-significance value. The findings in this study can be useful for theoretical discussion, as well as for policy formulation related to introduction of innovation and SMEs development considering that innovation is critical factor in today’s market and competition. Further studies should look into how SMEs could investigate over time from the initial stage to the full development of innovation.
Genetic Parameters and Genotype by Environment Interaction in Radiata Pine for Growth and Wood Quality Traits in Australia

Abstract The phenotypic response of genotypes across different environments can be quantified by estimating the genotype by environment interaction (GxE). In a practical sense, GxE means that the relative performance of genotypes does not remain constant under all test conditions. Genetic parameters and genotype by environment interactions for wood density, growth, branching characteristics and stem straightness were investigated in eight radiata pine progeny trials derived from a second generation breeding population in Australia. Five trials were on the mainland, while three trials were in Tasmania. Generally, ĥ2 for density > branch angle > stem straightness > tree diameter > branch size; and significant ĥ2 was observed for all traits and at all trials with only two exceptions. Genetic correlations were estimated among the five traits, and a large negative genetic correlation observed between wood density and tree diameter indicated that a selection strategy should be developed in dealing with this adverse genetic correlation in advanced generations of breeding for radiata pine. Interactions for density, branch angle, and stem straightness were small within the two regions. Overall, branch angle had the least GxE, followed by density and stem straightness. Growth traits (tree diameter and branch size) tended to be the most interactive with substantial GxE present. Genotype by regional interactions (Mainland versus Tasmania) revealed that density and branch angle had the least interactions (ȓB = 0.98 and ȓB = 0.95, respectively). Branch size and tree diameter had the highest interactions among the two regions (ȓB = 0.55 and ȓB = 0.63, respectively). Within Tasmania, only branch size and tree diameter had a sizable interaction within the three sites. In contrast, there was little interaction for tree diameter among the Mainland trials. Branch size in the Mainland trials had a similar size of interaction as in Tasmania. Further research is recommended in identifying the cause of GxE for tree diameter and branch size in radiata pine across the entire radiata pine estate in Australia.