Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chikungunya Infection and Immunity: An Overview

Background: Chikungunya infections are a major concern because of their persistent recurrence in the last few decades. Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito borne alpha virus that causes an acute febrile illness accompanied by body rashes, myalgia and polyarthralgia; which may persists for years. Chikungunya fever, affect millions of people in Africa, Asia, including the Indian subcontinent and lately in several regions of the Americas. No specific antivirals and vaccines are currently available to treat or prevent the disease. Methods: Understanding the mechanisms of host immune responses to CHIKV and the immunopathology of the disease is essential for the development of vaccines and diagnostics. Many studies have demonstrated the role of the immune response in the immunopathology of the disease and in the host’s incapability to clear the virus efficiently. In this review the excellence of the referenced papers were evaluated using standard tools. Results: Total seventy-four papers were included in the review. Majority of them were highlighted the importance of understanding the immunopathology of virus, contributing factor and control measures of the epidemics. Nineteen papers were provided the current occurrence and re-emergence of the disease. The diagnostic importance (sensitivity and specificity) of developed diagnostics for the early detection were also provided in eight papers. Conclusion: In the current review we highlighted the importance of conceptual mechanism of the host immune responses to CHIKV and the immunopathology of this alpha virus. The presented review provides an update on the infection, its vector, and the disease transmission, research development, and administration for avoidance of Chikungunya disease. A R T I C L E H I S T O R Y Received: August 16, 2017 Revised: January 12, 2018 Accepted: April 14, 2018 DOI: 10.2174/1573395514666180417143739
Habitat suitability mapping of stone pine (Pinus pinea L.) under the effects of climate change

Climate models predict that the Mediterranean region will experience a particularly marked increase in aridity during the 21st century when compared to other regions. This study examines the current and future potential geographical distribution of the stone pine (Pinus pinea L.), a species of considerable ecological and economic importance, in the light of aridity predictions in the Mediterranean region. For this purpose, 19 bioclimatic variables taken from the Worldclim database in 30 arc-second spatial resolution (∼1000 m) were used. The bioclimatic variables that displayed high correlations with one another when applied to 125 pieces of presence data pertaining to the species were reduced using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and the current and future potential distribution areas of the species were identified using MaxEnt 3.4. 1 software. To determine the future geographical distribution of the species under the impact of climate change, the Community Climate System Model (CCSM ver. 4) was used to model the potential geographical distribution areas for two climate scenarios – Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) 4.5 and 8.5 – and two time periods (2041–2060 and 2061–2080). According to the model data, the predicted potential geographical distribution areas of the stone pine increase under the 2041–2060 and 2061–2080 RCP 4.5–8.5 scenarios and move northwards and towards higher altitudes. Knowledge of the current and future potential distribution maps of the species, and especially of the suitable/very suitable distribution areas, can be used in work on land use, afforestation, ecological restoration and the protection of the species.
Novel Insights into Fur Regulation in Helicobacter pylori

Abstract : Helicobacter pylori is a highly successful pathogen that colonizes the gastric mucosa of 50% of the worlds population. Within this colonization niche the bacteria encounter large fluctuations in nutrient availability. As such, it is critical that this organism regulate expression of key metabolic enzymes so that they are present when environmental conditions are optimal for growth. One such enzyme is the 2-oxoglutarate (-ketoglutarate) oxidoreductase (OOR), which catalyzes the conversion of -ketoglutarate to succinyl-CoA and CO2. Previous studies from our group suggested that the genes that encode for the OOR are activated by iron-bound Fur (Fe-Fur); microarray analysis showed that expression of oorD, oorA, and oorC were altered in a fur mutant strain of H. pylori. The goal of the present work was to more thoroughly characterize expression of the oor DABC genes in H. pylori as well as to define the role of Fe-Fur in this process. Here in we show that these four genes are co-transcribed as an operon, and that expression of the operon is decreased in a fur mutant strain. Transcriptional start site mapping and promoter analysis revealed the presence of a canonical extended -10element but a poorly conserved -35 upstream of the +1. Additionally, we identified a conserved Fur binding sequence 130 bp upstream of the transcriptional start site. Transcriptional analysis using promoter fusions revealed that this binding sequence was required for Fe-Fur mediated activation. Finally, fluorescence anisotropy assays indicate that Fe-Fur specifically bound this Fur box with a relatively high affinity (Kd = 200 nM). These findings provide novel insight into the genetic regulation of a key metabolic enzyme and add to our understanding of the diverse roles Fur plays in gene regulation in H. pylori.
Evolution von lokaler Anpassung bei Braunfröschen: Zum 150. Geburtstag von DARWINS »On the origin of species«

Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution. We describe some recent evidence for microevolutionary processes in European brown frogs (Rana spp.) which show cases of local adaptation and adaptive divergence among populations in response to water acidity, predators and temperature. The examples show that brown frog populations are adapted to the prevailing conditions in the ponds. Conservation biologist should take this into account, e.g. when translocating amphibians.
Anti-Fungal, Antitumor and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Acorus Calamus

Acorus calamus is a herb used for the appetite and as an aid to the digestion. It is used for fevers, stomach cramps and cholic. Their rhizomes were used for toothache and powdered rhizome for congestion. The rhizome part is also used to treat several diseases like asthma and bronchitis and as sedative. Native tribes treated cough by making a decoction of the plant as a carminative and also for cholic. It is a main medhya drug, which has the property of improving the memory power and intellect. Acorus calamus is used in the conditions of vata and kapha, stomatopathy, hoarseness, flatulence, dyspepsia, helminthiasis, amenorrhea, dysmenorrheal, nephropathy, calculi, stragury. Acorus calamus leaves, rhizomes and its essential oil has many biological activities16 like antispasmodic, carminative and also used for treatment of epilepsy, mental ailments, chronic diarrhea, dysentery, bronchial catarrh, intermittent and tumors. It also has the insecticidal, antifungal, antibacterial, tranquilizing, antidiarrhoeal, antidyslipidemic, neuroprotective, antioxidant, anticholinesterase, spasmolytic, vascular modulator activities. The parts used in most of the experimental studies are the leaves, roots and stem of the plant. The dry rhizome contains some of the yellow aromatic oil, calamus oil that are responsible for their medicinal and insecticidal properties. Studies were also done on their rhizome part and in its oils in order to identify the active constituents and its medicinal values.
Environmental threats to the biodiversity in Kiev from climate changes

The leaf surface microstructure, pigments spectrum, phytohormones content, and lipids composition of halophytes with various metabolic and physiological strategies of adaptation to salinity of Polygonum maritimum L. and Euphorbia paralias L. grown under natural conditions on dunes of the Pomorie Lake (Bulgaria) are compared. P. maritimum stomata are located on the leaf both sides below the cuticle level, whereas, in E. рaralias, stomata are present only on the abaxial side, and they are surrounded with hump-shaped cuticle constructions. A high amount of carotenoids (as compared with chlorophylls) in P. maritimum leaves indicates that these pigments have a light-collecting function and could transfer an additional energy to chlorophylls. In leaves of E. paralias and P. maritimum, free abscisic acid and conjugated indole-3-acetic acid prevailed. The inactive cytokinins (cis-zeatin and zeatin-O-glucoside) dominated in E. paralias leaves, whereas P. maritimum leaves contained a significant quantity of isopentenyl-type cytokinins. The presence of a large amount of saturated fatty acids provides a decrease of membrane permeability and better resistance against soil salinity. It is concluded that the ecological strategy of halophytes involves the complex of structural and functional adaptations and determines a successful existence under salinity conditions.
Dimensional Evolution of Intelligent Cars Human-Machine Interface considering Take-Over Performance and Drivers' Perception on Urban Roads

The study analyzed the drivers’ take-over behaviors in intelligent cars when driving on urban roads and tried to find reasonable dimensions of the human-machine interface. Firstly, the main driving assistance functions in the process of take-over were analyzed based on the entropy theory, and the weight values of each function for the consumer’s purchase intention were calculated. Secondly, we explored the perceived comfortable dimensions of the interactive components under typical interaction modes. By means of experiments using a within-subjects design, the initial population of the evolutionary computation was obtained. The evolutionary mechanism of dimensions driven by users’ perception was constructed with a genetic algorithm. After debugging the parameters of the model, we verified the rationality of the model and evolved appropriate dimensions. Finally, the validity of the evolved dimensions was proved by a controlled experiment and paired-sample t-test. The results indicated that the completion time of most take-over tasks under the HMI with the evolved dimensions was significantly shorter, which ensured the HMI could be more conducive to the take-over quality and traffic efficiency.
Recent Advances of Synthesis, Properties, Film Fabrication Methods, Modifications of Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene), and Applications in Solution‐Processed Photovoltaics

Poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is a very unique polymer. It can be very conductive, highly transparent, and environmentally stable. It is highly switchable between its oxidation state and neutral state. It forms a micellar complex with polystyrene sulfonate in aqueous conditions, and then can be solution‐processible and printable. Based on these advantages, PEDOT has been widely used as conductors and transparent electrodes in electronics and optoelectronics. The device performance is highly correlated with the structure and properties of PEDOT. In this review, advances in the synthesis, optoelectronic and chemical properties are comprehensively described and analyzed, as well as the strategies for tuning these properties to fulfill the requirement for device applications. Film processing techniques (printing and transfer printing) for the conducting polymer are also presented. Then, the applications of PEDOT as conductors for versatile organic and perovskite solar cells (single‐junction, tandem, semitransparent, colorful, flexible and ultraflexible, fully printed solar cells) are summarized. Finally future study directions for PEDOT in terms of conductivity enhancement and application‐oriented formulations are discussed.
Photolithographic Fabrication of Upconversion Barcodes for Multiplexed Molecular Detection

The demands of clinical diagnostics and genetic analysis for high‐performance multiplex detection systems have driven substantial advancement from planar microarrays to suspension arrays for accurate encoding, inventorying, and detecting extensive databases of biomolecules. Despite the multitude of related works and the commercial availability of nanostructured arrays for biodetection, it remains challenging to develop biodetection modules of massive coding permutation with high production rates and fast reaction kinetics . Herein, the concurrent improvement in both production and coding capacities without compromising detection kinetics is reported using lithography‐based upconversion barcodes as the basis for bioassay detection modules. This method exploits microstructural forms of dense graphical encoding, with barcode production up to 109 per run at extensive color permutations. The upconversion barcoding technique requires a million times lower analyte consumption compared to currently available technologies. Moreover, the use of upconversion barcodes is demonstrated in a DNA hybridization test with high target specificity, low detection limit, and ease of flexible surface bioconjugation, enabling potential development of biomarkers in the analysis of massive proteomics, genomics, and metabolomics data.
Investigation into Regeneration Mechanism of Hydroalcoholic Lavender (Lavandula officianalis) Extract through the Evaluation of NT3 Gene Expression after Sciatic Nerve Compression in Rats

Background: Retrograde transport to the alpha motoneurons causes spinal degeneration. The neurotrophic factor (NT3) increases the number of myelinated axons in the dorsal root, leads to differentiation and survival of sensory neurons, parasympathetic motoneurons and prevents cell death. Lavender is a plant in the family Lamiaceae which is reported to have antioxidant, antispasmodic, diuretic, anti-asthmatic, refrigerant, and antipyretic effects. This study examined NT3 gene expression changes after sciatic nerve compression in rats, in the presence of Lavandula officinalis extract. Materials and Methods: Lavender Soxhlet hydroalcoholic extraction was prepared. 36 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups including control, compression and treatment (compression group + hydroalcoholic extract of Lavender injections 75mg/kg) groups. In controls the muscle was opened without damage to gain access to the sciatic nerve. In compression and treatment groups, the sciatic nerve (right leg) was compressed. The extract was injected intraperitoneally in two occasions. A biopsy was taken from the spinal cord segments L4-L6 on day 28, total RNA was extracted and cDNA was synthesized and NT3 gene expression changes were analyzed by ANOVA test by using SPSS software. Results: The results showed that NT3 gene expression had a significant reduction in compression group compared to the control group (p<0.001) and it had a significant increase in treatment group compared with the compression group (p<0.001). Conclusion: A significant increase in gene expression shows that Lavandula officinalis hydroalcoholic extract improves nerve regeneration via NT3 gene expression.
Phytochemical Characterization of Herbal Tea from Oranges Peels (Citrus sinensis var Blonde) Marketed in Abidjan

Sweet orange (Citrus sinensis L.) is the most widely consumed citrus fruit in Côte d'Ivoire. They are rich in bioactive compound. Also, their peels or flavedo rejected during consumption have a high content of polyphenols, flavonoids, and essential oils. However, in Côte D'Ivoire, studies are limited to the characterization of orange peel (Citrus sinensis). Our study therefore aims to determine the phytochemical composition of herbal teas obtained from the orange peel (Citrus sinensis) in order to contribute to their valorisation as herbal teas. The Citrus sinensis zests were collected in Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire) in Adjamé community. An herbal tea was produced and subjected to phytochemical and physicochemical tests. The results showed that the moisture content of the different batches varies from 14.13±0.41 to 7.2%±0.2; the oven-dried batches showed the lowest value. In addition, the ash content remains statistically different between batches. The herbal teas studied had an Original Research Article Assamoa et al.; EJNFS, 12(9): 116-125, 2020; Article no.EJNFS. 58111 117 average ash content of 6.53%. The pH values negatively correlated to acidity range from 3.92±0.2 to 3.21±0.15. Also, these herbal teas contain several secondary metabolites such as polyphenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and saponins. This study shows that herbal teas made from orange peel contain several phytochemicals including antioxidants. In addition, their high ash content suggests a high mineral content. Therefore, orange peels can be used in the form of herbal teas as a dietary supplement.
The Effect of Cladode Drying Techniques on the Prebiotic Potential and Molecular Characteristics of the Mucilage Extracted from Opuntia ficus-indica and Opuntia joconostle

The dry, powdered cladodes of Opuntia ficus-indica are often-used in over-the-counter (OTC) pharmaceutical formulations. Gentle drying techniques, such as lyophilization and vacuum drying are compared with convection drying for the cladodes and also compared with another species of economic importance, Opuntia joconostle. The heteropolysaccharide purified from the mucilage extracted from the dried powders were investigated in their monosaccharide composition (HPAEC-PAD, TLC), mineral and protein content, molecular dimensions (SEC) and fermentability by probiotic bacteria (Bioscreen technique) for evaluation of the prebiotic potential of the mucilage. The heteropolysaccharide is composed of galactose, arabinose, xylose, galacturonic acid and rhamnose. O. ficus-indica includes an additional 13% of glucose coming from an α-glucan. The content of Ca (0.3%) and Mg (0.4%) is relatively low in both species; the content of protein adds up to 1.5% in O. ficus-indica but is significantly lower in O. joconostle with 0.8%. The average molecular mass Mw of the extracted mucilage ranges from 3.7 to 4.7 × 105 g∙mol−1 for both species; only the mucilage from long-time convection drying (C2) delivers a lower average Mw of 2.6 × 105 g∙mol−1, due to partial breakdown of the mucilage matrix. All tested probiotic strains utilized the mucilage to some extent; C2 being the most active, and thus confirms the prebiotic potential of cladode’s powder and its derived products. In general, the molecular dimensions and prebiotic potential are not extremely sensitive to the drying treatment, yet temperature and drying time can modify the cladode’s powder to a profile with better prebiotic characteristics.
Élection Autostabilisante dans les Réseaux à Haute Dynamicité

Nous nous interessons a la conception d'algorithmes autostabilisants pour des reseaux identifies hautement dynamiques. Precisement, nous considerons le probleme de l'election dans trois classes de graphes dynamiques (TVG) : la classe T C B (∆) des TVG de diametre temporel borne par ∆, la classe TCQ (∆) des TVG de diametre temporel quasiment borne par ∆ et la classe TCR des TVG a connectivite temporelle recurrente. Nous montrons qu'en depit des identites, dans les classes TCQ (∆) et TCR, tout algorithme autostabilisant d'election necessite la connaissance exacte du nombre de processus. Puis nous proposons trois algorithmes d'election. Le premier, pour la classe TCB(∆), stabilise en au plus 3∆ rondes. Dans TCQ(∆) et TCR, le temps de stabilisation d'un algorithme autostabilisant d'election ne peut pas etre borne. Cependant, nous montrons que nos deux solutions sont speculatives, c'est-a-dire qu'elles ont de bonnes performances dans des cas favorables ; en effet, elles stabilisent en O(∆) rondes lorsque l'on se restreint a la classe TCB(∆).
Global Invasion and Phenotypic Plasticity of the Asian Tiger Mosquito Aedes (Stegomyia) Albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera : Culicidae), an Invasive Vector of Human Diseases : Review of the Problem and the Evidence

The Asian tiger mosquito Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae) is an important vector of viral and parasitic pathogens including dengue and chikungunya viruses. It is actually known as the most threatening invasive species in the world. In recent years these mosquitoes have invaded and adapted to both tropical and temperate climes where have been responsible for large outbreaks of diseases. The success keys of their invasion and establishment are mainly their phenotypic plasticity and adaptation to different environments. Its ecological plasticity and its superior competitive ability were reviewed and discussed based on the available published and unpublished reports. The consequences of their invasion on public health are also highlighted. Further, control measure plans related to the management and diseases transmitted by this invasive vector species are also discussed. To cite this article [Tabbabi, A. (2018). Global Invasion and Phenotypic Plasticity of The Asian Tiger Mosquito Aedes (Stegomyia) Albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera: Culicidae), An Invasive Vector of Human Diseases: Review of The Problem and The Evidence. The Journal of Middle East and North Africa Sciences, 4(4), 1-7]. (P-ISSN 24129763) (e-ISSN 2412-8937). www.jomenas. org. 1
Concentrations and Emissions of Ammonia from Different Laying Hen Production Systems of Conventional Cage, Aviary and Natural Mating Colony Cage in North China Plain

Ammonia (NH3) concentrations in summer were continuously monitored from three typical laying hen houses of CC (conventional cage), AV (aviary), and NM (natural mating colony cage) with manure belt systems in North China Plain to quantify their emission levels, to characterize the diurnal variations, and to investigate the impact of environmental factors. Diurnal profiles were acquired by hourly measurements, and the effect of environmental factors on NH3 emissions was presented by correlation analysis. The results showed that house-level NH3 emissions in summer were the highest in the NM at 27.16 ± 13.12 mg/h·hen, followed by the AV at 4.08 ± 3.23 mg/h·hen and the CC at 3.43 ± 1.46 mg/h·hen within a complete manure removal cycle, which were significantly affected by manure accumulation inside the houses. After manure removal, NH3 concentrations were reduced by 64.29%, 28.57%, and 35.71% in CC, AV, and NM, and consequently their emissions were lowered by 67.12%, 71.36%, and 55.69%, respectively. It was suggested that the manure should not be stored on the belt for more than 4 days in NM. A positive impact of indoor and outdoor temperature and ventilation rate on NH3 emissions from AV and NM were found, while indoor and outdoor relative humidity had a negative effect. However, the above five factors did not significantly affect the emissions from CC.