Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Observational study of inflammatory profiles in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction stratified by plaque erosion or rupture identified by optical coherence tomography: The Plaque Erosion Pilot Study

Background Plaque erosion is responsible for 30–40% of ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) cases, but the underlying cause is unknown. Autopsy studies suggest that inflammatory infiltrates are less abundant in erosion compared to plaque rupture, which suggests that other pathological mechanisms are important. So far, different inflammatory profiles have not been demonstrated in vivo. Objectives We sought to characterise the inflammatory profiles of plaque rupture and plaque erosion in patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Methods Forty STEMI patients undergoing PPCI with less than six hours of chest pain were recruited in a single-centre observational study. Blood samples were taken from the infarct-related artery and a peripheral artery. Culprit plaques were imaged using optical coherence tomography (OCT) before PCI and classified by three blinded observers as ruptured fibrous cap (RFC) or intact fibrous cap (IFC). The expression profiles of 102 cytokines were measured using an array, and comparisons of the two pathological groups were performed using the Significance Analysis of Microarrays (SAM) methodology. Significant cytokines were validated with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and this was confirmed statistically using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. Thrombectomy samples were analysed for differential mRNA expression using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results Twenty-three lesions were classified as RFC (58%), fifteen as IFC (38%) and two were undefined (4%). Overall, 12% (12/102) of cytokines were differentially expressed in both coronary and peripheral plasma. We selected the most significant differences and confirmed that IFC was associated with preferential expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) (coronary samples: SAM adjusted P < 0.001; ELISA IFC 7.42 vs RFC 6.63 log2 pg/ml, P = 0.036) and Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) (coronary samples: SAM adjusted P = 0.03; ELISA IFC 10.4 vs RFC 8.65 log2 ng/ml, P = 0.0041). Interferon-inducible T-cell alpha chemoattractant (I-TAC) was preferentially expressed in RFC (coronary samples: SAM adjusted P <0.001; ELISA IFC 10.2 vs RFC 10.8 log2 pg/ml; P = 0.042). Thrombectomy mRNA demonstrated significantly elevated EGF expression in IFC (P = 0.0264) and I-TAC in RFC (P = 0.0007), but no differences in expression of TSP-1. Conclusions Distinct inflammatory profiles for RFC and IFC are demonstrable in coronary plasma and thrombectomy specimens in STEMI patients. IFC is associated with elevated intracoronary EGF and TSP-1. These results may help to further understand the pathophysiology of plaque erosion and to potentially tailor future treatment strategies. (Chandran S, Watkins J, Abdul-Aziz A, Shafat M, Calvert PA, Bowles KM, et al. Inflammatory differences in plaque erosion and rupture in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. J Am Heart Assoc. 2017 May 3;6(5). )
Changes in soil-plant P under heterogeneous P supply influence C allocation between the shoot and roots.

Wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.) were subjected to varying phosphorus (P) supply and canopy 13CO2 feeding to uncouple the plant and soil factors regulating carbon (C) allocation between the shoot and roots and in the P-enriched v. P-deficient soil zone. In a split-root system, transferring from 200/200 µM P (high/high) to high/nil P or nil/nil P for 7 days was associated with 18-30% increase in the ratio of root-to-total 13C, whereas 8-12% more 13C was retained in the shoot of plants grown under continuous high/high P. Although the C signal between the shoot and roots weakened at day 12, it closely correlated with root P acquisition at both days. In a non-split-root system, plants supplied with 200 μm P (high) for 7 and 12 days had a lower ratio of root-to-total 13C than plants with continuous 20 μm P (low). Preferential C allocation and increased P acquisition occurred before any measurable growth difference. Shoot P status had a greater influence than soil P supply on plant C allocation, and rapid C signalling between the shoot and roots might serve as an important component of plant response to heterogeneous P conditions.
WHY DO DINOFLAGELLATES HAVE LOWER GROWTH RATES? 1

Dinoflagellates have substantially lower growth rates than other taxa of similar size. These low growth rates have been suggested to reflect the lower chlorophyll a to carbon ratio (Chl a:C) in dinoflagellates, but that speculation has never been widely tested. This study tests if the variations in growth rates among taxa are related to differences in Chl a:C using published data. I collected 92 data entries from the literature representing 31 species, mostly from two divisions (Chrysophyta and Pyrrophyta), and found a significant relation (r2= 0.39) between growth and Chl a:C. Since Chl a:C is almost independent of C content, I also developed a growth model using both C and Chl a:C. Together, the two variables explain 68% of variation in algal growth. However, a further 6.4% of the variance in growth can still be attributed to phyletic differences. Low Chl a:C is only a partial explanation for the low growth rates of the dinoflagellates.
A Matter of Trust and Distrust: A Qualitative Investigation of Parents' Perceptions About the Use of Mechanical Restraint on Their Adult Children in a Forensic Psychiatric Setting.

INTRODUCTION Increased knowledge about forensic psychiatric patients' relatives' perceptions in regard to the use of mechanical restraint (MR) is necessary, if clinical practice is to be improved and to achieve a reduction in the use and frequency of MR. However, a specific knowledge deficit about relatives' perspectives on the use of MR limits the evidence base considerably. AIM The aim of this study was to investigate the perceptions of MR held by relatives of forensic psychiatric patients' including factors impacting its use and duration. METHOD Qualitative interviews were conducted with 15 parents of patients within a forensic psychiatry setting and thematically analyzed. FINDINGS Two main themes were identified, namely, "care and protection" and "inclusion and involvement," and one subtheme, "information. " These themes revealed the framework used by parents to construct a sense of "trust or distrust" about the ability of staff to provide adequate and safe care for their adult children in the forensic psychiatric setting. CONCLUSION Some parents in this study considered that forensic psychiatric staff used MR as a necessary protection. However, most parents held strong negative perceptions regarding the use of MR and the quality and safety of care provision. It is apparent that parents in this study believed they should be included and involved in the care in situations associated with the use of MR, because they considered that this could reduce its use. Further research is required to target interventions to reduce the use and duration of MR episodes and to improve clinical practice in forensic psychiatry.
Funds for biodiversity

A number of recent publications have pointed out the accelerating speed at which ecosystems and biodiversity are being lost (United Nations Development Programme/United Nations Environment Programme/The World Bank/The World Resources Institute 2000). The general view is that conservation can only be achieved in a global network of protected areas (see Pimm et al. 2001). To safeguard the most important ecosystems, Myers et al. (2000) have suggested that we primarily conserve 25 biodiversity hotspots, in particular forests, comprising 1.4% of the land surface of the Earth. The costs for the conservation of these hotspots have been estimated at US$ 500 million per year (Myers et al. 2000), while the costs of a global network of protected areas may even reach US$ 27.5 billion per year (James et al. 1999). Even though these costs may seem minor compared to, for example, the costs of global armament, governments in developing countries and environmental organizations are clearly not in the position to finance conservation. It is thus urgent to raise additional funds to safeguard biodiversity. In the following, I suggest a twofold strategy, based on tourism.
Deoxycylindrospermopsin, an analog of cylindrospermopsin from Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii

Cylindrospermopsin (CYN) is a hepatotoxic alkaloid found in the blue–green alga Cylindrospermopsis raciborskii (C. raciborskii). Data indicating CYN alone does not account for the toxicity of freeze dried cultures of C. raciborskii have been presented recently. In an attempt to explain these data, we have purified and characterized the structure of an analog of CYN, deoxycylindrospermopsin (deoxy‐CYN). Three mice dosed intraperitoneally (IP) with 0.8 mg/kg of deoxy‐CYN showed no toxicity after 5 days. Comparison with the toxicity of CYN (5 day median lethal dose approximately 0.2 mg/kg IP) and its relative abundance in C. raciborskii suggest deoxy‐CYN does not contribute significantly to the toxicity of C. raciborskii. The additional toxicity of freeze dried C. raciborskii over pure CYN, therefore, remains unexplained. ©1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Environ Toxicol 14: 163–165, 1999
The phylogeographical and population genetic approach to the investigation of the genetic diversity patterns in self‐incompatible clonal and polyploid Linnaea borealis subsp. borealis

Surveys of genetic diversity patterns of self-incompatible clonal polyploid plant species are still scarcer than those of diploid plant species. Therefore, I studied the phylogeographical history of Linnaea borealis subsp. borealis to shed light on the colonization history of this clonal self-incompatible polyploid plant in Eurasia using selected regions of plastid DNA and genetic diversity patterns of 22 populations of this species employing AFLP markers. I also addressed the question of whether the genetic diversity patterns in L. borealis subsp. borealis in Eurasia are similar to those of earlier published studies of clonal self-incompatible diploid or polyploid plants. This survey revealed that the shallow phylogeographical history (six plastid haplotypes forming one haplogroup, 100% bootstrap support) and moderate genome-wide diversity estimated using AFLP markers (Fragpoly = 10.8–38.9%, I = 0.060–0.180, FST = 0.289) were general characteristics of L. borealis subsp. borealis in its Eurasian range. The sampling strategy, in most cases at 1–2-m or even 3–5-m intervals, showed that a balance between vegetative and sexual reproduction and limited pollen dispersal among compatible mates can be important for genetic diversity patterns in populations of this taxon. Despite the fact that one-half of the investigated populations were strongly isolated, they still preserved similar levels of genetic diversity across the geographical range. I found no support for the hypothesis that a bottleneck and/or inbreeding had accompanied habitat fragmentation as factors shaping genetic diversity. © 2013 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2013, 173, 64–76.
Origins of interspecific variation in lizard sprint capacity

1. Data were compiled on maximal sprint speed, body mass and temperature in squamate lizards from the literature and from our own data on lacertid lizards. 2. Both traditional (i.e. non-phylogenetic) and phylogenetic statistical analyses showed that sprint speed is positively correlated with body mass (‘bigger is better’) and temperature (‘hotter is better’). 3. Additionally, we tested whether sprint speed correlates with behavioural and ecological characteristics, i.e. foraging mode (sit-and-wait or active), activity (diurnal or nocturnal), microhabitat use (saxicolous, arboreal or terrestrial) and climate (Mediterranean, xeric, cool or temperate). Lizards from Mediterranean and xeric climates, diurnal lizards, sit- and wait predators and terrestrial species are expected to run the fastest. Traditional tests suggest that lizards from Mediterranean and desert areas are faster than lizards from cool and tropical regions; that diurnal species are faster than nocturnal species; and that saxicolous animals have higher sprint capacities than do arboreal and terrestrial species. No difference was found between sit-and-wait predators and actively foraging animals. 4. However, the effects of climate, activity period and microhabitat use were no longer significant when the data were analysed in a proper phylogenetic context. This seems to suggest that differences in sprint speed reflect phylogeny, rather than ecology. The discrepancy between the results of phylogenetic and traditional analyses forms a strong case for the use of phylogenetic information in comparative studies.
Cloning and Sequence Analysis of Red/Blue Light Chimeric Photoreceptor Genes from Three Fern Species (Coniogramme intermedia var. glabra, Plagiogyria distinctissima and Pronephrium lakhimpurnense)

Abstract Neochrome (NEO) is a particular chimeric photoreceptor that can respond to red/far red as well as blue light. Using this photoreceptor, some cryptogams may enhance light sensitivity at low light environment. However, the NEO sequence information is extremely limited. Using inverse PCR and single oligonucleotide nested PCR genome-walking approaches, the full-length genomic sequences of NEO genes were determined for three fern species Coniogramme intermedia var. glabra, Plagiogyria distinctissima and Pronephrium lakhimpurnense. Sequence and structure analysis results indicate that they possess a conserved structure and organization. Introns are absent in three genes. They each contain an 4332, 4308 and 4317-bp ORF (Open reading frame), encoding a deduced protein with 1443, 1435 and 1438 amino acid residues. Their N-terminus consists of a putative functional phytochrome sensory module including PAS (Per / Arnt / Sim), GAF (cGMP specific phosphodiesterase / adenylate cyclases / formate hydrogen lyase transcription) and PHY (phytochrome) domains, whereas the C-terminus contains a nearly complete phototropin with two LOV (Light, Oxygen and Voltage-sensing) and one STKc (Serine/Threonine protein kinases, catalytic) domains. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that they are evolutionarily close to their homolog AcNEO found in Adiantum capillus-veneris. The 3D structures of the functional domains were computer-modeled, and the pivotal amino acid sites for each functional domain were also identified. This study represents the first comparative analysis of NEO nucleotide sequences and structures in ferns.
MILD CHRONIC PERIODONTITIS: A POSSIBLE THREAT TOWARDS CVD IN MALES WITH RAISED C-RP

Chronic Periodontitis, is a globally common oral problem. Lately, the association between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease has received greater attention, though there is paucity of database in local population. The objective of this study was to explore the possible association of chronic periodontitis with cardiovascular disease by elevating C-reactive proteins (C-RP), and to study any influence of gender, in the study population. Methods: This was an analytical cross-sectional study and involved 75 patients (46 males and 29 females) volunteering their blood samples, out of which 55% carried both cardiac and periodontal diseases, whereas 45% had periodontitis alone. Serum level of C-RP was assessed by performing sandwich ELISA. Results: In both genders C-RP was higher in case of mild periodontitis as compared to severe one. In males raised serum level of C-RP was noticed in patients of cardiovascular disease along with periodontitis in comparison to those who had only chronic periodontitis. Male and female patients who had chronic periodontitis alone showed significantly less concentration of C-RP as compared to patients with chronic periodontitis along with heart disease. Highest level of C-RP was seen in both genders, with cardiac disease accompanied with mild periodontitis rather than with severe periodontitis. Furthermore, in all categories females showed relatively low C-RP. Conclusion: Mild state of chronic periodontitis is more pronounced threat towards cardiovascular disease, especially among males.
Heterosis studies for earliness, fruit yield and yield attributing traits in bell pepper

The present investigation was envisaged to gather information about the potential and characteristics of the experimental material of bell pepper at the Vegetable Research Block, Department of Vegetable Science, College of Forestry and Hill Agriculture, Gobind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Hill Campus, Ranichauri (Tehri Garhwal), Uttarakhand (India) during rainy-autumn season, 2009 to 2010. The combined analysis of 6 × 6 diallel revealed significant variation among genotypes in parents, F1 crosses and parents versus F1 crosses for all the studied characters except for pericarp thickness and number of branches for parents, indicating that the used parents in diallel mating design and their crosses were genetically diverse. A wide range of heterosis over better parent and standard check was observed in F1 generation for marketable fruit yield and its attributing traits. The F1 crosses PRC-1 × California Wonder and California Wonder × SSP had revealed the highest significant desirable heterosis both over better parent and standard check (California Wonder) for early maturity. The F1 crosses (Rani Sel-1 × SSP, Rani Sel-1 × Sel-12-2-1, SSP × SP-316 and PRC-1 × California Wonder) showed appreciable heterosis over better parent and standard checks for marketable fruit yield per plant and quality traits in bell pepper. The high heterotic response as observed in these hybrids further supported by the predominant role of non-additive component in the inheritance of the characters studies. These cross combination could be exploited in heterosis breeding programme. Key words: Heterosis, bell pepper, capsicum, hybrid breeding, horticultural traits, fruit yield.
A modelling study of the respective role of hydrodynamic processes and larval mortality on larval dispersal and recruitment of benthic invertebrates: example of Pectinaria koreni (Annelida: Polychaeta) in the Bay of Seine (English Channel)

The dispersal of Pectinaria koreni larvae released from the eastern Bay of Seine (English Channel) was studied using a two-dimensional hydrodynamic model which integrates tides, wind-driven currents and eddy diffusion, in order to examine the influence of environmental forcing and mortality on larval population dynamics. A broad agreement between predicted larval dispersal for two spawning events observed in 1987 and field data suggests that numerical modelling may be useful to analyse processes involved in the transport and the dynamics of larval populations. Larval mortality may be as important as hydrodynamic processes on larval losses for the adult population. Tides and eddy diffusion had some effects on larval dispersal, but wind forcing and the timing of spawning in relation to the meteorological environment are predicted to be the main source of variability in larval dispersal rates. Although wind-induced larval transport may produce interannual variations in larval retention and recruitment, predicted retention rates were always sufficient to ensure the maintenance of the adult population, regardless of hydrodynamic conditions. The long-range transport of larvae from the eastern Bay of Seine to distant populations was conditioned by constant strong winds, lasting 15 consecutive days, and should be considered an extremely rare event.
Binding characteristics of Escherichia coli type 1 fimbriae in the human kidney

Binding of the Escherichia coli type 1 fimbriae to frozen sections of human kidney was examined by indirect immunofluorescence. The purified fimbriae bound specifically to the luminal and cytoplasmic aspects of proximal tubules and to the connective tissue layer of veins and arteries. Distal tubules, collecting ducts, glomeruli and vascular endothelium were not stained by the fimbriae. The results do not support a role for type 1 fimbriae in invasion of E. coli into the renal parenchyma.
Butternut (Juglans cinerea) health, hybridization, and recruitment in the northeastern United States

Butternut (Juglans cinerea L.) trees are being extirpated from their natural range by an epidemic caused by a fungal pathogen. Widespread mortality is reminiscent of past epidemics on American chestnut (Castanea dentata (Marsh.) Borkh. ) and American elm (Ulmus americana L.). Butternut has remained relatively understudied, resulting in unsampled areas and gaps in our understanding of this forest epidemic and the future outlook of this species in North America. The previously unsampled area consisting of the northeastern United States was surveyed for the presence of J. cinerea, and several population health metrics were recorded, including recruitment, disease pressure, and hybridization. A total of 252 butternut trees were sampled. Analysis indicates that there is insufficient J. cinerea recruitment to maintain population sizes. Further compounding low recruitment, butternut saplings demonstrate elevated levels of disease impact from the fungal pathogen Ophiognomonia clavigignenti- juglandacearum Broders & Boland. Natural hybridization of butternut with introduced congenics such as Juglans ailantifolia Carriere is strongly associated with lower disease impact. Hybrid trees displayed an average of 2.4 cankers per tree compared with 4.5 cankers for nonhybrid butternut. Further niche and resistance studies are required to assess whether butternut hybrids can replace butternut in a natural setting. It still remains uncertain whether tree size or habitat affect disease impact; however, smaller trees, often residing in riparian habitats, were found to have a greater number of cankers. The data presented here, combined with past studies, provide critical information for use in butternut management strategy plans.
The Therapeutic Family Care Program: A 10-year community implementation of Treatment Foster Care in Ontario, Canada

The present study describes a community implementation of treatment foster care (TFC) for children and youth involved with child welfare in Ontario, Canada. There were two guiding research questions: (1) how are children and adolescents changing over the course of services and (2) how have the placements of children and adolescents changed over time? Clinical outcomes were tracked using the Assessment Checklist for Children (ACC) and Assessment Checklist for Adolescents (ACAs)—clinical tools that were specially designed to assess the functioning of young people in care. There were 1,068 ACCs on 518 children, and 559 ACAs on 222 adolescents. Each additional year of involvement with Therapeutic Family Care Program corresponded to additional improvement for both children, d = −. 18; 95% confidence interval (CI) = −. 25 to −. 12, and adolescents, d = −. 11; 95%CI = −. 18 to −. 03. Moderators and subdomains of clinical improvement were considered, though findings generally revealed significant improvement over time for most youngsters in most clinical areas. At the program level, there has been a significant increase in placement permanence across the last decade (i.e., greater prevalence of birth parent, adoption, and kinship care). In sum, this study illustrates an example of community implementation for TFC in a child welfare setting, which necessarily includes the systematic tracking of outcomes in the context of evidence-supported intervention.