Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Different theta frameworks coexist in the rat hippocampus and are coordinated during memory-guided and novelty tasks

Hippocampal firing is organized in theta sequences controlled by internal memory processes and by external sensory cues, but how these computations are coordinated is not fully understood. Although theta activity is commonly studied as a unique coherent oscillation, it is the result of complex interactions between different rhythm generators. Here, by separating hippocampal theta activity in three different current generators, we found epochs with variable theta frequency and phase coupling, suggesting flexible interactions between theta generators. We found that epochs of highly synchronized theta rhythmicity preferentially occurred during behavioral tasks requiring coordination between internal memory representations and incoming sensory information. In addition, we found that gamma oscillations were associated with specific theta generators and the strength of theta-gamma coupling predicted the synchronization between theta generators. We propose a mechanism for segregating or integrating hippocampal computations based on the flexible coordination of different theta frameworks to accommodate the cognitive needs.
Breaking the vicious circle of diet, malnutrition and oral health for the independent elderly

Abstract Aging impairs senses, mastication, oral status and function, causing nutritional needs and diet insufficiencies. The present needs of independent older adults suggest that health research and oral health care should shift from reductionist disease management to integral and personal treatment plans, including lifestyle, psychological, nutritional and oral health coaching approaches. Dentists and other medical professionals that work in the field of gerodontology should be educated on the macro and micronutrient needs of the elderly and incorporate certain nutritional plans early in the life of their patients with their approval and cooperation, in order to postpone tooth loss and masticatory impairment. Old recipes such as the Mediterranean diet should be kept as a base for all the elderly and be enriched in a customized interpersonal way from the dentist as well as the medical professional according to the specific needs of one’s oral and general health status. In this nonsystematic review paper, the basic aspects of the vicious cycle of nutrition and oral health status are discussed and suggestions of major nutrients’ influence and needs for independent elders are reported. Based on the scientific data collected, suggestions are made for the food industry for better quality and dosage of foods for this category of individuals. Such strategies can be a whole new area of interest for the food industry in order to obtain better quality of food packaging for the independent OA with accepted texture, odor, colors, macronutrients and micronutrients’ consistency and in specific portions.
Danger in the canopy. Comparative proteomics and bioactivities of the venoms of the South American palm pitviper Bothrops bilineatus subspecies bilineatus and smaragdinus, and antivenomics of B. b. bilineatus (Rondônia) venom against the Brazilian pentabothropic antivenom.

We report a structural and functional proteomics characterization of the venoms of the two subspecies (bilineatus and smaragdinus) of the South American palm pitviper B. bilineatus from the Brazilian state of Rondônia and B. b. smaragdinus from Perú. These poorly known arboreal and mostly nocturnal generalist predators are widely distributed in lowland rain forest throughout the entire Amazon region, where they represent an important cause of snakebites. The three B. bilineatus spp venom sampled exhibit overall conserved proteomic profiles comprising components belonging to 11 venom protein classes, with PIII (34-40% of the total venom proteins) and PI (8-18%) SVMPs and their endogenous tripeptide inhibitors (SVMPi, 8-10%); bradykinin-potentiating-like peptides (BBPs, 10.7-15%); snake venom serine proteinases (SVSP, 5.5-14%); C-type lectin-like proteins (CTL, 3-10%); phospholipases A2 (PLA2, 2.8-7.6%); cysteine-rich secretory proteins (CRISP, 0.9-2.8%); L-amino acid oxidases (LAO, 0.9-5%) representing the major components of their common venom proteomes. Comparative analysis of the venom proteomes of the two geographic variants of B. b. smaragdinus with that of B. b. bilineatus revealed that the two Brazilian taxa share identical molecules between themselves but not with Peruvian B. b. smaragdinus, suggesting hybridization between the geographically close, possibly sympatric, Porto Velho (RO, BR) B. b. smaragdinus and B. b. bilineatus parental populations. The toxin arsenal of the South American palm pitvipers may account for the in vitro recorded collagenolytic, caseinolytic, PLA2, L-amino acid oxidase, thrombin-like and factor X-activating activities, and the clinical features of South American palm pitviper envenomings, i.e. local and progressively ascending pain, shock and loss of consciousness, spontaneous bleeding and profound coagulopathy. The remarkable crossreactivity of the Brazilian pentabothropic SAB antivenom toward the heterologous B. b. bilineatus venom suggests that the paraspecific antigenic determinants should had been already present in the venom of the last common ancestor of the Bothrops "jararaca" and "taeniatus" clades, an event that has been dated about 8.5 Mya in the mid-late Miocene epoch of the Cenozoic era.
Clinical Outcomes and Selection Criteria for Prodromal Huntington's Disease Trials

Huntington's disease (HD) develops in individuals with extended cytosine‐adenine‐guanine (CAG) repeats within the huntingtin (HTT) gene, causing neurodegeneration and progressive motor and cognitive symptoms. The inclusion of mutant HTT carriers in whom overt symptoms are not yet fully manifest in therapeutic trials would enable the development of treatments that delay or halt the accumulation of significant disability.
Foraging ecology of High Andean insectivorous birds in remnant Polylepis forest patches

Abstract I examined how High Andean insectivorous birds partition resources in remnant Polylepis forest patches at three locations in the Cordillera Vilcanota, southern Peru. A number of distinctive guilds were identified within the bird community based on the manner and location of foraging displayed by each species. Important dimensions that enabled differentiation amongst guild co-members were those that supported the partitioning of resources between guilds. The significant disproportionate use of substrates and prey-attack maneuvers by birds indicated substrate specialization within the insectivorous Polylepis bird community. These specializations provide a means by which Polylepis insectivores fit syntopically along a resource gradient. Insectivores demonstrated a differential response to foraging in smaller patches, and changes in the foraging regimes of four guilds between large and small patches were frequent. The most abundant insectivores in small patches were the least diverse foragers; they compensated behaviorally for changes in patch habitat quality by using fewer substrates and prey-attack maneuvers. Guild members that shifted their foraging regime to use fewer attack maneuvers were also more tolerant of small patches. Small Polylepis patches have a significant role in fragmented High-Andean ecosystem functioning by providing essential foraging habitat for insectivorous birds.
Exaptation—a Missing Term in the Science of Form

Adaptation has been defined and recognized by two different criteria: historical genesis (features built by natural selection for their present role) and current utility (features now enhancing fitness no matter how they arose). Biologists have often failed to recognize the potential confusion between these different definitions because we have tended to view natural selection as so dominant among evolutionary mechanisms that historical process and current product become one. Yet if many features of organisms are non-adapted, but available for useful cooptation in descendants, then an important concept has no name in our lexicon (and unnamed ideas generally remain unconsidered): features that now enhance fitness but were not built by natural selection for their current role. We propose that such features be called exaptations and that adaptation be restricted, as Darwin suggested, to features built by selection for their current role. We present several examples of exaptation, indicating where a failure to conceptualize such an idea limited the range of hypotheses previously available. We explore several consequences of exaptation and propose a terminological solution to the problem of preadaptation.
Riedel's Thyroiditis.

CONTEXT Riedel's thyroiditis (RT) is a rare inflammatory autoimmune disease that is often a clinically diagnostic dilemma due to its insidious presentation and non-specific symptoms. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis is to clarify the presentation, management and outcomes of RT. STUDY SELECTION A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science was conducted to identify relevant reports published up to September 2019. DATA EXTRACTION First author, country, patient sex, ethnicity, presentation, biochemical status, duration of symptoms, histology, treatment, follow-up duration, and short- and long-term outcomes. DATA SYNTHESIS Data from 212 RT patients was retrieved. The mean age was 47 years with a predominantly female population (81%). Neck swelling (89%), dyspnea (50%), neck pain (41%) were the most common presenting symptoms. Inflammatory markers were elevated in 70-97% and thyroid antibody positivity was present in less than 50%. Up to 82% underwent surgical intervention, with the most common being total thyroidectomy in 34% of individuals. Glucocorticoids were utilized in 70% of individuals with median duration 3 months. Prognosis was reasonable with 90% having resolution or improvement of symptoms. CONCLUSIONS This analysis is the largest and most comprehensive to date of RT and provides clinicians with vital information on the common presentation features that may alert to the diagnosis and to highlight management options.
Apoplastic Solute Concentrations of Organic Acids and Mineral Nutrients in the Leaves of Several Fagaceae

Ion chromatographic methods determined organic acids and main nutrient minerals in the apoplastic solution from leaves of several Fagaceae {Quercus ilex L. , Quercus cerris L. , Quercus virgiliana (Ten.) Ten. and Fagus sylvatica L. ). The anions of organic acids found in high amounts (250 to 650 fM) were quinate, malate, and oxalate. Lactate, pyruvate, formate and acetate were detected in relatively low amounts with concentrations between 20 and 200 fiM. The total concentration of organic acids in the apoplastic sap ranged between 1.5 and 2 mM. The total concentration of inorganic cations (K+, Mg2+, NH4", Ca2+, Na+) and anions (Cl~, NO3", SO2," and PO2~) in the apoplastic sap varied between 5 and 10 mM, and 0.35 and 1.8 mM, respectively. We conclude that the concentration of organic acid ions in the leaf apoplast depends mainly on the exchange with the leaf cells and is influenced by the electrochemical gradient between the symplast and the apoplast in relation to the water potential of the leaf. The determination of formate and acetate in the apoplastic compartment of leaves lend weight to the argument that the production of these acids by trees is a important emission source to the atmosphere.
Filtering capacity and endoscopic analysis of sympatric infaunal and epifaunal bivalves of southern Chile

The bivalves Mytilus chilensis, Venus antiqua, Mulinia edulis and Tagelus dombeii inhabit different levels of the tidal flats in Yaldad Bay, southern Chile. Mytilus chilensis is an epifaunal bivalve, which, at this location, is also farmed in culture rafts; whereas the other species belong to the infauna. The objective of this study was to compare filtering capacity of these species; in order to do this, measurements of food consumption were taken by quantifying clearance rates, as well as taking morphological measurements of their feeding systems (gills and labial palps), and endoscopic observations to determine the velocity of particle transport within the gills. All of these parameters were related to the sediments present in environments occupied by these species. In Mytilus chilensis, both wild and farmed, gill area was significantly higher than in the three infaunal species. Mulinia edulis and Venus antiqua did not show any significant differences in gill area. As far as Tagelus dombeii is concerned, the species presented the lowest values among all species studied. Weight of labial palps was significantly higher in Mulinia edulis compared to the other species. There were no significant differences between labial palps of either wild or farmed Mytilus chilensis or in those of Venus antiqua and Tagelus dombeii. A positive, significant relationship was identified between labial palps size and mud sediment content. Both culture-rafts and intertidal Mytilus chilensis displayed a clearance rate that was significantly higher than the infaunal species, concurring with a significant relationship between clearance rate and gill area in the different species studied. Clearance rates displayed by Venus antiqua, Mulinia edulis and Tagelus dombeii did not show significantly different results among them. Mytilus chilensis from both culture-rafts and intertidal zone displayed higher values of particle transport velocity than the infaunal species. Particle transport was not observed in the dorsal canal of any of the species studied. The conclusion is that in these species filtering capacity is determined mostly by gill size and that labial palp size displays a strong relationship with sediment content in the mud of Yaldad tidal flats.
A low voltage activated Ca2+ current found in a subset of human ventricular myocytes

ABSTRACT Low voltage activated (ICa-LVA) calcium currents including Cav1.3 and T-type calcium current (ICa-T) have not been reported in adult human left ventricular myocytes (HLVMs). We tried to examine their existence and possible correlation with etiology and patient characteristics in a big number of human LVMs isolated from explanted terminally failing (F) hearts, failing hearts with left ventricular assist device (F-LVAD) and nonfailing (NF) human hearts. LVA (ICa-LVA) was determined by subtracting L-type Ca2+ current (ICa-L) recorded with the holding potential of −50 mV from total Ca2+ current recorded with the holding potential of −90 mV or −70 mV. ICa- LVA was further tested with its sensitivity to 100 µM CdCl2 and tetrodotoxin. Three HLVMs (3 of 137 FHLVMs) from 2 (N = 30 hearts) failing human hearts, of which one was idiopathic and the other was due to primary pulmonary hypertension, were found with ICa-LVA. ICa-LVA in one FHLVM was not sensitive to 100 µM CdCl2 while ICa-LVA in another two FHLVMs was not sensitive to tetrodotoxin. It peaked at the voltage of −40~-20 mV and had a time-dependent decay faster than ICa-L but slower than sodium current (INa). ICa-LVA was not found in any HLVMs from NF (75 HLVMs from 17 hearts) or F-LVAD hearts (82 HLVMs from 18 hearts) but a statistically significant correlation could not be established. In conclusion, ICa-LVA was detected in some HLVMs of a small portion of human hearts that happened to be nonischemic failing hearts.
Alarm calls of tufted titmice convey information about predator size and threat

Many birds utter alarm calls when they encounter predators, and previous work has revealed that variation in the characteristics of the alarm, or "chick-a-dee," calls of black-capped (Poecile atricapilla) and Carolina (P. carolinensis) chickadees conveys information about predator size and threat. Little is known, however, about possible information conveyed by the similar "chick-a-dee" alarm call of tufted titmice (Baeolophus bicolor). During the winters of 2008 and 2009, free-ranging flocks (N e 8) of tufted titmice were presented with models of several species of raptors that varied in size, and titmice responses were monitored. Smaller, higher threat predators (e.g., eastern screech-owl, Megascops asio) elicited longer mobbing bouts and alarm calls with more notes (D-notes) than larger lower threat predators (e.g., red-tailed hawk, Buteo jamaicensis). During playback experiments, titmice took longer to return to feeding after playbacks of alarm calls given in response to a small owl than to playbacks given in response to a large hawk or a robin (control). Like chickadees, titmice appear to utter alarm calls that convey information about predator size and threat. Titmice, however, appear to cue in on the total number of D-notes given per unit time instead of the number of D-notes per alarm call. The broadband alarm calls of titmice, containing D-notes uttered in an unpredictable manner that may make it difficult for predators to determine the number of titmice calling, may be particularly well suited for deterring predators. Copyright 2010, Oxford University Press.
Knowledge of Medical and Dental Iranian Students about the Infection and Vaccination of Human Papilloma Virus

Objective: To evaluate awareness of medical and dental students of Kerman University of medical science about the infection and vaccination of the human papilloma virus. Material and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on 290 medical and dental students. The data were collected using a questionnaire, which consisted of demographic data, and awareness-raising questions whose validity and reliability were confirmed. Mann-Whitney U and linear regression test were used for statistical analysis, and significance level of 0.05% was measured. Results: From 290 participants, 44.5% were male, 69.7% were single, 51.7% were medical students and 92.4% of individuals had awareness about HPV. The most common source of information (83.7%) was textbook. 39.9% of respondents were not familiar with the HPV vaccine and 62.1% tended to be vaccinated. Most of individuals (69.4%) were willing to pay a vaccination fee of less than $10. Most of respondents were not aware of HPV vaccination in Iran (68.3%). The mean score of knowledge was 6.1 ± 2.4. There was a statistically significant relationship between gender, field of study and marital status with mean score of knowledge (p<0.05). Conclusion: The students' knowledge was moderate. The awareness of men and women about HPV was poor. Further studies are recommended on other community groups, especially young people. Risk groups should be identified and referred to the relevant organs for vaccination.
Influence of Season and Adrenocorticotropic Hormone on Corticosterone in Free-living Female Eastern Fence Lizards (Sceloporus undulatus)

Abstract Understanding the proximate mechanism for seasonal modulation of the adrenocortical stress response is an important step in determining the evolutionary significance of such modulation. In vitro studies of adrenocortical cell function in Eastern Fence Lizards (Sceloporus undulatus) have partially explained the mechanism for seasonal changes in male stress responsiveness, but studies of free-living females have not been conducted. Here we test two predictions generated from the in vitro work in free-living female fence lizards: the plasma corticosterone response to adrenocorticotropic hormone injection will be weaker in the postbreeding than the breeding season, and baseline corticosterone levels will be lower in postbreeding than breeding females. Twice during the breeding season and once during the postbreeding season, corticosterone concentrations were measured at capture then again after adrenocorticotropic hormone injection and one hour of confinement. Females robustly responded to adrenocorticotropic hormone, but there was no detectable seasonal difference in the strength of the corticosterone response. Similarly, corticosterone responses did not vary seasonally in females subjected only to confinement without injection. However, as predicted, baseline plasma corticosterone levels were lower in the postbreeding than the breeding season. Plasma triglyceride concentrations varied with season as well as being negatively associated with baseline corticosterone levels. The whole-organism corticosterone response may differ from that of isolated adrenocortical cells which are not subject to either paracrine or upstream hypothalamic and pituitary signals. The mechanism of adrenocortical modulation and its evolutionary significance is most likely to be deciphered by conducting studies at multiple levels of organization.
Long term oral appliance therapy decreases stress symptoms in patients with upper airway resistance syndrome.

STUDY OBJECTIVES To evaluate the long-term effects of a mandibular advancement device (MAD) on stress symptoms and cognitive function in patients with UARS compared with placebo. METHODS This study was a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Thirty UARS patients were randomized into two groups: placebo and MAD groups. UARS criteria were the presence of sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale ≥ 10) and/or fatigue (Modified Fatigue Impact Scale ≥ 38) associated with an apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) ≤ 5 and a respiratory disturbance index (RDI) > 5 events/hour of sleep, and/or flow limitation in more than 30% of total sleep time. All patients completed the Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), the Logical Memory Test, the Stroop Color Test, the Trail Making Test, the Digit Symbol Substitution Test and Inventory of Stress Symptoms (ISSL). Cognition protocol was defined based on the most used neuropsychological tests in the literature. Evaluations were performed before and after 1.5 years of treatment. RESULTS Mean adherence to placebo and to MAD was 6.6 ± 2.6 and 6.1 ± 2.4 hours/night, respectively. Side effects reported by MAD group were minor and short-term. There was no statistically significant difference in RAVLT, Logical Memory Test, Stroop Color Test, Trail Making Test, Digit Symbol Substitution Test before and after 1.5 years of treatment in both groups. ISSL score decreased at the alert phase and the resistance phase after 1.5 years of MAD treatment compared to the placebo. CONCLUSIONS Mandibular advancement device was effective in decreasing stress symptoms in UARS patients after 1.5-years of treatment. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Title: Efficacy of Oral Appliance for Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome: Randomized, Parallel, Placebo, Controlled Study; Identifier: NTC02636621; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT02636621.