Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of Horse Anti-Ferritin Autoantibody

Ferritin-binding proteins (FBPs) in horse serum were characterized by immunoblotting and ferritin-binding experiments. FBPs purified from horse serum by horse spleen ferritin-Sepharose 4B affinity chromatography were separated into two fractions by Sephacryl S-300 gel chromatography: FBP 1 and FBP 2. On sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions, FBP 1 separated into 79.0- and 25.3-kDa bands, and FBP 2 separated into 62.7- and 25.3-kDa bands. Immunoblotting analysis using antibodies specific for horse IgM and IgA heavy chains and IgG F(c) fragment showed that the 79.0- and 62.7-kDa bands were IgM and IgG heavy chains, respectively. After forming complexes of horse FBPs with horse spleen ferritin, rabbit anti-horse ferritin antibody was used to form immune complexes against ferritin, allowing co-precipitation and subsequent identification by monoclonal antibodies to horse immunoglobulin (IgM, IgA, IgGa and IgGb). Horse serum was positive for IgM, IgGa, IgGb and IgA complexes and affinity-purified FBPs for IgM and IgGb complexes. FBP 1 was identified as an IgM complex that forms with ferritin but FBP 2 did not form any complexes with ferritin. These results suggest that circulating horse serum ferritin is in the form of IgM, IgG (IgGa and IgGb) and IgA complexes.
Campylobacter infection and household factors are associated with childhood growth in urban Bangladesh: An analysis of the MAL-ED study

The dual burden of enteric infection and childhood malnutrition continues to be a global health concern and a leading cause of morbidity and death among children. Campylobacter infection, in particular, is highly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries, including Bangladesh. We examined longitudinal data to evaluate the trajectories of change in child growth, and to identify associations with Campylobacter infection and household factors. The study analyzed data from 265 children participating in the MAL-ED Study in Mirpur, Bangladesh. We applied latent growth curve modelling to evaluate the trajectories of change in children’s height, as measured by length-for-age z-score (LAZ), from age 0–24 months. Asymptomatic and symptomatic Campylobacter infections were included as 3- and 6-month lagged time-varying covariates, while household risk factors were included as time-invariant covariates. Maternal height and birth order were positively associated with LAZ at birth. An inverse association was found between increasing age and LAZ. Campylobacter infection prevalence increased with age, with over 70% of children 18–24 months of age testing positive for infection. In the final model, Campylobacter infection in the preceding 3-month interval was negatively associated with LAZ at 12, 15, and 18 months of age; similarly, infection in the preceding 6-month interval was negatively associated with LAZ at 15, 18, and 21 months of age. Duration of antibiotic use and access to treated drinking water were negatively associated with Campylobacter infection, with the strength of the latter effect increasing with children’s age. Campylobacter infection had a significant negative effect on child’s growth and this effect was most powerful between 12 and 21 months. The treatment of drinking water and increased antibiotic use have a positive indirect effect on linear child growth trajectory, acting via their association with Campylobacter infection.
What to make of equivocal amyloid imaging results

ABSTRACT Introduction Six patients with equivocal amyloid-PET results are discussed. Methods Patients underwent clinical/neuropsychological assessment, MRI, and amyloid-PET. Equivocal amyloid-PET was defined as cortical ligand binding with SUVR < 1.40. Follow-up for up to 5 years is presented. Results 6 patients (4 males, 2 females, mean age 71.8 +/- 2.5 years) with equivocal amyloid-PET were included from 136 patients who underwent amyloid-PET (4.4% of cases). Patients had variable language, behavioral, and cognitive deficits. Progression varied from no deterioration to residential care within 3 years. Discussion Equivocal amyloid-PET should be interpreted cautiously. Improved biomarkers of AD and other neurodegenerative diseases are needed.
Presynaptic enhancement of signal transients in photoreceptor terminals in the compound eye

Intracellular recordings show that photoreceptor axons in the first optic ganglion of the blowfly have characteristic electrical properties not seen in the soma. In the axon, a fast depolarizing transient (FDT) occurs on the rising phase of the photoresponse. The FDT is elicited by depolarizing current injections, can follow a sudden relaxation from hyperpolarization, has a distinct voltage threshold, and is accompanied by a rapid transient increase in membrane conductance. Blocking voltage-sensitive potassium conductances in photoreceptors with TEA unmasks spontaneous, long-lasting (ca. 50—150 ms) action potentials. These voltage-sensitive effects and measurements of membrane resistance suggest that the FDT is caused by a voltage-dependent increase in conductance, localized in the photoreceptor axon terminals. The transient amplifies the peak presynaptic response at least twofold, and appears to generate the fast, initial component of the transient postsynaptic response. Thus the FDT contributes to the synaptic amplification and boosting of high frequencies that enhance signals at the visual system’s first synapse.
Novel Hybrid Manufacturing Process of CM247LC and Multi-Material Blisks

The study on CM247LC used the traditional approach for Near-Netshape Hot Isostatic Pressing (NNSHIP) with sacrificial low carbon steel tooling, which was built using Selective Laser Melting (SLM), to produce a shaped CM247LC blisk. The assessment of the microstructure focused on both the exterior components in order to determine the depth of the Fe-diffusion layer and on the interior microstructure. Samples were extracted from the Hot Isostatic Pressed (HIPped) components for tensile testing at both room and elevated temperatures. The components were scanned to assess the geometrical shrinkages due to Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIPping). An oversized blisk was also produced based on the measurements as a demonstrator component. In addition, a further study was carried out on a novel idea that used a solid IN718 disk in the centre of the blisk to create a multi-material component.
Invertebrate habitat use in relation to fetch and plant zonation in northern Lake Huron coastal wetlands

Northern Lake Huron marshes are among the most pristine wetlands in the Great Lakes. Almost 200 invertebrate taxa were collected from eight of these marshes from 1997 through 2001. Our objective was to explore relationships between wave exposure (fetch), plant community zones and invertebrate community composition using exploratory data analysis of invertebrate relative abundance. Effective fetch, an exposure measure which integrates fetch along three directions, ranged from 0.4 to 35.3 km. Invertebrates were collected with dip nets from wet meadow, Typha, and inner and outer Scirpus zones from 3 very protected (fetch <1 km), 3 protected (fetch 1–10 km) and 2 exposed (>10 km) marshes. Correspondence analyses of invertebrate relative abundance did not plot invertebrate communities of wet meadows along fetch gradients even though 7 of 30 common taxa were significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with fetch. After removing wet meadow data, correspondence analyses of data from remaining plant zones plotted marshes according to fetch with very protected and exposed sites at opposite ends of U-shaped gradients. Most taxa were generalists, occurred in marshes in all exposure categories, and plotted in the middle of correspondence analyses plots. Characteristic taxa plotting at the very protected end of the gradient included Gammarus, Crangonyx, Caecidotea, Chironomini, Tanytarsini, most Gastropoda and Sphaeriidae. Characteristic taxa plotting at the most exposed end included Sigara, Trichocorixa, Naididae (Stylaria), Tubificidae, and Bezzia. We present a conceptual model of potential changes in invertebrate community composition along gradients of wave exposure. In very protected marshes, organic sediments, detritus, and plant density are higher and dissolved oxygen is lower than in exposed marshes. Conditions are too harsh for some taxa found in very protected marshes.
Gender‐neutral bathroom surfaces recolonized by microbes more quickly than single‐gender bathrooms

As humans become increasingly urban and spend more time inside the built environment, there will be increased interactions between humans and shared public surface microbiomes. Recent cultural changes in the United States have led to increased numbers of gender‐neutral bathrooms. Given that bathroom surfaces are frequently sanitized, we used this increased availability of gender‐neutral bathrooms to examine how single‐gender or gender‐neutral surfaces are recolonized with microbes. Given that male and female microbiomes vary, we hypothesized that rates of recolonization would differ between male, female and gender‐neutral bathroom surfaces. We collected swabs from common hand‐contacted surfaces in bathrooms and cultured microbes on selective and rich media to determine microbial abundance after cleaning. Recolonization was dominated by Gram‐positive bacteria and was slowest on male, intermediate on female and fastest on gender‐neutral surfaces. These results imply that gender‐neutral surfaces approach normal climax microbial communities more quickly than single‐gender bathrooms.
Do near-infrared intra-operative findings by the use of indocyanine green correlate with post-thyroidectomy parathyroid function? - the ICGPREDICT study.

Objective: Post-operative hypoparathyroidism still remains a significant complication after thyroidectomy. Intraoperative imaging modalities, such as near infrared fluorescence by the use of indocyanine green (ICG), may assist to identify and preserve the parathyroid glands (PGs). The purpose of this study was to test the association between intra-operative ICG staining scoring system and 24-h post-operative parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels, as well as its capability of intra-operative PG identification. Methods: This was a prospective study, recruiting patients scheduled for total thyroidectomy by the same surgical team, from December 2018 to April 2019. Intraoperative angiography was performed, after infusion of ICG solution (5 mg). Two minutes later, images were acquired by the near-infrared system. Results: Sixty patients fulfilled eligibility criteria. The percentage of temporary post-operative hypoPT (defined as PTH <14 pg/mL) was 11.66%. No association between intra-operative ICG staining score (expressed as the number of PGs scoring <2 per patient) and 24-h post-operative PTH (r=0.011, p=0.933) or serum calcium concentrations (r=0.127, p=0.335). There was also no correlation between the location of PGs scoring ≤2 and post-operative PTH (p=0.257) or serum calcium levels (p=0.950). Moreover, with regard to secondary endpoint, ICG correctly identified parathyroid glands in 98.3% of cases. ICG score was not affected by age, gender, duration of operation or thyroid gland pathology. No allergic reactions attributed to ICG administration were observed. Conclusion: Intra-operative ICG staining scoring system did not predict 24-h post-operative PTH and serum calcium levels. However, this modality may assist in intra-operative parathyroid identification during a total thyroidectomy.
Direct Pyrolysis of Supermolecules: An Ultrahigh Edge‐Nitrogen Doping Strategy of Carbon Anodes for Potassium‐Ion Batteries

Most reported carbonaceous anodes of potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) have limited capacities. One approach to improve the performance of carbon anodes is edge‐nitrogen doping, which effectively enhances the K‐ion adsorption energy. It remains challenging to achieve high edge‐nitrogen doping due to the difficulty in controlling the nitrogen dopant configuration. Herein, a new synthesis strategy is proposed to prepare carbon anodes with ultrahigh edge‐nitrogen doping for high‐performance PIBs. Specifically, self‐assembled supermolecule precursors derived from pyromellitic acid and melamine are directly pyrolyzed. During the pyrolysis process, the amidation and imidization reactions between pyromellitic acid and melamine before carbonization enable the successful carbonization of pyromellitic acid–melamine supermolecule. The obtained 3D nitrogen‐doped turbostratic carbon (3D‐NTC) possesses a 3D framework composed of carbon nanosheets, turbostratic crystalline structure, and an ultrahigh edge‐nitrogen‐doping level up to 16.8 at% (73.7% of total 22.8 at% nitrogen doping). These features endow 3D‐NTCs with remarkable performances as PIB anodes. The 3D‐NTC anode displays a high capacity of 473 mAh g−1, robust rate capability, and a long cycle life of 500 cycles with a high capacity retention of 93.1%. This new strategy will boost the development of carbon anodes for rechargeable alkali‐metal‐ion batteries.
Fecundity and egg loss during incubation in Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) in the North Tyrrhenian Sea

Fecundity of Norway lobster females of the northern Tyrrhenian Sea was studied in order to examine the time and the size of the eggs during their development incubation, as well as egg loss. Females incubate their eggs under the abdomen for a period of about six months. Mean diameter of hatching eggs is 1.63 mm. The egg loss estimated from the oocytes to the egg at about one month before hatching averaged 49.5%, whereas from the oocytes to close to hatching averaged 71.5%. A mean rate per month of egg loss of about 10% through the incubation period was estimated for Nephrops norvegicus from the northern Tyrrhenian Sea. The counts obtained from eggs that are close to hatching give more reliable estimates of a female's potential contribution of larvae to the population.
Effects of plant growth regulators on tiller bud outgrowth in uniculm cereals

Summary Plant growth regulators were applied either to seeds or to leaves of uniculm selections of barley and wheat. None of the treatments stimulated the growth and development of tiller buds in the barley selection. In contrast, in wheat the development of tiller buds was readily stimulated and tillers were produced following treatment with Terpal, Cerone, TIBA or nitrate. In Terpal and Cerone treated plants, the stimulation of tiller bud outgrowth and tillering was accompanied by a marked retardation of growth in the main shoot. The growth of the tillers was however not sustained in any of the treatments, and so at maturity all plants were virtually uniculm. The results are discussed in relation to the different overall response of the two species, the death of tillers, and the hormonal regulation of tiller bud development.
Electrochemical and biological characterization of thin-film platinum-iridium alloy electrode coatings: a chronic in vivo study

Objective. To evaluate the electrochemical properties, biological response, and surface characterization of an electrodeposited Platinum-Iridium (Pt-Ir) electrode coating on cochlear implants subjected to chronic stimulation in vivo. Approach. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), charge storage capacity (CSC), charge injection limit (CIL), and voltage transient (VT) impedance were measured bench-top before and after implant and in vivo. Coated Pt-Ir and uncoated Pt electrode arrays were implanted into cochlea of normal hearing rats and stimulated for ∼4 h d, 5 d week−1 for 5 weeks at levels within the normal clinical range. Neural function was monitored using electrically-evoked auditory brainstem responses. After explant, the electrode surfaces were assessed, and cochleae examined histologically. Main results. When measured on bench-top before and after stimulation, Pt-Ir coated electrodes had significantly lower VT impedance (p < 0.001) and significantly higher CSC (p < 0.001) and CIL (p < 0.001) compared to uncoated Pt electrodes. In vivo, the CSC and CIL of Pt-Ir were significantly higher than Pt throughout the implantation period (p= 0.047 and p< 0.001, respectively); however, the VT impedance (p= 0.3) was not. There was no difference in foreign body response between material cohorts, although cochleae implanted with coated electrodes contained small deposits of Pt-Ir. There was no evidence of increased neural loss or loss of neural function in either group. Surface examination revealed no Pt corrosion on any electrodes. Significance. Electrodeposited Pt-Ir electrodes demonstrated significant improvements in electrochemical performance on the bench-top and in vivo compared to uncoated Pt. Neural function and tissue response to Pt-Ir electrodes were not different from uncoated Pt, despite small deposits of Pt-Ir in the tissue capsule. Electrodeposited Pt-Ir coatings offer promise as an improved electrode coating for active neural prostheses.
Metabolomic profiling of wild-type and mutant soybean root nodules using laser-ablation electrospray ionization mass spectrometry reveals altered metabolism.

The establishment of the nitrogen-fixing symbiosis between soybean and Bradyrhizobium japonicum is a complex process. In order to document the changes in plant metabolism due to the symbiosis, we utilized laser ablation electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (LAESI-MS) for in situ metabolic profiling of wild-type nodules, nodules infected with a B. japonicum nifH mutant unable to fix nitrogen, nodules doubly infected by both strains, and nodules formed on plants mutated in the stearoyl-acyl carrier protein desaturase (sacpd-c) gene, which were previously shown to have altered nodule ultrastructure. Results showed that the relative abundance of fatty acids, purines, and lipids was significantly changed in response to the symbiosis. The nifH mutant nodules had elevated levels of jasmonic acid (JA), correlating with signs of nitrogen deprivation. Nodules resulting from the mixed inoculant displayed similar, overlapping metabolic distributions within the sectors of effective (fix+ ) and ineffective (nifH mutant, fix- ) endosymbionts. These data are inconsistent with the notion that plant sanctioning is cell autonomous. Nodules lacking sacpd-c displayed an elevation of soyasaponins and organic acids in the central necrotic regions. This study demonstrates the utility of LAESI-MS for high-throughput screening of plant phenotypes. Overall, nodules disrupted in the symbiosis were elevated in metabolites related to plant defense.
Effect of hydrothermal treatment on formation and structural characteristics of slowly digestible non-pasted granular sweet potato starch

The formation and structural characteristics of slowly digestible non-pasted granular starch in sweet potato starch were investigated under various hydrothermal treatment conditions. The moisture content of the sweet potato starch was adjusted to 20, 50 or 90%, and the starch was heated at 40, 55 or 100°C for 12 h in a dry oven. The relative crystallinity of the hydrothermally treated samples was decreased with increasing temperature, and the X-ray diffraction patterns of the samples were altered from Cb-type to A-type. Microscopic observations did not reveal any changes in the starch granules of any samples except those with moisture contents of 50 and 90% that were heated at 100°C. When gelatinization parameters were examined, samples with moisture contents of 50 and 90% that were heated at 55°C and samples of all moisture contents that were heated at 100°C had peak temperatures higher than that of raw starch but gelatinization enthalpies lower than that of raw starch. The swelling factor of the samples heated at 40°C did not change significantly, whereas that of samples heated at 55 and 100°C was decreased at increased moisture levels. The sweet potato starch with 50% moisture content that was heated at 55°C had the highest content of granular slowly digestible starch, about 200% that of raw starch, although our study did not involve further hydrothermal treatment conditions. Further study is required to complete a process for more efficient production of heat stable and slowly digestible starch.
Therapeutic Potential of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor (PPAR) Agonists in Substance Use Disorders: A Synthesis of Preclinical and Human Evidence

Targeting peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) has received increasing interest as a potential strategy to treat substance use disorders due to the localization of PPARs in addiction-related brain regions and the ability of PPAR ligands to modulate dopamine neurotransmission. Robust evidence from animal models suggests that agonists at both the PPAR-α and PPAR-γ isoforms can reduce both positive and negative reinforcing properties of ethanol, nicotine, opioids, and possibly psychostimulants. A reduction in the voluntary consumption of ethanol following treatment with PPAR agonists seems to be the most consistent finding. However, the human evidence is limited in scope and has so far been less promising. There have been no published human trials of PPAR agonists for treatment of alcohol use disorder, despite the compelling preclinical evidence. Two trials of PPAR-α agonists as potential smoking cessation drugs found no effect on nicotine-related outcomes. The PPAR-γ agonist pioglitazone showed some promise in reducing heroin, nicotine, and cocaine craving in two human laboratory studies and one pilot trial, yet other outcomes were unaffected. Potential explanations for the discordance between the animal and human evidence, such as the potency and selectivity of PPAR ligands and sex-related variability in PPAR physiology, are discussed.
Coagulopathy in COVID-19.

COVID-19-associated coagulopathy is common in patients with COVID-19, causing high rates of thrombotic complications that increase the morbidity and mortality. Markedly elevated levels of D-dimer with normal fibrinogen levels are the hallmark laboratory findings and correlate with severity of illness and risk of thrombosis. Aggressive VTE prophylaxis is paramount for all patients with COVID-19. Patients with very high D-dimer levels (6 times the upper limit of normal, greater than 3,000 ng/mL) have the greatest risk of thrombosis and may benefit from active screening and more intensive VTE prophylaxis.