Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a diuretic hormone receptor from the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta

We have characterized a diuretic hormone receptor from the tobacco hornworm, Manduca sexta. A single high affinity binding site for the 41 amino acid M. sexta diuretic hormone was found in membranes prepared from Malpighian tubules of fifth stadium larvae. The site has a Kd = 79 pM and Bmax = 3.1 pmol/mg protein. The dissociation rate constant was determined to be 0.11 min−1 with a corresponding half-life of 6.4 min. Receptor binding of the hormone is inhibited by Ca2+ and Mg2+, while Na+ and K+ inhibit binding to a lesser extent. Truncated diuretic hormone analogs in which up to 20 amino acids were removed from the N-terminus maintain high affinity for the receptor. A diuretic hormone from Locusta migratoria which has 43% sequence identity with the M. sexta diuretic hormone also possesses a high affinity for the receptor. Conformational analysis of the M. sexta diuretic hormone indicates the core region of the peptide assumes a helical conformation, which may have implications in the binding of the peptide to the receptor. © 1993 Wiley-Liss. Inc.
Age and growth of invasive lionfish ( Pterois spp.) in the Caribbean Sea, with implications for management

Removal efforts designed to avoid or minimize impacts from introduced lionfish, Pterois volitans (Linnaeus, 1758) and Pterois miles (Bennett, 1828), in the western Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico will be improved by reliable life history information applicable to the invaded range. For example, length at age has been modeled for lionfish from temperate North Carolina, but parameters characterizing growth are likely to differ in the tropics. Using Pterois spp. from Little Cayman, we validated formation of annual increments and daily rings in sagittal otoliths; documented ages; and estimated parameters for a length-weight relationship, multiple von Bertalanffy growth models, and an asymptotic vulnerability schedule. Formation of annuli was confirmed with marginal increment analysis, and daily ring deposition in juveniles was confirmed using an oxytetracycline hydrochloride marker. Total weight (g) estimated from combined data for both sexes was equal to 0.000003 × total length (mm)3.24. Logistic regression indicated that 50% of lionfish were vulnerable to removal at 129 mm total length. Sagittal otoliths (n = 499) from lionfish collected weekly between January and December 2011 indicated that males were 0-5 yrs old and females were 0-3 yrs old. A maximum likelihood approach to fitting von Bertalanffy equations estimated K and L 8 as 0.42 and 349 mm for the population, 0.38 and 382 mm for males, and 0.57 and 286 mm for females. An age-structured population model indicated that annual exploitation rates of 15%-35% may induce recruitment overfishing, with recovery to 90% of pre-removal biomass occurring 5-20 yrs after removals cease.
The recovery process of a population is not always the same: The case of Otaria flavescens

Abstract Populations of the South American sea lion (Otaria flavescens) were decimated throughout its range along the Atlantic coast. Responses to this decline have been different in different parts of the species' distribution range. Some stocks are still decreasing, some remain stable, and some are recovering slowly. In the Southwestern Atlantic, sea lion populations are now increasing. However, 50 years after the cessation of hunting these populations have not recovered to the levels they had before exploitation, with the recovery process occurring at the same time as increasing development of human coastal activities. The aims of this study were to present recent information on abundance and trends in the southern Patagonian population of sea lions and to test the hypothesis of population expansion with a particular recolonization process. Results showed that there was an increase in the number of sea lions in all colonies and a change in the social composition of nine colonies, but no new breeding colonies were found. The population trajectory of O. flavescens from southern Patagonia was similar to that observed in the rest of the South Atlantic populations, but the recovery and recolonization processes are still in progress. Here we discuss possible explanations of which factors could have delayed the recovery within the Southwestern Atlantic stocks.
ESL PARENT PERCEPTIONS OF USING EDUCATIONAL MOBILE APPLICATIONS TO DEVELOP THE LANGUAGE SKILLS OF ESL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

The purpose of this mixed parents regarding the use of educational mobile applications to help ESL elementary school students develop their language skills. Quantitative data were collected via surveys taken by a sample of 72 ESL parents from Unity Point Elementary School, Carbond collected through in positive perceptions of using educational mobile applications to develop the language skills of students. This English learning and teaching.
Thrombotic risk in COVID-19: a case series and case-control study.

BACKGROUND A possible association between COVID-19 infection and thrombosis, either as a direct consequence of the virus or as a complication of inflammation, is emerging in the literature. Data on the incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) are extremely limited. METHODS We describe three cases of thromboembolism refractory to heparin treatment, the incidence of VTE in an inpatient cohort, and a case-control study to identify risk factors associated with VTE. RESULTS We identified 274 confirmed (208) or probable (66) COVID-19 patients. 21 (7.7%) were diagnosed with VTE. D-dimer was elevated in both cases (confirmed VTE) and controls (no confirmed VTE) but higher levels were seen in confirmed VTE cases (4.1 vs 1.2 μg/mL, P<0.001). CONCLUSION Incidence of VTE is high in patients hospitalised with COVID-19. Urgent clinical trials are needed to evaluate the role of anticoagulation in COVID-19. Monitoring of D-dimer and anti-factor Xa levels may be beneficial in guiding management.
Evaluation and updates to the Leggett model for pharmacokinetic modeling of exposure to lead in the workplace – Part I adjustments to the adult systemic model

Abstract California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health has initiated a process to update its standards for exposure to lead in workplaces. In support of this effort, the state’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment evaluated the age-specific, bio-kinetic model of lead metabolism in humans, originally published by R.W. Leggett in 1993. This model was ultimately chosen for its physiologic realism and practicality in characterizing the relationship between air lead concentrations and blood lead levels in chronically exposed worker and its practicality in making necessary adjustments. Leggett’s original model systematically under-predicts bone and blood levels in workers such that several adjustments to the parameters are needed to improve predictions for occupational exposure scenarios. The aim of this work is to incorporate new information about the bio-kinetics of lead in workers and to adjust the Leggett model to improve its predictions. The Leggett model was evaluated by comparing its predictions with information on lead concentrations in bone, blood, and urine from workers and other chronically exposed adults. Key model parameters were identified based upon a review of the relevant exposure assessment and modeling literature. Adjustments to the model parameters were made based on empirical evidence. They included reducing the level of lead in blood (BLL) where the rate of decrease in red blood cell binding begins and ends, lead accumulation rate in cortical bone, the rate of lead elimination in trabecular bone, and rate of lead transferred from diffusible plasma to urine. Regression methods and visual inspection of plotted data were used to assess the effect of adjustments on model predictions. When compared with the original, the adjusted Leggett model more accurately predicted lead concentrations observed in active and retired workers. Also, the adjusted Leggett model required less lead uptake to reach the same BLLs for BLLs less than 25 µg/dL and more time for BLLs to decline than the original Leggett model. These findings are important for defining an adequately protective occupational standard for lead exposure.
Predictors of Smoking Cessation Attempt and Continued Abstinence among Low-Income Disabled Smokers: Evidence from the French National Smoking Cessation Cohort CDT-Net

Abstract Background: In France, daily smoking has been highly prevalent among low-income smokers. Objectives: Our aim was to search for factors associated with both continued abstinence and attempting to quit among low-income disabled smokers. Methods: From the French national smoking cessation cohort CDT-net, we included 1624 adults living with disability pension or disabled adult allowance. Our dependent variables (abstainers, attempting to quit among non-abstainers) were used in logistic regressions. Continued abstinence was defined as self-reports of no smoking for more than 28 days and attempting to quit was defined as self-reports of no smoking for less than 28 days; both validated with carbon monoxide < 10 ppm. Results: The average age was 48.5 years, with a predominance of men (55.5%). Achieved continued abstinence was 29.9% and was positively associated with age ≥ 55, history of previous attempts, low-dependence, and number of consultations during follow-up (all p < .05). Depression history, anxiety symptoms and cannabis use were negatively associated with continued abstinence (p < .05). Quit attempts were associated with lower dependence and number of consultations during follow-up. Pharmacological treatments prescribed at inception did not contribute to improve continued abstinence rates but varenicline was found to increase quit attempts unless the number of prescriptions was scarce. Conclusion: Even among low-income disabled smokers, achieving continued abstinence and attempting to quit could be promoted with similar predictors than among affluent smokers. Treatment of anxiety symptoms and specific support for smokers with a depression history could be included in the follow-up of quit attempts.
Gene expression dynamics are a proxy for selective pressures on alternatively polyadenylated isoforms

Abstract Alternative polyadenylation (APA) produces isoforms with distinct 3′-ends, yet their functional differences remain largely unknown. Here, we introduce the APA-seq method to detect the expression levels of APA isoforms from 3′-end RNA-Seq data by exploiting both paired-end reads for gene isoform identification and quantification. We detected the expression levels of APA isoforms in individual Caenorhabditis elegans embryos at different stages throughout embryogenesis. Examining the correlation between the temporal profiles of isoforms led us to distinguish two classes of genes: those with highly correlated isoforms (HCI) and those with lowly correlated isoforms (LCI) across time. We hypothesized that variants with similar expression profiles may be the product of biological noise, while the LCI variants may be under tighter selection and consequently their distinct 3′ UTR isoforms are more likely to have functional consequences. Supporting this notion, we found that LCI genes have significantly more miRNA binding sites, more correlated expression profiles with those of their targeting miRNAs and a relative lack of correspondence between their transcription and protein abundances. Collectively, our results suggest that a lack of coherence among the regulation of 3′ UTR isoforms is a proxy for selective pressures acting upon APA usage and consequently for their functional relevance.
Some Characteristics of Red Light‐induced Substance(s) against Botrytis cinerea Produced in Broad Bean Leaflets

The red light-induced antifungal substance(s) produced in broad bean was of relatively high molecular weight, water soluble, heat stable and fungi specific. Cellulose thin layer chromatography (TLC) of infection droplets of Botrytis cinerea or water droplets without spores of B. cinerea, recovered from inoculated broad bean leaflets kept under red light for 48 h, displayed inhibition zones at approximate Rf values of 0.0 and 0.6. Inhibition zones observed in cellulose TLC of water droplets were relatively faint compared to those of infection droplets. In a time-course study of accumulation of the antifungal substance(s), antifungal activity in both water and infection droplets recovered from red light irradiated broad bean leaflets occurred after 24 h irradiation. However, the antifungal activity in infection droplets was significantly higher than in water droplets. The antifungal substance(s) was less active against Botrytis fabae than B. cinerea. Zusammenfassung Merkmale einer oder mehrerer durch Rotlicht induzierter, gegen Botrytis cinerea wirksamer Substanzen, die in den Blattchen von Ackerbohnen produziert werden Durch Rotlichtbestrahlung wurde in Ackerbohnen die Bildung einer oder mehrerer antifungaler Substanzen induziert, die eine relativ hohe Molekulmasse besitzen und wasserloslich, hitzestabil und spezifisch gegen bestimmte Pilze wirksam sind. Von inokulierten Ackerbohnenblattchen wurden nach 48-stundiger Rotlichtbestrahlung Infektionstropfchen von Botrytis cinerea sowie Wassertropfchen ohne Sporen von B. cinerea gewonnen und durch Zellulose-Dunnschichtchromatographie (TLC) untersucht. Dabei ergaben sich Hemmzonen bei Rf-Werten von etwa 0,0 und 0,6. Die Hemmzonen waren bei den Wassertropfchen im Vergleich zu den Infektionstropfchen relativ schwach. Beieiner Untersuchung des zeitlichen Verlaufs der Akkumulation der antifungalen Substanz(en) zeigten nach 24-stundiger Rotlichtbestrahlung der Ackerbohnenblattchen sowohl die Wassertropfchen als auch die Infektionstropfchen eine antifungale Aktivitat. Die antifungale Aktivitat der Infektionstropfchen war jedoch signifikant hoher als die der Wassertropfchen. Die antifungale(n) Substanz(en) war(en) gegen Botrytis fabae weniger wirksam als gegen B. cinerea.
The Genetics of Endometriosis

Abstract Mapping genetic risk factors for endometriosis continues from early studies on women’s health initiated by Nick Martin and Susan Treloar. Their initial recruitment of endometriosis cases and family members received a major boost and became a flagship project within the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for the Discovery of Common Human Disease. We extended the study through a formal collaboration with Professor Stephen Kennedy and his group in Oxford. Our first joint scientific meeting was held in Brisbane and was sadly memorable as the day the planes were flown into the Twin Towers in New York. Our initial collaboration expanded into the International Endometriosis Genetics Consortium (IEGC). The IEGC now has 15 groups around the world, and the most recent meta-analysis will be published this year.
Direct Antiviral Activity of IFN-Stimulated Genes Is Responsible for Resistance to Paramyxoviruses in ISG15-Deficient Cells

Key Points Cell culture model of ISG15 deficiency replicates findings in ISG15−/− patient cells. Cause of resistance in ISG15−/− cells differs depending on duration of IFN treatment. ISG15−/− patients without serious viral disease do not prove ISGylation is unimportant. IFNs, produced during viral infections, induce the expression of hundreds of IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs). Some ISGs have specific antiviral activity, whereas others regulate the cellular response. Besides functioning as an antiviral effector, ISG15 is a negative regulator of IFN signaling, and inherited ISG15 deficiency leads to autoinflammatory IFNopathies, in which individuals exhibit elevated ISG expression in the absence of pathogenic infection. We have recapitulated these effects in cultured human A549-ISG15−/− cells and (using A549-UBA7−/− cells) confirmed that posttranslational modification by ISG15 (ISGylation) is not required for regulation of the type I IFN response. ISG15-deficient cells pretreated with IFN-α were resistant to paramyxovirus infection. We also showed that IFN-α treatment of ISG15-deficient cells led to significant inhibition of global protein synthesis, leading us to ask whether resistance was due to the direct antiviral activity of ISGs or whether cells were nonpermissive because of translation defects. We took advantage of the knowledge that IFN-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 1 (IFIT1) is the principal antiviral ISG for parainfluenza virus 5. Knockdown of IFIT1 restored parainfluenza virus 5 infection in IFN-α–pretreated, ISG15-deficient cells, confirming that resistance was due to the direct antiviral activity of the IFN response. However, resistance could be induced if cells were pretreated with IFN-α for longer times, presumably because of inhibition of protein synthesis. These data show that the cause of virus resistance is 2-fold; ISG15 deficiency leads to the early overexpression of specific antiviral ISGs, but the later response is dominated by an unanticipated, ISG15-dependent loss of translational control.
THE HORMONE DEPENDENCE OF EXPERIMENTALLY INDUCED GLIOMAS IN THE RAT

Pellets of 3,4‐benzpyrene were implanted into the brains of groups of male and female rats. Animals from each of these groups were castrated or ovariectomized, and of these animals half the males and half the females received subcutaneous implants of testosterone. The position of the carcinogenic pellet in the brain was carefully controlled so that it impinged on the subependymal plate of the left lateral ventricle. A high proportion of glial tumours were produced in normal animals and it was found that deaths from cerebral tumour occurred earlier in males. Castration significantly reduced the time‐related tumour incidence, and this was not reversed by testosterone. In ovariectomized females tuinour incidence was unmodified by testosterone and deaths from glioma apparently occurred later than in hormonally normal females. The implications from these results are that glial tumours are not dependent on testosterone as previously suggested. Alternative mechanisms for the sex differentiation incidence are discussed.
Molecular Signatures of Placentation and Secretion Uncovered in Poeciliopsis Maternal Follicles

Abstract Placentation evolved many times independently in vertebrates. Although the core functions of all placentas are similar, we know less about how this similarity extends to the molecular level. Here, we study Poeciliopsis, a unique genus of live-bearing fish that have independently evolved complex placental structures at least three times. The maternal follicle is a key component of these structures. It envelops yolk-rich eggs and is morphologically simple in lecithotrophic species but has elaborate villous structures in matrotrophic species. Through sequencing, the follicle transcriptome of a matrotrophic, Poeciliopsis retropinna, and lecithotrophic, P. turrubarensis, species we found genes known to be critical for placenta function expressed in both species despite their difference in complexity. Additionally, when we compare the transcriptome of different river populations of P. retropinna, known to vary in maternal provisioning, we find differential expression of secretory genes expressed specifically in the top layer of villi cells in the maternal follicle. This provides some of the first evidence that the placental structures of Poeciliopsis function using a secretory mechanism rather than direct contact with maternal circulation. Finally, when we look at the expression of placenta proteins at the maternal–fetal interface of a larger sampling of Poeciliopsis species, we find expression of key maternal and fetal placenta proteins in their cognate tissue types of all species, but follicle expression of prolactin is restricted to only matrotrophic species. Taken together, we suggest that all Poeciliopsis follicles are poised for placenta function but require expression of key genes to form secretory villi.
The moderating role of social factors in the relationship between an incident of fall and depressive symptoms: a study with a national sample of older adults in South Korea

Abstract Objectives The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of an incident of fall on depressive symptoms and the moderating role of social factors (marital status, living arrangement, family network, and friend network) in older adults in South Korea. We hypothesized that the adverse mental health effect of a fall would be pronounced among those who lack social resources (e.g., no spouse, living alone, and social disconnectedness). Method Using the 2017 National Survey of Older Koreans, data were drawn from 8,522 survey participants (aged 65 or older). Multivariate linear regression models of depressive symptoms were examined with an array of predictors: (1) demographic and health variables, (2) social factors, (3) an incident of fall, and (4) interactions between falls and social factors. Results More than 15% of the sample had at least one fall in the past 12 months. Higher levels of depressive symptoms were associated with an incident of fall, not married and living alone, and lack of family and friend networks. Not married and living alone and family network significantly moderated the relationship between falls and depressive symptoms. The adverse mental health effect of a fall was more pronounced among those who were not married and living alone and who reported not having any close family members than their counterparts. Conclusion The findings highlight the critical role of family and social resources in protecting older Koreans from the negative mental health consequences of a fall. Findings also provide implications for developing fall prevention and management programs, suggesting prioritizing older adults with limited social resources.
Pharmacokinetic Study of Epinephrine Hydrofluoroalkane (Primatene MIST) Metered-Dose Inhaler

Background: Primatene® MIST CFC, an epinephrine metered-dose inhaler (MDI), was discontinued from the market owing to environmental concerns from its use of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) propellant. As a result, a new epinephrine MDI was developed using hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) propellant. This article reports the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of the newly Food and Drug Administration-approved epinephrine HFA MDI. Methods: A randomized, evaluator-blinded, active-controlled, single-dose, two-arm crossover study was conducted to evaluate the PK profile of epinephrine HFA (Primatene® MIST) and epinephrine CFC (Primatene® MIST CFC) in 23 healthy volunteers to characterize the epinephrine absorption extent and rate. The study was performed at a high dose of five times the normal dose to obtain measurable plasma epinephrine levels. Plasma epinephrine levels were measured and safety was assessed by adverse events (AEs), vital signs, clinical laboratory tests, and physical examinations. Results: Epinephrine HFA demonstrated a greater systemic drug exposure (greater area under the curve) than that of epinephrine CFC (∼37% higher). The Cmax occurred at ∼2 minutes and was significantly higher in the epinephrine HFA group (0.18 ng/mL) compared with the CFC version (0.046 ng/mL) at normal dose. Within 20 minutes, both groups demonstrated comparable plasma epinephrine levels. No clinically significant adverse effects were found to be associated with epinephrine HFA, even after an ultrahigh dose (i.e., 10 inhalations). Conclusions: The systemic exposure of epinephrine HFA was found to be higher for the first 20 minutes, and then comparable with epinephrine CFC. Minimal AEs were found in this study despite the very high 1250–2200 μg inhaled doses (i.e., 10 inhalations) used for PK characterization.