Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Influence of cellulase or xylanase on the in vitro rumen gas production and fermentation of corn stover

In vitro gas production (GP) technique was used to investigate effect of exogenous enzymes cellulase (CEL) or xylanase (XYL) at different doses on in vitro fermentation characteristics of corn stover. Enzymes were supplemented at 0 (control), 10, 20, 40 and 80 µg/g DM. Gas production was determined at 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h of incubation. After 72 h, the incubation was stopped and supernatant pH was determined, and filtered to determine dry matter (DMD), neutral detergent fiber (NDFD) and acid detergent fiber (ADFD) degradabilities. Interaction effects occurred for enzyme type and dose for all measured gas parameters with exception of the lag time, DMD, organic matter degradability (OMD), NDFD, metabolizable energy (ME), short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and microbial crude protein (MCP) production. Cellulase and XYL increased GP (P<0.05) at different incubation hours with better results at the dose of 40 µg/g DM. The dose 80 µg XYL/g DM had the lowest GP compared to other doses. In addition, CEL and XYL decreased pH with increasing OMD, ME, SCFA and MCP production at 40 µg/ g DM of corn stover. The present results suggested that the level of CEL and XYL at 40 µg/g DM have higher GP than other levels of enzymes, imply this level can be more effectively to improve rumen fermentation; however, the difference of XYL between treatments and control was less than that of CEL.
The value of powered mobility scooters from the perspective of elderly spouses of the users – a qualitative study

Abstract Purpose To explore spouses’ experiences of the value of mobility scooters prescribed to their partner. Material and Methods A descriptive design with a qualitative approach was used. Thirteen spouses (11 females) aged 65–86 years participated. Semi-structured interviews were conducted when the spouse’s partner had had the mobility scooter for 4–6 months. The interviews were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results The interviews showed primarily that the spouses experienced that their everyday lives and life situation had improved since their partner had received a mobility scooter. They reported that they could engage in activities of their own choice to a greater extent. The prescription of a mobility scooter to their partner had also yielded a sense of freedom related to shared activities. On the other hand, the spouses described some of the scooter’s limitations. Three categories emerged: a sense of freedom related to the spouse’s own activities, a sense of freedom related to shared activities and a somewhat restricted freedom. Conclusion Prescription of a powered mobility scooter was of value to the users’ spouses because it facilitated independent and shared activities and participation in the community. The value was mainly expressed as a sense of freedom when doing things on their own or together with their partner. Spouses are key persons in the rehabilitation of people with mobility restrictions. Their views on the assistive device may influence the rehabilitation process. Knowledge of spouses’ experiences is thus crucial, as this may influence the future rehabilitation outcome. IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATION A powered mobility scooter prescribed to one partner eases everyday life and increases activity and participation for the spouse, which in turn may further improve the quality of life for the scooter user. The spouses’ perspectives on their partners’ mobility scooter use could be helpful in developing the design of the mobility device and in the prescription process. A mobility scooter has an added value by giving a sense of freedom and freedom to choose for the spouse as well as the scooter user.
Potentially inappropriate medications and potentially prescribing omissions in Chinese older patients: Comparison of two versions of STOPP/START

The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and potential prescribing omissions (PPOs) in elderly Chinese patients identified by the Screening Tool of Older Persons’ Prescriptions/Screening Tool to Alert to Right Treatment (STOPP/START) version 2 (v2) and version 1 (v1). The secondary objective was to analyse the risk factors associated with the PIMs/PPOs.
Secreted Staphylococcus aureus virulence factors and their role in chronic wound development and persistence

has been approved by the Examining Committee for the thesis requirement for the Doctor of Philosophy degree in Microbiology at the December 2015 graduation. To my family and all those who supported my scientific interest throughout my life and graduate career iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS In regards to obtaining a PhD, anyone you ask will say the work involved is immense and challenging, yet highly rewarding. I first, and foremost, must acknowledge Dr. Patrick Schlievert for granting me the opportunity to grow as a person and a scientist in his laboratory. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been apart of his laboratory and learn so many aspects of academia. His mentorship proved pivotal in my obtaining my PhD, and one could not ask for a better mentor. I would also like to acknowledge my thesis committee for all of their feedback and assistance throughout my graduate work. I've had many opportunities to discuss projects, career goals, and experimental issues with my committee providing valuable advice, and many times leading to fruitful collaborations. I must also acknowledge my family and friends for supporting me inside, and outside of lab. I would also like to acknowledge the University of Iowa, Department of Microbiology for providing me with the opportunity to attain my PhD and by fostering a welcoming and collaborative environment. ABSTRACT Staphylococcus aureus is a gram-positive opportunistic pathogen responsible for more deaths every year than HIV/AIDS. Its formidable repertoire of virulence factors, ubiquitous nature, and ability to acquire antibiotic resistance quickly give S. aureus the ability to colonize and persist in nearly any body site if given the opportunity. S. aureus is the leading cause of many common and severe skin diseases, i.e. atopic dermatitis and surgical site infections, which can result in significant morbidity and mortality due to lack of available treatments and the chronic non-healing nature of each infection. The human body is capable of producing many antimicrobial factors, such as defensins in the epidermis, in conjunction with providing a seamless barrier to many environmental threats, i.e. the skin, yet when given the opportunity, S. aureus can overtake these innate defenses, colonize, and cause disease. Despite S. aureus being a significant skin pathogen, little has been done to identify critical factors produced by the organism to perpetuate skin disease. Through the use of molecular epidemiology, cell culture, and in vivo models of disease, S. aureus exotoxins have been highly correlated to …
Obstacles to compassion-giving among nursing and midwifery managers: an international study.

AIM To explore nursing and midwifery managers' views regarding obstacles to compassion-giving across country cultures. BACKGROUND The benefit of compassionate leadership is being advocated, but despite the fact that health care is invariably conducted within culturally diverse workplaces, the interconnection of culture, compassion and leadership is rarely addressed. Furthermore, evidence on how cultural factors hinder the expression of compassion among nursing and midwifery managers is lacking. METHODS Cross-sectional, exploratory, international online survey involving 1 217 participants from 17 countries. Managers' responses on open-ended questions related to barriers for providing compassion were entered and thematically analysed through NVivo. RESULTS Three key themes related to compassion-giving obstacles emerged across countries: 1. related to the managers' personal characteristics and experiences; 2. system-related; and 3. staff-related. CONCLUSIONS Obstacles to compassion-giving among managers vary across countries. An understanding of the variations across countries and cultures of what impedes compassion to flourish in health care is important. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE AND POLICY Nursing mangers should wisely use their power by adopting leadership styles that promote culturally competent and compassionate workplaces with respect for human rights. Policymakers should identify training and mentoring needs to enable the development of managers' practical wisdom. Appropriate national and international policies should facilitate the establishment of standards and guidelines for compassionate leadership, in the face of distorted organizational cultures and system-related obstacles to compassion-giving.
Syntaxin 3 is essential for photoreceptor outer segment protein trafficking and survival

Significance Rod and cone photoreceptors are highly polarized cells which rely on incompletely understood trafficking pathways to deliver and sort proteins into multiple outer segment subcompartments (disc, rim, and plasma membrane). Here we identify the SNARE protein syntaxin 3 as a trafficking component for both disc and rim proteins but not plasma membrane proteins. Our results suggest that syntaxin 3-mediated vesicle fusion is a convergence point for disc and rim protein trafficking and sorting. Furthermore, we find no evidence that eliminating syntaxin 3 affects cone photoreceptor trafficking, suggesting that divergent trafficking pathways in the two cell types may underlie their different outer segment structure. These studies significantly enhance our understanding of the unique and elegant cell biology of the photoreceptor. Trafficking of photoreceptor membrane proteins from their site of synthesis in the inner segment (IS) to the outer segment (OS) is critical for photoreceptor function and vision. Here we evaluate the role of syntaxin 3 (STX3), in trafficking of OS membrane proteins such as peripherin 2 (PRPH2) and rhodopsin. Photoreceptor-specific Stx3 knockouts [Stx3f/f(iCre75) and Stx3f/f(CRX-Cre)] exhibited rapid, early-onset photoreceptor degeneration and functional decline characterized by structural defects in IS, OS, and synaptic terminals. Critically, in the absence of STX3, OS proteins such as PRPH2, the PRPH2 binding partner, rod outer segment membrane protein 1 (ROM1), and rhodopsin were mislocalized along the microtubules to the IS, cell body, and synaptic region. We find that the PRPH2 C-terminal domain interacts with STX3 as well as other photoreceptor SNAREs, and our findings indicate that STX3 is an essential part of the trafficking pathway for both disc (rhodopsin) and rim (PRPH2/ROM1) components of the OS.
Spatial variation in pollinator communities and reproductive performance of Prosopis juliflora (Fabaceae)

This study was conducted in an effort to understand the effects of spatial variations in pollinator assemblage due to habitat isolation on the reproductive performance of perennial plant species. Variations in pollinator assemblage structure (abundance, diversity and Shannon-Wiener index) were studied at three widely isolated (100 to 200 km apart) nature reserves of Southern Punjab, Pakistan, in order to explore its effects on reproductive performance of Prosopis juliflora. Species richness and abundance were highest in Pirowal Sanctuary followed by Chichawatni Sanctuary and Chak Katora forest reserve. The pollination system of P. juliflora was highly generalized with 77 insect visitor species in four orders among all the three sites. However, pollinator assemblage varied significantly in composition among the sites. Out of the four reproductive parameters considered, the number of pods per raceme and germination varied significantly among the three locations. The reproductive performance of P. juliflora in terms of number of pods per raceme and germination improved with abundance of pollinators.
Covid‐19 pandemic and pregnancy

At the end of 2019, a new coronavirus disease, COVID‐19, emerged and quickly spread around the world. Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), the causative virus of this disease, belongs to the β‐coronavirus family, together with SARS and middle east respiratory syndrome, and has similar biological characteristics to these viruses. For obstetricians, the susceptibility and prognoses of pregnant women and the effects of the infection on the fetus have been the focus of attention; however, at present, the seriousness of the disease in pregnant women is not apparent, and COVID‐19 does not increase the rate of miscarriage, stillbirth, preterm labor or teratogenicity. Even so, carriers might transmit SARS‐CoV‐2 to pregnant women. Thus, we must keep in mind that all medical personnel must understand and maintain standard precautions in their clinical and laboratory practices.
Clinical metagenomic identification of Balamuthia mandrillaris encephalitis and assembly of the draft genome: the critical need for reference strain sequencing

Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare, often lethal cause of encephalitis, for which early diagnosis and prompt initiation of combination antimicrobials may improve clinical outcomes. In this study, we present the first draft assembly of the Balamuthia mandrillaris genome recovered from a rare survivor of PAM, in total comprising 49 Mb of sequence. Comparative analysis of the mitochondrial genome and high-copy number genes from 6 additional Balamuthia mandrillaris strains demonstrated remarkable sequence variation, with the closest homologs corresponding to other amoebae, hydroids, algae, slime molds, and peat moss,. We also describe the use of unbiased metagenomic next-generation sequencing (NGS) and SURPI bioinformatics analysis to diagnose an ultimately fatal case of Balamuthia mandrillaris encephalitis in a 15-year old girl. Real-time NGS testing of a hospital day 6 CSF sample detected Balamuthia on the basis of high-quality hits to 16S and 18S ribosomal RNA sequences present in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) nt reference database. Retrospective analysis of a day 1 CSF sample revealed that more timely identification of Balamuthia by metagenomic NGS, potentially resulting in a better outcome, would have required availability of the complete genome sequence. These results underscore the diverse evolutionary origins underpinning this eukaryotic pathogen, and the critical importance of whole-genome reference sequences for microbial detection by NGS.
Ki-67 and CK-19 are predictors of locoregional recurrence in papillary thyroid carcinoma

SUMMARY Most patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma have good prognosis; however, recurrence rates and the need of salvage treatment remain a significant problem for 5-40% of patients. Although several risk classifications based on clinicopathological prognostic factors are used, it is not possible to predict which patients will have a higher risk of recurrence. The objective of the study is to analyse the impact of cytokeratin-19 and Ki-67 immunoexpression as predictive markers of the risk of recurrence in papillary thyroid carcinoma. This is a retrospective case-control study, including 42 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma and 42 controls. The groups were matched by gender, age and pathological staging T and N. Slides were made by the microarray tissue system. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to identify an independent risk factor for recurrence. Of the 42 selected cases, 30 patients (71.4%) were female and 12 (28.6%) were male, ranging in age from 10 to 80 years (median of 39 years). Most patients (64.3%) had tumors at initial T staging (T1-T2). Half of the sample was classified as low risk according to the American Thyroid Association (ATA) risk stratification. Follow-up time ranged from 46 to 196 months, with time to recurrence from 2 to 106 months (median, 30 months). CK-19 and Ki-67 immunoexpression had a statistically significant association with the risk of recurrence (p = 0.029 and p = 0.007, respectively). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, immunoexpression for these markers was an independent risk factor for locoregional recurrence (OR-9,64; CI-1.14-81.01 and OR-3,21; CI-1.32-7.94, respectively). The immunohistochemical analysis of the Ki-67 and CK-19 markers is useful to predict tumour recurrence in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Consumer confusion about wholegrain content and healthfulness in product labels: a discrete choice experiment and comprehension assessment

Abstract Objective: Using a legal standard for scrutinising the regulation of food label claims, this study assessed whether consumers are misled about wholegrain (WG) content and product healthfulness based on common product labels. Design: First, a discrete choice experiment used pairs of hypothetical products with different amounts of WG, sugar and salt to measure effects on assessment of healthfulness; and second, a WG content comprehension assessment used actual product labels to assess respondent understanding. Setting: Online national panel survey. Participants: For a representative sample of US adults (n 1030), survey responses were collected in 2018 and analysed in 2019. Results: First, 29–47 % of respondents incorrectly identified the healthier product from paired options, and respondents who self-identified as having difficulty in understanding labels were more likely to err. Second, for actual products composed primarily of refined grains, 43–51 % of respondents overstated the WG content, whereas for one product composed primarily of WG, 17 % of respondents understated the WG content. Conclusions: The frequency of consumer misunderstanding of grain product labels was high in both study components. Potential policies to address consumer confusion include requiring disclosure of WG content as a percentage of total grain content or requiring disclosure of the grams of WG v. refined grains per serving.
PRODUTIVIDADE E QUALIDADE DA 'CABERNET SAUVIGNON' SUSTENTADA EM ESPALDEIRA E MANJEDOURA NA FORMA DE Y

The grapevine ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ used for wine purposes is increasing its cultivation in the region of Sao Roque (State of Sao Paulo, Brazil) being the vertical shoot position (VSP) system the most usual among the growers. Recently it was introduced the Y training system, therefore a field trial was carried out to characterize yield and chemical characteristics of the must of ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ grown under different training systems. Evaluations were made during the following growing seasons: 2010/11, 2011/12 and 2012/13. The grapevines trellised on the Y shape showed higher cluster weight and yield when compared to the VSP system. The obtained values of yield varied from 9.89 and 13.64 t ha-1 for the VSP system and from 13.34 and 17.43 t ha-1 for the Y shaped system. Regarding the chemical characteristics of the must (soluble solids, pH and titratable acidity) it was not found statistical differences when comparing the training systems. The obtained values of total soluble solids content varied from 17.3 and 19.3°Brix and titratable acidity from 98 and 143 meq.L-1 for different growing seasons evaluated.
[Tracing the origins of SARS-COV-2 in coronavirus phylogenies].

SARS-CoV-2 is a new human coronavirus (CoV), which emerged in People's Republic of China at the end of 2019 and is responsible for the global Covid-19 pandemic that caused more than 540 000 deaths in six months. Understanding the origin of this virus is an important issue and it is necessary to determine the mechanisms of its dissemination in order to be able to contain new epidemics. Based on phylogenetic inferences, sequence analysis and structure-function relationships of coronavirus proteins, informed by the knowledge currently available, we discuss the different scenarios evoked to account for the origin - natural or synthetic - of the virus. On the basis of currently available data, it is impossible to determine whether SARS-CoV-2 is the result of a natural zoonotic emergence or an accidental escape from experimental strains. Regardless of its origin, the study of the evolution of the molecular mechanisms involved in the emergence of this pandemic virus is essential to develop therapeutic and vaccine strategies.
Risk‐adapted bendamustine + rituximab is a tolerable treatment alternative for elderly patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia: a regional real‐world report on 141 consecutive Swedish patients

Bendamustine + rituximab (BR) is the current first‐line standard‐of‐care for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) in fit patients aged 66–70 years, whereas chlorambucil + CD20 antibody is recommended in older patients with co‐morbidities. This retrospective real‐world study investigated whether risk‐adapted BR was safe and effective in elderly patients. All 141 CLL patients in the Stockholm region (diagnosed from 2007 to 2016, identified from regional registries) who had received BR as first (n = 84) or later line (n = 57) were analysed. Median age was 72 years, 49% had Binet stage C, 40% had Cumulative Illness Rating Scale (CIRS) score ≥ 6, 20% Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score 2. None had del(17p). Only 15% of patients aged ≥80 years received full‐dose bendamustine and 65% of them postponed rituximab until cycle 2. Corresponding numbers in patients 73–79 years were 21% and 36% and in <73 years, 63% and 33%. Overall response rate was 83% (first line) and 67% (later line) (P < 0·022) equally distributed between age subsets. ECOG, immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (IGHV) mutational status and cytogenetics, but not treatment line and age, were significant factors on progression‐free survival (PFS) in multivariate analysis. Infections and neutropenia/thrombocytopenia (≥grade 3) were similar across age subgroups. In summary, BR was well tolerated even in patients ≥80 years, with similar efficacy and safety as in less old patients, provided that carefully adapted dosing was applied.
A Study on Variability of Elite Landraces of Small Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton)

Even though over one dozen improved varieties of small cardamom are made available to farmers, many farmers still depend on promising landraces for cultivation. Being a crop that is mainly propagated clonally by suckers, evaluation of such landraces in order to select promising genotypes from them has immense scope in the crop improvement of cardamom. With this objective, a field experiment for the evaluation of ten elite landraces of cardamom based on genetic variability, heritability and genetic advance was undertaken. Sixty-three characters including seven growth characters, nine yield characters, sixteen quality characters and thirty-one biophysical/chemical characters were recorded. Among the growth characters, highest GCV and PCV were shown by tillers per clump; highest heritability was shown by leaf length and highest genetic advance by tillers per clump. This shows that number of tillers per clump is the most important growth character. Among the yield characters highest GCV and genetic advance were shown by internodal length, PCV by panicles per clump and heritability by racemes per panicle. In quality characters, GCV and PCV were the highest in dry seed weight and heritability in percentage of 7 mm and above sized capsules which is a very desirable phenomenon. With regard to the biophysical/biochemical characters, acid insoluble ash showed the highest GCV; PCV was shown by chlorophyll b content of leaf; heritability by acid insoluble ash in capsule. The characters analyzed showed genetic advance ranging from 0.006 to 0.58. Characters with high genetic advance could be utilized for selection.