Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hydroxychloroquine and COVID-19: critiquing the impact of disease public profile on policy and clinical decision-making

The controversy surrounding the use of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), an antimalarial drug, for COVID-19 has raised numerous ethical and policy problems. Since the suggestion that HCQ has potential for COVID-19, there have been varying responses from clinicians and healthcare institutions, ranging from adoption of protocols using HCQ for routine care to the conduct of randomised controlled trials to an effective system-wide prohibition on its use for COVID-19. In this article, we argue that the concept of ‘disease public profile’ has become a prominent, if not the sole, determinant in decision-making across various healthcare responses to the pandemic. In the case of COVID-19, the disease’s public profile is based on clinical and non-clinical factors that include contagiousness, clinical presentation and media coverage. In particular, we briefly examine the dangers of a heightened public profile in magnifying the inequality of diseases and undermining three key ethical concepts, namely (1) evidence-based practice, (2) sustainable allocation and (3) meaningful consent.
Isozyme Variability in Field Populations of Phytophthora cinnamomi in Australia

Isozyme characteristics of 280 isolates from populations of Phytophthora cinnamomi in native veg- etation in six locations in south-eastern Australia were examined at 19 enzyme loci. No new enzyme genotypic arrays were identified as compared with earlier samplings. This work indicates that the low variability for P. cinnamomi in Australia obtained in earlier work, from separate isolates in a wide range of locations, is paralleled in detailed population samples in south-eastern Australia. At one location, A1 and A2 mating types coexisted in soil samples. The lack of recombinants in these population samples suggests an absence of sexual reproduction in the field.
The physiological responses of blood during thermal adaptation in three freshwater fish species

Sarotherodon mossambicus, Cyprinus carpio and Salmo gairdneri were acclimatized at temperatures of 15, 20 and 25° C in order to study physiological responses of blood to temperature fluctuations in the laboratory. Cyprinus carpio exhibited the greater ability to survive at these temperatures. Sarotherodon mossambicus experienced osmoregulatory collapse at 15° C which also occurred in trout at 25° C. This was associated with acid-base malfunction in the trout.
Purification and characterization of glutamine synthetase from the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechococcus RF-1

Glutamine synthetase (GS; EC 6.3.1.2) from the Synechococcus RF-1 was purified to homogeneity by ion exchange, molecular sieving, and hydroxyapatite chromatographies. The native enzyme has a molecular mass of about 456kDa, and the molecular mass of its subunit was about 56kDa. Electron micrographs of the enzyme revealed two parallel protein layers in cubic symmetry with quaternary structure. The actual data indicated that the enzyme could consist of eight identical subunits. The enzyme had an apparent Km value for L-glutamate of 233mM, but it exhibited positive cooperativity for ATP (n(subscript H)=1.5 and S0.5=0.94 mM) and NH4C1(n(subscript H)=2, and S0.5=1.33 mM) in the biosynthetic assay. The enzyme had apparent Km values for L-glutamine and hydroxylamine of 8.70 mM and 7.04 mM, respectively, in the transferase assay. This enzyme was quite stable in Tris-HCI buffer (pH 7.5) containing EDTA, MgCl2, and 2-mercaptoethanol. The pH optima for both the biosynthetic and transferase activities of the enzyme were 8.1 and 8.4, respectively. The enzyme required a divalent metal ion as an activator. Mg(superscript 2+) was the most effective metal ion for biosynthetic activity, followed by Co(superscript 2+). Mn(superscript 2+) was the most effective metal ion for transferase activity. Ca(superscript 2+) and Mn(superscript 2+) strongly inhibited Mg(superscript 2+)-supported biosynthetic activity, but Co(superscript 2+) stimulated it.
The induction of sporulation in Sclerotinia fructicola other fungi and the production of "P310" and some

Evidence is presented suggesting that the sporulation of S. fructicola probably proceeds by several phases. Light stimulates development of primordia but inhibits conidia formation. "P3~0", for the first time mentioned by Leach, does not have a sporogenic character. It is, however, a photo product of a metabolic substance formed by the fungus. The production of "Paso" is much higher in mycelium cultivated in light of short wave-lengths and increases with the intensity of the light. The "Ps~o"-production is not common for all fungi. It is possible that the precursor for the photochemical reaction is missing in the mycelium of fungi, which do not produce the factor.
Neurological Manifestations in Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19: A Retrospective Study

Background: The complications of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) involved multiple organs or systems, especially in critically ill patients. We aim to investigate the neurological complications in critically ill patients with COVID-19. Methods: This retrospective single-center case series analyzed critically ill patients with COVID-19 at the intensive care unit of Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, China from February 5 to April 2, 2020. Demographic data, clinical and laboratory findings, comorbidities and treatments were collected and analyzed. Results: Among 86 patients with confirmed COVID-19, 54 patients (62.8%) were male, and the mean (SD) age was 66.6 (11.1) years. Overall, 65% patients presented with at least one neurological symptom. Twenty patients (23.3%) had symptoms involving the central nervous system, including delirium, cerebrovascular diseases and hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, while 6 patients (7%) had neuromuscular involvement. Seven of 86 patients exhibited new stroke and 6 (7%) cases were ischemic. A significantly higher prevalence of antiphospholipid antibodies was observed in patients with ischemic stroke than in those without stroke (83.3 vs. 26.9%, p < 0.05). Patients with ischemic stroke were more likely to have a higher myoglobulin level, and a lower hemoglobin level. Conclusions: The clinical spectrum of neurological complications in critically ill patients with COVID-19 was broad. Stroke, delirium and neuromuscular diseases are common neurological complications of COVID-19. Physicians should pay close attention to neurological complications in critically ill patients with COVID-19.
Analysis on Holstein cow milk production maintainned by large scale dairy farm on middle plain in West Java.

In Indonesia the Holstein dairy cow is maintained by the large scale dairy farms on the middle lands. How far the empirical data of milk production of Holstein dairy cow in Indonesia is rare published. Based on the above description it is very interesting to perform the analysis of milk production of Holstein cow kept on the middle land in West Java. The research method was observationally conducted on milk production from the first until the sixth lactation period of Holstein dairy cow. The population samples from middle plain are 1248 heads of Holstein lactating cows maintained for three years. The milk production data are standardized to 305 2x ME. Based on the result and discussion it is found out that the range of real milk production is 1,068-9,696 l within 180-607 days lactation period with average lactation period 363.99±96.61 days, total milk production 3,761.14±1,458.34 l, and milk production 10.48±3.44 l/day. The Holstein milk yield of 305 days 2x ME is ranged in 1,088-8,313 l with average per lactation 4,136.60±1,518.01 l and average per head per day 20.37±17.76 l. It is suggested that to maintain the genetic potential of Holstein dairy cow the management and feeding must be considered.
Proactive Health Support: Exploring Face-to-Face Start-Up Sessions Between Participants and Registered Nurses at the Onset of Telephone-Based Self-Management Support

Proactive Health Support (PaHS) is a large-scale intervention in Denmark carried out by registered nurses (RNs) who provide self-management support to people at risk of hospital admission to enhance their health, coping, and quality of life. PaHS is initiated with a face-to-face session followed by telephone conversations. We aimed to explore the start-up sessions, including if and how the relationship between participants and RNs developed at the onset of PaHS. We used an ethnographic design including observations and informal interviews. Data were analyzed using a phenomenological–hermeneutical approach. The study showed that contexts such as hospitals and RNs legitimized the intervention. Face-to-face communication contributed to credibility, just as the same RN throughout the intervention ensured continuity. We conclude that start-up sessions before telephone-based self-management support enable a trust-based relationship between participants and RNs. Continuous contact with the same RNs throughout the session promoted participation in the intervention.
Effect of Wintering Duration and Temperature on Survival and Emergence Time in Males of the Orchard Pollinator Osmia lignaria (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)

Abstract We measured winter survival, emergence time following incubation at 20°C, and postemergence longevity in males of the orchard pollinator Osmia lignaria Say exposed to 25 artificial wintering treatments differing in duration (30, 90, 150, 210, and 270 d) and temperature (0, 4, 7, 10, and 13°C). For all temperatures, survival was highest at 90 d of wintering. Temperatures ≥10°C were unsuitable for wintering O. lignaria populations even for short periods. At 7°C, bees showed increased mortality, signs of excessive fat body depletion, and decreased longevity when wintered for >150 d. Wintering durations ≥210 d required temperatures ≤4°C for acceptable survival. Time to emerge following incubation at 20°C decreased with increasing wintering duration and wintering temperature. Many bees emerged before incubation when wintered for long periods at the warmest temperatures. Postemergence longevity was highest when bees were wintered at 0°C for 210 d. Managing the activity of O. lignaria to coincide with fruit tree bloom initiation is much more easily accomplished with the use of populations exhibiting short emergence times. Several wintering treatments that resulted in acceptable survival and longevity (150 d at 0, 4 and 7°C, and 210–270 d at 0 and 4°C), produced mean emergence times ≤5 d. Our results can be used to establish appropriate wintering regimes for O. lignaria populations managed to pollinate orchard crops differing in bloom time (from almonds in February to apples in May), and therefore, allowing for shorter or longer wintering durations.
Contribution of Lignin and Non-Lignin Dependent Responses in Protein Fraction-Interacted Plant Tissue

In a basic investigation, considering sunflower ( Helianthus annuus ) a highly lignified seed plant in contrast to fern ( Nephrolepsis exaltata ) as pteridophyte, the leaf tissues of Nephrolepsis were allowed to be interacted with the (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 protein fractions of Helianthus leaves. The results showed that the (NH 4 ) 2 SO 4 60-100% fraction is able to increase the activities of phenylpropanoid/polyphenolic pathway enzymes including phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL), polyphone oxidase (PPO) and peroxidase (POD) in leaf tissues of Nephrolepsis . Comparing changed percentage in lignin contents, antioxidative abilities, total flavonoids and carotenoids content with the changes in the enzymes activities different contributions of lignin and non-lignin dependent responses in the interacted tissues were observed. For the first ever time report, the present findings not only quantify the approximate dividend of the lignin and non-lignin dependent routs in phenylpropanoid pathway but also may state the question: whether a signaling element is present in the protein fraction of sunflower leaves?
Impaired Fasting Glucose and Diabetes Are Related to Higher Risks of Complications and Mortality Among Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019

Background: Diabetes correlates with poor prognosis in patients with COVID-19, but very few studies have evaluated whether impaired fasting glucose (IFG) is also a risk factor for the poor outcomes of patients with COVID-19. Here we aimed to examine the associations between IFG and diabetes at admission with risks of complications and mortality among patients with COVID-19. Methods: In this multicenter retrospective cohort study, we enrolled 312 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 from 5 hospitals in Wuhan from Jan 1 to Mar 17, 2020. Clinical information, laboratory findings, complications, treatment regimens, and mortality status were collected. The associations between hyperglycemia and diabetes status at admission with primary composite end-point events (including mechanical ventilation, admission to intensive care unit, or death) were analyzed by Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results: The median age of the patients was 57 years (interquartile range 38–66), and 172 (55%) were women. At the time of hospital admission, 84 (27%) had diabetes (and 36 were new-diagnosed), 62 (20%) had IFG, and 166 (53%) had normal fasting glucose (NFG) levels. Compared to patients with NFG, patients with IFG and diabetes developed more primary composite end-point events (9 [5%], 11 [18%], 26 [31%]), including receiving mechanical ventilation (5 [3%], 6 [10%], 21 [25%]), and death (4 [2%], 9 [15%], 20 [24%]). Multivariable Cox regression analyses showed diabetes was associated increased risks of primary composite end-point events (hazard ratio 3.53; 95% confidence interval 1.48–8.40) and mortality (6.25; 1.91–20.45), and IFG was associated with an increased risk of mortality (4.11; 1.15–14.74), after adjusting for age, sex, hospitals and comorbidities. Conclusion: IFG and diabetes at admission were associated with higher risks of adverse outcomes among patients with COVID-19.
Vascular genomics : regulation of signaling and gene expression in atherosclerosis and arteriogenesis

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Application of Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis to Detect Broiler Breast Filets Affected With Woody Breast Myopathy

Woody breast (WB) myopathy in modern broilers is causing major meat quality issues and consumer complaints. The poultry industry is sorting out WB filets through the inconsistent manual hand-palpation method. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) method was evaluated as a rapid and objective WB detection method. Freshly deboned broiler breast filets (15 filets × 2 categories × 3 trials) were sorted (hand-palpation) into severe woody (SW) and normal (N) categories were analyzed for BIA values, cook loss, texture (BMORS) method. SW filets had significantly (P < 0.05) higher resistance and reactance compared to N indicating BIA can be used to detect WB filets. In another experiment, we determined the ability of the BIA to differentiate between four WB severity levels using the whole filet. Significant differences were observed in resistance and reactance of normal and other WB categories, however, there were no significant differences among mild, moderate and severe WB categories. Segmental BIA of those filets indicated that BIA can be used to separate cranial, medial and caudal region of the breast filet based on the presence of WB myopathy. Accidental discovery of spaghetti breast in the samples demonstrated the significance of compounding different factors in analyzing WB meat using BIA.
Concerned Whether You’ll Make It in Life? Status Anxiety Uniquely Explains Job Satisfaction

Ever feel concerned that you may not achieve your career goals or feel worried about where your life is going? Such examples may reflect the experience of status anxiety, that is, concerns that one may be stuck or not able to move up in life, or worries that one may be too low in standing compared to society’s standards. Status anxiety is believed to be exacerbated by economic inequality and negatively affect well-being. While job satisfaction is an important determinant of well-being, no research has examined whether status anxiety can also help explain people’s satisfaction with their jobs. We tested whether status anxiety differs from other organizational constructs and uniquely relates to job satisfaction among full-time working adults. In a pilot study, we found that status anxiety is separate from the concept of job insecurity (e.g., perceived threat of job loss). Results of our main study also indicated that higher status anxiety significantly predicted lower job satisfaction beyond several other indicators of organizational attitudes (job insecurity, occupational self-efficacy, distributive, procedural, and interactional justice), as well as the tendency to seek status and several background factors (e.g., income, education, perceived socioeconomic status). We discuss the unique role of status anxiety in job satisfaction and the implications of this research to our understanding of status concerns, as well as organizational attitudes and policies.
Photoadaptation, photoinhibition and productivity in the blue‐green alga, Spirulina platensis grown outdoors

Two Spirulina platensis strains, SP-G and SP-RB, resistant and sensitive to photoinhibition of photosynthesis, respectively, were grown outdoors in dense cultures and under different photon fluxes provided by shading. Cultures of both strains grown under full sunlight were more resistant to photoinhibition than those grown under nets with 15-50% decreases in the incident photon flux. Cultures grown outdoors were more resistant to photoinhibition than the laboratory ones. At noon, the photosynthetic activity, as expressed by O2 evolution, was higher for cultures grown under 50% shade, as compared with unshaded cultures. Productivity of the shaded cultures, in terms of biomass produced per day, was always higher when the cultures were protected from photoinhibition. Key-words: Spirulina; blue-green algae; cyanobacteria; photoadaptation; photoinhibition; photosynthesis; productivity; biomass.
EFFECTS OF SIMULATED PULMONARY SURFACTANT ON THE CYTOTOXICITY AND DNA-DAMAGING ACTIVITY OF RESPIRABLE QUARTZ AND KAOLIN

Respirable-sized quartz and kaolin dusts were pretreated with simulated pulmonary surfactant dispersions of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) in saline to model the conditioning of particles depositing in alveolar regions of the lung. DPPC-treated and untreated dusts were used to challenge lavaged rat pulmonary alveolar macrophages in vitro. Cytotoxicity was determined over a 5-d period using both total and viable cell counts from a fluorescence-based viability assay. DNA damage, as an indication of genotoxicity, was determined over a 7-d period by the single-cell gel electrophoresis assay. Untreated quartz and kaolin both expressed a significant and potent cytotoxicity, which increased with concentration and time. DPPC-surfactant pretreatment delayed significant expression of this cytotoxicity until 3 to 5 d after challenge. Untreated quartz also caused DNA damage, which increased with concentration and time. DPPC-surfactant treatment of quartz delayed most DNA damage expression to 5 and 7 d. Untreated kaolin expressed weaker activity for DNA damage, significant at the highest concentration through 5 d, and at the higher concentrations on d 7. Surfactant treatment delayed most kaolin activity for DNA damage to 7 d after challenge.
Species Richness and Abundance of Reef-Building Corals in the Indo-West Pacific: The Local–Regional Relation Revisited

The degree to which biotic communities are regionally enriched or locally saturated, and roles of key structuring processes, remain enduring ecological questions. Prior studies of reef-building corals of the Indo-West Pacific (IWP) found consistent evidence of regional enrichment, a finding subsequently questioned on methodological grounds. Here we revisit this relation and associated relations between richness and abundance (as “effective number of species”), and coral cover, used as a proxy for disturbance and competition. From 1994 to 2017, we sampled > 2,900 sites on shallow (typically < 8–10 m depth below reef crest) and deeper reef slopes in 26 coral ecoregions, from Arabia to the Coral Triangle, Eastern Australia, Micronesia and Fiji, for a total pool of 672 species. Sampling intensity varied among ecoregions but always approached asymptotic richness. Local coral communities on both shallow and deep reef slopes were, on average, comprised of 25% of regional pools, ranging from 12 to 43% for individual ecoregions. The richest individual shallow and deep sites, averaged across all ecoregions, comprised 42 and 40% of regional pools, ranging from 30 to 60%, the highest in environmentally marginal ecoregions. Analyses using log-ratio regression indicated that IWP coral communities on deeper reef slopes were intermediate between regionally enriched and locally saturated. Communities on shallow reef slopes showed more evidence of regional enrichment, consistent with these being most susceptible to disturbance. Unimodal curvilinear relations between local richness and coral cover provide support for disturbance mediation and competitive exclusion. IWP coral communities are clearly dynamic, shaped by biological, ecological, and oceanographic processes and disturbance regimes that influence reproduction, dispersal, recruitment, and survival. Yet there is also evidence for a degree of local saturation, consistent with a niche-neutral model of community assembly. The richest sites hosted > 200 species, > 40% of regional pools and > 25% of the IWP total. These places may represent the asymptote of local richness in reef-building corals, rare examples of the ecological complexity for which these increasingly endangered communities are justly renowned.