Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
EFFECT OF MICROBIAL PHYTASE ON ENERGY UTILIZATION IN BROILERS DIETS

An experiment was carried out to investigate the effect of feeding some different plant diets containing different metabolizable energy (ME) supplemented with an enzyme preparation (Phytase) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass traits, some bone and blood parameters of broiler chicks. The current study was designed as a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement by using different levels of ME (3000, 2900 and 2800 kcal/kg starter diets and 3100, 3000 and 2900 kcal/kg grower diets and 3200, 3100 and 3000 kcal/kg finisher diets), with two levels of phytase (0 and 750 FTU/kg diet). Diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous, containing 23% and 21% and 19% crude protein during starter, grower and finisher periods, respectively. The obtained data showed that regardless of phytase, decreasing dietary ME level in starter, grower and finisher periods 100 or 200 kcal/kg below control negatively affected economic efficiency and significant reduced percentage of abdominal fat, final live body weight, body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, liver percentage, spleen percentage and had no significant effect on all carcass traits and carcass parts or blood parameters of broiler chicks except triglyceride, total lipids, uric acid and GOT and finally length and width of tibia. Phytase supplementation had significant effect on weight gain, tibia ash, tibia Ca, tibia P, plasma P and digestibility of crude fiber, ether extract and ash retention. According to the economical study feeding chicks balanced diets supplemented with microbial phytase at level of 750 FTU/kg is more successful in view of growth and economical evaluation of broiler chicks.
Protective Effects of the Probiotic Bacterium Streptococcus thermophilus on Candida albicans Morphogenesis and a Murine Model of Oral Candidiasis

Background: Oral candidiasis is a frequent form of candidiasis, caused by Candida species, in particular, Candida albicans (C. albicans). The transition of C. albicans from yeast to hyphae allows its attachment to epithelial cells, followed by biofilm formation, invasion, and tissue damage. Hence, we investigated the effect of Streptococcus salivarius subspecies thermophilus (S thermophilus) on the growth as well as biofilm and germ-tube formation of C. albicans both in vitro and in vivo in a murine model. Methods: This experimental study was performed in the Department of Medical Mycology and Parasitology, School of Medicine, in collaboration with the Central Research Laboratory and the Comparative Biomedical Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran (2017 to 2018). The inhibitory activity of S. thermophilus against Candida species growth was evaluated using the broth microdilution method, and the inhibition of C. albicans biofilm formation was measured using the XTT assay. The inhibition of C. albicans germ-tube formation by S. thermophilus was evaluated using the plate assay and ﬂuorescence microscopy. The experimental activity of the probiotic bacterium was assessed by culture and histopathological methods in six groups of five mice, comprising those treated with four concentrations of probiotics, fluconazole, and distilled water. The one-way analysis of variance, followed by a Tukey post hoc test, was used and a P value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: S. thermophilus inhibited Candida species growth at concentrations of 16 to 512 µg/mL. This probiotic inhibited the formation of C. albicans biofilms and germ tubes in a dose-dependent manner. S. thermophilus significantly reduced the colony-forming units in the mice receiving 30 mg/mL of this probiotic treatment compared with the control group (P=0.024). The histopathological analysis showed that Candida colonization was diminished in the mice following the administration of the probiotic. Conclusion: Given the inhibitory activity of S. thermophilus against the growth, transition, and biofilm formation of C. albicans, it could be used in the management of oral candidiasis.
Preozonation of bromide-bearing source water in south China

The effectiveness of preozonation was evaluated on treating a bromide-bearing dam source water in south China through batch-scale experiments. Preozonation at ozone doses of 0.5-1.0 mg/L (at ozone consumption base) enhanced total organic carbon (TOC) removal through coagulation, and resulted in an almost linear reduction of ultraviolet absorbance at 254 nm (UV254). The removals of TOC (after coagulation) and UV254, at the ozone dose of 1.0 mg/L were 36% and 70%, respectively. Preozonation at an ozone dose between 0.5 and 1.0 mg/L resulted in the removal of disinfection byproducts formation potential (DBFP) including trihalomethane formation potential (THMFP) and haloacetic acid formation potential (HAAFP) for about 50%. The removals of THMFP and HAAFP decreased with the further increase of ozone dose. Ozonation of bromide-bearing water (bromide concentration, 34 mu g/L) produced a bromate concentration under the detection limit(2 mu g/L) at ozone doses 10 mu g/L could be produced when the bromide concentration was increased to 96 mu g/L.
Effects of Artificial Substrate on Growth Performance, Survival and Production of Freshwater Prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man 1879) in Cages in Laguna de Bay, Philippines

The effects of the number of artificial substrates on growth performance, survival and production of freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium rosenbergii (de Man 1879) were evaluated in cages in Laguna de Bay, Philippines. Juvenile prawns (1.97+0.27 g; 5.52+0.19 cm) were stocked in cages (L x W x D: 2 x 3 x 2 m or 12 m 3 ) at 20 pieces m -3 . Three treatments with three replicates each were used: T 1 = without substrate; T 2 = with 6 pieces artificial substrates and T 3 = with 12 pieces artificial substrates. After 160 days, mean weights were 46.10 g, 45.57 g and 52.20 g in T 1 , T 2 and T 3 , respectively. The water quality parameters were favourable throughout the experimental period. Production was highly significant among treatments (P<0.01). Highest total production was recorded in T 3 (17.90 kg) and T 2 (16.40 kg) while T 1 has the lowest production (12 kg). Survival was significantly different among treatments (P<0.05). Highest survival was recorded in T 3 (85.83%) and T 2 (83.05%) and the lowest was observed in T 1 (63.19%). Survival and production were greatly influenced by the increased number of substrates. T he higher the number of artificial substrates installed, the greater the survival and production of prawns.
ANTITUMOR AND CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITY OF GINGER ESSENTIAL OIL (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE ROSCOE)

Objective: To evaluate the cytotoxicty and antitumor activity of ginger essential oil (GEO). Methods: Cytotoxicity towards Dalton’s Lymphoma Ascites (DLA) and Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma (EAC) cell lines were evaluated by trypan blue exclusion method. In vitro cytotoxicity of GEO to L929 cells in culture were checked by MTT assay. The antitumor activity of GEO was determined by using DLA cell line induced solid tumor and EAC cell line induced ascites tumor model in mice and its comparison with standard anticancer drug cyclophosphamide. Results: GEO showed potent in vitro cytotoxic activity against DLA and EAC cell lines. IC 50 value for DLA cell line was 11 μ g/ml and for EAC cell lines 18 μ g/ml. The IC 50 of GEO was found to be 41 μ g/ml against the L929 cell lines and to Vero cells was found to be ˃100 u g/ml. The treatment with GEO (500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg body weight) significantly reduced the volume of solid tumor development by 54.4% and 62.4% respectively. The life span was increased up to 50% in 1000 mg/kg b. wt GEO treated ascites tumor induced animals. Conclusion: This indicates the significant in vitro cytotoxic and antitumor properties of GEO suggesting its potential use as an anticancer agent.
The Different Nature of Bonding in Cu+-Glycine and Cu2+-Glycine

A comparative study of the metal−glycine bonding for the biologically relevant Cu+ and Cu2+ pair is presented. The structure and vibrational frequencies for several coordination modes of Cu+ and Cu2+ to glycine have been determined using the hybrid three-parameter B3LYP density functional approach. Single-point calculations have also been carried out at the modified coupled pair functional (MCPF) and single- and double- (triple) excitation coupled cluster (CCSD(T)) levels of theory and using larger basis sets. Calculations have shown that the metal−glycine bonding and the energy ordering of the different conformers are very different in Cu+-glycine than in Cu2+-glycine. Whereas for Cu+-glycine, the ground state structure is found to have a bidentated η2-N,O coordination in which Cu+ interacts with the nitrogen of the amino group and the carbonyl oxygen, the ground state structure of Cu2+-glycine is the η2-O,O (CO2-) one, derived from the interaction of the metal cation with the CO2- terminus of the zwitte.
The Rise of Populism and the Crisis of Globalisation: Brexit, Trump and Beyond

Abstract:This article is based on the author's keynote address at the annual conference of the International Affairs Standing Committee of the Royal Irish Academy, titled ‘Retreat from Globalisation? Brexit, Trump and the New Populism’, which took place at the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin on 31 May 2017
Theory of Molecular Size Distribution and Gel Formation in Branched‐Chain Polymers

The most probable distributions of molecular sizes are calculated for certain types of branched‐chain polymers. The results represent an extension of the previous work of Flory, who showed that very large polymeric molecules appear suddenly at a critical extent of reaction, which is predicted to occur very nearly at the experimentally observed gel point. This transition from liquid to gel is shown to be analagous to the condensation of a saturated vapor. It is believed that the size distributions obtained herein will aid in a study of viscosity‐molecular weight relationships in branched‐chain polymers.
The Influence of Water and Gas Exchange Parameters on Grafted Grapevines Under Conditions of Moisture Stress

Among the four grape varieties that were subjected to moisture stress, Flame Seedless and Thompson Seedless recorded the highest relative water content, osmotic potential and water potential compared to Sharad Seedless and Tas-A-Ganesh. Similarly, Flame Seedless and Thompson Seedless recorded the maximum rate of photosynthesis, the minimum transpiration rate, and thus increased water-use efficiency. Sharad Seedless on its own root had the lowest water-use efficiency. Budding the respective four varieties on different rootstocks and subjecting them to moisture stress resulted in significant differences in various physiological parameters that influence water-use efficiency. When Sharad Seedless was budded on Dog Ridge rootstock and subjected to moisture stress, it resulted in increased water potential, osmotic potential and water use efficiency compared to other rootstocks. This suggests that rootstocks have an influence on the physiological mechanisms of scion leaves. Hence, the genotypic selection of rootstocks for establishing vineyards under drought conditions is of great importance
Effect of Commercial Cold Storage Conditions and Packaging Materials on Seed Quality of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum.L)

Abs tract - An expe riment was conducted to know the effect of commercial storage conditions and packaging material on seed quality of chickpea Cv.JG11. The graded seeds were packed in three containers viz. gunny bag, polylined gunny bag (PLGB) and high density polythene bag (HDPE) and stored under two different storage conditions viz., ambient and commercial cold storage condition(temperature of 5-7 0 C and 65 -70 % RH) with initial seed moisture content less than eight percent and seeds were treated with thiram@ 2g/kg seed before storage. The different observations viz seed moisture content, germination (%), vigour index, electrical conductivity of the seed leachets, insect damage (%), incidence of seed borne diseases were recorded by following procedures prescribed by ISTA. The results revealed that the seeds stored in commercial cold storage (5-7 0 c + 65-70% RH) and packed in polylined gunny bag recorded higher seed germination (88.7%), vigour index (2799), seedling dry weight (430 mg), lower insect damage (1.7%), seed infection (4.5%), Electrical conductivity (0.25micromohs/ cm) after 22 months of storage. Hence commercial cold storage structures can be effectively used for maintaining seed quality of chickpea during storage. Keyw ords : chickp ea, storage conditions, containers, seed quality, commercial cold storage.
Mechanism of Charge Transport in Polypyrrole–Heparin Composites

Abstract Polypyrrole–heparin composites have been prepared by an electrochemical polymerization technique. The mechanism of charge transport in the composite has been investigated. DC conductivity has been measured in the temperature range 13–300 K. In the very low temperature regime, i.e., below 68 K, the conductivity of the composite saturates. This behavior has been attributed to the tunneling mechanism. Above 68 K, the variation of dc conductivity with temperature has been attributed to Mott's variable range hopping (VRH) mechanism. Various Mott's parameters associated with the mechanism of charge transport such as, characteristic temperature (T 0), average hopping distance (R), average hopping energy (W), and density of states at the Fermi level [N(E F)] have been evaluated in this regime and are in good agreement with the values reported earlier for other conjugated polymers.
Modulation of the Ca2+‐induced Ca2+ release cascade by β‐adrenergic stimulation in rat ventricular myocytes

1 To define the sub‐cellular mechanisms of modulation of cardiac excitation‐contraction (E‐C) coupling by the β‐adrenergic pathway, we carried out confocal Ca2+ imaging in conjunction with recordings of inward Ca2+ current in fluo‐3‐loaded patch‐clamped rat ventricular myocytes. 2 Isoproterenol (isoprenaline; ISO) increased the amplitude of the inward Ca2+ current and the globally measured intracellular Ca2+ transients. The gain of calcium‐induced calcium release (CICR) was increased at all membrane potentials but especially at positive membrane potentials (> +30 mV). ISO dramatically broadened the bell‐shaped voltage dependence of intracellular Ca2+ transients by shifting the descending portion of the curve to very high membrane potentials. 3 The number of local release events (solitary sparks and conglomerates of overlapping sparks) induced by depolarizing steps to +30 mV was increased significantly by ISO. This potentiation of events was due to increased trigger calcium current (ICa) as well the enhanced ability of ICa to induce release. The amplitude and duration of solitary sparks were increased in the presence of ISO. In addition, ISO dramatically increased the proportion and the size (‘mass’) of clustered events. 4 Exclusion of Na+ from the intra‐ and extracellular solutions prevented ISO from enhancing the ability of ICa to trigger sparks. 5 We conclude that β‐adrenergic stimulation enhances the gain of the CICR cascade by increasing the fidelity of dihydropyridine receptor (DHPR)‐ryanodine receptor (RyR) coupling and by promoting cross‐activation of RyRs in neighbouring release sites. Reverse Na+‐Ca2+ exchange (NCX) appears to play a role in the β‐adrenergic enhancement of CICR by effectively contributing to the Ca2+ trigger.
The combinatorial diversity of KIR and HLA class I allotypes in Peninsular Malaysia

Killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIRs) interact with polymorphic human leucocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules, modulating natural killer (NK) cell functions and affecting both the susceptibility and outcome of immune‐mediated diseases. The KIR locus is highly diverse in gene content, copy number and allelic polymorphism within individuals and across geographical populations. To analyse currently under‐represented Asian and Pacific populations, we investigated the combinatorial diversity of KIR and HLA class I in 92 unrelated Malay and 75 Malaysian Chinese individuals from the Malay Peninsula. We identified substantial allelic and structural diversity of the KIR locus in both populations and characterized novel variations at each analysis level. The Malay population is more diverse than Malay Chinese, likely representing a unique history including admixture with immigrating populations spanning several thousand years. Characterizing the Malay population are KIR haplotypes with large structural variants present in 10% individuals, and KIR and HLA alleles previously identified in Austronesian populations. Despite the differences in ancestries, the proportion of HLA allotypes that serve as KIR ligands is similar in each population. The exception is a significantly reduced frequency of interactions of KIR2DL1 with C2+HLA‐C in the Malaysian Chinese group, caused by the low frequency of C2+HLA. One likely implication is a greater protection from preeclampsia, a pregnancy disorder associated with KIR2DL1, which shows higher incidence in the Malay than in the Malaysian Chinese. This first complete, high‐resolution, characterization of combinatorial diversity of KIR and HLA in Malaysians will form a valuable reference for future clinical and population studies.
Metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic changes of vital organs in SARS-CoV-2–induced systemic toxicity

Extrapulmonary manifestations of COVID-19 are associated with a much higher mortality rate than pulmonary manifestations. However, little is known about the pathogenesis of systemic complications of COVID-19. Here, we create a murine model of SARS-CoV-2–induced severe systemic toxicity and multiorgan involvement by expressing the human ACE2 transgene in multiple tissues via viral delivery, followed by systemic administration of SARS-CoV-2. The animals develop a profound phenotype within 7 days with severe weight loss, morbidity, and failure to thrive. We demonstrate that there is metabolic suppression of oxidative phosphorylation and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in multiple organs with neutrophilia, lymphopenia, and splenic atrophy, mirroring human COVID-19 phenotypes. Animals had a significantly lower heart rate, and electron microscopy demonstrated myofibrillar disarray and myocardial edema, a common pathogenic cardiac phenotype in human COVID-19. We performed metabolomic profiling of peripheral blood and identified a panel of TCA cycle metabolites that served as biomarkers of depressed oxidative phosphorylation. Finally, we observed that SARS-CoV-2 induces epigenetic changes of DNA methylation, which affects expression of immune response genes and could, in part, contribute to COVID-19 pathogenesis. Our model suggests that SARS-CoV-2–induced metabolic reprogramming and epigenetic changes in internal organs could contribute to systemic toxicity and lethality in COVID-19.
Interfacial Interactions in Polypropylene−Organoclay−Elastomer Nanocomposites: Influence of Polar Modifications on the Location of the Clay

A detailed, chemically sensitive study of the morphology of nanocomposites prepared by melt blending of polypropylene (PP) reinforced with an organically modified nanoclay (montmorillonite 20A) and toughened with poly(styrene-b-ethylenebutylene-b-styrene) (SEBS) is reported. Polar functionalities were incorporated in two ways: (i) additional compatibilizers: polypropylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PP-g-MA) and PP surface modified by N2-plasma treatment (PP*) and (ii) superficial cold N2 plasma modification of the elastomer SEBS (SEBS*). In a previous study on the ternary composite PP/20A/SEBS [Martinet al. Macromolecules 2010, 43, 448] the montmorillonite 20A was found to be located inside the elastomer domains and not in direct contact with the PP phase. With the addition of polar functionalities, the nanoclay locates at the PP−SEBS interface rather than interacting just with the SEBS elastomer. Depending on the nature, content, and distribution of the polar groups in the material, the 20A locates selectiv.
JEG-3 placental cells in toxicology studies: a promising tool to reveal pregnancy disorders

Placental alterations are responsible for adverse pregnancy outcomes like preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. And yet, placenta toxicology has not become a fully-fledged toxicology field. Because placenta is very often seen only as a barrier between the mother and the fetus, there is a lack and therefore a need for an experimental human model with technical recommendations to study placenta toxicology. In vitro approaches are recommended in experimental toxicology as they focus on a specific biological process and yield high-throughput screening methods. In the present study, we first established incubation conditions to preserve signatures of the human JEG-3 cell line identity while enabling toxicity detection. JEG-3 cells prepared in our incubation conditions were renamed JEG-Tox cells. As placental alterations are mainly triggered by uncontrolled apoptosis, we second used known apoptotic agents pregnant women are exposed to, to check that JEG-Tox cells can trigger apoptosis. Ethanol, bisphenol F, quinalphos, 4,4’-DDT, benzalkonium chloride, phenoxyethanol, propylparaben, and perfluorooctanic acid all induced chromatin condensation in JEG-Tox cells. Our incubation conditions allow JEG-Tox cells to keep placental cell identity and to respond to toxic chemicals. JEG-Tox cells are a pertinent model for placenta toxicology and could be used to better understand pregnancy alterations.
The circ_0004463/miR-380-3p/FOXO1 axis modulates mitochondrial respiration and bladder cancer cell apoptosis

ABSTRACT Bladder cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed and fatal malignancies of the urinary tract. Noncoding RNAs have been reported to be new biomarkers and effective treatment targets for bladder cancer. In the present study, we identified a novel bladder cancer-related circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network, the circ_0004463/miR-380-3p/FOXO1 axis. circ_0004463 is significantly downregulated, whereas miR-380-3p is upregulated in bladder carcinoma tissue samples and cells. circ_0004463 acts as a tumor suppressor by inhibiting bladder cancer cell proliferation. Genes that negatively correlated with miR-380-3p and genes that miR-380-3p might target are enriched in mitochondrial respiration chain-related pathways. miR-380-3p promotes the proliferation of bladder cancer cells and mitochondrial respiration by acting as an oncogenic miRNA. circ_0004463 competes with FOXO1 for miR-380-3p binding to counteract miR-380-3p-mediated repression of FOXO1. Circ_0004463 overexpression inhibits cancer cell proliferation and mitochondrial respiration in bladder cancer cell lines, while miR-380-3p overexpression dramatically reverses the roles of circ_0004463 overexpression. In conclusion, the circ_0004463/miR-380-3p/FOXO1 axis could regulate mitochondrial respiration and bladder cancer cell apoptosis via FOXO1 signaling.
Adverse events among chronic myelogenous leukemia patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors: a real-world analysis of health plan enrollees

Abstract With tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy, chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is now a chronic disease. CML patients treated with TKIs (n = 1200) were identified from the OptumLabs® Data Warehouse (de-identified claims and electronic health records) between 2000 and 2016 and compared with a non-cancer cohort (n = 7635). The 5-year cumulative incidence of all organ system outcomes was significantly greater for the TKI versus non-cancer group. In the first year, compared with imatinib, later generation TKIs were associated with primary infections (hazard ratios [HR] 1.43, 95% CI 1.02–2.00), circulatory events (HR 1.15, 95% CI 1.01–1.31), and skin issues (HR 1.43, 95% CI 1.13–1.80); musculoskeletal and nervous system/sensory issues were less common (HRs 0.83–0.84, p < 0.05). Increased risk of infections, cardiopulmonary and skin issues associated with later generation TKIs persisted in subsequent years. In this real-world population, TKI therapy was associated with a high burden of adverse events. Later generation TKIs may have greater toxicity than imatinib.