Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Megakaryocytes promote osteoclastogenesis in aging

Megakaryocytes (MKs) support bone formation by stimulating osteoblasts (OBs) and inhibiting osteoclasts (OCs). Aging results in higher bone resorption, leading to bone loss. Whereas previous studies showed the effects of aging on MK-mediated bone formation, the effects of aging on MK-mediated OC formation is poorly understood. Here we examined the effect of thrombopoietin (TPO) and MK-derived conditioned media (CM) from young (3-4 months) and aged (22-25 months) mice on OC precursors. Our findings showed that aging significantly increased OC formation in vitro. Moreover, the expression of the TPO receptor, Mpl, and circulating TPO levels were elevated in the bone marrow cavity. We previously showed that MKs from young mice secrete factors that inhibit OC differentiation. However, rather than inhibiting OC development, we found that MKs from aged mice promote OC formation. Interestingly, these age-related changes in MK functionality were only observed using female MKs, potentially implicating the sex steroid, estrogen, in signaling. Further, RANKL expression was highly elevated in aged MKs suggesting MK-derived RANKL signaling may promote osteoclastogenesis in aging. Taken together, these data suggest that modulation in TPO-Mpl expression in bone marrow and age-related changes in the MK secretome promote osteoclastogenesis to impact skeletal aging.
Distribution of the Mediterranean hake populations (Merluccius merluccius smiridus Rafinesque, 1810) (Osteichthyes: Gadiformes) based on six years monitoring by trawl-surveys: some implications for management*

On the basis of trawl survey data collected during the MEDITS project (1994-1999), the distribution of Mediterranean hake populations was described in coastal areas corresponding to about three quarters of both the latitudinal and longitudinal extensions of the Mediterranean Sea, and in the 0-800 m range. Abundance and biomass indices (in terms of number and kg per km 2 ) are presented in 15 geographical sectors and 40 subareas from the Alboran Sea to the Aegean Sea. A statistical analysis by generalized linear modelling performed on such indices per main national blocks (Greece, France, Italy and Spain), and considering the effects of the six years of sampling and the depth, showed that biomass increased from west to east, while for all areas the most significant depth effect appeared between 100 and 200 m, corresponding to the depth range that hosts most of the summer nursery areas. The overall size-frequency distributions in shelf and slope waters, average sizes and total mortality coefficient Z per sector showed that the bulk of the MEDITS samples consisted of young individuals and, with only a few exceptions (western Sardinia, central Aegean), a generalized condition of growth overfishing was apparent. However, no negative trend was found, either in biomass or in average size of fishes, during the six years of the present study. Recruitment patterns were studied by distinguishing the youngest fish as Gaussian groups (modal length from 6 to 9 cm total length) in length-frequency distributions of each subarea and main stratum (shelf and slope). Considering the timing of MEDITS surveys (May-July), this approach emphasised the nurseries in the northern part of the western Mediterranean (Gulf of Lions, Ligurian Sea, northern Tyrrhenian Sea) and in the northern central Mediterranean, where recruitment occurs mainly during spring. On the other hand, few recruits were found in part of the central and particularly in the eastern Mediterranean, where recruitment occurs mainly in summer. MEDITS recruitment patterns therefore gave support to distinctions among Mediterranean hake populations, previously suggested on the basis of vertebral counts and other morpho-physiological, albeit fragmentary, data. In particular the central Mediterranean hake populations do not seem to be homogeneous, with an Adriatic unit very close to the northwestern one. The MEDITS experience therefore suggests that future management measures could take into account both general and regional patterns, the latter concerning mainly the younger fraction of the populations.
A review of Rinodina (Physciaceae) in Great Smoky Mountains National Park highlights the growing significance of this “island of biodiversity” in eastern North America

Abstract A review of the crustose lichen genus Rinodina in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is presented. Seventeen species are reported from the study area, of which three represent new reports (R. bullata, R. excrescens, and R. oxydata) and one is described as new to science (R. brodoana). Based on current collections, the new species is restricted to old growth hardwoods and occurs at middle to low elevations. Also based on collections information, two species (R. brodoana and R. chrysomelaena) are proposed to have IUCN Red List ranks of critically endangered. We discuss the increasing significance of middle to low elevation habitats in this biodiversity hotspot. All 17 species reported from the study are illustrated, their biogeographic patterns and ecologies are discussed, and maps showing revised North American distributions, are provided. A key to the 21 species of Rinodina known to occur in the southern Appalachian Mountains is also provided.
TOXICITY OF SOIL APPLICATIONS OF INSECTICIDES TO THREE SPECIES OF SPRINGTAILS (COLLEMBOLA) UNDER LABORATORY CONDITIONS

Abstract The toxicity of a number of insecticides was tested against three species of springtails (Collembola), Folsomia candida (Willem), Onychiurus justi porteri (Denis), and Hypogastrura armata (Nicolet), which were cultured in the laboratory. Treatment was accomplished by incorporating the insecticide into moist Plainfield sand and exposing the springtails for 24 h on this substrate. Generally, the order of toxicity of the insecticides to all three species was: Counter® (phosphorodithioc acid S- (tertbutylthio) methyl O,O diethyl ester) > phorate > carbofuran > heptachlor > methomyl > chlorfenvinphos. Acephate, leptophos, p, p′-DDT, and chlordimeform were of low toxicity to all species. More significantly, however, there were large interspecific differences in susceptibility to insecticides; fensulfothion was virtually non-toxic to O. j. porteri (LD50 > 80 p.p.m.) but highly toxic to F. candida (LD50 = 0.1 p.p.m.). Results of these tests suggest that extrapolation of toxicity data from one species of springtail to other species would be unwarranted.
Minor neuropsychological deficits in patients with subjective cognitive decline.

OBJECTIVE To determine the nature and extent of minor neuropsychological deficits in patients with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and their association with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHOD We analyzed data from n=449 cognitively normal participants (n=209 healthy controls, n=240 SCD patients) from an interim data release of the German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases Longitudinal Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Study (DELCODE). An extensive neuropsychological test battery was applied at baseline for which we established a latent, five cognitive domain factor structure comprising learning & memory, executive functions, language abilities, working memory and visuospatial functions. We compared groups regarding global and domain-specific performance and correlated performance with different CSF markers of AD pathology. RESULTS We observed worse performance (Cohen's d≈0.25-0.5, adjusted for age-, sex differences with ANCOVA) in global performance, memory, executive functions and language abilities for the SCD group compared to healthy controls. In addition, worse performance in these domains was moderately (r≈0.3) associated with lower CSF-Aβ42/40 and CSF-Aβ42/ptau181 in the whole sample and specifically in the SCD subgroup. CONCLUSIONS Within the spectrum of clinically unimpaired (i.e., "pre- mild cognitive impairment") cognitive performance, SCD is associated with minor deficits in memory, executive function and language abilities. The association of these subtle cognitive deficits with AD CSF biomarkers speaks to their validity and potential use for the early detection of underlying preclinical AD.
Molecular analysis of Staphylococcus aureus infections in Trinidad and Tobago.

Aims: Previous studies regarding Staphylococcus aureus in Trinidad and Tobago have so far been conducted mainly on in a hospital setting or environment. The most prevalent S. aureus clonal complex (CC) associated with infections was CC8, which were methicillin sensitive and also positive for the Panton-Valentine leukocidin ( pvl ) genes - (CC8-MSSA-PVL + ). Generally, the pvl genes rate among the isolates was observed to be 47% while MRSA now stands at 13.6%. The most prevalent MRSA strains were ST239-MRSA III and ST8-MRSA IV (USA300). Conclusions: There is a high diversity of S. aureus clonal complexes infections in the country and the pvl genes which were considered rare are now highly prevalent. Methicillin resistance though slightly higher than previously reported does not represent a significant increase. We propose that surveillance efforts should continue to be directed to monitor S. aureus infections in hospitals in the country so as to detect and eliminate any possibility of its outbreak early in the country as currently practiced in other countries.
DOES JOURNALISM EDUCATION MATTER?

Journalism educators were shocked in 2002 when Columbia University president Lee Bollinger called for curriculum reform of one of the most prestigious journalism programs in the United States. His decision to suspend hiring a new dean of the Columbia School of Journalism led to an Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication presidential panel presentation in 2004 on ‘‘Does Journalism Matter? ’’ This standing roomonly passionate panel discussion is presented here. It follows a much more optimistic set of debate essays presented in Journalism Studies Volume 2 on the future of journalism education.
Status Review of Chesapeake Bay Marsh Lands and Breeding Marsh Birds

Abstract Emergent tidal marshes are a dominant feature of the Chesapeake Bay’s estuarine environment and account for an approximate 123,100 ha of the 185,870 ha (66%) of classified wetlands. Tidal marshes vary in salinity, structure, and plant composition according to their geographic position in the Bay. Chesapeake Bay marshes support breeding bird populations that are of regional or national conservation significance. Marsh bird communities vary with marsh type, geographic position, salinity, patch size, and landscape context. Marsh loss has been significant over the past two hundred years primarily as a result of urban, industrial, and agricultural development. Protective legislation enacted in the 1970s has slowed the rate of loss but marshes continue to be degraded and population of marsh birds continue to decline from the invasion of exotic species, ground predators, poor management practices, encroachment by development, and sea-level rise. Despite these concerns, there is still relatively little information on the population trends of most marsh birds or on the distribution of some of the Bay’s highest species of concern such as Black Rails (Laterallus jamaicensis), King Rails (Rallus elegans), Saltmarsh Sharp-tailed Sparrows (Ammospiza caudacuta), and Henslow’s Sparrows (Ammodramus henslowii). Marshes along the bay’s fringe, tributaries, and islands that currently support species at risk of extinction in the Bay are in immediate need of identification and protection. High marshes on the Delmarva peninsula, support greatest concentrations of species at risk and are marshes among the most at risk of loss and degradation. Management to reduce or abate threats to marsh birds is critical to their long term survival.
Nutritional, phytochemical potential and pharmacological evaluation of Nigella Sativa (Kalonji) and Trachyspermum Ammi (Ajwain)

Nigella sativa and Trachyspermum ammi were screened for phytochemical constituents and nutritional analysis. Tests for flavonoids, tannins, steroids were positive in both spices except saponins. The nutrition analysis indicated higher energy value (459.29 and 314.55%), carbohydrates (39.04 and 47.54%), protein content (24.05 and 20.23%), fat content (21.67 and 4.83%), moisture content (5.4 and 11.6%), fibre content (5.5 and 4.3%) and ash content (4.34 and 11.5%) in N. sativa and T. ammi seeds, respectively. Aqueous, methanolic, ethanolic, n-Hexane extracts of N. sativa and T. ammi and also essential oil of T. ammi were subjected toin vitro antifungal and antibacterial assay. Micro well dilution assay was adopted against three human pathogenic fungal strains Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans andfour bacterial isolates Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus sp. , Pseudomonas syringae and Bacillus subtilis. Among all the four extracts of N. sativa tested, methanolic extract showed maximum inhibitory potential against all the test fungi and bacteria. In case of T. ammi extracts and essential oil, all the aqueous, organic extracts especially ethanol, n-hexane and essential oil depicted marked antimicrobial potential against all pathogens. Anti bacterial activity of n-Hexane extract was maximum for all bacteria (4.76 cm) P. syringica, (4.03 cm) B. subtilis, (3.73 cm) E. coli and (4.76 cm) S. sp. Bactericidal action of different fractions of T. ammidecrease in the order n-Hexane extract>essential oil>ethanol extract>methanol extract>aqueous extract. Key words: Nigella sativa, Trachyspermum ammi, phytochemical analysis, nutrition value, antifungal/antibacterial.
Influence of seeding depth and seedbed preparation on establishment, growth and yield of fibre flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) in Eastern Canada

Research was conducted at the Macdonald Campus of McGill University (Quebec, Canada) at three sites in 1997 and one site in 1998 to determine the effects and interac- tions of seeding depth (0, 1, 2, 4 or 6 cm) and seedbed preparation (i.e. soil rolling): none, rolling before or rolling after seeding on fibre flax (cv. Ariane) establishment, growth and yield. Seedbed preparation had little impact on the parameters measured while seeding depth had a variable effect on plant density, plant height, stem diameter and retted straw yield. Seeding depths of 1-4 cm provided consistently good establishment, growth and yield results. In 1997, there was an interaction between seeding depth and seedbed preparation on plant height, branching ratio and retted straw yield, although results were generally variable and tended to be site-specific. In 1998, there was an interaction between seeding depth and seedbed preparation on plant height and stem diameter prior to harvest, with the results varying for all seeding depth-seedbed preparation treatment combinations except for the 2-cm depth treat- ment. Rolling of the seedbed before seeding on lighter soils and at a depth of 2 cm on most soils can improve establishment, growth and yields of fibre flax under eastern Canadian growing conditions.
FERTILIZANTE DE LIBERAÇÃO LENTA NO DESENVOLVIMENTO DE MUDAS DE Anadenanthera peregrina (L.) Speg. (ANGICO-VERMELHO) E Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi (AROEIRA-VERMELHA)

In order to assess the development of two native species, Anadenanthera peregrina and Schinus terebinthifolius, submitted to doses of slow-release fertilizer formulation 13-06-16, an experiment was conducted in greenhouse using a mixture of raw materials with organic compost, vermiculite and plantmax to compose base substrate. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with six treatments and four replications. The treatments were : T1-0 kg (control), T2-2 kg, 4 kg-T3 , T4-6 kg, T5-8 kg and T6 - 10 kg slow release fertilizer per cubic meter of base substrate . Was evaluated at 189 days after sowing the total height, stem diameter, fresh weight of shoot, dry shoot biomass, root dry biomass, total biomass, the relationship between height and stem diameter and quality index Dickson. The results suggest that application of slow release fertilizer leads to significant gains in growth in both species, with the best doses from 6.68 to 5.54 kg m-3 for Anadenanthera peregrina species, and from 8.38 to 14,42 kg m-3 for Schinus terebinthifolius.
Purification and properties of a new dehalogenase enzyme from Pseudomonas sp. B6P grow in 3-chloropropionate (3CP)

Halogenated compounds are widely used in agriculture and industries and have been associated with environmental pollution. Degradation of 3-chloropropionate (3CP) by microorganism has been established and this enzyme could only remove halogen atom at the â- position of 3-carbon alkanoic acids. Pseudomonas sp . B6P was originally isolated from paddy field which was able to degrade 3CP therefore, suggesting it may have some desirable properties. The enzyme was purified from cell-free extracts having a monomer of 56,000 Da. It was found to be stable between pH 5 to 8 and its optimal pH was 8. Its activity was not affected by metal ions such as Mn 2+ , Fe 3+ and Mg 2+ , but was inhibited by Hg 2+ and Ag 2+ . The enzyme is specific for 3CP, and the Km value (0.20 mM ± 0.05). Key words : Biodegradation, 3-chloropropionic acid, dehalogenase, bioremediation, haloalkanoic acid, Pseudomonas sp.B6P.
Selected cultivars of cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.) as a new food source for human nutrition

The aim of this work was to determine antioxidant activity in 12 cultivars of cornelian cherry (Cornus mas L.). Two assays based on ion reduction of ABTS (2,2´-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6sulphonate) and DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radicals were used for antioxidant activity. Total phenolic content of the fruit was analysed by Folin-Ciocelteau colorimetric method and ascorbic acid content was analysed using column chromatography - electrochemical detector (Coulochem III). The
Influence of social media on mental health: a systematic review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Social media's role in a user's life has increased dramatically over the past decade. It is used increasingly as a leisure activity amongst young adults. The types of social media have also diversified with time and the ease of access is worrying. Aim of the current review is to find the effect of social media use on mental health. RECENT FINDINGS Systematic search of articles was carried out from different database from 1991 to February 2020 across five databases. The PICO guidelines, PRISMA flow diagram and Rayyan software was used in identifying relevant studies which were assessed using the risk of bias. Cross-referencing was done with the co-authors. A total of 16 studies was finally included in the review. Social media role is far reaching both in terms of an individual's self-perception and mood but also on their social relationships. It is interesting to find its effect also in politics, organizations and even psychiatric illnesses. The 16 studies were divided into the positive, negative and neutral effects of social media. SUMMARY Debate over social media's role mental health will continue till a greater number of RCTs are conducted. Various variables amongst different age groups should be measured. It would also be beneficial if longitudinal research can be done.
Diversidade e ocorrência temporal da anurofauna (Amphibia, Anura) em São José dos Pinhais, Paraná, Brasil

The Atlantic Forest is the biome with the largest biodiversity and endemism rate of anuran amphibians in the world. However, information on natural history and patterns of occurrence are still unknown for most of the species that occur in this biome. In this study the diversity and the seasonal occurrence of anuran amphibians were determined in an ecotone area between Atlantic Forest and Araucaria Forest, in the southeastern of Parana state. In the survey, accomplished from January 2003 to May 2004, 34 species from five families were registered: Bufonidae (two species), Hylidae (17 species), Leptodactylidae (13 species), Microhylidae (one species) and Ranidae (one species). The species richness is one of the largest of Parana state and eight of the nine studied sites presented high diversity of species. The fact that the studied area is located in an ecotone supports the occurrence of typical species from two physiognomies. Besides, an additional hypothesis to explain this great diversity is the intermediate disturbance due to the deforestation that occurred until thirty years ago, which made the occurrence of some typical species from open areas possible. The largest number of species (48%) occurred during the rainy season, however, the proportion of annual species was great (25%), similar to the one found in regions with wet tropical climate (30%). The similarity in species composition among nine localities in Atlantic Forest in Parana State was associated to the vegetal physiognomy of the studied areas.
Acute reductions in haematocrit increase flow‐mediated dilatation independent of resting nitric oxide bioavailability in humans

Changes in haematocrit influence nitric oxide signalling through alterations in shear stress stimuli and haemoglobin scavenging of nitric oxide; these two regulatory factors have not been assessed simultaneously Isovolumic haemodilution led to a marked increase in brachial artery flow‐mediated dilatation in humans The increase in flow‐mediated dilatation occurred in the face of an unaltered shear stress stimulus for vasodilatation and reduced resting steady‐state nitric oxide levels in the blood Collectively, our data point towards haemoglobin scavenging of nitric oxide as a key regulatory factor of brachial flow‐mediated dilatation and highlight the importance of the simultaneous consideration of nitric oxide production and inactivation when investigating vascular function in humans
Griffithsin, Alone and Combined with All Classes of Antiretroviral Drugs, Potently Inhibits HIV Cell-Cell Transmission and Destruction of CD4+ T cells

HIV spreads by cell-free virions but also efficiently through cell-cell mediated contacts. These cell-cell HIV transmission pathways have also been suggested as a mechanism of viral escape from neutralizing antibodies and antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. The carbohydrate-binding agent (CBA) griffithsin (GRFT) inhibits cell-free HIV replication in the pM range (43-630 pM). Here, we evaluated GRFT alone and in combination with compounds of four different classes of antiretroviral drugs (entry inhibitors, reverse transcriptase inhibitors, integrase inhibitors and protease inhibitors)in cell-cell HIV transmission routes and determined the combination index (CI) using the median effect principle. The activities of GRFT and antiretroviral drugs were evaluated in assays of inhibition of giant cell formation, HIV replication and target T cell destruction via light microscopy, multi-parameter flow cytometry and p24 HIV-1 Ag ELISA. GRFT potently inhibits (i) giant cell formation between persistently HIV-infected T cells and noninfected CD4+ target T cells (EC50: 87 ± 4 pM) and (ii) HIV transmission, CD4+ T-cell destruction and viral replication through the DC-SIGN mediated pathway (EC50:25 ± 3 pM). All GRFT/ARV drug combinations displayed synergistic or additive effects (CI95: 0.30-1.08) on inhibition of cell-cell fusion and on protection against target CD4+ T cell destruction. In addition, the GRFT/ARV combinations also potently inhibited short-term (20–24 h) viral replication in T-cells via the DC-SIGN mediated route of transmission. These in vitro data are very encouraging for GRFT as an ingredient in a multi-targeted microbicide.