Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 in pemphigus vulgaris patients with previous rituximab therapy: a tele-medicine experience

Nowadays, rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, has revolutionized the treatment of moderate to severe pemphigus from both safety and efficacy perspectives. We aimed to perform a tele-dermatology study to evaluate the development of COVID-19 or its associated symptoms in pemphigus vulgaris (PV) patients who received rituximab treatment within five years from the initiation of pandemic. This cross-sectional study was performed on May 2020 with tele-medicine follow-up method in our center. Patients with PV who received rituximab treatment between 2014 and 2020 in our hospital were enrolled. Presence of COVID-19 symptoms or confirmed history of COVID-19 infection was recorded. We evaluated the records of 167 patients who received rituximab in our hospital. Out of Among these patients, 45 (26.9%) received rituximab within a year from the current pandemic. We identified 5 (4 female) cases of COVID-19 confirmed with computerized tomography (CT) scan with a mean age of 41.8 ± 9.6, and none of them have received rituximab within a year from the current pandemic. Among these 5 patients, 4 cases presented with COVID-19 symptoms. One case was asymptomatic and she was diagnosed accidentally. None of them needed hospitalization. Also, none of the other patients in our series (rather than these 5 cases) experienced COVID-19 symptoms.
Preparation and evaluation of inhalable dry powder containing glucosamine-conjugated gefitinib SLNs for lung cancer therapy

Abstract Gefitinib as an epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor has strong potential in lung cancer therapy. However, a major challenge of using gefitinib is its toxicities. In the present study, we developed a dry powder inhaler dosage form containing gefitinib loaded glucosamine targeted solid lipid nanopaticles (Gef-G-SLNs) to locally transfer anticancer agent to the lung tumor. The Gef-G-SLNs were prepared by emulsion-solvent diffusion and evaporation method and optimized with irregular factorial design. The optimized nanoformulation was tested for action against A549 cells. Mannitol or lactose based dry powders were obtained from Gef-G-SLNs after spray drying and characterized using Anderson Cascade Impactor. The optimized formulation had drug loading of 33.29%, encapsulation efficiency of 97.31 ± 0.23%, zeta potential of −15.53 ± 0.47 mV, particle size of 187.23 ± 14.08 nm, polydispersity index of 0.28 ± 0.02 and release efficiency of 35.46 ± 2.25%. The Gef-G-SLNs showed superior anticancer effect compared to free gefitinib. The increased cellular uptake of G-SLNs in A549 cells was demonstrated compared with non-targeted SLNs using flow cytometry and fluorescence microscopy. The produced mannitol based microparticles showed suitable aerodynamic properties with an acceptable mass median aerodynamic diameter of 4.48 µm and fine particle fraction of 44.41%. Therefore, it can be concluded that this formulation represents promising drug delivery to treatment of lung cancer.
On the phylogeny of Miniopterus Schreibersii Schreibersii and Miniopterus Schreibersii Pallidus from Asia Minor in Reference to other Miniopterus Taxa (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae)

In this study we investigated phylogenetics of Miniopterus schreibersii schreibersii and M. s. pallidus from Asia Minor by means of two mitochondrial DNA markers, NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) and cytochrome-b) (Cytb). The average genetic divergence between reciprocally monophyletic M. s. schreibersii and M. s. pallidus was 5.6% on ND2 and 3.5% on Cytb. In all phylogenetic trees, the clade with M. s. schreibersii and M. s. pallidus was placed within Palearctic-Ethiopian Miniopterus taxa. There was a considerable genetic divergence (ca. 8% in Cytb) between M. s. pallidus from Israel and M. s. pallidus from Turkey, Iran, and Nagorno-Karabakh, indicating that they probably are not the same taxon. Time to the most recent common ancestor of M. s. schreibersii and M. s. pallidus was estimated to be between 1.98 to 0.60 Myr BP (ND2 data) and between 1.95 to 0.45 Myr BP (Cytb data).
Micro-level de-coupling of negative affect and binge eating in relationship to macro-level outcomes in binge eating disorder treatment

Abstract Background While negative affect reliably predicts binge eating, it is unknown how this association may decrease or ‘de-couple’ during treatment for binge eating disorder (BED), whether such change is greater in treatments targeting emotion regulation, or how such change predicts outcome. This study utilized multi-wave ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to assess changes in the momentary association between negative affect and subsequent binge-eating symptoms during Integrative Cognitive Affective Therapy (ICAT-BED) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy Guided Self-Help (CBTgsh). It was predicted that there would be stronger de-coupling effects in ICAT-BED compared to CBTgsh given the focus on emotion regulation skills in ICAT-BED and that greater de-coupling would predict outcomes. Methods Adults with BED were randomized to ICAT-BED or CBTgsh and completed 1-week EMA protocols and the Eating Disorder Examination (EDE) at pre-treatment, end-of-treatment, and 6-month follow-up (final N = 78). De-coupling was operationalized as a change in momentary associations between negative affect and binge-eating symptoms from pre-treatment to end-of-treatment. Results There was a significant de-coupling effect at follow-up but not end-of-treatment, and de-coupling did not differ between ICAT-BED and CBTgsh. Less de-coupling was associated with higher end-of-treatment EDE global scores at end-of-treatment and higher binge frequency at follow-up. Conclusions Both ICAT-BED and CBTgsh were associated with de-coupling of momentary negative affect and binge-eating symptoms, which in turn relate to cognitive and behavioral treatment outcomes. Future research is warranted to identify differential mechanisms of change across ICAT-BED and CBTgsh. Results also highlight the importance of developing momentary interventions to more effectively de-couple negative affect and binge eating.
The perinatal origins of childhood anxiety disorders and the role of early-life maternal predictors

Abstract Background The development of childhood anxiety disorders (CADs) is likely to depend on pathways that can be programmed by early-life risk factors. We test the hypothesis that early-life maternal factors can predict this programming effect on CAD. Methods Data were obtained from 198 women and children from the Mercy Pregnancy and Emotional Wellbeing Study (MPEWS), a cohort study with data collected across pregnancy, postpartum and until 4 years of age. Maternal antenatal depression was measured using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV (SCID-IV), together with antenatal hair cortisol concentrations, maternal childhood trauma and parenting stress at 6 months postpartum. CAD was assessed with the Preschool Age Psychiatric Assessment and the Child Behaviour Checklist. Results Antenatal depression, a history of maternal childhood trauma and lower gestational age at birth were each associated with anxiety disorders at 4 years of age in their children. A multivariate binary logistic model with these early predictors explained approximately 9% of variance in CAD outcome at 4 years of age; however, only maternal trauma and gestational age were significant predictors in the model. The effect of early parenting stress on CAD was found to vary by the concentration of maternal antenatal hair cortisol, whereby postpartum parenting stress was associated with CAD only when there were higher maternal antenatal cortisol levels. Conclusions This study suggests the importance of maternal factors pre-conception, pregnancy and in the postnatal period, which predict CADs and this is consistent with a developmental programming hypothesis for CAD.
Surveys of Parasites of Hylemya spp. (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) That Attack Cruciferous Crops in Canada

Surveys of parasites of species of Hylemya that attack cruciferous crops were made in Canada as part of a biological control program against these insects. The most important species are Hylemya brassicae (Bouché), H. floralis (Fall.), and H. planipalpis (Stein.). Though not of primary importance on crucifers, H. cilicrura (Rond.) was often associated with the other species. The geographical distributions of these species in Canada were described by Brooks (1951).
Beliefs about voices in voice-hearers: the role of schema functioning

Abstract Background: Evidence is emerging that beliefs about voices are influenced by broader schematic beliefs about the self and others. Similarly, studies indicate that the relationship an individual has with their voice may mirror wider patterns of relating observed in social relationships, which may be influenced by schematic beliefs. Aims: This study examined associations between beliefs about voices and self and other schemas. Furthermore, associations between schemas and the perceived relationship between the hearer and their predominant voice were explored. Method: Forty-four voice-hearing participants were recruited across mental health services. Participants completed self-report measures of beliefs about voices, schema functioning, and relating between the hearer and their voice. Dimensions of voice experience, such as frequency and content, were assessed using a clinician-rated scale. Results: Beliefs about voices correlated with negative voice content and schemas. After controlling for negative voice content, schemas were estimated to predict between 1 and 17% of the variance in the six measured beliefs about voices; three of the associations reached statistical significance. Negative-self schema were the strongest predictors of beliefs about voices, whilst positive-self also showed potential relationships. Schemas also correlated with dimensions of relating between the hearer and their voice. Conclusions: In line with previous research, this study provides evidence that schemas, particularly self-schema, may be important in the development of beliefs about voices. This study offers preliminary findings to suggest that schemas are also associated with the perceived relationship between the hearer and their voice.
Estimation of body volume and body density in California sea lion pups

Body volume was measured directly by the water displacement method and using three different geometric models, consisting of a series of cones and truncated cones, in California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) pups from the Gulf of California. Volume is required for the estimation of density, an indicator of the ratio of fat to lean mass. A model consisting of two cones and four truncated cones predicted body volume with greatest accuracy (volume=1·11+1·06&;estimated volume, r2=0·90, P<0·001, SEE=0·673, N=274). This model, however, was not adequate to estimate absolute pup body density (mass to volume ratio), as it yielded values poorly correlated with observed body density (r=0·14, P=0·02). However, the regression line of mass on volume indicated that density decreased with volume, so the mass to volume ratio is a biased estimate of density and is not appropriate for comparing whole body density among sea lion pups. The direct analysis of the relationship between body mass and body volume (observed or estimated) through analysis of covariance provided a better tool to compare the relative density among pups of different sex, populations, or born in different years. The results from such analyses are consistent with previous evidence of sex and age effects on body composition.
The combined effects of temperature and food supply on Calanus sinicus in the southern Yellow Sea in summer

The effects of temperature and food availability on the life history strategy of the planktonic copepod Calanus sinicus in the southern Yellow Sea in summer were studied in this paper. The fifth copepodite stage (CV) dominates the population in the central part of the southern Yellow Sea, where the Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass (YSCWM) occurs below the thermocline. Incubation experiments were conducted on CV C. sinicus caught from the YSCWM to examine the effects of temperature and food availability. Temperature at the surface (27degreesC) is lethal to CVs regardless of food availability. At the temperature in the middle of the thermocline (18degreesC), survival time of the specimens depends on food availability, being similar to20 days in treatments without extra food supply. At the temperature in the YSCWM (9degreesC), most animals survive at the end of 27 day incubation even in treatments without food supply. Developmental rate of CVs at 9degreesC without extra food supply is extremely low. The increase of either temperature or food supply promotes the developmental rate of CVs. According to these results, the surface layers with high temperature and low food abundance are detrimental for the survival and reproduction of C. sinicus. Low temperature and low food availability in the YSCWM help CV to maintain a much lower developmental rate and higher survival rate. The ecological trait of C. sinicus in the southern Yellow Sea in summer cannot be sufficiently explained solely by the effects of temperature.
Genotypic variability in sequence and expression of HVA1 gene in Tibetan hulless barley, Hordeum vulgare ssp. vulgare, associated with resistance to water deficit

Late embryogenesis abundant ( LEA) proteins are thought to protect against water stress in plants. Characteristics of sequence and expression of barley gene HVA1, a member of LEA group 3 protein, were investigated in hulless barley ( Hordeum vulgare ssp. vulgare), associated with phenotypically diverse drought- tolerant genotypes. Sensitive and tolerant genotypes were identified from Tibetan populations of cultivated hulless barley, based on scores of water loss rate ( WLR), maldondialdehyde ( MDA), and proline content. The results indicated that lower MDA contents, lower scores of WLR, and higher proline contents were associated with drought- tolerant genotypes in hulless barley. Notably, differential trends of expression patterns were detected among the selected contrasting genotypes, depending on the duration of dehydration stress. The HVA1 gene tended to respond earlier in the tolerance ( after 2 h) compared with sensitive genotypes ( after 4 h). Results of quantitative real-time PCR indicated that the relative level of HVA1 expression was always higher in tolerant genotypes, rapidly increasing at the earlier stages ( after 2 - 4 h of dehydration). However, HVA1 expressions of sensitive genotypes had a fast increase from 8 to 12 h of stress. Variable numbers of the 11-amino-acid-motif in LEA3 proteins were not consistent with the lines of drought resistance in hulless barley. Molecular characteristic of LEA3 protein in tolerant lines existed in the consistency of Gln32, Arg33, and Ala195 in Tibetan hulless barley. The present study may indicate that the differential HVA1 gene has a functional role in the dehydration tolerance in hulless barley. The authors suggested that the observed variability in sequence and expression of HVA1 could be related to the diverse drought- tolerant genotypes in crops.
Evaluating the monophyly of Eulimnadia and the Limnadiinae (Branchiopoda: Spinicaudata) using DNA sequences

Abstract The evolutionary relationships among the six nominal genera within the spinicaudate clam shrimp family Limnadiidae, as well as the validity of the limnadiid genus Eulimnadia, have been much debated in the literature with little consensus emerging. The lack of resolution on these topics impedes evaluations of limnadiid biodiversity, phylogeny, and character evolution. To address these issues, we used Bayesian and parsimony methods to analyze DNA sequences from three genetic loci (28S, 12S, cytb) that were obtained from representatives of five nominal limnadiid genera and one undescribed limnadiid species. These analyses confirm the monophyly of Eulimnadia and the most taxonomically inclusive phylogenetic analysis (28S) produces the following tree topology: (((((Eulimnadia, Metalimnadia), undescribed limnadiid), Imnadia), Limnadopsis), Limnadia). This topology is inconsistent with prior estimates of limnadiid inter-generic relationships. Maximum likelihood-based constraint analyses demonstrate that the above topology is significantly better than prior hypotheses of limnadiid relationships, and support the monophyly of Eulimnadia. Morphological character optimization on this topology suggests that the postulated close relationship between Limnadia and Eulimnadia is based on shared ancestral characteristics rather than synapomorphies. Furthermore, the discovery of the genetically distinct undescribed limnadiid lineage strongly supports the necessity of efforts to better evaluate limnadiid biodiversity, especially those in poorly collected zoogeographic regions.
Depletion of microglia in developing cortical circuits reveals its critical role in glutamatergic synapse development, functional connectivity, and critical period plasticity

Microglia populate the early developing brain and mediate pruning of the central synapses. Yet, little is known on their functional significance in shaping the developing cortical circuits. We hypothesize that the developing cortical circuits require microglia for proper circuit maturation and connectivity, and as such, ablation of microglia during the cortical critical period may result in a long‐lasting circuit abnormality. We administered PLX3397, a colony‐stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor, to mice starting at postnatal day 14 and through P28, which depletes >75% of microglia in the visual cortex (VC). This treatment largely covers the critical period (P19‐32) of VC maturation and plasticity. Patch clamp recording in VC layer 2/3 (L2/3) and L5 neurons revealed increased mEPSC frequency and reduced amplitude, and decreased AMPA/NMDA current ratio, indicative of altered synapse maturation. Increased spine density was observed in these neurons, potentially reflecting impaired synapse pruning. In addition, VC intracortical circuit functional connectivity, assessed by laser scanning photostimulation combined with glutamate uncaging, was dramatically altered. Using two photon longitudinal dendritic spine imaging, we confirmed that spine elimination/pruning was diminished during VC critical period when microglia were depleted. Reduced spine pruning thus may account for increased spine density and disrupted connectivity of VC circuits. Lastly, using single‐unit recording combined with monocular deprivation, we found that ocular dominance plasticity in the VC was obliterated during the critical period as a result of microglia depletion. These data establish a critical role of microglia in developmental cortical synapse pruning, maturation, functional connectivity, and critical period plasticity.
Ectomycorrhizal fungi: A new source of atmospheric methyl halides?

Incomplete source budgets for methyl halides – compounds that release inorganic chlorine and bromine radicals which, in turn, catalyze atmospheric ozone depletion – limit our ability to predict the fate of the stratospheric ozone layer. We report here the first measured emissions of methyl chloride, methyl bromide, and methyl iodide from ectomycorrhizal fungi. We grew nine fungal isolates on growth media containing halide concentrations similar to those found in soils and plant tissues. The observed range of emissions was 0.003–65 μg methyl chloride, 0.001–3 μg methyl bromide, and 0.02–12 μg methyl iodide g−1 dry weight fungi day−1. Species varied in production rates of methyl chloride vs. methyl bromide vs. methyl iodide. Cenococcum geophilum, a widespread ectomycorrhizal fungus, was further tested to investigate the effects of halide substrate concentration in growth media. Emissions from this species increased linearly with increasing concentrations of both bromide and iodide. In addition, a subset of four fungi was studied with two media concentrations each of chloride, bromide, and iodide (0.2 or 20 mm). These fungi had similar responses to halide concentration, despite 1000‐fold differences in baseline emission rates between isolates. Finally, high chloride concentrations (20 mm) in media did not appear to inhibit emissions of methyl bromide or methyl iodide. Overall, ectomycorrhizal fungi might be an important source of methyl halides to the atmosphere, and substrate concentrations and community composition may influence production levels in ecosystems.
Influence of various antioxidants on micro-shear bond strength of resin composite to bleached enamel.

OBJECTIVE Teeth bleaching causes an immediate decrease in resin composite bonding ability. This study aimed to investigate the influence of various antioxidants on resin composite bond strength to bleached enamel. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred and ten human maxillary incisors were used. A negative control (group A) (n = 10) was assigned (no bleaching-no antioxidant). The remaining teeth were divided into two groups (n = 50) according to the bleaching agent used: group B (40% hydrogen peroxide) and group C (35% carbamide peroxide). Both groups were subdivided into five subgroups (n = 10). A positive control subgroup (no antioxidant) and other four subgroups according to the antioxidant solution used (10% sodium ascorbate, 10% grape seed extract, 10% green tea extract, and 5% alpha-lipoic acid). After resin composite building, the micro-shear bond strength test was performed. Fracture analysis was examined using a stereomicroscope. Statistical analysis was performed using a two-way analysis of variance and Tukey's HSD post hoc test. RESULTS Bond strength significantly decreased after bleaching and there was no significant difference between bleaching agents (P < .0848). Except for alpha-lipoic acid subgroups, the other antioxidants subgroups revealed significantly higher bond strengths than bleached control subgroups (P < .0001). CONCLUSION All antioxidants used except alpha-lipoic acid were effective in the reversal of compromised bonding after bleaching. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Immediate bonding procedures after bleaching are requisite when bleaching fails to treat teeth discoloration and the direct composite veneer is considered, also when shades of old composite restorations become mismatched after bleaching and should be replaced. Immediate reestablishment of resin bond strengths after bleaching can be achieved by using several antioxidants without the need for delay.
Joining a group decision by captive saffron finches (Sicalis flaveola) in competitive situations

Visual and auditory cues play an important role in promoting behavioral synchronization. Captive saffron finches (Sicalis flaveola, Passeriformes, Emberizidae) confronted with a steady size of food patch, fly to the ground more often and remain longer on it when bird density is higher. The observed effect, independently of being triggered by sensory cues resulting from more birds, may be a consequence of the increased competitiveness required by the situation. In this paper we have tested this hypothesis. We held birds in a steady group size and describe their decision to join a group at the ground at successive intervals, when variable food patch size was offered. We found that the smallest food patch size promoted the largest group size of birds on the ground. Analyses of the time domain showed that when the smallest food patch size was available, decisions to join the group on the ground were made at shorter time intervals. Apparently, birds are capable of adjusting their decisions according to the perceived competitiveness of the situation.