Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Camera traps and the minimum trapping effort for ground-dwelling mammals in fragmented habitats in the Thousand Island Lake, Zheji-ang Province

Sixty camera traps were set on 32 islands and one terrestrial plot in the Thousand Island Lake region from May 1, 2011 to March 31, 2014. In total, we recorded 23,639 photos that included nine species of large ground-dwelling mammals with a rate of independent photographs of 2.62%. The species-area relationship showed that species richness increased with island area (ha) with a slope, z value, of 0.27. On large islands (> 10 ha), the minimum trapping effort increased with island area. On small islands (< 10 ha), however, there was no clear pattern. The minimum trapping effort was not correlated with island isolation (d.f. = 20, F = 3.067, P = 0.095). Our results suggested that large ground-dwelling mammal populations have disappeared on smaller islands since the lake was formed. Based on these findings, we suggest that large MTE’s are required in islands with large areas when using camera traps in a fragmented landscape. On small islands, researchers should vary trapping efforts according to the island’s attributes, including species resources.
Video Demonstration of a Tunneled Temporoparietal Fascia Flap: How I Do It

INTRODUCTION The temporoparietal fascia flap (TPFF) has been used as a regional or free microvascular flap for the reconstruction of multiple sites within the head and neck, such as the ear, orbit, eyelid, skin, larynx, oral cavity, skull base, and nasal septum. Over the temporoparietal region, its corresponding fascia is found between the subcutaneous tissue and the temporalis fascia. This fascia may be elevated as a pedicled flap supplied by the superficial temporal artery, which arises from the external carotid artery. Tunneling of a TPFF through the infratemporal fossa (ITF) to the intranasal cavity was first described in 2007 and has been reported in patients as young as 9 years old. Typically, when tunneled into the nasal cavity the TPFF is used for reconstruction of defects of the middle and posterior cranial fossae, nasopharynx, and internal carotid artery coverage. Further modifications have been described for the use of the TPFF for anterior skull base reconstruction through an epidural corridor. The purpose of this article is to illustrate the key steps of a TPFF tunneled through the ITF into the nasal cavity through video demonstration.
A Wearable Device for Breathing Frequency Monitoring: A Pilot Study on Patients with Muscular Dystrophy

Patients at risk of developing respiratory dysfunctions, such as patients with severe forms of muscular dystrophy, need a careful respiratory assessment, and periodic follow-up visits to monitor the progression of the disease. In these patients, at-home continuous monitoring of respiratory activity patterns could provide additional understanding about disease progression, allowing prompt clinical intervention. The core aim of the present study is thus to investigate the feasibility of using an innovative wearable device for respiratory monitoring, particularly breathing frequency variation assessment, in patients with muscular dystrophy. A comparison of measurements of breathing frequency with gold standard methods showed that the device based on the inertial measurement units (IMU-based device) provided optimal results in terms of accuracy errors, correlation, and agreement. Participants positively evaluated the device for ease of use, comfort, usability, and wearability. Moreover, preliminary results confirmed that breathing frequency is a valuable breathing parameter to monitor, at the clinic and at home, because it strongly correlates with the main indexes of respiratory function.
Effect of SLCO1B1 Polymorphisms on High‐Dose Methotrexate Clearance in Children and Young Adults With Leukemia and Lymphoblastic Lymphoma

High‐dose (HD) methotrexate (MTX) is a critical component of treatment for hematologic malignancies in children and young adults. Therapeutic drug monitoring is necessary due to substantial interindividual variation in MTX clearance. Common function‐altering polymorphisms in SLCO1B1 (encodes OATP1B1, which transports MTX) may contribute to clearance variability. We performed pharmacokinetic modeling using data for 106 children and young adults treated with HD MTX for hematologic malignancies; of 396 total courses of HD MTX, 360 consisted of 5 g/m2 over 24 hours. We evaluated the contribution of clinical covariates and SLCO1B1 genotype (388A>G and 521T>C) to MTX clearance variability. Of the clinical covariates studied, patient weight improved the pharmacokinetic model most significantly (P < 0.001). The addition of the SLCO1B1 variants individually further improved the model (P < 0.05 for each). An interaction between these variants was suggested when both were included (P = 0.017). SLCO1B1 genotype should be considered in efforts to personalize HD MTX dosing.
"If she had broken her leg she would not have waited in agony for 9 months": Caregiver's experiences of eating disorder treatment.

This study aims to explore caregivers' experiences of eating disorder services and subsequent impacts on the caregiving burden and patient outcomes. Thematic analysis was employed to investigate qualitative data from a caregiver-targeted online survey run by BEAT, the UK's largest eating disorder charity. Six hundred and 16 caregivers completed the survey. Participants' experiences of eating disorder treatment were predominantly negative, characterised by three main themes: (a) Barriers to care: enduring obstacles caregivers face in accessing support for their loved ones, (b) Experiences of services: high levels of unmet needs for caregivers and patients alike, (c) Affected domains: the pervasive impact of caregiving, influenced by experiences of services. This study is the largest of its kind to explore caregivers' experiences of eating disorder treatment services and aims to give voice to this overlooked group within research. Notably, little has been done to address broader systemic challenges faced by caregivers in accessing support for loved ones. Results indicate these challenges may play a substantial role in shaping the caregiving burden, carer coping styles, and subsequent patient outcomes. Findings denote wider systemic issues and a lack of specificities of information and practical skills that could help prevent caregivers from experiencing the caregiving burden and subsequent consequences on eating disorder patient outcomes. HIGHLIGHTS: Caregivers of individuals with eating disorders experience significant ongoing barriers to accessing treatment for their loved ones, high levels of unmet needs and significant ramifications in multiple domains of everyday life. While some initiatives are underway to attend to certain unmet needs, little is being done to address broader systemic challenges faced by caregivers in accessing support for their loved ones. Findings indicate these challenges may impact the caregiving burden with potential subsequent consequences on eating disorder patient outcomes. Siblings and partners have largely been overlooked in research investigating caregivers' experiences of eating disorders. Addressing barriers to care and unmet needs for both caregivers and sufferers remains a crucial area for intervention.
Blockade of chemokine receptor CXCR4 for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma metastasis

B223 Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the five most common cancers worldwide. The prognosis of HCC is poor and the metastatic rate is high in HCC patients. However, the mechanism of HCC metastasis remains largely unclear. Here we investigated the potential role of SDF-1 and its receptor, Chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4), in HCC metastasis and explored the therapeutic potential of CXCR4 blockade for the treatment of HCC metastasis. Methods and Results This study included three parts. In vitro, higher levels of CXCR4 expression were detected in metastatic HCC cell lines (MHCC 97H and MHCC 97L) than non-metastatic cell line (PLC) by western blot, flow cytometry, and immuno-fluorescent staining. Interestingly, metastatic cell lines secreted lower levels of SDF-1 into the culture medium than non-metastatic cells. SDF-1 up-regulated adhesion molecule ICAM-1, induced filapodia formation and stimulated the chemotaxis of MHCC97L and MHCC97H cells. Blockade of CXCR4 activity by CXCR4 antagonist, CTCE-9908 (Chemokine Therapeutics Corp.) inhibited SDF-1 mediated migration of MHCC97L and MHCC97H cells at 5 µM. On the other hand, CTCE-9908 suppressed proliferation of tumor cells and induced cell apoptosis with doses higher than 100 μM. In contrast, CTCE-9908 did not arrest cell cycle progression even at the highest doses. In vivo, an orthotopic HCC model was induced by injection of MHCC97L cells into the left lobe of the liver of nude mice and the tumor-bearing mice were treated with CTCE-9908 for 6 weeks. Administration of CTCE-9908 subcutaneously significantly decreased the number of circulating tumour cells and decreased the number of metastatic tumor nodules in the lung. A mild inhibitory effect on tumor growth was also observed with CTCE-9908 treatment. The expression of CXCR4 in human HCC tumor and non-tumorous tissues was investigated by immunohistochemisty. CXCR4 was highly expressed in tumour tissues with different staining patterns. Diffused nuclear and cytoplasmic staining was identified in the non-metastatic tumor tissues, while strong nuclear staining only was detected in the tumor tissues with secondary lung metastasis. ConclusionSDF-1/CXCR4 axis plays an important role in the migration and metastasis of HCC. Blockade of SDF-1/CXCR4 interaction is a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of HCC metastasis.
Expression of Concern: LncRNA MEG3 inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of synovial cells in rats with knee osteoarthritis by regulating PTEN.

The Editorial Board of European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences would like to issue an Expression of Concern for "LncRNA MEG3 inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of synovial cells in rats with knee osteoarthritis by regulating PTEN", by K. Han, F. -R. Wang, M. -Q. Yu, B. Xu, published in Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci 2020; 24 (10): 5242-5248-DOI: 10.26355/eurrev_202005_21306-PMID: 32495857. Following publication, the authors wrote to the Journal and stated "Part of the experiments in this paper were performed by a third party. Reports on the science integrity of the third-party academic institutions in China made us aware of the reliability and originality of the data provided by them. The matter has been referred to our institution for further investigation". Hence, the Editorial Office of European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences decided to publish an expression of concern to notify readers while the investigation is underway. The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.
The presence of c-erbB-2 gene product-related protein in culture medium conditioned by breast cancer cell line SK-BR-3

The Mr 185,000 glycoprotein encoded by human c-erbB-2/neu/HER2 gene, termed c-erbB-2 gene product, shows a close structural similarity with epidermal growth factor receptor and is now regarded to be a growth factor receptor for an as yet unidentified ligand. Abundant c-erbB-2 mRNA was demonstrated by Northern blot studies in the human breast cancer cell line SK-BR-3. Cellular radiolabeling experiments followed by immunoprecipitation with three different anti-c-erbB-2 gene product antibodies, recognizing extracellular domain, kinase domain, and carboxyl-terminal portion, respectively, demonstrated the production of a large amount of c-erbB-2 gene product which had the capacity to be phosphorylated. Immunization of mice with concentrated culture medium conditioned by SK-BR-3 cells always generated antibodies against c-erbB-2 gene product, demonstrating that this culture medium contained substance(s) immunologically indistinguishable from c-erbB-2 gene product. This observation was supported by the successful development of a monoclonal antibody against c-erbB-2 gene product, GFD-OApl85-i, by immunizing mice with this culture medium. The biochemical nature of the substance(s) present in the culture medium was further characterized. When the culture medium conditioned by [35S]cysteinelabeled SK-BR-3 cells was immunoprecipitated by three different anti-c-erbB-2 gene product antibodies, only the antibody recognizing extracellular domain precipitated the [35S]-labeled protein with a molecular weight of i 10,000, namely p1 10. The newly developed monoclonal antibody also immunoprecipitated this
A Paradigm for Peptide Hormone-GPCR Analyses

Work from our laboratories over the last 35 years that has focused on Ste2p, a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR), and its tridecapeptide ligand α-factor is reviewed. Our work utilized the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model system for understanding peptide-GPCR interactions. It explored the structure and function of synthetic α-factor analogs and biosynthetic receptor domains, as well as designed mutations of Ste2p. The results and conclusions are described using the nuclear magnetic resonance interrogation of synthetic Ste2p transmembrane domains (TMs), the fluorescence interrogation of agonist and antagonist binding, the biochemical crosslinking of peptide analogs to Ste2p, and the phenotypes of receptor mutants. We identified the ligand-binding domain in Ste2p, the functional assemblies of TMs, unexpected and interesting ligand analogs; gained insights into the bound α-factor structure; and unraveled the function and structures of various Ste2p domains, including the N-terminus, TMs, loops connecting the TMs, and the C-terminus. Our studies showed interactions between specific residues of Ste2p in an active state, but not resting state, and the effect of ligand activation on the dimerization of Ste2p. We show that, using a battery of different biochemical and genetic approaches, deep insight can be gained into the structure and conformational dynamics of GPCR-peptide interactions in the absence of a crystal structure.
Key Applications and Potential Limitations of Ionic Liquid Membranes in the Gas Separation Process of CO2, CH4, N2, H2 or Mixtures of These Gases from Various Gas Streams

Heightened levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) have prompted research into techniques for their capture and separation, including membrane separation, chemical looping, and cryogenic distillation. Ionic liquids, due to their negligible vapour pressure, thermal stability, and broad electrochemical stability have expanded their application in gas separations. This work provides an overview of the recent developments and applications of ionic liquid membranes (ILMs) for gas separation by focusing on the separation of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrogen (N2), hydrogen (H2), or mixtures of these gases from various gas streams. The three general types of ILMs, such as supported ionic liquid membranes (SILMs), ionic liquid polymeric membranes (ILPMs), and ionic liquid mixed-matrix membranes (ILMMMs) for the separation of various mixed gas systems, are discussed in detail. Furthermore, issues, challenges, computational studies and future perspectives for ILMs are also considered. The results of the analysis show that SILMs, ILPMs, and the ILMMs are very promising membranes that have great potential in gas separation processes. They offer a wide range of permeabilities and selectivities for CO2, CH4, N2, H2 or mixtures of these gases. In addition, a comparison was made based on the selectivity and permeability of SILMs, ILPMs, and ILMMMs for CO2/CH4 separation based on a Robeson’s upper bound curves.
Tabebuia impetiginosa: A Comprehensive Review on Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Immunopharmacological Properties

Tabebuia impetiginosa, a plant native to the Amazon rainforest and other parts of Latin America, is traditionally used for treating fever, malaria, bacterial and fungal infections, and skin diseases. Additionally, several categories of phytochemicals and extracts isolated from T. impetiginosa have been studied via various models and displayed pharmacological activities. This review aims to uncover and summarize the research concerning T. impetiginosa, particularly its traditional uses, phytochemistry, and immunopharmacological activity, as well as to provide guidance for future research. A comprehensive search of the published literature was conducted to locate original publications pertaining to T. impetiginosa up to June 2020. The main inquiry used the following keywords in various combinations in titles and abstracts: T. impetiginosa, Taheebo, traditional uses, phytochemistry, immunopharmacological, anti-inflammatory activity. Immunopharmacological activity described in this paper includes its anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-autoimmune, and anti-cancer properties. Particularly, T. impetiginosa has a strong effect on anti-inflammatory activity. This paper also describes the target pathway underlying how T. impetiginosa inhibits the inflammatory response. The need for further investigation to identify other pharmacological activities as well as the exact target proteins of T. impetiginosa was also highlighted. T. impetiginosa may provide a new strategy for prevention and treatment of many immunological disorders that foster extensive research to identify potential anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory compounds and fractions as well as to explore the underlying mechanisms of this herb. Further scientific evidence is required for clinical trials on its immunopharmacological effects and safety.
Anti-Retroviral Protease Inhibitors Regulate Human Papillomavirus 16 Infection of Primary Oral and Cervical Epithelium

Simple Summary In 2016, globally, 36.7 million people were living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), of which 53% had access to anti-retroviral therapy (ART) (UNAIDS 2017 Global HIV Statistics). The risk of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) associated oropharyngeal, cervical and anal cancers are higher among patients infected with HIV in the era of ART. Generally, HPV infections are self-limiting, however, persistent HPV infection is a major risk to carcinogenic progression. Long intervals between initial infection and cancer development imply cofactors are involved. Co-factors that increase infectivity, viral load, and persistence increase risk of cancer. We propose that the ART Protease Inhibitors (PI) class of drugs are novel co-factors that regulate HPV infection in HIV-infected patients. We developed a model system of organotypic epithelium to study impact of PI treatment on HPV16 infection. Our model could be used to study mechanisms of HPV infection in context of ART, and for developing drugs that minimize HPV infections. Abstract Epidemiology studies suggest that Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected patients on highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) may be at increased risk of acquiring opportunistic Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections and developing oral and cervical cancers. Effective HAART usage has improved survival but increased the risk for HPV-associated cancers. In this manuscript, we report that Protease Inhibitors (PI) treatment of three-dimensional tissues derived from primary human gingiva and cervical epithelial cells compromised cell-cell junctions within stratified epithelium and enhanced paracellular permeability of HPV16 to the basal layer for infection, culminating in de novo biosynthesis of progeny HPV16 as determined using 5-Bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling of newly synthesized genomes. We propose that HAART/PI represent a novel class of co-factors that modulate HPV infection of the target epithelium. Our in vitro tissue culture model is an important tool to study the mechanistic role of anti-retroviral drugs in promoting HPV infections in HAART-naïve primary epithelium. Changes in subsequent viral load could promote new infections, create HPV reservoirs that increase virus persistence, and increase the risk of oral and cervical cancer development in HIV-positive patients undergoing long-term HAART treatment.
Mast Cell Regulation and Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Effects of Food Components with Potential Nutraceutical Use

Mast cells are key actors in inflammatory reactions. Upon activation, they release histamine, heparin and nerve growth factor, among many other mediators that modulate immune response and neuron sensitization. One important feature of mast cells is that their population is usually increased in animal models and biopsies from patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Therefore, mast cells and mast cell mediators are regarded as key components in IBS pathophysiology. IBS is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder affecting the quality of life of up to 20% of the population worldwide. It is characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits, with heterogeneous phenotypes ranging from constipation to diarrhea, with a mixed subtype and even an unclassified form. Nutrient intake is one of the triggering factors of IBS. In this respect, certain components of the daily food, such as fatty acids, amino acids or plant-derived substances like flavonoids, have been described to modulate mast cells’ activity. In this review, we will focus on the effect of these molecules, either stimulatory or inhibitory, on mast cell degranulation, looking for a nutraceutical capable of decreasing IBS symptoms.
An in vitro investigation of the survival and/or growth of Campylobacter jejuni in broiler digestate from different feed types

Campylobacter spp. is the leading cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide and poultry are the primary reservoir. The aim of this study was to investigate the survival and/or growth of Campylobacter jejuni NCTC 11168 in broiler digestate prepared from commercial starter, grower and finisher feed formulations. Bolton broth and digestates were prepared, inoculated with C. jejuni NCTC 11168 (approximately 3 log10 CFU per ml) and incubated under microaerobic conditions at 42°C for 24 h. Samples were taken at t = 0 (immediately after inoculation) and every 3 h thereafter, serially diluted and plated onto mCCDA. Campylobacter jejuni grew as expected in Bolton broth (control) reaching the early stationary phase after approximately 15 h. In contrast, although bacterial concentrations were maintained for at least 9 h, none of the feed digestates supported the growth of C. jejuni, which were not detected after 15 h. It is suggested that the nutrients available in the feed digestates are not enough to support C. jejuni growth and that additional factors may be at play in the avian gastrointestinal tract.