Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anti-inflammatory Effect of Grape Seed Extract on Bronchial Asthma Induced in Mice

Bronchial asthma is a growing major public health problem worldwide. Anti-inflammatory agents have been suggested to alleviate asthma. Grape seed extract (GSE) has been reported to have a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The present study aims to determine whether GSE has a therapeutic effect on allergic airway inflammation in mice. Airway inflammation was induced via intraperitoneal (i.p) injected with 10 ug ovalbumin plus 2 mg aluminum hydroxide in 200 uL phosphate buffered saline (PBS). Male mice (n=50) were divided to five equal groups. The first group; negative control received i.p. injection of PBS, the second group; positive control; asthma-model (OVA), the third group; asthma mice treated orally with montelukast (30 mg/kg),the fourth group; asthma treated orally with GSE at a dose level of (150 mg/kg) and the fifth group; asthma mice treated with both GSE+ montelukast. Montelukast and GSE were given on day 27 and from day 28 to 30 1hr before each challenge. The inflammatory cytokines interleukin-5 &13 (IL-5& IL-13) were estimated in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF) and immunoglobulin E(IGE) was determined in plasma. Lung levels of pro-oxidants; malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined. Lung samples from mice in different groups examined microscopically. There was a significant increase (p<0.001) in BALF levels of IL-5 and IL-13, plasma IGE, as well asa significant increase (p<0.001) in the lung levels of NO and MDA with a significant decrease (p<0.001) in SOD levels when compared with control group. Histopathological studies of lung confirmed these results, bronchiolar and perivascular infiltrates, as well as perivascular oedema were shown in the lung tissues of OVA mice. While mice administrated GSE either alone or with montelukast showed a significant improvement in all the tested parameters. The treatment afforded by co-administration of GSE and montelukastwas found to be better than that of montelukast alone. Results of the present study suggest that montelukast should be used along with GSE for better immune-regulatory effect, as well as, to reduce drugs adverse effects. Therefore, GSE seems to be a potential new drug to modulate inflammatory response in asthma. [Jamilah M Hashemi. Anti-inflammatory Effect of Grape Seed Extract on Bronchial Asthma Induced in Mice. Life Sci J 2016;13(6):12-21]. ISSN: 1097-8135 (Print) / ISSN: 2372-613X (Online). http://www.lifesciencesite. com. 2. doi:10.7537/marslsj13061602.
An annotated list of the non-marine mollusca of Britain and Ireland.

Readers should note especially the following changes to species names: substitution of Oxyloma sarsii for Oxyloma sarsi (misspelling); substitution of Mytilopsis leucophaeata for Mytilopsis leucophaeta (misspelling); correction of Succinella oblonga Draparnaud to the correctly parenthesized Succinella oblonga (Draparnaud); substitution of Anisus spirorbis (Linnaeus), for the incorrect rendering Anisus spirorbis Linnaeus; and of Hydrobia acuta neglecta Muus for the incorrect Hydrobia acuta neglecta (Muus).
Optimum In-row Distances for Potato Minituber Production

Two field trials were conducted in the Dominican Republic to determine the influence of in-row distances on ‘Granola’ potato (Solanum tuberosum) minituber yield and economic returns. Seedlings generated from in vitro microtubers were transplanted in open-field raised beds at in-row distances of 0.20, 0.25, 0.30, 0.35, and 0.40 m to compare their minituber yield. In-row distances affected potato minituber weight and number per hectare and per plant. Increasing in-row distances from 0.20 to 0.40 m produced a significant decline on minituber weight per hectare (from 12.6 to 8.7 t ha, respectively). Minituber weight per plant increased linearly with in-row distances, improving from 195 g/plant at 0.20 m to 269 g/plant at 0.40 m. Minituber number per hectare declined linearly as inrow distances increased from 0.20 to 0.40 m, with values ranging between 425,000 and 119,000 minitubers/ha. Maximum values for the number of minitubers per plant were found with 0.20 and 0.25 m, with an average of 6.5 minitubers/plant. However, as distances between plants increased to 0.30 m or farther, the average values decreased to 5 minitubers/plant or less. The results demonstrated that the in-row distances of 0.20 and 0.25 m between plants were the most appropriate from the horticultural standpoint. However, the partial budget analysis reflected that the 0.25 m spacing had the highest marginal return rate among the treatments.
First record of a mesoparasite (Crustacea, Copepoda) infesting a polyplacophoran (Mollusca, Polyplacophora) in Chilean waters, with an overview of the family Chitonophilidae (Crustacea & Mollusca)

A detailed re-description of the mesoparasitic chitonophilid copepod Ischnochitonika lasalliana Franz & Bullock, 1990 is given, based on lightand scanning electron microscopy and microscopic X-ray computed tomography observations. The species was found in the mantle cavity of Chaetopleura benaventei Plate, a polyplacophoran constituting a new host record for this parasite. The new discovery considerably extends the distribution of I. lasalliana to the southeastern Pacific and is the first record of a polyplacophoran-copepod association from Chilean waters. New morphological and anatomical observations, e. g. the lack of a digestive track in the adult female, the presence of antennary claws in males, the 7-segmented exopod of the nauplius antenna, contradict earlier interpretations of these characters. For the first time features of the nauplii, complex spermatophores and fine surface structures of I. lasalliana are presented while a summary of the known members of the family Chitonophilidae is also provided.
Determinants of Home Range Size for Polar Bears (Ursus maritimus).

The mean home range size of female polar bears (Ursus maritimus; 125 100 km2 ± 11 800; n = 93) is substantially larger than the predicted value (514 km2 ) for a terrestrial carnivore of similar weight. To understand this difference, we correlated home range size and sea ice characteristics. Home range size was related to (i) the ratio of land vs. sea within a given home range (42% of explained variance), and (ii) seasonal variation in ice cover (24%). Thus, bears using land during the ice-free season had larger home ranges and bears living in areas of great seasonal variation in ice cover also had larger home ranges. In another analysis we investigated how variation in a bear's environment in space and time affects its choice of home range. We found that polar bears adjusted the size of their home range according to the amount of annual and seasonal variation within the centre of their home range. For example, polar bears experiencing unpredictable seasonal and annual ice tended to increase their home range size if increasing home range size resulted in reducing variation in seasonal and annual ice. Polar bears make trade-offs between alternate space-use strategies. Large home ranges occur when variable ice cover is associated with more seals but also a more unpredictable distribution of those seals.
Appendicular Skeleton of Simosuchus clarki (Crocodyliformes: Notosuchia) from the Late Cretaceous of Madagascar

ABSTRACT The notosuchian crocodyliform Simosuchus clarki from the Late Cretaceous of Madagascar, originally known from a single specimen preserving primarily the skull, lower jaw, and anterior postcranial skeleton, is now known from three additional partial skeletons that collectively preserve nearly the entire appendicular skeleton. Although typically crocodyliform in overall morphology, the appendicular skeleton of Simosuchus preserves a number of derived features of phylogenetic and functional significance. Notable features of the pectoral girdle and forelimb include an anteroposteriorly broad, tripartite scapular blade; a laterally directed scapular prominence; a proximally expanded humerus with a shallow deltopectoral crest; a distinct, semi-ellipsoidal glenohumeral condyle; a tightly articulating radius and ulna; and a relatively foreshortened manus with robust distal unguals. Notable features of the pelvic girdle and hind limb include a distinct, spur-like projection of the anterior process of the ischium; a femur with a distinctive anterior flange; and a relatively foreshortened pes. Generally, characteristics of the appendicular skeleton are consistent with a terrestrial lifestyle and provide insight into the behavior and locomotion of Simosuchus. The robust limb morphology observed in Simosuchus, together with expanded areas for insertion of pectoral and pelvic musculature in the proximal humerus and femur, is consistent with non-cursorial terrestrial locomotion in a relatively stout-bodied crocodyliform. Characteristics of the hind limb indicate a primarily semi-erect posture, in contrast to the erect posture inferred for other notosuchians.
Lethal and Sublethal Effects of Atrazine to Amphibian Larvae

The effects of Atrazine contamination on amphibian larval stages were assessed, using acute and chronic toxicity in the laboratory. Tadpoles of Ptychadena bibroni at varying post-hatch developmental stages (1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks) were exposed to environmental relevant treatment concentrations of 200, 400, 600μg/L and 3, 30, 100μg/L for acute and chronic toxicity tests respectively. The effects were assessed by comparing mortality, glycogen levels and behavioral response of a control group and a group exposed to the pesticide. The American Society for Testing and Material (ASTM) recommended semi-static renewal bioassay method to be employed, and LC50 was measured at 96 hours. Percentage of mortality increased with increase in concentration and exposure duration; but decreased as the tadpoles matured. Mean percentage mortality of tadpoles were significantly affected by concentrations and developmental stages . Derived 96 hours LC50 values decreased with increase in exposure duration but increased with each successive developmental stage. Estimated 96 hours LC50 ranged from 230.06 – 431. 32μg/L. Glycogen levels varied negatively with concentrations, but it increased with each successive developmental stage. Mean glycogen level of tadpoles, exposed to Atrazine, were significantly different in the developmental stages but showed no significant difference with concentrations (F= 1.493, P>0.05). The above results of acute and chronic exposure to Atrazine indicate marked behavioral and physiological effect of Atrazine on Ptychadena tadpoles. Results obtained from this study would serve as a fundamental platform for development of Atrazine safety limits for monitoring the waters of the Niger Delta ecological zones of Nigeria. عدﺎﻔﻀﻟا تﺎﻗﺮﻳ ﻰﻠﻋ ﻦﻳزاﺮﺗأ يﺮﺸﺤﻟا ﺪﻴﺒﻤﻟﺎﺑ ثﻮﻠﺘﻟا رﺎﺛأ ﻢﻴﻴﻘﺗ ﻢﺗ ﺮﺒﺘﺨﻤﻟا ف ﺔﻨﻣﺰﻤﻟا ﺔﻴﻤﺴﻟاو ةدﺎﺤﻟاﺔﻴﻤﺴﻟا ماﺪﺨﺘﺳﺎﺑ . ﺾﻳﺮﻌﺗ ﻢﺗ ﺚﻴﺣ
Acibenzolar-S-methyl-Induced Systemic Resistance against Anthracnose and Powdery Mildew Diseases on Cucumber Plants without Accumulation of Phytoalexins

In a study to elucidate the possible involvement of phytoalexins in acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM)-induced systemic resistance in cucumber plants (Cucumis sativus L.), the phenolic compounds were extracted from ASM-treated and inoculated plants and compared with those from Milsana®-treated plants previously reported to accumulate phytoalexins in cucumber. The glycoside-linked phenolic compounds from cucumber leaves were tested for their antifungal activity to the growth of pathogens which were most effective against the cucumber anthracnose fungus Colletotrichum orbiculare, followed by the scab fungus Cladosporium cucumerinum but ineffective against the Corynespora leaf spot fungus Corynespora cassiicola. Nevertheless, the accumulations of active compounds appeared to increase with the growth stages of cucumber plants irrespective of ASM treatment. In ASM-pretreated cucumber plants either inoculated with anthracnose or the powdery mildew fungus, there was no increase in phytoalexin-like phenolics.
Patterns of macroinvertebrate distribution in relation to altitude, habitat structure and land use in streams of the Nepalese Himalaya

Macroinvertebrate communities, environmental variables and stream habitat structure were assessed in riffles and margins in twenty streams along an altitudinal transect (600-4320 m a.s.l.) in east-central Nepal during the summer monsoon. Streams flowed through terraced agricultural land at the lowest altitudes (Likhu Khola), with forest, alpine scrub, and tundra occupying catchments at increasingly higher altitudes (Langtang). We asked: how do the structural attributes of Nepalese streams change with altitude and land use, and how do macroinvertebrate communities respond? Streams at the lowest altitudes had shallower gradients, higher water temperatures, greater proportions of sandy substrata and more reaches of locally reduced velocity than streams at higher altitude. The percentage of the substratum covered by organic matter was significantly greater in forested and alpine streams, partly reflecting their riparian character. Marginal habitat character also reflected riparian land use, with softer vegetated margins in forested and alpine streams, and harder stone margins in terraced and tundra streams. Macroinvertebrate communities were dominated everywhere by Baetidae and Chironomidae. Taxon richness generally declined with increasing altitude, but in contrast to previous studies in Nepal, maximum taxon richness did not occur at the lowest altitudes, where monsoon effects are most intense. Some taxa were restricted to low altitudes (e.g. Hydropsychidae, Hemiptera and Ephemeridae), or to streams with forest and alpine catchments at mid-altitudes (e.g. Limnephilidae and Ephemerellidae). The distribution and abundance of macroinvertebrate taxa reflected stream physiography, marginal habitat structure and substratum composition, particularly accumulations of detritus. In turn, these patterns reflected the meso-habitat distribution of macroinvertebrates, with eleven out of twenty-three taxa showing significant preference for either riffles or margins. Taxa typical of marginal habitats were common in streams with terraced catchments, but were absent at higher altitudes where taxa which showed no significant habitat preference were dominant. Sandy habitats, in terraced streams, held relatively few macroinvertebrates. Nevertheless, some taxa which were restricted to lower altitudes were burrowing and neustonic forms, and may be influenced by the high diversity of substratum particle size and areas of locally reduced current velocity which existed there. We conclude that substratum composition and marginal habitat structure, which are closely associated with land use type and altitude, were important correlates with macroinvertebrate distribution down the Himalayan profile. These data add to the continuing debate about the relative roles of natural and anthropogenic factors on the distribution of aquatic macroinvertebrates in Nepal.
An Examination of the Spanish Translation of the 50-item International Personality Item Pool Big-five Inventory in a Spanish Speaking Peruvian Sample

Abstract The International Personality Item Pool (IPIP) five-factor model inventories are widely used for personality research and have been translated into multiple languages. However, the extent of the psychometric assessment of translated scales is variable, often minimal. The lack of psychometric scrutiny is particularly problematic because translation is an inherently complex process. Here, we present a structural analysis of one Spanish translation of the 50-item IPIP five-factor inventory in a sample of Peruvian, non-university educated, working adults (n = 778). A global confirmatory factor analytic (CFA) model of the a priori five factors failed to fit. So too did single factor models for four of the five factors, the exception being Neuroticism. Fit was improved via use of an exploratory structural equation measurement model, but the resultant solution showed very poor theoretical coherence. So, we explored the data for systematic measurement artefacts and sought to model them to improve the psychometric properties of the scale. Specifically, the pattern of factor loadings suggested that the lack of coherence might be due to the effects of the valence of item wording (i.e., positively or negatively worded items). CFA models including five substantive factors and a series of method factors modelling shared covariance based on item wording, improved fit and coherence. This investigation suggests that unless method factors are explicitly modelled the tested Spanish translation may not be suitable for use in certain Spanish-speaking countries or samples composed of non-university educated participants. More broadly, the study has implications for many translated scales, especially when used without thorough psychometric evaluation.
Biosolids Impact Antioxidant Metabolism Associated with Drought Tolerance in Tall Fescue

The presence of biologically active substances (BAS) in biosolids may enhance plant stress tolerance and growth, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. This greenhouse study investigated the effects of two biosolids: Alexandria (anaerobically digested; Class A product from the Alexandria Sanitation Authority Wastewater Treatment Facility in Alexandria, VA) and Blue Plains (lime-stabilized; Class B product from Washington, DC, Water and Sewer Authority) on tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) S.J. Darbyshire) antioxidant enzyme activity associ- ated with drought resistance. Treatments included a fertilizer control, Alexandria (11.9 g·kg L1 soil) and Blue Plains (17.6 g·kg L1 soil) biosolids to match the nitrogen in the control. Tall fescue physiological responses were measured under well-watered or drought-stressed conditions. Drought stress reduced turfgrass quality, photochemical efficiency (PE), and catalase (CAT) activity while increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and peroxidase (POD) activities. The two biosolids improved turfgrass quality and root mass under both soil moisture regimes and delayed leaf wilting during moisture stress. The biosolids also improved PE, SOD, and APX activities relative tothe control under bothsoilmoisture regimes.The data suggestthat biosolidsapplication may improve antioxidant enzyme activity and subsequent drought resistance.
ASSIMILATION OF NITROGEN IN ROOT NODULES OF ALDER (ALNUS GLUTINOSA)

Summary Citrulline is shown to be the predominant free amino acid in alder root nodules, while serine also occurs in relatively large amounts. Citrulline and glutamic acid are prominent free amino acids in alder xylem tissue. The activities of N2-ase, GS, GDH, and OCT in root nodule homogenates are reported. From the Km values of GDH for NH4+ (16mM) and glutamate (0·9 mM) and the concentrations in the nodule of NH4+ (1·5 HIM) and glutamate (0·5 mM) it is concluded that GDH in alder nodules is responsible for the deamination of glutamate. The important function of GDH in the nitrogen metabolism of alder nodules is confirmed by the much higher activity of this enzyme in homogenates of nodules as compared to that in homogenates of root-tips and leaves. The vesicle clusters, which contain the N2-ase activity, did not show activity of GS, GDH and OCT. The cytoplasm of the host cells was shown to possess the GS activity, while GDH and OCT probably are localized in the organelles of the host cells.
Considerations for the otolaryngologist in the era of COVID-19: a review of the literature.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW The SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic, referred to as COVID-19, has spread throughout the globe since its first case in China in December 2019, leaving a significant number of people infected and clinically ill. The purpose of this review is to provide the current known clinical characteristics of and management for COVID-19 as it relates to otolaryngology. RECENT FINDINGS COVID-19 is a highly transmissible respiratory disease with common presenting symptoms of fever, cough, and fatigue. In the absence of available vaccines or antiviral therapies, symptomatic and respiratory support is the current standard of therapy. Measures to prevent further transmission have been enacted globally including social distancing and cancellation of public events. Given elevated viral load in the upper aerodigestive tract, extra precautions in patients with otolaryngology needs have been recommended for protection of both healthcare workers and patients. SUMMARY Otolaryngologists face unique risk from COVID-19. Maintaining appropriate preventive health measures and remaining updated on institutional clinical guidelines is paramount for both caretaker safety and patient care.
Three-Year Outcomes of Orbital Atherectomy for the Endovascular Treatment of Infrainguinal Claudication or Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia

Purpose: To investigate the outcomes of orbital atherectomy (OA) for the treatment of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) manifesting as claudication or chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). Materials and Methods: The database from the LIBERTY study (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01855412) was interrogated to identify 503 PAD patients treated with any commercially available endovascular devices and adjunctive OA for 617 femoropopliteal and/or infrapopliteal lesions. Cox regression analyses were employed to examine the association between baseline Rutherford category (RC) stratified as RC 2-3 (n=214), RC 4-5 (n=233), or RC 6 (n=56) and all-cause mortality, target vessel revascularization (TVR), major amputation, major adverse event (MAE), and major amputation/death at up to 3 years of follow-up. The mean lesion lengths were 78.7±73.7, 131.4±119.0, and 95.2±83.9 mm, respectively, for the 3 groups. Results: After OA, balloon angioplasty was used in >98% of cases, with bailout stenting necessary in 2.0%, 2.8%, and 0% of the RC groups, respectively. A small proportion (10.8%) of patients developed angiographic complications, without differences based on presentation. During the 3-year follow-up, claudicants were at lower risk for MAE, death, and major amputation/death than patients with CLTI. The 3-year Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were 84.6% for the RC 2-3 group, 76.2% for the RC 4-5 group, and 63.7% for the RC 6 group. The 3-year freedom from major amputation was estimated as 100%, 95.3%, and 88.6%, respectively. Among CLTI patients only, the RC at baseline was correlated with the combined outcome of major amputation/death, whereas RC classification did not affect TVR, MAE, major amputation, or death rates. Conclusion: Peripheral artery angioplasty with adjunctive OA in patients with CLTI or claudication is safe and associated with low major amputation rates after 3 years of follow-up. These results demonstrate the utility of OA for patients across the spectrum of PAD.