Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Impact of Stress on Health and Final Weight in Fattening Lambs

Simple Summary In recent years, the lamb production system in North-Eastern Spain has undergone an important change and the number of lamb feedlots has increased significantly. However, the possible impact of stressors associated with this production system on the health and productive performance of the lambs has not been investigated. In this study, the stress level of Rasa Aragonesa fattening lambs, finished at a commercial feedlot or on the farm of birth, was measured throughout the fattening period. Our results show that, although feedlot lambs seemed to have experienced higher stress levels than those fattened on the farm of origin, finishing location did not affect the probability of presenting clinical signs of illness and ovine respiratory complex lesions, or the final weight of the lambs. Notwithstanding, associations were found between the concentration of fecal cortisol metabolites (a chronic stress indicator) at the time of weaning and the health condition and the final weight of the lambs, regardless of the location at which they were fattened. The stress level experienced by lambs prior to finishing seems to be relevant for their health and productive performance, and measures to reduce this stress should be further investigated as a useful tool to improve the sustainability of the ovine production system. Abstract In order to determine whether the stress level had any influence on the health and final weight of Rasa Aragonesa fattening lambs, stress markers were measured throughout the fattening period in 80 feedlot lambs (group F) and in 40 lambs finished on the farm of birth (group C). The highest values of the stress indicators—neutrophil-to-lymphocyte-ratio (N/L), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), serum cortisol and fecal cortisol metabolites (FCM)—were recorded after the road transportation of group F to the feedlot. No differences between the groups were identified at the end of the adaptation period, but at the end of the fattening, statistically significant higher values for NEFA and serum cortisol were determined in group F. However, statistically significant differences between the groups were not found in the percentage of lambs with clinical signs of illness and ovine respiratory complex (ORC) lesions or in the final weight of the lambs. Independent of the location at which the lambs were fattened, those with FCM values at the beginning of the study (at the time of weaning) in the highest quartile developed a higher percentage of clinical signs of illness (45.5% vs. 32.1%, p > 0.05) and ORC lesions (45.5% vs. 10.7%, p < 0.01), and their average final weight was lower (24.36 kg vs. 27.40 kg, p = 0.001) than those with values in the lowest quartile. Stress experienced by lambs prior to finishing seems to be relevant for their further development, and FCM concentration at the time of weaning could be used as an indicator of health and productive performance of the lambs during the fattening period, regardless of finishing location.
The course of depression in late life: a longitudinal perspective

Abstract Depression in old age deserves special attention in view of the fact of progressive population ageing, because of the way in which depression and risk factors interact in this period of life and the particularly negative impact of late-life depression on health and quality of life. This editorial aims to provide some insight into longitudinal aspects of depression in old age. Depression may follow varying trajectories (e.g. episode emergence, recurrence) across the lifespan. Late-life depression is not an exception. A symptom-based approach is presented as an appropriate research method to study the predictors and course of affective syndromes in old age. Findings from our studies on depressive symptom trajectories in old age revealed that participants with a course of unremitting elevated symptoms showed the highest levels of loneliness across the trajectory groups and that participants with subclinical symptoms also showed higher levels of loneliness than their counterparts with a minimal-symptom course trajectory. This highlights the need to address loneliness as a way of dealing with depression in old age.
Analyzing Collision, Grounding, and Sinking Accidents Occurring in the Black Sea Utilizing HFACS and Bayesian Networks

This study examines and analyzes marine accidents that have occurred over the past 20 years in the Black Sea. Geographic information system, human factor analysis and classification system (HFACS), and Bayesian network models are used to analyze the marine accidents. The most important feature distinguishing this study from other studies is that this is the first study to analyze accidents that have occurred across the whole Black Sea. Another important feature is the application of a new HFACS structure to reveal accident formation patterns. The results of this study indicate that accidents occurred in high concentrations in coastal regions of the Black Sea, especially in the Kerch Strait, Novorossiysk, Kilyos, Constanta, Riva, and Batumi regions. The formation of grounding and sinking accidents has been found to be similar in nature; the use of inland and old vessels has been highlighted as important factors in sinking and grounding incidents. However, the sequence of events leading to collision‐contact accidents differs from the sequence of events resulting in grounding and sinking accidents. This study aims to provide information to the maritime industry regarding the occurrence of maritime incidents in the Black Sea, in order to assist with reduction and prevention of the marine accidents.
Effects of the IL6 −174G>C promoter polymorphism and IL-6 serum levels on the progression of cutaneous malignant melanoma

Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) is one of the most immunogenic types of cancer, with a 6-fold higher rate of spontaneous regression than any other malignancy. In addition to responsiveness to different immunotherapies, the immunogenicity of CMM highlights the important role of the host immune system in the response to CMM. The present study aimed to explore the role of two functional promoter polymorphisms [IL6 −174G>C (rs1800785) and TNFA −308G>A (rs1800629)] in the regulation of the genes encoding the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, specifically in patients with CMM. A total of 76 patients with CMM and 200 control subjects were genotyped using PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism. The genotype frequencies for both single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) did not differ significantly between the patients and controls (P=0.358 and P=0.810 for IL6 and TNFA, respectively). However, compared with carriers of C-allele genotypes (CG+CC), patients with the IL6 −174GG genotype exhibited more advanced melanoma (Clark scale ≥3; P=0.037) and shorter survival times, particularly those who worked outdoors (in conditions with increased sunlight exposure; P=0.016). Furthermore, the serum IL-6 levels of patients with CMM were significantly higher than those of the control subjects, which were associated with unfavorable blood and serum characteristics and tumor progression (development of new distant metastases; P=0.004), and with a shorter overall survival time (P=0.042). Using a Cox proportional hazard model, the IL6 −174GG genotype was found to be an independent prognostic factor for reduced survival time (P=0.030), together with sex (being male; P=0.004) and occupations with higher exposure to sunlight (P=0.047). In conclusion, the results of the present study indicated that the promoter polymorphisms IL6 −174G>C and TNFA −308G>A are not predisposing factors for CMM. However, the IL6 −174G>C SNP and IL-6 serum concentrations are likely to influence the progression of the disease, and the GG genotype and higher IL-6 serum levels may indicate shorter survival.
Histologic and Micro-CT Analyses at Implants Placed Immediately After Maxillary Sinus Elevation Using Large or Small Xenograft Granules: An Experimental Study in Rabbits.

PURPOSE To compare the osseointegration at the portion of the implant within the elevated space after sinus elevation using different sizes of xenograft. MATERIALS AND METHODS Eighteen New Zealand rabbits were selected, antrostomies were prepared bilaterally through the nasal dorsum, and the sinus mucosa was elevated. Deproteinized bovine bone mineral with granules of either 1 to 2 mm (large sites) or 0.250 to 1.0 mm (small sites) were randomly used to fill the elevated space of the two sinuses. Subsequently, mini-implants were placed through the antrostomy, one in each sinus. The animals were euthanized 2, 4, and 8 weeks after surgery, six animals for each group. Microcomputed tomography (micro-CT) and histologic analyses were performed. RESULTS In the elevated space, at the histologic analysis after 2 weeks of healing, new bone formed on the implant surface was found in fractions of 18.8% ± 6.8% and 15.8% ± 9.6% in the large and small sites, respectively (P = .249). After 4 weeks, the respective fractions of new bone were 20.3% ± 3.5% and 23.3% ± 5.6% (P = .249). After 8 weeks, the proportions reached 33.9% ± 9.5% and 28.5% ± 10.3% (P = .173), respectively. At the micro-CT analysis, bone-to-implant contact percentage (BIC%) was 21.0% ± 2.3% and 21.2% ± 2.4% in the large and small sites, respectively (P = 1.000). The respective proportions of BIC% at the large and small sites were 20.5% ± 3.3% and 23.4% ± 5.4% after 4 weeks (P = .463), and 23.0% ± 2.7% and 25.8% ± 4.1% after 8 weeks (P = .249). CONCLUSION The use of xenograft granules of different dimensions resulted in similar amounts of bone-to-implant contact at implants placed simultaneously with sinus floor augmentation.
Understanding the Mechanisms of Diet and Outcomes in Colon, Prostate, and Breast Cancer; Malignant Gliomas; and Cancer Patients on Immunotherapy

Cancer patients often ask which foods would be best to consume to improve outcomes. This is a difficult question to answer as there are no case-controlled, prospective studies that control for confounding factors. Therefore, a literature review utilizing PubMed was conducted with the goal to find evidence-based support for certain diets in specific cancer patients—specifically, we reviewed data for colon cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, malignant gliomas, and cancer patients on immunotherapy. Improved outcomes in colon cancer and patients on immunotherapy were found with high-fiber diets. Improved outcomes in malignant gliomas were found with ketogenic diets. Improved outcomes in prostate cancer and breast cancer were found with plant-based diets. However, the data are not conclusive for breast cancer. Additionally, the increased intake of omega-3 fatty acids were also associated with better outcomes for prostate cancer. While current research, especially in humans, is minimal, the studies discussed in this review provide the groundwork for future research to further investigate the role of dietary intervention in improving cancer outcomes.
Endemic species and ecosystem sensitivity to climate change in Namibia

We present a first assessment of the potential impacts of anthropogenic climate change on the endemic flora of Namibia, and on its vegetation structure and function, for a projected climate in ∼2050 and ∼2080. We used both niche‐based models (NBM) to evaluate the sensitivity of 159 endemic species to climate change (of an original 1020 plant species modeled) and a dynamic global vegetation model (DGVM) to assess the impacts of climate change on vegetation structure and ecosystem functioning.
Preparo do solo, irrigação por aspersão e rendimento de engenho do arroz de terras altas

The mill revenue obtained after industrial rice processing is an important parameter for the comercialization of rice and it can be influenced by management pratices accomplished during cultivation. To evaluate the hulling yield, undamaged grains and broken grains of three dryland rice cultivars were studied in relation to soil preparation and sprinkler irrigation. A field experiment was carried out in Selviria, MS, Brazil on a Typic Haplustox. Treatments consisted of the combination of the three cultivars of dryland rice (IAC 201, Carajas and Guarani), with three soil preparation systems (aiveca plow + leveling bars, scared + leveling bars and heavy bars + leveling bars) and three sprinkler irrigation levels (dry and two depths of water), with four replications. The IAC 201 cultivar presented a larger hulling yield and Carajas stands out for undamaged grains; the different systems of soil preparation did not interfere in the hulling yield; sprinkler irrigation increases hulling yield, and undamaged grains, mainly in years with dry periods.
EXPRESSION OF ANGIOSTATIN, INTEGRIN αvβ3, AND VITRONECTIN IN HUMAN LUNGS IN SEPSIS

Angiostatin, integrin αvβ3, and vitronectin play important roles in inflammation. However, there is very little information on expression of these molecules in the lungs of humans with sepsis. Therefore, as a first step to eventually study the function of these molecules, the authors conducted an immunohistochemical study to evaluate their expression in lungs of normal (N = 8) and sepsis patients (N = 8). In normal lungs, angiostatin expression was minimal in the alveolar septa and alveolar macrophages, and absent in large blood vessels, bronchioles, and interstitium. In sepsis patients, the staining was intense in the septa, neutrophils, alveolar macrophages, and large blood vessels. Integrin αvβ3 staining was observed in occasional bronchiolar epithelial cells and a few alveolar macrophages in the normal lungs. The integrin was expressed extensively and intensely in bronchiolar epithelium and alveolar macrophages, and with lesser intensity in large blood vessels in inflamed lungs. Compared to the normal lung, vitronectin expression was increased in alveolar macrophages and in vascular smooth muscles in inflamed lungs. These data show cell-specific increase in the expression of integrin αvβ3, angiostatin, and vitronectin in inflamed lungs of sepsis patients. Because all these molecules can have significant influence on inflammation, the data reported in this manuscript create a need for further investigation.
Use of tree rings to study the effect of climate change on trembling aspen in Québec

In this paper, we present a new approach, based on a mixed model procedure, to quantify the tree‐ring‐based growth‐climate relationship of trembling aspen along a latitudinal gradient from 46 to 54 °N in eastern Canada. This approach allows breaking down the growth response into general intersite and local climatic responses, and analyzing variations of absolute ring width as well as interannual variations in tree growth. The final model also integrates nonclimatic variables such as soil characteristics and the occurrence of insect outbreaks into the growth predictions. Tree level random effects on growth were important as intercepts but were nonsignificant for the climatic variables, indicating that a single climate–growth relationship was justified in our case. The response of tree growth to climate showed, however, a strong dependence on the spatial scale at which the analysis was performed. Intersite variations in tree growth were mostly dependent on variations in the thermal heat sum, a variable that showed low interannual and high intersite variation. When variation for a single site was analyzed, other variables showed up to be important while the heat sum was unimportant. Finally, future growth under six different climate change scenarios was simulated in order to study the potential impact of climate change. Results suggest only moderate growth increases in the northern portion of the gradient and a growth decrease in the southern portion under future climatic conditions.
Preliminary analysis of interaction of the fat fraction in the sacroiliac joint among sex, age, and body mass index in a normal Chinese population

Objective Iterative decomposition of water and fat with echo asymmetry and least-squares estimation-iron quantification (IDEAL-IQ) is a noninvasive and objective method used to quantitatively measure fat content. Although this technique has been used in the entire abdomen, IDEAL-IQ findings in the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) have rarely been reported. This preclinical study was performed to quantify the amount of fat in the SIJ in healthy volunteers by IDEAL-IQ. Methods From April to November 2017, 60 healthy volunteers with low back pain were included in this retrospective study. The participants were allocated into groups by age (15–30, 31–50, and ≥51 years), sex (male and female), and body mass index (BMI) (<18.5, 18.5–23.9, and ≥24.0 kg/m2). The iliac-side (Fi) and sacral-side (Fs) fat fractions were obtained in all groups. Two- and three-factor multivariate analyses were performed to analyze the effects of sex, age, and BMI on the Fi and Fs. Results The interaction among sex, age, and BMI had no statistically significant effect on the dependent variable. Both Fi and Fs were significantly influenced by age. Fs was significantly influenced by sex. Conclusion The IDEAL-IQ sequence can be used to quantitatively assess the SIJ fat content in healthy volunteers.
ALLOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF ANTIBACTERIAL DRUGS IN AVIAN SPECIES

Summary Lashev, L. D. & A. M. Haritova, 2012 . Allometric analysis of antibacterial drugs in avian species. Bulg. J. Vet. Med. , 15, No 2, 93 −109. The purpose of this study was to examine the allometric relationships of fluoroquinolones, penicillins, aminoglycosides, sulfonamides, tetracyclines and florfenicol in bird species using pharmacokinetic data from the literature. The parameters of interest (half8life, volume of distribution, and total body clearance) were correlated as a function of body weight applying an allometric approach ( Y=aW b ). Values of the coeficient a and the exponent b were close to the theorethical values for the clearance and volume of distribution of most drugs, except for sulfadimidine, tobramycin and apramycin. The elimination half8life was relatively independent of body mass for penicillins, pefloxacin, doxycycline and trimethoprim. Results of the analysis suggest that allometric scaling can be used as a tool for predicting pharmacokinetic parameters for most drugs in avian species. The predictive power is stronger, when only data for bird species are included, in comparison to simultaneous allometric scaling of the data for avian and mammalian species.
EMBRYOLOGY, KARYOLOGY, AND MODES OF REPRODUCTION IN THE NORTH AMERICAN GENUS BOECHERA (BRASSICACEAE): A COMPILATION OF SEVEN DECADES OF RESEARCH1

Abstract The North American–Greenlandic genus Boechera Á. Löve & D. Löve (Brassicaceae) is distinguished from other phylogenetic lineages recognized within the artificial taxon Arabis L. s.l. , in which it has formerly been included, by its base chromosome number x = 7. Based on outgroup comparisons, we consider this chromosome number to be derived from an ancestral genome comprising eight chromosomes. Chromosome counts are now available for about half of the species names listed in the most recent taxonomic treatments of the genus. An analysis of the karyological differentiation with respect to chromosome numbers was performed, and these patterns were correlated with data on pollen viability and population genetic measures in order to deduce modes of reproduction. This approach allowed us to distinguish three main groups: sexual, amphi-apomictic, and apomictic species, respectively. We focused further on the cytology of gametes, especially on that of pollen, and we discuss its role in the formation of new genotypes and cytotypes. Evidence for the following evolutionary phenomena is currently available: (1) allopolyploidization, (2) homoploid hybrid formation, and (3) establishment of viable offspring by means of fusion of highly aneuploid gametes, which resulted from irregular meiotic divisions. In contrast, there is no strict evidence demonstrating the occurrence of autopolyploidization. Boechera experts have just started to integrate evolutionary concepts derived from molecular analyses into taxonomic research, and profound changes, with respect to species definition and circumscription, are to be expected in the near future. The identified modes of reproduction and evolutionary phenomena will contribute to the development of a theoretical and practical basis on which future taxonomic classifications and species concepts can be based.
Comparing the Canadian pork lean yields and grading indexes predicted from grading methods based on Destron and Hennessy probe measurements

In Canada, actual grading methods based on Destron (DPG) and Hennessy (HGP) probe measurements were approved in 1994. This study was undertaken to verify if both grading methods predict similar lean yields and grading indexes in actual pork carcasses. Data from the following four databases were used, and included hot carcass weight, and backfat and muscle depths as measured by both probes: 1281 carcasses from the 1992 National Cutout, 495 and 76 carcasses from 1997 and 1998 Federation des Producteurs de Porc du Quebec studies respectively, and 266 from a 1999 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada study. Probes were inserted alternatively at the Canadian grading site. Grading indexes were assigned from a 1999 official grid. For the four studied databases, the HGP-DPG lean yields were different from zero (P < 0.0001) with values of 0.33, 0.35, 0.36 and 0.18%, chronologically. The HGP-DPG grading indexes were also different from zero with values of 0.51 (P < 0.0001), 0.36 (P < 0.0001) and 0.50 (P < 0.0001), 0.21 .
Horizontal gene transfer in the evolution of photosynthetic eukaryotes

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) may not only create genome mosaicism, but also introduce evolutionary novelties to recipient organisms. HGT in plastid genomes, though relatively rare, still exists. HGT‐derived genes are particularly common in unicellular photosynthetic eukaryotes and they also occur in multicellular plants. In particular, ancient HGT events occurring during the early evolution of primary photosynthetic eukaryotes were probably frequent. There is clear evidence that anciently acquired genes played an important role in the establishment of primary plastids and in the transition of plants from aquatic to terrestrial environments. Although algal genes have often been used to infer historical plastids in plastid‐lacking eukaryotes, reliable approaches are needed to distinguish endosymbionts‐derived genes from those independently acquired from preferential feeding or other activities.