Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of stage of broiler embryo development on coccidiosis vaccine injection accuracy, and subsequent oocyst localization and hatchling quality123

Control of coccidiosis in broiler chickens continues to pose challenges to commercial poultry producers, especially in an era of increased consumer demand for antibiotic-free broiler production. As a result, coccidiosis vaccines are now commonly used in rotation programs to achieve effective coccidiosis control. Inovocox EM1 vaccine (EM1) is a coccidiosis vaccine that allows for earlier immune acquisition through oocyst cycling, which reduces the effects of wild-type coccidia. The EM1 vaccine is administered to embryonated broiler hatching eggs between 18 and 19 D of incubation (doi). In the U.S., commercial broiler hatcheries vaccinate embryonated eggs at either 18.5 or 19 doi. However, it is unclear whether a difference in embryo age at the time of in ovo injection can impact the actual site of vaccine delivery. In addition, it is unclear where oocysts eventually become localized within the embryo following the in ovo injection of EM1. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the effects of stage of embryonic development on the actual deposition site of the EM1 vaccine oocysts when they are in ovo injected and to subsequently investigate the movement and eventual location of EM1 oocysts after in ovo injection. Because all eggs were injected at the same time, a 12-h difference in set time was a means to derive 18.5 and 19.0 incubation age of injection (IAN) treatments. The experimental design was a 3 injection treatment (noninjected, diluent-injected, and vaccine-injected) × 2 IAN factorial. There was a significant main effect of IAN on site of vaccine oocysts delivery, and subsequent hatching chick quality. Qualitative histological evaluation revealed the oral uptake of vaccine oocysts through the amnion, with their subsequent presence in the gizzard and intestinal lumen by 24 to 36 h postinjection. In conclusion, physiological development influenced the site of injection, and oocysts imbibed along with the amniotic fluid in late stage broiler embryos are subsequently transported to the gastrointestinal tract.
Brief Cognitive Tests Used in Primary Care Cannot Accurately Differentiate Mild Cognitive Impairment from Subjective Cognitive Decline

Background: Differentiating mild cognitive impairment (MCI) from subjective cognitive decline (SCD) is important because of the higher progression rate to dementia for MCI and when considering future disease-modifying drugs that will have treatment indications at the MCI stage. Objective: We examined if the two most widely-used cognitive tests, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and clock-drawing test (CDT), and a test of attention/executive function (AQT) accurately can differentiate MCI from SCD. Methods: We included 466 consecutively recruited non-demented patients with cognitive complaints from the BioFINDER study who had been referred to memory clinics, predominantly from primary care. They were classified as MCI (n = 258) or SCD (n = 208) after thorough neuropsychological assessments. The accuracy of MMSE, CDT, and AQT for identifying MCI was examined both in training and validation samples and in the whole population. Results: As a single test, MMSE had the highest accuracy (sensitivity 73%, specificity 60%). The best combination of two tests was MMSE < 27 points or AQT > 91 seconds (sensitivity 56%, specificity 78%), but in logistic regression models, their AUC (0.76) was not significantly better than MMSE alone (AUC 0.75). CDT and AQT performed significantly worse (AUC 0.71; p < 0.001–0.05); otherwise no differences were seen between any combination of two or three tests. Conclusion: Neither single nor combinations of tests could differentiate MCI from SCD with adequately high accuracy. There is a great need to further develop, validate, and implement accurate screening-tests for primary care to improve accurate identification of MCI among individuals that seek medical care due to cognitive symptoms.
a4b1+ and a4b7+ CD4+ T cell numbers increase and CLA+ CD4+ T cell numbers decrease in systemic sclerosis

We studied the expression of adhesion molecules affecting recirculation and homing on peripheral blood CD4+ T cells of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), in order to evaluate whether the distribution of tissue targeted subsets could reflect the participation of internal organs or the extent of cutaneous involvement [i.e. limited cutaneous (lc) and diffuse cutaneous (dc)]. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 51 patients with SSc and 19 sex‐ and age‐matched controls were investigated by cytofluorimetric analysis for lymphocyte subpopulations carrying the following surface molecules: CD3, CD4, CLA, α4β7 and α4β1. Standard routine biochemistry and clinical examinations were also performed in all patients. We found that both α4β1+ and α4β7+ cells within the CD4+ T cell population were significantly increased, while CLA+ CD4+ T cells were significantly reduced in SSc, compared to healthy donors. Significantly lower absolute numbers of α4β7+ cells were found in lc‐ compared to dc‐SSc. Patients with oesophageal involvement had high numbers of α4β7+ cells, while those with nephritis also showed low levels of CLA+ cells. Lung involvement was related directly to α4β1+ cell numbers and inversely to α4β7+ CD4 cell numbers. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that distinct CD4+ T cell populations with selective homing properties show changes from normal distribution in SSc, and such changes are related to clinical expression and organ involvement in the course of the disease.
Physiological Effects of Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)—A Review

Marine lipids have long been documented to be the major source of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially n-3 fatty acids such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; 20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6 n-3). Both EPA and DHA have been documented to have significant influence on biochemical and physiological changes in the body. Although these long chain PUFA exert positive influences on human nutrition and health, there are also some controversies pertaining to the functioning of these n-3 PUFAs including the extent of their requirement by the body. As marine lipids have been thoroughly reviewed often, the present review mainly focuses on works related to physiological effects of EPA and DHA.
EXPRESSION OF MAJOR HISTOCOMPATIBILITY CLASS II ANTIGENS BY VASCULAR ENDOTHELIAL CELLS LEADS TO AMPLIFIED IMMUNOINFLAMMATORY PROCESSES

It is generally recognized that vascular endothelial cells (ECs) constitute the first line of contact between the host and antigenic substances in the blood circulation, and make their own unique contribution to the immune network (1, 5, 24). Recognition of an antigen by primed T cells requires the participation of some type of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II (Ia) antigen-positive antigen-presenting cells (APCs). It is clear that MHC class II antigens are expressed on the EC surface, and the antigen presentation by ECs is a change leading to a cascade of immunologic events (8, 25). In addition, coupled with the MHC class II antigen expression, ECs, under certain circumstances, are capable of producing cytokines and cell adhesion molecules which have been shown to have marked effects on adhesiveness of lymphocytes or leucocytes and their cell-surface antigen expression (6, 21, 30). The intent of this review is to introduce and summarize several current informations of how ECs play a role in a cascade of immunologic or inflammatory processes, and to emphasize that immunocytochemical techniques have created several important ideas in the endothelial research.
THE SYMPTOMS OF CALCIUM DEFICIENCY IN PLANTS

SUMMARY As the symptoms of calcium deficiency develop in plants, there is often a stage in which the tissues are water-soaked and one involving cell breakdown with loss of turgor (as in internal breakdown of apples). Eventually the tissue may become desiccated yielding a dry, more or less extensive area of necrosis. Two mechanisms are proposed. There is evidence that calcium deficiency renders membranes permeable which would account for a loss of turgor and permit cell fluids to invade intercellular spaces. An alternative situation may develop in soft, succulent fruits, the cells of which burst under hypotonic conditions in vitro. It is suggested that exogenous water may enter a fruit from the atmosphere or (in apple) through the phloem. Such exogenous water in the intercellular spaces of the fruit may cause cells to swell, so cracking the fruit or it may result in a bursting of the cells. A plea is made for further light microscope studies of the development of symptoms of calcium deficiency.
A novel Bacillus based multi-strain probiotic improves growth performance and intestinal properties of Clostridium perfringens challenged broilers

There is a necessity for the implementation of in-feed probiotics in the poultry production industry, following strict regulations around the use of antibiotic growth promoters (AGP). Bacillus spp. are becoming an attractive alternative because of their functionality and stability. This study aims to evaluate the effect of a novel multi-strain Bacillus based probiotic on growth performance and gut health in male Ross 308 broiler chickens challenged with Clostridium perfringens Type A. Broilers on a 4 phase feeding program were fed diets containing either a standard metabolizable energy (ME) (100%) or a reduced ME (98%) level. The test probiotic was compared to an un-supplemented negative control and a commercial benchmark product as positive control over a 35 D feeding trial, using a 2 × 3 factorial experimental design. Chicks were inoculated with a once-off dose of C. perfringens on day 14. Growth performance was measured weekly to calculate body weight (BW), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Villi histomorphology, gut lesions, and liver weight were assessed at day 35. Broilers fed the reduced ME diet with the test probiotic achieved higher final BWs (P = 0.037) and FCR (P = 0.014) than the negative control. Broilers fed the standard ME diet with the test probiotic showed improved (P = 0.001) FCR than the negative control from day 21 onwards. Increased duodenal villi height (P = 0.012) and villi height to crypt depth ratio in the duodenum (P < 0.0001) and jejunum (P = 0.0004) were observed in broilers fed the reduced ME diet containing the test probiotic. Additionally, the test probiotic resulted in significantly reduced relative liver weights in both ME groups. Consequently, the results suggest that the novel multi-strain Bacillus based probiotic enhanced broiler performance and improved gut health and is thus attractive as an alternative to AGP's in broiler production.
FERMENTATION PROCESS MODELING: AN OVERVIEW

The literature related to the modeling of fermentation processes is quite extensive. Perhaps the best single collective source on this topic is the book by Professor Pirt, Principles of Microbe and Cell C ~ l t i v a t i o n . ~ ~ Extensive chapters in the numerous reference books on Biochemical Engineering,’~~. ~’ plus proceedings of the International Continuous Culture S y m p ~ s i a ’ ~ . ~ ~ and the International Fermentation Technology Symposia4’ are also excellent sources of papers on fermentation process kinetics. Because of the extensive body of literature on the subject, no review paper can possibly do justice to the topic. Therefore, this paper will focus on the basic principles underlying fermentation process models and not attempt to do an extensive review.
Estrogen Receptor (ER)-α, but Not ER-β, Mediates Regulation of the Insulin-like Growth Factor I Gene by Antiestrogens*

The importance of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) on maintenance of skeletal integrity has been widely recognized. Although osteoblasts secrete some IGF-I, the liver is the primary endocrine source for IGF-I. We have studied the regulation of the human IGF-I promoter in the hepatocyte cell line Hep3B, and we have shown that the IGF-I promoter, when co-transfected in Hep3B cells together with an estrogen receptor (ER)-α expression vector, was transcriptionally regulated by raloxifene or raloxifene-like molecules but not by 17β-estradiol and 4(OH)-tamoxifen. The induction mediated by raloxifene is antagonized by 17β-estradiol and mediated selectively by ER-α, but not by ER-β. Transfer of IGF-I promoter sequences from −733 to −65 or from −375 to −65 to a minimal Fos promoter resulted in a comparable responsiveness to raloxifene. This region contains two CAAT/enhancer-binding protein sites and an activator protein 1 site, both of which have been shown to be involved in estrogen receptor-mediated transactivation. When the CAAT/enhancer-binding protein sites were mutated in a construct bearing the sequence from −375 to −65 in front of the minimal Fos promoter, raloxifene induction was reduced, whereas mutation of the other elements did not affect induction. In addition, using chimeric proteins, we delineated the domains of ER-α that confer to ER-α transactivation abilities on the IGF-I promoter that are not exhibited by ER-β. These data shed new light on the mechanism of action of antiestrogens and might help explain, at least in part, the bone-protective effects observed for some antiestrogens in ovariectomized animals.
Interactive effects of threonine levels and protein source on growth performance and carcass traits, gut morphology, ileal digestibility of protein and amino acids, and immunity in broilers

An experiment was executed to test the hypothesis that supplementation of dietary threonine (d-Thr), above NRC recommendation to diets containing poorly digestible protein source (PS) may compensate its detrimental effects on overall performance of broilers. In total, nine hundred 1-day-old mixed sex broilers (Ross-308) were randomly distributed over 6 (2 × 3) experimental diets comprising 5 replicates of 30 broilers each for 35 d. The experimental diets contain either soybean meal (SBM) or canola meal (CM) with 3 levels (100, 110, and 120% of NRC recommendation) of d-Thr. During the course of the trial (0 to 35 D), interactions (P < 0.05) between PS and d-Thr were observed for feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass, and gut health parameters. The broilers fed recommended level (100%) of d-Thr had 7 and 5% poorer FCR compared with those fed diets with 110 and 120% d-Thr, respectively. For villus height (VH), an interaction (P = 0.007) was found between PS and d-Thr level. Broilers consuming SBM diets had 22% longer villi, 10% deeper crypts, and 30% greater VH to crypt depth ratio (VCR) compared to those fed CM. The broilers fed 110% d-Thr diets had 9% lower crypt depth (CD) and 15% greater VCR compared with those fed diets containing NRC recommended levels. CM resulted in 9% lower protein digestibility with lower (P < 0.05) of some AA, whereas it was improved by 7% in broilers fed 120% d-Thr supplemented diets. The bursa and spleen weights were positively affected (P < 0.001) by PS. Threonine supplementation (10%) resulted in 25% greater thymus, 18% heavier bursa, and 30% greater infectious bursal disease titer. In conclusion, supplementation of d-Thr, above NRC recommendation, resulted in a better growth performance and carcass traits, improved ileal digestibility of protein and amino acids, better gut health, and immunity in broilers.
Prognostic value of microRNAs in pancreatic cancer: a meta-analysis

Background: The prognostic impact of microRNA (miRNA) expression levels in pancreatic cancer (PC) has been estimated for years, but the outcomes are controversial and heterogeneous. Therefore, we comprehensively reviewed the evidence collected on miRNA expression in PC to determine this effect. Results: PC patients with high miR-21 (HR=2.61, 95%CI=1.68-4.04), miR-451a (HR=2.23, 95%CI=1.23-4.04) or miR-1290 (HR=1.43, 95%CI=1.04-1.95) levels in blood had significantly poorer OS (P<0.05). Furthermore, PC patients with high miR-10b (HR=1.73, 95%CI=1.09-2.76), miR-17-5p (HR=1.91, 95%CI=1.30-2.80), miR-21 (HR=1.90, 95%CI=1.61-2.25), miR-23a (HR=2.18, 95%CI=1.52-3.13), miR-155 (HR=2.22, 95%CI=1.27-3.88), miR-203 (HR=1.65, 95%CI=1.14-2.40), miR-221 (HR=1.72, 95%CI=1.08-2.74), miR-222 levels (HR=1.72, 95%CI=1.02-2.91) or low miR-29c (HR=1.39, 95%CI=1.08-1.79), miR-126 (HR=1.55, 95%CI=1.23-1.95), miR-218 (HR=2.62, 95%CI=1.41-4.88) levels in tissues had significantly shorter OS (P<0.05). Conclusions: In summary, blood miR-21, miR-451a, miR-1290 and tissue miR-10b, miR-17-5p, miR-21, miR-23a, miR-29c, miR-126, miR-155, miR-203, miR-218, miR-221, miR-222 had significant prognostic value. Methods: We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews to recognize eligible studies, and 57 studies comprising 5445 PC patients and 15 miRNAs were included to evaluate the associations between miRNA expression levels and overall survival (OS) up to June 1, 2019. Summary hazard ratios (HR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to assess the effect.
The endemic tree Corynocarpus laevigatus (karaka) as a weedy invader in forest remnants of southern North Island, New Zealand

Abstract Native species can display invasiveness even in their natural systems. Corynocarpus laevigatus (Corynocarpaceae), karaka, is a tree species apparently native to the north of the North Island, New Zealand, with a history of human cultivation further south, where it appears to be outcompeting other native tree species. Invasiveness was assessed by comparing vegetation in paired plots with and without karaka at 14 sites in forest remnants in the lower half of the North Island. Potential to spread was estimated via dispersal and recruitment patterns around parent trees. Karaka has several “weedy” characteristics. Most seed falls near the parent, but recruitment apparently improves outside the shady canopy, resulting in concentric invasion rings. Compared with nearby non‐karaka plots, karaka plots have fewer non‐karaka trees, lower abundances of seedlings of other woody species, and slightly higher numbers of exotic species. Karaka appears to be homogenising vegetation, through reduction in herb cover and increase in shrub cover and probably eventual replacement of canopy trees. With its range anthropically extended, management of karaka's invasiveness appears necessary in lower North Island, South Island, and the Kermadec and Chatham Islands, involving elimination or control, depending on local cultural values.
New information on the skull of Triceratops

ABSTRACT Well preserved skulls of Triceratops are extremely abundant in Maastrictian rocks from western North America. Although ossification obscures sutural and structural details in many skulls, others reveal much previously undescribed morphology. The circumnarial area includes enlarged nares and a complex narial fossa. A nasal horn of varying size, augmented by an epinasal ossification, caps the snout. The anterodorsal orbital margin is formed by the lacrimal and the supraorbital, which has fused to the lateral side of the prefrontal. This thick and laterally extensive orbital rim restricted forward vision in Triceratops. The ossified braincase completely surrounds the brain cavity, and is overlain by a deep frontal and cornual sinus complex. These sinuses probably acted as shock absorbers to counteract stresses placed on the postorbital horns during intraspecific interactions. The frill is heavily vascularized, lacks fenestrae, and is well buttressed by expansive paroccipital processes. Endocasts ref.
Tobacco industry tactics to circumvent and undermine the menthol cigarette ban in the UK

Menthol, a type of alcohol (molecular formula C10H20O), can be obtained from mint plants or manufactured.1 2 In addition to flavouring, it has local anaesthetic properties that can conceal the negative sensations of smoking, due to desensitising receptors.1 3 Menthol cigarettes increase overall smoke intake, but mask early respiratory disease symptoms, reducing the chance of quitting.4–6 Smoking menthol cigarettes also may raise nicotine intake, promoting nicotine dependence and the establishment of smoking in youth.4 5 7–9 Thus, banning menthol should reduce smoking prevalence.4 Furthermore, menthol cigarettes are likely to contribute to health inequalities as sociodemographic groups more likely to be of low income (low education, women, African–Americans and young people) are more likely to smoke menthol.10–13 A process for flavouring tobacco with menthol was first patented in the USA in the 1920s,14 but mass distribution and marketing started in the 1960s when a version with a filter was developed.15 16 A more recent innovation for adding flavour is by the addition of a capsule, or ‘crushball’, a small plastic capsule in the filter activated by crushing17 (figure 1). These first appeared on the market in Japan in 2007 and are popular among young people due to the flavour and interactivity.17 18 In the UK the only cigarettes available with capsules are menthol-flavoured.19 Figure 1 Menthol capsule located inside a filter. A ban on the sale of cigarettes with a characterising flavour, including menthol, was part of the revised European Tobacco Products Directive (EUTPD) (2014), which has been written into UK law and came into force in May 2016.20 To allow manufacturers and retailers a transitional period to prepare for the ban, implementation of the ban on flavours was delayed until May 2020, for flavours representing at …
Community structure of the fauna associated with the coral Pocillopora damicornis (L.) on the Great Barrier Reef

The structure and composition of the infauna of the coral P. damicornis in the Capricorn Group, Great Barrier Reef, is examined. A total of 40 coral heads were sampled from four localities on two reefs and 951 individuals of 101 species were extracted. This is five times the species collected from P. damicornis in previous studies. A comprehensive species list is provided. Infauna was dominated by only a few species, 20 species accounting for 78% of individuals and 36 species recorded only as single individuals. Crustacea was the dominant taxon present, comprising 72% of species and 86% of individuals. Number of species and number of individuals show significant regressions with size of coral heads. Differences in physical environment at the four sites did not affect species diversity within coral heads. However, several common species only occurred within particular habitats. Species diversity is discussed briefly in relation to the behaviour of resident symbionts, random pelagic settlements of larvae, the size of target corals and habitat heterogeneity in coral heads.
A saline contrast‐enhanced echocardiography‐guided approach to cryoballoon ablation

Pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with a cryoballoon usually uses iodinated contrast medium for confirmation of venous occlusion. We hypothesized that an alternative to angiography with iodinated contrast, saline bolus‐enhanced echocardiography with the microbubbles formed in situ, could be used to assess venous occlusion. We sought to assess the efficacy and safety of the contrast‐enhanced intracardiac echocardiographic (ICE) approach.