Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Non-invasive diagnostic strategy in ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome.

CONTEXT Inferior petrosal sinus sampling (IPSS) is used to diagnose Cushing's disease (CD) when dexamethasone-suppression and CRH tests, and pituitary MRI, are negative or give discordant results. However, IPSS is an invasive procedure and its availability is limited. OBJECTIVE To test a non-invasive diagnostic strategy associated with 100% positive predictive value (PPV) for CD. DESIGN Retrospective study. SETTING Two university hospitals. PATIENTS 167 patients with CD and 27 patients with ectopic ACTH-syndrome (EAS) investigated between 2001 and 2016. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Performance of a strategy involving the CRH and desmopressin tests with pituitary MRI followed by thin-slice whole-body CT scan (CT) in patients with inconclusive results. RESULTS Using thresholds of a cortisol increase > 17% with ACTH increase > 37% during the CRH test; and cortisol increase > 18% with ACTH increase > 33% during the desmopressin test, the combination of both tests gave 73% sensitivity and 98% PPV of CD. The sensitivity and PPV for pituitary MRI were 71% and 99%, respectively. CT identified 67% EAS at presentation with no false-positives. The PPV for CD was 100% in patients with positive responses to both tests, with negative pituitary MRI and CT. The NPV was 100% in patients with negative responses to both tests, with negative pituitary MRI and positive CT. Using this strategy, IPPS could have been avoided in 47% of patients in whom it is currently recommended. CONCLUSIONS In conjunction with expert radiologic interpretation, the non-invasive algorithm studied significantly reduces the need for IPSS in the investigation of ACTH-dependent Cushing's syndrome.
Effects of different red to far-red radiation ratios on the senescence of greenhouse chrysanthemum leaves

Red (660±30 nm) and far-red (730±30 nm) LED light sources were combined in different proportions to yield a design with four R:FR ratio treatments (0.5, 2.5, 4.5 and 6.5). Chrysanthemum plants irradiated with natural light served as the control (R:FR=1.02). The chlorophyll a (Chla) content and SPAD value of chrysanthemum leaves were highest for an R:FR ratio of 2.5 and lowest for an R:FR ratio of 6.5. The chlorophyll b (Chlb) and carotenoid content were highest for an R:FR ratio of 0.5 and lowest for R:FR ratios of 6.5 and 2.5, respectively. The superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) activity and soluble protein content of the chrysanthemum leaves were highest for an R:FR ratio of 2.5, whereas the catalase (CAT) activity was highest for an R:FR ratio of 4.5. The SOD, POD, CAT activity and soluble protein content were found to be lowest for an R:FR ratio of 0.5. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content of the chrysanthemum leaves was highest for an R:FR ratio of 0.5 and lowest for an R:FR ratio of 2.5. These results implied that the antioxidant enzyme activity and the anti-senescence ability of the chrysanthemum leaves were highest for an R:FR ratio of 2.5 and lowest for an R:FR ratio of 0.5. Key words: Chrysanthemum, R:FR, senescence, chlorophyll, antioxidant enzyme.
Modeling Pathways From the Perinatal Factors to the Vascular Risk Phenotype at the End of the Second Decade of Life

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Risk factors act around birth increasing future vascular risk. In this study, we analysed the pathways from perinatal factors to the vascular risk phenotype (VRP) in adolescents including indirect pathways mediated by obesity in adolescence. Data from a Brazilian cohort were collected at birth and at 18 to 19 years (follow-up). A theoretical model was constructed to analyze the association between variables at birth (socioeconomic status, prepregnancy body mass index, mother’s age, history of maternal hypertension, maternal smoking, gestational age at birth, birth weight, sex, delivery type) and at follow-up (smoking and excess weight) with the VRP, using structural equation modeling. VRP was a continuous latent variable, representing the shared variance of blood pressure indictors and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity. Males had higher VRP (standardized coefficient [SC], 0.561; P<0.001). Higher prepregnancy body mass index was associated with higher VRP (SC, 0.140; P=0.032). Gestational age <34 weeks had a total (SC, 0.259; P=0.002) and direct effect (SC, 0.354; P=0.018) on VRP. Cesarean delivery had a total effect, albeit borderline, on VRP (SC, 0.159; P=0.066). Excess weight at follow-up was the main determinant of a high VRP (SC, 0.470; P<0.001). Male sex, cesarean section, gestational age <34 weeks, pregestational excess weight, and excess weight in adolescents were associated with increased VRP at 18 to 19 years of age.
The ACE2 expression in Sertoli cells and germ cells may cause male reproductive disorder after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection

The serious coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) was first reported in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. COVID‐19 is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Angiotensin converting enzyme 2(ACE2) is the cellular receptor for SARS‐CoV‐2. Considering the critical roles of testicular cells for the transmission of genetic information between generations, we analyzed single‐cell RNA‐sequencing (scRNA‐seq) data of adult human testis. The mRNA expression of ACE2 was expressed in both germ cells and somatic cells. Moreover, the positive rate of ACE2 in testes of infertile men was higher than normal, which indicates that SARS‐CoV‐2 may cause reproductive disorders through pathway activated by ACE2 and the men with reproductive disorder may easily to be infected by SARS‐CoV‐2. The expression level of ACE2 was related to the age, and the mid‐aged with higher positive rate than young men testicular cells. Taken together, this research provides a biological background of the potential route for infection of SARS‐CoV‐2 and may enable rapid deciphering male‐related reproductive disorders induced by COVID‐19.
Calcification in the Green Alga Halimeda III. THE SOURCES OF INORGANIC CARBON FOR PHOTOSYNTHESIS AND CALCIFICATION AND A MODEL OF THE MECHANISM OF CALCIFICATION

Calcification and photosynthetic rates in Halimeda tuna were measured by the 14C method under conditions of differing pH and total inorganic carbon (ΣCO2) concentrations. The effects of pH and ΣCO2 on photosynthesis and respiration were also monitored with a polarographic O2 electrode. The results obtained indicate that the intercellular pH and ΣCO2 differ from those of the external medium. Experiments carried out over a range of pH values show that Halimeda can use HCO−3HCO3- for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis appears to stimulate calcification by removing CO2 from the intercellular spaces. As these spaces are isolated from the external sea water by the layer of cell wall of the adpressed peripheral utricles, the removal of CO2 results in a rise in [CO2−3CO32-] and a rise in pH. This results in an increased rate of CaCO3 precipitation. Respiratory CO2 evolution has an inhibitory effect on calcification by decreasing the pH and [CO2−3CO32-]. A model for calcification in Halimeda is proposed based on the results of this and previous papers. Calcification in Halimeda is seen to be a result of the anatomy of the thallus in which the sites of calcification are within a semi-isolated chamber where removal or addition of CO2 due to photosynthesis or respiration can effectively change [COCO2−3CO32-] thereby resulting in precipitation of CaCO3. In the Appendix to this paper theoretical calculations illustrate the effects of CO2, HCO−3HCO3-⁠, and CO2−3CO32- removal or addition in a closed system on the relative concentrations of the other inorganic carbon species.
Determinants of Farmers’ Preference for Sustainable Land Management Practices for Maize and Cassava Production in Ogun State, Nigeria

The need to focus policies on enhancing sustainable land management in Africa has become pertinent. This study analysed the determinants of farmers’ adoption of Sustainable Land Management Practices (SLMPs) in crop production in Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling technique was adopted. The SLMPs studied included Structural and Mechanical Erosion Control, Agronomic Practices (AP), Cultivation Practices (CPs) and Soil Management Practices (SMPs). Data from 338 farmers were analysed using descriptive statistics and logit model. Farmers had average of nine years of formal education, 45 per cent participated in cooperatives, 91 per cent accessed extension services, 55 per cent had land tenancy security, 81 per cent use AP more and 47 per cent cultivated undulating farmlands vulnerable to degradation. Farmers’ level of education and their participation in cooperatives positively influenced their adoption of the SLMPs. Overall results showed that the adoption of SLMPs can be enhanced by the development of policy arrangement that will increase farmers’ literacy and encourage them to participate more in cooperatives.
HOW BLUE-SPOTTED AND SMALL-MOUTHED SALAMANDER LARVAE COEXIST WITH THEIR UNISEXUAL COUNTERPARTS

Species of pond-breeding salamanders in the Great Lakes region often coexist with unisexual (all-female) populations that compete with larvae and are sexual parasites on adult males. We evaluated the effects of interactions with the larvae from unisexual salamander (Ambystoma laterale-complex) populations on blue-spotted (A. laterale) and small-mouthed salamander (A. texanum) larvae. We coupled observations in natural ponds with mesocosm and laboratory approaches to investigate the roles of competition, predation, microhabitat partitioning, and behavior on the coexistence of these populations. Unisexual salamander larvae increased mortality, reduced growth, and were observed to attack and bite small-mouthed and blue-spotted salamander larvae in mesocosms. Unisexual larvae were competitively superior to blue-spotted salamander larvae, but competitively equal to small-mouthed salamander larvae. Laboratory experiments confirmed field observations that both species increased their use of refuges in the presence of unisexual larvae and that this behavior resulted in niche partitioning. Blue-spotted salamander larvae were less active in the presence of unisexuals; however, small-mouthed larvae increased activity and use of refuges in the presence of larger intraguild predators. The hypothesis that microhabitat partitioning and altered activities minimize the effects of competition and predation was supported.
Exploring the Relationships Among Moral Distress, Moral Courage, and Moral Resilience in Undergraduate Nursing Students.

BACKGROUND Nurses and students face a demanding and fluid health care system that can present overwhelming challenges. Moral distress is a challenge encountered by students who experience complex situations. Certain virtues such as moral courage and moral resilience are necessary to navigate around this phenomenon. METHOD Using a descriptive correlational study design, a convenience sample of nursing students distributed among three sites were surveyed using three tools: The Moral Distress Thermometer (MDT), the Connor-Davidson Moral Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and the Moral Courage Scale for Physicians (MCSP). RESULTS Students reported mild levels of moral distress (M = 2.73, SD = 1.9). Moral resilience was significantly correlated with moral courage, age, and students having a previous degree. CONCLUSION Interventions to cultivate moral resilience in nursing curricula are necessary. Valid instruments to measure moral resilience and moral distress in nursing students should be investigated further. [J Nurs Educ. 2020;59(7):392-395. ].
Neuromodulation of spinal networks in embryonic and larval zebrafish

Neuromodulation of spinal networks in embryonic and larval zebrafish Michael Jay Spinal networks, once considered an inflexible ensemble of excitatory and inhibitory components organised into fixed circuits, are in fact modulated by a range of neuromodulators which impart levels of flexibility that permit adaptation to changing environments. In this thesis the roles of two known neuromodulators, nitric oxide (NO) and dopamine (DA), have been examined within the developing zebrafish nervous system. In the first results chapter, the anatomical and functional effects of perturbing NO signalling during neuromuscular junction (NMJ) development have been investigated. This revealed that prolonged exposure to NO decreased NMJ number. Additionally, miniature end plate current (mEPC) frequency was reduced, kinetics slowed, and locomotor drive affected, suggesting NO is a potent modulator of NMJ maturation and function. In the second and third chapters, the physiological maturation and functional roles of a population of DAergic neurons which project to spinal networks have been studied. To understand when and how cellular activity patterns develop, targeted in vivo electrophysiological recordings were made from dopaminergic diencephalospinal neurons (DDNs) at embryonic and larval stages, where locomotor network development and output undergo profound changes. These investigations demonstrated that DDNs functionally mature during development, engaging in low frequency tonic spiking at embryonic stages which is accompanied by high frequency bursting at larval stages. Paired recordings of DDNs with spinal neurons revealed that at free swimming (larval) stages, tonic spiking is associated with periods of locomotor inactivity, whereas bursts are associated with periods of swimming. Ablation of DDNs was sufficient to suppress locomotor output suggesting that these cells modulate spinal network excitability. In sum, these investigations provide important insights into the roles of NO and DA during locomotor network ontogeny: NO modulates NMJ maturation while DA contributes to locomotor output.
Beneficial effects of canola oil on breast fatty acids profile and some of serum biochemical parameters of Iranian native turkeys.

During many years, the main objective of the poultry meat industry was to improve body weight and feed efficiency of the birds. However, in the modern poultry industry, there are other parameters that need to be taken into consideration such as low cholesterol and improved fatty acid profile. For this purpose, an experiment was conducted to evaluate canola oil effects on the Iranian native Turkey’s serum parameters and breast meat fatty acid. Ninety male turkey chicks were randomly distributed into three experimental (0, 2.5 and 5%) with three replicate for each group. Diets were isonitrogenous and isoenergetic were given to turkey chicks throughout four periods of breeding (4 - 8, 8 - 12, 12 - 16 and 16 - 20th). The blood sample was taken at the end of the breeding period and serum parameters calculated by Friedewald method. Two pieces from each pen randomly selected and slaughtered with cutting the neck vessels and experimental samples from each breast meat sample prepared and pattern of fatty acids of breast samples was determined by gas chromatography. Serum values were not found to be significantly different (P < 0.05) in triglycerides and VLDL and in CHOL, LDL and HDL (P < 0.05) was significantly different compared to the control group. n-3 Fatty acids used as �-linoleic acid using canola oil had positive effect on the values and amount of this fatty acid in the control of 3.5562% reached to 6.7994 and 8.2447%, respectively in the experimental treatments (P < 0.05). Finally, our results illustrated that canola oil had significant impact on lipid metabolism in native turkey and could improve their serum lipid profile.
In vitro leaf inoculation studies as an indication of tree foliage susceptibility to Phytophthora ramorum in the UK

Leaves of 11 coniferous and 23 broad-leaved tree species important to UK forestry were tested for their susceptibility to the quarantine pathogen Phytophthora ramorum using a detached leaf assay. Two European and two USA isolates were used. Wounded and unwounded leaves were dipped in zoospore suspensions during summer; conifers were also tested in winter. Successful infection of tissue and amount of necrosis were assessed. Highly susceptible broad-leaved hosts included Aesculus hippocastanum, Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus ilex, Ulmus procera and, to a lesser extent, Castanea sativa, Q. cerris and Q. petraea, together with Umbellularia californica and rhododendrons. Acer pseudoplatanus, Alnus glutinosa, Carpinus betulus, Corylus avellana, Fagus sylvatica, Prunus avium, Q. robur, Q. rubra and Q. suber showed consistently low susceptibility. Conifer species including Abies procera, Picea abies, P. sitchensis, Pseudotsuga menziesii, Sequoia sempervirens and Tsuga heterophylla were also susceptible. Pseudotsuga menziesii and A. procera were severely affected. Pinus contorta, P. nigra var. maritima and P. sylvestris were virtually resistant, while Taxus baccata was only slightly affected. Increased necrosis was apparent on leaves that were wounded prior to inoculation. These results extend the known range of trees that P. ramorum is able to attack and confirm its relative host-nonspecificity.
Inhibitory interneurons regulate phasic activity of noradrenergic neurons in the mouse locus coeruleus and functional implications

The locus coeruleus (LC) contains noradrenergic (NA) neurons that respond to novel stimuli in the environment with phasic activation to initiate an orienting response; phasic LC activation is also triggered by stimuli, representing the outcome of task‐related decision processes, to facilitate ensuing behaviours and help optimize task performance. Here, we report that LC‐NA neurons exhibit bursts of action potentials in vitro resembling phasic LC activation in vivo, and the activity is gated by inhibitory interneurons (I‐INs) located in the peri‐LC. We also observe that inhibition of peri‐LC I‐INs enhances prepulse inhibition and axons from cortical areas that play important roles in evaluating the cost/reward of a stimulus synapse on both peri‐LC I‐INs and LC‐NA neurons. The results help us understand the cellular mechanisms underlying the generation and regulation of phasic LC activation with a focus on the role of peri‐LC I‐INs.
Testing the Effectiveness of a Strengths-Based Intervention Targeting All 24 Strengths: Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial

This study assessed the effectiveness of a strengths-based randomized controlled trial focused on fostering all 24 character strengths in a group of 75 participants from a University in Tunisia. Participants randomly assigned to the challenge condition (n = 40) received an email each day for 24 days, that highlighted a particular strength of the day including why the strength is valuable, how to implement the strength behaviourally, and a motto related to that strength. Those in the control condition (n = 35) simply received emails containing the motto for each strength daily for 24 days. We assessed all participants’ levels of happiness before the experiment (T0), the day following the experiment (T1), and one-month following the experiment (T2). Results from a 2 (group) X 3 (time) split plot ANOVA revealed a significant group-by-time interaction, such that at T2 the experimental group had greater happiness scores than the control group. These findings provide some evidence that even “minimalist” interventions (involving the receipt of emails encouraging character-strength development), might be effective for promoting gains in happiness even one month after the intervention.
Recent updates on the resistance mechanisms to epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors and resistance reversion strategies in lung cancer

Epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR‐TKIs) have led to a substantial improvement in the prognosis of lung cancer patients by explicitly targeting the activating mutations within the EGFR. Initially, patients harboring tumors with EGFR mutations show progression‐free survival and improvement in the response rates toward all‐generation EGFR‐TKIs; however, these agents fail to deliver the intended results in the long‐term due to drug resistance. Therefore, it is necessary to recognize specific cardinal mechanisms that regulate the resistance phenomenon. Understanding the intricate mechanisms underlying EGFR‐TKIs resistance in lung cancer could provide cognizance for more advanced targeted therapeutics. The present review features insights into current updates on the discrete mechanisms, including secondary or tertiary mutations, parallel and downstream signaling pathways, acquiring an epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) signature, microRNAs (miRNAs), and epigenetic alterations, which lead to intrinsic and acquired resistance against EGFR‐TKIs in lung cancer. In addition, this paper also reviews current possible strategies to overcome this issue using combination treatment of recently developed MET inhibitors, allosteric inhibitors or immunotherapies, transformation of EMT, targeting miRNAs, and epigenetic alterations in intrinsic and acquired EGFR‐TKIs resistant lung cancer. In conclusion, multiple factors are responsible for intrinsic and acquired resistance to EGFR‐TKIs and understanding of the detailed molecular mechanisms, and recent advancements in pharmacological studies are needed to develop new strategies to overcome intrinsic and acquired EGFR‐TKIs resistance in lung cancer.
Metabolic Stimulation of Transepithelial Potential Difference Across the Mtdgut of the Tobacco Hornworm (Manduca Sexta)

1. 1. The maintenance of in vitro transepithelial potential difference (PD) across the larval midgut of Manduca sexta is dependent upon the presence of metabolic substrates. Deletion of exogenous substrates from the bathing saline results in a rapid decline in PD. The PD can be restored by the bilateral addition of a saline containing physiological levels of amino acids and sugars. This stimulation is largely dependent upon the presence of potassium. 2. 2. The following substrates stimulate the PD more than twofold: citrate, succinate, malate, fructose, sucrose, trehalose, glucose, hexanoate and octanoate. Acetate and some amino acids stimulate the PD, but to a lesser extent. Of the substrates tested, only proline, glycine and 3-methyl- O -glucose fail to stimulate the PD. 3. 3. To determine if the observed stimulation of PD is due to absorption of anions, negatively charged substrates were added to either the haemolymph or luminal side of the tissue and the PD was monitored. The results indicate that diffusion of anions cannot account for the stimulation of PD. 4. 4. These results are discussed with regard to midgut oxidative metabolism and the metabolic support of active potassium secretion.