Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A STUDY ON VARIATION IN BIOCHEMICAL ASPECTS OF DIFFERENT TREE SPECIES WITH TOLERANCE AND PERFORMANCE INDEX

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the variation between biochemical characteristics and air pollution tolerance index (APTI) of 6 different plant species. The results of the present study indicate that APTI was significantly correlated with total chlorophyll, ascorbic acid, leaf pH for all species and are the most significant and determining factors on which the tolerance depends. The order of tolerance index of plant species is as follows Saraca indica (13.71), Azadirachta indica (12.98), Shorea robusta (12.64), Eucalyptus sp. (12.61), Ficus religiosa (12.61) and Tectona grandis (13.33). According to anticipated performance index (API) all species were tolerant i.e. Azadirachta indica, Ficus religiosa, Saraca indica, Tectona grandis (75%), Shorea robusta and Tectona grandis (68%). The present study suggests that evaluation of plant tolerance and performance index might be very useful in the selection of appropriate species which can be expected to perform well for the development of green environment.
Fungi Associated with Bunch Rot of Grapes in the Hunter Valley

Botrytis cinerea was isolated from apparently healthy and surface-sterilized grape Vitis vinifera L. flowers and berries. It appears that style and stigma could be the major sites of infection in Shiraz cultivar. Fungicide (benomyl) spray at bud burst and at 75% flowering lowered the incidence of B. cinerea latent infection of flowers. It is pointed out that latent infection of flowers can, under favourable conditions, lead to the development of relatively high level of inoculum and consequently high risk of berry rot. The demonstration of latent infection by B. cinerea could have important implications in the development of a management system for bunch rot control in the Hunter Valley. B. cinerea, Alternaria alternata, Rhizopus sp. , Gonatobotrys simplex, Aspergillus niger, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Fusarium sporotrichioides, Epicoccum nigrum and Bipolaris bicolor were isolated frequently from flowers and berries. There appears to be diversity in the fungal flora associated with flowers and berries in Shiraz. Artificial inoculation of mature berries with A. alternata, Rhizopus sp. and A. niger resulted in some degree of rotting. It appears, therefore, that these fungi associated with berries may play a part in the development of berry rot.
Relationship between urinary β2‐microglobulin concentration and mortality in a cadmium‐polluted area in Japan: A 35‐year follow‐up study

The relationship between urinary β2‐microglobulin (β2‐MG) and the risk of all‐cause mortality and cause‐specific mortality in a cadmium (Cd)‐polluted area was investigated in 3139 inhabitants (1404 men and 1735 women) of the Kakehashi River basin in Japan at 35‐year follow‐up. The subjects had been participants in the 1981–1982 health impact survey that assessed Cd‐induced renal dysfunction, as measured by the urinary β2‐MG concentration. Hazard ratios were calculated to assess the risk of all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality according to the urinary β2‐MG concentrations. Risk ratios (RRs) were assessed using the Fine and Gray regression model to account for competing risks of cause‐specific mortality. The mortality rate was significantly higher in participants with urinary β2‐MG concentrations >1000 μg/g creatinine (Cr) for men and >300 μg/g Cr for women. In the proportional hazard model, higher urinary β2‐MG concentrations were associated with higher risks of circulatory disease, digestive system diseases, and kidney and urinary tract diseases in men and women, and with senility for women. However, when competing risk was accounted for, the RRs were significantly higher only for kidney and urinary tract diseases in men and women (RR for each increment of 1000 μg/g Cr [95% confidence interval]: 1.02 [1.00–1.04] for men, and 1.01 [1.00–1.02] for women). The long‐term prognosis of participants with renal tubular dysfunction was poor, most likely due to kidney and renal tract diseases.
Does Retirement Get Under the Skin and Into the Head? Testing the Pathway from Retirement to Cardio-Metabolic Risk, then to Episodic Memory

Many studies document significant causal impacts of retirement on cognitive abilities. It remains unclear if cognitive functioning could be hindered in post-retirement due to heightened physiological responses to stress. Using repeated observations of biomarkers, retirement status, and the word-recall test score from the Health and Retirement Study (n = 25,367; 15,343 among women and 10,024 among men), the study tests this pathway, separately for men and women. The study employs the two-stage least squares fixed-effects model that simultaneously fits three equations predicting the total-recall score, cardio-metabolic risk index, and retirement status. Being retired for at least a year decreases cardio-metabolic risk for men and women, and the resulting relief of cardio-metabolic risk improves cognitive functioning for women but not for men. Retirement does not lead to a downward health spiral as previously suggested; rather, it provides a much needed relief from stressors for those who are at health risks.
Mechanisms determining a differential threshold for sensing Src family kinase activity by B and T cell antigen receptors

Although signal transduction by immunoreceptors such as the T cell antigen receptor (TCR), B cell antigen receptor (BCR), and Fc receptors uses the same schematic and similar molecules, the threshold and the fine-tuning are set differently for each receptor. One manifestation of these differences is that inhibition of Src family kinases (SFK) blocks TCR but not BCR signaling. SFKs are key kinases phosphorylating immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAM) in both these receptors. However, it has been proposed that in B cells, downstream kinase SYK can phosphorylate ITAM sequences independently of SFK, allowing it to compensate for the loss of SFK activity, whereas its T cell paralog ZAP-70 is not capable of this compensation. To test this proposal, we examined signaling in SYK- and ZAP-70–deficient B and T cell lines expressing SYK or ZAP-70. We also analyzed signal transduction in T cells expressing BCR or B cells expressing part of the TCR complex. We show that when compared with ZAP-70, SYK lowered the threshold for SFK activity necessary to initiate antigen receptor signaling in both T and B cells. However, neither SYK nor ZAP-70 were able to initiate signaling independently of SFK. We further found that additional important factors are involved in setting this threshold. These include differences between the antigen receptor complexes themselves and the spatial separation of the key transmembrane adaptor protein LAT from the TCR. Thus, immunoreceptor sensing of SFK activity is a complex process regulated at multiple levels.
Loss of U11 small nuclear RNA in the developing mouse limb results in micromelia.

Disruption of the minor spliceosome due to mutations in RNU4ATAC is linked to primordial dwarfism in microcephalic osteodysplastic primordial dwarfism type 1, Roifman syndrome, and Lowry-Wood syndrome. Similarly, primordial dwarfism in domesticated animals is linked to positive selection in minor spliceosome components. Despite being vital for limb development and size regulation, its role remains unexplored. Here we disrupt minor spliceosome function in the developing mouse limb by ablating one of its essential components, U11 small nuclear RNA, which resulted in micromelia. Notably, earlier loss of U11 corresponded to increased severity. We find that limb size is reduced due to elevated minor intron retention in minor intron-containing genes that regulate cell cycle. As a result, limb progenitor cells experience delayed prometaphase to metaphase transition and prolonged S-phase. Moreover, we observed death of rapidly dividing, distally located progenitors. Despite cell cycle defects and cell death, the spatial expression of key limb patterning genes was maintained. Overall, we show that the minor spliceosome is required for limb development via size control potentially shared in disease and domestication.
Na+ and pH dependence of proline and β‐alanine absorption in rat small intestine

Aims: Early characterization of intestinal absorption of imino acids in mammals has demonstrated the existence of a Na+‐dependent, Cl−‐independent transport system in rat small intestine, which is the only carrier for β‐alanine. Based on the substrate selectivity, it was proposed that the Proton Amino Acid Transporter 1 (PAT1) could be the same as this imino acid carrier. The present study characterizes the pH and Na+ dependence of proline and β‐alanine uptake in rat small intestine.
Characteristics of GII.4 Norovirus Versus Other Genotypes in Sporadic Pediatric Infections in Davidson County, Tennessee, USA

Abstract Background Norovirus is a leading cause of epidemic acute gastroenteritis (AGE), with most outbreaks occurring during winter. The majority of outbreaks are caused by GII.4 noroviruses; however, data to support whether this is true for sporadic medically attended AGE are limited. Therefore, we sought to compare the clinical characteristics and seasonality of GII.4 vs non-GII.4 viruses. Methods Children aged 15 days -17 years with AGE symptoms were recruited from the outpatient, emergency department, and inpatient settings at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, Davidson County, Nashville, Tennessee, from December 2012 -November 2015. Stool specimens were tested using qRT-PCR for GI and GII noroviruses and subsequently genotyped by sequencing a partial region of the capsid gene. Results A total of 3705 patients were enrolled, and stool specimens were collected and tested from 2885 (78%) enrollees. Overall, 636 (22%) samples were norovirus-positive, of which 567 (89%) were GII. Of the 460 (81%) genotyped GII-positive samples, 233 (51%) were typed as GII.4 and 227 (49%) as non-GII.4. Compared with children with non-GII.4 infections, children with GII.4 infections were younger, more likely to have diarrhea, and more likely to receive oral rehydration fluids. Norovirus was detected year-round and peaked during winter. Conclusions Approximately 40% of sporadic pediatric norovirus AGE cases were caused by GII.4 norovirus. Children infected with GII.4 had more severe symptoms that required more medical care. Seasonal variations were noticed among different genotypes. These data highlight the importance of continuous norovirus surveillance and provide important information on which strains pediatric norovirus vaccines should protect against.
Predictors of Patient-Centered Care Provision among Nurses in Acute Care Setting.

AIM The study was conducted to assess the predictors of patient-centered care provision among nurses working in an acute care setting. We hypothesized that higher structural empowerment and compassion satisfaction and lower burnout would predict the provision of patient-centered care. BACKGROUND Patient-centered care is a crucial aspect of quality healthcare and the heart of nursing care. Although previous studies have highlighted some determinants of patient-centered care provision among nurses, there remains a gap in understanding the factors that predict the provision of patient-centered care. METHODS A cross-sectional predictive design was used. Through random sampling, 255 nurses were recruited from five hospitals providing acute care services in Saudi Arabia. RESULTS Multiple linear regression revealed that compassion satisfaction (β = .260 [95%CI: .201-.645]), burnout (β = -.266 [95%CI: -.998--.403]), and structural empowerment (β = .273 [95%CI: .462-1.427]) jointly explained significant variance (27.5%) in the provision of patient-centered care by nurses. CONCLUSIONS The study findings reveal that lower burnout, higher compassion satisfaction, and structural empowerment increase nurses' provision of patient-centered care. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT Leadership and managerial strategies that not only address compassion satisfaction and burnout but also empower nurses are crucial for provision of patient-centered care by nurses.
Directional Deep Brain Stimulation of the Thalamic Ventral Intermediate Area for Essential Tremor Increases Therapeutic Window

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the posterior subthalamic area (PSA) and the ventral intermediate thalamic nucleus (VIM) is a well‐established therapy for essential tremor (ET), but it is frequently associated with side effects like dysarthria or gait ataxia. Directional DBS (dDBS) may be a way to activate fiber tracts more selectively. Is dDBS for ET superior to omnidirectional DBS (oDBS) regarding therapeutic window and clinically as effective as oDBS?
Comparative developmental series of the Mexican triurids support a euanthial interpretation for the unusual reproductive axes of Lacandonia schismatica (Triuridaceae)

The enigmatic monocotyledon family Triuridaceae is composed of inconspicuous mycoheterotrophs, that have been variously interpreted. We present here the first report of a thorough floral developmental series for any member of the Triuridaceae. The two known Mexican Triuridaceae species were studied with anatomical sections and scanning electron microscopy. While both species have ephemeral and reduced radially symmetric flowers arising in a counterclockwise spiral on racemose inflorescences, Lacandonia schismatica is hermaphroditic with a central androecium and Triuris brevistylis is dioecious. Tepals are connately fused at their bases, and during development the subapical caudal tips continue to elongate, while at maturity the tepals are reflexed. Carpel primordia develop centrifugally from compound primordia in both species, with contrasting androecium development. In Lacandonia schismatica stamen and carpel primordia arise from a common precursor. The two species differ in tepal and carpel number and timing of organ development. This paper provides a developmental framework to understand floral characters in the Triuridaceae. Notably, we addressed if L. schismatica and T. brevistylis bear true flowers or pseudanthia, and our data support the former. The role of particular genes in determining the floral developmental patterns studied and the evolutionary significance of these patterns are discussed.
Sleeping without Prescription: Management of Sleep Disorders in Children with Autism with Non-Pharmacological Interventions and Over-the-Counter Treatments

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are lifelong neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by abnormal social interaction, communication, and behavior. Sleep disturbances represent a common comorbidity in children and adolescents with ASD, with prevalence ranging from 50 to 80%. It has been proved that sleep disruption worsens the symptoms of autism and results in challenging behaviors. Improving sleep should therefore be a primary therapeutic goal. Treatment options range from lifestyle modifications to pharmacological therapy. Several reviews have been written on pharmacological treatments, but very few on the beneficial effects of non-pharmacological interventions, over-the-counter drugs, and nutritional supplements. This study consists of a narrative review of the literature, presenting the available evidence on the following treatments: sleep education, behavioral interventions, complementary and alternative medicine (special mattresses and blankets, massage, aromatherapy, yoga, physical activity), and commonly used over-the-counter medications and supplements (antihistamines, melatonin, tryptophan, carnosine, iron, vitamins, and herbal remedies). For some treatments—such as melatonin and behavioral interventions—effectiveness in ASD is well established in the literature, while other interventions appear of benefit in clinical practice, even if specific studies in children and adolescents with ASD are lacking. Conversely, other treatments only seem to show anecdotal evidence supporting their use.
Relationship between gestational risk and type of delivery in high risk pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the association between gestational risk factors and type of delivery in high-risk pregnancies. METHOD A cross-sectional epidemiological study involving a retrospective analysis of secondary data from 4,293 medical records of high-risk pregnant women. The primary outcome was composed of risks associated with cesarean delivery and spontaneous abortion compared with normal delivery. RESULTS There were 3,448 women analyzed in the study. The primary outcome rates were cesarean delivery (72.8%), spontaneous abortion (0.9%) versus vaginal delivery (26.2%). Common risk factors for cesarean delivery and spontaneous abortion were age ≥35 years (OR = 1.4; 95% CI 1.1-1.7 / OR = 11.5; 95% CI 4.2-31.0), evangelical religion (OR = 1.4; 95% CI 1.2-1.7 / OR = 2.6; 95% CI 1.0-6.7), high blood pressure (OR = 1.4; 95% CI 1.1-1.8 / OR = 74.9; 95% CI 13.7-410.2) and twinning (OR = 3.1; 95% CI 1.9-5.0 / OR = 68.6, 95% CI 9.7-487.7). CONCLUSION Identifying the relationship of gestational risks with the type of delivery and abortion can contribute to developing strategies and assist in planning actions in women's healthcare networks, developing specific and individualized lines of care for each gestational risk.
Perceptions and Experiences of Internet-Based Testing for Sexually Transmitted Infections: Systematic Review and Synthesis of Qualitative Research

Background Internet-based testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) allows asymptomatic individuals to order a self-sampling kit online and receive their results electronically, reducing the need to attend a clinic unless for treatment. This approach has become increasingly common; however, there is evidence that barriers exist to accessing it, particularly among some high-risk populations. We review the qualitative evidence on this topic, as qualitative research is well-placed to identify the complex influences that relate to accessing testing. Objective This paper aims to explore perceptions and experiences of internet-based testing for STIs among users and potential users. Methods Searches were run through 5 electronic databases (CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Web of Science) to identify peer-reviewed studies published between 2005 and 2018. Search terms were drawn from 4 categories: STIs, testing or screening, digital health, and qualitative methods. Included studies were conducted in high-income countries and explored patient perceptions or experiences of internet-based testing, and data underwent thematic synthesis. Results A total of 11 studies from the 1735 studies identified in the initial search were included in the review. The synthesis identified that internet-based testing is viewed widely as being acceptable and is preferred over clinic testing by many individuals due to perceived convenience and anonymity. However, a number of studies identified concerns relating to test accuracy and lack of communication with practitioners, particularly when receiving results. There was a lack of consensus on preferred media for results delivery, although convenience and confidentiality were again strong influencing factors. The majority of included studies were limited by the fact that they researched hypothetical services. Conclusions Internet-based testing providers may benefit from emphasizing this testing’s comparative convenience and privacy compared with face-to-face testing in order to improve uptake, as well as alleviating concerns about the self-sampling process. There is a clear need for further research exploring in depth the perceptions and experiences of people who have accessed internet-based testing and for research on internet-based testing that explicitly gathers the views of populations that are at high risk of STIs. Trial Registration PROSPERO CRD42019146938; https://www.crd. york.ac. uk/prospero/display_record. php? RecordID=146938
HISTOLOGICAL AND FEEDING RESPONSE OF SYDNEY ROCK OYSTERS, SACCOSTREA GLOMERATA, TO ACID SULFATE SOIL OUTFLOWS

Abstract Estuarine acidification, caused by disturbance of acid sulfate soils (ASS) is a problem that affects many estuaries in eastern Australia. ASS outflows have low pH and elevated concentrations of metals, principally iron and aluminum. Most production of Sydney rock oysters Saccostrea glomerata occurs in estuaries along the Australian east coast and estuarine acidification has been implicated in localized declines in oyster production. Estuarine areas recurrently impacted by estuarine acidification have higher levels of oyster mortality and reduced oyster growth compared with sites that are not acidified. Two laboratory experiments were conducted to investigate reasons for poor oyster production at sites exposed to ASS-affected waters. Behavioral response, soft tissue lesions and filtration rates of S. glomerata when exposed to ASS-affected waters were examined. It was found that ASS-affected water altered oysters’ valve movements and significantly reduced filtration rates at pH 5.5. Acidic treatments (pH 5.1) containing 7.64 mg L−1 of aluminum or ASS-affected water caused changes in the mantle and gill soft tissues after short-term (6 h) exposure. Degenerative effects were also caused by iron contained in ASS-affected water. Iron precipitates accumulated on the gills and mantle and were observed in the stomach, intestine, digestive tubules and rectum. Results from this study highlight the rapid deleterious effects of reduced pHs to oysters and the impacts of iron and aluminum contained in ASS-affected waters.
The distribution of herbage at different heights in ‘grazed’ and ‘dung patch’ areas of a sward under two methods of grazing management

A study of the horizontal and vertical distribution of herbage in grass-dominant swards was made to assess the relative importance of different sources of wastage during grazing. A sward grazed by cattle under two contrasting managements was divided, for the purpose of herbage sampling, into two categories: ‘grazed’ herbage, on ground with no obvious dung contamination, and ‘dung patches’, which were of ungrazed or lightly grazed herbage resulting from the effects of faeces dropped at previous grazings. In each category, samples were cut at two successive heights to provide an estimate of the quantity of herbage in the upper region of the sward (over 2½ in. from ground level) and in the lower region (½-2½ in. from ground level). After grazing, some 35% of the original crop remained in ‘grazed’ areas, and some 20% in ‘dung patches’. In terms of vertical distribution, most of the residue (40% of the original crop) was in the lower region, from ½ to 2½ in. above ground level. Total production as live-weight gain was not significantly different, but the yield of conserved herbage was greater in treatment R (five rotations) than in treatment RR (nineteen rotations). Frequent grazing reduced herbage production, and this effect was not offset by any less intense defoliation of the frequently grazed sward. The average quantity of herbage residue was no higher in treatment RR than in treatment R, although the time of occupation per plot by the cattle in RR was only a quarter of that of the cattle in treatment R.