Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Contrasting taxonomical and functional responses of stream invertebrates across space and time in a Neotropical basin

The structure of the EPT group (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera) reflects changes operating on the underlying freshwater system. We study the structure of the EPT assemblages inhabiting a Neotropical basin with mountain rain forests. Taxonomic richness and functional diversity are two relevant indicators of that struc- ture. We measured real biological traits rather than using trait classifications arising from the Northern hemisphere, allowing us to more accurately calculate functional diversity metrics in these Neotropical streams. We also formal- ized a new approach to measuring functional dissimilarity. Our main scope is to know the effects of space (altitudi- nal zonation) and time (seasonality) on the behavior of both diversity indexes. We find complementarities between them, suggesting that the replacement in taxonomic composition is a process decoupled from the replacement in trait composition. While the taxonomic richness of sites in the dry season differs from the richness in upland sites sampled during spates, the functional diversity allows us to differentiate lowland sites sampled during spates from other sites. We hypothesize that functional diversity goes down in lowland sites because of the anthropogenic pres- sure on the riparian area. We additionally stress that the knowledge of functional diversity contributes to the better design of conservation strategies.
Evolution of fruit dehiscence in Brassicaceae - examples from Aethionema and Lepidium.

Most species of the Brassicaceae develop fruits in which seeds are released through a process termed fruit dehiscence. To provide a phylogenetic perspective for fruit dehiscence, the Arabidopsis model system will be widened here by two other systems from Brassicaceae. Some genera in Brassicaceae develop indehiscent fruits that do not release ripe seeds. The genus Lepidium comprises closely related species with either dehiscent (e.g., Lepidium campestre) or indehiscent fruits (e.g. L. appelianum). Recent phylogenies based on molecular data suggest that indehiscent fruits evolved several times independently in different clades from dehiscent fruits. The genus Aethionema is the sister group to all other extant Brassicaceae. Some species of Aethionema are heterocarpic, meaning that they develop both dehiscent and indehiscent fruits within the same infructescensce. Thus, both Lepidium and Aethionema represent interesting model systems to investigate the evolution of fruit dehiscence. Molecular genetic studies on fruit dehiscence and indehiscence in the model system Arabidopsis have been used to define candidate genes which might play a role in forming indehiscent fruits in Lepidium and Aethionema. Understanding the mechanisms involved in the transformation of dehiscent into indehiscent fruits in the same infructescence (Aethionema) and in closely related species (Lepidium) could provide general insights into the evolution of morphological traits in the Brassicaceae and beyond.
Reliable identification and quantification of anabolic androgenic steroids in dietary supplements by using gas chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry.

The aim of the present research was the identification and quantification of specific anabolic androgenic steroids (AASs) and other sterane structured compounds in dietary supplements (DSs). The adulteration of DSs by these compounds are of a particular concern in athletes, because it might lead to a positive doping result. The research was focused on the optimization of a highly sensitive and selective GC-based analytical strategy using triple quadrupole MS as detector. Chromatographic method and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) transitions of 28 target compounds were optimized. Sample clean-up was carried out by using a solid phase extraction (SPE) procedure, while the derivatization of AASs was performed by using N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl)-trifluoroacetamide (MSTFA). The method was validated and the following parameters were investigated: linearity range, limit of detection, accuracy and precision expressed in term of intra-day precision. The calibration curves were evaluated by using regression model and resulting in a good determination coefficients (R2 ≥ 0.9912). The residuals were scattered randomly around zero. The limits of detection (LODs) were lower than 7.0 ng g-1 or ng mL-1 . The accuracy assessment was evaluated in different forms of DSs characterized by high sample-to-sample variability (liquid, powder, tablet, capsule, protein and herbal-based). Intra-day assay precision was in all cases lower than 20%. The developed analytical method was successfully applied to the analysis of 67 commercially available dietary supplements. In 5 cases one or more steroid-type compounds were found in the concentration of 5 ng g-1 - 100 μg g-1 , which might result adverse analytical findings in athletes.
Omentum metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma: a case report

Rehabil. 2018; 32: 388–97. 5. Barnea Y, Lin PP, Reece G. Modified tibial turn-up fillet flap for repair of extensive composite defects of the thigh. Ann. Plast. Surg. 2009; 62: 170–2. 6. Chen S, Huang W, Luo P et al. Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma: long-term follow-up from a large institution. Cancer Manag. Res. 2019; 11: 10001–9. 7. Kamat NV, Million L, Yao DH et al. The outcome of patients with localized undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma of the lower extremity treated at Stanford University. Am. J. Clin. Oncol. 2019; 42: 166–71. 8. Bell JC, Wolf EJ, Schnall BL, Tis JE, Tis LL, Potter MAJBK. Transfemoral amputations: the effect of residual limb length and orientation on gait analysis outcome measures. J. Bone Joint Surg. Am. 2013; 95: 408–14. 9. Nowroozi F, Salvanelli ML, Gerber LH. Energy expenditure in hip disarticulation and hemipelvectomy amputees. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 1983; 64: 300–3. 10. Werner CM, Exner GU, Dumont CE. Free vascularised osteocutaneous filet flap for covering, that permitted sensitive terminal weight-bearing by a thigh stump after transfemoral amputation. Scand. J. Plast. Reconstr. Surg. Hand Surg. 2006; 40: 315–7.
Contrast-enhanced Ultrasound-State of the Art in North America: Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound White Paper.

On October 24, 2017, in Chicago, the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound convened a panel of specialists in contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) to arrive at a white paper regarding the use of CEUS in noncardiac applications in North America. Recommendations are based on analysis of the current literature and common practice strategies. They represent a reasonable approach to introduce the advantages of this safe and noninvasive technique for the benefit of our patients. Characterization of liver nodules with CEUS, as the approval indication worldwide, is the major focus of this endeavor. In addition, many off label uses are reviewed and literature supporting these indications provided.Key Points(1) Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) allows cross-sectional imaging of the liver, kidneys and multiple other solid and hollow viscera, providing excellent characterization of identified focal mass lesions. (2) Performed with the injection of a microbubble contrast agent, CEUS provides a safe and readily available imaging technique which requires no ionizing radiation, making it appropriate for use in all ages, in those with renal insufficiency and when a portable examination is needed. (3) The CEUS can be considered in abdominal imaging whenever blood flow information is of value to diagnosis. (4) Dynamic real-time acquisition and the use of a purely intravascular contrast agent are the 2 most essential technical aspects of CEUS imaging which distinguish it from both computed tomography and magnetic resonance scan.
Therapeutic efficacy and safety of a human fusion construct targeting the TWEAK receptor Fn14 and containing a modified granzyme B

Background Antibody-drug conjugates are an exceptional and useful therapeutic tool for multiple diseases, particularly for cancer treatment. We previously showed that the fusion of the serine protease granzyme B (GrB), the effector molecule or T and B cells, to a binding domain allows the controlled and effective delivery of the cytotoxic payload into the target cell. The production of these constructs induced the formation of high molecular aggregates with a potential impact on the efficacy and safety of the protein. Methods Our laboratory designed a new Fn14 targeted fusion construct designated GrB(C210A)-Fc-IT4 which contains a modified GrB payload for improved protein production and preserved biological activity. We assessed the construct’s enzymatic activity, as well as in vitro cytotoxicity and internalization into target cells. We also assessed pharmacokinetics, efficacy and toxicology parameters in vivo. Results GrB(C210A)-Fc-IT4 protein exhibited high affinity and selective cytotoxicity within the nanomolar range when tested against a panel of Fn14-positive human cancer cell lines. The construct rapidly internalized into target cells, activating the caspase cascade and causing mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Pharmacokinetic studies in mice revealed that GrB(C210A)-Fc-IT4 displayed a bi-exponential clearance from plasma with a fast initial clearance (t1/2α=0.36 hour) followed by a prolonged terminal-phase plasma half-life (t1/2β=35 hours). Mice bearing MDA-MB-231 orthotopic tumor xenografts treated with vehicle or GrB(C210A)-Fc-IT4 construct (QODx5) demonstrated tumor regression and long-term (>80 days) suppression of tumor growth. Treatment of mice bearing established, subcutaneous A549 lung tumors showed impressive, long-term tumor suppression compared with a control group treated with vehicle alone. Administration of GrB(C210A)-Fc-IT4 (100 mg/kg total dose) was well-tolerated by mice and resulted in significant reduction of tumor burden in a lung cancer patient-derived xenograft model. Toxicity studies revealed no statistically significant changes in aspartate transferase, alanine transferase or lactate dehydrogenase in treated mice. Histopathological analysis of tissues from treated mice did not demonstrate any specific drug-related changes. Conclusion GrB(C210A)-Fc-IT4 demonstrated excellent, specific cytotoxicity in vitro and impressive in vivo efficacy with no significant toxicity in normal murine models. These studies show GrB(C210A)-Fc-IT4 is an excellent candidate for further preclinical development.
The sea turtle barnacle, Chelonibia testudinaria (Cirripedia: Balanomorpha: Coronuloidea), from pre-Columbian deposits on San Salvador, Bahamas

Abstract Excavations at North Storr's Lake (SS-4) on San Salvador, Bahamas have yielded turtle barnacle wall plates (shell compartments) in association with skeletal remains of sea turtle and charcoal dated to ca. A.D. 932–1552. This is one of the few cases in which direct and indirect radiometric dates have been reported for archaeological sea turtle barnacles. The turtle barnacle has been identified as Chelonibia testudinaria (Linnaeus, 1758), a widespread, commensal species found on all genera of Cheloniidae in the world's oceans. Chelonibia testudinaria is the most often reported sea turtle barnacle and is commonly found on Caretta caretta (loggerhead) and Chelonia mydas (green turtle) dating as far back as the Miocene epoch. Wall plates of Chelonibia testudinaria occur in stratigraphic association with both loggerhead and green sea turtle remains at North Storr's Lake, appearing in the same archaeological strata as the sea turtle, therefore the association is clear. Sea turtle species were identified using stable isotope analysis (SIA) on bone; barnacles were identified by one of us (JDZ) using modern biological specimens for comparison. Accelerator Mass Spectrometer (AMS) dates from carbonized wood and bone in site stratigraphy, and dates on the barnacles themselves, span the period ca. A.D. 932–1552, indicating sea turtle exploitation by the indigenous Lucayans several centuries prior to the arrival of Columbus on San Salvador. AMS dates, site stratigraphy, and species identifications suggest that green turtle may have been harvested earlier and over a longer time span (ca. A.D. 1100–1500) than loggerhead (ca. A.D. 1311–1354). Based on these results, this locality at the North Storr's Lake site is interpreted as a traditional sea turtle butchery site where multiple species and individuals were repeatedly butchered over a relatively lengthy time period.
Chlorella sorokiniana Dietary Supplementation Increases Antioxidant Capacities and Reduces ROS Release in Mitochondria of Hyperthyroid Rat Liver

The ability of aerobic organisms to cope with the attack of radicals and other reactive oxygen species improves by feeding on foods containing antioxidants. Microalgae contain many molecules showing in vitro antioxidant capacity, and their food consumption can protect cells from oxidative insults. We evaluated the capacity of dietary supplementation with 1% dried Chlorella sorokiniana strain 211/8k, an alga rich in glutathione, α-tocopherol, and carotenoids, to counteract an oxidative attack in vivo. We used the hyperthyroid rat as a model of oxidative stress, in which the increase in metabolic capacities is associated with an increase in the release of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the susceptibility to oxidative insult. Chlorella sorokiniana supplementation prevents the increases in oxidative stress markers and basal oxygen consumption in hyperthyroid rat livers. It also mitigates the thyroid hormone-induced increase in maximal aerobic capacities, the mitochondrial ROS release, and the susceptibility to oxidative stress. Finally, alga influences the thyroid hormone-induced changes in the factors involved in mitochondrial biogenesis peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator (PGC1-1) and nuclear respiratory factor 2 (NRF-2). Our results suggest that Chlorella sorokiniana dietary supplementation has beneficial effects in counteracting oxidative stress and that it works primarily by preserving mitochondrial function. Thus, it can be useful in preventing dysfunctions in which mitochondrial oxidative damage and ROS production play a putative role.
Discovery of Small-Molecule Inhibitors of Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor-κB Ligand (RANKL) with Superior Therapeutic Index.

Receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) constitutes the master mediator of osteoclastogenesis, while its pharmaceutical inhibition by a monoclonal antibody has been approved for the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis. To date, the pursuit of pharmacologically more favorable approaches using low-molecular-weight inhibitors has been hampered by low specificity and high toxicity issues. This study aimed to discover small-molecule inhibitors targeting RANKL trimer formation. Through a systematic screening of 39 analogs of SPD-304, a dual inhibitor of TNF and RANKL trimerization, we identified 4 compounds (1b, 3b, 4a, and 4c) that selectively inhibited RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis in a dose-dependent manner, without affecting TNF activity or osteoblast differentiation. Based on structure-activity observations extracted from the most potent and less toxic inhibitors of RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis, we synthesized a focused set of compounds that revealed 3 potent inhibitors (19a, 19b and 20a) with remarkably low cell-toxicity and improved therapeutic indexes as shown by the LC50 to IC50 ratio. These RANKL-selective inhibitors are an excellent starting point for the development of small-molecule therapeutics against osteolytic diseases.
Research Progress and Development Demand of Nanocellulose Reinforced Polymer Composites

Nanocellulose is a type of nanomaterial with high strength, high specific surface area and high surface energy. Additionally, it is nontoxic, harmless, biocompatible and environmentally friendly and can be extracted from biomass resources. The surface groups of cellulose show high surface energy and binding activity on the nanoscale and can be modified by using various methods. Because nanocellulose has a high elastic modulus, rigidity and a low thermal expansion coefficient, it is an excellent material for polymer reinforcement. This paper summarizes the reinforcement mechanisms of nanocellulose polymer composites with a focus on the role of theoretical models in elucidating these mechanisms. Furthermore, the influence of various factors on the properties of nanocellulose reinforced polymer composites are discussed in combination with analyses and comparisons of specific research results in related fields. Finally, research focus and development directions for the design of high-performance nanocellulose reinforced polymer composites are proposed.
ARMOURED SCALE INSECT INFESTATION ON KIWIFRUIT IN RELATION TO POSITION ON THE VINE

The infestation of armoured scale insects on kiwifruit at various distances from the leader in a commercial organic cv. Hayward block in the Bay of Plenty was examined at harvest in 2005. This was to test the hypothesis that fruit further from the leader have fewer armoured scale insects than those nearer to the leader. From the 25 pergola-trained vines examined, kiwifruit from directly beneath the leader had a significantly higher probability of being infested with armoured scale insects (26%) compared with fruit sampled from 0.8 m (11.6%) or 1.6 m (6.3%) away from the leader. The orientation of fruit on the vine (west-facing or east-facing) had no effect on armoured scale insect incidence. Individual vines differed significantly in their level of armoured scale insect infestation. Latania scale comprised 84% of the scale insects. The implications of these results for growers are discussed.
Characterization and Electrical Properties of PVA Films with Self-Assembled Chitosan-AuNPs/SWCNT-COOH Nanostructures

Nanostructured films with electrical conductivity in the semiconductor region were prepared in a polymeric matrix of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with nanostructures of chitosan-gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)/single-wall carbon nanotubes carboxylic acid functionalized (SWCNT-COOH) (chitosan-AuNPs/SWCNT-COOH) self-assembled. Dispersion light scattering (DLS) was used to determine the average particle sizes of chitosan-AuNPs, z-average particle size (Dz) and number average particle size (Dn), and the formation of crystalline domains of AuNPs was demonstrated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and observed by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The electrostatic interaction was verified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The electrical conductivity of PVA/chitosan-AuNPs/SWCNT-COOH was determined by the four-point technique and photocurrent. The calculated Dn values of the chitosan-AuNPs decreased as the concentration of gold (III) chloride trihydrate (HAuCl4·3H2O) increased: the concentrations of 0.4 and 1.3 mM were 209 and 90 nm, respectively. Average crystal size (L) and number average size (D) of the AuNPs were calculated in the range of 13 to 24 nm. Electrical conductivity of PVA/chitosan-AuNPs/SWCNT-COOH films was 3.7 × 10−5 σ/cm determined by the four-point technique and 6.5 × 10−4 σ/cm by photocurrent for the SWCNT-COOH concentration of 0.5 wt. % and HAuCl4·3H2O concentration of 0.4 mM. In this investigation, the protonation of the amine group of chitosan is fundamental to prepare PVA films with nanostructures of self-assembled chitosan-AuNPs/SWCNT-COOH.
Effects of Short-Term Soil Tillage Management on Activity and Community Structure of Denitrifiers under Double- Cropping Rice Field

Soil physical and chemical characteristics, soil potential denitrification rates (PDR), community composition and nirK-, nirS- and nosZ-encoding denitrifiers were studied by using MiSeq sequencing, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and terminal restriction fragment polymorphism (T-RFLP) technologies base on short-term (5-year) tillage field experiment. The experiment included four tillage treatments: conventional tillage with crop residue incorporation (CT), rotary tillage with crop residue incorporation (RT), no-tillage with crop residue retention (NT), and rotary tillage with crop residue removed as control (RTO). The results indicated that soil organic carbon, total nitrogen and NH4+-N contents were increased with CT, RT and NT treatments. Compared with RTO treatment, the copies number of nirK, nirS and nosZ in paddy soil with CT, RT and NT treatments were significantly increased. The principal coordinate analysis indicated that tillage management and crop residue returning management were the most and the second important factors for the change of denitrifying bacteria community, respectively. Meanwhile, this study indicated that activity and community composition of denitrifiers with CT, RT and NT treatments were increased, compared with RTO treatment. This result showed that nirK, nirS and nosZ-type denitrifiers communities in crop residue applied soil had higher species diversity compared with crop residue removed soil, and denitrifying bacteria community composition were dominated by Gammaproteobacteria, Deltaproteobacteria, and Betaproteobacteria. Therefore, it is a beneficial practice to increase soil PDR level, abundance and community composition of nitrogen-functional soil microorganism by combined application of tillage with crop residue management.
Prevalence of Human Papillomavirus and Estimation of Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Effectiveness in Thimphu, Bhutan, in 2011–2012 and 2018

BACKGROUND Bhutan implemented a national program for human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination in 2010 involving girls aged 12 to 18 years and achieving nearly 90% coverage. OBJECTIVE To estimate HPV vaccine effectiveness in a city in Bhutan. DESIGN 2 cross-sectional surveys, 2011-2012 and 2018. SETTING 2 hospitals in Thimphu, capital of Bhutan. PARTICIPANTS Sexually active women aged 17 to 29 years: 1445 participants from the baseline survey and 1595 from the repeated survey. INTERVENTION National HPV vaccination program. MEASUREMENTS HPV was assessed in cervical cell samples by using general primer GP5+/GP6+-mediated polymerase chain reaction. Human papillomavirus types were stratified as vaccine types (HPV6/11/16/18) and nonvaccine types. Age- and sexual behavior-adjusted overall, total, and indirect (herd immunity) vaccine effectiveness (VE) was computed as (1 - HPV prevalence ratio) for HPV among all women and among unvaccinated women. RESULTS Between the 2 surveys, the prevalence of HPV vaccine types decreased from 8.3% to 1.4%, whereas the prevalence of nonvaccine types increased from 25.8% to 31.4%. The overall and indirect adjusted VE against vaccine-targeted HPV types was 88% (95% CI, 80% to 92%) and 78% (CI, 61% to 88%), respectively. Among women younger than 27 years, who were targeted by the vaccination program, the overall and indirect adjusted VE was 93% (CI, 87% to 97%) and 88% (CI, 69% to 95%), respectively. No impact on nonvaccine HPV types was detectable. LIMITATION Hospital-based recruitment; self-reported vaccination status. CONCLUSION In Bhutan, the prevalence of vaccine-targeted HPV types has decreased sharply, providing the first evidence of the effectiveness of a high-coverage national HPV vaccination program in a lower-middle-income country. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.