Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differences in Cytotoxicity of Lidocaine, Ropivacaine, and Bupivacaine on the Viability and Metabolic Activity of Human Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Purpose We evaluated biological effects of distinct local anesthetics on human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells when applied to reduce periprocedural pain during mesenchymal stem cell injections. Methods and Materials Metabolic activity (MTS assay), viability (Live/Dead stain), and gene expression (quantitative real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction) were measured in mesenchymal stem cells incubated with various concentrations of lidocaine, ropivacaine, or bupivacaine during a 12-hr time course. Results Cell viability and metabolic activity decreased in a dose, time, and substance-specific manner after exposure to lidocaine, ropivacaine, and bupivacaine, with ropivacaine being the least cytotoxic. Cell viability decreases after brief exposure (<1.5 hrs) at clinically relevant concentrations (eg, 8 mg/ml of lidocaine, 2.5 mg/ml of ropivacaine or bupivacaine). Mesenchymal stem cells exposed to local anesthetics change their expression of mRNA biomarkers for stress response (EGR1, EGR2), proliferation (MKI67, HIST2H4A), ECM (COL1A1, COL3A1), and cell surface marker (CD105). Conclusions Local anesthetics are cytotoxic to clinical-grade human mesenchymal stem cells in a dose-, time-, and agent-dependent manner and change expression of ECM, proliferation, and cell surface markers. Lidocaine and bupivacaine are more cytotoxic than ropivacaine. Single-dose injections of local anesthetics may affect the biological properties of mesenchymal stem cells in vitro but may not affect the effective dose of MSCs in a clinical setting.
Anti-cancer and anti-oxidant activity of some Egyptian medicinal plants.

Natural products from plants are rich sources of chemical diversity and most of the pharmacologically active principles currently used as drugs, including anticancer agents are plants products. Egypt, a semi- arid region has abundant plants resources, which are traditionally used for various disorders. The aim of the present study was to evaluate some Egyptian flora as anticancer agents. The materials used were leaves of
Differentiating needs of informal caregivers of individuals with ALS across the caregiving course: a systematic review

Abstract Background Informal caregivers of people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) experience a range of needs across the course of the disease. For the provision of adequate support, an examination of the empirical evidence is necessary. Aim The purpose of the systematic review was to synthesize evidence of needs of informal caregivers of people with ALS at different stages of caregiving. Method Systematic review of empirical research on needs of ALS informal caregivers in both English and German, from January 2000 to August 2018. We searched the databases EMBASE, MEDLINE (PubMed), PsycINFO, and CINAHL. Study selection, quality assessment, and data extraction was performed independently. Both quantitative and qualitative studies were included. Of the included studies, we additionally screened citing literature in Google Scholar (citation tracking). We linked the narrative synthesis to four stages of caregiving described by Williams and colleagues and used descriptive inductive thematic analysis to structure data within the stages. Results From 3275 abstracts screened, 48 manuscripts met our inclusion criteria. Our data analysis shows that needs differ across the four caregiving stages. While the stage of bereavement (stage 4) includes too little data for separate themes, themes for needs after diagnosis (stage 1), and terminal stage (stage 3) could be specified. As the maintenance (stage 2) stage comprised of themes relevant across the caregiving course, it became an overall stage. Discussion Healthcare professionals need to pay attention to current caregiving stages to provide support for informal caregivers. Further research is needed to tease out support needs for the bereavement phase.
Short‐term variation in the ecological status of a Mediterranean coastal lagoon (NE Iberian Peninsula) after a man‐made change of hydrological regime

1. The Ter Vell (NE Iberian Peninsula) is a eutrophic coastal lagoon that has been mostly flooded by excessive irrigation water during recent decades. During 2001 and 2002 the lagoon was subject to several water management actions, the main consequence of which was a change in the hydrological regime due to drastically reduced irrigation water inputs to the lagoon. 2. In order to comply with the Water Framework Directive, all the management actions in an ecosystem should be focused on protecting and, where necessary, improving its ecological status. 3. The aims of this study were (1) to analyse whether the hydrological change caused by management actions have affected the ecological status of the lagoon, and (2) to discuss the suitability of several physicochemical and biological indicators for the assessment of the ecological status in this kind of coastal ecosystem. 4. After the change in the hydrological regime, a general improvement of the ecological status was observed mainly as a result of the significant decrease in the nitrogen Trophic State Index and in the abundance of rotifer indicative of eutrophy, and in turn by the significant increase in the water quality index QAELS, based on crustaceans and insect assemblages. 5. Contradictory results emerged with regard to some of the indicators used. After the hydrological change, the increase in the phosphorus Trophic State Index was related with the fact that Mediterranean confined coastal ecosystems are typically P-enriched. In contrast with general assumptions, low diversity and richness of the zooplankton and the dominance of a few species have been related with an improvement of the ecological status after the hydrological change, when freshwater inputs were reduced and the lagoon became more confined. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TOXICITY OF BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS VAR. KURSTAKI TO AQUATIC INSECTS

Abstract Representative aquatic insects, larvae of Simuliidae, Chironomidae, Trichoptera, Megaloptera, and nymphs of Ephemeroptera and Plecoptera, were tested for susceptibility to continuous exposure to Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner var. kurstaki at 4.3, 43, and 430 IU/mL. Only Simulium vittatum was affected, and at the highest concentration. Effects on other organisms, particularly Prosimulium fuscum/mixtum, were suggested. The lowest of the concentrations tested was twice the worst-case transitory concentration peaks expected in water from aerial forest spraying at 30 BIU/ha. Spray buffer zones around water bodies are unnecessary at this spray rate. Résumé On a mesuré la vulnérabilité d'insectes aquatiques représentatifs, de larves de simuliidés, de chironomidés, de trichoptères, de mégaloptères, et de nymphes d'éphéméroptères et de plécoptères à une exposition ininterrompue à 4,3, à 43 et à 430 U.I. /mL de Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner var. kurstaki. Seul Simulium vittatum a souffert, à la concentration la plus élevée. Des effets sur d'autres insectes furent suggérés, en particulier sur Prosimulium fuscum/mixtum. La plus faible des concentrations utilisées était 2 fois supérieure à la pire concentration transitoire prévue dans l'eau suite à un épandage aérien de 30 × 109 U.I. /ha. A cette dose, il n'est pas nécessaire de prévoir de zones tampons autour des étendues d'eau.
ADAPTIVE MUTAGENESIS IN THE YEAST SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE

The nature of mutation in microorganisms has been debated for a long time. Two theories have been at odds: random spontaneous mutagenesis vs. adaptive mutagenesis. "random mutagenesis" means that mutations occur in proliferating cells before they encountered the selective agent. "adaptive mutagenesis" means that advantageous mutations form in the environment where they have been selected, in non-replicating or poorly replicating cells even though other, non-selected, mutations occur at the same time. In the last 20 years it has been definitely shown that random as well as adaptive mutagenesis occur in bacteria and yeast. microorganisms in nature do not divide or divide poorly because of adverse environmental conditions; therefore adaptive mutations could provide cells with a selective advantage and allow evolution of populations. Here we will focus on some fundamental aspects of adaptive mutagenesis in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. We begin with a historical overview on the nature of mutation. We then focus on experimental systems aimed at proving or disproving adaptive mutagenesis. We have briefly summarized the results obtained in this field, with particular attention to genetic and molecular mechanisms.
Flowering transition in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.)This review is one of a selection of papers presented at the symposium on Vitis at the XVII International Botanical Congress held in Vienna, Austria, 2005.

The available information on the regulation of flowering transition in model systems, such as Arabidopsis and rice, provides a framework to undertake the study of this process in plant species with different growth strategies. The grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is the most widely cultivated and economically important fruit crop in the world. Understand- ing the regulation of flowering transition in this species can be relevant for the improvement of yield and quality of the crop. The grapevine is a representative of the family Vitaceae, whose species mostly grow as vines and have evolved climbing organs, tendrils, which are ontogenetically related to the reproductive organs. Here, we summarize the available information on the flowering transition in the grapevine. With this purpose, we first describe the vegetative and reproduc- tive development of the grapevine as well as the reports on the physiology of flowering induction in this species. As well, we review the recent information on the molecular genetics of flowering signal integrator and flower meristem identity genes in the grapevine and compare the process with what is already known in model systems such as Arabidopsis. Fi- nally, we propose a preliminary model to explain the regulation of flower initiation in the grapevine that is useful to iden- tify its differential features and infer future prospects in the understanding of this process.
High‐resolution crystal structures of the botulinum neurotoxin binding domains from subtypes A5 and A6

Botulinum neurotoxins (BoNTs) cause the deadly condition called botulism, but they can be used as therapeutics for a wide range of indications. BoNTs are classified into many different serotypes and subtypes, each with potentially different intoxication properties. Here, we report crystal structures of the receptor‐binding domains from two subtypes (BoNT/A5 and BoNT/A6) and compare their binding sites with previous BoNT/A structures.
Effects of selective logging on tree diversity, composition and plant functional type patterns in a Bornean rain forest

Abstract The effects of selective logging on tree diversity, changes in tree species composition and plant functional types were studied with the use of seven permanent plots in virgin and in logged forest. All plots were located in a lowland dipterocarp rain forest in East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo. Just after logging and during the following 20 yr tree diversity measured as Fishers' α was not significantly affected in logged forest plots. Temporal shifts in tree species composition were analysed with Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Logged forest plots had much larger changes over time than virgin forest plots. In the smallest diameter class, some logged forest plots showed a distinct trajectory in PCA space compared to virgin forest plots, while in larger diameter classes movement of logged plots in PCA space was random. This suggests that there is no pre-determined community to which logged forest plots tend to shift when recovering from logging. We found a significant negative correlation between diameter increments and the species-specific wood densities of tree species. Species-specific wood density and potential tree height were used to assign species to five PFTs. As expected, logging increased the fraction of softwood stems in small diameter classes. In the largest diameter classes (≥ 50 cm DBH) a strong decrease of softwood emergent stems was found in logged forest plots. After more than 20 yr no recruitment was found of softwood emergent stems in selectively logged forest. Nomenclature:Sidiyasa et al. (1999); Anon. (1955–1994). Abbreviations:GRH = Gap-phase Regeneration Hypothesis; IDH = Intermediate Disturbance Hypothesis; LLOG = Low-intensity logging; MLOG = Moderate-intensity logging.
Determining pain in patients with voice disorders: a qualitative study

Abstract Aim The present study aimed to determine pain in patients with voice disorders (PWVDs). Patients and methods A total number of 28 patients with a range of voice disorders and without any other diseases participated in the study. To gain maximum variation, purposive sampling method was used. Moreover, semi-structured interviews were employed for data collection. The interviews were then continued until data saturation was reached, and the data were subsequently recorded and transcribed verbatim. Qualitative content analysis was utilized for data analysis. Results Data analysis of the interviews emerged three themes about pain experienced by PWVDs. The emerged themes included location of pain, type of pain, and time of pain occurrence. In this respect, PWVDs reported pain in different locations on their body including head, ears, anterior neck, posterior neck, larynx, temporomandibular joint, submandibular area, shoulders, and upper back. Furthermore, chronic, acute, severe, and mild were the most common types of pain reported by PWVDs. The PWVDs also stated that they had experienced pain at different times, i.e. during speaking, after long-time speaking, after voice use, during swallowing, during palpation, and all the time (even at rest). Conclusions One of the physical discomforts experienced by PWVDs is pain. According to the results of the present study, pain should properly be considered in the assessment and treatment of PWVDs in clinical practices. Also, our study suggested that a specific scale is needed to measure pain in voice disorders.
Wedelolactone facilitates Ser/Thr phosphorylation of NLRP3 dependent on PKA signalling to block inflammasome activation and pyroptosis

Wedelolactone exhibits regulatory effects on some inflammatory diseases. However, the anti‐inflammatory mechanism of wedelolactone has not been entirely unravelled. Therefore, the present study focuses on investigating the mechanism of wedelolactone on NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages and its influence on MSU‐induced inflammation.
A REVERSED PATTERN OF ASSOCIATION BETWEEN SONG DIALECTS AND HABITAT IN THE RUFOUS-COLLARED SPARROW

Abstract Abstract. We studied song dialects of the Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis) in espinal woodland and steppe surrounding Guatraché Lake in Argentina. We recorded 150 individuals and analyzed 14 quantitative song variables. There were significant differences between habitats in song temporal structure. In particular, the internote interval of trills was shorter in the closed compared to the open habitat. This pattern is the reverse of what is usually found in this species, although it has previously been detected in another area of the region in which this study was conducted. This region is characterized by strong winds, which could be related to the reversed pattern found. Song frequencies were lower in the closed woodland habitat than in the open steppe, which also contrasts with the pattern usually found in this species. We also recorded and analyzed the songs in a portion of the area in which the woodland was converted into grassland during the last century. The temporal structure of songs in the converted area was intermediate between song structures in the original habitats and frequencies were lower in the converted area than in both original habitats. Song structure appears to have changed after habitat conversion, but this cannot be confirmed with the data at hand because of the lack of recordings obtained before habitat change.
Genetic Toxicity Test of 8-Hydroxyquinoline by Ames, Micronucleus, Comet Assays and Microarray Analysis

Hydroxyquinoline is used as antibacterial agent and antioxidant based on its function inducing the chelation of ferrous ion present in host resulting in production of chelated complex. This complex being transported to cell membrane of bacteria and fungi exerts antibacterial and antifungal action. In this study, we have carried out in vitro genetic toxicity tests and microarray analysis to understand the underlying mechanisms and the mode of action of toxicity of 8-hydroxyquinoline. TA1535 and TA98 cells were treated with 8-hydroxyquinoline to test its toxicity by basic genetic toxicity test, Ames and two new in vitro micronucleus and COMET assays were applied using CHO cells and L5178Y cells, respecti- vely. In addition, microarray analysis of differentially expressed genes in L5178Y cells in response to 8- hydroxyquinoline were analyzed using Affymatrix genechip. The result of Ames test was that 8-hydro- xyquinoline treatment increased the mutations in base substitution strain TA1535 and likewise, 8- hydroxyquinoline also increased mutations in frame shift TA98. 8-Hydroxyquinoline increased micro- nuclei in CHO cells and DNA damage in L5178Y. 8- Hdroxyquinoline resulted in positive response in all three tests showing its ability to induce not only mutation but also DNA damage. 783 Genes were ini- tially selected as differentially expressed genes in response to 8-hydroxyquinoline by microarray an- alysis and 34 genes among them were over 4 times of log fold changed. These 34 genes could be candi- date biomarkers of genetic toxic action of 8-hydrox- yquinoline related to induction of mutation and/or induction of micronuclei and DNA damage. Further confirmation of these candidate markers related to their biological function will be useful to understand the detailed mode of action of 8-hydroxyquinoline.
BIOSYSTEMATICS OF THE GENUS EUXOA (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE) XIII. FURTHER OBSERVATIONS ON HEMOCYTOLOGICAL DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN SPECIES

Abstract The length of mature, fusiform plasmatocytes is a suitable character for distinguishing between last instar larvae of the closely related species Euxoa annir (Streck) and E. lutulenta (Smith). This is a consistent character for a number of Euxoa species, but unreliable in E. altera (McD) where it changed in constant fashion during this stage. The relationship between plasmatocyte length and the duration of aestivation was also examined and showed no clear correlation.
No direct or indirect benefits to cryptic female choice in house crickets (Acheta domesticus)

Cryptic female choice in crickets occurs through the premature removal of a male's spermatophore after copulation, which terminates sperm transfer. Although it is known that this behavior can directly influence the paternity of offspring, its effects on female fitness have not been directly assessed. We tested the hypothesis that spermatophore removal by female house crickets (Acheta domesticus) confers fitness benefits on females, by randomly assigning mates to females but permitting some females to freely remove spermatophores after mating (cryptic-choice treatment) while forcing others to accept complete ejaculates (no-choice treatment). Although there was about a two-fold difference in the volume of ejaculate received by females of the two treatments, there were no significant differences in female longevity, reproductive output, or offspring quality, as measured by offspring mass and developmental time. Although differential spermatophore removal by females imposes strong sexual selection on males, the absence of a clear treatment effect suggests that females obtain no direct or indirect genetic benefits through their postcopulatory mating preferences. Copyright 2004.
Autistic Traits in the General Population

Results: Autistic traits as measured by the Social Responsiveness Scale were continuously distributed and moderately to highly heritable. Levels of severity of autistic traits at or above the previously published mean for patients with pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified were found in 1.4% of boys and 0.3% of girls. Structural equation modeling revealed no evidence for the existence of sex-specific genetic influences, and suggested specific mechanisms by which females may be relatively protected from vulnerability to autistic traits.
Seed Dispersal by Phyllostomid Bats in Two Contrasting Vegetation Types in a Mesoamerican Reserve

Frugivorous bats respond differently to changes in the landscape, depending on their morphological and ecological characteristics, so only some species cross deforested areas and disperse seeds in these environments. In this study we analyzed the plant species dispersed by bats in tropical rain forest and patches of secondary vegetation of a forest reserve in Mesoamerica. We expected that the most common bat species in secondary vegetation would be the most important dispersers, favoring the regeneration of vegetation, compared to those that forage mainly in tropical forest. With a capture effort of 5520 net hours, we caught 1718 bats representing 16 frugivorous species. Based on the analyses of fecal samples the most common plants in the bats' diets were pioneer species, mainly from the families Piperaceae, Urticaceae, Solanaceae, Fabaceae, and Muntingiaceae. The most important bat species to seed dispersal in the secondary vegetation were Carollia sowelli, Sturnira lilium, Glossophaga soricina and Carollia perspicillata. Principal components analysis separated the two species of Carollia and S. lilium, whose diets were dominated by plants of the family Piperaceae, from bat species that forage mainly in the tropical forest and whose diets were dominated by plants from the families Moraceae and Anacardiaceae.
Alterations in Systemic Inflammatory Response Following a Half-Marathon Race with a Combined Curcumin and Pomegranate Supplement: A Feasibility Study

Abstract Endurance running training can lead to gradual accumulation of inflammation and soreness ultimately resulting in overuse injuries. Management of soreness and inflammation with pharmaceuticals (i.e. non-prescription pain relievers) during long-term training is not a suitable solution due to known side effects (e.g. gastrointestinal complications, etc.). Dietary polyphenols (i.e. curcumin, pomegranate, etc.) have been purported to reduce inflammation and muscle soreness, without these negative side effects making them ideal for use in an exercise model. The purpose of the present feasibility study was to explore the combined effect of optimized curcumin and pomegranate extract supplementation prior to (PRE) and after (4H and 24H) an organized half-marathon race on blood inflammatory proteins and inflammation-associated RNA. Daily supplementation (1000 mg/d) started 26 days before a half-marathon which doubled on days 27-31. Data were analyzed with R software and Welch t-test, significance set at p < 0.05. At both 4H and 24H, supplementation was associated with alterations in protein (IL-10, IL-13, IL-4, ITAC, MIP-1alpha, MIP-3alpha, BDNF, sIL-2Ralpha, and TNF-alpha; p < 0.05) and RNA (CCL22, GUSB, IL-6, LINC00305, NKILA, PTGES, THRIL, TRAF6, ARG2, CD1A, CD55, CFI, CSF2, CXC3CL1, CX3CR1, EDNRB, GATA3, LILRB5, THY1, CD3D, MRC1, GPR183, HAMP, MBL2, CASP3, B2M, KLRF2, PDCD1LG2, IL-10, PTGS2, TLR2, IL-6R, IL-8, IL-7R, MASP1, MYD88, TNFRSF1B, TNFRSF1A, and TIRAP; p < 0.05) biomarkers compared to control. Pathway classification of these biomarkers indicated supplementation may be associated with a more favorable muscle recovery profile. Our findings support the notion that combined curcumin and pomegranate supplementation may represent a useful addition to a comprehensive exercise training plan.