Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Bed Bug Infestation (Cimex lectularius) as a Public Health Insect in Iran (1995 – 2019)

Background: The common bed bug ( Cimex lectularius ) is a small hematophagous and wingless insect of the order of Hemiptera and the Cimex genus. This insect is mainly nocturnal and feeds speciﬁcally on humans. Objectives: This systematic review reﬂects the distribution of the bed bug and this is a hypothesis about the relationship between the mean of humidity and temperature with the bed bug infestation that the meta-analysis evaluates. Data Sources: Various electronic databases were investigated for choosing reliable research by suitable keywords during 1995 to 2019. Relevant studies were accepted regarding to the inclusion criteria. Cochrane Q and I2 statistics were used to evaluate heterogeneity and inconsistency. Small study eﬀects were assessed by Egger’s regression test. Statistical analysis was performed using STATA12 software. Results: Four researches were entered in this review based on inclusion criteria. According to previous studies, the prevalence of bedbuginfestationwasreportedtobefrom2.8% to90.1% inIran. Despiteof anextensiverangeof insectinfestation,onlythereports of the bed bug distribution were published in the Kohgiluye-and-Buyer Ahmad, Esfahan and Mazandaran provinces. The weighted mean of prevalence of common bed bug infestation was obtained using random eﬀects method. The summary estimate of the prevalence was 0.28 [95% CI: (-0.01 - 0.71)]. Conclusions: The current study showed that the prevalence of the common bed bug is mainly focused on the southern, south-westernandnorthernprovincesof Iran. Moreover,thebedbugcanbecalledaneglectedurbanpest,whichneedsfurtherinvestiga-tion to know its distribution in the country.
Initial safety report of NSABP C-08, a randomized phase III study of modified 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)/leucovorin (LCV) and oxaliplatin (OX) (mFOLFOX6) with or without bevacizumab (bev) in the adjuvant treatment of patients with stage II/III colon cancer

4006 Background: Bev with FOLFOX is active in advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). The C-08 trial investigates the effectiveness of adding bev to mFOLFOX6 for post-op adjuvant treatment of pts with stage II or III CRC. Methods: Pts were randomized 1:1 to receive either mFOLFOX6 q2w x 12 alone (OX 85 mg/m2, LCV 400 mg/m2, 5-FU bolus 400 mg/m2, 5-FU infusion 2,400 mg/m2 over 46 hours - Group A) or mFOLFOX6 plus bev (5 mg/kg q2w x 26 - Group B). The primary endpoint is disease- free survival. Results: From September 2004 to October 2006, 2,710 pts were randomized: Group A: 1,356, Group B: 1,354. Demographic factors were well balanced: 50% of pts female, 58% < age 60, and 25% stage II. 75% of pts completed at least 10 cycles of OX and 64% at least 19 doses of bev. Toxicities were well balanced in the 2 groups, overall rate of grade 4/5 toxicities 15.2% and 15.3% for groups A and B, respectively (Arm A: 13 deaths, Arm B: 17, 1.0% and 1.3%, respectively). Toxicities that occurred more often in arm B (table): senso.
Integrative Modeling of a Sin3/HDAC Complex Sub-structure

Sin3/HDAC complexes function by deacetylating histones, which makes chromatin more compact and modulates gene expression. Although components used to build these complexes have been well defined, we still have only a limited understanding of the structure of the Sin3/HDAC subunits as they are assembled around the scaffolding protein SIN3A. To characterize the spatial arrangement of Sin3 subunits, we combined Halo affinity capture, chemical cross-linking and high-resolution mass spectrometry (XL-MS) to determine intersubunit distance constraints, identifying 66 high-confidence interprotein and 63 high-confidence self cross-links for 13 Sin3 subunits. To validate our XL-MS data, we first mapped self cross-links onto existing structures to verify that cross-link distances were consistent with cross-linker length and subsequently deleted crosslink hotspot regions within the SIN3A scaffolding protein which then failed to capture crosslinked partners. Having assessed cross-link authenticity, we next used distance restraints from interprotein cross-links to guide assembly of a Sin3 complex substructure. We identified the relative positions of subunits SAP30L, HDAC1, SUDS3, HDAC2, and ING1 around the SIN3A scaffold. The architecture of this subassembly suggests that multiple factors have space to assemble to collectively influence the behavior of the catalytic subunit HDAC1.
Trophic strategies of two newt populations living in contrasting habitats on a Mediterranean island

In amphibians, the study of trophic niche is important to better understand the species ecological adaptation, in particular along gradients or in heterogeneous habitats. In this framework, we analysed the trophic strategies of two populations of the endemic Corsican brook newt Euproctus montanus, one living in a Mediterranean lowland and the other in a mountain stream. In both sites, we performed dietary analysis using stomach flushing and assessed the available invertebrate prey community. Further, we estimated newt density using removal sampling. Streams were similar in invertebrate prey abundance (P = 0.15), but differed in prey diversity (P < 0.001), the Mediterranean lowland site possessing a higher diversity of invertebrate prey. The newts’ trophic strategies were analysed at the population level and also at the individual one to assess in detail the trophic specialization. In both sites newt density was similar and the population realized trophic niche displayed a large overlap with the available prey community. Therefore, both populations behaved as broad trophic generalists. However, in the Mediterranean lowland stream, where available resources were more diverse, there was evidence of a significant degree of individual trophic specialization. This finding is consistent with the classic niche variation hypothesis, that predicts a higher individual differentiation in presence of high resource diversity.
Exposure to smoking in films and smoking behaviour among Norwegian 15- to 20-year-olds: a cross-sectional study

Studies from several countries have revealed significant effects of exposure to smoking in films on smoking behaviour and attitudes among adolescents. This study presents the first findings from the Scandinavian cultural region on this topic. With the objective to test for significant adjusted relationships between exposure to smoking in films and established smoking among 15- to 20-year-old respondents, and susceptibility to smoking among non-smokers in the same age group, a cross-sectional study was conducted in June 2008. 807 Norwegian adolescents and young adults answered a web-based questionnaire. Exposure to smoking in films is estimated by asking the respondents if they had seen films from a list of 56 popular film titles of both local and foreign origin from 2007 and 2008. Associations of exposure and smoking behaviour are tested in two logistic regression models. Respondents with the highest exposure to film smoking are more likely to be established smokers than those with no exposure (adjusted odds ratios=2.22, confidence interval=1.04-4.77). Among non-smokers, those with highest exposure to smoking in films are more likely to be susceptible to smoking than those with no exposure (adjusted odds rations=1.55, confidence interval=0.93-2.56). Film smoking is significantly associated with smoking susceptibility and established smoking among Norwegian adolescents and young adults.
Accumulation of storage proteins in plant seeds is mediated by amyloid formation

Amyloids are protein aggregates with a highly ordered spatial structure giving them unique physicochemical properties. Different amyloids not only participate in the development of numerous incurable diseases but control vital functions in Archaea, Bacteria and Eukarya. Plants are a poorly studied systematic group in the field of amyloid biology. Amyloid properties have not yet been demonstrated for plant proteins under native conditions in vivo. Here we show that seeds of garden pea Pisum sativum L. contain amyloid-like aggregates of storage proteins, the most abundant one, 7S globulin Vicilin, forms bona fide amyloids in vivo and in vitro. The Vicilin amyloid accumulation increases during seed maturation and wanes at germination. Amyloids of Vicilin resist digestion by gastrointestinal enzymes, persist in canned peas and exhibit toxicity for yeast and mammalian cells. Our finding for the first time reveals involvement of amyloid formation in the accumulation of storage proteins in plant seeds.
Development of tools for early detection, monitoring and management of the koa wilt pathogen (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. koae) in Hawaiíi

Koa (Acacia koa Gray) is an endemic, keystone species in Hawai’i’s forests. Koa is valuable economically (contributed $30 million to Hawai’i’s forestry industry in 2001), ecologically (habitat for many endangered birds and insects), and culturally (koa is the main wood used for making Hawaiian canoes). Mortality of koa trees due to koa wilt (caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. koae; Foxy-koae) has been increasing, primarily in the lowto mid-elevation forests (Gardner 1980). Fusarium oxysporum (Foxy) is an important vascular wilt pathogen of many plant species worldwide (Leslie 2006). Foxy is highly variable and can be pathogenic or saprophytic without discernable, morphological differences. The origin of Foxy-koae strains that are virulent to koa in Hawaii is currently unknown.
Genome sequence of segmented filamentous bacteria present in the human intestine

Segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) are unique immune modulatory bacteria colonizing the small intestine of a variety of animals in a host-specific manner. SFB exhibit filamentous growth and attach to the host’s intestinal epithelium, offering a physical route of interaction. SFB affect functions of the host immune system, among them IgA production and T-cell maturation. Until now, no human-specific SFB genome has been reported. Here, we report the metagenomic reconstruction of an SFB genome from a human ileostomy sample. Phylogenomic analysis clusters the genome with SFB genomes from mouse, rat and turkey, but the genome is genetically distinct, displaying 65–71% average amino acid identity to the others. By screening human faecal metagenomic datasets, we identified individuals carrying sequences identical to the new SFB genome. We thus conclude that a unique SFB variant exists in humans and foresee a renewed interest in the elucidation of SFB functionality in this environment. Hans Jonsson et al. report the metagenomic reconstruction of the genome of a potentially immune modulatory segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB) from a human ileostomy sample. They demonstrate that the genome clusters closely with SFB genomes from other species. They also detect the unique SFB variant in human faecal metagenomics datasets.
Metabolic cross-feeding allows a gut microbial community to overcome detrimental diets and alter host behaviour

The impact of commensal bacteria on the host arises from complex microbial-diet-host interactions. Mapping metabolic interactions in gut microbial communities is therefore key to understand how the microbiome influences the host. Here we use an interdisciplinary approach including isotope-resolved metabolomics to show that in Drosophila melanogaster, Aceto-bacter pomorum (Ap) and Lactobacillus plantarum (Lp) establish a syntrophic relationship to overcome detrimental host diets and identify Ap as the bacterium altering the host’s feeding decisions. Specifically, we show that Lp generates lactate which is used by Ap to produce and provide amino acids that are essential to Lp allowing it to grow in imbalanced diets. Lactate is also necessary and sufficient for Ap to alter the fly’s protein appetite. Our data show that gut bacterial communities use metabolic interactions to become resilient to detrimental host diets and to ensure the constant flow of metabolites used by effector bacteria to alter host behaviour.
Genome elimination mediated by gene expression from a selfish chromosome

A selfish B chromosome in the jewel wasp actively mediates its own drive by expression of the haploidizer gene. Numerous plants and animals harbor selfish B chromosomes that “drive” or transmit themselves at super-Mendelian frequencies, despite long-term fitness costs to the organism. Currently, it is unknown how B chromosome drive is mediated, and whether B-gene expression plays a role. We used modern sequencing technologies to analyze the fine-scale sequence composition and expression of paternal sex ratio (PSR), a B chromosome in the jewel wasp Nasonia vitripennis. PSR causes female-to-male conversion by destroying the sperm’s hereditary material in young embryos to drive. Using RNA interference, we demonstrate that testis-specific expression of a PSR-linked gene, named haploidizer, facilitates this genome elimination–and–sex conversion effect. haploidizer encodes a putative protein with a DNA binding domain, suggesting a functional link with the sperm-derived chromatin.
Characterization of the complete chloroplast genome of Impatiens alpicola (Balsaminaceae: Impatiens), a rare and endemic Chinese flowering plant

Abstract Impatiens alpicola is a newly recorded rare and endemic flowering plant in China, which has been regarded as threatened due to its narrow distribution and human activity. In this study, its complete chloroplast genome was assembled from the whole genome Illumina sequencing data. The circular genome was 151,366 bp long, containing a large single copy (LSC) region of 82,245 bp and a small single copy (SSC) region of 17,705 bp, which were separated by a pair of 25,708 bp inverted repeat (IR) regions. It encoded a total of 128 genes, including 76 protein-coding genes, 44 tRNA genes and eight rRNA genes. The most of gene species occurred as a single copy, while 18 gene species occurred in double copies. The overall A + T content was 63.1%, while the corresponding values of the LSC, SSC and IR regions were 65.4, 70.6, and 56.9%, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that I. alpicola was relatively close to another species (I. piufanensis) belonging to the same genus.
The complete chloroplast genome of a rare species in Korea, Lilium Dauricum Ker Gawl

Abstract Lilium dauricum Ker Gawler is a wild lily species that belongs to section Sinomartagon and is one of the ancestors of the Asiatic hybrid lilies. Unique traits such as disease resistance and early flowering make L. dauricum a desirable resource for interspecific hybridization. However, in Korea, the natural resources of L. dauricum are being exhausted by excessive exploitation and require urgent conservation. In this study, the complete chloroplast genome of L. dauricum was generated using Illumina paired-end sequencing technology, and its structure was compared with that of other Lilium species. The chloroplast genome was 152,063 bp long, with a typical quadripartite structure including a pair of inverted repeat regions (26,492 bp) separated by a large (81,485 bp) and small (17,584 bp) single-copy (SC) region. The genome encodes 131 different genes, including 85 protein-coding genes, 38 tRNA genes, and 8 rRNA genes. A phylogenetic analysis strongly supported the relationship of L. dauricum with other members of Sinomartagon and Martagon lilies.
Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genome of the hybrid grouper Epinephelus akaara ♀ × Epinephelus tukula ♂, with its phylogenetic analysis

Abstract Epinephelus akaara ♀ × Epinephelus tukula ♂ is an economically important fish. The mitochondrial genome of the hybrid grouper had a double-stranded DNA molecule with the length of 16,928 bp and consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, 2 rRNA genes, and a control region. The gene composition of the hybrid grouper mitochondrial genome was similar to that of most other vertebrates. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis by maximum-likelihood (ML) method, based on the nucleotide sequences of 13 protein-coding genes, showed that the hybrid grouper has the closer relationship to Epinephelus akaara and confirmed that the mitochondrial genome is maternally inherited.
Feature selection for the classification of fall-risk in older subjects: a combinational approach using static force-plate measures

Introduction Feature selection prevents over-fitting in predictive models. This study aimed to present an effective feature selection method that leads to a reliable classification of fall-risk in older subjects using static force-platform data across four conditions only. Method 528 features were generated from a publicly available dataset of force-plate signals from 45 low-risk and 28 high-risk subjects. Subjects were classified as high- or low-risk if they recorded ≥1 falls in the prior 12 months and/or were rated as high-risk on the FES. The feature selection protocol included SVM-RFE, GA and ReliefF and finally SAFE. Several machine-learning models were then used to evaluate classification performance. Results 67 features were identified after the three-fold process which was further reduced to 18 features after SAFE. The MLP achieved the highest average classification accuracy of 80%. All classification models evaluating this final subset displayed high variance across all performance metrics, especially in terms of sensitivity to high-risk subjects. Interpretation An optimal feature set of static force-plate measures was insufficient in creating a reliable classifier of fall-risk. This was due potentially to the limited information about fall-risk that could be provided by such measures leading to under-fitting/over-fitting being unavoidable and appeared to be centered around an insensitivity to high-risk subjects. Conclusion Static stability measures have shown some usability in fall-risk classification however feature sets limited to such measures are inadequately sensitive to high-risk subjects. The utilized feature selection methods demonstrated their ability to identify relevant stability measures and could be used successfully on dynamic measures.
Associations Between Personal Cancer History and Lung Cancer Risk

The study aim was to investigate the relationship between factors related to personal cancer history and lung cancer risk as well as assess their predictive utility. Characteristics of interest included the number, anatomical site(s), and age of onset of previous cancer(s). Data from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Screening (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial (N = 154,901) and National Lung Screening Trial (N = 53,452) were analyzed. Logistic regression models were used to assess the relationships between each variable of interest and 6-year lung cancer risk. Predictive utility was assessed through changes in area-under-the-curve (AUC) after substitution into the PLCOall2014 lung cancer risk prediction model. Previous lung, uterine and oral cancers were strongly and significantly associated with elevated 6-year lung cancer risk after controlling for confounders. None of these refined measures of personal cancer history offered more predictive utility than the simple (yes/no) measure already included in the PLCOall2014 model.
Phosphorylation on PstP Regulates Cell Wall Metabolism and Antibiotic Tolerance in Mycobacterium smegmatis

Regulation of cell wall assembly is essential for bacterial survival and contributes to pathogenesis and antibiotic tolerance in mycobacteria, including pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, little is known about how the cell wall is regulated in stress. ABSTRACT Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its relatives, like many bacteria, have dynamic cell walls that respond to environmental stresses. Modulation of cell wall metabolism in stress is thought to be responsible for decreased permeability and increased tolerance to antibiotics. The signaling systems that control cell wall metabolism under stress, however, are poorly understood. Here, we examine the cell wall regulatory function of a key cell wall regulator, the serine/threonine phosphatase PstP, in the model organism Mycobacterium smegmatis. We show that the peptidoglycan regulator CwlM is a substrate of PstP. We find that a phosphomimetic mutation, pstP T171E, slows growth, misregulates both mycolic acid and peptidoglycan metabolism in different conditions, and interferes with antibiotic tolerance. These data suggest that phosphorylation on PstP affects its activity against various substrates and is important in the transition between growth and stasis. IMPORTANCE Regulation of cell wall assembly is essential for bacterial survival and contributes to pathogenesis and antibiotic tolerance in mycobacteria, including pathogens such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, little is known about how the cell wall is regulated in stress. We describe a pathway of cell wall modulation in Mycobacterium smegmatis through the only essential Ser/Thr phosphatase, PstP. We showed that phosphorylation on PstP is important in regulating peptidoglycan metabolism in the transition to stasis and mycolic acid metabolism in growth. This regulation also affects antibiotic tolerance in growth and stasis. This work helps us to better understand the phosphorylation-mediated cell wall regulation circuitry in Mycobacteria.
Wirkung medizinischer Kompressionsstrümpfe auf die venöse Hämodynamik Effects of medical compression stockings on venous haemodynamics

Zusammenfassung Einleitung: So sehr sich die Fotoplethysmografie (FPG) in der phlebologischen Alltagspraxis bewährt hat, muss ihr Einsatz für differenzierte wissenschaftliche Fragestellungen – wie z.B. die Wirkung von Medizinischen Kompressionsstrümpfen auf die venöse Hämodynamik – kritisch bewertet werden. Methode: Es erfolgte eine Literaturrecherche. Ergebnisse: Die vorliegenden, vorwiegend älteren Studien zeigen, dass die leichte Verfügbarkeit und Anwendbarkeit der FPG zum großzügigen Einsatz für klinische Studien und zum wenig kritischen Umgang mit den erhobenen Daten verleitet. Grundsätzlich ist die Anwendbarkeit der FPG am bestrumpften Bein sehr problematisch, aber möglicherweise erbringt die Untersuchung durch den angelegten Strumpf hindurch mit Sonden mit sehr hoher Intensität das emittierten Lichts diesbezüglich einen echten Fortschritt, wie an einem Beispiel gezeigt wird. Für präzise klinische und wissenschaftliche Untersuchungen und Messungen kann die Farb-Duplexsonografie und die blutige Venendruckmessung u.E. durch die FPG nicht ersetzt werden. Schlußfolgerung: Bei sorgfältiger Durchfüh-rung und kritischer Bewertung hat die FPG für umfangreichere Studien sicher ihren Stellenwert. Hier besteht wohl weiterer wissenschaftlicher Klärungsbedarf. Summary Introduction: Although photoplethysmography (PPG) has become well-established in routine phlebology practice, its use in addressing sophisticated scientific questions – such as the effect of medical compression stockings on venous haemodynamics – has to be evaluated critically. Methods: We conducted a literature review. Results: Even though most of the studies presented here are somewhat old, they show that the ready availability and simple performance of PPG have led to its extensive use in clinical trials, although there is little critical use of the data collected. Using PPG on the stockinged leg is highly problematic, but PPG probes with very high-intensity emitted light represent a real advance in this respect, as illustrated by an example. In our opinion, PPG cannot replace colour duplex ultrasonography and invasive venous pressure measurements for precise clinical and scientific investigations. Conclusion: If carried out carefully and evaluated critically, PPG is certainly of value in more extensive studies. There is a clear need for further scientific elucidation.