Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Amphibians and reptiles of the Atlantic Forest in Recôncavo Baiano, east Brazil: Cruz das Almas municipality

Abstract A list of amphibian and reptile species that occur in open and forested areas of the Atlantic Forest in the municipality of Cruz das Almas, in the Recôncavo Baiano, eastern Brazil is presented. Field sampling occurred between January 2015 to March 2019, totalling 117 samples distributed in three areas: Parque Florestal Mata de Cazuzinha, Mata da Cascalheira, and Riacho do Machado. A total of 1,848 individuals of 69 species (31 anurans, 14 lizards, 19 snakes, two amphisbaenians, and three testudines) was recorded. Additionally, one individual of Ophiodesstriatus was found in Mata da Cascalheira after the end of sampling, totalling 15 lizard species and 70 herpetofaunal species. The prevalence of open-area species and the presence of Phyllopezuslutzae, Diploglossuslessonae, and Dryadosauranordestina in interior forest patches are discussed. Additionally, a new record of the invasive terrapin Trachemysdorbigni in the State of Bahia is reported.
The Comparison of the IFN-ɤ, TNF-α and IL-10 Cytokines in Healing and Non-healing Cutaneous Leishmaniasis

Background: Leishmaniasis is one of the main vectors borne and neglected tropical parasitic diseases. T cell cytokine responses are highly important in the presentations of disease such as control or progression, and understanding of the host immunological response is valuable in diagnosis, follow-up, and vaccine designs. In the current study, the profile of IFN-ɤ, TNF-α, and IL-10 cytokines was investigated through the ELISA technique in PBMCs isolated from antimony resistance and susceptible patients. Methods: In this experimental study, 54 patients with healing (n=27) or non-healing (n=27) CL were recruited. Lesion samples were collected to determine the genotype of Leishmania spp. and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were obtained to evaluate the cytokines profiles using soluble Leishmania antigen (SLA) and phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) mitogen. Cytokines were assessed by the ELISA technique Results: The IFN-ɤ and TNF-α cytokines were significantly increased in the healing group treated with both SLA antigen and PHA mitogen (P<0.001). The level of IL-10 was significantly increased in non-healing and significantly declined in healing groups (P<0.001). Conclusion: The profile of IFN-ɤ, TNF-α, and IL-10 cytokines are crucially associated with the response of treatment.
Experimental Investigations of Combustion: (95 WT.-%) HAN–Water Solution with High-SSA Activated Carbons

ABSTRACT The thermal decomposition of hydroxylamine nitrate (HAN) 95% water solution, a “green” alternative of fuel/oxidizer formulation to hydrazine nitrate, as a rocket propellant in the presence of the high-specific surface area (SSA)-activated carbons was investigated. It was shown that the linear burning rate increased for the system of HAN 95% water solution admixed with activated carbons compared to that of the 95% water solution HAN alone. Also, decomposition of the mixture (HAN spiked with rice husk (RH)-derived activated carbons by 1 mass %) was monitored by electron ionization–mass spectrometry (EI–MS) at different heating rates (from 16 to 128 K/min). EI MS analysis of the formation of major gas products (NO, NO2 and N2O) at the HAN decomposition in presence carbon particles shown various results.
Cell cycle arrest and anti-cancer potential of probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus against HT-29 cancer cells

Introduction: Nowadays, probiotic bacteria have been considered as a factor in the prevention and treatment of cancer, especially by induction of apoptosis. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic, anti-proliferative, and apoptotic effects of the supernatant of probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus on HT-29 cell line. Methods : Molecular identification of probiotic L. rhamnosus was carried out using specific primers of 16S rRNA gene and sequencing. HT-29 cells were treated with different concentrations of bacterial supernatants at 24, 48, and 72 hours. MTT assay, Annexin V-FITC, real-time PCR, cell cycle analysis, and DAPI staining tests were conducted to evaluate the induction of apoptosis. The level of cyclin D1 protein was measured by immunocytochemistry method. Results: The supernatant of L. rhamnosus inhibited the growth of HT-29 cancer cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The results of flow cytometry confirmed apoptotic cell death. Probiotic bacterial supernatant caused up-regulation of pro-apoptotic genes including caspase-3, caspase-9, and Bax. In addition, they resulted in down-regulation of Bcl2 and a decrease in expression levels of cyclin D1, cyclin E, and ERBB2 genes. Cancer cells were arrested in the G0/G1 phase of the cell cycle. The results of immunocytochemistry showed significant down-regulation of cyclin D1 protein during the 48 hours treatment with bacterial supernatant compared to the untreated cells. Conclusion: The supernatant of probiotic L. rhamnosus has a great potential to inhibit the proliferation of HT-29 cells and the induction of apoptosis. L. rhamnosus might be used as a biological anti-cancer factor in the prevention and treatment of colon cancer.
Masking effect of high IQ on the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test in an adult sample with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder

Abstract Objective High intelligence (IQ) adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) often perform better on neuropsychological tests relative to average IQ adults with ADHD, despite commensurate functional impairment. This study compared adults with ADHD and high versus average IQ on the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT) to specifically assess this proposed masking effect of IQ on verbal learning/memory performance among those undergoing neuropsychological evaluation. Method RAVLT performance between patients with ADHD and average versus high Test of Premorbid Function-estimated IQ were compared. Latent growth curve modeling (LGCM) evaluated learning acquisition across trials. Results RAVLT total learning, immediate, and delayed free recall performances were significantly better in the high IQ relative to the average IQ group. LGCM showed similar quadradic growth trajectories for both IQ groups. Both groups reported equivalent symptom severity and functional complaints in childhood and adulthood. Conclusions Adults with ADHD and high IQ performed normally on a verbal learning/memory test compared to adults with average IQ, who scored 0.5–1.0 standard deviations below the mean. These results suggest a masking of performance-based memory deficits in the context of higher IQ in adults with ADHD, supporting growing evidence that higher IQ masks neurocognitive deficits during the assessment of adults with ADHD.
Influence Of Lead On Growth And Physiological Characteristics Of A Freshwater Green Alga Chlorella Sp.

Pollution caused by heavy metals poses a serious challenge to ecosystems. Microalgae are microscopic algae that form the base of the food chain in aquatic ecosystems. Heavy metals present in soils can leach into aquatic ecosystems, leading to bioaccumulation by organisms through the food chain, and exerting toxic effects on microalgae, the primary producers. This study reports the response of the alga Chlorella sp. to lead stress over experimental exposures of 11 days. Chlorella sp. were grown and exposed to different lead concentrations (0, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 mg/L) at 18oC. The experiments were conducted in triplicate. Growth rate of microalgae was determined by measuring the optical density at 620 nm (OD620) and chl-a concentration. The data obtained showed that lead affects the physiological characteristics (growth, chl-a and carotenoids) and protein content of Chlorella sp. Exposure to increasing lead concentrations resulted in decreasing specific growth rate (µ), chlorophyll-a, carotenoid and protein contents. However, the data obtained indicate that Chlorella sp. can tolerate the toxicity of lead even at high concentration. Keywords: Chlorella, heavy metals, lead, specific growth rate, protein
Cannabis‐based medicines and medical cannabis for patients with neuropathic pain and other pain disorders: Nationwide register‐based pharmacoepidemiologic comparison with propensity score matched controls

Neuropathic pain and other pain disorders have received attention as potential indications for use of cannabis‐based medicines or medical cannabis (CBM/MC). Evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of CBM/MC for pain disorders is, however, insufficient. Denmark introduced a pilot programme of medical cannabis in January 2018. We aimed to evaluate efficacy, safety, and non‐specific effects of CBM/MC used under the pilot programme compared with controls.
Optimal management of lenvatinib therapy for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma by balancing the therapeutic effect with the relative dose intensity

We aimed to assess the optimal management of first or later‐line lenvatinib therapy (LEN) for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC), by clarifying the difference of degree between relative dose intensity (RDI) to achieve objective response (OR) and disease control (DC) by aiming at stable disease (SD), taking dose modifications into consideration.
Timing of Kidney Clamping and Deceased Donor Kidney Transplant Outcomes

Visual Abstract Background and objectives The fact that metabolism and immune function are regulated by an endogenous molecular clock that generates circadian rhythms suggests that the magnitude of ischemia reperfusion, and subsequent inflammation on kidney transplantation, could be affected by the time of the day. Design, setting, participants, & measurements We evaluated 5026 individuals who received their first kidney transplant from deceased heart-beating donors. In a cause-specific multivariable analysis, we compared delayed graft function and graft survival according to the time of kidney clamping and declamping. Participants were divided into those clamped between midnight and noon (ante meridiem [am] clamping group; 65%) or clamped between noon and midnight (post meridiem [pm] clamping group; 35%), and, similarly, those who underwent am declamping (25%) or pm declamping (75%). Results Delayed graft function occurred among 550 participants (27%) with am clamping and 339 (34%) with pm clamping (adjusted odds ratio, 0.81; 95% confidence interval, 0.67 to 0.98; P=0.03). No significant association was observed between clamping time and overall death-censored graft survival (hazard ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.77 to 1.10; P=0.37). No significant association of declamping time with delayed graft function or graft survival was observed. Conclusions Clamping between midnight and noon was associated with a lower incidence of delayed graft function, whereas declamping time was not associated with kidney graft outcomes.
Higher Rate of Return to Preinjury Activity Levels After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With a Bone–Patellar Tendon–Bone Versus Hamstring Tendon Autograft in High-Activity Patients: Results From the New Zealand ACL Registry

Background: In primary anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, a bone–patellar tendon–bone (BTB) autograft is associated with lower ipsilateral failure rates. BTB autografts are associated with a higher rate of contralateral ACL injuries, which some clinicians view as a marker of success of the BTB autograft. However, there is a lack of evidence on whether BTB autografts improve the rate of return to activity and sport. Purpose: To compare the rate of return to preinjury activity levels in high-activity patients after ACL reconstruction with BTB autograft or hamstring tendon autograft. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: In a high-activity cohort of patients recorded between 2014 and 2018 in the New Zealand ACL Registry, prospectively collected data on preinjury and postoperative Marx activity scores were analyzed. The proportion of patients who returned to their preinjury activity levels at 1- and 2-year follow-up was compared between graft types. Results: Overall, 11.3% (208/1844) of patients returned to their preinjury activity levels at 1-year follow-up, and 15.5% (184/1190) returned at 2-year follow-up. At 1-year follow-up, 17.2% of patients with a BTB autograft returned to their preinjury activity levels compared with 9.3% of patients with a hamstring tendon autograft (adjusted odds ratio, 1.59 [95% CI, 1.16-2.17]; P = .004). At 2-year follow-up, 23.3% of patients with a BTB autograft had returned to their preinjury activity levels compared with 13.3% of patients with a hamstring tendon autograft (adjusted odds ratio, 1.63 [95% CI, 1.14-2.34]; P = .008). Male sex and younger age were associated with a higher rate of return to activity at both follow-up time points. Conclusion: The use of BTB autografts increased the odds of returning to preinjury activity levels at early follow-up. A higher rate of return to activity is a possible explanation for the higher rate of contralateral ACL injuries with the use of BTB autografts.
Reply to the letter from Gazulla et al.

We read with great interest the letter of Drs Gazulla and collaborators, who suggested that the continuum between primary lateral sclerosis (PLS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is not straightforward.1 They indicated that PLS can be associated to other central nervous system disorders related to known or unknown rare mutations.
Single and Multilevel Lumbar Total Disc Replacement Adjacent to L5-S1 ALIF (Lumbar Hybrid): 6 Years of Follow-up

ABSTRACT Background: Single and multilevel lumbar arthroplasty has had excellent results, but the L5-S1 level frequently has pathology that precludes arthroplasty. This study evaluated clinical outcomes and sagittal range of motion (ROM) of operated levels and adjacent motion segments in single- and multiple-level ProDisc-L above a simultaneous L5-S1 fusion (hybrid) after a 2- to 6-year follow-up. Methods: In this prospective cohort study, 46 patients underwent simultaneous lumbar total disc replacement (TDR) at one to three levels and anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF) at L5-S1. Twenty-three patients had L5-S1 ALIF + L4-5 TDR, 19 patients had L5-S1 ALIF + two-level TDR, and 4 patients had L5-S1 ALIF + three-level TDR. Oswestry disability index (ODI) and visual analog scores (VAS) of patient satisfaction (VAS-S) and pain (VAS-P) were recorded. Sagittal motion on pre- and postoperative lumbar radiographs at each operative segment and adjacent segment was acquired. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and annually for 24 to 72 months postoperatively. Results: For clinical results, there were no differences among the groups for age, gender, body mass index, tobacco use, or worker's compensation status. At 2–6 years postoperation, all patients had significant reductions in ODI and VAS scores. For radiographic results, at the nonsurgical level adjacent to the TDR + ALIF constructs, the mean preoperative ROM was 9.40 ± 1.80° compared with 10.50 ± 2.25° postoperatively. The mean preoperative ROM at levels undergoing TDR was 10.4 ± 2.71° versus 12.6 ± 2.25° postoperatively. There was no statistically significant difference in ROM at each prosthetic motion segment between patients receiving one-, two-, or three-level TDR. The mean preoperative ROM at the L5-S1 segment to undergo fusion was 2.4 ± 2.44°, with all patients having a postoperative ROM of 0.00°. Conclusions: Multilevel TDR above an L5-S1 ALIF (hybrid procedure) preserves ROM at the individual TDR levels and does not reduce the fusion rate of the L5-S1 fused level. Most significantly, the nonoperative adjacent level maintains its preoperative ROM at 2–6 years postoperatively.
COVID-19, Hyperglycemia, and New-Onset Diabetes

Certain chronic comorbidities, including diabetes, are highly prevalent in people with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and are associated with an increased risk of severe COVID-19 and mortality. Mild glucose elevations are also common in COVID-19 patients and associated with worse outcomes even in people without diabetes. Several studies have recently reported new-onset diabetes associated with COVID-19. The phenomenon of new-onset diabetes following admission to the hospital has been observed previously with other viral infections and acute illnesses. The precise mechanisms for new-onset diabetes in people with COVID-19 are not known, but it is likely that a number of complex interrelated processes are involved, including previously undiagnosed diabetes, stress hyperglycemia, steroid-induced hyperglycemia, and direct or indirect effects of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on the β-cell. There is an urgent need for research to help guide management pathways for these patients. In view of increased mortality in people with new-onset diabetes, hospital protocols should include efforts to recognize and manage acute hyperglycemia, including diabetic ketoacidosis, in people admitted to the hospital. Whether new-onset diabetes is likely to remain permanent is not known, as the long-term follow-up of these patients is limited. Prospective studies of metabolism in the setting of postacute COVID-19 will be required to understand the etiology, prognosis, and treatment opportunities.
Global decadal variability of plant carbon isotope discrimination and its link to gross primary production

Carbon isotope discrimination (Δ13C) in C3 woody plants is a key variable for the study of photosynthesis. Yet how Δ13C varies at decadal scales, and across regions, and how it is related to gross primary production (GPP), are still incompletely understood. Here we address these questions by implementing a new Δ13C modelling capability in the land‐surface model JULES incorporating both photorespiratory and mesophyll‐conductance fractionations. We test the ability of four leaf‐internal CO2 concentration models embedded in JULES to reproduce leaf and tree‐ring (TR) carbon isotopic data. We show that all the tested models tend to overestimate average Δ13C values, and to underestimate interannual variability in Δ13C. This is likely because they ignore the effects of soil water stress on stomatal behavior. Variations in post‐photosynthetic isotopic fractionations across species, sites and years, may also partly explain the discrepancies between predicted and TR‐derived Δ13C values. Nonetheless, the “least‐cost” (Prentice) model shows the lowest biases with the isotopic measurements, and lead to improved predictions of canopy‐level carbon and water fluxes. Overall, modelled Δ13C trends vary strongly between regions during the recent (1979–2016) historical period but stay nearly constant when averaged over the globe. Photorespiratory and mesophyll effects modulate the simulated global Δ13C trend by 0.0015 ± 0.005‰ and –0.0006 ± 0.001‰ ppm−1, respectively. These predictions contrast with previous findings based on atmospheric carbon isotope measurements. Predicted Δ13C and GPP tend to be negatively correlated in wet‐humid and cold regions, and in tropical African forests, but positively related elsewhere. The negative correlation between Δ13C and GPP is partly due to the strong dominant influences of temperature on GPP and vapor pressure deficit on Δ13C in those forests. Our results demonstrate that the combined analysis of Δ13C and GPP can help understand the drivers of photosynthesis changes in different climatic regions.
Novel Oncogenic Transcription Factor Cooperation in RB-Deficient Cancer

This study identifies that RB loss in prostate cancer drives cooperation between AR and E2F1 as coregulators of transcription, which is linked to the progression of advanced disease. The retinoblastoma tumor suppressor (RB) is a critical regulator of E2F-dependent transcription, controlling a multitude of protumorigenic networks including but not limited to cell-cycle control. Here, genome-wide assessment of E2F1 function after RB loss in isogenic models of prostate cancer revealed unexpected repositioning and cooperation with oncogenic transcription factors, including the major driver of disease progression, the androgen receptor (AR). Further investigation revealed that observed AR/E2F1 cooperation elicited novel transcriptional networks that promote cancer phenotypes, especially as related to evasion of cell death. These observations were reflected in assessment of human disease, indicating the clinical relevance of the AR/E2F1 cooperome in prostate cancer. Together, these studies reveal new mechanisms by which RB loss induces cancer progression and highlight the importance of understanding the targets of E2F1 function. Significance: This study identifies that RB loss in prostate cancer drives cooperation between AR and E2F1 as coregulators of transcription, which is linked to the progression of advanced disease.
Study of Pollution by Anionic Surfactants and Orthophosphates in M’koa Lake (Jacqueville, Côte d’Ivoire)

This study aims to assess the pollution of the surface water from M’koa Lake by both anionic surfactants and orthophosphates, and to identify the sources of pollution by these compounds. Three sampling campaigns were conducted at different seasons at six (6) sampling stations, identified in M'koa Lake by taking into account potential sources of pollution. The measurement of anionic surfactant concentrations was performed by the methylene blue colorimetric method, and the determination of orthophosphates was performed by the vanadomolybdophosphoric acid colorimetric method. In addition, the samples were analyzed in order to find six physico-chemical parameters of surface water quality which are temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, oxygen saturation, transparency. The determination of these parameters were made according to both the French AFNOR standard and the methods described by Rodier. The obtained average concentrations of anionic surfactants in the water of M’koa Lake range from 0.23 ± 0.04 mg.L-1 to 1.43 ± 0.68 mg.L-1. Concerning orthophosphates’ content they range from 0.12 ± 0.05 mg.L-1 to 0.17 ± 0.04 mg.L-1. These results indicate that M’koa Lake is subjected to pollution both by anionic surfactants and pollutant enriched by orthophosphate. And, the presence of orthophosphates in lake waters was not due solely to detergents. Washing stations, Berge 1 and 2, and M’koa hotel have the highest levels of anionic surfactants. Also, turbidity and transparency values indicate water quality deterioration of M’koa Lake favoured by the presence of phytoplankton corresponding to the eutrophication of the water of the studied Lake.
The new dual gastric inhibitory peptide/glucagon‐like peptide 1 agonist tirzepatide in type 2 diabetes: Is the future bright?

Tirzepatide is a dual gastric inhibitory peptide/glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GIP/GLP‐1) receptor agonist formulated as a synthetic linear peptide, based on the native GIP sequence. It has a prolonged half‐life of 5 days, which enables once‐weekly dosing. Studies have hitherto demonstrated its superiority in achieving optimal glycaemic control and body weight management, as compared with various agents used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), including GLP‐1 receptor agonists. Thus, it is expected to enrich our therapeutic armamentarium in T2DM. However, further experience, notably longer follow‐up data and information on cardiovascular effects, is still needed.