Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Early evolution of reproductive isolation: A case of weak inbreeder/strong outbreeder leads to an intraspecific hybridization barrier in Arabidopsis lyrata

Reproductive strategies play a major role in plant speciation. Notably, transitions from outcrossing to selfing may lead to relaxed sexual selection and parental conflict. Shifts in mating systems can affect maternal and paternal interests, and thus parent–specific influence on endosperm development, leading to reproductive isolation: if selfing and outcrossing species hybridize, the resulting seeds may not be viable due to endosperm failure. Nevertheless, it remains unclear how the switch in mating systems can impact reproductive isolation between recently diverged lineages, that is, during the process of speciation. We investigated this question using Arabidopsis lyrata, which recently transitioned to selfing (10,000 years ago) in certain North American populations, where European populations remain outcrossing. We performed reciprocal crosses between selfers and outcrossers, and measured seed viability and endosperm development. We show that parental genomes in the hybrid seed negatively interact, as predicted by parental conflict. This leads to extensive hybrid seed lethality associated with endosperm cellularization disturbance. Our results suggest that this is primarily driven by divergent evolution of the paternal genome between selfers and outcrossers. In addition, we observed other hybrid seed defects, suggesting that sex‐specific interests are not the only processes contributing to postzygotic reproductive isolation.
Impact of fentanyl on acute and chronic pain and its side effects when used with epidural analgesia after thoracic surgery in multimodal analgesia: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND We investigated the effects adding opioids to epidural anesthesia on acute and chronic pain and its side effects in multimodal analgesia. METHODS Retrospective cohort study. We retrospectively studied patients who received epidural anesthesia after thoracic surgery. Patients were divided into two groups: epidural anesthesia with fentanyl (group F) and without fentanyl (group N). Pain visual analog scale (VAS) scores at rest and after movement, use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen, side effects (nausea, vomiting, pruritus, hypotension, urinary retention), and post-thoracotomy pain syndrome (PTPS) were compared between the two groups. A Mann-Whitney U test and chi-squared test were used for statistical analysis, with significance set at P<0.05. Values were presented as median [interquartile range]. RESULTS A total of 282 patients received epidural anesthesia, 142 in group F and 140 in group N. Resting pain and movement pain were lower in group F than those in group N {resting pain: group F 12 [0-29], group N 20.5 [7-38.5], P=0.01; movement pain, group F 43 [17-65]; group N, 51.5 [39-72]; P<0.001}. Incidence of hypotension was 9.9% in group F and 2.1% in group N (P=0.01), and that of pruritus was 41.5% in group F and 10.7% in group N (P<0.001). There is no difference in the incidence of nausea and vomiting and PTPS. CONCLUSIONS In multimodal analgesia management after thoracic surgery, the addition of fentanyl to epidural anesthesia reduced acute pain and increased the incidence of hypotension and pruritus but did not affect that of PTPS.
Development and greenness assessment of a stability-indicating HPLC-DAD method for simultaneous determination of allopurinol and benzbromarone

Abstract The growing interest in Green Analytical Chemistry (GAC) principles through the replacement of polluting analytical procedures with greener ones, has encouraged us to develop an eco-friendly stability-indicating HPLC with diode array detection method (HPLC-DAD) for simultaneous determination of allopurinol (ALP) and benzbromarone (BNZ). Effective separation was accomplished using Durashell C18 column (4.6 × 250 mm, 5 µm particle size) with gradient elution of the mobile phase composed of 0.02 M ammonium acetate (pH 5.0) and methanol. Quantification of ALP and BNZ was based on measuring their peak areas at 251 nm. ALP and BNZ peaks eluted at retention times 4.85 and 10.30 min respectively. The proposed HPLC procedure was carefully validated in terms of system suitability, linearity, ranges, precision, accuracy, specificity, robustness, detection, and quantification limits. The linearity range for both ALP and BNZ was 5–100 µg/mL with correlation coefficients >0.9999. Forced degradation conditions of neutral, acidic, and alkaline hydrolysis, oxidation, and thermal degradation were applied on both drugs. Good resolution of the drugs from their forced degradation products proved that the proposed method is stability-indicating. In addition, the resolution of both drugs from about 10 pharmacologically or chemically related pharmaceutical compounds of different medicinal categories showed the high specificity of the proposed method. The validated HPLC method was successfully applied to the simultaneous determination of both drugs in their tablet dosage forms. Furthermore, greenness assessment and comparison with previously published methods were carried out using two different GAC metrics, namely, the national environmental method index (NEMI) and the analytical Eco-Scale.
Confronting the Complexities of “Co-Production” in Participatory Health Research: A Critical, Reflexive Approach to Power Dynamics in a Collaborative Project on Parkinson’s Dance

The literature on participatory health research describes various ways of overcoming obstacles to the co-production of knowledge by redressing power imbalances. In this article, we propose an approach to understanding and analyzing co-production which conceptualizes power, not as an obstacle but as an intrinsic, productive force in bringing “co-production” into being. In the approach, “co-production” is understood and analyzed as a tensional, complex, unstable entity that emerges in power-imbued negotiations of meanings throughout the research process. Focusing on a participatory project on Parkinson’s dance, our purpose is to illustrate how the approach can generate knowledge about the complexities of “co-production. ” We also demonstrate how the approach can provide a foundation for a relational ethics that confronts the complexities head-on. In conclusion, we discuss the insights gained into the possibilities and challenges of co-production and the value of the approach as a foundation for relational ethics.
Relationship between dietary macronutrient composition and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in lean and non-lean populations: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Objective: The current study aimed to customize dietary changes for lean patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Design: The current study was done with a population-based cross-sectional design. The FFQ was used to analyse dietary macronutrient intake and ultrasonography results for NAFLD diagnosis. The study subjects were divided into the lean and non-lean groups based on their BMI (< 25 and ≥ 25). Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between dietary macronutrients and NAFLD. Substitution analyses were also performed. Setting: Amol and its suburban areas in Iran. Participants: Adults in the age range of 18 to < 65 with full relevant data. Results: Among the total study subjects (2308), 46·7 % had fatty liver. The substitution of polysaccharides for animal protein and SFA in the lean group resulted in a significant NAFLD reduction, whereas the substitution of SFA for all types of macronutrients, except for n-6 and mono-disaccharides, led to a significant increase in NAFLD (P < 0·05). In non-lean participants, the substitution of MUFA for mono-disaccharides resulted in a significant reduction of NAFLD (P < 0·05). In this group, the substitution of SFA and mono-disaccharides for MUFA, and n-6 for all macronutrients, except vegetable protein and SFA, were significantly related to an increase in NAFLD (P < 0·05). Conclusions: Lower lean NAFLD is correlated with increasing polysaccharides in exchange for SFA and animal protein intake, whereas lower non-lean NAFLD is correlated with increasing MUFA in exchange for mono-disaccharides and reducing n-6 and SFA.
Heavy resistance training in the management of hip pain in older adults: A case series

ABSTRACT Background and Purpose Resistance training has been shown to improve strength, endurance, and function in healthy older adults. The purpose of this case series was to describe the outcomes of a rehabilitation program consisting of heavy resistance training in older adults for management of hip pain. Case Description Two male patients, aged 69 and 71, with chronic hip pain, participated in a six-week progressive resistance training rehabilitation program at loads equivalent to 76–81% of their one repetition maximum. Outcomes were assessed at evaluation, three, and six weeks. Outcomes included the Lower Extremity Functional Scale, hip and lumbar mobility, and the Five Times Sit to Stand test. Outcomes By six weeks, each patient reported 0/10 pain and demonstrated clinically important improvements on the LEFS. Both patients’ final scores on the Five Times Sit to Stand test fell below the 15 second value for being at risk for falls. Patient One increased his lifting capacity for the deadlift by 92%, and Patient Two by 56%. Both patients were able to deadlift >70% of their one repetition maximum by the conclusion of this report. Discussion To our knowledge, this is the first report of the outcomes of utilizing heavy resistance training in elderly adults with hip pain in a rehabilitative setting. Both patients demonstrated clinically important improvements in pain, disability, global lower extremity strength, and function by the conclusion of six weeks duration. Further research is needed regarding the effectiveness of heavy resistance training for the treatment of elderly adults with musculoskeletal pain.
Emerging drugs for the treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma

ABSTRACT Introduction: Adrenocortical cancer (ACC) is a rare and aggressive disease with a median survival of 14–17 months and 5-year survival of around 20% for advanced disease. Emerging evidence of sub-groups of ACC with specific molecular drivers indicate ACC may be amenable to inhibition of receptor tyrosine kinases involved in growth and angiogenic signaling. A significant subset of patients may also be responsive to immune strategies. Areas covered: This review outlines approaches of targeting upregulated growth pathways including Insulin-like Growth Factor, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor, Fibroblast Growth Factor and Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor in ACC. Data of immune checkpoint blockade with nivolumab, ipilimumab, pembrolizumab and avelumab is explored in detail. Genomic studies indicate that up to 40% of ACC are driven by dysregulated WNT and glucocorticoid signaling, special focus is placed on emerging drugs in these pathways. Expert opinion: Progress in the treatment of ACC has faced challenges stemming from the rarity of the disease. Given recent advances in the understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of ACC, a window of opportunity has now opened to make significant progress in developing therapeutic options that target key pathways such as excessive glucocorticoid signaling, WNT signaling, cell cycle and immune checkpoints.
Factors influencing the survival of wild cotton‐top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus) infants

Studies of cooperative breeding species have suggested that helpers are needed for infant survival and that helpers gain skills to successfully raise their own offspring. Studies of callitrichids in managed care and early field studies suggested that group size correlated with infant survival and that helpers needed to learn parental skills to be successful breeders. We present infant survival data from a 20‐year field study of cotton‐top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus) in Colombia involving 126 litters born to 41 females. There was no difference in the survival of male and female offspring to 6 months of age. However, litter size impacted survival, with triplet litters having lower survival and male triplets having lower survival than females. Loss of infants was highest in the first week of life and, of the animals remaining in the group at 6 months of age, 90% of them survived to 1 year. The mean length of time in the natal group was 2.3 years but some young migrated to other groups after 4 months of age. Group size and number of male helpers (>1 year) was not related to infant survival. However, groups with only one male had fewer surviving infants. Primiparous females had lower infant survival, but previous infant care experience by mothers as helpers had no effect on survival. A major cause of infant loss was group disruption due to deaths/evictions/loss of the reproductively active animals, or immigration of pregnant females. Thus, factors that cause a change in the stability of the reproductively active animals can disrupt group cohesion. Capture of individuals for the illegal pet trade, as well as habitat fragmentation, may increase competition between groups for access to territories and breeding opportunities. This may have long‐term impacts to infant survival in this critically endangered species.
Acquisition of ciprofloxacin resistance among an expanding clade of β-lactamase positive, serogroup Y Neisseria meningitidis in the United States.

BACKGROUND Penicillin and ciprofloxacin are important for invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) management and prevention. IMD cases caused by penicillin- and ciprofloxacin-resistant Neisseria meningitidis containing a ROB-1 β-lactamase gene (blaROB-1) and a mutated DNA gyrase gene (gyrA), have been recently reported in the USA. METHODS We examined 2097 meningococcal genomes collected through US population-based surveillance from January 2011-February 2020 to identify IMD cases caused by strains with blaROB-1 or gyrA-mediated resistance. Antimicrobial resistance was confirmed phenotypically. The US isolate genomes were compared to non-US isolate genomes containing blaROB-1. Interspecies transfer of ciprofloxacin resistance was assessed by comparing gyrA among Neisseria species. RESULTS Eleven penicillin- and ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates were identified after December 2018; all were serogroup Y, sequence type 3587, clonal complex (CC) 23, and contained blaROB-1 and a T91I-containing gyrA allele. An additional 22 penicillin-resistant, blaROB-1-containing US isolates with wild-type gyrA were identified from 2013-2020. All 33 blaROB-1-containing isolates formed a single clade, along with 12 blaROB-1-containing isolates from six other countries. Two-thirds of blaROB-1-containing US isolates were from Hispanic individuals. Twelve additional ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates with gyrA T91 mutations were identified. Ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates belonged to six CCs and contained 10 unique gyrA alleles; seven were similar or identical to alleles from N. lactamica or N. gonorrhoeae. CONCLUSIONS Recent IMD cases caused by a dual resistant serogroup Y suggest changing antimicrobial resistance patterns in the USA. The emerging dual-resistance is due to acquisition of ciprofloxacin resistance by β-lactamase-containing N. meningitidis. Routine antimicrobial resistance surveillance will effectively monitor resistance changes and spread.
Colonization of Helicobacter pylori in the oral cavity – an endless controversy?

Abstract Helicobacter pylori is associated with chronic gastritis, gastric or duodenal ulcers, and gastric cancer. Since the oral cavity is the entry port and the first component of the gastrointestinal system, the oral cavity has been discussed as a potential reservoir of H. pylori. Accordingly, a potential oral-oral transmission route of H. pylori raises the question concerning whether close contact such as kissing or sharing a meal can cause the transmission of H. pylori. Therefore, this topic has been investigated in many studies, applying different techniques for detection of H. pylori from oral samples, i.e. molecular techniques, immunological or biochemical methods and traditional culture techniques. While molecular, immunological or biochemical methods usually yield high detection rates, there is no definitive evidence that H. pylori has ever been isolated from the oral cavity. The specificity of those methods may be limited due to potential cross-reactivity, especially with H. pylori-like microorganisms such as Campylobacter spp. Furthermore, the influence of gastroesophageal reflux has not been investigated so far. This review aims to summarize and critically discuss previous studies investigating the potential colonization of H. pylori in the oral cavity and suggest novel research directions for targeting this critical research question.
Will Men Use Novel Male Contraceptive Methods and Will Women Trust Them? A Systematic Review

ABSTRACT Novel male contraceptives have been in development for almost as long as female methods, yet there are no products available on the market. Hormonal approaches tested clinically to date include the use of oral, injectable, implant and transdermal methods. The study of attitudes toward male contraception has been inconsistent and there have been no systematic reviews drawing these data together. We conducted a systematic review of the available evidence for male and female acceptability of novel male contraception. We identified 32 studies and present a narrative synthesis of quantitative data and a thematic synthesis of qualitative data. In novel drug trials, the proportion of male participants willing to use a male contraceptive ranged from 34.0% to as high as 82.3%. In studies regarding hypothetical drugs, male willingness to use ranged from 13.6% to 83.0%. High proportions of women (42.8%–94.0%) reported willingness to use a novel male method in both hypothetical studies and actual drug trials. In qualitative studies, both men and women expressed the desire to share responsibility for contraception. There is consistent interest among both men and women in novel male contraceptive methods and willingness to use them. The systematic review was registered with PROSPERO: CRD42020173281.
Prelimbic cortical stimulation disrupts fear memory consolidation through ventral hippocampal dopamine D2 receptors

Anxiety disorders pose one of the biggest threats to mental health worldwide, yet current therapeutics have been mostly ineffective due to issues with relapse, efficacy and toxicity of the medications. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a promising therapy for treatment‐resistant psychiatric disorders including anxiety, but very little is known about the effects of deep brain stimulation on fear memories.
Outcomes and prognostic factors of apical periodontitis by root canal treatment and endodontic microsurgery-a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome and prognostic factors of root canal treatment (RCT) and endodontic microsurgery (EMS) in the treatment of apical periodontitis (AP), respectively, and to compare the outcome and prognostic factors between initial RCT and nonsurgical retreatment (re-RCT) for AP. METHODS Patients with AP were recruited from the Stomatology Department of Peking University Third Hospital from January 2016 to December 2019. Data were collected by medical records review. Univariate analysis of treatment outcome was performed for the total RCT group, initial RCT group, re-RCT group and EMS group, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression was performed for the three RCT groups, respectively, but not for the EMS group. RESULTS The overall success of treatment for AP was 73.8%. The success rate of RCT in 229 cases was 70.7%, while that of EMS in 34 cases was 94.1%. The failure of RCT was significantly higher for elderly patients [odds ratio (OR) =1.025, P=0.013], teeth with incomplete fracture (OR =7.082, P=0.013), teeth with a greater crown root ratio (OR =1.198, P=0.029), teeth treated by a general dentist (OR =2.16, P=0.042) and teeth with unqualified treatment (OR =2.841, P=0.002). Of the 166 teeth treated by initial RCT, the success was 68.1%. A greater crown root ratio (OR =1.333, P=0.004) was identified as a risk factor for treatment. Of the 63 teeth treated by re-RCT, the success was 77.8%. A lower success was observed in teeth with unqualified treatment (OR =5.291, P=0.018). With regard to EMS, the univariate analysis showed that none of the variables were significantly related to the outcome. CONCLUSIONS For AP treated by RCT, age, incomplete tooth fracture, crown root ratio, doctor classification and unqualified treatment had a strong impact on determining outcome. For initial RCT, crown root ratio was a significant outcome predictor, while for re-RCT, unqualified treatment was a strong statistically significant factor. No significant difference was found between the success of initial RCT and reRCT for AP.
The role of CD133 in hepatocellular carcinoma

ABSTRACT Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a small subpopulation of cells found within tumors that exhibit properties of self-renewal, like normal stem cells. CSCs have been defined as a crucial factor involved in driving cancer relapse, chemoresistance and metastasis. Prominin-1 (CD133) is one of the most well-characterized markers of CSCs in various tumor types, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). CD133+ cells have been demonstrated to be involved in metastasis, tumorigenesis, tumor recurrence, and resistance to treatment in HCC. CD133-related clinical prognosis prediction, and targeted therapy have highlighted the clinical significance of CD133 in HCC. However, there remains controversy over the role of CD133 in experimental and clinical research involving HCC. In this article, we summarize the fundamental cell biology of CD133 in HCC cells and discuss the important characteristics of CD133+ in HCC cells. Furthermore, the prognostic value of CD133, and therapeutic strategies for its targeting in HCC, is also reviewed.
Global Trends in Norovirus Genotype Distribution among Children with Acute Gastroenteritis

Noroviruses are a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) among adults and children worldwide. NoroSurv is a global network for norovirus strain surveillance among children <5 years of age with AGE. Participants in 16 countries across 6 continents used standardized protocols for dual typing (genotype and polymerase type) and uploaded 1,325 dual-typed sequences to the NoroSurv web portal during 2016–2020. More than 50% of submitted sequences were GII.4 Sydney[P16] or GII.4 Sydney[P31] strains. Other common strains included GII.2[P16], GII.3[P12], GII.6[P7], and GI.3[P3] viruses. In total, 22 genotypes and 36 dual types, including GII.3 and GII.20 viruses with rarely reported polymerase types, were detected, reflecting high strain diversity. Surveillance data captured in NoroSurv enables the monitoring of trends in norovirus strains associated childhood AGE throughout the world on a near real-time basis.