Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Karyotypic analyses and genomic affinity among Argentinean species of Passiflora

Abstract The genus Passiflora (Passifloraceae) has more than 500 species, nineteen are native to Argentina. By their austral distribution, these species were included in breeding programs to obtain ornamental varieties tolerant to low temperatures. The aim of this work was to know the cytogenetic characteristics of Passiflora genotypes present in a working collection, as an indispensable knowledge for the development of a breeding plan. Chromosomal preparations were performed and karyotypic characteristics, rDNA sites by FISH and affinity among subgenera by GISH were studied. Chromosome counts in fourteen Argentinean species confirmed the basic chromosome numbers previously published: x = 6 for subgenus Decaloba, x = 9 for subgenus Passiflora and x = 10 for Dysosmia. The karyotypic parameters (karyotype, haploid chromosome length and asymmetry indices) and genomic affinities among the subgenera, clarify most of the chromosomal evolution of the genus. The results obtained strongly suggest that the basic number x = 6 would be the original one and that x = 9 was originated by processes of polyploidy and descendent dysploidy. Since subgenus Passiflora possesses the largest genomes, it is postulated that evolutionary process leading to x = 9 was accompanied by unequal distribution of non-coding repetitive DNA, mainly transposable elements. These processes could explain the asymmetrical karyotypes of species of subgenus Passiflora.
Effect of Equisetum Arvense Phenolic Extract in Treatment of Entamoeba Histolytica Infection

Study aimed to detect the activity of phenolic compounds against the E. histolytica parasite. 20 rats divided as following; control group. Second group rat infected with (103 cyst/ml) E. histolytica. Third group infected rat were treated with (50ug/ml) phenolic for four weeks. Fourth group infected rat were treated with (50ug/ml) phenolic for four weeks. The findings demonstrated significant elevate (P < 0.05) in levels AST, ALT and MDA with significant (P < 0.05) reduce in levels of catalase in an infected rats compared with control group. The results of treated rats show non-significant (P < 0.05) changes in all parameters compare with control group when using phenolic compounds. About the histological changes, second group show degeneration of hepatocytes with thickening wall of central vein and infiltration of mono-nucleated inflammatory. After treatment by using phenolic compounds, tissues of liver appear semi-normal in third and fourth groups. So, phenolic show a high efficacy to treatment E. histolytica infection.
EFFECT OF USING DIFFERENT DIETARY LEVELS OF ARGININE AMINO ACID ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND MEAT QUALITY OF GROWING RABBITS

The study was conducted to determine the effect of using different levels of arginine amino acid on growth performance, immunity, some biochemical parameters, digestibility, carcass traits and economic efficiency of growing New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits. Forty growing NZW rabbits of both sexes, aged 5 weeks with an average initial weight of 739.75±13.15 g were used. The animals were divided into 5 groups. Each group has 4 replicates. Formulated diets of 17% crude protein (CP) were used. The experimental groups were: control or basal diet contains recommended dietary arginine (Arg.) by 0.6g/ kg diet (T1). Then this basal diet supplemented with arginine by 0.2g/kg diet (T2); 0.4g/kg diet (T3); 0.6g/kg diet (T4) and 0.8g/kg diet (T5). The present results showed that the final live body weight (LBW) of rabbit fed arginine by 1g/kg diet (T3) was insignificantly higher (2500.0g) than the other groups (T1, T2, T4 and T5) being 2280.0; 2487.50; 2446.88 and 2316.43g, respectively. Also, T3 group recorded significantly (P<0.05) the highest daily weight gain (DWG) compared with either those fed control and other experimental groups during the whole experimental period. Using of arginine by 1g/kg diet (T3) recorded significantly (P<0.05) the highest daily feed consumption during 513 weeks compared to control and other experimental groups. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was recorded insignificantly best value by using 1.2g/kg diet (T4) at the end of experimental period. Results of EE digestibility showed significantly (P<0.05) improvements by increasing level of dietary Arg. in tested group T4. NFE digestibility values achieved significantly (P<0.05) improvements in T3 group followed by T4, T2, control group (T1) and T5 group. Rabbits fed diets containing dietary arginine by 1.2g/kg diet (T4) were the best immunity compared with control and other experimental groups. T5 group had significantly (p<0.05) the lowest abdominal fat% followed by T4 group compared with control group (T1) which the highest one. The highest value of performance index (PI) was insignificantly (P>0.05) recorded for T4 and T3 groups while, control group value achieved the worst one. From economical
Trans-perineal ultrasonographic monitoring of intravaginal transmissible venereal tumour regression with vincristine sulphate chemotherapy in dogs: a study of twelve cases

Transmissible venereal tumour (TVT) grows mainly on the genitals of dogs. When such lesions develop in the vaginal passage, the process of clinical examination, diagnosis, and monitoring of therapeutic response are crucial in veterinary practice. The objective of this study was to investigate the usefulness of two-dimensional trans-perineal ultrasonography to monitor the therapeutic response of vincristine sulphate on intravaginal TVT in dogs. Twelve female dogs having lesions confirmed as TVT with cytological evaluation were used. TVT were categorized as multilobular (n=7), solitary (n=5), and heterogeneous (n=12). The maximum transverse diameter of tumour was assessed ultrasonographically while treating with vincristine sulphate 0.025 mg/kg, IV at weekly intervals. Owners were informed about the side effects of chronic vincristine sulphate chemotherapy such as development of pancytopenia, inappetence, and alopecia. Dogs were monitored for such adverse reactions during the study. The average maximum transverse diameter of tumour was 3.05±1.31 cm (range, 1.32 to 5.8 cm) before the treatment. A variation of therapeutic effect on tumour size was observed with trans-perineal ultrasonography. A significant reduction of the lesions was recorded between two to five weeks of the treatment in 11 dogs (P=0.00), with the highest reduction recorded one week after the treatment (P=0.01). Eight dogs showed thickened and hyperechoic foci on the vaginal wall with the highest average thickness of 0.36±0.08 cm after the complete remission of TVT. Based on the results in this study, it could be concluded that trans-perineal ultrasonography is a simple and noninvasive diagnostic modality to characterize and monitor the therapeutic effect of vincristine sulphate in dogs affected with intravaginal TVT in clinical practice.
Host-guest complexes of anionic porphyrin sensitizers with cyclodextrins

The photodynamic sensitizers zinc(II)- and palladium(II)-5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrins and 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin form 1:1 and/or 1:2 supramolecular complexes with native cyclodextrins (CD) and 2-hydroxypropyl cyclodextrins (hpCD) in aqueous neutral solutions. The formation of these assemblies causes a bathochromic shift of the porphyrin Soret band in the UV-vis spectra and a red shift of the fluorescence emission bands. The binding constants span over three orders of magnitude, from 8.1 × 102M−1 to 5.4 × 105M−1 (or 1.1 × 106M−2) depending on the size of the CD cavity and on the functionalization by adding 2-hydroxypropyl groups. The highest binding constants were obtained for hpβCD and hpγCD. The Nuclear Overhauser spectroscopy signals (ROESY) revealed three binding modes: i) inclusion of the porphyrin 4-sulfonatophenyl or 4-carboxyphenyl groups via the secondary face of βCD and hpβCD with sulfonic or carboxylic groups oriented towards the primary hydroxyl groups. ii) inclusion of the porphyrin groups via the primary face of γCD and hpγCD. iii) non-specific binding of the porphyrin monomers or aggregates on the cyclodextrin exterior. The inclusion host-guest complexation via i) or ii) does not influence the inherent photophysical properties of the monomeric porphyrins such as the quantum yields of fluorescence, the triplet states, and the singlet oxygen formation. Due to the deaggregation effect of cyclodextrins, the inclusion complexes remain efficient supramolecular sensitizers of singlet oxygen even under conditions of extensive aggregation in aqueous solutions.
Effect of Salvadora persica Extract (Miswak) on the Dentinal Tubules of Sound Root Dentin: Scanning Electron Microscope Study

Background/Purpose: Root dentin is vulnerable to a higher risk of demineralization than coronal enamel. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of miswak extract on the dentinal tubules of sound root dentin. Materials and Methods: Twenty bovine root dentin blocks, approximately 2 mm × 3 mm × 3 mm (width × length × depth) in dimensions, were prepared from freshly extracted sound bovine incisors. The sample was divided into two groups: control and miswak group. The control group had sound root dentin block and the miswak test group was treated with miswak extract 20% for 24 h. The two groups of all specimens were subjected to ultrasonication for 10 min. Scanning electron microscope images were analyzed for surface typography. Results: Fifty percent of the control group had surface particles (SPs), while the other 50% had no SPs. For the dentinal tubules, all (100%) the control group had a mixture of opened and partially opened dentinal tubules. On the other hand, for the miswak group, all (100%) the sample had SPs and blocked dentinal tubules. Conclusion: Miswak showed total blocking of the dentinal tubules compared to the control group. This might indicate that miswak has a role in reducing dentinal hypersensitivity of exposed root dentin.
Association of Fluorescent Protein Pairs and Its Significant Impact on Fluorescence and Energy Transfer

Fluorescent proteins (FPs) are commonly used in pairs to monitor dynamic biomolecular events through changes in proximity via distance dependent processes such as Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). The impact of FP association is assessed by predicting dimerization sites in silico and stabilizing the dimers by bio‐orthogonal covalent linkages. In each tested case dimerization changes inherent fluorescence, including FRET. GFP homodimers demonstrate synergistic behavior with the dimer being brighter than the sum of the monomers. The homodimer structure reveals the chromophores are close with favorable transition dipole alignments and a highly solvated interface. Heterodimerization (GFP with Venus) results in a complex with ≈87% FRET efficiency, significantly below the 99.7% efficiency predicted. A similar efficiency is observed when the wild‐type FPs are fused to a naturally occurring protein–protein interface system. GFP complexation with mCherry results in loss of mCherry fluorescence. Thus, simple assumptions used when monitoring interactions between proteins via FP FRET may not always hold true, especially under conditions whereby the protein–protein interactions promote FP interaction.
Psychotherapy in the Framework of Embodied Cognition—Does Interpersonal Synchrony Influence Therapy Success?

Mental health problems remain among the main generators of costs within and beyond the health care system. Psychotherapy, the tool of choice in their treatment, is qualified by social interaction, and cooperation within the therapist-patient-dyad. Research into the factors influencing therapy success to date is neither exhaustive nor conclusive. Among many others, the quality of the relationship between therapist and patient stands out regardless of the followed psychotherapy school. Emerging research points to a connection between interpersonal synchronization within the sessions and therapy outcome. Consequently, it can be considered significant for the shaping of this relationship. The framework of Embodied Cognition assumes bodily and neuronal correlates of thinking. Therefore, the present paper reviews investigations on interpersonal, non-verbal synchrony in two domains: firstly, studies on interpersonal synchrony in psychotherapy are reviewed (synchronization of movement). Secondly, findings on neurological correlates of interpersonal synchrony (assessed with EEG, fMRI, fNIRS) are summarized in a narrative manner. In addition, the question is asked whether interpersonal synchrony can be achieved voluntarily on an individual level. It is concluded that there might be mechanisms which could give more insights into therapy success, but as of yet remain uninvestigated. Further, the framework of embodied cognition applies more to the current body of evidence than classical cognitivist views. Nevertheless, deeper research into interpersonal physical and neurological processes utilizing the framework of Embodied Cognition emerges as a possible route of investigation on the road to lower drop-out rates, improved and quality-controlled therapeutic interventions, thereby significantly reducing healthcare costs.
Integrating Continual Personalized Individual Semantics Learning in Consensus Reaching in Linguistic Group Decision Making

In computing with words, it has been stressed that words mean different things for different people, which entails that decision makers (DMs) have personalized individual semantics (PISs) attached to linguistic expressions in linguistic group decision making (GDM). In particular, the PISs of DMs are not fixed, and they will be changing during the consensus building process, which indicates the necessary of continual PIS learning. Therefore, in this article, we propose a continual PIS-learning-based consensus approach in linguistic GDM. Specifically, a continual PIS learning model with the consistency-driven methodology is proposed to update the PISs taking into account all the linguistic preference data given by DMs during the consensus process. Then, the consensus measurement and feedback recommendation based on PIS are developed to detect the consensus process. Finally, numerical examples and simulation analysis are presented to illustrate and justify the use of the continual PIS-learning-based consensus approach.
Serum manganese level in children with iron deficiency

Introduction: Iron deficiency (ID) is the most common nutritional deficiency all over the world, especially in developing countries, and it is an important public health issue in childhood. ID may be associated with excess trace element absorption such as manganese (Mn) from the gastrointestinal tract. The present study investigated serum Mn concentrations in children with ID. Material and methods: This interventional study included 63 children aged 5–12 years, with ID, using WHO criteria, compared with 30 ageand sex-matched controls. The children were recruited from paediatric clinics, Medical Research Excellence Centre (MREC) at the National Research Centre from August 2017 to December 2018. Serum Mn levels were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer plus haematological and iron indices. Results: Serum Mn concentration was significantly increased in children with ID compared with controls (p < 0.001), while there was significant reduction in haematological and iron indices in the ID group. The serum transferrin receptor and transferrin were higher in the ID group compared to controls, but not significantly. Multiple regression analysis showed negative correlation between serum Mn and serum iron, serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation percentage (r = –0.33, p = 0.01; r = –0.32, p = 0.01; r = –0.3, p = 0.02), respectively. Improvement in haematological and iron indices and Mn occurred after iron supplementation for eight weeks in the ID group. Conclusions: High serum Mn concentration was reported in ID children of this age group that decreased significantly after oral iron therapy; hence, the Mn level must be assessed simultaneously with haematological and iron indices in case of ID state. Early diagnosis and treatment of ID in children is recommended both to avoid complications of ID and to decrease Mn toxicity risk, which may lead to neurodevelopmental and intellectual impairment.
The Big Five personality traits as determinants of teachers' achievement motivation

Many studies have reported that motivated teachers put more effort in order to affect the behaviour of their students in the most desirable and positive manner and to transfer appropriate knowledge to their students. The objective of this study was to determine if the Big Five personality traits predict the achievement motive for teachers’ work. The sample consisted of 732 teachers (75.4% female) from 25 Bosnia and Herzegovina elementary schools, and the Big Five Inventory and Achievement Motive Scale were used. The results of Regression Analysis show that personality traits explain 31% of the variance of the achievement motive total score. When it comes to components of the achievement motive, the Big Five personality traits explain 8% of the variance in competition with other people, 49% of the variance in persistence in goal achieving, 34% of the variance in goal achievement as a source of satisfaction, and 18% of the variance in orientation towards planning. Conscientiousness is the most powerful predictor of all components of the achievement motive, as well as of the achievement motive total score. Extraversion and openness are significant positive predictors of the following components: competition with other people, persistence in goal achieving and goal achievement as a source of satisfaction, and the total score for the achievement motive. Finally, the obtained results show that teachers’ achievement motive has a significant personal background.
Genotype and Environmental Influences on Pasting Properties of Rice Flour

ABSTRACT The pasting behavior of flour from several Australian rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars, differing in amylose content and grown in three different locations and three seasons, were determined using the Rapid Visco Analyser. Genotype, growth season, and growth location all affected the pasting behavior of rice flour. The amylose content of the same cultivar was significantly higher in the coolest growing season, resulting in RVA traces with lower peak viscosity and higher setback than samples with lower amylose content. When the same cultivar of rice was grown in different locations in the same season, there were no significant differences in the total starch, protein, lipid, and amylose content of the flour, but there were significant differences in the pasting behavior. This indicates that environmental as well as genetic factors influence the pasting behavior of rice flour. Flour from parboiled and quick-cooking rice did not paste and had low viscosities compared with unprocessed rice. Results f.
T Cells Plead for Rejuvenation and Amplification; With the Brain’s Neurotransmitters and Neuropeptides We Can Make It Happen

T cells are essential for eradicating microorganisms and cancer and for tissue repair, have a pro-cognitive role in the brain, and limit Central Nervous System (CNS) inflammation and damage upon injury and infection. However, in aging, chronic infections, acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, cancer, chronic stress, depression and major injury/trauma, T cells are often scarce, exhausted, senescent, impaired/biased and dysfunctional. People with impaired/dysfunctional T cells are at high risk of infections, cancer, other diseases, and eventually mortality, and become multi-level burden on other people, organizations and societies. It is suggested that “Nerve-Driven Immunity” and “Personalized Adoptive Neuro-Immunotherapy” may overcome this problem. Natural Neurotransmitters and Neuropeptides: Glutamate, Dopamine, GnRH-II, CGRP, Neuropeptide Y, Somatostatin and others, bind their well-characterized receptors expressed on the cell surface of naïve/resting T cells and induce multiple direct, beneficial, and therapeutically relevant effects. These Neurotransmitters and Neuropeptides can induce/increase: gene expression, cytokine secretion, integrin-mediated adhesion, chemotactic migration, extravasation, proliferation, and killing of cancer. Moreover, we recently found that some of these Neurotransmitters and Neuropeptides also induce rapid and profound decrease of PD-1 in human T cells. By inducing these beneficial effects in naïve/resting T cells at different times after binding their receptors (i.e. NOT by single effect/mechanism/pathway), these Neurotransmitters and Neuropeptides by themselves can activate, rejuvenate, and improve T cells. “Personalized Adaptive Neuro-Immunotherapy” is a novel method for rejuvenating and improving T cells safely and potently by Neurotransmitters and Neuropeptides, consisting of personalized diagnostic and therapeutic protocols. The patient’s scarce and/or dysfunctional T cells are activated ex vivo once by pre-selected Neurotransmitters and/or Neuropeptides, tested, and re-inoculated to the patient’s body. Neuro-Immunotherapy can be actionable and repeated whenever needed, and allows other treatments. This adoptive Neuro-Immunotherapy calls for testing its safety and efficacy in clinical trials.
Mechanical response of a thermal micro-pile installed in stratified sedimentary soil

Data regarding the behavior of thermal piles in tropical countries is not as readily available as those in European or other temperate climate regions, where most applications are directed toward extracting heat from the subsurface. Similarly, a deep understanding of thermal piles constructed using the micropile technique has not been obtained. In micropiles, the installation process can disturb the surrounding soil, especially at the tip. This paper presents the results from a set of thermal response tests (TRT) performed on a 12 m-long instrumented thermal micro-pile installed in a sedimentary tropical soil. Vibrating wire strain gauges were installed in order to assess the mechanical performance of the pile when subject to thermal loads. Results indicate that the temperature distribution with depth is far from being homogeneous through the entire length of the pile. The resulting induced strains are strongly dependent on the subsoil conditions.
Career trajectories of regional officials: Russia and China before and after 2012

ABSTRACT Authoritarian leaders rely on regional leaders for both political support and the fulfillment of their policy objectives. In addition, top leaders face trade-offs between following established rules for managing bureaucratic officials’ careers and exercising a free hand in choosing regional officials. This paper compares patterns of appointment of regional officials in Russia and China before and after 2012. In recent years, the leaders of both countries have centralized and personalized state power. We hypothesize that these changes have altered policies for managing the appointments of regional leaders in such a way as to increase their dependence on the central authorities and reduce their autonomy to create their own networks at the regional level. We analyze a comprehensive original set of biographical data on all top regional officials from 2003 through 2019 in China and from 2000 through 2019 in Russia. We discern clear differences between the pre- and post-2012 period for China and less marked differences for pre- and post-2012 Russia. Turnover of regional officials has become more frequent in both systems; average tenure in office has fallen; and the share of “outsiders” has risen. However, the corps of regional officials has not been rejuvenated.