Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nuclear basic proteins in mature testis of the ascidian tunicate Styela montereyensis

We have studied the basic protein content of nuclei in mature testis of the hermaphroditic, solitary ascidian tunicate Styela montereyensis. Cytochemically, tunicate sperm nuclei stain in a manner similar to that of the mussel Mytilus, indicating the presence of type 3 intermediate sperm basic proteins in the classification scheme of Bloch (Genetics [supplement] 61:93–111, 1969). Biochemically, these sperm nuclei possess basic proteins that are very rich in arginine (ca. 50 mole %) and moderately rich in lysine (ca. 17 mole %). These basic proteins are therefore protamines according to the definition of Subirana (The Sperm Cell, Martinus Nijhoff BV, The Hague, pp. 197–213, 1983). These protamines replace either the major part or all of the somatic histones in the testis. The very lysine-rich H1 histones of S. montereyensis testis, some of which are also rich in arginine (22 mole %), display a number of electrophoretic components with varying mobilities. Comparing these characteristics of the sperm basic proteins in S. montereyensis with those in echinoderms and vertebrates indicates some similarities to each of these deuterostome phyla representing distinct evolutionary lines. Thus, the presence of arginine-rich protamines in S. montereyensis and the displacement of somatic histones in sperm nuclei by these protamines are typical of many vertebrate species. Variation in the H1 family of very lysine-rich histones in S. montereyensis testis, including some H1 histones with an elevated arginine content, can also be seen in many echinoderms.
Photosynthesis and Growth of Pennisetum centrasiaticum (C4) is Superior to Calamagrostis pseudophragmites (C3) during Drought and Recovery

Global warming and changes in rainfall patterns may put many ecosystems at risk of drought. These stressors could be particularly destructive in arid systems where species are already water-limited. Understanding plant responses in terms of photosynthesis and growth to drought and rewatering is essential for predicting ecosystem-level responses to climate change. Different drought responses of C3 and C4 species could have important ecological implications affecting interspecific competition and distribution of plant communities in the future. For this study, C4 plant Pennisetum centrasiaticum and C3 plant Calamagrostis pseudophragmites were subjected to progressive drought and subsequent rewatering in order to better understand their differential responses to regional climate changes. We tracked responses in gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence, biomass as well as soil water status in order to investigate the ecophysiological responses of these two plant functional types. Similar patterns of photosynthetic regulations were observed during drought and rewatering for both psammophytes. They experienced stomatal restriction and nonstomatal restriction successively during drought. Photosynthetic performance recovered to the levels in well-watered plants after rewatering for 6–8 days. The C4 plant, P. centrasiaticum, exhibited the classic CO2-concentrating mechanism and more efficient thermal dissipation in the leaves, which confers more efficient CO2 assimilation and water use efficiency, alleviating drought stress, maintaining their photosynthetic advantage until water deficits became severe and quicker recovery after rewatering. In addition, P. centrasiaticum can allocate a greater proportion of root biomass in case of adequate water supply and a greater proportion of above-ground biomass in case of drought stress. This physiological adaptability and morphological adjustment underline the capacity of C4 plant P. centrasiaticum to withstand drought more efficiently and recover upon rewatering more quickly than C. pseudophragmites and dominate in the Horqin Sandy Land.
Evaluation of Overall Survival in Patients With Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma, 2000-2019.

Importance Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) historically has a 4-month median overall survival (OS) from time of diagnosis, with disease-specific mortality approaching 100%. The association between recent major advancements in treatment and OS has yet to be evaluated. Objective To evaluate rates of OS in patients with ATC over the last 2 decades. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective cohort study in a single tertiary care institution. Patients with histopathological confirmation of ATC from January 2000 to October 2019 were included and divided into 3 groups according to date of presentation: 2000-2013, 2014-2016, and 2017-2019. Main Outcomes and Measures Overall survival compared among different treatment eras and differing therapies, including targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and surgery. Results Of 479 patients (246 men [51%]; median age, 65.0 [range, 21.1-92.6] years) with ATC evaluated, 52 (11%) were stage IVA, 172 (36%) stage IVB, and 255 (53%) stage IVC at presentation. The median OS of the entire cohort was 0.79 years (9.5 months), ranging from 0.01 to 16.63. The OS at 1 and 2 years was 35% (95% CI, 29%-42%) and 18% (95% CI, 13%-23%) in the 2000-2013 group (n = 227), 47% (95% CI, 36%-56%) and 25% (95% CI, 17%-34%) in the 2014-2016 group (n = 100), and 59% (95% CI, 49%-67%) and 42% (95% CI, 30%-53%) in the 2017-2019 group (n = 152), respectively (P < .001). The hazard ratio was 0.50 (95% CI, 0.38-0.67) for the 2017-2019 group compared with the 2000-2013 patients (P < .001). Factors associated with improved OS included targeted therapy (hazard ratio, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.39-0.63; P < .001), the addition of immunotherapy to targeted therapy (hazard ratio, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.36-0.94; P = .03), and surgery following neoadjuvant BRAF-directed therapy (hazard ratio, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.10-0.78; P = .02). Patients undergoing surgery following neoadjuvant BRAF-directed therapy (n = 20) had a 94% 1-year survival with a median follow-up of 1.21 years. Conclusion and Relevance In this large single-institution cohort study spanning nearly 20 years, changes in patient management appear to be associated with significant increase in survival. The era of untreatable ATC is progressively being replaced by molecular-based personalized therapies, with integration of multidisciplinary therapies including surgery and radiation therapy.
A High Docosahexaenoic Acid Diet Alters the Lung Inflammatory Response to Acute Dust Exposure

Agricultural workers are at risk for the development of acute and chronic lung diseases due to their exposure to organic agricultural dusts. A diet intervention using the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) has been shown to be an effective therapeutic approach for alleviating a dust-induced inflammatory response. We thus hypothesized a high-DHA diet would alter the dust-induced inflammatory response through the increased production of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs). Mice were pre-treated with a DHA-rich diet 4 weeks before being intranasally challenged with a single dose of an extract made from dust collected from a concentrated swine feeding operation (HDE). This omega-3-fatty-acid-rich diet led to reduced arachidonic acid levels in the blood, enhanced macrophage recruitment, and increased the production of the DHA-derived SPM Resolvin D1 (RvD1) in the lung following HDE exposure. An assessment of transcript-level changes in the immune response demonstrated significant differences in immune pathway activation and alterations of numerous macrophage-associated genes among HDE-challenged mice fed a high DHA diet. Our data indicate that consuming a DHA-rich diet leads to the enhanced production of SPMs during an acute inflammatory challenge to dust, supporting a role for dietary DHA supplementation as a potential therapeutic strategy for reducing dust-induced lung inflammation.
American Society of Hematology 2020 guidelines for treating newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia in older adults.

BACKGROUND Older adults with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) represent a vulnerable population in whom disease-based and clinical risk factors, patient goals, prognosis, and practitioner- and patient-perceived treatment risks and benefits influence treatment recommendations. OBJECTIVE These evidence-based guidelines of the American Society of Hematology (ASH) are intended to support patients, clinicians, and other health care professionals in their decisions about management of AML in older adults. METHODS ASH formed a multidisciplinary guideline panel that included specialists in myeloid leukemia, geriatric oncology, patient-reported outcomes and decision-making, frailty, epidemiology, and methodology, as well as patients. The McMaster Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) Centre supported the guideline-development process, including performing systematic evidence reviews (up to 24 May 2019). The panel prioritized clinical questions and outcomes according to their importance to patients, as judged by the panel. The panel used the GRADE approach, including GRADE's Evidence-to-Decision frameworks, to assess evidence and make recommendations, which were subject to public comment. RESULTS The panel agreed on 6 critical questions in managing older adults with AML, mirroring real-time practitioner-patient conversations: the decision to pursue antileukemic treatment vs best supportive management, the intensity of therapy, the role and duration of postremission therapy, combination vs monotherapy for induction and beyond, duration of less-intensive therapy, and the role of transfusion support for patients no longer receiving antileukemic therapy. CONCLUSIONS Treatment is recommended over best supportive management. More-intensive therapy is recommended over less-intensive therapy when deemed tolerable. However, these recommendations are guided by the principle that throughout a patient's disease course, optimal care involves ongoing discussions between clinicians and patients, continuously addressing goals of care and the relative risk-benefit balance of treatment.
Conus Venom Peptides: Reflections from the Biology of Clades and Species

▪ Abstract The 500 cone snail species (Conus) use complex venoms to capture prey, defend against predators and deter competitors. Most biologically active venom components are small, highly structured peptides, each encoded by a separate gene. Every Conus species has its own distinct repertoire of 100–200 venom peptides, with each peptide presumably having a physiologically relevant target in prey or potential predators/competitors. There is a remarkable interspecific divergence observed in venom peptide genes, which can be rationalized because of biotic interactions that are species specific. The peptide families/subfamilies characteristic of clades of related Conus species are potentially useful clade markers and can be used to indicate common biological mechanisms characterizing that clade. By knowing both the distribution and the physiological function of venom peptides, a type of reverse ecology becomes possible; the peptides in a Conus venom are a molecular readout of the biotic interactions of a sp.
Isolation of methane monooxygenase-deficient mutants from Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b using dichloromethane

Stable mutants deficient in methane monooxygenase enzymic activity were isolated from the obligate methylotroph Methylosinus trichosporium OB3b using dichloromethane in the selection procedure. This was based on the ability of methane monooxygenase (MMO) to cooxidise dichloromethane into carbon monoxide creating lethal conditions for the ‘wild type’ cells. Furthermore, additional properties associated with dichloromethane the selective agent itself, as its mutagenic action and its apparent permeability into M. trichosporium OB3b cells have contributed in the successful isolation of MMO-deficient mutants.
Developing methods for testing host specificity of Phymastichus coffea LaSalle (Hym.: Tetrastichinae), a potential biological control agent of Hypothenemus hampei (Ferrari) (Col.: Scolytidae) in Colombia.

In line with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization Code of Conduct for the import and release of biological control agents, and taking into consideration the recommendations in the draft IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) Guidelines for the Prevention of Biodiversity Loss Due to Biological Invasion, a procedure was developed to assess the host range of Phymastichus coffea , an endoparasitoid of coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei . Host specificity was tested by exposing a Kenyan biotype of P. coffea to a selection of Scolytidae under quarantine conditions. The results demonstrated that P. coffea can be considered as oligophagous, attacking and developing on other species of the genus of the target borer. In no-choice tests, three species, H. obscurus , H. seriatus and Araptus sp. yielded parasitism. The risk of attack to potential alternative hosts if P. coffea were to be released as a potential biological control agent of coffee berry borer in .
Exosomes: Beyond stem cells for cardiac protection and repair

The adult human heart has limited regenerative capacity; hence, stem cell therapy has been investigated as a potential approach for cardiac repair. However, a large part of the benefit of the injection of stem and progenitor cells into injured hearts is mediated by secreted factors. Exosomes—nano‐sized secreted extracellular vesicles of endosomal origin—have emerged as key signaling organelles in intercellular communication, and are now viewed as the key regenerative constituent of the secretome of stem and progenitor cells. Exosomes released from mesenchymal stem cells, cardiac‐derived progenitor cells, embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and iPSC‐derived cardiomyocytes exhibit cardioprotective, immunomodulatory, and reparative abilities. This concise review discusses the therapeutic benefit of exosomes secreted by stem and progenitor cells in preclinical models of ischemic heart disease.
Biological effects of fertilizer treatments on growth, yield and yield components of black cumin

Nigella sativa is an annual flowering plant, native to Iran and other parts of southwest Asia, belonging to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae). Its grain has several important health-related properties such as anti-parasitic, anti-virus, anti-bacterial, increased milk production, carminative, and anti-diabetic. To determine effects of fertilizer treatments on this plant, this experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design in three replications with seven treatments. Fertilizer treatments consisted of Bio phosphor (B 2 kg∙ha-1), Bio sulphur (S 5 kg∙ha-1), Biological fertilized phosphate BAVAR 2 (F 100 g∙ha-1), chemical fertilizer (M) according to soil analysis, and combined fertilizer (B+S), (S+F), and (C) treatment. The application of fertilizers showed a significant effect (p<0.01) on plant height, number of capsules per plant, seed weight, grain yield (g/m-2), number of flowers per plant, and biological yield (g/m-2). There were no observed significant differences (p<0.01) on the number of seeds per capsule, seed weight and yield between chemical fertilizer and biological BARVAR 2. Thus, it can be concluded that there is no preventative for biological fertilizer to produce a good yield of biological product for human health.
The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on perceived stress in clinical practice: experience of doctors in Iraqi Kurdistan

Abstract Introduction. The healthcare workers are at high risk of developing stress-related problems during outbreaks. This study aimed to explore the perceived stress and its relation to the duration of dealing with COVID-19 patients in medical doctors. Methods. The doctors who work in different medical settings in Iraqi Kurdistan during coronavirus outbreak were invited into this cross-sectional study. The doctors were invited from one pediatric, one emergency, one special corona, and one maternity and gynecology hospital. The “Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS)” measured the perceived degree of a doctor who experienced stress. The information was collected through a web-based technique to avoid the disease spread. Results. Doctors’ mean duration of dealing with suspected/confirmed cases of COVID-19 was 1.2 (Range: 0–16 days). The mean stress score was 18.81 out of 40. Most of the doctors had a moderate level of stress (69.4%), followed by a low (21.1%) and a high level of stress (9.6%). The general physicians and medical lab specialties had higher stress scores; 21.56 and 19.88, respectively. The high level of stress was among general physicians and community and family medicine doctors; 20.0% and 25.0%, respectively. Whether or not doctors dealt with suspected/confirmed cases of COVID-19, did not have a significant difference over the perceived stress score; 19.02 vs. 18.87; P = 0.786). The mean score of stress was raised with increasing duration of dealing with suspected/confirmed cases of COVID-19; r = 0.202; P = 0.004 and decreased with increasing age (r = –0.141; P = 0.045), and clinical experience (r = –0.139, P = 0.048). Conclusion. This study showed that medical doctors are at a moderate level of perceived stress during the COVID-19 outbreak in Iraqi Kurdistan.
Vertical migration and feeding behavior of Calanus pacificus females during a phytoplankton bloom in Dabob Bay, U.S

The abundance, vertical distribution, and feeding of Calanus pacificus females were measured at frequent intervals over 24 h during a March phytoplankton bloom in a temperate fjord. Copepod guts contained high levels of phytoplankton pigment only during the nighttime when copepods were in the upper 50 m. Feeding, however, was not strictly a function of phytoplankton availability because copepods fed equally well in the 25–50‐m layer where chlorophyll concentrations were 0.5–3 mg m−3 and there was no phytoplankton production, and in the 0–25‐m layer where chlorophyll concentrations reached 5–10 mg m−3 and all phytoplankton production occurred. In five of six nighttime sampling cycles, >50% of the copepod population resided in the 25–50‐m layer. Fifty‐eight percent of the total phytoplankton ingestion occurred in the 25–50‐m layer and was therefore derived from sinking algae. We conclude that a large fraction of the population of C. pacificus females was not migrating up to the surface layer because there was sufficient phytoplankton in subeuphotic zone waters to support high feeding rates. Although the early morning descent and the daytime depth of dielly migrating C. pacificus may be determined by risk from visually orienting predators, it appears that the nocturnal vertical distribution is modified by food availability.
Successful treatment of medial tibial stress syndrome in a collegiate athlete focusing on clinical findings and kinesiological factors contributing to pain

ABSTRACT Medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS) is characterized by the presence of diffuse pain in the posteromedial portion of the medial border of the tibia. Current evidence from the literature has not established an effective treatment and has not been able to demonstrate effectiveness of numerous modalities commonly used to treat MTSS pain. Case Description This report describes an 18-year-old male collegiate soccer player who presented with pain along the distal medial tibial border bilaterally consistent with the diagnosis of medial tibial stress syndrome (MTSS). Treatment focused on correcting clinical and kinesiological findings likely contributing to the patient’s condition including fascial mobilization, interferential currents (IFC), strengthening and stretching exercises. After 10 sessions over 10 weeks the patient was able to return to training and competition without pain.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of children with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19)

To provide a comprehensive and systematic analysis of demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, and imaging features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) in pediatric patients. A meta‐analysis was carried out to identify studies on COVID‐19 from 25 December 2019 to 30 April 2020. A total of 48 studies with 5829 pediatric patients were included. Children of all ages were at risk for COVID‐19. The main illness classification ranged as: 20% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 14%‐26%; I2 = 91.4%) asymptomatic, 33% (95% CI: 23%‐43%; I2 = 95.6%) mild and 51% (95% CI: 42%‐61%; I2 = 93.4%) moderate. The typical clinical manifestations were fever 51% (95% CI: 45%‐57%; I2 = 78.9%) and cough 41% (95% CI: 35%‐47%, I2 = 81.0%). The common laboratory findings were normal white blood cell 69% (95% CI: 64%‐75%; I2 = 58.5%), lymphopenia 16% (95% CI: 11%‐21%; I2 = 76.9%) and elevated creatine‐kinase MB 37% (95% CI: 25%‐48%; I2 = 59.0%). The frequent imaging features were normal images 41% (95% CI: 30%‐52%; I2 = 93.4%) and ground‐glass opacity 36% (95% CI: 25%‐47%; I2 = 92.9%). Among children under 1 year old, critical cases account for 14% (95% CI: 13%‐34%; I2 = 37.3%) that should be of concern. In addition, vomiting occurred in 33% (95% CI: 18%‐67%; I2 = 0.0%) cases that may also need attention. Pediatric patients with COVID‐19 may experience milder illness with atypical clinical manifestations and rare lymphopenia. High incidence of critical illness and vomiting symptoms reward attention in children under 1 year old.
How Does Protein Zero Assemble Compact Myelin?

Myelin protein zero (P0), a type I transmembrane protein, is the most abundant protein in peripheral nervous system (PNS) myelin—the lipid-rich, periodic structure of membrane pairs that concentrically encloses long axonal segments. Schwann cells, the myelinating glia of the PNS, express P0 throughout their development until the formation of mature myelin. In the intramyelinic compartment, the immunoglobulin-like domain of P0 bridges apposing membranes via homophilic adhesion, forming, as revealed by electron microscopy, the electron-dense, double “intraperiod line” that is split by a narrow, electron-lucent space corresponding to the extracellular space between membrane pairs. The C-terminal tail of P0 adheres apposing membranes together in the narrow cytoplasmic compartment of compact myelin, much like myelin basic protein (MBP). In mouse models, the absence of P0, unlike that of MBP or P2, severely disturbs myelination. Therefore, P0 is the executive molecule of PNS myelin maturation. How and when P0 is trafficked and modified to enable myelin compaction, and how mutations that give rise to incurable peripheral neuropathies alter the function of P0, are currently open questions. The potential mechanisms of P0 function in myelination are discussed, providing a foundation for the understanding of mature myelin development and how it derails in peripheral neuropathies.