Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The phylogenetic position of the Prolecithophora (Rhabditophora, ‘Platyhelminthes’)

Complete 18S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences and partial 28S rDNA sequences from a selection of rhabditophoran taxa were obtained and used in combination with literature data to determine the phylogenetic position of the Prolecithophora and of two families sometimes included in the Prolecithophora, the Urastomidae and the Genostomatidae. The results are largely compatible with earlier molecular studies when supported clades are considered, and adjusting for the denser taxonomic sampling of this study. The position of the Proseriata is not compatible with the taxon Seriata, which is rejected. The Rhabdocoela excluding the Fecampiida and the Neodermata is monophyletic. The phylogenetic position of the Neodermata cannot be determined, but its placement is not compatible with the proposed taxa Revertospermata and Mediofusata Kornakova & Joffe, 1999, which are rejected. The Urastomidae and the Genostomatidae in all analyses group with the Fecampiida, and it is our recommendation that these taxa be included in the Fecampiida. The amended Fecampiida always group separately from the Prolecithophora sensu stricto, the Rhabdocoela, and the Neodermata. Our analyses reveal the existence of a strongly supported clade consisting of Prolecithophora + Tricladida + the amended Fecampiida, and we propose the name Adiaphanida for this clade. Tentatively the sister group of the Prolecithophora is a clade consisting of the Tricladida + amended Fecampiida.
Fabrication of vascularized tissue constructs under chemically defined culture conditions

Three-dimensional (3D) biofabrication techniques that enable the production of multicellular tissue equivalents for applications in basic biology, drug screening and regenerative medicne. Fabrication of these tissue constructs with in-built microvasculature enables recapitulation of the biological environment of the native tissues. Here, we present the fabrication of 3D vascularized tissue constructs containing microvascular networks using human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-derived endothelial cells (ECs) and pericytes encapsulated within a fibrin-based matrix and cultured under chemically defined conditions. Firstly, by manipulating the developmental signaling pathways under chemically defined culture conditions, hESCs were efficiently differentiated to hESC-ECs and hESC-pericytes through intermediate stages of lateral plate and paraxial mesoderm respectively. Next, encapsulation of these hESC-derived vascular cells within fibrin-based matrix and culture under chemically defined conditions, result in self-assembly of hESC-ECs into a network of microvessels within a period of 6–9 d. With the supporting influence of hESC-pericytes, the microvascular network with lumen was stable for at least 3 weeks. Quantification of the fractal dimensions of the microvascular networks demonstrate the increasing complexity of the vascular network with increasing endothelial cell densities. Dextran permeation studies in the presence or absence of vasodilating agent (histamine) showed the presence of hollow lumen, modulation of barrier properties of the microvasculature and its functional response to histamine. Hence, this versatile in vitro 3D model of vascularized constructs generated under chemically defined conditions is well suited to study early angiogenesis for in vitro drug testing applications and provide a clinically amenable, fundamental step towards fabrication of complex and functional tissues for regenerative applications in the future.
Some factors affecting the evaporation of water from soil

In 1914 the result of a study of the evaporation of water from soil was published by B. A. Keen, who distinguished two factors governing the rate of evaporation. One factor was that the available surface from which evaporation takes place decreases as the moisture content decreases. Keen deduced an equation that expressed the operation of this factor, viz. in which D is a constant, w = percentage of water by weight and s = the real specific gravity of the soil. He showed that this equation agreed with his experimental results with a reasonable degree of accuracy.
Screening and Identification of Key Biomarkers in Inflammatory Breast Cancer Through Integrated Bioinformatic Analyses.

Background: Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a rare type of breast cancer with poor prognoses, moreover its pathogenesis is not entirely clear. The aim of this study was to identify key genes of IBC, which might serve as diagnostic biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets. Methods: Two microarray datasets, GSE23720 and GSE45581, were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database, and a differential expression analysis was performed. Gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were conducted to understand the potential biological functions of the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Next, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed and visualized by Cytoscape. Functional modules and hub genes were screened using MCODE and cytohubba plug-ins, and the Cancer Genome Atlas survival analysis along with quantitative reverse transcriptional polymerase chain reactions of clinical samples was used to validate the effect that the hub genes have on IBC. Results: A total of 215 DEGs were identified, consisting of 105 upregulated and 110 downregulated genes. GO and KEGG analyses showed that the enriched terms and pathways were mainly associated with cell cycle, proliferation, drug metabolism, and oncogenesis. From the PPI network, we identified six hub genes, including Cell Division Cycle 45 (CDC45), Polo Like Kinase 1 (PLK1), BUB1 Mitotic Checkpoint Serine/Threonine Kinase B (BUB1B), Cell Division Cycle 20 (CDC20), Aurora Kinase A (AURKA), and Mitotic Arrest Deficient 2 Like 1 (MAD2L1). The survival analyses and expression validation studies verified the robustness of these hub genes. Conclusion: This study provides new insights into the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of IBC; in addition, the identified hub genes may serve as potential targets for diagnosis and treatment.
Reviewing the Analytical Methodologies to Determine the Occurrence of Citrinin and Its Major Metabolite, Dihydrocitrinone, in Human Biological Fluids

Until now, the available data regarding citrinin (CIT) levels in food and the consumption of contaminated foods are insufficient to allow a reliable estimate of intake. Therefore, biomonitoring configuring analysis of parent compound and/or metabolites in biological fluids, such as urine or blood, is being increasingly applied in the assessment of human exposure to CIT and its metabolite, dihydrocitrinone (DH-CIT). Most studies report urinary levels lower for the parent compound when compared with DH-CIT. A high variability either in the mean levels or in the inter-individual ratios of CIT/DH-CIT between the reported studies has been found. Levels of DH-CIT in urine were reported as being comprised between three to seventeen times higher than the parent mycotoxin. In order to comply with this objective, sensitive analytical methodologies for determining biomarkers of exposure are required. Recent development of powerful analytical techniques, namely liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC-MS/MS) have facilitated biomonitoring studies, mainly in urine samples. In the present work, evidence on human exposure to CIT through its occurrence and its metabolite, in biological fluids, urine and blood/plasma, in different countries, is reviewed. The analytical methodologies usually employed to evaluate trace quantities of these two molecules, are also presented. In this sense, relevant data on sampling (size and pre-treatment), extraction, cleanup and detection and quantification techniques and respective chromatographic conditions, as well as the analytical performance, are evidenced.
Longitudinal and altitudinal changes of macroinvertebrate functional feeding groups in neotropical streams : a test of the River Continuum Concept

The River Continuum Concept (RCC) explains the structural and functional characteristics of stream communities focusing on the gradually changing physical components from headwaters to downstream habitats of streams and rivers. The global value of the RCC is still uncertain, possibly because physical factors (e.g., altitude and then temperature, stream order, channel width) can vary differently in longitudinal river axes across the world. Moreover, RCC predictions in relation to different physical factors have not been tested adequately in different biomes, especially biomes outside of temperate North America. Here, we report on the functional structure of mac- roinvertebrate communities in neotropical streams from Bolivia along a broad altitudinal gradient (from 1120 to 4300 m a.s.l.), aiming to understand how altitude can affect the longitudinal changes in functional feeding groups (FFG) and richness predicted by the RCC. The RCC predictions for functional structure were not completely matched when analyzing FFGs in relation to an index of longitudinal stream gradient. However, after remov- ing the effect of altitude by using residuals from regressions between FFGs and altitude, FFG patterns matched RCC predictions more closely. We detected signifi cant relationships between altitude and the relative abundance of collector-gatherers, shredders and scrapers which may be related to changes in temperature, UV radiation and canopy cover along the altitudinal gradient. Our results indicate that altitude combined with position along the longitudinal gradient is an important factor governing the FFG structure of macroinvertebrate communities in neotropical streams.
Percutaneous CT-Guided Cryoablation of the Bilateral Pudendal Nerves for Palliation of Intractable Pain Related to Pelvic Neoplasms

Objectives: The purpose of this report is to describe the effect of computed tomography–guided bilateral pudendal nerve cryoablations on pain and time to discharge in the setting of acute hospitalizations secondary to refractory pelvic pain from cancer. Methods: Investigators queried the medical record for patients who underwent pudendal nerve cryoablation using the Category III Current Procedural Technology code assignment 0442T or Category I code 64640 for cases prior to 2015. The resulting list was reviewed, and procedures performed on inpatients for intractable pelvic pain related to neoplasm were selected. The final cohort was then analyzed with regard to patient demographics, procedure details, technical success, safety, pain scores, and time to discharge. Results: Ten patients underwent cryoablation by 3 operators for palliation of painful pelvic neoplasms between June 2014 and January 2019. All probes were satisfactorily positioned and freeze cycles undertaken without difficulty. There were no procedure-related complications or adverse events. The mean difference in pre- and posttreatment worst pain scores was significant (n = 5.20, P = .003). The mean time to discharge following the procedure was 2.3 days. Conclusion: Computed tomography–guided percutaneous cryoablation of the bilateral pudendal nerves may represent a viable option in the setting of acute hospitalization secondary to intractable pain in patients with pelvic neoplasms.
Accurate MS-based Rab10 Phosphorylation Stoichiometry Determination as Readout for LRRK2 Activity in Parkinson's Disease

Pathogenic mutations in the Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) increase its activity leading to increased phosphorylation of Rab proteins. Here we introduce a sensitive and accurate assay to measure increased phospho Rab levels using synthetic stable isotope-labeled analogues for both phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated tryptic peptides surrounding Rab10-Thr73. Compared to healthy controls, carriers of mutated LRRK2 had 1.9-fold and those with VPS35 mutation 3.7-fold increased pRab10 levels in their neutrophils. Our generic MS-based assay helps to stratify PD patient and determine LRRK2 inhibitor efficiency in clinical trials. Graphical Abstract Highlights MS-based clinical assay that accurately determines phospho Rab10 occupancy. Stable isotope labeled phosphopeptide injected as a standard with endogenous tryptic phospho Rab peptide for accurate ratio determination. Determination of pRab levels in neutrophils of Parkinson disease patients. Relevance of pRab levels as marker of PD. Pathogenic mutations in the Leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are the predominant genetic cause of Parkinson's disease (PD). They increase its activity, resulting in augmented Rab10-Thr73 phosphorylation and conversely, LRRK2 inhibition decreases pRab10 levels. Currently, there is no assay to quantify pRab10 levels for drug target engagement or patient stratification. To meet this challenge, we developed an high accuracy and sensitivity targeted mass spectrometry (MS)-based assay for determining Rab10-Thr73 phosphorylation stoichiometry in human samples. It uses synthetic stable isotope-labeled (SIL) analogues for both phosphorylated and nonphosphorylated tryptic peptides surrounding Rab10-Thr73 to directly derive the percentage of Rab10 phosphorylation from attomole amounts of the endogenous phosphopeptide. The SIL and the endogenous phosphopeptides are separately admitted into an Orbitrap analyzer with the appropriate injection times. We test the reproducibility of our assay by determining Rab10-Thr73 phosphorylation stoichiometry in neutrophils of LRRK2 mutation carriers before and after LRRK2 inhibition. Compared with healthy controls, the PD predisposing mutation carriers LRRK2 G2019S and VPS35 D620N display 1.9-fold and 3.7-fold increased pRab10 levels, respectively. Our generic MS-based assay further establishes the relevance of pRab10 as a prognostic PD marker and is a powerful tool for determining LRRK2 inhibitor efficacy and for stratifying PD patients for LRRK2 inhibitor treatment.
Caracterización productiva y reproductiva de las explotaciones ganaderas del bajo cauca y el litoral atlántico antioqueños. II. Comportamiento de cuatro grupos raciales Bos indicus en un sistema de bosque seco tropical (bs-T)

Resumen En una hacienda ganadera ubicada en una zona de bosque seco tropical (bs-T), se evaluaron las principales fuentes de variacion (factores ambientales y de manejo), que afectan las edades de entrada al servicio (EES), a la prenez efectiva (EPE), el periodo abierto de la novilla (PAN), la edad al primer parto (EPP), el peso de entrada al servicio (PES), el peso al destete (PD), el intervalo entre partos (IEP), y el indice de vaca (IV), en hembras de un hato Bos indicus conformado por los grupos raciales brahman, nelore, guzera, y cebu comercial. Los datos se tomaron de las tarjetas de registro de cada vaca que hubiera entrado al servicio o que hubiera parido entre 1.980 y 1.997. En la hacienda ganadera predominan los pastos Colosuana ( Bothriochloa pertusa ) y Angleton ( Dichantium aristatum ). Los datos se evaluaron por analisis de varianza multifactorial, donde cada parametro a evaluar se incluyo como variable independiente, mientras que las fuentes de variacion consideradas se incluyeron como efectos principales o covariables. Los valores para la EES (26.7 meses, n = 668), la EPE (30.57 meses, n = 620), y el PES (351 kg, n = 668), fueron significativamente diferentes para cada grupo racial (p Palabras clave: brahman, ganaderia de carne, guzera, nelore. Summary In the present study several factors that can affect some of the most important productive and reproductive traits were analyzed in a tropical livestock located in an ecological tropical dry zone, in order to define the possible effect of genetic and environmental factors on each trait under evaluation. Traits subjected to analysis were age and weight at breeding (EES, PES), age at conception (EPE), open days of heifer (PAN), age at first calving (EPP), inter calving interval (IEP), weaning weight (PD), and cow index (IV). Four breeds of Zebu cattle (Brahman, Nelore, Guzera, and cross breed Zebu, grassing on Bothriochloa pertusa and Dichantium aristatum grasses were included in the analysis. Individual records from 1980 to 1997 were registered in a database setup for statistical analysis. Each trait under evaluation was analyzed by multifactor analysis of variance as included as dependant variable, whereas breed, year, rainy or dry season (season of year), and parity, were included as main factors. In addition, sex was included as main factor when PD and IV were evaluated. The Least-square mean (LSM) data obtained for each trait is expressed as the result of all those factors having a significant effect in the model. LSM values for EES (26.7 months, n = 668), EPE (30.57 months, n=620), and PES (351 kg, n=668), were significantly different for each breed group (p Key words: beef cattle, brahman, guzerat, nellore.
Polymerization Shrinkage and Degree of Conversion of New Zirconia-Reinforced Rice Husk Nanohybrid Composite

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to compare the polymerization shrinkage and degree of conversion of new zirconia-reinforced rice husk nanohybrid composite with commercialized microhybrid and nanofilled composites. Materials and Methods Overall, 180 samples were used for polymerization shrinkage (buoyancy and optical methods) and degree of conversion tests in which they were divided into Group 1, nanofilled composite (Filtek-Z350- XT; 3M ESPE, St Paul, MN 55144-1000, USA), Group 2, microhybrid composite (Zmack-Comp), and Group 3, nanohybrid composite (Zr-Hybrid). Polymerization shrinkage test was performed using buoyancy and optical methods. For buoyancy method, samples were weighed in air and water to calculate the shrinkage value, whereas, for optical method, images of nonpolymerized samples were captured under a digital microscope and recaptured again after light-cured to calculate the percentage of shrinkage. Degree of conversion was tested using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy spectrometer. Statistical Analysis Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance complemented by post hoc Dunnett’s T3 test for polymerization shrinkage and Tukey’s honestly significant difference test for degree of conversion. Level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Results Group 3 demonstrated similar polymerization shrinkage with Group 1, but lower shrinkage (p < 0.05) than Group 2 based on buoyancy method. However, optical method (p < 0.05) showed that Group 3 had the lowest shrinkage, followed by Group 1 and lastly Group 2. Besides, Group 3 showed a significantly higher degree of conversion (p < 0.05) than Group 1 and comparable conversion value with Group 2. Conclusions Zirconia-reinforced rice husk nanohybrid composite showed excellent shrinkage and conversion values, hence can be considered as an alternative to commercially available composite resins.
Movement and Spatial Dispersion of Sistrurus catenatus and Heterodon platirhinos: Implications for Interactions with Roads

Abstract The ability to predict the effects that new or modified roads will have on species or populations of conservation interest is critically important to protection efforts. We documented patterns of movement and spatial dispersion of two sympatric snake populations by radiotracking 34 Eastern Massasaugas (Sistrurus catenatus) and 13 Eastern Hog-Nosed Snakes (Heterodon platirhinos) over four years. The two species differed substantially in their movements (frequency, rate, tortuosity, distance) and ensuing spatial dispersion. Regardless of species, males were more vagile than female conspecifics during the mating season. The primary factors hypothesized to have generated the interspecific differences in movement and spatial dispersion were foraging mode, mating system, and reproductive mode. By combining our understanding of how these snakes used space with knowledge of their natural history and ecology, we examined which attributes of their spatial ecology might render S. catenatus and H. platirhinos most susceptible to road effects. For S. catenatus, our observations suggest that spatial fidelity and space use relative to hibernacula are the primary factors influencing the species' susceptibility to road effects. For H. platirhinos, tortuous and extensive movements, space use relative to hibernacula, and large spatial dispersion distances from hibernacula are likely the most important factors.
Machine-Learning Algorithms Based on Screening Tests for Mild Cognitive Impairment

Background: The mobile screening test system for mild cognitive impairment (mSTS-MCI) was developed and validated to address the low sensitivity and specificity of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) widely used clinically. Objective: This study was to evaluate the efficacy machine learning algorithms based on the mSTS-MCI and Korean version of MoCA. Method: In total, 103 healthy individuals and 74 patients with MCI were randomly divided into training and test data sets, respectively. The algorithm using TensorFlow was trained based on the training data set, and then its accuracy was calculated based on the test data set. The cost was calculated via logistic regression in this case. Result: Predictive power of the algorithms was higher than those of the original tests. In particular, the algorithm based on the mSTS-MCI showed the highest positive-predictive value. Conclusion: The machine learning algorithms predicting MCI showed the comparable findings with the conventional screening tools.
Unequal Impact of Structural Health Determinants and Comorbidity on COVID-19 Severity and Lethality in Older Mexican Adults: Considerations Beyond Chronological Aging

Abstract Background COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on older adults. Mexico’s population is younger, yet COVID-19’s impact on older adults is comparable to countries with older population structures. Here, we aim to identify health and structural determinants that increase susceptibility to COVID-19 in older Mexican adults beyond chronological aging. Methods We analyzed confirmed COVID-19 cases in older adults using data from the General Directorate of Epidemiology of Mexican Ministry of Health. We modeled risk factors for increased COVID-19 severity and mortality, using mixed models to incorporate multilevel data concerning healthcare access and marginalization. We also evaluated structural factors and comorbidity profiles compared to chronological age for COVID-19 mortality risk prediction. Results We analyzed 20 804 confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cases in adults aged 60 and older. Male sex, smoking, diabetes, and obesity were associated with pneumonia, hospitalization, and intensive care unit (ICU) admission in older adults, CKD and COPD were associated with hospitalization. High social lag indexes and access to private care were predictors of COVID-19 severity and mortality. Age was not a predictor of COVID-19 severity in individuals without comorbidities and combination of structural factors and comorbidities were better predictors of COVID-19 lethality and severity compared to chronological age alone. COVID-19 baseline lethality hazards were heterogeneously distributed across Mexican municipalities, particularly when comparing urban and rural areas. Conclusions Structural factors and comorbidity explain excess risk for COVID-19 severity and mortality over chronological age in older Mexican adults. Clinical decision-making related to COVID-19 should focus away from chronological aging onto more a comprehensive geriatric care approach.