Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bioherbicide Potential of Eucalyptus saligna Leaf Litter Essential Oil

We aimed to evaluate the bioherbicide potential of Eucalyptus saligna leaf litter essential oil, its fractions and major compounds. Six essential oil fractions were obtained by preparative thin‐layer chromatography and analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Effects of the oil, its fractions and major compounds (1,8‐cineole and/or α‐pinene) diluted in aqueous solution were assessed on germination and seedling growth. Recipient species were Lactuca sativa (model), Amaranthus viridis (weed), Eragrostis plana (weed), and Paspalum notatum (forage). The essential oil was more phytotoxic on A. viridis and L. sativa, followed by E. plana, and caused no effects on P. notatum. Amaranthus viridis was inhibited by all treatments, mainly the essential oil, α‐pinene and fraction 6, whereas E. plana was more affected by the oil fractions. Results revealed the species‐specific phytotoxic effects of E. saligna essential oil, indicating its potential use for controlling A. viridis and E. plana. Phytotoxic effects of essential oils or their components should not be generalized, as effects may change according to recipient species.
Management of Hyperacute Stroke during the Coronavirus Disease of 2019 Pandemic: The Modified Code Stroke in a Medical Center in Taiwan

The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused significant stress to the healthcare practice. Ischemic stroke was observed in 2.3% hospitalized COVID-19 patients and 4.5% patients with severe COVID-19 infections. In this letter, we report a “modified code stroke” in the management of hyperacute stroke under the COVID-19 crisis followed in a tertiary medical center in Taiwan. The Taiwan Central Epidemic Command Center (CECC) has coordinated nationwide preventive strategies to intercept the spread of COVID-19. Besides laboratory confirmed COVID-19 cases, the CECC has defined three risk levels for COVID-19 infection. People having unprotected contact with confirmed COVID-19 patients or travelling from abroad within the past 14 days are either home-isolated or quarantined and tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), if symptoms developed. Patients with pneumonia, and highrisk social status (medical workers, pulblic transport workers, history of joining public gathering) with symptoms of fever, respiratory tract infection, anosmia, and/or dysgeusia are tested for SARS-CoV-2 as community-based surveillance. Till April 18, 2020, 52,445 SARS-CoV-2 reverse-transcription polymerasechain reaction (RT-PCR) tests were performed in Taiwan, of which 343 were confirmed COVID-19 cases, 333 were included in the 14,151 tests of patients at airports or under home isolation/quarantine (positive rate 2.3%), and 10 were included in the 38,294 tests of community-based surveillance (positive rate 0.026%). The risk of community transmission was considered low. The National Cheng Kung University Hospital (NCKUH) is a 1,320-bed tertiary medical center in Southern Taiwan. Figure 1 summarizes the “modified code stroke” followed in the NCKUH, and the strategies are summarized in Supplementary Table 1. Patients used to be treated using the standard code stroke (Supplementary methods) are treated using the “modified code stroke” and transported to the negative-pressure isolation room if their clinical infection screen based on exposure history and/or symptoms result in positive or poor-quality. All medical personnel in close proximity with the patients wear personal protective equipment to prevent air, droplet, and/or contact infection. The patients wear surgical masks throughout the “modified code stroke. ” We use the modified National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) to evaluate the severity of stroke. To avoid the removal of patients’ surgical masks, we score 1 point for facial palsy if the patient has mild dysarthria, and 2 points if the dysarthria is moderate to severe. The finger-nose-finger test is Management of Hyperacute Stroke during the Coronavirus Disease of 2019 Pandemic: The Modified Code Stroke in a Medical Center in Taiwan
Genome-wide analysis of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors in papaya (Carica papaya L.)

The basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors (TFs) have been identified and functionally characterized in many plants. However, no comprehensive analysis of the bHLH family in papaya (Carica papaya L.) has been reported previously. Here, a total of 73 CpbHLHs were identified in papaya, and these genes were classified into 18 subfamilies based on phylogenetic analysis. Almost all of the CpbHLHs in the same subfamily shared similar gene structures and protein motifs according to analysis of exon/intron organizations and motif compositions. The number of exons in CpbHLHs varied from one to 10 with an average of five. The amino acid sequences of the bHLH domains were quite conservative, especially Leu-27 and Leu-63. Promoter cis-element analysis revealed that most of the CpbHLHs contained cis-elements that can respond to various biotic/abiotic stress-related events. Gene ontology (GO) analysis revealed that CpbHLHs mainly functions in protein dimerization activity and DNA-binding, and most CpbHLHs were predicted to localize in the nucleus. Abiotic stress treatment and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) revealed some important candidate CpbHLHs that might be responsible for abiotic stress responses in papaya. These findings would lay a foundation for further investigate of the molecular functions of CpbHLHs.
C5aR1 Activation Drives Early IFN-γ Production to Control Experimental Toxoplasma gondii Infection

Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a parasite infecting animals and humans. In intermediate hosts, such as humans or rodents, rapidly replicating tachyzoites drive vigorous innate and adaptive immune responses resulting in bradyzoites that survive within tissue cysts. Activation of the innate immune system is critical during the early phase of infection to limit pathogen growth and to instruct parasite-specific adaptive immunity. In rodents, dendritic cells (DCs) sense T. gondii through TLR11/12, leading to IL-12 production, which activates NK cells to produce IFN-γ as an essential mechanism for early parasite control. Further, C3 can bind to T. gondii resulting in limited complement activation. Here, we determined the role of C5a/C5aR1 axis activation for the early innate immune response in a mouse model of peritoneal T. gondii infection. We found that C5ar1−/− animals suffered from significantly higher weight loss, disease severity, mortality, and parasite burden in the brain than wild type control animals. Severe infection in C5ar1−/− mice was associated with diminished serum concentrations of IL-12, IL-27, and IFN-γ. Importantly, the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-1α, IL-6, and TNF-α, as well as several CXC and CC chemokines, were decreased in comparison to wt animals, whereas anti-inflammatory IL-10 was elevated. The defect in IFN-γ production was associated with diminished Ifng mRNA expression in the spleen and the brain, reduced frequency of IFN-γ+ NK cells in the spleen, and decreased Nos2 expression in the brain of C5ar1−/− mice. Mechanistically, DCs from the spleen of C5ar1−/− mice produced significantly less IL-12 in response to soluble tachyzoite antigen (STAg) stimulation in vivo and in vitro. Our findings suggest a model in which the C5a/C5aR1 axis promotes IL-12 induction in splenic DCs that is critical for IFN-γ production from NK cells and subsequent iNOS expression in the brain as a critical mechanism to control acute T. gondii infection.
Everyday Pedelec Use and Its Effect on Meeting Physical Activity Guidelines

Pedelecs (e-bikes with electrical support up to 25 km·h−1) are important in active transportation. Yet, little is known about physiological responses during their everyday use. We compared daily pedelec (P) and bicycle (B) use to determine if pedelecs are a suitable tool to enhance physical activity. In 101 employees, cycling duration and intensity, heart rate (HR) during P and B were recorded via a smartphone app. Each recording period was a randomized crossover design and lasted two weeks. The ride quantity was higher in P compared to B (5.3 ± 4.3 vs. 3.2 ± 4.0 rides·wk−1; p < 0.001) resulting in a higher total cycling time per week for P (174 ± 146 min·wk−1) compared to B (99 ± 109 min·wk−1; p < 0.001). The mean HR during P was lower than B (109 ± 14 vs. 118 ± 17 bpm; p < 0.001). The perceived exertion was lower in P (11.7 ± 1.8 vs. 12.8 ± 2.1 in B; p < 0.001). The weekly energy expenditure was higher during P than B (717 ± 652 vs. 486 ± 557 metabolic equivalents of the task [MET]·min·wk−1; p < 0.01). Due to a sufficient HR increase in P, pedelecs offer a more active form of transportation to enhance physical activity.
Repeatability and reproducibility of the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System analytical determinations

Abstract The increasing use in Italy of the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) led researchers of five Italian universities to carry out a collaborative study to evaluate the precision of the CNCPS chemical analysis and derivate fractions. Each laboratory conducted in duplicate the chemical analyses according to the Weende (dry matter; crude protein; ether extract; crude fibre; ash), Van Soest (neutral and acid detergent fibre, NDF and ADF; acid detergent lignin; ADL) and CNCPS (soluble proteins, SP; non-protein nitrogen, NPN; neutral and acid detergent insoluble protein, NDIP and ADIP; starch, ST) schemes on the same five feeds (barley meal, wheat straw, maize silage, dried lucerne and field beans). Anomalous analytical data were identified and corrected by the “box-plot” graphic tool before the calculation of the CNCPS protein (B1, B2 and B3) and carbohydrate (A, B2 and C) fractions. Finally, repeatability (chemical analysis) and reproducibility (chemical analysis and fractions) were calculated and expressed as relative values (repeatability and reproducibility standard deviation as percentage of the corresponding mean, RSDr and RSDr, respectively). Chemical analyses of the Weende scheme, together with NDF, ADF and ST analyses, have satisfactory repeatability (0.3-6.2%) and reproducibility (0.3-11.2%) values. On the contrary the ADL, NPN, NDIP and ADIP analyses showed high variability, both within and between laboratories (RSDr and RSDr between 20 and 45%). The SP analysis had an intermediate value of precision (RSDr=10.6%; RSDr=16.4%). Finally, since different combinations of several chemical analyses with scarce (ADL, NPN, NDIP, ADIP, SP) or average precision (e.g. NDF and starch) are used to calculate CNCPS fractions (excluding B2 protein fraction), also the reproducibilities of these fractions are poor and range from 10 to 20%.
Multiparameter mapping of relaxation (R1, R2*), proton density and magnetization transfer saturation at 3 T: A multicenter dual‐vendor reproducibility and repeatability study

Multicenter clinical and quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (qMRI) studies require a high degree of reproducibility across different sites and scanner manufacturers, as well as time points. We therefore implemented a multiparameter mapping (MPM) protocol based on vendor's product sequences and demonstrate its repeatability and reproducibility for whole‐brain coverage. Within ~20 min, four MPM metrics (magnetization transfer saturation [MT], proton density [PD], longitudinal [R1], and effective transverse [R2*] relaxation rates) were measured using an optimized 1 mm isotropic resolution protocol on six 3 T MRI scanners from two different vendors. The same five healthy participants underwent two scanning sessions, on the same scanner, at each site. MPM metrics were calculated using the hMRI‐toolbox. To account for different MT pulses used by each vendor, we linearly scaled the MT values to harmonize them across vendors. To determine longitudinal repeatability and inter‐site comparability, the intra‐site (i.e., scan‐rescan experiment) coefficient of variation (CoV), inter‐site CoV, and bias across sites were estimated. For MT, R1, and PD, the intra‐ and inter‐site CoV was between 4 and 10% across sites and scan time points for intracranial gray and white matter. A higher intra‐site CoV (16%) was observed in R2* maps. The inter‐site bias was below 5% for all parameters. In conclusion, the MPM protocol yielded reliable quantitative maps at high resolution with a short acquisition time. The high reproducibility of MPM metrics across sites and scan time points combined with its tissue microstructure sensitivity facilitates longitudinal multicenter imaging studies targeting microstructural changes, for example, as a quantitative MRI biomarker for interventional clinical trials.
Production dynamics of extracellular proteases accompanying morphological differentiation of Streptomyces albidoflavus SMF301

Three proteases, namely chymotrypsin-like protease (CTP), trypsin-like protease (TLP) and metalloprotease (MTP), were identified in cultures of Streptomyces albidoflavus SMF301. The dynamics of protease production were determined and the roles of the proteases in morphological differentiation were deduced to be as follows: CTP is essential for hydrolysing the proteinaceous nitrogen source for mycelium growth; TLP plays a role in the formation of thickened mycelium in submerged culture and of aerial mycelium in solid culture; MTP may participate in the maturation of spores. The unique thickened mycelia in submerged culture are thought to be an intermediate form between mycelium and spores. TLP (molecular mass 32 kDa) and MTP (molecular mass 18 kDa) were purified and their enzymic properties were determined.
Forensic Analysis of Commercial Inks by Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) was tested for all of the relevant issues in forensic examinations of commercial inks, including classification of pen inks on one paper type and on different paper types, determination of the deposition order of layered inks, and analysis of signatures and toners on one questioned document. The scope of this work was to determine the potential of a single LIBS setup that is compatible with portable instruments for different types of ink analysis, rather than building a very large database for inks and papers. We identified up to seven metals characteristic for the examined inks, which allowed to fully discriminate all eight black inks on one type of printing paper. When the inks were tested on ten different papers, the correct classification rates for some of them were reduced for reasons thoroughly studied and explained. The replicated tests on three crossing points, each one involving a pair of blue or black inks, were successful in five cases out of six. In the test simulating documents of forensic interest (questioned documents), LIBS was able to correctly identify the differences in three inks used for signatures on one of the three pages and the use of different printing inks on each page of the document.
Inhibition of biofilms through the use of manuka honey

Aims: To investigate the effectiveness of Activon ® Manuka honey (Advancis Medical) in inhibiting the in vitro formation of clinically important Gram positive bacteria biofilms. Methods: Biofilms of meticillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE) were cultivated in microtitre plates with and without varying concentrations of Activon for specific intervals. The extent of biofilm biomass was estimated by staining with crystal violet. Results: Concentrations of Activon above 10% (w/v) interfered with the formation of biofilms in all of the test organisms. Inhibition of established biofilms by Activon Manuka honey was dependent on concentration and time. Conclusions: Biofilms of MSSA, MRSA and VRE can be prevented and inhibited in vitro with concentrations of Activon Manuka honey that could be used in clinical practice. The efficacy of Activon Manuka honey in inhibiting biofilms in vivo must be tested. Conflict of interest: This study was sponsored by Advancis Medical, Nottingham, UK.
PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF FEW INDIAN MEDICINAL HERBS AGAINST HEPATIC DAMAGE IN ANIMALS: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Summary The present work was undertaken for comparative evaluation of Phyllantus nirruri (PN, 142.5 mg/kg, po), Andrographis paniculata (AP, 300 mg/kg, po) and Picrroriza kurroa (PK, 200 mg/kg, po) against hepatic damage induced by paracetamol (PCM) or thioacetamide (TAA) in experimental animals. Female Sprague-Dawely rats (150-200 g) were prophylactically treated with PN, AP and PK for 10 days and subsequently liver damage was induced by either PCM or TAA. The hepatoprotective activity was monitored by estimating alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin (total and direct) levels in both serum and liver tissue homogenate (LTH). The effect of standardised extracts on antioxidant enzymes; superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in LTH and histopathological changes in liver were also determined. Administration of PN, AP and PK significantly caused elevation and depletion of endogeneous biomarkers in LTH and serum respectively compared to PCM and TAA toxic control. Additionally, all treatments significantly showed incline in SOD and catalase activities compared to toxic control. Moreover, standardised herbal extracts significantly ameliorate the histological scores demonstrated by hepatotoxic control. Among the three herbal extracts, PK was found to be superior to AP, which was more protective than PN at times of hepatic stress induced by PCM and TAA. These pharmacologic effects suggest that PK is most effective in reverting back the normalcy to hepatocytes in presence of damaging agents such as PCM and TAA.
Methylation in HOX Clusters and Its Applications in Cancer Therapy

HOX genes are commonly known for their role in embryonic development, defining the positional identity of most structures along the anterior–posterior axis. In postembryonic life, HOX gene aberrant expression can affect several processes involved in tumorigenesis such as proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion. Epigenetic modifications are implicated in gene expression deregulation, and it is accepted that methylation events affecting HOX gene expression play crucial roles in tumorigenesis. In fact, specific methylation profiles in the HOX gene sequence or in HOX-associated histones are recognized as potential biomarkers in several cancers, helping in the prediction of disease outcomes and adding information for decisions regarding the patient’s treatment. The methylation of some HOX genes can be associated with chemotherapy resistance, and its identification may suggest the use of other treatment options. The use of epigenetic drugs affecting generalized or specific DNA methylation profiles, an approach that now deserves much attention, seems likely to be a promising weapon in cancer therapy in the near future. In this review, we summarize these topics, focusing particularly on how the regulation of epigenetic processes may be used in cancer therapy.
Characterization of left-border flanking sequences of T-DNA integration in transgenic rice ( Oryza sativa L.) expressing cry1Ab

To understand the molecular details of T-DNA integration, the left border (LB) sequences and flanking plant DNA of 16 independent T-DNA insertions in transgenic cry1Ab rice were analyzed by an inverse PCR approach. DNA sequencing indicated that five of the 16 fragments (31%) were found to have simple or rearranged tandem repeats of right border sequences in a head to tail fashion. Mirror truncations of LB of the T-DNA, as well as mirror rearrangements, such as point mutations, small deletions and inversions were found in the region close to the LB breakpoints in some inserts. Host plant DNA flanking the T-DNA endpoints were also sequenced. The A+T contents in the plant DNA within 50 bp adjacent to the T-DNA endpoints were between 30–76% (average 52.5%), not different from the average genome value. Despite minor mutations and some rearrangements, it appears that T-DNA, harbouring a synthetic cry1Ab coding sequence of 49% GC (as well as uidA and hph), still carries such a foreign gene into ‘transcriptionally active regions’ of the rice genome, which are 55.8% GC on average as predicted from the rice genome sequence.
Electrospinning of bioactive polycaprolactone-gelatin nanofibres with increased pore size for cartilage tissue engineering applications

Polycaprolactone (PCL) electrospun scaffolds have been widely investigated for cartilage repair application. However, their hydrophobicity and small pore size has been known to prevent cell attachment, proliferation and migration. Here, PCL was blended with gelatin (GEL) combining the favorable biological properties of GEL with the good mechanical performance of the former. Also, polyethylene glycol (PEG) particles were introduced during the electrospinning of the polymers blend by simultaneous electrospraying. These particles were subsequently removed resulting in fibrous scaffolds with enlarged pore size. PCL, GEL and PEG scaffolds formulations were developed and extensively structural and biologically characterized. GEL incorporation on the PCL scaffolds led to a considerably improved cell attachment and proliferation. A substantial pore size and interconnectivity increase was obtained, allowing cell infiltration through the porogenic scaffolds. All together these results suggest that this combined approach may provide a potentially clinically viable strategy for cartilage regeneration.
Advising by Design: Co-creating Advising Services With Students for Their Success

With global trends turning toward increased personalization and expectations of higher education, the question of how to design relevant and high-quality advising services at scale that support learning outcomes, improve the student experience, and enhance the acquisition of employability skills is a central challenge for many universities. The emergence of co-creation principles to better shape relevant solutions to engage students can also be applied to advising practice. This article explores the role of design thinking applied to advising at both the strategic and operational levels within one Australian university. With a holistic methodology, design thinking considers the needs of everyone in the system, delivering qualitative data that provides insights into behaviors and drivers that have implications for the ways in which advising services are defined, designed, and delivered. It suggests that advising practice and the process of Human Centered Design share methods that can be powerful in bridging the gap that many students perceive between the institutional offering and the student experience.