Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Proteolytic Volatile Profile and Electrophoretic Analysis of Casein Composition in Milk and Cheese Derived from Mironutrient-Fed Cows

The aim of the study was to evaluate the proteolytic process in Caciocavallo cheese obtained from Friesian cows fed zinc, selenium, and iodine supplementation. Thirty-six Friesian cows, balanced for parity, milk production, and days in milk, were randomly assigned to four groups. The control group (CG) was fed with a conventional feeding strategy, while the three remaining groups received a diet enriched with three different trace elements, respectively zinc (ZG), selenium (SG), and iodine (IG). At the end of the experimental period, samples of milk were collected and used to produce Caciocavallo cheese from each experimental group. Cheese samples were then analyzed after 7 and 120 days from the cheese making in order to obtain information on chemical composition and extent of the proteolytic process, evaluated through the electrophoretic analysis of caseins and the determination of volatiles profile. Both milk and cheese samples were richer in the amount of the microelement respectively used for the integration of the cattle’s diet. The zymographic approach was helpful in evaluating, in milk, the proteolytic function performed by endogenous metalloenzymes specifically able to degrade gelatin and casein; this evaluation did not highlight significant differences among the analyzed samples. In cheese, the electrophoretic analysis in reducing and denaturing condition showed the marked ability of β-casein to resist the proteolytic action during ripening, whereas the dietary selenium supplementation was shown to perform a protective action against the degradation of S1 and S2 isoforms of α-casein. The analysis of the volatile profile evidenced the presence of compounds associated with proteolysis of phenylalanine and leucine. This approach showed that selenium was able to negatively influence the biochemical processes that lead to the formation of 3-methyl butanol, although the identification of the specific mechanism needs further investigation.
Proficiency based progression simulation training significantly reduces utility strikes; A prospective, randomized and blinded study

Objectives We evaluated a simulation-based training curriculum with quantitatively defined performance benchmarks for utility workers location and excavation of utility services. Background Damaging buried utilities is associated with considerable safety risks to workers and substantial cost to employers. Methods In a prospective, randomized and blinded study we assessed the impact of Proficiency Based Progression (PBP) simulation training on the location and excavation of utility services work. Results PBP simulation training reduced performance errors (33%, p = 0.006) in comparison a standard trained group. When implemented across all workers in the same division there was a 35–61% reduction in utility strikes (p = 0.028) and an estimated cost saving of £116,000 –£2,175,000 in the 12 months (47,000 work hours) studied. Conclusions The magnitude of the training benefit of PBP simulation training in the utilities sector appears to be the same as it is in surgery, cardiology and procedure-based medicine. Application Quality-assured utility worker simulation training significantly reduces utility damage and associated costs.
Low-Frequency Vibrations Enhance Thrombolytic Therapy and Improve Stroke Outcomes

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background and Purpose— We aim to determine the potential impact on stroke thrombolysis of drip-and-ship helicopter flights and specifically of their low-frequency vibrations (LFVs). Methods— Mice with a middle cerebral artery autologous thromboembolic occlusion were randomized to receive rtPA (recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator; or saline) 90 minutes later in 3 different settings: (1) a motion platform simulator that reproduced the LFV signature of the helicopter, (2) a standardized actual helicopter flight, and (3) a ground control. Results— Mice assigned to the LFV simulation while receiving tPA had smaller infarctions (31.6 versus 54.9 mm3; P=0.007) and increased favorable neurological outcomes (86% versus 28%; P=0.0001) when compared with ground controls. Surprisingly, mice receiving tPA in the helicopter did not exhibit smaller infarctions (47.8 versus 54.9 mm3; P=0.58) nor improved neurological outcomes (37% versus 28%; P=0.71). This could be due to a causative effect of the 20- to 30-Hz band, which was inadvertently attenuated during actual flights. Mice using saline showed no differences between the LFV simulator and controls with respect to infarct size (80.9 versus 95.3; P=0.81) or neurological outcomes (25% versus 11%; P=0.24), ruling out an effect of LFV alone. There were no differences in blood-brain barrier permeability between LFV simulator or helicopter, compared with controls (2.45–3.02 versus 4.82 mm3; P=0.14). Conclusions— Vibration in the low-frequency range (0.5–120 Hz) is synergistic with rtPA, significantly improving the effectiveness of thrombolysis without impairing blood-brain barrier permeability. Our findings reveal LFV as a novel, safe, and simple-to-deliver intervention that could improve the outcomes of patients.
Effects of dietary supplementation of glutamine and mannan oligosaccharides on plasma endotoxin and acute phase protein concentrations and nutrient digestibility in finishing steers

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation of glutamine (Gln) and mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) on plasma endotoxin and acute phase protein concentrations and nutrient apparent digestibility in finishing steers. Eighteen Simmental×Luxi crossbred finishing steers were randomly and evenly divided into three treatments: (1) the basal diet (control); (2) the basal diet + 1% Gln; (3) the basal diet + 0.2% MOS. The results showed: dietary supplementation of Gln decreased the plasma and fecal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by 7.10% and 12.49%, respectively, but the differences did not attain statistical significance (P>0.05). The plasma concentrations of haptoglobin (Hp), serum amyloid A (SAA), and C-reactive protein (CRP) were not affected (P>0.05), but the plasma concentration of LPS binding protein (LBP) was increased (P<0.01). Dietary supplementation of MOS decreased (P<0.05) the plasma and fecal LPS contents by 10.43% and 18.35%, respectively, and reduced the plasma contents of Hp, SAA, CRP, and LBP by 95.65% (P<0.05), 85.88% (P<0.05), 50.63% (P<0.05), and 46.80% (P>0.05), respectively. Dietary supplementation of Gln and MOS had no effects on nutrient apparent digestibility (P>0.05). Overall, MOS is more effective than Gln in decreasing the concentrations of LPS in plasma and feces, and the plasma acute phase proteins are affected in different manners by Gln and MOS supplementation.
Divergence of the growth characteristics and longevity of coexisting Platycephalidae (Pisces)

Divergent age and growth characteristics can reduce deleterious competitive interactions between taxonomically related species facilitating coexistence. Five platycephalid fish species, Platycephalus caeruleopunctatus, Platycephalus longispinis, Platycephalus richardsoni, Ambiserrula jugosa and Ratabulus diversidens, inhabit inner continental shelf habitats along the east coast of Australia. We tested the hypothesis that the age and growth characteristics of these five species are unique. The age of each species was estimated by counting the number of opaque zones in sectioned otoliths. The maximum observed age ranged from 4 years for A. jugosa to 16 years for P. longispinis. von Bertalanffy growth functions were fitted to length-at-age data for each combination of species, sex and location and compared using likelihood ratio tests. The age and growth characteristics of each species were unique and each species displayed sexually dimorphic growth, with females growing larger than males. The unique species-specific growth characteristics may assist length-based partitioning of resources, reducing competitive interactions and facilitate coexistence between these platycephalid species.
Generation of Aggregates of α-Lactalbumin by UV-B Light Exposure

Whey proteins are widely used as ingredients in the form of aggregates to obtain certain functionalities in food applications. The aim of this study was to understand how UV illumination generates aggregates of α-lactalbumin (α-LA) as an alternative to heat treatments traditionally used for industrial production of protein aggregates. Absorption of UV light by α-LA caused cleavage of disulfide bonds and release of thiol groups, which resulted in primarily disulfide-mediated aggregation. This process mediated efficient aggregation with up to 98% monomer conversion into aggregates through formation of intermolecular disulfide bonds, while only minor levels of nonreducible cross-links were observed. SDS-PAGE analysis revealed that illumination led to formation of dimeric, trimeric, and oligomeric forms of α-LA. LC-MS/MS analysis showed that all of the four native disulfide bonds in α-LA were cleaved by UV illumination but to different extents, and the extent of cleavage was found to be higher in the absence of calcium. Seventeen different non-native disulfides were formed after 24 h of UV illumination. Two dityrosine bonds were identified (Tyr103-Tyr103 and Tyr36-Tyr103) alongside ditryptophan (Trp118-Trp118) and tyrosine-tryptophan (Tyr50-Trp60) cross-links. In addition, Trp60, Trp118, Cys73, Cys91, Cys120, Phe80, Met90, His68, and His107 were found to be oxidized up to 12% as compared to a nonilluminated control. Our work illustrates that light exposure can be used for generation of α-LA aggregates, but optimization of the illumination conditions is required to reduce oxidative damage to Trp, Cys, Phe, Met, and His residues.
14-3-3 Proteins and Other Candidates form Protein-Protein Interactions with the Cytosolic C-terminal End of SOS1 Affecting Its Transport Activity

The plasma membrane transporter SOS1 (SALT-OVERLY SENSITIVE1) is vital for plant survival under salt stress. SOS1 activity is tightly regulated, but little is known about the underlying mechanism. SOS1 contains a cytosolic, autoinhibitory C-terminal tail (abbreviated as SOS1 C-term), which is targeted by the protein kinase SOS2 to trigger its transport activity. Here, to identify additional binding proteins that regulate SOS1 activity, we synthesized the SOS1 C-term domain and used it as bait to probe Arabidopsis thaliana cell extracts. Several 14-3-3 proteins, which function in plant salt tolerance, specifically bound to and interacted with the SOS1 C-term. Compared to wild-type plants, when exposed to salt stress, Arabidopsis plants overexpressing SOS1 C-term showed improved salt tolerance, significantly reduced Na+ accumulation in leaves, reduced induction of the salt-responsive gene WRKY25, decreased soluble sugar, starch, and proline levels, less impaired inflorescence formation and increased biomass. It appears that overexpressing SOS1 C-term leads to the sequestration of inhibitory 14-3-3 proteins, allowing SOS1 to be more readily activated and leading to increased salt tolerance. We propose that the SOS1 C-term binds to previously unknown proteins such as 14-3-3 isoforms, thereby regulating salt tolerance. This finding uncovers another regulatory layer of the plant salt tolerance program.
Understanding the Deterioration of Gait, Postural Control, Lower Limb Strength and Perceived Fatigue Across the Disability Spectrum of People with Multiple Sclerosis

Disability progression is a prominent feature of multiple sclerosis (MS). However, little is known about the extent to which physical condition parameters and perceived fatigue evolve during the disease. We analyzed how strength, balance, core stability and perceived fatigue differ among different cohorts of people with MS (PwMS) with different disability degrees and how these contribute to patients’ gait speed and functional mobility. Sixty-three PwMS divided into three groups according to the “Expanded Disability Status Scale” (MS1: EDSS ≤ 1.5; MS2: 2 ≤ EDSS ≤ 3.5; MS3: 4 ≤ EDSS ≤ 6) and 22 healthy controls (HC) participated in this study. MS1 showed lower balance and hip strength compared to HC. MS2 showed lower balance, core stability, gait speed, and functional mobility than MS1. MS3 showed lower gait speed, functional mobility, balance, and knee flexion strength than MS2. No between-group differences were observed in perceived fatigue. Relative weight analysis showed that strength, balance and core stability explained 60%–70% of the variance in gait speed and functional mobility. The decline of each parameter did not evolve at the same rate across the different stages of the disease, being knee flexion strength and balance the most influential factors in the disability progression. Overall, these results provide useful information to guide exercise prescription at different stages of MS.
piRNA and Transposon Dynamics in Drosophila: A Female Story

Abstract The germlines of metazoans contain transposable elements (TEs) causing genetic instability and affecting fitness. To protect the germline from TE activity, gonads of metazoans produce TE-derived PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) that silence TE expression. In Drosophila, our understanding of piRNA biogenesis is mainly based on studies of the Drosophila melanogaster female germline. However, it is not known whether piRNA functions are also important in the male germline or whether and how piRNAs are affected by the global genomic context. To address these questions, we compared genome sequences, transcriptomes, and small RNA libraries extracted from entire testes and ovaries of two sister species: D. melanogaster and Drosophila simulans. We found that most TE-derived piRNAs were produced in ovaries and that piRNA pathway genes were strongly overexpressed in ovaries compared with testes, indicating that the silencing of TEs by the piRNA pathway mainly took place in the female germline. To study the relationship between host piRNAs and TE landscape, we analyzed TE genomic features and how they correlate with piRNA production in the two species. In D. melanogaster, we found that TE-derived piRNAs target recently active TEs. In contrast, although Drosophila simulans TEs do not display any features of recent activity, the host still intensively produced silencing piRNAs targeting old TE relics. Together, our results show that the piRNA silencing response mainly takes place in Drosophila ovaries and indicate that the host piRNA response is implemented following a burst of TE activity and could persist long after the extinction of active TE families.
There is a Relationship Between Obesity and Coronavirus Disease 2019 but More Information is Needed

We read with particular interest your comments in Obesity regarding the Coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) epidemic (1) and a related manuscript by Simonnet et al. (2). Resolution of the specific relationship between obesity and COVID-19, two existing public health epidemics, is critically needed to potentially prevent health systems worldwide from being overburdened. Few studies describing COVID-19 with rates of obesity exist, and most are based on heterogeneous populations (Table 1) (2-7). In cohort studies with COVID-19 disease, obesity rates are generally reported as no higher than population-based estimates; in contrast, subgroups of critically ill patients (e.g, intensive care unit (ICU)) report higher prevalence rates of obesity.
Fontes, doses e extratores de fósforo em alfafa e centrosema

The objective of this work was to study the effect of four rates and four sources of P on dry matter production, and of phosphorus content in alfalfa and centrosema grown in pots containing a Red-Yellow Latosol (Oxisol), and to evaluate soil phosphorus by three extractants. The treatments were completely randomized in a 4 x 4 x 6 factorial design, with three replicates. Four sources of P were used at the rates of 0, 50, 100 and 200 mg kg-1, supplied as triple superphosphate (TSP), Arad rock phosphate (ARP), North Caroline rock phosphate (NCRP) and Yoorin magnesium thermophosphate (YTP), and six monthly harvests were made. The various rates of phosphorus applied increased both dry matter and P content in dry matter, alfalfa being more responsive. YTP ranked first in the total dry mater production: in six cuttings 50.17 g and 70.89 g were obtained, respectively with alfalfa and centrosema when 200 mg kg-1 was used. The extractants Mehlich 1 and 3 and resin presented each other a high correlation in the evaluation of the available phosphorus. Considering the average of the three rates of application and all cuttings, total P taken up obeyed the following decreasing order: YTP > TSP > NCRP > ARP.
How rare is the rare Andean cat?

Abstract Although rareness is the main criterion used to list the Andean cat Leopardus jacobita as endangered, information on its population abundance is lacking. During 14 expeditions to north-western Argentina, we recorded the culpeo Lycalopex culpaeus at all sites where we interviewed local people, the Pampas cat Leopardus colocolo at 85.2% of sites and Leopardus jacobita at 66.7% of sites. Encounter rates for indirect signs of small cats and foxes were similar. DNA genotyping showed that only 4.9% of faecal samples from small cats were from L. jacobita. Camera trapping recorded culpeos in 85.7%, Pampas cats in 71.4%, and Andean cats in 42.9% of the areas. The mean capture rate for culpeos was more than twice that for Pampas cats and five-fold that for Andean cats. Direct signs of L. culpaeus were the most abundant, whereas those for L. colocolo and L. jacobita were similar. Culpeos are more widespread and abundant than small cats in the High Andes. Populations of L. jacobita are less homogeneously distributed than those of L. colocolo, but clear differences in abundance of sympatric populations were not detected. Our results support the need for conservation measures for L. jacobita, an endemic of the High Andes.
The Association of Malnutrition and Disease Conditions in Mortality of Pediatric Patients Presenting to a Rural Emergency Department in Uganda

Objectives The main objectives of this study were to determine the effect of concurrent malnutrition on disease condition and the primary outcome of mortality in children younger than 5 years hospitalized after presenting to a rural emergency department (ED) in Uganda and to identify a high-risk patient population who may benefit from acute ED intervention. Methods A retrospective, observational study was performed to examine the effect of any form of malnutrition on the primary disease conditions of lower-respiratory tract infection (LRTI), malaria, and diarrheal illness. This study was conducted via review of a quality assurance database between January 2010 and July 2014. Results Of 3428 hospitalized children, the mean age (SD) was 19.8 months (13.9 months) and 56% were boys. Children diagnosed with malaria, an LRTI, or diarrheal illness all had a higher rate of mortality with concurrent malnutrition versus those without malnutrition (malaria, 6.2% [3.6–8.8%] vs 2.8% [2.0–3.7%]; P < 0.01; LRTI, 8.7% [5.0–12.4%] vs. 3.7% [2.6–4.9%], P < 0.01; and diarrheal illness, 10.9% [1.9–19.9%] vs 1.7% [0.1–3.4%], P < 0.01). In children with an LRTI or malaria with concurrent malnutrition, they were statistically significantly less likely to have abnormal temperature and heart rate during the ED encounter than those without concurrent malnutrition. Conclusions Based on these results, children with malnutrition and concurrent diseases with known high morbidity may not present with abnormal vital signs. This may have clinical relevance in patient management to the acute care provider in identifying and triaging children with malnutrition and acute disease conditions.
Forage-Based Beef Finishing Systems: A Review

The objective of this paper is to review alternative methods of increasing the use of forage in beef finishing systems. Most finishing systems based on an all-forage diet have not been particularly successfuL Without grain finishing, the final product can have an inconsistent quality grade and a grassy flavor. The greatest sensory difference between forage-fed and grain-fed steers appears to be the flavor of the fat. Diterpenoids seem to be the off-flavor's source. These are derived from the action of ruminal microorganisms as they break down chlorophyll. Phyt-2-ene has been identified as the most discriminating compound for off-flavor. It was also found to be the strongest indicator that a steer had been forage-finished. As time on grain lengthened, the levels of - tetradecalactone and -hexadecalactone increased, indicating their correlation with desirable flavor characteristics of grain-finished beef. Other investigators have correlated the off-flavor to C 18:3 unsaturated fatty acids. The two methods that show the most promise and increase the use of forage in beef finishing systems are (i) supplemental feeding of cattle on pastures to reduce length of time required for feedlot finishing and (ii) finishing cattle in a pasture with supplemented energy. Efforts to reduce feedlot time have lessened the total concentrate fed and have been economically successful. When finishing cattle in a pasture with supplemental energy, those studies that limited grain intake the last 60 to 80 d before slaughter had mixed results. However, when proper forage management was used in order to ensure adequate supply of high quality forage, carcasses with acceptable quality were produced. Researchers who provided limited supplementation or energy for at least 112 d and fed free choice grain the last 60 to 80 d before slaughter reported that USDA Choice beef was produced. However, USDA quality grade is not necessarily an adequate means to determine the effectiveness of a pasture-based finishing system. Researchers have to determine when meat flavor changes from grass to grain and the possibility of achieving this transfer on pasture with energy supplementation.