Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Quando o índice bispectral (BIS) pode fornecer valores espúrios

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The bispectral index (BIS) is a multifactorial parameter derived from the electroencephalogram (EEG), which allows monitoring of the hypnotic component of anesthesia. It was obtained from the algorithm based on the analysis of a large number of EEGs from volunteers and patients undergoing sedation and general anesthesia with different anesthetic agents. The use of BIS to monitor the depth of anesthesia reduces the incidence of intraoperative awakening and recall, among other benefits. The objective of this review was to present clinical situations in which the BIS gives false results, either elevated or decreased, due to conditions related to the patient or anesthetic actions unforeseen when the algorithm was elaborated. CONTENTS: The bispectral index can be altered and influenced in different clinical situations in which abnormal EEG patterns are present; the effects of different anesthetics and other drugs not included when the algorithm was elaborated; interference from electrical equipment; as well as peculiarities of the monitor. CONCLUSIONS: Although the BIS algorithm underwent several changes since its first version, the anesthesiologist should be aware of situations that cause false BIS readings to avoid complications, may it be secondary to anesthetic overdose or underdosing, which might cause intraoperative awakening and recall.
Degradation of non-coding RNAs promotes recycling of termination factors at sites of transcription

A large share of the non-coding transcriptome in yeast is controlled by the Nrd1-Nab3-Sen1 (NNS) complex, which promotes transcription termination of non-coding RNA (ncRNA) genes, and by the nuclear exosome, which limits the steady state levels of the transcripts produced. How global ncRNA levels impinge on cellular functions is a longstanding and important question. Here we show that degradation of ncRNAs by the exosome is required for freeing Nrd1 and Nab3 from the released transcript after termination. In exosome mutants, these factors are sequestered by ncRNAs and cannot be efficiently recycled to sites of transcription, which induces termination defects genome-wide. ncRNA-dependent, genome-wide termination defects can be recapitulated by the expression of a degradation-resistant, circular RNA containing a natural NNS target in exosome proficient cells. Our results have important implications for the mechanism of termination, the general impact of ncRNAs on cellular physiology and the importance of nuclear ncRNA degradation.
The Influence of Dyspnea on Chronic Pain and Psychological Distress Among Adult Patients With Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)

While pain is the hallmark symptom of SCD, respiratory illnesses within this population are common. Respiratory illnesses and their influences on physiological and psychological functioning are not well understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of dyspnea, a primary respiratory symptom associated with many diseases, on pain and psychological functioning among adult African American patients with SCD. Our results indicated that dyspnea, after controlling for age and gender, did not exert influence on reports of pain
Two classes of chromatin domains are important for fidelity of human centromeres

The centromere is a vital locus on each chromosome which seeds the kinetochore, allowing for a physical connection between the chromosome and the mitotic spindle. At the heart of the centromere is the centromere-specific histone H3 variant CENP-A/CENH3. Throughout the cell cycle the constitutive centromere associated network is bound to CENP-A chromatin, but how this protein network modifies CENP-A nucleosome dynamics in vivo is unknown. Here, using a combination of biophysical and biochemical analyses we provide evidence for the existence of two populations of CENP-A nucleosomes that co-exist at human centromeres. Disrupting the balance of these two populations by overexpressing CENP-C results in reduced levels of centromeric RNA polymerase 2, impair de novo CENP-A loading, and correlate with significant
Saving resources: the exploitation of endophytes by plants for the biosynthesis of multi-functional defence compounds.

Abstract Plants are effective in defending themselves against herbivores, parasites and pathogens. To accomplish this, they employ various strategies, one of them being the synthesis of antimicrobial and antiherbivory compounds. To reduce the amount of energy spent, such compounds can be efficiently synthesized in multi-enzyme complexes and may have multiple roles in plant life. The synthesis can further be economized when the plant exploits associated microorganisms for the synthesis of these 'plant' compounds. Due to the potential multi-functionality of plant compounds, it is often difficult to establish what their roles are in the plant's physiology and ecology, particularly because these various roles can be quite unrelated. The research on endophytes, their synthetic abilities and their role in the ecology of the plant may, however, shed light on this issue. Indeed, it was found that particular compounds produced by endophytes, which are considered phytohormones, have additional activities, being toxic for nematodes.
Sequence variation of latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A)gene from Epstein-Barr virus epitope cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL)related to human leucocyte antigen-A24 (HLA-A24)in peripheral blood sample and cytobrushof nasopharyngeal cancer patients

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects lymphocyte B and triggers latent phase in the host so that it causes nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Latent membraneprotein 2A (LMP2A) epitope CTL-HLA-A24 is a target for recognition by cytotoxic T lymphocyte(CTL). The change in the epitope could influence the latency of particular EBV in the host due toits ability to evade immune surveillance mediated by CTL. The study aimed to determine thesequence variation of LMP2A epitope CTL-HLA-A24 gene from the peripheral blood samples and cytobrush of the NPC patients. Case-series study was conducted with total 16 cytobrush samples from NPC patients. DNA isolation, polymerasechain reaction (PCR) and gene sequencing were performed in this study. From cytobrush samples of NPC patients, it was found the changes of base sequence variation of LMP2A gene from GGC>GGA, CCA>CCC, TGC>TCC, GGT>GGC and TCT>ACT. CCA>CCC and TGC>TCC variations were found in epitope associated with HLA-A2 where there was a change of epitope sequence from TYGPVFMCL to TYGPVFMSL caused by missense mutation. The change of base sequence caused amino acid alteration from cysteine to serine. Whereas the variation of CCA>CCC did not change the sequence of amino acid proline so that the epitopewas unaffected. In epitope associated HLA-A2 (CLGGLLTMV), there was a change in base sequence from GGT to GGC, but there was no changes in amino acid and still as glycine. There were some new variations: in the upstream sequence of LMP2A from GGC>GGA which is silent mutation and the other variation is in downstream sequence of LMP2A from TCT>ACT which is missense mutation. Thesequence variations of LMP2A gene found in this research were GGC>GGA, CCA>CCC, TGC>TCC, GGT>GGC and TCT>ACT. In our research, we found another variation compared the previous research. The variation was in the upstream sequence of LMP2A from GGC>GGA which is silent mutation and the other variation is in the downstream sequence of LMP2A from TCT>ACT which is missense mutation.
Isolation of Salmonella Typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes and coagulase-positive Staphylococcus from salami sold at street fairs in Porto Alegre, Brazil

ABSTRACT: Salami is a ready-to-eat (RTE) product frequently purchased at street fairs in Porto Alegre. Salmonella enterica, Listeria monocytogenes, and coagulase-positive Staphylococcus (CPS) are important causes of foodborne disease and can be transmitted through the consumption of RTE foods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of these pathogens in salami sold at street fairs. Ninety salami samples from three commercial brands available at street fairs were analyzed by routine bacteriological methods for Salmonella spp. and Listeria spp. , as well as enumeration of CPS. In addition, two samples from each commercial brand were analyzed for water activity (aw). Samples of brand A showed aw values (0.938 and 0.942) above those set by the legislation, while brand B (0.849 and 0.860) and brand C (0.826 and 0.854) were compliant. Microbiological analyses showed that 67.7% were negative to all investigated bacteria. Salmonella Typhimurium was isolated from 4.4% (4/90) of salami samples, all from commercial brand A. Listeria monocytogenes was detected in 3.3% (3/90) of samples, from commercial brands B and C. Moreover, 7.7% (7/90) of samples contained CPS populations non-compliant with legislation. Although the great majority of salami sold at street fairs of Porto Alegre was compliant with standards, S. enterica, L. monocytogenes, and CPS ≥ 5 × 103 cfu.g-1 could be found in this RTE product. Therefore, control measures in the processing industry and consumer’s education about foodborne illness prevention should be maintained.
Antihyperglycaemic Efficacy of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius compared with Glibenclamide in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

Problems associated with the current diabetic pharmacotherapy had further necessitated the need to search for more effective and safer approach to prediabetic and diabetic management. This study investigated the blood glucose lowering efficacy of the chloroform fraction of hydromethanolic leaf extract of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius (CA) compared with Glibenclamide in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar rats. Statistical analysis of the results using SPSS (v. 15) showed that CA caused a decrease in blood glucose level in a dose-dependent fashion. Comparison of means using paired t-test (p=0.05) showed that 100 - 200mg/Kg of CA showed significant blood glucose lowering potential. 100, 150 and 200mg/Kg of CA lowered the diabetic blood glucose by 41.76. 71.11 and 73.46%, respectively. 150 and 200mg/Kg CA recorded dose- and time-dependent mortality. The percentage difference in blood glucose level caused by 100mg/Kg CA leaf extract was 39.00% compared with 77.48% caused by 0.5mg/Kg glibenclamide. The blood glucose lowering potential of this novel CA extract could be justified by the strong presence of flavonoids in its phytochemical analysis. Effective dose of CA could prevent the rapid hypoglycaemic side effect in glibenclamide usage. However, the results implied that users of CA should be cautious of its possible dose- and time-dependent toxicity.
Sparse epistatic patterns in the evolution of terpene synthases

We explore sequence determinants of enzyme activity and specificity in a major enzyme family of terpene synthases. Most enzymes in this family catalyze reactions that produce cyclic terpenes – complex hydrocarbons widely used by plants and insects in diverse biological processes such as defense, communication, and symbiosis. To analyze the molecular mechanisms of the emergence of terpene cyclization, we have carried out in-depth examination of mutational space around (E)-β-farnesene synthase, an Artemisia annua enzyme which catalyzes production of a linear hydrocarbon. Each mutant enzyme in our synthetic libraries was characterized biochemically, resulting in reaction rate measurements for 7 cyclic and 4 linear products. We used this reaction rate data as input to the Michaelis-Menten model of enzyme kinetics, in which the free energies were represented as sums of one-amino-acid contributions and two-amino-acid couplings. Our model predicts measured reaction rates with high accuracy and yields free energy landscapes characterized by relatively few coupling terms. As a result, the Michaelis-Menten free energy landscapes have simple, interpretable structure and exhibit little epistasis. We have also developed biophysical fitness models based on the assumption that highly-fit enzymes have evolved to maximize the output of correct products, such as cyclic products or a specific product of interest, while minimizing the input of incorrect products, which may be toxic or costly to remove and degrade. This approach results in a fitness landscape which is a non-linear function of Michaelis-Menten free energies and is therefore considerably more epistatic. Overall, our experimental and computational framework provides focused characterization of sequence determinants and molecular mechanisms underlying evolutionary emergence of novel enzymatic functions in the context of micro-evolutionary exploration of sequence space around wild-type enzymes.
Trait evolution under multiple selection pressures: Prey responses to predictable and unpredictable variation

When a strong selection pressure, such as predation risk, varies widely in space and time, how should prey respond? When risk varies predictably, prey are hypothesized to respond in a risk-sensitive manner. It is less clear how prey should respond when risk varies unpredictably. Additionally, prey response may also depend on how predation risk interacts with other selection pressures. Our understanding of the complex action of multiple and variable selection pressures on prey traits is still comparatively poor. Here, we examine how predictable and unpredictable aspects of predation risk act together with another important selection pressure to influence prey behaviour in the rock pool breeding mosquito, Aedes vexans. Through the selection of sites for oviposition, female mosquitoes can influence the predation risk faced by their offspring. We tested how females select oviposition sites, when encountering pools that vary in larval predation risk and desiccation risk. We comprehensively quantified spatial and temporal variation in predation risk by measuring densities of predatory dragonfly nymphs in rock pools of different sizes, along the mosquito breeding season. We also measured hydroperiod length. We next conducted manipulative experiments in rock pools and measured female oviposition responses to variation in predation and desiccation risks. Predation risk varied widely in space and time. Desiccation risk only appeared important for the small pools. Ovipositing females appeared to respond to these multiple aspects of variation in selection pressures. Females seemed to respond to predictable variation by avoiding large pools that permanently harboured predators in natural settings. Female responses were more variable to medium-sized pools with naturally stochastic predator densities, highlighting the role of unpredictability in predation risk in shaping behaviour. Females did not clearly prefer small pools that were naturally devoid of predators but carried high desiccation risk, suggesting that they balance multiple risks – predation versus desiccation – when choosing oviposition sites. Our study suggests that wild populations may commonly experience multiple and variable selection pressures that can favour seemingly puzzling trait variation. We highlight the need to quantify variation in selection pressures and investigate how such variation, especially the unpredictable aspects, shapes prey traits.
Quantifying protein mobilization in transition dairy cows.

Cows are able to mobilize adipose, protein, and glycogen stores to meet energy and amino acid requirements that increase in late gestation and early lactation. While we are able to use body condition score (BCS) change and measurements of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and ketones to quantify adipose tissue mobilization, less is understood about protein mobilization. Two primary techniques have been used to quantify protein mobilization: 1. ultrasound images to measure muscle depth at different locations and 2. measuring quantities of waste products from muscle degradation like 3-methylhistidine in blood or urine. These methods combine to give us more insight on when and to what extent animals are mobilizing muscle in order to meet the demands of late gestation and early lactation. We observed that cows start to mobilize muscle prior to calving and that even 60 days into lactation they are still mobilizing muscle. BCS is not a good indicator of muscle depth or whole body muscle mass; currently there is no visual way to assess for muscle quantity in animals. However, muscle depth was a predictor of muscle mobilization. Cows that had more muscle depth prior to calving ended up mobilizing more muscle through the transition period. On average, cows mobilized 19% of their muscle depth at the longissimus dorsi from before calving to 60 days post calving. However, the amount of muscle that a cow had prior to calving was a strong indicator of how much muscle would be mobilized through transition (R2 = 0.68; P < 0.0001); cows with more muscle prior to calving, mobilize more muscle through early lactation. Amino acids derived from muscle can be used to support milk production through the production of milk protein and lactose; therefore, optimizing muscle mobilization may be beneficial to support milk production in early lactation as long as doing so does not negatively impact health.
Mapping and DNA sequence characterisation of the Rysto locus conferring extreme virus resistance to potato cultivar ‘White Lady’

Virus resistance genes carried by wild plant species are valuable resources for plant breeding. The Rysto gene, conferring a broad spectrum of durable resistance, originated from Solanum stoloniferum and was introgressed into several commercial potato cultivars, including ‘White Lady’, by classical breeding. Rysto was mapped to chromosome XII in potato, and markers used for marker-assisted selection in breeding programmes were identified. Nevertheless, there was no information on the identity of the Rysto gene. To begin to reveal the identification of Rysto, fine-scale genetic mapping was performed which, in combination with chromosome walking, narrowed down the locus of the gene to approximately 1 Mb. DNA sequence analysis of the locus identified six full-length NBS-LRR-type (short NLR-type) putative resistance genes. Two of them, designated TMV2 and TMV3, were similar to a TMV resistance gene isolated from tobacco and to Y-1, which co-segregates with Ryadg, the extreme virus resistance gene originated from Solanum andigena and localised to chromosome XI. Furthermore, TMV2 of ‘White Lady’ was found to be 95% identical at the genomic sequence level with the recently isolated Rysto gene of the potato cultivar ‘Alicja’. In addition to the markers identified earlier, this work generated five tightly linked new markers which can serve potato breeding efforts for extreme virus resistance.
The Dynamics of Living and Dead Fine Roots of Forest Biomes Across the Northern Hemisphere

Research Highlights: A detailed picture of the seasonality in fine root biomass (FRB), necromass (FRN), and the biomass/necromass ratio (FRBN) throughout the whole year is crucial to uncover profound effects of long-term environmental changes on fine root dynamics. Materials and Methods: We used meta-analysis to characterize the variability of FRB, FRN and FRBN, and determined their relations with climatic (monthly versus annual), edaphic and geomorphic factors for tropical, temperate and boreal forest biomes across the Northern Hemisphere. Results: Boreal forests exhibited the highest FRB and FRN, while tropical forests yielded the lowest FRN, and thus the greatest FRBN. FRB and FRN significantly decreased with sampling depth, but increased with soil organic carbon content and elevation, while an opposite pattern was found for FRBN. Temperature and precipitation at different time scales (monthly versus annual) and latitude had varying influences on fine roots. High FRB and FRN were observed during dry season for tropical forests, but in the late growing season for temperate forests. The three forest biomes exhibited the high root activity (measured as FRBN) in June or July. Conclusions: It is crucial to realize the universal and specific responses of fine roots to multiple environmental factors when attempting to incorporate these parameters into fine root monthly dynamic models in forest ecosystems. The biome-specific fluctuation of fine roots contributes to identify the influence factors on fine root seasonal patterns throughout the whole year. Our analysis is expected to improve the understanding of the key role of fine roots at monthly level in modeling and predicting carbon budget of various forest biomes under future climate change.
Tratamiento del deterioro cognitivo leve: utilidad de la citicolina

Summary. Aims. The course of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) involves a slight loss of memory without any significant effects on other cognitive functions. Around 12% of these patients advance annually toward Alzheimer’s disease, and for this reason it is important to search for medications that can prevent or slow down the evolution to dementia. Memory training programs, with relaxation techniques, the repetition of facts, information or pictures, categorizing information and the use of mnemonic rules can be effective. Drugs that can improve the cognitive faculties include piracetam, selegiline, vitamin E, Ginkgo biloba extract, estrogens, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether citilcoline can be effective in this clinical situation. Method. It has been shown in several animal models that citicoline improves scoring in learning and memory tests. Likewise, citicoline has been shown to improve memory and other cognitive functions in patients with chronic cerebrovascular disease or dementia and in old people suffering from memory defici t without dementia. Furthermore, a meta-analysis of 12 clinical trials conducted by the Cochrane Collaboration, researchers reached the conclusion that citicoline improves memory, behaviour and the overall clinical impression in old people suffering from chronic brain diseases. Conclusion. Citicoline could be effective in the treatment of MCI, although more studies are needed in order to check whether the effect continues in the long term and whether it manages to slow down the progression to dementia . [REV NEUROL 2002; 35: 675-82]
Estimating the Potential Impact of Sanitary Child Stool Disposal

The WASH sector has, thus far, greatly overlooked the enormous potential of hygienic child stool disposal to considerably reduce the prevalence of diarrhoeal diseases. Young children are concurrently more susceptible to faecal-oral disease transmission and an important source of infection because their faeces contain high levels of pathogens [2]. Based on a literature review and new research, this policy brief describes the potential impact of unsanitary child stool disposal and presents data on child faeces disposal practices in 38 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. It also highlights how the prevalence of safe disposal of child faeces differs in households with access to different types of sanitation, across rural and urban settings and with the age of the child. Finally, it offers recommendations for the WASH and health sectors on improving child faeces disposal to reduce the presence of child excreta in the household and community environment. Acknowledgements