Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
On the Evolution of Mating Systems in Birds and Mammals

Predictions from a theory assuming mate selection on the part of females, which maximizes reproductive success of individuals, are found to accord closely, though not completely, with known mating patterns. These predictions are that (1) polyandry should be rare, (2) polygyny should be more common among mammals than among birds, (3) polygyny should be more prevalent among precocial than among altricial birds, (4) conditions for polygyny should be met in marshes more regularly than among terrestrial environments, (5) polygyny should be more prevalent among species of early successional habitats, (6) polygyny should be more prevalent among species in which feeding areas are widespread but nesting sites are restricted, and (7) polygyny should evolve more readily among species in which clutch size is strongly influenced by factors other than the ability of the adults to provide food for the young. Most cases of polygyny in birds, a group in which monogamy is the most common mating pattern, can be explained on the basis of the model, and those cases not apparently fitting into the predictions are clearly indicated. Thus, there is no need at present to invoke more complicated and restrictive mechanisms to explain the mating patterns known to exist.
Characterization and Identification of Marine Alteromonas nigrifaciens Strains and Emendation of the Description

Nine nonpigmented strains of gram-negative, aerobic, marine bacteria with polar flagella were isolated from the mussels Crenomytilus grayanus and Patinopecten jessoensis. These organisms were conspecific and exhibited relatively high levels of genetic relatedness (61 to 100%). The G+C contents of the DNAs of these strains were 38.5 to 40.2 mol%. The strains isolated from mussels were phenotypically distinct from previously described Alteromonas species that have similar DNA G+C contents (Alteromonas haloplanktis, Alteromonas tetraodonis, Alteromonas atlantica, and Alteromonas carrageenovora), and their DNAs exhibited only 12 to 41% similarity with the DNAs of the type strains of these species. DNA-DNA hybridization data revealed that the levels relatedness between the strains which we studied and the type strain of Alteromonas nigrifaciens were significant (66 to 70%). Production of a melanin-like pigment, which is characteristic of A. nigrifaciens, was observed only in tyrosine-containing media. The strains isolated from mussels were identified as A. nigrifaciens. We present an emended description of A. nigrifaciens that includes several phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics.
Acute Coronary Syndromes and Covid-19: Exploring the Uncertainties

Since an association between myocardial infarction (MI) and respiratory infections has been described for influenza viruses and other respiratory viral agents, understanding possible physiopathological links between severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and acute coronary syndromes (ACS) is of the greatest importance. The initial data suggest an underestimation of ACS cases all over the world, but acute MI still represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and should not be overshadowed during the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic. No common consensus regarding the most adequate healthcare management policy for ACS is currently available. Indeed, important differences have been reported between the measures employed to treat ACS in China during the first disease outbreak and what currently represents clinical practice across Europe and the USA. This review aims to discuss the pathophysiological links between MI, respiratory infections, and Covid-19; epidemiological data related to ACS at the time of the Covid-19 pandemic; and learnings that have emerged so far from several catheterization labs and coronary care units all over the world, in order to shed some light on the current strategies for optimal management of ACS patients with confirmed or suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Enterprise Security Architecture: Mythology or Methodology?

: Security has never been more important. However, without a holistic security structure that secures all assets of an organisation (physical, digital or cognitive), an organisation is at a critical risk. Enterprise architecture (EA) applies engineering design principles and provides a complete structure to design and build an organisation using classification schema and descriptive representations. The grouping of security with EA, through a framework with corresponding security classifications and representations, promises a complete security solution. We evaluate security frameworks and find that grouping security with EA is not new, however current solutions indicate a lack of research process in development, a disjoint focus in either technical or policy / department or project. Thus, there is a need for a holistic solution. We use a Design Science Research methodology to design, develop, and demonstrate a security EA framework that provides an organisation with a complete security solution regardless of industry, budgetary constraints, or size, and survey professionals to critically analyse the framework. The results indicate the need for a complete security structure including benefits in governance, resourcing, functional responsibilities, risk management and compliance.
Independent inhibition of the polymerase and deubiquitinase activities of the Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever Virus full-length L-protein

Background The Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) is a segmented negative-sense RNA virus that can cause severe human disease. The World Health Organization (WHO) has listed CCHFVas a priority pathogen with an urgent need for enhanced research activities to develop effective countermeasures. Here we adopted a biochemical approach that targets the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). The CCHFV RdRp activity is part of a multifunctional L protein that is unusually large with a molecular weight of ~450 kDa. The CCHFV L-protein also contains an ovarian tumor (OTU) domain that exhibits deubiquitinating (DUB) activity, which was shown to interfere with innate immune responses and viral replication. We report on the expression, characterization and inhibition of the CCHFV full-length L-protein and studied both RNA synthesis and DUB activity. Methodology/Principle findings Recombinant full-length CCHFV L protein was expressed in insect cells and purified to near homogeneity using affinity chromatography. RdRp activity was monitored with model primer/templates during elongation in the presence of divalent metal ions. We observed a 14-mer full length RNA product as well as the expected shorter products when omitting certain nucleotides from the reaction mixture. The D2517N mutation of the putative active site rendered the enzyme inactive. Inhibition of RNA synthesis was studies with the broad-spectrum antivirals ribavirin and favipiravir that mimic nucleotide substrates. The triphosphate form of these compounds act like ATP or GTP; however, incorporation of ATP or GTP is markedly favored over the inhibitors. We also studied the effects of bona fide nucleotide analogues 2’-deoxy-2’-fluoro-CTP (FdC) and 2’-deoxy-2’-amino-CTP and demonstrate increased inhibitory effects due to higher rates of incorporation. We further show that the CCHFV L full-length protein and the isolated OTU domain cleave Lys48- and Lys63-linked polyubiqutin chains. Moreover, the ubiquitin analogue CC.4 inhibits the CCHFV-associated DUB activity of the full-length L protein and the isolated DUB domain to a similar extent. Inhibition of DUB activity does not affect elongation of RNA synthesis, and inhibition of RNA synthesis does not affect DUB activity. Both domains are functionally independent under these conditions. Conclusions/Significance The requirements for high biosafety measures hamper drug discovery and development efforts with infectious CCHFV. The availability of full-length CCHFV L-protein provides an important tool in this regard. High-throughput screening (HTS) campaigns are now feasible. The same enzyme preparations can be employed to identify novel polymerase and DUB inhibitors.
Particle-Size-Dependent Delivery of Antitumoral miRNA Using Targeted Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles

Multifunctional core-shell mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) were tailored in size ranging from 60 to 160 nm as delivery agents for antitumoral microRNA (miRNA). The positively charged particle core with a pore diameter of about 5 nm and a stellate pore morphology allowed for an internal, protective adsorption of the fragile miRNA cargo. A negatively charged particle surface enabled the association of a deliberately designed block copolymer with the MSN shell by charge-matching, simultaneously acting as a capping as well as endosomal release agent. Furthermore, the copolymer was functionalized with the peptide ligand GE11 targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor, EGFR. These multifunctional nanoparticles showed an enhanced uptake into EGFR-overexpressing T24 bladder cancer cells through receptor-mediated cellular internalization. A luciferase gene knock-down of up to 65% and additional antitumoral effects such as a decreased cell migration as well as changes in cell cycle were observed. We demonstrate that nanoparticles with a diameter of 160 nm show the fastest cellular internalization after a very short incubation time of 45 min and produce the highest level of gene knock-down.
THE BIOLOGY OF CANADIAN WEEDS.: 32 Chenopodium album L.

In Canada, lamb’s-quarters (Chenopodium album L.) occurs in disturbed habitats in every province, the Yukon and the Northwest Territories. A key is provided separating two other closely related weedy species, C. berlandieri Moq. ssp. zschackei (Murr.) Zobel and C. strictum Roth var. glaucophyllum (Aellen) Wahl from C. album. The biology of C. album, the most common weedy species in the genus, is discussed.
Ubiquinol-10 Intake Is Effective in Relieving Mild Fatigue in Healthy Individuals

Our double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated effects of ubiquinol, the reduced form of coenzyme Q10, on mild fatigue in healthy individuals experiencing fatigue in daily life that had continued for more than 1 and less than 6 months. The participants received 100-mg/day (Ubq100; age 44.0 ± 9.8 years; 14 females and 6 males) or 150-mg/day ubiquinol (Ubq150; age 40.4 ± 11.8 years; 14 females and 8 males) or placebo (Plc; age 41.3 ± 13.4 years; 13 females and 7 males) daily for 12 weeks. Measurements of subjective and objective fatigue were conducted by using questionnaires-based fatigue scales/visual analogue scales and autonomic nerve function/biological oxidation index, respectively, prior to the first dosing and every 4 weeks thereafter. Serum ubiquinol level increased three- to four-fold after 4 weeks and remained significantly higher than that after Plc administration throughout the intake period. Although a higher blood level of ubiquinol was observed with Ubq150 than with Ubq100, the difference was not statistically significant. In both Ubq100 and Ubq150 groups, subjective levels of fatigue sensation and sleepiness after cognitive tasks, which consisted of the modified Advanced Trail Making Test, the modified Stroop Color-Word Test, and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test, improved significantly compared with those in the placebo group, suggesting an anti-fatigue effect. The Ubq150 group demonstrated significant improvement compared with the Plc group regarding subjective level of relaxation after task, sleepiness before and after task, motivation for task, and serum level of oxidative stress. Correlation analysis between blood level of ubiquinol and each evaluated effect suggested a positive relationship with relaxation after task, motivation for cognitive task, and parasympathetic activity. The results of the study suggest that ubiquinol intake relieves mild fatigue in healthy individuals.
Trait and state interoceptive abnormalities are associated with dissociation and seizure frequency in patients with functional seizures

Dissociative traits represent a disturbance in selfhood that may predispose to, and trigger, functional seizures (FSs). The predictive representation and control of the internal physiological state of the body (interoception) are proposed to underpin the integrity of the sense of self (“minimal selfhood”). Therefore, discrepancies between objective and subjective aspects of interoception may relate to symptom expression in patients with FSs. Here, we tested whether individual differences in trait measures of interoception relate to dissociative symptoms, and whether state interoceptive deficits predict FS occurrence.
Identification and topography of neuronal cell populations expressing; TNFα and IL‐1α in response to hippocampal lesion

In previous studies, we have shown that a traumatic lesion to the hippocampus of adult mice induces the transitory expression of TNFα and IL‐1α by neurons of different brain areas and also by glial cells at the site of injury. The aim of the present study was to establish whether the expression of TNFα and IL‐1α is restricted to defined subpopulations, or else is common to most of the central neuronal populations. Using polyclonal anti‐GAD 67, anti‐TH and monoclonal anti‐ChAT, and anti‐5‐HT antibodies in a double‐labeling immunohistochemical procedure in combination with murine anti‐TNFα and anti‐IL‐1α polyclonal antibodies, we show that most GABAergic, catecholaminergic, and serotoninergic neurons, and a subgroup of the cholinergic neurons, express these cytokines. Although not immunohistochemically characterized, neurons in some glutamatergic structures such as the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex also express these cytokines. Thus, we conclude that the capacity of central neurons to express cytokines like TNFα and IL‐1α in reaction to a brain Injury is not restricted to peculiar neuronal subtypes, but could include most of the neuronal populations of the brain. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Qualitative Changes in Macroalgal Assemblages under Two Contrasting Climatic Conditions in a Subtropical Estuary

Abstract In this study, we examined the qualitative changes in macroalgal assemblages during the climatic phenomena of drought and rainy season in 45 sampling stations along Estero de Urías in the Gulf of California. The lagoon has a mouth that connects it to the ocean, but there is no continuous supply of fresh water, and physico-chemical characteristics are highly influenced by the contrasting weather in this region. The ratio of green algae versus total species per sampling station was used as an indicator of change in organic enrichment. The ratio was high during both seasons, and the nutrient concentration averaged 14.8 μg at N/L and 1.0mM dissolved-P during the drought and 12.4 μg at N/L and 1.7 μM dissolved-P during the rainy season, showing that the estuary has constant high levels of nutrients in both seasons. However, the average number of species per sampling station, and the number of stations with macroalgae were both larger during the drought season, mainly with Ulva lactuca, U. lobata and Enteromorpha clathrata. In contrast, during the rainy season the assemblages in some parts of the estuary are dominated by red seaweeds such as Gracilariopsis sjoestedtii and Caloglossa leprieurii. Moreover, in spite of the drought season (when it is not possible to observe clear assemblages), during the rainy season four main groups of stations were established by means of a classification analysis based upon the number of species that occur in the different stations. It seems that during the drought the system is environmentally more homogeneous than during the rains, when there is a slight improvement of water conditions, and different environmental zones are established.
Slower growth of Escherichia coli leads to longer survival in carbon starvation due to a decrease in the maintenance rate

Fitness of bacteria is determined both by how fast cells grow when nutrients are abundant and by how well they survive when conditions worsen. Here, we study how prior growth conditions affect the death rate of Escherichia coli during carbon starvation. We control the growth rate prior to starvation either via the carbon source or via a carbon‐limited chemostat. We find a consistent dependence where death rate depends on the prior growth conditions only via the growth rate, with slower growth leading to exponentially slower death. Breaking down the observed death rate into two factors, maintenance rate and recycling yield, reveals that slower growing cells display a decreased maintenance rate per cell volume during starvation, thereby decreasing their death rate. In contrast, the ability to scavenge nutrients from carcasses of dead cells (recycling yield) remains constant. Our results suggest a physiological trade‐off between rapid proliferation and long survival. We explore the implications of this trade‐off within a mathematical model, which can rationalize the observation that bacteria outside of lab environments are not optimized for fast growth.
Novel drug delivery systems of β2 adrenoreceptor agonists to suppress SNCA gene expression and mitochondrial oxidative stress in Parkinson’s disease management

ABSTRACT Introduction α-synuclein (SNCA), a major component of Lewy body is a pathological hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Mutations in the SNCA gene cause misfolding and aggregation of SNCA protein, which results in neurodegeneration. Several studies have established the neuroprotective benefits of β2-adrenoreceptor (β2AR) agonists in PD However, β2AR agonists are associated with peripheral side effects- tachycardia, palpitation, pulmonary edema, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac arrhythmia due to βARactivation in peripheral tissues. PD therapy with β2AR agonists, therefore, warrants a brain-specific delivery. Area covered This review highlights the SNCA mediated neurodegenerative pathways in PD and various treatment strategies under investigation to lower SNCA gene expression, primarily focusing on β2AR mediated pathway. The review also discusses the beneficial and side effects of β2AR agonists in PD treatment by reviewing clinical trials, epidemiological studies, and meta-analysis data. Here we depict the need to develop a novel drug delivery system to achieve brain-specific delivery of β2AR agonists to overcome peripheral side effects and also propose various nano delivery strategies to achieve the same. Expert opinion Brain targeted delivery of β2AR agonists via various nano delivery systems will significantly downregulate SNCA gene expression in PD and also overcomes peripheral side effects of β2AR agonists.
Genetic and Ecological Divergence Defines Population Structure of Sockeye Salmon Populations Returning to Bristol Bay, Alaska, and Provides a Tool for Admixture Analysis

Abstract We examined the population genetic diversity and structure of sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka spawning in tributaries of Bristol Bay, Alaska, a region that supports the largest commercial fisheries for sockeye salmon in the world. Genetic variation among the sockeye salmon populations, as revealed by microsatellite data, was shallower than that found in other areas of comparable size around the Pacific Rim. This finding was driven by similarity among populations rearing in the four largest lake systems located on the southeastern side of the bay (upper and lower Ugashik, Becharof, Naknek–Grosvenor–Coville, and Iliamna lakes). Sockeye salmon in lakes located above known obstacles to migration on the southeastern side and in tributaries on the northwestern side showed variation and structure that were more typical of the species. Management of these important fisheries assumes knowledge of the composition of stock mixtures captured in each fishery. We investigated the potential of microsatellite .
Effects of Two Insecticides on the Vulnerability of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Parr to Brook Trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) Predation

The experiments were conducted in large outdoor concrete pools in which the salmon had access to a safe haven. After exposure for 24 hr to 1.0 ppm of the organophosphate insecticide, Sumithion, Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parr were more vulnerable than unexposed fish to predation by large brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis). Sumithion at 0.1 ppm, and DDT at 0.07 ppm, had no noticeable effect. The results, particularly for Sumithion, correlate well with previous laboratory work on the effect of insecticides on the learning ability of salmon.
Synthesis and Evaluation of a Thermoresponsive Degradable Chitosan-Grafted PNIPAAm Hydrogel as a “Smart” Gene Delivery System

Thermoresponsive hydrogels demonstrate tremendous potential as sustained drug delivery systems. However, progress has been limited as formulation of a stable biodegradable thermosensitive hydrogel remains a significant challenge. In this study, free radical polymerization was exploited to formulate a biodegradable thermosensitive hydrogel characterized by sustained drug release. Highly deacetylated chitosan and N-isopropylacrylamide with distinctive physical properties were employed to achieve a stable, hydrogel network at body temperature. The percentage of chitosan was altered within the copolymer formulations and the subsequent physical properties were characterized using 1H-NMR, FTIR, and TGA. Viscoelastic, swelling, and degradation properties were also interrogated. The thermoresponsive hydrogels were loaded with RALA/pEGFP-N1 nanoparticles and release was examined. There was sustained release of nanoparticles over three weeks and, more importantly, the nucleic acid cargo remained functional and this was confirmed by successful transfection of the NCTC-929 fibroblast cell line. This tailored thermoresponsive hydrogel offers an option for sustained delivery of macromolecules over a prolonged considerable period.
Association of hypertension and antihypertensive treatment with COVID-19 mortality: a retrospective observational study

Abstract Aims It remains unknown whether the treatment of hypertension influences the mortality of patients diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods and results This is a retrospective observational study of all patients admitted with COVID-19 to Huo Shen Shan Hospital. The hospital was dedicated solely to the treatment of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China. Hypertension and the treatments were stratified according to the medical history or medications administrated prior to the infection. Among 2877 hospitalized patients, 29.5% (850/2877) had a history of hypertension. After adjustment for confounders, patients with hypertension had a two-fold increase in the relative risk of mortality as compared with patients without hypertension [4.0% vs. 1.1%, adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 2.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.17–3.82, P = 0.013]. Patients with a history of hypertension but without antihypertensive treatment (n = 140) were associated with a significantly higher risk of mortality compared with those with antihypertensive treatments (n = 730) (7.9% vs. 3.2%, adjusted HR 2.17, 95% CI 1.03–4.57, P = 0.041). The mortality rates were similar between the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitor (4/183) and non-RAAS inhibitor (19/527) cohorts (2.2% vs. 3.6%, adjusted HR 0.85, 95% CI 0.28–2.58, P = 0.774). However, in a study-level meta-analysis of four studies, the result showed that patients with RAAS inhibitor use tend to have a lower risk of mortality (relative risk 0.65, 95% CI 0.45–0.94, P = 0.20). Conclusion While hypertension and the discontinuation of antihypertensive treatment are suspected to be related to increased risk of mortality, in this retrospective observational analysis, we did not detect any harm of RAAS inhibitors in patients infected with COVID-19. However, the results should be considered as exploratory and interpreted cautiously.