Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Faculty Development Graduate Medical Education Retreat to Teach and Address Social Determinants of Health

Background: Social determinants of health (SDH) account for a large percentage of health outcomes. Therefore, ensuring providers can address SDH is paramount yet curricula in this area is limited. Aim: The authors aimed to raise awareness, identify learning opportunities, foster positive attitudes, and equip educators to implement SDH curriculum. Setting and participants: This retreat occurred at a large academic institution and had over 130 participants who represented 56 distinct training programs and over 20 disciplines. Program description: The retreat was titled “Social Determinants of Health: Walking in Your Patients’ Shoes. ” The retreat was holistic and used a multidimensional approach that included traditional learning, team-based learning, reflective practice, and prompted action. Program evaluation: The evaluation of this retreat included electronic surveys and both qualitative and quantitative data. The retreat’s quality and effectiveness at improving participants’ knowledge and skill in addressing SDH was highly rated and resulted in numerous programs, including surgical and subspecialty programs reporting adopting SDH curricular and clinical workflow changes. Discussion: The retreat was successful and reached a wide and diverse set of faculty educators and can serve as an education model to the graduate medical education community on how to start to develop “physician-citizens. ”
Mitochondrial DNA sequence diversity and the colonization of Scandinavia by house mice from East Holstein

Abstract Restriction analysis had revealed only Mus domesticus mtDNA in house mouse populations in northern Denmark, Sweden, and Finland, where the nuclear genomes are Mus musculus. The goals of the present study were to (1) test the proposal that these Scandinavian musculus mice arose by a series of founder and island-hopping events from one or a few populations near the domesticus-musculus hybrid zone on the East Holstein Peninsula of northern Germany and (2) see whether more than the two types of domesticus mtDNA detected by restriction analysis existed among these musculus populations. Sequences of the 1-kilobase mtDNA segment encompassing the entire control region and the flanking tRNAs were gathered from 217 domesticus and musculus mice. Included were 104 mice from 12 localities across a 120-km transect of the Holstein hybrid and adjacent zones, 56 animals from 12 localities in the musculus range of Scandinavia, 56 domesticus mice representing 46 localities in Europe, North Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas, and one musculus mouse from Czechoslovakia. Save for the Czech mouse, all individuals had domesticus mtDNA, a total of 56 types being resolved and 10 of these being found among the Holstein mice. Electrophoresis of proteins encoded by nuclear loci along with assessment of external morphology and of skeletal, cranial, and dental traits revealed a transition from domesticus to musculus nuclear genomes over a distance of about 20-40 km in East Holstein. Of the 216 mtDNAs, 149 fall into a clade of 17 types characterized by the addition of an 11-bp direct repeat; included are all Swedish, Finnish, and northern Danish mtDNAs as well as 82 from the Holstein transect. Support for the previously proposed migration pathway from the European mainland to Scandinavia came from finding that on the domesticus side of the hybrid zone in Holstein a high proportion of mice carry the types of mtDNA found in the mice with musculus nuclear genomes. Sequencing revealed 11 different mtDNAs in the +11-bp clade among musculus mice, one of these being widespread, seven others being confined to single localities, and one Danish collecting locality yielding five types. The mitochondrial diversity uncovered among these mice leads to a reexamination of some aspects of the original model, notably with respect to the number of founding females, the possible role of selection, and the possibility of an accelerated rate of mtDNA evolution. This study also showed that for the mouse control region the transition/transversion ratio is significantly lower than for the human control region and that small length mutations occur about as frequently as transversions during mouse control region evolution.
Small molecule inhibits T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia oncogenic interaction through conformational modulation of LMO2

Ectopic expression in T-cell precursors of LIM only protein 2 (LMO2), a key factor in hematopoietic development, has been linked to the onset of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL). In the T-ALL context, LMO2 drives oncogenic progression through binding to erythroid-specific transcription factor SCL/TAL1 and sequestration of E-protein transcription factors, normally required for T-cell differentiation. A key requirement for the formation of this oncogenic protein-protein interaction (PPI) is the conformational flexibility of LMO2. Here we identify a small molecule inhibitor of the SCL-LMO2 PPI, which hinders the interaction in vitro through direct binding to LMO2. Biophysical analysis demonstrates that this inhibitor acts through a mechanism of conformational modulation of LMO2. Importantly, this work has led to the identification of a small molecule inhibitor of the SCL-LMO2 PPI, which can provide a starting point for the development of new agents for the treatment of T-ALL. These results suggest that similar approaches, based on the modulation of protein conformation by small molecules, might be used for therapeutic targeting of other oncogenic PPIs.
A demographic framework for the adaptive management of the endangered arid-zone tree species Acacia peuce

Slow-growing desert tree species pose unique conservation challenges; their demography is driven by rare stochastic climatic events, remoteness of populations makes monitoring difficult and, consequently, their management is ofteninformation-limited.Inparticular,thepaucityofinformationonvitalratesatarelevanttemporalscalemakesanalysesof demographyandpopulationviabilitydifficult.Ourobjectivewastoundertakeademographicanalysisofthethreatenedarid- zone tree species (Acacia peuce F.Muell.) that is a model system in terms of being (1) a slow-growing desert tree species whose recruitment is limited to stochastic and rare extreme rainfall events, and (2) a species of conservation significance growing in a remote location where remoteness imposes limitations on conservation monitoring. Complementary analyses using pattern- and process-derived matrix population models, based on a dataset derived from a 30-year monitoring effort, verified that the smallest of the A. peuce populations would continue to grow under current environmental conditions. Population growth in this species is most influenced by the survival or adult and sapling stages. Stochastic demographic simulations revealed that climate change is likely to significantly elevate the risk of population decline, particularly in fragment stands. The long-term viability of A. peuce hinges on sustaining the survival rates of adult and sapling stages by managing stresses to individuals in these stages, and through minimising anthropogenic disturbance to populations during rare, stochastic and extreme rainfall events that trigger recruitment. Extending the current non-binding agreement enabling the use of fences to exclude cattle, and improved interpretative signage to raise awareness of anthropogenic impacts on this specieswillsignificantlyaidconservationofthisspecies.Theintegrationofmodelling,monitoring,andmanagementwithina demographicframeworkcanfacilitateefficientandeffectiveconservationofslow-growingarid-zonetreespecies,despitethe challenges imposed by remoteness.
Potent HCV NS3 Protease Inhibition by a Water-Soluble Phyllanthin Congener

NS3/4A protease of hepatitis C virus (HCV) plays an important role in viral RNA replication. A 1,4-diphenylbutanedicarboxylic acid derivative, namely, phyllanthin, extracted from the leaf of a herbal plant, Phyllanthus amarus, inhibits HCV NS3/4A protease and replication activities. However, the reduced aqueous solubility, high toxicity, and poor oral bioavailability are major impediments with phyllanthin. We herein present a design approach to generate phyllanthin congeners in order to potentiate inhibition activity against protease. The phyllanthin congeners were synthesized by chemical methods and subjected to systematic biological studies. One of the congeners, annotated as D8, is identified as a novel and potent inhibitor of the HCV-NS3/4Aprotease activity in vitro and the viral RNA replication in cell culture. Structural analysis using the computational-based docking approach demonstrated important noncovalent interactions between D8 and the catalytic residues of the viral protease. Furthermore, D8 was found to be significantly nontoxic in cell culture. More importantly, oral administration of D8 in BALB/c mice proved its better tolerability and bioavailability, as compared to native phyllanthin. Taken together, this study reveals a promising candidate for developing anti-HCV therapeutics to control HCV-induced liver diseases.
Primeval Magnolia‐Holly‐Beech Climax in Louisiana

An early American Land Office Survey (1821) has provided a reliable basis for reconstruction of early settlement forest patterns within West Feliciana Parish, Louisiana. Application of the statistical test, analysis of variance, in the evaluation of surveyor bias in selection of bearing trees is a refinement of previous methods. Distribution of forest com- munities has been delineated on the basis of edaphic and topographic relationships. A forest community of tupelogum and cypress occurred in the alluvial plain of the Mississippi River. Upland portions of West Feliciana supported a magnolia-holly-beech mixed hardwoods on thick less deposits. A second distinct association of magnolia, beech, and holly existed in ravine and river lowlands of the lesss hills. " Occurrence of a mixed white oak-pine-beech forest was restricted to the northeastern portion of the present parish. This study represents the first quantitative evidence to support the existence of a late- successional, or climax, magnolia-holly-beech forest in the original vegetation of upland mesic sites within a portion of the Gulf Coastal Plain, U.S.A.
Testing for COVID-19: willful ignorance or selfless behavior?

Abstract Widespread testing is key to controlling the spread of COVID-19. But should we worry about self-selection bias in the testing? The recent literature on willful ignorance says we should – people often avoid health information. In the context of COVID-19, such willful ignorance can bias testing data. Furthermore, willful ignorance often arises when selfish wants conflict with social benefits, which might be particularly likely for potential ‘super-spreaders’ – people with many social interactions – given people who test positive are urged to self-isolate for two weeks. We design a survey in which participants (n = 897) choose whether to take a costless COVID-19 test. We find that 70% would take a test. Surprisingly, the people most likely to widely spread COVID-19 – the extraverts, others who meet more people in their daily lives and younger people – are the most willing to take a test. People's ability to financially or emotionally sustain self-isolation does not matter to their decision. We conclude that people are selfless in their decision to test for COVID-19. Our results are encouraging – they imply that COVOD-19 testing may succeed in targeting those who generate the largest social benefits from self-isolation if infected, which strengthens the case for widespread testing.
Genetic Evidence for Relict Atlantic Sturgeon Stocks along the Mid‐Atlantic Coast of the USA

Abstract The Atlantic sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus oxyrinchus is a highly migratory anadromous acipenserid that is distributed along the Atlantic coast of North America. The abundance of Atlantic sturgeon has not increased appreciably in recent years despite the imposition of a moratorium on its harvest in U.S. waters in 1998. Two measures being considered to restore depleted or extirpated populations are designation of Atlantic sturgeon as federally endangered under the U.S. Endangered Species Act and the use of hatchery-reared fish to supplement natural reproduction. Implementation of these approaches requires detailed knowledge of this species' population structure. Previous genetic stock identification studies failed to address the discreteness of Atlantic sturgeon populations along the U.S. mid-Atlantic coast that historically supported two of the largest fisheries for the species. We used mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region sequence data to elucidate the population structure of Atlantic sturge.
Effect of traditional processing methods on the antioxidant, α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition properties of Sesbania sesban Merrill seeds

The methanolic extract of Sesbania sesban Merrill (Fabaceae) raw seed materials contained total free phenolic content of 14.56 ± 1.11 g catechin equivalent/100 g extract dry matter (DM). Encouraging levels of reducing power (FRAP, 1068 mmol Fe[II]/mg extract), inhibition of β-carotene bleaching (49.80%) and scavenging activity against DPPH (51.65%) as well as superoxide (44.87%) radicals were exhibited by the raw sample. Further, it also recorded 81.43% of α-amylase and 67.05% of α-glucosidase enzyme inhibition characteristics. Sprouting + oil-frying caused an apparent increase on the total free phenolic content and also significantly improved the antioxidant and free radical scavenging capacity of S. sesban seed extract, while soaking + cooking as well as open-pan roasting treatments showed diminishing effects. Hence, such favorable sprouting + oil-frying treatment could be recommended for the versatile use of S. sesban seeds as a natural source of dietary antioxidants with the potential to manage type II diabetes.
A revision of Corynanthe and Pausinystalia (African Rubiaceae‐Coptosapelteae)

The genera Corynanthe and Pausinystalia are an easily recognizable group within the tribe Coptosapelteae because the corolla lobes are provided with a distinct spherical, club-shaped or linear appendage. In the past the delimitation of the species and the 1–3 genera in the literature has been problematical. A short revision of the group is undertaken, based mainly on a study of Central African herbarium specimens. The morphological features of the group are reviewed and documented. Stipules were commonly found to have interlocking vernation; this type of ptyxis has not yet been reported from the Rubiaceae. Characters and their states are coded for a numerical phenetic and cladistic analysis of the relationships among the species. Our formal analyses corroborate the view that two genera can be recognized, Corynanthe (characterized by exserted style and anthers, undivided stigma and mainly loculicidal capsule; three species) and Pausinystalia (characterized by style and anthers included in the corolla tube, a bilobed stigma and predominantly septicidal capsule; five species). The entire group probably evolved from a Corynanthe-like ancestor; a drastic shift in flower biology, viz. the loss of secondary pollen presentation, probably correlated with adaptations to another pollinator which may have caused the divergence between the two genera. These show the characteristic distribution pattern of strict rain forest groups in Africa, except that they are missing from the lowland forests of the Zaire Basin. The species are concentrated around the known forest refugia of the quaternary glaciation: only C. pachyceras is distributed in almost the whole rain forest area. A formal taxonomic treatment (with key to species) of the two genera is given; a key to the genera of the Coptosapelteae of the African continent is also included. The examination of the isotypes of forgotten names described by the Berlin school revealed three new synonyms. Pausinystalia angolensis described from Cabinda (Angola) by Wernham is proved to be synonymous with P. macroceras. A few other taxonomic changes are made. Pausinystalia ituriense De Wild, is reduced to a subspecies of P. lane-poolei (Hutch.) Hutch, ex Lane-Poole; P. brachylhyrsum (K. Schum.) W. Brandt is recognized again (instead of being reduced to a form of P. macroceras (K Schum.) Pierre ex Beille), P. talbotii Wernham is maintained in Pausinystalia, and not transferred to Coiynanthe, as recently suggested.
Prognostic significance of hepatic encephalopathy in patients with cirrhosis treated with current standards of care

BACKGROUND Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a reversible neuropsychiatric complication of liver cirrhosis and occurs in up to 50% of cirrhotic patients. Studies examining the prognostic significance of HE are limited despite the high prevalence in cirrhosis. AIM To define the clinical outcomes of patients after an episode of HE treated with current standards-of-care. METHODS All patients hospitalised with HE requiring Rifaximin to 3 tertiary centres over 46-mo (2012–2016) were identified via pharmacy dispensing records. Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma and those prescribed Rifaximin prior to admission were excluded. Medical records were reviewed to determine baseline characteristics and survival. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival probability. Univariate survival analysis was performed with variables reaching statistical significance included in a multivariate analysis. The primary outcome was 12-mo mortality following commencement of Rifaximin. RESULTS 188 patients were included. Median age was 57 years (IQR 50-65), 71% were male and median model for end stage liver disease and Child Pugh scores were 25 (IQR 18-31) and 11 (IQR 9-12) respectively. The most common causes of cirrhosis were alcohol (62%), hepatitis C (31%) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (20%). A precipitating cause for HE was found in 92% patients with infection (43%), GI bleeding (16%), medication non-compliance (15%) and electrolyte imbalance (14%) the most common. During a mean follow up period of 12 ± 13 mo 107 (57%) patients died and 32 (17%) received orthotopic liver transplantation. The most common causes of death were decompensated chronic liver disease (57%) and sepsis (19%). The probability of survival was 44% and 35% at 12- and 24-mo respectively. At multivariate analysis a model for end stage liver disease > 15 and international normalised ratio reached statistical significance in predicting mortality. CONCLUSION Despite advances made in the management of HE patients continue to have poor survival. Thus, in all patients presenting with HE the appropriateness of orthotopic liver transplantation should be considered.
A Rapid Method for the Transfer of Nematodes From Fixative To Anhydrous Glycerin

Eine Methode wird beschrieben bei der Nematoden innerhalb 24 Stunden von der Fixierungsflussigkeit in wasserfreies Glyzerin uberfuhrt werden. Die Nematoden werden nach Fixierung in ein Gemisch von 20 Teilen Aethanol 96%, I Teil Glyzerin und 79 Teilen Wasser gebracht. Das Aethanol in diesem Gemisch wird durch Wasserentzug im Exsiccator mit Aethanol 96% bei 35°-40°C in nicht weniger als 12 Stunden bis zu etwa 95% konzentriert. Danach wird ein Gemisch von 5 Teilen Glyzerin in 95 Teilen Aethanol 96% hinzugefugt. Dieser wird bei 40°C in wenigstens 3 Stunden zu reines Glyzerin konzentriert.
Quantitative computed tomography detects interstitial lung diseases proven by biopsy

Background: The Quantitative chest CT (QCT) is emerging as a promising tool in the assessment of interstitial lung disease (ILD). However, the precise relationship between QCT parameters and the fibrosis detectable in lung tissue, remains to be established. Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare QCT and histopathological features in patients with ILD. Moreover we verified if the QCT assessment is similar in patients with or without a ILD diagnosis proven by a biopsy. Methods: Twenty patients affected by ILD who underwent a chest CT and, later, a lung biopsy, were enrolled. Patients were divided according to the histopathological findings (IPF vs sarcoidosis) in two groups (respectively bIPF and bSarc). Other 20 patients with a radiological diagnosis of IPF were included in a control group (rIPF). All CTs were post-processed with a free software (Horos) in order to obtain an ILD quantitative assessment. Results: There were no differences in terms of gender, smoking habit and spirometric values between patients’ groups. rIPF subjects were older than the other: 70 vs 59 and 47 years (p<0.001). A different distribution of QCT parameters was observed between bIPF and bSarc (p<0.01) while it was comparable within bIPF and rIPF. Conclusions: QCT parameters were similar in subjects affected by the same type of ILD detected with biopsy and with CT alone. These findings make stronger the assumption that QCT can identify the presence of pulmonary fibrosis and, ultimately, that it can represent an useful and effective tool to assess ILD. (Sarcoidosis Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis 2018; 35: 16-20)
The polymorphism of ants.

There is a sense in which the term polymorphism is applicable to all living organisms, since no two of these are ever exactly alike. But when employed in this sense, the term is merely a synonym of variation, which is the more apt, since polymorphism has an essentially morphological tinge, whereas variation embraces also the psychological, physiological, and ethological differences between organisms. In zoology the term polymorphism is progressively restricted, first, to cases in which individuals of the same species may be recognized as constituting two or more groups, or castes, each of which has its own definite characters or complexion. Second, the term is applied only to animals in which these intraspecific groups coexist in space and time and do not arise through metamorphosis or constitute successive generations. Cases of the latter description are “referred to “alternation of generations” and “seasonal polymorphism. ” And third”, the intraspecific groups which coincide with the two groups of reproductive individuals in all gonochoristic, or separate-sexed Metazoa are placed in the category of sex or sexual dimorphism. There remain, therefore, as properly representing the phenomena of polymorphism only those animals in which characteristic intraspecific and intrasexual groups of individuals may be recognized, or, in simpler language, those species in which one or both of the sexes appear under two or more distinct forms.
Role of ferritin as a lipid oxidation catalyst in muscle food

The objectives of this research were to determine whether iron is released from ferritin by ascorbate and cysteine at the pH and temperatures expected in muscle foods, determine whether iron is released from ferritin by heat, and determine whether physiological concentrations of ferritin in beef muscle could catalyze lipid oxidation in vitro