Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EFFICIENCY OF PHYTOGENIC FEED ADDITIVES IN IMPROVING BROILER PERFORMANCE, INTESTINAL BACTERIA AND ILEAL HISTOMORPHOLOGY.

Photogenic feed additives (PFA) have been suggested to promote broiler performance as alternative for antibiotics, which have been banned from the feed. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary PFA (Biostrong® 510) on performance of broiler chicks, ileal content of bacteria, intestinal histomorphology and blood characteristics under the environmental conditions of Saudi Arabia Kingdom. Four-hundred-day-old Ross broiler chicks were allocated to four treatment groups with five replicates of 20 birds each. For 35 days experimental period, the chicks were fed on four different experimental diets: 1) positive control diet containing 21.0% crude protein and 2850 Kcal ME; 2) positive control with 150 g/t Biostrong® 510 added to the diet; 3) negative control diet containing 20.5% crude protein and 2800 Kcal ME; 4) negative control with 150 g/t Biostrong 510®added to the diet. Dietary addition of Biostrong®510 significantly increased body weight gain and feed conversion compared to birds fed the two control diets at the second stage of growth (3-5 wk.). Photogenic feed additive supplementation significantly reduced ileal content of E. coli and increased Lactobacillus bacteria. Plasma total protein, albumin, globulin, cholesterol or triglycerides were not affected by adding Biostrong®510 into the diet. There is no significant effect on relative weight of the liver, spleen, heart or bursa of Fabricius between the different treatments. The results revealed a significant increase in villi length associated with a reduction in crypt depth due to inclusion of PFA into broiler diets. The small intestine thickness significantly reduced due to inclusion of PFA into the diet. From the current study, we can conclude that PFA supplementation has a positive effect on increasing the number of beneficial bacteria and villi length which improves nutrient digestibility and broiler performance.
Epidemiological Characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae in Hospitalized Children with Pneumonia in Hangzhou, China

BackgroundMycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is an important cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children.ObjectivesThis study investigated the epidemiological characteristics of hospitalized children with Mycoplasma pneumoniaepneumonia (MPP) in Hangzhou.MethodsM. pneumoniae 16s rRNA in respiratory tract sample of children was detected by SAT-MP assay from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2019.Results71,965 samples were tested by SAT-MP (simultaneous amplification and testing of Mycoplasma pneumonia) assay, 10206 (14.2%) were positive for M. pneumoniae. The highest positive rate of M. pneumoniae infection in the second half year appeared in 2015 reaching 24.3% and the lowest appeared in 2017 dropping to 9.8%. The detected monthly positive rates of M. pneumoniae infection ranged from 8.2% to 25.5%, with a peak in August. The positive rate of M. pneumoniae infection increased with the age and it reached the peak in children older than 5 years.ConclusionsThis large samples study revealed that the M. pneumoniae positive rate was higher in older hospitalized children and it reached the highest point in summer in terms of prevalence in Hangzhou.
Identifying “hidden” antigens in the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica

Fasciola hepatica is responsible for substantial economic losses and animal welfare issues within the agricultural sector worldwide. The increasing incidence of fasciolosis, coupled with the emergence of flukicide resistance, makes vaccination an attractive alternative control strategy. Hidden antigens extracted from the gut of blood feeding parasites have proven to be excellent vaccine candidates against haematophagous parasites, most notably Haemonchus contortus and Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. Here, as a first step towards a prototype liverfluke vaccine an attempt to identify hidden gut antigens in F. hepatica was made. Proteomic analysis on extracts of adult F. hepatica was used to identify molecules exclusively found within the membrane-bound fraction including four proteases; cathepsin B2, legumain-2, a putative lysosomal pro-x-carboxypeptidase precursor and a saposin-like protein. Histological sections of adult F. hepatica were screened with a panel of 21 lectins to identify those with an affinity for glycoproteins on the parasite’s gut and to inform subsequent lectin affinity chromatography. Seven lectins showed affinity for the gut region, with peanut (PNA) and jacalin (JAC) lectins binding to glycoproteins on either the gastrodermal cells or gut lamellae, respectively. PNA and JAC were then used to purify glycoproteins from the crude S3 extract by affinity chromatography. The resultant fractions were separated by SDS-PAGE and the protein profiles analysed by mass spectrometry. The enriched lectin-binding fractions shared a number of proteins but one of note that was exclusively identified in the PNA-binding fraction was a cathepsin D-like aspartyl protease, which had not previously been studied in F. hepatica. The proteolytic activities of three somatic extracts of adult F. hepatica were therefore investigated. The ability of the respective fractions to digest haemoglobin, a potential food source, was measured in the presence/absence of class-specific enzyme inhibitors. These analyses confirmed the presence of cathepsin D-like aspartyl protease activity capable of digesting haemoglobin optimally at pH 2 - 2.5. Further characterisation of the cathepsin D-like aspartyl (FhCatD) protease revealed it to be highly conserved within trematodes, to be localized to the gastrodermis of immature (10 day) and adult fluke, and to be more highly expressed, at the RNA level, in the Newly Excysted Juveniles (NEJ) than adult stages. Western blot analysis of native somatic extracts, enriched lectin-binding fractions and recombinant FhCatD using antisera from naturally infected sheep, showed some recognition of the recombinant FhCatD but did not provide clear evidence that the cathepsin D is strongly antigenic during natural infection.
Optimal Energy-Efficient Source and Relay Precoder Design for Two-Way MIMO-AF Relay Systems

Energy efficiency (EE) is a key figure of merit for designing the next generation of communication systems. Meanwhile, relay-based cooperative communication, through machine-to-machine and other related technologies, is also playing an important part in the development of these systems. This paper designs an energy efficient precoding method for optimizing the EE/energy consumption of two-way multi-input multi-output (MIMO)-amplify-and-forward (AF) relay systems by using pseudo-convexity analysis to design EE-optimal precoding matrices. More precisely, we derive an EE-optimal source precoding matrix in closed-form, design a numerical approach for obtaining an optimal relay precoding matrix, prove the optimality of these matrices, when treated separately, and provide low-complexity bespoke algorithms to generate them. These matrices are then jointly optimized through an alternating optimization process that is proved to be systematically convergent. Performance evaluation indicates that our method can be globally optimal in some scenarios and that it is significantly more energy efficient (i.e., up to 60% more energy efficient) than existing EE-based one-way or two-way MIMO-AF precoding methods.
Integrating genetic and nongenetic drivers of somatic evolution during carcinogenesis: The biplane model

The multistep transition from a normal to a malignant cellular phenotype is often termed “somatic evolution” caused by accumulating random mutations. Here, we propose an alternative model in which the initial genetic state of a cancer cell is the result of mutations that occurred throughout the lifetime of the host. However, these mutations are not carcinogenic because normal cells in multicellular organism cannot ordinarily evolve. That is, proliferation and death of normal cells are controlled by local tissue constraints typically governed by nongenomic information dynamics in the cell membrane. As a result, the cells of a multicellular organism have a fitness that is identical to the host, which is then the unit of natural selection. Somatic evolution of a cell can occur only when its fate becomes independent of host constraints. Now, survival, proliferation, and death of individual cells are dependent on Darwinian dynamics. This cellular transition from host‐defined fitness to self‐defined fitness may, consistent with the conventional view of carcinogenesis, result from mutations that render the cell insensitive to host controls. However, an identical state will result when surrounding tissue cannot exert control because of injury, inflammation, aging, or infection. Here, all surviving cells within the site of tissue damage default to self‐defined fitness functions allowing them to evolve so that the mutations accumulated over the lifetime of the host now serve as the genetic heritage of an evolutionary unit of selection. Furthermore, tissue injury generates a new ecology cytokines and growth factors that might promote proliferation in cells with prior receptor mutations. This model integrates genetic and nongenetic dynamics into cancer development and is consistent with both clinical observations and prior experiments that divided carcinogenesis to initiation, promotion, and progression steps.
Temperature regulation in women: Effects of the menstrual cycle

ABSTRACT Core body temperature changes across the ovulatory menstrual cycle, such that it is 0.3°C to 0.7°C higher in the post-ovulatory luteal phase when progesterone is high compared with the pre-ovulatory follicular phase. This temperature difference, which is most evident during sleep or immediately upon waking before any activity, is used by women as a retrospective indicator of an ovulatory cycle. Here, we review both historical and current literature aimed at characterizing changes in core body temperature across the menstrual cycle, considering the assessment of the circadian rhythm of core body temperature and thermoregulatory responses to challenges, including heat and cold exposure, exercise, and fever. We discuss potential mechanisms for the thermogenic effect of progesterone and the temperature-lowering effect of estrogen, and discuss effects on body temperature of exogenous formulations of these hormones as contained in oral contraceptives. We review new wearable temperature sensors aimed at tracking daily temperature changes of women across multiple menstrual cycles and highlight the need for future research on the validity and reliability of these devices. Despite the change in core body temperature across the menstrual cycle being so well identified, there remain gaps in our current understanding, particularly about the underlying mechanisms and microcircuitry involved in the temperature changes.
A study of ground beetles (Carabidae, coleoptera) at adjacent woodland and grassland habitats in Durham, north-east England

Communities of Carabid beetles have been studied at adjacent woodland and grassland habitats in Durham, north-east England during the period 1988 May 12 to December 23.From a total of 25 Carabid species identified, the data obtained on a subset of some 17 species were sufficient to permit a discussion of the biological seasons of adult individuals. Many measurements have been taken of the frequency of capture, the distance of movement, the length of the mandible tip, the ratio of the length of the abdomen to that of the elytra, the numbers and volumes of eggs, and the maturity of the reproductive organs of both sexes. It is suggested that the results of the present work are compatible with those of previous studies of ground beetles at various habitats in north-west Europe, which have revealed a shift of the time of occurrence of the breeding and emergence seasons depending upon the harshness of the local environmental conditions. The composition of the communities of Carabid species at the Durham woodland and grassland sites has also been investigated. The dominant species in the two habitats were found to be Pterostichus madidus and Nebria brevicollis.
Using Mesoproterozoic sedimentary geochemistry to reconstruct basin tectonic geography and link organic carbon productivity to nutrient flux from a Northern Australian large igneous Province

The Beetaloo Sub‐basin, northern Australia, is considered the main depocentre of the 1,000‐km scale Mesoproterozoic Wilton package of the greater McArthur Basin – the host to one of the oldest hydrocarbon global resources. The ca. 1.40–1.31 Ga upper Roper Group and the latest Mesoproterozoic to early Neoproterozoic unnamed group of the Beetaloo Sub‐basin, together, record ca. 500 million years of depositional history within the North Australia Craton. Whole‐rock shale Sm–Nd and Pb isotope data from these sediments reveal sedimentary provenance and their evolution from ca. 1.35 to 0.85 Ga. Furthermore, these data, together with shale major/trace elements data from this study and pyrolysis data from previous publications, are used to develop a dynamic tectonic geography model that links the organic carbon production and burial to an enhanced weathering of nutrients from a large igneous province. The ca. 1.35–1.31 Ga Kyalla Formation of the upper Roper Group is composed of isotopically evolved sedimentary detritus that passes up, into more isotopically juvenile Pb values towards the top of the formation. The increase in juvenile compositions coincides with elevated total organic carbon (TOC) contents of these sediments. The coherently enriched juvenile compositions and TOC the upper portions of the Kyalla Formation are interpreted to reflect an increase in nutrient supply associated with the weathering of basaltic sources (e.g. phosphorous). Possible, relatively juvenile, basaltic sources include the Wankanki Supersuite in the western Musgraves and the Derim Derim–Galiwinku large igneous province (LIP). The transition into juvenile, basaltic sources directly before a supersequence‐bounding unconformity is here interpreted to reflect uplift and erosion of the Derim Derim–Galiwinku LIP, rather than an influx of southern Musgrave sources. A new baddeleyite crystallisation age of 1,312.9 ± 0.7 Ma provides both a tight constraint on the age of this LIP, along with its associated magmatic uplift, as well as providing a minimum age constraint for Roper Group deposition. The unconformably overlying lower and upper Jamison sandstones are at least 300 million years younger than the Kyalla Formation and were sourced from the Musgrave Province. An up‐section increase in isotopically juvenile compositions seen in these rocks is interpreted to document the progressive exhumation of the western Musgrave Province. The overlying Hayfield mudstone received detritus from both the Musgrave and Arunta regions, and its isotopic geochemistry reveals affinities with other early Neoproterozoic basins (e.g. Amadeus, Victoria and Officer basins), indicating the potential for inter‐basin correlations.
Research Articles

The aim of the present study was to understand the relationship between church attendance and well‐being among adolescents. Measures of well‐being included happiness and depressed mood. Results showed that adolescents frequently attending church were happier and less depressed than those adolescents who were not attending church frequently. Results are discussed in the light of the literature and suggestions for future research are made.
Calcicolous plants colonize limed mires after long‐distance dispersal

Dispersal range is a key factor for understanding species' persistence in dynamic landscapes. However, dispersal, especially over long distances, is inherently difficult to study. Making use of a unique system of anthropogenically disturbed, geographically isolated mires, we assessed dispersal ranges for a group of plants restricted to wet calcareous conditions via empirical studies of colonization patterns. We hypothesized that more species would have colonized the less isolated mires and that colonization frequencies would be related to traits influencing propagule pressure.
Meiofaunal communities and human impacts at Casey Station, Antarctica

Marine benthic communities, including meiofauna, have commonly been used as a focus of monitoring programs and of research into the effects of human activities in the marine environment. In Antarctica, benthic communities have been shown to be good indicators of human impacts, however, there is very limited information on Antarctic meiofaunal communities and how they may respond to anthropogenic disturbances. The main types of contamination present in marine sediments around Antarctic stations are metals and hydrocarbons. A survey of sediment meiofaunal communities was done at Casey Station, Antarctica, with sampling at a range of spatial scales, from 10 meters to kilometers, to determine the spatial patterns of community composition and abundance. This included a comparison of control and disturbed areas (adjacent to old waste disposal sites). An MDS of all 47 samples supported by one way ANOSIM (Global R= 0.955, P< 0.001) showed the variation within locations was less than the variation between locations (kms) and significantly different between control and polluted locations. From the total meiofauna, a higher percentage of nematodes, by comparison to harpacticoid copepods in both controlled (nematode, 94.8%: harpacticoid copepods, 5.2%) and disturbed locations (nematode, 95.4%: harpacticoid copepods, 4.6%). Multivariate biological (meiofaunal communities) and environmental datasets were examined to determine whether there were any correlations between patterns of community composition and environmental variables. The analysis suggested that the most influential variables on the community pattern were metals of anthropogenic origin such as tin, lead, iron, copper, and zinc but also metals that probably relate to local differences in mineralogy such as silver, barium, uranium and arsenic. Grain size parameters were found to have a much lower capacity to explain differences in meiofaunal communities, although there did appear to be some influence. An experiment was setup in which four different hydrocarbons (SAB diesel fuel, and clean, used and biodegradable lubricant oils) were added to defaunated marine sediments and deployed in trays in a sheltered marine bay. The communities colonizing the sediments were monitored for up to five years. The effects of hydrocarbon contamination on meiofaunal communities were different for each type of hydrocarbon. The Control and Biodegradable treatments had the most similar meiofaunal communities at all sampling times. Effects of hydrocarbon treatments were still evident after five years. Results also suggest that changes in nematode composition are ideal for long term pollution monitoring. By comparison, copepods appeared to be less sensitive to hydrocarbon pollution. Long-term monitoring is essential to understand the true extent to which lubricants impact the community structure.
RPC Effect of Crude Oil Products on the Mechanical Characteristics of Reactive-Powder and Normal-Strength Concrete

This study includes detailed information on the mechanical characteristics of the hardened concrete mix for normal concrete (NSC) and reactive powder concrete (RPC) after exposure to crude oil products. Two types of crude oil products (kerosene and gas oil) were investigated after exposure for a period of 180 days. The experimental program consisted of three sets of NSC and RPC specimens; after curing all concrete specimens for 28 days and 2 days to dry in the air, the first set of specimens was immersed in kerosene for 180 days and the second set was immersed in gas oil for the same age, while the third set was left in the air as a reference set (cured normally for 28 days and tested at the age of 180 days). The results showed that the mechanical characteristics of the RPC mix were not highly affected after exposure to each type of crude oil products, where it lost about (3.41–6.32 %) compared with reference RPC mix. While the NSC mix lost about (13.82–21.95 %) of its mechanical characteristics compared with reference NSC mix after exposure to crude oil products for the same period.
Influence of Herbicide Injury on the Yield Potential of Soybeans (Glycine max)

The relationship between herbicide injury and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr. ‘Amsoy 71’] yield response was studied under weed free conditions at three locations. Reduced crop vigor at early growth stages was not an adequate indicator of yield response. Yield reduction was greater when soybean stand was reduced by herbicides than when stand was reduced to the same level by hand thinning. Yield response was a function of the degree and persistence of crop vigor reduction in a reduced stand of soybeans.
Impact of development and management options on water resources of the upper Mara River Basin of Kenya

This study employed the Water Evaluation and Planning model to evaluate selected policy‐based water development and management options on water resources of the upper Mara Basin of Kenya. The major water resources of the region were identified and quantified to establish the current demand versus supply status. Data on domestic water consumption, agricultural demand and industrial consumption were collected through a rigorous fieldwork campaign and used to define the current state of water use and demand. The water resource model was calibrated and validated against observed discharges and subsequently used to simulate the selected policy‐based options. Results indicate that an increase between 49% and 180%, depending on the assumed scenario, in annual water demand is expected by the year 2030. As a conclusion, the simulations demonstrate that there is both the need and significant potential to reduce the demand by implementing water conservation measures.
Rotational Stability of a New Posterior Chamber Toric Phakic Intraocular Lens

Purpose To evaluate the refractive results and rotational stability of Eyecryl toric phakic intraocular lens (pIOL). Methods In this retrospective single-surgeon case series, manifest refraction, visual acuities, endothelial cell density (ECD), and pIOL rotation were evaluated over 6 months. Results 43 eyes from 23 patients were included. At 6 months, the SE was within ±0.50 D of emmetropia in 30 (70%) eyes and within ±1.00 D of emmetropia in 39 (91%) eyes. The efficacy and safety indices were 1.25 ± 0.38 and 1.41 ± 0.34, respectively. Mean ECD was 2719 ± 296 cells/mm2 at the preoperative visit and 2779.42 ± 422 cells/mm2 at the 6-month visit (p > 0.05). The mean value of absolute axis orientation error was 4.95 ± 5.28°. Mean absolute change in axis orientation between visits was less than 3° for all visit intervals. Ninety percent or more of lenses were found to rotate 5° or less between all visit intervals. None of the patients experienced a vision-threatening complication, and no patient required secondary IOL repositioning. Conclusion The pIOL appears to effectively reduce subjective manifest astigmatism and provide good visual acuity. Its position was found to be stable throughout the follow-up.