Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Chinese Broiler Production Systems in Economic Performance and Animal Welfare

Simple Summary There are three main rearing systems for white-feathered broilers in China. They are the net floor system (NFS), the normal cage system (NCS), and the high standard cage system (HCS). This study compared the relationship between economic benefit and animal welfare between these systems. The high economic input, high output, and high profit in these three different rearing systems. The welfare scores were 778.24 ± 29.45, 691.09 ± 32.97, and 669.82 ± 22.79, respectively. As white-feathered broiler production in China has developed, from the conventional system to the latest system, both cost and economic profit have increased while the welfare score has decreased. This study explains why the level of animal welfare in China’s white-feathered broiler production is not high at present, and why breeders do not wish to improve the level of animal welfare production. Abstract Both proper animal welfare and economic benefit are important to the broiler industry, so it is better to consider these two factors together. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between economic benefit and animal welfare in different production systems of white-feathered broilers in China. Based on the Welfare Quality Assessment (WQA) protocol for poultry, the authors compared and evaluated the results of the Welfare Quality model (WQM) and the deterministic model. The present study conducted welfare evaluations and investigations on 66 broiler chicken flocks on 52 farms in China. These flocks included three types: the net floor system (NFS), the normal cage system (NCS), and the high standard cage system (HCS). In terms of economy, the results were in line with high economic input, high output, and high profit. In terms of animal welfare assessment, the authors calculated the welfare scores per measure and the attributional WQ scores and WQ index scores of each production systems. The results showed that nine welfare measures from four welfare criteria presented different trends in the three production systems. WQ index scores were 778.24 ± 29.45, 691.09 ± 32.97, and 669.82 ± 22.79, respectively. According to Chow test results, significant differences were found between WQ index scores and total cost and profit (all p < 0.01). In conclusion, with the development of white-feathered broiler production in China, from the conventional system to the latest system, both cost and economic profit have been increased, but the welfare score has been decreased.
Does the combination of different pitches and the absence of pitch type information influence timing control during batting in baseball?

Baseball pitchers use various pitch types to reduce hitting accuracy, but little is understood of the practical strategy of using visuomotor skills and timing control to respond to different pitches. This study examined 1) effectiveness of pitch type combinations, and 2) relationship between the presence and absence of advance information about the next pitch and the timing error. Twenty-six high school baseball players hit a ball launched from a pitching machine in a combination of fastballs (34.3±1.3 m·s-1), curveballs (25.4±1.0 m·s-1), and slowballs (25.5±0.9 m·s-1). Each participant performed three conditions. (1) Continuity condition (15 trials), in which the same pitch type was thrown five times consecutively. (2) Random condition (30 trials), in which pitch type was not preliminarily conveyed to the participants. (3) Open condition (20 trials), in which the next pitch type was preliminarily conveyed to participants. Participants’ hitting movement was recorded by an optical motion capture system and force platform. We calculated timing error based on the difference between the measured impact location (ball position relative to the batter’s body at ball-bat impact) and optimal impact location. The timing error between n-th pitch type, (n–1)-th pitch, and the presence or absence of advance information about pitch type (open vs random condition) were analyzed using three-way repeated ANOVA. The results showed that the (n–1)-th pitch type did not affect the timing of impact (p = 0.338). In contrast, the timing errors in open conditions were fewer compared to random conditions (p < 0.001). These results indicate that the pitch type sequence has insignificant effects, and advance information about pitches affects the timing errors. Therefore, having two or more pitch types, reducing the fluctuation of the pitching motion, and the early trajectory of the ball between different pitches potentially lead to increase timing errors.
Recombinant Adenosine Deaminase Ameliorates Inflammation, Vascular Disease, and Fibrosis in Preclinical Models of Systemic Sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by fibrosis, vascular disease, and inflammation. Adenosine signaling plays a central role in fibroblast activation. We undertook this study to evaluate the therapeutic effects of adenosine depletion with PEGylated adenosine deaminase (PEG‐ADA) in preclinical models of SSc.
Timing, frequency, and duration of incubation recesses in dabbling ducks

Abstract Nest attendance is an important determinant of avian reproductive success, and identifying factors that influence the frequency and duration of incubation recesses furthers our understanding of how incubating birds balance their needs with those of their offspring. We characterized the frequency and timing (start time, end time, and duration) of incubation recesses for mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and gadwall (Mareca strepera) hens breeding in Suisun Marsh, California, USA, and examined the influences of day of year, ambient temperature at the nest, incubation day, and clutch size on recess frequency and timing using linear mixed models. Mallard, on average, took more recesses per day (1.69 ± 0.80, mean ± standard deviation) than did gadwall (1.39 ± 0.69), and 45% of mallard nest‐days were characterized by two recesses, while only 27% of gadwall nest‐days were characterized by two recesses. Mallard morning recesses started at 06:14 ± 02:46 and lasted 106.11 ± 2.01 min, whereas mallard afternoon recesses started at 16:39 ± 02:11 and lasted 155.39 ± 1.99 min. Gadwall morning recesses started at 06:30 ± 02:46 and lasted 91.28 ± 2.32 min, and gadwall afternoon recesses started at 16:31 ± 01:57 and lasted 192.69 ± 1.89 min. Mallard and gadwall started recesses earlier in the day with increasing ambient temperature, but later in the day as the season progressed. Recess duration decreased as the season progressed and as clutch size increased, and increased with ambient temperature at the nest. The impending darkness of sunset appeared to be a strong cue for ending a recess and returning to the nest, because hens returned to their nests earlier than expected when recesses were expected to end after sunset. Within hens, the timing of incubation recesses was repeatable across incubation days and was most repeatable for mallard afternoon recesses and on days in which hens took only one recess. Hens were most likely to be away from nests between 04:00 and 07:00 and between 16:00 and 19:00; therefore, investigators should search for nests between 07:00 and 16:00. Our analyses identified important factors influencing incubation recess timing in dabbling ducks and have important implications for nest monitoring programs.
Sel1L-Hrd1 ER-associated degradation maintains β-cell identity via TGFβ signaling.

β-cell apoptosis and dedifferentiation are two hotly-debated mechanisms underlying β-cell loss in type 2 diabetes; however, the molecular drivers underlying such events remain largely unclear. Here, we performed a side-by-side comparison of mice carrying β-cell-specific deletion of endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation (ERAD) and autophagy. We reported that while autophagy was necessary for β-cell survival, the highly conserved Sel1L-Hrd1 ERAD protein complex was required for the maintenance of β-cell maturation and identity. Using single cell RNA-sequencing, we demonstrated that Sel1L deficiency was not associated with β-cell loss, but rather loss of β-cell identity. Sel1L-Hrd1 ERAD controlled β-cell identity via TGFβ signaling, in part by mediating the degradation of TGFβ receptor 1 (TGFβRI). Inhibition of TGFβ signaling in Sel1L-deficient β-cells augmented the expression of β-cell maturation markers and increased the total insulin content. Our data revealed distinct pathogenic effects of two major proteolytic pathways in β-cells, providing a new framework for therapies targeting distinct mechanisms of protein quality control.
Assessment of diagnostic and analytic performance of the SD Bioline Dengue Duo test for dengue virus (DENV) infections in an endemic area (Savannakhet province, Lao People's Democratic Republic)

BACKGROUND Rapid tests detecting both dengue virus (DENV) NS1 antigen and anti-DENV IgM and IgG antibodies facilitate diagnosis of dengue fever (DF) in resource-poor settings. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS 92 acute phase serum samples from patients with a PCR-confirmed DENV infection collected in Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) in 2013 and 2015 were analyzed with the SD Bioline Dengue Duo test. A subset of 74 samples was additionally tested with the Platelia NS1 antigen test, the Panbio DENV μ-capture ELISA and the Panbio DENV IgG ELISA. IgM seroconversion was assayed using follow-up samples of 35 patients collected in the convalescent phase. 57.6%, 22.8% and 44.6% of acute phase serum samples tested positive in the SD Bioline Dengue Duo NS1, IgM, and IgG test, respectively. Diagnostic sensitivity of the SD Bioline Dengue Duo NS1 test strongly correlated with viral load, decreased rapidly over the acute phase of the disease, and was significantly reduced in presence of high anti-DENV IgG antibody titers resulting from secondary DENV infection. While a good concordance (Cohen's kappa 0.78) was found between the SD Bioline Dengue Duo NS1 test and the Platelia NS1 antigen ELISA, both the SD Bioline Dengue Duo IgM and IgG test displayed a significantly lower sensitivity than the corresponding ELISA tests. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The SD Bioline Dengue Duo test is a valuable tool for diagnosis of DENV infections especially when analyzing early acute phase samples with high viral load. Nevertheless, in endemic areas, where secondary flavivirus infections are common, diagnostic sensitivity of the NS1 and IgM test components may be compromised.
Immunotherapy against Prion Disease

The term “prion disease” encompasses a group of neurodegenerative diseases affecting both humans and animals. Currently, there is no effective therapy and all forms of prion disease are invariably fatal. Because of (a) the outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in cattle and variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease in humans; (b) the heated debate about the prion hypothesis; and (c) the availability of a natural prion disease in rodents, the understanding of the pathogenic process in prion disease is much more advanced compared to that of other neurodegenerative disorders, which inspired many attempts to develop therapeutic strategies against these fatal diseases. In this review, we focus on immunotherapy against prion disease. We explain our rationale for immunotherapy as a plausible therapeutic choice, review previous trials using either active or passive immunization, and discuss potential strategies for overcoming the hurdles in developing a successful immunotherapy. We propose that immunotherapy is a plausible and practical therapeutic strategy and advocate more studies in this area to develop effective measures to control and treat these devastating disorders.
Absolute yeast mitochondrial proteome quantification reveals trade-off between biosynthesis and energy generation during diauxic shift

Significance This work offers a unique portrayal of yeast mitochondria through the characterization of its absolute proteome. The study of biophysical changes in the mitochondrial network associated with proteome profiling, throughout yeast growth and the transition from fermentative to respiratory metabolism, lays out the crucial role this organelle has in balancing the overall metabolic status of the cell. Using proteomic mass spectrometry, state of the art fluorescence microscopy, and lipidomics analysis, these data provide a highly quantitative description of key mitochondrial processes across three states of metabolism. In particular, the work highlights the significant contribution of functional and structural remodeling occurring during the diauxic shift of this subcellular organelle. Saccharomyces cerevisiae constitutes a popular eukaryal model for research on mitochondrial physiology. Being Crabtree-positive, this yeast has evolved the ability to ferment glucose to ethanol and respire ethanol once glucose is consumed. Its transition phase from fermentative to respiratory metabolism, known as the diauxic shift, is reflected by dramatic rearrangements of mitochondrial function and structure. To date, the metabolic adaptations that occur during the diauxic shift have not been fully characterized at the organelle level. In this study, the absolute proteome of mitochondria was quantified alongside precise parametrization of biophysical properties associated with the mitochondrial network using state-of-the-art optical-imaging techniques. This allowed the determination of absolute protein abundances at a subcellular level. By tracking the transformation of mitochondrial mass and volume, alongside changes in the absolute mitochondrial proteome allocation, we could quantify how mitochondria balance their dual role as a biosynthetic hub as well as a center for cellular respiration. Furthermore, our findings suggest that in the transition from a fermentative to a respiratory metabolism, the diauxic shift represents the stage where major structural and functional reorganizations in mitochondrial metabolism occur. This metabolic transition, initiated at the mitochondria level, is then extended to the rest of the yeast cell.
The Protective Effect of Dabigatran and Rivaroxaban on DNA Oxidative Changes in a Model of Vascular Endothelial Damage with Oxidized Cholesterol

Background: Atherosclerotic plaques are unstable, and their release may result in thrombosis; therefore, currently, antiplatelet therapy with anticoagulants is recommended for the treatment of acute coronary syndrome. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of oxidized cholesterol on human umbilical vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs). The study also examines the protective and repairing effect of dabigatran and rivaroxaban in a model of vascular endothelial damage with 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-OHC). Methods: HUVECs were treated with compounds induce DNA single-strand breaks (SSBs) using the comet assay. Oxidative DNA damage was detected using endonuclease III (Nth) or human 8 oxoguanine DNA glycosylase (hOOG1). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation was determined using flow cytometry. Results: 25-hydroxycholesterol caused DNA SSBs, induced oxidative damage and increased ROS in the HUVECs; ROS level was lowered by dabigatran and rivaroxaban. Only dabigatran was able to completely repair the DNA SSBs induced by oxysterol. Dabigatran was able to reduce the level of oxidative damage of pyrimidines induced by oxysterol to the level of control cells. Conclusions: Observed changes strongly suggest that the tested anticoagulants induced indirect repair of DNA by inhibiting ROS production. Furthermore, dabigatran appears to have a higher antioxidant activity than rivaroxaban.
Effects of Neuromuscular Training on Motor Competence and Physical Performance in Young Female Volleyball Players

Although neuromuscular training (NMT) emphasizes injury prevention training, there is little information about its effects on performance in young athletes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of eight-weeks NMT on motor competence and physical performance in 10- to 12-year-old female volleyball players. Sixty-six participants (mean ± SD; 11.05 ± 0.72 years) were randomized into either the NMT group (NTG; n = 32) or control group (CON; n = 34). Sprint on 10-m, modified T-test, plank, vertical jump, and medicine ball throw tests were used to assess the physical performance. The Körperkoordinationstest für Kinder (KTK) was used to assess the subjects’ motor competence. The NMT was performed twice a week during the first 30 min of each regularly scheduled 90-minute volleyball training. Participants in the CON group attended only their regular volleyball training. A significant group x time interaction was found for Motor Quotient KTK (MQKTK) (p < 0.001), KTK lateral jumps (p < 0.001), and KTK shifting platforms (p < 0.01). There was a significant interaction for modified T-test results (p < 0.001) and vertical jump (p = 0.04). No change was observed in both groups for plank performance (p > 0.05). The NMT promoted significant gains in motor competence and physical performance in youth female volleyball players.
Evaluation of Central and Peripheral Corneal Thicknesses in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Purpose To evaluate the corneal pachymetric and topographic parameters of systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) patients using Dual Scheimpflug Imaging. Methods This observational cross-sectional controlled study included the right eye of 30 SLE patients and 30 age-matched controls. Corneal measurements were acquired by dual Scheimpflug imaging including anterior and posterior corneal curvatures, central, mid-peripheral corneal thickness (measured at the 5 mm zone) and peripheral pachymetry (measured at the 7 mm zone). SLE disease activity index (SLEDAI) was calculated and correlated with corneal pachymetry. Results SLE patients had significantly thicker corneal periphery than controls. Mean central corneal pachymetry was 530.4± 27.3 microns (SD) in SLE and 547.5±31.5 microns (SD) in control group, p = 0.032. The corneal periphery – except superiorly – was significantly thicker in SLE patients than controls (p ˂0.001). Nasal peripheral corneal thickness positively correlated with disease activity index SLEDAI (p=0.03). Conclusion SLE patients present with thicker corneal periphery than controls characteristically sparing the superior quadrant. Possible corneal photosensitivity leading to peripheral immune complex deposition as well as flatter posterior corneal surface at the periphery are proposed explanations for these findings.
Effect and Molecular Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Tumor Targeting Tumor-Associated Macrophages

Abstract Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used as a significant cancer treatment method for many years in China. It has been demonstrated that TCM could assist in inhibiting the growth of tumors and prolonging the survival rates of cancer patients. Although the mechanism of TCM are still not clear, accumulating evidence has shown that they may be related to the tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a significant role in TME and are polarized to two phenotypes, M1 (classically activated) and M2 (alternatively activated) TAMs. The two different phenotypes of TAMs play converse roles in the TME and M2-polarized tumor-associated macrophages (M2-TAMs) always lead to poor prognosis in cancer patients compared to M1-polarized tumor-associated macrophages (M1-TAMs). In this review, the potential correlation between TCM and TAMs (especially the M2 phenotype) in tumor progression and promising TCM strategies targeting TAMs in cancer are discussed.
OX40+ plasmacytoid dendritic cells in the tumor microenvironment promote antitumor immunity.

Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC), the major producers of Type I interferon, are principally recognized as key mediators of antiviral immunity. However, their role in tumor immunity is less clear. Depending on the context, pDC can both promote or suppress antitumor immune responses. In this study, we identified a naturally occurring pDC subset expressing high levels of OX40 (OX40+ pDC) enriched in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. OX40+ pDC were distinguished by a distinct immunostimulatory phenotype, cytolytic function and ability to synergize with conventional dendritic cells (cDC) in generating potent tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cell responses. Transcriptomically, we found they selectively utilized EIF2 signaling and oxidative phosphorylation pathways. Moreover, depletion of pDC in the murine OX40+ pDC-rich tumor model accelerated tumor growth. Collectively, we present evidence of a pDC subset in the TME that favors antitumor immunity.
Carbonic Anhydrase III Promotes Cell Migration and Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is strongly correlated with tumor metastasis and contains several protein markers, such as E-cadherin. Carbonic anhydrase III (CA III) exhibits low carbon dioxide hydratase activity in cancer. However, the detailed mechanisms of CA III and their roles in oral cancer are still unknown. This study established a CA III-overexpressed stable clone and observed the expression of CA III protein in human SCC-9 and SAS oral cancer cell lines. The migration and invasion abilities were determined using a Boyden chamber assay. Our results showed that the overexpression of CA III protein significantly increased the migration and invasion abilities in oral cancer cells. Moreover, a whole genome array analysis revealed that CA III regulated epithelial–mesenchymal transition by reducing the expression of epithelial markers. Data from the GEO database also demonstrated that CA III mRNA is negatively correlated with CDH1 mRNA. Mechanistically, CA III increased the cell motility of oral cancer cells through the FAK/Src signaling pathway. In conclusion, this suggests that CA III promotes EMT and cell migration and is potentially related to the FAK/Src signaling pathway in oral cancer.
Pharmacological Update Properties of Aloe Vera and its Major Active Constituents

Aloe vera has been traditionally used to treat skin injuries (burns, cuts, insect bites, and eczemas) and digestive problems because its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound healing properties. Research on this medicinal plant has been aimed at validating traditional uses and deepening the mechanism of action, identifying the compounds responsible for these activities. The most investigated active compounds are aloe-emodin, aloin, aloesin, emodin, and acemannan. Likewise, new actions have been investigated for Aloe vera and its active compounds. This review provides an overview of current pharmacological studies (in vitro, in vivo, and clinical trials), written in English during the last six years (2014–2019). In particular, new pharmacological data research has shown that most studies refer to anti-cancer action, skin and digestive protective activity, and antimicrobial properties. Most recent works are in vitro and in vivo. Clinical trials have been conducted just with Aloe vera, but not with isolated compounds; therefore, it would be interesting to study the clinical effect of relevant metabolites in different human conditions and pathologies. The promising results of these studies in basic research encourage a greater number of clinical trials to test the clinical application of Aloe vera and its main compounds, particularly on bone protection, cancer, and diabetes.