Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Collagen content and architecture of the Iliotibialis lateralis muscle in male chicks and broilers with different growth rates fed on different nutritional planes

1. Varying growth rates in chickens were induced by different nutritional regimes. The collagen content and architecture of iliotibialis lateralis (ITL) muscle were compared among 21-d-old chick types and broiler types at 80 or 95 d of age. 2. Relative size of ITL muscle was greater in the rapid growing (1·16% of live weight) than the slow growing chicks (1·02% of live weight). The 80-d-old broilers with a compensatory growth phase after an earlier slow growth period produced ITL muscle at 1·65–1·69% of live weight. The ITL muscle in 80- and 95-d-old broilers with restricted later growth after an earlier rapid growth period was 1·29 and 1·49% of live weight, respectively. 3. Collagen content of ITL muscle did not differ between chick types and also among the broiler types. However, collagen concentration decreased from 6·00–6·51 mg/g in the chicks to 3·33–4·00 mg/g in the broilers. 4. Thick and thin perimysia and honeycomb endomysia were viewed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) photography. In the perimysia, a central wide layer of longitudinal collagen fibres and peripheral narrow band of transverse fibres were distinguished. Collagen baskets of adipocytes were observed in the perimysia. 5. Perimysial collagen fibres markedly increased in number and formed a larger fibre cluster during growth from chicks to broilers. Endomysia changed from thin to thicker meshwork with growth. However, the collagen architecture of the muscle in broilers did not change under different nutritional regimes. 6. In conclusion, ITL muscle of chicken develops optimally when body growth is enhanced, but the collagen content and architecture in broilers are not affected by different growth processes.
Comparative study of the quality of broiler and turkey meat

1. An experiment was conducted to compare different meat quality parameters, especially colour development, in the breast muscle of turkeys and broilers. 2. A total of 160 broilers (Ross 308) with a mean age of 32 d and 120 turkeys (BUT Big 6) with a mean age of 147 d were slaughtered at 4 (broilers) or three (turkeys) dates at two commercial abattoirs and the slaughter characteristics (slaughter and breast weight, breast yield) were determined. 3. The Musculus pectoralis superficialis (MPS) was collected and different meat quality parameters (pH, electrical conductivity (EC), colour (L * a * b*), grill loss, shear force) were analysed 24 h after slaughter; the colour development during cold storage of the MPS was also analysed. 4. The turkeys had greater carcase and breast weights as well as breast yields. The pH was significantly lower and the EC as well as the grill loss significantly higher in the MPS of the turkey, whereas the shear force values were comparable. 5. Considering the colour of the breast muscle the broiler MPS had significantly higher L* and b* but lower a* values. During cold storage the L* and b* values of the MPS increase in both investigated poultry species, whereas a* increased in the turkey but decreased in the broiler birds. The L* and b* of the broiler and turkey MPS thereby increased in parallel. 6. From the results of this and previously published studies that investigated only broilers or turkeys it can be concluded that chemical (or biochemical) differences between these poultry species exist that specifically influence the muscle-to-meat transition process after slaughter.
Light intensity during rearing affects the behavioural synchrony and resting patterns of broiler chickens

1. The effect of light intensity on behavioural synchrony and rest in broilers was investigated by randomly assigning 504 Cobb chicks to environmental chambers at low (5 lux), moderate (50 lux), or high (200 lux) daytime illumination under a 16 h L : 8 h D light cycle. We hypothesised that behavioural synchrony and resting behaviour would be affected by light : dark amplitude, and predicted that broilers reared at higher intensities would show increased synchrony and thus have fewer, but longer, resting bouts during the scotophase, since these bouts would be less likely to be interrupted by active birds. 2. Digital recordings were made for 48 h from weeks 3 to 5 of age, and scan samples taken of 11 behaviours at 15-min intervals. Z-scores for the amount of synchronisation were calculated using the kappa coefficient of agreement. Frequency and length of resting bouts and the number of resting bout interruptions by flockmates were also calculated from continuous observations of 4 focal broilers per pen. 3. Resting and sitting behaviour were significantly synchronised or showed a strong trend towards synchronisation in all treatments during the 3 weeks of observation. There were significant treatment differences in the degree of synchrony for preen, eat, rest and forage, with broilers reared in 200 lux showing the greatest degree of synchrony. 4. During the scotophase, broilers reared with high illumination had fewer, longer, and less interrupted bouts of resting than those reared with moderate or low illumination. During the photophase, broilers in the low-illumination treatment had more frequent, longer, and more interrupted resting bouts than those in the moderate or high illumination treatment. 5. In conclusion, rearing broilers under a 16 h L : 8 h D photoperiod with high daytime light intensity resulted in greater behavioural synchrony in the flock, with the potential to improve welfare by increasing uninterrupted resting behaviour during the dark phase.
Angiotensin II Type 1 Receptor Blockade Prevents Cardiac Remodeling in Bradykinin B2 Receptor Knockout Mice

Abstract —Knockout mice (B 2 −/− ) lacking the bradykinin (BK) B 2 receptor gene develop mild hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, and myocardial damage. We hypothesized that these effects are due to the hypertrophying and damaging actions of angiotensin II (Ang II) in the absence of the balancing protection of BK. To verify this hypothesis, B 2 −/− or wild-type mice (B 2 +/+ ) were administered a nonpeptide antagonist of Ang II type 1 (AT 1 ) receptors (A81988) from conception through 180 days of age. Untreated B 2 +/+ and B 2 −/− served as controls. Blood pressure (BP) and heart rate were monitored with the use of tail-cuff plethysmography at regular intervals. Ventricular weights, diameters, wall thickness, chamber volume, and myocardial fibrosis were measured at 40 and 180 days. No differences were observed in BP, heart rate, and cardiac weight and dimensions between treated and untreated B 2 +/+ . The BP of AT 1 antagonist–treated B 2 −/− was reduced until 70 days; then, it increased to the levels found in untreated B 2 −/− . AT 1 receptor blockade resulted in a reduction in left ventricular mass, chamber volume, and wall thickness and abrogated myocardial fibrosis in B 2 −/− . These results indicate that Ang II is the major factor responsible for ventricular remodeling and myocardial damage in mice with disruption of BK B 2 receptor signaling. The interaction of Ang II and BK appears to be essential for the development of a normal heart.
Growth, slaughter and gastrointestinal tract traits of three turkey genotypes under barn and free-range housing systems

1. This study was conducted to assess the impact of genotype and outdoor access (and gender when appropriate) on growth rate and carcass yield. 2. One slow-growing genotype (Bronze; B, n = 129), a commercial fast-growing genotype (Hybrid; H, n = 186) and a medium-growing genotype (crosses; H × B, n = 78) were housed (straight-run) for 21 weeks of age. Each genotype was assigned to 3 pens of 20–23 birds each and raised in indoor floor pens in a curtain-sided house with ventilation fans; the B, H and H × B genotypes were also assigned to 3, 4 and 2 floor pens (2 m2 approximately) with outdoor access (during daylight hours), respectively. All animals were fed ad libitum a commercial diet and birds were commercially processed. After reaching the commercial live weight at 17 and 21 weeks of age, 4 birds (two females and two males) per replicate were slaughtered to determine the yields of carcass, breast, and thigh, abdominal fat and edible inner organs. Gastrointestinal tract characteristics such as length and weight of whole gut were analysed. 3. No significant interaction between genotype and housing systems was observed. Significant differences were found for all traits among genotypes. The live weight was higher in H and H × B genotypes from 7 to 15 weeks and from 7 to 21 weeks of age compared to B genotype, respectively. The live weight of H genotype was higher than that of H × B genotype from 15 to 21 weeks of age. The carcass weight and yield, and the relative weights of the edible inner organs and whole gut, and the relative length of whole gut were significantly affected by genotype and sex of birds. Differences in growth performance, relative weight of breast meat, wings or thighs between birds raised on barn or free-range were negligible. In conclusion, while the development in growth performances was related to strain, the traits at slaughter were related to both strain and sex, and were unaffected by housing system.
Performance and bone mineralisation in broiler chicks fed on diets with different concentrations of cholecalciferol at a constant ratio of calcium to non-phytate phosphorus

1. An experiment was conducted with broiler female chicks (720) to study the effects of graded concentrations (7⋅5, 15, 22⋅5 or 30 µg/kg) of cholecalciferol (CC) in diets containing varying levels of calcium (Ca) and non-phytate phosphorus (NPP) at a 2:1 ratio (4:2, 5:2⋅5, 6:3 or 7:3⋅5 g/kg, respectively), on the performance (2–35 d of age), bone mineralisation and mineral (Ca, P, Mn, Fe, Cu) concentration in excreta. 2. Body weight gain, food intake, tibia density and tibia ash increased, and leg abnormality score decreased with dietary increase of CC from 7⋅5 to 30 µg at 4 g Ca and 2 g NPP. However, this improvement was not comparable with the birds receiving the highest concentrations of CC, Ca and NPP (30 µg, 7 g and 3.5 g, respectively/kg diet). 3. Significant improvements in the majority of parameters noted with increasing CC up to 22⋅5 µg at 5 g Ca and 2⋅5 g NPP/kg, which was comparable to those fed the highest levels of CC, Ca and NPP. 4. Concentrations of Ca, P, Mn, Fe and Cu in excreta decreased significantly with increasing CC at all Ca:NPP ratios tested. 5. The predicted requirement of CC for most of the parameters ranged between 16⋅25 and 25 µg/kg diet at 5 g Ca and 2⋅5 g NPP. 6. Considering the performance, bone mineralisation, and mineral concentration in excreta, it can be concluded that Ca and NPP levels in broiler diet could be reduced to 5 and 2⋅5 g, respectively, while maintaining CC at 25 µg/kg.
Potencial terapéutico de los cannabinoides

espanolLos cannabinoides demuestran eficacia en modelos experimentales de dolor agudo y cronico. Parecen seguros en los ensayos desarrollados para algunas indicaciones de dolor y otras. Las nuevas tecnologias han abierto nuevas posibilidades de tratamiento al proporcionar nuevas vias de administracion. Se precisan ensayos en pacientes para determinar el verdadero rol de estas sustancias en el tratamiento del dolor. EnglishCannabinoids show efficacy in experimental models of acute and chronic pain. They seem safe in trials developed for some indications of pain and others. New technologies have opened new possibilities for treatment by providing new routes of administration. Trials in patients are needed to determine the true role of these substances in the treatment of pain.
Effects of decreases in the three most limiting amino acids of low protein diets at two different feeding periods in Japanese quails

1. Diets containing 100 (AA100), 95 (AA95), 90 (AA90) or 85% (AA85) of National Research Council (NRC, 1994) recommendations of methionine, threonine and lysine in a low-protein diet (200 g/kg) were fed to 15-d-old quails. 2. Decreases of up to 15% of NRC recommendations in these three amino acids did not affect feed intake, weight gain and gain:feed intake values in the 15–35- and 15–42-d feeding periods. 3. Compared to control diet, feeding cost per bird was lower in males fed with AA95 and AA85 at 15–35 d and with AA85 diets at 15–42 d. At 15–35 d, feeding cost per 100 g weight gain was lower in both males and females receiving the AA85 diet while at 15–42 d it was lower in males fed with AA85 and females fed with AA90 compared to the control diet. Feeding cost calculated based on 100 g weight gain resulted in more meaningful results than cost calculated for the production of a bird. 4. Dietary amino acid content did not significantly affect carcase, thigh (bone in and skin on) or breast meat (deboned and skin on) yields. Males fed with AA90 diet and females fed with AA90 and AA85 had lower protein contents in their breast meat (without bone and skin) compared to the ones fed with control diet.
Shear vs. Tensile Bond Strength of Resin Composite Bonded to Ceramic

Since the mode of failure of resin composites bonded to ceramics has frequently been reported to be cohesive fracture of either ceramic or resin composite rather than separation at the adhesive interface, this study was designed to question the validity of shear bond strength tests. The reasons for such a failure mode are identified and an alternative tensile bond strength test evaluated. Three configurations (A, conventional; B, reversed; and C, all composite) of the cylinder-on-disc design were produced for shear bond strength testing. Two-dimensional finite element stress analysis (FEA) was carried out to determine qualitatively the stress distribution for the three configurations. A tensile bond strength test was designed and used to evaluate two ceramic repair systems, one using hydrofluoric acid (HF) and the other acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF). Results from the shear bond strength tests and FEA showed that this particular test has as its inherent feature the measurement of the strength of the base material rather than the strength of the adhesive interface. In the tensile test, failure invariably occurred in the adhesive layer, with HF and APF showing a similar ability to improve the bond of resin composite to ceramic. It is concluded that the tensile bond strength test is more appropriate for evaluating the adhesive capabilities of resin composites to ceramics.
Effect of taurine on intestinal morphology and utilisation of soy oil in chickens

1. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of taurine on intestinal morphology and utilisation of dietary fatty acids in chicken. One-day-old broilers chickens were fed with a maize- and soybean-based diet containing soy oil, and supplemented with taurine at either 0 or 0·5 g/kg. 2. Result showed that the total bile acid in blood and lipase activity in the small intestine were elevated in 3-week-old broilers given the taurine-supplemented diet. No differences were observed for total serum bile acid and lipase activity between the groups of 6-week-old broilers. 3. The development of the jejunum villus and ileum villus was inhibited, and the weight of jejunum and the relative height of intestinal mucosa were decreased in the chickens fed the taurine-supplemented diet. 4. The rate of diet fatty acid utilisation was not different between the groups of 3- and 6-week-old chickens. 5. Our results showed that dietary supplementation with taurine had no beneficial effect on intestinal morphology or utilisation of a soy oil diet in chickens.
Low-Density Open Cellular Sponges as Functional Materials.

Low-density macroporous sponges with densities less than 100 mg cm-3 are both a challenge and an opportunity for advanced chemistry and material science. The challenge lies in the precise preparation of the sponges with property combinations that lead to novel applications. Bottom-up and top-down chemical and engineering methods for the preparation of sponges are a major focus of this Review, with an emphasis on carbon and polymer materials. The light weight, sustainability, breathability, special wetting characteristics, large mass transfer, mechanical stability, and large pore volume are typical characteristics of sponges made of advanced materials and could lead to novel applications. Some selected sponge properties and potential applications are discussed.
Growth response, blood characteristics and copper accumulation in organs of broilers fed on diets supplemented with organic and inorganic dietary copper sources

1. A 56-d experiment was conducted to study the comparative influence of organic and inorganic dietary copper (Cu) sources on growth, blood characteristics and copper accumulation in organs of broilers. 2. A total of 480 Arbor-Acre unsexed broilers were fed on diets containing copper sulphate (CuSO4) or copper proteinate (Cu Pro) at concentrations of 50, 100 or 150 mg/kg of Cu supplementation. The birds were given a broiler starter diet from 1–28 d and a broiler finisher diet from 29–56 d which contained 30·8 mg/kg and 41·1 mg/kg basal copper concentration respectively. Growth performance, blood characteristics and Cu accumulation in organs of the broilers were measured. 3. At 28 d, Cu Pro-fed birds had improved feed conversion ratio compared with CuSO4. At 56 d, birds fed on Cu Pro diets had significantly greater body weight than CuSO4-fed birds. Birds fed on CuSO4 supplemented diets had significantly better feed conversion efficiency. Feed consumptions for the two Cu sources were not significantly different. At no stage did the concentration of added Cu affect the productive traits measured. 4. Cu Pro supplementation increased haemoglobin concentration but reduced plasma triglyceride and plasma cholesterol. Plasma cholesterol decreased as Cu concentration increased. 5. There was a greater accumulation of Cu in the blood, heart, lung, liver and bone of broilers fed on Cu Pro than in those receiving CuSO4. The liver Cu concentration increased as dietary Cu concentration increased. 6. Cu Pro was more effective in promoting growth and reducing blood cholesterol, and was more bio-available in the organs of broilers.
Ventilation rates in large commercial layer hen houses with two-year continuous monitoring

1. Ventilation controls the indoor environment and is critical for poultry production and welfare. Ventilation is also crucial for assessing aerial pollutant emissions from the poultry industry. Published ventilation data for commercial layer houses have been limited, and are mostly based on short-term studies, mainly because monitoring airflow from large numbers of fans is technically challenging. 2. A two-year continuous ventilation monitoring trial was conducted at two commercial manure belt houses (A and B), each with 250 000 layers and 88 130-cm exhaust fans. All the fans were individually monitored with fan rotational speed sensors or vibration sensors. Differential static pressures across the house walls were also measured. Three fan performance assessment methods were applied periodically to determine fan degradations. Fan models were developed to calculate house ventilations. 3. A total of 693 and 678 complete data days, each containing >16 h of valid ventilation data, were obtained in houses A and B, respectively. The two-year mean ventilation rates of houses A and B were 2·08 and 2·10 m3 h−1 hen−1, corresponding to static pressures of −36·5 and −48·9 Pa, respectively. For monthly mean ventilation, the maximum rates were 4·87 and 5·01 m3 h−1 hen−1 in July 2008, and the minimum were 0·59 and 0·81 m3 h−1 hen−1 in February 2008, for houses A and B, respectively. 4. The two-year mean ventilation rates were similar to those from a survey in Germany and a 6-month study in Indiana, USA, but were much lower than the 8·4 and 6·2 m3 h−1 hen−1 from a study in Italy. The minimum monthly mean ventilation rates were similar to the data obtained in winter in Canada, but were lower than the minimum ventilation suggested in the literature. The lower static pressure in house B required more ventilation energy input. The two houses, although identical, demonstrated differences in indoor environment controls that represented potential to increase ventilation energy efficiency, and reduce carbon footprints and operational costs.
Cannabis and psychiatric disorders: it is not only addiction

Since the discovery of the endocannabinoid system, a growing body of psychiatric research has emerged focusing on the role of this system in major psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar disorder (BD), major depression and anxiety disorder. Continuing in the line of earlier epidemiological studies, recent replication studies indicate that frequent cannabis use doubles the risk for psychotic symptoms and SCZ. Further points of clinical research interest are alterations of endocannabinoids and their relation to symptoms as well as postmortem analyses of cannabinoid CB1 receptor densities in SCZ. A possible neurobiological mechanism for the deleterious influence of cannabis use in SCZ has been suggested, involving the disruption of endogenous cannabinoid signaling and functioning. Even though the number of studies is still limited for affective and anxiety disorders, previous results suggest these diseases to be exciting objectives of cannabinoid‐associated research. Therefore, it became apparent that cannabis use is not only frequent in patients suffering from BD, but that it also induces manic symptoms in this group. In addition, prior antipsychotic treatment decreased the numerical density of CB1 immunoreactive glial cells in bipolar patients. Although the data on the influence of cannabis use on the development of major depression is controversial, cannabinoid compounds could display a new class of medication, as suggested by the antidepressive effects of the fatty acid amino hydrolase inhibitor URB597 in animal models. With numerous open questions and controversial results, further research is required to specify and extend the findings in this area, which provides a promising target for novel pharmacotherapeutic interventions.
Changes in brain monoamine metabolism of neonatal chicks under two different acute stress conditions

1. The purpose of the present study was to clarify brain monoamine metabolism during two different conditions of acute stress by quantifying changes in the brain of neonatal chicks exposed to either restraint with isolation, or fasting stress. 2. Under restraint with isolation-induced stress, dopaminergic metabolism was clearly stimulated. 3. During fasting stress, dopaminergic activity, serotonergic and norepinephrinergic metabolisms were stimulated. 4. It was concluded that brain monoamine metabolism of chicks is differentially affected by stressors.