Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic restriction of plant invasion in drought‐stressed environments: Implications for insect‐pollinated plant communities in water‐limited ecosystems

Abstract Background Plant–pollinator community diversity has been found to decrease under conditions of drought stress; however, research into the temporal dimensions of this phenomenon remains limited. In this study, we investigated the effect of seasonal drought on the temporal niche dynamics of entomophilous flowering plants in a water‐limited ecosystem. We hypothesized that closely related native and exotic plants would tend to share similar life history and that peak flowering events would therefore coincide with phylogenetic clustering in plant communities based on expected phenological responses of plant functional types to limitations in soil moisture availability. Location Galiano Island, British Columbia, Canada. Methods Combining methods from pollinator research and phylogenetic community ecology, we tested the influence of environmental filtering over plant community phenology across gradients of landscape disturbance and soil moisture. Floral resource availability and community structure were quantified by counts of flowering shoots. We constructed a robust phylogeny to analyze spatial and temporal variation in phylogenetic patterns across the landscape, testing the significance of the observed patterns against a randomly generated community phylogeny. Phylogenetic metrics were then regressed against factors of disturbance and soil moisture availability. Results Critical seasonal fluctuations in floral resources coincided with significant phylogenetic clustering in plant communities, with decreasing plant diversity observed under conditions of increasing drought stress. Exotic plant species in the Asteraceae became increasingly pervasive across the landscape, occupying a late season temporal niche in drought‐stressed environments. Main conclusion Results suggest that environmental filtering is the dominant assembly process structuring the temporal niche of plant communities in this water‐limited ecosystem. Based on these results, and trends seen elsewhere, the overall diversity of plant–pollinator communities may be expected to decline with the increasing drought stress predicted under future climate scenarios.
Treatment-Related Adverse Events of Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-Cell (CAR T) in Clinical Trials: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Simple Summary Successful treatment of hematological malignancies with chimeric antigen receptors T (CAR-T) cells has led to much enthusiasm for the wide clinical usage and development of novel CAR-T therapies. However, it also challenges physicians and investigators to recognize and deal with treatment-associated toxicities. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis from 84 eligible study and a total of 2592 patients to identify the comprehensive incidences and severity of CRS and neurological symptoms (NS) as well as the potential differences in AEs across a variety of cancer types, CAR-T targets, and other factors, thereby offering a significant implication on its future application and research. Abstract Chimeric antigen receptors T (CAR-T) cell therapy of cancer is a rapidly evolving field. It has been shown to be remarkably effective in cases of hematological malignancies, and its approval by the FDA has significantly increased the enthusiasm for wide clinical usage and development of novel CAR-T therapies. However, it has also challenged physicians and investigators to recognize and deal with treatment-associated toxicities. A total of 2592 patients were included from 84 eligible studies that were systematically searched and reviewed from the databases of PubMed, de, the American Society of Hematology and the Cochrane Library. The meta-analysis and subgroup analysis by a Bayesian logistic regression model were used to evaluate the incidences of therapy-related toxicities such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurological symptoms (NS), and the differences between different targets and cancer types were analyzed. The pooled all-grade CRS rate and grade ≥ 3 CRS rate was 77% and 29%, respectively, with a significantly higher incidence in the hematologic malignancies (all-grade: 81%; grade ≥ 3: 29%) than in solid tumors (all-grade: 37%; grade ≥ 3: 19%). The pooled estimate NS rate from the individual studies were 40% for all-grade and 28% for grade ≥ 3. It was also higher in the hematologic subgroup than in the solid tumors group. The subgroup analysis by cancer type showed that higher incidences of grade ≥ 3 CRS were observed in anti-CD19 CAR-T therapy for ALL and NHL, anti-BCMA CAR-T for MM, and anti-CEA CAR-T for solid tumors, which were between 24–36%, while higher incidences of grade ≥ 3 NS were mainly observed in CD19-ALL/NHL (23–37%) and BCMA-MM (12%). Importantly, subgroup analysis on anti-CD19 CAR-T studies showed that young patients (vs. adult patients), allologous T cell origin (vs. autologous origin), gamma retrovirus vector, and higher doses of CAR-T cells were associated with high-grade CRS. On the other hand, the patients with NHL (vs ALL), administered with higher dose of CAR-T, and adult patients (vs. young patients) had an increased incidence of grade ≥ 3 NS events. This study offers a comprehensive summary of treatment-related toxicity and will guide future clinical trials and therapeutic designs investigating CAR T cell therapy.
Keratinocyte Carcinoma and Photoprevention: The Protective Actions of Repurposed Pharmaceuticals, Phytochemicals and Vitamins

Simple Summary Keratinocyte carcinoma is the most common type of cancer. Sun exposure and ultraviolet radiation are significant contributors to the development of carcinogenesis, mediated by DNA damage, increased oxidative stress, inflammation, immunosuppression and dysregulated signal transduction. Photoprevention involves using different compounds to delay or prevent ultraviolet radiation-induced skin cancer. In this review, we look at new avenues for systemic photoprevention that are based on pharmaceuticals, plant-derived phytochemicals and vitamins. We also investigate the mechanisms underlying these strategies for preventing the onset of carcinogenesis. Abstract Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) arising from sun exposure represents a major risk factor in the development of keratinocyte carcinomas (KCs). UVR exposure induces dysregulated signal transduction, oxidative stress, inflammation, immunosuppression and DNA damage, all of which promote the induction and development of photocarcinogenesis. Because the incidence of KCs is increasing, better prevention strategies are necessary. In the concept of photoprevention, protective compounds are administered either topically or systemically to prevent the effects of UVR and the development of skin cancer. In this review, we provide descriptions of the pathways underlying photocarcinogenesis and an overview of selected photoprotective compounds, such as repurposed pharmaceuticals, plant-derived phytochemicals and vitamins. We discuss the protective potential of these compounds and their effects in pre-clinical and human trials, summarising the mechanisms of action involved in preventing photocarcinogenesis.
Evaluation of Medicine Abuse Trends in Community Pharmacies: The Medicine Abuse Observatory (MAO) in a Region of Southern Europe

The misuse of medicines is a global public health concern that needs to be taken into consideration and requires actions across all government sectors and society. The aim of this study is to identify trends of drug abuse in Catalonia, a region of Spain located in the South of Europe. For this purpose, a questionnaire-based detection tool was created and implemented in 60 community pharmacies. Out of 548 questionnaires (98.4%), 64.2% of participants were men and the highest age proportion was 25–35 years (31.4%). Potential drug abuse was the highest in urban pharmacies (84.9%). The main drug class involved were benzodiazepines (31.8%), codeine (19.3%), tramadol (7.5%), methylphenidate (5.8%), gabapentinoids (5.8%), cycloplegic drops (4.4%), z-drugs (2.6%), piracetam (2.2%), dextromethorphan (1.6%) and clomethiazole (1.1%). The majority of drugs were requested without prescription (58.6%) and through probably forged prescriptions (23.7%). Slightly less than half (49.8%) of the patients request frequently to the pharmacist, especially in rural and mountain pharmacies (73.3% and 88.5%, respectively). A small proportion (10.8%) were requested with intimidation. Pharmacists only supplied in 21.7% of the cases. This study has demonstrated the suitability of the new detection system, being a useful approach to replicate in other locations with similar needs.
Changes in Body Mass and Composition of the Body as Well as Physical Activity and Time Spent in Front of the Monitor by Students of the Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences during the Period of COVID-19 Restrictions

The aim of the study is to assess the impact of changes in daily physical activity during the blockade (March 2020–February 2021) on the mass and segmental composition of the body of young people. Material and research methods: In total, 120 people from the sports and medical university aged 19.8 (±0.8) years, average height 173.2 (±9.2) cm, body mass 66.1 (±12.8), and BMI 19.2 (±5.9) kg/m2. The research was carried out in two stages. The total and segmental body mass of the respondents and the change in physical activity during the pandemic were assessed twice (December 2019, February 2021). There was a statistically significant increase in body mass in men, an increase in total fat mass in women, and statistically significant changes in the distribution of fat mass in both sexes. Conclusions: In the studied group, there was a change in the forms of physical activity from strength and group activity to endurance activity (running forms, cycling.) and individual activity. The subjects showed a statistically significant increase in body fat, regardless of gender, and in the upper limbs in men.
The Impact of the Affordable Care Act on Dental Care: An Integrative Literature Review

The goal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) is to increase access to health insurance and decrease health care cost while improving health care quality. With more articles examining the relationship between one of the ACA provisions and dental health outcomes, we systematically reviewed the effect of the ACA on dental care coverage and access to dental services. We searched literature using the National Library of Medicine’s Medline (PubMed) and Thomson Reuters’ Web of Science between January 2010 and November 2020. We identified 33 articles related to dental coverage, and access/utilization of dental care services. This systematic review of studies showed that the ACA resulted in gains in dental coverage for adults and children, whereas results were mixed with dental care access. Overall, we found that the policy led to a decrease in cost barriers, an increase in private dental coverage for young adults, and increased dental care use among low-income childless adults. The implementation of the ACA was not directly associated with dental insurance coverage among people in the U.S. However, results suggest positive spillover effects of the ACA on dental care coverage and utilization by people in the national level dataset.
Coupling Coordination Relationship and Driving Mechanism between Urbanization and Ecosystem Service Value in Large Regions: A Case Study of Urban Agglomeration in Yellow River Basin, China

Mastering the coupling and coordination relationship and driving mechanism of urbanization and ecosystem service value (ESV) is of great significance to ecological protection and regional sustainable development. In this paper, the coupling coordination model, geographic detector and GWR model are used to analyze the spatio-temporal coupling interaction between urbanization and ESV and the spatial differentiation characteristics of influencing factors from 1995 to 2018. The results of the study are as follows: (1) During the study period, cities in the Yellow River Basin experienced accelerated urban expansion, and the ESV of forests, water and wetlands increased, which offset the reduction in ESV due to the expansion of construction land and farmland and grassland. (2) The degree of coupling and coordination between the two gradually improved, but the overall situation showed a low-level coupling and coordination process. Mild coupling coordination gradually increased, reaching an increase of 38.10%; severe imbalance types tended to disappear, decreasing by 52.38%, and coupling subtypes developed from lagging urbanization to ESV backward types. The high-value areas of the coupling coordination degree are distributed in the high-value areas of ESV in the north of the upper reaches, and the low-value areas are distributed in the cities of Henan and Shandong with high urbanization levels in the downstream and most resource-based cities in the middle reaches. (3) In addition, the spatial intensity of the effect of each dominant factor on the degree of coupling coordination is different. Economic growth, technological development, environmental regulations and the proportion of forest land have positive and belt-shaped alienation characteristics for the coupling and coordination of the two, and infrastructure and temperature show negative driving characteristics. Therefore, the coupling and coordination relationship between ESV and urbanization should be clarified to help future urban planning. On the basis of determining the regional environmental carrying capacity and the adjustment direction of the rational planning of land resources, the impact of urban barriers formed by administrative boundaries and natural geographical conditions on the development of urban agglomerations should be broken to achieve the overall high-quality and coordinated development of the basin.
Analysis of cuticular chemical profiles of Latrodectus geometricus (Araneae: Theridiidae) females and juveniles using GC×GC/qMS

Communication in spiders can occur by several mechanisms, such as chemical cues and the cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) play an important role in intraspecific recognition. Several techniques have been used to evaluate CHCs in spiders, such as Gas Chromatography with Flame Ionization Detection, Gas Chromatography coupled with Mass Spectrometric detection and recently Fourier Transformed Infrared Photoacoustic Spectroscopy. In this study, rapid-scanning two-dimensional gas chromatography with quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC×GC/qMS) was employed to assess the CHCs of L. geometricus females and juveniles of different ages. The results demonstrate that there is variation in CHCs of different body parts of females, with abdomen presenting greater number of compounds, as well as between adults and juveniles. Branched alkanes represented the majority of compounds in all samples, followed by linear alkanes, and alkenes were only present in adult’s abdomen and cephalothorax. The compounds 10-methyloctacosaneand 14-methyloctacosane; and 10-methyltriacontane and 14-methyltriacontane showed the same retention time in the 1 D and were separated in the 2 D. According to the results, rapid-scanning GC×GC/qMS can be considered a reliable technique to assess CHCs since it was possible to identify the spider’s cuticular compounds, and detect and separate two cases of chromatographic coelution.
BRCA2 Promotes Spontaneous Homologous Recombination In Vivo

Simple Summary Inherited mutation of either BRCA1 or BRCA2 is associated with familial breast and ovarian cancer. As a tumor suppressor, BRCA2 functions to maintain genome stability but we do not know the genomic impact of this deficiency on normal tissues in normal contexts, rather than cancer cells that carry other gene mutations. Numerous murine models of BRCA2 have been developed to investigate BRCA2 tumor suppressor function but have been met with difficulties due to the lethality of most of these models during embryogenesis. To circumvent embryonic lethality here, we employ the cre conditional system combined with an assay for measuring changes in stability of a large tandem DNA repeat by homology-directed recombination. The relevance of this assay is that it can measure DNA recombination events in a normal growing/developing tissue. Here, we show that BRCA2 is required for homologous recombination in a normal developing tissue long before cancer arises. Abstract Background: BRCA2 is known to be a tumor suppressor involved in homologous recombination repair and presumed to prevent genome instability in normal tissues prior to the development of tumors. Typical assessment of BRCA2 deficiency on the genome involves cell-based models using cancer cells with mixed genetic contexts, but the role in normal tissue in vivo has not been clearly demonstrated. Methods: Using conditional deletion of Brca2 exon 11, the region containing all eight BRC repeats, in the retinal pigment epithelium and the pink-eyed unstable mouse model, we evaluate the frequency of DNA deletion events. Results: In the current study, we show that conditional loss of Brca2 exon 11 results in a decreased frequency of spontaneous homologous recombination compared to wild-type mice. Of note, we observe no apparent concomitant increase in events that indicate single-strand annealing by the pink-eyed unstable mouse model. Conclusions: Therefore, our results demonstrate that BRCA2, as expected, is required for high-fidelity homologous recombination DNA repair in normal tissues, here in a tissue undergoing normal proliferation through normal development.
Using comprehensive machine‐learning models to classify complex morphological characters

Abstract Recognizing and classifying multiple morphological features, such as patterns, sizes, and textures, can provide a comprehensive understanding of their variability and phenotypic evolution. Yet, quantitatively measuring complex morphological characters remains challenging. We provide a machine learning‐based pipeline (SVMorph) to consider and classify complex morphological characters in multiple organisms that have either small or large datasets. Our pipeline integrates two descriptors, histogram of oriented gradient and local binary pattern, to meet various classification needs. We also optimized feature extraction by adding image data augmentation to improve model generalizability. We tested SVMorph on two real‐world examples to demonstrate that it can be used with small training datasets and limited computational resources. Comparing with multiple CNN‐based methods and traditional techniques, we show that SVMorph is reliable and fast in texture‐based individual classification. Thus, SVMorph can be used to efficiently classify multiple morphological characters in distinct nonmodel organisms.
The Effects of Core Stabilization Exercise with the Abdominal Drawing-in Maneuver Technique versus General Strengthening Exercise on Lumbar Segmental Motion in Patients with Clinical Lumbar Instability: A Randomized Controlled Trial with 12-Month Follow-Up

Trunk stability exercises that focus on either deep or superficial muscles might produce different effects on lumbar segmental motion. This study compared outcomes in 34 lumbar instability patients in two exercises at 10 weeks and 12 months follow up. Participants were divided into either Core stabilization (deep) exercise, incorporating abdominal drawing-in maneuver technique (CSE with ADIM), or General strengthening (superficial) exercise (STE). Outcome measures were pain, muscle activation, and lumbar segmental motion. Participants in CSE with ADIM had significantly less pain than those in STE at 10 weeks. They showed significantly more improvement of abdominal muscle activity ratio than participants in STE at 10 weeks and 12 months follow-up. Participants in CSE with ADIM had significantly reduced sagittal translation at L4-L5 and L5-S1 compared with STE at 10 weeks. Participants in CSE with ADIM had significantly reduced sagittal translations at L4-L5 and L5-S1 compared with participants in STE at 10 weeks, whereas STE demonstrated significantly increased sagittal rotation at L4-L5. However, at 12 months follow-up, levels of lumbar sagittal translation were increased in both groups. CSE with ADIM which focuses on increasing deep trunk muscle activity can reduce lumbar segmental translation and should be recommended for lumbar instability.
Oral Selective Estrogen Receptor Degraders (SERDs) as a Novel Breast Cancer Therapy: Present and Future from a Clinical Perspective

Estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) is the most common subtype of breast cancer. Endocrine therapy is the fundamental treatment against this entity, by directly or indirectly modifying estrogen production. Recent advances in novel compounds, such as cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 inhibitors (CDK4/6i), or phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors have improved progression-free survival and overall survival in these patients. However, some patients still develop endocrine resistance after or during endocrine treatment. Different underlying mechanisms have been identified as responsible for endocrine treatment resistance, where ESR1 gene mutations are one of the most studied, outstanding from others such as somatic alterations, microenvironment involvement and epigenetic changes. In this scenario, selective estrogen receptor degraders/downregulators (SERD) are one of the weapons currently in research and development against aromatase inhibitor- or tamoxifen-resistance. The first SERD to be developed and approved for ER+ breast cancer was fulvestrant, demonstrating also interesting activity in ESR1 mutated patients in the second line treatment setting. Recent investigational advances have allowed the development of new oral bioavailable SERDs. This review describes the evolution and ongoing studies in SERDs and new molecules against ER, with the hope that these novel drugs may improve our patients’ future landscape.
The Relationship between Students’ Physical Self-Concept and Their Physical Activity Levels and Sedentary Behavior: The Role of Students’ Motivation

This study aimed to analyze the association between specific dimension (i.e., fitness, appearance, physical competence, physical strength, and self-esteem) of students’ physical self-concept (PSC) and their physical activity (PA) levels (i.e., intentions to be physically active and out-of-school PA levels perceived by students) and sedentary behavior (SB) (i.e., total sitting and screen time perceived by students). We also tested the role of students’ motivation (i.e., intrinsic motivation and amotivation) towards PA in these relationships. A total of 1998 Spanish male (n = 1003) and female (n = 995) secondary students, aged between 13 and 17 years (M = 14.92, SD = 0.87) from 22 schools, enrolled in third grade (n = 1081) and fourth grade (n = 917), completed the self-reported questionnaires. Five independent structural equation modeling (SEM) adjusted by students’ sex was used to examine the association between specific dimension of students’ PSC (i.e., fitness, appearance, physical competence, physical strength, and self-esteem) and self-reported PA and SB variables, and to test the role of students’ motivation in these relationships. Overall, most of students’ PSC dimension positively predicted students’ PA outcomes, and were negatively associated with SB. In addition, most of students’ PSC dimension were positively associated with intrinsic motivation, and negatively predicted amotivation. In turn, intrinsic motivation was a positive predictor of PA outcomes, and a negative predictor of SB, whereas amotivation was a negative predictor of PA outcomes and sitting time, and a positive predictor of screen time. Finally, from PSC dimensions, sex as a covariate was a positive predictor of intrinsic motivation and PA outcomes, and was a negative predictor of amotivation and sitting time. These findings suggest the importance of the specific dimensions of PSC perceived by adolescents on their motivational processes, and in turn, on their PA and SB outcomes.