Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
(Genetic) Epidemiology of Inflammation, Age-related Pathology and Longevity

Ageing is associated with a low-grade elevation of inflammatory markers, attributed to the deregulation of immune and inflammatory pathways over time. This predisposes to many chronic, age-related diseases (e.g. cardiovascular disease). In other words: higher inflammatory activity means a higher disease risk (and ultimately death). In the present thesis, we used (classical) twin studies to estimate genetic and environmental influences on the regulation of several inflammatory markers (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IgG, Fibrinogen, CRP and TNF-α). Also, the stability of these factors over time was assessed, through gene-age interaction models and longitudinal twin studies. Furthermore, the genetic and environmental overlap between neuroticism (personality trait) and inflammatory marker levels was assessed, considering their similar effects on health outcomes. Finally, the use of “simple” mathematical formulas in describing a universal “law of ageing” was discussed. We have shown significant genetic influences (heritabilities) on all of the observed traits throughout the thesis. The genetic factors are remarkably stable over time, indicating that differences in these phenotypes with age are largely due to changes in environmental influences (rather than different genes at different time points). A genetic overlap between neuroticism and inflammation was not observed. The results in the present thesis emphasize the importance of genetics in the regulation of inflammatory marker levels (and potentially the development of age-related disease). In the future, hypothetically, families at risk of higher inflammatory marker levels could be a target for prophylactic (anti-inflammatory) treatment, to reduce old-age morbidity and mortality.
Efficacy and Safety of Epilepsy Surgery for Older Adult Patients with Refractory Epilepsy

Purpose The population of elderly patients with epilepsy has been growing rapidly and the chances of referring older patients with refractory epilepsy for surgical options could be increasing. In general, epilepsy surgery at higher ages has been less likely to be performed, because little is known regarding the risks and benefits in elderly patients. We, therefore, investigated surgical outcomes and comorbidities in a population ≥50 years old who underwent epilepsy surgery. Methods Patients ≥50 years old who underwent epilepsy surgery were identified from the database of our epilepsy center for the period from 2009 to 2017. Surgical complications and seizure outcome were reviewed, and seizure outcomes were evaluated using the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) surgery outcome scale. Results The mean age of 32 patients at the time of surgery was 56.1±5.1 years. The mean duration of epilepsy was 23.4±18.5 years and mean follow-up was 2.7±2.0 years. As of the most recent visit, 56.3% of patients remained completely seizure-free (ILAE Class I). The surgery-related complication rate was 11.5%, comprising permanent deficits in 3.8% and transient deficits in 7.7%. Conclusion These results suggest that epilepsy surgery may represent a valuable approach in selected adult patients.
Quest: Reflections on medicine, science, and humanity

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EVALUATION OF USING JOJOBA MEAL (Simmondsia chinensis) SUPPLEMENTED WITH METHIONINE AND BIOGEN ® INSTEAD OF FISH MEAL IN THE DIET OF MONO-SEX NILE TILAPIA (Oreochromis niloticus)

he present study was carried out to evaluate the partial or total replacement of fish meal (FM) by jojoba meal (JM) ,Simmondsia chinensis , (as a new plant protein source) at levels of 25 (T 2), 50 (T 3), 75 (T 4) and 100% (T 5) after supplemented with methionine and Biogen ® (natural and commercial probiotic) at 0.6 and 2 g/kg diet, respectively, against the control diet 0% (T 1), to study the effects on growth performance, feed and nutrients utilization, carcass composition, organs indices, blood hematological and biochemical parameters, histometric examination of dorsal muscles and economic efficiency of mono-sex Nile tilapia ( O. niloticus) . Therefore, fish were randomly assigned to five treatments and were fed for 8 weeks as experimental period. Results in the present study indicated that the partially replacement of 25% of FM by supplemented JM (T 2) led to significant (P � 0.05) increases of all growth performance, nutrients utilization, plasma globulin and mean diameter (µm) of muscular bundles and muscular bundles area per mm 2 of fish dorsal muscles compared with the control fish (T 1). Also, results illustrated that T 2 led to improve feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared with (T 1), significant improvement of the intensity of muscular bundles and connective tissues percentage per mm 2 and the best economic efficiency compared with other dietary treatments. However, the same treatment (T 2) significantly (P � 0.05) increased protein and energy utilization, dry matter in fish carcass, concentrations of plasma total protein, albumin, albumin/globulin ratio, internal organs indices and economic efficiency compared with (T 1). Increasing replacement of FM by supplemented JM led to significantly (P � 0.05) decrease in fish growth performance and all organs indices and significantly affected liver functions enzymes (AST and ALT) compared with (T 1). Whereas T 5 recorded worst means of all traits studies compared with the other treatments. Neverless, not significant differences were recorded in hemoglobin and uric acid concentrations among all treatments. Consequently, the present study recommended that using the JM after being supplemented with methionine and Biogen ® at 0.6 and 2 g/kg diet respectively, to replace 25% FM in mono-sex O. niloticus diet reduced costs of aquafeeds without any adverse effects on the fish, T
Regulation and release of VSH-1, a prophage and gene transfer agent of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae

Brachyspira hyodysenteriae is an anaerobic spirochete that harbors the mitomycin Cinducible prophage, VSH-1. VSH-1 is defective in replication and viral packaging. Instead of a viral genome, VSH-1 virions package random 7.5-kb fragments of B. hyodysenteriae chromosomal DNA and mediate gene transfer between B. hyodysenteriae cells. VSH-1 structural genes were identified based on matches to N-terminal amino acid sequences determined for several VSH-1 head and tail-associated proteins. The structural genes were sequenced and mapped to a 14.3-kb region of the B. hyodysenteriae chromosome. The VSH-1 sequence was delimited upstream and downstream by open reading frames with a high degree of translated amino acid sequence homology to bacterial genes. The VSH-1 structural genes were closely grouped with head morphogenetic genes preceding tail morphogenetic genes. An adjacent open reading frame with homology to bacteriophage endolysins was identified. The VSH-1 gene arrangement is consistent with the organization of bacteriophage late operons.
Evaluation of the photosynthetic efficiency of sweet sorghum under drought and cold conditions

Sweet sorghum, a C4 crop of tropical origin, is gaining momentum as a multipurpose feedstock to tackle the growing environmental, food and energy security demands. Under temperate climates sweet sorghum is considered as a potential bioethanol feedstock, however, being a relatively new crop in such areas its physiological and metabolic adaptability has to be evaluated; especially to the more frequent and severe drought spells occurring throughout the growing season and to the cold temperatures during the establishment period of the crop. The objective of this thesis was to evaluate some adaptive photosynthetic traits of sweet sorghum to drought and cold stress, both under field and controlled conditions. To meet such goal, a series of experiments were carried out. A new cold-tolerant sweet sorghum genotype was sown in rhizotrons of 1 m3 in order to evaluate its tolerance to progressive drought until plant death at young and mature stages. Young plants were able to retain high photosynthetic rate for 10 days longer than mature plants. Such response was associated to the efficient PSII down-regulation capacity mediated by light energy dissipation, closure of reaction centers (JIP-test parameters), and accumulation of glucose and sucrose. On the other hand, when sweet sorghum plants went into blooming stage, neither energy dissipation nor sugar accumulation counteracted the negative effect of drought. Two hybrids with contrastable cold tolerance, selected from an early sowing field trial were subjected to chilling temperatures under controlled growth conditions to evaluate in deep their physiological and metabolic cold adaptation mechanisms. The hybrid which poorly performed under field conditions (ICSSH31), showed earlier metabolic changes (Chl a + b, xanthophyll cycle) and greater inhibition of enzymatic activity (Rubisco and PEPcase activity) than the cold tolerant hybrid (Bulldozer). Important insights on the potential adaptability of sweet sorghum to temperate climates are given.
Effect of Different Levels of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium on Growth and Flowering of African Marigold cv. Pusa Narangi

A field experiment was conducted on African marigold with different levels of fertilizers doses i.e. 0g, 11g, 22g of nitrogen, 0g, 10g 20g of phosphorus and 0g, 4g, 8g of potassium/m2 at the field of Horticulture Department, C.C. R. (P.G.) College, Muzaffarnagar (U.P.) during the winter season in 2005-2006. Most of the growth and flowering characters were found to be increased at higher level of N, P and K. By observing the data it can be suggested that 150 kg/ha nitrogen, 100 kg/ha phosphorus and 80 kg/ha potassium were found suitable doses for the commercial cultivation of African marigold western plain zone of U.P.
A comparison of sampling techniques to estimate number of wetlands

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service and Canadian Wildlife Service use annual estimates of the number of ponded wetlands to estimate duck production and establish duck hunting regulations. Sampling techniques that minimize bias may provide more reliable estimates of annual duck production. Using a wetland geographic information system (GIS), we estimated number of wetlands using standard counting protocol with belt transects and samples of square plots. Estimates were compared to the known number of wetlands in the GIS to determine bias. Bias in transect-derived estimates ranged from +67-87% of the known number of wetlands, compared to bias of +3-6% in estimates from samples of 10.24-km2 plots. We recommend using samples of 10.24km2 plots stratified by wetland density to decrease bias.
Genetic analysis of hybrids between maize and perennial teosinte. II. Ear traits

Eleven Hawatian tropical maize (Zea mays. L.) inbreds (Hi25…Hi35) were crossed with perennial teosinte (Zea diploperennis Iltis, Doebley and Guzman) and their F 1 hybrids and advanced generations (F 2 and backcrosses to the two parents) studied using generation mean analysis during three seasons. The F 1 hybrids had ear traits which were intermediate to the two parents and possessed 4 kernel rows per ear. The F 2 generation showed segregation for all the characters studied but reverted to the maize-type especially for ear-related traits rapidly with one backcross to the maize parent. The ease of recovery of maize ear type within only a few backcrosses holds promise for transferring certain insect and disease resistance genes from Zea diploperennis into a maize background. A total of five ear- related traits were studied for their gene action and are presented in this paper. All the characters were greatly influenced by epistatic effects while dominance gene action was observed for many of the ear traits. Significant negative dominance gene action was observed for number of ears per plant. For ear length, dominance variance was noticed in eight out of eleven crosses. Based on the results from this study, Zea diploperennis appears to hold promise for improving cultivated maize, for many of the ear-related traits.
Optimising treatment system for kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus) particleboard with ffire retardants.

Particleboard is widely used for panelling, partitioning and ceiling in buildings. The treatment of this material to improve fire performance is not an exception. A study was carried out to determine the fire performance of kenaf particleboard treated with phosphorous-based fire retardants. Kenaf core particles were first treated separately with 8 and 10% solutions of monoammonium phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate (DAP) and a mixture of boric acid, guanylurea phosphate and phosphoric acid (BP®) using hot and cold bath processes. The soaking time needed to achieve the standard dry salt retention, i.e. 50 kg m-3 was determined. Particleboards from these treated kenaf particles were fabricated and their fire performance evaluated. Using 8% treating solution, it took about 36, 21 and 48 min of immersing in cold bath to achieve the standard retention requirement for MAP, DAP and BP® respectively but for 10% concentration, the times were slightly shorter, i.e. 15, 20 and 35 min respectively. Among the three phosphorous formulations, BP® showed the best performance in improving the insulation and integrity of kenaf particleboard when exposed to fire. This is followed by MAP and DAP. BP®-treated board was the last to ignite compared with the other two boards.
Impact of educational intervention on knowledge, attitude, and practice of pharmacovigilance among nurses

Introduction: Pharmacovigilance (PV) helps in gathering adverse drug reaction (ADR) data regarding drugs. However, underreporting of ADR is still very high among health-care professional due to lack of knowledge and awareness. Nurses can play a vital role in collection of ADR data. However, at present, we have little data about awareness of PV among nurses in India. This study was planned to know the level of knowledge, awareness, and practice of PV among nurses and subsequent change in these after educational intervention PV session. Materials and Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional descriptive questionnaire-based study among nursing staff of a Tertiary Health Care and Teaching Institute. Nursing staff was given pre-designed descriptive questionnaire. Participants were asked to fill knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) questionnaire before and after interactive educational training program. The impact of the educational intervention was evaluated by comparing the pre- and post-intervention questionnaire using Fisher's exact test. Results: A total of 98 participants filled the questionnaires before and after the educational intervention. Educational program on PV was found to statistically increase the correct response regarding knowledge and positive attitudes toward various aspects of PV. Conclusion: The KAP of nurses increased after training program on PV. It increased their level of awareness about principles and techniques of PV. Such educational intervention if held regularly can help in long-term practice of PV.
A Study of Some Aspects of Lifetime Production in Targhee and Columbia Sheep

The relative lifetime lamb and wool production data for Targhee and Columbia sheep maintained by the Agricultural Experiment Station at Montana State University was analyzed for ewes born from 1950 to 1962. The productive traits concerned were analyzed by least square analysis of variance with interaction, phenotypic correlation and heritability was estimated. The total number of animals studied was 732 Targhees and 411 Columbias. In Targhees, it was observed that type of birth of the ewes sire affects the number of lambs born, whereas in Columbias the type of birth of ewe affects the trait. The interaction of type of birth was observed to be significant for number of lambs weaned in Targhees. The fleece production showed a significant effect of type of birth of ewe and her sire in Targhees but not in Columbias. Multiple births showed a positive significant correlation in Targhees with type of birth of the ewes sire whereas in Columbias type of birth of ewe was significant. Lamb and wool production showed variable significant correlations with yearling and weaning weights in both the breeds but were of low magnitude. The heritability for weaning and yearling weight were observed to be quite high in both the breeds in comparison tp other traits studied. The heritability of multiple births in Targhees was observed to be quite high compared to other breeds of sheep. In presenting this thesis in partial fulfillment of the require­ ments for an advanced degree at Montana State University, I agree that the Library shall make it freely available for inspection. I further agree that permission for extensive copying.of this thesis for scholarly purposes.may be granted by my major professor, or, in his absence, by the Director of Libraries. It is understood that any copying.or publi­ cation of this thesis for financial gain shall not be allowed without my written permission. S ignature fijjjtn/p I Date QfcAA A STUDY ON SOME ASPECTS OF LIFETIME PRODUCTION IN TARGHEE AND COLUMBIA SHEEP ARUN KUMAR BASUTHAKUR A thesis submitted to the Graduate Faculty in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF SCIENCE in Animal Science
Post-operative hypocalcaemia following open thyroidectomy for benign multinodular goiters using FOCUS harmonic scalpel versus conventional suture ligation technique for hemostasis - a prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial

Purpose: Vessel hemostasis during thyroidectomy reduces the risk of post-operative hypocalcaemia and is achieved using several techniques. The aim of this study was to compare the occurrence of hypocalcaemia 24-48 hours following total thyroidectomy using FOCUS harmonic scalpel (HS) versus conventional suture ligation (CSL). Methods: A prospective, single-blind, randomized trial in which 76 patients with benign multinodular goiters were randomized into two groups to receive total thyroidectomy using HS (n=38) or CSL (n=38) techniques. Patients were monitored for hypocalcaemia at 24 and 48 hours postthyroidectomy and their length of postoperative hospital stay was recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test using SPSS to detect significant differences between groups. Results: The incidence of post-operative hypocalcaemia was 15.79% in the HS group, and 36.84%, in the CSL group (p =0.033). The number of in situ parathyroid glands was significantly associated with hypocalcaemia in the CSL group (P=0.019), but not in the HS group (P=0.372). Length of hospital stay was 2.63±0.85 in the CSL group and 1.37±0.67 days in the HS group (P<0.001). Conclusion: Compared to conventional hemostasis, FOCUS HS reduces the overall risk of hypocalcaemia during thyroidectomy for benign thyroid disease. The conventional suture ligation technique should be replaced with FOCUS HS technique for thyroidectomy.
Mothered, Mothering, and Motherizing in Illness Narratives: What Women Cancer Survivors in Southern Central Appalachia Reveal About Mothering-Disruption

Informed by a mothering-disruption framework, our study examines the illness narratives of women cancer survivors living in Southern Central Appalachia. We collected the stories of twenty-nine women cancer survivors from northeast Tennessee and southwest Virginia using a multi-phasic qualitative design. Phase I consisted of women cancer survivors participating in a day-long story circle (n=26). Phase II consisted of women cancer survivors who were unable to attend the story circle; this sample sub-set participated in in-depth interviews (n=3) designed to capture their illness narratives. Participants’ illness narratives revealed the presence of: (1) mothering-disruption whereby cancer adversely impacted the mothering role; and (2) mothering-connection, whereby the cancer experience motivated mother-survivors. Participants’ illness narratives reflected that the role of mother was the preeminent role for mother-survivors and whenever there was oppositional tension between the roles of mother and survivor, the women-survivors seemed to linguistically relocate away from the survivor role and toward the mothering role. As a result, women-survivors seemingly rejected medicalization of their identities by emphasizing their mothering responsibilities, something we term motherizing.
Reproductive behavior of yellow-bellied sapsuckers. I. Preference for nesting in Fomes-infected aspens and nesthole interrelations with flying squirrels, raccoons, and other animals

A concept presented below is that woodpeckers have search images of optimal nest trees and in this regard Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers (Sphyrapicus varius) are attracted to mature aspens (Populus tremuloides) bearing conks of the false tinder (Fomes igniarius var. populinus) (Shigo and Kilham, 1968). The fungus renders these trees particularly favorable in several ways: first in inducing extensive decay of the heartwood (Fig. 1) and second in sparing the sapwood which remains as a tough outer living shell protecting the nest cavity. As described below, sapsuckers may re-nest in a suitable aspen over many years. Selection pressures which may operate in formation of search images form the basis of a final discussion. Those emphasized in the following accounts being predation by raccoons (Procyon lotor), close association with tree squirrels and, to some degree, interspecific competition with Hairy Woodpeckers (Dendrocopos villosus). This report is based on 50 nestings, of which 29 were in aspens, noted between 1958 and 1970 in Tamworth and in Lyme, New Hampshire. Reports giving background to these studies on sapsuckers are one on breeding behavior (Kilham, 1962a) and another on feeding behavior (Kilham, 1964). Other accounts of nesting sapsuckers are given by Bent (1939) and by Lawrence (1967). Both authors mention aspens as nest trees but do not discuss the role played by F. igniarius. Philipp and Bowditch (1917), however, noted of S. varius in New Brunswick that "The favorite (nest) situation was the dead heart of a live poplar. "
Anatomia dos ovarios e corpos adiposos de Scinax fuscovaria (Anura, Hylidae)

ANATOMY OF THE OVARIES ANO FAT BOOIES OF SCINAX FUSCOVARIA (ANURA, HYUOAE). The propitiousenvironmental conditions are responsible for a wide diversity of amphibians in many Brazilian regions. However, the inner morphological characteristics of the majority of these animaIs are not completely known. This paper aims at describing some anatomical characteristicsof the Scinax fusco varia fat bodies and ovaries. The ovaries are lobulated organs bounded by a tenuous and transparent ovarian capsule, which a/lows the identification of different types of germ ce/ls. Itis also brief/y described the histological characteristics of that ce/lular strain (oogonia, oocytes I,11,111, IV). The fat bodies, which are structures juxtaposed to the reproductive system, are attached digitiform prolongations near the cranial edges of kidneys and gonads. 80th structures, ovaries and fat bodies, present great morphological changes during their