Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of Tissue Microenvironment in Recruiting Macrophages During Apoptosis-induced Proliferation

Apoptosis-induced compensatory proliferation (AiP) is a mechanism that maintains tissue homeostasis after stress-induced cell death. During AiP, apoptotic cells induce proliferation of the neighboring surviving cells to compensate for tissue loss. AiP is important for wound healing and tissue regeneration in several model organisms. Additionally, AiP is an important feature of tumorigenesis and tumor relapse as it contributes to tumor repopulation following radiation or chemotherapy. Using an overgrowth tumor model (“undead tissue”) in Drosophila melanogaster, we determined that the initiator caspase Dronc promotes generation of extracellular Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), which drive activation of the stress kinase JNK and downstream mitogens to promote AiP. We also observed increased numbers of Drosophila macrophages, termed hemocytes, which are attracted to undead tissue. However, the specific mechanisms by which macrophages are recruited to undead tissue are still unclear. Here, we report that the tissue microenvironment of the overgrown undead tissue directs macrophage recruitment during AiP. We demonstrate that ROS, JNK, and the matrix metalloproteinase Mmp2 are important for recruiting macrophages. Mechanistically, undead tissue-produced ROS and active JNK damage the basement membrane (BM) surrounding the undead tissue, by upregulating the expression and activity of Mmp2. The damaged BM then recruits macrophages to the undead tissue. Taken together, we propose a model in which the ROS-JNK-Mmp2 signaling axis damages the BM of undead tissue, resulting in changes in the tissue microenvironment that recruit macrophages to the area of damage to promote AiP and overgrowth.
Effects of Copper Sulfate on Mortality Rates of Daphnia magna

Many reservoirs used for drinking water end up growing algae that needs to be removed. Copper sulfate (CuSO4) can be used to reduce the growth of algae, however this chemical has been shown to have negative effects on invertebrates living in aquatic environment. This experiment exposed Daphnia magna, an aquatic zooplankton, to various concentrations of CuSO4 for 48 hours to determine an LC50 value. Six sets of data were collected and averaged, finding an LC50 value of 36 ug/L. Further testing is needed to determine effects of CuSO4 on fecundity between generations of Daphnia, as well as effects that Daphnia mortality may have on other organisms.
Salacca zalacca: A short review of the palm botany, pharmacological uses and phytochemistry

Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss (family Arecaceae) is the snake fruit commonly known in Malay language as salak in Malaysia. This exotic fruit has diverse and potential pharmacological properties due to its high antioxidant content. It is often consumed due to its sweet taste. The abundant natural sugar and fibre along with minerals and vitamin makes it a nutritious fruit. Phytochemical investigation on this fruit has revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenolics, glycosides as well as some volatile and aromatic compounds, including gallic acid, quercetin, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, proanthocyanidins, lycopene and β-carotene. Pharmacological studies on the fruit flesh and peel have shown some tremendous antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antidiabetic potential. This review provides the botanical information of Salacca zalacca as well as its scientific investigations involving the distinct pharmacological and phytochemical benefits. This could help in highlighting the lacking data and research gaps on this plant.
Functional characterization of various plant growth promoting activity of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis from Aloe vera rhizosphere

The Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) organisms provide protection to plants against diseases by suppressing deleterious and pathogenic microorganisms producing of hormones, hydrogen cyanide (HCN), various beneficial volatile compounds, siderophores, bacteriocins etc and also act as a bio fertilizer like P solublization, N fixation, IAA production etc., present research mainly concentrated on exploration of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus PGP activities like SA, IAA, β 1, 3 glucanase production and P solublization. Around fifty one isolates of Pseudomonas fluorescens and ten Bacillus subtilis isolates were isolated from the rhizosphere soil of Aloe vera, among fifty one Pseudomonas, Pf 32 and followed by Pf 45 produced maximum quantity of salicylic acid (SA), Pf 45 recorded maximum indole acetic acid (IAA) production. The isolate Pf 32 solubilized high phosphorous in the sperber’s hydroxyl apatite medium and higher amount of β 1, 3 glucanase production.
The United Kingdom's Secured Commercial Paper Facility (U.K. GFC)

In mid-2009, the Bank of England (Bank) opened the Secured Commercial Paper Facility (SCPF) as part of its larger Asset Purchase Facility (APF). Through the facility, the Bank offered to purchase secured commercial paper (SCP), a form of asset backed commercial paper, issued by approved programs from both dealers acting as principal in the primary market and after issue from secondary market holders. The facility was designed to establish the Bank as a ready buyer of SCP in the primary market and as a backstop purchaser in the secondary market. In extending the APF to include purchases of SCP, the Bank aimed to give smaller companies and companies below investment grade quality access to funding, and to improve access to short term working capital for companies that affected the UK economy. To be eligible to participate, programs had to have underlying assets that provided short term credit to borrowers making a material contribution to the UK economy. Only one program was deemed eligible, and the Bank made regular, small purchases of SCP from that program between November 2010 and November 2011. The SCPF was formally closed on August 4, 2016.
Patient experience of Guided self-help CBT intervention for VoicEs (GiVE) delivered within a pilot randomized controlled trial

Abstract Access to cognitive behaviour therapy for those with psychosis (CBTp) remains poor. The most frequently endorsed barrier to implementation is a lack of resources. To improve access to CBTp, we developed a brief form of CBTp that specifically targets voice-related distress. The results of our pilot trial of guided self-help CBT for voices (GiVE) suggest that the therapy is both acceptable and beneficial. The present study aims to explore the subjective patient experience of accessing GiVE in the context of a trial. We interviewed nine trial participants using the Change Interview and a mixed methods approach. Most participants reported at least one positive change that they attributed to GiVE. We extracted five themes: (1) changes that I have noticed; (2) I am not alone; (3) positive therapy experiences; (4) I want more therapy; and (5) helping myself. The themes indicate that participating in the GiVE trial was generally a positive experience. The main areas in which participants experienced changes were improved self-esteem, and the ability to cope with voices. Positive changes were facilitated by embracing and enacting ‘self-help’ and having support both in and out of the therapy sessions. The findings support the use of self-help materials with those distressed by hearing voices, but that support both within and outside the clinical setting can aid engagement and outcomes. Overall, the findings support the continued investigation of GiVE. Key learning aims (1) To explore participants’ experience of accessing GiVE as part of a trial. (2) To identify what (if any) changes participants noticed over the course of the GiVE trial. (3) To identify what participants attribute these changes to.
Esterilidad en el pejerrey Odontesthes bonariensis en ambientes naturales

Se presentan resultados del analisis histologico de gonadas de pejerrey, Odontesthes bonariensis de lagunas de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, parcial y totalmente esteriles. Macroscopicamente se observo la presencia de zonas o secciones gonadales con anomalias en la coloracion, tamano y consistencia de las gonadas. El analisis histologico muestra 3 tipos de esterilidad, entendiendo como tal la ausencia de celulas germinales o aplasia; el denominado tipo I abarco a los ejemplares sexados como hembras que presentaron una de las gonadas –o una seccion de ella –con esterilidad parcial; en el tipo II se incluyeron aquellos ejemplares reconocidos macro y microscopicamente como machos, con gonadas de caracteristicas similares al anterior grupo. Y finalmente, el tipo III se refirio a los ejemplares denominados “indefinidos” en los cuales no fue posible identificar el sexo, ya que ambas gonadas se presentaron esterilidad total. Se agregan algunas consideraciones preliminares referidas al peso de las gonadas, ubicacion de las zonas esteriles, tallas de estos ejemplares y su distribucion en el ciclo reproductivo del pejerrey. Se discuten las posibles causas de estos fenomenos: 1) la accion de “disruptores quimicos endogenos”; 2) desordenes endocrinos o metabolicos; 3) “stress”; 4) esterilidad por temperaturas elevadas; 5) accion conjunta de los factores mencionados anteriormente.
Investigation of bacterial leaf blight of rice through various detection tools and its impact on crop yield in Punjab, Pakistan

Bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is an important bacterial disease in rice leading to heavy yield and economic losses. In current investigation, the rice leaf samples from infested regions were screened for Xoo strains linked to incidence of this disease. Subsequently, 17 different isolates were identified based on Gram staining, KOH assay and PCR analysis. Moreover, the percentage diseases incidence and weight loss of 1000-grains of each sample from four zones of rice production were recorded. Both biochemical test exhibited red stained and rod like Gram-ve bacteria. In addition, the molecular recognition by means of a 16S rRNA universal primer revealed DNA amplification in 15 out of 17 isolates which confirmed the pathogen as “Xoo”. The data assessed for disease incidence in all investigated districts ranged between 70.12%49.23%. While, the maximum and minimum weight losses of 17.84% and 11.17% from Sialkot and Narowal were recorded respectively. The application of such tools for Xoo detection and its impact on crop yield are contested in this investigation.
Effect of Origanum vulgare Extract on Immune Responses and Heamatological Parameters of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

Major targets in the aquaculture industry are to maintain fish health as well as to improve fish performance. The use of plant extracts in practical diets for fish is a very topical concept in aquaculture industry. One of the most important aspects in rainbow trout farming is the nutrition factor. It can influence the performance as well as the health status of the cultured fish. Origanum vulgare is a member of the Labiatae family of plants. It is an aromatic plant with a wide distribution throughout the Mediterranean area and Asia [1]. The essential oil obtained from O. vulgare subsp. hirtum plant by a steam distillation process comprises more than 20 ingredients, most of which are phenolic antioxidants [2]. Major components are carvacrol and thymol that constitute about 78 to 82% of the total oil [3]. It has been suggested that the essential oil derived from oregano possess in vitro antimicrobial [4,5] antifungal [6], insecticidal [7] and antioxidant [8] properties. These properties are mainly attributed to carvacrol and thymol. The activity of other constituents such as the two monoterpene hydrocarbons, γ-terpinene and p-cymene, that often constitute about 5 and 7% of the total oil, respectively [3] is uncertain.
Impact of language and curriculum on student international exam performances in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract International student assessments are used to measure the education system quality in many countries including the United Arab Emirates (UAE). However, student performances in these exams are influenced by a complex array of factors. This study collected interview data from six central officials, three school principals and vice principals, and 12 teachers and subject coordinators in the UAE and found that language and curriculum-related issues were adversely affecting student performances in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) exams. The student understanding of the content in the exams was connected to their language abilities, and the lack of student ability to apply mathematics and science knowledge was owing to the modular-based curriculum and pedagogical methods used in the UAE. Therefore, UAE educational decision makers need to deal with these language and curriculum-related issues because they will continue to affect UAE student achievements, the country’s international exam rankings, and the overall quality of the education system.
Determination of sex of sacrum in adult Macaca mulatta1

Background Sacrum being a part of pelvis is an important bone for identification of sex in both living primates and fossil ones. Aim Aim of this work was to examine the sex differences of sacral parameters in rhesus macaques and to compare with those of the other primates. Materials and Methods Fifty-six adult scara of macaques (17 males and 39 females) have been investigated. Measurement of various parameters was done using sliding vernier calliper; and statistical analysis was done using SPSS 23.0 package. Results The present study showed that the cranial breadth of the sacrum, the sacral length, transverse diameter and sagittal diameter of the cranial articular surface, and two indices of relative sacral breadth were highly significant for sex determination in Macaca mulatta. Comparison of the present data with other studies suggest that sex determination of sacrum can be very different in various types of primates. Conclusion The results suggest that these measures may be functionally integrated in response to locomotion, obstetric adequacy and cephalopelvic proportions in primates. Sacral index is more reliable and should be applied for sex determination of sacrum in various anatomical and anthropological investigations.
Production of cell wall degrading enzymes by Colletotrichum loeosporioides causing mango anthracnose

Mango (Mangifera indica L.), is infected by different fungal pathogens, among them anthracnose is the most serious fungal disease and is caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Penz. and Sacc. It produces cell wall degrading enzymes viz., polygalacturonase and pectin methyl esterase. The activity of these cell wall degrading enzyme was assayed. The virulent isolates of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides produced more pectinolytic enzymes and their activity increased with the increase in age of the culture.
The NDV-3A vaccine protects mice from multidrug resistant Candida auris infection

Candida auris is an emerging, multi-drug resistant, health care-associated fungal pathogen. Its predominant prevalence in hospitals and nursing homes indicates its ability to adhere to and colonize the skin, or persist in an environment outside the host - a trait unique from other Candida species. Besides being associated globally with life-threatening disseminated infections, C. auris also poses significant clinical challenges due to its ability to adhere to polymeric surfaces and form highly drug-resistant biofilms. Here, we performed bioinformatic studies to identify the presence of adhesin proteins in C. auris, with sequence as well as 3-D structural homologies to the major adhesin/invasin of C. albicans, Als3. Anti-Als3p antibodies generated by vaccinating mice with NDV-3A (a vaccine based on the N-terminus of Als3 protein formulated with alum) recognized C. auris in vitro, blocked its ability to form biofilms and enhanced macrophage-mediated killing of the fungus. Furthermore, NDV-3A vaccination induced significant levels of C. auris cross-reactive humoral and cellular immune responses, and protected immunosuppressed mice from lethal C. auris disseminated infection, compared to the control alum-vaccinated mice. Finally, NDV-3A potentiated the protective efficacy of the antifungal drug micafungin, against C. auris candidemia. Identification of Als3-like adhesins in C. auris makes it a target for immunotherapeutic strategies using NDV-3A, a vaccine with known efficacy against other Candida species and safety as well as efficacy in clinical trials. Considering that C. auris can be resistant to almost all classes of antifungal drugs, such an approach has profound clinical relevance. Author Summary Candida auris has emerged as a major health concern to hospitalized patients and nursing home subjects. C. auris strains display multidrug resistance to current antifungal therapy and cause lethal infections. We have determined that C. auris harbors homologs of C. albicans Als cell surface proteins. The C. albicans NDV-3A vaccine, harboring the N-terminus of Als3p formulated with alum, generates cross-reactive antibodies against C. auris clinical isolates and protects neutropenic mice from hematogenously disseminated C. auris infection. Importantly, the NDV-3A vaccine displays an additive protective effect in neutropenic mice when combined with micafungin. Due to its proven safety and efficacy in humans against C. albicans infection, our studies support the expedited testing of the NDV-3A vaccine against C. auris in future clinical trials.
Phytochemical Analysis of Leucas aspera(Willd.)Link. from Dibrugarh

96 DOI: 10.37398/JSR.2020. 640212 Abstract: The main aim of the study was to determine the phytoconstituents present in different aerial parts of Leucas aspera (Willd.)Link and their antioxidant and antimicrobial activity collected from Dibrugarh, Assam. Acetone extract of young leaves recorded higher (6.00±0.12mgCE/g extract and 3.05±0.04mgQE/g extract respectively) phenol and flavonoid content. Methanol extract of young leaves recorded highest (83.84±0.68% and 88.09±0.04% respectively) antioxidant activity against DPPH and ABTS at 500μl of sample at 1mg/ml of concentration. Acetone extracts recorded higher antimicrobial activity than other extracts of the plant. The different solvent extract recorded antibacterial and antifungal activity. Using GC-MS analysis, hexane broad fraction of inflorescence was analysed for the phytoconstituent present in it. GC-MS analysis was done in Bombay, IIT, SAIF and the analysis revealed the presence of phytoconstituents like-7,9-Ditert-butyl-1-oxaspiro(4,5)deca-6,9-diene-2,8-dione (90.0%), Phenol,2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-(53.6%), 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(2-methylpropyl)ester (23.4%), Stigmasta-5,22-dien-3ol,acetate,(3β)-(23.2%), Spirost-8-en-11-one,3-hydroxy,(3β,5α,14β,20β,22β,25R)-(22.7%), Neocurdione (17.6%), Isolongifolan-7-ol (15.7%).
A Ruler for Abdominoplasty Preoperative Markings: The Potential of Best Scar Symmetry

Background. Scar appearance is an important outcome in abdominoplasty surgery, and its asymmetry can have a significant impact on patient and surgeon satisfaction. Here, we compared the scar symmetry reached with a ruler specially designed for the preoperative marking in abdominoplasty to the classic preoperative incision marking. Methods. In this randomized, uni-blind study, 42 patients were allocated to 2 different groups. Group 1 patients had their preoperative marking made by a group of surgeons that used the classic technique as described by Baroudi (n = 21), and Group 2 patients received their preoperative marking by another group of surgeons, using a ruler specially designed to fit the abdominal contour (n = 21). Patients were evaluated using a standard questionnaire that collected information about general patient’s characteristics. On the follow-up period, we evaluated the presence of late surgical complications, need for revision surgery, patient’s satisfaction concerning the postoperative scar, and 4 distances were measured in both groups to assess symmetry. Statistical analysis was made. Results. A total of 42 patients underwent abdominoplasty and were evaluated on the follow-up period (mean time: 4 months). The mean difference of corresponding measures on each side (A-B vs. A-B’ and A-C vs. A-C’) was higher in Group 1 comparing to Group 2. The level of correlation between corresponding measurements was higher in Group 2. Better satisfaction regarding the scar symmetry was achieved in Group 2, being this result statistically significant (P = .004). Conclusions. The use of the specialized ruler may help surgeons achieve a better scar symmetry with higher patient satisfaction.
Asian longhorned beetle: A 2020 update

s from the 2020 Annual Meeting Asian Longhorned Beetle: A 2020 Update 2020 MES election results 66 Annual MES Meeting June 6, 2020, ONLINE! For the first time in the history of the Michigan Entomological Society the annual meeting was conducted in an online format, utilizing the services of Zoom Video Communications, Inc. Members and speakers were able to participate in the meeting without leaving their homes or offices, incurring no costs for travel, lodging, meals or registration. The MES incurred no meeting expenses, thanks to our treasurer Angie Pytel allowing us to utilize her paid Zoom plan. President-Elect Duke Elsner presided over the meeting from his home office in Traverse City. The session included eight speakers and the annual MES business meeting. Close to 30 participants participated by Zoom. The meeting was recorded and once some editing is done, it is hoped that it can be made available for members to view. Abstracts from the 66 Annual Meeting of the Michigan Entomological Society (part one) Where have all the Pine Shoot Beetles gone, long time passing? The 1992 PSB federal quarantine is coming to an end Robert A. Haack, USDA Forest Service, Northern Research Station & Michigan State University, Department of Entomology, Emeritus (robert.haack@usda.gov or haack@msu.edu) The pine shoot beetle (PSB), Tomicus piniperda (L) (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae), a Eurasian bark beetle species, was the first exotic forest insect that I studied. This began in 1992, when a Christmas tree grower near Cleveland, Ohio, brought some unknown beetles that were infesting his pine trees to Dr. David Nielsen at The Ohio State University, who subsequently sent them to Dr. Stephen Wood at Brigham Young University, a world authority on bark and ambrosia beetles. Dr. Wood’s reply letter of 16 July 1992 made a huge impact on USDA APHIS and state plant health regulators around the country, especially this sentence: “This species is the notorious Tomicus piniperda, the second most destructive bark beetle in Europe and the most destructive in pine. ” USDA APHIS was notified of this discovery on 22 July 1992 and by the next day APHIS had established a ‘New Pest Advisory Group’ to evaluate its potential pest status and soon thereafter started training sessions in Ohio on how to identify and survey for PSB. This response paid