Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Photostimulation of Extravasation of Beta-Amyloid through the Model of Blood-Brain Barrier

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is an incurable pathology associated with progressive decline in memory and cognition. Phototherapy might be a new promising and alternative strategy for the effective treatment of AD, and has been actively discussed over two decades. However, the mechanisms of therapeutic photostimulation (PS) effects on subjects with AD remain poorly understood. The goal of this study was to determine the mechanisms of therapeutic PS effects in beta-amyloid (Aβ)-injected mice. The neurological severity score and the new object recognition tests demonstrate that PS 9 J/cm2 attenuates the memory and neurological deficit in mice with AD. The immunohistochemical assay revealed a decrease in the level of Aβ in the brain and an increase of Aβ in the deep cervical lymph nodes obtained from mice with AD after PS. Using the in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), we show a PS-mediated decrease in transendothelial resistance and in the expression of tight junction proteins as well an increase in the BBB permeability to Aβ. These findings suggest that a PS-mediated BBB opening and the activation of the lymphatic clearance of Aβ from the brain might be a crucial mechanism underlying therapeutic effects of PS in mice with AD. These pioneering data open new strategies in the development of non-pharmacological methods for therapy of AD and contribute to a better understanding of the PS effects on the central nervous system.
The 'cixiid-like' fossil planthopper families

The generalised planthopper venation pattern of Fulgoromorpha (Hemiptera) is reviewed and discussed in respect to superfamilies Coleoscytoidea, Surijokocixioidea, and Fulgoroidea. Characters of the superfamilies and included taxa are given and discussed, together with a more detailed review of Fulgoroidea fossil families, particularly for the paraphyletic Fulgoridiidae. Re-exploration of the basal evolution of the group with a comparative analysis of the only set of characters shared by all basal ‘cixiid-like’ families are presented. It shows that ancient fossil taxa share an impoverished venational pattern (brachy-micropterism? ) that might indicate some adaptation to dry environments.
An overview of SARS-COV-2: Virology, Epidemiology, Pathogenesis and Treatment

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a causative agent of COVID-19 infections. In late December, 2019 emergence and pandemic outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 virus has created serious health threat globally, unlike emergence of SARS-CoV in 2002, and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) in 2012. Globally, about 4,434,653 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infections are reported including 302,169 deaths. Wild animals’ bat, snakes, and pangolins are potential sources of this virus, based on the sequence homology of these animals and the nucleic acid of SARS-CoV-2 virus isolated from infected persons. Human infection occurs due to the inhalation of respiratory droplets, which mainly infects the lower respiratory tract causing a mild flu like symptoms that may extend to severe pneumonia. Currently, there are no any vaccines or antiviral drugs against this virus. Treatment of patients is based mainly on symptomatic management. The aims of the present study were to summarize the information on the origin, evolution, structure and genomes, epidemiology, molecular immunopathogenesis, and diagnostic approaches of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Moreover, we discuss the current approaches, progress in vaccine development, and the antiviral therapies to cope with COVID-19 infection. Thus, the information and data gathered on coronavirus will be helpful in understanding all the aspects on SARS-CoV-2 virus, and helps to reduce the global health threat and economic impact.
INFUSING EXTERNAL EXAMINERS’ REPORTS IN OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING POSTGRADUATE SUPERVISION

In postgraduate studies an examiner’s report serves as a quality index of the supervision process and its output – the dissertation or thesis. This article reports selected findings of a qualitative interpretive analysis of examiners’ reports of Masters’ dissertations in one College at the University of South Africa. The purpose of this study was to ascertain, through a literature study and document analysis, the scholarly attributes expected by external examiners with a view to infusing these expectations in postgraduate supervision guidelines. The analysis uncovered a pattern in examiners’ quality expectations, concerns and commendations. Undergirded by social constructivism and principles of andragogy, the paper argues that supervisors should make these expectations known to students by incorporating them into the goals of postgraduate supervision. This can help minimise postgraduate supervision challenges encountered by students in Open and Distance Learning.
From intention to decision in life insurance and private pensions: different effect of knowledge and behavioural factors

In this paper we test several hypotheses about the influence of behavioural and sociodemographic factors on buying a life insurance policy or a private pension. Data come from a sample of 1579 individuals, representative for the Romanian consumers. We designed a questionnaire which emphasizes four distinct categories of determinants: socio-demographic factors, general behavioural factors and specific behavioural factors, as well as a self-constructed index of insurance knowledge. Through logit regression models we highlight a different mechanism which distinguishes between intention and decision for both life insurance and private pensions. We show that specific behavioural factors and insurance knowledge are highly significant for the decision, but not significant for the intention to buy both types of products.
Enhancing postharvest storage life of pointed gourd (Trichosanthes dioica Roxb.) fruits with edible coatings

In the present investigation the effectiveness of two edible coatings viz. Carnauba wax and chitosan on postharvest storage behaviour of pointed gourd fruits was evaluated under ambient storage conditions (temperature 27.4-32.3°C and 70-81% RH). There were seven treatments, replicated thrice and experiment was laid out in completely randomized design. The fruits treated with 1.0% Carnauba wax gained highest sensory score (7.33). The physiological loss of weight in Carnauba wax treated fruits remained lower (0.63%) than the chitosan coated fruits. The minimum spoilage (3.08%) was also reported in 1.0%Carnauba wax. The highest disease reduction index of 83.98 was recorded in 1.0% Carnauba wax. The highest retention of total chlorophyll (5.89 mg/g) was recorded in 1.0% Carnauba wax and lowest in chitosan treated fruits at the end of storage period. Thus, among the two coating materials, Carnauba wax has the potential to extend storage life and preserve other quality attributes.
Agronomic and qualitative evaluation of some olive selections derived from a breeding program

A breeding olive program has been established in 1994 at Egypt by crossing between local and foreign cultivars for selection and evaluation to get new genotypes for table, oil, or dual purpose varieties. Future work is planned to evaluate the adaptation of the most promising selection to different environments. During three successive years (2011-2013) progenies from crosses between cvs. (Leccio x Toffahi), (Coratina x Toffahi), (Toffahi x Arbiquine) and (Arbiquine x Toffahi) were evaluated. The progenies have been analyzed for some tree growth traits (shoot length, shoot thickness, number of nodes/shoot, internodes length, leaf traits (average number of leaves/shoot, leaf surface area, leaf shape), flowering-entity (flowering time, the length of inflorescence, number of total flowers/ inflorescence, number of perfect flowers/inflorescence, number of staminate flowers/ inflorescence, sex ratio, and fruit set/m), drupe traits (tree yield, fruit shape, fruit weight, seed weight, flesh weight, flesh/seed, moisture and oil content (oil percent in fresh weight and oil percent in dry weight) and rooting capability. From the obtained data, it can be concluded that some valuable selections have been resulted. Such progenies were No. 51, 62, and 63 for table olive; progenies No 36, 49, 109 and 121 for oil and No. 34, 35, 108, 110 and 111 for dual purpose. Furthermore, selected progenies were propagated and planted in three locations, to evaluate their performance in different geographical areas. Performance included i.e., tree growth, yield, fruit characteristics, oil content and oil compositions in fatty acids. There comes the necessity to study quantities and qualitative traits of olive production for the most important selections.
Diagnosis of ventilator-associated pneumonia

Ventilator-associated pneumonia is dif®cult to diagnose and remains a source of considerable controversy despite the recommendations of a consensus conference suggesting bronchoscopic techniques to determine true aetiology. Wet mounts and Gram-stains of sterile ̄uids and urine are examined as a common practice in most hospitals to guarantee the quality of the samples. However, only a few authors have emphasised the relevance of screening respiratory samples ± a simple and economic means of evaluating the quality of samples and an indicator for the initiation of antibiotic treatment. The aim of this review is to demonstrate that decisions regarding empirical therapy can be improved if based on direct examination of the samples and appropriate interpretation of the culture results. # 2001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
CLINICAL, HEMATOLOGICAL AND PARASITOLOGICAL STUDY ON CANINE BABESIOSIS

Canine babesiosis is a common tick-borne disease of dogs worldwide. A number of Babesia sp. can infect dogs and the spectrum is increasing as molecular methods are developed to differentiate organisms. In the current study between March, 2014 and February, 2015, a total number of 200 dogs were examined for babesiosis. The clinical findings, the vector tick identification, hematological changesand parasitological diagnosis (blood film examination) of Babesia were investigated. Animals in cute form showed animals in this form showed fever (39.3 – 41.5o C), lethargy, icterus, splenomegaly, vomiting, congested mucous membrane, and hematuria. While chronic form characterized by intermittent pyrexia, partial anorexia, loss of body condition, pale mucous membrane. On the other hand, subclinical form shows no symptoms. Results of blood film showed that Babesia canis trophozoite existed in 2 morphological phenotypes either as piriform type or as an amoeboid type. Out of 200 dogs examined; 79 (39.5%) were naturally infected with hard ticks. The hard tick species were identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The hematological findings showed that, there was significant decrease in RBCs count, Platelets count, Granulocytes count, HCT, and HGB in animals of infected group than healthy animals.
WORK SAFETY AND HEALTH AND DISCIPLINE IN AFFECTING EMPLOYEE WORK PRODUCTIVITY IN PT. TRI KEESON UTAMA GARUT

PT. Tri Keeson Utama Garut is a company engaged in chocolate industry. This study aimed to determine the effect of work safety and health and discipline on employees’ work productivity. The problem in this study wasthe achievement of unattainable production targets that wereexpected to occur due to work safety and health and discipline. This research wasa quantitative research. The author conducteddata collection through instruments in the form of questionnaires containing statements and distributed them to 50 respondents as a sample of all members of the population in the production section. The instruments made werethen tested through validity and reliability testing. The analysis of the data used in this study wasmultiple regression analysis to test and prove the hypothesis. From the results of the research,work safety and healthhada partial influence on employees’ work productivity.Discipline also had an influence on employees’ productivity at PT. Tri Keeson Utama Garut, andwork safety and health and discipline simultaneously hada significant effect on employees’ work productivity at PT. Tri Keeson Utama Garut.
Prevalence, intensity, and effect of a nematode (Philometra saltatrix) in the ovaries of bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix)

Examination of 203 adult bluefish (Pomatomus saltatrix) from Long Island, New York, in 2002 and 2003 and 66 from the Outer Banks, North Carolina, in 2003 revealed the presence of dracunculoid nematodes (Philometra saltatrix) in the ovaries of female fish. Percent prevalence reached 88% in July and then decreased after the peak of the spawning season. Bluefish contained up to 100 parasites per fish. Infection was associated with a range of disorders, including hemorrhage, inf lammation, edema, prenecrotic and necrotic changes, and follicular atresia, that may prevent proper development of oocytes and probably affect bluefish fecundity. Historical occurrences, life cycle, and geographical distribution of this nematode remain largely unknown, but may play important roles in recruitment processes of bluefish.
Spore Germination and Germ Tube Growth of a Vesicular-Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungus in Vitro

The effects of mineral nutrients, thiamine, pH, and organic substrates on germination and germ tube growth of a vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus were examined. Surfacesterilized azygospores of Gigaspora margarita were plated on 1% water agar containing different components and incubated at 28 C up to 30 da. Maximum germination and germ tube growth occurred when 20 mg 1-1 CaH2PO4 was used, whereas 24 mg 1-~ NH4NO3 did not affect germination and depressed germ tube growth by 55%. Potassium or concentrations of soluble nutrient salts as high as those used to grow seedlings axenically had no effect on spore germination or germ tube growth. Thiamine at 0.1 mg 1-1 increased germination, and maximum germ tube growth occurred at 0.01 mg 1-1. The interaction between medium pH and medium composition was significant. Spore germination was not enhanced by any of the organic substrates. Low concentrations (4 g 1-1) of sucrose favored germ tube growth. Relation of these results to nutrition and root-colonizing ability of VA mycorrhizal spores is discussed.
Long-Term and Discouraged Unemployment in Urban Centers: Investigating Quality of Life, Material Deprivation and Financial Support from the Family

Aim: The investigation of the impact of long-term and discouraged unemployment on the quality of life of the unemployed in urban centers and the detection of the cause of material deprivation and possible financial support from the family. Method: The present study was conducted using the random stratified sampling method. The study population consisted of 159 long-term and discouraged unemployed. The tools used were the SF-36 questionnaire for the investigation of the quality of life and the EU-SILC tool for the detection material deprivation. Results: The lowest scores on quality of life were detected in the dimensions "emotional role" and "mental health" with an average score of 44.30% (SD = 43.94 and CI = 37.39-51.20) and 50.17% (SD = 24.35 and CI = 46.34-54.00) respectively. The ANOVA variation analysis related the material deprivation to the dimensions of general health (p = 0.034) and mental health (p = 0.002) and estimated that it caused a decrease of 7,527 points and 13,066 points respectively. Conclusions: Employment loss implies the occurrence of mental and social dysfunction, which often immobilizes the person so that he does not ask for a job. Material deprivation is the biggest aggravating factor in declining the quality of life. Financial support from the family drives long-term and discouraged unemployed away from the risk of material deprivation. However, due to the severe economic crisis, assistance is provided only to its new unemployed members and not, as in previous decades, to children who have started their own families. It is considered necessary the reorganization of the social protection system and the formation of active integration programs by connecting the future needs of the market with the educational programs of the unemployed.
Use of Predator Chemical Cues by Three Species of Lacertid Lizards (Lacerta bedriagae, Podarcis tiliguerta, and Podarcis sicula)

Three species of lacertid lizards (Lacerta bedriagae, Podarcis tiliguerta, and Podarcis sicula) are able to detect the former presence of the saurophagous snake Coluber viridiflavus by tongue flicking. Lizards tongue flicked more in cages previously inhabited by the predatory snake than in clean cages or in cages treated with eau-de-cologne. They also exhibited behavioral acts typically associated with stressful situations (foot shakes, tail vibrations, starts) more frequently when predator chemicals are present Individ- uals from the two Podarcis species that came from populations syntopic with C. viridiflavus were also able to distinguish between chemical cues from this saurophagous predator and a nonsaurophagous snake (Natrix maura). In these lizards, the former presence of N. maura did not elicit higher tongue-flick rates or stress- indicating behaviors. In contrast, individuals of Lacerta bedriagae collected from a snake-free area increased tongue-flick rate and frequency of stress-related behavior in response to chemicals of both snakes, suggesting that prior contact is not required for chemosensory recognition of snakes in this species but may facilitate the distinction between different species of snakes. The presence of predator (C. viridiflavus) chemical cues induces a shift in the microhabitat use of the lizard species studied. In a large terrarium containing various substrates, lizards chose different types of microhabitats when chemical cues of C. viridiflavus were present than when absent and avoided the side of the terrarium labeled with the chemicals.
Effectiveness of implementing world Englishes in English language curricula

Although world Englishes and various teaching practices in English as an international language (EIL) have been recommended for English language curricula, the effectiveness of including a variety of Englishes in such curricula has not been fully examined. This small-scale study investigated the effectiveness of exposure to world Englishes among undergraduate students at a public university in northeast Japan. The students (N = 48) watched web-based news and presentations regularly (e.g., NHK World) in English from home and abroad, featuring native and non-native English speakers, and responded to comprehension questions. After 13 weeks of intervention, the students completed a survey questionnaire that used a 5-point Likert scale. Responses to closed-ended items in the survey were generally positive; the intervention appeared to contribute to broadening students’ view of the world, and it increased their awareness of the varieties of English currently used. In addition, the majority of the participants positively evaluated “good Japanese English” as a variety of international communication, unlike those in previous studies who had a contrasting view. However, the class did not seem to provide the students with a full sense of participation in the world of English users due to a lack of sufficient interaction in English with other EIL users. Limitations and pedagogical implications of the study are also discussed.
Contribution of the connective tissues on the texture difference of various fish species.

Contribution of the connective tissue content on the meat texture of fish species was studied. Firmness of texturometer tests and collagen content of the raw and cooked dorsal muscles of five fish species were determined. Five species selected were skipjack, flying fish, common horse mackerel, plaice and channel rock fish. The firmness value of raw meat varied in a decreasing order: plaice, channel rock fish, flying fish, skipjack, and common horse mackerel. That of cooked meat varied in a decreasing order: skipjack, flying fish, common horse mackerel, plaiceand channel rock fish. The order of the above series was in reverse between raw meat and cooked meat. The species with softer raw meat textures, on cooking gave a firmer texture. The amount of connective tissues as expressed by collagen content was determined on the muscle portion as the same with the texture measurements. Higher the collagen content, firmer the raw meat. There was a significant correlation (r: 0.697) between the collagen content and the firmness. The species with firmer raw meat texture contained higher collagen content than the species with softer texture. The amount of water soluble collagen at 20°C pH 7.0, assumed as an index of the exuding collagen during mustication, increased with the decrease of the firmness of raw meat (r: 0.650). The amount of water insoluble collagen gave higher correlation coe-fficient(r: 0.744) with the firmness. These results suggest that the properties and/or composition of collagen is varied by spies. However, between the cooked meat and the collagen content, such relationships was hardly recognized, and this was attributed to the collagen which is solubilized during cooking. There was no appreciable correlation between the amount of water soluble collagen at 70°C and the fumness of cooked meat, though cooked beef muscle has been reported to give such correlation. The connective tissue proteins must contribute to the raw meat texture, while the cooked meat texture does not depend upon the connective tissue proteins, but, probably on the other factors, like the muscle fiber characteristics as reported before.
Estimating Risk of Mechanical Ventilation and Mortality Among Adult COVID-19 patients Admitted to Mass General Brigham: The VICE and DICE Scores

Background: Risk stratification of COVID-19 patients upon hospital admission is key for their successful treatment and efficient utilization of hospital resources. Objective: To evaluate the risk factors associated with ventilation need and mortality. Design, setting and participants: We established a retrospective cohort of COVID-19 patients from Mass General Brigham hospitals. Demographic, clinical, and admission laboratory data were obtained from electronic medical records of patients admitted to hospital with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 before May 19th, 2020. Using patients admitted to Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH, derivation cohort), multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to construct the Ventilation in COVID Estimator (VICE) and Death in COVID Estimator (DICE) risk scores. Measurements: The primary outcomes were ventilation status and death. Results: The entire cohort included 1042 patients (median age, 64 years; 56.8% male). The derivation and validation cohorts for the risk scores included 578 and 464 patients, respectively. We found seven factors to be independently predictive for ventilation requirement (diabetes mellitus, dyspnea, alanine aminotransferase, troponin, C-reactive protein, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, and lactate dehydrogenase), and 10 factors to be predictors of in-hospital mortality (age, sex, diabetes mellitus, chronic statin use, albumin, C-reactive protein, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, mean corpuscular volume, platelet count, and procalcitonin). Using these factors, we constructed the VICE and DICE risk scores, which performed with C-statistics of at least 0.8 in our cohorts. Importantly, the chronic use of a statin was associated with protection against death due to COVID-19. The VICE and DICE score calculators have been placed on an interactive website freely available to the public (https://covid-calculator.com/). Limitations: One potential limitation is the modest sample sizes in both our derivation and validation cohorts. Conclusion: The risk scores developed in this study may help clinicians more appropriately determine which COVID-19 patients will need to be managed with greater intensity.