Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Study of sensitivity and ability of adenosine deaminase in response to pre-unfolding and especially pathological temperatures via changing the enzyme structure and activity

Adenosine deaminase (ADA) is an important enzyme of the purine metabolic pathway, which catalyzes the conversion of adenosine and deoxyadenosine to their respective inosine derivatives plus ammonia, in a rapid and irreversible reaction. In this work, we studied the structural and kinetic properties of bovine ADA as a function of temperature in the range, 20 - 80°C by circular dichroism (CD) and UV- spectrophotometric techniques, as well as by measuring its activity in this temperature range. The results suggest that thermal unfolding of ADA occurs at temperatures above 60°C, while the enzyme undergoes detectable conformational changes during pre-unfolding heating. These changes affect the kinetics of reaction catalyzed by ADA. The relation between enzyme activity and structural changes is discussed. Key words. Adenosine deaminase (ADA), UV-Vis spectrophotometry, Conformational changes, Circular dichroism (CD), Kinetic study.
The Stimulatory Effect of MIP-1α on the Gene Transduction Efficacy of Cord Blood CD34+ Cells by a Pseudotype Retroviral Vector

Introduction: Hematopoietic stem cells are always in a quiescence state. Since they need retroviral transduction to infect dividing cells, they are resistant to retrovirus transduction. They need to be pre-stimulated by a cytokine cocktail. For proliferation without maturation, we suggest MIP-1α as a novel factor. Material and methods: Retroviral vector produced by PG13/LN C8 cells titter on Hela cells. Then, the CD34 + cells of cord blood can be pre-stimulated in a serum- free media supplemented with SCF, Flt3,TPO,IL6 in the presence and absence of 50 ng/ml MIP-1α. Transduction efficiency was assessed by a semi-quantitative PCR for the neomycin gene. Results: A PCR analysis of the neomycin gene in CD34 + cells revealed an improved transduction of cord blood cells in the presence of MIP-1α 65%, in comparison to its absence: 40.7%. Conclusion: the addition of MIP-1α to the cytokine cocktail improves the transduction efficiency of cord blood hematopoietic progenitor cells. Further studies are required to clarify its effect on the functional properties of
Altered Effective Connectivity in Schizophrenic Patients With Auditory Verbal Hallucinations: A Resting-State fMRI Study With Granger Causality Analysis

Purpose Auditory verbal hallucinations (AVH) are among the most common and prominent symptoms of schizophrenia. Although abnormal functional connectivity associated with AVH has been reported in multiple regions, the changes in information flow remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to elucidate causal influences related to AVH in key regions of auditory, language, and memory networks, by using Granger causality analysis (GCA). Patients and Methods Eighteen patients with schizophrenia with AVH and eighteen matched patients without AVH who received resting-state fMRI scans were enrolled in the study. The bilateral superior temporal gyrus (STG), Broca’s area, Wernicke’s area, putamen, and hippocampus were selected as regions of interest. Results Granger causality (GC) increased from Broca’s area to the left STG, and decreased from the right homolog of Wernicke’s area to the right homolog of Broca’s area, and from the right STG to the right hippocampus in the AVH group compared with the non-AVH group. Correlation analysis showed that the normalized GC ratios from the left STG to Broca’s area, from the left STG to the right homolog of Broca’s area, and from the right STG to the right homolog of Broca’s area were negatively correlated with severity of AVH, and the normalized GC ratios from Broca’s area to the left hippocampus and from Broca’s area to the right STG were positively correlated with severity of AVH. Conclusion Our findings indicate a causal influence of pivotal regions involving the auditory, language, and memory networks in schizophrenia with AVH, which provide a deeper understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying AVH.
TNF-α-Induced Apoptosis of Macrophages Following Inhibition of NF-κB: A Central Role for Disruption of Mitochondria1

Previously, we established that suppressing the constitutive activation of NF-κB in in vitro matured human macrophages resulted in apoptosis initiated by a decrease of the Bcl-2 family member, A1, and the loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Δψm). This study was performed to characterize the mechanism of TNF-α-induced apoptosis in macrophages following the inhibition of NF-κB. The addition of TNF-α markedly enhanced the loss of Δψm and the induction of apoptotic cell death. Although caspase 8 was activated and contributed to DNA fragmentation, it was not necessary for the TNF-α-induced loss of Δψm. The inhibition of NF-κB alone resulted in the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria, while both cytochrome c and second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase/direct inhibitor of apoptosis-binding protein with low pI were released following the addition of TNF-α. Furthermore, c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation, which was sustained following treatment with TNF-α when NF-κB was inhibited, contributed to DNA fragmentation. These observations demonstrate that cytochrome c and second mitochondria-derived activator of caspase/direct inhibitor of apoptosis-binding protein with low pI may be differentially released from the mitochondria, and that the sustained activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase modulated the DNA fragmentation independent of the loss of Δψm.
Nocturnal and lunar input patterns of pre-settlement coral reef fish in Wallis lagoon (Central South Pacific): Implications for sampling strategies

Diel, nocturnal and lunar input patterns of pre-settlement coral reef fish were described in Wallis, a typical high-island in the south-central Pacific, with a mid-size lagoon and a 2-m spring tidal range. Crest nets were set on the barrier reef to collect incoming pre-settlement fish. A diel input pattern was observed, with 82 to 99% of the larvae arriving at night. Nocturnal input of pre-settlement fish occurred throughout the night, at different times depending on the lunar phases. In contrast to studies done in other locations, the input was not higher during the first part of the night. The input level was related to moonlight and water level, but independent of tide direction. High input levels were recorded during all lunar phases, except the full moon. This lunar pattern differed from maximum settlement observed during the new moon in other locations. Consequently, a sampling strategy for studying temporal patterns of coral reef fish settlement in typical west Pacific high-islands should include new and quarter of the moon phases and should be extended to the entire night.
Gomphos ellae, a New Mimotonid from the Middle Eocene of Mongolia and Its Implications for the Origin of Lagomorpha

ABSTRACT Mimotonids have recently been recognized as the likely ancestors to Lagomorpha (rabbits, hares, and pikas). Here a new species of mimotonid, Gomphos ellae, from Tsagaan Khutel locality, Valley of Lakes, Mongolia is described. This new material shows typical mimotonid features while also exhibiting important derived lagomorph features and helps to bridge the morphological and temporal gap between mimotonids and lagomorphs. The fossils comprise a right dentary, including cheek teeth and incisor, and a partial maxilla with two teeth. The dental features of G. ellae are similar to the mimotonid G. elkema, but G. ellae is distinguished from G. elkema and all other mimotonids by its long diastema. The diastema length of G. ellae is intermediate between all other mimotonids and all living and extinct lagomorphs. This feature distinguishes mimotonids from lagomorphs and the intermediate diastemal length of G. ellae further supports a strong pattern of lengthening of the diastema throughout Duplicidentata. Geologic and paleontological evidence suggest that the specimen is of Middle Eocene age, consistent with the notion that this taxon is an advanced mimotonid that likely lies near the ancestry of the lagomorphs.
[A multicenter survey of antibiotic use in very and extremely low birth weight infants in Hunan Province].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the current status of antibiotic use for very and extremely low birth weight (VLBW/ELBW) infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) of Hunan Province. METHODS The use of antibiotics was investigated in multiple level 3 NICUs of Hunan Province for VLBW and ELBW infants born between January, 2017 and December, 2017. RESULTS The clinical data of 1 442 VLBW/ELBW infants were collected from 24 NICUs in 2017. The median antibiotic use duration was 17 days (range: 0-86 days), accounting for 53.0% of the total length of hospital stay. The highest duration of antibiotic use was up to 91.4% of the total length of hospital stay, with the lowest at 14.6%. In 16 out of 24 NICUs, the antibiotic use duration was accounted for more than 50.0% of the hospitalization days. There were 113 cases with positive bacterial culture grown in blood or cerebrospinal fluid, making the positive rate of overall bacterial culture as 7.84%. The positive rate of bacterial culture in different NICUs was significantly different from 0% to 14.9%. The common isolated bacterial pathogens Klebsiella pneumoniae was 29 cases (25.7%); Escherichia coli 12 cases (10.6%); Staphylococcus aureus 3 cases (2.7%). The most commonly used antibiotics were third-generation of cephalosporins, accounting for 41.00% of the total antibiotics, followed by penicillins, accounting for 32.10%, and followed by carbapenems, accounting for 13.15%. The proportion of antibiotic use time was negatively correlated with birth weight Z-score and the change in weight Z-score between birth and hospital discharge (rs=-0.095, -0.151 respectively, P<0.01), positively correlated with death/withdrawal of care (rs=0.196, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Antibiotics used for VLBW/ELBW infants in NICUs of Hunan Province are obviously prolonged in many NICUs. The proportion of routine use of third-generation of cephalosporins and carbapenems antibiotics is high among the NICUs.
Reproductive pattern comparison of Uca thayeri Rathbun, 1900 and U. uruguayensis Nobili, 1901 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Ocypodidae)

Ovigerous females of Uca thayeri and U. uruguayensis were used to achieve and compare their reproductive pattern. The females mean size was 6.6 ± 0.8mm for U. uruguayensis and 17.3± 4.4mm for U. thayeri. The mean fecundity obtained for U. uruguayensis was 1883 ± 490 eggs (N = 27) and for U. thayeri was 31068 ± 11186 eggs (N = 31). The differences observed in reproductive pattern of U. thayeri and U. uruguayensis suggest an adaptive strategy by each species: U. thayeri presented seasonal reproduction with a pronounced intensity from January to March and higher fecundity, while U. uruguayensis reproduction was continuous all year round, but with lower fecundity.
A γ-Secretase-independent Mechanism of Signal Transduction by the Amyloid Precursor Protein*

It has been proposed that γ-secretase-mediated release of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) intracellular domain (AICD) results in nuclear translocation and signaling through a complex with the adaptor protein Fe65 and the histone acetyltransferase Tip60. Here, we show that APP and Fe65 activate transcription through a Gal4-Tip60 reporter in presenilin-1/2-deficient cells lacking generation of AICD. APP and Fe65 also activated transcription in the presence of γ-secretase inhibitors that prevent amyloid β-peptide production in human embryonic kidney 293 and SH-SY5Y cells. In contrast to the transcriptionally active Notch intracellular domain, expression of AICD did not activate transcription. An alternative mechanism for APP signal transduction is suggested by the identification of essential cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) phosphorylation sites in Tip60. Mutation of these Tip60 phosphorylation sites or treatment with the CDK inhibitor roscovitine blocked the ability of APP to signal through Tip60. Moreover, APP stabilized Tip60 through CDK-dependent phosphorylation. Subcellular fractionation and confocal immunofluorescence showed that APP recruited Tip60 to membrane compartments. Thus, APP may signal to the nucleus by a γ-secretase-independent mechanism that involves membrane sequestration and phosphorylation of Tip60.
Migration Patterns in Eastern Europe and the World: A Gravity Approach

Abstract This study uses a UN dataset of foreign-born residents in and from 154 different countries, available every fifth year since 1990, to estimate an augmented gravity model for Eastern Europe and the world. Migration responds to higher incomes in the host country, though the effect diminishes with income. Unlike the rest of the world, East European migration increases with the exchange rate in the host and higher incomes in the origin, but not with political autocracy or conflict in the origin country. Controlling for these differences, Eastern Europe has fewer immigrants and emigrants than the model would otherwise predict.
The influence of the invasive weed Lantana camara on elephant habitat use in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, southern India

Abstract: Invasive weeds like Lantana camara have a range of effects on animals such as elephant. These plants are not edible by the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus). They also compete for space with elephant food plants and take over large areas of elephant habitat. We tested whether the addition of L. camara to a model consisting of measured environmental variables improved predictions of habitat use by elephant in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, India. Elephant dung density was used to assess elephant habitat use from 62 line transects 1-km in length. Results indicated that habitat and impact of human settlements significantly influenced elephant habitat use at a landscape scale. However, we found no evidence for the hypothesis that the addition of L. camara significantly predicted elephant habitat use at the landscape level. We then tested the association of L. camara on elephant habitat use in the dry deciduous forest (DDF) where there was a significant interaction between DDF and L. camara. In the DDF, L. camara significantly predicted elephant habitat use. We conclude that while no significant effects of L. camara were seen at the level of an entire reserve, at a finer scale and in specific habitats negative effects of this invasive plant on elephant habitat use were observed.
Feasibility of Ultra-Rapid Exome Sequencing in Critically Ill Infants and Children With Suspected Monogenic Conditions in the Australian Public Health Care System.

Importance Widespread adoption of rapid genomic testing in pediatric critical care requires robust clinical and laboratory pathways that provide equitable and consistent service across health care systems. Objective To prospectively evaluate the performance of a multicenter network for ultra-rapid genomic diagnosis in a public health care system. Design, Setting, and Participants Descriptive feasibility study of critically ill pediatric patients with suspected monogenic conditions treated at 12 Australian hospitals between March 2018 and February 2019, with data collected to May 2019. A formal implementation strategy emphasizing communication and feedback, standardized processes, coordination, distributed leadership, and collective learning was used to facilitate adoption. Exposures Ultra-rapid exome sequencing. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was time from sample receipt to ultra-rapid exome sequencing report. The secondary outcomes were the molecular diagnostic yield, the change in clinical management after the ultra-rapid exome sequencing report, the time from hospital admission to the laboratory report, and the proportion of laboratory reports returned prior to death or hospital discharge. Results The study population included 108 patients with a median age of 28 days (range, 0 days to 17 years); 34% were female; and 57% were from neonatal intensive care units, 33% were from pediatric intensive care units, and 9% were from other hospital wards. The mean time from sample receipt to ultra-rapid exome sequencing report was 3.3 days (95% CI, 3.2-3.5 days) and the median time was 3 days (range, 2-7 days). The mean time from hospital admission to ultra-rapid exome sequencing report was 17.5 days (95% CI, 14.6-21.1 days) and 93 reports (86%) were issued prior to death or hospital discharge. A molecular diagnosis was established in 55 patients (51%). Eleven diagnoses (20%) resulted from using the following approaches to augment standard exome sequencing analysis: mitochondrial genome sequencing analysis, exome sequencing-based copy number analysis, use of international databases to identify novel gene-disease associations, and additional phenotyping and RNA analysis. In 42 of 55 patients (76%) with a molecular diagnosis and 6 of 53 patients (11%) without a molecular diagnosis, the ultra-rapid exome sequencing result was considered as having influenced clinical management. Targeted treatments were initiated in 12 patients (11%), treatment was redirected toward palliative care in 14 patients (13%), and surveillance for specific complications was initiated in 19 patients (18%). Conclusions and Relevance This study suggests feasibility of ultra-rapid genomic testing in critically ill pediatric patients with suspected monogenic conditions in the Australian public health care system. However, further research is needed to understand the clinical value of such testing, and the generalizability of the findings to other health care settings.
Perceived stress, physiological stress reactivity, and exit exam performance in a prelicensure Bachelor of Science nursing program

Abstract Objectives High-stakes exams are a source of chronic stress that may adversely affect nursing students’ thinking, behavior, and overall health. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships of perceived stress, physiological stress reactivity, and exit exam performance. Methods A within-subjects design allowed measurement of perceived stress, salivary cortisol, and salivary alpha amylase in pre-licensure nursing students under two different conditions: a high-stakes exit exam and a low-stakes homework assignment. Results Perceived stress and salivary alpha amylase were significantly higher after the high-stakes exam compared to the homework condition. Perceived stress after the exam was correlated with lower exam score. Conclusion Study findings suggest that in response to a high-stakes exam, prelicensure nursing students experience high levels of perceived stress coupled with sympathetic activation but not activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal axis.
Sensory structures involved in prey detection on the labial palp of the ant‐hunting beetle Siagona europaea Dejean 1826 (Coleoptera, Carabidae)

Giglio, A. , Ferrero E.A. , Perrotta, E. , Talarico, F.F. and Zetto Brandmayr, T. 2010. Sensory structures involved in prey detection on the labial palp of the ant-hunting beetle Siagona europaea Dejean 1826 (Coleoptera, Carabidae). —Acta Zoologica (Stockholm) 91: 328–334 The ultrastructure and distribution of sensilla on the labial palps of a myrmecophagous carabid beetle, Siagona europaea, were investigated using scanning and transmission electron microscopy techniques. Five types of sensilla were identified: three types of sensilla basiconica on the apical sensory area and two types, one sensillum trichodeum and one coeloconicum, on the external palp surface. On morphological grounds, the s. basiconica type 1 were considered as olfactory, the type 2 as gustatory, the type 3 and the s. trichodeum as mechanoreceptive, and the s. coeloconicum as a thermo/hygroreceptor. Their function is discussed in relation to prey detection and habitat adaptations.
The potential anti-depressant properties of dexmedetomidine infusion: a review of mechanistic, preclinical, and clinical evidence

Abstract Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent and disabling condition for which the currently available treatments are not fully effective. Existing unmet needs include rapid onset of action and optimal management of concurrent agitation. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) is a selective and potent α2-adrenergic receptor (α2-AR) agonist, with unique pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. In this review, we discuss pre-clinical and clinical studies which focused on DEX in the context of its putative antidepressant effects for the management of MDD. Preliminary data support DEX as an antidepressant with fast onset of action, which would be especially helpful for patients experiencing treatment resistant depression, and agitation. We further explore the mechanistic and clinical implications of considering DEX as a putative antidepressant agent, and the next steps to explore the efficacy of low dose DEX infusion among patients with treatment resistant depression.
Wing Shape Influences Stopover Strategies in a Migratory Shorebird, The Common Snipe

Abstract. The basic assumption in the morphology of avian migrants is that longer, more pointed and concave wings are well adapted for long-distance migratory flights. We investigated how wingtip morphology of the Common Snipe was associated with aspects of its migration, such as amount of accumulated fat, refueling rates, length of stay at the stopover site, and timing of post-juvenile molt. Our study took place at the Jeziorsko reservoir, central Poland, where over 400 first-year Common Snipe (Gallinago gallinago) were caught in 2008 and 2009. Wing shape was found to correlate with different components of the species' stopover strategies. After controlling for the date of capture we found that first-year birds with wings adapted for efficient migration (pointed/concave wingtips) refueled more quickly and stayed for shorter times at the stopover site. Pointed/concave wing shape was also associated with accumulation of smaller fat reserves and later initiation of post-juvenile molt during the period of migration. By contrast, snipe having a wing shape adapted for predator evasion (rounded/convex wingtips) refueled more slowly, remained longer, and accumulated greater amounts of fat, which in turn facilitated earlier molting.
Effect of Time of Harvest on Postharvest Leaf Abscission in Lantana (Lantana camara L. ‘Dallas Red’) Unrooted Cuttings

This study investigated the preharvest carbohydrate status and postharvest ethylene action of unrooted shoot-tip cuttings of lantana 'Dallas Red' harvested at three times during the day (0800, 1200, and 1600 HR) in relation to subsequent leaf abscission, shoot apices blackening, and adventitious root formation. The cuttings harvested at various times during the day were stored in darkness at 20 ± 1 °C for 4 days in sealed polyethylene bags. The cuttings harvested at 0800 HR had lowest total nonstructural carbohydrate concentrations; however, the amount of ethylene production during postharvest storage was similar among harvest times and increased during the storage period. After 4 days of storage, 69% of the leaves of cuttings harvested at 0800 HR abscised, but only 22% and 8% of the leaves abscised in cuttings harvested at 1200 and 1600 HR, respectively. Application of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) increased ethylene production and suppressed leaf abscission regardless of the harvest time, but cuttings harvested at 0800 HR developed blackened shoot apices. Leaf abscission was negatively correlated with total nonstructural carbohydrate concentration in the leaves, but no relationship was found with ethylene production. These results indicate that a high endogenous carbohydrate status decreases the postharvest ethylene sensitivity in unrooted shoot-tip cuttings of lantana. Time of harvest influenced subsequent rooting response; however, 1-MCP application did not inhibit rooting. Among various storage treatments, the best rooting response was observed in cuttings harvested at 1600 HR and treated with 1-MCP. Therefore, significant improvement of postharvest storage quality in vegetative lantana cuttings could be achieved by harvesting cuttings late in the day and treating with 1-MCP.