Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization and applications of a Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus nucleoprotein-specific Affimer: Inhibitory effects in viral replication and development of colorimetric diagnostic tests

Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever orthonairovirus (CCHFV) is one of the most widespread medically important arboviruses, causing human infections that result in mortality rates of up to 60%. We describe the selection of a high-affinity small protein (Affimer-NP) that binds specifically to the nucleoprotein (NP) of CCHFV. We demonstrate the interference of Affimer-NP in the RNA-binding function of CCHFV NP using fluorescence anisotropy, and its inhibitory effects on CCHFV gene expression in mammalian cells using a mini-genome system. Solution of the crystallographic structure of the complex formed by these two molecules at 2.84 Å resolution revealed the structural basis for this interference, with the Affimer-NP binding site positioned at the critical NP oligomerization interface. Finally, we validate the in vitro application of Affimer-NP for the development of enzyme-linked immunosorbent and lateral flow assays, presenting the first published point-of-care format test able to detect recombinant CCHFV NP in spiked human and animal sera.
All Resting Physiological Indices May Not Be Equivalent　- Comparison Between the Diastolic Pressure Ratio and Resting Full-Cycle Ratio.

BACKGROUND Differences between resting full-cycle ratio (RFR) and diastolic pressure ratio (dPR) have not been sufficiently discussed. This study aimed to investigate if there is a difference in diagnostic performance between RFR and dPR for the functional lesion assessment and to assess if there are specific characteristics for discordant revascularization decision-makings between RFR and dPR.Methods and Results:A total of 936 intermediate lesions in 776 patients who underwent measurements of fractional flow reserve (FFR), coronary flow reserve (CFR), and the index of microcirculatory resistance (IMR) were retrospectively studied. Physiological indices were measured from anonymized pressure recordings at an independent core laboratory. Both RFR and dPR measures were highly correlated (r=0.997, P<0.001), with equivalent diagnostic performance relative to FFR-based decision-makings measured by using a dichotomous threshold of 0.80 (accuracy, 79.7% vs. 80.1%, respectively, P=0.960). The rate of diagnostic discordance was 4.7% (44/936), with no RFR-/dPR+ lesions observed. An overall significant difference in FFR and CFR values were detected among RFR/dPR-based classifications. The prevalence of positive studies was significantly higher for RFR than dPR (54.3% vs. 49.6%, respectively, P=0.047) when using the cut-off value of 0.89. CONCLUSIONS Both RFR and dPR were highly correlated, but the prevalence of positive studies was significantly different. The revascularization rate may differ significantly according to the resting index used.
Current understanding of the role of the reticulum and reticulo-omasal orifice in the control of digesta passage from the ruminoreticulum of sheep and cattle

Simultaneous abolition of the motility of the ruminoreticulum (RR) and digesta passage from the RR by bilateral vagotomy indicate that the motility of the RR coordinated with quiescence of the reticulo-omasal orifice (ROO) are prerequisite for caudal movement of digesta from the RR and forestomach. Rate of passage is of importance in ruminant animals since it is related to maximal voluntary feed intake, extent of digestion of the diet, amount of protein which bypasses the rumen, efficiency of microbial growth, extent of methane loss, and susceptibility of animals to bloat. In a series of studies, we clarified the roles of frequency, pressure and duration of reticular contractions and the function of the ROO in controlling digesta flow from the rumen in response to changes in diets, environmental conditions and physiological status. Variability in amount of NDF and OM transferred per contraction suggests that frequency of reticular contraction is not the rate-limiting step in digesta passage from the rumen.
The Epidemiology and Clinical Characteristics of Pediatric Tuberculosis in Denmark 2009-2014 Highlights Targets for Prevention.

BACKGROUND In Western Europe, most pediatric tuberculosis (TB) cases occur among immigrants; however, data are rarely stratified by first/second-generation immigrants and many cases may be preventable. METHODS This was a nationwide study of children <18 years with TB from 2009 to 2014 in Denmark. Demographic, clinical, microbiologic and treatment outcome data were obtained from registers and medical records. RESULTS We identified 145 cases; 99 were immigrants (68%) of which 54 (55%) were second-generation immigrants. Most first-generation immigrants (73%) were diagnosed by passive case finding as was half the second-generation immigrants (52%), in contrast to Danish children who were mostly diagnosed by active case finding (70%). Symptoms were often nonspecific, and one-third of the children had normal blood tests at time of diagnosis. First-generation immigrants were most often infected abroad (84%) as opposed to Danish children (9%) and second-generation immigrants (30%). Approximately one-third of the children represented cases of TB disease that could possibly have been prevented by screening or rigorous contact tracing. The overall treatment success rate was 97%, and cases of unsuccessful treatment were restricted to immigrant adolescents. CONCLUSIONS The majority of pediatric TB in Denmark occurred among immigrant children with symptomatic TB, whereas more Danish children were diagnosed at earlier disease stages. Almost one-third of TB cases may represent missed opportunities to prevent TB disease. Improvements include enhanced adult case detection with comprehensive contact investigation among children, tailored screening and vaccination of immigrant children, and raised awareness of diagnosing and treating latent TB infection in children.
POSTMORTEM pH CHANGE AS RELATED TO TENDERNESS AND WATER-HOLDING CAPACITY OF MUSCLE FROM STEER, BULL AND HEIFER CARCASSES

The patterns of postmortem pH change for four major bovine muscles, the semimembranosus, adductor, longissimus dorsi, and brachialis, were examined on carcasses from 130 bulls, 54 steers, and 40 heifers reared and slaughtered contemporaneously. Various muscle properties were related to rate and extent of pH change. Regression of pH on time for each of the four muscles was similar, although each of the four muscles differed (P < 0.05) at all pH recordings. Carcasses were designated fast-, medium-, and slow-glycolyzing on the basis of pH readings recorded within 2 h postmortem. Only 5 and 11% of the steers and heifers, respectively, were classed "slow" whereas approximately 30% of the bull carcasses fell into this category. This classification did not differentiate carcasses of any sex with respect to tenderness (shear values) or to water-holding capacity. Considerable sex heterogeneity of correlation coefficients was evident, with those from bulls generally being of greatest magnitude because of the tenden.
COMPARATIVE ENZYMOLOGY OF CHLORAMPHENICOL RESISTANCE *

The concept of drug inactivation as a possible mechanism of bacterial resistance to antibiotics is well established and best illustrated by the P-lactamase group of enzymes that have been isolated from penicillin-resistant species of bacilli, staphylococci, and a host of gram-negative microorganisms.1 Although chloramphenicol has been in clinical use for more than two decades and the emergence of resistant bacteria in a number of genera has been well documented, there has been little information available until quite recently on the biochemical details of the specific mechanisms responsible for the resistance of clinically important species. The first observations that led to our present understanding of chloramphenicol resistance due to antibiotic inactivation were those of Dunsmoor and collaborators,2 and Miyamura3 only six years ago. Although such studies clearly established the fact that residual antibiotic activity was lacking in culture Altrates of resistant bacteria grown in the presence of chloramphenicol, it remained for Okamoto and Suzuki4 to show that specific inactivating enzymes could be obtained from cell-free extracts of Escherichia coli, which harbored a transferable R factor for chloramphenicol resistance. The importance of this observation cannot be underestimated since it marked the convergence of two independent approaches to antibiotic resistance, namely, the biochemical method and the recently discovered genetic concepts of transferable extrachromosomal resistance as exemplified by the Resistance Transfer Factors (RTF)5 and the staphylococcal plasmids.6 The chloramphenicol resistance system appeared to be an ideal model, since resistant staphylococci and enteric bacteria were important clinical pathogens and synthetic routes were available for the preparation of a wide variety of analogues and isomers of chl~ramphenicol. ~ The commercial availability of radioactive ( I4C) chloramphenicol also provided a powerful tool for studying the metabolic fate of the antibiotic. Within a relatively short period of time, the R factor type of chloramphenicol resistance was shown to be due to acetylation of the antibiotic in the presence of acetyl-Coenzyme A and a specific R-factor mediated The products of chloramphenicol inactivation were shown to be the 3-acetyl and 1,3-diacetyl esters of the antibiotic, and the overall stoichiometry was as follows:
Effects of parasite specificity and previous infestation of hosts on the feeding and reproductive success of rodent‐infesting fleas

Summary 1 We examined whether identity of the rodent host and previous infestation of the host affect feeding and reproduction of fleas. We predicted that feeding and reproductive success of fleas would be higher when feeding on (i) a typical host than on an atypical host; and (ii) a pristine host than on a host previously exposed to parasitism. We also predicted that the negative effect of previous infestation would not be manifested in a host-specific flea feeding on its typical host. 2 To test these predictions, we measured blood meal size, egg production and latency of oviposition in host-specific Parapulex chephrenis and host-opportunistic Xenopsylla ramesis during seven daily feedings on the Egyptian spiny mouse Acomys cahirinus (typical host of the former) and Wagner's gerbil Dipodillus dasyurus (typical host of the latter). 3 Blood meal size in P. chephrenis did not depend on either host species or previous host infestation with fleas. However, when this flea fed on D. dasyurus as opposed to A. cahirinus, blood meal size increased to the end of 7-day period. Xenopsylla ramesis took larger blood meals (i) during the first feeding; (ii) from D. dasyurus than from A. cahirinus; and (iii) from pristine than from previously infested D. dasyurus, but the blood meals taken from pristine and previously infested A. cahirinus were similar. 4 Egg production of P. chephrenis was significantly higher and oviposition started earlier when it fed on A. cahirinus; this was true for X. ramesis when it fed on D. dasyurus. Surprisingly, P. chephrenis laid more eggs and started oviposition earlier when it fed on previously infested rodents. However, egg production in X. ramesis and start of oviposition were similar in pristine and previously infested hosts. 5 These results suggest that the response of a parasite to acquired immunity of a host may depend on the host species, level of parasite host specificity as well as the degree of ‘tightness’ of a particular parasite–host association.
Response of jojoba shoots to ventilation in vitro

Jojoba plants grown in vitro are characterized by anatomical, morphological, and physiological disorders that severely hamper their acclimatization ex vitro. The objective of this research was to study the response to ventilation of jojoba shoots and examine whether ventilation could negate some of the above-mentioned abnormalities. Jojoba propagules were grown in vessels with lids fitted with membranes of different sizes allowing different ventilation rates. Although ventilation caused some tip necrosis, the original apex was soon replaced by an axillary bud. Ventilation was associated with reduction of shoot length and leaf number, and an increase in propagule surface area, in fresh and dry weights, and in percentage of dry matter. Ventilated jojoba propagules were less hyperhydric, i.e., they exhibited a lower water content, greater wax deposition on leaf surface, greater lignification, and higher resistance to water loss.
Comparison between linear and nonlinear systems of feed formulation for broilers

Two experiments were simultaneously carried out to compare feed formulation models: a linear model for minimum cost with a nonlinear model for maximum profitability for one-to 42-d-old broilers. One-d-old male or female Cobb 500 broilers (n=2368) were allocated to one of the two trials according to sex. The experiments were performed simultaneously in an experimental poultry farm. Two housing densities were used: high density (HDH), with 14 birds/m2, and low density (LDH), with 10 birds/m2. The following treatments were evaluated: linear feed formulation and LDH (LF10); nonlinear formulation and LDH (NF10); linear formulation and HDH (LF14); and nonlinear formulation and HDH (NF14). A completely randomized design with four treatments of eight replicates each was applied. Performance and cost per kg of poultry were evaluated. Both formulation systems promoted similar broiler performance. However, the high-density feed using linear formulation reduced body weight in 42-d-old males, but not when nonlinear formulation was used. The NF10 treatment yielded the worst feed conversion ratio (p<0.05) and the lowest cost/kg broiler (p<0.05) for both sexes. The results demonstrate that the nutritional program that yields the best performance is not always the most economical one.
A new species of pseudoscorpion from Britain

A new pseudoscorpion, Chthonius (Ephippiochthonius) kewisp. n. , was collected at Colne Point, Essex. The deutonymph, tritonymph and adults are described in detail, particular attention being paid to the chaetotaxy. Its taxonomic status is discussed, and keys are provided to allow its inclusion among both the European and British species. The significance of the changes in the chaetal series during development is discussed in relation to the taxonomy of the genus.
Food and feeding habit of Sarotherodon melanotheron , Rüppell, 1852 (Pisces: Cichlidae) in Sakumo Lagoon, Ghana

An investigation was conducted into the food and feeding habits of the blackchin tilapia Sarotherodon melanotheron (Ruppell, 1852) in the Sakumo lagoon in the Greater-Accra Region of Ghana. The food items covered a wide range of plankton and other accessory prey items suggesting that the fish is largely planktivorous. There were no clear differences among food items eaten by the juveniles and adults, with the Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’) being 1.1 and 1.2, respectively. This suggests that the diversity of food items exploited by the adults are similar to that of the juveniles, or that they exploited the same microhabitats. However, the juvenile fish had preference for the Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae and Rotifera, whilst the adults generally preferred Cladocera, Bacillariophyceae and Cyanophyceae, suggesting age-specific dietary preference. The majority (45.2%) S. melanotheron had 3/4 fullness of guts around 1200 GMT and between 1500–1800 GMT (40.5%), suggesting that the fish probably feeds mostly at this time during the day, even though the fish is known to feed largely in the night to avoid predatory birds. The greatest number of empty guts (90%) was observed between 0600–0900 GMT, suggesting that they probably reduce feeding during this period of the day. The ability of S. melanotheron to feed at different trophic levels, coupled with the potential for fast growth, makes this species a promising candidate for incorporation into locally-operated polyculture systems with minimal inputs of expensive animal protein in the feed.
Effects of Storage and Burial on Germination Responses of Encapsulated and Naked Seeds of Turnipweed (Rapistrum rugosum) to Light

Abstract Information on the germination and viability of turnipweed seeds could be helpful in developing appropriate management strategies for this weed. Therefore, experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of light, storage conditions, duration of storage or burial, and seed type (naked, i.e., fruit wall was removed and encapsulated in siliques) on germination and viability of turnipweed. The naked and encapsulated seeds (fruit) were kept under five different storage conditions, including dry storage at 25 ± 2 C and 3 ± 1 C and outdoor environments (soil depths of 10, 20, and 40 cm). All seeds were retrieved every 2 mo and tested for germination in light and darkness. At each exhumation date, nongerminated seeds were treated with triphenyltetrazolium chloride to test their viability. The germination of seeds liberated from siliques (85%) was markedly greater than that of seeds in intact siliques (20%). The germination response of naked and encapsulated seeds to light varied between storage conditions and through time. Under indoor conditions (room and cold), both seed types had greater germination percentages in dark on most occasions than those in light. On the contrary, the germination of siliques buried at soil depths of 20 or 40 cm was considerably stimulated by light. Under indoor conditions, the percent viability of both seed types only declined marginally, whereas seeds buried in soil showed high rates of mortality. Seeds in intact siliques persisted longer under either indoor or outdoor conditions than naked seeds. Nomenclature: Turnipweed, Rapistrum rugosum (L.) All.
Rational design of a conformation-specific antibody for the quantification of Aβ oligomers

Significance The accurate quantification of the amounts of small oligomeric assemblies formed by the amyloid β (Aβ) peptide represents a major challenge in the Alzheimer’s field. There is therefore great interest in the development of methods to specifically detect these oligomers by distinguishing them from larger aggregates. The availability of these methods will enable the development of effective diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for this and other diseases related to protein misfolding and aggregation. We describe here a single-domain antibody able to selectively quantify oligomers of the Aβ peptide in isolation and in complex protein mixtures from animal models of disease. Protein misfolding and aggregation is the hallmark of numerous human disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease. This process involves the formation of transient and heterogeneous soluble oligomers, some of which are highly cytotoxic. A major challenge for the development of effective diagnostic and therapeutic tools is thus the detection and quantification of these elusive oligomers. Here, to address this problem, we develop a two-step rational design method for the discovery of oligomer-specific antibodies. The first step consists of an “antigen scanning” phase in which an initial panel of antibodies is designed to bind different epitopes covering the entire sequence of a target protein. This procedure enables the determination through in vitro assays of the regions exposed in the oligomers but not in the fibrillar deposits. The second step involves an “epitope mining” phase, in which a second panel of antibodies is designed to specifically target the regions identified during the scanning step. We illustrate this method in the case of the amyloid β (Aβ) peptide, whose oligomers are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Our results show that this approach enables the accurate detection and quantification of Aβ oligomers in vitro, and in Caenorhabditis elegans and mouse hippocampal tissues.
Endogenous β-Galactosidase Activity in Continuously Nonproliferating Cells

Abstract Cytochemically detectable activity of endogenous β-galactosidase was found at pH 6.0 in Swiss 3T3 cells after long-term incubation in low serum or in the presence of heparin concentrations known to reversibly inhibit cell proliferation. A high percentage of β-galactosidase-positive cells were detected in U937 and HL60 cultures at the late stage of macrophage-like differentiation induced by TPA. Interestingly, a small number of β-galactosidase-positive cells were found even in the growing Swiss 3T3 cultures. These positive cells expressed morphological features similar to those of senescent cells. Thus, the activity of β-galactosidase at pH 6.0 cannot be considered an exclusive marker of senescent cells since it is expressed in other types of nonproliferating cells.
Maternal knowledge in complementary feeding following Baby Friendly Community Initiative in Koibatek, Kenya

Abstract The Kenyan Ministry of Health has developed a National Strategy on Infant and Young Child Feeding with the goal of improving feeding practices for infants and children. In order to promote appropriate infant feeding, the government has explored implementation of the Baby Friendly Community Initiative (BFCI). This study assessed maternal knowledge of attributes of complementary feeding following implementation of BFCI in Koibatek, Kenya. A randomized control study composed of 270 mother–infant pairs previously enrolled in a BFCI programme in Koibatek was conducted. The study found that a significantly greater number of mothers in the intervention group were more knowledgeable about proper breastfeeding and complementary feeding aspects compared with controls (P ≤ 0.001). About half (53%) of mothers in the intervention group had high knowledge scores in comparison with 20% of mothers in the control group. When the relationship between mothers' knowledge and complementary feeding practices (minimum meal frequency, minimum dietary diversity and minimum acceptable diet) was assessed, significant associations were observed (P = 0.010, P ≤ 0.001 and P ≤ 0.001, respectively). The odds of having a high knowledge score regarding complementary feeding practices were significantly higher for the intervention group compared with the control group (odds ratio [OR]: 25.98, 95% confidence interval [CI] 13.62–49.55, P ≤ 0.001). The BFCI intervention effectively improved mothers' knowledge on complementary feeding and correlated with improved feeding practices.
The growth and survival of Panolis flammea larvae in the absence of predators on Scots pine and lodgepole pine

Abstract. 1. The survival, growth and development of larvae of the pine beauty moth, Panolis flammea (D & S) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were examined as part of a study to determine (i) why damaging outbreaks of this insect in Scotland are frequent on lodgepole pine but do not occur on Scots pine, and (ii) why outbreaks are associated with areas of deep un‐flushed peat.
Spin current nano-oscillator (SCNO) as a potential frequency-based, ultra-sensitive magnetic biosensor: a simulation study

This work is a micromagnetic simulation-based study on the GHz-frequency ferromagnetic resonances (FMR) for the detection of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) using spin current nano-oscillator (SCNO) operating in precession mode. Capture antibody-antigen-detection antibody-MNP complex on the SCNO surface generates magnetic fields that modify the FMR peaks and generate measurable resonance peak shifts. Moreover, our results strongly indicate the position-sensitive behavior of the SCNO biosensor and demonstrate ways to eradicate this effect to facilitate improved bio-sensing. Additionally, a study has been made on how MNPs with different sizes can alter the SCNO device performance. This simulation-based study on the SCNO device shows the feasibility of a frequency-based nano-biosensor with the sensitivity of detecting a single MNP, even in presence of background noise.