Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Extra–pair mating, male plumage coloration and sexual selection in yellow warblers (Dendroica petechia)

Extra–pair mating has been proposed as a source of sexual selection responsible for secondary sexual traits that are common among socially monogamous birds, although supporting evidence is scant. In the socially monogamous yellow warbler, males are larger than females, and unlike females, have extensive reddish streaking on their breasts. Using DNA fingerprinting we show that within–pair parentage was positively related to male size, and that extra–pair mating success was positively related to the amount of streaking on the breast. To our knowledge, this is the first intraspecific evidence of an association between a male plumage ornament and gains of extra–pair paternity that is apparently independent of age. This study confirms that extra–pair mating can be an important mechanism of sexual selection even when the most successful sires are commonly cuckolded, and refutes a previous hypothesis that the variation in plumage and behaviour among male yellow warblers is an example of alternative, equally successful, evolutionarily stable strategies (ESS). More generally, the demonstrated independence of within–pair and extra–pair success and their associated traits indicates that where animals have multiple secondary sexual traits, different traits may be selected by different mechanisms that contribute to total reproductive success.
Phytothérapie traditionnelle des bovins dans les élevages de la plaine de la Ruzizi

Apres avoir presente les caracteristiques ecologiques de la plaine de la Ruzizi et rappele l’importance socio-economique des bovins pour les populations locales, les auteurs abordent la connaissance de la phytotherapie traditionnelle des bovins pour ce territoire. L’etude etablit l’inventaire des plantes utilisees, signale les organes concernes (feuilles, ecorce, racine, fruit, etc.), les modes de preparation et les doses preconisees en fonction des maladies reconnues. Enfin, elle situe et discute cette connaissance ethnobotanique par rapport a celle de l’Afrique Orientale.
Evaluation of Cracking Patterns in Cement Composites—From Basics to Advances: A Review

The structure and the development degree of a cracking pattern has a key impact on the durability of cement composites. This literature review focuses on the four most important aspects related to the evaluation of the surface cracking patterns, i.e., the process of formation, propagation and evolution of cracks into a branched system of cracks from the point of view of the fracture mechanics; the detection techniques of the cracking patterns on the surface of cement composites, where the tools of computer image analysis are the most used; parameters which can quantify the development degree and morphology of the cracks system; and also the influence of a cracking pattern on the functional features of cement composites. The studies described so far indicate the necessity of continuous development of this research area, because the knowledge of key relationships between the cracking patterns and functional properties of a cement composite is necessary to estimate the degree of material degradation. Researchers agree that the works carried out in the field of evaluation of the cracking patterns, to a large extent, contributes to the development of non-destructive testing methods in the field of cement composites technology.
A Nutritional Supplement (DìLshTM) Improves the Inflammatory Cytokines Response, Oxidative Stress Markers and Clinical Signs in Dogs Naturally Infected by Leishmania infantum

Simple Summary The effects of a commercial nutraceutical supplementation in dogs naturally infected by Leishmania infantum were evaluated. Such a nutraceutical supplement was proposed to be added to the dog diet in order to improve the physiological immune response during chronic leishmaniosis. The present study suggests that such a supplement possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can lead to a clinical improvement in dogs naturally infected by Leishmania infantum. Abstract The possibility to associate nutraceuticals, as immune-modulating tools, to the treatment of visceral leishmaniosis is a matter of great interest. In this study, we investigated whether the administration of a nutritional supplement (DìLshTM, Dynamopet SRL, Verona, Italy) was able to exert beneficial effects on the inflammatory state and oxidative stress of the dogs naturally infected by Leishmania infantum. To this purpose, specific parameters, namely Tumor Necrosis Factor -alpha (TNFα), Interleukin-6 (IL-6), Inteleukin-10 (IL-10), leptin, derivates of Reactive Oxigen Metabolites (d-Roms) and Biological Antioxidant Potential (BAP), as well as the haematological and biochemical profiles of the infected dogs, were investigated upon the treatment with the nutritional supplement and compared with the conventional pharmacological anti-Leishmania therapy. The animals underwent complete clinical examination and blood sample collection before (T0) and 3 months after (T90) the onset of the two treatments. The two treatments showed similar results: significant clinical improvement, ELISA positivity and IgG decrease, an increase in IL-10, and a decrease in IL-6 were observed in animals treated with the nutritional supplement. A decrease in d-Roms and an increase in BAP were also detected in both groups. On the whole, the nutritional supplement possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, suggesting that it may support animals’ health and be useful to extend the time a drug therapy is needed.
Expression and Role of Response Regulating, Biosynthetic and Degrading Genes for Cytokinin Signaling during Clubroot Disease Development

The obligate biotroph Plasmodiophora brassicae causes clubroot disease in oilseeds and vegetables of the Brassicaceae family, and cytokinins play a vital role in clubroot formation. In this study, we examined the expression patterns of 17 cytokinin-related genes involved in the biosynthesis, signaling, and degradation in Chinese cabbage inoculated with the Korean pathotype group 4 isolate of P. brassicae, Seosan. This isolate produced the most severe clubroot symptoms in Chinese cabbage cultivar “Bullam-3-ho” compared to three other Korean geographical isolates investigated. BrIPT1, a cytokinin biosynthesis gene, was induced on Day 1 and Day 28 in infected root tissues and the upregulation of this biosynthetic gene coincided with the higher expression of the response regulators BrRR1, on both Days and BrRR6 on Day 1 and 3. BrRR3 and 4 genes were also induced during gall enlargement on Day 35 in leaf tissues. The BrRR4 gene, which positively interact with phytochrome B, was consistently induced in leaf tissues on Day 1, 3, and 14 in the inoculated plants. The cytokinin degrading gene BrCKX3-6 were induced on Day 14, before gall initiation. BrCKX2,3,6 were induced until Day 28 and their expression was downregulated on Day 35. This insight improves our current understanding of the role of cytokinin signaling genes in clubroot disease development.
Spatial and Temporal Distribution Patterns of the Bean Leaf Beetle, Cerotoma trifurcata (Forster) , on Soybeans in Illinois

Intensive surveys of adult bean leaf beetles, Cerotoma trifurcata (Forster), carried out in 1971 and 1972 suggest that the species has 2 complete generations per year in east-central Illinois. Adults of the first generation start emerging in early July until the middle of August, and adults of the 2nd generation emerge starting in early September. The overwintering population is composed mainly of these 2nd generation adults. There is an apparent diel cycle of distribution with catches of adults being lowest near noon and highest about 1700 h. Dispersion of most adult populations approximated a negative binomial distribution. Dispersion was also analyzed using Morisita's index ( I δ), and Taylor's power law. We found k c = 7.33, and Taylor's b = 1.13, both implying a moderately contagious distribution. These 3 measures of dispersion were compared to determine the relative merits and range of applicability of each. Extensive surveys of soybean fields in 15 counties in Illinois indicated the bean leaf beetle is more abundant south of the 40° N parallel. Multiple regression analysis was used to assess the influence of chlorinated hydrocarbon residues in the soil and texture of the soil on beetle abundance. Pesticide residue levels in the soil can possibly explain the relative abundance of beetles in localized areas, but not the general patterns of distribution along north-south transects. Other latitude-related factors are probably more important in determining these patterns. Bean leaf beetle abundance was inversely correlated with clay content in the soil.
Changes in Behavior with Increasing Pregnancy Attempt Time

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background: The extent to which couples change their behaviors with increasing pregnancy attempt time is not well documented. Methods: We examined change in selected behaviors over pregnancy attempt time in a North American preconception cohort study. Eligible females were ages 21–45 years and not using fertility treatment. Participants completed baseline and bimonthly follow-up questionnaires for up to 12 months or until pregnancy. Results: Among 3,339 females attempting pregnancy for 0–1 cycles at enrollment, 250 contributed 12 months of follow-up without conceiving. Comparing behaviors at 12 months versus baseline, weighted for loss-to-follow-up, we observed small-to-moderate reductions in mean caffeine intake (−19.5 mg/day, CI = −32.7, −6.37), alcohol intake (−0.85 drinks/week, CI = −1.28, −0.43), marijuana use (−3.89 percentage points, CI = −7.33, 0.46), and vigorous exercise (−0.68 hours/week, CI = −1.05, −0.31), and a large increase in activities to improve conception chances (e.g., ovulation testing) (21.7 percentage points, CI = 14.8, 28.6). There was little change in mean cigarette smoking (−0.27 percentage points, CI = −1.58, 1.04), perceived stress scale score (−0.04 units, CI = −0.77, 0.69), or other factors (e.g., sugar-sweetened soda intake, moderate exercise, intercourse frequency, and multivitamin use), but some heterogeneity within subgroups (e.g., 31% increased and 32% decreased their perceived stress scores by ≥2 units; 14% reduced their smoking but none increased their smoking by ≥5 cigarettes/day). Conclusions: Although many behaviors changed with increasing pregnancy attempt time, mean changes tended to be modest for most variables. The largest differences were observed for the use of caffeine, alcohol, and marijuana, and methods to improve conception chances.
Lyophilized SLN of Cinnacalcet HCl: BBD enabled optimization, characterization and pharmacokinetic study

Abstract Objective: The objective of the present research is to formulate solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) of CH to improve its oral bioavailability. Methods: Cinnacalcet hydrochloride (CH) exhibits poor oral bioavailability of 20 to 25% because of low aqueous solubility and first pass metabolism. The SLN formulations were optimized using Box–Behnken Design. SLN formulation was prepared using hot homogenization technique followed by ultra-sonication and evaluated. The optimized SLN formulation was lyophilized to improve the stability of the formulation further. Results: Compritol 888 ATO (COM), Soya lecithin (SL) and poloxamer 188 (POL) were selected as lipid, surfactant and co-surfactant respectively. For optimistaion, the desirable goal was fixed for variour responses vis-a-vis entrapment efficiency (EE), particle size (PS) and (time taken for diffusion of 85% drug) T85%. The optimized single dose of SLN obtained using BBD consisting of 30 mg of CH, 100 mg of COM, 150 mg of SL and 0.1% w/v of POL. The pharmacokinetic study revealed that optimized SLN and lyophilized SLN were found to increase the oral bioavailability nearly two times compared to an aqueous suspension of pure drug. Conclusion: Thus lyophilized SLN formulation explicated the potential of lipid-based nanoparticles as a potential carrier in improving the oral delivery and stability of CH.
Centering and Shifting of Centrosomes in Cells

Centrosomes have a nonrandom localization in the cells: either they occupy the centroid of the zone free of the actomyosin cortex or they are shifted to the edge of the cell, where their presence is justified from a functional point of view, for example, to organize additional microtubules or primary cilia. This review discusses centrosome placement options in cultured and in situ cells. It has been proven that the central arrangement of centrosomes is due mainly to the pulling microtubules forces developed by dynein located on the cell cortex and intracellular vesicles. The pushing forces from dynamic microtubules and actomyosin also contribute, although the molecular mechanisms of their action have not yet been elucidated. Centrosomal displacement is caused by external cues, depending on signaling, and is drawn through the redistribution of dynein, the asymmetrization of microtubules through the capture of their plus ends, and the redistribution of actomyosin, which, in turn, is associated with basal-apical cell polarization.
3D Printed Biomodels for Flow Visualization in Stenotic Vessels: An Experimental and Numerical Study

Atherosclerosis is one of the most serious and common forms of cardiovascular disease and a major cause of death and disability worldwide. It is a multifactorial and complex disease that promoted several hemodynamic studies. Although in vivo studies more accurately represent the physiological conditions, in vitro experiments more reliably control several physiological variables and most adequately validate numerical flow studies. Here, a hemodynamic study in idealized stenotic and healthy coronary arteries is presented by applying both numerical and in vitro approaches through computational fluid dynamics simulations and a high-speed video microscopy technique, respectively. By means of stereolithography 3D printing technology, biomodels with three different resolutions were used to perform experimental flow studies. The results showed that the biomodel printed with a resolution of 50 μm was able to most accurately visualize flow due to its lowest roughness values (Ra = 1.8 μm). The flow experimental results showed a qualitatively good agreement with the blood flow numerical data, providing a clear observation of recirculation regions when the diameter reduction reached 60%.
Robot-assisted Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy in Selective Ischemia versus Conventional Laparoscopic Partial Nephrectomy in Total Ischemia: Functional and Surgical Outcomes of a Prospective Single Surgeon Randomised Study.

Background Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (LPN) and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) are commonly used techniques for treating small renal masses. Regarding renal function (RF) preservation, no superiority of one technique over the other has yet been definitely demonstrated. Objective To compare functional and surgical outcomes of LPN and RAPN. Patients/Methods Between 2015 and 2019, we prospectively randomized 115 patients with cT1-T2 renal masses to LPN in total ischemia or RAPN in selective ischemia. Primary endpoint was RF preservation, assessed by renal scintigraphy (RS). RS assessments were performed preoperatively and at 6 months follow-up. Secondary endpoints included clinical, histopathological and surgical outcomes. Results 108 patients were included in the final analysis. Patient and tumor characteristics were comparable. No significant difference in RS values after 6 months was observed between both groups. Median (IQR) RF change after 6 months was -18.0% (-26.5 to -11.0) in LPN group and -20.0 (-33.2 to -12.0) in RAPN group (p=0.3). Mean (SD) warm ischemia time was 21.1 (6.1) min in LPN group and 19.6 (7.7) min in RAPN group (p=0.2). No positive surgical margins (PSM) occurred in the LPN group, while RAPN group had PSM in 4.9% (n=3); p=0.099. Renal volume loss after 6 months was 27.5% (22.7 to 45.7) in the LPN group versus 37.5 (13.7 to 54.2) in the RAPN group (p=0.5). Mean operative times were lower in the LPN group (192.3 min (SD 44.5) versus 230.2 min (SD 59.6), p=0.001). More complications occurred in the LPN group (31% versus 21%, p=0.075). Transfusion rates were 15% for LPN and 11% for RAPN. Conclusions In terms of preserving renal function, LPN in total ischemia and RAPN in selective ischemia are comparable. In most patients, RF decrease of the affected kidney after PN seems to not exceed 25%, regardless of the surgical approach.
Identification of Molecular Mechanisms Related to Pig Fatness at the Transcriptome and miRNAome Levels

Fat deposition and growth rate are closely related to pork quality and fattening efficiency. The next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach for transcriptome and miRNAome massive parallel sequencing of adipocyte tissue was applied to search for a molecular network related to fat deposition in pigs. Pigs were represented by three breeds (Large White, Pietrain, and Hampshire) that varied in fat content within each breed. The obtained results allowed for the detection of significant enrichment of Gene Ontology (GO) terms and pathways associated directly and indirectly with fat deposition via regulation of fatty acid metabolism, fat cell differentiation, inflammatory response, and extracellular matrix (ECM) organization and disassembly. Moreover, the results showed that adipocyte tissue content strongly affected the expression of leptin and other genes related to a response to excessive feed intake. The findings indicated that modification of genes and miRNAs involved in ECM rearrangements can be essential during fat tissue growth and development in pigs. The identified molecular network within genes and miRNAs that were deregulated depending on the subcutaneous fat level are proposed as candidate factors determining adipogenesis, fatness, and selected fattening characteristics in pigs.
The softening of hard seeds of san-plain lupin (Lupinus varius)

Two types of impermeability were found in hard seeds of sand-plain lupin. Hard seeds with a moisture content above 10% (dry weight basis) are conditionally hard. They soften slowly when placed in a humid atmosphere or moist soil, the rate of softening varying directly with the moisture content. Moisture penetration occurs at random sites over the testa, but not normally at the hilum or strophiole. Hard seeds with a moisture content below 8.5%, on the other hand, are absolutely hard, and will not soften as a result of exposure to moist conditions. They will soften, however, if exposed to daily temperature fluctuations between 15 and 65°C, which fracture the impermeable coat at the strophiole. This type of softening does not occur in seeds with a moisture content above 8.5%. It is concluded that under field conditions the autumn germination pattern of the species, which has no physiological seed dormancy, would depend on the degree to which the seeds become desiccated during the summer. Where moisture contents remain above l0%, the seeds would give a scattered germination over several months. With moisture contents below 8.5% the only seeds capable of germinating would be those with a fracture at the strophiole resulting from summer temperature fluctuations. These would all germinate within a few days following moistening of the soil.
New karyotype records for the genus Proechimys (Rodentia: Echimyidae) from Brazilian Amazonia

Abstract We present new karyotype records for six Proechimys species from the Brazilian Amazon. P. echinothrix from the region of Purus River had 2n = 32 chromosomes and a FN = 58, while P. cuvieri from the region of the Japurá River presented 2n = 28 and FN = 46. All individuals presented hybridization with an 18S rDNA probe in a single chromosome pair, with the exception of P. cuvieri from the Japurá region, which presented a third signal in one of the homologs of pair 1. No ITS were found in any of the individuals. Our data supports the hypothesis that the P. cuvieri population from the Japurá Basin and P. echinothrix from the lower Purus are new taxonomic entities. Our data expand the geographic distribution of the cytotype (2n = 40, FN = 54) described for P. gardneri from the Madeira River, and the cytotype (2n = 46, FN = 50), described for P. guyannensis, as well as the recently-described cytotype of P. goeldii (2n = 16, FN = 14). No clear pattern of chromosomal evolution has yet been defined in Proechimys, despite the considerable karyotypic diversity of the genus.
Nonclinical Characterization of the Hypoxia-Inducible Factor Prolyl Hydroxylase Inhibitor Roxadustat, a Novel Treatment of Anemia of Chronic Kidney Disease

Anemia of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a multifactorial disorder caused by impaired erythropoietin (EPO) production and altered iron homeostasis associated with inflammation. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) is a transcription factor that stimulates erythropoiesis via a coordinated response involving increased EPO production and enhanced iron availability for Hb synthesis. HIF degradation is regulated by HIF-prolyl hydroxylase (HIF-PH) enzymes. We hypothesized that roxadustat, an orally available small-molecule inhibitor of HIF-PH, would increase EPO production and promote erythropoiesis in animal models of anemia. In cells, roxadustat increased both HIF-1α and HIF-2α proteins, leading to an increase in EPO production, even in the presence of EPO-suppressing inflammatory cytokines. Roxadustat administered intermittently to healthy rats and cynomolgus monkeys increased circulating EPO levels, reticulocytes, blood Hb, and hematocrit in a dose-dependent manner. Roxadustat corrected anemia in a rat model of CKD after five-sixth nephrectomy and in a rat model of anemia of inflammation with impaired iron metabolism induced by peptidoglycan-polysaccharide (PG-PS). In the PG-PS model, roxadustat significantly decreased hepatic expression of hepcidin, a hormone responsible for iron sequestration and functional iron deficiency, and increased expression of two genes involved in duodenal iron absorption: divalent metal transporter 1 and duodenal cytochrome b. In conclusion, by activating the HIF pathway, roxadustat increased EPO production, elevated Hb, corrected anemia, and improved iron homeostasis. The coordinated erythropoietic response stimulated by roxadustat, involving both EPO production and mobilization of iron stores, makes this compound a promising treatment of anemia of CKD and anemia associated with functional iron deficiency. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Roxadustat is a novel orally available small-molecule inhibitor of HIF prolyl hydroxylase enzymes that reversibly stabilizes HIF-α, thus activating transcription of HIF-dependent genes, including EPO and regulators of iron homeostasis. Activation of the HIF pathway by roxadustat induces erythropoiesis in healthy rats and monkeys and corrects experimentally induced anemia in rats. The coordinated erythropoietic response that increases EPO production and mobilizes iron stores makes roxadustat a promising treatment for anemia of chronic kidney disease and anemia associated with functional iron deficiency.