Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pyrogallol-Phloroglucinol-6,6-Bieckolon Attenuates Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Phenotype Switching in Hyperlipidemia through Modulation of Chemokine Receptor 5

Hyperlipidemia induces vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and phenotype switching from contractile to synthetic. This process is involved in arterial remodeling via the chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5)/chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) pathway. Arterial remodeling is related to atherosclerosis or intimal hyperplasia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether pyrogallol-phloroglucinol-6,6-bieckol (PPB) from E. cava reduces VSMC proliferation and phenotype switching via the CCL5/CCR5 pathway. The CCL5/CCR5 expression, VSMC proliferation and phenotypic alterations were evaluated using a cell model of VSMC exposed in hyperlipidemia, and an animal model of mice fed a high-fat-diet (HFD). The expression of CCL5/CCR5 increased in both the cell and animal models of hyperlipidemia. Treatment with PPB decreased CCL5/CCR5 expression in both models. The expression of contractile markers of VSMCs, including alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), smooth muscle myosin heavy chain (SM-MHC), and smooth muscle protein 22 alpha (SM22α), were decreased by hyperlipidemia and restored after treatment with PPB. The silencing of CCR5 attenuated the effects of PPB treatment. VSMC proliferation and the intima-media thickness of the aortas, increased with HFD and decreased after treatment with PPB. The VSMC proliferation ratio and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression of cell cycle regulatory factors increased in the in vitro model and were restored after treatment with PPB. PPB treatment reduced VSMC proliferation and phenotype switching induced by hyperlipidemia through inhibition of the CCL5/CCR5 pathway.
Equilibrium humidity of sugar solutions

As a result of studies of the equilibrium humidity-concentration relationship of a number of solutions of sugars, an empirical formula has been derived relating the equilibrium humidity value with the molar concentration. The equation is of the same form as that derived from Raoult's law, but is applicable over a wide range of concentrations. An ‘equivalent molecular weight’ has been derived for the solids of glucose syrup, whereby this material may be considered in a similar manner to simple sugars. Examples are given of the application of the equation in the calculation of the equilibrium humidity values of jams, fondant creams and boiled sweets.
New Answers for Old Questions: The Evolutionary Quantitative Genetics of Wild Animal Populations

Recent years have seen a rapid expansion in the scope of quantitative genetic analyses undertaken in wild populations. We illustrate here the potential for such studies to address fundamental evolutionary questions about the maintenance of genetic diversity and to reveal hidden genetic conflicts or constraints not apparent at the phenotypic level. Trade-offs between different components of fitness, sexually-antagonistic genetic effects, maternal effects, genotype-by-environment interactions, genotype-by-age interactions, and variation between different regions of the genome in localized genetic correlations may all prevent the erosion of genetic variance. We consider ways in which complex interactions between ecological conditions and the expression of genetic variation can be elucidated, and emphasize the benefits of conducting selection analyses within a quantitative genetic framework. We also review potential developments associated with rapid advances in genomic technology, in particular the increased availability of extensive marker information. Our conclusions highlight the complexity of processes contributing to the maintenance of genetic diversity in wild populations, and underline the value of a quantitative genetic approach in parameterizing models of life-history evolution.
The Hidden Burden of Severe Asthma: From Patient Perspective to New Opportunities for Clinicians

Severe asthma is an important topic in respiratory diseases, due to its high impact on morbidity and mortality as well as on health-care resources. The many challenges that still exist in the management of the most difficult-to-treat forms of the disease, and the acknowledgement of the existence of unexplored areas in the pathophysiological mechanisms and the therapeutic targets represent an opportunity to gather experts in the field with the immediate goals to summarize current understanding about the natural history of severe asthma and to identify gaps in knowledge and research opportunities, with the aim to contribute to improved medical care and health outcomes. This article is a consensus document from the “International Course on Severe Asthma” that took place in Palermo, Italy, on May 10–11, 2019. Emerging topics in severe asthma were addressed and discussed among experts, with special focus on patient’s needs and research opportunities, with the aim to highlight the unanswered questions in the diagnostic process and therapeutic approach.
Modelling and Forecasting Four Market Indices: Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average Model versus Artificial Neural Network Model

This study model and forecast the stock prices of 4 stock market indices: the FTSE KLCI, Dow Jones Industrial Average, NASDAQ Composite and S&P 500. We utilize two distinct approaches which are time series analysis and artificial intelligence system. We model the data with Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) applying the time series data of the 4 selected stock market indices. The time frame was five years, starting on 3 January 2012 to 29 December 2017. After the modelling, the outputs are subsequently compared and contrasted in terms of forecast accuracy, such as MAE, MAPE, RMSE and MSE, and the model with the lowest forecast error is sought to be the best-fitted model. We found ANN model to be superior as it outperformed the time series model by generating the lowest forecast error across four datasets.
TRATAMIENTO NO FARMACOLÓGICO EN LA ENFERMEDAD RENAL POR DIABETES

El tratamiento no farmacológico de la enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) consiste en regular del consumo de sodio, abandonar el hábito tabáquico, realizar actividad física y lograr un descenso de peso en caso de sobrepeso/obesidad. Deberían tenerse en cuenta el diagnóstico y tratamiento adecuado de la desnutrición y el control de la ingesta de algunos minerales como potasio, fósforo y calcio. Se recomienda un plan de alimentación con proteínas controladas entre 0,8 a 0,9 g/kg peso en las personas con enfermedad renal diabética hasta el estadio 5. La evaluación y el monitoreo de la ingesta calórica y de macro y micronutrientes se aconsejan en pacientes con ERC, especialmente en estadios avanzados donde el riesgo de desnutrición es mayor.
Almond Anthracnose: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives

Almond anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum spp. has been described as one of the most important diseases of this nut crop in the main almond-growing regions worldwide, including California, Australia and Spain. Currently, almond anthracnose is considered a re-emerging disease in the countries across the Mediterranean Basin due to the shift of plantations from the original crop areas to others with climatic, edaphic and orographic conditions favoring crop growing and yield. The pathogen mainly affects fruit at the youngest maturity stages, causing depressed, round and orange or brown lesions with abundant gum. The affected fruits can fall prematurely and lead to the drying of branches, causing significant economic losses in years of epidemics. This review aims to compile the current knowledge on the etiology, epidemiology and management of this disease.
Plant–microbial linkages and ecosystem nitrogen retention: lessons for sustainable agriculture

The use of nitrogen (N) in fertilizer has doubled the amount of reactive N in the biosphere, leading to increased greenhouse-gas emissions and nutrient enrichment in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Despite the global impact of N, many uncertainties exist about the factors that determine the loss and retention of fertilizer-associated N in terrestrial ecosystems. A growing body of evidence shows that linkages between plants and soil microbes play a major role in controlling the loss and retention of N. The promotion of such plant–microbial linkages in agricultural systems has the potential to enhance N retention and reduce N loss. Although trade-offs with agricultural yield are inevitable, promoting plant–microbial linkages will reap benefits in terms of plant crop resistance to climate change as well as to pests and diseases.
Fast Planning of Global SoC Trajectory for Hierarchical Predictive Energy Management in PHEVs

This paper proposes a novel hierarchical predictive energy management algorithm with fast global SoC planning speed in PHEV. The algorithm consists of two layers：the upper fast global SoC planning level and the lower short-term vehicle speed predictive and model predictive control (MPC) level. The upper level strategy is driven by traffic data and formulates an optimal global SoC trajectory as the constraints of MPC. In the lower level, the short-term vehicle speed is predicted as the disturbance, and via associating with the obtained global SoC, the optimal energy management strategy can be developed to satisfice the fuel consumption requirements in real time. To evaluate the control strategy, we compare the SoC trajectories obtained from fast global planning (FP) and dynamic programming (DP). Then, the curve is applied to the MPC control level (FP-MPC) and compared with the control effect of the MPC based on the CDCS global SoC (CDCS-MPC). Numerical results illustrate the effectiveness of the fast global SoC planning method and the significant impact via introducing the method into the predictive energy management of PHEV.
Tree climbing – a fundamental avian adaptation

There have been a number of studies on the claws of Mesozoic birds, largely driven by interest in the habitat of Archaeopteryx. Many Mesozoic avians have large, well formed manual claws, largely absent in contemporary birds. Juvenile hoatzins are the only living birds with claws that are large enough to be generally functional, but not equivalent to those of Mesozoic birds. When birds developed an effective backstroke permitting easy ascent from flat surfaces, the need for manual claws disappeared, which would suggest that they were primarily used for climbing tree trunks and had little function in prey capture. This hypothesis has both phylogenetic and functional implications. The numerous claw studies to date are based primarily on measurements taken of the bony core, all that is usually preserved in fossils. Examination of contemporary birds shows that this is a poor estimator of the size and shape of the horny sheath that actually forms the functional claw. The discovery of vast numbers of exceptionally preserved fossil birds from the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous of China means that we now have an opportunity to compare actual horny claw data from the earliest birds with that of modern birds and test hypotheses on climbing, terrestrial activity, and predation.
Validation of a Highly Sensitive qPCR Assay for the Detection of Plasma Cell-Free Epstein-Barr Virus DNA in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis

Quantification of plasma cell-free Epstein Barr virus DNA (cf EBV DNA) has been suggested as a promising liquid biopsy assay for screening and early detection of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, the diagnostic value of this assay is currently not known in the population of Vietnam, one of the countries which contributed the most to the NPC cases. Herein, we have reported a highly sensitive quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-based assay targeting cf EBV DNA for the detection of NPC. A standard curve with linear regression, R 2 = 0.9961 (range: 25-150 000 copies/mL) and a detection limit of 25 copies/mL were obtained using an EBV standard panel provided by the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The clinical performance of this assay was assessed using plasma samples obtained from 261 Vietnamese individuals. The optimized qPCR assay detected cf EBV DNA in plasma with a sensitivity of 97.4% and a specificity of 98.2%. The absolute quantitative results of pretreatment cf EBV DNA and patient overall clinical stages were statistically correlated (P < .05). In summary, the remarkably high sensitivity and specificity of our optimized qPCR assay strongly supports the wide use of cf EBV DNA quantification as a routine noninvasive method in early diagnosis and management of patients with NPC.
Heritability in the early nodulation of F3 and F4 soybean lines

We have previously identified differences among soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ] lines in early nodulation and N2 fixation, and related early nodule development and overall plant performance under N-limited field conditions. The objectives of the present study were: 1) to estimate heritabilities for nodule fresh weight (NFW), shoot dry weight (SDW), and root dry weight (RDW) determined 17 d after inoculation (DAI); 2) to examine genetic variation for total nodule soluble protein (TSOLP) at 17 DAI, and SDW and shoot N derived from fixation (SNdfa) at the R5 growth stage; and 3) to assess relationships between early nodulation and subsequent R5 shoot mass and SNdfa. The two populations used were derived from the Minnesota-adapted cultivars Kasota and Parker, and two plant introductions PI 437966 and PI 384469B. Genetic variances within populations were significant for most traits measured at 17 DAI, and at the R5 growth stage. Heritability estimates ranged from 0.79–0.82 for NFW, 0.51–0.56 for SDW, and 0.38.
Contribution to the biology of the Lizardfish, Saurida tumbil (Teleostei: Aulopiformes), from the Persian Gulf

Abstract Some biological aspects of the Lizardfish, Saurida tumbil, from the Persian Gulf, Iran, were studied by regular monthly collections. A total of 173 specimens, including 17 immatures, 26 males, and 130 females from the Khozestan coasts were collected with a bottom trawl. Females ranged from 26.1 to 59.0 cm (38.7±6.8) in total length and from 126.5 to 1510 g (477.1±260.8) in weight. Males ranged from 26.3 to 38.3 cm (32.7±3.2) in total length and from 128.3 to 450.5 g (260.2±83.5) in weight. The slope of the regression line suggested an isometric growth for the fish. The gut content consisted mostly of fish species and the relative length of the gut (RLG) was 0.45 on average, suggesting a carnivorous feeding habit. The absolute fecundity was 74,444–250,452. The gonadosomatic index showed two peaks for the females (March and October), perhaps indicating that the species is a spring and autumn spawner.
Protein Recovery from Underutilised Marine Bioresources for Product Development with Nutraceutical and Pharmaceutical Bioactivities

The global demand for dietary proteins and protein-derived products are projected to dramatically increase which cannot be met using traditional protein sources. Seafood processing by-products (SPBs) and microalgae are promising resources that can fill the demand gap for proteins and protein derivatives. Globally, 32 million tonnes of SPBs are estimated to be produced annually which represents an inexpensive resource for protein recovery while technical advantages in microalgal biomass production would yield secure protein supplies with minimal competition for arable land and freshwater resources. Moreover, these biomaterials are a rich source of proteins with high nutritional quality while protein hydrolysates and biopeptides derived from these marine proteins possess several useful bioactivities for commercial applications in multiple industries. Efficient utilisation of these marine biomaterials for protein recovery would not only supplement global demand and save natural bioresources but would also successfully address the financial and environmental burdens of biowaste, paving the way for greener production and a circular economy. This comprehensive review analyses the potential of using SPBs and microalgae for protein recovery and production critically assessing the feasibility of current and emerging technologies used for the process development. Nutritional quality, functionalities, and bioactivities of the extracted proteins and derived products together with their potential applications for commercial product development are also systematically summarised and discussed.
Structure and dynamics of a nanodisc by integrating NMR, SAXS and SANS experiments with molecular dynamics simulations

Nanodiscs are membrane mimetics that consist of a protein belt surrounding a lipid 14 bilayer, and are broadly used for characterization of membrane proteins. Here, we investigate the 15 structure, dynamics and biophysical properties of two small nanodiscs, MSP1D1 Δ H5 and Δ H4H5. 16 We combine our SAXS and SANS experiments with molecular dynamics simulations and previously 17 obtained NMR and EPR data to derive and validate a conformational ensemble that represents the 18 structure and dynamics of the nanodisc. We ﬁnd that it displays conformational heterogeneity with 19 various elliptical shapes, and with substantial diﬀerences in lipid ordering in the centre and rim of 20 the discs. Together, our results reconcile previous apparently conﬂicting observations about the 21 shape of nanodiscs, and paves the way for future integrative studies of larger complex systems 22 such as membrane proteins embedded in nanodiscs.
Phenology of British butterflies and climate change

Data from a national butterfly monitoring scheme were analysed to test for relationships between temperature and three phenological measures, duration of flight period and timing of both first and peak appearance. First appearances of most British butterflies has advanced in the last two decades and is strongly related to earlier peak appearance and, for multibrooded species, longer flight period. Mean dates of first and peak appearance are examined in relation to Manley's central England temperatures, using regression techniques. We predict that, in the absence of confounding factors, such as interactions with other organisms and land‐use change, climate warming of the order of 1 °C could advance first and peak appearance of most butterflies by 2–10 days.
Livestock: an alternative mosquito control measure.

A survey was conducted to investigate the indigenous methods or measures adopted by urban livestock owners in the control of mosquito in Sokoto metropolis. Fifty (50) respondents who were engaged in urban livestock production were conveniently sampled, In addition, five (5) locations (Sidi farm, Kara market, Sokoto Cinema, Gidan Ashana, U/Rogo) where animals were kept overnight in large flocks/herds were purposively selected. Data was collected on size and type of animal kept, methods of mosquito control, strategies for eliminating breeding sites, methods of protecting animals from mosquito bite etc. Descriptive statistics and chi-square test was used to analyse the data collected. Results showed that the majority of the respondents raised cattle, goats and sheep due to economic benefit obtained from them. Respondents were small scale cattle and average goat and sheep farmers that generally kept their animals tethered at night. It was observed that the population density of mosquitoes was higher in the animal pen than the human room and among the preventive measures employed by the respondents, most used smoke to repel mosquitoes from both animal pen and human room. It can therefore be concluded that there exists a link between human and livestock population particularly in diverting the vector host (mosquito) away from the humans. The livestock are prevented from mosquito bite by smoke, spray and clean environment.
High-intensity interval training increases mitochondria biogenesis in adipose tissue and improves insulin resistance in high fat diet-induced obese rat

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of high intensity interval training (HIIT) on PGC-1α and mtDNA of subcutaneous adipose tissue and insulin resistance in obese male rats. After inducing obesity with high fat diet(for 10 weeks), eight rats from the high-fat diet group (O) and eight rats of the standard dietary group (C) were sacrificed and other obese rats were randomly divided into two groups: obesity control (OC, n=8) and high intensity interval training (HIIT, n=8). The HIIT protocol includes 10 bouts of 4-minute activity with equivalent intensity of 85-90% vo2max and 2 minute active rest periods for 12 weeks and 5 sessions per week. Western Blot method was used to measure PGC-1α and real time PCR was used to measure. Obesity induced by a high-fat diet resulted in a significant reduction in protein levels of PGC-1α [0.25±0.13 vs. 1] and insignificant reduction in gene expression of mtDNA [0.80±0.02 vs. 1]. In contrast, HIIT resulted in a significant increase in protein levels of PGC-1α [1.64±0.40 vs. 0.29±0.03] and gene expression of mtDNA [4.92±0.59 vs. 0.89±0.02]. In addition to, HIIT resulted in a significant decrease in serum levels of insulin [1.49±0.15 vs. 2.14±0.43 ng/ml] and glucose [111.16±4.07 vs. 154.66±13.21 mg/dl] and improved insulin resistance insulin [1.96±0.20 vs. 3.89±0.54]. It seems likely that HIIT result in increase of adipose tissue mitochondrial biogenesis in obesity which may be involved in improving insulin resistance.
Comparing oscillometric and tonometric methods to assess pulse wave velocity: a population-based study

Abstract Background Oscillometric pulse wave velocity (o-PWV) represents an attractive, non invasive and non operator-dependent method to estimate arterial stiffness. Tonometric carotid-femoral measurements (cf-PWV),are considered the gold-standard for non-invasive aortic stiffness assessment. To date, no studies in the general population comparing the two methods have been performed. Methods and Results 1162 subjects were analysed. O-PWV and cf-PWV showed a mean difference of −0.31 m/sec(p ≤ 0.001). No significant differences between cf-PWV and o-PWVs were observed in patients without cardiovascular risk factors. The Bland and Altman analysis showed a moderate agreement between 24 h-o-PWV and cf-PWV (mean difference −0.99, LoA 4.23 to −6.22m/s). O-PWVs underestimate and overestimate arterial stiffness under and over 50 years respectively(p ≤ 0.001). Systolic blood pressure (SBP) and age differently impact cf-PWV and in office o-PWV variability (r2 0.35 and 0.88 respectively). In younger subjects a strong relationship between o-PWV and SBP reducing as age increases was found. Analysing the impact of age, an opposite trend was noticed. Conclusions Oscillometric PWV estimates provide reliable values in the general population. An o-PWV tendency to underestimate arterial stiffness in younger subjects and in subjects with diseases known to increase arterial stiffness and to overestimate it with increasing age was found, even if scarcely relevant in clinical perspective. Overall the present findings underline an acceptable and satisfactory agreement between oscillometric and tonometric methods for the PWV assessment. KEY MESSAGES Oscillometric and tonometric PWV estimates showed a good and satisfactory agreement in the general population, above all in subjects without cardiovascular risk factors or a documented vascular damage. In comparison with tonometric values, oscillometric PWV estimates showed, however, the tendency to underestimate arterial stiffness in younger subjects and to overestimate it with increasing age, while diverging when diseases known to increase arterial stiffness are present. The magnitude of differences in PWV estimates between tonometric and oscillometric methods found in the general population appears most likely not to be significant in everyday clinical practice.