Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new aphid genus and species (Hemiptera: Aphididae: Macrosiphini) living on ferns in Costa Rica and Mexico

Abstract Aphid species colonising ferns belong to the subfamily Aphidinae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and the majority of these to the tribe Macrosiphini. A new genus in this tribe and its type species: Gibbomyzus pteridophytorumnew genus, new species, are established. Apterous and alate viviparous females are described from specimens collected on Blechnum buchtienii Rosenstock (Blechnaceae) in Costa Rica and on Pteridium aquilinum (Linnaeus) Kuhn (Dennstaedtiaceae) and an unidentified fern in Mexico. The taxonomic validity of the two new taxa is discussed based on morphological and molecular data. Morphologically, the new genus is compared with genera with swollen siphunculi recorded in the New World, and also with genera living on ferns anywhere in the world. The identification key by Blackman and Eastop to aphids living on ferns is modified. Molecular analyses were carried out on the sequences of a fragment of the mitochondrial gene encoding for cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and of a fragment of the nuclear gene encoding elongation factor-1 alpha. In both analyses, G. pteridophytorumnewspecies sequences showed considerable divergence (∼4% or more) from those of 23 other species from diverse genera of Macrosiphini, supporting the conclusions of the morphological study and justifying the establishment of the new genus. Résumé Les espèces de pucerons qui colonisent des fougères appartiennent à la sous-famille Aphidinae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) et la majorité d'entre elles à la tribu Macrosiphini. Un nouveau genre de cette tribu et son espèce typique sont établis : Gibbomyzus pteridophytorum, nouveau genre, nouvelle espèce, avec la description des femelles vivipares aptères et ailées collectées sur Blechnum buchtienii Rosenstock (Blechnaceae) au Costa Rica, et sur Pteridium aquilinum (Linnaeus) Kuhn (Dennstaedtiaceae) et une fougère non identifiée au Mexique. La validité taxonomique des deux nouveaux taxons est discutée morphologiquement par la comparaison du nouveau genre avec des genres cités en Amérique qui présentent des cornicules gonflées, et des genres qui habitent sur des fougères dans n'importe quelle partie du monde. Une modification de la clé d'identification de Blackman et Eastop pour les pucerons qui habitent sur les fougères est présentée. Des analyses moléculaires ont été réalisées sur les séquences d'un fragment du gène mitochondrial qui code pour la sous-unité 1 du cytochrome oxydase et d'un fragment du gène nucléaire qui code pour le facteur d’élongation 1 alpha. Dans les deux analyses les séquences de G. pteridophytorumnouvelle espèce ont une divergence considérable (4% ou plus) avec celles de 23 espèces de plusieurs genres de Macrosiphini, en appuyant les conclusions de l’étude morphologique, et en justifiant qu'un nouveau genre soit établi.
Sulfasalazine prevents the increase in TGF-β, COX-2, nuclear NFκB translocation and fibrosis in CCl4-induced liver cirrhosis in the rat

It has been demonstrated that this sulfasalazine (SF) inhibits the nuclear factor κB (NFκB) pathway, which regulates important genes during inflammation and immune answer. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of SF on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis. We formed the following experimental groups of rats: controls, damage induced by chronic CCl4 (0.4 g/kg, intraperitoneally, three times a week for 8 weeks) administration and CCl4 + SF (100 mg/kg/day, postoperatively for 8 weeks) administration. We determined the activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTP), cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2, lipid peroxidation, glutathione levels, collagen content, expression of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and nuclear translocation of NFκB. SF was capable to inhibit the ALT and γ-GTP elevated levels induced with the CCl4 administration. SF had antioxidant properties, prevented the lipid peroxidation and the imbalance of reduced and oxidized glutathione produced by CCl4. Importantly, SF blocked the accumulation of collagen in the liver, the expression of TGF-β, the nuclear translocation of NFκB and the activity of COX-2, all induced with the administration of CCl4 in the rat. These results show that SF has strong antifibrotic properties because of its antioxidant properties and its ability to prevent nuclear translocation of NFκB and consequently the expression of TGF-β and the activity of COX-2.
Development of a new glass – ceramic by means of controlled vitrification and crystallisation of inorganic wastes from urban incineration

This paper reports the results of a study of the feasibility of recycling the solid residues from domiciliary waste incineration by producing a glass-ceramic. The major components of the raw material (TIRME F+L), which was from a Spanish domiciliary incinerator, were CaO, SiO2 and Al2O3 but nucleating agents, such as TiO2, P2O5, and Fe2O3 were also present in reasonable amounts. It was found that a relatively stable glass with suitable viscosity could be obtained by mixing 65 wt% TIRME F+L with 35 wt% glass cullet. The heat treatment required to crystallise the glass produced from this mixture, designated TIR65, was nucleation at 560°C for 35 min followed by crystal growth at 100°C for 120 min. The resulting glass-ceramic contained a number of crystalline phases, the most stable being clinoenstatite (MgSiO3), or perhaps a pyroxenic phase which incorporates Ca, Mg and Al in its composition, and åkermanite (Ca2MgSi2O7). The microstructure contained both fibre-like and dendritic crystals. The mechanical properties were acceptable for applications such as tiles for the building industry.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Neonatal Assessment for Gestational Age Determination: A Systematic Review

This systematic review and meta-analysis summarizes evidence on the diagnostic accuracy of neonatal clinical assessment for gestational age determination, with a focus on LMIC. CONTEXT: An estimated 15 million neonates are born preterm annually. However, in low- and middle-income countries, the dating of pregnancy is frequently unreliable or unknown. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic literature review and meta-analysis to determine the diagnostic accuracy of neonatal assessments to estimate gestational age (GA). DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, POPLINE, and World Health Organization library databases. STUDY SELECTION: Studies of live-born infants in which researchers compared neonatal signs or assessments for GA estimation with a reference standard. DATA EXTRACTION: Two independent reviewers extracted data on study population, design, bias, reference standard, test methods, accuracy, agreement, validity, correlation, and interrater reliability. RESULTS: Four thousand nine hundred and fifty-six studies were screened and 78 included. We identified 18 newborn assessments for GA estimation (ranging 4 to 23 signs). Compared with ultrasound, the Dubowitz score dated 95% of pregnancies within ±2.6 weeks (n = 7 studies), while the Ballard score overestimated GA (0.4 weeks) and dated pregnancies within ±3.8 weeks (n = 9). Compared with last menstrual period, the Dubowitz score dated 95% of pregnancies within ± 2.9 weeks (n = 6 studies) and the Ballard score, ±4.2 weeks (n = 5). Assessments with fewer signs tended to be less accurate. A few studies showed a tendency for newborn assessments to overestimate GA in preterm infants and underestimate GA in growth-restricted infants. LIMITATIONS: Poor study quality and few studies with early ultrasound-based reference. CONCLUSIONS: Efforts in low- and middle-income countries should focus on improving dating in pregnancy through ultrasound and improving validity in growth-restricted populations. Where ultrasound is not possible, increased efforts are needed to develop simpler yet specific approaches for newborn assessment through new combinations of existing parameters, new signs, or technology.
Toxicity and Safety of Khat (Catha edulis) Consumption during Pregnancy using Olive Baboons (Papio anubis) as Experimental Models: A Prospective Randomised Study

Background: The chewing of khat leaves (Catha edulis Forsk) is widely practiced in East Africa and parts of the Middle East, where it forms a deep-rooted social and cultural function. Consumption of Khat is common among men but recently it has extended to women. Biochemical and toxicological effects of Khat on pregnancy and fetal development in lower animals has been noted. Studies on the effect of khat consumption has focused on men thus no data is available on women and especially during pregnancy. This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of khat on liver and kidney functions during pregnancy using olive baboons as experimental models. Methods: Six pregnant olive baboons were randomly assigned into khat treatment group (n=3) that received 100mls of crude khat at a dose of 5 g/kg body weight/week for 8 weeks and the control group (n=3) received normal saline during the second trimester. Blood pressure, temperature and weight changes were measured weekly. Blood was collected to assay for liver and kidney function tests and liver and kidney tissues collected during necropsy for histopathological examinations. Results: The levels of aminotransferases, urea and creatinine in the khat treated group were significantly elevated compared to those in the control group. There was a decrease of body weight in the dams, fetal birth weight and levels of albumin and sodium in treatment group compared to those in the control group. Kidney and liver tissues of the baboons and their fetuses treated with khat showed necrosis, periportal fibrosis with focal degenerative changes, glomerular degeneration and infiltration with lymphocytes. Blood pressure was not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusion: The findings show that crude khat may damage the liver and kidneys and modulate the levels of liver enzymes, urea, creatinine and electrolytes essential for liver and kidney functions. Khat is not safe and its use during pregnancy should be discouraged.
Reactive C: An extension of C to program reactive systems

Reactive systems are interactive programs that react continuously to sequences of activations coming from the external world. Reactive programming leads to a new programming style where one programs in terms of reactions to activations and reasons in a logic of instants. This paper describes an extension of the C programming language called RC (for ‘Reactive C’) to program reactive systems. The language RC is described, then some programming examples are given to illustrate the reactive approach. The main RC notions come directly from the Esterel synchronous programming language. Finally, the Esterel and RC languages are compared.
Genome-Wide Association of Carbon and Nitrogen Metabolism in the Maize Nested Association Mapping Population 1 [ OPEN ]

Institute for Genomic Diversity (N.Z., J.G.W., K.K., E.S.B.), Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research (P.L., L.D., T.B.), Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics (C.C., K.K., E.S.B.), and Department of Plant Biology (T.B.), Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853; Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology, 14476 Golm-Potsdam, Germany (Y.G., M.S.); United States Department of Agriculture-Agricultural Research Service, Robert W. Holley Center for Agriculture and Health, Ithaca, New York 14853 (N.L., P.J.B., E.S.B.); and Department of Crop Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695 (Y.-S.S.)
Cost analysis of target-controlled infusion-based anesthesia compared with standard anesthesia regimens.

UNLABELLED With the development of new computer-assisted target-controlled infusion (TCI) systems and the availability of short-acting anesthetics, total IV anesthesia (TIVA) has become increasingly popular. The aim of this study was to compare costs of TCI-based anesthesia with two standard anesthesia regimens. Sixty patients undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 (TIVA/TCI) received TIVA using a propofol-based TCI system and continuous administration of remifentanil; Group 2 (isoflurane) underwent inhaled anesthesia with isoflurane, fentanyl, and N2O; Group 3 (standard propofol) received fentanyl and N2O and a continuous infusion of propofol using a standard delivery system. Maintenance doses for anesthetics were adjusted according to the patient's need. Isoflurane consumption was measured by weighing the vaporizer by using a precision weighing machine. Duration of surgery and of anesthesia was similar in the three groups. Time from stopping administration of anesthetics until tracheal extubation (6+/-2 min) and stay in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU; 70+/-12 min) were shorter in Group 1 than in the Groups 2 (15+/-3 and 87+/-13 min, respectively) and 3 (10+/-4 and 81+/-14 min, respectively) (P < 0.05). Episodes of postoperative nausea and vomiting in the PACU and on the surgical ward were less common in Group 1 than in the other two groups. Intraoperative costs were higher in Group 1 ($62.19/patient; $0.55/min of anesthesia) than in Groups 2 ($16.97/patient; $0.13/min of anesthesia) and 3 ($34.68/patient; $0.32/min of anesthesia). Cost for discarded anesthetic drugs accounted for almost 18% of total intraoperative costs in Group 1. We conclude that TIVA/TCI anesthesia using propofol/remifentanil was associated with the highest intraoperative costs but the fewest postoperative side effects. An overall cost-effectiveness analysis of new anesthetic regimens must balance the direct cost of anesthetics and beneficial effects leading to improved patients' comfort. IMPLICATIONS In today's climate of cost-consciousness, careful economic evaluation of new anesthetic regimens is necessary. A target-controlled infusion (TCI)-based total IV anesthesia (TIVA) regimen using propofol and remifentanil was compared with a standard propofol anesthesia regimen and an inhaled anesthetic technique using isoflurane. Target-controlled infusion/total IV anesthesia was associated with the largest intraoperative costs but allowed the most rapid recovery from anesthesia, was associated with fewest postoperative side effects, and permitted earlier discharge from the postanesthesia care unit.
Directly Observable Behavioral Effects of Lorcaserin in Rats

(1R)-8-chloro-1-methyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-3-benzazepine (lorcaserin) is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for treating obesity, and its therapeutic effects are thought to result from agonist activity at serotonin (5-HT)2C receptors. Lorcaserin has affinity for other 5-HT receptor subtypes, although its activity at those subtypes is not fully described. The current study compared the behavioral effects of lorcaserin (0.0032–32.0 mg/kg) to the effects of other 5-HT receptor selective agonists in rats (n = 8). The 5-HT2C receptor selective agonist 1-(3-chlorophenyl)piperazine (mCPP, 0.032–1.0 mg/kg) and lorcaserin induced yawning which was attenuated by the 5-HT2C receptor selective antagonist 6-chloro-5-methyl-N-(6-[(2-methylpyridin-3-yl)oxy]pydidin-3-yl)indoline-1-carboxamide (1.0 mg/kg). The 5-HT2A receptor selective agonist 2,5-dimethoxy-4-methylamphetamine (0.1–3.2 mg/kg) induced head twitching, which was attenuated by the 5-HT2A receptor selective antagonist R-(+)-2,3-dimethoxyphenyl-1-[2-(4-piperidine)-methanol] (MDL 100907, 0.01 mg/kg), lorcaserin (3.2 mg/kg), and mCPP (3.2 mg/kg). In rats pretreated with MDL 100907 (1.0 mg/kg), lorcaserin also induced head twitching. At larger doses, lorcaserin produced forepaw treading, which was attenuated by the 5-HT1A receptor selective antagonist N-(2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl)-N-(2-pyridyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide (0.178 mg/kg). While the behavioral effects of lorcaserin in rats are consistent with it having agonist activity at 5-HT2C receptors, these data suggest that at larger doses it also has agonist activity at 5-HT2A and possibly 5-HT1A receptors. Mounting evidence suggests that 5-HT2C receptor agonists might be effective for treating drug abuse. A more complete description of the activity of lorcaserin at 5-HT receptor subtypes will facilitate a better understanding of the mechanisms that mediate its therapeutic effects.
Some Proximate Analysis of African Pear ( Dacryodes Edulis )

Some physical and chemical properties of African pear (Dacryodes edulis) samples from nine different trees were analysed in order to determine the level of differences that exist between trees. The length of the individual fruits ranged from 39.86 mm to 80.76 mm while the weight ranged from 15.97 g to 39.36 g. Significant differences (p . 0.05) were observed between the samples for all the parameters measured. Fruit density showed a negative correlation (r = -0.86) with the pulp/seed ratio. Significant differences were also observed in the proximate composition of the African pear pulp. The major components of the pulp were moisture (36.5% to 53.82%), oil (18.81% to 38.36%) and protein (11.09% to 19.19%). The pulp acidity ranged from 0.92% to 1.69% expressed as citric acid.
Comparative study of the efficacy and tolerability of policosanol and lovastatin in patients with hypercholesterolemia and noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

This randomized, double-blind study was undertaken to compare the efficacy and tolerability of policosanol (10 mg/day) and lovastatin (20 mg/day) in patients with hypercholesterolemia and noninsulin dependent diabetes mellitus. After 6 weeks on a lipid lowering diet, 53 patients were randomized to receive either policosanol or lovastatin tablets that were taken o.i. d. for 12 weeks under double-blind conditions. Both groups were similar at randomization. Policosanol significantly (p < 0.001) lowered low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol (20.4%), total cholesterol (14.2%) and the ratio of LDL-cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (23.7%). Lovastatin significantly (p < 0.01) lowered LDL-cholesterol (16.8%), total cholesterol (14.0%) and the ratio (p < 0.05) of LDL-cholesterol to HDL-cholesterol (14.9%). Triglyceride levels did not significantly change after therapy. Policosanol, but not lovastatin, significantly increased (p < 0.01) levels of HDL-cholesterol (7.5%). Comparison between groups showed that changes in HDL-cholesterol induced by policosanol were significantly greater (p < 0.01) than those induced by lovastatin. Both treatments were safe and well tolerated. Lovastatin moderately but significantly (p < 0.05) increased levels of aspartate aminotransferase, creatine phosphokinase and alkaline phosphatase. Adverse reactions were more frequent in the lovastatin group (p < 0.01) than in the policosanol group. In conclusion, policosanol administered at 10 mg/day produces more advantageous changes in HDL-cholesterol and has a better safety and tolerability profile than lovastatin 20 mg/day.
Lack of relationship between 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase setpoint and insulin sensitivity in the basal state and after 24h of insulin infusion in healthy subjects and type 2 diabetic patients *

OBJECTIVES To test whether insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with an altered overall setpoint of the 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11βHSD) mediated cortisol to cortisone Inter‐conversion towards cortisol, and to evaluate whether changes in insulin sensitivity induced by antecedent hyperinsulinaemia are related to changes in the 11βHSD setpoint.
Pentobarbital inhibits ketamine-induced dopamine release in the rat nucleus accumbens: a microdialysis study.

UNLABELLED Dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens (NAC) plays a crucial role in the actions of various psychotropic and addictive drugs. Ketamine and barbiturates have psychotropic effects and addictive properties, but barbiturates prevent ketamine's psychotomimetic effects. We investigated the effects of ketamine and pentobarbital on dopamine release in the NAC. A microdialysis probe was implanted in the NAC in 35 rats, which were randomly assigned to seven groups: a normal saline intraperitoneal injection (ip) group, 50 and 100 mg/kg of ketamine ip groups, 25 and 50 mg/kg of pentobarbital ip groups, and a normal saline or 25 mg/kg of pentobarbital ip followed by 50 mg/kg of ketamine ip groups. Perfusate samples were collected every 20 min, and dopamine concentration was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Ketamine at doses of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg significantly increased dopamine release in the NAC. Conversely, pentobarbital significantly decreased dopamine release in the NAC and inhibited the ketamine-induced dopamine release. These data suggest that the dopamine release in the NAC may be involved in ketamine-induced, but not barbiturate-induced, psychotropic effects and addiction. Inhibition of ketamine-induced dopamine release by barbiturates may be a mechanism by which they prevent ketamine emergence reactions. IMPLICATIONS Ketamine increased dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens, which was inhibited by pentobarbital. The mesolimbic dopamine system may be involved in the psychotomimetic effects of ketamine, and the suppression of ketamine emergence reactions by barbiturates may be because of the inhibition of ketamine-induced dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens.
Activation-Induced Cell Death Human T Cells Toward CD95-Mediated Signaling Pathways Sensitizes Primary An IL-2-Dependent Switch Between CD95

The CD95 (APO-1/Fas) system plays a critical role in activation-induced cell death (AICD) of T cells. We previously described two distinct CD95 (APO-1/Fas) signaling pathways: 1) type I cells show strong death-inducing signaling complex (DISC) formation and mitochondria-independent apoptosis and 2) DISC formation is reduced in type II cells, leading to mitochondria-dependent apoptosis. To investigate the relevance of these pathways, we set up an in vitro model that mimics the initiation and the down phase of an immune response, respectively. Freshly activated human T cells (initiation) are resistant toward CD95-mediated AICD despite high expression of CD95. We previously reported that these T cells show reduced DISC formation. In this study, we show that freshly activated T cells are CD95-type II cells that show high expression levels of Bcl-x L and display a block in the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Furthermore, we show that, upon prolonged culture (down phase), human T cells undergo a switch from type II to type I cells that renders T cells sensitive to CD95-mediated AICD. Finally, we demonstrate that this switch is dependent on the presence of IL-2. Our observations reveal for the ﬁrst time that the existence of coexisting CD95 signaling pathways is of physiological relevance. The Journal of Immunology, 2003, 171: 2930–2936.