Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Review of Nutrients and Compounds, Which Promote or Inhibit Intestinal Iron Absorption: Making a Platform for Dietary Measures That Can Reduce Iron Uptake in Patients with Genetic Haemochromatosis

Objective To provide an overview of nutrients and compounds, which influence human intestinal iron absorption, thereby making a platform for elaboration of dietary recommendations that can reduce iron uptake in patients with genetic haemochromatosis. Design Review. Setting. A literature search in PubMed and Google Scholar of papers dealing with iron absorption. Results The most important promoters of iron absorption in foods are ascorbic acid, lactic acid (produced by fermentation), meat factors in animal meat, the presence of heme iron, and alcohol which stimulate iron uptake by inhibition of hepcidin expression. The most important inhibitors of iron uptake are phytic acid/phytates, polyphenols/tannins, proteins from soya beans, milk, eggs, and calcium. Oxalic acid/oxalate does not seem to influence iron uptake. Turmeric/curcumin may stimulate iron uptake through a decrease in hepcidin expression and inhibit uptake by complex formation with iron, but the net effect has not been clarified. Conclusions In haemochromatosis, iron absorption is enhanced due to a decreased expression of hepcidin. Dietary modifications that lower iron intake and decrease iron bioavailability may provide additional measures to reduce iron uptake from the foods. This could stimulate the patients' active cooperation in the treatment of their disorder and reduce the number of phlebotomies.
Long‐term persistence of wildlife populations in a pastoral area

Abstract Facilitating coexistence between people and wildlife is a major conservation challenge in East Africa. Some conservation models aim to balance the needs of people and wildlife, but the effectiveness of these models is rarely assessed. Using a case‐study approach, we assessed the ecological performance of a pastoral area in northern Tanzania (Manyara Ranch) and established a long‐term wildlife population monitoring program (carried out intermittently from 2003 to 2008 and regularly from 2011 to 2019) embedded in a distance sampling framework. By comparing density estimates of the road transect‐based long‐term monitoring to estimates derived from systematically distributed transects, we found that the bias associated with nonrandom placement of transects was nonsignificant. Overall, cattle and sheep and goat reached the greatest densities and several wildlife species occurred at densities similar (zebra, wildebeest, waterbuck, Kirk's dik‐dik) or possibly even greater (giraffe, eland, lesser kudu, Grant's gazelle, Thomson's gazelle) than in adjacent national parks in the same ecosystem. Generalized linear mixed models suggested that most wildlife species (8 out of 14) reached greatest densities during the dry season, that wildlife population densities either remained constant or increased over the 17‐year period, and that herbivorous livestock species remained constant, while domestic dog population decreased over time. Cross‐species correlations did not provide evidence for interference competition between grazing or mixed livestock species and wildlife species but indicate possible negative relationships between domestic dog and warthog populations. Overall, wildlife and livestock populations in Manyara Ranch appear to coexist over the 17‐year span. Most likely, this is facilitated by existing connectivity to adjacent protected areas, effective anti‐poaching efforts, spatio‐temporal grazing restrictions, favorable environmental conditions of the ranch, and spatial heterogeneity of surface water and habitats. This long‐term case study illustrates the potential of rangelands to simultaneously support wildlife conservation and human livelihood goals if livestock grazing is restricted in space, time, and numbers.
Factors Predicting the Need for Early Surgical Intervention for Small Bowel Obstruction

Purpose Small bowel obstruction (SBO) is a common disease that requires hospitalization. The most common cause of SBO is postoperative adhesion. Delayed timing of operations in patients who need surgical intervention results in mortality or morbidity. A number of studies on SBO have established criteria for emergency surgery. However, few objective clinical parameters are available for screening patients who need a delayed operation. Therefore, we analyzed factors that affect the clinical course of SBO to select appropriate therapeutic plans for reducing the risk of complications in these patients. Methods We investigated the clinical characteristics of patients admitted to the surgery department of our hospital between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2016, who were diagnosed with SBO. Patients were divided into an operative treatment group (n = 12) and a conservative treatment group (n = 96). We compared clinical characteristics between the 2 groups. Results The operative treatment group underwent more operations before SBO than the conservative treatment group (P = 0.007). Initial leukocyte counts (P = 0.004) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels (P = 0.028) were elevated in the operative group. Body mass index (BMI) was lower in the operative group (P = 0.013). Conclusion The number of operations before SBO, leukocyte counts, CRP levels, and BMI were useful parameters for selecting patients who needed an urgent operation for SBO.
PET/CT在Richter综合征中的诊断价值

Clinical value of PET/CT in the diagnosis of Richter syndrome Zheng Xinqi, Zhu Huayuan, Ding Chongyang, Wang Li, Fan Lei, Xu Wei, Li Jianyong Department of Hematology, Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing 210029, China; Pukou CLL Center, Pukou Division of Jiangsu Province Hospital , Nanjing 210031, China; Department of Nuclear Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing 210029, China Corresponding author: Li Jianyong, Email: lijianyonglm@126.com
Coexpression of Matrix Metalloproteinase-7 and Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase-1 as a Prognostic Biomarker in Gastric Cancer

Background Degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM), an essential step in tumour invasion and metastasis, is mainly dependent on the activities of both matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). This study aimed to explore whether expression of MMP-7 and TIMP-1 alone and in combination can be used as a prognostic marker for gastric cancer (GC). Method A total of 285 patients who had undergone tumourectomy for GC were included. Gastric tumour tissues were stained immunohistochemically to evaluate expression of MMP-7 and TIMP-1. Results Expression of MMP-7 was associated with tumour N stage and neural invasion. Multivariate Cox regression analysis suggested that expression of MMP-7 or TIMP-1 alone cannot serve as an indicator of patient prognosis; however, coexpression of MMP-7 and TIMP-1 was found to be an independent predictive factor of overall survival in patients with GC (HR = 1.74, 95% CI: 1.08-2.80). The results of stratified analysis also showed that the predictive value of MMP-7 and TIMP-1 coexpression was stronger in patients with N3 stage disease and not receiving chemotherapy. Conclusions In conclusion, coexpression of MMP-7 and its inhibitor TIMP-1 in gastric tumour tissues is a potential prognostic marker for GC. Greater knowledge of protein expression will lead to new paradigms and possible improvements in therapeutics.
Case Series: A case of familial thymomatous myasthenia gravis in a family of three male brothers

Abstract Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease that occurs as a consequence of anti-acetylcholine (Ach) antibodies specifically targeting postsynaptic Ach receptors (AchR). This leads to the evolution of the classic symptoms of the disease, which range from mild symptoms of diplopia, muscle fatigue with repetitive movement up to severe affection of the respiratory muscle. The disease can occur as an isolated finding or co-exist with a concomitant thymic tumor or hyperplasia. Careful diagnosis is crucial for the development of the management plan. Nearly 10–15% of MG cases coexist with a thymic pathology and in these cases, surgical resection leads to the resolution of symptoms. Although thymomatous MG occurrence is non-heritable, its polygenic nature accounts for its rare familial variant. In this case, we report a family of three brothers with familial thymomatous MG who underwent thymectomy and improved after thymic surgical resection. Myasthenia gravis can occur as an isolated finding or as an association of thymic pathology. Careful discrimination between the two should be made for the elaboration of a management plan. Familial variant thymomatous myasthenia gravis is exceedingly rare. A familial survey is crucial for its management.
Energetic Benefits of Communal Roosting by Acorn Woodpeckers during the Nonbreeding Season

We examined the thermal consequences, energy benefits and patterns of nighttime communal roosting in Acorn Woodpeckers (Melanerpesformicivorus) during the nonbreeding season, the period when they are most reliant on nutrient-poor acorn stores. Because the oak limbs (Quercus) in which Acorn Woodpeckers excavate roost cavities cool more slowly than the surrounding air, the nighttime temperature inside unoccupied woodpecker roost cavities averaged 4.3*C higher than the outside ambient temperature, when the latter was approximately 0*C. The temperature of occupied roosts was further augmented in proportion to the number of birds sharing the roost. A single woodpecker increased the cavity temperature an additional 1.20C, whereas four birds increased it an additional 6.0*C. Acorn Woodpeckers did not huddle together at low air temperatures when placed in a simulated roost-cavity metabolism chamber. Consequently their nighttime, fasted oxygen consumption was independent of group size (one, two, or four birds) and was described by the relation: ml O0/(g hr) = 3.33-0.055 Ta. From this relation and our cavity temperature measurements, we estimate that at an outside temperature of 0? C a single cavity-roosting woodpecker would reduce its heat loss by at least 9%, whereas four birds would reduce their heat loss by at least 17%, and even more in the presence of wind. This energy savings may contribute to the higher winter survival noted for male Acorn Woodpeckers that live in larger groups.
Descriptions of two new species of the genus Colocasiomyia (Diptera, Drosophilidae) breeding on Rhaphidophora host plants in Yunnan, China

Abstract The genus Colocasiomyia de Meijere (Diptera, Drosophilidae) is known to include 30 described and nearly 60 undescribed species classified into six species groups. Among these, the C. gigantea group of seven known species (two Southeast Asian and five Chinese) proved to be peculiar for its specificity on monsteroid (subfamily Monsteroideae, family Araceae) host plants. In this paper, two new species, C. todai Jiao & Gao, sp. nov. and C. liae Jiao & Gao, sp. nov., are described as members of the C. gigantea group with specimens collected from inflorescences of the monsteroid host species Rhaphidophora peepla (Roxb.) Schott and R. crassicaulis Engl. & Krause, respectively, in Yunnan, China. The two new species are delimitated, in comparison with all known species, based on not only morphological but also DNA barcode (partial sequence of the mitochondrial COI, i.e., cytochrome c oxydase subunit I, gene) data. A revised key to all the nine species of the C. gigantea species group is provided.
GEOGRAPHIC AND LOCAL VARIATION IN NESTING PHENOLOGY AND CLUTCH SIZE OF THE BLACK OYSTERCATCHER

The Black Oystercatcher (Haematopus bachmani) is a year-round resident with an extensive range from southern California to Alaska. Because of the size of this range (about 28" of latitude) and its simple, nearly linear shape, we hypothesized that the species would exhibit adaptive geographic variation in nesting phenology and clutch size. Museum egg collections provided information for the entire nesting range, while field observations on about 40 breeding pairs on Cleland Island, British Columbia, provided information on local variation. Nesting in Alaska starts about 15 days later than in southern California but trends in between are irregular. Birds on the exposed outer coasts of British Columbia and Washington start to nest about a week later than those in the San Juan Islands and Strait of Juan de Fuca. On Cleland Island the onset and duration of breeding. were similar in 1982 and 1983, and individual females laid similar-sized clutches at similar times in both years. There is no measurable geographic variation in duration of nesting or in clutch size. Clutch size averages 2.4 across the nesting range and was about 2.1 on Cleland Island from 1970 to 1983. Initial and replacement clutches on Cleland Island are similar in size but, in museum samples from throughout the range, three-egg clutches were collected later than two-egg clutches. The weak geographic trends in timing of breeding and their absence in clutch size were unexpected. Our findings may reflect (1) moderate seasonal and latitudinal fluctuations in the species' year-round coastal marine environment and (2) clutch size that is limited primarily by the optimal working capacity of parents. Research topics that can explore these possibilities include: proximate influences on breeding; heritability and individuality of breeding attributes; breeding energetics; and spatiotemporal variation in trophic ecology.
Feline-Human Zoonosis Transmission in North Africa: A Systematic Review

Throughout human history, domestic animal species have represented a unique zoonotic disease risk for the transmission of pathogens ranging from viral, bacterial, parasitic, and fungal. In North Africa, cats have a particularly long record and occupy a specialized niche within many communities. This systematic review was conducted to analyze the current and historical literature documenting the breadth and variety of zoonoses in North Africa, specifically relating to the domesticated feline. Multiple electronic databases were searched on January 16, 2019, for published reports on feline zoonoses in North Africa. A total of 76 studies met the inclusion criteria for a full assessment. Articles selected for the review ranged in publication dates from 1939 to 2019 and included a case study, cross-sectional surveys, genomic analyses, and a book chapter. The most commonly studied pathogen was Toxoplasma gondii (n = 17) followed by a variety of helminths (n = 10). Of the countries in the target region, most publications were of studies conducted in Egypt (n = 53) followed by Tunisia (n = 12), Algeria (n = 11), Morocco (n = 5), and Libya (n = 3). The results of this review identify a variety of viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic zoonotic diseases associated with cats in North Africa, ranging from historically endemic diseases in both human and animal populations in the region, to emerging infections with recent confirmatory diagnoses. This review describes reported feline zoonoses in North Africa and provides recommendations for their prevention and control. In addition to vaccination campaigns for domesticated felines and postexposure prophylaxis for humans, prompt veterinary and medical care of exposure risks and subsequent infections are essential in limiting the zoonotic disease burden in North African communities of humans and cats.
Efficiency of High and Standard b Value Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Grading of Gliomas

Background Glioma is the most common fatal malignant tumor of the CNS. Early detection of glioma grades based on diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) properties is considered one of the most recent noninvasive promising tools in the assessment of glioma grade and could be helpful in monitoring patient prognosis and response to therapy. Aim This study aimed to investigate the accuracy of DWI at both standard and high b values (b = 1000 s/mm2 and b = 3000 s/mm2) to distinguish high-grade glioma (HGG) from low-grade glioma (LGG) in clinical practice based on histopathological results. Materials and Methods Twenty-three patients with glioma had DWI at l.5 T MR using two different b values (b = 1000 s/mm2 and b = 3000 s/mm2) at Al-Shifa Medical Complex after obtaining ethical and administrative approvals, and data were collected from March 2019 to March 2020. Minimum, maximum, and mean of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were measured through drawing region of interest (ROI) on a solid part at ADC maps. Data were analyzed by using the MedCalc analysis program, version 19.0. 4, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was done, and optimal cutoff values for grading gliomas were determined. Sensitivity and specificity were also calculated. Results The obtained results showed the ADCmean, ADCratio, ADCmax, and ADCmin were performed to differentiate between LGG and HGG at both standard and high b values. Moreover, ADC values were inversely proportional to glioma grade, and these differences are more obvious at high b value. Minimum ADC values using standard b value were 1.13 ± 0.17 × 10−3 mm2/s, 0.89 ± 0.85 × 10−3 mm2/s, and 0.82 ± 0.17 × 10−3 mm2/s for grades II, III, and IV, respectively. Concerning high b value, ADCmin values were 0.76 ± 0.07 × 10−3 mm2/s, 0.61 ± 0.01 × 10−3 mm2/s, and 0.48 ± 0.07 × 10−3 mm2/s for grades II, III, and IV, respectively. ADC values were inversely correlated with results of glioma grades, and the correlation was stronger at ADC3000 (r = −0.722, P ≤ 0.001). The ADC3000 achieved the highest diagnostic accuracy with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.618, 100% sensitivity, 85.7% specificity, and 85.7% accuracy for glioma grading at a cutoff point of ≤0.618 × 10−3 mm2/s. The high b value showed stronger agreement with histopathology compared with standard b value results (k = 0.89 and 0.79), respectively. Conclusion The ADC values decrease with an increase in tumor cellularity. Meanwhile, high b value provides better tissue contrast by reflecting more tissue diffusivity. Therefore, ADC-derived parameters at high b value are more useful in the grading of glioma than those obtained at standard b value. They might be a better surrogate imaging sequence in the preoperative evaluation of gliomas.
Proteomic analysis of exudate of Cercospora armoraciae from Armoracia rusticana

Background Cercospora armoraciae causes leaf spot disease on Armoracia rusticana. Exudation of droplets, when grown on PDA, distinguishes this fungi from other members of the genus Cercospora. The role this exudate plays in the virulence of this pathogen has not been elucidated. To explore this, we characterized the transcriptome of C. armoraciae and the proteome of exudate associated with this plant pathogen. Methods Virulence of three strains of C. armoraciae was evaluated in greenhouse assays. De novo sequencing was applied to assemble transcriptome from these strains. Nano-HPLC-MS/MS analysis was used to identify proteins in the pathogen exudate. Identified proteins were functionally classified and annotated using GO, KEGG, and COG/KOG bioinformatics analysis methods. Results When treated with the exudate of C. armoraciae strain SCa-01, leaves of A. rusticana showed yellowing and necrosis of the leaves and similar symptoms to plants inoculated with this fungi. A total of 14,937 unigenes were assembled from C. armoraciae, and 576 proteins comprising 1,538 peptides, 1,524 unique peptide, were identified from the exudate. GO annotation classified 411 proteins (71%) into 27 functional categories, namely, 12, seven and eight biological process, cellular component, and molecular function subcategories, respectively. KEGG analysis assigned 314 proteins to 84 signaling/metabolic pathways, and 450 proteins were annotated against the COG/KOG database. Discussion Transcriptome and GO analysis of C. armoraciae found most proteins in the exudate. GO analysis suggested that a considerable proportion of proteins were involved in cellular process and metabolic process, which suggests exudates maintain the metabolic balance of this fungi. Some proteins annotated to the phenylalanine metabolism, which suggests that the exudates may enhance the virulence of this pathogen. Some proteins annotated to the phenylalanine metabolism, which suggests that the exudates may enhance the pathogenicity of the pathogen. Also some proteins were annotated to the peroxisome metabolic pathway and the fatty acid biosynthesis pathways. These pathways may confer antifungal, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity on the exudates.
Genetic diversity and structure of the critically endangered Artocarpus annulatus, a crop wild relative of jackfruit (A. heterophyllus)

Limestone karsts of Southeast Asia can harbor high levels of endemism, but are highly fragmented, increasingly threatened, and their biodiversity is often poorly studied. This is true of the Padawan Limestone Area of Sarawak, Malaysia, home to the endemic Artocarpus annulatus, the closest known wild relative of two important and underutilized fruit tree crops, jackfruit (A. heterophyllus) and cempedak (A. integer). Identifying and conserving crop wild relatives is critical for the conservation of crop genetic diversity and breeding. In 2016 and 2017, five A. annulatus populations were located, and leaf material, locality information, and demographic data were collected. Microsatellite markers were used to assess genetic diversity and structure among populations, and to compare levels of genetic diversity to closely related congeneric species. Results indicate no evidence of inbreeding in A. annulatus, and there is no genetic structure among the five populations. However, diversity measures trended lower in seedlings compared to mature trees, suggesting allelic diversity may be under threat in the youngest generation of plants. Also, genetic diversity is lower in A. annulatus compared to closely related congeners. The present study provides a baseline estimate of A. annulatus genetic diversity that can be used for comparison in future studies and to other species in the unique limestone karst ecosystems. Considerations for in situ and ex situ conservation approaches are discussed.
Genetic variation in Plethodon cinereus and Plethodon hubrichti from in and around a contact zone

Abstract Climate change poses several challenges to biological communities including changes in the frequency of encounters between closely related congeners as a result of range shifts. When climate change leads to increased hybridization, hybrid dysfunction or genetic swamping may increase extinction risk—particularly in range‐restricted species with low vagility. The Peaks of Otter Salamander, Plethodon hubrichti, is a fully terrestrial woodland salamander that is restricted to ~18 km of ridgeline in the mountains of southwestern Virginia, and its range is surrounded by the abundant and widespread Eastern Red‐backed Salamander, Plethodon cinereus. In order to determine whether these two species are hybridizing and how their range limits may be shifting, we assessed variation at eight microsatellite loci and a 1,008 bp region of Cytochrome B in both species at allopatric reference sites and within a contact zone. Our results show that hybridization between P. hubrichti and P. cinereus either does not occur or is very rare. However, we find that diversity and differentiation are substantially higher in the mountaintop endemic P. hubrichti than in the widespread P. cinereus, despite similar movement ability for the two species as assessed by a homing experiment. Furthermore, estimation of divergence times between reference and contact zone populations via approximate Bayesian computation is consistent with the idea that P. cinereus has expanded into the range of P. hubrichti. Given the apparent recent colonization of the contact zone by P. cinereus, future monitoring of P. cinereus range limits should be a priority for the management of P. hubrichti populations.