Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diets of Bobcats in Arkansas with Special Reference to Age and Sex Differences

Relationships between diet of bobcats (Lynx rufus) and season, region, age, and sex were studied in Arkansas, based on contents of 150 stomachs collected between June 1970 and April 1972. Rabbits (Sylvilagus sp.), squirrels (Sciurus niger, S. carolinensis, Tamias striatus, Glaucomys volans), and rats and mice (Sigmodon hispidus, Neotoma floridana, Peromyscus sp., Microtus pinetorum, Reithrodontomys sp.) were found in 39, 22, and 21 percent of stomachs, respectively. Consumption of rabbits and deer (Odocoileus virginianus) peaked in autumn. Occurrence of rabbits (P < 0.025) and rats and mice (P < 0.01) was greater in stomachs from the Gulf Coastal Plain region; occurrence of squirrels (P < 0.005) was greater in the Interior Highlands. Diets of kittens, juveniles, and adults were similar. Occurrence of rats and mice was greater in females than in males (P < 0.025), suggesting that females selected smaller or more abundant
Starch Gel Electrophoresis of Ferns: A Compilation of Grinding Buffers, Gel and Electrode Buffers, and Staining Schedules

The homosporous pteridophytes have been largely uninvestigated by electrophoresis, despite the fact that they offer many exciting research possibilities (Soltis et al., 1980). The paucity of electrophoretic studies of ferns and fern allies may be due in large part to the high concentrations of condensed tannins that many species contain (Cooper-Driver, 1976 and pers. comm.). These compounds render enzymes inactive by binding with them following cellular disruption, thereby frustrating researchers who have attempted electrophoretic analysis utilizing standard methods of sample preparation. The method of sample preparation developed by Kelley and Adams (1977a, b) in their analysis of enzyme variation in Juniperus was an important procedural breakthrough in overcoming the difficulties that result from the liberation of large amounts of phenolic compounds during tissue preparation. Recently, a simplified version of that method was applied by Soltis et al. (1980) to fern leaf tissue, facilitating rapid preparation of active enzyme samples and thereby making electrophoretic analyses of large numbers of individuals more feasible. In an attempt to improve methods of analysis of fern enzymes in starch gel electrophoresis, we have experimented with modifications of the method of sample preparation outlined by Soltis et al. (1980). We also have examined several different methods of sample preparation such as those of Gottlieb (1981a), Mitton et al. (1979), and Werth et al. (1982), and have evaluated the relative merits of each with fern tissue. Finally, during the course of our electrophoretic investigations of ferns we found that standard gel and electrode buffers and staining schedules, such as those of Brewer (1970) and Shaw and Prasad (1970), often provided unsatisfactory results when applied to ferns. We have determined gel and electrode buffers, as well as staining schedules, that provide clear starch gel enzyme banding for 22 enzyme systems in ferns. Requests for advice resulting from the recent surge of interest in fern enzyme electrophoresis have prompted us to compile our procedural data so that other researchers can take advantage of our experimentation. We hope that these data will stimulate more extensive electrophoretic investigation of pteridophytes and other electrophoretically difficult taxa. Gottlieb (1981b) recently reviewed aspects of enzyme electrophoresis primarily in gymnosperms and angiosperms. His discussion is equally relevant to understanding the potential applications and limitations of electrophoretic evidence in pteridophytes. Since homosporous pteridophytes have high chromosome numbers, it is tempting to invoke polyploidy in interpreting their enzyme band patterns. It is well
Evaluating rates of reporting symptoms of Parkinson’s disease psychosis: provider versus targeted questionnaire

Abstract Purpose/aim A targeted questionnaire may help increase rates of reporting Parkinson’s disease psychosis (PDP) symptoms. Despite the need for a rapid patient- and/or caregiver-administered screening tool for PDP symptoms, an appropriate tool is not yet available. This study developed a targeted PDP questionnaire and examined rates of reporting psychosis symptoms in response to the questionnaire compared to rates of reporting symptoms to healthcare providers during a routine visit. Materials and methods This was a single-center, cross-sectional observational study of patients at an outpatient neurology practice. Medical charts were screened for eligibility, and patients were contacted by telephone for informed consent. Results A total of 25 patients (24%, N = 104) newly reported PDP symptoms in response to the targeted questionnaire. The frequency of reporting new symptoms in response to the questionnaire was statistically significantly greater compared to frequency of reporting symptoms without use of a targeted questionnaire (p < 0.0001). Conclusions A targeted questionnaire increases rates of reporting PDP symptoms, and based on frequency, severity, and distress ratings, may allow for capture of PDP symptoms earlier in the course of the disease. By using a questionnaire, patients reported symptom onset an average of 1.4 years earlier than patients who reported symptoms to their providers according to patient medical records.
Soluble collectin-12 mediates C3-independent docking of properdin that activates the alternative pathway of complement

Properdin stabilizes the alternative C3 convertase (C3bBb), whereas its role as pattern-recognition molecule mediating complement activation is disputed for decades. Previously, we have found that soluble collectin-12 (sCL-12) synergizes complement alternative pathway (AP) activation. However, whether this observation is C3 dependent is unknown. By application of the C3-inhibitor Cp40, we found that properdin in normal human serum bound to Aspergillus fumigatus solely in a C3b-dependent manner. Cp40 also prevented properdin binding when properdin-depleted serum reconstituted with purified properdin was applied, in analogy with the findings achieved by C3-depleted serum. However, when opsonized with sCL-12, properdin bound in a C3-independent manner exclusively via its tetrameric structure and directed in situ C3bBb assembly. In conclusion, a prerequisite for properdin binding and in situ C3bBb assembly was the initial docking of sCL-12. This implies a new important function of properdin in host defense bridging pattern recognition and specific AP activation.
Corrigendum to: Risk factors associated with inpatient cardiac arrest during emergency endotracheal intubation at general wards

In the article titled “Risk factors associated with inpatient cardiac arrest during emergency endotracheal intubation at general wards” published on August 2019 [1], there was plagiarism suspicion as the abstract, limitation, and results are quite similar with those in the article by Wardi et al. [2]. In response, the author explained that there are limitations in clinical research, such as the fact that many similar papers exist and that this study was not entirely new ideas, and that the target groups were set differently with retrospective study nature [25]. The author admitted to omitting to cite this paper [2] as a reference in the course of writing the paper. The Editorial Board of Acute and Critical Care decided to publish a corrigendum to correct this plagiarism controversy according to the flowchart of COPE. We would like to apologize for any inconvenience that may have caused. The revised file can be found on the following page.
Riqueza e uso do habitat por mamíferos de médio e grande porte na Caatinga, nordeste do Brasil

A Caatinga, ecossistema semiarido brasileiro, encontra-se criticamente ameacada por acoes antropicas, havendo escassas informacoes sobre mamiferos de grande porte na regiao. Esse estudo caracteriza a comunidade de mamiferos de medio e grande porte em relacao a composicao de especies e uso do habitat, em uma area protegida de 2.138 ha localizada em Sergipe, nordeste do Brasil. Amostragens foram realizadas em tres habitats: caatinga arbustiva arborea, grota e mata ciliar. Utilizaram-se 30 parcelas de areia e armadilhas fotograficas, entre novembro de 2012 a novembro de 2013, em campanhas mensais. Foram registradas 10 especies atraves de 571 registros, sendo 454 em parcelas de areia e 117 por fotografias. Tres especies foram registradas ocasionalmente, resultando em uma riqueza de 13 especies para a area, destacando-se o primeiro registro de Lontra longicaudis para a Caatinga. Kerodon rupestris e pequenos felinos diferiram quanto ao uso do habitat, sendo o primeiro mais relacionado a grota e o segundo, a mata ciliar. A comunidade e constituida por especies generalistas no uso do habitat, sendo que o tamanho reduzido da area e o grau de degradacao do seu entorno, resultante da supressao da vegetacao nativa para a pratica agricola, podem ter contribuido para a baixa riqueza observada.
Decoding IL-23 Signaling Cascade for New Therapeutic Opportunities

The interleukin 23 (IL-23) is a key pro-inflammatory cytokine in the development of chronic inflammatory diseases, such as psoriasis, inflammatory bowel diseases, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis. The pathological consequences of excessive IL-23 signaling have been linked to its ability to promote the production of inflammatory mediators, such as IL-17, IL-22, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating (GM-CSF), or the tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) by target populations, mainly Th17 and IL-17-secreting TCRγδ cells (Tγδ17). Due to their pivotal role in inflammatory diseases, IL-23 and its downstream effector molecules have emerged as attractive therapeutic targets, leading to the development of neutralizing antibodies against IL-23 and IL-17 that have shown efficacy in different inflammatory diseases. Despite the success of monoclonal antibodies, there are patients that show no response or partial response to these treatments. Thus, effective therapies for inflammatory diseases may require the combination of multiple immune-modulatory drugs to prevent disease progression and to improve quality of life. Alternative strategies aimed at inhibiting intracellular signaling cascades using small molecule inhibitors or interfering peptides have not been fully exploited in the context of IL-23-mediated diseases. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge about proximal signaling events triggered by IL-23 upon binding to its membrane receptor to bring to the spotlight new opportunities for therapeutic intervention in IL-23-mediated pathologies.
Exposure to pyrethroids induces behavioral impairments, neurofibrillary tangles and tau pathology in Alzheimer’s type neurodegeneration in adult Wistar rats

Abstract This study investigated the exposure of pyrethroids in the development of Alzheimer’s type neurodegeneration by analyzing β- amyloid, tau and Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) in adult Wistar rats. Forty adult Wistar rats (130–150 g) of both sexes were assigned into five groups (n = 8). Groups A-C were treated with three different sub-lethal doses (75, 50 and 25%)of the pyrethroids formulation diluted with olive oil once/daily for 45 days, while groups D&E received olive oil and distilled water respectively (as control groups). During the treatments, physical clinical signs were monitored for cognitive behavioral studies involving object recognition tasks and novel object identification test. At the end of treatment, the rats were sacrificed by cervical dislocation, the brains were harvested and the hippocampus located and dissected out for immunohistochemical studies. Standard histochemical techniques were employed. The results showed a significant decrease (p ≤ 0.05) in the spontaneous alternation and discrimination index in the treatment groups when compared to the control groups. Histological observation showed nuclear fragmentation in treated rats in a dose dependent manner when compared to the controls. Amyloid plaques were further observed and markedly stained with Congo-red in the treated rats compared to the control groups. Immunohistochemical observation revealed that exposure to pyrethroids increased immunoreactivity of GFAP and tau protein in both CA3 and Dentate gyrus (DG) regions in the treated rats indicative of Alzheimer’s type degenerative diseases.
Modeling an integrated HIV prevention and care continuum to achieve the ending the HIV epidemic goals.

OBJECTIVE We sought to evaluate which combinations of HIV prevention and care activities would have the greatest impact towards reaching the US Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) plan goals of HIV incidence reduction. DESIGN A stochastic network-based HIV transmission model for men who have sex with men (MSM), calibrated to surveillance estimates in the Atlanta area, a focal EHE jurisdiction. METHODS Model scenarios varied HIV screening rates under different assumptions of how HIV-negative MSM would be linked to PrEP initiation, and rates of HIV care linkage and retention for those screening positive. RESULTS A 10-fold relative increase in HIV screening rates (to approximately biannual screening for black and Hispanic MSM and quarterly for white MSM) would lead to 43% of infections averted if integrated with PrEP initiation. Improvements focused only on black MSM would achieve nearly the same outcome (37% of infections averted). Improvements to HIV care retention would avert 41% of infections if retention rates were improved 10-fold. If both screening and retention were jointly improved 10-fold, up to 74% of cumulative infections would be averted. Under this scenario, it would take 4 years to meet the 75% EHE goal and 12 years to meet the 90% goal for Atlanta MSM. CONCLUSIONS Reaching the EHE 75% incidence reduction goals by their target dates will require immediate and substantial improvements in HIV screening, PrEP, and ART care retention. Meeting these EHE goals in target jurisdictions like Atlanta will be possible only by addressing the HIV service needs of black MSM.
Comparative Proteomics of Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM) Proteome across Species and Lactation Stages and the Potentials of MFGM Fractions in Infant Formula Preparation

Milk is a lipid-in-water emulsion with a primary role in the nutrition of newborns. Milk fat globules (MFGs) are a mixture of proteins and lipids with nutraceutical properties related to the milk fat globule membrane (MFGM), which protects them, thus preventing their coalescence. Human and bovine MFGM proteomes have been extensively characterized in terms of their formation, maturation, and composition. Here, we review the most recent comparative proteomic analyses of MFGM proteome, above all from humans and bovines, but also from other species. The major MFGM proteins are found in all the MFGM proteomes of the different species, although there are variations in protein expression levels and molecular functions across species and lactation stages. Given the similarities between the human and bovine MFGM and the bioactive properties of MFGM components, several attempts have been made to supplement infant formulas (IFs), mainly with polar lipid fractions of bovine MFGM and to a lesser extent with protein fractions. The aim is thus to narrow the gap between human breast milk and cow-based IFs. Despite the few attempts made to date, supplementation with MFGM proteins seems promising as MFGM lipid supplementation. A deeper understanding of MFGM proteomes should lead to better results.
Strategies for Using Polydopamine to Induce Biomineralization of Hydroxyapatite on Implant Materials for Bone Tissue Engineering

In the field of tissue engineering, there are several issues to consider when designing biomaterials for implants, including cellular interaction, good biocompatibility, and biochemical activity. Biomimetic mineralization has gained considerable attention as an emerging approach for the synthesis of biocompatible materials with complex shapes, categorized organization, controlled shape, and size in aqueous environments. Understanding biomineralization strategies could enhance opportunities for novel biomimetic mineralization approaches. In this regard, mussel-inspired biomaterials have recently attracted many researchers due to appealing features, such as strong adhesive properties on moist surfaces, improved cell adhesion, and immobilization of bioactive molecules via catechol chemistry. This molecular designed approach has been a key point in combining new functionalities into accessible biomaterials for biomedical applications. Polydopamine (PDA) has emerged as a promising material for biomaterial functionalization, considering its simple molecular structure, independence of target materials, cell interactions for adhesion, and robust reactivity for resulting functionalization. In this review, we highlight the strategies for using PDA to induce the biomineralization of hydroxyapatite (HA) on the surface of various implant materials with good mechanical strength and corrosion resistance. We also discuss the interactions between the PDA-HA coating, and several cell types that are intricate in many biomedical applications, involving bone defect repair, bone regeneration, cell attachment, and antibacterial activity.
Strategies for Developing κ Opioid Receptor Agonists for the Treatment of Pain with Fewer Side Effects

There is significant need to find effective, nonaddictive pain medications. κ Opioid receptor (KOPr) agonists have been studied for decades but have recently received increased attention because of their analgesic effects and lack of abuse potential. However, a range of side effects have limited the clinical development of these drugs. There are several strategies currently used to develop safer and more effective KOPr agonists. These strategies include identifying G-protein–biased agonists, developing peripherally restricted KOPr agonists without centrally mediated side effects, and developing mixed opioid agonists, which target multiple receptors at specific ratios to balance side-effect profiles and reduce tolerance. Here, we review the latest developments in research related to KOPr agonists for the treatment of pain. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT This review discusses strategies for developing safer κ opioid receptor (KOPr) agonists with therapeutic potential for the treatment of pain. Although one strategy is to modify selective KOPr agonists to create peripherally restricted or G-protein–biased structures, another approach is to combine KOPr agonists with μ, δ, or nociceptin opioid receptor activation to obtain mixed opioid receptor agonists, therefore negating the adverse effects and retaining the therapeutic effect.
Relationship between High Blood Pressure and Microalbuminuria in Children Aged 6–9 Years in a South African Population

Though the association between high blood pressure and microalbuminuria is well established in adults, there is a paucity of information on microalbuminuria in children. This study investigated the relationship between high blood pressure and microalbuminuria in 6–9-year-old children. A cross-sectional study, which included 306 primary school children of age 6–9 years old from urban areas (n = 154) and rural areas (n = 152) of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, was conducted. Participants’ anthropometric data were determined and systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and heart rate (HR) were measured and converted to BP percentiles for age, sex and height. Creatinine and albumin concentrations were assayed in early morning midstream urine and the albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) was calculated. There was a 42.8% prevalence of elevated blood pressure/high blood pressure (E-BP/H-BP) and a 10.1% prevalence of microalbuminuria. Among the 131 children with E-BP/H-BP, 17 had elevated ACR with a prevalence of 13.95%. SBP and HR increased with increasing range of ACR and, furthermore, SBP was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in children with moderately and severely increased ACR. SBP was associated with ACR and increased SBP predicted microalbuminuria (R2 = 0.42, adj R2 = 0.039, B: 0.120, p = < 0.05). In conclusion, microalbuminuria was present in 6–9-year-old South African children of African Ancestry and a weak association was observed with SBP in children.
Psychometric Evaluation of the TIC Grade, a Self-Report Measure to Assess Youth Perceptions of the Quality of Trauma-Informed Care They Received

Background Agencies and clinical practices are beginning to provide trauma-informed care (TIC) to their clients. However, there are no measures to assess clients’ perceptions of and satisfaction with the TIC care they have received. A 20-item questionnaire, the TIC Grade, was developed, based on the National Center for Trauma-Informed Care principles of TIC, to assess the patient or client perception of the TIC provided in settings that serve adolescents and emerging adults. Objective The goal of this project was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the TIC Grade instrument and to make recommendations for use of the full measure and its short form—an overall letter grade. Study Design The TIC Grade questionnaire was administered to youth over the age of 18 years from four community partners providing care to vulnerable young adults. Potential participants were offered questionnaires at the end of their visit. Those interested in participating left their completed anonymous questionnaire in a locked box to maintain confidentiality. Questionnaires were collected from 100 respondents; 95 were complete enough to include in analyses for psychometric evaluation. Results The findings of this project support the reliability and usability of the 20-item TIC Grade measure to assess youth’s perceptions of the quality of TIC they received. Conclusions This TIC-specific, behaviorally worded client report measure can assist service delivery organizations to assess their success at implementing TIC and to identify areas where further staff training and support are needed.
Survey and monitoring methods for New Zealand lizards

ABSTRACT Accurate inventory and monitoring of any faunal group requires field methods that are logistically feasible and ethically acceptable in combination with robust sampling designs. In New Zealand, the development of effective methods for sampling native lizards (currently 99 taxa) required adaptations to techniques used internationally and the invention of novel devices. We summarise and review five standard field methods used for inventory and monitoring of New Zealand lizards (systematic searches, pitfall trapping, funnel trapping, artificial retreats and photo-identification) and acknowledge the influence of the late Tony Whitaker on their development. Tony pioneered the use of baited pitfall traps for capturing terrestrial lizards and binocular-mounted spotlights for locating nocturnal geckos. Recent development of funnel traps, artificial retreats and photo-identification (all used extensively overseas) for New Zealand lizards has resulted in a surge in their uptake here. Arboreal species and low-density populations present sampling challenges that require further attention.
Nonhyperemic Pressure Ratios Versus Fractional Flow Reserve: What to Do With Discordant Results?

Invasive physiologic indices for the assessment of intermediate coronary lesions have become the standard of care as per guideline recommendations. Hyperemic fractional flow reserve (FFR) is the established physiologic index based on favorable long-term prognostic data.1–4 Recently, nonhyperemic diastolic pressure ratios (NHPRs) such as instantaneous wavefree ratio (iFR) have emerged as resting physiologic indices that perform comparably to FFR for clinical decision making.5–8 When the FFR and NHPRs measurements are concordant (NHPRs+/FFR+ or NHPRs−/ FFR−), the decision to revascularize is straightforward. However, when the measurements of FFR and NHPR are discordant (NHPRs+/FFR− or NHPRs−/FFR+) (as in ≈20% of cases),9 the operator is left with a dilemma, as the clinical outcomes of discordant lesions are unclear.