Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Issues of Cardiovascular Risk Management in People With Diabetes in the COVID-19 Era

People with diabetes compared with people without exhibit worse prognosis if affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) induced by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), particularly when compromising metabolic control and concomitant cardiovascular disorders are present. This Perspective seeks to explore newly occurring cardio-renal-pulmonary organ damage induced or aggravated by the disease process of COVID-19 and its implications for the cardiovascular risk management of people with diabetes, especially taking into account potential interactions with mechanisms of cellular intrusion of SARS-CoV-2. Severe infection with SARS-CoV-2 can precipitate myocardial infarction, myocarditis, heart failure, and arrhythmias as well as an acute respiratory distress syndrome and renal failure. They may evolve along with multiorgan failure directly due to SARS-CoV-2–infected endothelial cells and resulting endotheliitis. This complex pathology may bear challenges for the use of most diabetes medications in terms of emerging contraindications that need close monitoring of all people with diabetes diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Whenever possible, continuous glucose monitoring should be implemented to ensure stable metabolic compensation. Patients in the intensive care unit requiring therapy for glycemic control should be handled solely by intravenous insulin using exact dosing with a perfusion device. Although not only ACE inhibitors and angiotensin 2 receptor blockers but also SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, pioglitazone, and probably insulin seem to increase the number of ACE2 receptors on the cells utilized by SARS-CoV-2 for penetration, no evidence presently exists that shows this might be harmful in terms of acquiring or worsening COVID-19. In conclusion, COVID-19 and related cardio-renal-pulmonary damage can profoundly affect cardiovascular risk management of people with diabetes.
The Functions of Vocal Duetting in some African Birds

The functions of vocal duetting were studied in three species of African birds, Laniarius ferrugineus, Telophorus zeylonus, and Apalis thoracica. Vocalizations were monitored throughout the year, sound playback experiments were done, and vocal responses to disturbance factors were documented. Functional aspects of vocal duetting are discussed. Vocal responses of certain duetting species to the presence of a walking or running observer are described and analyzed. The results suggest that enhanced protection from predation has been an important selective factor in the evolution and maintenance of vocal duetting in many duetting species. Zusammenfassung Gesangsduette wurden an 3 afrikanischen Vogel-Arten studiert, namlich: Laniarius ferrugineus, Telophorus zeylonus und Apalis tboracica. Charakteristische Eigenheiten der Duette und Sologesange veranderten sich wahrend des Jahres. Die Paargesange nehmen wahrend der Brutzeit ab; nahe am Nest wurden sie Feinde aufmerksam machen. Duettgesange dienen der Paar-Erhaltung, der gegenseitigen Reizung und Synchronisation der Partner, sowie der Erhaltung des Revierbesitzes. Bei L. ferrugineus kommen bestimmte Duette oder Solos in jeweils anderem Zusammenhang vor, haben also wohl verschiedene funktionelle Bedeutung. Vermuteten L. ferrugineus-Paaren wurden Gesange vorgespielt; sie reagierten auf Duettgesange nicht durchwegs starker als auf Sologesange. Diese Versuche erwiesen auch, das ein Angleichen an den anderen wahrend des Singens bei L. ferrugineus nicht sehr deutlich ist. Mehrere duettsingende Arten begannen zu rufen, wenn ein moglicher Feind nahte oder der Beobachter vorbeilief. Entdeckt ein verpaarter Duettsanger einen Feind, so wird seine entsprechende Lautauserung oft vom Partner zum Duett erganzt. Diese Antwort des Partners scheint — zumal in dichter Vegetaxtion — seine gesteigerte Aufmerksamkeit fur die Gefahr anzuzeigen. Bei L. ferrugineus entsprechen verschiedene Solos oder Duette dem Grad der Gefahr, die durch den storenden Feind droht. Bestimmte Duettsanger scheinen als Paar Feinde besser zu vermeiden. Viele duettierende Arten sind langlebig, haben langdauernde Paarbindungen, besetzen ganzjahrig Reviere und leben in recht gleichbleibender Umwelt. Jede Anpassung, die den Feinddruck verringert und die Lebensdauer erhoht, mus betrachtlichen Selektionsvorteil bringen. Bessere Feindvermeidung scheint einer der wichtigsten Grunde fur die Evolution des Duettierens vieler Arten zu sein.
New positions for peptide presentation in Potato virus X capsid protein

Abstract Potato virus X (PVX) is widely used as a peptide presentation system in plant biotechnology, mostly for transient expression of desired peptides fused to the N-terminus of its capsid protein (CP). Here we describe testing/investigation of new positions for peptide presentation based on seven putative surface loops of PVX CP. We performed bacterial expression of fourteen different PVX CPs modified by the insertion of the epitope derived from the E7 oncoprotein (E7 epitope) of Human papillomavirus type 16 fused with His tag. The expression from vector pMPM-A4Ω in Escherichia coli MC1061 was performed to evaluate the capacity of the PVX CP platform to tolerate the insertion of E7 epitope fused with His tag in the seven putative surface loops. The immunological characteristics of expressed epitopes were assessed by Western blot using both anti-PVX CP and anti-His antibodies and by immunoelectron microscopy.
Ultraviolet sexual dimorphism and assortative mating in blue tits

In spite of strong evidence for viability–based sexual selection and sex ratio adjustments, the blue tit,Parus caeruleus, is regarded as nearly sexually monomorphic and no epigamic signals have been found. The plumage coloration has not, however, been studied in relation to bird vision, which extends to the UV–A waveband (320 to 400 nm). Using molecular sex determination and UV/VIS spectrometry, we report here that blue tits are sexually dichromatic in UV/blue spectral purity (chroma) of the brilliant crown patch. It is displayed in courtship by horizontal posturing and erected nape feathers. A previously undescribed sexual dimorphism in crown size (controlling for body size) further supports its role as an epigamic ornament. Against grey–brown leaf litter and bark during pair formation in early spring, but also against green vegetation, UV contributes strongly to conspicuousness and sexual dimorphism. This should be further enhanced by the UV/bluish early morning skylight (‘woodland shade’) in which blue tits display. Among 18 breeding pairs, there was strong assortative mating with respect to UV chroma, but not size, of the crown ornament. We conclude that blue tits are markedly sex dimorphic in their own visual world, and that UV/violet coloration probably plays a role in blue tit mate acquisition.
Predators and people: using human densities to interpret declines of large carnivores

The current extinction crisis is caused primarily by human impacts upon wild populations. Large carnivores are especially sensitive to human activity; because their requirements often conflict with those of local people, predators have been actively persecuted in most regions of the world. In this paper, the impact of people upon predators is analysed by relating local carnivore extinctions to past and projected human population densities. There are strong associations between high human density and the loss of carnivore populations from a region. Interspecific variation in ability to survive at high human densities probably reflects species' ability to adapt to human‐modified habitats. However, regional and temporal variation in individual species' sensitivity to human density is more likely to reflect the activities of local people than the phenotypes of local carnivores. Local culture, government policy and international trade all influence human attitudes to predators and, therefore, the impact of people upon carnivore populations. The importance of these factors may mean that extinction risks for carnivores will continue to increase, even though human population growth is projected to deccelerate during the new millennium. This points to an urgent need for techniques to resolve conflicts between people and predators at either the local or landscape level.
Pathogenic variation in Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli, the causal agent of common bacterial blight in Phaseolus beans

A total of 93 isolates of Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli was collected from five countries over a wide range of altitude (500–2320 m above sea level) in eastern Africa. Collections were made from a range of cultivars of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), including known sources of resistance, as well as from wild alternative but symptomless hosts including Senna (Cassia) hirsuta and Digitaria scalarum. From these, 30 isolates were selected for detailed characterization. Although variation was found in parameters including phage type, the production of brown pigment in culture media and in-vitro growth rate, there was little consistent relationship between these characters and pathogenic variation. Studies of pathogenic variation among the 30 isolates on 20 genotypes of P. vulgaris revealed quantitative host non-specific differences (aggressiveness). On tepary bean (P. acutifolius), however, the 30 isolates interacted differentially with the genotypes and eight distinct physiologic races of X. c. pv. phaseoli were defined, suggestive of an underlying gene-for-gene relationship. Despite this apparent gene-for-gene interaction, resistance to common bacterial blight in P. vulgaris, derived from earlier use of P. acutifolius, has apparently remained non-specific and essentially durable. It is suggested that, since levels of resistance already available within P. vulgaris provide adequate protection, bean breeders should resist the temptation to incorporate new complete resistance from P. acutifolius as it would risk destabilizing the host–bacterium relationship by introducing race-specific resistance that is more likely to prove transient in agriculture.
Massive MIMO Systems for 5G and beyond Networks—Overview, Recent Trends, Challenges, and Future Research Direction

The global bandwidth shortage in the wireless communication sector has motivated the study and exploration of wireless access technology known as massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO). Massive MIMO is one of the key enabling technology for next-generation networks, which groups together antennas at both transmitter and the receiver to provide high spectral and energy efficiency using relatively simple processing. Obtaining a better understating of the massive MIMO system to overcome the fundamental issues of this technology is vital for the successful deployment of 5G—and beyond—networks to realize various applications of the intelligent sensing system. In this paper, we present a comprehensive overview of the key enabling technologies required for 5G and 6G networks, highlighting the massive MIMO systems. We discuss all the fundamental challenges related to pilot contamination, channel estimation, precoding, user scheduling, energy efficiency, and signal detection in a massive MIMO system and discuss some state-of-the-art mitigation techniques. We outline recent trends such as terahertz communication, ultra massive MIMO (UM-MIMO), visible light communication (VLC), machine learning, and deep learning for massive MIMO systems. Additionally, we discuss crucial open research issues that direct future research in massive MIMO systems for 5G and beyond networks.
Increased Thyroid Cancer Incidence in Volcanic Areas: A Role of Increased Heavy Metals in the Environment?

Thyroid cancer incidence is significantly increased in volcanic areas, where relevant non-anthropogenic pollution with heavy metals is present in the environment. This review will discuss whether chronic lifelong exposure to slightly increased levels of metals can contribute to the increase in thyroid cancer in the residents of a volcanic area. The influence of metals on living cells depends on the physicochemical properties of the metals and their interaction with the target cell metallostasis network, which includes transporters, intracellular binding proteins, and metal-responsive elements. Very little is known about the carcinogenic potential of slightly increased metal levels on the thyroid, which might be more sensitive to mutagenic damage because of its unique biology related to iodine, which is a very reactive and strongly oxidizing agent. Different mechanisms could explain the specific carcinogenic effect of borderline/high environmental levels of metals on the thyroid, including (a) hormesis, the nonlinear response to chemicals causing important biological effects at low concentrations; (b) metal accumulation in the thyroid relative to other tissues; and (c) the specific effects of a mixture of different metals. Recent evidence related to all of these mechanisms is now available, and the data are compatible with a cause–effect relationship between increased metal levels in the environment and an increase in thyroid cancer incidence.
Wind Energy Development and Wildlife Conservation: Challenges and Opportunities

Abstract Wind energy development represents significant challenges and opportunities in contemporary wildlife management. Such challenges include the large size and extensive placement of turbines that may represent potential hazards to birds and bats. However, the associated infrastructure required to support an array of turbines—such as roads and transmission lines—represents an even larger potential threat to wildlife than the turbines themselves because such infrastructure can result in extensive habitat fragmentation and can provide avenues for invasion by exotic species. There are numerous conceptual research opportunities that pertain to issues such as identifying the best and worst placement of sites for turbines that will minimize impacts on birds and bats. Unfortunately, to date very little research of this type has appeared in the peer-reviewed scientific literature; much of it exists in the form of unpublished reports and other forms of gray literature. In this paper, we summarize what is known about the potential impacts of wind farms on wildlife and identify a 3-part hierarchical approach to use the scientific method to assess these impacts. The Lower Gulf Coast (LGC) of Texas, USA, is a region currently identified as having a potentially negative impact on migratory birds and bats, with respect to wind farm development. This area is also a region of vast importance to wildlife from the standpoint of native diversity, nature tourism, and opportunities for recreational hunting. We thus use some of the emergent issues related to wind farm development in the LGC—such as siting turbines on cropland sites as opposed to on native rangelands—to illustrate the kinds of challenges and opportunities that wildlife managers must face as we balance our demand for sustainable energy with the need to conserve and sustain bird migration routes and corridors, native vertebrates, and the habitats that support them.
Whole Genome Sequencing and Comparative Genomic Analyses of Lysinibacillus pakistanensis LZH-9, a Halotolerant Strain with Excellent COD Removal Capability

Halotolerant microorganisms are promising in bio-treatment of hypersaline industrial wastewater. Four halotolerant bacteria strains were isolated from wastewater treatment plant, of which a strain LZH-9 could grow in the presence of up to 14% (w/v) NaCl, and it removed 81.9% chemical oxygen demand (COD) at 96 h after optimization. Whole genome sequencing of Lysinibacillus pakistanensis LZH-9 and comparative genomic analysis revealed metabolic versatility of different species of Lysinibacillus, and abundant genes involved in xenobiotics biodegradation, resistance to toxic compound, and salinity were found in all tested species of Lysinibacillus, in which Horizontal Gene Transfer (HGT) contributed to the acquisition of many important properties of Lysinibacillus spp. such as toxic compound resistance and osmotic stress resistance as revealed by phylogenetic analyses. Besides, genome wide positive selection analyses revealed seven genes that contained adaptive mutations in Lysinibacillus spp. , most of which were multifunctional. Further expression assessment with Codon Adaption Index (CAI) also reflected the high metabolic rate of L. pakistanensis to digest potential carbon or nitrogen sources in organic contaminants, which was closely linked with efficient COD removal ability of strain LZH-9. The high COD removal efficiency and halotolerance as well as genomic evidences suggested that L. pakistanensis LZH-9 was promising in treating hypersaline industrial wastewater.
Short-term evolution strategies for host adaptation and drug escape in human fungal pathogens

Research on human fungal pathogens has historically taken a backseat to other infectious diseases, perhaps due to a common misperception that fungi largely cause superficial infections [1]. In reality, fungi can be life-threatening to those who become immunocompromised during medical procedures or through conditions such as HIV and diabetes. Invasive fungal infections are estimated to kill over 1 million people every year, with mortality rates reaching 50% [2]. Significant challenges to the treatment of fungal infections include the limited availability of antifungals and the innate ability of fungi to rapidly evolve and adapt to fluctuating conditions. This adaptive ability is partially driven by extensive genomic plasticity, with many species acquiring diverse ploidy states, chromosomal rearrangements, and point mutations during host colonization [3–8]. Genetic plasticity enables rapid increases in virulence and antifungal drug resistance, which often translate to poor disease outcomes. Short-term evolution (microevolution) strategies in fungal pathogens are therefore essential for environmental adaptation in the mammalian host, and their study can inform adaptive mechanisms in other eukaryotes.
The Organisation and Infrastructure of the African Traditional Healing System: Reflections from a Sub-District of South Africa1

Exactly 28 years ago, the Declaration of Alma-Ata came into being. The declaration emanates from the International Conference on Primary Health Care, which took place on 12 September 1978 to express the need for urgent action by all governments, health and development workers, as well as the world community, to protect and promote the health of all people worldwide (WHO 1978). The declaration specifically referred to traditional health practitioners as an integral part of the health team to respond to the expressed health needs of communities. Traditional medicine is an important pillar of health care in many developing countries. An estimated 80 per cent of Africans utilise African traditional medicines to help meet their health care needs (International Council of Nurses 2002; WHO 2000). Despite the use of African traditional health practitioners and traditional healing by millions of Africans as an important source of health care in their communities, for the most part, it is a role sidelined in the corridors of western medicine (Sunday Independent 2002).
Transporter-Mediated Mitochondrial GSH Depletion Leading to Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Rescue with αB Crystallin Peptide in RPE Cells

Mitochondrial glutathione (mGSH) is critical for cell survival. We recently reported the localization of OGC (SLC25A11) and DIC (SLC25A10) in hRPE. Herein, we investigated the suppression of OGC and DIC and the effect of αB crystallin chaperone peptide co-treatment on RPE cell death and mitochondrial function. Non-polarized and polarized human RPE were co-treated for 24 h with phenyl succinic acid (PS, 5 mM) or butyl malonic acid (BM, 5 mM) with or without αB cry peptide (75 µg/mL). mGSH levels, mitochondrial bioenergetics, and ETC proteins were analyzed. The effect of mGSH depletion on cell death and barrier function was determined in polarized RPE co-treated with PS, OGC siRNA or BM and αB cry peptide. Inhibition of OGC and DIC resulted in a significant decrease in mGSH and increased apoptosis. mGSH depletion significantly decreased mitochondrial respiration, ATP production, and altered ETC protein expression. αB cry peptide restored mGSH, attenuated apoptosis, upregulated ETC proteins, and improved mitochondrial bioenergetics and biogenesis. mGSH transporters exhibited differential polarized localization: DIC (apical) and OGC (apical and basal). Inhibition of mGSH transport compromised barrier function which was partially restored by αB cry peptide. Our findings suggest mGSH augmentation by its transporters may be a valuable approach in AMD therapy.
Systematic Studies on Surface Erosion of Photocrosslinked Polyanhydride Tablets and Data Correlation with Release Kinetic Models

Photocrosslinkable polyanhydrides that undergo surface erosion are suitable materials for controlled-release drug delivery systems. Investigating the impact of different parameters on their erosion behavior is essential before use in drug delivery systems. Although their synthesis is well-established, parameters that may substantially affect the erosion of thiol-ene polyanhydrides including temperature and pH of the media, the geometry of the polymers, and the media shaking rate (the convective force for the polymer erosion), have not yet been studied. This study explores the effects of different environmental and geometric parameters on mass loss (erosion) profiles of polyanhydrides synthesized by thiol-ene photopolymerization. A comparative study on several release kinetic models fitting is also described for a better understanding of the polymer erosion behavior. The results demonstrated that although the temperature was the only parameter that affected the induction period substantially, the mass-loss rate was influenced by the polymer composition, tablet geometry, temperature, pH, and mass transfer (shaking) rate. With regard to geometrical parameters, polymers with the same surface area to volume ratios showed similar mass loss trends despite their various volumes and surface areas. The mass loss of polyanhydride tablets with more complicated geometries than a simple slab was shown to be non-linear, and the kinetic model study indicated the dominant surface erosion mechanism. The results of this study allow for designing and manufacturing efficient delivery systems with a high-predictable drug release required in precision medicine using surface-erodible polyanhydrides.