Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MT1-MMP Initiates Activation of pro-MMP-2 and Integrin αvβ3 Promotes Maturation of MMP-2 in Breast Carcinoma Cells

We evaluated cellular mechanisms involved in the activation pathway of matrix prometalloproteinase-2 (pro-MMP-2), an enzyme implicated in the malignant progression of many tumor types. Membrane type-1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) cleaves the N-terminal prodomain of pro-MMP-2 thus generating the activation intermediate that then matures into the fully active enzyme of MMP-2. Our results provide evidence on how a collaboration between MT1-MMP and integrin alphavbeta3 promotes more efficient activation and specific, transient docking of the activation intermediate and, further, the mature, active enzyme of MMP-2 at discrete regions of cells. We show that coexpression of MT1-MMP and integrin alphavbeta3 in MCF7 breast carcinoma cells specifically enhances in trans autocatalytic maturation of MMP-2. The association of MMP-2's C-terminal hemopexin-like domain with those molecules of integrin alphavbeta3 which are proximal to MT1-MMP facilitates MMP-2 maturation. Vitronectin, a specific ligand of integrin alphavbeta3, competitively blocked the integrin-dependent maturation of MMP-2. Immunofluorescence and immunoprecipitation studies supported clustering of MT1-MMP and integrin alphavbeta3 at discrete regions of the cell surface. Evidently, the identified mechanisms appear to be instrumental to clustering active MMP-2 directly at the invadopodia and invasive front of alphavbeta3-expressing cells or in their close vicinity, thereby accelerating tumor cell locomotion.
Low-Value Clinical Practices: Knowledge and Beliefs of Spanish Surgeons and Anesthetists

OBJECTIVES: To know the frequency and causes of low value surgical practices, according to the opinion of surgeons and anesthetists, and to determine their degree of knowledge about the Spanish “Choosing wisely” initiative. METHODS: Cross-sectional observational study, based on a self-administered online questionnaire through an opportunistic sample of 370 surgeons and anesthetists from three Spanish regions, contacted through Scientific Societies. The survey took part between July and December 2017. RESULTS: A patient profile requesting unnecessary practices was identified (female, 51−65 years old and unaffiliated disease). The frequency of requests was weekly or daily for 50.0% of the professionals, of whom 15.1% acknowledged succumbing to these pressures. To dissuade the patient, clinical reasons (47%) were considered the most effective. To increase control and safety in the case was the main reason to indicate them. The greatest responsibility for overuse was attributed to physicians, defensive medicine and mass media. Assessing professionals’ knowledge on unnecessary practices, an average of 5 correct answers out of 7 was obtained. Some 64.1% of the respondents were unaware of the Spanish “Choosing wisely” initiative. CONCLUSIONS: Low value surgical practices are perceived as a frequent problem, which requires an approach entailing intervention with patients and the media as well as professionals. Increase awareness on unnecessary surgical practices, and how to avoid them remain essential.
Ulva, Umbraulva and Gemina: genetic survey of New Zealand taxa reveals diversity and introduced species

The genetic diversity of the green algal genus Ulva sensu lato in the New Zealand region was surveyed, examining rbcL sequences of 581 samples from a wide geographical range. Twenty-four genetically distinct taxa were discovered in New Zealand waters, belonging to three genera–Ulva (19 species), Umbraulva (four species) and Gemina (one species). Of the 19 species of Ulva reported here, 13 could be identified to the species level based on morphological and genetic data. The remaining six species cannot currently be assigned to known species groups due to a lack of close homology with sequences in GenBank. These species may include undescribed endemic taxa, recognised taxa for which rbcL sequences are not yet available, or may represent cryptogenic species. The genus Umbraulva is recorded for the first time for the New Zealand region and for the Southern Hemisphere. Of the four species distinguished, one is considered to be introduced to the region and the other three are undescribed indigenous taxa. Subantarctic samples provide the first evidence of the genus Gemina since its description in 1952: sequence data confirmed that Gemina is distinct from Ulva and Umbraulva. A number of the species identified in this study can be distinguished through a combination of growth form, morphological, ecological and distributional characters. However there remain considerable problems in distinguishing a number of other species by morphological characters alone. Based on information such as distribution in New Zealand (percentage of samples occurring in highly modified environments and/or areas with frequent vessel traffic), as well as the genetic similarity of New Zealand samples to material from overseas, we have concluded that at least five species have been introduced to the New Zealand region: Ulva armoricana, U. californica, U. flexuosa, U. lactuca and Umbraulva olivascens.
In vitro and in vivo activity of cynaropicrin against Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense

As an outcome of a recent screen for new antiparasitic leads, cynaropicrine was identified as a potent inhibitor of Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense [1]. This guajanolide sesquiterpene lactone found in Centaurea and Cynara species was more active against T. b. rhodesiense in vitro (IC50: 0.3µM) than against Plasmodium falciparum (IC50: 3.0µM) and Trypanosoma cruzi (IC50: 4.4µM). In vivo it decreased T. b. rhodesiense parasitaemia by 98% after 4 days when 10mg/kg/d when administered intraperitoneally. The mice had a 100% survival rate after 14 days (control: 0%). Preliminary structure activity studies with natural and semisynthetic derivatives showed the necessity of the 2-(hydroxymethyl), 2-propenoic acid side chain, for the preferential toxicity towards T. b. rhodesiense. The interaction of cynaropicrine with trypanothione -a trypanosomatid specific glutathione spermidine conjugate essential for parasite redox metabolism- was studied. Under physiological conditions trypanothione spontaneously forms stable bisadducts with cynaripicrin via a Michael addition of the thiols to the exocyclic double bonds at C-13 and C-3′, as was shown in NMR experiments. This adduct formation was also studied in STIB 900 strain and in NY-at1 (TbMRPA – efflux pump of trypanothione conjugates overexpressing) T. b. rodesiense strains. The antitrypanosomal activity of cynaropicrin shown in vivo and in vitro may be due to interaction with trypanothione metabolism. References: 1. Adams, M. et al. (2009) Nat. Prod. Commun. 9: 1377–1381.
Pulmonary Vascular Endothelialitis, Thrombosis, and Angiogenesis in Covid-19.

BACKGROUND Progressive respiratory failure is the primary cause of death in the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. Despite widespread interest in the pathophysiology of the disease, relatively little is known about the associated morphologic and molecular changes in the peripheral lung of patients who die from Covid-19. METHODS We examined 7 lungs obtained during autopsy from patients who died from Covid-19 and compared them with 7 lungs obtained during autopsy from patients who died from acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) secondary to influenza A(H1N1) infection and 10 age-matched, uninfected control lungs. The lungs were studied with the use of seven-color immunohistochemical analysis, micro-computed tomographic imaging, scanning electron microscopy, corrosion casting, and direct multiplexed measurement of gene expression. RESULTS In patients who died from Covid-19-associated or influenza-associated respiratory failure, the histologic pattern in the peripheral lung was diffuse alveolar damage with perivascular T-cell infiltration. The lungs from patients with Covid-19 also showed distinctive vascular features, consisting of severe endothelial injury associated with the presence of intracellular virus and disrupted cell membranes. Histologic analysis of pulmonary vessels in patients with Covid-19 showed widespread thrombosis with microangiopathy. Alveolar capillary microthrombi were 9 times as prevalent in patients with Covid-19 as in patients with influenza (P<0.001). In lungs from patients with Covid-19, the amount of new vessel growth - predominantly through a mechanism of intussusceptive angiogenesis - was 2.7 times as high as that in the lungs from patients with influenza (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS In our small series, vascular angiogenesis distinguished the pulmonary pathobiology of Covid-19 from that of equally severe influenza virus infection. The universality and clinical implications of our observations require further research to define. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health and others.).
Oviposição e dispersão de ninfas de Bemisia tabaci biótipo B em genótipos de tomateiro

Several methods have been employed for evaluating plant resistance to whiteflies. Although, a few researches have been conducted aiming to determine the whitefly nymphal dispersion on crops. The objective of this work was to evaluate the oviposition of B. tabaci biotype B and nymphal dispersion in leaflets with and without exudates on tomato genotypes. Seven genotypes were used: LA716, LA1739, PI134417, LA462, LA1584, 'Santa Clara' and P25 (susceptible control). The oviposition of B. tabaci biotype B was evaluated by using ten couples of the insect in clip cages (2.8 cm2) attached to the abaxial surface of the leaflets. For evaluating the nymphal dispersion, it was considered the insect movement beyond the limits of the occupied area by the clip cages. The evaluated variables were adult mortality 24 hours after the liberation, egg numbers, egg viability, incubation period, nymph numbers and nymphal dispersal. Under leaflets with glandular exudate, LA716, LA1739 and PI134417 caused the highest mortality values. Dead adults found in leaflets of those genotypes were trapped to the glandular exudates, causing reduced oviposition by the insect. For nymphal dispersal, in leaflets with glandular exudate, the highest values occurred in LA716, LA462 and P25. In leaflets without glandular exudate, LA716 promoted the lowest value for nymphal dispersal. The exudate influences negatively on the insect survivorship and oviposition. The nymphal dispersal is also affected by the glandular exudate, but other factors can make an important role on insect movement.
A Review of the Effect of Formic Acid and Its Salts on the Gastrointestinal Microbiota and Performance of Pigs

Simple Summary Acidifiers, especially formic acid and its salts, have long been used for improving the gastrointestinal health and growth performance of pigs, especially piglets. Although, some biological mechanisms explaining their effects are already known, a lack of consensus is still reported on their effects on the gastrointestinal microbiome. The present review provides an overview and evaluation of the effects of formic acid and its salts on the gastrointestinal microbiota and on the growth performance of pigs. Abstract Out of the alternatives to antibiotics and zinc oxide, organic acids, or simply acidifiers, play significant roles, especially in ensuring gut health and the growth performance of pigs. Regarding acidifiers, formic acid and its salts have shown very promising results in weaning, growing and finishing pigs. Although it is known that the main mechanisms by which acidifiers can improve livestock performance and health are related to the regulation of gastrointestinal pH, an improvement in intestinal digestibility and mineral utilization, and their antimicrobial properties against specific pathogens has been observed, while poor consensus remains in relation to the effect of acidifers on bacteria and the complex microbiome. Therefore, the aim of the present review was to critically evaluate the effects of formic acid and its salts on the performance and the gastrointestinal microbiota balance of pigs.
AN ETHNOBOTANICAL SURVEY ON PLANTS OF VETERINARY IMPORTANCE IN TWO WOREDAS OF SOUTHERN TIGRAY, NORTHERN ETHIOPIA

The purpose of the survey was to document and analyze information on the traditional use of medicinal plants by farmers in Ofla and Raya-Azebo woredas of South Tigray Zone for the treatment and prevention of livestock ailments. Data were collected mainly through interviews carried out with randomly selected farmers of the two woredas . During the survey, 83 medicinal plant species were reported as being used for the treatment of 37 types of livestock ailments. A high proportion of the species (17%) were claimed to have been used as remedies for wound infections. The highest informant consensus was recorded for the plant Achyranthes aspera L. where 18 out of the total informants (9%) reported the use of the species as remedy against inflammation of the eye in cattle. Leaves are the most commonly sought plant parts in remedy preparations. Most of the remedies (96%) are prepared from freshly collected plant parts and a higher proportion being administered orally. The majority of the plants were found to be harvested from the wild. A significant difference (p woredas ; on average two plant species were reported by the farmers from Raya-Azebo, whereas, only one plant species was reported by the farmers from Ofla. Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacies and possible side effects of the traditional medicinal plants before they are recommend for their wider use both in the study area and elsewhere in the country. Key words/phrases: Ethiopia, ethnobotany, ethnoveterinary, medicinal plants, Southern Tigray SINET: Ethiopian Journal of Science Vol.26(2) 2003: 123-136
Enamel hypoplasia provides insights into early systemic stress in wild and captive giraffes (Giraffa camelopardalis)

Enamel hypoplasia, a developmental tooth defect, provides a permanent record of systemic stress during early life. The incidence and distribution of linear enamel hypoplasia has been used by anthropologists and palaeontologists to assess the health status of past populations but has not been applied by wildlife biologists studying extant animals. This study investigates enamel hypoplasia in 23 Giraffa camelopardalis skulls from wild and captive animals of various ages and sex to determine whether any systemic stress events are unique to life in captivity. Results indicate that wild giraffes are relatively stress-free as they do not have linear defects. Based on the distribution of linear defects in other giraffes, three key stress periods during the first 6 years of giraffe life were identified. The first stress event occurs during weaning, the second at about 3 years of age and the third, which is the least common, at 4–5 years of age. All three stress events were observed in both male and female giraffes. This study highlights the usefulness of assessing enamel hypoplasia in both wild and captive animals as well as the need for further research on tooth developmental timings in many wild ungulates. Some left–right asymmetry was observed in the development of linear and non-linear defects, which has implications for the aetiology of these defects.
Outbreak Investigation of COVID-19 Among Residents and Staff of an Independent and Assisted Living Community for Older Adults in Seattle, Washington.

Importance Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused epidemic spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Seattle, Washington, metropolitan area, with morbidity and mortality concentrated among residents of skilled nursing facilities. The prevalence of COVID-19 among older adults in independent/assisted living is not understood. Objectives To conduct surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 and describe symptoms of COVID-19 among residents and staff of an independent/assisted living community. Design, Setting, and Participants In March 2020, public health surveillance of staff and residents was conducted on site at an assisted and independent living residence for older adults in Seattle, Washington, after exposure to 2 residents who were hospitalized with COVID-19. Exposures Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 infection in a congregate setting implementing social isolation and infection prevention protocols. Main Outcomes and Measures SARS-CoV-2 real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed on nasopharyngeal swabs from residents and staff; a symptom questionnaire was completed assessing fever, cough, and other symptoms for the preceding 14 days. Residents were retested for SARS-CoV-2 7 days after initial screening. Results Testing was performed on 80 residents; 62 were women (77%), with mean age of 86 (range, 69-102) years. SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 3 of 80 residents (3.8%); none felt ill, 1 male resident reported resolved cough and 1 loose stool during the preceding 14 days. Virus was also detected in 2 of 62 staff (3.2%); both were symptomatic. One week later, resident SARS-CoV-2 testing was repeated and 1 new infection detected (asymptomatic). All residents remained in isolation and were clinically stable 14 days after the second test. Conclusions and Relevance Detection of SARS-CoV-2 in asymptomatic residents highlights challenges in protecting older adults living in congregate settings. In this study, symptom screening failed to identify residents with infections and all 4 residents with SARS-CoV-2 remained asymptomatic after 14 days. Although 1 asymptomatic infection was found on retesting, a widespread facility outbreak was avoided. Compared with skilled nursing settings, in assisted/independent living communities, early surveillance to identify asymptomatic persons among residents and staff, in combination with adherence to recommended preventive strategies, may reduce viral spread.
Teen childbearing and offspring internalizing symptoms: The mediating role of child maltreatment

Abstract Teenage childbearing (age 15–19 years) represents a significant public health issue that can generate considerable deleterious, multigenerational consequences for teen-childbearing mothers and their offspring. However, few studies have examined the potential mediating mechanisms that may explain if and how teen childbearing is associated with the development of offspring psychopathology. The current study used a developmental model to test the mediating role of chronic child maltreatment in the relationship between teen childbearing and offspring internalizing symptoms in childhood and emerging adulthood. The study participants were 384 individuals from socioeconomically disadvantaged, ethnically diverse backgrounds, assessed across two longitudinal waves of data (i.e., ages 10–12 and 18–20). The sample included maltreated and nonmaltreated children, all of whom were comparable in terms of family income. Structural equation modeling was conducted to test direct and indirect pathways from teen childbearing to offspring psychopathology. A multigenerational developmental cascade was found such that individuals born to mothers who began their childbearing in adolescence were more likely to experience chronic maltreatment during childhood, which in turn predicted greater internalizing symptoms throughout childhood and emerging adulthood. Using a developmental psychopathology framework, the results are discussed with regard to implications for prevention and early intervention.
Monitoring the elimination of human African trypanosomiasis at continental and country level: Update to 2018

Background In 2012 human African trypanosomiasis (HAT), also known as sleeping sickness, was targeted for elimination as a public health problem, set to be achieved by 2020. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides here the 2018 update on the progress made toward that objective. Global indicators are reviewed, in particular the number of reported cases and the areas at risk. Recently developed indicators for the validation of HAT elimination at the national level are also presented. Methodology/Principal Findings With 977 cases reported in 2018, down from 2,164 in 2016, the main global indicator of elimination is already well within the 2020 target (i.e. 2,000 cases). Areas at moderate or higher risk (i.e. ≥ 1 case/10,000 people/year) are also steadily shrinking (less than 200,000 km2 in the period 2014–2018), thus nearing the 2020 target [i.e. 90% reduction (638,000 km2) from the 2000–2004 baseline (709,000 km2)]. Health facilities providing diagnosis and treatment of gambiense HAT continued to increase (+7% since the previous survey), with a better coverage of at-risk populations. By contrast, rhodesiense HAT health facilities decreased in number (-10.5%) and coverage. At the national level, eight countries meet the requirements to request validation of gambiense HAT elimination as a public health problem (i.e. Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Mali, Rwanda, and Togo), while for other endemic countries more efforts are needed in surveillance, control, or both. Conclusions/Significance The 2020 goal of HAT elimination as a public health problem is within grasp, and eligible countries are encouraged to request validation of their elimination status. Beyond 2020, the HAT community must gear up for the elimination of gambiense HAT transmission (2030 goal), by preparing for both the expected challenges (e.g. funding, coordination, integration of HAT control into regular health systems, development of more adapted tools, cryptic trypanosome reservoirs, etc.) and the unexpected ones.
Subordinal artiodactyl relationships in the light of phylogenetic analysis of 12 mitochondrial protein‐coding genes

Ursing, B. M. , Slack, K. E. & Arnason, U. (2000) Subordinal artiodactyl relationships in the light of phylogenetic analysis of 12 mitochondrial protein‐coding genes. —Zoologica Scripta, 29, 83–88.
Impact of Supplementation of Various Selenium Forms in Goats on Quality and Composition of Milk, Cheese and Yoghurt

Pechova A. , B. Janstova, L. Misurova, M. Drackova, L. Vorlova, L. Pavlata: Impact of Supplementation of Various Selenium Forms in Goats on Quality and Composition of Milk, Cheese and Yoghurt. Acta Vet. Brno 2008, 77: 407-414. The objective of this experiment was to monitor the possibility of influencing the composition of milk and milk products by supplementing the feed of lactating goats with selenium in various forms (natrium selenite, selenium proteinate). The trial was carried out in 30 goats, divided into 3 groups: Group C (n = 10) was a control group, SeI group (n = 10) received selenium in the form of natrium selenite and SeO group (n = 10) in the form of lactate-protein complex produced by Lactobacillus acidophilus. Diverse selenium supplementations were carried out from 3.5–4 months before the date of delivery until the 2nd month of lactation. In the time span of 2 weeks, milk from individual goats was taken six times and cheeses and yoghurts were made from the mixed milk from individual groups. During the period of milking and making milk products, the goats in experimental groups received added 565 μg Se per animal and day in relevant forms. Long-term selenium supplementation in the form of natrium selenite/proteinate had no significant effect on the Se concentration in milk. Se concentration in milk of individual groups was as follows: C: 13.14 ± 4.21 μg·l -1 , SeI: 12.50 ± 5.59 μg·l -1