Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of an Early Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention for Acute Stress Disorder in Mexican Earthquake Victims

Abstract Acute stress disorder (ASD) refers to the symptoms associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within the first four weeks following the traumatic event. Recent theoretical models suggest that early detection of ASD provides an opportunity to implement early interventions to prevent the development of PTSD or ameliorate its symptomatology. The aim of the present study was the evaluation of the efficacy of an ASD treatment for earthquake victims, which would serve as an early intervention for PTSD. A single-case (n = 1) quasi-experimental design was used, with pre and post-assessments, as well as one, three and six-month follow-ups, with direct treatment replications. Fourteen participants completed the treatment and the follow-up measurements. The results obtained using a single-case analysis showed significant clinical improvement and clinically significant change when employing a clinical significance analysis and the reliable index of change. Statistical analyses of the dataset displayed statistically significant differences between the pre and post-assessments and the follow-up measures, as well as large effect sizes in all clinical measures. These results suggest that the treatment was an efficacious early intervention for PTSD during the months following the traumatic event, although some relevant study limitations are discussed in the text.
Function and mechanism exploration of zinc finger protein 64 in lung adenocarcinoma cell growth and metastasis

Abstract This paper aims to discover the effect of Zinc Finger Protein 64 (ZFP64) and Notch pathway on lung adenocarcinoma cell. ZFP64 expression in cancer tissue and overall survival analysis was identified by TCGA-LUAD. ZFP64 expressions in tumor tissue (n = 30) and adjacent tissue (n = 30), and in human nontumorigenic bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B and human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines (H23, H1975, H2228, and H2085) were measured via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). H1975 cell viability, cell cycle progression, and migration after transfection or under Notch inhibitor MK-0752 treatment were detected through MTT assay, flow cytometer, and wound healing assay, respectively. Expressions of notch intracellular domain (NICD) and hairy and enhancer of split 1 (Hes-1) in H1975 cell were determined by western blot. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins (E-Cadherin and Vimentin) expressions were identified through qRT-PCR and western blot. ZFP64 expression in lung adenocarcinoma tissue and lung adenocarcinoma cell lines was higher and related to poor prognosis. After transfection, H1975 cell viability, migration, and expressions of Vimentin, NICD and Hes-1 were upregulated yet cell percentage in G0/G1 phase, E-cadherin expression was downregulated by overexpressed ZFP64. However, Notch inhibitor MK-0752 inhibited the effects of overexpressed ZFP64 on H1975 cell viability, cell cycle, migration, EMT progress, and Notch pathway activation. Overexpressed ZFP64 promoted the development of lung adenocarcinoma cells by activating Notch pathway.
Two New Species of Pulvillophylus from Western Australia (Insecta: Hemiptera: Miridae: Phylinae: Cremnorrhinini)

ABSTRACT Two new species of phyline Miridae were collected from unique localities in Kadji Kadji and Lochada Reserves of Western Australia during the Avon Wheatbelt Bush Blitz survey of September 2009. Based on head shape and male genitalic structure, P. cuneomaculatus, n. sp. , and P. ecdeiocoleae, n. sp. , are members of Pulvillophylus Schuh and Schwartz, 2016. The latter species was taken on the flower spikes of Ecdeiocolea monostachya F. Muell. (Ecdeiocoleaceae) and provides the first confirmed host-plant record for the genus Pulvillophylus. Documentation for both species is provided by diagnoses, descriptions, color habitus images of males, a distributional map, illustrations of male genitalic structures, and images of the endosoma. Digital images of the dorsal habitus and female genitalic structures of P. ecdeiocoleae are provided as well as digital images and a distribution map for the plant host.
Gene Expression in mESC Deficient in FGFR Signalling and the Identification of the Novel Gene Ened

Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are derived from the inner cell mass (ICM) of blastocyst stage embryos, and upon differentiation into embryoid bodies (EBs) they recapitulate the genetic, cellular and morphological events occurring in early embryogenesis. Among several signalling pathways and inductive factors, the fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors (FGFRs) have been shown to be important during early embryogenesis. Previously it has been shown that ESCs expressing a mutant form of FGFR failed to form the two characteristic cell layers of EBs: the endoderm and the ectoderm. In addition, due to the impaired FGF/FGFR signalling, the mutant EBs failed to synthesize laminin-111 and collagen type IV, the main building blocks of the basement membrane (BM) protein network. The aim of this thesis was to elucidate the molecular and biological changes occurring due to impaired FGF/FGFR signalling in differentiating EBs. A large scale microarray study was performed that provided insights into the global gene expression changes occurring in both wild-type (normal) and FGF/FGFR signalling deficient EBs, which resulted in an extensive catalogues of significantly expressed genes in both cell lines. Results showed that during wild-type EB differentiation a rapid down-regulation of pluripotency related genes and up-regulation of genes related to morphogenesis and development occurred. Analysis of FGF/FGFR deficient EBs showed a significant decrease of genes encoding endodermal and BM related proteins. In addition, an increase of mesodermal and pluripotency related gene transcripts was observed. Such transcripts are normally activated later during EB development. The assumption was that the most significantly decreased genes could be involved in FGF/FGFR signalling. To further test this theory, we chose to elucidate the expression pattern of the hitherto uncharacterized gene 1110032E23Rik whose expression was significantly decreased in FGF/FGFR mutant EBs. By in situ hybridization analysis, the expression of 1110032E23Rik was examined in both mouse and Xenopus laevis (frog) embryonic development. Results showed that the expression of 1110032E23Rik in mouse embryos was restricted to epithelia such as the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, urogenital tract, heart, skin and lens, and in addition to the peripheral nervous tissues. Expression analysis of the mouse 1110032E23Rik orthologue in frog embryos showed that mice and frogs share several expression domains such as the eye, heart, kidney and epidermis. The expression was observed at locations where active FGF/FGFR signalling takes place and BMs are present. Based on the expression pattern observed in mice, we named this uncharacterized gene Ened (Expressed in Nerve and Epithelium during Development). (Less)
Advances in preclinical hematopoietic stem cell models and possible implications for improving therapeutic transplantation

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a treatment for many malignant, congenital, and acquired hematologic diseases. Some outstanding challenges in the HSCT field include the paucity of immunologically‐matched donors, our inability to effectively expand hematopoeitic stem cells (HSCs) ex vivo, and the high infection risk during engraftment. Scientists are striving to develop protocols to generate, expand, and maintain HSCs ex vivo, however these are not yet ready for clinical application. Given these problems, advancing our understanding of HSC specification, regulation, and differentiation in preclinical models is essential to improve the therapeutic utility of HSCT. In this review, we link biomedical researchers and transplantation clinicians by discussing the potential therapeutic implications of recent fundamental HSC research in model organisms. We consider deficiencies in current HSCT practice, such as problems achieving adequate cell dose for successful and rapid engraftment, immense inflammatory cascade activation after myeloablation, and graft‐vs‐host disease. Furthermore, we discuss recent advances in the field of HSC biology and transplantation made in preclinical models of zebrafish, mouse, and nonhuman primates that could inform emerging practice for clinical application.
The effect of Capsaicinoids or Capsinoids in red pepper on thermogenesis in healthy adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

The outcomes of the earlier trials are controversial concerning the effect of Capsaicinoids/Capsinoids on thermogenesis. We carried out this systematic review and meta‐analysis to examine the effect of Capsaicinoids/Capsinoids on thermogenesis indices including resting metabolic rate (RMR) and respiratory quotient (RQ) in healthy adults. An electronic literature search was conducted between 1990 and 2019, using the following databases: PubMed, Web of Sciences, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and EMBASE. Placebo‐controlled clinical trials were considered as eligible papers. Effect sizes were pooled using weighted mean difference (WMD), with a random‐effects model. Of the 4,092 articles, 13 studies were included in the meta‐analysis. Pooled effect sizes revealed that compared with placebo, Capsaicinoids/Capsinoids significantly increased RMR (WMD: 33.99 Kcal/day, 95% CI: 15.95, 52.03; I2: 0%, p = .94), energy expenditure, and fat oxidation. It also significantly lessened RQ (WMD: −0.01, 95% CI: −0.02, −0.01; I2: 5.4%, p = .39) and carbohydrate oxidation. Moreover, intervention in capsule form for longer duration had a more considerable influence on RMR than comparative groups. We observed moderate improvement in RMR, RQ, and fat oxidation following supplementation with Capsaicinoids/Capsinoids. However, further high‐quality studies are required to clarify the thermogenic properties of Capsaicinoids/Capsinoids.
Ultrafast and scalable variant annotation and prioritization with big functional genomics data

The advances of large-scale genomics studies have enabled compilation of cell type-specific, genome-wide DNA functional elements at high resolution. With the growing volume of functional annotation data and sequencing variants, existing variant annotation algorithms lack the efficiency and scalability to process big genomic data, particularly when annotating whole genome sequencing variants against a huge database with billions of genomic features. Here, we develop VarNote to rapidly annotate genome-scale variants in large and complex functional annotation resources. Equipped with a novel index system and a parallel random-sweep searching algorithm, VarNote shows substantial performance improvements (two to three orders of magnitude) over existing algorithms at different scales. It supports both region-based and allele-specific annotations, and introduces advanced functions for the flexible extraction of annotations. By integrating massive base-wise and context-dependent annotations in the VarNote framework, we introduce three efficient and accurate pipelines to prioritize the causal regulatory variants for common diseases, Mendelian disorders and cancers.
Characterization of Detergent-compatible Alkaline Protease from Bacillus agaradhaerens MTCC 9416

Aim: The present work deals with the purification and characterization of an alkaline protease produced by an alkalophilic bacterium, Bacillus agaradhaerens and establishment of its suitability as detergent additive. Methodology: Bacterial isolates producing alkaline protease were screened from diverse samples viz . soil, sewage and industrial effluents by enrichment culture technique. The taxonomic status and molecular characterization of the bacterium showing maximum alkaline protease activity was determined. The alkaline protease produced by the organism was purified its molecular size was determined by gel permeation chromatography. The purified enzyme was studied for its feasibility as detergent additive. Results: The bacterium under study was identified as Bacillus agaradhaerens by CSIR Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH), Chandigarh, India and deposited with an accession number MTCC 9416. The genotypic characterization of the 16S ribosomal DNA gene was performed and the sequence was submitted to NCBI under the name Bacillus agaradhaerens strain nandiniphanse5 (NCBI Accession No: JN703504). The alkaline protease with a molecular weight of approximately 25 kDa, demonstrated optimum activity at 55°C and pH 10.5, stability in pH range 7.0 to 12.0. The enzyme exhibited increased thermostability in presence of 25 mM CaCl 2 , enhanced activity in presence of chlorides of Ca 2+ , Mg 2+ , K + , Co 2+ and Mn 2+ . The protease exhibited highest degradation of casein followed by gelatin as compared to other protein substrates. The kinetic parameters were estimated to be 77.82 U/ml ( V max ) and 6.66 mg/ml ( K m ) using casein as substrate. The alkaline protease was also checked for its blood stain removal ability. The thermostable alkaline protease retained its activity in presence of detergent components with desired level stability and compatibility and therefore has a potential to be used commercially in the detergent industry. This is the first report on characterization of detergent-compatible alkaline protease from Bacillus agaradhaerens.
The beneficial effects of antioxidants combination on cardiac injury induced by tetrachloromethane

Abstract The purpose of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of carsil (CAR) either alone or in combination with α-tocopherol (α-TOCO) and/or turmeric (TUMR) against tetrachloromethane (TCM)-induced cardiomyocyte injury in rats. Administration of CAR either alone or in combination with α-TOCO and/or TUMR post-TCM injection, significantly mitigated the increases in serum troponin T, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) as well as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP). They also decline the elevation of caspase-3, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein expression as well as DNA damage in cardiac tissues induced by TCM. The biochemical results were confirmed by histopathological investigation. Conclusion: The combination of the three antioxidants showed greater cardioprotective potential, compared to individual drugs. Therefore, this combination may be recommended as a complementary therapy to antagonize cardiac injury induced by different insults. Graphical Abstract
Sequencing complete mitochondrial genome of Lanius sphenocercus sphenocercus (Passeriformes: Laniidae) using Illunima HiSeq 2500

Abstract Using an Illumina platform, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genome of Lanius sphenocercus sphenocercus to an average coverage of 1669.5×. We performed a de novo assembly using SOAPdenovo2 and obtained the total mitogenome with 16,833 bp in length. Most PCGs begin with the typical ATG start codon with the exception of COI gene, which use GTG as the initiation codon. Stop codons AGG, TAG, TAA, and AGA are present in the PCGs; exceptions are COII, COIII and ND4, which possess incomplete termination codons (T). But, the function of COII with incomplete stop codon T should be further investigated. The phylogeny revealed that genetic distance of Laniidae and Corvidae was closer than other species. Compared to other three shrike species, L. s. sphenocercus occupy a separate status in the genus Lanius.
Scientifically Defensible Fish Conservation and Recovery Plans: Addressing Diffuse Threats and Developing Rigorous Adaptive Management Plans

We discuss the importance of addressing diffuse threats to long-term species and habitat viability in fish conservation and recovery planning. In the Pacific Northwest, USA, salmonid management plans have typically focused on degraded freshwater habitat, dams, fish passage, harvest rates, and hatchery releases. However, such plans inadequately address threats related to human population and economic growth, intra- and interspecific competition, and changes in climate, ocean, and estuarine conditions. Based on reviews conducted on eight conservation and/or recovery plans, we found that though threats resulting from such changes are difficult to model and/or predict, they are especially important for wide-ranging diadromous species. Adaptive management is also a critical but often inadequately constructed component of those plans. Adaptive management should be designed to respond to evolving knowledge about the fish and their supporting ecosystems; if done properly, it should help improve conservation effor.
The BALTIMOS (BALTEX Integrated Model System) field experiments: A comprehensive atmospheric boundary layer data set for model validation over the open and ice-covered Baltic Sea

A comprehensive atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) data set was collected in eight field experiments (two during each season) over open water and sea ice in the Baltic Sea during 1998-2001 with the primary objective to validate the coupled atmosphericice-ocean-land surface model BALTIMOS (BALTEX Integrated Model System). Measurements were taken by aircraft, ships and surface stations and cover the mean and turbulent structure of the ABL including turbulent fluxes, radiation fluxes, and cloud conditions. Measurement examples of the spatial variability of the ABL over the ice edge zone and of the stable ABL over open water demonstrate the wide range of ABL conditions collected and the strength of the data set which can also be used to validate other regional models.
Efecto del anegamiento en la actividad de la enzima alcohol deshidrogenasa en raíces de maracuyá amarillo Passiflora Edulis var. Flavicarpa Effect of waterlogging on the alcohol dehydrogenase activity in yellow passion fruit roots Passiflora Edulis var. Flavicarpa

Under natural environments, yellow passion fruit plants often face flooded conditions as a limiting factor for the widespread production of the crop, especially in flood-prone lowlands. This study was carried out to identify the activation of the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) during the flood, as a possible mechanism for the survival of yellow passion fruit seedlings. The activity of the ADH enzyme was assessed on days 0, 1, 3, 7, 9 and 14, with and without flooding, on rooted yellow passion fruit seedlings germinated during three and a half months. In the roots of the yellow passion fruit seedlings in flood conditions, the activity of the ADH enzyme showed a significant increase compared to seedlings under normal irrigation (no flooding). These results suggest that the activity of the alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme involved in anaerobic metabolism, is a possible mechanism for survival of yellow passion fruit seedlings waterlogged in short periods of flooding.
Effects of tagging on migration behaviour, survival and growth of hatchery-reared Atlantic salmon smolts

The effects of four different tagging methods (PIT, anchor T-tag, Carlin tag and dummy radio transmitter) on survival, behaviour and growth of Atlantic salmon smolts during their downstream migration were examined in semi-natural circular channels during a natural migration period in spring. Survival of smolts was high and tagging wounds healed well in all tagging groups. Tag loss rates were generally low, being the highest (2.5%) in the dummy radio transmitter group. Total length and body mass of the tagged and untagged smolts did not differ at the end of the experiment. Migration activity of smolts generally showed similar patterns among the treatments. However, Carlin-tagged smolts started their migration slightly later than the PIT-tagged fish, and smolts tagged with Carlin tag or dummy radio transmitter showed less overall migration activity than fish with PIT tag.
Factors influencing detection of grizzly bears at genetic sampling sites

Abstract Recent advances in genetic approaches have facilitated genetic marking in capture–recapture (CR) experiments. Individuals can now be identified through non-invasive sampling and multi-locus genotyping instead of physical capture. In non-invasive studies where collection sites are used, detection depends on whether (1) an individual deposits a sample at the collection site, and (2) an individual can be genetically identified from the sample. Here we evaluate factors influencing detection of grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) at hair-sampling sites from 4 genetic CR projects (2006–2012) in British Columbia, Canada, and provide recommendations for maximizing detection in future studies. We found significant effects of trap type (bait site vs. rub object), sex, and season on the detection of grizzly bears. Bait-site detection was approximately 5-fold greater than detection at rub objects; and bait sites generally detected the sexes equally, whereas rub-tree detection was strongly male-biased. At rub objects, males had a 7-fold greater detection during the breeding season compared with females. Genotyping success increased with the number of hair follicles in the sample and decreased with the duration between trap checks. Rainfall was correlated with trap duration and was also negatively related to genotyping success. Samples with little genetic material (<2 guard hair, or <15 underfur) had low genotyping success and are best avoided, especially if samples with more follicles exist. Rub objects are an efficient sampling method but we caution investigators that these traps, unless deployed in large numbers, imperfectly detect female bears. The combined effect of trap type, sex, and season on a bear visiting a site, paired with the effects of hair quality, quantity, and sampling duration or rainfall on genotyping success, produced a range of detection spanning 2 orders of magnitude, highlighting the imperative for investigators to consider these factors for CR projects.
Investigation on the microflora of Caprino Lombardo cheese from raw goat milk

Samples of raw milk, whey culture and cheese from seven farms located in different areas of Lombardy (Italy) were analysed to investigate the microflora present in the production chain of Caprino Lombardo, a fresh goat cheese traditionally curdled using artisan starters. Lactic acid bacteria, coliforms and enterococci proved to be the main bacterial groups in the raw milk, while lactococci predominated in the artisan whey cultures. The 1-day-old and 15-day-old cheese samples showed, respectively, mean log counts: 9.27 and 8.58 CFU/g for lactococci, 5.95 and 7.21 CFU/g for yeasts and 4.41 and 4.07 CFU/g for enterococci. Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis was the predominant species in cheese, whereas L. garvieae, Streptococcus thermophilus and L. raffinolactis were present as minor components. The most detected yeast species in cheese samples were Galactomyces geotrichum, Kluyveromyces lactis and Yarrowia lipolytica.