Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Contemporary Thyroid Nodule Evaluation and Management

Abstract Context Approximately 60% of adults harbor 1 or more thyroid nodules. The possibility of cancer is the overriding concern, but only about 5% prove to be malignant. The widespread use of diagnostic imaging and improved access to health care favor the discovery of small, subclinical nodules and small papillary cancers. Overdiagnosis and overtreatment is associated with potentially excessive costs and nonnegligible morbidity for patients. Evidence Acquisition We conducted a PubMed search for the recent English-language articles dealing with thyroid nodule management. Evidence Synthesis The initial assessment includes an evaluation of clinical risk factors and sonographic examination of the neck. Sonographic risk-stratification systems (e.g., Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data Systems) can be used to estimate the risk of malignancy and the need for biopsy based on nodule features and size. When cytology findings are indeterminate, molecular analysis of the aspirate may obviate the need for diagnostic surgery. Many nodules will not require biopsy. These nodules and those that are cytologically benign can be managed with long-term follow-up alone. If malignancy is suspected, options include surgery (increasingly less extensive), active surveillance or, in selected cases, minimally invasive techniques. Conclusion Thyroid nodule evaluation is no longer a 1-size-fits-all proposition. For most nodules, the likelihood of malignancy can be confidently estimated without resorting to cytology or molecular testing, and low-frequency surveillance is sufficient for most patients. When there are multiple options for diagnosis and/or treatment, they should be discussed with patients as frankly as possible to identify an approach that best meets their needs.
Candidíase vulvovaginal: fatores predisponentes do hospedeiro e virulência das leveduras

INTRODUCTION: Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a vulva and vagina infection caused by comensal yeasts that inhabit the vaginal mucosa and eventually become patogenic, depending on host conditions. Eighty percent to 90% of the infections are due to C. albicans, and 10% to 20% to other species called non-C. albicans (C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, C. pseudotropicalis, C. lusitaniae). C. glabrata is the second agent in frequency in VVC and yeasts of other genus can also cause this infection, as Saccahromyces cerevisiae, Rhodutorula sp. and Trichosporon sp. Besides host inherent factors, it has been postulated that differences exist in the patogenicity of different isolates of Candida sp. The fungus is not a mere passive participant in the infectious process, and a series of virulence factors has been proposed, but little was investigated in VVC. The objective of this work is to enlarge knowledge on VVC and RVVC, as well as to discuss the influences of host and virulence factors, aiming to identify their importance in this pathology. These aspects are of great importance for professionals that act in the area of womens health.
Analysis of rDNA ITS1 indels in Caulerpa taxifolia (Chlorophyta) supports a derived, incipient species status for the invasive strain

We analysed insertion-deletion patterns in 159 published sequences of ITS1 for Caulerpa taxifolia (Vahl) C. Agardh collected from 55 localities throughout the species' range. Five indelotypes (I) were identified that represented a sequential loss of insertions from the ancestral type (I3) to the most derived type (I0). The I3 consists of the complete ITS1 sequence, which is also characteristic of three outgroup species. In contrast, the I0 has lost three inserts from the complete sequence and is associated with the invasive forms found in the Mediterranean, California and southeastern Australia. The I2 was found in samples from the Red Sea and Jakarta, whereas the I1 was associated with samples from Australia and New Caledonia. When mapped onto location and habitat, these ordered character-states reveal a widespread distribution of I3 and (probably) I2, which are associated with offshore coral reefs and clear oligotrophic waters. The I1 and I0 comprise a paraphyletic assemblage of the more derived types harbouring two or three deletions and occurring together along mainland Australian coasts in more turbid environments. The presence of I0, I1a and I1b along the Australian coast indicates that the ecological transition that gave rise to the coastal ecotype has been present at least since the time of the mutation between I2 and I1. These types of fixed differences confirm that C. taxifolia consists of at least two incipient species—the coastal form being an offshoot derived from the clear-water ecotypes. The finding of indelotype I1a in an isolate from Sousse (Tunisia) confirms a second Mediterranean introduction and highlights the urgency for further research in the evolutionary diversification of one of the most intriguing and troublesome seaweeds.
Co‐catabolism of arginine and succinate drives symbiotic nitrogen fixation

Biological nitrogen fixation emerging from the symbiosis between bacteria and crop plants holds promise to increase the sustainability of agriculture. One of the biggest hurdles for the engineering of nitrogen‐fixing organisms is an incomplete knowledge of metabolic interactions between microbe and plant. In contrast to the previously assumed supply of only succinate, we describe here the CATCH‐N cycle as a novel metabolic pathway that co‐catabolizes plant‐provided arginine and succinate to drive the energy‐demanding process of symbiotic nitrogen fixation in endosymbiotic rhizobia. Using systems biology, isotope labeling studies and transposon sequencing in conjunction with biochemical characterization, we uncovered highly redundant network components of the CATCH‐N cycle including transaminases that interlink the co‐catabolism of arginine and succinate. The CATCH‐N cycle uses N2 as an additional sink for reductant and therefore delivers up to 25% higher yields of nitrogen than classical arginine catabolism—two alanines and three ammonium ions are secreted for each input of arginine and succinate. We argue that the CATCH‐N cycle has evolved as part of a synergistic interaction to sustain bacterial metabolism in the microoxic and highly acid environment of symbiosomes. Thus, the CATCH‐N cycle entangles the metabolism of both partners to promote symbiosis. Our results provide a theoretical framework and metabolic blueprint for the rational design of plants and plant‐associated organisms with new properties to improve nitrogen fixation.
Preparation of KI/Hydroxyapatite Catalyst from Phosphate Rocks and Its Application for Improvement of Biodiesel Production

The main aim of this work was to investigate the suitability of a KI/KIO3 impregnated hydroxyapatite (HAP) catalyst derived from natural phosphate rocks for biodiesel production. This study evaluated the effect of impregnation concentrations (1–6% w/w) on the catalyst performance in biodiesel production. The biodiesel was produced from waste cooking oil (WCO) under simultaneous esterification-transesterification reactions at 60 °C for 6 h. The results showed that the biodiesel yield increased by increasing impregnation concentration and the maximum yield (91.787%) was achieved at an impregnation concentration of 5% w/w. The KI/HAP catalyst showed better performance (91.78% biodiesel yield, 59.1% FAME yield and surface area of 13.513 m2/g) as compared to the KIO3/HAP catalyst (90.07% biodiesel yield, 55.0% FAME yield and surface area of 10.651 m2/g).
Soluble Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor (suPAR) Concentrations Are Elevated in Patients with Neuroendocrine Malignancies

Neuroendocrine neoplasia (NEN) comprises heterogeneous tumors that are challenging to diagnose and, especially in cases of poorly differentiated (G3) NEN, are associated with very limited survival. Novel biomarkers allowing an early diagnosis as well as an optimal selection of suitable treatment options are urgently needed to improve the outcome of these patients. Recently, alterations of soluble urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) serum levels were described in various types of cancers. However, the role of circulating suPAR as a biomarker in patients with NEN is unknown. In this study, we measured suPAR serum levels in a large and well-characterized cohort of 187 patients with NEN (neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC) n = 30; neuroendocrine tumors (NET), n = 157) as well as 44 healthy controls. suPAR concentrations were significantly elevated in patients compared to controls. However, suPAR concentrations were independent of tumor-related factors such as the proliferation activity according to Ki-67, tumor grading, TNM (TNM classification of malignant tumors) stage, somatostatin receptor expression or clinical features such as functional or nonfunctional disease and the presence of tumor relapse. Interestingly, suPAR concentrations in NET patients were similar when compared to those measured in NEC patients. In contrast to previous results from other malignancies, in our analysis suPAR levels were not a significant predictor of overall survival. In conclusion, our data suggests that suPAR serum concentrations are elevated in NEN patients but do not allow prediction of outcome.
Anatomy of Colymbosaurus megadeirus (Reptilia, Plesiosauria) from the Kimmeridge Clay Formation of the U.K., and High Diversity Among Late Jurassic Plesiosauroids

ABSTRACT We describe the syntype postcranial skeletons of the cryptoclidid plesiosauroid Colymbosaurus megadeirus. C. megadeirus is the type species of Colymbosaurus, and one other valid species, C. svalbardensis, is known. Although it is in widespread usage, C. trochanterius is a not valid species, although the presence of an anteroposteriorly oriented ridge bisecting the distal surfaces of the holotype humerus allows its referral to Colymbosaurus sp. Some specimens previously referred to C. trochanterius, including the holotype of ‘Plesiosaurus’ manselii, lack this feature, or show other differences from our hypodigm, suggesting that they are taxonomically distinct from Colymbosaurus, and countering previous suggestions that the Kimmeridge Clay Formation represents a depauperate plesiosauroid fauna. Substantial differences between the atlas-axis complexes and cervical vertebrae of Kimmerosaurus langhami, ‘Plesiosaurus’ manselii, C. megadeirus, and specimens referred here to cf. Spitrasaurus indicate that at least four plesiosauroid taxa were present in the Kimmeridge Clay Formation. This proposition is also supported by coracoid morphotypes, and demonstrates that Late Jurassic plesiosauroids were taxonomically diverse. Most Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous cryptoclidids belong to a monophyletic Colymbosaurinae, but Kimmerosaurus and its sister taxon Tatenectes originated independently from Middle Jurassic cryptoclidids.
Nutritional Determinants of Quality of Life in a Mediterranean Cohort: The SUN Study

Health related quality of life (HRQoL) is a subjective appreciation of how personal characteristics and health influence well-being. This cross-sectional analysis aimed to quantitatively measure the influence of dietary, lifestyle, and demographic factors on HRQoL. A sub-sample of the Seguimiento Universidad de Navarra (SUN) Project, a Mediterranean cohort, was analyzed (n = 15,674). Through self-administered questionnaires the relationship between HRQoL and dietary patterns (Mediterranean-diet (MedDiet) and provegetarian food pattern (FP) assessment), lifestyles (sleeping hours, physical activity) and demographic characteristics were measured. Multivariate linear regression and flexible regression models were used to estimate the pondered effect of personal factors on Short Form-36 (SF-36) scores. Coefficients for MedDiet and provegetarian scores (β-coefficient for global SF-36 score: 0.32 (0.22, 0.42); 0.09 (0.06, 0.12) respectively for every unit increase), physical activity (β: 0.03 (0.02, 0.03) for every metabolic equivalent of task indexes (MET)-h/week) had a positive association to HRQoL. The female sex (β: −3.28 (−3.68, −2.89)), and pre-existing diseases (diabetes, β: −2.27 (−3.48, −1.06), hypertension β: −1.79 (−2.36, −1.22), hypercholesterolemia β: −1.04 (−1.48, −0.59)) account for lower SF-36 scores. Adherence to MedDiet or provegetarian FP, physical activity and sleep are associated with higher HRQoL, whereas the female sex, “other” (versus married status) and the presence of chronic diseases were associated with lower SF-36 scores in this sample.
Ionoregulatory aspects of the hypoxia-induced osmorespiratory compromise in the euryhaline Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus): the effects of salinity

ABSTRACT The osmorespiratory compromise is a physiological trade-off between the characteristics of the gill that promote respiratory gas exchange and those that limit passive flux of ions and water with the environment. In hypoxia, changes in gill blood flow patterns and functional surface area that increase gas transfer can promote an exacerbation in ion and water flux. Our goal was to determine whether the osmorespiratory compromise is flexible, depending on environmental salinity (fresh, isosmotic and sea water) and oxygen levels (hypoxia) in euryhaline killifish, Fundulus heteroclitus. Plasma ion concentrations were minimally affected by hypoxia, indicating a maintenance of osmoregulatory homeostasis. In freshwater killifish, hypoxia exposure reduced branchial Na+/K+-ATPase and NEM-sensitive ATPase activities, as well as diffusive water flux rates. Unidirectional Na+ influx and Na+ efflux decreased during hypoxia in freshwater, but net Na+ flux remained unchanged. Net loss rates of Cl−, K+ and ammonia were also attenuated in hypoxia, suggesting both transcellular and paracellular reductions in permeability. These reductions appeared to be regulated phenomena as fluxes were restored immediately in normoxia. Na+ flux rates increased during hypoxia in 11 ppt, but decreased in 35 ppt, the latter suggesting a similar response to hypoxia to that in freshwater. In summary, freshwater and seawater killifish experience a reduction in gill permeability, as seen in other hypoxia-tolerant species. Fish acclimated to isosmotic salinity increased Na+ influx and efflux rates, as well as paracellular permeability in hypoxia, responses in accord with the predictions of the classic osmorespiratory compromise. Summary: In the euryhaline killifish Fundulus heteroclitus, ionoregulatory responses to acute hypoxia involve decreases in gill ion flux and permeability when in freshwater and seawater, but increases when in isosmotic salinity.
ULTRASTRUCTURE OF A NEW INTRACELLULAR SYMBIOTIC ALGA FOUND WITHIN PLANKTONIC FORAMINIFERA 1

A small intracellular eukaryotic algal symbiont, 1.5–3.5 μm in diameter, occurs abundantly and persistently in nine planktonic Foraminifera host species. This alga is different from the dinoflagellate, from 8–12 μm in diameter, known to occur in the four spinose species Orbulina universa, Globigerinoides sacculifer, G. ruber, and G. conglobatus. Transmission and epifluorescent microscopy were used to confirm the presence cophyta. The evidence supporting this classification includes the presence of a chloroplastic endoplasmic reticulum surrounding the plastids and tubular cristae, as opposed to flattened cristae, in the mitochondria. Three classes of algae may be represented including the Chrysophyceae, Bacillariophyceae, and Prymnesiophyceae.
Development and fate of Eutreptiella gymnastica bloom in nutrient-enriched enclosures in the coastal Baltic Sea

Response of the phytoplankton community to bottom-up (nutrients, organic carbon source) and top-down (fish) manipulations, both singly and together, were studied daily during a 3 week period in July 1993 by using eight 50 m3 mesocosms in the coastal northern Baltic Sea. Nutrient additions (once per week) invoked a series of blooms of Eutreptiella gymnastica Throndsen (Euglenophyceae) (up to 13 X 103 cells ml"1) which formed the major part (60-90%) of the total autotrophic biomass. After rapid depletion of nutrients (2-3 days) from the surface layer (0-6 m) downwards migration and a subsequent peak of Egymnastica in the lower part of the water columns (6-12 m) followed. Settled material collected from the bottom of the enclosures contained a considerable amount of E.gymnas- tica cells and resting cysts. Nevertheless, sinking loss rates of E.gymnastica were estimated to be less than 1% day*1 of the suspended cell numbers. The fate of ELgymnastica blooms was estimated to be grazing through mesozooplankton. However, provided the nutrients are plentiful in the water column, the growth potential of E.gymnastica appears to exceed the ambient grazing pressure. If the nutrients become depleted, it seems to be effectively controlled by mesozooplankton grazing, which is probably limiting the likelihood of massive Egymnastica blooms in the coastal Baltic Sea. Our study suggests that E.gymnastica appears to be a fast-growing fugitive (bloom) species with flexible behavioural (ver- tical migration) and life history (cyst formation) adaptations which is able to exert dominant role and direct trophic relations similar to other bloom species adapted for decaying turbulence and high nutri- ent environments.
“Understanding growth convergence in India (1981–2010): Looking beyond the usual suspects”

The literature on growth convergence has focused to a great extent on the role of initial incomes as a primary determinant of long-term growth outcomes. Expanded versions of growth models have used other explanators to unpack the growth process. In this paper we add to the literature in two significant ways: (a) we use socioeconomic variables that are sometimes overlooked in explaining growth (such as, political stability and political alliance, social heterogeneity, and demographic distribution), and (b) we demonstrate that earlier analyses may be overlooking the problem of normality and endogeneity in regression models (and we provide alternate methods like instrumental variable and distribution dynamics to control for these). In this paper we analyze the per capita income growth at the subnational level in India for the period 1981–82 to 2010–11 using an expanded growth framework. We find that initial incomes, the ratio of working age group to total population, political stability and alliance, and the extent of development expenditure play a positive and significant role in predicting growth. We also find that, contrary to popular belief, the presence of marginalized groups—namely Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes—have not been a hindrance to growth of per capita incomes in states. Our findings on the influence of social institutions may have significant implications for a public policy of affirmative action in India. The results on the impact of development expenditure on growth is also important for states seeking to increase their growth rates through policy intervention.
A brief-review of the risk factors for covid-19 severity

ABSTRACT The World Health Organization has emphasized that one of the most important questions to address regarding the covid-19 pandemic is to understand risk factors for disease severity. We conducted a brief review that synthesizes the available evidence and provides a judgment on the consistency of the association between risk factors and a composite end-point of severe-fatal covid-19. Additionally, we also conducted a comparability analysis of risk factors across 17 studies. We found evidence supporting a total of 60 predictors for disease severity, of which seven were deemed of high consistency, 40 of medium and 13 of low. Among the factors with high consistency of association, we found age, C-reactive protein, D-dimer, albumin, body temperature, SOFA score and diabetes. The results suggest that diabetes might be the most consistent comorbidity predicting disease severity and that future research should carefully consider the comparability of reporting cases, factors, and outcomes along the different stages of the natural history of covid-19.
Vegetable oils replace pork backfat for low-fat frankfurters

Low-fat frankfurters (10% fat, 12.5% protein) with olive, corn, sunflower or soybean oils, compared to control (29.1% animal fat, 10.4% protein) had 67% lower total fat, 40–45% lower saturated fatty acids, 50–53% lower calories, reduced cholesterol and 20% higher meat protein. Although they had darker red color they were 6–7.2% lower in processing yield and had higher purge accumulation, were firmer and less juicy. The type oil had no effect (P>0.05) on these characteristics but affected fatty acid composition. Frankfurters with olive oil had 41.8% higher monounsaturated fatty acids and those with seed oils 5–7 times higher polyunsaturated fatty acids. Soybean oil increased lin-olenic acid content and negatively affected overall acceptability and shelf-life.
Abundância e riqueza de espécies de Heteroptera (Hemiptera) do Parque Estadual do Turvo, sul do Brasil: Pentatomoidea

A two-year study was carried out at Parque Estadual do Turvo, Municipality of Derrubadas, southern Brazil, aiming to evaluate the composition, abundance and species richness of Pentatomoidea. Samplings were conducted in the Springs of 2003 and 2004 (October), and Autumns of 2004 and 2005 (May), using beating tray method, along two trials of the park. Sampling effort (hours X collectors) totalled 153 hours. A total of 816 individuals of Pentatomoidea were collected, distributed in 56 species/morphospecies of seven families. It was found significantly less species in the Autumn 2005 than in the other periods. There was no significant difference, however, among Springs of 2003 and 2004, and Autumn of 2004, for the same parameter. Yucuma trail presented a significantly higher estimated richness than Garcia trail. Singletons and doubletons represented 44.6% of the recorded species. Aditionally, 20 other species/morphospecies of pentatomoids were obtained qualitatively by using, besides beating tray, ligth trap and visual inspections. The occurrence of species frequently associated to crops, dominant in the different sampling periods, suggests an influence of the adjacent crops on this conservation unity. New records of species for the State of Rio Grande do Sul are added.
Effects of oxygen on each step of denitrification on Pseudomonas nautica

Studies on the effect of oxygen on denitrification have shown that denitrification on Pseudomonas nautica 617 can take place in the presence of oxygen. The enzymes associated with denitrification are affected differently with respect to oxygen concentration. Nitrate reductase was less sensitive toward oxygen than nitrite and nitrous oxide reductases. Nitrate reductase activity was completely blocked at an oxygen concentration greater than 4.05 mg/L, compared with 2.15 and 0.25 mg/L for nitrite and nitrous oxide reductases, respectively. After an aerobic–anaerobic shift, nitrate reductase activity remained unchanged whereas the rate of nitrite reductase activity rose to a value only 20% that of the original rate.Key words: denitrification, oxygen, Pseudomonas.