Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with quality of life in patients with Chagas disease: SaMi-Trop project

Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected tropical disease and its main consequence is chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC). The clinical manifestations of CD can cause functional limitation and impact on the perception of quality of life (QoL). We evaluated the QoL profile of patients with CD living in remote regions, and their association with socio-demographic, behavioral, and clinical characteristics.A cross-sectional study, using the baseline of a cohort study (SaMi-Trop) was conducted in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, an endemic region for CD. The cohort is composed of 1959 patients with CD. The patients were interviewed, and blood collection and electrocardiogram (ECG) were performed. The WHOQOL-BREF scale was used to assess QoL. Descriptive statistics were performed and, for the QoL scale, measures of central tendency and dispersion were calculated. Inflated beta regression models constructed using the gamlss framework were used, and fitted using R software. A significance level of 5% for all analyzes was adopted.QoL was evaluated in 625 participants. The Environment (57.66) and Social Relationships (73.17) domains presented the lowest and highest QoL score respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between QoL domains in the presence of CCC. In the multivariate analysis, the factors associated with a lower QoL were in the Physical domain age increase (OR: 0.95, CI: 0.91–0.99) and using an angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (OR 0.89; CI: 0.80–0.99); in the Social Relations domain a history of acute myocardial infarction (OR: 0.75; CI: 0.61–0.92); and in the Environment domain age increase (OR 0.94, CI 0.91–0.97). The factor associated with higher QoL was the use of angiotensin receptor blockers (OR: 1.15; CI 1.04–1.26). The findings of this study reinforce the importance of QoL indicators for planning care and clinical management of patients from remote regions with CD. Trial registration NCT02646943.
CT‐Based Classification of Acute Cerebral Edema: Association with Intracranial Pressure and Outcome

Brain edema after acute cerebral lesions may lead to raised intracranial pressure (ICP) and worsen outcome. Notwithstanding, no CT‐based scoring system to quantify edema formation exists. This retrospective correlative analysis aimed to establish a valid and definite CT score quantifying brain edema after common acute cerebral lesions.
The ultrastructure of methanothrix concilii a mesophilic aceticlastic methanogen

Methanothrix concilii strain GP6 consists of a chain of rod-shaped cells, ca. 2.5 μm in length and 0.8 μm in width, which are encased in a tubular proteinaceous sheath. The sheath is composed of annular hoops, ca. 8.0 nm wide and 9.0 nm thick, which are stacked together to form the tube. The ends of the sheath, and therefore the cell filament, are blocked by single, multilayered, 13.5 nm thick, circular plates, designated as "spacer plugs," which contain a series of concentric rings; these also separate the individual cells within each filament. Each cell is therefore bounded by a tubular section of sheath and two spacer plugs. Completely encapsulating each cell, and lying between the sheath and cell, is an amorphous granular matrix. Overlying the plasma membrane and surrounding each protoplast is a thin veil of material which resembles a cell wall, but which is unable to maintain the rod shape when cells are extruded from the sheath.
Snail grazing facilitates growth of two morphologically similar bloom‐forming 
Ulva species through different mechanisms

Herbivores can facilitate macrophyte growth through stimulation of overcompensation pathways, removal of neighbouring or fouling competitors or increasing nutrient availability via nitrogenous waste inputs. We examined the facilitative relationship between the mud snail Ilyanassa obsoleta and two morphologically similar bloom‐forming Ulva species, Ulva compressa and Ulva rigida. Through mesocosm experiments, we determined the occurrence and underlying mechanisms responsible for facilitating Ulva growth. In situ snail enclosure experiments determined the occurrence of this facilitative pathway under natural conditions. We found that both U. compressa and U. rigida are facilitated by I. obsoleta, but despite their morphological similarity, the primary facilitative mechanism differed for each species. Ulva compressa experienced increased growth via snail nitrogenous waste inputs, while U. rigida was facilitated by the removal of fouling microalgae. These results suggest that physiological differences exist between these two species, potentially sustaining their coexistence within blooms. Ground tissue assays showed I. obsoleta preference for microalgal foulers in whole‐tissue assays was driven by Ulva blade morphology rather than chemical or nutritive properties. This indicates that the underlying mechanism for I. obsoleta's facilitation via grazing is an inability of the snail's radula to effectively puncture Ulva blades, confining their grazing activities to fouling organisms on the blade surface. In contrast to our mesocosm results, in situ experiments failed to find a positive impact of mud snail presence on Ulva blade growth. However, Ulva blades within these experiments were located at a highly eutrophic site and isolated from potential competitors. Consequently, this may have created an environment where I. obsoleta facilitation was not required for maximum Ulva growth. Synthesis. We demonstrated two mechanisms by which top‐down forces can facilitate macroalgal growth: herbivore nitrogenous waste inputs and removal of microalgal fouling organisms. This facilitation may occur within the large mats of macroalgae that form during bloom events, exacerbating bloom conditions.
Study on myelin injury of AD mice treated with Shenzhiling oral liquid in the PI3K/Akt–mTOR pathway

Shenzhiling oral liquid (SZL) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) compound to be approved by the China Food and Drug Administration (CFDA) (Z20120010) for the treatment of mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, its mechanism in early AD is not clear. We studied its mechanism in protecting myelin. Three-month-old APPswe/PS1dE9double transgenic mice were used as AD model and wild-type C57BL/6 mice were used as control. After 3-month intervention, the Morris water maze was used to detect behavioural changes. Myelin mTOR pathway (PI3K, p-PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, mTOR, p-mTOR), myelin basic protein (MBP) and postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95) were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blot and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). After 3 months of SZL treatment, compared with the model group (M), SZL medium-dose (SM) and SZL low-dose groups (SL) exhibited increased staying and crossing results in Morris water maze (P < 0.05). Compared with M, PI3K-positive cells in SM and SL groups were increased (P < 0.01), p-PI3K expression increased in the Donepezil group (D), SZL high-dose group (SH) and SM (P < 0.05); number of Akt-positive cells and Akt expression in D, SM and SL were increased (P < 0.01, P < 0.05); number of p-Akt- and mTOR-positive cells and mTOR expression in all drug-treated groups were significantly increased (P < 0.01); p-Akt and p-mTOR expression increased in all drug-treated groups (P < 0.05, P < 0.01); MBP expression in D and SH increased (P < 0.05), while in SM and SL it increased more significantly (P < 0.01); and PSD95 expression in D, SM and SL was increased (P < 0.05). RT-PCR results showed that compared with M, PI3K mRNA and Akt mRNA expression in all drug-treated groups increased, but there was no statistical difference (P > 0.05), mTOR mRNA expression in all the drug-treated groups increased significantly (P < 0.01) and MBP mRNA and PSD95 mRNA expression in D and SH increased (P < 0.05). SZL oral liquid could play a role in myelin protection in early AD.
CD8+GITR+ T cells may negatively regulate T cell overactivation in aplastic anemia

ABSTRACT Aplastic anemia (AA) is a T cell immune-mediated autoimmune disease. Overactivated CD8+ T cells play a leading role in the pathogenesis of AA, which may be due to disbalance in costimulatory and coinhibitory signals in T cells. In this study, we firstly investigated the expression of OX40, 4–1BB, GITR, ICOS, CTLA-4, LAG-3, and TIM-3 on CD8+ T cells from untreated patients with AA and healthy individuals (HIs) by flow cytometry. Moreover, we further analyzed the phenotype and functional characteristics of CD8+GITR+ T cells to more fully assess the T cell activation dysfunction in AA. We for the first time demonstrated significantly decreased percentage of CD8+GITR+ T cells in AA, and CD8+GITR+CTLA-4+ T cells were significantly higher in patients with AA compared with HIs. Conversely, the percentage of CD8+GITR+granzyme B+ and CD8+GITR+perforin+ T cells in AA patients was significantly reduced. Our preliminary data illustrate that the CD8+GITR+ T cell population might negatively regulate overactive T cell activation in AA.
Effect of hypoxic stress on the immune response and the resistance to vibriosis of the shrimpPenaeus stylirostris

The immune response of shrimp exposed to severe hypoxia, 1 mg O2ml−1for 24 h, was measured in terms total haemocyte count (THC), differential haemocyte count (DHC), phenoloxidase activity (PO) and respiratory burst by NBT reduction. Results showed that hypoxia induced a significant decrease (P<5%) of the THC due to a significant decrease of semi-granular cells (SGC) (P<5%) and hyaline cells (HC) (P<5%). There was also a decrease in the NBT reduction. On the other hand, PO activity increased significantly (P<1%) and seemed to be related to a lower amount of plasma inhibitors regulating the prophenoloxidase system. Experimental infection with a virulentVibrio alginolyticuswas carried out by intramuscular injection of 2×104colony forming units (cfu) per shrimp. The mortality of stressed shrimp was 48% while the mortality of control shrimp was 32%. This difference was significant (P<1%). The variations of immunological parameters, except for the PO activity, seem to be consistent with thein vivoresponse against the pathogenicVibrio. Coyright 1998 Academic Press
Seleção de modelos de regressão para estimar a área foliar de macieiras 'Royal gala' e 'Fuji suprema' sob tela antigranizo e em céu aberto

The objective of this study was to adjust and to test simple, precise, and accurate mathematical models for estimating the leaf area of 'Royal Gala' and 'Fuji Suprema' apple trees grown under coverage of black hail net and in open sky. The experiment was carried out in a commercial apple orchard, in Vacaria, Brazil, during the vegetative cycles of 2008/2009 and 2009/2010. Linear and quadratic regression equations were adjusted for estimating the leaf area in function of leaf dimensions. The selection for best models was based on mean square error, determination coefficient, standard error of estimative, and significance of equation coefficients. The leaf area estimated by the best models was compared with data obtained by electronic planimeter and estimated by digital photography. The prove of models was based on the significance of the angular coefficient, on the 1:1 line, and on the root mean square error. Linear and quadratic models that consider the length and width of leaves estimated accurately and precisely the leaf area of 'Royal Gala' and 'Fuji Suprema' apple trees for both cropping conditions, open sky or under hail net. The apple trees leaf area estimated by regression models using leaf length and width is similar to those obtained by planimetry or digital photography.
No-take marine reserves increase abundance and biomass of reef fish on inshore fringing reefs of the Great Barrier Reef

The application of no-take marine reserve status to an area is expected to increase abundance and average size of individuals of species targeted by fisheries. The majority of the evidence supporting such expectations still involves comparisons of abundance at the one time of sites with and without marine reserve protection. Very few studies have data on the abundance and size structure of species targeted by fisheries in an area before reserve status is applied. Quantitative estimates of density and biomass of coral trout, Plectropomus spp. , the major target of the hook and line fisheries on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia, on inshore fringing reefs of the Palm and Whitsunday Island groups, central GBR, are provided for 3–4 years before (1983–1984), and 12–13 years after (1999–2000) the establishment of no-take reserves in 1987. Quantitative estimates of density and biomass of coral trout in areas open to fishing were also collected in 1999–2000 at these two island groups. Density and biomass of coral trout increased significantly (by factors of 5.9 and 6.3 in the Palm Islands, and 4.0 and 6.2 in the Whitsunday Islands) in the reserve sites, but not the fished sites, between 1983–1984 and 1999–2000. In 1999–2000, density and biomass of coral trout and a secondary target of the fisheries, Lutjanus carponotatus, were significantly higher in the protected zones than in the fished zones at both island groups. The density and biomass of non-target fish species (Labridae, Siganidae and Chaetodontidae) did not differ significantly between reserve and fished zones at either island group. This is the most convincing data to date that the management zoning of the world's largest marine park has been effective, at least for coral trout on inshore reefs.
Inheritance of a Shriveled Seed Trait in Peanut

A seed shrivelling trait in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) was identified that severely affected seed morphology and lipid deposition. This character also showed partial penetrance and variable expressivity within true-breeding shrivelled lines. Also, both normal and shrivelled seed were produced from plants grown from either normal or shrivelled seed from these lines. Knowledge of the genetic basis for this trait is important for understanding the biosynthetic lesion involved and for manipulation of the trait in breeding programmes. Three shrivelled-seeded lines (529B, 563A and 647A) were crossed to a normal-seeded cultivar, Sunrunner, and intercrossed. Crosses with shrivelled seed genotypes as male parents with Sunrunner showed that this trait is under the control of a single recessive gene. However, no segregation of shrivelled types was observed in the F2 of the reciprocal crosses when shrivelled lines were used as female parents. Segregation was observed in the F3 generation (F4 seed) for these crosses. The paternal expression may be due to male transmission of extrachromosomal factors like plastids or mitochondria, or may be caused by a phenomenon like genomic imprinting. Only shrivelled F1 and F2 seeds were obtained from the crosses among the three shrivelled lines, indicating that only one locus was involved in the expression of this trait in these three genotypes.
Choroidal lymphoma or something else?

Choroidal lymphoma or something else? Case A 54-year-old asymptomatic Caucasian woman with a history of psoriasis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) under treatment with topical and oral corticosteroids was referred for suspicion of choroidal lymphoma in both eyes (OU). The referring physician recommended treatment with rituximab, an anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody. On examination, best-corrected visual acuity was 20/20 in the right eye (OD) and 20/25 in the left eye (OS). The intraocular pressure, extraocular movements, and slit-lamp examination were normal OU. There was no conjunctival lymphoid infiltration OU. On funduscopic examination, there was a uniform mottled appearance of the choroid OU.
Effects of ungulate availability on wolf reproductive potential in Alaska

We compared wolf (Canis lupus) reproductive data for March and April, when ungulate biomass per wolf was high, moderate, and low. The percentage of reproductively active adult females was significantly lower (66% compared with ≥96%, P < 0.001) when ungulate biomass per wolf was low versus moderate or high. Reproductively inactive adult females had significantly less subcutaneous fat (P < 0.01) than reproductively active females when ungulate biomass per wolf was relatively abundant. Average litter size, estimated by counting blastocysts or fetuses, declined significantly (P < 0.001), from 6.9 to 4.6, as ungulate biomass per wolf declined. We conclude that wolf productivity declines as prey availability per wolf declines. However, only when ungulate biomass per wolf declined below levels previously reported in the literature did we observe significant declines in reproductive potential. Ungulate biomass per wolf was low because of large, rapid declines in ungulates and lesser declines in wolves. We recogni.
Dietary Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) Significantly Reduces the Risk of Site-Specific Cancers: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Objectives We aimed to evaluate the possible role of dietray TAC against different types of cancers in a systematic review and meta-analyses of observational studies. Methods: A literature search of authentic electronic resources had been performed to obtain the relevant studies up to February 2020. Results: Twenty-one studies including nine prospective and twelve case–control studies were included in the current systematic review and meta-analysis. These studies have included 1404297 individuals. Higher TAC categories were associated with 21% reduced risk of colorectal cancer, 27% reduced risk of endometrial cancer, 42% reduced risk of gastric cancer, and 32% reduced risk of pancreatic cancer. In meta-analysis of prospective studies also highest category of TAC was associated with reduced incidence of breast cancer (RR= 0.68; CI: 0.54, 0.86; P = 0.025), colon cancer (RR= 0.92; CI: 0.74, 1.16; P = 0.01), hepatocellular carcinoma (RR= 0.49; CI: 0.35, 0.69; P < 0.001), gastric cancer (RR= 0.65; CI: 0.50, 0.84; P = 0.001), lung cancer (RR= 0.90; CI: 0.85, 0.95; P = 0.001) while increased risk of rectal cancer (RR= 1.02; CI: 0.69, 1.52; P = 0.005). Conclusion: Higher intake of dietary TAC was in association with reduced risk of different types of cancers in meta-analysis of observational studies.
QUANTITATIVE DETERMINATION OF LOW‐SALT SOLUBLE PROTEIN PATTERNS OF BOVINE MUSCLES COOKED AT DIFFERENT TEMPERATURES, BY SODIUM DODECYL SULFATE‐POLYACRYLAMIDE GEL ELECTROPHORESIS

Muscle samples from bovine animals were cooked for 10 min from 60–90°C with intervals of about 2°C. Samples were homogenized and centrifuged and the low-salt soluble proteins were obtained thereafter. Photodensitometry was used for the quantitation of proteins on SDS polyacrylamide gels with the enzyme enolase as an internal standard. It was found that a linear relationship existed between peak areas and the enolase concentration up to 60 μg. Enolase was found to be a useful internal standard yielding narrower bands in the middle of the gel than other tested proteins. When muscles were cooked at temperatures between 60–80°C, low-salt soluble proteins gradually disappeared and could not be detected above 80°C. From 68°C towards higher temperatures, protein bands of the following molecular weights were observed: 130,000; 85,000; 72,000; 55,000; 40,000, and 18,000. A quantitative relationship was established between the bands of 55,000 and 40,000. The ratio between these two bands went from a value higher than one to a value lower than one, at 68–72°C. Since the foot-and-mouth disease virus is inactivated at about 70°C, the present method could be applied in studies on the effectiveness of heat processing in destroying the infective virus.
Predation on soft corals (Octocorallia: Alcyonacea) on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Quantitative evidence on predation rates on soft corals is presented for the first time. These measured predation rates were low. Less than 1% of the soft coral colonies present in mapped areas at Heron Island and Beaver Reefs had bite marks. Evidence suggests that over 51% of these bite marks were more than two months old. Predators included the mollusc Ovula ovum and two species of chaetodontid fishes that have not been recorded before as feeding on soft corals.
Holistic Nursing in Practice: Mindfulness-Based Yoga as an Intervention to Manage Stress and Burnout

Purpose Effects of a mindfulness-based (MB) yoga practice on stress, burnout, and indicators of well-being among nurses and health care professionals (HCPs). Design A randomized controlled trial, 80 HCPs assigned to either MB yoga intervention or control group. Method The MB yoga intervention group (n = 41) attended weekly yoga classes and practiced yoga independently. The control group (n = 39) did not receive the yoga intervention. Study participants completed pre- and postintervention questionnaires, instruments included (a) Perceived Stress Scale; (b) Maslach Burnout Inventory; (c) Vitality subscale of the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form–36; (d) Global Sleep Quality item, (e) Mindfulness Awareness Survey, and (f) subscale of the Brief Serenity Scale. Diurnal salivary cortisol and blood pressure were assessed pre and postintervention. Results Significant improvements (p < .01) noted in MB yoga compared with control for self-reported factors, including stress (Perceived Stress Scale), burnout (Maslach Burnout Inventory), vitality (Medical Outcomes Study Short Form–36), sleep (GSQ), serenity/inner haven (IH), and mindfulness (Mindfulness Awareness Survey). Diurnal cortisol slopes and blood pressure were not significantly improved. Conclusion The MB yoga intervention had a statistically significant effect on the health and well-being of nurses and HCPs, most specifically for measures of stress; perceived stress, burnout, vitality, sleep quality, serenity, and mindfulness.
The Naturalization of the Pacific Oyster in Australia

The pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas Thunberg, has been successfully transplanted from Japan to southern Australia. Mortality was heavy amongst those transported by ship (20 days out of water), but negligible amongst those brought in by air (4 days out of water). The rate of growth has been greater than that of native oysters. Although the spatfall has been slight and irregular at other test sites, successful spatfalls have occurred in Port Sorell for three successive seasons. From Port Sorell natural spread has taken place to the Mersey River to the west and to the Tamar River to the east.