Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Central Nervous System Pharmacological Effects of Plants from Northern Peruvian Andes: Valeriana adscendens, Iresine herbstii and Brugmansia arborea

Traditional medicine is a primary source for the study of medicinal plants. In some countries, knowledge about the therapeutic use of medicinal plants is very deep and very often “magical” plants also are used to diagnose and treat illnesses. The study of these plants can help in the research of metabolites active on the central nervous system. Valeriana adscendens Trel. (Valerianaceae), Iresine herbstii Hook. (Amaranthaceae) and Brugmansia arborea (L.) Lagerheim (Solanaceae) are used in the northern Peruvian Andes for magic-therapeutic purposes. The traditional healers use V. adscendens and I. herbstii with the ritual aim to expel bad spirits from the body. Furthermore, I. herbstii was used in association with other plants, such as Trichocereus pachanoi Britt. et Rose, for divination, to diagnose diseases, and to take possession of another identity. Also, species of Brugmansia have been reported to be used during ritual practices for magical and curative purposes. Since there are no data in the literature about the chemical composition and pharmacological properties of these plants, the present paper reports the results of some pharmacological tests performed with V. adscendens, I. herbstii and B. arborea and a chemical study of these plants in order to ascertain the nature of their central nervous system activity. The tests considered to evaluate the central nervous system activity were: locomotor activity, motor coordination, pentobarbital-induced sleep, stereotyped behaviour, catalepsy, nociceptive assays and transmurally stimulated guineapig ileum. Moreover, three pure alkaloids isolated from B. arborea were evaluated for their effects on in vitro morphine withdrawal. We also evaluated the effects of V. adscendens extracts on GABA uptake and amino acids neurotransmitters content in mice synaptosomes. The results of our experiments indicate that all the above tested plants were able to reduce significantly the central nervous system activity of the animals. Furthermore, the chemical study performed for B. arborea indicated the possible constituents responsible for the central activity. The reduction of motor coordination and stereotyped behaviour together with induced locomotor activity support the possibility that all the studied plants act as psychotropic agents, thus confirming their ritual use.
De novo missense variants in the RAP1B gene identified in two patients with syndromic thrombocytopenia

We present two independent cases of syndromic thrombocytopenia with multiple malformations, microcephaly, learning difficulties, dysmorphism and other features. Exome sequencing identified two novel de novo heterozygous variants in these patients, c.35G>T p.(Gly12Val) and c.178G>C p.(Gly60Arg), in the RAP1B gene (NM_001010942.2). These variants have not been described previously as germline variants, however functional studies in literature strongly suggest a clinical implication of these two activating hot spot positions. We hypothesize that pathogenic missense variants in the RAP1B gene cause congenital syndromic thrombocytopenia with a spectrum of associated malformations and dysmorphism, possibly through a gain of function mechanism.
You Can’t Win If You Don’t Fight

What effect, if any, does democracy have on outcomes of counterinsurgency wars? Previous studies have provided inconclusive answers mainly because of the challenges involved in testing the question empirically: First, insurgencies are not accidental and the anticipated outcomes also affect whether they break out in the first place. Second, regimes are non-random and their determinants can also affect insurgency incidence and its outcomes. Moreover, different aspects of democracy can have opposite effects on the government's chances of winning. I address these challenges by conducting a critical test to distinguish between different causal mechanisms. I find that domestic institutions that are associated with public goods provision make insurgency onsets less likely. I also show that once we control for this selection effect, domestic political institutions do not influence insurgency outcomes.
Cloning of cDNA Encoding Thimet Oligopeptidase from Xenopus Oocytes and Regulation of the mRNA During Oogenesis

Abstract We have isolated a cDNA clone for a zinc-requiring metallopeptidase in Xenopus oocytes from Xenopus ovary library using oligonucleotides synthesized on the basis of the partial amino acid sequence. The full-length 2,055 bp cDNA encodes a protein of 685 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular mass of 78,136 Da. The deduced amino acid sequence of this protein exhibits high similarity to that of human (74.1%), pig (75.3%) and rat (74.1%) thimet oligopeptidase (TOP) [EC 3.4. 24.15]. Expression of the cDNA in bacterial cells resulted in the production of an active metalloenzyme. Thus, we concluded that the metallopeptidase purified from Xenopus oocytes is a member of the TOP family. In Northern blot analyses, one major species of Xenopus-TOP (X-TOP) mRNA of 3.0 kb was expressed relatively strongly from early stage (III) of Xenopus oogenesis, its level decreasing in later stages (V and VI). This result suggests that the expression of X-TOP mRNA is regulated during Xenopus oogenesis.
Sodium glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitor was associated with an improvement in left ventricular systolic function in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus with impaired left ventricular systolic function

Recent studies indicated that sodium glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) reduced heart failure hospitalization in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, whether SGTL2i can improve left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function remained unclear. This study aimed to compare the change in echocardiographic parameters in T2DM patients receiving SGLT2i with a different baseline LV ejection fraction (LVEF). The change in echocardiographic parameters was also compared between T2DM patients treated with SGLT2i and those treated with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor (DPP4i).
Assessment of Pacific Skipjack Tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) Resources by Estimating Standing Stock and Components of Population Turnover from Tagging Data

More than 140 000 tagged skipjack tuna (Katsuwonus pelamis) were released during 3 yr over a large portion of the central and western Pacific. Tag returns exceeded 6000. We developed a set of tag attrition models to analyze tag release and return data and catch and effort statistics for the study area. We used these models to assess the status of the skipjack resource in the whole study area and within subdivisions thereof. Total standing stock was estimated at 3 million metric tons (Mt), (95% confidence range 2.5–3.7 Mt). Overall attrition rate (including losses to natural mortality, fishing mortality and emigration) was 0.17 mo−1 (0.15–0.20∙mo−1). Total throughput was estimated at 6.2 Mt∙yr−1 (5.5–7.1 Mt∙yr−1) compared with catch of < 0.3 Mt∙yr−1. Overall harvest ratio was 0.04. Harvest ratios for seven subareas for which detailed catch and effort statistics were available ranged from 0.02 to 0.46; only one exceeded 0.17. Low harvest ratios over most of the study area during the period tags were at larg.
The diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI): currently available tests, future developments, and perspectives to eliminate tuberculosis (TB)

Introduction: Despite great efforts, tuberculosis (TB) is still a major public health threat worldwide. For decades, TB control programs have focused almost exclusively on infectious TB active cases. However, it is evident that this strategy alone cannot achieve TB elimination. To achieve this objective a comprehensive strategy directed toward integrated latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) management is needed. Recently it has been recognized that LTBI is not a stable condition but rather a spectrum of infections (e.g., intermittent, transient or progressive) which may lead to incipient, then subclinical, and finally active TB disease. Aim: Provide an overview of current available LTBI diagnostic test including updates, future developments and perspectives. Results: There is currently no test for the direct identification of live MT infection in humans. The diagnosis of LTBI is indirect and relies on the detection of an immune response against MT antigens, assuming that the immune response has developed after a contact with the biological agent. Tuberculin skin test (TST) and interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) are the main diagnostic tools for LTBI, however, both present strengths and limitations. The most ancient diagnostic test (TST) can be associated with several technical errors, has limited positive predictive value, is being influenced by BCG vaccination and several conditions can reduce the skin reactivity. Notwithstanding these limitations, prompt identification of TST conversion, should orientate indications for preventive therapy of LTBI. IGRAs have superior specificity, are not affected by M. bovis, BCG vaccination and other environmental mycobacteria. However, they present some logistical and organisational constraints and are more expensive. Currently, the WHO guidelines recommend that either a TST or an IGRA can be used to detect LTBI in high-income and upper middle-income countries with estimated TB incidences less than 100 per 100,000 population. Two skin tests (C-TB and Diaskintest), using only two specific M. tuberculosis antigens (ESAT-6 and CFP-10) instead of the tuberculin solution, have recently been developed but, to date, none of these tests is available on the European market. Conclusion: Early identification and treatment of individuals with LTBI is an important priority for TB control in specific groups at risk within the population: this is of crucial meaning in recently infected cases both at the community level and in some occupational settings. Currently there is no gold standard test for LTBI: an improved understanding of the available tests is needed to develop better tools for diagnosing LTBI and predicting progression to clinical active disease.
Deciduous habitat fragmentation caused by a larch plantation matrix matters to birds in deciduous habitats

ABSTRACT Few studies have examined the relative importance of habitat loss and fragmentation caused by structurally complex matrices such as plantations. We examined the effects of the loss and fragmentation of the original deciduous habitat (secondary deciduous broadleaf forest) caused by a larch plantation matrix on bird occurrences in deciduous habitats in both the winter and breeding seasons in Chikuma Highland, Nagano prefecture, central Japan. Birds were counted using the plot-count method in 33 (winter) and 51 (breeding) deciduous habitats with a range of surrounding habitat loss and fragmentation at a 1600-m scale. Three species groups, for which larch plantations are likely to function as low-quality matrices, were analyzed. Effects of landscape structure were found only for flycatchers, which were negatively affected by habitat fragmentation. Flycatchers frequently occurred in habitats surrounded by elongated habitat patches in which between-patch distances were short. This effect was significant after the confounding effects of habitat structure were removed. Because habitat fragmentation was more important than habitat loss, the destruction of habitat connectivity, i.e., isolation and contraction of habitat patches, may not be compensated by the amount of habitat and may primarily be considered in low-contrast landscapes.
LncRNA SNHG17 knockdown promotes Parkin-dependent mitophagy and reduces apoptosis of podocytes through Mst1

ABSTRACT LncRNAs play important roles in the regulation of podocyte apoptosis in diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, the role of lncRNA SNHG17 in controlling mitophagy-induced apoptosis of podocytes in DN is unknown. This study aims to elucidate the underlying mechanism of lncRNA SNHG17 in the regulation of mitophagy-induced apoptosis of podocytes in DN. LncRNA SNHG17 and Mammalian Sterile 20-like kinase 1 (Mst1) expression were upregulated in glomeruli and podocytes of DM mice and high glucose-treated podocytes, whereas Parkin expression was downregulated. LncRNA SNHG17 overexpression suppressed mitophagy and induced apoptosis of podocytes while silencing lncRNA SNHG17 promoted mitophagy and reduced the apoptosis of podocytes. In addition, lncRNA SNHG17 interacted with Mst1 and regulated the degradation of Mst1. We further found lncRNA SNHG17 regulated Parkin expression through Mst1. Mechanistically, lncRNA SNHG17 regulated Parkin-dependent mitophagy and apoptosis of podocytes through regulating Mst1. Finally, silencing lncRNA SNHG17 promoted mitophagy and relieved DNin vivo. In conclusion, lncRNA SNHG17 knockdown promotes Parkin-dependent mitophagy and reduces apoptosis of podocytes through regulating the degradation of Mst1.
Lack of gene flow between the insular bat, Nyctalus azoreum and its mainland ancestor Nyctalus leisleri (Vespertilionidae, Chiroptera): evidence from microsatellites

Abstract. The Azorean bat (Nyctalus azoreum), the only endemic mammal of the Azores archipelago (Portugal), diverged recently from its mainland relative, the Leisler's bat (N. leisleri). Although the two species are phenotypically very different, mtDNA studies detected very low genetic divergence between them, which could question the validity of the species status of N. azoreum. In order to assess the genetic variability in each species and check for present levels of gene flow between the two taxa, eight microsatellite loci were genotyped and analysed. The results indicated lower genetic diversity in the insular species. Many unshared alleles were found between the two species and no evidence of migrants, which provides strong support against any contemporary gene flow between them. The species status of the Azorean bat is discussed in the light of the cohesion species concept, and we conclude that it is an isolated species with a high conservation value.
Phenotypic similarity and differentiation among sympatric cryptic species in a freshwater amphipod species complex

SUMMARY 1. Cryptic species diversity poses evolutionary questions about its origin and maintenance, and ecological questions about the coexistence of seemingly identical species. 2. We examine patterns of morphological and life history differentiation in three sympatric cryptic species of freshwater amphipods within the Hyalella azteca species complex. These species are separated by extensive molecular evolution, but appear similar in phenotype. Species were collected from the littoral zone of a small kettle lake in Michigan, U.S.A. , and identified to species by molecular genetic methods. 3. Two of the species were similar, differing only in female size, whereas the third was larger in body size and had larger clutches of smaller eggs than the other two. There were differences between the species also in pleon spine length and antennal segment number. 4. An analysis of allozyme variation among the cryptic species in three lakes suggests that the species are reproductively isolated within lakes. 5. We suggest that phenotypic similarity of these species is maintained by size-selective predation by fish. The small, but statistically significant, differences in body size may form the axis for a tradeoff between resource exploitation and predator avoidance, a condition that can foster coexistence of phenotypically similar species.
Balloon Dilation of the Eustachian Tube for Baro-Challenge-Induced Otologic Symptoms in Military Divers and Aviators: A Retrospective Analysis.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effectiveness of balloon dilation (tuboplasty) of the Eustachian tube (BET) in active duty military personnel working in hyper- and hypobaric environments suffering from baro-challenge-induced ETD using functional outcomes. METHODS Military divers and aviators diagnosed with persistent baro-challenge-induced ETD resulting in disqualification from performing flight and dive duties and who elected for treatment with BET were included for analysis. Posttreatment follow-up assessments were undertaken at 1, 6, and 12 months. Outcome measures included successful hyperbaric chamber testing or return to the hyper- or hypobaric environment without significant baro-challenge-induced ETD symptoms and pre- and postdilation Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7) scores. RESULTS Mean pretreatment duration of symptoms was 48 months (range: 3-120 months). Following treatment, 92% (12/13) of patients successfully returned to operational duties with resolution of limiting symptoms. Average return to duty time was 8.5 weeks (range: 6-24 weeks). The ETDQ-7 scores improved from a mean of 4.33 (2.57-6.57) predilation to 2.19 (1.00-4.43) postdilation (Z = 2.73, W = 70, P = .0063). Mean duration of follow-up was 38 weeks (range: 13-70 weeks). CONCLUSION Eustachian tube balloon dilation appears to be a safe and highly effective treatment option for baro-challenge-induced ETD in affected military divers and aviators who work in hyper- and hypobaric environments. Further study is needed to determine whether similar results can be achieved in more diverse subject populations and to assess long-term effectiveness.
Stroke survivors’ priorities for research related to life after stroke

ABSTRACT Background Stroke has transitioned from an untreatable, unpreventable disease to a highly treatable and preventable disease over recent decades, and the number of stroke survivors is expected to increase. The number is also foreseen to grow larger as a result of an aging population. With an escalating number of stroke survivors, research on how to improve life after stroke is needed. Aims The primary aim was to determine which area of research related to life after stroke that stroke patients and their informal carers prioritized as being relevant and valuable. Methods A cross-sectional study of all patients who had completed the 12 months of follow-up in the EFFECTS trial. In the questionnaire the stroke patients and their informal carers were asked to prioritize areas of research they considered important and valuable with respect to their life after stroke. Results Of the 731 patients who were still alive after the 12 months-follow-up, 589 responded. The most prioritized areas of research were Balance and walking difficulties (290 (49%) responders) and Post-stroke fatigue (173 (29%) responders). Women answered the undefined alternative “other” more often than men (43 women (11%) versus 11 men (6%), p = . 04). Younger patients prioritized Post-stroke fatigue to a higher extent (88 (45%) versus (22%), p < . 001), and elderly prioritized Balance and walking difficulties (214 (54%) versus 76 (40%), p = . 002) and Speech difficulties (38 (10%) versus 9 (5%), p = . 045). Conclusions Life after stroke is perceived differentely with aging. Future research should address strategies to face challenges such as imbalance and walking difficulties and post-stroke-fatigue.
Association between chronic ACE inhibitor exposure and decreased odds of severe disease in patients with COVID-19

Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Renin-angiotensin-aldosterone-system (RAAS) inhibitors may increase the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2, which is the receptor for SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. The consequences of using angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) during the COVID-19 pandemic are unknown. Methods: A retrospective cohort study aiming to identify the odds of severe disease (defined as either hospitalization of ≥14 days, admission to the intensive care unit, or death) associated with exposure to ACEi or ARB was conducted. Adult patients (age ≥18 years) with COVID-19 admitted to the İstanbul Faculty of Medicine Corona Center between March 9 and May 11, 2020, were included. Chronic users of ACEi, ARB, or other antihypertensive drugs were matched according to age, sex, sick days before hospitalization, comorbidities, smoking, number of antihypertensive regimens, doxazosin use, furosemide use, and serum creatinine level. Odds ratios (OR) of having severe disease were calculated. Results: In total, 611 patients were admitted with COVID-19, confirmed by either reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction or computed tomography (CT). There were 363 males, and the age ranged from 18 to 98 years, with an average age of 57±15 years. Of these, 165 participants had severe disease (53 deaths, case fatality rate: 8.7%). Among those with hypertension (n=249), ARB exposure was compatible with decreased odds (OR=0.60, 95% CI: 0.27–1.36, p=0.31) of severe disease though not statistically significant, while ACEi exposure significantly reduced the risk of severe disease (OR=0.37, 95% CI: 0.15–0.87, p=0.03). ACEi exposure was associated with milder infiltrations seen on baseline CT, lower C-reactive protein and ferritin, higher monocytes, shorter hospitalization, and less requirement for specific empirical treatments (favipiravir and meropenem). Conclusion: Our data suggest that exposure to ACEi drugs may have favorable effects in the context of COVID-19 pneumonia.
Can increased nutrition raise cereal yields to the rainfall-limited potential in the high rainfall cropping zone of south Western Australia?

Average yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in the high rainfall cropping zone (>750 mm) of south Western Australia from 1996 to 2001 was 2.5 t/ha. This is far below the water-limited potential yield (water losses of 110 mm, transpiration efficiency of 20 kg/ha.mm) of 6–8 t/ha. Nutrition of the cereal crops has been regarded as one constraint to reaching the potential yield, although grain yield increases (responses) under conventional management practices (a series of full cultivation operations) have been inconsistent. Three experiments, with a total of five trial sites conducted over two seasons, were carried out to test the response of wheat and barley to fertiliser applications of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S) and trace elements (TE). Various combinations of nutrients were applied. These ranged from no fertiliser (nil), to farmer practice (N at rates at 34–82 kg/ha, P at 3–17 kg/ha, K at 0–50 kg/ha and S at 4–11 kg/ha), to nutrients calculated to supply the needs of a 6–8 t/ha cereal crop (N, P, K, S, TE). The aim was to determine whether the supply of non-limiting levels of crop nutrients could raise yields to the potential yield as determined by seasonal rainfall. In the drier seasons experienced in 2001 and 2002 at Arthur River and Cranbrook, with growing season rainfall (May–November) up to about 350 mm, it was possible to raise grain yields to levels at or above the calculated rainfall-limited potential with increased nutrition (4.2 t/ha for barley and 4.5 t/ha for wheat). However, in the wetter environment of Boyup Brook in 2002, where seasonal rainfall was greater than 500 mm, extra nutrition by itself was not sufficient to reach the water-limited potential, even where the yields were increased from 3.5 to 5.2 t/ha for wheat and from 3.9 to 4.5 t/ha for barley. Further experimentation is required to clarify the factors limiting responses to nutrition when the growing season rainfall is greater than 500 mm and thus allow greater confidence in extrapolating these results in the high rainfall cropping zone of Western Australia. In wheat, the highest profits were obtained from the complete fertiliser strategy (N, P, K, S, TE). However, for barley, the greatest profits were not obtained with the highest grain yields and fertiliser strategies due to decreased grain quality.