Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Fruits and seeds of Ruppia (Potamogetonaceae) from the Pliocene of Yushe Basin, Shanxi, northern China and their ecological implications

Numerous fruits and seeds of Ruppia are reported from the Upper Pliocene (2.3–3.5 Myr ago) Zhangcun Formation in Yushe Basin, Shanxi, northern China. They are the first fossil Ruppia from China and demonstrate the importance of fruit and seed fossils in recording genera not represented by fossil leaves. These Ruppia are characterized by possessing a small oval endocarp, smooth endocarp surface, distinct elliptical external depressions, distinct apical mucro, slightly curved seed shape and conspicuous globose hilum. A new species, R. yushensis Zhao, Collinson and Li, is described from these endocarp and seed features. Comparison with the two European Miocene species, R. palaeomaritima Negru and R. maritime-miocenica Szafer, indicates the existence at that time of three different geographical and stratigraphical species. R. yushensis constitutes the first Pliocene record of Ruppia and extends the range of fossils of this genus from Europe to eastern Asia. R. yushensis is the only aquatic plant in the uppermost middle part of the Zhangcun Formation. This monotypic occurrence indicates a brackish, clear, tranquil and shallow lake in this region in the Late Pliocene. The smooth endocarp surface further suggests a warm temperate or temperate palaeoclimate. © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2004, 145, 317–329.
Sex‐specific association of urate and levodopa‐induced dyskinesia in Parkinson’s disease

As a major antioxidant, uric acid (UA) is known to be associated with the clinical progression of Parkinson’s disease (PD). This study investigated whether baseline UA levels are associated with the risk for levodopa‐induced dyskinesia (LID) in PD in a sex‐dependent manner.
Bioavailability of Epigallocatechin Gallate Administered with Different Nutritional Strategies in Healthy Volunteers

The flavanol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is being tested for the treatment of several diseases in humans. However, its bioavailability and pharmacokinetic profile needs a better understanding to enable its use in clinical trials. There is no consensus on the most appropriate concentration of EGCG in the body to obtain the maximum therapeutic effects. Therefore, the aim of this study is to analyze the bioavailability of EGCG orally administered alone or with different food supplements after overnight fasting in order to determine its optimal conditions (high concentrations in blood and the lowest interindividual variations) to be used as a pharmacological tool in human trials. Ten healthy volunteers (5 men and 5 women) aged 25 to 35 years were recruited prospectively. Three series of clinical experiments with a washout period of seven days among each were performed: (1) Teavigo® (EGCG extract) alone, (2) Teavigo® with a standard breakfast, and (3) FontUp® (Teavigo® commercially prepared with fats, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals). Blood samples were collected at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 180, 240, and 360 min after EGCG intake. Free EGCG in plasma was measured using a liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry UPLC-ESI-MS/MS analytical method. The pharmacokinetic variables analyzed statistically were area under the curve (AUC0–360), Cmax, Cav, Cmin, T1/2, and Tmax. EGCG (Teavigo®) alone was the group with higher AUC0–360, Cmax, and Cav both in men (3.86 ± 4.11 µg/mL/kg/6 h; 5.95 ng/mL/kg; 2.96 ng/mL/kg) and women (3.33 ± 1.08 µg/mL/kg/6 h; 6.66 ng/mL/kg; 3.66 ng/mL). Moreover, FontUp® was the group with the highest value of T1/2 both in men (192 ± 66 min) and women (133 ± 28 min). Teavigo® intake after fasting overnight revealed the highest concentration of EGCG in plasma according to its pharmacokinetic profile, indicating that this is an excellent alternative of administration if the experimental design requires good absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, EGCG taken along with food supplements (FontUp®) improved the stability of the molecule in the body, being the best choice if the experimental design wants to reduce interindividual variation.
Non-invasive genetic study and population monitoring of the brown bear (Ursus arctos) (Mammalia: Ursidae) in Kastoria region – Greece

The brown bear (Ursus arctos) in Greece is considered endangered but little is known about the genetic status and the exact size of local populations. Non-invasive genetic sampling was used in this study to investigate the genetic diversity and genetic structure of the brown bear population in the Kastoria region (northwest Macedonia, Greece) and to estimate its population size. Estimation of demographic parameters was based on innovative, well-evaluated methods that can provide estimates from a single sampling session. DNA was extracted from hairs, scat and blood samples and subsequent amplification of 10 microsatellite loci allowed the identification of a minimum number of 75 living bears in the study area while the mark–recapture-based analysis resulted in a point estimation of 219 individuals. Relatively high diversity values, lack of heterozygosity deficiency as well as estimated effective population size, support the Kastoria bear population having good conservation status.
Enzyme Families--Shared Evolutionary History or Shared Design? A Study of the GABA-Aminotransferase Family

The functional diversity of enzyme families is thought to have been caused by repeated recruitment events--gene duplications followed by conversions to new functions. However, mathematical models show this can only work if beneficial new functions are achievable by just one or two base changes in the duplicate genes. Having found no convincing demonstration that this is feasible, we previously chose a highly similar pair of E. coli enzymes from the GABA-aminotransferase-like (GAT) family, 2-amino-3-ketobutyrate CoA ligase (Kbl2) and 8-amino-7-oxononanoate synthase (BioF2), and attempted to convert the first to perform the function of the second by site-directed mutagenesis. In the end we were unable to achieve functional conversion by that rational approach. Here we take a complementary approach based on random mutagenesis. Focusing first on single mutations, we prepared mutated libraries of nine genes from the GAT family and tested for BioF2 function in vivo. None of the singly mutated genes had this function. Focusing next on double mutations, we prepared and tested 70% of the 6.5 million possible mutation pairs for Kbl2 and for BIKB, an enzyme described as having both Kbl2 and BioF2 activities in vitro. Again, no BioF2 activity was detected in vivo. Based on these results, we conclude that conversion to BioF2 function would require at least two changes in the starting gene and probably more, since most double mutations do not work for two promising starting genes. The most favorable recruitment scenario would therefore require three genetic changes after the duplication event: two to achieve low-level BioF2 activity and one to boost that activity by overexpression. But even this best case would require about 10^15 years in a natural population, making it unrealistic. Considering this along with the whole body of evidence on enzyme conversions, we think structural similarities among enzymes with distinct functions are better interpreted as supporting shared design principles than shared evolutionary histories.
Oxygen and development of the human placenta.

Development of the human placenta takes place in contrasting oxygen concentrations at different stages of gestation, from ~20 mmHg during the first trimester rising to ~60 mmHg at the start of the second trimester before gradually declining to ~40 mmHg at term. In view of these changes the early placenta has been described as 'hypoxic'. However, placental metabolism is heavily glycolytic, supported by the rich supply of glucose from the endometrial glands, and there is no evidence of energy compromise. On the contrary, the trophoblast is highly proliferative, with the physiological low-oxygen environment promoting maintenance of stemness in progenitor populations. These conditions favour formation of the cytotrophoblastic shell that encapsulates the conceptus, and interfaces with the endometrium. Extravillous trophoblast cells on the outer surface of the shell undergo an epithelial-mesenchymal transition and acquire invasive potential. Experimental evidence suggests these changes may be mediated by the higher oxygen concentration present within the placental bed. Interpreting in vitro data is often difficult, however, due to the use of non-physiological oxygen concentrations and trophoblast-like cell lines or explant models. Trophoblast is more vulnerable to hyperoxia or fluctuating levels of oxygen than hypoxia, and some degree of placental oxidative stress likely occurs in all pregnancies towards term. In complications of pregnancy, such as early-onset pre-eclampsia, malperfusion generates high levels of oxidative stress, causing release of factors that precipitate the maternal syndrome. Further experiments are required using genuine trophoblast progenitor cells and physiological concentrations to fully elucidate the pathways by which oxygen regulates placental development.
Ethylene Promotes the Necrotic Lesion Formation and Basic PR Gene Expression in TMV-Infected Tobacco

Ethylene has been thought to be an important factor for the induction of defense responses against pathogen attack, but its function in these responses has not been well denned. Here we show the direct involvement of ethylene in the formation of necrotic lesions and in basic patho-genesis-related (PR) protein gene induction in tobacco. Increase in ethylene production as well as accumulation of l-aminocyclopropane-l-carboxylic acid oxidase (ACO) gene transcript obviously preceded the lesion appearance in tobacco mosaic virus (TMV)-infected leaves in an N gene-dependent synchronous lesion formation system. Inhibitors of ethylene biosynthesis or action significantly suppressed both lesion formation and basic PR gene expression. Induction of these genes was enhanced in 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC)-treated leaves especially in ACO-overexpressing transgenic tobacco plants. Further, we found that ethylene production during hypersensitive reaction is restricted at the level of ACO activity. We first made a modified binary vector pEL2i2-MCS which has a multicloning sequence (MCS) downstream of the promoter to fa-cilitate subcloning of the ACO cDNA. A BamHl-Sacl fragment of pBE2113-GUS (E12J2-GUS) corresponding to the yS-glucuroni-dase coding sequence was replaced with a synthetic DNA frag- ment; 5'-GATCCGTTAACCTCGAGGAATTCGGTACCACTA-GTGAGCT-3' and 5-CACTAGTGGTACCGAATTCCTCGAG- GTTAACG-3' which contains the recognition sites of BamHl, Hpal, Xhol, EcoRl, Kpnl, Spel and Sad. An EcoRl site down- stream to the termination sequence of the nopaline synthase (NOS) gene in pBE2113-GUS was fixed by treatment with Klenow fragment after EcoRl digestion followed by re-ligation. The EcoRl fragment of DS321 was subcloned into the EcoRl site of MCS in both directions to obtain pE12i2-ACO (transcribes sense ACO mRNA) and pE12f2-ACOr (antisense). These constructs were introduced into tobacco by Agrobacterium-mediated gene transfer as described previously (Ohshima et al. 1990).
Flow scintillation counting of 14 C-labeled microalgal photosynthetic pigments

Photopigment radiolabcling, a useful method for measuring the in situ carbon-specific growth rates of microalgae, is based on the determination of synthesis rates of chemosystematic (i.e. specific for microalgal phylogenetic groups) chlorophylls and carotenoids using photosynthetically assimilated I4C as a radiotracer. The reliability of this method depends on accurate measurements of the 14C-specific activity of individual photopigments. Typically, photopigments are separated by high- performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with fraction collection of individual peaks, followed by further purification and standard scintillation counting. To simplify analyses, we evaluated in-line flow scintillation counting to determine its applicability and reliability for measuring the activity of radio- labeled photopigments. Incubations were conducted using both pure cultures and natural phyto- plankton samples. The radiochemical purity of photopigments was determined by extract acidification (10% HC1) to transform chlorophylls into degradation products. Purity was also checked by compar- ing absorbance spectra with purified standards. Although 14C-labeled colorless compounds are a common feature in radiograms, these compounds do not co-elute with photopigments using our HPLC protocol. Flow scintillation counting, coupled with a highly selective HPLC protocol, provides an efficient, reliable and feasible alternative to fraction collection/repurification methods for measuring the 14C-specific activity of microalgal photosynthetic pigments.
Genomic Epidemiology of 2015–2016 Zika Virus Outbreak in Cape Verde

During 2015–2016, Cape Verde, an island nation off the coast of West Africa, experienced a Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak involving 7,580 suspected Zika cases and 18 microcephaly cases. Analysis of the complete genomes of 3 ZIKV isolates from the outbreak indicated the strain was of the Asian (not African) lineage. The Cape Verde ZIKV sequences formed a distinct monophylogenetic group and possessed 1–2 (T659A, I756V) unique amino acid changes in the envelope protein. Phylogeographic and serologic evidence support earlier introduction of this lineage into Cape Verde, possibly from northeast Brazil, between June 2014 and August 2015, suggesting cryptic circulation of the virus before the initial wave of cases were detected in October 2015. These findings underscore the utility of genomic-scale epidemiology for outbreak investigations.
COMPARATIVE PHOTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF HIGHLY PURIFIED 124 KILODALTON OAT and RYE PHYTOCHROMES in vitro

Abstract A direct comparison of the photochemical interconversions between red (Pr‐) and far‐red (Pfr‐) absorbing forms of highly‐purified 124 kDa oat and rye phytochromes under identical experimental conditions was performed. In two different buffer systems at 5°C, the quantum yields for the Pr to Ptr and Pfr to Pr phototransformations under constant red and far‐red illumination, φr and φfr respectively, were determined to be 0.152‐0.154 and 0.060‐0.065 for oat preparations and 0.172‐0.174 and 0.074‐0.078 for rye preparations. These values as well as the wavelength dependence of the photoequilibrium produced under continuous illumination throughout the visible and near‐ultraviolet spectrum were based on the absorption spectra of the two phytochrome preparations and revised molar absorption coefficients. The molar absorption coefficients were estimated by quantitative amino acid analysis and shown to be identical for the two monocot phytochromes (i.e. 132 mM−1 cm−1 at the red absorption maximum for the Pr form). Because these measurements were performed under identical experimental conditions, including buffer, temperature, light fluence rate, and instrumentation, the differences observed must reflect structural features inherent to the two different monocotyledonous phytochromes.
Characterization of malathion resistance in a Mexican population of Rhizopertha dominica

Malathion resistance of a field-collected population of Rhizopertha dominica (Coleoptera: Bostrichidae) from Mexico was evaluated and the resistance mechanisms were characterized both in vivo and in vitro. The Mexican population showed a resistance level of 50-fold at LC50 as compared with that of a susceptible laboratory population. Malathion bioassays with the synergists triphenyl phosphate, piperonyl butoxide and diethyl maleate suggested that esterases were likely to contribute to the resistance whereas cytochrome P450 monooxygenases and glutathione S-transferases were not. In-vitro assays of esterases indicated that the general esterase activity was 1·3-fold higher in the Mexican population than in the susceptible population. However, the phosphotriesterase activity in the resistant population was 3·7-fold higher than in the susceptible population. Significantly higher phosphotriesterase activity in the resistant population was further indicated by 3·4-fold increase of Vmax in enzyme kinetics and higher frequency of individuals with high phosphotriesterase activity in this population. All these findings suggested that phosphotriesterases play a role in malathion resistance in the Mexican population of lesser grain borer. © 1998 SCI
Association between metabolic syndrome and endometrial cancer risk: a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies

Existing evidence has revealed inconsistent results on the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and endometrial cancer (EC) risk. Herein, we aim to better understand this association. Systematic searches of PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science through 12 December 2019 were conducted. Observational studies that provided risk estimates of MetS and EC risk were eligible. The quality of the included studies was judged based on the Newcastle–Ottawa scale. Summary odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Six studies, comprising 17,772 EC cases and 150,371 participants were included. MetS, diagnosed according to the criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program—Third Adult Treatment Panel, was associated with an increased risk of EC (OR: 1.62; 95% CI = 1.26–2.07) with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 78.3%). Furthermore, we found that women with MetS, diagnosed according to the criteria of the International Diabetes Federation, had a significantly higher risk of EC compared to healthy controls (OR: 1.45; 95% CI = 1.16–1.81; I2 = 64.6%). Our findings were generally consistent with the main results in the majority of prespecified subgroups, as well as in sensitivity analyses. In conclusion, MetS is associated with EC risk.
Planktonic and physico–chemical dynamics of a markedly fluctuating backwater pond associated with a lowland river (Salado River, Buenos Aires, Argentina)

An investigation was performed in a pond (San Miguel) directly associated with the Salado River (Pampean grasslands). The aim of the study was to analyze river interactions. Physical and chemical conditions and the plankton community were studied in order to determine the effects of changes in hydrological conditions. The main factors that influenced the physical–chemical characteristics of the pond have been identified by means of cluster analysis. Conductivity was the main factor that determined groups in sampling periods. Changes in conductivity were clearly associated with the water-level of the pond and depended on the flow of the Salado River and fluctuations of its conductivity, which is itself a function of evaporation and the inflow of underground water of high conductivity. Other factors that affected the physical–chemical conditions included concentrations of phosphorus and polyphenols, the main allocthonous sources. The concentration of these compounds was decreased in low water conditions. Principal Components Analysis suggested that there were four major regulatory factors in the pond, as follows. First, a dry season, with a prolonged isolation phase and a considerable increase in conductivity, turbidity and suspended solids, during which the abundance of plankton was greatly reduced, as were incorporated benthic species. A high and sudden increase of river flow determines the second regulatory factor, the flood season, when dissolved allocthonous material enters, conductivity decreases and there is a conspicuous dominance of cyanophytes, protozoans and crustaceans. The different degrees of hydrological connection with the Salado River produce changes in dissolved phosphorus forms and the composition of the plankton. The third regulatory factor is an increase in particulate material. This is associated with the highest total phosphorus values as a consequence of the phosphorus– particle relationship. The opposite situation, the fourth regulatory factor (a decrease in particulate material), produces clear water conditions with a dominance of chlorophytes, planktonic diatoms and rotifers.
Cost of egg production in the three‐spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus L.)

In the interval between successive spawnings, female sticklebacks consumed approximately their own wet weight of Tubifex. On average, for 100 cal of food consumed, 26 cal of eggs, 3 cal of somatic growth and 11 cal of faeces were produced. In the absence of somatic growth, the efficiency of egg production was estimated as nearly 30%, and it was predicted that in the absence of egg production, the efficiency of somatic growth would range from 20% for a fish of 0.8 g wet weight to 3% for 2 g fish. The weight of eggs produced at a spawning was a function of the weight of the female but not of the amount of food consumed. If food consumption was not sufficient to cover the cost of egg production, the fish lost weight. Total production (the summation of egg production and somatic growth) was a function of the amount of food consumed.
Zoonotic Alphaviruses in Fatal and Neurologic Infections in Wildlife and Nonequine Domestic Animals, South Africa

Alphaviruses from Africa, such as Middelburg virus (MIDV), and Sindbis virus (SINV), were detected in horses with neurologic disease in South Africa, but their host ranges remain unknown. We investigated the contribution of alphaviruses to neurologic infections and death in wildlife and domestic animals in this country. During 2010–2018, a total of 608 clinical samples from wildlife and nonequine domestic animals that had febrile, neurologic signs or unexplained deaths were tested for alphaviruses. We identified 32 (5.5%) of 608 alphavirus infections (9 SINV and 23 MIDV), mostly in neurotissue of wildlife, domestic animals, and birds. Phylogenetic analysis of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase gene confirmed either SINV or MIDV. This study implicates MIDV and SINV as potential causes of neurologic disease in wildlife and nonequine domestic species in Africa and suggests a wide host range and pathogenic potential.
Two neuronal groups for NaCl with differential taste response properties and topographical distributions in the rat parabrachial nucleus

It is crucial for animals to discriminate between palatable (safe) and aversive (toxic) tastants. The mechanisms underlying neuronal discrimination of taste stimuli remain unclear. We examined relations between taste response properties (spike counts, response duration, and coefficient of variation [CV]) and location of taste‐sensitive neurons in the pontine parabrachial nucleus (PBN). Extracellular single units’ activity in the PBN of Wistar rats was recorded using multibarrel glass micropipettes under urethane anesthesia. Forty taste‐sensitive neurons were classified as NaCl (N)‐best (n = 15), NaCl/HCl (NH)‐best (n = 14), HCl (H)‐best (n = 8), and sucrose (S)‐best (n = 3) neurons. The net response to NaCl (15.2 ± 2.3 spikes/s) among the N‐best neurons was significantly larger than that among the NH‐best (4.5 ± 0.8 spikes/s) neurons. The response duration (4.5 ± 0.2 s) of the N‐best neurons to NaCl was significantly longer than that of the NH‐best (2.2 ± 0.3 s) neurons. These differences in the spike counts and the response durations between the two neuronal types in the PBN were similar to that previously reported in the rostral nucleus of the solitary tract (rNST). The CVs in the N‐best and the NH‐best neurons were significantly smaller in the PBN than those in the rNST. Histologically, most N‐best neurons (12/13, 92%) were localized to the medial region, while NH‐best neurons (11/13, 85%) were primarily found within the brachium conjunctivum. These results suggest that NaCl‐specific taste information is transmitted by two distinct neuronal groups (N‐best and NH‐best), with different taste properties and locations within rNST to PBN tractography. Future studies on the higher order nuclei for taste could reveal more palatable and aversive taste pathways.