Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative cytogenetic investigation of the two subspecies of the grass Alloteropsis semialata (Poaceae)

Abstract A cytotaxonomic investigation was undertaken to assess the taxonomic status of the grasses Alloteropsis semialata subsp. eckloniana and A. semialata subsp. semialata , distinguished because of a C3 photosynthetic pathway in subsp. eckloniana and a C4 pathway in subsp. semialata . Of the 30 analysed specimens of population A, 14 (46.7%) were diploid, 14 (46.7%) hexaploid, one octoploid (3.3%) and one dodecaploid (3.3%). Of the 21 specimens of population B, 14 (66.7%) were diploid, three (14.3%) hexaploid and four (19.0%) octoploid. All the diploids belonged to subsp. eckloniana , while all the polyploids belonged to subsp. semialata . Meiosis of the diploids appeared normal, with nine bivalents and a mean metaphase I chiasma frequency of 12.7 per cell. The hexaploids displayed a large range of chromosome pairing associations, although a high percentage of bivalents was recorded (89.9%). Three of the hexaploids showed 100% bivalent pairing, but the largest multivalent found in other hexaploids was a hexavalent pairing. The three octoploids analysed had 93.5% bivalent pairing. B chromosomes were found in five diploids, two hexaploids and one octoploid. Slow-moving bivalents, two in the diploids and up to four in the polyploids segregated late at anaphase I in most specimens.
Metabolic Reprogramming in CD8+ T Cells During Acute Viral Infections

CD8+ T cells represent one of the most versatile immune cells critical for clearing away viral infections. Due to their important role, CD8+ T cell activation and memory formation during viral infection have been the focus of several studies recently. Although CD8+ T cell activation and memory formation have been associated with metabolic alterations, the molecular understanding behind T cells choosing one type of metabolism over others based on their differentiation stage is still unclear. This review focuses on how the signaling molecules and cellular processes that are characteristic of CD8+ T cell activation and memory formation also play a critical role in selecting specific type of metabolism during viral infections. In addition, we will summarize the epigenetic factors regulating these metabolic alterations.
A Synoptic Overview of Neurovascular Interactions in the Foot

Diabetes is a worldwide public health concern as it is associated with various complications. One of the major complications of diabetes is diabetic foot syndrome that results in catastrophic events such as ulceration and amputation. Therefore, the main four strategies of diabetic foot care involve risk prediction, prevention, and early diagnosis and prompt intervention. The drivers of ulceration are multifactorial, and importantly, include microcirculatory changes in the diabetic skin. Cutaneous microcirculation on the foot is greatly influenced by the small fibers which mediate thermal sensation and pain perception in addition to sympathetic activities such as thermoregulation and vasodilation. The interdependence between the neurovascular elements means with the loss of small fiber functions, the corresponding microcirculatory responses may be compromised. Thus, it can be hypothesized that the impairment of the microcirculation may follow the order of the corresponding small fiber nerve dysfunction or vice versa. In this review, select neurovascular investigations that inform the cutaneous microcirculatory and small fiber nerve function in response to pain, cold, and heat and pressure stimuli are reviewed and discussed in this order of sensory loss: the loss of pain, cold, warmth, touch and deep pressure sensation. We also discuss the neurological and vascular characteristics of each of these neurovascular responses. This review highlights the influence of small fibers on cutaneous microcirculation and the need for prospective studies that can determine the course of microcirculatory impairment over time. This, in turn, may help clarify the exact role of microcirculatory changes in the pathway of ulceration. The insights from this review can be pertinent to understand key microcirculatory disturbances and given that the microcirculatory impairment develops at an early stage, relevant interventions can be implemented to possibly reverse or regress the course of the disease. Therefore, knowledge of the neurovascular interactions aids to map the disease progression for early diagnosis and prevention of adverse complications.
Metabolic Plasticity of Melanoma Cells and Their Crosstalk With Tumor Microenvironment

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is a highly aggressive and drug resistant solid tumor, showing an impressive metabolic plasticity modulated by oncogenic activation. In particular, melanoma cells can generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP) during cancer progression by both cytosolic and mitochondrial compartments, although CM energetic request mostly relies on glycolysis. The upregulation of glycolysis is associated with constitutive activation of BRAF/MAPK signaling sustained by BRAFV600E kinase mutant. In this scenario, the growth and progression of CM are strongly affected by melanoma metabolic changes and interplay with tumor microenvironment (TME) that sustain tumor development and immune escape. Furthermore, CM metabolic plasticity can induce a metabolic adaptive response to BRAF/MEK inhibitors (BRAFi/MEKi), associated with the shift from glycolysis toward oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Therefore, in this review article we survey the metabolic alterations and plasticity of CM, its crosstalk with TME that regulates melanoma progression, drug resistance and immunosurveillance. Finally, we describe hallmarks of melanoma therapeutic strategies targeting the shift from glycolysis toward OXPHOS.
New Insights of Emerging SARS-CoV-2: Epidemiology, Etiology, Clinical Features, Clinical Treatment, and Prevention

Since the first reports that the novel coronavirus was showing human-to-human transmission characteristics and asymptomatic cases, the number of patients with associated pneumonia has continued to rise and the epidemic has grown. It now threatens the health and lives of people across the world. The governments of many countries have attached great importance to the prevention of SARS-CoV-2, via research into the etiology and epidemiology of this newly emerged disease. Clinical signs, treatment, and prevention characteristics of the novel coronavirus pneumonia have been receiving attention worldwide, especially from medical personnel. However, owing to the different experimental methods, sample sizes, sample sources, and research perspectives of various studies, results have been inconsistent, or relate to an isolated aspect of the virus or the disease it causes. Currently, systematic summary data on the novel coronavirus are limited. This review combines experimental and clinical evidence into a systematic analysis and summary of the current progress of research into SARS-CoV-2, from multiple perspectives, with the aim of gaining a better overall understanding of the disease. Our report provides important information for current clinicians, for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 pneumonia.
New taxa and nomenclatural changes in Allophyllum, Gilia, and Navarretia (Polemoniaceae)

Studies of certain species problems in Allophyllum, Gilia, and Navarretia resulted in the following nomenclatural changes: Gilia subg. Kelloggia is reduced to sectional status, two new species and one new subspecies are described (Gilia lottiae, Navarretia myersii, N. hamata subsp. parviloba), two subspecies are elevated to species (Navarretia jaredii, N. rosulata), one variety is elevated to subspecies (N. nigelliformis subsp. radians), and eight new combinations are proposed (Allophyllum gilioides subsp. violaceum, Gilia brecciarum subsp. jacens, G. sinistra subsp. pinnatisecta, Navarretia leucocephala subsp. bakeri, N. leucocephala subsp. minima, N. leucocephala subsp. paucifora, N. leucocephala subsp. plieantha, and N. intertexta subsp. propinqua). These changes are included in treatments of the same genera contributed by the author to the Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California (Hickman, 1993). This report is presented in order to validate nomenclatural changes found necessary during preparation of treatments of Allophyllum, Gilia, and Navarretia for the Jepson Manual: Higher Plants of California (Hickman, 1993). A more detailed account of studies that led to some of the decisions will be forthcoming elsewhere. ALLOPHYLLUM (NUTTALL) V. GRANT Allophyllum is a small genus occurring in the mountains of the western United States. All species are annual, the stems leafy, corollas short-or longtubed, and blue, purple, pink, or white. Although segregated from Gilia by Grant & Grant (1955), it was maintained as a section of Gilia by Cronquist (1984). Characters distinguishing Allophyllum from Gilia are its nonscapose habit, leafier stems, and distinctive trichome type (fine-stalked, gland-tipped), seeds generally boat-shaped, and leaf-lobes thickened at the tip, not fine-pointed as in Gilia. Allophyllum violaceum (Heller) A. & V. Grant and A. gilioides (Bentham) A. & V. Grant are closely related species, with the former occurring generally at higher elevations. Typical A. violaceum occurs from 2,000 to 2,900 m in the high Sierra Nevada of California and in the mountains of western Nevada. The plants are small (generally 6-12 cm tall), have few-lobed leaves, and 2-3 flowers per cluster. Allophyllum gilioides occurs at lower elevations, mostly below 2,000 m; the plants are larger (14-60 cm tall), with larger, many-lobed leaves, and a glomerate inflorescence, 4-8 flowers per cluster. The two taxa intergrade in some areas at middle elevations (1,200-1,800 m) where their ranges overlap, as in Kern Canyon in the southern Sierra Nevada. Since a clear distinction between them is not possible throughout, I propose the following new combination. Allophyllum gilioides (Bentham) A. & V. Grant subsp. violaceum (Heller) Day, comb. et stat. nov. Basionym: Gilia violacea Heller, Muhl. 1: 56. 1904. Allophyllum violaceum (Heller) A. & V. Grant, Aliso 3: 106. 1955. Gilia gilioides Bentham var. violacea (Heller) Cronq. , Intermountain Flora 4: 132. 1984. TYPE: U.S.A. California: Nevada Co., lower end of Donner Lake, Heller 6873 (holotype, DS; isotypes, NY, UC).
Visual discrimination by the honeybee (Apis mellifera): the position of the common centre as the cue

Abstract. Bees can be trained to discriminate between a target with a 20° spot above a 10° spot of the same colour, and another target with the spots exchanged in position. Tests show that they do not remember the separate positions of spots of the same colour (including black) on the same target. The bees discriminate the difference in positions, in the vertical direction, of the common centres of the spots taken together, with or without green contrast.
Comparative Analysis of in vitro Digestibility and Immunogenicity of Gliadin Proteins From Durum and Einkorn Wheat

Recent studies suggested that gliadin proteins from the ancient diploid einkorn wheat Triticum monococcum retained a reduced number of immunogenic peptides for celiac disease patients because of a high in vitro digestibility with respect to hexaploid common wheat. In this study, we compared the immunological properties of gliadins from two Triticum monococcum cultivars (Hammurabi and Norberto-ID331) with those of a Triticum durum cultivar (Adamello). Gliadins were digested by mimicking the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion process that includes the brush border membrane peptidases. Competitive ELISA, based on R5 monoclonal antibody, showed that gastrointestinal digestion reduced the immunogenicity of Triticum monococcum gliadins; conversely, the immunogenic potential of Triticum durum gliadins remained almost unchanged by the in vitro digestion. The immune stimulatory activity was also evaluated by detecting the IFN-γ production in gliadin-reactive T-cell lines obtained from the small intestinal mucosa of HLA-DQ2+ celiac disease patients. Interestingly, gastrointestinal digestion markedly reduced the capability of Triticum monococcum gliadins (p <0.05) of both cultivars to activate T cells, while it slightly affected the activity of Triticum durum. In conclusion, our results showed that Triticum durum was almost unaffected by the in vitro gastrointestinal digestion, while Triticum monococcum had a marked sensibility to digestion, thus determining a lower toxicity for celiac disease patients.
First Neogene skulls of Doedicurinae (Xenarthra, Glyptodontidae): morphology and phylogenetic implications

Among Glyptodontidae, Doedicurinae (late Miocene–early Holocene) includes the glyptodonts with the largest size and latest records. Doedicurinae is mainly characterised by a smooth surface of the osteoderms with large foramina, and a particular morphology of the caudal tube. All taxa except one (Doedicurus clavicaudatus) have been recognised and characterised on the basis of remains of caudal tubes and/or dorsal carapaces. This situation produced an evident overestimation of the real diversity of this group, and a taxonomic revision is needed. In fact, no Neogene skulls were known. We present and describe the first two Neogene skulls belonging to Doedicurinae (cf. Eleutherocercus antiquus). The materials come from the El Polvorín and Chapadmalal Formations, in the surroundings of Olavarría and Mar del Plata localities, respectively (Buenos Aires province, Argentina). A cladistic analysis was carried out in order to situate these materials among Glyptodontidae and inferring new synapomorphies at skull level in Doedicurinae. Cf. Eleutherocercus antiquus clusters with the Pleistocene species Doedicurus clavicaudatus showing three unambiguous synapomorphies, which in turn represents the first skull synapomorphies for Doedicurinae. Finally, the presence of cf. Eleutherocercus antiquus in the El Polvorín and Chapadmalal Formations suggests that the stratigraphic distribution of this species could include the Montehermosan–Chapadmalalan interval.
Mitochondrial Bioenergetics and Dynamics in Secretion Processes

Secretion is an energy consuming process that plays a relevant role in cell communication and adaptation to the environment. Among others, endocrine cells producing hormones, immune cells producing cytokines or antibodies, neurons releasing neurotransmitters at synapsis, and more recently acknowledged, senescent cells synthesizing and secreting multiple cytokines, growth factors and proteases, require energy to successfully accomplish the different stages of the secretion process. Calcium ions (Ca2+) act as second messengers regulating secretion in many of these cases. In this setting, mitochondria appear as key players providing ATP by oxidative phosphorylation, buffering Ca2+ concentrations and acting as structural platforms. These tasks also require the concerted actions of the mitochondrial dynamics machinery. These proteins mediate mitochondrial fusion and fission, and are also required for transport and tethering of mitochondria to cellular organelles where the different steps of the secretion process take place. Herein we present a brief overview of mitochondrial energy metabolism, mitochondrial dynamics, and the different steps of the secretion processes, along with evidence of the interaction between these pathways. We also analyze the role of mitochondria in secretion by different cell types in physiological and pathological settings.
Effects of Probiotics on Depressive or Anxiety Variables in Healthy Participants Under Stress Conditions or With a Depressive or Anxiety Diagnosis: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Probiotics have been associated with the treatment of depression and anxiety. However, the results reported in the literature have been inconsistent, and no meta-analysis specifically reported probiotics used on participants with varying levels of emotional state. Methods: This meta-analysis aimed to study the effectiveness of probiotics on anxious or depressive symptomatology for participants under stress conditions or with a depressive or anxiety disorder diagnosis. Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were searched through December 2019 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The primary outcomes were depression and anxiety scores. Main inclusion criteria: RCTs of probiotics for participants with a mood or emotional disorder diagnosis or under stress situations; and all participants were adults (age ≥16 years); Assessed by the modified Jadad assessment scale found seven high-quality studies and three low-quality studies. Results: Ten clinical trials (n = 685 total participants) were included based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All studies were assessed as low or moderate risk of bias. The meta-analysis showed that probiotics could significantly reduce the depression scale for patients with anxiety and depression, and healthy participants under stress. However, there was no significant difference between the probiotics and placebo groups in the reduction of patient anxiety scores, even if they are depressive or anxious patients or healthy participants under stress. Subgroup analysis revealed that probiotics had significant effect on depressive symptoms just in patients with depression, and no significant change in anxiety in patients, and no improvement in participant performance under stress. Conclusions: Probiotics could alleviate depressive symptoms in patients with a depression diagnosis or depression scores also in anxiety disorder diagnosis, and suggesting that probiotics may be adjunct therapies for mood or emotional disorders. Therefore, it is essential that probiotics could be more involved in the treatment of patients with depression in the future. The evidence of probiotics successfully treating depression is still insufficient, and more high-quality studies on patients with depression are still needed.
Dramatic reduction of psychiatric emergency consultations during lockdown linked to COVID‐19 in Paris and suburbs

Background The COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown may have psychiatric consequences and increase the number of psychiatric emergency consultations. Methods Three psychiatric centers in Paris and its suburbs took part in the study. We compared the number of total psychiatric emergency consultations during the 4 first weeks of the lockdown in France to the corresponding 4 weeks in 2019. We also compared the number of consultations during these 4-week time periods in 2020 and 2019 across different diagnostic categories. Findings In the 4 first weeks of the lockdown in France, 553 emergency psychiatry consultations were carried out, compared to 1224 consultations during the corresponding period of 2019, representing a 54.8 % decrease. This decrease was evident across all psychiatric disorders, including anxiety (number of consultations in 2020 representing 36.1 % of 2019), mood (41.1 %), and psychotic disorders (57.3 %). The number of suicide attempts also decreased (number of suicide attempts in 2020 representing 42.6 % of 2019). In comparison to 2019, the proportion of total consultations for anxiety disorders also decreased (16.6 % vs. 20.8 %), whilst the proportion of total consultations increased for psychotic disorders (31.1 % vs. 24.1 %). Conclusions The total number of psychiatric emergency consultations during lockdown dramatically decreased. The psychological consequences of lockdown may be delayed, indicating that psychiatric services should be prepared for a secondary increase in emergency presentations.
Cancer immunotherapy does not increase the risk of death by COVID-19 in melanoma patients

Background: Covid-19 pandemic by the new coronavirus SARS-Cov-2 has produced devastating effects on the health care system, affecting also cancer patient care. Data about COVID-19 infection in cancer patients are scarce, and they point out a higher risk of complications due to the viral infection in this population. Moreover, cancer treatments could increase viral complications, specially those treatments based on the use of immunotherapy with checkpoints antibodies. There are no clinical data about the safety of immune check point antibodies in cancer patients when they become infected by SARS-CoV-2. As checkpoint inhibitors, mainly anti PD-1 and anti CTLA-4 antibodies, are an effective treatment for most melanoma patients, avoiding their use during the pandemic could lead to a decrease in the chances of curing melanoma. Methods: In Spain we have started a national registry of melanoma patients infected by SARS-Cov-2 since April 1st, 2020. A retrospective analysis of patients included in the Spanish registery has been performed weekly since the activation of the study. Interim analysis shows unexpected findings about cancer treatment safety in SARS-Cov-2 infected melanoma patients, so a rapid communication to the scientific community is mandatory Results: Fifty patients have been included as of May 17th, 2020. Median age is 69 years (range 6 to 94 years), 27 (54%) patients are males and 36 (70%) patients have stage IV melanoma. Twenty-two (44%) patients were on active anticancer treatment with anti PD-1 antibodies, 16 (32%) patients were on treatment with BRAF plus MEK inhibitors and 12 (24%) patients were not on active cancer treatment. COVID-19 episode has been resolved in 43 cases, including 30 (70%) patients cured, four (9%) patients that have died due to melanoma progression, and nine (21%) patients that have died from COVID-19. Mortality rates from COVID-19 according to melanoma treatment type were 16%, 15% and 36% for patients on immunotherapy, targeted drugs, and for those that were not undergoing active cancer treatment, respectively. Conclusion: These preliminary findings show that the risk of death in those patients undergoing treatment with anti PD-1 antibodies does not exceed the global risk of death in this population. These results could be relevant in order to select melanoma therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic
The use of cattle with oesophageal fistulae in grassland experiments.

Oesophageal-fistulated calves and cattle were used in various experiments during 1963 to 1966; results for 1966 are reported. The method of inserting the fistula, the routine care of the animals and the methods of sampling through the fistula, are described. Individual stall-feeding experiments in 1966 gave recovery values of 99.7% for herbage extruded through the fistulae, in relation to herbage eaten. The in vitro organic-matter digestibility of the grass offered and of the extrusa samples were identical. The digestibility of the grass fed in these experiments was high, but was comparable with that of herbage used in the grazing experiments reported. Grazing studies on grass/white clover pastures are reported. The digestibility was determined on all samples and they were separated into various plant fractions. Results obtained were compared with herbage samples cut at the same time. In most cases the digestibility and % N of the extrusa sample was higher than that of the corresponding herbage sample. The quantity of dead material present increased, and more was eaten, as the season advanced; it was of low digestibility. Results of intake studies with grazing animals are presented and the use of oesophagea-istulated cattle as an aid in such studies is discussed.