Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of Babesiosoma stableri (Dactylosomatidae; Adeleida; Apicomplexa) in its leech vector (Batracobdella picta) and the relationship of the dactylosomatids to the piroplasms of higher vertebrates.

The sporogonic and merogonic development of Babesiosoma stableri Schmittner & McGhee, 1961 within its definitive host and vector, a leech Batracobdella picta (Verrill, 1872), was studied by light and electron microscopy. Gamonts released from frog erythrocytes in the blood meal of the leech associated in syzygy and fused; the gamonts were isogamous and only 1 microgamete was formed. The ultrastructural appearance of the resulting zygote was similar to that of the gamonts, but it was larger. The zygote had an apical complex (including a polar ring, conoid and 2 pre-conoidal rings and micronemes, but no recognizable rhoptries), triple-membraned pellicle, about 40 subpellicular microtubules and prominent stores of amylopectin. Zygotes penetrated the cells of the intestine and underwent sporogony directly within the cytosplasm of the ieech epithelial cell without the formation of a parasitophorous vacuole. Eight sporozoites budded simultaneously around the periphery of an irregularly shaped oocyst. No oocyst wall was formed. Each sporozoite had a complete apical complex (including rhoptries), abundant amylopectin inclusions and a triple-membraned pellicle with about 32 subpellicular microtubules. The sporozoites initiated merogonic replication primarily within the salivary cells of the leech although other tissues, such as muscle, were infected. Each meront produced 4 merozoites by simultaneous budding, forming a cruciform meront typical of the intraerythrocytic development of this parasite. The meront was located directly within the cytoplasm of the host cell. Merozoites, with abundant amylopectin, had a complete apical complex and triple-membraned pellicle with about 40 subpellicular microtubules. The merozoites either initiated a further cycle of replication, or they moved into the ductules of the leech salivary cells which extend to the tip of the proboscis. Observations on gametogenesis. syngamy and sporogony of B. stableri in its leech host indicate that the family Dactylosomatidae should be placed in the suborder Adeleina (Eucoccidiida: Apicomplexa). Babesiosoma stableri was transmitted to uninfected frogs (Rana spp.) by the bite of infected leeches. Prepatent periods ranged from 26 to 38 days at 25° C. Despite a directed search in laboratory reared tadpoles which had each been injected intraperitoneally with 150,000 merozoites, no pre-erythrocytic developmental stages were observed. Similarities in their biology suggest close phylogenetic affinities of the dactylosomatids, and other adeleid blood parasites, with the piroplasms of higher vertebrates.
Multimodal intervention for avoiding inappropriate cessation of aspirin prior to outpatient endoscopy

Abstract Background and study aims Existing guidelines recommend continuation of aspirin therapy prior to outpatient endoscopic procedures, as it reduces peri-procedural cardiovascular events and is not associated with an increased risk of bleeding. Despite this, many patients at our institution inappropriately alter their aspirin prior to endoscopy. We sought to identify why this occurs and implement an intervention that could reduce improper aspirin alteration. Patients and methods All adult patients undergoing outpatient endoscopy at the Medical University of South Carolina were administered a survey querying demographics, aspirin use, endoscopic procedure, thromboembolic risk factors, and pre-procedural aspirin alteration, if any. An intervention involving revised written and verbal instructions as well as an automated voicemail aimed at ensuring patients adhere to guidelines was then undertaken. The same survey was administered after the intervention to assess for improved adherence. Results A total of 240 patients from the initial survey reported daily aspirin use, of which 114 (47.5 %) inappropriately altered aspirin therapy. A total of 182 patients from the post-intervention survey reported daily aspirin use, of which 66 (36.3 %) inappropriately altered aspirin therapy. This was a statistically significant reduction (P = 0.04), which included adjustments for age, sex, procedure type, and thromboembolic risk. Conclusions A high proportion of patients at our institution inappropriately alter aspirin therapy prior to outpatient endoscopy. The reasons for this behavior include patient self-direction, misguidance from staff, and instruction from other physicians. This alteration can be reduced significantly through an intervention that educates both patients and staff on continuation of aspirin therapy prior to outpatient endoscopy.
The relationship between hope and resilience with promoting maternal attachment to the fetus during pregnancy

INTRODUCTION: Maternal attachment to the fetus is an emotional bond and the unique relationship of the pregnant woman to the fetus. Attachment is an important predictor of mental health. One of the psychological factors affecting mental health is resilience and hope. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between hope and resilience with promoting maternal attachment to the fetus during pregnancy. METHODS: This is a descriptive correlational study performed on 386 pregnant women referred to community health centers in Isfahan-Iran. The research instruments were standard questionnaires of Hope Snyder, Conor and Davidson Resilience, and maternal attachment to the fetus of Cranley. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation test. RESULTS: The results showed that there is no significant relationship between the overall score of maternal attachment to the fetus and the total score of hope (P = 0.73). The overall score of maternal attachment to the fetus was positively and significantly correlated with hope subscales, including thinking (P = 0.004) and path (P = 0.047). The overall score of maternal attachment to the fetus was positively and significantly correlated with the overall score of resilience (P = 0.03). There was a correlation between the dimensions of maternal attachment to the fetus, including interaction with the fetus (P = 0.003) and self-sacrifice (P = 0.015). Maternal role acceptance (P = 0.001) was positively and significantly correlated with hope thinking subscale. Self-sacrifice (P = 0.027) and differentiation between self and fetus (P = 0.035) were positively and positively correlated with hope path subscales. Self-sacrifice (P = 0.03) and attribution to fetus (P = 0.001) had a significant positive relationship with resilience. CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that hope and resiliency are positively and significantly associated with maternal attachment to the fetus during pregnancy. Hope and resiliency are positively and significantly associated with maternal attachment to the fetus, thus increasing the expectation of pregnant mothers to increase their attachment to their fetus. As a result, they are paying more attention to prenatal care, which can guarantee the health of their mothers and their babies.
PCNA-induced DNA synthesis past cis -syn and trans -syn-l thymine dimers by calf thymus DNA polymerase δ in vitro

Calf thymus proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) promoted DNA synthesis past cis-syn and trans-syn-I cyclobutane thymine dimers by calf thymus DNA polymerase delta (Pol delta) in vitro. Templates containing site-specific cis-syn and trans-syn-I thymine dimers were prepared via a combination of solid phase synthesis with photoproduct building blocks and DNA ligation. Extension of a 15-mer primer on the UV dimer-containing templates by Pol delta produced termination and bypass products in a dNTP and PCNA dependent manner. In the absence of PCNA and at dNTP concentrations varying between 1 and 100 microM, Pol delta could not bypass the cis-syn dimer and terminated elongation one nucleotide prior to the 3'-T of the dimer. DNA synthesis past the trans-syn-I dimer was even less efficient. In the presence of PCNA, termination occurred primarily one nucleotide prior to the 3'-T of both dimers at 1 microM dNTPs but opposite the 5'-T of the dimers at 100 microM dNTPs. In addition, under the latter conditions, bypass of the dimers was observed, to the extent of about 30% of the products for the cis-syn dimer and about 15% for the trans-syn-I dimer.
Strategies for elimination of rubella in pregnancy and of congenital rubella syndrome in high and upper-middle income countries

Summary Rubella infection generally leads to mild symptoms; otherwise, in pregnant women it can cause severe damages. The only way to prevent rubella is vaccine. Before the introduction of the vaccine, up to 4 babies in 1000 live births were born with CRS. This work aims to review the most important strategies for the elimination of CRS in upper and high-income countries. Papers were selected through a PubMed search up to January 2019, using keywords rubella, congenital rubella syndrome and epidemiology. Articles published in the last 12 years and referred to upper income and high-income countries in title or abstract were included. Sixty-five papers were selected dealing with one or more of the following strategies: increasing of rubella vaccination coverage in childbearing age women, males, immigrants; exploitation of all appropriate occasions; improving of rubella surveillance. Despite numerous suggestions and indications for valid strategies to eliminate rubella in pregnancy and congenital rubella syndrome, a practical application is often missing.
Parkinson Disease and Orthostatic Hypotension in the Elderly: Recognition and Management of Risk Factors for Falls

Parkinson disease (PD) is often associated with postural instability and gait dysfunction that can increase the risk for falls and associated consequences, including injuries, increased burden on healthcare resources, and reduced quality of life. Patients with PD have nearly twice the risk for falls and associated bone fractures compared with their general population counterparts of similar age. Although the cause of falls in patients with PD may be multifactorial, an often under-recognized factor is neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH). nOH is a sustained decrease in blood pressure upon standing whose symptomology can include dizziness/lightheadedness, weakness, fatigue, and syncope. nOH is due to dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system compensatory response to standing and is a consequence of the neurodegenerative processes of PD. The symptoms associated with orthostatic hypotension (OH)/nOH can increase the risk of falls, and healthcare professionals may not be aware of the real-world clinical effect of nOH, the need for routine screening, or the value of early diagnosis of nOH when treating elderly patients with PD. nOH is easily missed and, importantly, healthcare providers may not realize that there are effective treatments for nOH symptoms that could help lessen the fall risk resulting from the condition. This review discusses the burden of, and key risk factors for, falls among patients with PD, with a focus on practical approaches for the recognition, assessment, and successful management of OH/nOH. In addition, insights are provided as to how fall patterns can suggest fall etiology, thereby influencing the choice of intervention.
Effect of Acupuncture on Pregnancy-Related Insomnia and Melatonin: A Single-Blinded, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Objective The aim of the current study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture on sleep quality and overnight melatonin secretion, measured as urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin, in pregnant women. Patients and Methods This randomized, parallel, single-blinded (participant), controlled trial was conducted on 72 pregnant women with insomnia. Study participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention, 10 sessions of acupuncture treatment over a 3-week period, or control group by block randomization (1:1). Patients in both groups were evaluated at baseline and post-treatment (﻿third week) using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score (as the primary outcome) and urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin. Results Fifty-five of 72 participants completed the study. There was no statistically significant difference regarding PSQI score and 6-sulfatoxymelatonin level between intervention and control groups at the baseline (P=0.169 and P=0.496). At the end of the study period, treatment with acupuncture significantly improved the PSQI score (P<0.001) with a large effect size of 3.7, as well as 6-sulfatoxymelatonin level (P=0.020) with a medium effect size of 0.6 as compared to the control group. No adverse effects were noted during acupuncture sessions and follow-up visits. Conclusion Acupuncture was shown to significantly improve the sleep quality in pregnant women, possibly through increasing melatonin secretion, and could be recommended as a low-cost and low-risk alternative treatment to pharmacological therapies.
Lactulose Suppresses Osteoclastogenesis and Ameliorates Estrogen Deficiency-Induced Bone Loss in Mice

Postmenopausal osteoporosis is characterized by excess osteoclastogenesis which leads to net bone loss and brittle fractures. Studies have demonstrated that estrogen deficiency-associated bone loss is microbiota-dependent and could be prevented by probiotics and prebiotics. In this study, we report that orally administered lactulose (20 g/kg, 6 weeks) orally administered significantly inhibited osteoclastogenesis, bone resorption, and prevented ovariectomy (OVX)-induced bone loss in mice. Lactulose increased intestinal Claudin 2, 3 and 15, compared to the OVX group, and lowered pro-osteoclastogenic cytokines levels including tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin(IL)-6, receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL), and IL-17 as well as increased the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in the intestine, peripheral blood, and bone marrow. Lactulose significantly preserved the number of Foxp3+ Treg cells in the intestines compared with that in OVX mice. Lactulose altered the composition of intestinal microbiota measured by 16s rDNA sequencing and increased intestinal and serum short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) levels including acetate, propionate and butyrate which were decreased in OVX mice as measured by gas chromatography. Oral administration of lactulose for 2 weeks significantly lowered the level of bone resorption marker C-telopeptide of type 1 collagen-1 in healthy male young volunteers (aging 20-25 years). In conclusion, lactulose inhibited osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption by altering the intestinal microbiota and increasing SCFAs. Lactulose could serve as an ideal therapeutic agent for postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Histone deacetylases inhibitor and RAD51 recombinase increase transcription activator-like effector nucleases-mediated homologous recombination on the bovine β-casein gene locus

Objective The efficiency of the knock-in process is very important to successful gene editing in domestic animals. Recently, it was reported that transient loosening of the nucleosomal folding of transcriptionally inactive chromatin might have the potential to enhance homologous recombination efficiency. The objective of this study was to determine whether histone deacetylases (HDAC) inhibitor and RAD51 recombinase (RAD51) expression were associated with increased knock-in efficiency on the β-casein (bCSN2) gene locus in mammary alveolar-large T antigen (MAC-T) cells using the transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALEN) system. Methods MAC-T cells were treated with HDAC inhibitors, valproic acid, trichostatin A, or sodium butyrate for 24 h, then transfected with a knock-in vector, RAD51 expression vector and TALEN to target the bCSN2 gene. After 3 days of transfection, the knock-in efficiency was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction and DNA sequencing of the target site. Results The level of HDAC 2 protein in MAC-T cells was decreased by treatment with HDAC inhibitors. The knock-in efficiency in MAC-T cells treated with HDAC inhibitors was higher than in cells not treated with inhibitors. However, the length of the homologous arm of the knock-in vector made no difference in the knock-in efficiency. Furthermore, DNA sequencing confirmed that the precision of the knock-in was more efficient in MAC-T cells treated with sodium butyrate. Conclusion These results indicate that chromatin modification by HDAC inhibition and RAD51 expression enhanced the homologous recombination efficiency on the bCSN2 gene locus in MAC-T cells.
Do anthocyanins protect leaves of New Zealand native species from UV-B?

Abstract Anthocyanin pigments must reside in the uppermost tissues of a leaf if they are to be effective as UV -B filters. However, in our survey of leaves and phylloclades from 25 native New Zealand plants, only four species held anthocyanins in the upper epidermis and/or hypodermis. For 18 species, anthocyanins were located in vacuoles of the palisade and/or spongy mesophyll, the same tissues that are potentially susceptible to UV-B-induced photoinhibition. Leaf pigmentation patterns varied among species and were correlated to the histological distributions ofanthocyanins. Most species held cyanidin-derived pigments. UV-B filtration cannot be regarded as a unified theory for anthocyanin function in leaves.
PHOSPHOLIPASE A2 ACTIVITY IN POULTRY PSE, PALE, SOFT, EXUDATIVE, MEAT

The interrelationship between phospholipase A2 activity (PLA (2)) and the development of pale, soft, exudative meat (PSE) in chicken was evaluated. Pectoralis major m. from female birds of 45 days of age after hatch was studied and determination of the enzyme activity was estimated by the formation of long-chain fatty acids. The occurrence of PSE was evaluated by measuring pH, L* values, water holding capacity and sarcoplasmic Ca 2+ concentration from both heat-stressed and nonstressed birds. In addition, the occurrence of the syndrome was monitored with birds advancing in age. Our studies revealed that PLA(2) plays an important role towards the occurrence of PSE symptoms and its activity increased as the birds became older. The enzyme activity was detected from the beginning of our experiment at 36 days and increased up to 70 days after hatch. The overall average activity was 1.25 times more pronounced in PSE samples from heat-treated birds when compared to control animals (P ≤ 0.05).
Effect of artificial selection on male colour patterns on mating preference of female guppies

Theoretical models predict that the evolution of female mating preference may depend on a genetic correlation with the male traits on which preference depends. This correlation has been the subject of controversy, and has been demonstrated to exist in only a few cases. The relative extent of orange coloration exhibited by male guppies (Poecilia reticulata) contributes to the mating preference of female guppies in certain populations. If the predicted genetic correlation between preference and male traits exists, then artificial selection for increased and decreased amounts of orange in colour patterns of male guppies should result in corresponding shifts in female mating preference. Four separate selection experiments produced an immediate divergence in male colour patterns between high and low selection lines. Analysis of mate choice of females from the selection experiments provides some evidence for correlated divergence in preference as predicted by theory. Females from lines in which males were selected for increased orange tended to show stronger preference for orange than did females from lines selected for decreased orange. This kind of correlated change in preference could contribute to the correlated pattern of variation in colour pattern and female preference across guppy populations.
Relationships between the conditions of cow’s milk production and the contents of components of nutritional interest in raw milk farmhouse cheese

L'objectif de cette etude correlationnelle etait de : (1) caracteriser la composition de fromages fermiers au lait de vache en termes de teneurs moyennes et de variabilite en acides gras, retinol, α-tocopherol, folate, β-carotene, xanthophylles, calcium, phosphore, magnesium, potassium, zinc, chlorure de sodium et potentiel antioxydant total (TAC), et (2) identifier les caracteristiques du troupeau et les pratiques alimentaires associees a des differences de composition du fromage. Trois cent six fromages fermiers a pâte pressee, produits en conditions reelles tout au long de l'annee, ont ete preleves. Les conditions de production du lait ont ete prealablement identifiees au moyen d'enquetes. Le fromage fermier se caracterise par une grande variabilite de composition. La nature de la ration fourragere (pâturage vs. fourrages conserves, en particulier) explique une grande partie de la variabilite en composes liposolubles du fromage. La matiere grasse du fromage est plus riche en C4:0, C18:0, C18:1 cis-9, C18:1 trans-11, C18:2 cis-9, trans-11 (CLA), β-carotene, xanthophylles, retinol, α-tocopherol et TAC et plus pauvre en C10:0, C14:0 et C16:0 avec les rations a base de pâturage comparees aux rations a base de fourrages conserves. En periode de pâturage, elle est la plus pauvre en C6:0 a C14:0, en β-carotene et en retinol et la plus riche en C18:1 cis-9, C18:2 n-6 et C18:3 n-3 avec un pâturage en alpage. Elle est plus riche en C18:1 trans-11, CLA, β-carotene et xanthophylles et plus pauvre en C16:0 avec un pâturage de premiere utilisation compare a un pâturage d'utilisation de rang superieur. Un pourcentage plus important de concentre est associe a des niveaux plus importants en C14:0 et C16:0 et plus faibles en C18:1 trans-11, CLA, C18:2 n-6, C18:3 n-3, xanthophylles et retinol. En hiver, la matiere grasse du fromage est la plus pauvre en C18:1 trans-11, CLA, C18:3 n-3 et β-carotene avec les rations a base de mais, tandis que la supplementation en vitamines A et E est associee a des niveaux plus importants de retinol et d'a-tocopherol, respectivement. Les caracteristiques du troupeau ont peu d'incidence sur la composition du fromage excepte la race. En particulier, les races Abondance et Montbeliarde sont associees a un pourcentage en CLA plus eleve dans le fromage que la race Holstein, alors que la teneur en carotenoides du fromage est la plus elevee avec la race Montbeliarde et la plus faible avec la race Abondance.
Interactions of temperature and dormancy-relieving compounds on the germination of weed seeds

Abstract Dormant weed seeds were germinated at constant and alternating temperatures using five chemicals. Germination of Chenopodium album when expressed in normal equivalent deviates, increased linearly with the logarithm of chemical dose up to an optimal concentration. Ethephon (2-chloroethyl phosphonic acid) and sodium azide slightly stimulated germination of C. album seeds at 20°C while potassium nitrate, thiourea and azide each interacted positively with alternating temperatures (5°/25°C). Relief of Avena fatua dormancy by azide exhibited a positive interaction with cool constant temperatures (3–10°C), and chemicals had smaller or no effects at higher and alternating temperatures. No chemical mixture, including that of nitrate, thlourea, ethephon, azide and hydrogen peroxide, promoted more germination than azide on its own in A. fatua or nitrate together with ethephon in C. album. In C. album, this result arose largely because nitrate and azide antagonized each other in the presence of ethephon. Peroxide and thiourea together relieved this antagonism so that the fourth order interaction was positive. The negative interaction of nitrate, azide and ethephon in C. album was avoided in a sequential treatment with nitrate plus ethephon for seven days followed by sodium azide. Relief of dormancy by nitrate and ethephon was optimized at 67 mM nitrate with 1.4 mM ethephon for C. album at 20°C and 20 mM nitrate with 1.4 mM ethephon for A. fatua at 15°C. None of the chemicals used in this investigation stimulated the germination of Rumex crispus seeds. The results are discussed with respect to chemical control of soil seed banks.