Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Back to the basics: Propolis and COVID‐19

The epidemiological burden of COVID‐19 is a healthcare challenge throughout the world, not only in terms of testing the limits of medical capacities, but also as an enigma considering preventive strategies and methods. The upper respiratory tract mucosa is the first line of defense, as a physical barrier, as well as through multiple innate and adaptive immune mechanisms which are crucial for efficient antiviral responses. Identifying methods able to reduce or prevent colonization, viral adhesion, and promote virus shedding on mucous membranes or have the ability to inactivate pathogens and thus reduce virus dose and/or increase immune response would be essential in the management of COVID‐19 outbreak and help in flattening the curve. We review the effects of propolis, an old remedy with proven antiviral properties, as a possible low‐cost inhibitor of SARS‐CoV‐2 in the oropharyngeal niche, prophylaxis, or adjuvant therapy.
Xatkit: A model-based chatbot development framework - Extended Abstract

Instant messaging platforms have been widely adopted as one of the main technologies to communicate and exchange information. Nowadays, most of them provide built-in support for integrating chatbot applications, which are automated conversational agents capable of interacting with users of the platform. Chatbots have proven useful in various contexts to automate tasks and improve the user experience, such as automated customer services, education, and e-commerce. Chatbot design will become a key ability in IT hires in the near future.
The effects of hemiplegic shoulder pain on upper extremity motor function and proprioception.

BACKGROUND Hemiplegic shoulder pain (HSP) after stroke has negative effects on functional use of hemiplegic arm. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the effects of HSP on upper extremity motor function and proprioception. METHODS A hundred and twenty-two patients with hemiplegia were included in this study. The patients' shoulder pain was evaluated by Visual Analog Scale. According to pain scores, patients were divided into two groups as group with HSP (Group 1, n = 76) and group without HSP (Group 2, n = 46). Upper extremity motor function level and proprioception were assessed by using Fugl Meyer Motor Function Scale and the Laser-pointer Assisted Angle Reproduction Test for the 45°, 60° and 90° of shoulder flexion. RESULTS Upper extremity motor function and shoulder's proprioceptive sense at each angles of group 1 were found significantly worse than group 2's (p≤0.005). Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive correlation between HSP severity, and upper extremity motor dysfunction and proprioceptive impairment (p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS Presence of HSP is one of the main determinators of upper extremity motor function level and proprioceptive ability at different angles. Management of HSP can make a significant contribution to sensorimotor integration by leading to recovery in the motor function and proprioceptive acuity.
Shifting trophic control of fishery-ecosystem dynamics following biological invasions.

Increasing human population size and mobility have accelerated the translocation of nonnative species globally, which has become a major threat to conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services. Introduced species can disrupt species interactions of the recipient ecosystem, triggering systemwide events, and amplify or dampen effects of existing pressures. We show how two pervasive intercontinental invasive consumers in North American lakes, dreissenids (filter-feeding mussels) and Bythotrephes (carnivorous zooplankton), nonlinearly modify consumer-resource dynamics and undermine management interventions to rebuild cold-water predatory fish biomass. Synthesizing 30 years (1986-2015) of lake-wide monitoring data with a dynamic mass-balance food-web model (consisting of 61 species and trophic groups), we reconstructed historical food-web dynamics of Lake Simcoe, a large, temperate lake in Ontario, Canada that has shifted from a turbid to clear- water state. We then analyzed patterns of biomass fluctuations of three recreationally harvested, ecologically connected populations; Lake Trout (Salvelinus namaycush, a piscivore), Lake Whitefish (Coregonus clupeaformis, a benthivore), and Cisco (C. artedi, a planktivore) before and after the invasions by testing hypotheses on their delayed recoveries under management interventions-predator manipulations (fishery removal and stocking) and nutrient-load (phosphorus) reduction. Analyses suggest that fishery harvest primarily regulated early recovery trajectories of the piscivore and planktivore, weakening top-down control prior to the establishment of the invasive consumers. By contrast, the benthivore biomass patterns were shaped, in part, by the invasive mussels (via diet shift), independently of management actions. Although improved water quality (with reduced hypoxia in deeper water) and, in turn, higher macrophyte production are projected to expand the predation refuge for young fish, intensified planktivory (by Bythotrephes) and herbivory (by dreissenids) have triggered shifts in community composition (from pelagic to demersal dominance). These system-wide shifts, in turn, have substantially diminished ecosystem productivity, thereby shrinking fishery yields. Novel consumers can rewire food webs, disrupt energy flows, and suppress predator recoveries, underscoring the need to account for altered ecological reality in sustainably managing fishery resources in invaded ecosystems.
Seasonal variations of the Spionida (Palpata: Canalipalpata) in the sublittoral zone of the Gulf of California

The aim of this study was to analyze the seasonal and spatial variations of the Spionida, one of the most abundant and diverse polychaete groups in the Gulf of California. A total of 6527 organisms from 39 stations taken during the winter-spring and summer periods were identified. The number of species was similar in winter-spring and summer (29–30), but abundance was significantly higher during the winter-spring season (4791 versus 1736 in summer). The overall highest density values were recorded in the central-eastern region (33.45–164.66 org./0.1 m2) where some of the areas with the highest species richness were found (12–16 species). A similar pattern was observed during summer, but with lower values of density. Paraprionospio pinnata, the key species, contributed with 16.24% to the total average dissimilarity between seasons and defined most assemblages of species. It was mainly distributed at stations deeper than 64 m in the eastern shores. The density and composition of species change spatially as a response to changes in depth and sand percent; seasonally, the temperature influenced the variation in the faunal distribution.
Vac8 determines phagophore assembly site vacuolar localization during nitrogen starvation-induced autophagy

ABSTRACT Macroautophagy/autophagy is a key catabolic process in which different cellular components are sequestered inside double-membrane vesicles called autophagosomes for subsequent degradation. In yeast, autophagosome formation occurs at the phagophore assembly site (PAS), a specific perivacuolar location that works as an organizing center for the recruitment of different autophagy-related (Atg) proteins. How the PAS is localized to the vacuolar periphery is not well understood. Here we show that the vacuolar membrane protein Vac8 is required for correct vacuolar localization of the PAS. We provide evidence that Vac8 anchors the PAS to the vacuolar membrane by binding Atg13 and recruiting the Atg1 initiation complex. VAC8 deletion or mislocalization of the protein reduce autophagy activity, highlighting the importance of both the PAS and the correct vacuolar localization of the Atg1 initiation complex for efficient and robust autophagy. Abbreviations: AID: auxin-inducible degradation; Atg: autophagy-related; Cvt: cytoplasm-to-vacuole targeting; DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; GFP: green fluorescent protein; IAA: 3-indole acetic acid; PAS: phagophore assembly site; RFP: red fluorescent protein
Effect of Dietary Sodium Chloride on Growth of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)

Growth and food conversion efficiency in Atlantic salmon smolts (Salmo salar) in either fresh water or sea water were not demonstrably affected by varying the level of dietary sodium chloride. Large dietary salt loads were almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tracts offish within 24 h, and plasma sodium and chloride concentrations were positively affected at this time.Irrespective of whether fish were undergoing random, spontaneous activity or an enforced, uniform low level of activity, growth rates and food conversion efficiencies were similar when fish were fed the same ration but different amounts of sodium chloride.A possible explanation is that normal renal function in fresh water provides for large amounts of hypoosmotic urine in which excess sodium chloride may be discharged without great expenditure of energy. However, in sea water, where urine flow is minimal, the main route of excretion for the excess electrolytes is across the gills, a process requiring energy.
U.S. School Nursing Job Analysis

The complexity and demands of the school nurse role have changed greatly over time. Our aims included determining tasks and knowledge relevant to modern school nursing in the United States, identifying continuing education needs of school nurses, and describing anticipated changes to the professional role. A secondary analysis of a cross-sectional web-based survey of 750 school nurses was performed. The study team evaluated calculations of mean importance and frequency for school nursing task and knowledge statements. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze open-ended responses. School nurses rated most tasks and knowledge as relevant to practice, underscoring the great depth and breadth of education and training school nurses need to meet the demands of students today. The results of this secondary analysis may be leveraged to accurately describe the school nurse role, advocate for nursing services, and support school nurses as they strive to better the health of school communities.
Spatial genetic structure and historical demography of East Asian wild boar.

Pleistocene climatic fluctuations may have had a profound impact on the evolutionary history of many species. The geographical pattern of European wild boar (Sus scrofa) is clearly studied, and it was greatly influenced by ancient climatic events, especially the Last Glacial Maximum. Previous research on genetic variation has mainly focused on the origin and distribution histories of domestic pigs. However, some questions have not been answered, including those concerning the genetic diversity, geographical pattern and possible historic influence of climate on East Asian wild boar (EAWB). Employing the control region of mtDNA (511 bp), we investigated the contributions of historic climate, which possibly shaped the genetic pattern of wild boar. Given that the level of genetic diversity of wild boars is higher in East Asia than in Europe, 172 haplotypes were detected from 680 individuals. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated the complex phylogeographic structure of EAWB. Mismatch analysis, neutrality tests and the Bayesian Skyline Plot results all retrieved signals of a rapid population expansion, which might have played an important role in driving the formation of complex spatial genetic structure. Genetic data and species distribution modelling showed that the Last Glacial Maximum had weak effect on the distribution of the EAWB. We suggest that, in shaping spatial genetic structure in East Asian, long-term gene flow and population history played more important roles than Pleistocene climate fluctuations.
The Afro-alpine dwarf shrub Helichrysum citrispinum favours understorey plants through microclimate amelioration

Background: Positive plant–plant interactions similar to specialised plant growth forms are potential strategies to overcome the environmental harshness of Afro-alpine ecosystems. However, knowledge about plant–plant interactions is limited for African alpine regions. Aims: We investigated the ameliorative effect of the densely leaved dwarf shrub Helichrysum citrispinum on two frequently co-occurring herbaceous plant species in the alpine zone of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Methods: We recorded microclimatic conditions, plant water potentials and gross primary production (GPP) for plants of the low-growing perennial Alchemilla johnstonii and the tussock grass Festuca abyssinica and compared these parameters between open sites and under H. citrispinum shrubs between July and August 2012. Results: Shrubs significantly buffered daily variation and extreme values of irradiation, air-, plant surface- and soil-temperatures as well as vapour pressure deficit. We found enhanced plant water potentials and gross primary production for shaded plants of both species investigated; ameliorative effects were higher for A. johnstonii than for F. abyssinica. Conclusions: Habitat amelioration of H. citrispinum significantly improves the productivity of plant species that grow under the shrub, although the net outcome may be affected by interspecific growth form differences. Future studies on positive plant–plant interactions should more strongly focus on the ecophysiological consequences of habitat amelioration.
ULTRASTRUCTURE, CELL WALL COMPOSITION, AND PHYLOGENETIC POSITION OF PSEUDODICTYOSPHAERIUM JURISII (CHLOROCOCCALES, CHLOROPHYTA) INCLUDING A COMPARISON WITH OTHER PICOPLANKTONIC GREEN ALGAE

Abstract A pure culture of a common colonial freshwater picoplanktonic chlorophyte, Pseudodictyosphaerium jurisii, was isolated from Lake Stechlin (Brandenburg, Germany). This strain was compared with solitary picochlorophytes with respect to morphology, ultrastructure, and the biochemical composition of the cell walls. Its phylogenetic position and relationships were determined by analysis of 18S rDNA sequence data. It is similar in cell morphology and ultrastructure to Choricystis minor, Mychonastes homosphaera, and the marine picoplanktonic alga Nanochlorum eucaryotum. In their ultrastructure, biochemistry of the cell wall, and 18S rDNA, these picoplanktonic algae are clearly different from Chlorella species, and these features indicate a close relationship between Pseudodictyosphaerium and Mychonastes. In contrast to Nannochloris, which propagates by binary fission, Pseudodictyosphaerium, Choricystis, and Mychonastes multiply by autosporulation. This study provides further evidence that picoplanktonic.
Self-restoration of cardiac excitation rhythm by anti-arrhythmic ion channel gating

Homeostatic regulation protects organisms against hazardous physiological changes. However, such regulation is limited in certain organs and associated biological processes. For example, the heart fails to self-restore its normal electrical activity once disturbed, as with sustained arrhythmias. Here we present proof-of-concept of a biological self-restoring system that allows automatic detection and correction of such abnormal excitation rhythms. For the heart, its realization involves the integration of ion channels with newly designed gating properties into cardiomyocytes. This allows cardiac tissue to i) discriminate between normal rhythm and arrhythmia based on frequency-dependent gating and ii) generate an ionic current for termination of the detected arrhythmia. We show in silico, that for both human atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, activation of these channels leads to rapid and repeated restoration of normal excitation rhythm. Experimental validation is provided by injecting the designed channel current for arrhythmia termination in human atrial myocytes using dynamic clamp.
Potential link of single nucleotide polymorphisms to virulence of vaccine‐associated field strains of lumpy skin disease virus in South Africa

Abstract South Africa is endemic for lumpy skin disease and is therefore reliant on various live attenuated vaccines for the control and prevention of the disease. In recent years, widespread outbreaks of vaccine‐like strains of lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV) were reported internationally, leading to an increase in the generation of full genome sequences from field isolates. In this study, the complete genomes of six LSDVs submitted during active outbreaks in the 1990s in South Africa were generated. Based on phylogenetic analysis, the six viruses clustered with vaccine strains in LSDV Subgroup 1.1 and are subsequently referred to as vaccine‐associated. The genetic differences between the phenotypically distinct vaccine and vaccine‐associated strains were 67 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This study characterized the location and possible importance of each of these SNPs in their role during virulence and host specificity.
PLASMOPARA HALSTEDII IS ABSENT FROM AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND

Plasmopara halstedii (Farl.) Berl. & de Toni is among the most important species hampering commercial sunfl owerproduction in many countries. Downy mildew on Arctotheca and Arctotis collected in Australia and New Zealand has been attributedto Plasmopara halstedii, although it has never been reported on sunfl ower in those two countries. Potentially this makesit diffi cult for Australia and New Zealand to claim to be free of sunfl ower downy mildew; this has implications for quarantineand trade. Here we present morphological and molecular analyses of specimens of Plasmopara on Arctotis and Arctotheca collectedin Australia and New Zealand. Our results demonstrate that these plants are not attacked by Plasmopara halstedii but bya new species which we formally describe as Plasmopara majewskii sp. nov. in this study. Consequently, quarantine regulationsfor P. halstedii need to be enforced in order to protect the commercial sunfl ower industry in Australia and New Zealand.
Evaluating the Age‐Based Recommendations for Long‐Term Follow‐Up in Breast Cancer

Abstract Background After 5 years of annual follow‐up following breast cancer, Dutch guidelines are age based: annual follow‐up for women <60 years, 60–75 years biennial, and none for >75 years. We determined how the risk of recurrence corresponds to these consensus‐based recommendations and to the risk of primary breast cancer in the general screening population. Subjects, Materials, and Methods Women with early‐stage breast cancer in 2003/2005 were selected from the Netherlands Cancer Registry (n = 18,568). Cumulative incidence functions were estimated for follow‐up years 5–10 for locoregional recurrences (LRRs) and second primary tumors (SPs). Risks were compared with the screening population without history of breast cancer. Alternative cutoffs for age were determined by log‐rank tests. Results The cumulative risk for LRR/SP was lower in women <60 years (5.9%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.3–6.6) who are under annual follow‐up than for women 60–75 (6.3%, 95% CI 5.6–7.1) receiving biennial visits. All risks were higher than the 5‐year risk of a primary tumor in the screening population (ranging from 1.4% to 1.9%). Age cutoffs <50, 50–69, and > 69 revealed better risk differentiation and would provide more risk‐based schedules. Still, other factors, including systemic treatments, had an even greater impact on recurrence risks. Conclusion The current consensus‐based recommendations use suboptimal age cutoffs. The proposed alternative cutoffs will lead to a more balanced risk‐based follow‐up and thereby more efficient allocation of resources. However, more factors should be taken into account for truly individualizing follow‐up based on risk for recurrence. Implications for Practice The current age‐based recommendations for breast cancer follow‐up after 5 years are suboptimal and do not reflect the actual risk of recurrent disease. This results in situations in which women with higher risks actually receive less follow‐up than those with a lower risk of recurrence. Alternative cutoffs could be a start toward risk‐based follow‐up and thereby more efficient allocation of resources. However, age, or any single risk factor, is not able to capture the risk differences and therefore is not sufficient for determining follow‐up. More risk factors should be taken into account for truly individualizing follow‐up based on the risk for recurrence.
Poor hamstrings-to-quadriceps torque ratios in male soccer players: weak hamstrings, strong quadriceps, or both?

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the influence of hamstrings and quadriceps strength on the hamstrings-to-quadriceps conventional (H:Qcon) and functional (H:Qfun) ratios in male soccer players. Quadriceps concentric peak torque (PT) and hamstrings concentric and eccentric PT were assessed with isokinetic dynamometry at 60°/s in 101 players (202 legs). The cut-points of 0.50, 0.55 and 0.60 were used to assess muscle imbalance through the H:Qcon ratio, while 0.80, 0.85 and 0.90 were used for H:Qfun ratio. Legs with lower H:Qcon ratio had decreased hamstrings concentric PT (p < 0.01; moderate and large effect sizes) and increased quadriceps concentric PT (p < 0.01; moderate effect sizes) in all cut-points. Legs with lower H:Qfun ratio had decreased hamstrings eccentric PT (p < 0.01; large effect sizes) for all cut-points, and controversial results for quadriceps concentric PT (p < 0.01 only for 0.80 cut-point; small effect sizes). H:Qcon ratio presented only weak correlations with quadriceps (r = −0.37) and hamstrings (r = 0.45) concentric PT, while H:Qfun ratio had a negligible correlation with quadriceps concentric PT (r = −0.30) and a moderate correlation with hamstrings eccentric PT (r = 0.66). In conclusion, our findings support that hamstrings strength deficit is the key factor for low H:Q ratios in male soccer players, especially those with poor H:Qfun ratio.
Mechanical and Self-healing Behavior of Matrix-free Polymer Nanocomposites Constructed via Grafted Graphene Nanosheets.

Through molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, the structure and mechanical properties of matrix-free polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) constructed via polymer-grafted graphene nanosheets are studied. The dispersion of graphene sheets is characterized by the radial distribution function (RDF) between graphene sheets. We observe that a longer polymer chain length Lg leads to a relatively better dispersion state, attributed to the formation of a better brick-mud structure, effectively screening the van der Waals interactions between sheets. By tuning the interaction strength εend-end between end functional groups of grafted chains, we construct physical networks with various robustness, characterized by the formation of the fractal clusters at high εend-end values. The effects of εend-end and Lg on the mechanical properties are examined, and the enhancement of the stress-strain behavior is observed with the increase of εend-end and Lg. Structural evolution during deformation is quantified by calculating the orientation of the graphene sheets and its distribution, the stress decomposition, the size of the clusters formed between end-groups and its distribution. Then, we briefly study the effects of time and temperature on the self-healing behavior of these unique PNCs in the rubbery state. Lastly the self-healing kinetics is quantitatively analyzed. In general, this work can provide some rational guidelines to design and fabricate matrix free PNCs with both excellent mechanical and self-healing properties.