Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Step selection functions on energy landscapes reveal how linear features alter migration movement in a large soaring bird

Human modification of landscapes includes extensive addition of linear features, such as roads and transmission lines. These can alter animal movement and space use and affect the intensity of interactions among species, including predation and competition. Effects of linear features on animal movement have seen relatively little research in avian systems, despite ample evidence of their effects in mammalian systems and that some types of linear features, including both roads and transmission lines, are substantial sources of mortality. Here, we used satellite telemetry combined with step-selection functions (SSFs) designed to explicitly incorporate the energy landscape to investigate the effects of linear features and habitat on movements and space use of a large soaring bird, the golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos, during migration. Our sample consisted of 32 adult eagles tracked for 45 spring and 39 fall migrations from 2014-2017. Fitted SSFs indicated eagles had a strong general preference for south-facing slopes, where thermal uplift develops predictably, and that these areas are likely important aspects of migratory pathways. SSFs also revealed that roads and railroads affected movement during both spring and fall migrations, but eagles selected areas near roads to a greater degree in spring compared to fall and at higher latitudes compared to lower latitudes. During spring, time spent near linear features often occurred during slower-paced or stopover movements, perhaps in part to access carrion produced by vehicle collisions. Regardless of the behavioral mechanism of selection, use of these features could expose eagles and other soaring species to elevated risk via collision with vehicles and/or transmission lines. Linear features have been previously documented to affect the ecology of terrestrial species (e.g., large mammals) by modifying individuals’ movement patterns; our work shows these effects on movement extend to avian taxa.
A retrospective study of factors affecting dystocia in Murrah buffaloes.

A retrospective study on dystocia in 211 graded Murrah buffaloes was undertaken over a period of 5 years. Maternal and fetal causes accounted for 57.35 and 42.65 percent respectively. Amongst maternal causes, uterine torsion, incomplete cervical dilatation and uterine inertia acccounted for 76.86, 20.66 and 2.48 percent, respectively. Uterine torsion was considered as the single most important reason for dystocia with an incidence of 76.86%. Fetal dystocia in anterior and posterior presentation were 88.88 and 11.12 percent while those of head and limb maldisposition, fetal emphysema and monsters were 40, 60, 8.88 and 3.34 percent respectively. Highest survival rate of 98.07% was achieved using modified Schaffers method of detorsion among uterine torsion treatment regimes.
Age-linked heterogeneity among oligodendrocyte precursor cells in the cerebral cortex of mice and human

Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) are responsible for spontaneous remyelination after a demyelinating lesion. They are present in large parts of the mouse and human central nervous system, both during development and in adulthood, yet how their physiological behaviour is modified throughout life remains largely unknown. Moreover, the activity of adult human OPCs is still not fully understood. Significantly, most of the molecules involved in OPC-mediated remyelination are also involved in their development, a phenomenon that may be clinically relevant. In this article, we have systematically analyzed the intrinsic properties of OPCs isolated from the cerebral cortex of neonatal, postnatal and adult mice, as well as those recovered from neurosurgical adult human cerebral cortex tissue. We also analyze the response of these cells to two molecules that have known effects on OPC biology during development and that are overexpressed in individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS): FGF2 and anosmin-1. By analyzing intact OPCs for the first time with H-1 HR-MAS NMR spectroscopy, we show that these cells behave distinctly and that they have different metabolic patterns in function of their stage of maturity. Moreover, their response to FGF-2 and anosmin-1 differs in relation to their developmental stage and in function of the species. Our data reveal that the behaviour of adult human and mouse OPCs differs in a very dynamic way that should be considered when testing drugs and for the proper design of effective pharmacological and/or cell therapies for MS.
Susceptibility of willows to oviposition by the willow sawfly, Nematus oligospilus

Different combinations of shoots of 30 Salix species, clones or identified hybrids, were exposed to Nematus oligospilus to determine which were preferred for oviposition. Single N. oligospilus, enclosed in gauze cages, chose from 9 12 terminal shoots in which to oviposit. There was wide variation in fecundity (49.3±4.3 eggs/female; range 0100). Sawflies oviposited in all tree-willows (subgenus Salix) screened a selection dominated by clones of S. matsudana x S. alba hybrids, but wide variation in the number of eggs laid/shoot prevented a significant preference ranking. Shrub willows (subgenus Caprisalix) were, with one exception, not selected for oviposition.
Differences in directed functional brain connectivity related to age and sex

Objective Functional interconnections between brain regions define the ‘connectome’ which is of central interest for understanding human brain function, and is increasingly recognized in the pathophysiology of mental disorders. Previous resting-state functional magnetic resonance (rsfMRI) work has revealed changes in static connectivity related to age, sex, cognitive abilities and psychiatric symptoms, yet little is known how these factors may alter the information flow. The commonly used approach infers functional brain connectivity using stationary coefficients yielding static estimates of the undirected connection strength between two brain regions. Dynamic graphical models (DGMs) are a multivariate model with dynamic coefficients reflecting directed temporal associations between network nodes, and can yield novel insight into directed functional brain connectivity. Here, we aimed to validate the DGM method and determine information flow across the brain connectome and its relationship to age, sex, intellectual abilities and mental health. Methods We applied DGM to investigate patterns of information flow in data from 984 individuals from the Human Connectome Project (HCP) and 10,249 individuals from the UK Biobank. Results Our analysis replicated previously reported patterns of directed connectivity in independent HCP and UK Biobank data, including that the cerebellum consistently receives information from other networks. We show robust associations between information flow and both age and sex for several connections, with strongest effects of age observed in the sensorimotor network. No significant effects where found for intellectual abilities or mental health. Discussion Our findings support the use of DGM as a measure of directed connectivity in rsfMRI data and provide new insight into the shaping of the connectome during aging.
Genetic characterization of the Mirgorod pig breed, obtained by analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms of genes

Aim. To determine genetic characteristics of the Mirgorod pig breed by analysis of 25 SNPs of 22 genes and to conduct the associative analysis of genes MC4R (SNP c.1426 G > A), LEP (SNP g.2845 А ˃ Т), GH (BsuRI- polymorphism), CTSF (SNP g. 22 G > C) with productive traits of animals. Methods. Blood samples of pedigree Mirgorod pigs, bred at SI «Experimental farm named after Decemberists», Poltava region, were used for the studies. DNA genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP and TaqMan. Results. Specifi c features of the breed were determined in terms of gene allele frequencies, high level of genetic variability (He – 0.326) and allelic diversity (mean number of alleles per locus – 1.96). The KPL2/m allele that causes genetic anomaly of ISTS is absent among investigated Mirgorod pigs, and the recessive RYR1 g.1843T allele, responsible for stress sensitivity of pigs, occurs at a low frequency (0.04). Unlike other breeds, a relatively high frequency of the minor allele g.15A (0.16) of CTSK and polymorphism of the LEP gene (SNP g.3996 T > C) (He – 0.455) was observed. Statistically signifi cant associations of polymorphisms have been established: MC4R (SNP c.1426 G > A) with age of gaining 100 kg, the thickness of backfat and the Eye Muscle Area, GH/BsuRI with the age of gaining 100 kg, and CTSF (SNP g. 22G > C) with Eye Muscle Area. There was a trend of statistically signifi cant differences between groups of pigs with different genotypes of LEP (SNP g.2845 А ˃ Т) and the thickness of the backfat (p = 0.09). Conclusions. It is reasonable to carry out the restoration of the gene pool of the Mirgorod pig breed, taking into account the SNPs of the studied genes and their associations with the productive traits. It is expedient to give preference to pigs with SNP genotypes с. 1426 MC4R GA, MC4R AA, g. 22 CTSF CC, g.2845 LEP TT for breed reproduction.
Antibacterial studies on fruit-skin and leaf extracts of Annona muricata in Ota, Nigeria

The current study examined the phytochemical constituents and antibacterial activity of leaf and fruit-skin extracts of Annona muricata Linn. The extracts were screened qualitatively for their phytochemical constituents following established protocols; disc diffusion method was employed for the antibacterial study on Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, after which their minimum inhibitory concentrations were determined via double dilution method. Furthermore, selected extracts were screened against 50 multidrug-resistant clinical isolates from immunocompomised patients who are already down with secondary acute respiratory infections. The phytochemical screening of the extracts collectively revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, terpenoids, steroids, phenols, flavonoids, coumarin, alkaloids, antocyanins and betacyanins. Only aqueous leaf (ALA) and fruit-skin ethanol (ESA) extracts showed remarkable activity with 15 – 17 mm inhibition diameter (DIH) against the test organisms. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for the ALA and ESA were 25 and 6.25 mgmL-1 respectively. The two extracts further showed activity (6-18 mm DIH) against 80% of the multidrug resistant isolates tested. It can therefore be inferred from this study that Annona muricata possibly contains potent bioactive antibacterials that can be developed into nature-friendly drugs to counter the effects of pathogenic bacteria, thereby preserving lives as well as sustaining a viable environment.
Plant and soil nitrogen indicators and performance of tomato grown at different nitrogen fertilization levels

This research was aimed to determine the relationship between some nitrogen (N) indicators (plant N status and soil characteristics) and yield and quality of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) cropped in a winter greenhouse. Therefore, it was studied the possibility: i) to evaluate the potential of the indicators as a tool to predict plant yields; ii) to avoid salt accumulation in the soil and nitrate pollution; iii) to find the best N fertilization rate and application time. The experiment was carried out in Mediterranean environment in a complete randomized block experimental design with four replications. Based on different conductivities of irrigation water, two extreme N fertilizing levels (unfertilized control and N 500 kg ha -1 ) were compared with a treatment at low environmental impact (N 100 kg ha -1 ). Plant characteristics (number of both flowers and fruits setting, fruits maturity), soil parameters (nitrate content, electrical conductivity, pH) and plant N status (petiole nitrate concentration, leaf SPAD readings) were recorded during the tomato cropping cycle. At harvest, yields (total, marketable, green and overripe) and fruit quality (morphological and chemical parameters) were determined. The results highlighted that petiole nitrate concentration, nitrate content and electrical conductivity of the soil can be considered reliable diagnostic indicators to develop a recommended N level in greenhouse tomato crops. No significant difference among treatments was found in SPAD readings, due to the specific conditions of greenhouse (low daylight). Nitrate content and electrical conductivity in the soil were significantly greater in the highest N fertilization level during the whole growing cycle and at final harvest (13.7 and 3.7 times the unfertilized control, respectively), indicating that a share of N fertilizer remained in the soil, with a possible accumulation or leaching. Conversely, the lower N fertilization treatment showed no significant difference in soil nitrate and only a slight increase in electrical conductivity in respect to the control. No significant yielding difference was found between the two N fertilization treatments, but they showed an increase of about 17% in total yield, compared to unfertilized treatment. The results of this research pointed out that the treatment with N 100 kg ha -1 seems to allow a good balance among productivity, quality, plant nitrate utilization and pollution risks.
Exploratory analysis of the influence of nephrectomy status on temsirolimus efficacy in patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma and poor-risk features

5050 Background: Temsirolimus (TEMSR), a novel inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin, has demonstrated significantly longer overall survival (OS) (P=.008) and progression-free survival (PFS) (P<.001) vs interferon alfa (IFN) in patients with previously untreated advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and poor-risk features (Hudes et al., NEJM 2007;356:2271). In poor-risk populations, a high percentage of patients do not have nephrectomy prior to systemic treatment. This retrospective subgroup analysis evaluated the influence of prior nephrectomy on outcomes in patients treated with TEMSR or IFN. Methods: Patients received IFN 3 million units [MU] subcutaneously 3x weekly, escalating to 18 MU, or TEMSR 25-mg intravenous infusion weekly. Kaplan-Meier analysis and a Cox proportional hazards model were used to analyze OS and PFS for the 2 patient subsets (no nephrectomy vs nephrectomy). Results: In each treatment arm, 33% of patients did not receive nephrectomy prior to treatment (IFN, 68/207; TEMSR, 70.
Topical anesthesia versus sub-Tenon block for cataract surgery: Surgical conditions and patient satisfaction

PURPOSE: To compare the surgical conditions and complications and patient and surgeon satisfaction in cataract surgery by phacoemulsification under topical anesthesia (TA) versus sub-Tenon block (STB). METHODS: Prospective randomized comparative blind study, without placebo control. Patient satisfaction evaluated by the Iowa Satisfaction with Anesthesia Scale (ISAS). RESULTS: The authors prospectively enrolled 59 patients (61% female) in the study, who were randomized into groups: 26 in the TA group and 33 in the STB. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of age, sex, waiting time for surgery, ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) state, eye laterality, cataract density, pupillary dilation, or surgery duration, but patient collaboration was better in the STB group. We found a mean 2.2 mmHg post-anesthetic rise in intraocular pressure in the STB group, with normalization at 24 hours, and no rise in the TA group. Subconjunctival hemorrhage and chemosis were more prevalent in the STB group, and the improvement of visual acuity was similar in both groups. Subjective satisfaction with the anesthetic technique, both for the surgeon and for the patient, was more elevated in the STB group. The final ISAS scores were 1.87 in the TA group and 2.71 in the STB (p<0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The data indicate that more significant anesthesia and analgesia was achieved with the STB, leading to more favorable surgical conditions and enhanced patient and surgeon satisfaction.
Feather meal supplemented with protease in diets for meat-type quails

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of feather meal (FM) in diets supplemented with protease for meat-type quails, on performance from eight to 21 days and from eight to 35 days of age and on carcass yield cuts and economic profitability from eight to 35 days of age. A total of 360 male, meat-type quails, were allotted to a completely randomized design, in a factorial 3 x 3 arrangement (three diets and three FM levels of inclusion), with four replicates of 10 quails per experimental unit. The diets evaluated were positive control (PC) + 0% FM, PC + 5% FM, PC + 10% FM, negative control (NC) + 0% FM, NC + 5% FM, NC + 10% FM, NC + 0% FM + protease, NC + 5% FM + protease and NC + 10% FM + protease. The NC diet was formulated with a reduction in crude protein and amino acids, compared to the PC diet. There was an effect (p < 0.05) of the inclusion of FM in diets on feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion ratio, from eight to 21 and from eight to 35 days of age. There was a significant effect (p < 0.05) of FM inclusion on the live weight of 35-day-old quails. The inclusion of FM impairs meat-type quails’ performance at all ages evaluated. NC diets, with and without protease, worsen the performance of birds compared to PC diets. Better economic profitability is observed for up to 5% inclusion of feather meal in positive control diets.
Ontogenic succession of thermokarst thaw ponds is linked to dissolved organic matter quality and microbial degradation potential

Warming climate is thawing the permafrost in arctic and subarctic regions, leading to formation of thermokarst ponds. During the formation and geomorphological succession of these ponds, carbon that has been trapped in frozen soils for thousands of years is hydrologically mobilized and returned to the active carbon cycle. We sampled 12 thermokarst ponds representing three different stages of pond succession to study the potential of microbial communities to metabolize the organic carbon in the water. We investigated the quality of the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the water column based on the spectrophotometric and fluorometric properties of the chromophoric dissolved organic matter combined with parallel factor analysis and the potential of the microbial community for degrading these carbon compounds based on genetic markers related to carbon degradation. Our analysis showed a clear difference in the DOC quality across the different developmental stages. In the younger ponds, organic matter quality suggested that it was originating from the degrading permafrost and in the metagenomes collected from these ponds, the normalized abundance of genes related to degradation of carbon compounds was higher. There was also a shift in the degradation potential in the water column of the ponds, with higher potential for organic matter degradation in deeper, anoxic layers. In conclusion, our results show that the DOC quality and the genetic potential of the microbial community for carbon cycling change across the pond ontogeny, suggesting a capacity of the microbial communities to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
CRISPR/Cas9 mediated intersectional knockout of GSK3β in D2 receptor expressing mPFC neurons reveals contributions to emotional regulation

Background Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) regulates neurodevelopment, synaptic plasticity as well as mood, cognition, social interaction, and depressive-like behaviors. Inhibition of GSK3β is a shared consequence of treatment by lithium, SSRIs, ketamine and antipsychotics. GSK3β activity is regulated by dopamine D2 receptor signaling and can be inhibited by psychoactive drugs in a D2 receptor dependent manner. Functions of GSK3β in striatal D2 neurons has been studied extensively. However, GSK3β is ubiquitously expressed in the brain and D2 receptor expressing cells are distributed as a mosaic in multiple cortical regions. This complicates the interrogation of GSK3β functions in cortical D2 cells in a circuit defined manner using conventional animal models. Methods We have used a CRISPR/Cas9 mediated intersectional approach to achieve targeted deletion of GSK3β in D2 expressing neurons of the adult medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Results Isolation and analysis of ribosome associated RNA specifically from mPFC D2 neurons lacking GSK3β demonstrated large scale translatome alterations. Deletion of GSK3β in mPFC D2 neurons revealed its contribution to anxiety-related, cognitive, and social behaviors. Conclusions Our results underscore the viability of intersectional knockout approach to study functions of a ubiquitous gene in a network defined fashion while uncovering a contribution of GSK3β expressed in mPFC D2 neurons in the regulation of behavioral dimensions related to mood and emotions. This advances our understanding of GSK3β action at a brain circuit level and can potentially lead to the development of circuit selective therapeutics.
End post-rigour phase Yellowstripe scad fish (Caranx leptolepis) peptones and its application for bacteria’s growth media

Peptones are produced from products with high protein content. Recently, peptone produced from fishery by-products were sought as a source of bacteria substrate. In this study, the enzymatic hydrolysis of peptone production of Yellowstrip scad fish at the end post-rigour phase was optimized. Peptones produced were physicochemically characterised and tested for microbial growth application. Proximate composition, peptone characterisation and amino acid analysis were conducted following AOAC methods. The pH value of the peptones was measured using a pH-meter and the microbial growth was monitored via measuring the optical density (OD) of the cultures. The outcome of the research showed that the best enzymatic hydrolysis was 0.20% (w/v) papain carried out for 6 hours. The results showed that the Yellowstripe scad fish peptones (YSFP) had a high protein level (77.46%) and contained essential amino acids such as histidine (4.12%), isoleucine (0.96%), leucine (2.42%), lysine (2.25%), methionine (3.07%), phenylalanine (1.68%), threonine (1.06%), valine (2.61%), and arginine (2.85%). The end post-rigour phase YSFP has a solubility of 97.08%; total nitrogen of 12.39%; α-amino nitrogen of 1.03 g/100 g; α-amino nitrogen per total nitrogen of 8.31 and salinity of 4.19%. Bacillus spp. , Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was observed to have better growth performances on the YSFP than bacto peptone.