Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cryo-scanning electron microscopy (CSEM) in the advancement of functional plant biology: energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (CEDX) applications

The capacity to make measurements of elemental concentrations at the level of single cells by energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis of cryo-fixed, inherently-hydrated plant parts (CEDX) is changing or extending our understanding of many plant functions. We include in this review a wide-ranging catalogue of studies that have used CEDX which provides access to the literature on elements measured, plants and tissues studied, techniques used, level of quantitation and the significant findings. These findings include new perspectives on the following areas: salt tolerance; xylem maturation and solute content, root pressure and embolism refilling; the contents of intercellular spaces; sequestration of toxic elements; biomineralisation with silicon; movement of tracer homologues of native cations; indirect localisation of molecules with a distinctive element component; transfer of nutrients from vesicular-arbuscular (VA) mycorrhizas; the role of mucilages in protection and in generating mechanical force. In an Appendix we discuss the procedures involved in CEDX: cryo-fixation, specimen planing, etching, elemental quantitation and mapping. Limitations on sample numbers, elements measurable, spatial resolution, sensitivity and threshold concentrations quantifiable are outlined. A brief discussion of the potential of emerging technologies for cell-specific analysis of cryo-fixed, hydrated specimens is included. In the Accessory Publication we list our standard protocol for CEDX.
Immunohistochemical Evaluation and Clinicopathological Correlation of Mer and Axl Tyrosine Kinase TAM Receptors in Cutaneous Melanoma

Background Malignant melanoma (MM) is potentially the most dangerous form of skin tumor. In the last few years, the so-called TAM receptors, a unique family of tyrosine kinase (TK) receptors, have become increasingly important. Objectives To evaluate Mer and Axl TAM receptor expression to find clinicopathological features that could explain the biological behavior of MM. Patients and Methods Clinicopathological data were obtained from an MM electronic database at our Institute. We reviewed 24 cutaneous MM specimens. TAM receptor expression was assayed using immunohistochemistry. Combinative semiquantitative scoring was used for the evaluation of TAM receptor expression (MerTK and AxlTK). Appropriate statistical methods were used to evaluate a possible correlation between TAM receptor expression and the clinicopathological variables of the MM samples (univariate analysis and multivariate analysis). Results MerTK and AxlTK were expressed differently in the MM samples, with a major expression of the first receptor. The cells of the tumor microenvironment contributed to the majority of the total score. A significant association was found between AxlScore and the site of the tumor and between AxlScore and the variable ulceration; another correlation was found between MerScore and the following characteristics: pathological stage of the tumor (pT), sex, ulceration, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Conclusions All correlations between the expression of MerTK and AxlTK with the clinical and histological variables of MM should be validated in a large group of people in order to increase the validity and the impact of our observations, with subsequently therapeutic implications in the era of the “targeted therapy. ”
DNA Fingerprinting of in vitro Micropropagated Pomegranate Genotypes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Pomegranate is grown for its rich flavour in numerous tropical and subtropical areas, like Egypt and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Assessing the genetic background of the pomegranate is the key to its expansion through the Middle East, where tissue culture reproduction strategies could be used to solve environmental and economic problems. This study aimed at studying the genetic stability of 2 pomegranate genotypes in vitro micro-propagated in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by using the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) tools. MATERIALS AND METHODS The two above mentioned molecular tools were used to evaluate the DNA fingerprints of Taify and Yemeni pomegranate genotypes 12 weeks post in vitro propagation in Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia compared to the mother plant. Shoot tip explants of 4-5 cm long were grown on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented by 1.0 mg L-1 NAA, 2.00 mg L-1 IBA and 2 g L-1 activated carbon for 4 weeks for rooting. On 12 weeks DNA extracts were prepared from the acquired plantlets obtained and used as templates for each of RAPD-PCR and ISSR tools. RESULTS The RAPD-PCR and ISSR assays generated a total of 79-94 and 57-72 DNA fragments, respectively. In case of RAPD-PCR 80 and 90% of the primers used and developed monomorphic fragments of the Yemeni and Taify genotypes, respectively, particularly OPG08 primer for Taify genotype and OPA04 and OPD07 primers for the Yemeni genotype. Regarding ISSR, no DNA polymorphic for the micropropagated clones were recorded compared to the mother plant. CONCLUSION The ISSR assay's findings indicated the genetic homogeneity between the in vitro micropropagated clones of both pomegranate genotypes and the mother plants.
Understanding Angler Motivations in Fisheries Management

Abstract Motivation studies provide insight into what anglers seek in a fishing experience. Seventeen comparable angler studies were examined to identify motivational characteristics of angler populations and subpopulation groups. Five categories of motivations were used: general psychological and physiological, natural environment, social, fishery resource, and skill and equipment. Motivational profiles of angler populations were found to differ little between freshwater and saltwater environments or between the two states examined. Greater diversity was found in the importance of individual motivations among subpopulation groups, based on mode of fishing or target species, and between subpopulation groups and statewide populations. Results discourage extending motivational characteristics from a general sample of fishermen to subpopulation angler groups and vice-versa. Implications for using motivations to better meet angler needs and build supportive constituencies are discussed, and suggestions for fu.
Genetic dissection of reproductive performance of dairy cows under heat stress

Summary Heat stress negatively impacts the reproductive performance of dairy cows. The main objective of this study was to dissect the genetic basis underlying dairy cow fertility under heat stress conditions. Our first goal was to estimate genetic components of cow conception across lactations considering heat stress. Our second goal was to reveal individual genes and functional gene‐sets that explain a cow’s ability to conceive under thermal stress. Data consisted of 74 221 insemination records on 13 704 Holstein cows. Multitrait linear repeatability test‐day models with random regressions on a function of temperature–humidity index values were used for the analyses. Heritability estimates for cow conception under heat stress were around 2–3%, whereas genetic correlations between general and thermotolerance additive genetic effects were negative and ranged between −0.35 and −0.82, indicating an unfavorable relationship between cows’ ability to conceive under thermo‐neutral vs. thermo‐stress conditions. Whole‐genome scans identified at least six genomic regions on BTA1, BTA10, BTA11, BTA17, BTA21 and BTA23 associated with conception under thermal stress. These regions harbor candidate genes such as BRWD1, EXD2, ADAM20, EPAS1, TAOK3, and NOS1, which are directly implicated in reproductive functions and cellular response to heat stress. The gene‐set enrichment analysis revealed functional terms related to fertilization, developmental biology, heat shock proteins and oxidative stress, among others. Overall, our findings contribute to a better understanding of the genetics underlying the reproductive performance of dairy cattle under heat stress conditions and point out novel genomic strategies for improving thermotolerance and fertility via marker‐assisted breeding.
Light- and humidity-responsive chiral nematic photonic crystal films based on cellulose nanocrystals.

Light- and humidity-responsive chiral nematic photonic crystal (PC) films containing cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were fabricated. A photoactive polymer with hydrophilic groups, poly-(3,3'-benzophenone-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid dicarboxylate polyethylene glycol) ester (PBD-PEGE), was co-assembled with CNCs to form flexible iridescent films with tunable chiral nematic order. In the co-assembly process, the intermolecular hydrogen bonds of CNCs were weakened, which facilitated the fine regulation of the chiral PC nanostructure. The PC films displayed sensitive responses to both light and humidity. With increasing humidity from 30% to 100%, the chiral nematic helix pitch increased from 328 to 422 nm. The color of the PC films changed from blue to green, yellow, orange, and dark red with increasing RH. Over 15 min of light irradiation, the absorption intensity of the films increased gradually. The light and humidity responses of the films were reversible. The films maintained their variable cholesteric liquid crystal texture and helical lamellar structure after light irradiation at different humidity. These PC films are expected to be useful in intelligent coatings and 3D printing.
Medication Safety-A Global Health Priority.

CJHP – Vol. 73, No. 2 – March–April 2020 JCPH – Vol. 73, no 2 – mars–avril 2020 medication practices and medication errors are the leading cause of avoidable harm around the world, with the costs of medi cation errors reaching US$42 billion annually.3 In response to these numbers, the WHO announced its third global patient safety challenge in 2017, known as “Medication without Harm”. 3 This and previous WHO patient safety challenges aim for improvement and risk reduction and “blend evidence-based interventions with multi-modal implementation strategies. They [also] seek to achieve widespread engagement and commitment. ”3 Individual countries are helping to improve the safe use of medicines. Canada’s medication safety initiatives are undertaken by organizations such as the Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI) and the Institute for Safe Medication Practices Canada. In 2018, the CPSI reported that it would lead the Canadian arm of the WHO’s “Medication without Harm” campaign. Strategies include medication review, the “5 Questions to Ask About Your Medications” program, and opioid stewardship initiatives to improve opioid safety and appropriate treatment of pain.4 In my own country, the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia (PSA) and the Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia have been lobbying the government to take note of medicationrelated issues. An estimated AU$1.4 billion (about Can$1.25 billion) is spent annually on medication-related problems.5 Furthermore, medication problems result in an estimated 250 000 hospital admissions annually and an additional 400 000 presentations to the emergency department.5 The most worrisome estimate is that 50% of these costs and associated harms are preventable.5 EDITORIAL
Ant Protection of a Host Plant's Defoliator: Consequence of an Ant‐Membracid Mutualism

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is extensively defoliated by the locust leaf-mining beetle (Odontota dorsalis) in western Maryland. This plant is also the host of Vanduzea arquata (Membracidae), a gregarious, sap-feeding treehopper, which is tended by the ant Formica subsericea. Aggression by F. subsericea reduced adult density and density of egg masses of 0. dorsalis on branches with Vanduzea tended by Formica (ant branches) compared to non-ant branches. Obser- vations and staged encounters also showed that Formica ants excluded Nabicula subcoleoptrata, an important predator of 0. dorsalis larvae, from branches with Formica and Vanduzea. Thus, ants indirectly protected the beetle larvae from this predator. In both 1980 and 1981 survivorship of beetle larvae was significantly higher in the presence of ants. In 1980 this resulted in nearly twice as many beetle larvae surviving on ant branches even when egg mass density was initially lower. In 1981 beetle survivorship was higher on branches with ants, although numbers of larvae remained higher on non- ant branches compared to ant branches. There was no apparent net benefit or harm to black locust in having Formica ants and Vanduzea treehoppers, although these results suggest a mechanism by which ant attendance could harm the plant indirectly. These results are contrary to previous studies of ant-Homoptera-plant associations.
Optimization of enhanced microbial production of zinc bacitracin by submerged fermentation technology

Bacitracin is one of the most important antibiotics used in different biomedical fields. It helps to achieve sizeable amount of foreign exchange due to its use in the poultry feed. The cheap agricultural wastes are readily available for the preparation of fermentation media used for bacitracin production. The microorganisms could be mutated with different chemicals and UV radiation to improve bacitracin production. Thus, the current study was focused on the synthesis of low‐cost and effective bacitracin by mutant strains of Bacillus licheniformis, employing the submerged fermentation technique. The bacteria were exposed to the UV irradiation for various time periods ranging from 5 to 40 min. These mutants were named as BLAA‐5–BLAA‐40. Mutant strain BLAA‐25 produced maximum bacitracin, with significantly high activity (142.81 IU/mg) against Klebsiella pneumoniae but less activity against Escherichia coli (115.19 IU/mg). Several fermentation conditions were investigated to optimize bacitracin production. The highest bacitracin yield was obtained by an inoculum size of 10%, fermentation period 48 hr, pH 7, T = 37°C, using soybean meal as a substrate. Among all substrates, cucumber peel was the substrate showing the highest minimum inhibitory concentration (2.3 mg/ml and 2.7 mg/ml against K. pneumoniae and E. coli respectively). A comparison between commercial and experimentally produced Zn bacitracin showed that commercial bacitracin has a low activity (63.2 IU/mg) as compared with experimental bacitracin. Hence, the agro wastes and mutation could be used to increase the synthesis of Zn bacitracin in B. licheniformis.
Reproductive ecology of dioecious Siparuna (Monimiaceae) in Ecuador: a case of gall midge pollination

The reproductive ecology of the dioecious genus Siparuna, belonging to the primitive family Monimiaceae, was investigated in Ecuador. Thirteen species were studied, and species growing at high altitudes (above 500 m) were compared with species growing at lower altitudes. The genus has specialized flowers pollinated by Cecidomyiidae (Asynapta sp. and other genera) that lay eggs chiefly in male flowers since these are more easily accessible than female flowers due to their morphology. Several traits ensure that pollen transfer is accomplished: 1. long flowering of individuals and single flowers; 2. specific floral morphology (unisexuality, landing platform, restricted pore) allowing the flowers to be visited by Cecidomyiidae seeking egg-laying sites, and 3. a low number of ovules that have to be pollinated in each flower. The low number of ovules per flower results in a high pollen-ovule (P/O) ratio even though pollen production in male flowers is only moderate. High altitude species had larger flowers, higher pollen-ovule ratios, fewer ovules per female flower, and longer periods of anthesis. Gender differences were seen in the longer functionality of female flowers; the larger numbers of male flowers produced; and the average diameter at breast height (DBH) biased for one of the two sexes depending on the species investigated, with no clear trend in the size distributions of individuals of both sexes. Sex ratios departed significantly from unity both to male and female bias but usually were in favour of males. There were no general differences in the ratio of functional male to female flowers at the time of observation nor in the sizes of male and female flowers. The evolution of unisexual flowers in Siparuna can be explained as a result of the differential predation by larvae: unimportant in male flowers, destructive if occurring in female flowers.
Intravascular flow stimulates PKD2 (polycystin-2) channels in endothelial cells to reduce blood pressure

PKD2 (polycystin-2, TRPP1), a TRP polycystin channel, is expressed in endothelial cells (ECs), but its physiological functions in this cell type are unclear. Here, we generated inducible, EC-specific Pkd2 knockout mice to examine vascular functions of PKD2. Data show that a broad range of intravascular flow rates stimulate EC PKD2 channels, producing vasodilation. Flow-mediated PKD2 channel activation leads to calcium influx that activates SK/IK channels and eNOS serine 1176 phosphorylation in ECs. These signaling mechanisms produce arterial hyperpolarization and vasodilation. In contrast, EC PKD2 channels do not contribute to acetylcholine-induced vasodilation, suggesting stimulus-specific function. EC-specific PKD2 knockout elevated blood pressure in mice without altering cardiac function or kidney anatomy. These data demonstrate that flow stimulates PKD2 channels in ECs, leading to SK/IK channel and eNOS activation, hyperpolarization, vasodilation and a reduction in systemic blood pressure. Thus, PKD2 channels are a major component of functional flow sensing in the vasculature.
Immune modulating effects of additional supplementation of estradiol combined with testosterone in murine testosterone-deficient NAFLD model.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with testosterone deficiency. However, NAFLD patients generally do not respond to treatment with testosterone alone. We investigated the innate immune mechanisms underlying the effects of treatment with testosterone alone, estrogen alone, or combined testosterone and estrogen on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD due to testosterone deficiency. Orchiectomized (OCX) male Rag2-/- mice were used as a model of testosterone deficiency. To assess NAFLD severity, NAFLD activity score (NAS) is adopted. Moreover, immunological change was analyzed by multicolor flow cytometry. Treatment with both testosterone and estrogen significantly decreased body weight to that of the sham mice-normal diet (ND). NAS and liver fibrosis in OCX-HFD mice were significantly deteriorated, and treatment with testosterone and estrogen improved same as sham-ND mice. HFD increased the ratio of both type 2 and 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s and ILC3s) to CD45-positive cells in the liver. Treatment with testosterone alone decreased the ratio of ILC2:CD45 but not the ILC3:CD45 ratio. Addition of estrogen to the treatment reduced the ratios of ILC2:CD45 and ILC3:CD45 to the same level observed in sham-HFD mice. Moreover, OCX-HFD mice had a decreased proportion of M2 macrophages, compared with sham-ND mice. Treatment with testosterone alone did not restore the proportion of M2 macrophages; however, combination treatment with both estrogen and testosterone increased that to the same level as that in sham-HFD mice. Treatment with both testosterone and estrogen improves liver fibrosis, and decreases ILC3 and increases M2 macrophage abundance in the liver.
Evaluation of in vitro biological activities: antioxidant; anti-inflammatory; anti-cholinesterase; anti- xanthine oxidase, anti-superoxyde dismutase, anti-α-glucosidase and cytotoxic of 19 bioflavonoids.

Pure compounds belonging to phenolic family were studied for their biological potential such as 5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (M1), rutin hydrate (M2), 2,3-dichloro-5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (M3), taxifolin (M4), myricetin (M5), plumbagin (M6), silibinin (M7), dihydromyricetin (M8), shikonin (M9), quercetin 3-β-D-glucoside (M10), (±)-taxifolin hydrate (M11), cardamonin (M12),(-)-epicatechin (M13), 9-chloro-10-hydroxy-anthracene-1,4-dione (M14), 9-chloro-10-hydroxy-2,3-dimethyl-anthracene-1,4-dione (M15), 2-chloro-3-(2-hydroxy-5-methylanilino)-1,4-naphthoquinone (M16), 2-chloro-3-(4-hydroxy-phenylamino)-(1,4) naphthoquinone (M17), 2-chloro-3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-phenyl)-(1,4)-naphtoquinone (M18), and myricitrin dihydrate (M19). These molecules were chosen based on two reasons; the limited or total absence of their exploitation in several studied activities and the use of other tests for the same activity. The evaluation of the in vitro anti-acetyl-cholinesterase (AChE), anti-5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), anti-xanthine oxidase (XOD), anti-alpha glucosidase, anti-superoxide dismutase (SOD), anti-oxidant (DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2, 2- azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate)), and anticancer activities of mentioned 19 molecules was explored during this work. M3, M14, M15, M16, M17, M18, M19 were exploited for the first time for such purposes. Tested compounds were shown to have interesting radical scavenging abilities against DPPH radicals, and the highest molecules among them were M19 and M5 (IC50 = 12.0 and 15.5 µM, respectively), and M4, M19 and M2 against ABTS (IC50= 1.9, 4.3 and 4.3 µM, respectively). Moreover, the majority of products showed very important cytotoxic activity since IC50 values were ranging between (IC50= 0.2 µM (M1) and 79 µM (M8)) against HCT116 cell line, and values of IC50= 0.2 µM for M1 against MCF7 cell line. All new molecules (non studied before) were shown to have great cytotoxic effect against both cancer cell lines.Furthermore, molecule M5 was shown to have anti-inflammatory potential via the inhibition of 5-LOX enzyme (65% at 100 µM). In addition, M19 showed important anti XOD activity with 47% of inhibition at 100 µM. Also, it has been found that compound M3 had the best anti alpha glucosidase activity with 43.8 % of inhibition at 100 µM, the highest anti-AChE effect (IC50= 14.5 µM), and the best effect towards SOD (IC50= 10.0 µM). A structure-activity relationship study was also performed.
Disease induced by the sea louse ((Lepeophteirus salmonis)) (Copepoda: Caligidae) in wild sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) stocks of Alberni Inlet, British Columbia

Nous avons surveille l'occurrence du copepode marin ectoparasite Lepeophtheirus salmonis et la prevalence des lesions causees par son activite alimentaire chez des adultes de saumon rouge (Oncorhynchus nerka) retournant aux rivieres Sproat et Stamp en passant par l'inlet Alberni (Colombie-Britannique) en 1990 et en 1992-1993. Tous les saumons rouges examines etaient infestes par L. salmonis, et presentaient des infestations plus intenses que ce qui avait ete observe jusque-la. La presence d'un nombre important de parasites aux premiers stades du developpement indique probablement un fort taux d'infestation des saumons dans les eaux cotieres. Les lesions attribuables a L. salmonis allaient de simples alterations de la couleur de la peau a de grandes lesions ouvertes qui exposaient la musculature. En 1990, alors que la remonte vers ces cours d'eau a ete retardee, les saumons rouges qui demeuraient dans l'inlet ont subi de graves lesions et une forte mortalite. Des pourcentages importants de poissons portant des lesions ouvertes ont penetre dans les deux reseaux en 1990, mais rares etaient les individus atteints de lesions observes sur les frayeres, ce qui permet de penser qu'il se produit une mortalite additionnelle avant la fraye. En 1992 et 1993, alors que les patrons des echappees etaient plus normaux qu'en 1990, la gravite des lesions dues a L. salmonis a baisse, et on n'a observe aucune mortalite. Tout au long de l'etude, les poissons de l'echappee de la riviere Sproat presentaient des lesions plus graves que ceux de l'echappee de la riviere Stamp.