Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional connectivity reveals dissociable ventrolateral prefrontal mechanisms for the control of multilingual word retrieval

A fundamental cognitive operation involved in speech production is word retrieval from the mental lexicon, which in monolinguals is supported by dissociable ventro-lateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC) mechanisms associated with proactive and reactive control. This functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study established whether in multilinguals word retrieval is supported by the same prefrontal mechanisms, and whether proactive modulation consists in suppression of the non-target lexicon. Healthy multilingual volunteers participated in a task that required them to name pictures alternatively in their dominant and less-dominant language. Two crucial variables were manipulated: the cue-target interval (CTI) to either engage (long CTI) or prevent proactive control processes (short CTI), and the cognate status of the pictures to-be-named (non-cognates versus cognates) to capture the presence of selective pre-activation of the target language. Results support the two-process account of vlPFC and indicate that multilinguals engage in proactive control to prepare the target language. This proactive modulation, enacted by anterior vlPFC, is achieved by boosting the activation of lexical representations of the target language. Control processes supported by mid-vlPFC and left inferior parietal lobe together, are similarly engaged in pre-and post-word retrieval, possibly exerted on phonological representations to reduce cross-language interference. Significance Statement Word retrieval in monolingual speech production is enacted by left ventro-lateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC) supporting controlled access to conceptual representations (proactive control), and left mid-vlPFC supporting post-retrieval lexical selection (reactive control). In this functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study we demonstrate that multilingual word retrieval is supported by similar prefrontal mechanisms. However, differently from monolinguals, multilingual speakers retrieve words by applying proactive control on lexical representations to reduce cross-language interference. Alternatively to what it has been proposed by one of the most influential models, here we show that this proactive modulation is achieved by boosting the activation of lexical representations of the target language.
Molecular characterization of multidrug resistant Salmonella from chicken and human in Yaounde

Salmonella is one of the most common foodborne pathogens worldwide and chicken has been recognized as its main reservoir for human. The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of antimicrobial resistance genes in Salmonella isolates from chicken and human, and evaluate their genetic relationship. A total of 200 Salmonella strains (103 from Chicken and 97 from humans) were collected from 2006 to 2007 in Yaounde, and characterized for their antimicrobial susceptibility to a panel of 16 antimicrobials. Presence of antimicrobial resistance genes, class1 and class 2 integrons was investigated by PCR in Multidrug Resistant (MDR) isolates. Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis was used to investigate their genetic relatedness. Only serotypes Enteritidis, Hadar, Bareilly and II were recovered from both chicken and human. Overall, 16 isolates (8%) were susceptible to all antimicrobials including third generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolons. Resistance was mostly observed to tetracycline (57%) in chicken isolates and to sulfonamides (78.3%) in human isolates. 78 (15.3%) strains were MDR. Class 1 integron was predominant in MDR Hadar and Typhimurium isolates. TEM-1 was the unique Extended Spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) detected in the β-lactam resistant Typhimurium strain isolated from human. No qnr genes were identified in nalidixic acid resistant isolates. PFGE typing of Enteritidis isolates using XbaI restriction enzyme showed close genetic relationship between chicken and human isolates. For Hadar and Typhimurirum, variety of restriction patterns was observed. These results highlight the need for continuous surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella isolates in Cameroon.
RGD-conjugated Nanoparticles for Targeted Inhibition of Metastasis of Integrin αvβ3-overexpressing Breast Cancer Cells

The use of actively targeted nanoparticles as a delivery system for both the diagnosis and treatment of cancer has been explored extensively. However, selective tumor accumulation is not guaranteed. The objectives of this thesis were 1) to optimize the nanoparticle surface content of cyclic arginyl-glycyl-aspartic acid (cRGD) decorated solid lipid nanoparticles (RGD-SLN) in targeting αvβ3 integrin receptor, and 2) to evaluate the potential of RGD-SLN in inhibition of metastasis. Nanoparticles of cRGD content ranging from 0 – 10% mol were synthesized. They showed enhanced binding for αvβ3 integrin receptors and increased cellular uptake in the breast cancer cells. In vitro treatment with RGD-SLNs reduced tumor cell adhesion and invasion. Maximum tumor accumulation was demonstrated in 1% mol of RGD on the nanoparticle surface among all formulations tested in vivo. This work has laid a foundation for further development of anticancer drug-loaded cRGD-nanoparticle formulations useful for the treatment of breast cancer
Probiotic foods: Benefits to the cereal based Sri Lankan diet

The Sri Lankan diet of which the staple is rice, has unacceptable levels of antinutritional substances, particularly phytic acid, which is associated with fibre, a dietary component originating from plant sources of food. Low anthropometric indicators among preschool children suggestive of undernutrition have remained static over several years. Some microbes that ferment food are known to produce phytase that metabolize phytic acid in addition to providing other benefits. Some of these microbes in fermented foods serve as probiotics, which help maintain homeostasis within the gut microbiota, thus providing a wide range of health benefits. At present, it is a worldwide trend to incorporate probiotics to the daily diet in fermented foods, while a market for novel probiotic foods is catching on. In the gut, probiotics can thrive on indigestible carbohydrates (fibre) serving as prebiotics. Therefore, designing synbiotic foods having both probiotics and prebiotics with enhanced benefits is also becoming popular globally. This review evaluates the feasibility of introducing a wide range of fermented foods to the Sri Lankan diet. Such a move is envisaged to diversify the local diet thus helping to alleviate certain nutritional shortcomings. This can subsequently help in the introduction of specific probiotics with beneficial effects.
New mutations, old statistical challenges

Based on targeted sequencing of 208 genes in 11,730 neurodevelopmental disorder cases, Stessman et al. report the identification of 91 genes associated (at a False Discovery Rate [FDR] of 0.1) with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), intellectual disability (ID), and developmental delay (DD)-including what they characterize as 38 novel genes, not previously reported as connected with these diseases. If true, this would represent a substantial step forward. Unfortunately, each of the two discovery analyses (1. De novo mutation analysis and, 2. a comparison of private mutations with public control data) contain critical statistical flaws. When one accounts for these problems, fewer than half of the genes - and very few, if any, of the novel findings - survive. These errors have implications for how future analyses should be conducted, for understanding the genetic basis of these disorders, and for genomic medicine.
Grotere arbeidsdeelname van ouderen door leeftijdsbewust personeelsbeleid

Europa vergrijst en de Nederlandse beroepsbevolking vergrijst mee. Daardoor zal een groot percentage van de werknemers binnenkort met pensioen gaan. Door een toenemend tekort aan jongeren om vacatures op te vullen zullen bedrijven steeds meer op ouder personeel moeten vertrouwen. Zij moeten ouderen langer in dienst zien te houden, maar ook een groter aantal in dienst nemen. Maatregelen om oudere werknemers inzetbaar te houden moeten echter niet alleen op deze groep worden gericht, maar ook op jongere werknemers en daarmee op werknemers van alle leeftijden (ILO, 2002). De positie van ouderen op de arbeidsmarkt wordt namelijk voor een groot deel bepaald door keuzes die mensen eerder in hun leven en hun carriere hebben gemaakt. Werknemers moeten worden toegerust met kennis en vaardigheden die hen in staat stellen om breed inzetbaar te blijven en tot hun pensionering een productieve rol te blijven spelen. Werkgevers die overtuigd zijn van de meerwaarde van oudere werknemers zullen in hen moeten investeren door middel van een leeftijdsbewust personeelsbeleid.
Studies of Gene Expression in Drug Resistant Leishmania donovani using DNA Microarrays

s in Proceedings: 1. Dhiraj Kumar, Ruchi Singh, Arpita Kulshrestha, N.S. Negi, Poonam Salotra “Differential expression of Histones, HSP83, MAPK and PSA-2 contributes to drug resistance in field isolates of Leishmania donovani in “Keystone Symposia on “Drug Discovery for Protozoan Parasites” held at Breckenridge, Colorado(USA), March
Antimicrobial Activity of Propolis Against some Bacteria and Fungi.

Propolis is a natural, low cost, non toxic bee product. The study was aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of crude ethanolic extract of Egyptian propolis (EEEP) against two multidrug resistant bacteria and twelve veterinary medical important fungi. Antibacterial and antifungal activity was determined by diffusion (disc and agar well diffusion) and dilution methods, compared with other antimicrobial agents. Results revealed that S. aureus showed higher sensitivity to EEEP than other E. coli. The effect of EEP was elevated when the concentration increased to 80 and 160 mg/ml. Considering the diameter of the inhibitory zones and MIC values, S. aureus and E. coli showed susceptibility to propolis with inhibition zone diameters of 23 and 17 mm, respectively by disc diffusion test, while they reach 24 and 23 mm, respectively, by agar well diffusion test. Propolis showed similar antibacterial activity as the other tested agents (Oxacillin, Nalidixic acid, Neomycin, Ciprofloxacin, E-moxclav, Doxycycline, Erythromycin, Gentamicin and Sulphamethoxazole Trimethoprim), MIC value was 6.4 mg/ml for both bacterial spp. EEP at concentration, 20 mg/ml was effective against all examined five yeast spcies by well diffusion as well as dilution method and can be arranged as Trichosporon cutaneum < Cryptococcus neoformans and Rhodotorula rubra < Candida albicans < Geotrichum candidum . Moulds species tested by the dilution (media incorporated with propolis and other antimycotic drugs) method, indicated that, propolis showed important antifungal activity against tested dermatophytes at 40 mg/l concentration while non dermatophytes at 160 mg/l. The obtained results emphasized that, the propolis can be used as alternative treatment in some bacterial and fungal infections, but more research should be carried out to standardize their active ingredients and action.
Amino Acid Supply In Lactating Dairy Cattle

Amino acid flow from the rumen was quantified and key aspects of rumen fermentation were evaluated in lactating dairy cattle. Rumen bacteria and protozoa were analyzed for amino acid (AA) composition and digestibility, and values were incorporated into the Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS). Two in vivo studies were performed to evaluate the effects of a commercial fermentation byproduct on nutrient digestion, microbial growth, omasal flow of nutrients, and milk production in lactating dairy cattle. The objectives of the first portion of the first study (Chapter 2) was to evaluate nutrient digestion in the rumen and total tract, along with omasal flows of N. Inclusion of fermentation byproduct decreased dietary N degradation in the rumen, with no detrimental effects on microbial N flows. The second part of the experiment (Chapter 3) involved measurment of microbial growth and turnover, partitioning of protozoa and bacterial N, and determination of omasal AA flow. Cows fed the fermentation byproduct had increased flows of non-microbial AA at the omasal canal. Comparison of the observed results against model predicted values indicated that the rumen sub-model of CNCPS v.7 was able to provide accurate estimations of total microbial N. The second trial (Chapter 4) was performed to evaluate the effects of the fermentation byproduct on milk production in groups of lactating cows. Cows fed fermentation byproduct had increased energy-corrected milk yield and protein yield compared with cows fed regular and rumen protected soybean meal. In Chapter 5, two methods not previously applied to microbial samples were used to characterize the AA profile and digestibility of bacterial and protozoal protein. The values obtained, along with other updates to protozoal growth and turnover parameters from Chapter 3 were incorporated into the CNCPS. A comparison of model predicted vs. observed value from a larger literature dataset was used to evaluate improvements in the model’s predictive capability. Overall, the use of omasal sampling, improved isolation of protozoa, and more accurate determination of post ruminal flows of digestible AA allowed for a more complete understanding of microbial protein synthesis and more accurate model predictions of post ruminal AA supply.
COMPARATIVE UTILISATION OF TWO DIETARY FIBRE SOURCES SUPPLEMENTED WITH DIRECT-FED MICROBIALS IN GROWING PIGS.

In an 84 days feeding trial, 24 growing pigs with an average initial weight of 12 ± 0.5 kg (± SE) were assigned to six dietary treatments (T) in a 2 × 3 factorial design. The factors were two (2) sources of dietary fibre namely palm kernel meal (PKC) and rice bran (RB) and three (3) DFM inclusions which were 1: without any DFM inclusion, 2: addition of yeast based (SS) DFM and 3: addition of multi-strain DFM (MS). Each treatment consisted of 4 pigs and each treatment was replicated twice with two pigs per replicate. Pigs on T1 were fed 30% rice bran based diet and contained no DFM, while pigs on T2 and T3 were fed the same diet in T1, to which either yeast or multi-strain DFM were supplemented respectively. Similarly, pigs on T4 to T6 were fed 30% PKC based diet without DFM and, with yeast or multi-strain DFM respectively. Multi-strain DFM contained 99.9% water, 1×10 8 CFU/g Lactobacillus sp, 4 × 10 12 CFU/g Bacillus sp and 11× 10 5 CFU/g Saccharomyces cerevisiae , while the yeast based-DFM contained yeast culture and dried brewer’s yeast. Multi-strain DFM was supplemented at 2ml/kg diet and yeast based DFM at 2g/kg diet respectively. Diets and water were offered on ad libitum basis. At the end of the feeding trial, three pigs per treatment were used to determine the nutrient digestibility of the test diets. Also, biochemical and haematological parameters were determined in the blood at the end of the study. There was a significant (p 0.05) of DFM on all the performance indices. Pigs on palm kernel cake based diets had higher final body weight (41 vs. 35 kg/pig), daily weight gain (352 vs. 283 g/pig) and feed intake (1.12 vs. 0.99 kg/pig) than pigs on rice bran based diets. Similarly, pigs on PKC based diets had lower feed conversion ratio compared to pigs on RB based diets (3.32 vs. 4.30). Pigs on T6 had a higher (p < 0.05) final body weight and daily weight gain compared to pigs on T4 and T5 (PKC based diets) and the rice bran based diets with or without yeast or multi-strain DFM supplementation. Also, DFM had no significant effect on the digestibility of proximate constituents. There was however a significant effect of fibre source and significant interaction of fibre source by direct fed microbial on dry matter and ether extract digestibility. There was no significant effect of FS, DFM or their interaction on all haematological parameters, except for monocytes and eosinophils on which DFM had a significantly effect. The monocytes (%) was significantly (p = 0.01) higher on MS compared to SS (2.83 vs. 1.67), while eosinophils (%) was lower (p =0.03) on MS compared to SS (1.83 vs. 2.34). Similarly, glucose (mg/dl) was higher (p = 0.03) on SS compared to MS. It was concluded that, there was a synergy between direct fed microbial and fibre source which enhanced the growth performance of growing pig and this was more evident on PKC based diets than RB based diets. Similarly, multi-strain DFM was more effective in enhancing growth performance of pigs than yeast direct fed microbial.
Seed protein and minerals utilization from moringa: toxicological and physiological implications of phyto-chemicals and heavy metals in fed broilers.

Investigations on the utilization of nutrients from full-fat Moringa oleifera seed meal (FMOSM) and the toxicological and physiological implications of the seeds phytochemicals and heavy metals on utilization of the nutrients were conducted. Dietary FMOSM was offered to broiler chicks at hatch for 4-weeks in a one-way classification design experiment. Response criteria from the birds were determined on nutrients utilization, bioavailability of minerals including heavy metals and effects on blood constituents and metabolites. FMOSM was included in diets at graded levels of 0.00, 7.50, 10.00, 12.50 and 15.00% for diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Increasing level of virgin seed meal in diets caused a concomitant decrease in almost all the indices measured (p < 0.05), probably due to the antinutrients/toxic factors in the unprocessed seed meal. The birds utilized the rich minerals content of M. oleifera including its heavy metals, which prolonged consumption might be inimical to the health status of the experimental animal models. It was therefore concluded that untreated full-fat seed meal be included in diets for poultry not beyond 10% for optimum results.
ALTURA A LA CADERA E INDICADORES PRODUCTIVOS Y REPRODUCTIVOS EN VACAS LECHERAS EN PASTOREO

1Cátedra de Producción de Bovinos de Leche. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Casilda. Argentina. *pmarini@fveter.unr. edu.ar 2Cátedra de Obstetricia y Fisiología de la Reproducción. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. Casilda. Argentina. 3Cátedra de Genética y Cátedra de Metodología de la Investigación. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Universidad Nacional de Rosario. CIC-UNR. Casilda. Argentina.
Wolf dispersal in the Rocky Mountains, Western United States: 1993–2008

Gray wolves (Canis lupus) were extirpated from the northern Rocky Mountains (NRM) of the United States by the 1930s. Dispersing wolves from Canada naturally recolonized Montana and first denned there in 1986. In 1995 and 1996, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service reintroduced 66 wolves into central Idaho and Yellowstone National Park. By 2008, there were ≥1,655 wolves in ≥217 packs, including 95 breeding pairs in the NRM. From 1993–2008, we captured and radio-collared 1,681 wolves and documented 297 radio-collared wolves dispersing as lone individuals. We monitored dispersing wolves to determine their pack characteristics (i.e., pack size and surrounding pack density) before and after dispersal, their reproductive success, and eventual fate. We calculated summary statistics for characteristics of wolf dispersal (i.e., straight-line distance, age, time of year, sex ratio, reproduction, and survival), and we tested these characteristics for differences between sexes and age groups. Approximately, 10% of the known wolf population dispersed annually. The sex ratio of dispersals favored males (169 M, 128 F), but fewer dispersed males reproduced (28%, n = 47) than females (42%, n = 54). Fifty-nine percent of all dispersers of known age were adults (n = 156), 37% were yearlings (n = 99), and 4% were pups (n = 10). Mean age at dispersal for males (32.8 months) was not significantly different (P = 0.88) than for females (32.1 months). Yellowstone National Park had a significant positive effect on dispersal rate. Pack density in a wolf's natal population had a negative effect on dispersal rate when the entire NRM population was considered. The mean NRM pack size (6.9) from 1993 to 2008 was smaller than the mean size of packs (10.0) from which wolves dispersed during that time period (P 300 km. On average, dispersal distance decreased later in the study (P = 0.006). Sex, survival rate in the natal population, start date, dispersal distance, and direction were not significant predictors of dispersal rate or successful dispersal. Wolves that formed new packs were >11 times more likely to reproduce than those that joined packs and surrounding pack density had a negative effect on successful dispersal. Dispersal behavior seems to be innate in sexually mature wolves and thereby assures that genetic diversity will remain high and help conserve the NRM wolf population. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
The Effect of Eggshell Quality on Hatchability of Pure Chicken Breeds

Hatchability is affected by a variety of factors. Eggshell quality plays very important role among these factors. In thiswork we analysed eggshell quality, hatchability and embryonic mortality of pure chicken breeds New Hampshire,Oravka, Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Red and Sussex Light. Hatchability was significantly lower (P>0.05) inSussex Light in comparison with New Hampshire. The eggshell quality for Sussex Light was significantly decreased(P>0.05) in eggshell thickness (398.73 vs. 356.07 μm) and eggshell percentage compared with New Hampshire(10.36 vs. 8.79 %).
Evaluation of hyperthermia effect on cell viability using crystal violet staining, LDH and trypan blue assays

There is a variety of techniques for evaluating the viability of cultured mammalian cells. In this study, experimental results of fast cell viability assays were compared to reveal the most suitable method for determination of hyperthermia effect on viability of human breast cancer (MDA-MB 231) and normal liver (WRL-68) cell lines. The cells were exposed to heat at 42°C for 4 different duration of heat exposure (1, 2, 3 and 4 hours); and percentage of cell viability was determined using three different assays (trypan blue (TB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and crystal violet, CV (1% glutaraldehyde or 4% paraformaldehye fixation)). Cell viability by the CV with 1% glutaraldehyde fixation method was not significantly different from those by CV with 4% paraformaldehyde. Crystal violet assay showed less viability of the treated cells meanwhile trypan blue indicated highest viability for both cell lines. Of the three counting techniques, the crystal violet assay gave consistently and significantly higher value than LDH (p<0.03) and trypan blue assay (p<0.05). This proved that crystal violet assay was the most sensitive assay whilst the least sensitive assay was trypan blue exclusion method. Therefore, crystal violet assay was more effective; simple; permits many samples to be analyzed rapidly and simultaneously when compared to LDH and trypan blue assays for MDA-MB 231 and WRL-68 cell lines.