Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Periodicity in the development of the root system of young rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis Müell. Arg.): relationship with shoot development

The growth pattern of the root system of young rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) was studied in relation to shoot development over a period of 3 months. Temporal and spatial variations in elongation and branching processes were examined for the different root types, by means of root observation boxes. Shoot growth was typically rhythmic. Root development was periodic and related to leaf expansion. Root elongation was depressed during leaf growth, whereas branching was enhanced. Consequently, highly branched areas with vigorous secondary roots alternated along the taproot with poorly branched areas with shorter roots. Root types were not affected to the same degree by shoot competition: during leaf expansion, taproot growth was just depressed but remained continuous, the emergence and elongation rates of secondary roots were significantly affected and the elongation rates of tertiary roots fell to zero. These results were consistent with the hypothesis that root growth is related to competition for assimilates and to the sink strength of the different root types, whereas root branching appeared to be promoted by leaf development.
The Ups and Downs of Neurotransmitter Transporters

Plasma membrane neurotransmitter transporters are a family of integral membrane proteins, found on both neurons and glia, that have the capacity to influence neuronal signaling through a number of mechanisms including transmitter reuptake and ionic flux. Clinically, these proteins are of interest because their dysfunction is associated with several neurological and psychiatric disorders, and because they are the targets of many drugs of abuse and therapy. In this review, the authors focus on one of the more recent, fascinating discoveries about neurotransmitter transporters; namely, that transporter function is regulated by altering the number of transporters on the cell surface. These data suggest that transporter expression is in continual flux and that transporters respond to their environment in an effort to maintain baseline transmitter levels in the brain. The authors examine the mechanisms underlying changes in transporter number, discuss clinical disorders that are correlated with transporter expression, and suggest that controlling transporter redistribution may be a future therapeutic strategy for disorders related to abnormal transmitter levels.
Phylogenetic systematics of the genus Gonatodes (Squamata: Sphaerodactylidae) in the Guayana region, with description of a new species from Venezuela

The phylogenetic relationships and species boundaries of the diurnal geckos of the genus Gonatodes in the Guayana region are examined. Seven species of Gonatodes are recognized for the region, six of which are endemic to this region and form a monophyletic group together with G. hasemani from the southern part of the Amazon Basin. Two of the six species in this group are new to science, one of which is endemic to Venezuela and it is described here. Taxonomic accounts are provided for all the Venezuelan species of Gonatodes that are endemic to the Guayana region. The phylogenetic relationships of Gonatodes suggest that the diversity of this genus in the Guayana region has resulted mostly from in situ diversification rather than multiple colonization events by different lineages. The phylogenetic analyses also support that G. antillensis, the only nocturnal species in the genus, is indeed nested within Gonatodes, indicating re-evolution of some traits associated with nocturnal life. Finally, we comment on a recently proposed framework of temporal diversification in Gonatodes and suggest that we are still a long way from attaining a complete understanding about the systematics of this genus.
Oxidative stress induced by piperine leads to apoptosis in Candida albicans.

Candida albicans is a member of pathogens with potential drug resistance threat that needs novel chemotherapeutic strategies. Considering the multifarious biological activities including bioenhancer activity, anti-Candida potential of piperine was evaluated against planktonic/biofilm and hyphal growth of C. albicans alone or in combination as a synergistic agent with fluconazole. Piperine inhibits planktonic growth at or less than 15 μg/ml, hyphae induction at 5 μg/ml concentration, and exhibits stage-dependent activity against biofilm growth of a fluconazole-resistant strain of C. albicans (ATCC10231). Though piperine couldn't kill inoculum completely at minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), it is fungicidal at higher concentrations, as shown in apoptosis assay. FIC index values indicate that piperine exhibits excellent synergistic activity with fluconazole against planktonic (0.123) and biofilm (0.215) growth of an FLC resistant strain. Mode of anti-Candida activity was studied by identifying piperine responsive proteins wherein the abundance of 25 proteins involved in stress response, signal transduction and cell cycle were modulated (22 up and 3 down-regulated) significantly in response to piperine (MIC50). Modulation of the proteins involved suggests that piperine affects membrane integrity leading to oxidative stress followed by cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in C. albicans. Flow cytometry-based mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), cell cycle and apoptosis assay, as well as real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis of selected genes, confirms piperine induced oxidative stress (TRR1), cell cycle arrest and apoptosis (CaMCA1). Based on our results, we conclude that piperine inhibits planktonic and difficult-to treat-biofilm growth of C. albicans by affecting membrane integrity thereby inducing oxidative stress and apoptosis. LAY ABSTRACT Piperine inhibit Candida albicans growth (planktonic and biofilm) significantly in our study. Piperine exhibits excellent synergistic potential with fluconazole The proteome analysis suggests that piperine induced membrane damage leads to oxidative stress followed by cell cycle arrest and apoptosis.
Experimental comparison of Baylisascaris procyonis definitive host competence between domestic dogs and raccoons (Procyon lotor)

Abstract Domestic dogs can function as either paratenic or definitive hosts for the zoonotic raccoon roundworm Baylisascaris procyonis. However, factors leading to development of patent infections in dogs are under-studied. Here we compared infection dynamics of B. procyonis in dogs vs the natural raccoon host. Dogs and raccoons were inoculated 5000 or 500 B. procyonis eggs (n = 3 per dose) or were fed B. procyonis-infected laboratory mice (n = 3 per dose; mice inoculated with 1000 or 250 eggs). Fecal samples were analysed via flotation and a commercial coproantigen ELISA designed for detection of Toxocara spp. Two of 12 dogs (both received low dose larvae) developed patent infections; all 12 raccoons became infected with 10 developing patent infections. Compared with dogs, prepatent periods were shorter in raccoons and maximum egg outputs were much greater. Baylisascaris procyonis coproantigens were detectable via ELISA in all raccoons and the patently infected dogs. Finally, dogs spontaneously lost infections while all patently infected raccoons shed eggs until conclusion of the study. Our results demonstrate that dogs are clearly suboptimal hosts showing limited parasite establishment and fecundity vs raccoons. Despite the low competence, patently infected dogs still pose a risk for human exposure, emphasizing the importance of control measures.
Calculating the appropriate prophylactic dose of cefazolin in women undergoing cesarean delivery

Abstract Background and Objectives Surgical site infection and other postoperative complications are relatively common in obstetrical procedures, and they are associated with morbidity, prolonged hospital stay, and readmissions. Appropriate levels of antimicrobial agents given directly before skin incision can prevent the establishment of surgical-related infection caused by endogenous microorganisms present on the woman’s skin. We aimed to determine serum concentrations of cefazolin given to pregnant women prior to scheduled cesarean delivery and to compare their drug concentrations and pharmacokinetics in 2 weight groups. Study Design We conducted a prospective cohort analysis of the pharmacokinetics of cefazolin in women undergoing cesarean delivery (August 2017 to September 2018). One or two grams of intravenous cefazolin was administered within 30 min prior to skin incision to women weighing <80 kg and ≥80 kg, respectively. Maternal serum samples were obtained at skin incision and 30 min later. The serum concentration of cefazolin was measured by high-pressure liquid chromatography. Antimicrobial coverage was defined as being appropriate when the cefazolin levels were above the minimal inhibitory concentration. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using a one-compartment model. Results A total of 61 women were enrolled, of whom 47 underwent cesarean delivery (study group). The mean time that had elapsed between drug administration to incision was 13 ± 6.9 min (95% confidence interval 10.6–16.2 min). The drug levels after 30 min in women who weighed >80 kg and in women who received 2 g cefazolin, after 30 min from incision differed significantly (87.0 ± 26.0 vs 55.4 ± 16.6 μg/ml, p = .0001). Conclusion A single 1- or 2-g dose of cefazolin provides serum concentrations above minimal inhibitory concentrations for susceptible pathogens in most women undergoing scheduled cesarean delivery.
Association of Radial Artery Graft vs Saphenous Vein Graft With Long-term Cardiovascular Outcomes Among Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Importance Observational studies have suggested that the use of radial artery grafts for coronary artery bypass grafting may improve clinical outcomes compared with the use of saphenous vein grafts, but this has not been confirmed in randomized trials. Objective To compare clinical outcomes between patients receiving radial artery vs saphenous vein grafts for coronary artery bypass grafting after long-term follow-up. Design, Setting, and Participants Patient-level pooled analysis comparing radial artery vs saphenous vein graft in adult patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting from 5 countries (Australia, Italy, Serbia, South Korea, and the United Kingdom), with enrollment from 1997 to 2009 and follow-up completed in 2019. Interventions Patients were randomized to undergo either radial artery (n = 534) or saphenous vein (n = 502) grafts for coronary artery bypass grafting. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was a composite of death, myocardial infarction, or repeat revascularization and the secondary outcome was a composite of death or myocardial infarction. Results A total of 1036 patients were randomized (mean age, 66.6 years in the radial artery group vs 67.1 years in the saphenous vein group; 376 [70.4%] men in the radial artery group vs 351 [69.9%] in the saphenous vein group); 942 (90.9%) of the originally randomized patients completed 10 years of follow-up (510 in the radial artery group). At a median (interquartile range) follow-up of 10 (10-11) years, the use of the radial artery, compared with the saphenous vein, in coronary artery bypass grafting was associated with a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of the composite outcome of death, myocardial infarction, or repeat revascularization (220 vs 237 total events; 41 vs 47 events per 1000 patient-years; hazard ratio, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.61-0.88]; P < .001) and of the composite of death or myocardial infarction (188 vs 193 total events; 35 vs 38 events per 1000 patient-years; hazard ratio, 0.77 [95% CI, 0.63-0.94]; P = .01). Conclusions and Relevance In this individual participant data meta-analysis with a median follow-up of 10 years, among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, the use of the radial artery compared with the saphenous vein was associated with a lower risk of a composite of cardiovascular outcomes.
Happiness at the End of Life: A Qualitative Study

Background: Happiness is a core ingredient of health and well-being, yet relatively little is known about what happiness means for individuals near the end of life, and whether perceptions of happiness change as individuals approach the end of their lives. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore, through interviews, how individuals experiencing hospice care understood and conceptualized happiness. Design: Qualitative interviews with hospice patients were analyzed thematically. Setting/Participants: Adult patients (n = 20) in a New Zealand hospice who were receiving palliative care and who could give their informed consent were invited by hospice nurse coordinators to an interview. Results: Four themes emerged from analysis of the transcribed interviews. Participants defined happiness most frequently and in most depth in relation to connection with others. They identified being in the present moment, particularly in relation to nature, and that happiness had become less associated with money, status, or possessions. They had an attitude of determination to focus on what mattered now. Conclusion: Patients receiving palliative care were generally happy with their lives, appreciated the simpler aspects of life away from the material. There was a common exhortation to young people to avoid focusing too much on acquisition and the internet and to prioritize instead social connection and engagement with the natural world.
Genetic variants in children with chronic respiratory diseases

Founder mutations and autosomal recessive (AR) disorders are common in the Arabian Peninsula due to frequent consanguineous marriages. As a result, the pulmonary service at Tawam Hospital (Al Ain, UAE) routinely requests genetic testing for children with persistent (unexplained) respiratory problems. The main purpose of this report was to underscore the usefulness of these tests. Ten children with severe respiratory diseases due to complex genetic findings are described here. Forty‐one variants (six novel) were detected, averaging four per patient (range: 1‐9). Seven (17%) variants were homozygous and 34 (83%) heterozygous; some variants were known to show monoallelic expression. Using binomial probability distribution, the fetal‐risk for having AR disorder(s) as a function of the number of shared variants by a couple ranged from 0.25 (having one shared variant) to 0.9249 (having nine shared variants). In cultures where increased size of homozygous genomic segments is common, children often have multiple variants that could cause complex clinical phenotypes. Identifying pathogenic variants assists in clinical care, family counseling, and disease prevention through genetic screening.
Kroswia, a new genus in the Pannariaceae (lichenized ascomycetes)

Abstract A characteristic, sterile lichen genus with homoiomerous thallus containing terpenoids is described, with one subtropical species, Kroswia crystalliferum sp. nov., occurring scattered in Africa from Kenya south to the Cape, southern India (with Sri Lanka) and Taiwan. Another temperate species, Kroswia gemmascens (Nyl.) comb, nov., is restricted to Eastern Asia. in spite of its gelatinous, homoiomerous thallus, the genus appears to belong to the Pannariaceae.
Precision installation of a highly efficient suicide gene safety switch in human induced pluripotent stem cells

Human pluripotent stem cells, including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and embryonic stem cells, hold great promise for cell‐based therapies, but safety concerns that complicate consideration for routine clinical use remain. Installing a “safety switch” based on the inducible caspase‐9 (iCASP9) suicide gene system should offer added control over undesirable cell replication or activity. Previous studies utilized lentiviral vectors to integrate the iCASP9 system into T cells and iPSCs. This method results in random genomic insertion of the suicide switch and inefficient killing of the cells after the switch is “turned on” with a small molecule (eg, AP1903). To improve the safety and efficiency of the iCASP9 system for use in iPSC‐based therapy, we precisely installed the system into a genomic safe harbor, the AAVS1 locus in the PPP1R12C gene. We then evaluated the efficiencies of different promoters to drive iCASP9 expression in human iPSCs. We report that the commonly used EF1α promoter is silenced in iPSCs, and that the endogenous promoter of the PPP1R12C gene is not strong enough to drive high levels of iCASP9 expression. However, the CAG promoter induces strong and stable iCASP9 expression in iPSCs, and activation of this system with AP1903 leads to rapid killing and complete elimination of iPSCs and their derivatives, including MSCs and chondrocytes, in vitro. Furthermore, iPSC‐derived teratomas shrank dramatically or were completely eliminated after administration of AP1903 in mice. Our data suggest significant improvements on existing iCASP9 suicide switch technologies and may serve as a guide to other groups seeking to improve the safety of stem cell‐based therapies.
Calcium-Sensing Receptor and Regulation of WNK Kinases in the Kidney

The kidney is essential for systemic calcium homeostasis. Urinary calcium excretion can be viewed as an integrative renal response to endocrine and local stimuli. The extracellular calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) elicits a number of adaptive reactions to increased plasma Ca2+ levels including the control of parathyroid hormone release and regulation of the renal calcium handling. Calcium reabsorption in the distal nephron of the kidney is functionally coupled to sodium transport. Apart from Ca2+ transport systems, CaSR signaling affects relevant distal Na+-(K+)-2Cl− cotransporters, NKCC2 and NCC. NKCC2 and NCC are activated by a kinase cascade comprising with-no-lysine [K] kinases (WNKs) and two homologous Ste20-related kinases, SPAK and OSR1. Gain-of-function mutations within the WNK-SPAK/OSR1-NKCC2/NCC pathway lead to renal salt retention and hypertension, whereas loss-of-function mutations have been associated with salt-losing tubulopathies such as Bartter or Gitelman syndromes. A Bartter-like syndrome has been also described in patients carrying gain-of-function mutations in the CaSR gene. Recent work suggested that CaSR signals via the WNK-SPAK/OSR1 cascade to modulate salt reabsorption along the distal nephron. The review presented here summarizes the latest progress in understanding of functional interactions between CaSR and WNKs and their potential impact on the renal salt handling and blood pressure.
The development of communication behavior over the newlywed years.

Communication behavior occupies a fundamental role in basic and applied relationship science, yet we know very little about how this important process develops over time, and how the natural developmental process is linked with relationship outcomes. The present study aims to examine the development of naturally occurring trajectories of couple communication behavior across three domains, examined concurrently; positive affect, negative affect, and effective problem solving. A large sample of newlywed couples recruited from low-income neighborhoods (N = 431) completed observational discussion tasks at 4 time points, spanning 2.5 years, and provided data on marital status 4.5 years into marriage. Results from multivariate group-based trajectory modeling indicate that three groups of couples can be distinguished, with the best communicators demonstrating high levels of positivity and effectiveness and low levels of negativity, the worst communicators demonstrating low levels of positivity and effectiveness and high levels of negativity, and the middle group demonstrating low levels of all three dimensions. Trajectory group membership was significantly associated with demographic and relationship characteristics, such that the best communicators had more adaptive relationship characteristics and less demographic risk. Wives' trajectory group membership was significantly associated with divorce rates such that the best communicators had the lowest divorce rate (9%), and the worst communicators had the highest divorce rate (22%). Overall, communication behavior is quite consistent over time, indicating that early interaction dynamics tend to be enduring and predictive of relationship outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Genetic association of hypoxia inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1A) Pro582Ser polymorphism with risk of diabetes and diabetic complications

Diabetes is an age-related chronic disease associated with a number of complications, emerging as one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Several studies indicated that hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1A) genetic polymorphisms may be associated with diabetes and diabetic complications. However, this association remains ambiguous. Thus, we performed a meta-analysis to provide more precise conclusion on this issue. Odds ratios (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were applied to assess the strength of the relationships. There was a protective association between HIF1A Pro582Ser polymorphism and diabetes under the heterozygous genetic model (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.55-0.91; P = 0.007). Similar associations were observed in diabetic complications risk under the allelic (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.57-0.83; P < 0.001), homozygous (OR = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.30-0.87; P = 0.014), recessive (OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.59-0.90; P = 0.004) and dominant (OR = 0.40, 95% CI = 0.25-0.65; P < 0.001) genetic models. No effects of the HIF1A Ala588Thr polymorphism were found in risk of diabetes and diabetic complications. Taken together, these findings revealed the protective effect of HIF1A Pro582Ser polymorphism against diabetes and diabetic complications.
HIV/AIDS, Life Expectancy, and the Opportunity Cost Model of Civil War

This article views death in battle as an opportunity cost whose size is determined by the number of years a rebel would have lived as a civilian. As civilian life expectancy declines, this opportunity cost does too, increasing the probability of rebellion. This theory is tested with a tragic natural experiment: the HIV/AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa. Using male circumcision rates as an instrument for life expectancy, the analysis shows that a one-year increase in life expectancy decreases the probability of civil war by 2.6 percentage points. This supports the theory that opportunity costs are important determinants of conflict onset and that nonpecuniary opportunity costs should be taken into account. This article concludes by noting that cost–benefit analyses of public health interventions should include decreases in the probability of civil war, and the attendant benefits in terms of lives saved and material damage prevented, in their calculations.