Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Macroinvertebrate frequency data for the RIVPACS III sites in Northern Ireland and some comparisons with equivalent data for Great Britain

1. A total of 313 macroinvertebrate taxa were recorded from the 70 running-water sites in the River InVertebrate Prediction And Classification System (RIVPACS III) dataset for Northern Ireland, after the application of a standardization procedure to ensure that all samples were identified to the same taxonomic level. The listing includes a small number of oligochaetes not previously reported from Ireland. The frequency of occurrence of the 313 taxa within the Northern Ireland dataset is also presented. 2. The taxonomic composition and frequency of occurrence of taxa in the Northern Ireland dataset were then compared with the 614 site dataset for Great Britain, which included 637 taxa, and a 75 site subset within Britain at a similar latitude to Northern Ireland with 333 taxa. 3. The macroinvertebrate fauna of Northern Ireland is dominated by taxa recorded at the highest frequencies of occurrence in Britain. Some notable absences are highlighted and, in particular, a small number of lotic mayflies and stoneflies which are common in Great Britain. There is documentary evidence of the introduction by man of a number of non-insect taxa, either deliberately or by accident. 4. A detailed knowledge of the present composition of the macroinvertebrate fauna of running-water sites in Northern Ireland, and an active research programme on the potential for new colonists to pose a threat to native species, are important factors in the future conservation of the freshwater fauna. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exposures to particle beta radiation in greater Massachusetts and factors influencing their spatial and temporal variability.

Particle radioactivity is a property of airborne particles caused by the presence of naturally-occurring or anthropogenic radionuclides. Recent studies have found associations between particle radioactivity and adverse health outcomes, including changes in blood pressure and lung function. However, the spatiotemporal distribution of particle radioactivity and factors influencing its variability have not been extensively studied. We address these knowledge gaps using measurements of gross beta activity, collected at seven Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) RadNet monitors located in and around Massachusetts. We apply back-trajectory analysis to identify prevailing air mass trajectories and find that these trajectories strongly influence seasonal trends in beta activity. We also evaluate the effects of different meteorological predictors on daily beta activity concentrations using a mixed-effect model. Important predictors of beta activity include air mass trajectories, temperature and relative humidity. Finally, we create a series of random forest models to impute missing beta activity concentrations at each RadNet monitor for use in future health studies. This is the first study to analyze spatiotemporal trends in particle radioactivity using measurements from the EPA RadNet system.
Inequalities in participation in colorectal cancer screening programmes: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major public health problem due to its incidence and mortality. Screening programmes help decrease its impact on the population through early detection. However, the uneven distribution of social determinants of health can cause inequalities. The aim of this study is to identify the social inequalities in the participation in CRC screening programmes. METHODS A systematic review of the literature was carried out, searching in both health and social databases for papers published since 2000 in English, Spanish, Portuguese and French. The search strategies combined terms regarding screening, CRC, participation and social inequalities. Included papers were quantitative or qualitative primary studies analyzing gender and socioeconomic inequalities in the participation in CRC screening programmes implemented by public and private health-care providers and addressing 45- to 75-year-old population. RESULTS A total of 96 studies, described in 102 articles, were included. Most were quantitative observational studies and analyzed population-based screening programmes. They were carried out mainly in the UK (n=29) and the USA (n=18). Participation in screening programmes varied from 1.1% to 82.8% using several methods. A total of 87 studies assessed participation by sex and one focussed on men, but only two provided an analysis from a gender perspective. Although men are at a higher risk of developing CRC, they generally were less likely to participate in screening programmes. Screening attendance was higher among the least deprived areas. CONCLUSIONS Gender and socioeconomic inequalities in CRC screening participation should be addressed through the design of tailored interventions with a multidimensional focus.
THE PHYSIOLOGY OF HOST–PARASITE RELATIONS: I. THE ACCUMULATION OF RADIOACTIVE SUBSTANCES AT INFECTIONS OF FACULTATIVE AND OBLIGATE PARASITES INCLUDING TOBACCO MOSAIC VIRUS

Excised, parasitized leaves were placed with their bases in radioactive solutions or exposed to radioactive carbon dioxide and the uptake and distribution of the tracers followed by autoradiography. Carbon dioxide and 20 other carbon compounds, including sugars, amino and organic acids, phenols, and indoleacetic acid, and/or their metabolic products, as well as phosphate and calcium, accumulated strongly at uredial and conidial colonies of the obligate parasites Puccinia and Erysiphe, respectively. Accumulation of glucose occurred in the host tissue at the sites of mildew colonies on leaves from which the ectoparasitic fungal mycelium had been removed, paralleled the respiration, rate, increased progressively with the development of the parasites, and was most marked at type 4 infections. It was inhibited by sulphur dust (with mildew), sodium azide, 2,4-dinitrophenol and, reversibly, by anaerobiosis and was, therefore, dependent on aerobic respiration. On the other hand the tracers did not accumulate with.
Oxidative stress, GTPCH1, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase uncoupling in hypertension.

SIGNIFICANCE Hypertension has major health consequences, which is associated with endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) produced nitric oxide (NO) signaling in the vasculature plays an important role in maintaining vascular homeostasis. Considering the importance of NO system, this review is aimed to provide a brief overview of the biochemistry of members of NO signaling including GTPCH1, BH4, and eNOS. CRITICAL ISSUES Under conditions of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) depletion, eNOS generated superoxide trigger pathological events. Abnormalities in NO availability and BH4 deficiency lead to disturbed redox regulation causing pathological events. This disturbed signaling influences the development of systemic hypertension as well as pulmonary hypertension. Recent Advances: Being NO signaling activators and regulators of eNOS signaling, BH4 treatment is getting widespread attention either as potential therapeutic agents or as preventive agents. Recent clinical trials also support that BH4 treatment could be considered as a promising therapeutics in hypertension. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Considering the importance of BH4 and NO to improve the translational significance, it is essential to continue research on this field to manipulate BH4 to increase the efficacy for treating hypertension. Thus, this review also examines the current state of knowledge on the effects of eNOS activators on preclinical models and humans to utilize this information for the potential therapy. INNOVATION We have dealt with the effectiveness of the BH4 treatment by providing the clinical evidence in hypertension and we discuss how to avoid potential limitations of BH4 therapy.
The effects of pre-sleep consumption of casein protein on next-morning measures of RMR and appetite compared between sedentary pre- and postmenopausal women

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to compare next-morning responses of RMR and appetite to pre-sleep consumption of casein protein (CP) in pre- and postmenopausal women. The study was a randomised, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Seven sedentary premenopausal (age: 19·9 (sd 1·2) years; BMI: 23·1 (sd 2·6) kg/m2) and seven sedentary postmenopausal (age: 56·4 (sd 4·9) years; BMI: 26·3 (sd 3·5) kg/m2) women participated. During visit one, anthropometrics and body composition were measured. Following visit one, subjects consumed either CP (25 g) or placebo (PL) ≥2 h after their last meal and ≤30 min prior to sleep on the night before visits two and three. Visits two and three occurred ≥1 week after visit one and were 48 h apart. During visits two and three, RMR (VO2), RER and appetite were measured via indirect calorimetry and visual analogue scale, respectively. Anthropometrics and body composition were analysed by one-way ANOVA. RMR and measures of appetite were analysed using a 2 × 2 (menopause status × CP/PL) repeated-measures ANOVA. Significance was accepted at P ≤ 0·05. RMR was significantly lower in postmenopausal compared with premenopausal women under both conditions (P = 0·003). When consumed pre-sleep CP did not alter RMR, RER or appetite compared with PL when assessed next morning in pre- and postmenopausal women. These data contribute to growing evidence that pre-sleep consumption of protein is not harmful to next-morning metabolism or appetite. In addition, these data demonstrate that menopause may not alter next-morning RMR, RER or appetite after pre-sleep consumption of CP.
The stress of Arctic warming on polar bears

Arctic ecosystems are changing rapidly in response to climate warming. While Arctic mammals are highly evolved to these extreme environments, particularly with respect to their stress axis, some species may have limited capacity to adapt to this change. We examined changes in key components of the stress axis (cortisol and its carrier protein—corticosteroid binding globulin [CBG]) in polar bears (Ursus maritimus) from western Hudson Bay (N = 300) over a 33 year period (1983–2015) during which time the ice‐free period was increasing. Changing sea ice phenology limits spring hunting opportunities and extends the period of onshore fasting. We assessed the response of polar bears to a standardized stressor (helicopter pursuit, darting, and immobilization) during their onshore fasting period (late summer–autumn) and quantified the serum levels of the maximum corticosteroid binding capacity (MCBC) of CBG, the serum protein that binds cortisol strongly, and free cortisol (FC). We quantified bear condition (age, sex, female with cubs or not, fat condition), sea ice (breakup in spring–summer, 1 year lagged freeze‐up in autumn), and duration of fasting until sample collection as well as cumulative impacts of the latter environmental traits from the previous year. Data were separated into “good” years (1983–1990) when conditions were thought to be optimal and “poor” years (1991–2015) when sea ice conditions deteriorated and fasting on land was extended. MCBC explained 39.4% of the variation in the good years, but only 28.1% in the poor ones, using both biological and environmental variables. MCBC levels decreased with age. Changes in FC were complex, but more poorly explained. Counterintuitively, MCBC levels increased with increased time onshore, 1 year lag effects, and in poor ice years. We conclude that MCBC is a biomarker of stress in polar bears and that the changes we document are a consequence of climate warming.
Identification of new anti-nCoV drug chemical compounds from Indian spices exploiting SARS-CoV-2 main protease as target

Abstract The 2019-novel coronavirus (nCoV) has caused a global health crisis by causing coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic in the human population. The unavailability of specific vaccines and anti-viral drug for nCoV, science demands sincere efforts in the field of drug design and discovery for COVID-19. The novel coronavirus main protease (SARS-CoV-2 Mpro) play a crucial role during the disease propagation, and hence SARS-CoV-2 Mpro represents as a drug target for the drug discovery. Herein, we have applied bioinformatics approach for screening of chemical compounds from Indian spices as potent inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 main protease (PDBID: 6Y84). The structure files of Indian spices chemical compounds were taken from PubChem database or Zinc database and screened by molecular docking, by using AutoDock-4.2, MGLTools-1.5. 6, Raccoon virtual screening tools. Top 04 hits based on their highest binding affinity were analyzed. Carnosol exhibited highest binding affinity -8.2 Kcal/mol and strong and stable interactions with the amino acid residues present on the active site of SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. Arjunglucoside-I (-7.88 Kcal/mol) and Rosmanol (-7.99 Kcal/mol) also showed a strong and stable binding affinity with favourable ADME properties. These compounds on MD simulations for 50 ns shows strong hydrogen-bonding interactions with the protein active site and remains stable inside the active site. Our virtual screening results suggest that these small chemical molecules can be used as potential inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro and may have an anti-viral effect on nCoV. However, further validation and investigation of these inhibitors against SARS-CoV-2 main protease are needed to claim their candidacy for clinical trials. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma
Evaluation of Phosphate Solubilizing Potential of Three Burkholderia Species Isolated from Green House Soils

Burkholderia anthina R-4183, Burkholderia diffusa R-15930 and Burkholderia stabilis LMG 14294 isolated from green house soils (Gongju-Gun area, South Korea) were characterized and their phosphate solubilizing ability was assessed. Under in vitro culture conditions, all three species were proved to be effective in solubilizing phosphates in varying degrees. Strain Burkholderia anthina exhibited the highest phosphate solubilization in NBRIP medium (665 ㎍ ㎖? ¹) followed by Burkholderia diffusa (630 ㎍ ㎖? ¹) and Burkholderia stabilis (578 ㎍ ㎖? ¹). However, solubilization of FePO4 and AlPO4 was found to be poor in all the strains. Acidification by means of gluconic and oxalic acids accumulation in the culture medium could be the possible mechanism responsible for phosphate solubilization. Glucose at the rate of 3% was found be the best carbon source for Burkholderia anthina while other two Burkholderia species showed maximum phosphate solubilization at 2% of glucose. In the case of nitrogen sources, ammonium and nitrate were equally effective in solubilizing phosphates by Burkholderia species. Despite a slight decrease in phosphate solubilization observed at increasing temperature, all three Burkholderia species could withstand a temperature of 30-35℃, pH at the range of 7-9 and the presence of NaCl (up to 2.5%) without much compromising the phosphate solubilization. As shown with potted mung bean seedlings, all the three isolates could enhance soil fertility and plant growth indicating their great potential to be used as bio-inoculants.
Development of pilot-scale fermentation and stabilisation processes for the production of microsclerotia of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum strain F52

Abstract Using 100 L stirred-tank bioreactors, we evaluated the effect of fermentation parameters and drying protocols on the production and stabilisation of microsclerotia (MS) of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum (formerly M. anisopliae F52). Results showed that stirred-tank bioreactors can be used to mass produce stable MS of Metarhizium and that culturing and drying protocols significantly affected MS yield and stability. Length of fermentation (4–7 days) for Metarhizium cultures had no significant impact on biomass accumulation, MS formation or the storage stability of the air-dried MS granules. Although cultures of Metarhizium grown on media with a carbon-to-nitrogen (C:N) ratio of 30:1 produced significantly more biomass when compared to cultures grown in media with a C:N ratio of 50:1, MS formation and desiccation tolerance following drying were similar. After storage for 1 year at 4°C, conidia production by air-dried MS granules from 50:1 media was significantly higher compared to MS granules from 30:1 media. The addition of diatomaceous earth (DE) to cultures of Metarhizium prior to drying at rates of 0–60 g L−1 had no significant effect on MS desiccation tolerance but did impact conidia production. Air-dried MS granules without DE produced significantly more conidia g−1 during the first 4 months of storage, but after 1 year, conidia production was similar regardless of DE content of the MS granule. Microsclerotial granules with higher moisture levels (2.6–5.0% w/w) produced significantly more conidia immediately after drying and MS granules with low moisture (0–2.5% w/w) produced more conidia after 12 months storage.
Plasma biomarker profiling in the detection of growth promoter use in calves

Abstract The detection of illicit growth promoter use during meat production within the European Union is reliant on residue testing which is a limiting factor on the number of animals which can be tested and consequently compromises the efficacy of testing procedures. The present study examined a novel detection strategy based on the profiling of plasma component concentrations in response to growth promoter administrations. Calves subjected to nortestosterone decanoate, 17β-oestradiol benzoate and dexamethasone were found to have altered urea, aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen and sex hormone binding globulin profiles in response to treatments. These findings demonstrate the potential of using the identification of perturbed profiles within a panel of biomarkers which cover a spectrum of biological activity to reveal growth promoter abuse.
Pulmonary function sequelae after respiratory syncytial virus lower respiratory tract infection in children: A systematic review

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) during early childhood may be associated with subsequent pulmonary sequelae, including recurrent wheezing and asthma. We undertook a systematic review to investigate the pulmonary function sequelae following RSV LRTI in the first 3 years of life. The systematic review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42018087168). PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and World Health Organization Global Index Medicus, as well as ClinicalTrials.gov and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, were searched up until 15 June 2019 for published and unpublished interventional and observational studies with the end‐point outcome of pulmonary function testing (PFT) after a proven RSV LRTI in the first 3 years of life. Two independent reviewers screened all the titles, abstracts and full texts. Data were extracted using a standardized data extraction form. Corresponding authors were contacted for additional information if required. All studies were assessed for risk of bias using the Newcastle‐Ottawa quality assessment scale. The final analysis included 31 studies. Thirteen studies using spirometry reported no association between RSV LRTI and pulmonary function sequelae. The remaining 16 reported abnormal spirometry; 12 obstructive airways disease, three restrictive lung disease, and one mixed lung disease. The heterogeneity in PFT techniques, different ages at testing, and methods used for reporting outcomes made direct comparisons or pooled effect estimates impossible. Children with confirmed RSV LRTI during the first 3 years of life often have abnormal PFTs, favoring obstructive airways disease. The evidence, however, is not overwhelming with conflicting results between studies.
Studies on viral pneumonia related to novel coronavirus SARS‐CoV‐2, SARS‐CoV, and MERS‐CoV: a literature review

Coronaviruses are a class of RNA viruses that can cause respiratory and intestinal infections in animals and humans. SARS‐CoV, MERS‐CoV, and a novel coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2 [2019‐nCoV]) belong to the family Coronaviridae and the genus Betacoronavirus. At present, the understanding of SARS‐CoV‐2 is getting deeper and deeper. In order to better prevent and treat SARS‐CoV‐2, this article compares the infectivity, pathogenicity, and related clinical characteristics of the three human pathogenic coronaviruses, SARS‐CoV‐2, SARS‐CoV, and MERS‐CoV to help us further understand the pathogenic characteristics of novel coronaviruses.
Overexpression of integrin αv promotes human osteosarcoma cell populated collagen lattice contraction and cell migration

Cells attach and interact with the extracellular matrix (ECM) through heterodimeric αβ integrin receptors. Specifically, the promiscuous αvβ3 integrin and the α2β1 integrin receptors engage numerous matrix components to influence cell adhesion, cell motility, and matrix organization. However, the role of αv integrin mediating cell–collagen interactions is not clear. In the in vitro cell populated collagen lattice (PCL), a model of cell–matrix interaction, integrin receptors play a role in lattice contraction. To elucidate αv integrins' effects on cell–collagen interactions, human osteosarcoma (HOS) cells were transfected with αv integrin (αv‐pcDNA 3.1+). Control HOS cells were transfected with pcDNA 3.1+ vector alone. HOS‐αv cell PCLs contracted to a greater degree than control HOS cell PCLs (P ≤ 0.0001). RT‐PCR revealed that HOS‐αv cells express both β1 and β3 integrins, indicating that αv has the potential to form a partnership with either β1 or β3 integrin. The αvβ3 specific inhibitory antibody LM609 significantly retarded HOS‐αv cell PCL contraction (P ≤ 0.001), suggesting that αvβ3 promotes enhanced HOS‐αv cell PCL contraction. When plated on plastic, control HOS cells show greater elongation compared to HOS‐αv cells. In addition, HOS‐αv cells migrated faster and to a greater degree than control HOS cells (P ≤ 0.0001). The possibility that enhanced HOS‐αv cell migration and HOS‐αv cell PCL contraction was caused by increased myosin ATPase activity was examined. HOS‐αv cells showed less myosin ATPase activity than control HOS cells, by an ATP cell contraction bioassay. The enhancement of HOS‐αv cell migration and lattice contraction appears unrelated to increased myosin ATPase activity. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sponges from Trawl-Exploitable Bottoms of Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Seas: Distribution and Ecology*

Sponges from muddy and dctritic bottoms along the coasts of Liguria and Tuscany (Western Mediterranean) were studied to 700 m depth. The distribution of the 66 species identified was compared with depth, geographic location, as well as type of bottom and benthic community in order to determine whether a typical sponge fauna exists in these environments. The most common species (Suberites carnosus, S.ficus, Thenea muricata) are characteristic soft bottom dwellers, but the remaining sponge fauna seems to be linked to the presence of small patches of hard substrate scattered on these bottoms. As a consequence, the neighbouring hard bottom biocoenoses may remarkably affect the composition of this fauna by an export of larvae. Many species are clearly eurybathic, but most were recorded between 50 and 200 m. Type and size of the available substrate for sponge settlement and growth are apparently the most important Ecological factors affecting the studied fauna.