Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ANALYSIS OF Vigna unguiculata LEGHEMOGLOBIN GENES

A gene coding for the cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L) leghemoglobin II (LbII) was previously cloned and sequenced. This work concerns the gene and expression analysis of cowpea LbII. Southern blot analysis using the cowpea LbII gene as probe showed that at least two copies of the leghemoglobin gene exist in cowpea. A gene coding for the cowpea leghemoglobin I (LbI) was cloned and sequenced using PCR and primers for the LbII gene. Sequence analysis showed that the cowpea LbI and LbII genes are remarkably similar. Expression of leghemoglobin genes was detected in cowpea nodules, but not in roots, stems or leaves using RNA-PCR and primers for cowpea LbII. The same method, but combined with Southern and Western blotting, was used to analyze the expression of leghemoglobin genes in cowpea nodules as a function of time. Leghemoglobin transcripts were detected in young (white) nodules at levels that were comparable to levels found in mature (pink) nodules. In contrast, leghemoglobin transcripts were not detected in senescent nodules, although leghemoglobin proteins were still detected. Additional index terms: Cowpea, nodules.
Corynebacterium diphtheriae Virulence Analyses Using a Caenorhabditis elegans Model

Corynebacterium diphtheriae is the leading cause of pharyngeal diphtheria, a respiratory disease characterized by formation of a pseudomembrane at the site of infection. Although outbreaks of C. diphtheriae infections are rare nowadays, the emergence of multidrug‐resistant C. diphtheriae strains is one of the most significant public health concerns worldwide. Although C. diphtheriae has been studied for more than a century and diphtheria toxin and pili have been identified as major virulence factors, little is known about factors involved in bacterial colonization and development of disease. Here, we describe the utilization of Caenorhabditis elegans as a cost‐effective, versatile model of infection to evaluate C. diphtheriae virulence. We provide detailed protocols for nematode synchronization and for evaluation of nematode survival and formation of a deformed anal region induced by C. diphtheriae infection. These protocols will permit future high‐throughput screenings of virulence factors in C. diphtheriae and advance our knowledge of C. diphtheriae pathogenesis. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Fatal attraction: The roles of ribosomal proteins in the viral life cycle

Upon viral infection of a host cell, each virus starts a program to generate many progeny viruses. Although viruses interact with the host cell in numerous ways, one critical step in the virus life cycle is the expression of viral proteins, which are synthesized by the host ribosomes in conjunction with host translation factors. Here we review different mechanisms viruses have evolved to effectively seize host cell ribosomes, the roles of specific ribosomal proteins and their posttranslational modifications on viral RNA translation, or the cellular response to infection. We further highlight ribosomal proteins with extra‐ribosomal function during viral infection and put the knowledge of ribosomal proteins during viral infection into the larger context of ribosome‐related diseases, known as ribosomopathies.
Screening of Various Parts of Phaleria macrocarpa Plant for α‐Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity

Phaleria macrocarpa is an herbal plant used in Malaysia to enhance vitality. The aim of this study was to screen the α-glucosidase inhibitory activity of different parts (fruit flesh, leaves and stem) of P. macrocarpa. Methanol (polar) and n-hexane (nonpolar) extracts, obtained by room temperature solvent extraction, were evaluated for in vitro α-glucosidase activity inhibition. The compounds were identified by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) according to their similarity index of >70%, which might be responsible for α-glucosidase inhibitory activity. The methanol extract of the fruit flesh had the highest yield (25.6 ± 0.5%), whereas the n-hexane extract of the stem is more effective against α-glucosidase activity (IC50 0.8 ± 0.1 μg/mL). The fruit flesh (IC501.3 ± 0.2 μg/mL) and leaves (IC501.6 ± 0.6 μg/mL) had also well effectively. The identified metabolites are predominantly phenolics, carbohydrates, triterpenes and organic acids, such as D-fructose, squalene, α-linolenic acid and α-D-glucopyranoside. In-depth chemical profiling using GC-MS was performed for the first time for this plant to assess the likely compounds present in the extract that could be associated with anti-hyperglycemic activity. Of the three parts tested, every part indicates the potential α-glucosidase inhibitory activity and hexane extract of stem showed more inhibitory activity among all extracts. Thus, P. macrocarpa can attenuate hyperglycemia by potently inhibiting carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes, making it a viable plant as a source of natural compounds for the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Practical Application P. macrocarpa (Scheff.) Boerl. belongs to the Thymelaeaceae family, which is known as “Mahkota Dewa” is one of the well-known traditional herbs in South Asian countries. Every part of this plant has been reported to be used as a traditional medicine for diabetic treatment for many years. In the present study, the ability of this plant to inhibit carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes (α-glucosidase) was explored. All extracts tested exhibited the content to inhibit yeast α-glucosidase enzymes in vitro, and these beneficial effects appear to be due to some bioactive compounds in P. macrocarpa. Our preliminary investigation gives a principle for further animal and clinical studies of a possible use of P. macrocarpa for the management of diabetes mellitus.
Side-aspect target-strength measurements of bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchilli) and Gulf menhaden (Brevoortia patronus) derived from ex situ experiments

Boswell, K. M. , and Wilson, C. A. 2008. Side-aspect target strength measurements of bay anchovy (Anchoa mitchilli) and Gulf menhaden (Brevoortia patronus) derived from ex situ experiments. - ICES Journal of Marine Science, 65: 1012-1020.Acoustic target strengths (TSs) of bay anchovy [Anchoa mitchilli, 4.7-6.1 cm TL (total length)] and Gulf menhaden (Brevoortia patronus, 5.1-7.7 cm TL) were measured at 420 kHz during side-aspect, ex situ experiments. TS-TL relationships were derived at aspect for tethered individuals, and TS distributions were compared with those of free-swimming fish. Linear models relating TS and TL were fitted to data at two levels of pulse duration (0.1 and 0.4 ms) for both side aspect and all horizontal aspects of each species, and for pooled data from both species. At a pulse duration of 0.4 ms, the side-aspect TS-TL relationships were anchovy: TS lateral = 19.5 log 10 TL cm − 62.4; menhaden: TS lateral = 26.1 log 10 L cm − 65.6; pooled: TS lateral = 32 log 10 TL cm − 70.9. For all horizontal-aspect orientations (0-180° in the horizontal) the best-fit TS-TL relationships were anchovy: TS all = 20 log 10 TL cm − 65.4; menhaden: TS all = 20 log 10 TL cm − 64.8; pooled: TS all = 20 log 10 TL cm − 65. However, the “fit” for all angles was consistently low. Predicted TS comparisons with side-aspect models presented by earlier authors suggested biases in the estimated TL. Additionally, relationships between TS and wet weight (W) were derived for each species. Variation in TS by pulse-duration level suggests the potential for the use of this factor as a time-dependent variable by which to separate echoes from bay anchovy and Gulf menhaden.
Donor‐recipient age interaction and the impact on clinical results after heart transplantation

To evaluate the impact of donor‐recipient age matching on clinical outcomes after heart transplantation, a total of 509 patients (January 1990‐December 2018, mean follow‐up 111 ± 80 months) were stratified into 4 groups (young‐R/young‐D, young‐R/old‐D, old‐R/young‐D, old‐R/old‐D) according to the recipient (young‐R < 60, old‐R ≥ 60 years) and the donor (young‐D < 50, old‐D ≥ 50 years) age. No difference was found among 30‐day mortality (P = .11) and postoperative complications between groups. Both unadjusted and adjusted survival was significantly higher for group young‐R/young‐D than that of other groups, in which survival was similar [adjusted HR for mortality of 2.0(1.2‐3.4), 2.1(1.4‐3.8) and 2.5(1.6‐4.1) for groups old‐R/young‐D, young‐R/old‐D, old‐R/old‐D, respectively]. Compared to other groups, the incidence of grade ≥ 2 CAV was significantly lower in old‐R/young‐D group [adjusted HR 0.4(0.2‐0.7)]. Among young recipients, the rate of acute grade ≥ 2 rejection episodes was higher in those receiving an old donor graft (P = .04). Old recipient groups were more affected by neoplasms and severe renal failure than young recipient groups (P < .01). Employment of hearts from donors ≥50 years of age adversely affects survival in recipients <60 years of age but does not influence outcomes in older recipients. Also, donor and recipient ages seem to have opposite effects on incidence of rejections and CAV of high grade.
Economic Costs and Benefits of Community-Based Lymphedema-Management Programs for Lymphatic Filariasis in India

Abstract. Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is endemic in 72 countries; 15 million persons live with chronic filarial lymphedema. It can be a disabling condition, frequently painful, leading to reduced mobility, social exclusion, and depression. The Global Program to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis aims to stop new infections and care for affected persons, but morbidity management has been initiated in only 38 countries. We examine economic costs and benefits of alleviating chronic lymphedema and its effects through simple limb care. We use economic and epidemiological data from 12 Indian states in which 99% of Indians with filariasis reside. Using census data, we calculate the age distribution of filarial lymphedema and predict the burden of morbidity of infected persons. We estimate lifetime medical costs and lost earnings due to lymphedema and acute dermatolymphangioadenitis (ADLA) with and without community-based limb-care programs. Programs of community-based limb care in all Indian endemic areas would reduce costs of disability by 52%, saving a per person average of US$2,721, equivalent to 703 workdays. Per-person savings are 185 times the program’s per-person cost. Chronic lymphedema and ADLA impose a substantial physical and economic burden in filariasis-endemic areas. Low-cost programs for lymphedema management based on limb washing and topical medication are effective in reducing the number of ADLA episodes and stopping progression of disabling lymphedema. With reduced disability, people can work longer hours per day, more days per year, and in more strenuous, higher paying jobs, resulting in important economic benefits to themselves, their families, and their communities.
The dark core of personality and socially aversive psychopathology.

OBJECTIVE Although dark traits as studied in mainstream personality research and socially aversive psychopathology as studied in abnormal psychology intend to account for the same classes of behavior, their degree of conceptual and, consequently, empirical correspondence has remained limited at best. We aim to overcome this divide by demonstrating clear convergence between the common core of all dark traits (the Dark Factor of Personality, D) and the four prominent instances of socially aversive psychopathology: narcissistic, antisocial, paranoid, and borderline tendencies. METHOD In a large-scale, eight-month longitudinal study we assessed D, basic personality (the six HEXACO dimensions), and narcissistic, antisocial, paranoid, and borderline tendencies at time 1 (N = 2,329) and the latter aversive tendencies again at time 2 (N = 668) using different inventories. RESULTS D predicted all instances of socially aversive psychopathology cross-sectionally and longitudinally, with a large effect size on average, beyond the six HEXACO dimensions and even beyond the very same instances (measured through a different inventory). CONCLUSIONS Bridging mainstream personality and abnormal psychology, the findings reveal strong, theory-consistent correspondence between dark traits and socially aversive psychopathology once dark traits are viewed through the lens of their common core, D.
The roles of decoding and vocabulary in Chinese reading development: Evidence from a 3-year longitudinal study.

BACKGROUNDS Decoding and vocabulary are two essential abilities to reading comprehension. Investigating the roles of decoding and vocabulary in Chinese reading development can not only provide empirical evidence to enrich the current reading theories but also have implications for educational practice. AIMS To examine the developing importance of decoding and vocabulary to reading comprehension and the reciprocal relationship between decoding and vocabulary across the reading development. SAMPLE A total of 186 Chinese children were followed from grade 1 to grade 3 (aged 6.5 to 8.5 years). METHODS Participants' decoding, vocabulary, and reading comprehension abilities were measured once a year for three years. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to obtain the unique contributions of decoding and vocabulary to reading comprehension in the different grades. A cross-lagged structural equation model was used to explore the reciprocal relationship between decoding and vocabulary over the three years. RESULTS Decoding and vocabulary explained nearly 40% of the variance to reading comprehension across grades, and the unique contribution of decoding decreased over the grades (from 29% to 8%) while that of vocabulary increased (from 3% to 9%). Moreover, vocabulary always predicted decoding from grade 1, but decoding predicted later vocabulary only started in grade 2. CONCLUSIONS Decoding skills are important to reading comprehension in the early learn-to-read grades. However, vocabulary becomes more critical for reading comprehension in later grades. Larger oral vocabularies promote the development of decoding skills, and vice versa.
INHIBITION OF STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS MEDIATED BY EXTRACTS OF IRANIAN PLANTS

In order to find new antibacterial agents effective against Staphylococcus aureus, ethanolic extracts of 10 plants were tested. S. aureus (489 samples) were isolated either from healthy carriers (nose and throat) or clinical samples. Out of 489 isolates tested, 98.6% were sensitive to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole which was used as the reference antibiotic. From the plant extracts screened for antibacterial activity, Myrtus communis L. (leaves) had the greatest activity, inhibiting the growth of 99% of the isolates. Glycyrrhiza glabra L. , Eucalyptus globolus Labill. and Menta viridis L. , were also active against the isolates inhibiting the growth of 90, 59.5 and 48.7% of the isolates, respectively. All of these extracts were active against the reference strains of S. aureus tested. Saturia hortensis L. , Teucrium polium L. , and Achillea santolina L. , had very little antibacterial activity, while Trigonella foenum graecum L. , Echium amoenum Fisch & Mey (flowers) and Juglans regia L. (leaves), had no antibacterial activity against the bacterial isolates.
Comparison of Migrant Songbird Stopover Ecology on Two Islands in the Gulf of Maine

Abstract We compared migrant bird recapture rate, stopover time, mass gain, and fat class between Star Island, New Hampshire and Appledore Island, Maine during spring and fall migration in relation to differences in relative species abundance between the islands; and examined potential movement of migrants between the islands. The average recapture rate in spring was 5.7% on Star Island and 3.6% on Appledore Island. Five species were recaptured more frequently on Star Island and one species more frequently on Appledore Island. There was no difference in mean minimum stopover time during spring (2.4 days on Star Island; 2.5 days on Appledore Island) and fall (2.9 days on Star Island; 3.2 days on Appledore Island). Three species had a longer mean stopover time on Appledore Island than Star Island. The island with the greater percentage of recaptures and longer stopover had more captures for a given species. Mass gains were significant for six species during spring (27.3%) and 10 during fall (38.5%) on Star Island, and five (22.7%) during spring and 13 (50.0%) during fall on Appledore Island. Five species had a difference in rate of mass gain between the islands. The between-island difference in species abundance was not reflected in between-island differences in mass gain, except for Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) during fall. There was no clear pattern in species differences in fat levels and differences in captures, stopover length, or mass gain between the islands. The fat-class and mass-gain results suggest habitat use, as measured by relative abundance, is not based on the ability to gain mass at the time of stopover. The notable fall mass gains for Red-eyed Vireo illustrate the availability of food resources for some species on both islands. Only 42 of 10,437 migrant birds banded moved from one island to the other. There was little evidence of movement between islands in a seasonally-appropriate direction for continued migration, or evidence indicating a shift between islands after initial capture.
Racial Disparity Between Asian and Caucasian Crouzon Syndrome in Skull Morphology.

BACKGROUND Racial disparity in pathological consequences in skull growth may impact the treatment plan for different patient populations. This study attempts to explore the differences between Asian and Caucasian cranial morphology in Crouzon syndrome. METHOD Ninety-one computed tomographic scans were included (Asian Crouzon syndrome, n = 12; Asian controls, n = 22; Caucasian Crouzon syndrome, n = 16; Caucasian controls, n = 41), and measured using Mimics and 3-matics software. RESULTS The entire cranial base length was reduced 11.92 mm (P = 0.004) in Asian Crouzon patients, and 14.58 mm (P < 0.001) in Caucasian Crouzon patients, compared to respective controls. The cranial base angle on the facial side of basicranium was more narrowed in Crouzon syndrome in both races, with similar changes of degrees (9.61°, P = 0.002, in Asian Crouzon; 9.20°, P = 0.019, in Caucasian Crouzon). However, the intracranial side was statistically more narrowed only in the Asian group (9.86°, P = 0.003). Both Asian and Caucasian Crouzon patients developed reduced posterior fossa volume, by 15% (P = 0.034) and 17% (P = 0.004), respectively. However, Caucasian Crouzon patients developed a more shortened anterior and middle cranial base, than that of Asian patients. The separation of lateral pterygoids was only significantly increased in Caucasian patients (5.49°, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Crouzon syndrome causes a shortened, widened, and kyphotic cranial base across both races. It also restricts the development of the posterior cranial fossa. However, the skull malformation is not the same between populations: Asian Crouzon patients developed more narrowed cranial base angulation on the intracranial side of basicranium, while Caucasian Crouzon patients developed more widened lateral pterygoids.
The recent challenges of highly contagious COVID‐19, causing respiratory infections: Symptoms, diagnosis, transmission, possible vaccines, animal models, and immunotherapy

COVID‐19 is highly contagious pathogenic viral infection initiated from Wuhan seafood wholesale market of China on December 2019 and spread rapidly around the whole world due to onward transmission. This recent outbreak of novel coronavirus (CoV) was believed to be originated from bats and causing respiratory infections such as common cold, dry cough, fever, headache, dyspnea, pneumonia, and finally Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) in humans. For this widespread zoonotic virus, human‐to‐human transmission has resulted in nearly 83 lakh cases in 213 countries and territories with 4,50,686 deaths as on 19 June 2020. This review presents a report on the origin, transmission, symptoms, diagnosis, possible vaccines, animal models, and immunotherapy for this novel virus and will provide ample references for the researchers toward the ongoing development of therapeutic agents and vaccines and also preventing the spread of this disease.
Effects of Dolomitic Limestone, Gypsum, and Potassium on Yield and Seed Quality of Peanuts1

Abstract The interactive effects of dolomitic limestone, gypsum, and potassium on yield and seed quality of a Virginia-type peanut was investigated. Responses were assessed in field experiments using a split-plot design with varying rates and combinations of dolomitic limestone and gypsum as the main plots. Two rates of potassium applied at planting were used as the split plots. Treatment effects were measured by changes in soil mineral composition, mineral content of the plant and fruit, yield, seed maturity, and seed quality. Applications of dolomitic limestone increased soil pH and soil calcium levels, but did not improve seed quality or increase yields or kernel content of the fruits. Applications of gypsum improved seed germination, seedling survival, seedling vigor, and root growth. Dark plumule abnormality was reduced by addition of gypsum. Soil pH was reduced and chemical composition of peanut leaves, hulls, and seed was influenced more by gypsum than by either dolomitic limestone or potassium. Po.
Regulation of stomatal aperture in response to drought stress mediating with polyamines, nitric oxide synthase and hydrogen peroxide in Rosa canina L.

ABSTRACT To assess the role of genes involved in polyamines synthesis, nitric oxide synthase (NOS), copper amine oxidase activity (CuAO) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in regulation of stomatal aperture to drought stress in Rosa canina L. , a study was performed at three irrigating levels (25%, 50%, and 100% field capacity) with three replications at 1, 3, 6 and 12 days. The results showed that putrescine (Put) accumulation occurred under both 50% and 25% FC at 1 d. Furthermore, the role of the Put direct biosynthesis pathway ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) was more effective under 50% FC whereas in the 25% FC the Put indirect production pathway (agmatine iminohydrolase (AIH), N-carbamoyl putrescine amidohydrolase (CPA) and arginine decarboxylase (ADC)) was more effective. HPLC results showed that the accumulation of spermidine (Spd) and spermine (Spm) is consistent with the expression of S-adenosyl methionine decarboxylase (SAMDC), spermidine synthase (SPDS) and spermine synthase (SPMS) genes. Spd accumulation under both 50% and 25% FC occurred on the 3 d and then decreased in the other days. Spm content showed an increasing trend from 6 d under 50% FC and from 3 d under 25% FC. Our results suggest that among the measured polyamines, Put oxidation through CuAO activity increased resulted in an increase in H2O2 production. The H2O2 accumulation also as a secondary messenger led to enhance in NOS gene expression. Increase in NOS gene expression can act as a signal resulting in stomatal closure.