Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of photoinhibition on whole‐plant carbon gain assessed with a photosynthesis model

A canopy photosynthesis model was modified to assess the effect of photoinhibition on whole-plant carbon gain. Photoinhibitory changes in maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm) could be explained solely from a parameter (Lflux) calculated from the light microenvironment of the leaves. This relationship between Fv/Fm and the intercepted cumulative light dose, integrated and equally weighted over several hours was incorporated into the model. The effect of photoinhibition on net photosynthesis was described through relationships between photoinhibition and the shaping parameters of the photosynthetic light-response curve (quantum use efficiency, convexity, and maximum capacity). This new aspect of the model was then validated by comparing measured field data (diurnal courses of Fv/Fm) with simulation results. Sensitivity analyses revealed that the extent of photoinhibitory reduction of whole-plant photosynthesis was strongly dependent on the structural parameters (LAI and leaf angle). Simulations for a Mediterranean evergreen oak, Quercus coccifera, under climatic conditions which cause mild photoinhibition revealed a daily loss of 7·5‐8·5% of potential carbon gain in the upper sunlit canopy layers, a 3% loss in the bottom canopy, and an overall loss of 6·1%. Thus, this canopy photoinhibition model (CANO-PI) allows the quantitative evaluation of photoinhibition effects on primary production.
Testing the Interpersonal-Behavior model to explain intentions to use patient-delivered partner therapy

Background Patient-delivered partner therapy (PDPT) is an evidence-based method of partner treatment, but further research was needed to understand theoretical underpinnings of potential PDPT use. Purpose We sought to develop and test a theoretical framework to understand PDPT intentions. Methods A Midwestern sample of sexually transmitted infection clinic patients were recruited to participate in a three-phase study incorporating semi-structured interviews (n = 20, total), cognitive interviews (n = 5), and surveys (n = 197; Mage = 31.3, 61% male, 91% Black or African-American). Thematic analysis was conducted to identify major themes, which guided development and testing of a theoretical framework on PDPT intentions using structural equation modeling. Results We identified themes of information (knowledge); motivation (individual and partner protection beliefs, partner and provider motivation-to-comply); social support (sexual health and general); and behavioral skills (partner notification, medication delivery, and communication skills self-efficacy) in thematic analysis. The developed Interpersonal-Behavior model demonstrated good model fit in structural equation modeling [χ2(36) = 95.56, p<0.01; RMSEA = 0.09 (0.07–0.11, 90%C.I.); CFI = 0.94; SRMR = 0.05]. Information was associated with motivation (β = 0.37, p<0.001) and social support (β = 0.23, p = 0.002). Motivation was associated with social support (β = 0.64, p<0.001) and behavioral skills (β = 0.40, p<0.001), and social support was associated with behavioral skills (β = 0.23, p = 0.025). Behavioral skills were associated with higher PDPT intentions (β = 0.31, p<0.001), partially mediated the association of motivation with intentions (βdirect = 0.53, p<0.001; βindirect = 0.12, 95%CI: 0.03–0.30), and fully mediated the association of social support with intentions (βindirect = 0.07, 95%CI: 0.00–0.21). Conclusions The Interpersonal-Behavior model seems appropriate for PDPT intentions but should be tested longitudinally with PDPT outcomes and other interpersonal health behaviors.
EULAR recommendations for the management of psoriatic arthritis with pharmacological therapies: 2019 update

Objective To update the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recommendations for the pharmacological treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Methods According to the EULAR standardised operating procedures, a systematic literature review was followed by a consensus meeting to develop this update involving 28 international taskforce members in May 2019. Levels of evidence and strengths of recommendations were determined. Results The updated recommendations comprise 6 overarching principles and 12 recommendations. The overarching principles address the nature of PsA and diversity of both musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal manifestations; the need for collaborative management and shared decision-making is highlighted. The recommendations provide a treatment strategy for pharmacological therapies. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and local glucocorticoid injections are proposed as initial therapy; for patients with arthritis and poor prognostic factors, such as polyarthritis or monoarthritis/oligoarthritis accompanied by factors such as dactylitis or joint damage, rapid initiation of conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs is recommended. If the treatment target is not achieved with this strategy, a biological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) targeting tumour necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)-17A or IL-12/23 should be initiated, taking into account skin involvement if relevant. If axial disease predominates, a TNF inhibitor or IL-17A inhibitor should be started as first-line disease-modifying antirheumatic drug. Use of Janus kinase inhibitors is addressed primarily after bDMARD failure. Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibition is proposed for patients in whom these other drugs are inappropriate, generally in the context of mild disease. Drug switches and tapering in sustained remission are addressed. Conclusion These recommendations provide stakeholders with an updated consensus on the pharmacological management of PsA, based on a combination of evidence and expert opinion.
Decoding Neurotransmitter Switching: The Road Forward

Neurotransmitter switching is a form of brain plasticity in which an environmental stimulus causes neurons to replace one neurotransmitter with another, often resulting in changes in behavior. This raises the possibility of applying a specific environmental stimulus to induce a switch that can enhance a desirable behavior or ameliorate symptoms of a specific pathology. For example, a stimulus inducing an increase in the number of neurons expressing dopamine could treat Parkinson's disease, or one affecting the number expressing serotonin could alleviate depression. This may already be producing successful treatment outcomes without our knowing that transmitter switching is involved, with improvement of motor function through physical activity and cure of seasonal depression with phototherapy. This review presents prospects for future investigation of neurotransmitter switching, considering opportunities and challenges for future research and describing how the investigation of transmitter switching is likely to evolve with new tools, thus reshaping our understanding of both normal brain function and mental illness.
Ecological effects of El Niño in terrestrial ecosystems of western South America

I make a summary review of how El Nino/Southern Oscillation (ENSO) determines peculiar atmospheric and oceanographic conditions in western South America, thus affecting precipitation patterns in adjacent land masses, with cascading effects on marine and terrestrial plants, on sea and land birds, and on marine and terrestrial mammals. With regard to terrestrial ecosystems, I discuss the following biotic responses to El Nino-driven precipitation: 1) aboveground vegetation flushes immediately among herbs but not among shrubs. 2) The seed bank is quickly replenished of ephemeral seeds, but perennial seeds recover one year later. 3) Small rodents Irrupt within months of El Nino arrival, but larger ones take a full year to increase. 4) Predator numbers lag one year behind their mammal prey, with smaller predators responding more quickly. Considering these responses, I offer a simplified model of El Nino-driven bottom-up control in terrestrial ecosystems of western South America. Apart from the direct links already described, there is a weak feedback loop between the plant compartments (vegetation and seeds) and their herbivores: primary productivy is the driving force, and is little affected by herbivory. Another weak feedbaek loop links herbivores and their predators: the latter seem to just “surf” over prey levels, skimming excess prey.
The Availability of Phytic Acid Phosphorus for Chicks 2. Comparison of Phytin Phosphorus Sources

Abstract THE phosphorus in cereal grains and other plant feedstuffs, commonly known as phytin phosphorus, has long been considered to be virtually unavailable to chicks or rats when supplied either in its natural form or extracted as the calcium or sodium salts. Lowe et al. (1939), Krieger et al. (1940) and Gillis et al. (1949, 1957), reported phytin phosphorus to be unavailable to the rat or chick. Matterson et al. (1946) state that although a calcium-magnesium phytate was not readily available to the chick, one should not infer that the phosphorus of natural plant material is necessarily unavailable. The reports of Heuser et al. (1943) and McGinnis et al. (1944), suggested limited availability of phosphorus from plant sources, while Krieger et al. (1941) reported yeast nucleic acid phosphorus and phospholipid phosphorus to be as available as inorganic phosphorus for the rat. Spitzer and Phillips (1945) stated that the phosphorus of soybean…
Clinical course and risk factors for mortality of COVID-19 patients with pre-existing cirrhosis: a multicentre cohort study

Background: Patients with pre-existing cirrhosis are considered at increased risk of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) but the clinical course in these patients has not yet been reported. This study aimed to provide a detailed report of the clinical characteristics and outcomes among COVID-19 patients with pre-existing cirrhosis. Methods: In this retrospective, multicenter cohort study, we consecutively included all adult inpatients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 and pre-existing cirrhosis that had been discharged or had died by 24 March 2020 from 16 designated hospitals in China. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and radiographic findings on admission, treatment, complications during hospitalization and clinical outcomes were collected and compared between survivors and non-survivors. Findings: Twenty-one patients were included in this study, of whom 16 were cured and 5 died in hospital. Seventeen patients had compensated cirrhosis and hepatitis B virus infection was the most common etiology. Lymphocyte and platelet counts were lower, and direct bilirubin levels were higher in patients who died than those who survived (p= 0.040, 0.032, and 0.006, respectively). Acute respiratory distress syndrome and secondary infection were both the most frequently observed complications. Only one patient developed acute on chronic liver failure. Of the 5 non-survivors, all patients developed acute respiratory distress syndrome and 2 patients progressed to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Interpretation: Lower lymphocyte and platelet counts, and higher direct bilirubin level might represent poor prognostic indicators in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients with pre-existing cirrhosis.
New Arsenite-Oxidizing Bacteria Isolated from Australian Gold Mining Environments--Phylogenetic Relationships

Nine novel arsenite-oxidizing bacteria have been isolated from two different gold mine environments in Australia. Four of these organisms grow chemolithoautotrophically with oxygen as the terminal electron acceptor, arsenite as the electron donor, and carbon dioxide-bicarbonate as the sole carbon source. Five heterotrophic arsenite-oxidizing bacteria were also isolated, one of which was found to be both phylogenetically and physiologically identical to the previously described heterotrophic arsenite oxidizer misidentified as Alcaligenes faecalis . The results showed that this strain belongs to the genus Achromobacter . Phylogenetically, the arsenite-oxidizing bacteria fall within two separate subdivisions of the Proteobacteria . Interestingly, the chemolithoautotrophic arsenite oxidizers belong to the f - Proteobacteria , whereas the heterotrophic arsenite oxidizers belong to the g - Proteobacteria .
Large Outbreak of Coronavirus Disease among Wedding Attendees, Jordan

In March 2020, a wedding in Jordan led to a large outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). We collected data on 350 wedding attendees, 76 who of whom developed COVID-19. Our study shows high communicability of COVID-19 and the enormous risk for severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 virus transmission during mass gatherings.
Association between functional and structural connectivity of the corticostriatal network in people with schizophrenia and unaffected first-degree relatives.

Background Dysfunction of the corticostriatal network has been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, but findings are inconsistent within and across imaging modalities. We used multimodal neuroimaging to analyze functional and structural connectivity in the corticostriatal network in people with schizophrenia and unaffected first-degree relatives. Methods We collected resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging and diffusion tensor imaging scans from people with schizophrenia (n = 47), relatives (n = 30) and controls (n = 49). We compared seed-based functional and structural connectivity across groups within striatal subdivisions defined a priori. Results Compared with controls, people with schizophrenia had altered connectivity between the subdivisions and brain regions in the frontal and temporal cortices and thalamus; relatives showed different connectivity between the subdivisions and the right anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the left precuneus. Post-hoc t tests revealed that people with schizophrenia had decreased functional connectivity in the ventral loop (ventral striatum-right ACC) and dorsal loop (executive striatum-right ACC and sensorimotor striatum-right ACC), accompanied by decreased structural connectivity; relatives had reduced functional connectivity in the ventral loop and the dorsal loop (right executive striatum-right ACC) and no significant difference in structural connectivity compared with the other groups. Functional connectivity among people with schizophrenia in the bilateral ventral striatum-right ACC was correlated with positive symptom severity. Limitations The number of relatives included was moderate. Striatal subdivisions were defined based on a relatively low threshold, and structural connectivity was measured based on fractional anisotropy alone. Conclusion Our findings provide insight into the role of hypoconnectivity of the ventral corticostriatal system in people with schizophrenia.
First report of anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides on Boehravia diffusa in India

Leaf spot symptoms were observed on the leaves of Boehravia diffusa L. plants from different regions of Bilaspur, Himachal Pradesh, India. The symptoms initially appeared as a small light-pale coloured, circular spots enlarge gradually and ultimately leading to drying of the leaves. The disease was found to be caused by a fungus. The fungus was cultured on potato dextrose agar medium and identified as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. According to the literature, this is thefirst report of anthracnose disease of B. diffusa caused by C. gloeosporioides in India.
Urothelial carcinoma: the development of FGFR inhibitors in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors

ABSTRACT Introduction: The recent approval of erdafitinib and the emergence of other potent and selective fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitors (FGFRi’s) are shifting the treatment paradigm for patients with advanced urothelial carcinoma (UC) harboring FGFR3 alterations. Whether such therapies can, and should, be combined with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI’s) is an area of major research interest. Areas covered: Herein, we review the FGFR signaling pathway and impact of altered FGFR signaling on UC tumorigenesis, the clinical development of FGFRi’s, the rationale for FGFRi-ICI combinations, current trials, and future directions. Expert opinion: FGFR3 altered UCs are not less responsive to ICI’s compared with FGFR3 wild-type (WT) tumors. However, FGFR3 altered tumors may exhibit distinct immunobiology compared with WT tumors that could potentially be exploited therapeutically. Given these considerations along with the clinical non-cross resistance of these therapeutic classes, clinical investigation of regimens combining FGFR3i and ICI is warranted.
Borers in the Shell of the Sea Scallop, Placopecten magellnnicus

Shells of the sea scallop, Placopecten magellanictis Gmelin from Newfoundland waters were examined for borers by direct stereomicroscopic and X-ray radio-graphic means. Young shells are first attacked by the boring sponge, Cliona vastifica, and the spionid polychaetes, Polydora websteri and Polydora concharum. The former settles almost exclusively on the lower valve, but as it grows it often spreads to the upper valve via the hinge region. The spionids settle on the upper valve or occasionally on the periphery of the lower valve. Older shells are bored by the cirratulid polychaete, Dodecaceria concharum, which usually settles in empty Polydora burrows and enlarges them as they grow. The bivalve, Hiatella arctica, settles in Cliona holes. The burrows formed by the borers can be recognized on the radiographs. However, the identity of the present inhabitant cannot be predicted with accuracy because the original borer is often replaced by nestlers. The rale of growth was documented by making sequential radiographs at monthly intervals from May to October 1968. Rate of growth in all forms appears to be temperature-dependent. The water temperature increased from 1°C in May up to 18°C in August. Polydora concharum and P. websteri grew more rapidly from July to October than in Mayand June, while Cliona and Dodecaceria only grew during the months of July to October.
Structural and Functional Characterization of the Phosphoprotein Central Domain of Spring Viremia of Carp Virus

SVCV can cause spring viremia of carp with up to 90% lethality, and it is the homologous virus of the notorious vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). There are currently no drugs that effectively cure this disease. P proteins of negative-strand RNA viruses (NSVs) play an essential role in many steps during the replication cycle and an additional role in immunosuppression as a cofactor. All P proteins of NSVs are oligomeric, but the studies on the role of this oligomerization mainly focus on the process of virus transcription or replication, and there are few studies on the role of PCD in immunosuppression. Here, we present the crystal structure of SVCVPCD. A new mechanism of immune evasion is clarified by exploring the relationship between SVCVPCD and host IFN response from a structural biology point of view. These findings may provide more accurate target sites for drug design against SVCV and provide new insights into the function of NSVPCD. ABSTRACT Spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) is a highly pathogenic Vesiculovirus in the common carp. The phosphoprotein (P protein) of SVCV is a multifunctional protein that acts as a polymerase cofactor and an antagonist of cellular interferon (IFN) response. Here, we report the 1.5-Å-resolution crystal structure of the P protein central domain (PCD) of SVCV (SVCVPCD). The PCD monomer consists of two β sheets, an α helix, and another two β sheets. Two PCD monomers pack together through their hydrophobic surfaces to form a dimer. The mutations of residues on the hydrophobic surfaces of PCD disrupt the dimer formation to different degrees and affect the expression of host IFN consistently. Therefore, the oligomeric state formation of the P protein of SVCV is an important mechanism to negatively regulate host IFN response. IMPORTANCE SVCV can cause spring viremia of carp with up to 90% lethality, and it is the homologous virus of the notorious vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV). There are currently no drugs that effectively cure this disease. P proteins of negative-strand RNA viruses (NSVs) play an essential role in many steps during the replication cycle and an additional role in immunosuppression as a cofactor. All P proteins of NSVs are oligomeric, but the studies on the role of this oligomerization mainly focus on the process of virus transcription or replication, and there are few studies on the role of PCD in immunosuppression. Here, we present the crystal structure of SVCVPCD. A new mechanism of immune evasion is clarified by exploring the relationship between SVCVPCD and host IFN response from a structural biology point of view. These findings may provide more accurate target sites for drug design against SVCV and provide new insights into the function of NSVPCD.
Diabetes Does Not Increase Complications, Length of Stay, or Hospital Costs After Minimally Invasive Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion

Study Design: Retrospective cohort. Objective: To determine if the presence of diabetes mellitus as comorbidity is associated with complications, inpatient length of stay, or direct hospital costs after minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS TLIF). Summary of Background Data: Very few studies have investigated the effect of diabetes on complications, length of stay, or costs in minimally invasive lumbar surgeries. Methods: Patients undergoing primary, single-level MIS TLIF were retrospectively reviewed. Diabetic and nondiabetic patients were propensity matched in a 1:1 manner for age, sex, and comorbidity burden. An association between diabetic status and preoperative demographic or perioperative variables, including inpatient length of stay, was tested for using Student t test or χ2 analysis. Multivariate linear regression was used to test for an association between diabetic status and direct hospital costs. Results: After 1:1 propensity matching, 100 patients were included in this analysis. There were no significant differences in age, sex, body mass index, smoking status, or Charlson Comorbidity Index between propensity-matched patients with and without diabetes. In regards to the length of stay, no significant differences existed between diabetic and nondiabetic groups (68.7 vs. 58.3 h, P=0.218). No other significant differences existed in other perioperative variables including operative time, intraoperative blood loss, or complication rate (P≥0.05 for each). Multivariate analysis indicated that diabetic status was not associated with differences in total direct hospital costs (US$20,428 vs. US$20,429, P=0.792) or cost subcategories after MIS TLIF (P≥0.05 for each). Conclusions: In this investigation, diabetes was not associated with postoperative complication rates, inpatient length of stay, or direct hospital costs after primary, single-level MIS TLIF. The reduced extent of operative exposure and tissue trauma in MIS TLIF may mitigate the risk of complications in diabetic patients, possibly preventing extensions in hospital stay length and associated hospital costs.