Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of diets supplemented with yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) products or/and hops (Humulus iupulus) on growth perfor- mance and intestinal morphology in broilers

SUMMARY The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with yeast products and/or hops on growth performance and intestinal morphology in broilers. A total of 360 one day old male broiler chickens were randomly divided into 6 equal groups according to the diet regimen: birds were supplemented for 42 days with 3% inactivated yeast or with 0.3% yeast culture or with 0.025% hops or with combination of yeast culture and inactivated yeast or hops whereas in the last group, broilers were not supplemented and served as controls. Body weights, weight gains, food intakes and food efficiency were determined at the 14th, 21st, 35th and 42nd days whereas carcass traits (carcass weight, dressing percentage and relative weights of liver, gizzard, bursa of Fabricius and abdominal fat as well as tibia ash) and intestinal morphology (intestinal pH, villus height and crypt depth) were explored on day 42 in 12 birds from each group. An early (within the first 21 days) but transient positive effect on growth (body weight and weight gains) compared to the controls was induced by the supplementation with hops or yeast culture whereas the growth appeared to be slightly delayed and the food efficiency was significantly altered on day 21 in birds supplemented both with yeast culture and inactivated yeast. None of the carcass traits were modified by the dietary inclusion of yeast products and/or hops and although birds treated with inactivated yeast alone have exhibited the lowest villus and crypt dimensions, no significant changes in the intestinal morphology was seen among groups. These results indicate that the yeast products and hops do not act as growth promoter in broilers reared under normal conditions except in the starter period and that co-supplementation with additives failed to exacerbate the growth performances.
Problems with Research by Organizational Scholars on Issues of Race and Ethnicity

Despite a growing need for knowledge about the effects of race and ethnicity in organizations, relatively little research on these issues has been performed and few research reports have been published in the major management journals. A literature review and a survey of authors in the field indicate that factors responsible for this problem fall into two categories: factors limiting the amount ofwork done on these issues, and factors hindering the publication of completed work. Underlying many of these factors is the tendency for the effects of personal biases among authors, reviewers, and editors to be especially severe with respect to this topic. Moreover, issues of racioethnic relations and heterogeneity, including the problem of racism, have never really been resolved in American society generally. Following an analysis of the problems, suggestions are provided to aid scholars in effectively conducting and evaluating research on this topic.
Mastitis diagnosis in ten Galician dairy herds (NW Spain) with automatic milking systems

Over the last few years, the adoption of automatic milking systems (AMS) has experienced significant increase. However, hardly any studies have been conducted to investigate the distribution of mastitis pathogens in dairy herds with AMS. Because quick mastitis detection in AMS is very important, the primary objective of this study was to determine operational reliability and sensibility of mastitis detection systems from AMS. Additionally, the frequency of pathogen-specific was determined. For this purpose, 228 cows from ten farms in Galicia (NW Spain) using this system were investigated. The California Mastitis Test (CMT) was considered the gold-standard test for mastitis diagnosis and milk samples were analysed from CMT-positive cows for the bacterial examination. Mean farm prevalence of clinical mastitis was 9% and of 912 milk quarters examined, 23% were positive to the AMS mastitis detection system and 35% were positive to the CMT. The majority of CMT-positive samples had a score of 1 or 2 on a 1 (lowest mastitis severity) to 4 (highest mastitis severity) scale. The average sensitivity and specificity of the AMS mastitis detection system were 58.2% and 94.0% respectively being similar to other previous studies, what could suggest limitations for getting higher values of reliability and sensibility in the current AMSs. The most frequently isolated pathogens were Streptococcus dysgalactiae (8.8%), followed by Streptococcus uberis (8.3%) and Staphylococcus aureus (3.3%). The relatively high prevalence of these pathogens indicates suboptimal cleaning and disinfection of teat dipping cups, brushes and milk liners in dairy farms with AMS in the present study.
Nutritional Ketosis with Ketogenic Diets or Exogenous Ketones: Features, Convergence, and Divergence

Ketogenic diets and exogenous ketones have similarities but also key differences with implications for performance and therapeutics. Abstract Athletes, clinicians, and practitioners are increasingly interested in the proposed performance and therapeutic benefits of nutritional ketosis (NK). NK is best operationally defined as a nutritionally induced metabolic state resulting in blood β-hydroxybutyrate concentrations of ≥0.5 mM. Most tissues readily metabolize ketone bodies (KBs), and KBs in turn regulate metabolism and signaling in both a systemic and tissue-specific manner. During fasting, starvation, or ketogenic diets, endogenous synthesis of KBs is amplified resulting in a state of NK. Orally administered exogenous ketone supplements rapidly elevate circulating KBs and produce a similar, but far from identical, metabolic state. NK results in a number of convergent features regardless of endogenous or exogenous induction; however, important differences also are observed. The implications of NK across health, disease, and performance is rapidly becoming more evident, thus acknowledging the convergent and divergent features of NK is critical for fully understanding the potential utility of this metabolic state.
Acute Toxicity, Behavioral response and Biochemical composition of Blood of common carp, Catla catla (Hamilton) to an Organophosphate Insecticide, Dimethoate

In the present investigation the acute toxicity bioassay, behavioral response and biochemical parameters of blood of Catla catla to toxicity of an Organophosphate insecticide, Dimethoate were carried out in a static renewal system. It is evident that no mortality of Catla catla was recorded at 20.5mg/l Dimethoate up to 24 hrs. of exposure. At concentrations of 23.0, 23.5 and 24.0mg/l of Dimethoate 100% mortality of Catla catla was recorded at three different concentration of Dimethoate viz., 23.0mg/l, 23.5mg/l and 24.0mg/l in 96 hrs. of exposure. The LC50 values of Dimethoate at various exposure times were 21.0mg/l for about 84 hrs; 21.5mg/l for 72 hrs; 22.0mg/l for about 60hrs; 22.5mg/l for 48 hrs; 23.0mg/l for 48 hrs; and 23.5mg/l for 24 hrs. The Catla catla showed behavioral alterations against Dimethoate intoxication viz, uncoordinated movements, erratic swimming, convulsions, excess mucus secretion, decreased opercular movements, loss of balance, drowning and change in body pigmentation, muscle fasciculation, moribund lethargy, refusal of feeding and respiratory distress. These symptoms became more apparent with increase in duration of exposure at all test concentration of Dimethoate. The glycogen content, total proteins and total lipids decreased in the blood of Catla catla under the toxicity of Dimethoate whereas the levels of total free sugars and total free amino acids increased. K e y w o r d s LC50, Dimethoate, Catla catla, Toxicity, Serum composition
Physical and morphological markers for adaptation of drought-tolerant wheat to arid environments.

The threat of climate change has instilled a demand for multi-faceted genetic diversity coupled with resourceful tools and technologies to attain biotic and abiotic resistance in crops. The present study was designed to investigate and compare common physiological and morphological traits under normal and water-stressed conditions. Seven selected (Pakistani, Indian and CIMMYT) water stress-tolerant (WST) genotypes were crossed with seven local water stress-susceptible (WSS) lines using a line × tester mating approach. The hybrids, together with parents, were sown in two different environments. Combining ability effects determined the behavior of both parents as well as offspring and allowed the best combiners for different traits to be selected. Different traits showed additive and non-additive types of gene action under both environmental conditions. The present study concluded that genotypes Nesser, Dharwar Dry, Inqilab-91, among others, served as good combiners while Bakhar-2002 × 9247, Dharwar Dry × 9021, Bakhar-2002 × 9244, and Nesser × 9244 are promising cross combinations. Regarding grain yield, genotype 9252 and Dharwar Dry performed best under normal irrigation and water-stressed conditions, respectively. A change in water provision resulted in a shift in gene action, broad sense heritability and proportional share that each trait contributed. When these traits were pooled, it was possible to discriminate between WST and WSS genotypes and, through line × tester experiments, develop droughtand water stresstolerant lines based on morphological markers under changing climatic conditions.
Effects of the Naturally Occurring Parasitic Nematode Chondronema passali Leidy on Lifting Strength and Captivity-Related Body Mass Patterns in the Horned Passalus Beetle, Odontotaenius disjunctus (Illiger) (Coleoptera: Passalidae)

Abstract Parasites are ubiquitous among insects and well-studied, but knowledge of their full range of host effects is not complete, especially concerning their impact on physical performance of hosts. The horned passalus beetle, Odontotaenius disjunctus (Illiger), in the USA is frequently parasitized by Chondronema passali Leidy, a nematode that can number in the thousands within the hemocoel. We performed an experiment that examined the effects of this parasite on a key performance metric, lifting strength, which should be important during fighting. We assessed beetle lifting strength using a vertically-mounted force gauge, as well as their body mass. At the end of the experiment, we dissected the beetles to determine parasite status and gender. The average beetle (1–2 g each) lifted between 300 and 400 g during the trials. Though the final sample size of non-parasitized beetles was small (n = 8), our results showed parasitized beetles tended to lift 17% less weight than non-parasitized beetles, and this effect approached significance ( p = 0.0766). Beetles tended to lift the most during their first trial, which is relevant information for other researchers who employ performance trials. Also of note was that beetles lost 11% of their body mass during the first week of captivity, which may stem from initial stress or the loss of their accumulated frass supply, which they ingest to obtain endosymbiotic gut microbes. Finally, we were surprised to discover that parasitized beetles lost less mass during captivity than did non-parasitized beetles, which is a result that deserves further study.
Dietary fatty acids and colorectal cancer risk in men: A report from the Shanghai Men's Health Study and a meta‐analysis

Evidence from animal models suggests that dietary fatty acids have both anticancer and tumor‐promoting effects. Whether dietary fatty acids are associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) in humans remains inconclusive. We investigated associations between dietary fatty acids and risk of CRC among 59 986 men who participated in the Shanghai Men's Health Study (SMHS), an ongoing population‐based prospective cohort study. We identified 876 incident CRC cases in the SMHS during a mean follow‐up of 9.8 years. Associations between dietary fatty acid intake and CRC risk were evaluated by Cox proportional hazard regression analyses. Consumption of saturated fatty acids (SFA), monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was not significantly associated with CRC risk. Multivariate hazard ratios (HRs) and respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for Quartile 4 vs Quartile 1 were 0.92 (0.74‐1.14; Ptrend = 0.47) for SFA, 0.95 (0.79‐1.16; Ptrend = 0.74) for MUFA and 1.18 (0.95‐1.46; Ptrend = 0.21) for PUFA. No significant associations were found for total n‐6 PUFA or total n‐3 PUFA. Additionally, we performed a meta‐analysis to summarize results from the present study and 28 reports from 26 additional cohorts, which supported the overall null association between dietary fatty acid intake and CRC risk among men. Docosahexanoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid were associated with 11% to 12% reduced risk, and linoleic acid a 19% increased risk, of CRC in the meta‐analysis of combined sexes. In conclusion, this population‐based prospective study and meta‐analysis of cohort studies found little evidence that dietary fatty acid intake was associated with risk of CRC in men.
Physicians' Earnings Do Not Affect Their Online Ratings

Objective: Physician-rating websites have exploded in popularity in recent years. Consequently, these sites have garnered attention from researchers interested in factors influencing patient satisfaction. A doctor's earnings might reflect practice patterns that could influence their patients' perceptions. We sought to explore any association between physicians' earnings and their online ratings. Methods: The names and billings of 500 physicians from British Columbia, Canada were randomly extracted from the 2016-17 BC Blue Book and matched to their profiles on RateMDs.com. Physicians' earnings were compared to their global ratings and to their Staff, Punctuality, Helpfulness, and Knowledge scores. Earnings and ratings were also compared between men and women, as well as between family medicine, surgical, and internal medicine and subspecialties cohorts. Results: We found no significant correlation between physicians' earnings and their global online ratings (p = 0.304). Weak negative correlations existed between earnings and Staff and Helpfulness ratings (Spearman's rho = −0.055, p < 0.001; rho = −0.033, p < 0.028). Online ratings were largely favorable (mean MD rating of 3.85/5. Male physicians earned significantly more than their female colleagues ($371,734.85 and $261,590.82, respectively; p < 0.001), but no significant difference existed between men and women with regards to online ratings (mean 3.87 and 3.81, respectively, p = 0.191). Surgical and Family Medicine specialties showed a negative correlation between income and ratings; no relationship was seen in the internal medicine and subspecialties cohort. Conclusions: No meaningful association was found between physicians' earnings and their online ratings, although there is an impact of specialty grouping. Patients tend to review doctors favorably online; these data add to the discussion of whether male and female doctors are differentially rated. Trends toward increased transparency in health care systems may help to elucidate how doctors' earnings influence patients' perception of and satisfaction with the care they receive.
Dynamics of extinction: population decline in the colonially nesting Tricolored Blackbird Agelaius tricolor

Tricolored Blackbird Agelaius tricolor is a rapidly declining species largely endemic to California and forms larger breeding colonies than any other extant North American landbird following the extinction of Passenger Pigeon Ectopistes migratorius. We present information on its distribution, breeding habitat and changes in global population size using data collected since the 1930s. We also present data on reproductive success at 103 colonies between 1992 and 2003. While possibly once the most abundant bird throughout much of its range, it declined by over 50% between the 1930s and early 1990s, and by a further c. 56% between 1994 and 2000. The global population is now smaller than the historic size of some individual breeding colonies. Reproductive success was significantly higher in upland non-native vegetation (primarily Himalayan blackberry Rubus discolor) than in native emergent cattail Typha spp. and bulrush Scirpus spp. marshes, its likely predominant historic breeding habitat. Contemporary losses of important upland nesting substrate, combined with low reproductive success in native habitats and complete breeding failure in harvested agricultural fields, are the most likely causes of recent declines. Recovery of this species presents possible conflicts in conservation policy because successful reproduction now largely depends on invasive non-native plants and the willingness of farmers to delay harvest or to lose portions of their crops.
Assignment of ATCC 27377 to Pirella gen. nov. as Pirella staleyi comb. nov.

The necessity to rename strain ATCC 27377T(T = type strain), Pasteuria ramosa sensu Staley, led Starr and his associates to propose placing this organism in the genus Planctomyces. Morphological and physiological observations, as well as deoxyribonucleic acid base composition and 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid oligomer analyses, clearly showed that strain ATCC 27377Tdiffers significantly from species belonging to the genus Planctomyces. Therefore, we propose that strain ATCC 27377Tbe renamed Pirella staleyi and afforded the position of the type strain of the type species of the newly created genus Pirella. The generic and species descriptions are emended. The request of Starr et al. (Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 33:666-671, 1983) for the conservation of Pasteuria ramosa is supported.
Effects of different separation methods on the physical and functional properties of extracellular vesicles

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are small vesicles secreted from cells. They have crucial biological functions in intercellular communications and may even be biomarkers for cancer. The various methods used to isolate EVs from body fluid and cell culture supernatant have been compared in prior studies, which determined that the component yield and physical properties of isolated EVs depend largely on the isolation method used. Several novel and combined methods have been recently developed, which have not yet been compared to the established methods. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to compare the physical and functional differences in EVs isolated using a differential centrifugation method, the precipitation-based Invitrogen kit, the ExoLutE kit, and the Exodisc, of which the latter two were recently developed. We investigated the properties of EVs isolated from non-infected and Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus-infected human umbilical vein endothelial cells using each method and determined the yields of DNA, RNA, and proteins using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and bicinchoninic acid assays. Additionally, we determined whether the biological activity of EVs correlated with the quantity or physical properties of the EVs isolated using different methods. We found that Exodisc was the most suitable method for obtaining large quantities of EVs, which might be useful for biomarker investigations, and that the EVs separated using Exodisc exhibited the highest complement activation activity. However, we also found that the functional properties of EVs were best maintained when differential centrifugation was used. Effective isolation is necessary to study EVs as tools for diagnosing cancer and our findings may have relevant implications in the field of oncology by providing researchers with data to assist their selection of a suitable isolation method.
Basal levels and diurnal variations of some hormones and metabolites in blood of dairy cows treated daily with rbst in early and late lactation

Abstract The variations of basal value (before morning feeding at 3-4 days interval) and daily pattern (on 4th and 18th day of treatment with 8 blood collections within 24h) of hormones and metabolites were studied in four dairy cows; 2 in early and 2 in late lactation, which were alternatively injected daily for a period of 21 days with 26.3 mg rbST or saline. The rbST injection significantly increased the basal and daily levels of GH, IGF-I in both stages of lactation. Daily levels of NEFA were significantly increased by rbST in both stages of lactation and their variations, due to the effect of meals, were counteracted by the rbST; the higher level of NEFA allowed a greater sparing of glucose, the blood level of which resulted higher (P<0.05) in late lactation (mainly for less lactose yield), as well as a sparing of amino acid that resulted in a lower blood urea level (P<0.05, only in late lactation). Moreover, these metabolic changes in late lactating cows, and in particular the high availability of glucose, determined a significantly higher blood level of insulin and T3, and lower level of glucagon. Despite the similar GH, IGF-I and NEFA increases observed in the cows treated in early and late lactation, other metabolic and endocrine consequences resulted more evident in late lactation. Furthermore, some of these variations were affected by the forage meals. It can be concluded, therefore, that the changes occurring in the blood subsequent to a rbST treatment are not equal to those which occur at the start of lactation; moreover, they are affected by the daily feeding pattern and perhaps by the stage of lactation.
Decriminalizing Abortion in Uruguay: Women’s Movements, Secularism, and Political Allies

ABSTRACT In 2012 Uruguay became the second country in Latin America to decriminalize abortion during the first trimester. Drawing on original field research, this article explains the success of abortion reform based on the existence of a strong campaign for decriminalization. The women’s movement used frames that resonated within civil society, gathered support from key social actors, and collaborated closely with sympathetic legislators. In addition, three contextual factors ensured both the availability and success of these strategies: a weak presence of the Catholic Church, a president not opposed to abortion reform, and a highly institutionalized party system with a strong leftist coalition.
Tape strips from early‐onset pediatric atopic dermatitis highlight disease abnormalities in nonlesional skin

Skin biopsies promote our understanding of atopic dermatitis/AD pathomechanisms in infants/toddlers with early‐onset AD, but are not feasible in pediatric populations. Tape strips are an emerging, minimally invasive alternative, but global transcriptomic profiling in early pediatric AD is lacking. We aimed to provide global lesional and nonlesional skin profiles of infants/toddlers with recent‐onset, moderate‐to‐severe AD using tape strips.