Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Addition of Opuntia ficus-indica Reduces Hypothalamic Microglial Activation and Improves Metabolic Alterations in Obese Mice Exposed to a High-fat Diet

Opuntia ficus-indica consumption improves obesity and glucose and lipid metabolism, to name a few; however, the involved mechanism is poorly understood and attributed primarily to fiber. Obesity was recently shown to increase microglial cell activation in the hypothalamus. Here, we hypothesized that the addition of cactus flour (CF) to a high-fat diet (HFD) reduces hypothalamic inflammation, which is a key regulator of energy balance metabolism. Adult male C57Bl/6j mice underwent HFD (60% cal from fat) exposure over 12 weeks to develop obesity. The same type of HFD added with CF (17%) was administrated for 4 weeks. Bodyweight and food intake were recorded during the treatment, and glucose and insulin tolerance were evaluated at the end of the treatment. Additionally, the behavioral satiety sequence (BSS) was performed, and adiposity, along with microglia activation and density in the arcuate nucleus was determined. Herein, we found that CF normalizes body weight and adiposity without changes in absolute food intake. Moreover, CF modulated the cumulative caloric intake in a diet-dependent manner. Feed efficiency was decreased; glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were improved with CF treatment. BSS showed a decreased resting time and increased grooming for animals with an HFD-CF. Finally, CF consumption normalized microglia density in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus in obese mice and significantly decreased their activation. This study shed new light on the understanding of the effects of cactus to reduce body weight, adiposity and improve glucose metabolism, and suggest they are mediated by the reduction of the microglial activation of the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus.
The Development of Social and Cultural Capitals for Immigrant Hosts of VFR Travellers

Abstract The hosting of friends and relatives is an important and common experience. Hosting gives reason and opportunity for residents to explore their community while spending time with guests. For newcomers, hosting brings additional significance due to their relative isolation from traditional social networks and comparative unfamiliarity with the community. This narrative inquiry examines immigrants’ experiences of hosting friends and relatives using Bourdieu’s theories of social and cultural capital. Findings suggest that hosting creates a context where relationships are refreshed, resources exchanged, and capitals that enhance hosts’ habitus in the new social field are developed. This impacts personal identity, sense of accomplishments, and increases familiarity with the new culture that may further integration. Application of both social and cultural capital demonstrates the opportunities and dilemmas for immigrant hosts interacting in dual social fields. A theoretical model delineates processes and implications for capital development laying foundations for future research and practitioner guidance.
Application of Some Herbal Medicine Used for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis and Chondrogenesis

Rheumatic diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and low back pain are very popular. The drugs available to treat these diseases are almost ineffective and have significant side effects. There are several approaches used to replace conventional drugs to treat these diseases. One of these methods is the use of herbal medicines. In this study, the effects of herbal medicines and medicinal plants used in the treatment of these diseases include. Searching for articles published in English from 1985 to 2020 using keywords include scientific and traditional names of plants reviewing Scopus and PubMed databases. There is limited research on the anti-rheumatic effects of these plants and the active ingredients. Therefore, further research is needed to determine the mechanism of action, the interaction of effects, the efficacy and safety of medicinal plants, and the potentially beneficial plant nutrients in treatment of these diseases seems necessary. The aim of this review was to update information on OA and chondrogenesis, also importance of herbal drugs for the management of arthritis.
Beyond the second-order magnetic anisotropy tensor: higher-order components due to oriented magnetite exsolutions in pyroxenes, and implications for palaeomagnetic and structural interpretations

Exsolved iron oxides in silicate minerals can be nearly ideal palaeomagnetic recorders, due to their single-domain-like behaviour and the protection from chemical alteration by their surrounding silicate host. Because their geometry is crystallographically controlled by the host silicate, these exsolutions possess a shape preferred orientation that is ultimately controlled by the mineral fabric of the silicates. This leads to potentially significant anisotropic acquisition of remanence, which necessitates correction to make accurate interpretations in palaeodirectional and palaeointensity studies. Here, we investigate the magnetic shape anisotropy carried by magnetite exsolutions in pyroxene single crystals, and in pyroxene-bearing rocks based on torque measurements and rotational hysteresis data. Image analysis is used to characterize the orientation distribution of oxides, from which the observed anisotropy can be modelled. Both the high-field torque signal and corresponding models contain components of higher order, which cannot be accurately described by second-order tensors usually used to describe magnetic fabrics. Conversely, low-field anisotropy data do not show this complexity and can be adequately described with second-order tensors. Hence, magnetic anisotropy of silicate-hosted exsolutions is field-dependent and this should be taken into account when interpreting isolated ferromagnetic fabrics, and in anisotropy corrections.
The Impact of Weblogs on Teaching Translation: Yemeni Learners’ Attitudes and Perceptions

This study aimed to elicit EFL learners’ attitudes and perceptions on the implementation of weblogs in the course of translation from and into Arabic/English. The study adopted the descriptive research design, and a questionnaire was used for data collection. The participants were eleven female students in their fourth year in the English department. They were taught a translation course from and into Arabic/English by the researcher. Utilizing weblogs in the course of translation was an out-class project as a supportive material to a traditional translation class. Translation assignments were posted on the weblog weekly by the instructor, and learners were asked to visit the weblog, translate the posted text, and give feedback to their peers’ translations. At the end of the program, learners were handed out the questionnaire to find out their attitudes and perceptions on the effectiveness and usefulness of using weblogs in translation. Results showed that the learners have positive attitudes towards implementing weblog in translation class.
Characterization of MMP-3 from Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients and the Production of Rabbit Polyclonal Anti-MMP-3 Antibody

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic disorder characterised by inflammation of the joint synovial membrane associated with cytokine release resulted in progressive joint destruction. RA pathogenesis was thought to be initiated by bone resorption by osteoclasts, immune system activation and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) production. Serum MMP-3 levels at the onset of disease is predictive of joint damage progression and thought to play an important role in joint destruction in RA. This study aimed to determine the presence of elevated serum MMP-3 in RA patients and to produce custom made patient derived anti-MMP-3 antibody for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. We found significant increase of serum MMP-3 in RA patients participated in this study and able to produce anti-MMP-3 antibody from their serum. The success of MMP-3 antibody production from RA patients in this study is novel and will be beneficial for future diagnostic and prognostic purposes for patients from similar geographical area. Currently none of the MMP-3 antibodies which are available commercially were produced in the Asian countries which raised questions about their specificity for the local use.
Seventy-Five Years of Investing for Future Generations

University endowments invest for future generations, so their strategy should reflect their long horizon. We researched whether they really do behave like long-term investors. We examined the behavior of US endowments since 1945 and drew comparisons with earlier periods. Using a long-run dataset on 12 major universities, we examined their preferences for risky assets and documented their big strategic moves into equities and, later, into alternatives. We then analysed how they invest at the time of crises and the extent to which they exploit their long-horizon advantage. We found that, on average, endowments invested countercyclically at crisis times, particularly by increasing their allocations to risky assets after a crisis. Disclosure: The authors report no conflicts of interest. Editor’s Note Submitted 19 June 2020 Accepted 26 July 2020 by Stephen J. Brown This article was originally published online with minor errors in Table 3 and Table 5, which have been corrected for both online and print versions. Please see Correction https://doi.org/10.1080/0015198X.2020. 1836941
Genetic, environmental and genotype x environment interaction effects on the common bean grain yield and commercial quality

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of environmental and genotype x environment (GxE) interaction on the commercial quality and grain yield of common bean for the identification of new cultivars for the South Central and Central regions of Brazil, that combine high adaptability/stability for grain yield, sieve yield (SY) and 100-seed weight (100M). Sixty-two trials were performed in a randomised block design with three replicates in different sowing seasons in the South Central (Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Santa Catarina (SC), Parana (PR), Sao Paulo (SP) and Mato Grosso do Sul (MS)) and Central (Goias (GO) and Distrito Federal (DF)) regions in 2009 and 2010. In the trials, 16 “carioca”-seeded lines were evaluated, and grain yield, SY and 100M were collected. The data were then subjected to individual and joint analyses of variance and to adaptability and stability analyses using the Annichiarico method. Genetic variation was found between the lines for all three traits. Coefficient of determination estimates showed that the genotype effect was more important for commercial quality than for grain yield and that the environmental effect was equally important for all three traits, indicating that the highest possible number of environments should be tested. The highest-yielding lines in the Brazilian Central (CNFC 11954 and CNFC 11959) and South Central (CNFC 11948) regions were different, indicating the importance of GxE interactions for yield. However, the two best lines in the Central Region had low commercial grain quality. Thus, CNFC 11948 will be recommended as the new cultivar selected for broad adaptation because it combines high commercial quality with increased mean grain yield and stability in the South Central Region and better yield and stability than the main controls in the Central Region.
On Semi-Supervised LF-MMI Training of Acoustic Models with Limited Data

This work investigates semi-supervised training of acoustic models (AM) with the lattice-free maximum mutual information (LF-MMI) objective in practically relevant scenarios with a limited amount of labeled in-domain data. An error detection driven semi-supervised AM training approach is proposed, in which an error detector controls the hypothesized transcriptions or lattices used as LF-MMI training targets on additional unlabeled data. Under this approach, our first method uses a single error-tagged hypothesis whereas our second method uses a modified supervision lattice. These methods are evaluated and compared with existing semi-supervised AM training methods in three different matched or mismatched, limited data setups. Word error recovery rates of 28 to 89% are reported.
Social support and life satisfaction among entrepreneurs: a latent growth curve modelling approach

PurposeSocial support has been identified as a valuable resource that could help entrepreneurs maintain goal directness in their endeavours and increase their life satisfaction. However, to date, scant research has examined the effect of perceived social support on life satisfaction during the transition from paid employment to self-employment. This paper uses the job demand resource model (JD–R) as a theoretical lens to investigate this relationship.Design/methodology/approachDrawing on the household income and labour dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey, we use latent growth curve modelling (LGCM) to investigate the trajectories of entrepreneurs' perceived social support and life satisfaction (n = 1,303) up to five years after their transition into self-employment.FindingsResults suggest that entrepreneurs experience a boost in life satisfaction in the transition phase, followed by a declining trend in the years that follow. We find that both the initial perception and the evolution of perceived social support are positively related to life satisfaction over time across gender groups. However, we find that females may benefit more from early social support soon after the transition into self-employment to forestall declines in life satisfaction over the long-term.Research limitations/implicationsThe generalisability of the research findings beyond the Australian context is undefined. Future research needs to examine to what extent these results can generalize to other samples within different cultural and institutional frameworks.Practical implicationsSince perceived social support is a strong buffering mechanism that helps mitigate job demands, entrepreneurs need to be proactive in building a strong network. Individuals who switch to self-employment should carefully map and build a strong social network that can help them weather the challenges and setbacks in their new job.Originality/valueThis study extends the JD–R literature by examining the transition into self-employment, considered an “active job” characterised by high demands and high decision latitude. LGCM modelling captures how both initial levels and changes in social support affect life satisfaction during entrepreneurship entry and over time.
Morphology and molecular phylogeny of Ostreopsis cf. ovata and O. lenticularis (Dinophyceae) from Hainan Island, South China Sea

The genus Ostreopsis contains benthic and potentially toxic species that are distributed in tropical and temperate regions. In this study, we present the first report of observations of Ostreopsis cf. ovata and O. lenticularis in Chinese waters. Isolates were characterized morphologically based on LM and SEM, and phylogenetic analyses were conducted by sequencing the LSU rDNA (D1–D3), ITS region (ITS1‐5.8S‐ITS2) and SSU rDNA. The morphology of O. cf. ovata Hainan strains was similar to the original description of O. ovata, despite differences in cell size. The morphology of O. lenticularis Hainan strains was similar to the original description, although both deviations of cell dimensions and different kinds of thecal pores were observed. The plate formula for the Ostreopsis Hainan strains was arranged in Kofoid's system tabulation of Po, 3′, 7′′, Vp, Rp, 1p, 5′′′, 2′′′′. The O. cf. ovata and O. lenticularis Hainan strains showed close relationships with strains collected from the Pacific Ocean based on the sequences of both LSU rDNA and ITS region. The genetic differences (p‐distances) of SSU rDNA sequences of the Ostreopsis cf. ovata Hainan strain were 0.0096 and 0.0447 different from those of a Malaysian strain and a South Korean strain, respectively. This work identifies the first occurrence of Ostreopsis with the morphology and phylogeny of Hainan strains in Chinese waters.
Rainy season drought severity trend analysis of the Indonesian maritime continent

Drought is generally associated with a long‐term reduction in total precipitation. However, changes at shorter time‐scales can also induce drought conditions. This study analyses trends of meteorological drought severity during the rainy season in the Indonesian maritime continent. We propose a new dry spell index to characterize this drought severity. The anomalous accumulation definition was used to define a single most intense rainy season for region with one or two rainy seasons per year. The Mann–Kendall test was applied for trend analysis of the index. Temporal and spatial drought characterisations were compared between the dry spell index and standardized precipitation index. The results show that in semi‐annual and anti‐monsoonal regimes the rainy season precipitation increases, the number of dry days decreases, and long dry spell contribution decreases, overall causing a decrease in drought severity. Over the same period, the number of dry days, duration of the extreme dry spell, and long dry spell contribution increased in the monsoon regime, indicating a tendency towards a drier condition. In contrast, standardized precipitation index showed a strong tendency towards a wetter condition during the rainy season over this region.
Virulence property, phylogenetic background, and resistance pattern of Escherichia coli isolates from wound infections

Aims: The aim of the present study was to characterize the E. coli isolates from surgical wounds, traumatic wounds, and from foot ulcers on the basis of virulence and drug resistance. Subjects and Methods: A total of forty E. coli strains isolated from wound infections were studied. Phylogenetic background, virulence factors (VFs), and antibiotic resistance profiles were determined by phenotypic and genotypic methods. Correlation between phylogenetic groups, VFs, and drug resistance pattern were analyzed. Results: Analysis of virulence gene possession among the isolates indicated that a maximum number were carrying the fimH (39 strains; 97.5%) gene, followed by iutA (27; 67.5%), papC (16; 4%), hlyA (5; 12.5%), cnf1 ( 5; 12.5%), and neuC (1; 2.5%), respectively. The phylogroups B2 (32.5%) and D (42.5%) were more common. Thirty isolates (75%) were found to be positive for extended-spectrum β-lactamase genes. CIT type of plasmid-mediated AmpC was seen only in 6 (15%) isolates. Most effective antibiotics were carbapenem and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim groups of drugs. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that adherence factors and iron uptake systems are two of the more important CFs expressed by such isolates, and such strains are also observed to exhibit a higher degree of drug resistance. Carbapenems and co-trimoxazole may be considered as reliable and successful alternative medications for these isolates.
Preoperative left stellate ganglion block: Does it offer arrhythmia-protection during off-pump CABG surgery? A randomized clinical trial

ABSTRACT Background Cardiac arrhythmias are not uncommon during and after coronary artery bypass graft cardiac surgeries. Preliminary studies showed the preventive effects of stellate ganglion block upon cardiac arrhythmias; however, this could be the 1st study focusing upon intraoperative arrhythmias during offpump coronary artery bypass graft surgery as a main goal. Methods This is a randomized controlled trial. The study involved forty adult patients undergoing elective offpump coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Twenty patients received left SGB with 10 ml of 2% lidocaine before induction of anesthesia (B group), and twenty patients as a control group (A group). Intraoperative and 24-hours postoperative electrocardiogram and hemodynamics were monitored, in addition to the mean postoperative 24-hours inotropic score. Results There was a significantly higher incidence of intraoperative arrhythmias in the control group in the form of bradyarrhythmia (25%), supraventricular tachycardia (30%), atrial fibrillation (5%), ventricular tachycardia (10%), and ventricular fibrillation (5%) in comparison to the block group where atrial fibrillation occurred only in 4 patients (20%) with the p value of 0.007. Mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate showed significantly lower values in the SGB group intraoperatively. Postoperative mean 24-hour inotropic score and hemodynamics showed insignificant differences. Conclusion Preoperative left stellate ganglion block can decrease incidence of arrhythmias during offpump coronary artery bypass graft surgeries. The technique showed a safe profile upon hemodynamics during the study period.
Mindfulness and relaxation: the effects of a program with university hospital workers

Our study compared the effects of mindfulness and relaxation interventions on stress, quality of life, resilience, and mindfulness levels. A total of 29 workers, recruited at a university hospital in the northeastern region of Brazil and distributed in two groups: Mindfulness (89.5% female, age mean 37.5 ± 6.23 years old); and Relaxation (90.0% female, age mean 34.2 ± 8.66). After eight weeks of daily mindfulness or relaxation practices, both groups significantly reduced the perceived stress and stress at work, and increased their mindfulness and resilience levels, as well as the physical and psychological quality of life domains. Our results suggest that both interventions may be effective in the organizational environment, assisting in health promotion and increasing the ability of individuals to recover from an adversity (resilience).
The Hoverflies of an Oak Dehesa from Spain, with a New Species and Other Insights into the Taxonomy of the Eumerus tricolor Group (Diptera: Syrphidae)

Abstract. Dehesas are typical Mediterranean habitats for extensive livestock raising. Hoverflies (Diptera: Syrphidae) may act as bioindicators in dehesas, but they are still poorly known in this habitat type. With the purpose of the present study, hoverfly diversity was surveyed in Campanarios de Azaba, a typical oak dehesa in Salamanca province, Spain. A total of 41 species were recorded, including Eumerus azabense sp. nov. This new species was found to belong to the Eumerus tricolor group, both in morphological and genetic terms, and clearly separated (DNA characters) from the similar Eumerus niveitibia, which is redescribed here. Genetic monophyly of the E. tricolor group is confirmed in the present paper. An updated hoverfly checklist of Salamanca province is provided (152 sp.) with indication of the 56 species recorded in Campanarios de Azaba. Obtained results address the importance of dehesa biodiversity, which includes species new to science.
Linking seascape with landscape genetics: Oceanic currents favour colonization across the Galápagos Islands by a coastal plant

Coastal plants are terrestrial organisms for which ocean surface currents often act as long‐distance dispersal vectors (thalassochorous species) favouring broad distributions and connecting distant populations. However, few studies have statistically assessed the role of currents in modulating gene flow and species distributions of terrestrial organisms. Here we evaluate the hypothesis that some thalassochorous plants exhibit population connectivity, presumably due to effective seed dispersal driven by sea currents.