Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epidemiological survey in single-species flocks from Poland reveals expanded genetic and antigenic diversity of small ruminant lentiviruses

Small ruminant lentivirus (SRLV) infections are widespread in Poland and circulation of subtypes A1, A12, A13, B1 and B2 was detected. The present work aimed at extending previous study based on the analysis of a larger number of animals from single-species flocks. Animals were selected for genetic analysis based on serological reactivity towards a range of recombinant antigens derived from Gag and Env viral proteins. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the existence of subtypes B2 and A12 in both goats and sheep and subtypes A1 and B1 in goats only. In addition, two novel subtypes, A16 and A17, were found in goats. Co-infections with strains belonging to different subtypes within A and B groups were detected in 1 sheep and 4 goats originating from four flocks. Although the reactivity of serum samples towards the recombinant antigens confirmed immunological relatedness between Gag epitopes of different subtypes and the cross-reactive nature of Gag antibodies, eleven serum samples failed to react with antigens representing all subtypes detected up-to-date in Poland, highlighting the limitations of the serological diagnosis. These data showed the complex nature of SRLV subtypes circulating in sheep and goats in Poland and the need for improving SRLV-related diagnostic capacity.
Intraspecific Niche Models for Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa) Suggest Potential Variability in Population‐Level Response to Climate Change

Abstract. Unique responses to climate change can occur across intraspecific levels, resulting in individualistic adaptation or movement patterns among populations within a given species. Thus, the need to model potential responses among genetically distinct populations within a species is increasingly recognized. However, predictive models of future distributions are regularly fit at the species level, often because intraspecific variation is unknown or is identified only within limited sample locations. In this study, we considered the role of intraspecific variation to shape the geographic distribution of ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa), an ecologically and economically important tree species in North America. Morphological and genetic variation across the distribution of ponderosa pine suggest the need to model intraspecific populations: the two varieties (var. ponderosa and var. scopulorum) and several haplotype groups within each variety have been shown to occupy unique climatic niches, suggesting populations have distinct evolutionary lineages adapted to different environmental conditions. We utilized a recently available, geographically widespread dataset of intraspecific variation (haplotypes) for ponderosa pine and a recently devised lineage distance modeling approach to derive additional, likely intraspecific occurrence locations. We confirmed the relative uniqueness of each haplotype‐climate relationship using a niche‐overlap analysis, and developed ecological niche models (ENMs) to project the distribution for two varieties and eight haplotypes under future climate forecasts. Future projections of haplotype niche distributions generally revealed greater potential range loss than predicted for the varieties. This difference may reflect intraspecific responses of distinct evolutionary lineages. However, directional trends are generally consistent across intraspecific levels, and include a loss of distributional area and an upward shift in elevation. Our results demonstrate the utility in modeling intraspecific response to changing climate and they inform management and conservation strategies, by identifying haplotypes and geographic areas that may be most at risk, or most secure, under projected climate change.
Use of Caenorhabditis elegans as a model to study Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases

Advances in research and technology has increased our quality of life, allowed us to combat diseases, and achieve increased longevity. Unfortunately, increased longevity is accompanied by a rise in the incidences of age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD is the sixth leading cause of death, and one of the leading causes of dementia amongst the aged population in the USA. It is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by the prevalence of extracellular Aβ plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, derived from the proteolysis of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) and the hyperphosphorylation of microtubule-associated protein tau, respectively. Despite years of extensive research, the molecular mechanisms that underlie the pathology of AD remain unclear. Model organisms, such as the nematode, Caenorhabditis elegans, present a complementary approach to addressing these questions. C. elegans has many advantages as a model system to study AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Like their mammalian counterparts, they have complex biochemical pathways, most of which are conserved. Genes in which mutations are correlated with AD have counterparts in C. elegans, including an APP-related gene, apl-1, a tau homolog, ptl-1, and presenilin homologs, such as sel-12 and hop-1. Since the neuronal connectivity in C. elegans has already been established, C. elegans is also advantageous in modeling learning and memory impairments seen during AD. This article addresses the insights C. elegans provide in studying AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, we explore the advantages and drawbacks associated with using this model.
Spectrum of ATP7B mutations and genotype–phenotype correlation in large‐scale Chinese patients with Wilson Disease

Wilson disease (WD), an inherited disorder associated with ATP7B gene, has a wide spectrum of genotypes and phenotypes. In this study, we developed a rapid multiplex PCR‐MassArray method for detecting 110 mutant alleles of interest, and used it to examine genomic DNA from 1222 patients and 110 healthy controls. In patients not found to have any mutation in the 110 selected alleles, PCR‐Sanger sequencing was used to examine the ATP7B gene. We identified 88 mutations, including 9 novel mutations. Our analyses revealed p.Arg778Leu, p.Arg919Gly and p.Thr935Met showed some correlations to phenotype. The p.Arg778Leu was related to younger onset age and lower levels of ceruloplasmin (Cp) and serum copper, while p.Arg919Gly and p.Thr935Met both indicated higher Cp levels. Besides, the p.Arg919Gly was related to neurological subtype, and p.Thr935Met showed significant difference in the percentage of combined neurological and visceral subtype. Moreover, for ATP7B mutations, the more severe impact on ATP7B protein was, the younger onset age and lower Cp level presented. The feasibility of presymptomatic DNA diagnosis and predicting clinical manifestation or severity of WD would be facilitated with identified mutations and genotype–phenotype correlation precisely revealed in the study.
ELECTROPHORESIS OF SERUM PROTEINS IN SELECTED DERMATOSES *

Determination of the various fractions of protein in serum or plasma in different dermatoses has been recorded by several investigators employing the classic Tiselius method of electrophoresis (1—9) and paper chromatography (10). The purpose of this report is to present the findings of studies in certain selected dermatoses, particularly lupus erythematosus (L.E.), dermatomyositis and the pemphigus group, by means of filter-paper electrophoresis. "Tiselius electrophoresis," "free electrophoresis" and "moving-boundary electrophoresis" are used in this report as synonyms for the classic Tiselius (11) procedure of electrophoresis. "Filter-paper electrophoresis," "paper electrophoresis" and "zone electrophoresis" are synonymous terms as used in this report.
Ecological controls of mammalian diversification vary with phylogenetic scale

Aim Diversity dynamics remain controversial. Here, we examine these dynamics, together with the ecological factors governing them, across mammalian clades of different ages and sizes, representing different phylogenetic scales. Specifically, we investigate whether the dynamics are bounded or unbounded, biotically or abiotically regulated, stochastic or ecologically deterministic. Location Worldwide. Time period 150 Myr. Major taxa studied Mammals. Methods Integrating the newest phylogenetic and distributional data by means of several distinct methods, we study the ecology of mammalian diversification within a predictive framework, inspired by classic theory. Specifically, we evaluate the effects of several classes of factors, including climate, topography, geographical area, rates of climatic-niche evolution, and regional coexistence between related and unrelated species. Next, we determine whether the relative effects of these factors change systematically across clades representing different phylogenetic scales. Results We find that young clades diversify at approximately constant rates, medium-sized clades show diversification slowdowns, and large clades are mostly saturated, suggesting that diversification dynamics change as clades grow and accumulate species. We further find that diversification slowdowns intensify with the degree of regional coexistence between related species, presumably because increased competition for regional resources suppresses the diversification process. The richness at which clades eventually saturate depends on climate; clades residing in tropical climates saturate at low richness, implying that niches become progressively densely packed towards the tropics. Main conclusions The diversification process is influenced by a variety of ecological factors, whose relative effects change across phylogenetic scales, producing scale-dependent dynamics. Different segments of the same phylogeny might therefore support seemingly conflicting results (bounded or unbounded, biotically or abiotically regulated, stochastic or ecologically deterministic diversification), which might have contributed to several outstanding controversies in the field. These conflicts can be reconciled, however, when accounting for phylogenetic scale, which might, in turn, produce a more integrated understanding of global diversity dynamics.
Validation of the Arabic Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (A-RUDAS) in elderly with mild and moderate dementia

Objectives: Validated screening tests for dementia in Arabic are lacking. Given the low levels of education among elderly in the Middle East and North Africa region, the commonly used screening instrument, the Mini Mental State Examination, is not best suited. Alternatively, the Rowland Universal Dementia Assessment Scale (RUDAS) was especially designed to minimize the effects of cultural learning and education. The aim of this study was to validate the RUDAS in the Arabic language (A-RUDAS), evaluate its ability to screen for mild and moderate dementia, and assess the effect of education, sex, age, depression, and recruitment site on its performance. Methods: A-RUDAS was administered to 232 elderly aged ≥65 years recruited from the communities, community-based primary care clinics, and hospital-based specialist clinics. Of these, 136 had normal cognition, and 96 had dementia. Clinicians diagnosed dementia according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders fourth edition (DSM-IV) criteria. Interviewers, blind to the cognitive status of participants, administered A-RUDAS. The psychometric properties of A-RUDAS were examined for three cutoffs. Results: At the cutoff of ≤22, A-RUDAS exhibited good sensitivity (83%) and specificity (85%) with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 83.95%. Adjusting for age, sex, education, depression, and recruitment site, A-RUDAS score demonstrated a high level of accuracy in screening for mild and moderate dementia against DSM-IV diagnosis. Conclusion: The A-RUDAS is proposed for dementia screening in clinical practice and in research in Arabic-speaking populations with an optimal cutoff of ≤22.
A Review of the Cranial and Pectoral Musculature of Gonorynchiform Fishes , with Comments on Their Functional Morphology and a Comparison with Other

Very few studies focused on the anatomy of gonorynchiforms deal in detail with their musculature. In this paper I provide an overview of the cranial musculature (excluding branchial and extrinsic eye musculature) and pectoral girdle musculature of extant gonorynchiforms. Some comments on the functional morphology of these fishes, as well as a comparison with other otocephalans, are also given. The paper is based on a review of the available literature and on the author’s own analysis of the cephalic and pectoral girdle musculature of members of the various major otocephalan groups, including representatives of the seven extant gonorynchiform genera. The overview provided here points out that there is a considerable morphological diversity of the cranial and pectoral girdle muscles within the Gonorynchiformes. Interestingly, with the exception 1 Rui Diogo (corresponding author): Department of Anthropology, The George Washington University, 2110 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20052, USA. email: Rui_Diogo@hotmail.com 108 Gonorynchiformes and Ostariophysan Relationships C-3/D/SPI/Terry Grande/II/June 27, 09–108 of the adductor mandibulae, hyohyoideus inferioris, adductor profundus, and eventually adductor hyomandibulae and arrector dorsalis, the plesiomorphic gonorynchiform configuration for each of the muscles discussed seems to represent the plesiomorphic configuration for the Otocephala as a whole. Because of their apparent basal position within otocephalans and the rather plesiomorphic configuration of their myological structures, the gonorynchiforms can thus play an important role in studies of the comparative anatomy, functional morphology and evolution of not only otocephalans but also teleosts in general.
Coupling Physical Artifacts and Abstract Representations

: We propose an interface that aims at coupling two previously separated model worlds - the real space of physical objects and the virtual space of signs and images: Users wearing sensorized gloves build models in the real world with physical objects. The computer assembles a corresponding virtual model which offers simulation, animation and help-system capacities. We argue that (1) sensual experience is important for acquisation of tacit knowledge, (2) manual and intellectual grasping interact, and (3) concrete and abstract things need to be linked in education. The basic issues of this Real Reality concept are discussed and an application for vocational training in pneumatics is presented.
Mucosal Blood Group Antigen Expression Profiles and HIV Infections: A Study among Female Sex Workers in Kenya

Background The ABO blood group antigens are carbohydrate moieties expressed on human red blood cells however; these antigens can also be expressed on some other cells particularly the surface of epithelial cells and may be found in mucosal secretions. In many human populations 80% secrete ABO antigens (termed ‘secretors’) while 20% do not (termed ‘non-secretors’). Furthermore, there are disease conditions that are associated with secretor status. Objective To investigate correlations between secretor status and HIV infection among female sex workers in Nairobi, Kenya. Methodology This cross-sectional study recruited 280 female sex workers aged 18–65 years from the Pumwani Majengo cohort, Kenya. Blood typing was determined by serological techniques using monoclonal antibodies to the ABO blood group antigens. Secretor phenotyping was determined using anti-H specific lectins specific to salivary, vaginal and cervical blood group H antigen using the agglutination inhibition technique and correlated to individual HIV sero-status. Participants were additionally screened for Bacterial vaginosis, Neisseria gonorrhoea and Trichomonas vaginalis. Results Out of the 280 participants, 212 (75.7%) were secretors and 68 (24.3%) were non-secretors. The incidence of all infections: HIV, Bacterial vaginosis, Neisseria gonorrhoea and Trichomonas vaginalis was higher among secretors compared to non-secretors. However, this difference was only statistically significant for HIV infection incidence rates: HIV infected secretors (83.7%) versus HIV un-infected secretors (71.8%) (p = 0.029) Based on ABO phenotype stratification, the incidence of HIV infection was higher among blood group A secretors (26/52 = 50%), in comparison to B (12/39 = 33.3%: p = 0.066), AB (3/9 = 33.3%: p = 0.355), and O secretors (36/112 = 32.1%: p = 0.028). Conclusion This is the first report to document the variable expression of the ABH blood group antigens profiling secretor and non-secretor phenotypes in the female genital tract among a high-risk population in a Kenyan population. These findings suggest the non-secretor phenotype may confer a certain degree of protection against HIV infection.
Preparation Of Al-12si Foam Using Liquid Technique

This research aims at foaming an Al-12Si alloy by using CaCO3 powder as a foaming agent added to the agitated melt in different weight percents. The foaming process was carried out at different foaming temperatures of 700C˚, 750 Cand 800Cfor 5, 10 and 15 minutes using different foaming agent percents (0.5, 1, and 1.5) wt%. The metallic foam had been characterized by microstructur e examinations, density and porosity and compression tests. It was found from the results that there is an ability to produce metallic foams based on Al -Si alloy by using CaCO3 as a foaming agent without the need for adding ceramic stabilizing materials which are always added in a high percent. The mach inability problems caused by the presence of these materials can therefore be avoided. It was also pointed out that the porosity of metallic foams fabricated in this work increased as the foaming agent percent increases within the range used (0.5% - 1.5 %) and the preferred amount is 1%, where the optimum foaming time is 10 minutes at a foaming temperature of 750 C˚.
Metaflammasome components in the human brain: a role in dementia with Alzheimer's pathology?

Epidemiological and genetic studies have identified metabolic disorders and inflammation as risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Evidence in obesity and type‐2 diabetes suggests a role for a metabolic inflammasome (“metaflammasome”) in mediating chronic inflammation in peripheral organs implicating IKKβ (inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa‐B kinase subunit beta), IRS1 (insulin receptor substrate 1), JNK (c‐jun N‐terminal kinase), and PKR (double‐stranded RNA protein kinase). We hypothesized that these proteins are expressed in the brain in response to metabolic risk factors in AD. Neocortex from 299 participants from the MRC Cognitive Function and Ageing Studies was analysed by immunohistochemistry for the expression of the phosphorylated (active) form of IKKβ [pSer176/180], IRS1 [pS312], JNK [pThr183/Tyr185] and PKR [pT451]. The data were analyzed to investigate whether the proteins were expressed together and in relation with metabolic disorders, dementia, Alzheimer's pathology and APOE genotype. We observed a change from a positive to a negative association between the proteins and hypertension according to the dementia status. Type‐2 diabetes was negatively related with the proteins among participants without dementia; whereas participants with dementia and AD pathology showed a positive association with JNK. A significant association between IKKβ and JNK in participants with dementia and AD pathology was observed, but not in those without dementia. Otherwise, weak to moderate associations were observed among the protein loads. The presence of dementia was significantly associated with JNK and negatively associated with IKKβ and IRS1. Cognitive scores showed a significant positive relationship with IKKβ and a negative with IRS1, JNK and PKR. The proteins were significantly associated with pathology in Alzheimer's participants with the relationship being inverse or not significant in participants without dementia. Expression of the proteins was not related to APOE genotype. These findings highlight a role for these proteins in AD pathophysiology but not necessarily as a complex.
Outcomes of spine surgery in hiv – seropositive patients : a retrospective study

Aim:To analyze the surgical outcome of spine surgery in HIV positive patients Summary of Background Data:There are very few reports of cases of HIV positive patients undergoing spine surgery for unrelated afflictions. The largest such study is an exclusive study of surgery for tuberculosis of spine. Another notable study reports solely on non-infective conditions of spine undergoing elective surgery. Methods: We studied a series of HIV positive patients who underwent spine surgery for various causes including infective, degenerative and metastatic diseases of spine. Surgery was carried out in elective and emergency settings. Post-operative complications and long-term outcome was analyzed. Results:Incidence of post-operative complications in HIV positive patients is not unduely high. In patients without significant comorbidities, outcome was good. In patients with significant other co-morbidities like metastatic disease and serious infection, the outcome was poor. Conclusions: Not factoring in the duration and severity of the neuro-spinal disease, outcome depends upon the patients general health condition and other co-morbidities. Surgical decisions should be taken after evaluating the same
Preparation and Characterization of Activated Carbon from Palm Tree Leaves Impregnated with Zinc Chloride for the Removal of Lead (II) from Aqueous Solutions

Removal of Lead (II) from aqueous solution onto Activated carbon derived from Palm tree leaves (Phoenix dactylifera) as a novel precursor by chemical activation with ZnCl 2 , at specific condition of carbonization temperature at 500°C and 1 hour as a holding time and detonated as AC(PTL)ZnCl 2 . The obtained material was submitted to measurements of active surface area, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Batch-adsorption studied had been carried out to examine the adsorption capacity of the AC(PTL)ZnCl 2 for the removal of Lead (II) from aqueous solution. The effect of various process parameters like pH, initial metal concentration, adsorbent dose, contact time, and temperature on the efficiency of Pb (II) removal was investigated. Maximum adsorption of Pb (II) on AC(PTL)ZnCl 2 (86.4%) was observed at pH 5.81. The optimum conditions for adsorbent dose and temperature were determined as 0.030 g and 25°C, respectively. Initial Pb (II) concentrations has important effect on AC(PTL)ZnCl 2 in the studied range (25–125 mg/L) where the removal percentage increases as the metal ion decrease. The highest percentage removal of concentration corresponding to the maximum adsorption was found to be 82.75 ± 3.65. The adsorption equilibrium data was well explained by Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm. The parameters suggested that the adsorption of Pb (II) on prepared AC(PTL)ZnCl 2 is physical adsorption. The Langmuir isotherm which fitted best for the experimental data obtained showed (Correlation Coefficient, R 2 = 0.9463) higher than the (Freundlich isotherm, R 2 = 0.7554), but more close to (Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm, R 2 = 0.9260). The porous characteristics and adsorption efficiencies of prepared AC(PTL)ZnCl 2 were also investigated.