Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of psychological interventions on mental health, quality of life and relationship satisfaction for individuals and/or couples undergoing fertility treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol

Introduction Infertility is a global public health problem affecting men, women and couples worldwide. The medical implications of infertility are often of primary focus in healthcare settings, but the experience of infertility also has a considerable social, emotional and psychological impact. Interventions aimed at alleviating psychological symptoms in individual and/or couples undergoing fertility treatment requires a systematic and comprehensive review of the literature to determine the efficacy of psychological interventions. The objective of this review is to evaluate the effectiveness, feasibility and acceptability of psychological interventions for individuals and/or couples seeking fertility to treat anxiety, depression, distress, quality of life and relationship satisfaction, as well as improve pregnancy rates. Methods and analysis The search strategy will involve 11 databases, including MEDLINE(R) and Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations and Daily (Ovid), EMBASE (Ovid), PsycINFO (Ovid), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (OVID), The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) with Full Text (EBSCO), Social Work Abstracts (EBSCO), SocINDEX with Full Text (EBSCO), Academic Search Complete (EBSCO), Family & Society Studies Worldwide (EBSCO), Family Studies Abstracts (EBSCO) and Scopus. These databases will be searched from their inception to September 2019. Independent reviewers will search peer-reviewed published studies through electronic databases and additional sources, will extract the data and assess the methodological quality. Random-effects meta-analysis will be carried out by calculating effect sizes as Cohen’s d indices. Heterogeneity will be examined by the I2 and the Q statistics. Ethics and dissemination The current review does not require ethics approval. The results will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals. PROSPERO registration number CRD42019133757.
Moving beyond the Cox proportional hazards model in survival data analysis: a cervical cancer study

Objectives This study explored the prognostic factors and developed a prediction model for Chinese-American (CA) cervical cancer (CC) patients. We compared two alternative models (the restricted mean survival time (RMST) model and the proportional baselines landmark supermodel (PBLS model, producing dynamic prediction)) versus the Cox proportional hazards model in the context of time-varying effects. Setting and data sources A total of 713 CA women with CC and available covariates (age at diagnosis, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) stage, lymph node metastasis and radiation) from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database were included. Design We applied the Cox proportional hazards model to analyse the all-cause mortality with the proportional hazards assumption. Additionally, we applied two alternative models to analyse covariates with time-varying effects. The performances of the models were compared using the C-index for discrimination and the shrinkage slope for calibration. Results Older patients had a worse survival rate than younger patients. Advanced FIGO stage patients showed a relatively poor survival rate and low life expectancy. Lymph node metastasis was an unfavourable prognostic factor in our models. Age at diagnosis, FIGO stage and lymph node metastasis represented time-varying effects from the PBLS model. Additionally, radiation showed no impact on survival in any model. Dynamic prediction presented a better performance for 5-year dynamic death rates than did the Cox proportional hazards model. Conclusions With the time-varying effects, the RMST model was suggested to explore diagnosis factors, and the PBLS model was recommended to predict a patient’s w-year dynamic death rate.
The ATF3 Transcription Factor Is a Short-Lived Substrate of the Arg/N-Degron Pathway.

The Arg/N-degron pathway targets proteins for degradation by recognizing their specific N-terminal residues or, alternatively, their non-N-terminal degrons. In mammals, this pathway is mediated by the UBR1, UBR2, UBR4, and UBR5 E3 ubiquitin ligases, and by the p62 regulator of autophagy. UBR1 and UBR2 are sequelogous, functionally overlapping, and dominate the targeting of Arg/N-degron substrates in examined cell lines. We constructed, here, mouse strains in which the double mutant [UBR1-/- UBR2-/-] genotype can be induced conditionally, in adult mice. We also constructed human [UBR1-/- UBR2-/-] HEK293T cell lines that unconditionally lack UBR1/UBR2. ATF3 is a basic leucine zipper transcription factor that regulates hundreds of genes and can act as either a repressor or an activator of transcription. Using the above double-mutant mice and human cells, we found that the levels of endogenous, untagged ATF3 were significantly higher in both of these [UBR1-/- UBR2-/-] settings than in wild-type cells. We also show, through chase-degradation assays with [UBR1-/- UBR2-/-] and wild-type human cells, that the Arg/N-degron pathway mediates a large fraction of ATF3 degradation. Furthermore, we used split-ubiquitin and another protein interaction assay to detect the binding of ATF3 to both UBR1 and UBR2, in agreement with the UBR1/UBR2-mediated degradation of endogenous ATF3. Full-length 24 kDa ATF3 binds to ∼100 kDa fragments of 200 kDa UBR1 and UBR2 but does not bind (in the setting of interaction assays) to full-length UBR1/UBR2. These and other binding patterns, whose mechanics remain to be understood, may signify a conditional (regulated) degradation of ATF3 by the Arg/N-degron pathway.
Sequential co‐infections drive parasite competition and the outcome of infection

Abstract Co‐infections by multiple parasites are common in natural populations. Some of these are likely to be the result of sequential rather than simultaneous infections. The timing of the co‐infections may affect their competitive interactions, thereby influencing the success of the parasites and their impact on the host. This may have important consequence for epidemiological and eco‐evolutionary dynamics. We examined in two ecological conditions the effect of sequential co‐infection on the outcome of infection by two microsporidians, Vavraia culicis and Edhazardia aedis, that infect the mosquito Aedes aegypti. The two parasites have different transmission strategies: V. culicis is transmitted horizontally either among larvae or from adults to larvae, while E. aedis can be transmitted horizontally among larvae or vertically from females to their eggs. We investigated how the timing and order of the co‐infection and how the host's food availability affected the parasite's transmission potential (the percentage of individuals that harboured transmissible spores) and the host's juvenile survival, its age at emergence and its longevity. The outcome of co‐infection was strongly affected by the order at which the parasites arrived. In co‐infections, V. culicis had greater horizontal transmission if it arrived early, whereas the transmission potential of E. aedis, either vertical or horizontal, was not affected by the competitor V. culicis. The availability of food determined the duration of infection leading to variation in mortality and in the transmission potential. For both parasites low food decreased juvenile survival, delayed emergence to adulthood and increased horizontal transmission potential. High food increased juvenile survival and the probability of emergence with higher vertical transmission for E. aedis. Overall, our results suggest that early infection favours transmission and that (a) V. culicis plastically responded to co‐infection, (b) E. aedis was not affected by co‐infection but it was more susceptible to factors extending or decreasing the time it spent in the host (time of infection and food). Our results emphasize the complexity of the impact of co‐infection on host–parasite interactions. In particular, the timing and order of sequential co‐infections can result in different within‐host dynamics and modify infection outcomes.
Histochemical characteristics of the metacercarial cyst wall of Gynaecotyla adunca

Abstract The cyst wall of the metacercaria of Gynaecotyla adunca (Microphallidae: Digenea) was subjected to comprehensive histochemical analysis. At the light microscope level, a uniformly thick, bipartite cyst wall, probably wholly of parasite origin, was evident. Structural modification of the cyst wall to provide an escape aperture was not apparent. The thicker, inner layer was comprised of phospholipid and glyco- and/or mucoproteins, possibly similar in structure to collagen. The outer layer was highly proteinaceous and contained additional amounts of acidic and neutral mucosubstances. The results are discussed in the context of previous observations regarding the excystment requirements of this microphallid species.
Cutaneous manifestations of COVID‐19: A case report and a new finding from Egypt

Due to its rapidly spreading nature, COVID-19 caused by SARS-COV2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome,corona virus 2) has been announced as a pandemic by the WHO (World Health Organization) on March 2020 [1]. Although it is mainly a respiratory condition, it has other manifestations including anosmia and ageusia [2]. Skin manifestations are among the rare conditions associated with the COVID-19, these may include, chilblain like lesions, vascular lesions, varicella like eruptions, and rash [3]. Here we present a case of COVID-19 with multiple skin lesions associated with exacerbation of previous skin condition.
Carbon‐13 input and turn‐over in a pasture soil exposed to long‐term elevated atmospheric CO2

The impact of elevated CO2 and N‐fertilization on soil C‐cycling in Lolium perenne and Trifolium repens pastures were investigated under Free Air Carbon dioxide Enrichment (FACE) conditions. For six years, swards were exposed to ambient or elevated CO2 (35 and 60 Pa pCO2) and received a low and high rate of N fertilizer. The CO2 added in the FACE plots was depleted in 13C compared to ambient (Δ− 40‰) thus the C inputs could be quantified.
Cognitive Remediation for Outpatients With Recurrent Mood Disorders: A Feasibility Study

Current first-line treatments for mood disorders often improve mood symptoms but do little to reduce cognitive and functional impairment. This 10-week, uncontrolled, feasibility study evaluated a cognitive remediation (CR) intervention for individuals with recurrent mood disorders. Adults with recurrent major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder, who had recently been treated and discharged from specialized mental health services, were eligible for inclusion. Twenty patients completed the CR intervention, which involved weekly individual sessions with a therapist, as well as the practice of computerized CR exercises between sessions. The study assessed the acceptability of the assessment and treatment as well as outcomes in terms of mood symptoms, general functioning, and cognitive functioning. Patients reported that they were generally satisfied with the CR intervention and were close to reaching the recommended amount of practice between therapist-led sessions. The retention rate from baseline to posttreatment was 87%. When within-group effects were examined, large effect sizes over time (>0.9) were seen for 2 cognitive variables that measured executive function: Category Switching–Total Words and Total Switching Score. Findings from the current feasibility study will inform the development of a large randomized controlled trial of an adapted version of the CR intervention for mood disorders assessed in this preliminary study, with the goal of translating the intervention into clinical practice.
Dual mechanism of modulation of NaV1.8 sodium channels by ouabain.

In the primary sensory neuron, ouabain activates the dual mechanism that modulates the functional activity of NaV1.8 channels. Ouabain at endogenous concentrations (EO) triggers two different signaling cascades, in which the Na,K-ATPase/Src complex is the EO target and the signal transducer. The fast EO effect is based on modulation of the NaV1.8 channel activation gating device. EO triggers the tangential signaling cascade along the neuron membrane from Na,K-ATPase to the NaV1.8 channel. It evokes a decrease in effective charge transfer of the NaV1.8 channel activation gating device. Intracellular application of PP2, an inhibitor of Src kinase, completely eliminated the effect of EO, thus indicating the absence of direct EO binding to the NaV1.8 channel. The delayed EO effect probably controls the density of NaV1.8 channels in the neuron membrane. EO triggers the downstream signaling cascade to the neuron genome, which should result in a delayed decrease in the NaV1.8 channels density. PKC and p38-MAPK are involved in this pathway. Identification of the dual mechanism of the strong EO effect on NaV1.8 channels makes it possible to suggest that application of EO to the primary sensory neuron membrane should result in a potent antinociceptive effect at the organismal level.
Role of the RNA-binding protein La in cancer pathobiology

ABSTRACT RNA-binding proteins are important regulators of RNA metabolism and are of critical importance in all steps of the gene expression cascade. The role of aberrantly expressed RBPs in human disease is an exciting research field and the potential application of RBPs as a therapeutic target or a diagnostic marker represents a fast-growing area of research. Aberrant overexpression of the human RNA-binding protein La has been found in various cancer entities including lung, cervical, head and neck, and chronic myelogenous leukaemia. Cancer-associated La protein supports tumour-promoting processes such as proliferation, mobility, invasiveness and tumour growth. Moreover, the La protein maintains the survival of cancer cells by supporting an anti-apoptotic state that may cause resistance to chemotherapeutic therapy. The human La protein represents a multifunctional post-translationally modified RNA-binding protein with RNA chaperone activity that promotes processing of non-coding precursor RNAs but also stimulates the translation of selective messenger RNAs encoding tumour-promoting and anti-apoptotic factors. In our model, La facilitates the expression of those factors and helps cancer cells to cope with cellular stress. In contrast to oncogenes, able to initiate tumorigenesis, we postulate that the aberrantly elevated expression of the human La protein contributes to the non-oncogenic addiction of cancer cells. In this review, we summarize the current understanding about the implications of the RNA-binding protein La in cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. The concept of exploiting the RBP La as a cancer drug target will be discussed.
Use of Wheat SSRs to Assess Genetic Diversity in Medusahead (Taeniatherum caput-medusae)

Abstract Medusahead is a close relative of bread wheat that is native to Eurasia but has become a noxious, invasive weed in North America. Intergeneric use of primers for bread wheat simple-sequence repeat (SSR) markers was tested in medusahead in order to expand the pool of available genetic resources for study of this plant. Forty-two primer pairs were screened in medusahead, of which 29 produced visible bands in agarose gels. Amplicons from eight of these markers were sequenced and analyzed for the presence of SSRs and single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) among medusahead individuals from six populations in the western Great Basin. Of the eight sequenced amplicons, two contained SSRs, both of which were polymorphic and shared by the original bread wheat marker. Six of the eight markers combined to detect 33 SNP loci. BLAST comparisons of the eight amplicons revealed variable numbers of matching sequences from wheat and other grass species ranging from 0 to > 200 matches. Using data from the polymorphic loci, population genetic analysis of the six invasive medusahead populations indicated that they arose from two separate introductions with two additional subclusters possible within the two principal clusters. Extrapolating from these results, it is reasonable to expect that between 170 and 830 of the approximately 1,200 publicly available bread wheat SSRs would produce useful marker loci in medusahead. Nomenclature: Bread wheat, Triticum aestivum L. , medusahead, Taeniatherum caput-medusae (L.) Nevski, ELYCM Management Implications: Medusahead is an invasive annual grass that is unpalatable to livestock and contributes to increased wildfire risk on 250,000 ha of rangelands, mainly in western North America. It is native to Eurasia and has no known natural enemies in North America and is now the target of a classical biological control program. Currently there are few genetic markers available for the study of medusahead. An increase in the number of genetic markers would enable or facilitate many studies with important implications for field practitioners. These include precise genetic fingerprinting for medusahead plants to track the spread of invasive populations and link them to putative source populations in the weed's native range, as well as genetic analyses of medusahead traits associated with invasiveness, which will lead to improved control strategies through better understanding of the invasion process. Making new genetic markers can be expensive and technically challenging but this article shows that markers for medusahead can be adapted from the large pool of existing wheat simple-sequence repeat (SSR) markers using technology available to most minimally equipped genetic labs at a reduced cost compared to conventional SSR marker development. These results suggest that between 170 and 830 wheat SSR primer pairs could be successfully adapted to produce genetic markers in medusahead.
Viral Coagulopathy in Patients With COVID-19: Treatment and Care

COVID-19 has proven to be particularly challenging given the complex pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2. Early data have demonstrated how the host response to this novel coronavirus leads to the proliferation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, massive endothelial damage, and generalized vascular manifestations. While SARS-CoV-2 primarily targets the upper and lower respiratory tract, other organ systems are also affected. SARS-CoV-2 relies on 2 host cell receptors for successful attachment: angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and transmembrane protease serine 2. Clinicopathologic reports have demonstrated associations between severe COVID-19 and viral coagulopathy, resulting in pulmonary embolism; venous, arterial, and microvascular thrombosis; lung endothelial injury; and associated thrombotic complications leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome. Viral coagulopathy is not novel given similar observations with SARS classic, including the consumption of platelets, generation of thrombin, and increased fibrin degradation product exhibiting overt disseminated intravascular coagulation–like syndrome. The specific mechanism(s) behind the thrombotic complications in COVID-19 patients has yet to be fully understood. Parenteral anticoagulants, such as heparin and low-molecular-weights heparins, are widely used in the management of COVID-19 patients. Beyond the primary (anticoagulant) effects of these agents, they may exhibit antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective effects. Direct oral anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents are also useful in the management of these patients. Tissue plasminogen activator and other fibrinolytic modalities may also be helpful in the overall management. Catheter-directed thrombolysis can be used in patients developing pulmonary embolism. Further investigations are required to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of COVID-19-associated thrombotic complications.
Females Sustain more Ankle Injuries than Males in Youth Football

Abstract This prospective study evaluated the incidence and pattern of acute injuries in youth (9- to 14-year- old) football players. Ten football clubs [n=730 players (567 males, 163 females)] participated in the 20-week follow-up study (January–June 2015). Data was collected by sending a standardized weekly SMS to players’ parents/guardians with follow-up interviews for injured players. During the study period, 278 players (38%) sustained 410 acute injuries. The overall injury incidence for males and females was 6.47 (95% CI, 5.84–7.09) injuries per 1000 h of football exposure. Most injuries (40%) caused minimal absence from sports. Eighty-four percent of the injuries affected the lower extremities, with the ankle (30%), knee (17%), and thigh (16%) being the most commonly injured body sites. Females had significantly higher ankle injury rate (IRR) 1.85 (95% CI, 1.18–2.91, p=0.007) and non-contact ankle injury rate IRR 2.78 (95% CI, 1.91–4.02, p<0.001) than males. In conclusion, our results showed that the acute injury incidence among youth football is moderately high, and females are at higher risk for ankle injuries. Injury prevention programs aimed at preventing ankle injuries should be considered in the future.
Rhesus-minus phenotype as a predictor of sexual desire and behavior, wellbeing, mental health, and fecundity

Background Since its discovery in the 1930s, the effects of Rh phenotype on human health and wellbeing, with the exception of the effects of Rh-negativity of a mother on the risk of hemolytic anemia of Rh-positive children, has only rarely been studied. In the last few years, however, several studies have shown that Rh-negative subjects have worse health and performance in certain tests than their Rh-positive peers. Nothing is known about the effect of Rh phenotype on the quality of life of subjects as measured by a standard instrument. Methods We hereby analyzed the data of 1768 male (24% Rh-negative) and 3759 female participants (23% Rh-negative) of an anonymous internet study using the partial Kendall test with the age and the population of the hometown of subjects controlled. Results The results showed that the Rh-negative women, but not men, scored worse in wellbeing measured with the WHO-BREFF. The Rh-negative men scored worse in mental health-related variables and in their reported economic situation and the Rh-negative women scored better in physical health-related variables. Both the Rh-negative men and women reported higher sexual activity than their Rh-positive peers. Conclusions The effects of the Rh phenotype were significant after the correction for multiple tests. However, they were usually weaker and less numerous than those of smoking, consuming alcohol, and high body mass index, which were used as a sort of internal control.
Calcium alleviation of sodium toxicity in salt-treated Cyclocarya paliurus seedlings

Cyclocarya paliurus seedlings were cultured in a greenhouse under saline conditions in 50 L black plastic boxes containing Hoagland-Arnon nutrient solution. Plants were treated with a nutrient solution plus 85 mM NaCl and 0, 6, 12 or 18 mM Ca(NO3)2. Vegetative growth, leaf and root Na+ and Ca2+ concentrations were measured. Na+ toxicity symptoms were observed in plants non-treated with Ca2+. Shoot length was higher in Ca2+ treated plants, although shoot growth was reduced at 18 mM CaNO3, probably due to the high total ion concentration reached in the external solution. Ca2+ supply linearly increased leaf and root Ca2+concentration and decreased leaf Na+ concentration. However, there were no differences in root Na+concentration. Results indicate that Ca2+ may take part in the Na+ exclusion mechanism, mainly preventing Na+ transport to the shoot that may be an important ability for survival under saline conditions. Key words: Cyclocarya paliurus, NaCl, sodium exclusion, calcium.