Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of grain maturity stage on the quality of sorghum BRS-610 silages

The quality of sorghum BRS-610 silages in seven stages of grain maturity, between the milky and dry stage, for determination of the ideal moment of ensilage was evaluated. The silos were open after 56 days of fermentation. The values for dry matter of silages increased from 199 to 473g/kg or from 19.9 to 47.3%, with the advance of stage maturity of grains. As for the quality of fermentation, the silages may be classified as excellent quality in every stage of maturity. The lower values of neutral detergent fiber, 539g/kg or 53.9%, and acid detergent fiber, 307g/kg or 30.7%, were observed between the milky/dough to dough/dent stages. Regression analysis indicated an increase in values of lignin − 0.3 unit por stage − and reduction in values of in vitro dry matter digestibility − -2.5 units por stage − with the advance of the grain’s stage maturity. The ensilage of sorghum BRS-610 between the milky/dough and dough stage ensure very good fermentation and nutritive value of silage.
Insights and expectations for Tdap vaccination of pregnant women in Italy

Abstract Background Pertussis is a widespread vaccine-preventable disease, associated with an increasing trend to hospitalization among newborns. Pertussis in newborns can be fatal, and the most effective way to prevent it is maternal immunization (MI) with a reduced antigen content tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis vaccine (Tdap). In Italy, the National Immunization Plan (NIP) 2017–2019 introduced de novo Tdap vaccination during each pregnancy at no cost for the recipient. Despite this, vaccination coverage is suboptimal. This survey of pregnant women across Italy was conducted to investigate their knowledge and expectations of Tdap. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Pregnant women up to 28th gestational weeks were interviewed by Telephone using a questionnaire with 16 questions. Statistics were descriptive. Results The final sample recruited 600 respondents evenly distributed across Italy. The average duration of pregnancy at the time of the interview was 20.8 weeks (standard deviation [SD] 6.0). Most women (60.7%) were between 30 and 40 years of age. About half were aware of the risks of pertussis for newborns (54.5%) and the increased risk of hospitalization (59.8%); 47.2% were aware that Tdap MI was offered free of charge under the NIP. Safety information regarding the mother and newborn was considered the most important information in deciding whether to be vaccinated (47.4%), followed by safety information related only to the newborn (29.5%). About half (52.2%) stated that they would “certainly” accept MI, and 25.3% would like to receive more information. Gynecologists were the preferred healthcare providers (HCPs) for the provision of MI information (34.3%), followed by pediatricians (25.5%). Two-thirds of the respondents would prefer to be informed about MI before getting pregnant (66.0%). Vaccines investigated specifically for use in pregnancy were preferred by respondents. Overall, no relevant differences were observed between women pregnant for the first time and those with more than one pregnancy, nor between geographical regions. Conclusions The results show room for improving the awareness and understanding of the risks of pertussis for infants and the protective role of MI. The pregnant women preferred to receive advice on MI from an HCP, primarily their gynecologist. They were most interested in information on the safety profile of Tdap during pregnancy, on the mother, fetus, and newborn. The potential impact of this study to support clinical practice of Healthcare Providers is highlighted in the Focus on the Patient section.
Chapter 4 Technological Issues for Computer-Based Assessment

P. Griffin et al. (eds.), Assessment and Teaching of 21st Century Skills, DOI 10.1007/978-94-007-2324-5_4, © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2012 Abstract This chapter reviews the contribution of new information-communication technologies to the advancement of educational assessment. Improvements can be described in terms of precision in detecting the actual values of the observed variables, efficiency in collecting and processing information, and speed and frequency of feedback given to the participants and stakeholders. The chapter reviews previous research and development in two ways, describing the main tendencies in four continents (Asia, Australia, Europe and the US) as well as summarizing research on how technology advances assessment in certain crucial dimensions (assessment of established constructs, extension of assessment domains, assessment of new constructs and in dynamic situations). As there is a great variety of applications of assessment in education, each one requiring different technological solutions, the chapter classifies assessment domains, purposes and contexts and identifies the technological needs and solutions for each. The chapter reviews the contribution of technology to the advancement of the entire educational evaluation process, from authoring and automatic generation and storage of items, through delivery methods (Internetbased, local server, removable media, mini-computer labs) to forms of task presentation made possible with technology for response capture, scoring and automated feedback and reporting. Finally, the chapter identifies areas for which further Chapter 4 Technological Issues for Computer-Based Assessment
Asymmetric Phosphoric Acid-Catalyzed Atroposelective Three-Component Cascade Reaction: Highly Enantioselective Synthesis of Axially Chiral N-Arylindoles.

An efficient organocatalytic atroposelective three-component cascade reaction of 2,3-diketoesters, aromatic amines and 1,3-cyclohexanediones has been developed for the highly enantioselective synthesis of axially chiral N-arylindoles. The feature of this method is highlighted by using our newly developed second-generation of chiral spirocyclic phosphoric acids to enable the reactivity and enantioselectivity of the substrates. In addition, this protocol was extended to the synthesis of an axially chiral monophosphorus ligand.
Prosthetic joint infections present diverse and unique microbial communities using combined whole-genome shotgun sequencing and culturing methods.

Introduction. Prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) are challenging to treat therapeutically because the infectious agents often are resistant to antibiotics and capable of abundant growth in surface-attached biofilms. Though infection rates are low, ca. 1-2 %, the overall increase in the sheer number of joint replacement surgeries results in an increase in patients at risk.Aims. This study investigates the consensus of microbial species comprising PJI ecology, which is currently lacking.Methodology. In this study, PJI populations from seven patients were analysed using combined culturing and whole-genome shotgun sequencing (WGSS) to establish population profiles and compare WGSS and culture methods for detection and identification of the PJI microbiome.Results. WGSS detected strains when culture did not, notably dormant, culture-resistant and rare microbes. The CosmosID algorithm was used to predict micro-organisms present in the PJI and discriminate contaminants. However, culturing indicated the presence of microbes falling below the WGSS algorithm threshold. In these instances, microbes cultured are believed to be minor species. The two strategies were combined to build a population profile.Conclusions. Variability between and among PJIs showed that most infections were distinct and unique. Comparative analysis of populations revealed PJIs to form clusters that were related to, but separate from, vaginal, skin and gut microbiomes. Fungi and protists were detected by WGSS, but the role of fungi is just beginning to be understood and for protists it is unknown. These micro-organisms and their novel and strain-specific microbial interactions remain to be determined in current clinical tests.
Local Growth Hormone Therapy for Pressure Ulcer Healing on a Human Skin Mouse Model

The growth hormone is involved in skin homeostasis and wound healing. We hypothesize whether it is possible to improve pressure ulcer (PU) healing by locally applying the recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) in a human skin mouse model. Non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficient mice (n = 10) were engrafted with a full-thickness human skin graft. After 60 days with stable grafts, human skin underwent three cycles of ischemia-reperfusion with a compression device to create a PU. Mice were classified into two groups: rhGH treatment group (n = 5) and control group (n = 5). In the rhGH group for local intradermal injections, each had 0.15 mg (0.5IU) applied to the PU edges, once per week for four weeks. Evaluation of the wound healing was conducted with photographic and visual assessments, and histological analysis was performed after complete wound healing. The results showed a healing rate twice as fast in the rhGH group compared to the control group (1.25 ± 0.33 mm2/day versus 0.61 ± 0.27 mm2/day; p-value < 0.05), with a faster healing rate during the first 30 days. The rhGH group showed thicker skin (1953 ± 457 µm versus 1060 ± 208 µm; p-value < 0.05) in the repaired area, with a significant decrease in collagen type I/III ratio at wound closure (62 days, range 60–70). Local administration of the rhGH accelerates PU healing in our model. The rhGH may have a clinical use in pressure ulcer treatment.
Prevalence and Mechanisms of Partial Migration in Ungulates

Partial migration, a phenomenon wherein only some individuals within a population migrate, is taxonomically widespread. While well-studied in birds and fish, partial migration in large herbivores has come into the spotlight only recently due to the decline of migratory behavior in ungulate species around the world. We reviewed studies describing these trends to explore both population- and individual-level mechanisms for partial migration in ungulates. We addressed how density-dependent and -independent factors, alone or together, could maintain both migrants and residents within a population. We then searched for evidence that intrinsic and extrinsic factors could combine with genetic predispositions and individual differences in temperament or life experience to promote migratory tendencies of individuals. Despite the long-held assumption that migration is a fixed behavior of individuals, evidence suggested that changes in migratory behavior result from state-dependent responses of individuals. Data are needed to demonstrate empirically which factors determine the relative costs and benefits to using migratory versus resident tactics. We outline what types of long-term data could address this need and urge those studying migration to meet these challenges in the interest of conserving partially migratory populations.
Exploring the role of expectations and stimulus relevance on stimulus-specific neural representations and conscious report

Abstract Subjective experience can be influenced by top-down factors, such as expectations and stimulus relevance. Recently, it has been shown that expectations can enhance the likelihood that a stimulus is consciously reported, but the neural mechanisms supporting this enhancement are still unclear. We manipulated stimulus expectations within the attentional blink (AB) paradigm using letters and combined visual psychophysics with magnetoencephalographic (MEG) recordings to investigate whether prior expectations may enhance conscious access by sharpening stimulus-specific neural representations. We further explored how stimulus-specific neural activity patterns are affected by the factors expectation, stimulus relevance and conscious report. First, we show that valid expectations about the identity of an upcoming stimulus increase the likelihood that it is consciously reported. Second, using a series of multivariate decoding analyses, we show that the identity of letters presented in and out of the AB can be reliably decoded from MEG data. Third, we show that early sensory stimulus-specific neural representations are similar for reported and missed target letters in the AB task (active report required) and an oddball task in which the letter was clearly presented but its identity was task-irrelevant. However, later sustained and stable stimulus-specific representations were uniquely observed when target letters were consciously reported (decision-dependent signal). Fourth, we show that global pre-stimulus neural activity biased perceptual decisions for a ‘seen’ response. Fifth and last, no evidence was obtained for the sharpening of sensory representations by top-down expectations. We discuss these findings in light of emerging models of perception and conscious report highlighting the role of expectations and stimulus relevance.
Intergenerational Cycles of Maltreatment: A Scoping Review of Psychosocial Risk and Protective Factors

Child maltreatment tends to show intergenerational continuity. However, a significant proportion of maltreated parents break these cycles. Since several studies have investigated risk and protective factors associated with the intergenerational continuity of child maltreatment over the past decades, and no systematic review of the literature is available, this scoping review aimed to summarize studies documenting associated psychosocial risk and protective factors. A secondary objective was to document the prevalence of this phenomenon. A search in six major databases (PsycINFO, Scopus, Medline, Social Work Abstracts, ProQuest Dissertations/Theses, and Web of Science) was conducted. Studies involving human participants, presenting original findings, written in French or English, and of any type of design were included. There was no limit regarding the date of publication, except for theses/dissertations (5 years). A final sample of 51 papers was retained, 33 providing data on risk and protective factors and 18 providing only prevalence data. Results indicate that parents’ individual characteristics (e.g., mental health, age), childhood adversity (e.g., multiple forms of adversity), relational (e.g., couples’ adjustment, attachment, social support), and contextual factors (e.g., disadvantage, community violence) are relevant to the intergenerational continuity of child maltreatment. Prevalence rates of continuity ranged from 7% to 88%. Major limitations of reviewed studies are discussed. Continued efforts to uncover the mechanisms associated with the intergenerational continuity of child maltreatment using strong methodological designs are necessary. Knowledge in this area could lead to the development of effective prevention strategies (e.g., mental health services for parents, family/dyadic interventions) to break harmful intergenerational cycles of violence.
Gauging the epidemic potential of a widely circulating non-invasive meningococcal strain in Africa

Neisseria meningitidis colonizes the human oropharynx and transmits mainly via asymptomatic carriage. Actual outbreaks of meningococcal meningitis are comparatively rare and occur when susceptible populations are exposed to hypervirulent clones, genetically distinct from the main carriage isolates. However, carriage isolates can evolve into pathogens through a limited number of recombination events. The present study examines the potential for the sequence type (ST)-192, by far the dominant clone recovered in recent meningococcal carriage studies in sub-Saharan Africa, to evolve into a pathogen. We used whole-genome sequencing on a collection of 478 meningococcal isolates sampled from 1- to 29- year-old healthy individuals in Arba Minch, southern Ethiopia in 2014. The ST-192 clone was identified in nearly 60 % of the carriers. Using complementary short- and long-read techniques for whole-genome sequencing, we were able to completely resolve genomes and thereby identify genomic differences between the ST-192 carriage strain and known pathogenic clones with the highest possible resolution. We conclude that it is possible, but unlikely, that ST-192 could evolve into a significant pathogen, thus, becoming the major invasive meningococcus clone in the meningitis belt of Africa following upcoming mass vaccination with a polyvalent conjugate vaccine that targets the A, C, W, Y and X capsules.
Egg size of the Common Tern Sterna hirundo in Slovenia

Clutch size and egg size of the Common Tern Sterna hirundo was studied in Slovenia. The total number of eggs measured was 242 from 90 nests. Among 90 complete clutches, 53.7% had three eggs. Density of breeding pairs had no effect on the clutch size. The largest eggs were found in clutches with two eggs. Egg length averaged 41.23 mm, egg breadth 30.07 mm, egg volume 19.52 cm3 and egg shape 0.73. No significant relationship was found between egg size (volume, breadth, length) and latitude and longitude (this study and literature data) within Europe.
RHYTHMIC GYMNASTS ’ SOMATOTYPE : IS IT A PREDICTIVE FACTOR FOR RG PERFORMANCE ?

The purpose of the research was to test and/or determine the possibility of predicting success in RG performance on the basis of gymnasts’ somatotype. One hundred and twenty-six nationaland internationallevel rhythmic gymnasts (age: 11.95±3.09 years, body height: 147.76±14.61 cm, body mass: 37.75±11.72 kg, BMI: 16.79±2.26 kg/m, menarcheal age: 13.57±1.18 years, training experience: 5.88±2.79 years), divided into five age group categories (22 beginners, aged 7-9 years; 38 intermediate, aged 9-12 years; 26 advanced, aged 12-14 years; 25 juniors, aged 14-16 years; 15 seniors, aged 16 years and older), volunteered to participate in the study. The obtained results show the central somatotype as the dominant type (except for the seniors: mesomorphic endomorph). By means of a Multiple regression analysis the gymnasts’ somatotype statistically significant influence on Success was established only in the group of advanced gymnasts and when considering the sample in total (p<0.00103 and p<0.00325, respectively), with an explanation of 51%, i.e. 11% of variance, respectively. Also, the Regression analysis emphasized the significant independent contribution of endomorphy to the prediction of Success within each of five age categories, except the beginners, with negative relationship among variables (except the seniors): intermediate (p=0.048, b=-0.80375), advanced (p=0.005, b=-0.9930), juniors (p=0.037, b=-1.02015) and seniors (p=0.023, b=2.4164). When considering sample in total, endomorphy and mesomorphy gave the significant independent contribution to the prediction of Success in RG (p=0.012 and p=0.009, respectively), with negative relationship among these independent variables and the dependent one (b=-0.54596 and b=0.59399, respectively). This research has confirmed the importance of endomorphy for RG performance, and thus unambiguously emphasized the lack of subcutaneous fat as desirable factor for success in RG.
Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy: focal point nuclear envelope.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (EDMD) is caused by mutations in EMD encoding emerin and LMNA encoding A-type lamins, proteins of the nuclear envelope. In the past decade, there has been an extraordinary burst of research on the nuclear envelope. Discoveries resulting from this basic research have implications for better understanding the pathogenesis and developing treatments for EDMD. RECENT FINDINGS Recent clinical research has confirmed that EDMD is one of several overlapping skeletal muscle phenotypes that can result from mutations in EMD and LMNA with dilated cardiomyopathy as a common feature. Basic research on the nuclear envelope has provided new insights into how A-type lamins and emerin function in force transmission throughout the cell, which may be particularly important in striated muscle. Much of the recent research has focused on the heart and LMNA mutations. Prevalence and outcome studies have confirmed the relative severity of cardiac disease. Robust mouse models of EDMD caused by LMNA mutations has allowed for further insight into pathogenic mechanisms and potentially beneficial therapeutic approaches. SUMMARY Recent clinical and basic research on EDMD is gradually being translated to clinical practice and possibly novel therapies.
Retrospective Study of Cystic Echinococcosis (CE) Based on Hospital Record from Five Major Metropolitan Cities of Pakistan

Human cystic echinococcosis (CE) is an important zoonotic parasitic disease. It is one of the NTDs having strong roots in Pakistan. There are limited studies on the prevalence of CE in Pakistan. A retrospective study was conducted to determine the geographical distribution of human CE in Punjab (Lahore, Multan, and Faisalabad) and Sindh (Karachi and Hyderabad) provinces of Pakistan. Clinical records of infected patients from nine major hospitals were retrieved from 2008 to 2018. A total of 188 surgically confirmed cases were included from selected hospitals during the study period, which showed the annual frequency of 18.8 cases/year. The number of reported cases was higher in Sindh province (67.55%) compared to Punjab (32.45%). Total number of CE cases/city was higher in Karachi (47.34%) compared to Hyderabad city (20.21%), while in Punjab province, this frequency was higher in Lahore (25%) followed by Multan (5.32%) and Faisalabad (2.13%). Out of total 188 patients, 73 (38.83%) were males and 115 (61.7%) were females. In surveyed hospitals, high burden of infection was reported in young adults (21–30 years; 29.79%) followed by 21.81% and 17.02% in 31–40 and 41–50 age groups, respectively. Data retrieved from the hospital record of diagnosed cases of CE showed liver (36.17%, n = 68) as the most affected organ followed by lungs (26.06%, n = 49). In this survey, some unusual sites of cyst formation were also observed. Current study is a step forward towards filling the gap of knowledge for prevalence and regional distribution of hydatidosis in Pakistan reporting the CE cases in humans for the first time in Multan and Faisalabad.
Circular and Micro RNAs from Arabidopsis thaliana Flowers Are Simultaneously Isolated from AGO-IP Libraries

Competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) are natural transcripts that can act as endogenous sponges of microRNAs (miRNAs), modulating miRNA action upon target mRNAs. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are one among the various classes of ceRNAs. They are produced from a process called back-splicing and have been identified in many eukaryotes. In plants, their effective action as a miRNA sponge was not yet demonstrated. To address this question, public mRNAseq data from Argonaute-immunoprecipitation libraries (AGO-IP) of Arabidopsis thaliana flowers were used in association with a bioinformatics comparative multi-method to identify putative circular RNAs. A total of 27,812 circRNAs, with at least two reads at the back-splicing junction, were identified. Further analyses were used to select those circRNAs with potential miRNAs binding sites. As AGO forms a ternary complex with miRNA and target mRNA, targets count in AGO-IP and input libraries were compared, demonstrating that mRNA targets of these miRNAs are enriched in AGO-IP libraries. Through this work, five circRNAs that may function as miRNA sponges were identified and one of them were validated by PCR and sequencing. Our findings indicate that this post-transcriptional regulation can also occur in plants.