Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Edinburgh Research Explorer Accessibility and use of peri-urban green space for inner-city dwellers

Peri-urban landscape, space between the rural and urban setting, has generally been seen in planning practice as space in a transient state, likely to be developed in the future. However, research has shown that peri-urban green spaces have increasingly been used for recreational and leisure purposes by urban and rural dwellers. This study aims to explore whether, if urban dwellers' preferred green spaces are large peri-urban semi-natural areas, they will nonetheless be used only infrequently if the accessibility of these spaces is not swift. A questionnaire-based survey and focus groups were conducted to collect data from around 380 urban dwellers in two European cities of similar size but contrasting green space strategies, Ljubljana (green wedges strategy) and Edinburgh (green belt strategy). The results showed expected, strong cross-cultural preference for semi-natural landscapes (as opposed to formal parks and playing fields), such as woodlands, fields, waterways, etc. High appreciation and high use of green corridors was a more unexpected result. In addition, coastal landscapes appeared to be popular in Edinburgh and larger, peri-urban open spaces in Ljubljana. The frequency of visits to peri-urban spaces was considerably higher in Ljubljana, due to swift accessibility of the city's green wedges. In both cities, perceptions of distance to travel were the major barrier to frequent use of peri-urban green spaces. The findings suggest that green corridors enable enjoyable and easy access to semi-natural spaces in and around the city. This should be taken into account in future planning, as part of any wider green space strategies.
Integrated application of salicylic acid and Moringa oleifera leaf extract alleviates the salt-induced adverse effects in common bean plants.

The effects of the integrated application of salicylic acid (SA; 1 mM) and Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MLE; 1 extract: 30 tap water) on the growth, yield and leaf anatomy of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) plants grown on a saline soil (EC = 6.23 – 6.28 dS m -1 ) were investigated. The integrated application of SA and MLE, used as seed soaking or foliar spray, significantly improved growth characteristics (i.e., shoot length, number and area of leaves per plant, and plant dry weight), green pod and dry seed yields (pod weight per plant and per hectare, and seed weight per plant and per hectare) and leaf anatomy of common bean plants when compared with the controls (seed soaking and foliar spray with tap water). The integrated application of SA used as seed soaking and MLE used as foliar spray, which non-significantly exceeded the integrated application of SA used as foliar spray and MLE used as seed soaking, was found to be highly effective at improving the growth and yields of bean plants by alleviating the inhibitory effects of soil salinity stress.
SCREENING THE INDIAN SUNDARBAN MANGROVE FOR ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY

This paper examines the antimicrobial activity of aqueous extract of leaves of four mangrove plants from the Indian Sundarbans against bacteria pathogenic to humans and plant. Fresh leaves collected were surface sterilized, dried till crisp and then ground till powder and extracted with sterile distilled water for 18 hours at 70°C. The antimicrobial activity of the aqueous extract was tested using agar well diffusion technique. The length of inhibition zone was measured in millimeters. The zone of inhibition against the test pathogenic bacteria ranged from (13mm to 20mm). All the aqueous extract showed antimicrobial activity. Aqueous extract of the tested mangrove plants exhibited promising antibacterial activity. Aegialitis rotundifolia could be used in the treatment of E. coli, B. cereus and S.typhi infection. Avicennia alba and Brugeria gymnorrhiza could be used for treating Staphylococcus aureus infection. Moreover due to location of mangrove in the saline estuarine region, they are rich in photochemical which may be the reason for their antibacterial activity. Further studies are being carried out in order to isolate the compound responsible for antibacterial property.
Evaluation of Meat and Egg Traits of Beijing-you Chickens Rotationally Grazing on Chicory Pasture in a Chestnut Forest

Barn and cage-fed chickens have presented several problems, such as high rates of infectious disease and consequent antibiotic abuse, poorer chicken health and welfare, and often poorer meat and egg quality compared with free-range chickens. The poultry agroforestry system is becoming increasingly popular in many poultry farms nowadays. In this study, to evaluate the contribution of poultry agroforestry system to enhance some meat and egg traits of Beijing-you chickens, some indexes of meat and egg qualities, some indexes of slaughter traits, and the feed conversion efficiency were investigated in rotational grazing Beijing-you chickens on chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) pasture (CGRG group) and only free-ranging chickens on bare land without forage (control group) in chestnut forest. Results showed that the live body weight, the dressing weight, the thigh muscle weight, and the breast muscle weight were increased (p<0.05) based on the decrease of 15% feed concentration in the CGRG group relative to the control. Furthermore, compared with the control, the crude ash, the essential amino acid content, and the inosinic acid content were increased (p<0.05), and the crude fat contents were decreased (p<0.05) in the thigh and breast muscles, while the yolk cholesterol and the feed conversion ratio were significantly decreased (p<0.05) in the CGRG group. This study would provide a scientific basis and technological support for the large-scale demonstration and application of rotational grazing chickens on the artificial pasture in forest.
Quantitative proteomic analysis of cerebrospinal fluid of women newly diagnosed with multiple sclerosis

Abstract Purpose The lack of reliable diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers for multiple sclerosis (MS) is the major obstacle to timely and accurate patient diagnosis in MS patients. To identify new proteins associated with MS we performed a detailed proteomic analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients newly diagnosed with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and healthy controls. Material Reflecting significantly higher prevalence of MS in women we included only women patients and controls in the study. To eliminate a potential effect of therapy on the CSF composition, only the therapy-naïve patients were included. Methods Pooled CSF samples were processed in a technical duplicate, and labeled with stable-isotope coded TMT tags. To maximize the proteome coverage, peptide fractionation using 2D-LC preceded mass analysis using Orbitrap Fusion Tribrid Mass Spectrometer. Differential concentration of selected identified proteins between patients and controls was verified using specific antibodies. Results Of the identified 900 CSF proteins, we found 69 proteins to be differentially abundant between patients and controls. In addition to several proteins identified as differentially abundant in MS patients previously, we observed several linked to MS for the first time, namely eosinophil-derived neurotoxin and Nogo receptor. Conclusions Our data confirm differential abundance of several previously proposed protein markers, and provide indirect support for involvement of copper–iron disbalance in MS. Most importantly, we identified two new differentially abundant CSF proteins that seem to be directly connected with myelin loss and axonal damage via TLR2 signaling and Nogo-receptor pathway in women newly diagnosed with RRMS.
Spleen glia are a transcriptionally unique glial subtype interposed between immune cells and sympathetic axons

Glia are known to play important roles in the brain, the gut, and around the sciatic nerve. While the gut has its own specialized nervous system, other viscera are innervated solely by autonomic nerves. The functions of glia that accompany autonomic innervation are not well known, even though they are one of the most abundant cell types in the peripheral nervous system. Here, we focused on non-myelinating Schwann Cells in the spleen, spleen glia. The spleen is a major immune organ innervated by the sympathetic nervous system, which modulates immune function. This interaction is known as neuroimmune communication. We establish that spleen glia can be visualized using both immunohistochemistry for S100B and GFAP and with a reporter mouse. Spleen glia ensheath sympathetic axons and are localized to the lymphocyte-rich white pulp areas of the spleen. We sequenced the spleen glia transcriptome and identified genes that are likely involved in axonal ensheathment and communication with both nerves and immune cells. Spleen glia express receptors for neurotransmitters made by sympathetic axons (adrenergic, purinergic, and Neuropeptide Y), and also cytokines, chemokines, and their receptors that may communicate with immune cells in the spleen. We also established similarities and differences between spleen glia and other glial types. While all glia share many genes in common, spleen glia differentially express immune genes, including genes involved in cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, phagocytosis, and the complement cascade. Thus, spleen glia are a unique glial type, physically and transcriptionally poised to participate in neuroimmune communication in the spleen. Table of Contents Main Points Spleen glia maintain tight associations with splenic nerves and come in close contact with immune cells Spleen glia express genes required for communication with nerves and immune cells Spleen glia are a transcriptionally unique glial type
The anomalies and criticality of liquid water

Significance Water is the most essential yet mysterious liquid on our planet. One fundamental question is whether a liquid–liquid critical point (LLCP) exists in liquid water. However, the inevitable crystallization of ice in the region where LLCP might be located makes the experimental search exceptionally challenging. Here we propose to detect the LLCP as the intersection between thermodynamic and dynamical fluctuation maxima lines in the phase diagram. This unique approach suggests that the LLCP of real water is located around 184 K and 173 MPa. However, contrary to the widely spread belief, we find that the criticality has little influence on the anomalous properties of the experimentally accessible liquid state of water because it is too far from the LLCP. The origin of water’s anomalies has been a matter of long-standing debate. A two-state model, dating back to Röntgen, relies on the dynamical coexistence of two types of local structures—locally favored tetrahedral structure (LFTS) and disordered normal-liquid structure (DNLS)—in liquid water. Phenomenologically, this model not only explains water’s thermodynamic anomalies but also can rationalize the existence of a liquid–liquid critical point (LLCP) if there is a cooperative formation of LFTS. We recently found direct evidence for the coexistence of LFTS and DNLS in the experimental structure factor of liquid water. However, the existence of the LLCP and its impact on water’s properties has remained elusive, leaving the origin of water’s anomalies unclear. Here we propose a unique strategy to locate the LLCP of liquid water. First, we make a comprehensive analysis of a large set of experimental structural, thermodynamic, and dynamic data based on our hierarchical two-state model. This model predicts that the two thermodynamic and dynamical fluctuation maxima lines should cross at the LLCP if it exists, which we confirm by hundred-microsecond simulations for model waters. Based on recent experimental results of the compressibility and diffusivity measurements in the no man’s land, we reveal that the two lines cross around 184 K and 173 MPa for real water, suggesting the presence of the LLCP around there. Nevertheless, we find that the criticality is almost negligible in the experimentally accessible region of liquid water because it is too far from the LLCP. Our findings would provide a clue to settle the long-standing debate.
Identification of Edible Short- and Long-Horned Grasshoppers and Their Host Plants in East Africa

Abstract There is a paucity of information on the edible grasshoppers and their host plants in East Africa. This study adopted morphological and molecular analysis to identify edible grasshoppers in Kenya and Uganda. The associated host plants were identified through molecular analysis of the gut contents of the grasshoppers. The cytochrome b and 16s gene primers were used for grasshopper DNA analysis; while matK gene primers were used for plant DNA analysis. All long-horned grasshoppers sampled were identified as Ruspolia differens (Serville) (Orthoptera: Tettigonidae); whereas short-horned grasshoppers were identified as Acanthacris ruficornis (Fabricius) (Orthoptera: Acrididae) and Cyrtacanthacris tatarica (L.) (Orthoptera: Acrididae). Host plants of A. ruficornis were Achyranthes aspera (L.), Centella virgata L.f. Drude, Digitaria gayana (Kunth), Galinsoga quadriradiata Ruiz and Pavon, and Triumfetta pilosa Roth; whereas those of C. tatarica were Alysicarpus rugosus (Willd.) DC and Teramnus uncinatus (L.) SW. Host plants of R. differens were Ageratum conyzoides (L.), Citrus depressa Hayata, Cynodon dactylon (L.), D. gayana, Eragrostis mexicana Hornem, Eucalyptus saligna SM. , Indigofera arrecta Hochst. ex A. Rich. , Persicaria nepalensis (L.), and Sorghum halepense (L.). Information on the host plants of edible grasshoppers can help in the development of their mass rearing protocols.
Loss of the common immune coreceptor BAK1 leads to NLR-dependent cell death

Significance BAK1 plays a key role in multiple PRR-triggered immune signaling pathways. Double mutants generated by BAK1 and its paralog BKK1 show spontaneous cell death, which is not seen in any known PRR mutants. We discovered that the ADR1 class of helper nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat proteins (NLRs) is required for the autoimmune responses of bak1 bkk1. Knocking out three ADR1s can significantly suppress the cell death of bak1-3 bkk1-1, suggesting the autoimmune responses of bak1 bkk1 are caused by NLR activation. Furthermore, expression of HopB1, an effector derived from Pseudomonas syringae that cleaves activated BAK1 and its paralogs, leads to cell death similar to bak1 bkk1, which requires ADR1s. Our results indicate BAK1 and its paralogs serve as guardees for NLRs. Plants utilize a two-tiered immune system consisting of pattern recognition receptor (PRR)-triggered immunity (PTI) and effector-triggered immunity (ETI) to defend themselves against pathogenic microbes. The receptor protein kinase BAK1 plays a central role in multiple PTI signaling pathways in Arabidopsis. However, double mutants made by BAK1 and its closest paralog BKK1 exhibit autoimmune phenotypes, including cell death resembling a typical nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat protein (NLR)-mediated ETI response. The molecular mechanisms of the cell death caused by the depletion of BAK1 and BKK1 are poorly understood. Here, we show that the cell-death phenotype of bak1 bkk1 is suppressed when a group of NLRs, ADR1s, are mutated, indicating the cell-death of bak1 bkk1 is the consequence of NLR activation. Furthermore, introduction of a Pseudomonas syringae effector HopB1, which proteolytically cleaves activated BAK1 and its paralogs via either gene transformation or bacterium-delivery, results in a cell-death phenotype in an ADR1s-dependent manner. Our study thus pinpoints that BAK1 and its paralogs are likely guarded by NLRs.
Essential amino acid formulations to prevent mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress

Purpose of review Both restriction and supplementation of specific amino acids or branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are described to improve metabolic homeostasis, energy balance, and health span. This review will discuss the recent findings of the role of amino acid supplements in the regulation of mitochondrial health. Recent findings A mixture of essential amino acids (EAAs), BCAA enriched mixture, was found to extend healthy life span in elderly mice and prevent multiple diseases associated with an energy deficit, similarly to caloric restriction or fasting-mimicking diets. A growing body of evidence highlights mitochondria as the central target of this supplement: it promotes mitochondrial biogenesis and the activation of antioxidant defence systems in different physiological (e.g., exercise or ageing) or pathological conditions (e.g., sarcopenia, muscular dystrophy, liver steatosis, or impaired cognition). Based on these results, new formulas have been created enriched with Krebs cycle substrates, behaving more efficiently than BCAA enriched mixture. Summary EAA-BCAA balanced supplements might be valuable not only for healthy individuals undergoing to energy deficit (e.g., athletes) during strenuous exercise or training but also against diseases characterized by a dysregulated catabolic state or mitochondrial dysfunction, such as age-related disorders. The associated mechanistic processes should be identified as potential pharmacological targets.
MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION AND SSR BASED DNA FINGERPRINTING OF ELITE COMMERCIAL MANGO CULTIVARS

Thirteen premium quality commercial mango cultivars grown in Pakistan were assayed with seven SSR primer series viz., mMiCIR, MiSHRS, MIAC, MITGIT, LMMA, UBC and MiIIHR. Among the 120 primers used, 101 produced bands and revealed a narrow genetic base ranging from 0.62-0.8 with maximum similarity among the cvs. ‘Anwar Ratole’ and ‘Sensation’ while the maximum divergence was between cvs. ‘Sindhri’ and ‘Sensation’. Chaunsa was genetically more similar (74.2%) and ‘Kala Chaunsa’ was more dissimilar (31.2%) respectively when compared with all the other cultivars. Of 101 SSR primers, we have identified 30 (29.7%) highly informative primers (PIC value ≥0.6), which could be useful in the molecular characterization of mango germplasm. The primer series MIAC, UBC and MiIIHR had the maximum percentage of highly informative primers in descending order. The UPGMA based Euclidian dendrogram constructed with similarity indices placed all the cultivars according to regions of their origin and magnitude of diversity among them. The morphological characterization of the commercial cultivars was also done using 11 quantitative traits; however, none of the traits except fruit weight was informative for the assessment of genetic diversity. SSR based molecular characterization appeared to be reliable, reproducible and cost effective.
Influence of a yeast fermented product on the serum levels of the mannan‐binding lectin and the antibodies against the Newcastle disease virus in Ross broilers

&NA; The objective of this research was to evaluate the serum concentrations of mannan‐binding lectin (MBL) at different ages in Ross broilers fed increasing amounts of a yeast‐fermented product (YFP) and inoculated with a vaccine against Newcastle disease virus (NDV). Eighty mixed Ross B308 broilers were individually housed. Groups of 20 broilers were randomly assigned to 4 dietary levels of YFP (0, 400, 800, and 1,600 ppm). Serum concentrations of MBL were determined on d 17, 21, 28, and 35. At 21 d, birds were vaccinated against NDV and the titers of antibodies (Ab) against NDV were determined at 35 d of age. There was not changes in the concentrations of MBL due to the increasing levels of dietary YFP, but showed a steady decrease across the sampling d. The NDV‐specific Ab titers showed the lowest titers at the highest dietary YFP. Broilers with low (LMBL) and high (HMBL) concentrations of MBL were observed, which exhibited different patterns on the Ab titers against NDV in respect to the increasing levels of dietary YFP. This was also observed when the gender effect was introduced in the analysis of data. The results suggest that in Ross broilers raised in commercial conditions the presence of low Ab titers after a vaccination may be partially caused by factors such as the frequency of LMBL and HMBL chickens, the proportion of females and males in the flock and the additions of dietary growth promoters like YFP.
Propranolol versus atenolol in the treatment of infantile hemangioma: a comparative study

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oral propranolol versus atenolol in the treatment of infantile hemangioma (IH). Methods A total of 75 infants with IH aged 5-24 weeks were randomly divided into two groups: propranolol group (n = 30) orally administrating propranolol 2 mg · kg-1·d-1 in 3 divided doses daily for 24 consecutive weeks, atenolol group (n = 45) orally administrating atenolol 1 mg·kg-1·d-1 once a day for 24 consecutive weeks. After 1-, 4-, 12-, 24-week treatment, the infants with IH were followed and adverse reactions were recorded. In addition, the activity of IH was assessed by hemangioma activity score (HAS) before and after 24-week treatment, and changes of HAS were compared between the propranolol group and atenolol group. Results There was no significant difference in the proportion of patients experiencing satisfactory regression of hemangioma between the propranolol group and atenolol group (70% [21/30] vs. 75.6% [34/45 ], P > 0.05). Treatment failure occurred in one patient in the propranolol group because of severe airway hyperreactivity, and in another patient in the atenolol group because of drug resistance. The incidence rates of gastrointestinal reactions, central nervous system adverse effects, chills on the extremities and bronchiolitis complicated by airway hyperreactivity were all significantly higher in the propranolol group than in the atenolol group (all P < 0.05). None of hypotension, hypoglycemia and bradycardia occurred in the two groups. Conclusion Compared with propranolol, atenolol shows similar efficacy but less adverse effects in the treatment of IH. Key words: Hemangioma; Child; Propranolol; Atenolol; Comparative effectiveness research
Sucrose biotransformation by immobilized Phaffia rhodozyma and continuous neokestose production in a packed-bed reactor

Abstract The effects of important production variables on the biotransformation of sucrose by immobilized cells of Phaffia rhodozyma were investigated. Cell concentration had negative effect on the maximum concentration of neokestose and the optimal concentration was 16 g/l (calculated by dry weight). The concentration of sucrose had a positive effect on the maximum concentration of neokestose within 1.170 mol/l. Elevating the reaction temperature increased the reaction rate but decreased the maximum concentration of neokestose. Sugar cane juice could be used as an inexpensive substrate for neokestose production. Additionally, a 30-d continuous neokestose production was found feasible in a packed bed reactor, indicating that the cell immobilization with chitosan-coated alginate has the potential for industrial production.