Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Efficacy of a Dental Chew to Reduce Gingivitis, Dental Plaque, Calculus, and Halitosis in Toy Breed Dogs

The aim of this study was to determine the clinical efficacy of a dental chew with mechanical and chemical properties in 2 toy dog breeds. Eight Yorkshire terriers and 9 Chihuahuas participated in a crossover design trial. Gingivitis, dental plaque, calculus, and volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) in the breath were assessed after 4 weeks and 9 weeks, respectively. When dogs were fed 1 dental chew per day they had significantly reduced gingivitis (−20%, P < .001), accumulation of plaque (−15%, P < .001), calculus (−35%, P = .001), and VSC concentration (−19%, P < .001) compared to when receiving no chew. A significant breed effect was observed on all the average dental indices and VSC concentration.
(Epi)genetic profiling of extraembryonic and postnatal tissues from female monozygotic twins discordant for Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome

Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is an overgrowth disorder caused by defects at the 11p15.5 imprinted region. Many cases of female monozygotic (MZ) twins discordant for BWS have been reported, but no definitive conclusions have been drawn regarding the link between epigenetic defects, twinning process, and gender. Here, we report a comprehensive characterization and follow‐up of female MZ twins discordant for BWS.
Erythropoietic and Bone Marrow Stimulating Activity of Terminalia catappa Extract: Possible Role of Nitric Oxide Signaling

Aims: We assessed the capacity and mechanism of Terminalia catappa (TC) to induce erythropoiesis in vivo in phenylhydrazineinduced anemic mice. Place and Duration of Study: Sample: This study was carried out at Department of Biochemistry and Center for Biotechnology Research and Training Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, and National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria. The duration spanned between Jan 2011 and Feb 2012. Methodology: Solvent fractions of Terminalia catappa aqueous extract was used to treat phynylhydrazine-induced anemic mice. Treatment was done for four days, erythropoietic activity of each fraction was assayed by determining the effect of these fractions on intracellular hemoglobin and reticulocyte level from the blood, arginase was also assayed. Research Article Aimola et al.; Article no. IBRR.2013. 001 2 Bone marrow carbonic anhydrase was assayed to monitor bone marrow erythropoietic stimulation. Results: Terminalia catappa was able to up-regulate the synthesis of intracellular hemoglobin (0.135 ±0.004 μmol/0.1ml) significantly comparable to hydroxyurea (HU) (0.158±0.006 μmol/0.1ml), and normalize the peripheral blood reticulocyte index significantly at P<. 05 0.94±0.25% close to the non anemic mice 0.97±0.25% and bone marrow carbonic anhydrase activity. TC inhibited arginase activity significantly (P<.05) comparable to hydroxyurea. Conclusion: The results demonstrate Terminalia catappa extract as an erythropoietic agent that supports normal erythroid differentiation in vivo in phenylhydrazineinduced anemic mice in a synergistic fashion.
Decreased risk‐taking and loss‐chasing after subthalamic nucleus lesion in rats

The subthalamic nucleus (STN) is known to play a role in the control of impulsivity of action and in impulsivity of choice under certain conditions. In order to assess its influence on decision‐making under uncertainty, we have tested here the effects of bilateral STN lesions in rats performing a probability discounting task (PDT) and a “loss‐chasing” task, both tasks assessing risky decision under uncertainty, but one in a positive context (probability to obtain a larger reward) and the other in a negative context (risk for a larger loss). The PDT measures the choice between a small certain and a large uncertain reward. Conversely, in the “loss‐chasing” task, animals choose between accepting a small certain loss versus risking a larger but uncertain penalty. The results show that STN lesions reduce risk‐taking in both the PDT and the loss‐chasing task, suggesting that STN inactivation could decrease risky decision‐making whatever the nature of the outcome in an ambiguous context. Interestingly, opposite results were found in a small number of animals for which the lesions extended to the area dorsal to the STN (in the zona incerta), such that these animals increased choice of the uncertain option in the PDT. These results confirm the specificity of STN involvement in these processes and may provide explanations for some side‐effects reported in patients when STN manipulations extend to the Zona Incerta. They also support the choice of the STN as a target for the treatment of impulse control disorders in Parkinson’s disease and in obsessive compulsive disorders.
Population structure, recruitment and distribution patterns of "Patella depressa" Pennant, 1777 on the central Portuguese coast

Using in situ individual measurements at two levels of the shore during a one-year period, recruitment peaks of Patella depressa Pennant, 1777, possibly related to breeding periods, were identified during autumn-winter. Recruits were associated with lower levels on the shore, and juveniles mainly inhabited Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819 patches. Niche partitioning, intraspecific competition, and desiccation stress are discussed as decisive factors in the different size-class distributions found. A mark-recapture growth study was made at two substrata within study sites, one substratum with irregular depressions mainly composed of Chthamalus spp. , and a second regular substratum comprising mostly bare rock. Our results indicated lower growth increments in the irregular substratum zone, probably due to space availability and limited foraging activity.
Cluster Analysis of Inhalant Allergens in South Korea: A Computational Model of Allergic Sensitization

Objectives. Sensitization to specific inhalant allergens is a major risk factor for the development of atopic diseases, which impose a major socioeconomic burden and significantly diminish quality of life. However, patterns of inhalant allergic sensitization have yet to be precisely described. Therefore, to enhance the understanding of aeroallergens, we performed a cluster analysis of inhalant allergic sensitization using a computational model. Methods. Skin prick data were collected from 7,504 individuals. A positive skin prick response was defined as an allergen-to-histamine wheal ratio ≥1. To identify the clustering of inhalant allergic sensitization, we performed computational analysis using the four-parameter unified-Richards model. Results. Hierarchical cluster analysis grouped inhalant allergens into three clusters based on the Davies-Bouldin index (0.528): cluster 1 (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and Dermatophagoides farinae), cluster 2 (mugwort, cockroach, oak, birch, cat, and dog), and cluster 3 (Alternaria tenus, ragweed, Candida albicans, Kentucky grass, and meadow grass). Computational modeling revealed that each allergen cluster had a different trajectory over the lifespan. Cluster 1 showed a high level (>50%) of sensitization at an early age (before 19 years), followed by a sharp decrease in sensitization. Cluster 2 showed a moderate level (10%–20%) of sensitization before 29 years of age, followed by a steady decrease in sensitization. However, cluster 3 revealed a low level (<10%) of sensitization at all ages. Conclusion. Computational modeling suggests that allergic sensitization consists of three clusters with distinct patterns at different ages. The results of this study will be helpful to allergists in managing patients with atopic diseases.
An Insight into the Potential Parasitological Effect of Schistosoma mansoni Antigens in Infected Mice: Prophylactic Role of Cercarial Antigen

Abstract Schistosomiasis is a multifactorial disease that includes environmental, behavioral, parasitic, vector, and host factors. This study aimed to assess the protective effect of single and polyvalent antigens from cercarial antigen preparations (CAPs), soluble worm antigen preparations (SWAPs), and soluble egg antigens (SEAs) which were used as candidate vaccines in an experimental model of Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice. The efficiency of the antigens was tested by determining their effects on fecal egg count, egg viability analysis, and tissue egg counts. Histological and morphometric analyses of granulomas in liver and intestine tissues were performed. In the present study, all immunized groups showed a significant reduction in the average fecal egg count and tissue egg load compared with infected mice. The most substantial reduction in fecal egg count was observed in the combined vaccinated group (23.23 ± 3.2). The group vaccinated with CAP before infection showed the highest reduction in tissue egg load (liver and intestine: 85.22 and 91.70%, respectively). Immunized animals showed a highly significant reduction in the numbers of hepatic granulomas compared with the infected non-immunized group. In conclusion, combining these different antigens (CAP, SWAP, and SEA) augments the protective immunity compared with other immunized groups.
Large‐Scale Fabrication of Robust Artificial Skins from a Biodegradable Sealant‐Loaded Nanofiber Scaffold to Skin Tissue via Microfluidic Blow‐Spinning

Given that many people suffer from large‐area skin damage, skin regeneration is a matter of high concern. Here, an available method is developed for the formation of large‐area robust skins through three stages: fabrication of a biodegradable sealant‐loaded nanofiber scaffold (SNS), skin tissue reconstruction, and skin regeneration. First, a microfluidic blow‐spinning strategy is proposed to fabricate a large‐scale nanofiber scaffold with an area of 140 cm × 40 cm, composed of fibrinogen‐loaded polycaprolactone/silk fibroin (PCL/SF) ultrafine core–shell nanofibers with mean diameter of 65 nm. Then, the SNS forms, where the gelling reaction of fibrin sealant occurs in situ between thrombin and fibrinogen on PCL/SF nanofiber surface, to promote the migration and proliferation of fibroblasts, accelerating skin regeneration. Through an in vivo study, it is shown that the SNS can rapidly repair acute tissue damage such as vascular bleeding and hepatic hemorrhage, and also promote angiogenesis, large‐area abdominal wall defect repair, and wound tissue regeneration for medical problems in the world. Besides, it avoids the risk of immune rejection and secondary surgery in clinical applications. This strategy offers a facile route to regenerate large‐scale robust skin, which shows great potential in abdominal wall defect repair.
Coordination of hippocampal theta and gamma oscillations relative to spatial active avoidance reflects cognitive outcome after febrile status epilepticus.

Cognitive deficits may arise from a variety of genetic alterations and neurological insults that impair neural coding mechanisms and the routing of neural information underpinning learning and memory. Slow and medium gamma oscillations underpin memory recall and sensorimotor processing and represent dynamic inputs at CA1 synapses. Febrile status epilepticus (FSE) can lead to increased risk for temporal lobe epilepsy and enduring cognitive impairments. In a rodent model, we assessed how FSE alters hippocampal CA1 signals relative to spatial task performance and serve as a readout of synaptic input efficacy. The power of theta (5-12 Hz), slow gamma (30-50 Hz), and medium gamma (70-90 Hz) differentially interact with respect to cognitive demands during active avoidance behavior on a rotating arena. Successful avoidance was characterized by slow gamma that was largest several seconds before or after peak acceleration. Peak acceleration coincides with peak theta oscillations, followed within approximately 1 s by peak medium gamma. FSE animals showing impairment in the task maintained the profiles of theta and medium gamma associated with increased sensorimotor processing following peak acceleration but did not exhibit the same slow gamma profile associated with epochs of memory retrieval. While CA1 synapses from entorhinal cortex were functionally unaffected by FSE, communication via synapses from CA3 may have been impaired, leading to both temporal discoordination and poor memory retrieval. These findings demonstrate theta/gamma profiles can serve as both physiological biomarkers for memory retrieval or encoding deficits and synapse level treatment targets that could attenuate cognitive comorbidities associated with early life seizures. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
Characteristics of Recurrent Ischemic Stroke After Embolic Stroke of Undetermined Source: Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance The concept of embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS) unifies a subgroup of cryptogenic strokes based on neuroimaging, a defined minimum set of diagnostic tests, and exclusion of certain causes. Despite an annual stroke recurrence rate of 5%, little is known about the etiology underlying recurrent stroke after ESUS. Objective To identify the stroke subtype of recurrent ischemic strokes after ESUS, to explore the interaction with treatment assignment in each category, and to examine the consistency of cerebral location of qualifying ESUS and recurrent ischemic stroke. Design, Setting, and Participants The NAVIGATE-ESUS trial was a randomized clinical trial conducted from December 23, 2014, to October 5, 2017. The trial compared the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban and aspirin in patients with recent ESUS (n = 7213). Ischemic stroke was validated in 309 of the 7213 patients by adjudicators blinded to treatment assignment and classified by local investigators into the categories ESUS or non-ESUS (ie, cardioembolic, atherosclerotic, lacunar, other determined cause, or insufficient testing). Five patients with recurrent strokes that could not be defined as ischemic or hemorrhagic in absence of neuroimaging or autopsy were excluded. Data for this secondary post hoc analysis were analyzed from March to June 2019. Interventions Patients were randomly assigned to receive rivaroxaban, 15 mg/d, or aspirin, 100 mg/d. Main Outcomes and Measures Association of recurrent ESUS with stroke characteristics. Results A total of 309 patients (205 men [66%]; mean [SD] age, 68 [10] years) had ischemic stroke identified during the median follow-up of 11 (interquartile range [IQR], 12) months (annualized rate, 4.6%). Diagnostic testing was insufficient for etiological classification in 39 patients (13%). Of 270 classifiable ischemic strokes, 156 (58%) were ESUS and 114 (42%) were non-ESUS (37 [32%] cardioembolic, 26 [23%] atherosclerotic, 35 [31%] lacunar, and 16 [14%] other determined cause). Atrial fibrillation was found in 27 patients (9%) with recurrent ischemic stroke and was associated with higher morbidity (median change in modified Rankin scale score 2 [IQR, 3] vs 0 (IQR, 1]) and mortality (15% vs 1%) than other causes. Risk of recurrence did not differ significantly by subtype between treatment groups. For both the qualifying and recurrent strokes, location of infarct was more often in the left (46% and 54%, respectively) than right hemisphere (40% and 37%, respectively) or brainstem or cerebellum (14% and 9%, respectively). Conclusions and Relevance In this secondary analysis of randomized clinical trial data, most recurrent strokes after ESUS were embolic and of undetermined source. Recurrences associated with atrial fibrillation were a minority but were more often disabling and fatal. More extensive investigation to identify the embolic source is important toward an effective antithrombotic strategy. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02313909.
High Bleeding Risk and Clinical Outcomes in East Asian Patients Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: the PENDULUM Registry.

AIMS We evaluated the validity of the Academic Research Consortium for High Bleeding Risk (ARC-HBR) criteria for East Asian patients undergoing contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from the PENDULUM registry. METHODS AND RESULTS This post hoc analysis included 6,267 Japanese patients undergoing PCI between December 2015 and June 2017 enrolled in PENDULUM. The primary endpoint was incidence of major bleeding at 12 months post-index PCI. In total, 3,185 (50.8%) and 3,082 (49.2%) patients were stratified to ARC-HBR and non-ARC-HBR groups, respectively and almost all patients had overlapping criteria. Incidence of major bleeding was 4.2% versus 1.4% in the ARC-HBR versus non-ARC-HBR (hazard ratio=3.00 [95% confidence interval, 2.11-4.27]; p<0.001). As the number of overlapping ARC-HBR criteria increased, incidence of major bleeding also increased. In contrast, incidence of major bleeding was 4.2% for one major criterion, 2.1% for two minor criteria. Multivariate analysis suggested severe CKD, anticoagulant use, acute coronary syndrome, low body weight and heart failure were independent predictors of major bleeding. CONCLUSIONS Half of the Japanese patients who underwent PCI in the PENDULUM registry met the ARC-HBR criteria, and many patients had overlapping criteria. ARC-HBR criteria are applicable to Japanese patients undergoing contemporary PCI.
Building better wildlife‐habitat models

Wildlife-habitat models are an important tool in wildlife management toda? , and by far the majority of these predict aspects of species distribution (abundance or presence) as a proxy measure of habitat quality. Unfortunately, few are tested on independent data, and of those that are, few show useful predictive st;ill. We demonstrate that six critical assumptions underlie distribution based wildlife-habitat models, all of which must be valid for the model to predict habitat quality. We outline these assumptions in a mete-model, and discuss methods for their validation. Even where all sis assumptions show a high level of validity, there is still a strong likelihood that the model will not predict habitat quality. However, the meta-model does suggest habitat quality can be predicted more accurately if distributional data are ignored, and variables more indicative of habitat quality are modelled instead.
Food web structure and body size: trophic position and resource acquisition

Body size is recognized as an important determinant of trophic structure as it affects individual energetic demands, population density, and the interaction between potential prey and predators. However, its relationship with trophic position remains unclear. It has been hypothesized that a positive relationship between body size and trophic position would be associated to some particular trophic structures, which would allow larger organisms to satisfy their energetic demand and sustain viable population sizes at higher trophic positions, where fewer resources are available. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the diet of 619 killifishes from four species (Austrolebias cheradophilus, A. luteoflammulatus, A. viarius and Cynopoecilus melanotaenia), collected in temporary ponds occurring in the grasslands of Rocha, Uruguay. Trophic position, diet richness, number of energy sources, and evenness were estimated for 20 size classes, formed by consecutive groups of 31 individuals. Gape limitation and preference for the larger available prey were evaluated as explanations for observed patterns with an individual based model (IBM). In agreement with the hypothesis, killifishes presented a strong positive relationship between trophic position and body size (R 2 0.86), associated with a trophic structure that could allow larger organisms to have access to more energy from the environment. This was reflected in a positive relationship between body size and 1) prey richness, 2) number of basal energy sources (i.e. plants, detritus, phytoplankton and terrestrial prey), and 3) evenness in prey use. IBM results showed that changes in trophic structure with body size are well explained by gape limitation, but not by size preferences. Our results suggest that the fulfilment of the greater energetic demands of larger organism will depend on community diversity, which typically increases with ecosystem size, indicating a novel connection between area, diversity, body size, and food chain length.
Efeitos de mistura de herbicida com inseticida sobre a cultura do milho, as plantas daninhas e a lagarta-do-cartucho

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the tank mixture of the herbicide nicosulfuron with the insecticide chlorpirifos on the maize hybrid P30F80, weeds, and fall armyworm. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design, in a 5x2+3 factorial scheme and four replications. The first factor consisted of nicosulfuron doses (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 g ha-1) + atrazine (1.200 g ha-1) + oil (900 g ha-1) and the second of doses of the insecticide chlorpirifos (0 and 240 g ha-1). Three additional treatments were evaluated: two controls, with and without weeding, both without insecticide, and one control with weeding and insecticide. The interaction between the doses of nicosulfuron and chlorpirifos in the control of the fall armyworm was not significant. The chlorpirifos-nicosulfuron tank mixture was non-selective for the maize hybrid P30F80, reducing the number of ears and maize grain yield. Chlorpirifos did not interfere in the efficiency of weed control by the herbicides 14 and 28 days after application of these products. However, the toxicicity caused to the maize plant by the chlorpirifos-nicosulfuron tank mixture contributed to reducing the crop control of Ipomoea grandifolia and Brachiaria decumbens by maize.
Aquatic macroinvertebrate response along a gradient of lateral connectivity in river floodplain channels

Abstract Large river floodplains potentially include the full range of freshwater ecosystems from permanently flowing channels to temporary pools and springs. Attempts to restore such complex systems require tools adapted to assess restoration success. In an analysis of invertebrate assemblages in the Rhône River floodplain (France), taxonomic-based indices (rarefied richness and assemblage composition) were compared with functional metrics using trait-based ratios as surrogates of ecosystem processes. Their ability to respond to a gradient of hydrological connectivity was assessed in 7 cut-off channels. The sampling design included 2 sites/channel (upstream and downstream), 4 randomly chosen sampling points (0.5 × 0.5-m quadrats)/site, and 2 sampling seasons (spring and summer). Water physicochemical and habitat variables were recorded when invertebrates were sampled. Environmental variables, including water conductance, [NH3-N], submerged vegetation cover, diversity of sediment grain size, and organic matter content of the sediment, were used to construct a synthetic variable describing the hydrological connectivity of each site with the main river channel. A quadratic regression of rarefied taxonomic richness and the connectivity gradient was not quite significant, but assemblage composition was strongly related to the gradient. Four of 8 trait-based metrics were correlated with the connectivity gradient. Values of metrics that are surrogates for top-down control of assemblage structure and habitat stability (based on functional feeding groups) declined along the gradient from disconnected sites to more connected sites. Values of metrics that are surrogates for voltinism and food supply for water-column-feeding fish increased with connectivity. Top-down control and voltinism surrogates suggested a decline in predator–prey relationships and lower habitat stability, respectively, in the more connected sites. Assemblage composition and some of the trait-based metrics were sensitive to a flood that occurred before one of the sampling dates. Some of the trait-based metrics showed potential for explaining floodplain invertebrate assemblages and for monitoring postrestoration conditions in floodplain water bodies. However, the metrics were developed initially for studies of lotic systems and their use in heterogeneous floodplain water bodies will require further investigation, e.g., delineation of reference conditions for trait-based metrics.