Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transient Gene Expression in Serum-Free Suspension-Growing Mammalian Cells for the Production of Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Empty Capsids

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious disease of cloven-hoofed animals. It produces severe economic losses in the livestock industry. Currently available vaccines are based on inactivated FMD virus (FMDV). The use of empty capsids as a subunit vaccine has been reported to be a promising candidate because it avoids the use of virus in the vaccine production and conserves the conformational epitopes of the virus. In this report, we explored transient gene expression (TGE) in serum-free suspension-growing mammalian cells for the production of FMDV recombinant empty capsids as a subunit vaccine. The recombinant proteins produced, assembled into empty capsids and induced protective immune response against viral challenge in mice. Furthermore, they were recognized by anti-FMDV bovine sera. By using this technology, we were able to achieve expression levels that are compatible with the development of a vaccine. Thus, TGE of mammalian cells is an easy to perform, scalable and cost-effective technology for the production of a recombinant subunit vaccine against FMDV.
Influence of the Temperature and the Genotype of the HSP90AA1 Gene over Sperm Chromatin Stability in Manchega Rams

The present study addresses the effect of heat stress on males' reproduction ability. For that, we have evaluated the sperm DNA fragmentation (DFI) by SCSA of ejaculates incubated at 37°C during 0, 24 and 48 hours after its collection, as a way to mimic the temperature circumstances to which spermatozoa will be subject to in the ewe uterus. The effects of temperature and temperature-humidity index (THI) from day 60 prior collection to the date of semen collection on DFI were examined. To better understand the causes determining the sensitivity of spermatozoa to heat, this study was conducted in 60 males with alternative genotypes for the SNP G/C−660 of the HSP90AA1 promoter, which encode for the Hsp90α protein. The Hsp90α protein predominates in the brain and testis, and its role in spermatogenesis has been described in several species. Ridge regression analyses showed that days 29 to 35 and 7 to 14 before sperm collection (bsc) were the most critical regarding the effect of heat stress over DFI values. Mixed model analyses revealed that DFI increases over a threshold of 30°C for maximum temperature and 22 for THI at days 29 to 35 and 7 to 14 bsc only in animals carrying the GG−660 genotype. The period 29–35 bsc coincide with the meiosis I process for which the effect of the Hsp90α has been described in mice. The period 7–14 bsc may correspond with later stages of the meiosis II and early stages of epididymal maturation in which the replacement of histones by protamines occurs. Because of GG−660 genotype has been associated to lower levels of HSP90AA1 expression, suboptimal amounts of HSP90AA1 mRNA in GG−660 animals under heat stress conditions make spermatozoa DNA more susceptible to be fragmented. Thus, selecting against the GG−660 genotype could decrease the DNA fragmentation and spermatozoa thermal susceptibility in the heat season, and its putative subsequent fertility gains.
Mapping in-vivo optic nerve head strains caused by intraocular and intracranial pressures

Although it is well documented that abnormal levels of either intraocular (IOP) or intracranial pressure (ICP) can lead to potentially blinding conditions, such as glaucoma and papilledema, little is known about how the pressures actually affect the eye. Even less is known about potential interplay between their effects, namely how the level of one pressure might alter the effects of the other. Our goal was to measure in-vivo the pressure-induced stretch and compression of the lamina cribrosa due to acute changes of IOP and ICP. The lamina cribrosa is a structure within the optic nerve head, in the back of the eye. It is important because it is in the lamina cribrosa that the pressure-induced deformations are believed to initiate damage to neural tissues leading to blindness. An eye of a rhesus macaque monkey was imaged in-vivo with optical coherence tomography while IOP and ICP were controlled through cannulas in the anterior chamber and lateral ventricle, respectively. The image volumes were analyzed with a newly developed digital image correlation technique. The effects of both pressures were highly localized, nonlinear and non-monotonic, with strong interactions. Pressure variations from the baseline normal levels caused substantial stretch and compression of the neural tissues in the posterior pole, sometimes exceeding 20%. Chronic exposure to such high levels of biomechanical insult would likely lead to neural tissue damage and loss of vision. Our results demonstrate the power of digital image correlation technique based on non-invasive imaging technologies to help understand how pressures induce biomechanical insults and lead to vision problems.
The Pseudorabies Virus VP1/2 Tegument Protein Is Required for Intracellular Capsid Transport

ABSTRACT Transport of capsids in cells is critical to alphaherpesvirus infection and pathogenesis; however, viral factors required for transport have yet to be identified. Here we provide a detailed examination of capsid dynamics during the egress phase of infection in Vero cells infected with pseudorabies virus. We demonstrate that the VP1/2 tegument protein is required for processive microtubule-based transport of capsids in the cytoplasm. A second tegument protein that binds to VP1/2, UL37, was necessary for wild-type transport but was not essential for this process. Both proteins were also required for efficient nuclear egress of capsids to the cytoplasm.
Mutations that affect meiosis in male mice influence the dynamics of the mid-preleptotene and bouquet stages

B. Liebe, G. Petukhova, M. Barchi, M. Bellani, H. Braselmann, T. Nakano, T.K. Pandita, M. Jasin, A. Fornace, M.L. Meistrich, W.M. Baarends, J. Schimenti, T. de Lange, S. Keeney, R.D. Camerini-Otero, H. Scherthan⁎ Max-Planck-Inst. for Molecular Genetics, Ihnestr. 73, D-14195 Berlin, Germany Genetics and Biochemistry Branch, NIDDK, National Inst. of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA Molecular Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA GSF-Forschungszentrum für Umwelt und Gesundheit GmbH, Institut für Molekulare Strahlenbiologie, Biostatistics, Neuherberg, D-80937 Munich, Germany Department of Mol. Cell Biol., Res. Inst. for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington Univ. School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63108, USA Gene Resp. Section, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, MD, USA University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA Department of Reprod. and Dev. , Erasmus MC, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands Center for Vertebrate Genomics, Dept. of Biomed. Sci., College of Vet. Med., Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA Laboratory for Cell Biology and Genetics, Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10021, USA Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, Neuherbergstr.11, 80937 Munich, Germany
Linking litter calcium, earthworms and soil properties: a common garden test with 14 tree species

Tree species can influence biogeochemistry through variation in the quantity and chemistry of their litter, and associated impacts on the soil heterotrophic community. However, the role that different plant traits play in these processes is not well understood, nor is it clear whether species effects on soils largely reflect a gymnosperm vs. angiosperm contrast. Using a replicated, long-term monoculture plot experiment, we examined variation in soils among 14 gymnosperm and angiosperm tree species 30 years after plot establishment, and assessed the role of litter chemistry vis-a`-vis such variation. Differences in litter calcium concentrations among tree species resulted in profound changes in soil acidity and fertility that were similar within and among tree groups. Tree species rich in calcium were associated with increased native earthworm abundance and diversity, as well as increased soil pH, exchangeable calcium, per cent base saturation and forest floor turnover rate.
Anatomical and radiological study on the skull of the koala (Phascolarctos cinereus).

Four koala heads were used with the aim of studying the anatomy and radiology of the skulls. This study may establish baseline data necessary to help in understanding, interpreting x-ray images and treating some of the respiratory diseases or surgical affections of the head. In addition, it may pave the way for future functional and comparative anatomical and radiological studies. The peculiarities of the skull were mentioned for both cranial and facial bones. The photos taken for the skull from all orientations (9 photos) as well as the two x-ray images were labeled using the recent nomenclature published by NAV (2005) and the illustrated veterinary anatomical nomenclature edited by Schaller (2007).
Downregulation of miRNA-29, -23 and -21 in urine of Duchenne muscular dystrophy patients.

AIM To study the signature of 87 urinary miRNAs in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients, select the most dysregulated and determine statistically significant differences in their expression between controls, ambulant (A) and nonambulant (NA) DMD patients, and patients on different corticosteroid regimens. Patients/materials & methods: Urine was collected from control (n = 20), A (n = 31) and NA (n = 23) DMD patients. miRNA expression was measured by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. RESULTS miR-29c-3p was significantly downregulated in A DMD patients while miR-23b-3p and miR-21-5p were significantly downregulated in NA DMD patients compared with age-matched controls. CONCLUSION miR-29c-3p, miR-23b-3p and miR-21-5p are promising novel noninvasive biomarkers for DMD, and miR-29c-3p levels are differentially affected by different steroid regimens, supporting the antifibrotic effect of steroid therapy.
Human Endothelial Cells Modulate CD4+ T Cell Populations and Enhance Regulatory T Cell Suppressive Capacity

Endothelial cells (ECs) line the luminal surface of blood vessels and have an active role in the recruitment of leukocytes, including immune cell activation. Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are immune suppressor cells that maintain peripheral tolerance and must interact with the endothelium as they traffic into tissue. We hypothesized that human ECs could modulate Tregs and their suppressor function. Cocultures of CD4+ T cells with human umbilical vein ECs (HUVECs) or dermal microvascular ECs (HDMECs) were conducted and analyzed for activation and proliferation after 72 and 120 h using flow cytometry. In monocyte-depleted cultures, human ECs were found to support CD4+ T cell proliferation in the presence of external mitogens phytohemagglutinin or anti-CD3/28 antibodies (aCD3/28). Activation was shown by CD25 expression in these cells that also transiently expressed the Treg transcription factor FOXP3. HUVECs supported the specific concurrent proliferation of both effector T cells and Tregs when cocultured with aCD3/28. Purified Tregs were also functionally activated by prior coculture with EC to suppress effector T (Teff) cell proliferation. Both direct coculture and indirect coculture of EC and Treg showed activation of the Treg suppressive phenotype. However, whereas HUVEC showed enhancement of suppression by both mechanisms, HDMEC only supported Treg suppressive activity via the contact-independent mechanism. In the contact-independent cultures, the soluble mediators IL-6, GM-CSF, or G-CSF released from ECs following interferon-γ activation were not responsible for the enhanced Treg suppressor function. Following direct coculture, Treg expression of inhibitory receptors PD-1 and OX40 was elevated while activated EC expressed the counter ligands programmed death ligand (PD-L)1 and PD-L2. Therefore, human ECs have a role in supporting T cell proliferation and increasing Treg suppressor function. This ability of EC to enhance Treg function could offer novel targets to boost Treg activity during inflammatory disorders.
Chromic Acid Oxidation of Methylaminopyrazole Formamidine in Sulfuric Acid Medium: A Kinetic and Mechanistic Approach

The kinetics of chromic acid oxidation of one of aminopyrazole formamidine derivatives, namely N,N-dimethyl-N’ -(5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl) formamidine (MAPF)in sulfuric acid solutions has been investigated at constant ionic strength and temperature. The progress of the reaction was followed spectrophotometrically. The reaction showed a first order dependence on [chromic acid] and fractional-first order dependences with respect to [MAPF] and [H+]. Increasing ionic strength and solvent polarity of the reaction medium had no significant effect on the oxidation rate. Addition of AgI, PdII and RuIII catalysts was found to enhance the reaction rate and the order of catalytic efficiency is: AgI > RuIII > PdII. The final oxidation products of MAPF are identified by spectral and elemental analysis as methylaminopyrazole, dimethylamine and carbon dioxide. A spectral evidence for the formation of chromium(III) product was obtained. A reaction mechanism adequately describing the observed kinetic behavior is proposed, and the reaction constants involved in the different steps of the mechanism have been evaluated. The activation parameters with respect to the rate-determining step of the reaction, along with thermodynamic quantities of the equilibrium constants, are presented and discussed.
Update on Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Screening

C l i n M e d International Library Citation: Noll MA , Ferrante JM (2016) Update on Colorectal Cancer Prevention and Screening. J Fam Med Dis Prev 2:027 Received: February 06, 2016: Accepted: March 11, 2016: Published: March 14, 2016 Copyright: © 2016 Noll MA, et al. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Noll and Ferrante. J Fam Med Dis Prev 2016, 2:027
Resource Quantity and Quality Determine the Inter-Specific Associations between Ecosystem Engineers and Resource Users in a Cavity-Nest Web

While ecosystem engineering is a widespread structural force of ecological communities, the mechanisms underlying the inter-specific associations between ecosystem engineers and resource users are poorly understood. A proper knowledge of these mechanisms is, however, essential to understand how communities are structured. Previous studies suggest that increasing the quantity of resources provided by ecosystem engineers enhances populations of resource users. In a long-term study (1995-2011), we show that the quality of the resources (i.e. tree cavities) provided by ecosystem engineers is also a key feature that explains the inter-specific associations in a tree cavity-nest web. Red-naped sapsuckers ( Sphyrapicus nuchalis ) provided the most abundant cavities (52% of cavities, 0.49 cavities/ha). These cavities were less likely to be used than other cavity types by mountain bluebirds ( Sialia currucoides ), but provided numerous nest-sites (41% of nesting cavities) to tree swallows ( Tachycineta bicolour ). Swallows experienced low reproductive outputs in northern flicker ( Colaptes auratus ) cavities compared to those in sapsucker cavities (1.1 vs. 2.1 fledglings/nest), but the highly abundant flickers (33% of cavities, 0.25 cavities/ha) provided numerous suitable nest-sites for bluebirds (58%). The relative shortage of cavities supplied by hairy woodpeckers ( Picoides villosus ) and fungal/insect decay (<10% of cavities each, <0.09 cavities/ha) provided fewer breeding opportunities (<15% of nests), but represented high quality nest-sites for both bluebirds and swallows. Because both the quantity and quality of resources supplied by different ecosystem engineers may explain the amount of resources used by each resource user, conservation strategies may require different management actions to be implemented for the key ecosystem engineer of each resource user. We, therefore, urge the incorporation of both resource quantity and quality into models that assess community dynamics to improve conservation actions and our understanding of ecological communities based on ecosystem engineering.
Spliceosome Assembly Pathways for Different Types of Alternative Splicing Converge during Commitment to Splice Site Pairing in the A Complex

ABSTRACT Differential splice site pairing establishes alternative splicing patterns resulting in the generation of multiple mRNA isoforms. This process is carried out by the spliceosome, which is activated by a series of sequential structural rearrangements of its five core snRNPs. To determine when splice sites become functionally paired, we carried out a series of kinetic trap experiments using pre-mRNAs that undergo alternative 5′ splice site selection or alternative exon inclusion. We show that commitment to splice site pairing in both cases occurs in the A complex, which is characterized by the ATP-dependent association of the U2 snRNP with the branch point. Interestingly, the timing of splice site pairing is independent of the intron or exon definition modes of splice site recognition. Using the ATP analog ATPγS, we showed that ATP hydrolysis is required for splice site pairing independent from U2 snRNP binding to the pre-mRNA. These results identify the A complex as the spliceosomal assembly step dedicated to splice site pairing and suggest that ATP hydrolysis locks splice sites into a splicing pattern after stable U2 snRNP association to the branch point.
Barriers to adherence to antiretroviral treatment in a regional hospital in Vredenburg, Western Cape, South Africa

Background South Africa currently runs the largest public antiretroviral treatment (ART) programme in the world, with over 80% of people living with HIV and/or AIDS on ART. However, in order to appreciate the benefits of using ART, patients are subject to uncompromising and long-term commitments of taking at least 95% of their treatment as prescribed. Evidence shows that this level of adherence is seldom achieved because of a multilevel and sometimes interwoven myriad of factors. Objective We described the challenges faced by patients on ART in Vredenburg with regard to ART adherence. Methods A descriptive qualitative research design was used. Eighteen non-adhering patients on ART in the Vredenburg regional hospital were purposefully selected. Using a semi-structured interview guide, we conducted in-depth interviews with the study participants in their mother tongue (Afrikaans). The interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and translated into English. The data were analysed manually using the thematic content analysis method. Results Stigma, disclosure, unemployment, lack of transport, insufficient feeding, disability grants and alternative forms of therapy were identified as major barriers to adherence, whereas inadequate follow-ups and lack of patient confidentiality came under major criticisms from the patients. Conclusion Interventions to address poverty, stigma, discrimination and disclosure should be integrated with group-based ART adherence models in Vredenburg while further quantitative investigations should be carried out to quantify the extent to which these factors impede adherence in the community.
The QEEG theta / beta ratio in ADHD and normal controls : Sensitivity , speci fi city , and behavioral correlates

a Østfold Hospital Trust, Neuropsychiatric unit, child – and adolescent psychiatry. Aasebraatveien 27, 1605 Fredrikstad Norway b National Resource Center for ADHD, Tourettes’ Syndrome and Narcolepsy. Kirkevn. 166, 0407 Oslo c Laboratory of the Institute of the Human Brain (HBI) of Russian Accademy of Science, St. Petersburg d The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Institute of Psychology 7491Trondheim Norway e HBImed AG. Poststr. 22, 7000 Chur, Switzerland f Old age research center, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Ottestad, Norway
Manipulating the Mitochondrial Genome To Enhance Cattle Embryo Development

The mixing of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from the donor cell and the recipient oocyte in embryos and offspring derived from somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) compromises genetic integrity and affects embryo development. We set out to generate SCNT embryos that inherited their mtDNA from the recipient oocyte only, as is the case following natural conception. While SCNT blastocysts produced from Holstein (Bos taurus) fibroblasts were depleted of their mtDNA, and oocytes derived from Angus (Bos taurus) cattle possessed oocyte mtDNA only, the coexistence of donor cell and oocyte mtDNA resulted in blastocysts derived from nondepleted cells. Moreover, the use of the reprogramming agent, Trichostatin A (TSA), further improved the development of embryos derived from depleted cells. RNA-seq analysis highlighted 35 differentially expressed genes from the comparison between blastocysts generated from nondepleted cells and blastocysts from depleted cells, both in the presence of TSA. The only differences between these two sets of embryos were the presence of donor cell mtDNA, and a significantly higher mtDNA copy number for embryos derived from nondepleted cells. Furthermore, the use of TSA on embryos derived from depleted cells positively modulated the expression of CLDN8, TMEM38A, and FREM1, which affect embryonic development. In conclusion, SCNT embryos produced by mtDNA depleted donor cells have the same potential to develop to the blastocyst stage without the presumed damaging effect resulting from the mixture of donor and recipient mtDNA.
Microstructural Control of Additively Manufactured Metallic Materials

In additively manufactured (AM) metallic materials, the fundamental interrelationships that exist between composition, processing, and microstructure govern these materials’ properties and potential improvements or reductions in performance. For example, by using AM, it is possible to achieve highly desirable microstructural features (e.g., highly refined precipitates) that could not otherwise be achieved by using conventional approaches. Simultaneously, opportunities exist to manage macro-level microstructural characteristics such as residual stress, porosity, and texture, the last of which might be desirable. To predictably realize optimal microstructures, it is necessary to establish a framework that integrates processing variables, alloy composition, and the resulting microstructure. Although such a framework is largely lacking for AM metallic materials, the basic scientific components of the framework exist in literature. This review considers these key components and presents them in a manner that h.
THE BRITISH HERPETOLOGICAL SOCIETY

The checklist and a provisional atlas of the amphibian and reptile species occurring in the Lepini Mountains (Latium, central Italy) are reported. Eleven species of amphibians and seventeen species of reptiles have been found in the study area. These species represent 85% of the entire central Italian herpetofauna. One species (Testudo hermanm) seems to be recently extinct probably due to over-collecting and habitat perturbance, and at present occurs in seminatural conditions only (specimens introduced by man). The dominant species are Salamandrina terdigitata, Triturus carnifex, Triturus vulgaris, Bufo bufo, Rana italica, Rana sinklepton esculenta, Lacerta viridis, Podarcis muralis, Podarcis sicula, Chalcides chalcides, Hierophis viridillavus, and Natrix natrix. From the biogeographical point of view, the most interesting species are Salamandrina terdigitata, Bombina variegata, Rana italica, Podarcis sicula, Chalcides chalcides, Elaphe quatuorlineata, and Coronella girondica.
Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: a complex defect in immune responsiveness to human papillomavirus‐6 and ‐11

Bonagura VR, Hatam LJ, Rosenthal DW, DeVoti JA, Lam F, Steinberg BM, Abramson AL. Recurrent respiratory papillomatosis: a complex defect in immune responsiveness to human papillomavirus‐6 and ‐11. APMIS 2010; 118: 455–470.