Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bird attributes, plant characteristics, and seed dispersal of Pera glabrata (Schott, 1858), (Euphorbiaceae) in a disturbed cerrado area

Several plant characteristics, such as fruit production, nutrient reward, secondary compounds, and fruit color display, affect fruit choice by birds. On the other hand, several bird attributes affect their efficiency as dispersers. Here we investigate the ornithochoric seed dispersal of Pera glabrata Schott (Euphorbiaceae) in a cerrado fragment in southeastern Brazil. A set of bird attributes, such as frequency of visits, number of diaspores eaten, time spent foraging, methods of taking and handling the diaspores and agonistic interactions were analyzed in order to infer about the potential of each species to act as a seed disperser. Birds were the unique seed dispersers of these oil-rich diaspores. We observed 414 bird visits during 60 hours of focal observations in five trees from December 1999 to January 2000. Twenty bird species from seven families ate the diaspores of P. glabrata, but only 14 species were considered potential seed dispersers because they swallowed the diaspores, increasing the probabilities for the seeds to be defecated and/or regurgitated away from the parent trees. The main potential seed dispersers were: Turdus leucomelas (Muscicapidae), Dacnis cayana (Emberizidae), Colaptes melanochloros (Picidae) and Elaenia spp. (Tyrannidae). We did not find any significant seasonal change in the number of visits on the fruiting trees throughout the day. We also did not find any relation between the number of visits per tree and fruit production. The most effective seed dispersers of P. glabrata were generalist birds, which have a high visiting rate, high fruit consumption rate, and spend short periods on the plants. The large number of species recorded as potential seed dispersers of P. glabrata, being most of them very abundant even in Brazilian disturbed areas, may guarantee seed dispersal of this plant in small fragments and regenerating areas.
Long‐term Follow‐up of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Survivors: A Focus on Screening, Monitoring, and Therapeutics

Annually, ~50,000 patients undergo hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) worldwide with almost 22,000 of these patients receiving HCT in the United States. HCT is a curative option for a wide range of hematologic malignancies, and advances in transplantation medicine have resulted in an increase in HCT survivors. It is anticipated that the number of HCT survivors will more than double from 242,000 in 2020 to ~500,000 in 2030. Survivors of HCT are at an increased risk of developing late complications due to exposure to chemotherapy and/or radiation in the pre‐, peri‐, and post‐HCT phases and these cumulative exposures have the potential to damage normal tissue. This tissue damage leads to the early onset of chronic health conditions resulting in premature mortality in HCT survivors, who have a 15‐year cumulative incidence of severe or life‐threatening chronic health conditions exceeding 40%. Due to the significant burden of morbidity in HCT survivors and the delay in the development of long‐term complications, this delicate patient population requires life‐long monitoring due to the risk for neuropsychological, cardiac, pulmonary, renal, hepatic, ocular, skeletal, cardiac, endocrine, fertility, and sexual health complications, as well as secondary neoplasms. This review will focus on recent advances in screening, monitoring, and therapeutics for late‐occurring or long‐term complications in HCT survivors.
Study of viral etiology of acute lower respiratory tract infection in children

Objective To investigate the viral pathogens of lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI) in children. Methods Totally 572 children with clinical diagnosis of ALRTI during the period of March 2007 to February 2008 were involved in our study. One nasopharyngeal aspirate specimen was collected from each patient. (RT) PCRs were performed to detect common respiratory tract viruses including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus (RV), influzenza virus type A and B (IFA, IFB), parainfluenza virus (PIV) type 1-4, adenovirus (AdV), enterovirus (EV), human coronavirus (HCoV), human metapneumonia virus (hMPV) and human bocavirus (HBoV). Results At least one viral pathogen was detected in 444 out of 572 patients and the overall positive rate was 77.6%. The most common virus was RSV (48.3%), followed by RV (27.1%) and PIV (13.3%). The etiological spectrum of ALRTI varied in different age group. RSV, RV and PIV were the most predominant pathogens in children less than 5 years old while RV, IFV and RSV were the most common pathogens in children older than 5 years of age. Two or more viruses were identified in 158 out of 572 cases. The mixed infection rate was high (40.2%) in infants under 1 year old while it decreased to 14.0% in children older than 5 years of age. Conclusion RSV, RV and PIV are the most predominant pathogens in children less than 5 years old while RV, IFV and RSV are the most common pathogens in children older than 5 years of age in Beijing area.
SOME BIOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF CATALASE FROM SAFFLOWER (CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS L.CV. IL-111)

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.cv) is a member of the family Compositae that is cultivated mainly for its seed, which is used as edible oil and bird seed. Catalase is a common enzyme found in nearly all living organisms that are exposed to oxygen, where it functions to catalyse the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen. In this study catalase was extracted from leaves of safflower (cv. M-CC-190) using phosphate buffer (0.1 M, pH 7.2) and its kinetic properties, thermal stability, isozymic pattern and sensitivity to inhibitors were investigated. On the basis of pH profile and activity staining for catalase on native PAGE, two isoform of catalases were detected in extract with pH optima at 6.5 and 8.5, and the range of catalase activity was found between 5.5 and 10.5. Apparent Km and Vmax of catalase at two pH optima were different, but the catalytic efficiency values were similar. Effect of heat treatment on catalase activity showed lower heat stability for isoenzyme active at pH 8.5. Isoenzyme with pH optima at 6.5 was more sensitive to both azide and cyanide in comparison to other isoenzyme active in M-CC-190 leaves extract. Key words: Catalase, safflower, isoenzyme, kinetic, thermal stability, M-CC-190.
HKT sodium and potassium transporters in Arabidopsis thaliana and related halophyte species

High salinity induces osmotic stress and often leads to sodium ion‐specific toxicity, with inhibitory effects on physiological, biochemical and developmental pathways. To cope with increased Na+ in soil water, plants restrict influx, compartmentalize ions into vacuoles, export excess Na+ from the cell, and distribute ions between the aerial and root organs. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of how high‐affinity K+ transporters (HKT) contribute to salinity tolerance, focusing on HKT1‐like family members primarily involved in long‐distance transport, and in the recent research in the model plant Arabidopsis and its halophytic counterparts of the Eutrema genus. Functional characterization of the salt overly sensitive (SOS) pathway and HKT1‐type transporters in these species indicate that they utilize similar approaches to deal with salinity, regardless of their tolerance.
Molecular and functional characterization of urine‐derived podocytes from patients with Alport syndrome

Alport syndrome (AS) is a genetic disorder involving mutations in the genes encoding collagen IV α3, α4 or α5 chains, resulting in the impairment of glomerular basement membrane. Podocytes are responsible for production and correct assembly of collagen IV isoforms; however, data on the phenotypic characteristics of human AS podocytes and their functional alterations are currently limited. The evident loss of viable podocytes into the urine of patients with active glomerular disease enables their isolation in a non‐invasive way. Here we isolated, immortalized, and subcloned podocytes from the urine of three different AS patients for molecular and functional characterization. AS podocytes expressed a typical podocyte signature and showed a collagen IV profile reflecting each patient's mutation. Furthermore, RNA‐sequencing analysis revealed 348 genes differentially expressed in AS podocytes compared with control podocytes. Gene Ontology analysis underlined the enrichment in genes involved in cell motility, adhesion, survival, and angiogenesis. In parallel, AS podocytes displayed reduced motility. Finally, a functional permeability assay, using a podocyte–glomerular endothelial cell co‐culture system, was established and AS podocyte co‐cultures showed a significantly higher permeability of albumin compared to control podocyte co‐cultures, in both static and dynamic conditions under continuous perfusion. In conclusion, our data provide a molecular characterization of immortalized AS podocytes, highlighting alterations in several biological processes related to extracellular matrix remodelling. Moreover, we have established an in vitro model to reproduce the altered podocyte permeability observed in patients with AS. © 2020 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
SNPs in SNCA, MCCC1, DLG2, GBF1 and MBNL2 are associated with Parkinson's disease in southern Chinese population

Numerous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which have been identified as susceptibility factors for Parkinson's disease (PD) as per genome‐wide association studies, have not been fully characterized for PD patients in China. This study aimed to replicate the relationship between 12 novel SNPs of 12 genes and PD risk in southern Chinese population. Twelve SNPs of 12 genes were detected in 231 PD patients and 249 controls, using the SNaPshot technique. Meta‐analysis was used to assess heterogeneity of effect sizes between this study and published data. The impact of SNPs on gene expression was investigated by analysing the SNP‐gene association in the expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) data sets. rs8180209 of SNCA (allele model: P = .047, OR = 0.77; additive model: P = .047, OR = 0.77), rs2270968 of MCCC1 (dominant model: P = .024, OR = 1.52), rs7479949 of DLG2 (recessive model; P = .019, OR = 1.52), rs10748818 of GBF1 (additive model: P < .001, OR = 0.37), and rs4771268 of MBNL2 (recessive model: P = .003, OR = 0.48) were replicated to be significantly associated with the increased risk of PD. Noteworthy, a meta‐analysis of previous studies suggested rs8180209, rs2270968, rs7479949 and rs4771268 were in line with those of our cohort. Our study replicated five novel functional SNPs in SNCA, MCCC1, DLG2, GBF1 and MBNL2 could be associated with increased risk of PD in southern Chinese population.
Nuclear β‐catenin immunoexpression in scars

Histopathologically, scars can mimic superficial fibromatoses. Superficial fibromatoses are known to show nuclear β‐catenin immunoexpression, although the tumor types do not harbor CTNNB1 or APC alterations. This study aimed to evaluate nuclear β‐catenin immunoexpression in scars compared to that in superficial fibromatoses.
Emergence of gram positive bacteria as a causal agent of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis

It has been suggested that the profile of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) has changed, and severe infections caused by resistant bacteria species have started to emerge. The aim of this work was to evaluate the recent changes in bacteria causing SBP in cirrhotic patients. In this study, records of laboratory and ascitic fluid cultures data of 100 cirrhotic patients, with SBP, in the retrospective period from October 2007 to October 2008 and 120 patients with SBP in the prospective period from October 2011 to October 2012 were subjected to laboratory tests. Ascitic fluid sent for bacterial culture along with routine biochemical and cytological examination were done. Results showed that the overall culture positivity rate was higher in prospective study period 39 (32.5%) versus retrospective period 35 (35%) p>0.05 and the main bacterial isolates were Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Gram positive bacteria (GPB) were isolated more frequently in the prospective than retrospective period 16 (41%) versus 10 (28.6%). It was concluded that there is an emergence of Gram positive bacteria as a causal agents of SBP.
OCTOPAMINERGIC MODULATION OF THE FOREWING STRETCH RECEPTOR IN THE LOCUST LOCUSTA MIGRATORIA

Modulatory actions of various biogenic amines and peptides on the locust forewing stretch receptor (SR) were examined. The response of the SR to sinusoidal wing movements was unaffected by physiological concentrations (5×10−8moll−1) of the peptides AKHI, AKHII, proctolin and FMRFamide. The biogenic amine octopamine, however, enhanced the SR response in a dosedependent manner when injected into the haemolymph of an almost intact animal or perfused over an isolated thorax preparation in which head, abdomen, gut and the entire central nervous system were removed (threshold at 5×10−8moll−1, maximal effect at 5×10−4moH−1 DL-octopamine). The SR was as sensitive to D-octopamine, the naturally occurring isomer of octopamine, as it was to DLoctopamine. Serotonin was equal to octopamine in effectiveness, followed in order of potency by synephrine, metanephrine and tyramine. Dopamine was ineffective. Phentolamine, but not DL-propranolol, antagonized the action of octopamine. The threshold of the modulatory effect of octopamine on the SR suggests that the increased haemolymph octopamine level which occurs during flight is sufficient to increase the SR activity. Two observations suggest that dorsal unpaired median (DUM) cells are involved in the octopaminergic modulation of the SR during flight: (1) selective stimulation of these cells modulated the SR response and this effect was blocked by phentolamine; and (2) a number of DUM cells were activated during flight. These results suggest that the SR activity is enhanced by octopamine following the onset of flight. Since the SR is involved in the control of wing beat frequency, the modulation of the SR might influence the generation of the motor pattern in flying locusts.
Commentary

Planning compact urban form: Randstad Holland 1965-95 The debate on compact urban growth and the containment of urban sprawl suddenly became the "order of the day" in the 1980s (Breheny, 1996, page 20). Since then, the participants have been divided into two camps: those who are convinced of the benefits of compact urban form (for example, Bourne, 1996; Ewing, 1997) and those who emphasize the illusory nature of policies pursuing urban compactness (for example, Gordon and Richardson, 1997). Breheny (1996) tries to weigh the validity of the arguments used by the 'centrists' and 'decentrists'. Anderson et al (1996) evaluate the evidence for a relationship between urban form and amount of energy consumed for mobility. If one reviews the literature on compact urban form, it appears that the benefits ascribed to a compact-city policy are by no means clearly based on empirical research. These benefits have been a point of dogma for many Dutch planners and politicians for over three decades. Compact urban growth became the main tenet of the Randstad Holland/Green Heart planning doctrine (Faludi and van der Valk, 1995). Since the 1960s a serious attempt has been made to promote compact development in the urbanized western part of the Netherlands. This policy was expected (1) to preserve large tracts of unfragmented open farmland within the Randstad Holland region; (2) to induce people to use public transport and to walk or cycle rather than take the car; and (3) to reduce the detrimental effects of deconcentration on the old central cities. These arguments are now pivotal to the academic debate on urban form. In this commentary, I briefly evaluate the Randstad Holland experience in the context of the present debate on compact cities. That evaluation leads to some observations on (a) the stages in the compact-city policy; (b) its instruments for implementation; (c) the successes and failures; and (d) its sustainability in the future as the regulatory mechanism of Dutch society is overhauled.
Diel colour changes in male Sapphirina nigromaculata (Cyclopoida, Copepoda)

Males of the pelagic copepod genus Sapphirina are known to exhibit brilliant iridescence, presumably to attract mates. However, the males of some species have been described as not being able to produce iridescence. To resolve this apparent contradiction, we conducted detailed observations of colouration patterns in Sapphirina nigromaculata , which has been previously described as both iridescent and non-iridescent. The colouration of male S. nigromaculata ranges from intensely iridescent to transparent with pigmented spots. These two phases appear to have a circadian rhythm, with males turning iridescent at midnight and remaining in that state until several hours after sunrise, then becoming transparent again towards the afternoon. Adult S. nigromaculata occurrence in surface waters shows temporal changes, in that they occasionally occur in higher densities than their average in the water column, particularly from midnight to around noon. The synchronization of iridescence in concert with upward migration is considered to be an adaptation for increasing the likelihood of encountering a mate. Observations using a video plankton recorder revealed that the transparent phase is an adaptation for decreasing predation risk by making the copepods more difﬁcult to distinguish while they are associated with doliolids.
ECOLOGY AND NATURAL HISTORY OF IRIDAEA CORDATA (RHODOPHYTA; GIGARTINACEAE): POPULATION STRUCTURE 1

The population structure of 4 California Iridaea cordata (Turner) Bory populations was studied. Random sampling procedures were used to measure seasonal variations in standing crops, density and size‐class distribution of life history stages. The results describe aspects of the in situ life history; a prerequisite to realistically considering the distribution, ecology or life history expressions of an alga. Seasonal fluctuations in density occur only in the juvenile stage, which is initiated during the winter (November to January) predominantly from the basal perennial crusts. Both the gametangial and tetrasporangial stages are present throughout the year. The tetrasporangial stage is dominant in relation to the sexual stages in both density and biomass during most of the year, except spring when the new crop in just maturing and all stages are abundant. Density in nearly constant and observable changes in the populations are due to biomass fluctuations. Seasonal lows in biomass occur during the winter with the majority of thalli in the smaller size‐classes. Growth and maturation culminate in peak summer crops and dominance of the tetrasporangial stage, followed by autumnal senescence and die‐back in winter. Carrageenans analyzed from immature thalli showed a predominance of lambda‐type, previously determined as specific for tetrasporangial plants. This indirect evidence for the tetrasporangial nature of immature plants suggests that dominance of the diploid stage occurred prior to blade development and most likely at the spore level. Alternatively, field results indicate a major contribution and possible replacement of alternation of gametangial and tetrasporangial stage by thallus perennation and vegetative reproduction.
The Galápagos Endemic Darwiniothamnus alternifolius (Asteraceae, Astereae) transferred to Erigeron

Abstract Following molecular phylogenetic evidence that the Galápagos (Ecuador) endemic genus Darwiniothamnus Harling (Asteraceae, Astereae) is biphyletic, with supporting evidence from several morphological traits, the species D. alternifolius is transferred to the genus Erigeron L. as E. alternifolius (Lawesson & Adsersen) N. Andrus & Tye.
AGE AND GENDER WISE DISTRIBUTION PATTERN OF TYPHOID CAUSING BACTERIA SALMONELLA SEROVARS IN MAHAKAUSHAL REGION

The present study was undertaken to determine the diversity and occurrence of serovars of genus Salmonella, in the clinical samples of typhoid positive patients from different geographical area in and around Mahakaushal region of Madhya Pradesh. In this study, the isolation of Salmonella from clinical samples taken from various districts indicates the wide spread distribution of Salmonella in different age groups at Mahakaushal regions. The occurrence of Salmonella was not confined to a particular location as Salmonella was recovered from all areas sampled. Salmonella is widespread and many of the serotypes can infect animals and humans. Infection may cause pathological conditions resulting in morbidity and mortality. The detection of Salmonella in food and water is therefore important in the prevention of such infections. Investigation was aimed to explore the diversity of Salmonella Serovars by means of cultural and biochemical characteristics.
Production of Extra-Cellular Proteases from Marine Bacillus Sp. Cultured in media containing Ammonium Sulfate as the sole Nitrogen source

Useful bacterial strains can be used to increase mineralize activity of an aquatic system. These bacteria can specifically degrade targeted compound by producing extra-cellular enzymes. Three species of Bacillus i.e. B. subtilis, B. pumilus and B. licheniformis acquired from shrimp ponds were tested for their ability to utilize ammonia and produce extracellular enzymes. These bacteria were grown in artificial seawater (30 ppt salinity and pH 7.6) supplemented with decreasing yeast extract concentration but increasing ammonium sulfate concentration. All three bacteria grew in artificial seawater containing only 0.01% yeast extract and 1% ammonium sulfate. However, only B. pumilus and B. licheniformis were able to grow in the medium containing only 1% ammonium sulfate as a sole energy source. Bacterial growth reduced when alkaline proteases activities was maximum from culture filtrates of all three bacterial cultures during 24 hour culturing in artificial seawater containing 0.01% yeast extract and 1% ammonium sulfate at 30 C when assayed at pH 9. Bacterial growth increased when acid proteases activities was maximum from culture filtrates of all three bacterial cultures during 48 hour culturing in artificial seawater containing 0.01% yeast extract and 1% ammonium sulfate at 30 C when assayed at pH 5. Keyword: Bacillus, ammonia utilization, extra-cellular enzymes
Essais de cultures in vitro d'organes embryonnaires en milieux synthétiques

Pour la commodite de l9expose, nous distinguerons deux modalites de cultures in vitro : les cultures en milieux naturels , qui utilisent les aliments extraits des organismes vivants, tels que le jus d9embryon, le plasma, le serum; les cultures en milieux synthetiques , qui substituent a ces liquides complexes des melanges de substances chimiquement definies, telles que sucres, acides amines.