Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Níveis de lisina para leitoas selecionadas geneticamente para deposição de carne magra, dos 30 aos 60 kg, mantendo constante a relação entre lisina e metionina+cistina, treonina, triptofano, isoleucina e valina

Forty crossbred gilts (Hampshire, Belgium Landrace, Pietran) with initial average weight of 30.1±1.25 kg and high genetic potential for lean meat deposition were used to evaluate different lysine levels. A randomized block experimental design, with four treatments, five replications and two animal per experimental unit, was used. The treatments corresponded to the basal diet with 17.5% crude protein, supplemented with L-lysine-HCl, resulting in diets with 1.00, 1.10, 1.20 and 1.30% of lysine. The diets were supplemented with increasing levels of threonine, methionine, isoleucine, valine and tryptophan, resulting in diets where the amino acids:lysine ratio was constant in 67, 52, 60, 68 and 19%, respectively, based on the true digestibility. There was no effect of treatments on feed intake, daily weight gain and blood serum urea concentration of animals, however, the animals seems to reach their maximum genetic potential for weight gain at lysine level of 1.10% (0.329%/Mcal de DE), corresponding to a lysine intake of 22 g/day. There was linear effect on daily lysine intake, that increased, and on feed:gain ratio that reduced with increasing dietary lysine level. The level of 1.30% (0.389%/Mcal of DE) or 1.19% (0.356%/Mcal of DE), corresponding to a total and digestible lysine intake of 24 and 22.1 g/day, respectively, showed the best results of feed:gain ratio of gilts from 30 to 60 kg, when the ideal protein concept was used in the diet formulation.
Nitrogen Assimilation and the Control of Ammonium and Nitrate Absorption by Maize Roots

Experimental treatments designed to affect the pathway of nitrogen assimilation were applied to the roots of intact maize plants growing with ammonium or nitrate as N-sources. The treatments comprised: external amino acid feeding; specific inhibitors of GS, GOGAT, and aminotransferases; and N-starvation. Their actions in vivo were confirmed by 14 N- or 15 N-N spectroscopy, or by HPLC analysis of tissue extracts. A strong correlation was noted between the levels of glutamine and asparagine in the roots. Rates of ammonium and nitrate absorption by the plants were then measured, over both short (5 min) and longer (1.5 h) periods
A mathematical model for incorporating biofeedback into human postural control

Background: Biofeedback of body motion can serve as a balance aid and rehabilitation tool. To date, mathematical models considering the integration of biofeedback into postural control have represented this integration as a sensory addition and limited their application to a single degree-of-freedom representation of the body. This study has two objectives: 1) to develop a scalable method for incorporating biofeedback into postural control that is independent of the model’s degrees of freedom, how it handles sensory integration, and the modeling of its postural controller; and 2) to validate this new model using multidirectional perturbation experimental results. Methods: Biofeedback was modeled as an additional torque to the postural controller torque. For validation, this biofeedback modeling approach was applied to a vibrotactile biofeedback device and incorporated into a two-link multibody model with full-state-feedback control that represents the dynamics of bipedal stance. Average response trajectories of body sway and center of pressure (COP) to multidirectional surface perturbations of subjects with vestibular deficits were used for model parameterization and validation in multiple perturbation directions and for multiple display resolutions. The quality of fit was quantified using average error and cross-correlation values. Results: The mean of the average errors across all tactor configurations and perturbations was 0.24° for body sway and 0.39 cm for COP. The mean of the cross-correlation value was 0.97 for both body sway and COP. Conclusions: The biofeedback model developed in this study is capable of capturing experimental response trajectory shapes with low average errors and high cross-correlation values in both the anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions for all perturbation directions and spatial resolution display configurations considered. The results validate that biofeedback can be modeled as an additional torque to the postural controller without a need for sensory reweighting. This novel approach is scalable and applicable to a wide range of movement conditions within the fields of balance and balance rehabilitation. The model confirms experimental results that increased display resolution does not necessarily lead to reduced body sway. To our knowledge, this is the first theoretical confirmation that a spatial display resolution of 180° can be as effective as a spatial resolution of 22.5°.
Fauna associated with shallow-water methane seeps in the Laptev Sea

Background Methane seeps support unique benthic ecosystems in the deep sea existing due to chemosynthetic organic matter. In contrast, in shallow waters there is little or no effect of methane seeps on macrofauna. In the present study we focused on the recently described methane discharge area at the northern Laptev Sea shelf. The aim of this work was to describe the shallow-water methane seep macrofauna and to understand whether there are differences in macrobenthic community structure between the methane seep and background areas. Methods Samples of macrofauna were taken during three expeditions of RV Akademik Mstislav Keldysh in 2015, 2017 and 2018 using 0.1 m2 grabs and the Sigsbee trawl. 21 grabs and two trawls in total were taken at two methane seep sites named Oden and C15, located at depths of 60–70 m. For control, three 0.1 m2 grabs were taken in area without methane seepage. Results The abundance of macrofauna was higher at methane seep stations compared to non-seep sites. Cluster analysis revealed five station groups corresponding to control area, Oden site and C15 site (the latter represented by three groups). Taxa responsible for differences among the station groups were mostly widespread Arctic species that were more abundant in samples from methane seep sites. However, high densities of symbiotrophic siboglinids Oligobrachia sp. were found exclusively at methane seep stations. In addition, several species possibly new to science were found at several methane seep stations, including the gastropod Frigidalvania sp. and the polychaete Ophryotrocha sp. The fauna at control stations was represented only by well-known and widespread Arctic taxa. Higher habitat heterogeneity of the C15 site compared to Oden was indicated by the higher number of station groups revealed by cluster analysis and higher species richness in C15 trawl sample. The development of the described communities at the shallow-water methane seeps can be related to pronounced oligotrophic environment on the northern Siberian shelf.
Mutation and Adaptation as Component Parts of a Universal Principle: II. The Autocatalysis Curve

IN the previous section of this essay' we have traced out the rather surprising similarity of behavior of vapors and liquids, chemically reactive gaseous mixtures, plant species and certain other systems, on both sides of a critical zone, which was thought to be analogous to the state of mutation, or mutability, in plants as observed by DeVries. On both sides of this critical zone the systems appear to behave according to the Law of Adaptation. Our final picture then indicated that we have brief periods of mutation connected by long periods of adaptation, which DeVries had stated constituted a correct account of the history of plant species. Such a series of discontinuities can only develop the quality of continuity if viewed as periodic systems. Periodicity is universally found and probably arises directly and indirectly from the manner in which the common forms of energy are propagated, principally from the sun. The form of the periodic cycles thus obtained appears to differ in one important respect. Whereas the periodic cycles involved in evolution are believed to manifest a progressively upward trend (or downward in case the change is regarded as degeneration) the pulsations representing heat, light and electricity are represented as moving parallel to one of the rectangular coordinates. However it is obvious that these rhythmical processes are represented in this way simply for convenience. By the introduction of a suitable constant any desired angular relation to the coordinates could be ob-
Pneumonia among Under-Five Children in Northwest Ethiopia: Prevalence and Predictors—A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Background Acute respiratory infections in particular pneumonia constitutes the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children under five years of age throughout the world. In Ethiopia, pneumonia continues to be the major childhood problem and killer, particularly in the study area. However, evidence dealing with the problem is still unavailable. The current study is aimed at determining the magnitude and risk factors of childhood pneumonia in Gondar City. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study was employed in five randomly selected clusters/subcities of Gondar City. A total of 792 child-mother/caregiver pairs in the selected subcities/clusters were included. A pretested and validated questionnaire was used by trained supervisors through house-to-house visits to collect the data. Binary logistic regression (bivariable and multivariable) was employed. An adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to declare statistically significant variables on the basis of p < 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression model. Results The prevalence of pneumonia among under-five children in the current study was found to be 12% with 95% CI: 10% to 14.4%. The presence of unpaved road within 100 m of the house (AOR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.41-3.66), living within 100 m of heavy traffic (AOR = 1.94, 95% CI: 1.19-3.16), the habit of not opening doors while cooking (AOR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.01-2.62), the presence of cockroach infestation (AOR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.25-3.14), and new carpet in the house (AOR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.01-3.03) were statistically significant variables associated with childhood pneumonia. Conclusions This study indicated that the prevalence of childhood pneumonia is still high. As such, enhancing strategies that would address unpaved roads within 100 m of the house, living within 100 m of heavy traffic, the habit of not opening doors while cooking, cockroach infestation, and new carpet in the house to reduce the burden of childhood pneumonia needs to be advocated.
Antidiarrheal Activity of Lithocarpus dealbata. and Urena lobata. Extracts: Therapeutic Implications

Abstract This study reports the antidiarrheal potential of Lithocarpus dealbata. (Miq.) Rehder (Fagaceae) and Urena lobata. L. (Malvaceae) used in the traditional medicine system of the Naga tribes of in India. The antidiarrheal efficacies of the seed extract of L. dealbata. and leaf extract of U. lobata. were evaluated in murine models by three different approaches: (i) castor oil–induced diarrhea, (ii) PGE2-induced enteropooling, and (iii) small intestinal transit. The 800 mg/kg dose of methanol extracts of both plants showed significant (p < 0.001) inhibitor activity against castor oil–induced diarrhea and PGE2-induced intrafluid accumulation. Both extracts also showed a significant (p < 0.001) reduction in the gastrointestinal motility in charcoal meal test. Acute toxicity tests did not reveal any sign of toxicity in the animals. The observed results could explain their use as antidiarrheal agents in traditional medicine.
Intrinsically disordered regions are abundant in simplexvirus proteomes and display signatures of positive selection

Abstract Whereas the majority of herpesviruses co-speciated with their mammalian hosts, human herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2, genus Simplexvirus) most likely originated from the cross-species transmission of chimpanzee herpesvirus 1 to an ancestor of modern humans. We exploited the peculiar evolutionary history of HSV-2 to investigate the selective events that drove herpesvirus adaptation to a new host. We show that HSV-2 intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs)—that is, protein domains that do not adopt compact three-dimensional structures—are strongly enriched in positive selection signals. Analysis of viral proteomes indicated that a significantly higher portion of simplexvirus proteins is disordered compared with the proteins of other human herpesviruses. IDR abundance in simplexvirus proteomes was not a consequence of the base composition of their genomes (high G + C content). Conversely, protein function determines the IDR fraction, which is significantly higher in viral proteins that interact with human factors. We also found that the average extent of disorder in herpesvirus proteins tends to parallel that of their human interactors. These data suggest that viruses that interact with fast-evolving, disordered human proteins, in turn, evolve disordered viral interactors poised for innovation. We propose that the high IDR fraction present in simplexvirus proteomes contributes to their wider host range compared with other herpesviruses.
N-Acetyl Cysteine as an Adjunct in the Treatment of Tuberculosis

Oxidative stress is a common feature of tuberculosis (TB), and persons with reduced antioxidants are at more risk of TB. TB patients with relatively severe oxidative stress had also more advanced disease as measured by the Karnofsky performance index. Since adverse effects from anti-TB drugs are also mediated by free radicals, TB patients are prone to side effects, such as hearing loss. In previous articles, researchers appealed for clinical trials aiming at evaluating N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) in attenuating the dreaded hearing loss during multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) treatment. However, before embarking on such trials, considerations of NAC's overall impact on TB treatment are crucial. Unfortunately, such a comprehensive report on NAC is missing in the literature and this manuscript reviews the broader effect of NAC on TB treatment. This paper discusses NAC's effect on mycobacterial clearance, hearing loss, drug-induced liver injury, and its interaction with anti-TB drugs. Based on the evidence accrued to date, NAC appears to have various beneficial effects on TB treatment. However, despite the favorable interaction between NAC and first-line anti-TB drugs, the interaction between the antioxidant and some of the second-line anti-TB drugs needs further investigations.
MicroRNA-16, via FGF2 Regulation of the ERK/MAPK Pathway, Is Involved in the Magnesium-Promoted Osteogenic Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

microRNAs (miRNAs) participate in the osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). However, few reports have discussed the effect of miRNAs on the magnesium chloride (MgCl2)-induced promotion of osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, a process involved in the healing of bone tissue. As determined in the present investigation, MgCl2 decreased miR-16 levels; increased levels of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), p-p38, and p-ERK; and promoted the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Enhancement of miR-16 levels by an miR-16 mimic blocked these MgCl2-induced changes. Moreover, luciferase reporter assays confirmed that miR-16 binds to the 3′UTR region of FGF2 mRNA. Down-regulation of FGF2 blocked the MgCl2-induced increases of p-p38 and p-ERK and the promotion of the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. Furthermore, over-expression of miR-16 attenuated the MgCl2-induced overproduction of p-p38 and p-ERK1/2 and the high levels of osteogenic differentiation, effects that were reversed by elevated expression of FGF2. In summary, the present findings provide a mechanism by which miR-16 regulates MgCl2-induced promotion of osteogenic differentiation by targeting FGF2-mediated activation of the ERK/MAPK pathway.
Drove roads as local biodiversity reservoirs: effects on landscape pattern and plant communities in a Mediterranean region

Question What are the effects of traditional drove roads on landscape pattern and plant communities? Location Madrid Autonomous Region, Central Spain. Methods We selected four study localities in different landscape units. Within each locality, we selected eight sites and within each site, we established three 1-ha plots, each corresponding to one of three situations: drove road, adjacent matrix or distant matrix. The landscape pattern of each plot was characterized by the cover of the different patch types, the patch type richness ha−1 and the patch type evenness ha−1. At one site per locality, we also recorded vegetation by randomly distributing twenty 20 cm × 20 cm quadrats per plot. We characterized each quadrat by its species richness, plant species composition and plant functional composition. We also analysed species richness by constructing rarefaction curves for each plot. Results In the localities situated in croplands, sub-mediterranean forests and coniferous forests, drove roads were found to be an important source of spatial heterogeneity and a reservoir for a large number of plant species. In contrast, drove roads did not differ from the matrix habitats in rangelands, suggesting that the processes shaping drove road vegetation are similar to the general processes that shape grazed systems. Drove roads did not imply a significant increase in functional diversity. Our results were heavily scale-dependent: while drove roads provided heterogeneity at the local scale, they showed a remarkable similarity at the large scale. Conclusions Drove roads act as authentic local biodiversity reservoirs, especially in environments with low grazing levels. At the same time, drove roads imply structural and functional continuity on a large scale, increasing potential connectivity at the regional level. We recommend the preservation of drove roads in a functional state, because of their benefits to plant biodiversity conservation, and claim that these benefits should be considered when designing livestock policies with different intensification scenarios.
Decreased α/β Heterodimer among CD8 Molecules of Peripheral Blood T Cells in Wiskott–Aldrich Syndrome

Abstract Cell surface CD8 molecules exist as either α/α homodimers or α/β heterodimers, and most CD8 + T cells that undergo differentiation in the thymus express α/β heterodimers. CD8 molecules on peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with Wiskott–Aldrich syndrome (WAS), an X-linked immunodeficiency disease, have now been shown to be composed mostly of α/α homodimers, while the total number of lymphocytes was maintained. This observation may indicate aberrant differentiation of CD8 + T cells in the thymus of WAS. Decreased CD8α/β heterodimer expression, and the relative increase of CD8 + T cells expressing CD8α/α homodimer, may explain a part of the defective lymphocyte functions in WAS patients.
VEGETATION ANALYSIS OF SUTAN-CHAY BASIN IN ARASBARAN

Problem statement: Plants associations differ in relation to environmental gradients. Therefore, it is necessary to study the interaction between ecological factors and vegetation. Approach: In this study vegetation and flora of Sutan-Chay Basin in Arasbaran was investigated using Braun Blanquet method as physiognomic floristic. Sampling of soil and vegetation was carried out by selecting areas with homogenous plant compositions. The surface area of releves was determined using Nested Plot method to obtain the Minimal area. Classification of releves was conducted based on the presence and cover percentage of species using cluster analysis and Jaccard index similarity. CCA was used to determine the relationship between the groups and ecological factors and the most important factors in separating the groups and distribution of the species. The classification of releves based on Jaccard’s similarity coefficient and cluster analysis showed 6 different groups. Results: Dendrogram of cluster analysis based on these methods showed six associations: Astragaleto aureus-Thymetum kotschyanus, Poeto bulbosa-Festucetum ovina, Carpinetum betulus ‘Quercetum macranthera, Paliuretum spina-christii, Juniperetum foetidissima. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was used to determine the most important environmental factors on plant groups. This method of multivariate showed that pH, TNV%, soil texture, clay percentage, altitude and aspects had higher effect on separation of plant groups, which had correlation with axes 1 and 2 of ordination. Conclusion: Among the environmental factors the altitude has most important effect on plants distribution. With understanding of relationship between ecological factors and plant associations in a given area, it is possible to apply the obtained results in management and revival of forestland and rangeland.
Novel strategies in tailoring human adenoviruses into therapeutic cancer gene therapy vectors

Gene therapy is a novel approach for the treatment of cancer that has so far not been realized. The scope of this review is to try to define the remaining barriers to the successful use of adenovirus vectors for gene and viral therapy of human tumors and to suggest solutions whereby these barriers can be bypassed. It is the conviction of the authors that too many studies have been performed in animal models that are not sufficiently comprehensive to allow conclusions to be drawn for application in humans. For example, in the case of the murine experimental model, in which most studies have been performed, mice are devoid of circulating antibodies to adenovirus type 5 and adenovirus cannot replicate in mouse cells. While the problems are real enough, as witnessed by the quite limited success in human trials, some of the solutions that will be suggested here are hypothetical and have not as yet been tried, even in animals. The review has no ambition to be exhaustive but is intended as a contribution in orde.
Der Beweis der Prionenhypothese: Die lange Suche nach der Natur eines Krankheitserregers

Prionkrankheiten sind übertragbare, tödlich verlaufende Erkrankungen des Nervensystems bei Mensch und Tier. Die Natur des Erregers blieb über mehr als 200 Jahre rätselhaft. Im Jahr 1982 wurde von Stanley B. Prusiner die Hypothese aufgestellt, dass der Erreger ein proteinartiges Partikel sei und keine Erbsubstanz besitze. Damit wurde eine neuartige Form von Krankheitserreger postuliert, die so genannten Prionen. Da diese einem zentralen Dogma der Biologie widersprachen, wonach Vermehrung nur mithilfe von Erbsubstanz möglich sei, erregte das Prionenmodell viel Widerspruch. Weltweit wurden Forschungsergebnisse zusammengetragen, die das Prionenmodell stützten, der endgültige Beweis gelang jedoch erst 2004, als man synthetische Prionen herstellen und damit im Reagenzglas Infektiosität erzeugen konnte. So wurde das 1997 mit dem Nobelpreis gewürdigte Prionenmodell zweifelsfrei bewiesen.