Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intraseasonal variation in immune defence, body mass and hematocrit in adult house martins Delichon urbica

The intensity of parasite infections often increases during the reproductive season of the host as a result of parasite reproduction, increased parasite transmission and increased host susceptibility. We report within-individual variation in immune parameters, hematocrit and body mass in adult house martins Delichon urbica rearing nestlings in nests experimentally infested with house martin bugs Oeciacus hirundinis and birds rearing nestlings in initially parasite-free nests. From first to second broods body mass and hematocrit of breeding adult house martins decreased. In contrast leucocytes and immunoglobulins became more abundant. When their nests were infested with ectoparasites adults lost more weight compared with birds raising nestlings in nests treated with pyrethrin, whereas the decrease in hematocrit was more pronounced during infection with blood parasites. Neither experimental infestation with house martin bugs nor blood parasites had a significant effect on the amount of immune defences.
Mother's Satisfaction towards Childbirth Care at Public Health Centers in Bench-Maji Zone, Ethiopia: A Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background Assessing the level of maternal satisfaction towards maternal health care services has a paramount importance in improving the service quality and enhancing service utilization. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess maternal satisfaction towards childbirth care and its determinants at public health facilities in Bench-Maji Zone, Ethiopia. Methods A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 20, 2018, to July 11, 2018 in Bench-Maji Zone, Ethiopia. A total of 845 mothers were selected by employing a systematic random sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested and structured questionnaire. Satisfaction was measured by the five-point Likert scale from very dissatisfied (1) to very satisfied (5). Data were entered in to Epi data version 3.1 and analyzed using SPSS version 20. A P value < 0.05 was considered to declare statistical significance. Result About 506 (63.25%) of the mothers were satisfied by the overall care provided during childbirth. Factors associated with mothers' satisfaction with childbirth care includes attending no formal education [AOR = 3.69; 95% CI (1.99, 7.91)], rural residency [AOR = 2.63; 95% CI (1.43, 5.80)], perceived measure taken to assure privacy [AOR = 3.56; 95% CI (1.25, 7.41)], and attending antenatal care [AOR = 6.23; 95% CI (3.42, 12.87)]. Conclusion The overall satisfaction of mothers with childbirth care in public health centers of Bench-Maji Zone is low when compared with other studies. Hence, understanding mothers' expectations, assuring privacy, and enhancing antenatal care attendance might improve maternal satisfaction with childbirth care.
Cryptochrome 1 Alleviates the Antiproliferative Effect of Isoproterenol on Human Gastric Cancer Cells

Background: Cryptochrome 1 (CRY1) is a key protein that regulates the feedback loop of circadian clock. The abnormal expression of CRY1 was reported in numerous cancers, and contributed to tumorigenesis and progression. But the underlying mechanism remains undefined. Methods: CRY1 overexpression was constructed by lentivirus vector. Gene and protein expression was detected by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Cell proliferation was analyzed by CCK-8 assay. Cell migration ability was analyzed by scratch assay and transwell migration assay. The cAMP concentration was measured by intracellular cAMP assay. Results: Overexpression of CRY1 showed slightly effect on the proliferation and migration of HGC-27 cells. Upon exposure to isoproterenol (ISO), a β-adrenergic receptor agonist, cell proliferation, and migration were inhibited while the cAMP/PKA pathway was activated and ERK1/2 phosphorylation was suppressed. CRY1 overexpression reduced cAMP accumulation, retained ERK1/2 phosphorylation level and alleviated the antiproliferative effect upon exposure to ISO. However, CRY1 overexpression was inoperative on the antiproliferative effect of forskolin (FSK), a direct activator of adenyl cyclase (AC), or 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX), a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor. Conclusions: Our results suggest CRY1 overexpression may protect cells from the antiproliferative effects via activation of the cAMP/PKA pathway through interrupting signal transduction from G protein-coupled receptors to AC.
Post-procedural radial artery occlusion and patency detection using duplex ultrasound vs. the reverse Barbeau test

Abstract The transradial approach is recommended as a first choice in coronary catheterizations and interventions, for among other reasons, the reduction in the number of local complications. A head-to-head comparison of the reverse Barbeau test (RBT) and duplex ultrasonography (DUSG) for the detection of post-procedural radial artery patency and occlusion has not yet been evaluated. In 500 patients from our same-day discharge program (age 65 ± 9.4 years, 148 women), radial artery patency and occlusion, compression time, haematomas, and other local complications were evaluated. Radial artery patency was confirmed in 495 patients (99.0%), and complete radial artery occlusion (RAO) was detected in 2 (0.4%) patients using both methods. In 3 patients (0.6%), the RBT was negative, while incomplete RAO was detected by DUSG. Superficial haematomas (˃ 5 but ≤10 cm) were found in 27 (5.4%) patients. There were no other local complications. Detection of radial artery patency and occlusion using the RBT and DUSG was comparable. The incidence of RAO in our study was extremely low. Thanks to its simplicity, the RBT has the potential to be used as the first method of detection of radial occlusion after coronary catheterizations.
Protective Immunity against SARS Subunit Vaccine Candidates Based on Spike Protein: Lessons for Coronavirus Vaccine Development

The recent outbreak of the novel coronavirus disease, COVID-19, has highlighted the threat that highly pathogenic coronaviruses have on global health security and the imminent need to design an effective vaccine for prevention purposes. Although several attempts have been made to develop vaccines against human coronavirus infections since the emergence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) in 2003, there is no available licensed vaccine yet. A better understanding of previous coronavirus vaccine studies may help to design a vaccine for the newly emerged virus, SARS-CoV-2, that may also cover other pathogenic coronaviruses as a potentially universal vaccine. In general, coronavirus spike protein is the major antigen for the vaccine design as it can induce neutralizing antibodies and protective immunity. By considering the high genetic similarity between SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2, here, protective immunity against SARS-CoV spike subunit vaccine candidates in animal models has been reviewed to gain advances that can facilitate coronavirus vaccine development in the near future.
Correlations and Reproducibility Between Radiographic and Radial Alpha Angles in the Evaluation of Cam Morphology

Background: The alpha angle used to evaluate cam morphology can be determined on different imaging views; however, 2-dimensional (2D) imaging can present limitations in terms of the reproducibility of the radial alpha angle. Recent developments in 3-dimensional (3D) high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have allowed detailed evaluations of the radial alpha angle. Purpose: To determine whether there are any correlations or discrepancies between the 2D alpha angle on plain radiography and the maximum radial alpha angle on 3D MRI. Study Design: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A total of 42 hips from 39 patients (19 males, 20 females) were analyzed, including 22 hips with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI; mean age, 41 years) and 20 hips with borderline developmental dysplasia of the hip (BDDH; mean age, 43 years). Radial images were reconstructed from 3D multiple echo recombined gradient echo (MERGE) MRI. Differences in the maximum radial alpha angle on MRI between hips with FAI and BDDH were evaluated. Correlations and discrepancies between the maximum radial alpha angle on MRI and alpha angles on the anteroposterior, cross-table lateral, and 45° Dunn views of radiography were also evaluated. Results: The maximum radial alpha angle was significantly higher for hips with FAI than for hips with BDDH. On average, the greatest alpha angle on radial MRI was higher than the alpha angle on each of the 3 radiographic views for both FAI and BDDH. The 45° Dunn view revealed the smallest discrepancy for both FAI (P = .005) and BDDH (P = .002). The cross-table lateral view had the highest correlation with the maximum radial alpha angle for BDDH (P < .001). Conclusion: We reconfirmed the utility of the 45° Dunn view, with it presenting the best reproducibility for the maximum radial alpha angle in the evaluation of cam morphology, while the cross-table lateral view revealed the best correlation with the maximum radial alpha angle, particularly for hips with BDDH.
Developmental function and state transitions of a gene expression oscillator in Caenorhabditis elegans

Gene expression oscillators can structure biological events temporally and spatially. Different biological functions benefit from distinct oscillator properties. Thus, finite developmental processes rely on oscillators that start and stop at specific times, a poorly understood behavior. Here, we have characterized a massive gene expression oscillator comprising > 3,700 genes in Caenorhabditis elegans larvae. We report that oscillations initiate in embryos, arrest transiently after hatching and in response to perturbation, and cease in adults. Experimental observation of the transitions between oscillatory and non‐oscillatory states at high temporal resolution reveals an oscillator operating near a Saddle Node on Invariant Cycle (SNIC) bifurcation. These findings constrain the architecture and mathematical models that can represent this oscillator. They also reveal that oscillator arrests occur reproducibly in a specific phase. Since we find oscillations to be coupled to developmental processes, including molting, this characteristic of SNIC bifurcations endows the oscillator with the potential to halt larval development at defined intervals, and thereby execute a developmental checkpoint function.
Risk factors favoring the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in Colombian pork-meat processing plants

We tracked Listeria monocytogenes as a microbiological risk factor in pork processing plants. The five plants analyzed were located in main areas for meat processing in Colombia. Prevalence of L. monocytogenes was 11.46% (36/314), represented by serotypes 4b (6/36, 16.7%), 4d/4e (10/36, 27.8%), 4b/4d/4e (4/36; 11.1%), 3a (3/36, 8.3%), 3c (1/36, 2.8) and 1/2c/3c (9/36, 25%); 4/36 isolates (11.1%) were assumed as possible serotypes 4ab or 7. There was no tolerance to per-acetic acid and only 9/36 (25%) surface-isolates displayed tolerance (0.5-2% (v/v)) to alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride. The risk factors analysis showed variations for each processing plant and found that surface and equipment had a higher degree of contamination, with the chopper and cutter at the highest risk. The general prevalence of L. monocytogenes in pork meat processing plants was 11.46%. All these results demonstrate deficiencies in the implementation and monitoring of cleaning and disinfection programs. Key words: Risk factors, L. monocytogenes, meat products, pork meat processing plants.
Twelve-Month Outcomes of Stand-Alone Excisional Goniotomy in Mild to Severe Glaucoma

Purpose To describe 12-month intraocular pressure (IOP) and medication use outcomes following excisional goniotomy (EG) as a stand-alone procedure in eyes with medically uncontrolled glaucoma. Methods This was a retrospective analysis of data from surgeons at 8 centers (6 US, 2 Mexico). Eyes with glaucoma undergoing standalone EG with a specialized instrument (Kahook Dual Blade, New World Medical, Rancho Cucamonga, CA) for IOP reduction and followed for 12 months postoperatively were included. Data were collected preoperatively, intraoperatively, and 1 day, 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. The primary outcome was reduction from baseline in IOP, and key secondary outcomes included IOP-lowering medication reduction as well as adverse events. Results A total of 42 eyes were analyzed, of which 36 (85.7%) had mild to severe primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG). Mean (standard error) IOP at baseline was 21.6 (0.8) mmHg, and mean number of medications used at baseline was 2.6 (0.2). At 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively, mean IOP reductions from baseline were 4.6 mmHg (22.3%), 5.6 mmHg (27.7%), and 3.9 mmHg (19.3%) (p≤0.001 at each time point). At the same time points, mean medications reductions of 0.7 (25.8%), 0.9 (32.6%), and 0.3 (12.5%) medications were seen (p<0.05 at months 3 and 6, not significant at month 12). Six eyes (14.3%) underwent additional glaucoma surgery during the 12-month follow-up period. Discussion Standalone EG with KDB can reduce IOP, and in many cases reduce medication use, through up to 12 months in eyes with mild to severe glaucoma. Statistically significant and clinically relevant reductions in IOP were seen at every time point. While the goal of surgery was not to reduce medication burden, mean medication use was significantly reduced at all but the last time point. In the majority of eyes, the need for a bleb-based glaucoma procedure was delayed or prevented for at least 12 months.
The Diagnosis Performance of the TCM Syndromes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome by Gastroenterologists Based on Modified Simple Criteria Compared to TCM Practitioners: A Prospective, Multicenter Preliminary Study

Purpose Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) including Chinese patent medicine has been widely used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Syndrome differentiation is the essence of TCM. However, the diagnostic ability of gastroenterologists to detect TCM syndromes in IBS in China remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of gastroenterologists to diagnose the TCM syndromes of IBS based on modified simple criteria compared with TCM practitioners. Methods Patients meeting the Rome III criteria for IBS-D or IBS-C were recruited from six tertiary referral centers between January 2016 and December 2017. After learning the diagnosis criteria of the TCM syndromes in IBS, gastroenterologists first diagnosed the syndromes of the enrolled patients. Subsequently, the patients were diagnosed by TCM practitioners. The rate of agreement between the gastroenterologists and TCM practitioners was analyzed. In addition, demographic data and the distribution of TCM syndrome types in IBS were also analyzed. Results A total of 178 patients (93 males and 85 females), including 131 patients with IBS-D and 47 patients with IBS-C, were enrolled in this study. The rate of agreement of the syndrome diagnosis between the gastroenterologists and TCM practitioners was 84.3%. The diagnosis consistency rates among IBS-D patients and IBS-C patients were 87.0% and 76.5%, respectively. The most common TCM syndrome type in IBS-D patients was liver depression and spleen deficiency syndrome (27.5%), followed by spleen-yang deficiency syndrome (19.8%). Dryness and heat in intestine syndrome was the most common TCM syndrome in IBS-C patients (57.4%). Conclusions Gastroenterologists had good diagnostic agreement with TCM practitioners for diagnosing TCM syndrome types in IBS after learning the diagnostic criteria. This knowledge can aid gastroenterologists in selecting suitable Chinese patent medicine to treat IBS.
Verification of the Nutritional and Dietary Factors Associated with Skeletal Muscle Index in Japanese Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

We sought to identify the frequencies of presarcopenia, sarcopenia, and sarcopenic obesity in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and to cross-sectionally determine the nutritional and dietary factors associated with loss of skeletal muscle mass in such patients. Dietary and body component changes produced by a diet intervention were longitudinally investigated. Forty-six NAFLD patients (24 males and 22 females) were enrolled. A second diet treatment was performed at 6 months after entry in 19 of the enrolled patients (6 males and 13 females). Body compositions and dietary nutrients at six months later were compared with those at entry. Three of the 24 (13%) males and four of the 22 (18%) females fulfilled the criteria for presarcopenia and one (5%) female NAFLD patient was in the criteria for sarcopenia at baseline. None of the patients were in the criteria for sarcopenic obesity. The factors associated with skeletal muscle index in the males were body mass index (BMI), insulin-like growth factor-1, total energy intake, and lipid intake, but only BMI and bone mineral density in females at baseline. The diet intervention decreased the skeletal muscle mass in the 6 males by decreasing the total energy intake via lower protein and lipid intakes and improved their liver dysfunction. In the 13 females, a decrease in total energy intake via lower carbohydrate and lipid intake did not change the skeletal muscle mass. These results suggest that loss of skeletal muscle mass is frequently observed in nonobese NAFLD patients and that the frequency of sarcopenic obesity seems to be rare in NAFLD patients. The nutritional and dietary factors that regulate loss of skeletal muscle mass were distinct between our male and female NAFLD patients. Thus, the skeletal muscle mass of such patients as well as their body weight and liver function should be monitored during diet interventions.
Nurses' experiences of transitions of older patients from hospitals to community care. A nation‐wide survey in Norway’

Moving older patients from hospitals to community services is a critical phase of integrated care. Yet, large‐scale research on the quality of these transitions has been missing. Consequently, it has been difficult to assess to what extent and how patient transitions need to be improved. The purpose of this research was to gather the perspective of nurses involved in the transition of older patients (defined as patients 65 years or older) in Norway.
On the Adaptive Significance of Leaf Height in Forest Herbs

Based on the premise that competition for light is the most important selection pressure on leaf height in forest herbs, I present a game theoretic model for the evolution of this trait which balances the structural costs of a given height increment over an opponent with the resultant photosynthetic benefits. Herbs growing in areas with sparse herbaceous cover are unlikely to be next to and thus under an opponent. Hence, they reap little advantage by being taller, whereas the opposite is true in areas of dense cover. Therefore, the evolutionarily stable strategy favors greater leaf height in productive herb communities having dense coverage than in less productive communities with sparse coverage. In deciduous, cool temperate forests, winter photosynthesis may be limited more by leaf temperature than by light intensity, and thus may favor recumbent basal leaves in evergreen or wintergreen species and seasonal morphs. These ideas are confirmed by data on plant height and coverage from a study along a topographic gradient from a dry oak woods, through a mesic forest, to a floodplain forest. Maximum leaf height roughly doubles with each 7% increase in herbaceous cover, corresponding rather closely to quantitative predictions based on independent measures of the allometry of support tissue as a function of leaf height. The low stature of evergreen herbs favored by winter conditions appears to restrict their occurrence to dry, sterile sites with low coverage by summer competitors, and may be another factor favoring an association between evergreenness and soil poverty in temperate forest herbs. Patterns of leaf height among orchids native to the northeastern United States correspond to the qualitative predictions of the model. Extensions of the model are sketched for herbs in open habitats; woody plants; higher leaves in reproductive individuals; selection on flower or fruit height; evolutionary advantages of the herbaceous habit in relation to height growth; and the evolution of altruism along relatives. If a species occurs in herbaceous communities of high density only when its neighbors are close relatives, selection may favor the evolution of lower, more "altruistic" leaf heights than with unrelated competitors. Aster macrophyllus, which usually has basal leaves even though it occurs in dense herb communities, is advanced as a possible case of altruism in that its stands are nearly monospecific and appear to be maintained by allelopathic compounds.
Species‐Specific Growth Responses to Climate Variations in Understory Trees of a Central African Rain Forest

Basic knowledge of the relationships between tree growth and environmental variables is crucial for understanding forest dynamics and predicting vegetation responses to climate variations. Trees growing in tropical areas with a clear seasonality in rainfall often form annual growth rings. In the understory, however, tree growth is supposed to be mainly affected by interference for access to light and other resources. In the semi‐deciduous Mayombe forest of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the evergreen species Aidia ochroleuca, Corynanthe paniculata and Xylopia wilwerthii dominate the understory. We studied their wood to determine whether they form annual growth rings in response to changing climate conditions. Distinct growth rings were proved to be annual and triggered by a common external factor for the three species. Species‐specific site chronologies were thus constructed from the cross‐dated individual growth‐ring series. Correlation analysis with climatic variables revealed that annual radial stem growth is positively related to precipitation during the rainy season but at different months. The growth was found to associate with precipitation during the early rainy season for Aidia but at the end of the rainy season for Corynanthe and Xylopia. Our results suggest that a dendrochronological approach allows the understanding of climate–growth relationships in tropical forests, not only for canopy trees but also for evergreen understory species and thus arguably for the whole tree community. Global climate change influences climatic seasonality in tropical forest areas, which is likely to result in differential responses across species with a possible effect on forest composition over time.
Flowering levels, harvest season and yields of cupuassu (Theobroma grandiflorum)

Cupuacu (Theobroma grandiflorum) e uma especie nativa da Amazonia que vem sendo plantada comercialmente no Brasil para satisfazer a demanda pelo seu suco, de sabor marcante, obtido da polpa que envolve as suas sementes. As arvores nao notorias pela sua baixa e irregular produtividade. Dados obtidos de dois periodos produtivos, de arvores de uma colecao de germoplasma no estado do Para, Brasil, mostraram que algumas delas frutificam mais irregularmente que outras. Diferencas na producao de frutos foram correlacionadas a diferencas na producao de flores. Variacoes entre plantas nas producoes de flores e de frutos, e a repetibilidade de ambos ao longo do tempo sugerem melhoria das colheitas por selecao. Polinizacoes manuais resultaram em aumento no pegamento dos frutos, indicando que a falta de polinizador efetivo e tambem um causa da produtividade baixa. Entretanto, tentativas para aumentar o nivel de polinizacao efetiva sao dificultadas pelo pouco conhecimento sobre os agentes polinizadores do cupuacu e seu comportamento.