Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in chlorophyll, ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase, glycine betaine content, photosynthesis and transpiration in Amaranthus tricolor leaves during salt stress

Summary We examined changes in leaf growth and chemical composition, including chlorophyll content, ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase-oxygenase (RuBisCO), and glycine betaine (GB) in relation to photosynthesis and transpiration responses to salt stress in Amaranthus tricolor leaves. To induce salt stress, plants were transferred to a growth medium containing 300 mM NaCl for 7 d followed by 7 d of relief from salinity. A decrease in leaf enlargement began 3 d after salt stress, and leaves subsequently showed the same degree of regrowth as controls after relief in non-salt medium. Chlorophyll content expressed on a leaf-area basis increased under conditions of salinity due to a reduction in leaf tissue water content. The decrease in chlorophyll content continued throughout the 7 d of relief from salinity. The RuBisCO and soluble protein contents when expressed on a leaf dry-weight basis decreased in response to salinity, and then gradually increased during the relief period. GB content increased slightly up to 3 d of salt stress, and showed typical accumulation during salt stress. GB content decreased sharply immediately after plants were transferred to non-stress medium, but remained at a higher level throughout the relief period. A decrease in photosynthetic activity and transpiration rate preceded any changes in leaf area, RuBisCO or GB content. During relief from salinity, photosynthesis and transpiration rates gradually recovered to control levels with restoration of stomatal conductance. The above findings suggest that the increase in GB content is important in adaptation to salt stress in Amaranthus plants, although photosynthesis and transpiration responses occurred immediately after salt-stress.
Phenotypic and Genetic Variation in the Seed Maturity of Scots Pine

Summary Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seed matures poorly in northern areas, which causes great problems for forest regeneration. Variation in anatomical seed maturity between individuals and years was studied in 2 natural northern populations (67 °N and 68 °N), one of which was a timber line population. The amount of genetic variation in anatomical seed maturity was estimated in 2 test sites at different latitudes (62 °N and 66 °N) for 2 years. The test sites had identical genotypes cloned by grafting. The variation in the seed maturity between individuals in the timber line population was consistent over the years (correlations between years 0.61 to 0.67). Genetic variation was most clearly expressed in northern conditions (broad-sense heritability, H = 0.79, SD = 0.06; H = 0.73, SD = 0.08) where problems caused by poor seed maturity are the most severe. In the southern test site, the heritabilities were lower due to almost complete seed maturity. High broadsense heritabilities suggest that seed-maturing ability should be regarded as an important character in selecting clones for seed production in northern conditions.
Phylogeny and life history evolution of Prodoxus yucca moths (Lepidoptera: Prodoxidae)

Abstract. Yucca moths (Lep., Prodoxidae) are well‐known for their obligate pollination mutualism with yuccas. In addition to the pollinators, yuccas also host many non‐pollinating yucca moths. Here the genus Prodoxus, the non‐pollinating sister group of the pollinators, is revised using morphological and molecular data, their phylogenetic relationships are analysed, and the evolution of host tissue specialization explored. Twenty‐two species are recognized, including nine new species: Prodoxus gypsicolorsp.n. , P. sonorensissp.n. , P. carnerosanellussp.n. , P. tamaulipellussp.n. , P. weethumpisp.n. , P. tehuacanensissp.n. , P. californicussp.n. , P. mapimiensissp.n. and P. atascosanellussp.n. Prodoxus y‐inversus Riley, P. coloradensis Riley and P. sordidus Riley are redescribed. The genus Agavenema is synonymized with Prodoxus. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that stalk‐feeding is basal within the group, that there are three separate origins of fruit‐feeding, and one origin of leaf‐mining from a stalk‐feeding ancestor. Although species with different feeding habits often coexist within hosts, the analyses suggest that ecological specialization and diversification within a host only may have occurred within one or possibly two hosts.
Catalytic Site pKa Values of Aspartic, Cysteine, and Serine Proteases: Constant pH MD Simulations

Enzymatic function and activity of proteases is closely controlled by the pH value. The protonation states of titratable residues in the active site react to changes in the pH value, according to their pKa, and thereby determine the functionality of the enzyme. Knowledge of the titration behavior of these residues is crucial for the development of drugs targeting the active site residues. However, experimental pKa data are scarce, since the systems’ size and complexity make determination of these pKa values inherently difficult. In this study, we use single pH constant pH MD simulations as a fast and robust tool to estimate the active site pKa values of a set of aspartic, cysteine, and serine proteases. We capture characteristic pKa shifts of the active site residues, which dictate the experimentally determined activity profiles of the respective protease family. We find clear differences of active site pKa values within the respective families, which closely match the experimentally determined pH preferences of the respective proteases. These shifts are caused by a distinct network of electrostatic interactions characteristic for each protease family. While we find convincing agreement with experimental data for serine and aspartic proteases, we observe clear deficiencies in the description of the titration behavior of cysteines within the constant pH MD framework and highlight opportunities for improvement. Consequently, with this work, we provide a concise set of active site pKa values of aspartic and serine proteases, which could serve as reference for future theoretical as well as experimental studies.
Waiting Time as an Indicator for Health Services Under Strain: A Narrative Review

As pressure increases on public health systems globally, a potential consequence is that this is transferred to patients in the form of longer waiting times to receive care. In this review, we overview what waiting for health care encompasses, its measurement, and the data available in terms of trends and comparability. We also discuss whether waiting time is equally distributed according to socioeconomic status. Finally, we discuss the policy implications and potential approaches to addressing the burden of waiting time. Waiting time for elective surgery and emergency department care is the best described type of waiting time, and it either increases or remains unchanged across multiple developed countries. There are many challenges in drawing direct comparisons internationally, as definitions for these types of waiting times vary. There are less data on waiting time from other settings, but existing data suggest waiting time presents a significant barrier to health care access for a range of health services. There is also evidence that waiting time is unequally distributed to those of lower socioeconomic status, although this may be improving in some countries. Further work to better clarify definitions, identify driving factors, and understand hidden waiting times and identify opportunities for reducing waiting time or better using waiting time could improve health outcomes of our health services.
Visual outcomes of high-volume compared with low-volume manual small-incision cataract surgery in Nepal.

PURPOSE To study if manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS) in a high-volume setting gives acceptable postoperative visual outcomes. SETTINGS Geta Eye Hospital, Kailali, Nepal. DESIGN Single-center retrospective study. METHODS One-year records of all MSICS in adult patients without any other ocular comorbidity were analyzed retrospectively. Surgical outcomes of cataract cases when surgeons performed more than 72 surgeries (high volume) in a single operating session (1 day) were compared with when fewer than than 30 surgeries (low volume) were performed in a single operating session (1 day). RESULTS Of 23,717 cases in the study, 87% (20,574) of patients had preoperative visual acuity of less than 3/60; 66% (15,632) of patients achieved good visual outcome (unaided visual acuity of 6/18 or better) after surgery. Patients operated during high-volume months achieved good visual outcomes in 66.9% (9,930) of cases as compared with 64.3% (5,702) in low-volume months. However, 61.7% (6,235) of patients operated on during surgeon high-volume days had good visual outcomes as compared with 71.4% (3,053) during surgeon low-volume days; 175 patients in the high-volume group and 73 patients in the low-volume group (1.7% each) achieved visual acuity worse than 3/60. There were comparable posterior capsular rupture rates (423, 1.78%) during high- and low- volume months and 21 cases (0.09%) of postoperative endophthalmitis were noted. CONCLUSIONS MSICS can be used to tackle large cataract backlogs in developing countries as good visual outcomes can be achieved in high-volume settings if standard protocols for quality control are followed.
Association of Frailty With Antiplatelet Response Among Elderly Chinese Patients With Coronary Artery Disease Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention

Frailty has been implicated as a prognostic factor for ischemic cardiovascular diseases. However, the effects of frailty on platelet responses to aspirin and clopidogrel remain under investigation. In this study, we enrolled consecutive elderly patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) who were treated by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to evaluate this association. A total of 264 patients (aged 70-95 years) were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups: a nonfrail (nFR) group and a frail (FR) group according to the Clinical Frailty Scale. Platelet reactivity was assessed with a light transmittance aggregometry method, and arachidonic acid and adenosine diphosphate induced maximum platelet aggregation (AA-MPA/ADP-MPA) were calculated to evaluate the platelet response to aspirin and clopidogrel. The results showed that the AA-MPA and ADP-MPA of the FR group were significantly higher than those in the nFR group (17.49 ± 6.65 vs 15.19 ± 6.33, P < .01; 56.13 ± 10.14 vs 45.45 ± 11.59, P < .01). High on-aspirin platelet response (HAPR) and high on-clopidogrel platelet response (HCPR) were significantly more common in the FR group than in the nFR group (24.67% vs 13.16%, P = .028, 37.33% vs 15.79%, P < .01). According to multivariable regression analyses, frailty was found to be independently associated with AA-MPA (βcoefficient = 1.883, P = .042) and ADP-MPA (βcoefficient = 9.287, P < .001), and it was an independent predictor of HAPR (odds ratio [OR]: 2.696, P < .01) and HCPR (OR: 2.543, P < .01). It was concluded that among elderly patients with CAD undergoing PCI, frailty is an independent predictor of HAPR and HCPR, and the state of frailty is independently associated with the platelet responses to clopidogrel and aspirin.
The role of Eph receptors in cancer and how to target them: novel approaches in cancer treatment

ABSTRACT Introduction Erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular (Eph) receptors are among the largest family of tyrosine kinases that are divided into two classes: EphA and EphB receptors. Over the past two decades, their role in cancer has become more evident. Areas covered There is a need for new anticancer treatments and more insight in the emerging role of Eph receptors in cancer. Molecular mechanisms underlying the pro-tumorigenic effects of Eph receptors could be exploited for future therapeutic strategies. This review describes the variability in expression levels and different effects on oncogenic and tumor suppressive downstream signaling of Eph receptors in various cancer types, and the small molecules, antibodies and peptides that target these receptors. Expert opinion The complexity of Eph signaling is a challenge for the definition of clear targets for cancer treatment. Nevertheless, numerous drugs that target EphA2 and EphB4 are currently in clinical trials. However, some Eph targeted drugs also inhibit other tyrosine kinases, so it is unclear to what extent the targeting of Eph receptors contributes to their efficacy. Future research is warranted for an improved understanding of the full network in which Eph receptors function. This will be critical for the improvement of the anticancer effects of drugs that target the Eph receptors.
An in‐depth neurobehavioral characterization shows anxiety‐like traits, impaired habituation behavior, and restlessness in male Cryptochrome‐deficient mice

Many psychiatric disorders, for example, anxiety, are accompanied by disturbances of circadian rhythms, including disturbed sleep/wake cycles, changes in locomotor activity, and abnormal endocrine function. Conversely, alternations of circadian rhythms are a risk factor for the development of psychiatric disorders. This assumption is supported by animals with clock gene mutations which often display behaviors that resemble human psychiatric disorders. In this study, we performed an in‐depth behavioral analysis with male mice lacking the central clock genes Cryptochrome 1 and 2 (Cry1/2−/−), which are thus unable to express endogenous circadian rhythms. With wild‐type and Cry1/2−/− mice, we performed an extensive behavioral analysis to study their cognitive abilities, social behavior, and their expression of depression‐like and anxiety‐like behavior. While Cry1/2−/− mice showed only mild abnormalities at cognitive and social behavioral levels, they were consistently more anxious than wildtype mice. Anxiety‐like behavior was particularly evident in reduced mobility in new environments, altered ability to habituate, compensatory behavior, and consistent restless behavior across many behavioral tests. In line with their anxiety‐like behavioral phenotype, Cry1/2−/− mice have higher c‐Fos activity in the amygdala after exposure to an anxiogenic stressor than wild‐type mice. In our study, we identified Cry1/2−/− mice as animals that qualify as a translational mouse model for anxiety disorder in humans because of its consistent behavior of restlessness, increased immobility, and dysfunctional habituation in new environments.
Effects of Dietary Nitrogen Source on Concentrations of Ammonia, Free Amino Acids and Fluorescaminereactive Peptides in the Sheep Rumen

ABSTRACT Four sheep were fed twice daily a diet of 67% ryegrass hay and 33% concentrate during three, 4-wk periods. The diet was supplemented with one of three N sources: urea, casein or ovalbumin. Urea was the only supplemental N source during Period 1. Sheep were fed either casein or ovalbumin during Period 2, followed by switching of the supplements during Period 3. Statistical comparisons were made only on data obtained during Periods 2 and 3. Ruminal concentrations of NH3, free amino acids and peptides were measured over an 8-h period after feeding. The peptide assay was based on the enhanced fhaorescence of peptides, relative to amino acids, obtained from reaction with fluorescamine at pH 6.2. Ammonia accumulated rapidly to high concentrations (maximum 38 mM at 1 h) after feeding Urea. Ammonia was intermediate with casein and greater (P < .05) than with ovalbumin. Free amino acids were greater (P < .05) with casein (maximum 1.4 mM at 1 h) than with oval- bumin. Free amino acids were intermediate with feeding of urea. Only transient accumulation of peptides occurred when casein was fed: ruminal peptides increased to 3.8 mM at 1 h, but declined to prefeeding levels (.2 mM) by 3 h. Peptides in ruminal fluid from sheep fed ovalbumin were lower (P < .01) and (similar to urea)did not change from prefeeding levels (.2 to .3 raM) throughout the sampling period. It was concluded that slowly degraded proteins, such as ovalbumin, will not give rise to significant peptide levels, whereas rapidly degraded proteins, such as casein, will yield substantial levels of peptides during ruminal protein degradation. (Key Words: Urea, Casein, Egg Albumin, Proteins, Rumen Metabolism, Ammonia, Free Amino Acids, Peptides, Fluorescence.)
The Activity Rhythm of Blennius sanguinolentus Pallas

In the field, feeding activity of the algivorous Blennius sanguinolentus increased remarkably from morning to late afternoon. Swimming is evenly distributed; other behaviour does not fall into regular daily patterns. No association was found, save in extreme values, between the distribution of any activity and environmental factors measured simultaneously. We suggest that the feeding cycle is an adaptation to the metabolic properties of green algae, the staple diet of B. sanguinolentus. Activity distributions following predictable short-term fluctuations in food quality are expected to be found in other animals.
Estimating the First 90 of the UNAIDS 90-90-90 Goal: A Review

Estimating the population with undiagnosed HIV (PUHIV) is the most methodologically challenging aspect of evaluating 90-90-90 goals. The objective of this review is to discuss assumptions, strengths, and shortcomings of currently available methods of this estimation. Articles from 2000 to 2018 on methods to estimate PUHIV were reviewed. Back-calculation methods including CD4 depletion and test–retest use diagnosis CD4 count, or previous testing history to determine likely infection time thus, providing an estimate of PUHIV for previous years. Biomarker methods use immunoassays to differentiate recent from older infections. Statistical techniques treat HIV status as missing data and impute data for models of infection. Lastly, population surveys using HIV rapid testing most accurately calculates the current HIV prevalence. Although multiple methods exist to estimate the number of PUHIV, the appropriate method for future applications depends on multiple factors, namely data availability and population of interest.
Health awareness and the transition towards clean cooking fuels: Evidence from Rajasthan

Ensuring affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all by 2030 is part of the internationally agreed Sustainable Development Goals (SDG7). With roughly 3 billion people still lacking access to clean cooking solutions in 2017, this remains an ambitious task. The use of solid biomass such as wood and cow dung for cooking causes household air pollution resulting in severe health hazards. In this context, the Indian government has set up a large program promoting the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in rural areas. While this has led millions of households to adopt LPG, a major fraction of them continues to rely heavily on solid biomass for their daily cooking. In this paper, we evaluate the effect of simple health messaging on the propensity of these households to use LPG more regularly. Our results from rural Rajasthan are encouraging. They show that health messaging increases the reported willingness to pay for LPG, and substantially increases actual consumption. We measure this based on a voucher, which can only be used if LPG consumption is doubled until a certain deadline. Households exposed to health messaging use the voucher about 30% more often than households exposed to a placebo treatment. We further show that the impact of our very brief, but concrete health messaging is close to the effect of a 10% price reduction for a new LPG cylinder. Finally, our study raises some interesting questions about gender-related effects that would be worth consideration in future research.
Policultivo do camarão de água doce Macrobrachium amazonicum (Heller, 1862) com a Tilápia do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) alimentadas com rações peletizada e farelada

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influencia do camarao de agua doce Macrobrachium amazonicum (Heller, 1862) no desempenho da Tilapia do Nilo ( Oreochromis niloticus ) cultivada no sistema de policultivo e alimentada com racoes peletizadas e fareladas. O trabalho foi realizado no Centro de Pesquisa em Aquicultura Ambiental-CPAA/IAP – Toledo/PR por um periodo de 37 dias. Utilizaram-se como unidades experimentais 16 tanques escavados, revestidos com concreto e com fundo de terra, com dimensao de 4 x 3 m e volume util de 3,5 m 3 . Foram utilizadas 30 tilapias e 150 camaroes por unidade experimental distribuidos em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso com 4 tratamentos e 4 repeticoes, sendo TF: tilapia alimentadas com racao farelada; TCF: tilapia e camarao alimentados com racao farelada; TP: tilapia alimentada com racao peletizada e TCP: tilapia e camarao alimentados com racao peletizada. A densidade utilizada foi de 2,6 peixes/m 2 com peso inicial medio de 5,58 ± 0,10 g e comprimento inicial medio de 5,56 cm, sendo a densidade de camaroes de 13 camaroes/m 2 com comprimento inicial medio de 1,04 cm. A temperatura foi aferida diariamente, enquanto que as variaveis oxigenio dissolvido, pH e condutividade eletrica, semanalmente. A quantidade de racao fornecida foi de 10% da biomassa total dos peixes, com frequencia alimentar de 4 vezes ao dia, sendo corrigida semanalmente em funcao das biometrias. Durante o periodo experimental os valores medios de temperatura, oxigenio dissolvido, pH e condutividade eletrica da agua dos tanques foram de 23,42 ± 0,83 oC, 5,32 ± 0,52 mg/L, 7,02 ± 0,39, e 1,00 ± 0,01 mS/cm respectivamente. Nao se registrando qualquer influencia do camarao durante o cultivo e a racao peletizada proporcionou uma melhor conversao alimentar e desempenho das tilapias.
Patterns of genetic diversification in a widely distributed species of bat, Molossus molossus /

The taxonomy and evolutionary relationships of the Velvety Free-tailed Bat, Molossus molossus, from Central and South America long have been debated. Within this species, and in fact the entire genus Molossus, specimens have been difficult to identify and have presented several taxonomic challenges. The objective of this project was to characterize the genetic relationship among individuals representing subspecies of the widely distributed species, M. molossus. We tested the hypothesis that genetic patterns of diversification would reflect subspe¬ cies lineages. The mitochondrial gene cytochrome b (cytb) was amplified and sequenced for specimens throughout its geographic range. A Bayesian analysis of 678 base pairs of the cytZ> gene was conducted for 65 specimens with M. aharezi as an outgroup. Our results showed that the subspecies M. m. daulensis, recognized based on morphology and geographic location, formed a statistically supported mitochondrial lineage in the phylogenetic analysis. However, not all currently recognized subspecies of M. molossus were recovered by this analysis. One lineage, M. m. tropidorhynchus from Cuba, formed a divergent monophyletic lineage. Overall, the average divergence across all specimens was 4.7%; however the M. m. tropidorhynchus lineage was 7.9% divergent from the other M. molossus specimens. This level of divergence and the recovery of a monophyletic lineage containing all Cuban specimens was consistent with recognition of the taxon as a distinct species.
Ribosomally Synthesiszed Antimicrobial Peptides (Bacteriocins) in Lactic Acid Bacteria: A Review

Bacteriocins in Gram-positive bacteria have attracted much attention because many have a strong antimicrobial activity also against bacteria outside the genera of the producers. Lantibiotics and the pediocin-like bactericins have attracted most attention since they kill a broad spectrum of Gram-positive bacteria including important pathogens. But many other promising Gram-positive bacteriocins have been thoroughly characterized. Recent studies have shown that bacteriocins may play a role in the intestinal flora to protect us against the food-borne pathogens. Bacterial genome sequencing has demonstrated that there may be an arsenal of such compounds and we are only seeing the top of the iceberg. The present review gives a short outlook of the field of bacteriocins with focus on lactic acid bacteria and includes recent findings.