Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Light‐responsive microRNA miR‐211 targets Ezrin to modulate lysosomal biogenesis and retinal cell clearance

Vertebrate vision relies on the daily phagocytosis and lysosomal degradation of photoreceptor outer segments (POS) within the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE). However, how these events are controlled by light is largely unknown. Here, we show that the light‐responsive miR‐211 controls lysosomal biogenesis at the beginning of light–dark transitions in the RPE by targeting Ezrin, a cytoskeleton‐associated protein essential for the regulation of calcium homeostasis. miR‐211‐mediated down‐regulation of Ezrin leads to Ca2+ influx resulting in the activation of calcineurin, which in turn activates TFEB, the master regulator of lysosomal biogenesis. Light‐mediated induction of lysosomal biogenesis and function is impaired in the RPE from miR‐211−/− mice that show severely compromised vision. Pharmacological restoration of lysosomal biogenesis through Ezrin inhibition rescued the miR‐211−/− phenotype, pointing to a new therapeutic target to counteract retinal degeneration associated with lysosomal dysfunction.
Entomopathogenic Nematodes as Potential Biological Control Agents of Subterranean Termite, Microcerotermes diversus (Blattodea: Termitidae) in Iraq

Abstract The infectivity of three species of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) such as Steinernema carpocapsaeWeiser (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae), Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar (Rhabditida: Heterorhabditidae), and H. bacteriophora Poinar (IRQ.1 strain) were examined against subterranean termite Microcerotermes diversus (Silvestri) (Blattodea: Termitidae) that is the most economically destructive termite in Iraq. Laboratory and field efficacy of these strains were evaluated to test the feasibility of indigenous EPNs to be used in a biological control program. The biological traits examined included pathogenicity, penetration, and reproduction of EPN species. Filter paper and wood bioassays were conducted using six concentrations: 25, 50, 100, 200, 400, and 600 IJs/termite. In both tests, all strains were virulent against M. diversus workers.The LC50 of S. carpocapsae in both petri dishes and in containers with sawdust was (57.9 and 15.7 IJs/termite) less than both indigenous (274.2 and 60.8 IJs/termite) and commercial (139.6 and 52.6 IJs/termite) Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, respectively. In the field, the percent mortality of the tested workers ranged from 22.5–80 ± 8.3%, 37.5–96.2 ± 8.9%, and 28.7–67.5 ± 6.8% for commercial H. bacteriophora and S. carpocapsae and native H. bacteriophora, respectively. All EPN strains successfully penetrated the M. diversus workers under field conditions, while the results showed that there was a significant difference between the three EPN strains.The percent mortality caused by native H. bacteriophora against termites was higher (43.6 ± 2.7%) than both commercial strains of S. carpocapsae (36.9 ± 1.6%) and H. bacteriophora (29.9 ± 1.4 %). These results highlight the efficiency of EPNs for the control of M. diversus workers.
Sex differences in hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis regulation after chronic unpredictable stress

Exposure to stress, mediated through the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, elicits sex differences in endocrine, neurological, and behavioral responses. However, the sex‐specific factors that confer resilience or vulnerability to stress and stress‐associated psychiatric disorders remain largely unknown. The evident sex differences in stress‐related disease prevalence suggest the underlying differences in the neurobiological underpinnings of HPA axis regulation.
Ancestral calling, traditional health practitioner training and mental illness: An ethnographic study from rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

This qualitative ethnographic study complements an epidemiological study on first episode psychosis in Vulindlela, a rural area in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It focuses on two themes that emerged from our data: (1) the calling of the ancestors to become a traditional health practitioner and (2) ukuthwasa, the training to become a traditional health practitioner. The purpose of this study is to describe the ancestral calling, and to explore whether ukuthwasa may help with the management of mental disturbances, including unusual perceptual experiences. We also provide a discussion of the changing sociopolitical context of healing in KwaZulu-Natal, as a background to our study. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 (apprentice) traditional health practitioners, formal health practitioners, patients and relatives recruited through local traditional health practitioners and a health care clinic. Our results show that the ancestral calling might announce itself with symptoms of mental illness including unusual perceptual experiences, for which some participants consider ukuthwasa as the only effective cure. We found indications that in some individuals successful completion of ukuthwasa might promote recovery from their illness and lead to a profession in which the unusual perceptual experiences become a legitimate and positively valued aspect. We suggest that – in this particular community today, which has been subject to several sociopolitical changes – ukuthwasa may be a culturally sanctioned healing process which moderates experiences that a Western psychiatric system might characterize as psychotic symptoms, providing some individuals with a lucrative and respected role in society.
Multiple evolutionary origins of sequestrate species in the agaricoid genus Chlorophyllum

ABSTRACT Chlorophyllum accommodates lamellate agaricoid species as well as sequestrate angiocarpic taxa, which do not form a monophyletic lineage within the genus. To clarify phylogenetic affinities and delimit species boundaries among sequestrate representatives of the genus, we analyzed historical and contemporary material from a broad geographic range, encompassing North America, southern Africa, eastern Asia, the Greek and Iberian peninsulas, and the Mediterranean islands of Cyprus and Lesvos. Six sequestrate lineages of Chlorophyllum were identified, which appear to have evolved in at least three independent gasteromycetation events. Multigene analysis of the nuc rDNA internal transcribed spacer region ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 (ITS) and portions of the nuc 28S rDNA (28S), RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2), and translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1) genes revealed the presence of a previously undescribed species, introduced here as Chlorophyllum levantinum, sp. nov. Its sister species C. lusitanicum, previously known only from Spain, is shown to have a wider distribution throughout the Mediterranean basin. A South African collection of Secotium gueinzii, a poorly known taxon described in 1840 and seldom appearing in literature since, was also shown to nest within Chlorophyllum. An epitype for this rare species is designated, Secotium becomes a priority synonym of Chlorophyllum, and nomenclatural implications are discussed. The phylogenetic placement of C. arizonicum is confirmed after successful sequencing of the century-old holotype and an undescribed sister lineage of this species detected. Emended descriptions of sections Chlorophyllum, Endoptychorum, and Sphaerospororum are provided to reflect current results, along with updated descriptions and extensive imagery for all known sequestrate taxa of Chlorophyllum.
Do Nutritional Factors Interact with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain? A Systematic Review

Dietary patterns may play an important role in musculoskeletal well-being. However, the link between dietary patterns, the components of patients’ diet, and chronic musculoskeletal pain remains unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this review was to systematically review the literature on the link between dietary patterns, the components of patients’ diet and chronic musculoskeletal pain. This review was conducted following the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses” (PRISMA) guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO with the registration number CRD42018110782. PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase online databases were searched. After screening titles and abstracts of 20,316 articles and full texts of 347 articles, 12 eligible articles were included in this review, consisting of nine experimental and three observational studies. Seven out of nine experimental studies reported a pain-relieving effect of dietary changes. Additionally, protein, fat, and sugar intake were found to be associated with pain intensity and pain threshold. In conclusion, plant-based diets might have pain relieving effects on chronic musculoskeletal pain. Patients with chronic rheumatoid arthritis pain can show inadequate intake of calcium, folate, zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B6, whilst patients with fibromyalgia can show a lower intake of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamin A-E-K, folate, selenium, and zinc. Chronic pain severity also shows a positive relation with fat and sugar intake in osteoarthritis, and pain threshold shows a positive association with protein intake in fibromyalgia.
Long‐term prognostic value of ultrastructural features in dilated cardiomyopathy: comparison with cardiac magnetic resonance

This study aims to determine the implications associated with long‐term prognosis of heart failure (HF) in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) presenting initially as decompensated HF. We stratified the phase of DCM patients without late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) based on ultrastructural changes in cardiomyocytes.
Brain temperature regulation in poor-grade subarachnoid hemorrhage patients – A multimodal neuromonitoring study

Elevated body temperature (Tcore) is associated with poor outcome after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Brain temperature (Tbrain) is usually higher than Tcore. However, the implication of this difference (Tdelta) remains unclear. We aimed to study factors associated with higher Tdelta and its association with outcome. We included 46 SAH patients undergoing multimodal neuromonitoring, for a total of 7879 h of averaged data of Tcore, Tbrain, cerebral blood flow, cerebral perfusion pressure, intracranial pressure and cerebral metabolism (CMD). Three-months good functional outcome was defined as modified Rankin Scale ≤2. Tbrain was tightly correlated with Tcore (r = 0.948, p < 0.01), and was higher in 73.7% of neuromonitoring time (Tdelta +0.18°C, IQR −0.01 – 0.37°C). A higher Tdelta was associated with better metabolic state, indicated by lower CMD-glutamate (p = 0.003) and CMD-lactate (p < 0.001), and lower risk of mitochondrial dysfunction (MD) (OR = 0.2, p < 0.001). During MD, Tdelta was significantly lower (0°C, IQR −0.2 – 0.1; p < 0.001). A higher Tdelta was associated with improved outcome (OR = 7.7, p = 0.002). Our study suggests that Tbrain is associated with brain metabolic activity and exceeds Tcore when mitochondrial function is preserved. Further studies are needed to understand how Tdelta may serve as a surrogate marker for brain function and predict clinical course and outcome after SAH.
Echinochrome Exhibits Antitumor Activity against Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma in Swiss Albino Mice

Abstract Background: Echinochrome (Ech) is a common pigment present in sea urchins, which has antioxidant, antimicrobial, antialgal, hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic activities. Purpose: The present investigation assessed the anticancer and antioxidant activities of Ech against the Ehrlich ascites carcinoma tumor model in mice. Methods: Forty female mice were divided into four groups (n = 10). All groups except the group I received EAC cells (5 × 106 cells/mouse i.p.). Group I, served as saline control (5 ml/kg 0.9% NaCl w/v p.o); group II served as EAC; groups III and IV received Ech (1 mg/kg body weight i.p.), and reference drug (5-Fu, 20 mg/kg body weight i.p.) respectively. Tumor markers, hematological parameters, liver functions, kidney functions and oxidative stress markers were analyzed in the present study. Results: A significant decrease (p < 0.05) were detected in the tumor volume, tumor cell counts, tumor cells viability, WBC count, MDA, urea, uric acid, AST, ALT, and ALP levels in Ech-treated mice. Furthermore, Ech-treated mice showed significant increases in RBCs count, Hb, Pt, GSH, CAT, and GST levels. Conclusion: The study results revealed that echinochrome suppresses tumor growth, decreases lipid peroxidation and improves the antioxidant status.
Estimating expected life-years and risk factor associations with mortality in Finland: cohort study

Objective To develop a tool to inform individuals and general practitioners about benefits of lifestyle changes by providing estimates of the expected age of death (EAD) for different risk factor values, and for those who plan and decide on preventive activities and health services at population level, to calculate potential need for these. Design Prospective cohort study to estimate EAD using a model with 27 established risk factors, categorised into four groups: (1) sociodemographic background and medical history, (2) lifestyles, (3) life satisfaction, and (4) biological risk factors. We apply a Poisson regression model on the survival data split into 1-year intervals. Participants Total of 38 549 participants aged 25–74 years at baseline of the National FINRISK Study between 1987 and 2007. Primary outcome measures Register-based comprehensive mortality data from 1987 to 2014 with an average follow-up time of 16 years and 4310 deaths. Results Almost all risk factors included in the model were statistically significantly associated with death. The largest influence on the EAD appeared to be a current heavy smoker versus a never smoker as the EAD for a 30-year-old man decreased from 86.8 years, which corresponds to the reference values of the risk factors, to 80.2 years. Diabetes decreased EAD by >6.6 years. Whole or full milk consumers had 3.4 years lower EAD compared with those consuming skimmed milk. Physically inactive men had 2.4 years lower EAD than those with high activity. Men who found their life almost unbearable due to stress had 2.8 years lower EAD. Conclusions The biological risk factors and lifestyles, and the factors connected with life satisfaction were clearly associated with EAD. Our model for estimating a person’s EAD can be used to motivate lifestyle changes.
Brain drain or brain gain : The case of Suriname

markdownabstractAbstract Brain drain refers to the emigration of highly skilled individuals mostly from a less developed (home) to a developed country (destination) thereby reducing the capacity of the home country to generate welfare for its population. In the literature there is much written about this phenomenon, but there is a new theory, entitled brain gain. This theory suggests that the prospect of emigrating and earning higher income when being highly educated encourages the remaining residents of the home country to obtain higher education (so that they can emigrate later as well). Obviously not all highly educated individuals emigrate, and hence the home country ends up with a higher number of highly educated individuals than in the absence of emigration prospects. In the first part of this dissertation the brain gain theory is tested on Suriname. Yearly data on how many people emigrate, the number of enrolled students at primary, secondary and tertiary education level, and the number of university graduates were collected. Alas, emigration was found to have a negative effect on the number of enrolled students at secondary and tertiary education level and on the number of university graduates. This implies that as emigration increases, the number of highly educated individuals in Suriname decreases. Hence Suriname is a case of brain drain and not brain gain. To reduce brain drain we first need to know: 1) how big is the problem (in other words, what percentage of the highly educated emigrates), 2) what causes brain drain, and 3) what determines the return of the high skilled migrants to the home country. In the second part of this dissertation a survey was carried out to assess the brain drain problem of Suriname and to identify its determinants. This study was based on a survey that Gibson and McKenzie (2011) carried out regarding skilled migration from three Pacific countries. In order to know what percentage of highly educated individuals emigrate, we would need a list with the names of the highly educated individuals. The next step would be to trace back which individuals from the list emigrated. An almost impossible task, especially when tracing individuals who graduated way back in time. Best graduates or top students from high schools are easier to trace back, as these individuals have great potential to breakthrough in life. Generally they complete university or other higher education and ultimately standout. Therefore names of top students who graduated from the high schools of Suriname between 1976 and 2006 were collected and ‘googled’. Since 1976 a variety of studies in medical, technological, and social sciences are offered at the Anton de Kom University of Suriname. Students who passed the high school could since then choose the University of Suriname or tertiary education abroad. Because of the strong historical bond Suriname has with the Netherlands, which reflects in the language, cul
Assessment of Placental Disposition of Infliximab and Etanercept in Women With Autoimmune Diseases and in the Ex Vivo Perfused Placenta

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are increasingly applied during pregnancy without clear knowledge of the impact on placenta and fetus. We assessed placental transfer and exposure to infliximab (n = 3) and etanercept (n = 3) in women with autoimmune diseases. Furthermore, we perfused healthy term placentas for 6 hours with 100 µg/mL infliximab (n = 4) or etanercept (n = 5). In pregnant women, infliximab transferred into cord blood but also entered the placenta (cord‐to‐maternal ratio of 1.6 ± 0.4, placenta‐to‐maternal ratio of 0.3 ± 0.1, n = 3). For etanercept, a cord‐to‐maternal ratio of 0.04 and placenta‐to‐maternal ratio of 0.03 was observed in one patient only. In ex vivo placenta perfusions, the extent of placental transfer did not differ between the drugs. Final concentrations in the fetal compartment for infliximab and etanercept were 0.3 ± 0.3 and 0.2 ± 0.2 µg/mL, respectively. However, in placental tissue, infliximab levels exceeded those of etanercept (19 ± 6 vs. 1 ± 3 µg/g, P < 0.001). In conclusion, tissue exposure to infliximab is higher than that of etanercept both in vivo as well as in ex vivo perfused placentas. However, initial placental transfer, as observed ex vivo, does not differ between infliximab and etanercept when administered in equal amounts. The difference in placental tissue exposure to infliximab and etanercept may be of clinical relevance and warrants further investigation. More specifically, we suggest that future studies should look into the occurrence of placental TNF inhibition and possible consequences thereof.
Pilot evaluation of the stop, breathe & think mindfulness app for student clients on a college counseling center waitlist

Abstract Objectives: College counseling centers face significant challenges meeting the mental health needs of their students and waitlists are common. Mobile apps offer a promising solution to increase access to resources while students wait for services. Methods: This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the feasibility and acceptability of a publicly available mindfulness app. Students on a counseling center waitlist (n = 23) were randomized to use the app or not, with assessments completed over four weeks. Results: Recruitment over three semesters was slow, leading to an underpowered trial. Participants reported high satisfaction and moderate app usage. Very preliminary support was found for potential app efficacy relative to the control condition, particularly for depression, anxiety, and overall distress. Weaker, mixed effects were found for mindfulness and values processes. Conclusions: Overall, these results provide mixed findings suggesting the potential benefits, but also challenges in using a mindfulness app for students waiting to receive counseling services.
Removal of methylene blue dye from aqueous solutions by adsorption on levulinic acid-modified natural shells

Abstract This study has developed an innovative and environmentally friendly approach for the removal of methylene blue (MB) dye by natural shells (NShs) chemically modified with levulinic acid (LA). Almond shell (ASh), walnut shell (WSh), and apricot kernel shell (AKSh) were used as waste fillers. The adsorption behavior of MB onto the biosorbents was investigated with respect to parameters such as sorbent dosage (0.4–6 g/L), pH (3–10), initial dye concentration (10–500 mg/L), and temperature (25–65 °C). The biosorbents were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. The isotherm and kinetic adsorption data can be said to fit the Freundlich isotherm model and the pseudosecond-order model, respectively. The maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) of LA-modified walnut shell (LA-WSh), almond shell (LA-ASh), and apricot kernel shell (LA-AKSh) calculated by the Langmuir equation at 25 °C was 294.1, 270.2, and 180.0 mg/g, respectively. The results of thermodynamic analysis showed that adsorption was feasible, endothermic, and spontaneous. Graphical Abstract
Influence of radiographic osteochondrosis status at 16-18 months on racing performances in French trotters

The aim of this study was to establish the relationship between the osteochondrosis status of 18-month-old colts and their racing and economic potential. Radiographic imaging was performed of the hocks and fetlocks of 740 yearling trotters at the time of sale. These radiographic diagnoses were then correlated to different criteria related to the racing career of the horse (qualification, number of starts, earning indices), and to its auction price. The study found that these ossification anomalies, detected just before training begins, have no influence on the performances and earnings of the trotters up to the age of four, or on their auction price. It is concluded that either these lesions have no negative effect on performance, or any negative effects are nullified by the medical-surgical environment of the animals.
Different Treatments in Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Comparative Randomized Study

Background and Objectives: Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMJDs) are associated with pain and reduced jaw mobility. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of patients with TMJ arthralgia when submitted to four different treatment modalities, in some cases using intra-articular injections of substances with anti-inflammatory properties and in others, a more conservative approach consisting only of a bite splint. Materials and Methods: The sample was made up of 80 patients, randomly distributed into 4 groups of 20 patients each. Each patient was given a nocturnal bite splint. One of the groups was treated with the bite splint only, while each patient in the other 3 was injected with betamethasone, sodium hyaluronate, or platelet-rich plasma in addition to using the bite splint. Two variables were assessed, namely pain intensity between 0 to 10 according to the visual analogue scale and maximum pain-free mouth opening in mm. The patients were evaluated at four different points: at the beginning of the treatment, as well as one week, one month and six months after initiation. Results: The results showed that maximum pain-free mouth opening improved in all the groups that made up the sample, with either a reduction in pain severity or with no pain. However, the group injected with platelet-rich plasma yielded the best results after six months, while patients treated with sodium hyaluronate or betamethasone obtained the best results at the end of the first week. Conclusions: We concluded that all the treatments used caused a reduction in pain and increased pain-free mouth opening. The splint combined with the platelet-rich plasma injection achieved long-term success.