Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sarcocystis species in red deer revisited: with a re-description of two known species as Sarcocystis elongata n. sp. and Sarcocystis truncata n. sp. based on mitochondrial cox1 sequences

SUMMARY In a previous investigation, five Sarcocystis species were described from Norwegian red deer and believed to be conspecific with species occurring in either reindeer or moose based on sarcocyst morphology and nucleotide sequences of the nuclear ribosomal DNA unit. The aim of the present study was to characterize numerous isolates of these sarcocyst types at the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (cox1) in order to corroborate or refute previous species designations of Sarcocystis in red deer. The Sarcocystis tarandi- and Sarcocystis rangiferi-like taxa in red deer and reindeer, respectively, were thoroughly compared by sequencing 14–27 isolates of each type. Sequence comparisons revealed four distinct sequence types, which by phylogenetic analyses were placed in four monophyletic groups according to host origin, and they were therefore considered to represent four separate species. The two taxa of this type in red deer were named Sarcocystis elongata and Sarcocystis truncata, respectively. Sequencing of many isolates of Sarcocystis hjorti and Sarcocystis ovalis from red deer and moose confirmed that these species occur in both hosts. A revised description of the two new species is given and the current knowledge concerning all six Sarcocystis species in red deer is reviewed.
Parasites as valuable stock markers for fisheries in Australasia, East Asia and the Pacific Islands

SUMMARY Over 30 studies in Australasia, East Asia and the Pacific Islands region have collected and analysed parasite data to determine the ranges of individual fish, many leading to conclusions about stock delineation. Parasites used as biological tags have included both those known to have long residence times in the fish and those thought to be relatively transient. In many cases the parasitological conclusions have been supported by other methods especially analysis of the chemical constituents of otoliths, and to a lesser extent, genetic data. In analysing parasite data, authors have applied multiple different statistical methodologies, including summary statistics, and univariate and multivariate approaches. Recently, a growing number of researchers have found non-parametric methods, such as analysis of similarities and cluster analysis, to be valuable. Future studies into the residence times, life cycles and geographical distributions of parasites together with more robust analytical methods will yield much important information to clarify stock structures in the area.
Pathophysiology of tic disorders

Tics are the defining symptom of Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders (TDs); however, they form only a part of their overall symptoms. The recent surge of studies addressing the underlying pathophysiology of tics has revealed an intricate picture involving multiple brain areas and complex pathways. The myriad of pathophysiological findings stem, at least partially, from the multifaceted properties of tics and the disorders that express them. Distinct brain pathways mediate the expression of tics, whereas others are involved in the generation of the premonitory urge, associated comorbidities, and other changes in brain state. Expression of these symptoms is controlled by additional networks underlying voluntary suppression by the patient or those reflecting overall behavioral state. This review aims to simplify the complex picture of tic pathophysiology by dividing it into these key components based on converging data from human and animal model studies. Thus, involvement of the corticobasal ganglia pathway and its interaction with motor, sensory, limbic, and executive networks in each of the components as well as their control by different neuromodulators is described. This division enables a focused definition of the neuronal systems involved in each of these processes and allows a better understanding of the pathophysiology of TDs as a whole. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Financial benefits for child health and well-being in low income or socially disadvantaged families in developed world countries.

BACKGROUND A strong and consistent relationship has been observed between relative poverty and poor child health and wellbeing even among rich nations. This review set out to examine evidence that additional monies provided to poor or disadvantaged families may benefit children by reducing relative poverty and thereby improving children's health, well-being and educational attainment. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of direct provision of additional monies to socially or economically disadvantaged families in improving children's health, well-being and educational attainment SEARCH STRATEGY In total 10 electronic databases were searched including the Cochrane library searched 2006 (Issue 1), Medline searched 1966 to May 2006 , Econlit searched 1969 to June 2006 and PsycINFO searched 1872 to June 2006, together with 3 libraries of working papers (MDRC, SSRN, SRDC). The general search strategy was [terms for income and financial benefits] and [paediatric terms] and [RCT filter] SELECTION CRITERIA Studies selected provided money to relatively poor families (which included a child under the age of 18 or a pregnant woman), were randomised or quasi-randomised, measured outcomes related to child health or wellbeing and were conducted in a high income country. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Titles and abstracts identified in the search were independently assessed for eligibility by two reviewers. Data were extracted and entered into RevMan, synthesised and presented in both written and graphical form (forest plots). MAIN RESULTS Nine trials including more than 25,000 participants were included in this review. No effect was observed on child health, measures of child mental health or emotional state. Non-significant effects favouring the intervention group were seen for child cognitive development and educational achievement, and a non-significant effect favouring controls in rates of teenage pregnancy. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The review set out to examine the potential of financial support to poor families to improve circumstances for children. However, on the basis of current evidence we can not state unequivocally whether financial benefits delivered as an intervention are effective at improving child health or wellbeing in the short term. Our conclusions are limited by the fact that most of the studies had small effects on total household income and that while no conditions were attached to how money was spent, all studies included strict conditions for receipt of payments. We note particular concerns by some authors that sanctions and conditions (such as working hours) placed on families may increase family stress.
MDS research criteria for prodromal Parkinson's disease

This article describes research criteria and probability methodology for the diagnosis of prodromal PD. Prodromal disease refers to the stage wherein early symptoms or signs of PD neurodegeneration are present, but classic clinical diagnosis based on fully evolved motor parkinsonism is not yet possible. Given the lack of clear neuroprotective/disease‐modifying therapy for prodromal PD, these criteria were developed for research purposes only. The criteria are based upon the likelihood of prodromal disease being present with probable prodromal PD defined as ≥80% certainty. Certainty estimates rely upon calculation of an individual's risk of having prodromal PD, using a Bayesian naïve classifier. In this methodology, a previous probability of prodromal disease is delineated based upon age. Then, the probability of prodromal PD is calculated by adding diagnostic information, expressed as likelihood ratios. This diagnostic information combines estimates of background risk (from environmental risk factors and genetic findings) and results of diagnostic marker testing. In order to be included, diagnostic markers had to have prospective evidence documenting ability to predict clinical PD. They include motor and nonmotor clinical symptoms, clinical signs, and ancillary diagnostic tests. These criteria represent a first step in the formal delineation of early stages of PD and will require constant updating as more information becomes available. © 2015 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
α7 nicotinic receptor agonists reduce levodopa‐induced dyskinesias with severe nigrostriatal damage

ABT‐126 is a novel, safe, and well‐tolerated α7 nicotinic receptor agonist in a Phase 2 Alzheimer's disease study. We tested the antidyskinetic effect of ABT‐126 in 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine–treated squirrel monkeys with moderate and more severe nigrostriatal damage.
Bi-directionality of Brain-Gut Interactions in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are associated with mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression, but it is not clear whether one contributes to development of the other, or if the interaction is bi-directional (anxiety or depression contributes to the progression of IBD, and IBD affects psychological health). We performed a 2-year longitudinal prospective study of patients in secondary to care investigate the bi-directionality of IBD and mood disorders. METHODS We collected data from 405 adult patients with a diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) from November 2012 through June 2017. Demographic features, subtypes of IBD, treatments, symptoms, somatization, and fecal level of calprotectin were recorded at baseline. IBD activity was determined at baseline and after the follow-up period (2 years or more) using the Harvey-Bradshaw Index for CD and the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index for UC (scores ≥5 used to define disease activity). Anxiety and depression data were collected using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), at baseline and after the follow-up period. Objective markers of disease activity, including glucocorticosteroid prescription or flare of disease activity, escalation of therapy, hospitalization secondary to IBD activity, and intestinal resection during follow-up were assessed via case note review. A brain-gut direction of disease activity was defined as development of new IBD activity in patients with quiescent IBD and abnormal HADS scores at baseline. A gut-brain direction of disease activity was defined by subsequent development of abnormal HADS scores in patients with active IBD and normal HADS scores at baseline. We performed multivariate Cox regression controlling for patient characteristics and follow-up duration. RESULTS Baseline CD or UC disease activity were associated with an almost 6-fold increase in risk for a later abnormal anxiety score (hazard ratio [HR], 5.77; 95% CI, 1.89-17.7). In patients with quiescent IBD at baseline, baseline abnormal anxiety scores were associated with later need for glucocorticosteroid prescription or flare of IBD activity (HR, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.31-3.30) and escalation of therapy (HR, 1.82; 95% CI, 1.19-2.80). These associations persisted when normal IBD activity index scores and fecal level of calprotectin <250 μg/g were used to define quiescent disease at baseline. CONCLUSIONS In a 2-year study of patients with CD or UC, we found evidence for bi-directional effects of IBD activity and psychological disorders. Patients with IBD should be monitored for psychological well-being.
Ectopic expression of cytosolic superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase leads to salt stress tolerance in transgenic plums.

To fortify the antioxidant capacity of plum plants, genes encoding cytosolic antioxidants ascorbate peroxidase (cytapx) and Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (cytsod) were genetically engineered in these plants. Transgenic plum plants expressing the cytsod and/or cytapx genes in cytosol have been generated under the control of the CaMV35S promoter. High levels of cytsod and cytapx gene transcripts suggested that the transgenes were constitutively and functionally expressed. We examined the potential functions of cytSOD and cytAPX in in vitro plum plants against salt stress (100 mm NaCl). Several transgenic plantlets expressing cytsod and/or cytapx showed an enhanced tolerance to salt stress, mainly lines C5-5 and J8-1 (expressing several copies of sod and apx, respectively). Transformation as well as NaCl treatments influenced the antioxidative metabolism of plum plantlets, including enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants. Transgenic plantlets exhibited higher contents of nonenzymatic antioxidants glutathione and ascorbate than nontransformed control, which correlated with lower accumulation of hydrogen peroxide. Overall, our results suggest that transformation of plum plants with genes encoding antioxidant enzymes enhances the tolerance to salinity.
Diversity of extracellular proteins during the transition from the ‘proto-apicomplexan’ alveolates to the apicomplexan obligate parasites

SUMMARY The recent completion of high-coverage draft genome sequences for several alveolate protozoans – namely, the chromerids, Chromera velia and Vitrella brassicaformis; the perkinsid Perkinsus marinus; the apicomplexan, Gregarina niphandrodes, as well as high coverage transcriptome sequence information for several colpodellids, allows for new genome-scale comparisons across a rich landscape of apicomplexans and other alveolates. Genome annotations can now be used to help interpret fine ultrastructure and cell biology, and guide new studies to describe a variety of alveolate life strategies, such as symbiosis or free living, predation, and obligate intracellular parasitism, as well to provide foundations to dissect the evolutionary transitions between these niches. This review focuses on the attempt to identify extracellular proteins which might mediate the physical interface of cell–cell interactions within the above life strategies, aided by annotation of the repertoires of predicted surface and secreted proteins encoded within alveolate genomes. In particular, we discuss what descriptions of the predicted extracellular proteomes reveal regarding a hypothetical last common ancestor of a pre-apicomplexan alveolate – guided by ultrastructure, life strategies and phylogenetic relationships – in an attempt to understand the evolution of obligate parasitism in apicomplexans.
Host-induced gene silencing inhibits the biotrophic pathogen causing downy mildew of lettuce.

Host-induced gene silencing (HIGS) is an RNA interference-based approach in which small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are produced in the host plant and subsequently move into the pathogen to silence pathogen genes. As a proof-of-concept, we generated stable transgenic lettuce plants expressing siRNAs targeting potentially vital genes of Bremia lactucae, a biotrophic oomycete that causes downy mildew, the most important disease of lettuce worldwide. Transgenic plants, expressing inverted repeats of fragments of either the Highly Abundant Message #34 (HAM34) or Cellulose Synthase (CES1) genes of B. lactucae, specifically suppressed expression of these genes, resulting in greatly reduced growth and inhibition of sporulation of B. lactucae. This demonstrates that HIGS can provide effective control of B. lactucae in lettuce; such control does not rely on ephemeral resistance conferred by major resistance genes and therefore offers new opportunities for durable control of diverse diseases in numerous crops.
Advances in sensor and wearable technologies for Parkinson's disease

Quantitative assessment and management of Parkinson’s disease using new technology-based tools, worn or operated by patients preferentially in the domestic environment, have attracted considerable attention during recent years. This series of articles provides an overview of how such technology-based tools are already used or may soon be used for this purpose. It includes invited reviews from clinical and technology or data management experts and articles submitted to Movement Disorders during the past few months that fit the topic of this series. A clinical viewpoint, including a proposal for a common framework to develop clinically accepted technology-based tools for the management of Parkinson’s disease, opens the series. Then, the International Parkinson and Movement Disorders Society Task Force on Technology summarizes the challenges and opportunities of current developments in this field. This is followed by a systematic review that provides an overview on technological, demographic, clinimetric, and technology transfer readiness parameters of all technology-based tools introduced during the past decade and a publicly available database containing the information extracted from the original articles. Del Din and colleagues contribute with a review concerning the potential of technology-based tools for the assessment of Parkinson features in free-living environments, which is accompanied by a letter providing evidence that the use of such tools in the home environment is well accepted by patients even for longer periods. Kubota and colleagues provide a “nontechnological tutorial” review about an emerging discipline, machine-learning, and how it is transforming the large-scale and high-dimensional data, produced by the technologies discussed here, into clinically meaningful information. The series ends with a review from the International Parkinson and Movement Disorders Society Task Force on Tremor about transducer-based evaluation of tremor and a viewpoint about emerging models for home-based care in Parkinson’s disease. We believe that these articles can set the stage for future use and research on technology-based tools for the assessment and management of Parkinson’s disease by defining the outstanding questions in this area.
Tobacco promotions in the hands of youth

Objective -To examine the extent to which minors in the United States are exposed to and participate in tobacco promotion campaigns. Design -1047 minors (12-17 years old) and 290 young adults (18-24 years old) were interviewed in July and August 1993 as part of a national, random digit dial telephone survey designed to investigate the participation by young people in tobacco promotion campaigns. Results -366 minors surveyed had par ticipated in tobacco promotion cam paigns (35%). Among this group, 111 (10.6% of total respondents) reported having owned at least one tobacco pro motional item. The mean number of items owned by these 111 respondents was 3.2. By applying these figures to the US population in this age group, an estimated 7.4 million minors have participated in tobacco promotion cam paigns, and 2.2 million of these have collectively, owned an estimated seven million tobacco promotional items. Conclusions Despite claims by the tobacco industry that promotional items are intended solely for smokers at least 21 years of age, millions of young people, both smokers and non-smokers, possess and use such items. This popular form of advertising lacks warning labels and familiarises minors with tobacco pro ducts. (Tobacco Control 1995; 4: 253-257)
Violence in Business Settings

Violent crimes are discrete events occurring in a particular place at a specific time and involving an identifiable victim or victims and one or more less identifiable perpetrators. These events are not distributed randomly in place or time, and the people involved are not a random sample of the population. There are discernible patterns, many of which are known or suspected. Because these patterns exist, there is reason to believe that the scientific principles that account for their occurrence can be discovered and, when known, can reduce the injuries and deaths that violence causes. Progress in obtaining a scientific understanding of violence has been aided by two major developments. The first stems from the past compartmentalization of science that had led to a narrow focus on only those variables which fell traditionally within a scientific discipline, be it anthropology, sociology, or psychology, to name but three. Now, it is accepted that there are differences in
Rifamycin SV and rifampicin exhibit differential inhibition of the hepatic rat organic anion transporting polypeptides, Oatp1 and Oatp2

The antibiotics, rifamycin SV and rifampicin, are known to interfere with hepatic bile salt and organic anion uptake. The aim of this study was to explore which transport systems are affected. In short‐term–cultured rat hepatocytes, low concentrations (10 μmol/L) of both compounds inhibited mainly sodium‐independent taurocholate uptake, whereas higher concentrations (100 μmol/L) also inhibited sodium‐dependent taurocholate uptake. In Xenopus laevis oocytes expressing the Na+/taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (Ntcp), high rifamycin SV and rifampicin concentrations were required for inhibition of taurocholate uptake. In contrast, sodium‐independent taurocholate uptake mediated by the organic anion transporting polypeptides, Oatp1 and Oatp2, was already substantially inhibited by 10 μmol/L rifamycin SV. Rifampicin potently inhibited Oatp2‐mediated taurocholate uptake, but did not interfere with Oatp1‐mediated taurocholate uptake. Similar effects of rifamycin SV and rifampicin were found for Oatp1‐ and Oatp2‐mediated estradiol‐17β‐glucuronide transport. Dixon plot analysis yielded a pattern compatible with competitive inhibition of estradiol‐17β‐glucuronide transport with Ki estimates of 6.6 μmol/L and 7.3 μmol/L for rifamycin SV–induced inhibition of Oatp1 and Oatp2, respectively, and of 1.4 μmol/L for rifampicin‐induced inhibition of Oatp2. These results demonstrate that rifamycin SV and rifampicin exhibit differential inhibition on Oatp1 and Oatp2, and identify rifampicin as a selective Oatp2 inhibitor. The data indicate that these inhibitors can be used to determine the in vivo relevance of Oatp1 and Oatp2 for the overall bioavailability and disposition of drugs and other Oatp1/2 substrates.
Analysis of hepatitis B viral load decline under potent therapy: Complex decay profiles observed

We used a new real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based assay that is sensitive, has a wide dynamic linear range, and is highly reproducible to quantify hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA in the serum of infected individuals undergoing potent antiviral therapy. In addition, we made frequent measurements of viral load after initiation of treatment and maintained follow‐up to about 12 weeks. To analyze the data we used a new model of HBV decay, which takes into account that existing drug treatments do not completely block de novo infection and the possibility of noncytolytic loss of infected cells. On initiation of therapy, there was a mean delay of 1.6 days followed by a biphasic or muliphasic decay of plasma HBV DNA. The slope of the first phase varied considerably, with one individual having rapid decay, corresponding to a virion half‐life of 1 hour, but others showing half‐lives of up to 92 hours. Individuals either had a slow second‐phase decline (t½ = 7.2 ± 1.2 days) or a flat second phase. Some individuals exhibited a complex “staircase pattern” of decay, with further phases of viral DNA decline and phases with little change in viral load.