Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Influences of Various Housing Systems on Growth, Carcass Traits, Meat Quality, Immunity and Oxidative Stress of Meat-Type Ducks

Simple Summary The present investigation aimed to examine the impacts of different housing systems on growth performance traits, carcass characteristics, meat quality criteria, immunity, and oxidative stress of meat-type ducks. The study concluded that housing Pekin ducks in a house with a yard and a swimming pool positively affected growth performance traits, carcass characteristics, meat quality, blood lipid profile, immunity, as well as blood antioxidative status. Abstract The present study aimed to investigate the effect of different housing systems on Pekin ducks. A total of 300-day old Pekin ducklings were randomly divided into four experimental groups; the first housed in a closed house (CH), the second in closed house with open yard (HY), the third group in closed house with swimming pool (CHSP) and the fourth in a closed house with swimming pool and yard (HYSP). Results indicated that the HYSP and CHSP produced higher body weight comparing to the other groups. However, the HYSP gave the highest body weight followed by CHSP then HY and CH. The same trend was observed regarding weight gain and feed-conversion ratio (FCR). Moreover, HYSP, HY and CHSP showed higher dressing percentage, breast muscles and thighs and lower abdominal fat than the CH group. Serum protein was significantly higher in HYSP and HY than that of the closed house. While, lipids, cholesterol and triacylglycerol were significantly lower in groups housed in HY than that of CH. Meat cholesterol and triacylglycerol reduced in groups reared in HY. Housing ducklings in yards and using swimming pools significantly improved the general immunity (phagocytic index and activity and differential leucocytes count), and also improved the oxidative stress parameters. In conclusion, results confirmed that housing ducks in a house supplied with yard and swimming pool can improve its productivity, carcass traits, meat quality, blood lipid profile, immunity and antioxidative status.
MmpS5-MmpL5 Transporters Provide Mycobacterium smegmatis Resistance to imidazo[1,2-b][1,2,4,5]tetrazines

The emergence and spread of drug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains (including MDR, XDR, and TDR) force scientists worldwide to search for new anti-tuberculosis drugs. We have previously reported a number of imidazo[1,2-b][1,2,4,5]tetrazines–putative inhibitors of mycobacterial eukaryotic-type serine-threonine protein-kinases, active against M. tuberculosis. Whole genomic sequences of spontaneous drug-resistant M. smegmatis mutants revealed four genes possibly involved in imidazo[1,2-b][1,2,4,5]tetrazines resistance; however, the exact mechanism of resistance remain unknown. We used different approaches (construction of targeted mutants, overexpression of the wild-type (w.t.) and mutant genes, and gene-expression studies) to assess the role of the previously identified mutations. We show that mutations in MSMEG_1380 gene lead to overexpression of the mmpS5-mmpL5 operon in M. smegmatis, thus providing resistance to imidazo[1,2-b][1,2,4,5]tetrazines by increased efflux through the MmpS5-MmpL5 system, similarly to the mechanisms of resistance described for M. tuberculosis and M. abscessus. Mycobacterial MmpS5-MmpL5 transporters should be considered as an MDR-efflux system and they should be taken into account at early stages of anti-tuberculosis drug development.
Is There a Future for PPARs in the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Disorders?

Recently, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α and γ isoforms have been gaining consistent interest in neuropathology and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Several studies have provided evidence that either the receptor expression or the levels of their endogenously-produced modulators are downregulated in several neurological and psychiatric disorders and in their respective animal models. Remarkably, administration of these endogenous or synthetic ligands improves mood and cognition, suggesting that PPARs may offer a significant pharmacological target to improve several neuropathologies. Furthermore, various neurological and psychiatric disorders reflect sustained levels of systemic inflammation. Hence, the strategy of targeting PPARs for their anti-inflammatory role to improve these disorders is attracting attention. Traditionally, classical antidepressants fail to be effective, specifically in patients with inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs exert potent antidepressant effects by acting along with PPARs, thereby strongly substantiating the involvement of these receptors in the mechanisms that lead to development of several neuropathologies. We reviewed running findings in support of a role for PPARs in the treatment of neurological diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease or psychiatric disorders, such as major depression. We discuss the opportunity of targeting PPARs as a future pharmacological approach to decrease neuropsychiatric symptoms at the same time that PPAR ligands resolve neuroinflammatory processes.
Imaging quality of PROPELLER diffusion‐weighted MR imaging and its diagnostic performance in distinguishing pleomorphic adenomas from Warthin tumors of the parotid gland

The aim of this study was to evaluate the imaging quality and diagnostic performance of fast spin echo diffusion‐weighted imaging with periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction (FSE‐PROP‐DWI) in distinguishing parotid pleomorphic adenoma (PMA) from Warthin tumor (WT). This retrospective study enrolled 44 parotid gland tumors from 34 patients, including 15 PMAs and 29 WTs with waived written informed consent. All participants underwent 1.5 T diffusion‐weighted imaging including FSE‐PROP‐DWI and single‐shot echo‐planar diffusion‐weighted imaging (SS‐EP‐DWI). After imaging resizing and registration among T2WI, FSE‐PROP‐DWI and SS‐EP‐DWI, imaging distortion was quantitatively analyzed by using the Dice coefficient. Signal‐to‐noise ratio and contrast‐to‐noise ratio were qualitatively evaluated. The mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of parotid gland tumors was calculated. Wilcoxon signed‐rank test was used for paired comparison between FSE‐PROP‐DWI versus SS‐EP‐DWI. Mann–Whitney U test was used for independent group comparison between PMAs versus WTs. Diagnostic performance was evaluated by receiver operating characteristics curve analysis. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The Dice coefficient was statistically significantly higher on FSE‐PROP‐DWI than SS‐EP‐DWI for both tumors (P < 0.005). Mean ADC was statistically significantly higher in PMAs than WTs on both FSE‐PROP‐DWI and SS‐EP‐DWI (P < 0.005). FSE‐PROP‐DWI and SS‐EP‐DWI successfully distinguished PMAs from WTs with an AUC of 0.880 and 0.945, respectively (P < 0.05). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy in diagnosing PMAs were 100%, 69.0%, 62.5%, 100% and 79.5% for FSE‐PROP‐DWI, and 100%, 82.8%, 75%, 100% and 88.6% for SS‐EP‐DWI, respectively. FSE‐PROP‐DWI is useful to distinguish parotid PMAs from WTs with less distortion of tumors but lower AUC than SS‐EP‐DWI.
Single-cyst transcriptome analysis of Drosophila male germline stem cell lineage

ABSTRACT The Drosophila male germline stem cell (GSC) lineage provides a great model to understand stem cell maintenance, proliferation, differentiation and dedifferentiation. Here, we use the Drosophila GSC lineage to systematically analyze the transcriptome of discrete but continuously differentiating germline cysts. We first isolated single cysts at each recognizable stage from wild-type testes, which were subsequently applied for RNA-seq analyses. Our data delineate a high-resolution transcriptome atlas in the entire male GSC lineage: the most dramatic switch occurs from early to late spermatocyte, followed by the change from the mitotic spermatogonia to early meiotic spermatocyte. By contrast, the transit-amplifying spermatogonia cysts display similar transcriptomes, suggesting common molecular features among these stages, which may underlie their similar behavior during both differentiation and dedifferentiation processes. Finally, distinct differentiating germ cell cyst samples do not exhibit obvious dosage compensation of X-chromosomal genes, even considering the paucity of X-chromosomal gene expression during meiosis, which is different from somatic cells. Together, our single cyst-resolution, genome-wide transcriptional profile analyses provide an unprecedented resource to understand many questions in both germ cell biology and stem cell biology fields. Summary: Single cyst-resolution, genome-wide transcriptional profile analysis of Drosophila testes has offered an unprecedented data resource at each crucial stage of differentiation in an adult stem cell system under physiological conditions.
EGR1 Transcription Factor is a Multifaceted Regulator of Matrix Production in Tendons and Other Connective Tissues

Although the transcription factor EGR1 is known as NGF1-A, TIS8, Krox24, zif/268, and ZENK, it still has many fewer names than biological functions. A broad range of signals induce Egr1 gene expression via numerous regulatory elements identified in the Egr1 promoter. EGR1 is also the target of multiple post-translational modifications, which modulate EGR1 transcriptional activity. Despite the myriad regulators of Egr1 transcription and translation, and the numerous biological functions identified for EGR1, the literature reveals a recurring theme of EGR1 transcriptional activity in connective tissues, regulating genes related to the extracellular matrix. Egr1 is expressed in different connective tissues, such as tendon (a dense connective tissue), cartilage and bone (supportive connective tissues), and adipose tissue (a loose connective tissue). Egr1 is involved in the development, homeostasis, and healing processes of these tissues, mainly via the regulation of extracellular matrix. In addition, Egr1 is often involved in the abnormal production of extracellular matrix in fibrotic conditions, and Egr1 deletion is seen as a target for therapeutic strategies to fight fibrotic conditions. This generic EGR1 function in matrix regulation has little-explored implications but is potentially important for tendon repair.
Optimal Duration of Drought Stress Near Harvest for Promoting Bioactive Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity in Kale with or without UV-B Radiation in Plant Factories

Among abiotic stresses, both drought and UV-B radiation effectively trigger the accumulation of secondary metabolites, and can be widely applied in plant factories. The objectives of this study were to investigate antioxidant accumulation under drought stress alone, or in combination with UV-B radiation near harvest, and to determine an optimal treatment time for maximum antioxidant production. Kale (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala) plants were grown in a plant factory and harvested at 42 days after transplanting. The single and combination treatments lasted for 7 to 1 days and 4 to 2 days before harvest, respectively. The results of both Fv/Fm (maximal photochemical efficiency in photosystem II) and leaf water potential could ensure the function of photosynthesis and maintain normal leaf moisture in single drought treatments of less than 4 days. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activities were significantly increased in both single and combination treatments for 3 to 4 days, compared to other treatments. The supplementary UV-B treatments showed no extra formation of antioxidants compared to the single drought treatments. As a result, drought for 3 days before harvest could achieve the highest potential value of kale as a source of natural antioxidants.
Novel Bioactive and Therapeutic Root Canal Sealers with Antibacterial and Remineralization Properties

According to the American Dental Association Survey of Dental Services Rendered (published in 2007), 15 million root canal treatment procedures are performed annually. Endodontic therapy relies mainly on biomechanical preparation, chemical irrigation and intracanal medicaments which play an important role in eliminating bacteria in the root canal. Furthermore, adequate obturation is essential to confine any residual bacteria within the root canal and deprive them of nutrients. However, numerous studies have shown that complete elimination of bacteria is not achieved due to the complex anatomy of the root canal system. There are several conventional antibiotic materials available in the market for endodontic use. However, the majority of these antibiotics and antiseptics provide short-term antibacterial effects, and they impose a risk of developing antibacterial resistance. The root canal is a dynamic environment, and antibacterial and antibiofilm materials with long-term effects and nonspecific mechanisms of action are highly desirable in such environments. In addition, the application of acidic solutions to the root canal wall can alter the dentin structure, resulting in a weaker and more brittle dentin. Root canal sealers with bioactive properties come in direct contact with the dentin wall and can play a positive role in bacterial elimination and strengthening of the root structure. The new generation of nanostructured, bioactive, antibacterial and remineralizing additives into polymeric resin-based root canal sealers are discussed in this review. The effects of these novel bioactive additives on the physical and sealing properties, as well as their biocompatibility, are all important factors that are presented in this article.
Association between Body Fatness and Vitamin D3 Status in a Postmenopausal Population

Vitamin D is a micronutrient that plays a key role in phosphocalcic metabolism. The postmenopausal population presents a risk of deficiency in this vitamin due to hormonal alterations which, in the case of obesity, would be exacerbated. The objective was to assess the status of vitamin D in a postmenopausal population and determine the relationship of 25-hydroxivitamin D [25(OH)D] and its metabolites with anthropometric parameters. The study included 78 healthy postmenopausal women aged from 44 to 76. The nutrient intake assessment was carried out using the 24 h reminder (R24h). 25(OH)D was analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). A total of 80% and 68% of the women studied did not reach sufficient values of 25(OH)D and 25-hydroxivitamin D3 [25(OH)D3], respectively, which was inversely correlated with Body Mass Index (BMI) (r = −0.25, p = 0.04), hip perimeter (r = −0.26 and r = −0.24, all p < 0.05), arm circumference (r = −0.29, p = 0.01) and fat mass (r = −0.28 and r = −0.26, all p < 0.05). 25(OH)D3 is the metabolite that contributed most to this association. In conclusion, 25(OH)D3 levels are related to anthropometric parameters in the postmenopausal women in this study, confirming insufficient status in the majority of the population. Approach strategies are necessary to correct and avoid this risk in order to ensure future quality of life.
Cerebrovascular reactivity and cerebral autoregulation are improved in the supine posture compared to upright in healthy men and women

Cerebrovascular reactivity and cerebral autoregulation are two major mechanisms that regulate cerebral blood flow. Both mechanisms are typically assessed in either supine or seated postures, but the effects of body position and sex differences remain unclear. This study examined the effects of body posture (supine vs. seated vs. standing) on cerebrovascular reactivity during hyper and hypocapnia and on cerebral autoregulation during spontaneous and slow-paced breathing in healthy men and women using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography of the middle cerebral artery. Results indicated significantly improved cerebrovascular reactivity in the supine compared with seated and standing postures (supine = 3.45±0.67, seated = 2.72±0.53, standing = 2.91±0.62%/mmHg, P<0.0167). Similarly, cerebral autoregulatory measures showed significant improvement in the supine posture during slow-paced breathing. Transfer function measures of gain significantly decreased and phase significantly increased in the supine posture compared with seated and standing postures (gain: supine = 1.98±0.56, seated = 2.37±0.53, standing = 2.36±0.71%/mmHg; phase: supine = 59.3±21.7, seated = 39.8±12.5, standing = 36.5±9.7°; all P<0.0167). In contrast, body posture had no effect on cerebral autoregulatory measures during spontaneous breathing. Men and women had similar cerebrovascular reactivity and similar cerebral autoregulation during both spontaneous and slow-paced breathing. These data highlight the importance of making comparisons within the same body position to ensure there is not a confounding effect of posture.
Daily Preventive Zinc Supplementation Decreases Lymphocyte and Eosinophil Concentrations in Rural Laotian Children from Communities with a High Prevalence of Zinc Deficiency: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND Zinc deficiency impairs immune function and is common among children in South-East Asia. OBJECTIVES The effect of zinc supplementation on immune function in young Laotian children was investigated. METHODS Children (n = 512) aged 6-23 mo received daily preventive zinc tablets (PZ; 7 mg Zn/d), daily multiple micronutrient powder (MNP; 10 mg Zn/d, 6 mg Fe/d, plus 13 other micronutrients), therapeutic dispersible zinc tablets only in association with diarrhea episodes (TZ; 20 mg Zn/d for 10 d after an episode), or daily placebo powder (control). These interventions continued for 9 mo. Cytokine production from whole blood cultures, the concentrations of T-cell populations, and a complete blood count with differential leukocyte count were measured at baseline and endline. Endline means were compared via ANCOVA, controlling for the baseline value of the outcome, child age and sex, district, month of enrollment, and baseline zinc status (below, or above or equal to, the median plasma zinc concentration). RESULTS T-cell cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-13, IL-17), LPS-stimulated cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-10), and T-cell concentrations at endline did not differ between intervention groups, nor was there an interaction with baseline zinc status. However, mean ± SE endline lymphocyte concentrations were significantly lower in the PZ than in the control group (5018 ± 158 compared with 5640 ± 160 cells/μL, P = 0.032). Interactions with baseline zinc status were seen for eosinophils (Pixn = 0.0036), basophils (Pixn = 0.023), and monocytes (P = 0.086) but a significant subgroup difference was seen only for eosinophils, where concentrations were significantly lower in the PZ than in the control group among children with baseline plasma zinc concentrations below the overall median (524 ± 44 compared with 600 ± 41 cells/μL, P = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS Zinc supplementation of rural Laotian children had no effect on cytokines or T-cell concentrations, although zinc supplementation affected lymphocyte and eosinophil concentrations. These cell subsets may be useful as indicators of response to zinc supplementation.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02428647.
The Analysis of Marketing Factors Influencing Consumers’ Preferences and Acceptance of Organic Food Products—Recommendations for the Optimization of the Offer in a Developing Market

Considering the benefits of the organic production system, it is recognized as one of the main drivers of future economic development. However, the imbalance between demand and supply at the local market level represents one of the serious obstacles that prevents its future growth. Therefore, this article examines the key factors related to the main elements of the offer that have the strongest impact on consumer preferences and acceptance of organic food products. In that sense, organic product, price, distribution channel, and promotion are considered the main elements of the offer and are analyzed in this paper from the consumer preferences perspective. Further, this article provides insight into some of the sensory properties of the offer that are important to consumers. Finally, it gives recommendations for optimization of the offer on the organic food market based on the analysis of the influence of each of those elements (product, price, distribution, and promotion) on consumer acceptance of organic products and making purchasing decisions. The data were collected using a questionnaire, and analyzed using the structural equation model (SEM). The results revealed that price and promotion have the strongest impact on consumer acceptance and buying decisions. Further analysis revealed that attitudes towards organic food products, price/quality ratio, distribution barriers, and modern media as a promotion instrument are the factors that have the most significant impact on consumer perception and attitudes towards the available market offer. These findings can help producers and other decision makers to better understand what creates added value of the organic food products in consumers’ mind and therefore make an offer that is in line with their expectations and preferences, which is recognized as one of the main prerequisites for the acceptance and purchase of organic food products.
Improving Formation Conditions and Properties of hBN Nanosheets Through BaF2-assisted Polymer Derived Ceramics (PDCs) Technique

Hexagonal boron nitrite (hBN) is an attractive material for many applications such as in electronics as a complement to graphene, in anti-oxidation coatings, light emitters, etc. However, the synthesis of high-quality hBN at cost-effective conditions is still a great challenge. Thus, this work reports on the synthesis of large-area and crystalline hBN nanosheets via the modified polymer derived ceramics (PDCs) process. The addition of both the BaF2 and Li3N, as melting-point reduction and crystallization agents, respectively, led to the production of hBN powders with excellent physicochemical properties at relatively low temperatures and atmospheric pressure conditions. For instance, XRD, Raman, and XPS data revealed improved crystallinity and quality at a decreased formation temperature of 1200 °C upon the addition of 5 wt% of BaF2. Moreover, morphological determination illustrated the formation of multi-layered nanocrystalline and well-defined shaped hBN powders with crystal sizes of 2.74–8.41 ± 0.71 µm in diameter. Despite the compromised thermal stability, as shown by the ease of oxidation at high temperatures, this work paves way for the production of large-scale and high-quality hBN crystals at a relatively low temperature and atmospheric pressure conditions.