Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The dicentric assay in triage mode as a reliable biodosimetric scoring strategy for population triage in large scale radiation accidents

Introduction: Mass casualty scenarios of radiation accidents require high throughput techniques of biological dosimetry for population triage to identify individuals for whom clinical treatment is indicated. To this end the dicentric assay in a triage mode is a very suitable technique. Within the MULTIBIODOSE EU FP7 project a network of eight biodosimetry laboratories has been established with expertise in dose estimations based on the dicentric assay. Results: In the first task the conventional dicentric assay was tested in the triage mode. Three types of irradiation scenarios were included: acute whole body, partial body and protracted exposure. Blood samples from 33 healthy donors (> 10 donors / scenario) were irradiated in vitro with gamma rays, simulating the 3 different types of exposure and the 3 different doses. All the blood samples were irradiated at the University of Gent, Belgium, and then shipped to the participating laboratories. The dose estimates of acute whole body exposure show a good agreement with actual radiation doses (0.5, 2.0 and 4.0 Gy) for all labs. Most labs could identify correctly the partial body doses at 4 and 6 Gy, but this was not possible at 2 Gy and indicates a need for more cells to be analysed. After protracted exposure, all labs performed these dose estimations well and attained good results at 1.0 and 2.0 Gy. Conclusions: The results obtained up to now within the MULTIBIODOSE project are very promising for the application of the dicentric assay in triage mode as a high throughput scoring strategy for biodosimetry in case of large scale accidents by a network of eight collaborating laboratories throughout Europe.
Charting the neglected West: The social system of Guinea baboons

Abstract Objectives Primate social systems are remarkably diverse, and thus play a central role in understanding social evolution, including the biological origin of human societies. Although baboons have been prominently featured in this context, historically little was known about the westernmost member of the genus, the Guinea baboon (Papio papio). Material and Methods Here, we summarize the findings from the first years of observations at the field site CRP Simenti in the Niokolo Koba National Park in Senegal. Results Guinea baboons reveal a nested multi‐level social organization, with reproductive units comprising one “primary” male, one to several females, young, and occasionally “secondary” males at the base of the society. Three to five units form “parties,” which team up with other parties to form a “gang. ” Different gangs have largely overlapping home ranges and agonistic interactions between different parties or gangs are rare. Some but not all strongly socially bonded males are highly related, and population genetic and behavioral evidence indicate female‐biased dispersal. Females play an important role in intersexual bond formation and maintenance, and female tenure length varies between a few weeks to several years. Discussion While the social organization resembles that of hamadryas baboons (P. hamadryas), the social structure differs considerably, specifically in terms of low male aggressiveness and female freedom. Despite substantial differences in social organization and social structure, the acoustic structure of Guinea baboon vocalizations does not differ substantially from that of other baboon taxa. With its multi‐level organization, stable bonds between males and females, as well as a high‐degree of male‐male cooperation and tolerance, Guinea baboons constitute an intriguing model for reconstructing human social evolution.
Mitochondrial Ribosomal RNA (rRNA) Methyltransferase Family Members Are Positioned to Modify Nascent rRNA in Foci near the Mitochondrial DNA Nucleoid*

Background: Mitochondrial rRNAs contain site-specific modifications, including methylated residues, but few of the enzymes responsible for these modifications have been found. Results: RNMTL1, MRM1, and MRM2 are methyltransferase family members found associated with the mtDNA nucleoid and with the large ribosomal subunit. Conclusion: The association of putative RNA-modifying enzymes with nucleoids and ribosomes supports the model that assembly of mitochondrial ribosomes begins while rRNA transcription continues. Significance: This work advances understanding of the assembly of mitochondrial ribosomes necessary for biosynthesis of the respiratory chain. We have identified RNMTL1, MRM1, and MRM2 (FtsJ2) as members of the RNA methyltransferase family that may be responsible for the three known 2′-O-ribose modifications of the 16 S rRNA core of the large mitochondrial ribosome subunit. These proteins are confined to foci located in the vicinity of mtDNA nucleoids. They show distinct patterns of association with mtDNA nucleoids and/or mitochondrial ribosomes in cell fractionation studies. We focused on the role of the least studied protein in this set, RNMTL1, to show that this protein interacts with the large ribosomal subunit as well as with a series of non-ribosomal proteins that may be involved in coupling of the rate of rRNA transcription and ribosome assembly in mitochondria. siRNA-directed silencing of RNMTL1 resulted in a significant inhibition of translation on mitochondrial ribosomes. Our results are consistent with a role for RNMTL1 in methylation of G1370 of human 16 S rRNA.
Species ecology determines the role of nitrogen nutrition in the frost tolerance of pine seedlings

Frost determines the evolution and distribution of plants in temperate and cold regions. Several environmental factors can influence frost acclimation of woody plants but the magnitude and direction of the effect of nitrogen (N) availability is controversial. We studied the effect of N availability on root and shoot frost tolerance in mid-fall and in winter in seedlings of four pines of contrasting ecology: Pinus nigra J.F. Arnold, P. pinaster Ait. , P. pinea L. and P. halepensis Mill. Organ N and soluble sugar concentration, and timing of cessation of shoot elongation were measured to assess the physiological mechanisms underlying frost acclimation. Nitrogen was supplied at high and low rates only during the pre-hardening period and at a moderate N rate during hardening in the fall. Shoot frost tolerance increased over winter while root frost tolerance did not change in any species. Pre-hardening N availability affected the frost tolerance of both roots and shoots, although the effect was species-specific: high N reduced the overall root and shoot frost tolerance in P. pinea and P. halepensis, and increased the frost tolerance in P. nigra, but had no effect in P. pinaster. Nitrogen supply in the fall consistently increased frost tolerance in all species. Differences in frost tolerance among species and N treatments were not explained by variations in organ N or soluble carbohydrate concentration, nor by timing of cessation of shoot elongation; however, the most frost tolerant species ceased elongation earlier than the least frost tolerant species. Despite the close phylogenetic relatedness of the studied species, the effect of N availability on seedling frost tolerance differed among species, indicating that species ecology (especially frost acclimation physiology) and timing of N supply drives the effect of N availability on frost tolerance of pine species.
Eye Signs and Symptoms in Brain Tumors

What was particularly impressive about the original Swiss edition of this book was unexcelled black-andwhite photographic illustrations of the ocular fundus, a concise, accurate text in German, and a useful listing of German, French, and English articles on the subject of ocular symptoms of brain tumors. Readership of the book increased greatly with the publication of the first English-language translation in 1961. The first revision of the text was done for the second English edition, published in 1971. If one leafs through the new edition published in 1976 and compares it to previous editions, he will note several things, some good and some bad. With each successive English edition, the original photographic illustrations have been sinfully degraded to a point where their content will not be recognizable in future editions. Paradoxically, the new illustrations in the third edition are of excellent quality. The format of the book, including most of
Mineral content of breast milk from north Indian mothers giving birth preterm and at term--implication for mineral nutrition of preterm infants.

Zinc copper magnesium and calcium content of preterm and term milk from Indian mothers was analyzed at different periods of lactation to examine its adequacy as a source of nutrients for preterm infants. Breast milk samples were obtained from 14 mothers who gave birth to preterm infants (mean gestation--35 weeks) and from 50 mothers who gave birth to full term infants (mean gestation--39 weeks) after a normal pregnancy. The levels of zinc copper magnesium and calcium are given for colostrum transitional and mature milk. Although the mean levels of all these elements were higher in breast milk of term mothers the difference is not statistically significant. A small preterm infant weighing 1000 grams would receive about 180 ml of milk a day. Highest and lowest daily concentrations of minerals which would be obtained daily by a 1000 gram baby receiving 180 ml milk are shown. Also shown is recommended daily intake of minerals for a 1000 gram baby. Expressed breast milk is likely to be short of the requirement of these minerals in a premature infant and it seems reasonable to consider supplementation of minerals for Indian infants.
Incidence of congenital Chagas' disease in Bahia, Brazil.

Parmi 186 meres etudiees on note 3 cas de trypanosomiase americaine congenitales. L'examen microscopique direct du sang de l'enfant par la technique directe de l'hematocrite est aussi sensible que le xenodiagnostic pour detecter l'infection. Les donnees anatomopathologiques des cas observes sont presentees
Role of HERP and a HERP-related Protein in HRD1-dependent Protein Degradation at the Endoplasmic Reticulum*

Background: HERP1 has been implicated in ERAD with unknown mechanism. Results: HERP1 and newly identified HERP2 are integral components of the HRD1 complex, facilitating retrotranslocation by recruiting DERL2 to HRD1. Conclusion: HERPs are partially redundant, required for HRD1-mediated retrotranslocation. Significance: HERP1 and HERP2 are essential adaptors between HRD1 and DERL2 that help organizing a functional retrotranslocation complex in HRD1-mediated ERAD. Misfolded proteins of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are retrotranslocated to the cytosol and degraded by the proteasome via a process termed ER-associated degradation (ERAD). The precise mechanism of retrotranslocation is unclear. Here, we use several lumenal ERAD substrates targeted for degradation by the ubiquitin ligase HRD1 including SHH (sonic hedgehog) and NHK (null Hong Kong α1-antitrypsin) to study the geometry, organization, and regulation of the HRD1-containing ERAD machinery. We report a new HRD1-associated membrane protein named HERP2, which is homologous to the previously identified HRD1 partner HERP1. Despite sequence homology, HERP2 is constitutively expressed in cells, whereas HERP1 is highly induced by ER stress. We find that these proteins are required for efficient degradation of both glycosylated and nonglycosylated SHH proteins as well as NHK. In cells depleted of HERPs, SHH proteins are largely trapped inside the ER with a fraction of the stabilized SHH protein bound to the HRD1-SEL1L ligase complex. Ubiquitination of SHH is significantly attenuated in the absence of HERPs, suggesting a defect in retrotranslocation. Both HERP proteins interact with HRD1 through a region located in the cytosol. However, unlike its homolog in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, HERPs do not regulate HRD1 stability or oligomerization status. Instead, they help recruit DERL2 to the HRD1-SEL1L complex. Additionally, the UBL domain of HERP1 also seems to have a function independent of DERL2 recruitment in ERAD. Our studies have revealed a critical scaffolding function for mammalian HERP proteins that is required for forming an active retrotranslocation complex containing HRD1, SEL1L, and DERL2.
Using demographic characteristics of populations to detect spatial fragmentation following suspected ebola outbreaks in great apes.

OBJECTIVES Demographic crashes due to emerging diseases can contribute to population fragmentation and increase extinction risk of small populations. Ebola outbreaks in 2002-2004 are suspected to have caused a decline of more than 80% in some Western lowland gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) populations. We investigated whether demographic indicators of this event allowed for the detection of spatial fragmentation in gorilla populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS We collected demographic data from two neighbouring populations: the Lokoué population, suspected to have been affected by an Ebola outbreak (followed from 2001 to 2014), and the Romani population, of unknown demographic status before Ebola outbreaks (followed from 2005 to 2014). RESULTS Ten years after the outbreak, the Lokoué population is slowly recovering and the short-term demographic indicators of a population crash were no longer detectable. The Lokoué population has not experienced any additional demographic perturbation over the past decade. The Romani population did not show any of the demographic indicators of a population crash over the past decade. Its demographic structure remained similar to that of unaffected populations. DISCUSSION Our results highlighted that the Ebola disease could contribute to fragmentation of gorilla populations due to the spatially heterogeneous impact of its outbreaks. The demographic structure of populations (i.e., age-sex and group structure) can be useful indicators of a possible occurrence of recent Ebola outbreaks in populations without known history, and may be more broadly used in other emerging disease/species systems. Longitudinal data are critical to our understanding of the impact of emerging diseases on wild populations and their conservation.
Let's talk about stress, baby! Infant-feeding practices and stress in the ancient Atacama desert, Northern Chile.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The transition to an agricultural economy is often presumed to involve an increase in female fertility related to changes in weaning practice. In particular, the availability of staple crops as complementary foods is hypothesized to allow earlier weaning in agricultural populations. In this study, our primary aim is to explore whether this model fits the agricultural transition in the Atacama Desert using incremental isotopic analysis. A secondary aim of this study is to identify isotopic patterns relating to weaning, and assess how these may be differentiated from those relating to early life stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS We use incremental isotopic analysis of dentine to examine changes in δ15 N and δ13 C values from infancy and childhood in sites of the Arica region (n = 30). We compare individuals from pre-agricultural and agricultural phases to establish isotopic patterns and relate these patterns to maternal diet, weaning trajectory and physiological stress. RESULTS We find that there is no evidence for systematic temporal or geographic variation in incremental isotopic results. Instead, results from all time periods are highly variable, with weaning completed between 1.5 and 3.5 years. Characteristics of the incremental profiles indicate that both in utero and postnatal stress were a common part of the infant experience in the Atacama. DISCUSSION In the Atacama Desert it appears that the arrival of agricultural crops did not result in uniform shifts in weaning behavior. Instead, infant and child diet seems to have been dictated by the broad-spectrum diets of the mothers, perhaps as a way of mitigating the stresses of the harsh desert environment.
100 years of primate paleontology.

From the first growth of the tree, many a limb and branch has decayed and dropped off; and these lost branches of various sizes may represent those whole orders, families, and genera which have now no living representatives, and which are known to us only from having been found in a fossil state. As buds give rise by growth to fresh buds, and these, if vigorous, branch out and overtop on all sides many a feebler branch, so by generation I believe it has been with the great Tree of Life, which fills with its dead and broken branches the crust of the earth, and covers the surface with its ever branching and beautiful ramifications. (p 129,130 in Darwin 1859).
Novel effects of statins in enhancing efficacy of chemotherapy in vitro in nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) is a relatively uncommon malignant epithelial cancer seen worldwide. The treatment of NPC has evolved toward combined modality treatment with radiation therapy and chemotherapy. However, chemotherapeutic agents currently have a secondary role, due to their lack of efficacy as curative agents. Recent identification of a novel property of statin drugs raises a promising hope that concurrent use of statins may enhance the efficacy of single‐drug chemotherapy in NPC. However, the effects of statins have not been studied before in NPC. In this in vitro study, we demonstrate a unique property of statins that can enhance the efficacy of cisplatin in NPC.
The prevalence of dietary-related complementary and alternative therapies and their perceived usefulness among cancer patients.

BACKGROUND The present study aimed to directly assess and compare the usage, benefits and side-effects of dietary-related complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among adult cancer patients and non-cancer adults in Norwich, UK. METHODS Self-administered questionnaires were completed by 98 cancer patients and 92 non-cancer adults to compare demographics, types of CAM usage with reasons, benefits, side-effects and CAM information sources. The groups were matched for gender, age, marital status, education and household income. The mean ages were 62.7 and 59.7 years, respectively, with slightly more female than male participants. RESULTS CAM use was high in both groups (47% in cancer and 53% in non-cancer respondents, P > 0.05). The most widely-used diet-related CAM among both groups was the large intake of fruit, vegetables and juice, multivitamins, fish oils and glucosamine. Fish oil intake was significantly higher in the non-cancer group (P < 0.05), whereas selenium and beta-carotene supplements were significantly higher in the cancer group (P < 0.01 and P = 0.02, respectively). The main reasons for using CAM were to boost the immune system and to improve quality of life (P > 0.05). Reported benefits included increased optimism and hope for the cancer group and increased optimism and pain relief for the non-cancer group. CONCLUSIONS Diet-related CAM is used frequently by both cancer patients and non-cancer adults, with many reported benefits and few reported side-effects. Significant differences between the groups included a higher prevalence of fish oil used by the non-cancer group, and a higher use of selenium and beta-carotene supplements in the cancer group.
Health-related beliefs and consumer knowledge as determinants of fish consumption.

BACKGROUND Despite scientific evidence on the positive effects of seafood consumption on human health, the consumption of fish remains below the recommended intake levels for the majority of Europeans. The present study aimed to explore cultural differences in potential determinants of fish consumption: consumers' knowledge and health-related beliefs, as well as the relationship between those variables, socio-demographics and fish consumption frequency, using data from five European countries. METHODS A cross-sectional consumer survey was carried out in 2004 with representative household samples from Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, Poland and Spain. The sample consisted of 4786 respondents, aged 18-84 years, who were responsible for food purchasing and cooking in the household. RESULTS European consumers had a very strong belief that eating fish is healthy. Consumers' belief that eating fish is healthy, their interest in healthy eating and objective fish-related nutrition knowledge, positively, but only weakly, influenced fish consumption frequency. Subjective knowledge was found to be a stronger predictor of fish consumption than the previously noted factors. Age and education contributed, both directly and indirectly through knowledge, to explain fish consumption behaviour. However, the path coefficients in the estimated model were relatively low, which indicates that fish consumption frequency was also determined by factors other than health-related beliefs and consumers' knowledge. CONCLUSIONS The findings of the present study suggest that communication should focus on health-related benefits other than fish consumption alone. Communicating that eating fish is healthy and stressing the health benefits of fish alone, as is still commonly performed (e.g. in generic promotion and other types of public information campaigns) will be insufficient to achieve higher levels of compliance with fish consumption recommendations.
Recommandations sur la prescription, le dosage et l’interprétation des troponines cardiaques

Troponin (I or T) has become the gold-standard marker in acute coronary syndromes during the last few years, as confirmed by a national survey realized within french clinical chemists, cardiologists and emergency practitioners. The importance of this marker and the heterogeneousness of circulating forms of troponin after myocardial necrosis fully justify international studies about standardization of this assay, which is a central bulk to reach a global market coherence. Checking analytical problems, although necessary, must be absolutely associated with an informed clinical interpretation. The knowledge of the crucial thresholds of each assay, the kinetic curves and the specificity limits of troponin assays allow the best use of their potential in diagnosis and prognosis together with an optimal patient care in very different clinical settings, in addition to others clinical and technical arguments. The quality improvement through successive generations of assay kits must nowadays persuade the physicians never to ignore a significant and valid troponin increase, which mainly reveals a cardiac injury, whatever its origin.