Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Use of Thrombodynamics for revealing the participation of platelet, erythrocyte, endothelial, and monocyte microparticles in coagulation activation and propagation

Background and objective For many pathological states, microparticles are supposed to be one of the causes of hypercoagulation. Although there are some indirect data about microparticles participation in coagulation activation and propagation, the integral hemostasis test Thrombodynamics allows to measure micropaticles participation in these two coagulation phases directly. Demonstrates microparticles participation in coagulation activation by influence on the appearance of coagulation centres in the plasma volume and the rate of clot growth from the surface with immobilized tissue factor.Methods: Microparticles were obtained from platelets and erythrocytes by stimulation with thrombin receptor-activating peptide (SFLLRN) and calcium ionophore (A23187), respectively, from monocytes, endothelial HUVEC culture and monocytic THP cell culture by stimulation with lipopolysaccharides. Microparticles were counted by flow cytometry and titrated in microparticle-depleted normal plasma in the Thrombodynamics test. Results Monocyte microparticles induced the appearance of clotting centres through the TF pathway at concentrations approximately 100-fold lower than platelet and erythrocyte microparticles, which activated plasma by the contact pathway. For endothelial microparticles, both activation pathways were essential, and their activity was intermediate. Monocyte microparticles induced plasma clotting by the appearance of hundreds of clots with an extremely slow growth rate, while erythrocyte microparticles induced the appearance of a few clots with a growth rate similar to that from surface covered with high-density tissue factor. Patterns of clotting induced by platelet and endothelial microparticles were intermediate. Platelet, erythrocyte and endothelial microparticles impacts on the rate of clot growth from the surface with tissue factor did not differ significantly within the 0–200·103/ul range of microparticles concentrations. However, at concentrations greater than 500·103/ul, erythrocyte microparticles increased the stationary clot growth rate to significantly higher levels than do platelet microparticles or artificial phospholipid vesicles consisting of phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylserine. Conclusion Microparticles of different origins demonstrated qualitatively different characteristics related to coagulation activation and propagation.
Equatorward wind and atmospheric pressure spectra as metrics for primary productivity in the Benguela system

Through its connection with upwelling, averaged longshore wind displacement is often invoked as a metric linearly related to productivity on timespans of months to seasons. In this paper, the linearity of such a relationship is questioned by analysing Ekman divergence against the modifying influence of freely propagating continental shelf waves. Both arise from common synoptic forcing events. Also considered is how the periodicity of the wind can be a more important factor in estimates of productivity than the integrated strength and duration of longshore wind. A suitable phase relationship between remotely generated coastal-trapped waves and local wind is a requirement for efficient upwelling. The theoretical concept of a metric for productivity, using a representation in an n-dimensional frequency space, is proposed.
Physical activity and health in Chinese children and adolescents: expert consensus statement (2020)

China is experiencing significant public health challenges related to social and demographic transitions and lifestyle transformations following unprecedented economic reforms four decades ago. Of particular public health concern is the fourfold increase in overweight and obesity rates in the nation’s youth population, coupled with the low prevalence of adolescents meeting recommended levels of physical activity. Improving the overall health of China’s more than 170 million children and adolescents has become a national priority. However, advancing nationwide health initiatives and physical activity promotion in this population has been hampered by the lack of a population-specific and culturally relevant consensus on recommendations for achieving these ends. To address this deficiency and inform policies to achieve Healthy China 2030 goals, a panel of Chinese experts, complemented by international professionals, developed this consensus statement. The consensus was achieved through an iterative process that began with a literature search from electronic databases; in-depth reviews, conducted by a steering committee, of the resulting articles; and panel group evaluations and discussions in the form of email correspondence, conference calls and written communications. Ultimately, the panel agreed on 10 major themes with strong scientific evidence that, in children and adolescents aged 6–17, participating in moderate to vigorous physical activities led to multiple positive health outcomes. Our consensus statement also (1) highlights major challenges in promoting physical activity, (2) identifies future research that addresses current knowledge gaps, and (3) provides recommendations for teachers, education experts, parents and policymakers for promoting physical activity among Chinese school-aged children and adolescents. This consensus statement aligns with international efforts to develop global physical activity guidelines to promote physical activity and health and prevent lifestyle-related diseases in children and adolescents. More importantly, it provides a foundation for developing culturally appropriate and effective physical activity interventions, health promotion strategies and policy initiatives to improve the health of Chinese children and adolescents.
Photoperiodicity in cattle. I. Seasonal changes in coat character and their importance in heat regulation

The seasonal changes in coat character of a control group of four young Poll Shorthorn cattle have been studied and compared with those of a similar group in which the daily photoperiod was altered to simulate the synchronous duration of daily lighting of the opposite (northern) hemisphere. Heat tolerance tests were conducted periodically as the animals assumed different coat types. The results show that the full range of coat changes which characterize well-nourished cattle of the type used in this experiment may, irrespective of seasonal temperature, be reversed by artificially reversing the seasonal trend of daylight duration. This is presumptive evidence that the natural light environment is a major controlling factor in the normal pattern of seasonal coat change which cattle of European origin exhibit. Cattle with sleek, summer-type coats have shown decisive heat tolerance superiority over those with deep, winter-type coats under the conditions of this experiment. Clipping tests indicate that it is the heavy coat itself which lowers heat tolerance, not a particular internal condition (of metabolism, for example) with which heavy-coatedness might be associated.
Thermodynamics, information, and complexity in artificial and living systems

The history of thermodynamics has generated the list of systems that obey, without exceptions, the principles established by Clausius, Kelvin, Carnot, Boltzmann, Gibbs and Maxwell. In spite of this, the understanding of ‘transformations’ in living organisms, originating from studies initiated at the beginning of the 20th century, has opened the question on the universal validity of the second principle of thermodynamics. In fact, even some of the aforementioned eminent physicists were aware of possible paradoxes when the system contains nonlinear elements, or when there are constraints due to rules referring to ‘codes’ present in the system. This article deals with an introduction to the Gibb’s paradox applied, as simple examples, to thermodynamics and information and to entropy and energy flux.
Preparation and Characterization of Graphene Oxide for Pb(II) and Zn(II) Ions Adsorption from Aqueous Solution: Experimental, Thermodynamic and Kinetic Study

A thermodynamic and kinetic study of the adsorption process of Zn (II) and Pb (II) ions from aqueous solution on the surface of graphene oxide (GO) to establish the mechanisms of adsorbate–adsorbent interaction on this surface. The effect of pH on the retention capacity was studied and adsorption isotherms were determined from aqueous solution of the ions; once the experimental data was obtained, the kinetic and thermodynamic study of the sorption process was carried out. The data were fitted to the Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin-Raduskevich and Temkin isotherm models. The results showed that Zn(II) and Pb(II) on the GO adsorbing surface fitted the Langmuir model with correlation coefficients (R2) of 0.996. Kinetic models studied showed that a pseudo-second-order model was followed and thermodynamically, the process was spontaneous according to the values of Gibbs free energy (ΔGo). N2 adsorption isotherms were determined and modeled with the NLDFT (nonlocal density functional theory) and QSDFT (quenched solid density functional theory) kernels.
Food waste tendencies: Behavioral response to cosmetic deterioration of food

American households discard a significant amount of food that represent a sizable portion of their food expenditures. This study adds to our understanding of product attributes associated with food waste, with a focus on cosmetic deterioration during home storage. Specifically, we profile a sample of U.S. individuals by patterns of common food-related behaviors and determine the effects of product attributes on food waste tendencies at the point of consumption by distinct behavioral profiles. An interactive survey at the Minnesota State Fair (N = 333) was used to obtain measurements on food-related behavior and sociodemographic factors. The survey included a conjoint task to elicit food discard tendencies to construct the food waste proxy. The study considered cosmetic deterioration, date labels, implied shelf life, package size, and prices paid, in fresh, packaged spinach and ground beef products. Factor analysis and latent class modeling categorized the sample into two classes, revealing distinct food-related behavioral patterns. Planners, who constituted a slight majority in our sample, were likely to have established pre-shopping and in-store behavior and food management and cooking skills. Extemporaneous Consumers had inferior food handling routines and were less knowledgeable and skilled in the kitchen. Regression analysis using a random-effects tobit model showed Extemporaneous Consumers were prone to waste a greater portion of the spinach product than Planners. Otherwise, both classes showed similar increases in likelihood to discard the products, as their appearance deteriorated. Their tendency to waste increased with shorter remaining shelf life for spinach but not for ground beef, and was not affected by the date label type. Results suggest an intervention that targets a general audience designed to enhance people’s skills to discern edibility of food in home storage by manipulating sensory expectations from cosmetic deterioration could be impactful in efforts to curtail food waste.
Jasmonate‐mediated induced plant resistance affects a community of herbivores

1. The negative effect of induced plant resistance on the preference and performance of herbivores is a well‐documented ecological phenomenon that is thought to be important for both plants and herbivores. This study links the well‐developed mechanistic understanding of the biochemistry of induced plant resistance in the tomato system with an examination of how these mechanisms affect the community of herbivores in the field.
Identification of a reliable fixative solution to preserve the complex architecture of bacterial biofilms for scanning electron microscopy evaluation

Bacterial biofilms are organized sessile communities of bacteria enclosed in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). To analyze organization of bacteria and EPS in high resolution and high magnification by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), it is important to preserve the complex architecture of biofilms. Therefore, fixation abilities of formalin, glutaraldehyde, and Methacarn (methanol/chloroform/acetic acid-6:3:1) fixatives were evaluated to identify which fixative would best preserve the complex structure of bacterial biofilms. Economically important Gram-negative Mannheimia haemolytica, the major pathogen associated with bovine respiratory disease complex, and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus, the major cause of chronic mastitis in cattle, bacteria were selected since both form biofilms on solid-liquid interface. For SEM analysis, round glass coverslips were placed into the wells of 24-well plates and diluted M. haemolytica or S. aureus cultures were added, and incubated at 37°C for 48–72 h under static growth conditions. Culture media were aspirated and biofilms were fixed with an individual fixative for 48 h. SEM examination revealed that all three fixatives were effective preserving the bacterial cell morphology, however only Methacarn fixative could consistently preserve the complex structure of biofilms. EPS layers were clearly visible on the top, in the middle, and in the bottom of the biofilms with Methacarn fixative. Biomass and three-dimensional structure of the biofilms were further confirmed spectrophotometrically following crystal violet staining and by confocal microscopy after viability staining. These findings demonstrate that Methacarn fixative solution is superior to the other fixatives evaluated to preserve the complex architecture of biofilms grown on glass coverslips for SEM evaluation.
The concentration-dependent pro-fibrotic effect of metformin on LPS and high glucose induced fibroblast NIH 3T3 and Macrophage RAW 264.7 Cell co-culture.

INTRODUCTION Diabetes mellitus is known as one of the risk factors for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) development. Recently, metformin, the commonly used antidiabetic medication, is reported to have a therapeutic effect in IPF. However, the benefit of metformin therapy in IPF is still controversial. The study aims to investigate the metformin effect on the fibroblast and macrophage co-culture under lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and high glucose treatment. METHOD The NIH 3T3 and RAW 264.7 co-culture were induced with LPS and high glucose before it was treated with metformin in different concentration. After 24 hours of treatment, the media and the cells were collected for further examination. The collagen expression was measured using Sirius red dye in the media. The IL-6 and TGF β mRNA examination were done using real-time PCR. RESULT Our study showed that NIH 3T3 and RAW 264.7 coculture treated with metformin has higher collagen expression, but lower IL-6 mRNA expression compares to those on co-culture without treatment. CONCLUSION Metformin increases fibrosis markers in LPS and high glucose-induced NIH 3T3 and RAW 264.7 coculture despite its ability to improve IL-6 mRNA expression.
[11C]dihydrotetrabenazine Positron Emission Tomography in Manganese-Exposed Workers.

OBJECTIVE To understand the neurotoxic effects of manganese (Mn) exposure on monoaminergic function, utilizing [C]dihydrotetrabenazine (DTBZ) positron emission tomography (PET) to measure vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2). METHODS Basal ganglia and thalamic DTBZ binding potentials (BPND) were calculated on 56 PETs from 41 Mn-exposed workers. Associations between cumulative Mn exposure, regional BPND, and parkinsonism were examined by mixed linear regression. RESULTS Thalamic DTBZ BPND was inversely associated with exposure in workers with <3 mg Mn/m-years, but subsequently remained stable. Pallidal DTBZ binding increased in workers with <2 mg Mn/m-years of exposure, but decreased thereafter. Thalamic DTBZ binding was inversely associated with parkinsonism (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION Mn-dose-dependent associations with thalamic and pallidal DTBZ binding indicate direct effects on monoaminergic VMAT2. Thalamic DTBZ binding was also associated with parkinsonism, suggesting potential as an early biomarker of Mn neurotoxicity.
Training specificity performing single-joint vs. multi-joint resistance exercises among physically active females: A randomized controlled trial

Resistance-training of the lower limbs can be performed using exercises moving one (single-joint exercises) or several joints (multi-joint exercises). This study compared the effects of training one multi-joint exercise (leg press) or two single-joint exercises (leg extension and kickback) on dynamic and isometric strength and the transferability of dynamic strength between exercises. Fifty-three physically active women were randomized to a multi-joint (MJ) training group (age = 21.95±0.82 years, mass = 64.85±5.76 kg, height = 167.35±2.47 cm; n = 20), single-joint (SJ) training group (age = 22.56±1.66 years, mass = 64.85±5.76 kg, height = 165.94±2.84 cm; n = 18), or a control (CON) group (age = 21.27±0.68 years, mass = 68.43±4.86 kg, height = 168.63±2.84 cm; n = 15). The training groups participated in an 8-week supervised single- or multi-joint lower limb training consisting of 18 sessions. Pre- and post-training, six repetitions maximum (RM) and maximal voluntary isometric contraction in the three exercises were assessed, along with electromyography of the superficial quadriceps muscles. Improvements in all dynamic exercises were greatest after training the specific exercises (ES = 1.26–2.14, P<0.001–0.025) and all were greater in the training groups than in the CON group (ES = 1.43–3.31, P<0.001–0.021). The SJ group improved 6RM in leg extension and kickback more than leg press (ES = 1.51 and 2.04, respectively, P<0.001), whereas the MJ group improved leg press 6RM more than kickback (ES = 1.10, P = 0.002). However, leg press and leg extension strength improved similarly in the MJ group (ES = 0.54, P = 0.072). All strength and electromyographic measures remained unchanged in the CON group (ES = 0.00–0.44, P = 0.412–0.966). Improved dynamic strength in leg press, kickback and leg extension is best attained by training the specific exercises, but both training modalities can improve strength across all exercises.
Impact of soil amendments and weather factors on bacterial wilt and yield of two tomato cultivars in Abeokuta, Nigeria

Tomato bacterial wilt, caused by Ralstonia solanacearum, leads to tomato yield losses of up to 80% in south-western Nigeria. Soil amendments and weather conditions are important in the management of the disease. Field experiments were conducted at the Research Farm of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria in the late and early rainy seasons of 2006 and 2007, respectively, to evaluate the effects of soil amended with three bactericidal plant materials and prevailing weather conditions on severity of tomato bacterial wilt and yield of two tomato cultivars. The experiment was designed in a split-plot with cultivars as main plot and composts as subplots. Soil amendment with bactericidal plant material reduced mean soil population of Ralstonia solanacearum by 4.78 × 107 cfu g-1 soil, mean wilt incidence by 31.35%, percent severity index by 22.90, and increased tomato yield by 50%. Relationships between disease severity index (Y) and cumulative number of rainy days (X) in 2006 and 2007 were described, respectively, by linear models Y = 4.093X – 78.2 and Y = 2.593X – 10.81. Growing tomato on soil amended with bactericidal plant materials under fewer rainy days reduced bacterial wilt and increased yield of tomato.
A RIG-I–like receptor directs antiviral responses to a bunyavirus and is antagonized by virus-induced blockade of TRIM25-mediated ubiquitination

The RIG-I–like receptors (RLRs) retinoic acid–inducible gene I protein (RIG-I) and melanoma differentiation–associated protein 5 (MDA5) are cytosolic pattern recognition receptors that recognize specific viral RNA products and initiate antiviral innate immunity. Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) is a highly pathogenic member of the Bunyavirales. RIG-I, but not MDA5, has been suggested to sense some bunyavirus infections; however, the roles of RLRs in anti-SFTSV immune responses remain unclear. Here, we show that SFTSV infection induces an antiviral response accompanied by significant induction of antiviral and inflammatory cytokines and that RIG-I plays a main role in this induction by recognizing viral 5′-triphosphorylated RNAs and by signaling via the adaptor mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein. Moreover, MDA5 may also sense SFTSV infection and contribute to IFN induction, but to a lesser extent. We further demonstrate that the RLR-mediated anti-SFTSV signaling can be antagonized by SFTSV nonstructural protein (NSs) at the level of RIG-I activation. Protein interaction and MS-based analyses revealed that NSs interacts with the host protein tripartite motif–containing 25 (TRIM25), a critical RIG-I–activating ubiquitin E3 ligase, but not with RIG-I or Riplet, another E3 ligase required for RIG-I ubiquitination. NSs specifically trapped TRIM25 into viral inclusion bodies and inhibited TRIM25-mediated RIG-I-Lys-63–linked ubiquitination/activation, contributing to suppression of RLR-mediated antiviral signaling at its initial stage. These results provide insights into immune responses to SFTSV infection and clarify a mechanism of the viral immune evasion, which may help inform the development of antiviral therapeutics.
Effect of nanohydroxyapatite associated with photobiomodulation in the control of dentin hypersensitivity: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

PURPOSE To evaluate the effect of nanohydroxyapatite ( nHAP) associated with photobiomodulation (PBM) in the control of dentin hypersensitivity (DH). (C-Shape It). METHODS 32 subjects with 83 hypersensitive teeth were randomized into four groups (N =8) : GPlacebo - simulated PBM (without light emission) followed by the application of nHAP-free toothpaste; GLaser - PBM followed by the application of nHAP-free toothpaste; GnHAP - simulated PBM followed by the application of nHAP; GLasernHAP - PBM followed by the application of nHAP. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to measure DH after a tactile and evaporative stimulus. DH evaluations were performed at four times: baseline, 1st, and 2nd treatment sessions, and 1 month. A questionnaire was used to evaluate the risk factors associated with DH intensity. Mixed-design ANOVA followed by Tukey test and logistic regression were used. RESULTS The mechanical stimulus showed a significant reduction in DH in all experimental groups (P< 0.05) at the 2nd treatment session. For the evaporative stimulus, the GLasernHAP group presented a significant reduction in DH at the 1st treatment session (P< 0.05). Intragroup analysis showed that only the GnHAP group showed regression of DH at 1 month for the two applied stimuli. The variables of parafunctional habits, diets rich in acidic drinks and anxiety had significant relationships with the intensity of DH (P< 0.05). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The use of nHAP and application of PBM to laser are effective in the control of dentin hypersensitivity. However, their association did not enhance the desensitizing effect.