Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Viola tricolor (Violaceae) is a karyologically unstable species

Viola tricolor is a pseudometallophyte covering heavy-metal-polluted and non-polluted areas. The species is a member of the evolutionarily young sect. Melanium of Viola. In this study, we sought to determine whether the karyotype of V. tricolor is stable with respect to chromosome structure or is altered depending on environmental conditions (heavy-metal-polluted vs. non-polluted areas). We established the karyotypes of plant material originating from a Zakopane meadow (non-metallicolous population) and from the Bukowno mine waste heap (metallicolous population), showing evident interpopulation differentiation in chromosome type (2M+20 m+2sm+2st vs. 18 m+8sm), in the number, size, and distribution of rDNA loci (25S and 5S), and also in chromosome mutations, mainly fission of chromosomes into acentric fragments and translocation of the fragments. Variable numbers of both 25S and 5S rDNA loci were distributed at different positions of the chromosomes and not on specific pairs of chromosomes. The results clearly indicate that the karyotype of V. tricolor results from the unstable genetic structure of the species. This character, typical for relatively young evolutionary groups, proves its membership to the Melanium section considered to be young within the genus Viola.
Expansion microscopy of C. elegans

We recently developed expansion microscopy (ExM), which achieves nanoscale-precise imaging of specimens at ~70 nm resolution (with ~4.5x linear expansion) by isotropic swelling of chemically processed, hydrogel-embedded tissue. ExM of C. elegans is challenged by its cuticle, which is stiff and impermeable to antibodies. Here we present a strategy, expansion of C. elegans (ExCel), to expand fixed, intact C. elegans. ExCel enables simultaneous readout of fluorescent proteins, RNA, DNA location, and anatomical structures at resolutions of ~65–75 nm (3.3–3.8x linear expansion). We also developed epitope-preserving ExCel, which enables imaging of endogenous proteins stained by antibodies, and iterative ExCel, which enables imaging of fluorescent proteins after 20x linear expansion. We demonstrate the utility of the ExCel toolbox for mapping synaptic proteins, for identifying previously unreported proteins at cell junctions, and for gene expression analysis in multiple individual neurons of the same animal.
Usage of supercritical fluid techniques to obtain bioactive alkaloid-rich extracts from cherimoya peel and leaves: extract profiles and their correlation with antioxidant properties and acetylcholinesterase and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities.

The agroindustrial sector is highly concerned with regards to reducing the environmental impact of waste from pruning activities (leaves, branches and bark) and from food industry processes (peels and seeds). In this sense, the wastes generated by cherimoya cultivation and processing industries should be contemplated as a valuable source of biologically active compounds. In this work, we have studied the bioactivity of alkaloid-rich Annona cherimola Mill. extracts obtain by means of supercritical fluid extraction techniques. The extracts were obtained from the peel and leaves using the following optimal conditions: 100 bar of pressure, 75 °C and 15% methanol as co-solvent. High antioxidant capacity (5304.23 ± 73.60 to 21 705.20 ± 1069.31 μmol Trolox equivalent per 100 g), and acetylcholinesterase (IC50 = 87.69 ± 3.42 to 515.02 ± 29.25 μg mL-1) and α-glucosidase (IC50 = 1097.76 ± 121.12 to 3206.88 ± 97.06 μg mL-1) inhibitory activities were exhibited by both peel and leaf extracts. Larger alkaloid contents were determined by UHPLC-ESI-MS analysis, with peel extracts presenting a high concentration of N-trans-feruloyl phenethylamine, while leaf extracts were rich in anonine. This work reports novel data on bioactivity of cherimoya peel and leaves and their potential as a source of bioactive compounds.
Paraphyly and Polyphyly in the Worldwide Tribe Rubieae (Rubiaceae): Challenges for Generic Delimitation1,2

Abstract On the basis of multidisciplinary studies on the tribe Rubieae, we contribute to the current discussion on paraphyly and supraspecific taxa that do not contain all descendant species of an ancestral clade. Rubieae belong to the large, predominantly tropical and woody family Rubiaceae and include possibly ≤ 1000 mostly temperate and herbaceous species with worldwide distribution. Our studies span distinctive groups throughout the tribe, consist of a maximum parsimony analysis of plastid atpB-rbcL and rpL32-trnL DNA sequences, and are summarized in a condensed strict consensus tree. A corresponding two-dimensional scheme illustrates alternative hypotheses for phylogenetic relationships among all major Rubieae clades identified. The small relictual genus Kelloggia Torr. in Benth. & Hook. f. , formerly excluded from the Rubieae, is supported as a remnant of the ancestors of the tribe. Didymaea Hook. f. and Rubia L. represent early phylogenetic side lines. All other Rubieae form a large monophyletic crown group with the traditional genera Asperula L. being polyphyletic and Galium L. paraphyletic. Changes in the circumscription of these and other genera are thus inevitable. The necessity of accepting paraphyletic taxa as well as the positive and negative aspects of taxonomic splitting versus lumping within Rubieae are discussed. Additionally, lectotypes are designated for one section of Asperula---Asperula sect. Dioicae Airy Shaw & Turrill, typified by A. conferta Hook. f. —and for three sections of Galium---Galium sect. Leiogalium (DC.) Ledeb. , typified by G. sylvaticum L. ; Galium sect. Lophogalium K. Schum. , typified by G. multiflorum Kellogg; and Galium sect. Depauperata Pobed. , typified by G. songaricum Schrenk ex Fisch. & C. A. Mey.
Understanding the Terrible Twos: A longitudinal investigation of the impact of early executive function and parent-child interactions.

Impairments in both executive function and parent-child interactions are associated with child externalizing behavior, but few studies have tested the uniqueness of these associations in the first years of life. Addressing these gaps, the current study involved an international sample (N = 438; 218 boys) who, at 14 and 24 months, completed an innovative battery of executive function tasks and were filmed at home in dyadic interaction with their mothers, enabling detailed observational ratings of maternal support. In addition, parents rated infant temperament at 4 months and externalizing behavior at 14 and 24 months. Cross-lagged longitudinal analysis showed a unidirectional developmental association between executive function at 14 months and externalizing behavior at 24 months. In addition, infant negative affect moderated the inverse association between maternal support at 14 months and externalizing behavior at 24 months. The benefits of maternal support were only evident for children with low levels of negative affect in infancy. We discuss this finding in relation to theoretical models that highlight child effects (e.g., models of vantage sensitivity).
Understanding kidney disease in rural central Uganda – Findings from a qualitative study

ABSTRACT As part of a multicentre study on kidney disease (ARK) undertaken in Malawi, South Africa and Uganda we undertook a social science component in Uganda to gather information on people’s understandings and perceptions of a diagnosis of kidney dysfunction, treatment and treatment seeking. We recruited 46 people who had been given information about kidney dysfunction and had been found to have some, usually early, signs of mild impairment. Data were collected during two in-depth interviews. Most participants had heard of the condition, but half denied knowledge of the health status of their kidneys or receiving results of tests from the clinic team. This response may have been linked to a lack of symptoms, for those with early stage kidney dysfunction. The treatment people reported receiving caused some uncertainty about condition severity. This may be because several people were treated for other conditions (such as urinary tract infections) and did not require treatment specifically for kidney disease. In our study, participants assessed illness severity based on symptoms and treatment and compared with the progression of other conditions.
Degradation, Bone Regeneration and Tissue Response of an Innovative Volume Stable Magnesium-Supported GBR/GTR Barrier Membrane

Introduction: Bioresorbable collagenous barrier membranes are used to prevent premature soft tissue ingrowth and to allow bone regeneration. For volume stable indications, only non-absorbable synthetic materials are available. This study investigates a new bioresorbable hydrofluoric acid (HF)-treated magnesium (Mg) mesh in a native collagen membrane for volume stable situations. Materials and Methods: HF-treated and untreated Mg were compared in direct and indirect cytocompatibility assays. In vivo, 18 New Zealand White Rabbits received each four 8 mm calvarial defects and were divided into four groups: (a) HF-treated Mg mesh/collagen membrane, (b) untreated Mg mesh/collagen membrane (c) collagen membrane and (d) sham operation. After 6, 12 and 18 weeks, Mg degradation and bone regeneration was measured using radiological and histological methods. Results: In vitro, HF-treated Mg showed higher cytocompatibility. Histopathologically, HF-Mg prevented gas cavities and was degraded by mononuclear cells via phagocytosis up to 12 weeks. Untreated Mg showed partially significant more gas cavities and a fibrous tissue reaction. Bone regeneration was not significantly different between all groups. Discussion and Conclusions: HF-Mg meshes embedded in native collagen membranes represent a volume stable and biocompatible alternative to the non-absorbable synthetic materials. HF-Mg shows less corrosion and is degraded by phagocytosis. However, the application of membranes did not result in higher bone regeneration.
Evolution de la capacité de germination des semences de mauvaises herbes enfouies dans le sol

RÉSUMÉ Des semences de 4 espèces de mauvaises herbes, Aethusa cynapium L. , Alopecurus myosuroides Huds. , Euphorbia exigua L. et Matricaria perforata Mérat, sont disposées dans des sachets de tergal enfouis dans le sol à une profondeur de 10 et 25 cm. Toutes les 3 semaines, et durant 28 mois, des sachets sont prélevés pour évaluer en laboratoire la capacité germinative des semences restantes. Parallèlement, la chronologie de levée de ces mêmes espèces est étudiée sur 2 dispositifs : dans un peuplement naturel sous culture assolée et dans un peuplement artificiel créé par enrichissement en semences, sous monocultures de blé d’hiver et d’orge de printemps. L’observation des levées est effectuée régulièrement sur ces parcelles. Les semences de matricaire disparaissent (probablement par germination in situ) à un taux annuel de 17 p. 100 ; les semences de toutes les autres espèces se conservent. Hormis les semences de matricaire placées à la lumière qui germent à 100 p. 100, la capacité germinative évolue dans le temps : dans incubated in light showed an increase in the rate of germination with increasing burial time ; 2) seeds of Aethusa incubated in the dark and seeds of Euphorbia and Alopecurus incubated in the light or in the dark showed a cyclic annual pattern. The germination capacity correlated with soil temperature and soil moisture during burial and also with burial time. To find the principal factors affecting germination a regression analysis was used. The field emergence pattern showed that :
Assessment of serum lipid profile in patients with thyroid disorders in a rural backdrop of central India

Introduction: Thyroid diseases are among the commonest endocrine disorders worldwide. Thyroid dysfunction can result in lipid abnormalities which increase the risk of endothelial dysfunction, hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Aim: This cross-sectional ANALYSIS 24(101), January February, 2020 Medical Science ISSN 2321–7359 EISSN 2321–7367
Cost-effectiveness of psychological treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder in adults

Background Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe and disabling condition that may lead to functional impairment and reduced productivity. Psychological interventions have been shown to be effective in its management. The objective of this study was to assess the cost-effectiveness of a range of interventions for adults with PTSD. Methods A decision-analytic model was constructed to compare costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) of 10 interventions and no treatment for adults with PTSD, from the perspective of the National Health Service and personal social services in England. Effectiveness data were derived from a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Other model input parameters were based on published sources, supplemented by expert opinion. Results Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) appeared to be the most cost-effective intervention for adults with PTSD (with a probability of 0.34 amongst the 11 evaluated options at a cost-effectiveness threshold of £20,000/QALY), followed by combined somatic/cognitive therapies, self-help with support, psychoeducation, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT), self-help without support, non-TF-CBT and combined TF-CBT/SSRIs. Counselling appeared to be less cost-effective than no treatment. TF-CBT had the largest evidence base. Conclusions A number of interventions appear to be cost-effective for the management of PTSD in adults. EMDR appears to be the most cost-effective amongst them. TF-CBT has the largest evidence base. There remains a need for well-conducted studies that examine the long-term clinical and cost-effectiveness of a range of treatments for adults with PTSD.
The intragenic microRNA miR199A1 in the dynamin 2 gene contributes to the pathology of X-linked centronuclear myopathy

Mutations in the myotubularin 1 (MTM1) gene can cause the fatal disease X-linked centronuclear myopathy (XLCNM), but the underlying mechanism is incompletely understood. In this report, using an Mtm1−/y disease model, we found that expression of the intragenic microRNA miR-199a-1 is up-regulated along with that of its host gene, dynamin 2 (Dnm2), in XLCNM skeletal muscle. To assess the role of miR-199a-1 in XLCNM, we crossed miR-199a-1−/− with Mtm1−/y mice and found that the resultant miR-199a-1-Mtm1 double-knockout mice display markers of improved health, as evidenced by lifespans prolonged by 30% and improved muscle strength and histology. Mechanistic analyses showed that miR-199a-1 directly targets nonmuscle myosin IIA (NM IIA) expression and, hence, inhibits muscle postnatal development as well as muscle maturation. Further analysis revealed that increased expression and phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) up-regulates Dnm2/miR-199a-1 expression in XLCNM muscle. Our results suggest that miR-199a-1 has a critical role in XLCNM pathology and imply that this microRNA could be targeted in therapies to manage XLCNM.
Thermal Infrared Imaging to Evaluate Emotional Competences in Nursing Students: A First Approach through a Case Study

During university studies of nursing, it is important to develop emotional skills for their impact on academic performance and the quality of patient care. Thermography is a technology that could be applied during nursing training to evaluate emotional skills. The objective is to evaluate the effect of thermography as the tool for monitoring and improving emotional skills in student nurses through a case study. The student was subjected to different emotions. The stimuli applied were video and music. The process consisted of measuring the facial temperatures during each emotion and stimulus in three phases: acclimatization, stimulus, and response. Thermographic data acquisition was performed with an FLIR E6 camera. The analysis was complemented with the environmental data (temperature and humidity). With the video stimulus, the start and final forehead temperature from testing phases, showed a different behavior between the positive (joy: 34.5 °C–34.5 °C) and negative (anger: 36.1 °C–35.1 °C) emotions during the acclimatization phase, different from the increase experienced in the stimulus (joy: 34.7 °C–35.0 °C and anger: 35.0 °C–35.0 °C) and response phases (joy: 35.0 °C–35.0 °C and anger: 34.8 °C–35.0 °C). With the music stimulus, the emotions showed different patterns in each phase (joy: 34.2 °C–33.9 °C–33.4 °C and anger: 33.8 °C–33.4 °C–33.8 °C). Whenever the subject is exposed to a stimulus, there is a thermal bodily response. All of the facial areas follow a common thermal pattern in response to the stimulus, with the exception of the nose. Thermography is a technique suitable for the stimulation practices in emotional skills, given that it is non-invasive, it is quantifiable, and easy to access.
Positive, but Not Negative, Self-Perceptions of Aging Predict Cognitive Function Among Older Adults

Self-perceptions of aging (SPA) refer to attitudes about one’s aging process and are linked to physical health and longevity. How SPA correlates with cognitive function in older adulthood is less well known. 136 older adults were administered a multifaceted SPA measure, The Brief Ageing Perceptions Questionnaire (B-APQ), in addition to a demographic form and a comprehensive neuropsychological battery. Positive and negative subscales of the B-APQ were correlated with aspects of cognitive function. Regression analyses revealed that only the positive B-APQ subscales predicted mental status (β = .19, p < .05), short-delay memory (β = .16, p < .05), processing speed (β = −.21, p < .05), and two measures of executive function (β = −.21, p < .01; β = .18, p < .05). This is the first study to demonstrate that positive dimensions of SPA relate to cognitive function in older adulthood.
The Role of CT-Quantified Body Composition on Longitudinal Health-Related Quality of Life in Colorectal Cancer Patients: The Colocare Study

Background: Obesity, defined by body mass index (BMI), measured at colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis has been associated with postoperative complications and survival outcomes. However, BMI does not allow for a differentiation between fat and muscle mass. Computed tomography (CT)-defined body composition more accurately reflects different types of tissue and their associations with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) during the first year of disease, but this has not been investigated yet. We studied the role of visceral and subcutaneous fat area (VFA and SFA) and skeletal muscle mass (SMM) on longitudinally assessed HRQoL in CRC patients. Methods: A total of 138 newly diagnosed CRC patients underwent CT scans at diagnosis and completed questionnaires prior to and six and twelve months post-surgery. We investigated the associations of VFA, SFA, and SMM with HRQoL at multiple time points. Results: A higher VFA was associated with increased pain six and twelve months post-surgery (β = 0.06, p = 0.04 and β = 0.07, p = 0.01) and with worse social functioning six months post-surgery (β = −0.08, p = 0.01). Higher SMM was associated with increased pain twelve months post-surgery (β = 1.03, p < 0.01). Conclusions: CT-quantified body composition is associated with HRQoL scales post-surgery. Intervention strategies targeting a reduction in VFA and maintaining SMM might improve HRQoL in CRC patients during the first year post-surgery.
PATCH SELECTION AND TREE-SEEDLING PREDATION BY RESIDENT VS. IMMIGRANT MEADOW VOLES

Many small mammal species may exhibit source–sink dynamics, in which some patches (sources) are occupied mainly by residents, while others (sinks) are occupied mainly by recent immigrants. Residents and immigrants are expected to differ in their degree of familiarity with their surroundings, which could affect resource use. Small mammals are known to inhibit the establishment of tree seedlings, especially when population densities are high, and habitat quality, especially the availability of cover and food, has been found to affect local densities. In addition, availability of food can affect the use of other food items, especially those of lower quality. Our goals were to study how population status (residents vs. immigrants) affects use of habitat patches differing in cover and food availability, and how the quality of habitats and individuals interact and affect tree-seedling predation by meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus). We conducted a field experiment in six 40 m × 40 m enclosures in an old fie.
The SCF/KIT pathway implements self-organised epithelial patterning by cell movement

How individual cell behaviours lead to the emergence of global patterns is poorly understood. In the Xenopus embryonic epidermis, multiciliated cells (MCCs) are born in a random pattern within an inner mesenchymal layer, and subsequently intercalate at regular intervals into an outer epithelial layer. Using both experiments and mathematical modelling, we show that this transition from chaotic to ordered distribution relies on mutual repulsion among motile immature MCCs, and affinity towards outer-layer intercellular junctions. Consistently, ARP2/3-mediated actin remodelling is required for MCC pattern emergence. Using multiple functional approaches, we show that the Kit tyrosine kinase receptor, expressed in MCCs, and its ligand Scf, expressed in outer-layer cells, are both required for regular MCC distribution. While Scf behaves as a potent adhesive cue for MCCs, Kit expression is sufficient to confer order to a disordered heterologous cell population. Our work reveals how a single signalling system can implement self-organised large-scale patterning. Highlights - Immature multiciliated cells transit from a disordered to an ordered pattern - The transition is a self-organising process based on repulsive and affinity movements - ARP2/3-dependent actin remodelling is required for pattern emergence - The SCF/KIT pathway promotes both repulsion and affinity movements eTOC blurb In developing Xenopus epidermis, immature multiciliated cells (MCCs), initially chaotically distributed within an inner layer, emerge in an orderly pattern among cells of the outer layer. This process involves MCC mutual repulsion and affinity towards outer-layer intercellular junctions. The SCF/KIT signalling pathway promotes both properties to allow regular MCC distribution.
Characteristics and diagnosis rate of 5,630 subjects receiving SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid tests from Wuhan, China.

BACKGROUND The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a novel viral pneumonia (COVID-19), which is rapidly spreading in the world. The positive result of nucleic acid test is a golden criterion to confirm SARS-CoV-2 infection, but the detection features remain unclear. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis in 5,630 high-risk individuals receiving SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid tests in Wuhan, China, and investigated their characteristics and diagnosis rates. RESULTS The overall diagnosis rate was 34.7% (1,952/5,630). Male (P = 0.025) and older age (P = 2.525 × 10-39) were two significant risk factors of SARS-CoV-2 infection. People were generally susceptible, and most cases concentrated in people of 30- to 69-years-old. Besides, we investigated the association between diagnosis rate and the number of testing in 501 subjects. Results revealed a 1.27-fold improvement (35.5%/27.9%) of diagnosis rate from testing once to twice (P = 5.847 × 10-9), and a 1.43-fold improvement (39.9%/27.9%) from testing once to three times (P = 7.797 × 10-14). More than three testing times was not helpful for further improvement. However, this improvement was not observed in subjects with pneumonia (P = 0.097). CONCLUSION All populations are susceptible to SARS-Cov-2 infection, and male and older age are two significant risk factors. Increasing the number of testing could significantly improve diagnosis rates, except for subjects with pneumonia. It is recommended to test twice in those high-risk individuals whose results are negative for the first time, and to perform three testing times is better if available.