Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Development of a Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization protocol for the rapid detection and enumeration of Listeria monocytogenes in milk Desenvolvimento de um protocolo de "Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization" para a detecção rápida e contagem de Listeria monocytogenes em leite

Summary: A rapid method for the specific detection and enumeration of Listeria monocytogenes in milk was developed. This method is based on Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH), using a fluorescent 19-mer oligonucleotide probe, homologous to 16S rRNA of L. monocytogenes, and adapted from a dot-blot hybridization technique (Wang et al., 1991). The protocol was established through the hybridization of 68 reference strains, and tested against 114 Listeria cultures isolated from food and environmental samples, including L. monocytogenes, L. innocua, L. ivanovii, L. grayi, L. seeligeri and L. welshimeri. The probe hybridized specifically to all L. monocytogenes serovars, and no cross hybridization was observed with any of the other strains tested. The protocol was then applied to the direct detection of L. monocytogenes in natural and artificially contaminated milk samples, and the relation between the traditional plating method and FISH cell counting was evaluated. Results show that FISH is a promising technique for the rapid detection and enumeration of L. monocytogenes in food and environmental samples, allowing positive identification in approximately seven hours, with a consumable cost of 0.45 to 3.0 euro, depending on the number of simultaneously processed samples. Resumo: Foi desenvolvido um metodo rapido para a deteccao especifica e contagem de Listeria monocytogenes em leite. Este metodo baseia-se na tecnica Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH), e recorre a uma sonda fluorescente de 19 oligonucleotidos, homologa ao 16S rRNA de L. monocytogenes, e adaptada de uma tecnica de hibridacao dot-blot (Wang et al., 1991). O protocolo foi estabelecido atraves da hibridacao de 68 estirpes de referencia, e testado em 114 isolados de Listeria obtidos a partir de amostras de alimentos e ambientais, incluindo L. monocytogenes, L. innocua, L. ivanovii, L. grayi, L. seeligeri e L. welshimeri. A sonda hibridou especificamente com todas as serovariedades de L. monocytogenes, nao se tendo observado hibridacoes cruzadas com as outras estirpes. O protocolo foi aplicado a deteccao directa de L. monocytogenes em amostras de leite naturais e contaminadas artificialmente, e a relacao entre o metodo de plaqueamento tradicional e a contagem de celulas por FISH foi avaliada. Os resultados demonstram que esta tecnica e promissora para a deteccao rapida e contagem de L. monocytogenes em amostras de alimentos e ambientais, permitindo a sua identificacao positiva em aproximadamente sete horas, com um custo entre 0,45 e 3,0 euro, dependendo do numero de amostras processadas simultaneamente.
Efficient Multitask Scheduling for Completion Time Minimization in UAV-Assisted Mobile Edge Computing

Mobile edge computing (MEC) can alleviate the computing resource shortage problem of mobile user equipment (UEs). However, due to long communication distance or the obstruction of big obstacles, the direct communication link may not exist between a UE and a MEC node. It thus hinders the task offloading in MEC. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have high degree of mobility and can carry lightweight computation and storage modules. This paper presents a UAV-assisted MEC method, in which the UAV can relay the task-input data of a UE to the MEC node and can also utilize the airborne computation and storage resource to shorten the execution time of the offloaded tasks. Considering the strict order dependency among multiple offloaded tasks, this paper optimizes the task scheduling and the UAV flight path in a joint manner. A heuristic algorithm based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) is also developed to find the optimal solution. The simulation results show that the proposed multitask scheduling method can always find the best tradeoff between the UAV’s position and the wireless channel condition. In comparison to the other three baseline scheduling methods, the proposed method can use the minimum execution time to complete all the offloaded tasks.
Urbanization can increase the invasive potential of alien species

Abstract Alien species often flourish and become invasive in urban ecosystems. How and why invaders succeed in urban systems is an important, yet poorly understood, question. We investigate whether the success of urban invaders is related to changes in species traits that enhance invasive potential. We also explore whether a trophic mechanism helps explain the success of invaders in urban systems. We use the guppy Poecilia reticulata, a globally distributed alien species that has invaded both urban and non‐urban systems, as our model. We first characterize the effect of urbanization on streams where guppies are present. We measure guppy invasion success using their population density and size‐frequency. Then we assess how traits that are related to the potential of guppies to invade (life history and condition) respond to urbanization. Next, we explore how urbanization affects the availability of food for guppies and their diets. We also test if the presence of other fish species grants biological resistance to invasion by dampening guppy invasive potential. We find that urban streams have high concentrations of ammonium and faecal coliforms, indicating contamination from sewage. On average, guppy populations from urban streams have 26× higher density and larger body sizes than non‐urban populations. Urban guppies are in better condition and have on average five more offspring than non‐urban guppies. Urbanization increases the availability and consumption of highly nutritious food (chironomid larvae) by guppies. We find a positive relationship between the consumption of chironomids and both fecundity and condition. The presence of other fish species in urban streams often has a negative but small effect on guppy traits and density. Our data suggest a relaxation of trade‐offs that shape life‐history traits which is related to increased food resources in urban streams. These indicate that urbanization enhances the invasive potential of guppies through a trophic mechanism that simultaneously increases reproduction and somatic investment. Such mechanism is likely widespread because chironomids are often highly abundant in urban systems. Thus, not only guppies but also other invasive species can take advantage of such a resource to invest in traits that enhance invasion success.
Childhood adversity and psychosis: a systematic review of bio-psycho-social mediators and moderators

Abstract The association between childhood adversity (CA) and psychosis has been extensively investigated in recent years. An increasing body of research has also focused on the mediating or moderating role of biological and psychological mechanisms, as well as other risk factors that might account for the link between CA and psychosis. We conducted a systematic search of the PsychINFO, Embase, Ovid, and Web of Science databases for original articles investigating the role of genetic vulnerabilities, environmental factors, psychological and psychopathological mechanisms in the association between CA and psychosis up to August 2019. We included studies with individuals at different stages of the psychosis continuum, from subclinical psychotic experiences to diagnosed disorders. From the 28 944 records identified, a total of 121 studies were included in this review. Only 26% of the studies identified met the criteria for methodological robustness. Overall, the current evidence suggests that CA may be associated with psychosis largely independently of genetic vulnerabilities. More consistent and robust evidence supports interaction between early and recent adversities, as well as the mediating role of attachment and mood symptoms, which is suggestive of an affective pathway between CA and psychosis across the continuum from subclinical experiences to diagnosable disorder. This review highlighted numerous methodological issues with the existing literature, including selection bias, heterogeneity of measurement instruments utilised, and lack of control for potential confounders. Future research should address these limitations to more accurately estimate mediation and moderation effects on the CA-psychosis association to inform the development of preventive interventions.
AN OCEAN-BASIN-WIDE MARK-RECAPTURE STUDY OF THE NORTH ATLANTIC HUMPBACK WHALE (MEGAPTERA NOVAEANGLIAE)

Although much is known about the humpback whale, Megaptera novaeangliae, regional studies have been unable to answer several questions that are central to the conservation and management of this endangered species. To resolve uncertainties about population size, as well as the spatial and genetic structure of the humpback whale population in the North Atlantic, we conducted a two-year ocean-basin-wide photographic and biopsy study in 1992-1993. Photographic and skin-biopsy sampling was conducted of animals in feeding and breeding areas throughout most of the range of this species in the North Atlantic, from the West Indies breeding grounds through all known feeding areas as far north as arctic Norway. A standardized sampling protocol was designed to maximize sample sizes while attempting to ensure equal probability of sampling, so that estimates of abundance would be as accurate and as precise as possible. During 666 d at sea aboard 28 vessels, 4,207 tail fluke photographs and 2,326 skin biopsies were collected. Molecular analyses of all biopsies included determination of sex, genotype using six microsatellite loci, and mitochondrial control region sequence. The photographs and microsatellite loci were used to identify 2,998 and 2,015 individual whales, respectively. Previously published results from this study have addressed spatial distribution, migration, and genetic relationships. Here, we present new estimates of total abundance in this ocean using photographic data, as well as overall and sex-specific estimates using biopsy data. We identify several potential sampling biases using only breeding-area samples and report a consistent mark-recapture estimate of oceanwide abundance derived from photographic identification, using both breeding and feeding-area data, of 10,600 (95% confidence interval 9,300-12,100). We also report a comparable, but less precise, biopsy-based estimate of 10,400 (95% confidence interval of 8,000-13,600). These estimates are significantly larger and more precise than estimates made for the 1980s, potentially reflecting population growth. In contrast, significantly lower and less consistent estimates were obtained using between-feeding-area or between-breeding-area sampling. Reasons for the lower estimates using the results of sampling in the same areas in subsequent years are discussed. Overall, the results of this ocean-basin-wide study demonstrate that an oceanwide approach to population assessment of baleen whales is practicable and results in a more comprehensive understanding of population abundance and biology than can be gained from smaller-scale efforts.
Optimization of Maximum Routing Hop Count Parameter Based on Vehicle Density for VANET

Vehicular Ad Hoc Network (VANET) is the basic technology of intelligent transportation systems for providing reliable and real-time communications between vehicles and vehicles or roadside units. In order to improve the communication quality of VANET, this paper studies the effects of different maximum routing hop count parameters on the performance of the network under different vehicle densities. We establish the mathematical models of node connectivity probability and the packet delivery ratio by using the Poisson distribution model. And the maximum routing hop count selection algorithm (MRHSA) is proposed based on the theoretical model established in the paper. The simulation experiments and statistical analysis on packet delivery ratio, throughput, and end-to-end delay are performed under the straight road and urban road scenes, supported by the Vehicle in Network Simulation (Veins). The results show that the maximum routing hop count parameter is an important impact factor on the communication quality of the network. It is found that MRSHA proposed in this paper can improve the packet delivery ratio by about 9.1% at most in straight road scenarios, which indicates that MRHSA will contribute to the improvement of the communication quality of VANET.
ASSOCIATIONS OF GASTRIC VOLUMES, INGESTIVE BEHAVIOR, CALORIE AND VOLUME INTAKE, AND FULLNESS IN OBESITY.

INTRODUCTION Whereas gastric emptying significantly predicts calorie intake, the association between gastric capacity and satiation and satiety is unclear. AIM To study associations between gastric volumes and ingestive behaviors with satiation and satiety in obesity. METHODS Sixty-two healthy adult obese patients (57 female) with no eating disorders underwent measurements of satiety by kcal ingestion at buffet meal, satiation by volume to comfortable fullness (VTF) and maximum tolerated volume (MTV) while drinking Ensure® (30 mL/min), and fasting and postprandial gastric volumes by validated single photon emission computed tomography. We also measured eating [Weight Efficacy Life-Style Questionnaire score] and exercise behaviors associated with obesity. Spearman correlation assessed relationships of measured traits and linear regression analysis to identify predictors of satiation or satiety. RESULTS The participants' age was 38±10.1 years and BMI 36.8±4.8 kg/m2. Fasting gastric volume was significantly correlated with VTF (rs=0.3, p=0.03), but not with MTV or buffet meal kcal ingestion. Regression analysis identified sex (p=0.02, with males having significantly higher fasting gastric volume) and fasting gastric volume (0.04) as predictors of higher VTF. An increase in fasting gastric volume of 50 mL resulted in a 67mL increase in VTF. Buffet meal intake was inversely related to the ability to resist the urge to eat; factors associated with ingestive behavior (increase in total WEL score) significantly correlated with satiety and gastric accommodation (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Gastric capacity during fasting is associated with calorie intake to the point of comfortable fullness; factors associated with ingestive behavior are associated with satiety and gastric accommodation.
Molecular cloning, characterization and bacterial overexpression of D-myo-inositol 3-phosphate synthase (MIPS1) gene from soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.).

D-myo-inositol-3-phosphate synthase (EC 5.5.1.4; MIPS) is an isomerase that catalyzes the conversion of glucose-6-phosphate to D-myo-inositol-3-phosphate, a sole synthetic source of myo-inositol. Phytic acid (myo-inositol-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexakisphosphate) which is the principal storage form of phosphorus (60-80%) in plant seeds, is further generated by a stepwise phosphorylation of myo-inositol. Poorly digested by monogastrics, phytic acid, chelates essential mineral cations and proteins; thereby, reducing their bioavailability and hence classified as an anti-nutrient. In soybean, the transcripts encoding MIPS1 isoform are expressed early during the cotyledonary stage of seed development to function in phytic acid biosynthesis. In the present study, we report the cloning and molecular characterization of the MIPS1 gene from developing seeds of soybean (GmMIPS1). A full-length GmMIPS1 cDNA (Glycine max cv. Pusa 16) of 1,791bp revealed an ORF of 1,533 bp predicting 510 amino acids. In silico analysis further revealed its striking homology (80-99%) at both the nucleotide and the deduced amino acid sequence levels; with other plant MIPS, particularly with the dicots, Vigna radiata and Phaseolu svulgare. The protein sequence analysis of the predicted GmMIPS1 cDNA indicated the absence of a signal peptide in the N-terminal region. To validate the expression of the GmMIPS1 coding gene, nucleotide sequence residues from 131 to 1,556 bp were amplified by high fidelity PCR and fused in frame to a 19 amino acid N-terminal region of 6X His-tag in expression vector pET-28a (+). The E.coli cell strain BL21 (DE3) transformed with the recombinant plasmid resulted in the production of a 52 kDa fusion protein under optimized induction and expression conditions as confirmed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot analysis. Results of the present study demonstrated that down-regulation of GmMIPS1 using a seed specific promoter can be targeted as a great potential for developing of low-phytate soybean without affecting the critical aspects of inositol metabolism in other tissues of the plant.
Increased psychological well-being after the apex of the COVID-19 pandemic

1Department of Political Science, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; 2Department of Political Science, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; 3The Danish National Institute of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Copenhagen, Denmark; 4Department of Affective Disorders, Aarhus University Hospital – Psychiatry, Aarhus, Denmark and 5Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
Association of Peripheral Insulin Resistance and Other Markers of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus with Brain Amyloid Deposition in Healthy Individuals at Risk of Dementia

We explored the association of type 2 diabetes related blood markers with brain amyloid accumulation on PiB-PET scans in 41 participants from the FINGER PET sub-study. We built logistic regression models for brain amyloid status with12 plasma markers of glucose and lipid metabolism, controlled for diabetes and APOE ɛ4 carrier status. Lower levels of insulin, insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR), C-peptide, and plasminogen activator (PAI-1) were associated with amyloid positive status, although the results were not significant after adjusting for multiple testing. None of the models found evidence for associations between amyloid status and fasting glucose or HbA1c.
Development and validation of an instrument for measuring competencies on public health informatics of primary health care worker (PHIC4PHC) in Indonesia

Abstract Because of the increasing adoption and use of technology in primary health care (PHC), public health informatics competencies (PHIC) are becoming essential for public health workers. Unfortunately, no studies have measured PHIC in resource-limited setting. This paper describes the process of developing and validating Public Health Informatics Competencies for Primary Health Care (PHIC4PHC), an instrument for measuring PHC workers’ competencies in public health informatics. Method: This study developed a questionnaire that had three stages: the Delphi technique, a pretest, and field test. Eleven academicians from a university and 13 PHC workers joined 2 rounds of group discussion in the first stage. The second stage comprised two pilot studies with 75 PHC workers in Semarang Municipality. The third stage involved validating the questionnaire with 462 PHC workers in Kendal District. This study used Pearson’s product-moment correlation for the validity check and Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for determining the internal consistency. This study used the K-means algorithm for clustering the results of the PHIC4PHC questionnaire. Results and Conclusion: PHIC4PHC is the first comprehensive PHIC questionnaire administered in a resource-limited setting, consisting of 11 indicators and 42 measurement items concerning knowledge of health information systems, skills required for health data management, ethical aspects of data sharing and health information literacy. The final results of PHIC4PHC were clustered into three classes based on the K-means algorithm. Overall, 45.7% PHC workers achieved medium competency, whereas 25.6% and 27.7% achieved low and high competency, respectively. Men had higher competency than women. The higher the worker’s level of education, the higher the PHIC level; the longer the worker’s work experience, the lower the PHIC score; and the greater the worker’s age, the lower the PHIC score. Measuring and monitoring PHIC is vital to support successful health IT adoption in PHC.
Rapid detection of resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis: a review discussing molecular approaches

The last few years have seen the development of several molecular designs to search for mutations encoding resistance to antituberculous drugs in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Most of these are highly efficient for RIF-r detection and are well adapted to search for the most relevant INH-R mutations. In this review, these new molecular approaches are explained and are presented according to the molecular strategies on which they are based. In this sense, techniques based on DNA-sequencing, electrophoresis and hybridization are reviewed and the newer designs based on real-time PCR and microarrays are also included. Molecular methods are sure to transform standard approaches to the issue of resistance in the mycobacteriology laboratory. This will allow laboratories to speed up the performance of resistance assays and provide access to essential information for highly refined detection, follow-up and management of antibiotic resistance in M. tuberculosis.
Extraordinary diversity of viruses in deep-sea sediments as revealed by metagenomics without prior virion separation.

Our current knowledge of the virosphere in deep-sea sediments remains rudimentary. Here we investigated viral diversity at both gene and genomic levels in deep-sea sediments of Southwest Indian Ocean. Analysis of 19,676,106 non-redundant genes from the metagenomic DNA sequences revealed a large number of unclassified viral groups in these samples. A total of 1,106 high-confidence viral contigs were obtained after two runs of assemblies, and 217 of these contigs with sizes up to ~120 kb were shown to represent complete viral genomes. These contigs are clustered with no known viral genomes, and over 2/3 of the ORFs on the viral contigs encode no known functions. Furthermore, most of the complete viral contigs show limited similarity to known viral genomes in genome organization. Most of the classified viral contigs are derived from dsDNA viruses belonging to the order Caudovirales, including primarily members of the families Myoviridae, Podoviridae and Siphoviridae. Most of these viruses infect Proteobacteria and, less frequently, Planctomycetes, Firmicutes, Chloroflexi, etc. Auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs), present in abundance on the viral contigs, appear to function in modulating the host ability to sense environmental gradients and community changes, and to uptake and metabolize nutrients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
NCAPH is upregulated in endometrial cancer and associated with poor clinicopathologic characteristics

Recently, NCAPH (non‐SMC condensin I complex subunit H), a regulatory subunit of the condensin complex, has captured our attention in various cancer studies. However, the function of NCAPH in endometrial cancer (EC) remains unclear. Our study aims to investigate the role of NCAPH in EC.