Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Adding Sodium Nitrate without or with some Feed Additives in Growing Rabbit Diets on: 2. Nutrients Digestibility, some Caecum Fermentation and some Blood Constituents

Thirty, 14 weeks of age New Zealand White (NZW) rabbits with an average live body weight (LBW) of 2.0 Kg were divided into 10 similar groups (3 in each). The rabbits were housed in a separate cage (3 rabbits in each). Ten pelleted experimental diets were contained two levels of sodium nitrate (0 and 2%). However, the other four tested feed additives were sodium sulfate (0.2%), clay (2%), yeast (0.25 %) and prebiotic (0.2%). Diets refers to as R2, R3, R4 and R5 were without sodium nitrate, but with feed additives, sodium sulphate, clay, yeast and prebiotic, respectively. While, diets R6, R7, R8, R9 and R10 were with sodium nitrate and R6 without feed additives but R7, R8, R9 and R10 were with the same feed additives, sodium sulphate, clay, yeast and prebiotic, respectively. The DMI g/d was higher with feeding on R1 and R8 than feeding on the other diets, but the DM digestibility was higher with feeding on R1 and R7 than the others. The DCP % was higher with feeding on R1, R2 and R7, DCF with R2, R5 and R8, DEE with R1, DNFE with R1, R3, R4, R6 and R9, TDN % was higher with feeding with R1, DCPI g/d with R1, R5 and R7, TDNI g/d with R1, DE Kcal/Kg was higher with feeding on R4 and R9, DEI Kcal/d with R1 and R4, DEI/DCPI increased with feeding on R4, R6 and R9­. The effect of the feed additives, also showed that the total VFA increased (p < 0.05) without feed additives or with added Na2SO4 or clay (2.85, 2.98 and 2.63 ml. eq/100ml, respectively) than added prebiotic (2.37 ml. eq/100ml). The highest values were observed with feeding on R1­ (3.3 ml. eq/100ml), R2 (3.07 ml. eq/100ml) and R7 (2.90 ml. eq/100ml). The highest values of NH3 concentrations were observed with feeding on R3 and R8 diets (32.20 and 32.85 mg/100ml respectively) than the feeding on the other experimental diets. There was no significant effect on the blood constituents as the effect of the experimental diets. The glucose concentration was higher (130 mg/100ml) with feeding on R9 than other diets. Protein concentration was higher with feeding on R4 or R10 (6.73 and 7.00 g/100ml, respectively) than the others. Urea - N concentration was the highest with feeding on R7 (60.83 mg/100ml), while the creatinine concentration was increased (2.60 mg/100ml) with feeding on R9 compared with the other diets. The foregoing results, it was clear that the DCPI g/d was higher with feeding on R1, R5 and R7, TDNI g/d was higher with R1, DE Kcal/Kg was higher with feeding on R4 and R9, DEI Kcal/d with R1 and R4, DEI/DCPI increased with feeding on R4, R6 and R9­.
The role of integrins and human IDO in the immune response to Chlamydia trachomatis

Chlamydia trachomatis is the most common sexually transmitted bacterial infection in the United States. Genital C. trachomatis infections cause serious morbidity, including pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. Multiple arms of the immune response are activated during genital C. trachomatis infection, yet this pathogen survives in its preferred human host. The lack of a vaccine and natural immunity to C. trachomatis in humans necessitate a better understanding of why the immune response fails to clear the infection. Immune protection from C. trachomatis is dependent on interferon-γ (IFN-γ) derived from CD4 Th1 cells. Prior to our study, the integrin receptor required for CD4 Th1 cell trafficking to the uterus during C. trachomatis infection had not been identified. We found that C. trachomatis infection resulted in the recruitment of C. trachomatis-specific CD4 T cells expressing the integrin α4β1. Genetic ablation or antibody blockade of α4β1, but not α4β7, function led to defective CD4 T cell trafficking to the uterus and high bacterial load. These data show that integrin α4β1 is necessary for CD4 T cell-mediated protection against C. trachomatis infection in the genital mucosa.
Etude des Lactobacillus vaginaux : Identification, effets protecteurs, facteurs de déséquilibre et moyens de régénérescence

The microbiota plays a significant role in maintaining human health. Since the description of Doderlein, studies to elucidate the complex nature of vaginal flora and their interrelations with other members of the host proliferated tremendously. The use of various antibiotics and vaginal douche products in addition to other physical, hormonal and pathological factors promotes the development of multiple genital infections. High incidence of unsuccesful treatments and rapid recurrences re-directed the focus of research into vaginal flora as it might be used as a probiotic either alone or in combination with conventional therapies. Thirty-seven lactobacilli isolates were collected from forty-one healthy women identified by phenotypic and genotypic methods. Twenty-three isolates were tested for antagonism against four germs responsible for urogenital infections. The detection of lactic acid, hydrogen peroxide, bacteriocins production and biofilm formation were studied. Nine isolates showing a broad spectrum of antimicrobial were tested for their susceptibility to certain antibiotic and antiseptic agents. The results of the PCR by primers specific to the genus, groups and species show that the 37 isolates belong to group IV of the genus Lactobacillus and are divided into two species L.reuteri and L.salivarius. The antagonism test indicated that 39.13% of the vaginal Lactobacillus studied had an antimicrobial potential. The pH level induced by Lactobacillus isolates ranged from 4.07 to 4.60. The L22 isolate produced the highest amount of lactic acid with a titratable acidity of 1.59%. Only three isolates were evidenced to produce the H2O2 in weak amounts.The supernatants activity of the isolates L7, L10, L12, L15, L19g and L20 after elimination of the putative effects of lactic acid and H2O2, raised the question for a possible production of proteinous substances (bacteriocin or bacteriocin-like). In addition, lactobacilli isolates showed varying capacities in biofilm formation.The nine lactobacilli tested were sensitive to antibiotics TE, E, P, CD and C and resistant to Met, VA and K, they also exhibited an inhibitory effect with a MIC ranging from 1.5 to 0.09% by the three douche products studied. The lactobacilli characterized in our study show a significant probiotic potential which could be used in the regeneration of the vaginal microbiota. More complex studies based on highly standardized methods to select them as vaginal probiotics are needed before entering the stage of clinical studies.
The relationship between organizational culture and the performance of a technology startup: A Fuzzy Cognitive Maps based analysis

New organizations, such as startups, are more exposed to failure due to their vulnerability when arriving the market. Therefore, monitoring and managing performance indicators becomes essential, since they enable the achievement of strategic objectives. However, this process is impacted by the organizational culture, which guides the company’s behavioral patterns. Therefore, this paper proposes the use of fuzzy cognitive maps to quantify the causal relations between Hofstede's cultural dimensions and the performance of a technology startup. The employed methodology is composed of three stages: literature review, computational model development and conduction of an illustrative application. It is classified as quantitative, axiomatic and normative, since it proposes a model from the identified gaps and the opinions of specialists, suggesting an approach that integrates the research concepts. The results indicate that the time for development is the most impacted indicator by culture. It can be concluded, therefore, that it was possible to consider the inherent subjectivity to the evaluation of the causal relations between culture and performance by applying the fuzzy cognitive map. Hence, action plans can be proposed to foster improvement initiatives that promote the culture-performance alignment.
Adjusting Ortho-Cycloalkyl Ring Size in a Cycloheptyl-Fused N,N,N-Iron Catalyst as Means to Control Catalytic Activity and Polyethylene Properties

Five examples of bis(arylimino)tetrahydrocyclohepta[b]pyridine dichloroiron(II) complex, [2-{(Ar)N=CMe}-9-{N(Ar)}C10H10N]FeCl2 (Ar = 2-(C5H9)-4,6-(CHPh2)2C6H2Fe1, 2-(C6H11)-4,6-(CHPh2)2C6H2Fe2, 2-(C8H15)-4,6-(CHPh2)2C6H2Fe3, 2-(C12H23)-4,6-(CHPh2)2C6H2Fe4, and 2,6-(C5H9)2-4-(CHPh2)C6H2Fe5), incorporating ortho-pairings based on either benzhydryl/cycloalkyl (ring sizes ranging from 5 to 12) or cyclopentyl/cyclopentyl groups, have been prepared in reasonable yield by employing a simple one-pot template strategy. Each complex was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and for Fe3 and Fe5 by single crystal X-ray diffraction; pseudo-square pyramidal geometries are a feature of their coordination spheres. On treatment of Fe1–Fe5 with modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO) or methylaluminoxane (MAO), a range in catalytic activities for ethylene polymerization were observed with benzhydryl/cyclopentyl-containing Fe1/MMAO achieving the maximum level of 15.3 × 106 g PE mol−1 (Fe) h−1 at an operating temperature of 70 °C. As a key trend, the activity was found to drop as the ortho-cycloalkyl ring size increased: Fe1C5H9/CHPh2~Fe5C5H9/C5H9 > Fe2C6H11/CHPh2 > Fe3C8H15/CHPh2 > Fe4C12H23/CHPh2. Furthermore, strictly linear polyethylenes (Tm > 126 °C) were formed with molecular weights again dependent on the ortho-cycloalkyl ring size (up to 55.6 kg mol−1 for Fe1/MAO); narrow dispersities were a characteristic of all the polymers (Mw/Mn range: 2.3–4.7), highlighting the well-controlled nature of these polymerizations.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of UK paramedics regarding pharmacology and the legal, management and administration aspects of medicines: a cross-sectional online quantitative survey

Introduction: Changes in the paramedic profession have seen an increased range of medicines available within UK ambulances services. However, poor practice in medicines management has been identified by the Care Quality Commission. Literature in this area is sparse. This study aimed to determine the perceived knowledge, attitudes and practices of paramedics regarding pharmacology and the legal and regulatory issues of medicines management and administration. Methods: The study utilised a cross-sectional survey design, administering an anonymous online survey to all (approximately 1000) paramedics within one UK NHS ambulance trust. The survey focused on paramedic knowledge on pharmacology, legal supply and administration; self-assessment of knowledge and confidence related to medicine management and administration; and personal characteristics. The primary outcome was percentage of (pre-determined) correct answers. Results: 251 responses were received. The mean percentage of correct answers was 79.0% (SD 10.0), with variation by question observed, from 34.7 to 97.2% correct responses. A higher correct knowledge was associated with: higher self-rated confidence, lower self-reported knowledge, being less likely to report errors and higher education-based initial route into the paramedic profession. Conclusion: This single-site UK-based survey highlighted variation in medicines knowledge among self-selecting paramedic respondents. The results indicate a need for medicines-specific further education for all paramedics, particularly those who have not experienced longer formal education entry routes, integrating a focus on confidence and self-perceived knowledge, and enhancing and embedding integrated improvement strategies. Further research is required with larger, multi-site samples, and to evaluate the impact of education packages developed.
INFLUENCE OF Eucalyptus WOOD ADDITION TO URBAN WOOD WASTE DURING COMBUSTION

This research analyzed the effect of the addition of E. grandis x E. urophylla wood to the wood waste of urban origin (WWU) as a strategy for energy generation. The WWU was collected in transshipment and from a sorting company of civil construction waste in the city of Piracicaba, SP. The wood of eucalyptus was obtained from a 7-year old plantation. Five treatments with proportions (%) of WWU and eucalyptus wood were analyzed: T1 = 100/0, T2 = 75/25, T3 = 50/50, T4 = 25/75 and T5 = 0/100. The treatments had the physical, chemical, immediate characteristics, mineral contaminants rate, and combustion test (ICOM) analyzed. The data were analyzed through the study of variance, correlations, and multivariate hierarchical clusters analysis (HCA). The higher content of extractives, holocellulose, volatile materials, low ash content values, rate of mineral contaminants and high performance for combustion test were observed only for the treatment having exclusively eucalyptus wood (T5). However, the addition of eucalyptus wood in the WWU allowed for the increase of the ICOM of these materials. In this way, the T3 treatment presents as the most recommended for energetic use. INFLUÊNCIA DA ADIÇÃO DE MADEIRA DE EUCALIPTO À RESÍDUOS MADEIREIROS URBANOS FRENTE À COMBUSTÃO RESUMO: Este estudo analisou o efeito da adição de madeira de E. grandis x E. urophylla à resíduos madeireiros de origem urbana (RMOU) como estratégia para geração de energia. Os RMOU foram coletados em uma empresa de transbordo e triagem de resíduos da construção civil (RCC) no município de Piracicaba, SP e a madeira de eucalipto foi obtida a partir de um plantio de sete anos de idade. Foram analisadas cinco tratamentos com proporções (%) de RMOU e madeira de eucalipto, sendo T1 = 100/0, T2 = 75/25, T3 = 50/50, T4 = 25/75 e T5 = 0/100. Desses tratamentos foram analisadas as características físicas, químicas, imediatas, taxa de contaminantes minerais e teste de combustibilidade (ICOM). Os dados foram analisados por meio da análise da variância, correlações e análise multivariada de agrupamento hierárquico (cluster). Observou-se que elevados teores de extrativos, de holocelulose, de materiais voláteis, assim como baixos teores de cinza e de contaminantes e o melhor desempenho da combustão foram para o tratamento com 100% de madeira de eucalipto (T5). Por outro lado, a adição de madeira de eucalipto aos RMOU possibilitou o incremento do ICOM. Dessa forma, o tratamento T3 é o mais recomendado para a utilização energética.
Below‐ground complementarity effects in a grassland biodiversity experiment are related to deep‐rooting species

Below‐ground resource partitioning is often proposed as the underlying mechanism for the positive relationship between plant species richness and productivity. For example, if species have different root distributions, a mixture of plant species may be able to use the available resources more completely than the individual species in a monoculture. However, there is little experimental evidence for differentiation in vertical root distributions among species and its contribution to biodiversity effects. We determined species‐specific root standing biomass over depth using molecular techniques (real‐time qPCR) in a large grassland biodiversity experiment (one to eight plant species mixtures), in 2 years. Species‐specific root biomass data were used to disentangle the effects of positive interactions between species (complementarity effects) and effects due to dominance of productive species (selection effects) on root biomass in mixtures. In a next step, these biodiversity effects were linked to the diversity of rooting depths and the averaged rooting depth of the community. Root biomass increased with species richness. This was mainly due to positive interactions (the complementarity effect), which increased with species richness below‐ground. In contrast, the selection effect decreased with species richness. Although there was considerable variation in vertical root distribution between species in monocultures, the diversity of rooting strategies did not explain the complementarity effect. Rather, the abundance of deep‐rooting species in mixtures (i.e. high community‐weighted mean) was significantly related to the complementarity effect. Comparing the “predicted” root distribution (based on monocultures) to the actual distribution in mixtures, we found that mixtures rooted deeper than expected, but this did not better explain the complementarity effect. Synthesis. This study demonstrates that vertical root distributions of species provide only subtle evidence for resource partitioning. We found no evidence that functional diversity in vertical rooting patterns was important for the complementarity effect, in contrast to our expectation that the enhancement of productivity was due to resource partitioning. Alternatively, we found significant but weak relationships between the complementarity effect and deep‐rooting communities, based on the community‐weighted mean root distribution. This suggests that factors other than below‐ground resource partitioning alone may drive the biodiversity–productivity relationship.
Developing empirical relationship between interrill erosion, rainfall intensity, slope gradient and soil types in highlands of Salale, Ethiopia

In order to develop an empirical relationship for interrill erosion based on rainfall intensity, slope steepness and soil types, an interrill erosion experiment was conducted using laboratory rainfall simulator on three soil types (Vertisols, Cambisols and Leptosols) for the highlands of North Shewa Zone of Oromia Region. From simulation work done using 450 x 320 x 100 mm erosion test pan; splashed soils, runoff and washed soils were collected at 5 minute interval for each 15 minutes simulation run at various combinations of design rainfall intensities of 25.67, 52.14, 73.50, and 99.20 mmhr-1, slope steepness of 5, 20, 35, and 50% and the three soil types. Runoff rate, splash and wash loss were measured to obtain a total soil loss from the test pan. Different models relating interrill erosion with rainfall intensity and runoff rate were considered and their coefficients and parameters were estimated. From the models, those with highest prediction potential (R2) were selected to be incorporated into models consisting soil properties and used to form six basic models of which three of them had shown average R2 values of more than 0.95. Accordingly, five slope factor equations were combined with the three selected models and thus 15 models were formed. Out of these models, three of them had shown R2 > 0.90 and were further compared with each other using the graph plotted for observed versus predicted interrill erosion. This showed that model incorporating rainfall intensity, runoff rate, median soil particle diameter, % clay and quadratic form of slope factor carried higher prediction potential than the other two models and selected as the final model for predicting interrill erosion. As this model incorporates more factors than those previously developed models, it ensures more accurate estimation of interrill erosion. Keywords : Interrill erosion Empirical equations Erosion models
Immunotherapy with NK cells: recent developments in gene modification open up new avenues

ABSTRACT Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies have achieved remarkable success. However, application-related toxicities, such as cytokine release syndrome or neurotoxicity, moved natural killer (NK) cells into focus as novel players in immunotherapy. CAR-NK cells provide an advantageous dual killing-capacity by CAR-dependent and -independent mechanisms and induce few side effects. While the majority of trials still use CAR-T cells, CAR-NK cell trials are on the rise with 19 ongoing studies worldwide. This review illuminates the current state of research and clinical application of CAR-NK cells, as well as future developmental potential.
Continuous growth through winter correlates with increased resting metabolic rate but does not affect daily energy budgets due to torpor use

Abstract Small mammals that are specialists in homeothermic thermoregulation reduce their self-maintenance costs of normothermy to survive the winter. By contrast, heterothermic ones that are considered generalists in thermoregulation can lower energy expenditure by entering torpor. It is well known that different species vary the use of their strategies to cope with harsh winters in temperate zones; however, little is still known about the intraspecific variation within populations and the associated external and internal factors. We hypothesized that yellow-necked mice Apodemus flavicollis decrease their resting metabolic rate (RMR) from autumn to winter, and then increase it during spring. However, since the alternative for seasonal reduction of RMR could be the development of heterothermy, we also considered the use of this strategy. We measured body mass (mb), RMR, and body temperature (Tb) of mice during 2 consecutive years. In the 1st year, mice decreased whole animal RMR in winter, but did not do so in the 2nd year. All mice entered torpor during the 2nd winter, whereas only a few did so during the first one. Mice showed a continuous increase of mb, which was steepest during the 2nd year. The relationship between RMR and mb varied among seasons and years most likely due to different mouse development stages. The mb gain at the individual level was correlated positively with RMR and heterothermy. This indicates that high metabolism in winter supports the growth of smaller animals, which use torpor as a compensatory mechanism. Isotope composition of mice hair suggests that in the 1st year they fed mainly on seeds, while in the 2nd, they likely consumed significant amounts of less digestible herbs. The study suggests that the use of specialist or generalist thermoregulatory strategies can differ with environmental variation and associated differences in developmental processes.
Compatability of fungicides with phyllosphere bacteria of maize

Phyllosphere bacteria plays an important role as biocontrol agents. Phyllosphere microorganisms play important role in suppression of the pathogen and induce growth promoting activities in plants. Compatability of phyllosphere bacteria with Six fungicides viz., mancozeb, propiconazole, hexaconozole, tebuconazole, carbendazim + mancozeb and trifloxystrobin + tebuconozole at recommended concentrations were evaluated in vitro by turbidomertic method. The bacterial antagonist isolate (P16) recorded maximum growth amended medium with carbendazim + mancozeb OD value of 2.54 and was significantly superior when compared to other treatments. Screening of potential antagonists for their growth promoting activities under in vitro was done. The seedling vigour and germination per cent significantly increased on seed treatment. The germination per cent and seedling vigour to 95.22 per cent and 2394.78 respectively when treated with effective fungicide carbendazim + mancozeb + isolate P9 + isolate P16.