Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Farming systems in Lake Tna basin, Ethiopia: land surface management and its impact on runoff response

Rainfed farming agriculture is dominant in the Lake Tana basin. Soil loss due to water erosion is a severe threat to the subsistence rainfed agriculture and the national economy of Ethiopia. Agricultural land drainage is widely practiced in the Lake Tana basin to forestall the negative effects of excess of water on crops. Drainage is increasingly recognized as a major factor, determining the off-site environmental impact. A lack of cooperation between land users upstream for safe drainage and gully protection can lead to severe downstream gully erosion. Though, there is a lack of knowledge about the on-site impacts of the use of drainage channels. Poor design and obstruction of the drain are a major causes of gully initiation. Overflowing drains wash out surrounding plots and enhance gully development. Two months of fieldwork have resulted in a detailed mapping of 11 catchments with different farming systems. This study focus on the impacts of these farming systems on hydrological processes (runoff response, infiltration, gully development, etc.), with a special focus on drainage as an initiation factor. The selected catchments have been monitored with regard to vegetal status, rill formation and by putting fixed monitor sticks in the drainage channels. By interviewing the owners of the fields in the catchments information about crop rotation, plowing, reasons of drainage channel construction has been gathered. The runoff response has been measured at the outlet of the 11 catchments by routine flow depth measurement and the construction of rating curves by velocity measurements. Two rain gauges have been used during the measurement period. Conclusions will contribute to management strategies to reduce the negative environmental impacts of farming systems. A good management in the upstream basins of the Ethiopian Highlands will be beneficial for the downstream people, including people in Sudan and Egypt.
Mycoplasma gallisepticum and Mycoplasma synoviae in Turkeys in Poland

The pathogenic mycoplasmas are among the bacteria causing significant losses in the poultry industry worldwide. Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and M. synoviae (MS) are economically important pathogens causing chronic respiratory disease, decreased growth, egg production and hatchability rates, and significant downgrading of carcasses. Effective diagnosis of infection with these species in poultry is highly requisite considering their two routes of spreading—horizontal and vertical. Their prevalence and molecular epidemiology were investigated in 184 turkey flocks in Poland. Tracheal samples were selected from 144 broiler flocks and 40 turkey breeder flocks collected in 2015–2023. The prevalence of MG was determined by real-time PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene and PCR targeting the mgc2 gene, and MS was determined by a 16–23S rRNA real-time PCR and a vlhA gene PCR. Further identification and molecular characterization were carried out using PCR and sequencing. M. gallisepticum and M. synoviae were found in 8.33% and 9.72% of turkey broiler flocks respectively. The phylogenetic analysis of MG isolates in most cases showed high similarity to the ts-11-like strains. MS isolates showed high similarity to strains isolated from flocks of laying hens causing EAA. Additional tests detected Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale, Gallibacterium anatis, Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus and Riemerella anatipestifer. These secondary pathogens could have significantly heightened the pathogenicity of the mycoplasma infections studied.
Unraveling the Life History of Past Populations through Hypercementosis: Insights into Cementum Apposition Patterns and Possible Etiologies Using Micro-CT and Confocal Microscopy

Simple Summary In past populations, some individuals used their front teeth as tools for purposes other than eating, such as making tools or preparing food. These activities have an impact on both the visible part of the tooth (crown) through wear, as well as the part anchored deep in the gum (tooth root) by causing excessive production of a mineralized tissue called ‘cementum’. Cementum surrounds the tooth root and forms throughout an individual’s life. It records information about the individual’s oral health, physiology, and chewing activities. Under certain conditions (e.g., significant mechanical stress or infection), cementum production becomes excessive and exceeds normal physiological limits, resulting in ‘hypercementosis’. The present study aims to identify different patterns of cementum apposition and to propose probable causes. We examined a sample of 35 teeth (Sains-en-Gohelle, France, 7th–17th century) and identified four groups of cementum apposition: (i) impacted teeth that never erupted in the mouth, (ii) infected teeth, with caries or gum disease, (iii) hyperfunctional teeth subjected to high mechanical stress, and (iv) hypofunctional teeth that were not used in chewing due to the loss of opposing teeth. We conclude that hypercementosis could provide information on the life history of archeological specimens, even based on isolated teeth. Abstract The “teeth-as-tools” hypothesis posits that Neanderthals used their anterior teeth as a tool or a third hand for non-dietary purposes. These non- or para-masticatory activities (e.g., tool-making or food preparation prior to ingestion) have also been described in other past and extant human populations, and other Primates. Cementum is the mineralized tissue that covers the tooth root surface and anchors it to the alveolar bone. Under certain conditions (e.g., mechanical stress, infection), its production becomes excessive (i.e., beyond the physiological state) and is called ‘hypercementosis’. Several studies in dental anthropology have established a correlation between the teeth-as-tools and hypercementosis. The present work aims to characterize the different patterns of cementum apposition on archeological teeth and discuss their supposed etiology. Using microtomography and confocal microscopy, the patterns of cementum apposition (i.e., thickness, location, and surface characteristics) were analyzed in 35 hypercementotic teeth (Sains-en-Gohelle, France; 7th–17th c. A.D.). Four groups were identified with distinct hypercementosis patterns: (1) impacted, (2) infected, (3) hypofunctional, and (4) hyperfunctional teeth. Characterizing hypercementosis can contribute to documenting the oral health status (paleopathology) and/or masticatory activity of individuals, even from isolated teeth. This has implications for the study of fossil hominins, particularly Neanderthals, known for their use of anterior teeth as tools and frequent and substantial occurrence of hypercementosis.
Incidence of Rotavirus-Related Hospitalizations in an Italian Southern Region from 2015 to 2021

(1) Background: Rotavirus is one of the leading causes of severe diarrhea and dehydration in infants and young children worldwide. The economic and social burden of rotavirus-related hospitalizations, particularly among children, remains a pressing concern for healthcare systems across the globe. Healthcare infrastructure and access to medical care can vary significantly within the region. Differences in the availability of healthcare facilities and the quality of care may influence the management and outcomes of rotavirus cases. (2) Methods: This was a retrospective study performed in the Abruzzo region, Italy. The study considered all hospitalization due to rotavirus gastroenteritis that occurred in the Abruzzo region from the year 2015 to 2021. Data were extracted from the hospital discharge records. The trend in hospital admissions, hospitalization costs and length of stay were evaluated and analyzed. (3) Results: A total of 664 admissions were reported during the study period. The incident rate grew till year 2019 with an annual percentage change of +13.9% (95%CI 12.6–15.2, p < 0.001). During the pandemic years, the incident rate showed a significant decrease with an annual percentage change of 12.5% (95%CI 15.5–9.3, p = 0.004). The length of stay of admissions was significantly higher among patients aged less than 1 year. (4) Conclusions: Rotavirus admission represents a heavy burden even in a high-income country such as Italy. These findings have the potential to inform targeted public health interventions, including vaccination strategies, and improve the overall well-being of children.
Development of Cross-Reactive Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine Candidates against Both Lineages of Influenza B Virus

Background: Influenza viruses continue to cause a significant social and economic burden globally. Vaccination is recognized as the most effective measure to control influenza. Live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIVs) are an effective means of preventing influenza, especially among children. A reverse genetics (RG) system is required to rapidly update the antigenic composition of vaccines, as well as to design LAIVs with a broader spectrum of protection. Such a system has been developed for the Russian LAIVs only for type A strains, but not for influenza B viruses (IBV). Methods: All genes of the B/USSR/60/69 master donor virus (B60) were cloned into RG plasmids, and the engineered B60, as well as a panel of IBV LAIV reassortants were rescued from plasmid DNAs encoding all viral genes. The engineered viruses were evaluated in vitro and in a mouse model. Results: The B60 RG system was successfully developed, which made it possible to rescue LAIV reassortants with the desired antigenic composition, including hybrid strains with hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes belonging to the viruses from different IBV lineages. The LAIV candidate carrying the HA of the B/Victoria-lineage virus and NA from the B/Yamagata-lineage virus demonstrated optimal characteristics in terms of safety, immunogenicity and cross-protection, prompting its further assessment as a broadly protective component of trivalent LAIV. Conclusions: The new RG system for B60 MDV allowed the rapid generation of type B LAIV reassortants with desired genome compositions. The generation of hybrid LAIV reassortants with HA and NA genes belonging to the opposite IBV lineages is a promising approach for the development of IBV vaccines with broad cross-protection.
Successful Clinical Avoidance of Colorectal Anastomotic Leakage through Local Decontamination

Aim: An anastomotic leak is an unpredictable postoperative complication during recovery from colorectal surgery that may require a re-operation. Potentially pathogenic bacteria like Pseudomonas (and Enterococcus) contribute to the pathogenesis of an anastomotic leak through their capacity to degrade collagen and to activate tissue matrix metalloprotease-9 in host intestinal tissues. The microbiome, therefore, is the key to preventing an anastomotic leak after colorectal surgery. The aim of this trial was to investigate whether perioperative selective decontamination with a new mixture of locally acting antibiotics specially designed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis can reduce or even stop early symptomatic leakage. Method: All hospitalized patients in our University Clinic undergoing colorectal surgery with a left-sided anastomosis were included as two groups; patients in the intervention group received polymyxin B, gentamicin and vancomycin every six hours for five postoperative days and those in the control group did not receive such an intervention. An anastomotic leak was defined as a clinically obvious defect of the intestinal wall integrity at the colorectal anastomosis site (including suture) that leads to a communication between the intra- and extraluminal compartments, requiring a re-do surgery within seven postoperative days. Results: Between February 2017 and May 2023, a total of 301 patients (median age of 63 years) were analyzed. An anastomotic leak was observed in 11 patients in the control group (n = 152), but in no patients in the intervention group (n = 149); this difference was highly significant. Conclusion: The antibiotic mixture (with polymyxin B, gentamicin and vancomycin) used for local decontamination in our study stopped the occurrence of anastomotic leaks completely. According to the definition of anastomotic leak, no further surgery was required after local perioperative decontamination.
Chemical and Ultrastructural Characterization of Dentin Treated with Remineralizing Dentifrices

The aim of this study is to investigate dentin chemical and ultrastructural changes upon exposure to remineralizing dentifrices. Dentin disks were obtained from permanent human molars and treated for 7 days with the dentifrices: (1) C group—control (no dentifrice); (2) S group—Sensodyne Repair & Protect; (3) D group—Dentalclean Daily Regenerating Gel; and (4) DB group—D group + Dentalclean regenerating booster. Afterwards, samples were submitted to an additional 7 days of toothbrushing associated with daily acidic challenge. Samples were imaged and analyzed (days 1, 7, and 14) for Young’s modulus by atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). SEM and AFM revealed precipitate deposition on dentin surfaces in groups S, D, and DB, formed as early as day 1. Surface elemental analysis showed a Si increase on all brushed surfaces. Similar surface morphology was maintained after the acidic challenge period. Bright-field TEM/SAED revealed the formation of nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite inside the dentin tubules of groups S, D, and DB after day 7. Group C presented a gradual reduction of Young’s modulus from days-1–14, whereas all remaining groups had increased values. All evaluated dentifrices led to successful formation of hydroxyapatite and increased dentin stiffness.
The mediating influence of nation brand image in the relationship between tourism and hospitality attributes and behavioural intention

Although past studies indicate the relationships of experience-based industry with nation brand image (NBI), only a few studies have been carried out in the context of emerging nations. In addition, among other sub-domains of place branding, NBI is considered as the least explored. This article reports on research carried out in Indonesia which examines the mediated effect of Indonesia's NBI on tourists' behavioural intention.Data collected from a survey of overseas tourists to Indonesia was analysed by Baron and Kenny's four-step mediation test. Further, the Sobel test was used to determine the significance of the z value.The findings demonstrate partial mediation of NBI on the relationship between tourism and hospitality components and behavioural intention.Overall, the findings can be used for planning and developing brand image for a nation.This study is also consistent with past studies that allude superior positioning of experiential consumption, and the strong positioning of NBI perspectives in place branding domain.
SWI/SNF Complex in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells and Its Implications in Cardiovascular Pathologies

Mature vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) exhibit a remarkable degree of plasticity, a characteristic that has intrigued cardiovascular researchers for decades. Recently, it has become increasingly evident that the chromatin remodeler SWItch/Sucrose Non-Fermentable (SWI/SNF) complex plays a pivotal role in orchestrating chromatin conformation, which is critical for gene regulation. In this review, we provide a summary of research related to the involvement of the SWI/SNF complexes in VSMC and cardiovascular diseases (CVD), integrating these discoveries into the current landscape of epigenetic and transcriptional regulation in VSMC. These novel discoveries shed light on our understanding of VSMC biology and pave the way for developing innovative therapeutic strategies in CVD treatment.
Laboratory Tools to Predict CFTR Modulator Therapy Effectiveness and to Monitor Disease Severity in Cystic Fibrosis

The implementation of cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulator drugs into clinical practice has been attaining remarkable therapeutic outcomes for CF, a life-threatening autosomal recessive genetic disease. However, there is elevated CFTR allelic heterogeneity, and various individuals carrying (ultra)rare CF genotypes remain without any approved modulator therapy. Novel translational model systems based on individuals’ own cells/tissue are now available and can be used to interrogate in vitro CFTR modulator responses and establish correlations of these assessments with clinical features, aiming to provide prediction of therapeutic effectiveness. Furthermore, because CF is a progressive disease, assessment of biomarkers in routine care is fundamental in monitoring treatment effectiveness and disease severity. In the first part of this review, we aimed to focus on the utility of individual-derived in vitro models (such as bronchial/nasal epithelial cells and airway/intestinal organoids) to identify potential responders and expand personalized CF care. Thereafter, we discussed the usage of CF inflammatory biomarkers derived from blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and sputum to routinely monitor treatment effectiveness and disease progression. Finally, we summarized the progress in investigating extracellular vesicles as a robust and reliable source of biomarkers and the identification of microRNAs related to CFTR regulation and CF inflammation as novel biomarkers, which may provide valuable information for disease prognosis.
The Synthesis of Sponge-like V2O5/CNT Hybrid Nanostructures Using Vertically Aligned CNTs as Templates

The fabrication of sponge-like vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) nanostructures using vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) as a template is presented. The VACNTs were grown on silicon substrates by chemical vapor deposition using the Fe/Al bilayer catalyst approach. The V2O5 nanostructures were obtained from the thermal oxidation of metallic vanadium deposited on the VACNTs. Different oxidation temperatures and vanadium thicknesses were used to study the influence of these parameters on the stability of the carbon template and the formation of the V2O5 nanostructures. The morphology of the samples was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy, and the structural characterization was performed by Raman, energy-dispersive X-ray, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopies. Due to the catalytic properties of V2O5 in the decomposition of carbonaceous materials, it was possible to obtain supported sponge-like structures based on V2O5/CNT composites, in which the CNTs exhibit an increase in their graphitization. The VACNTs can be removed or preserved by modulating the thermal oxidation process and the vanadium thickness.
Thermotolerance capabilities, blood metabolomics and mammary gland hemodynamics and transcriptomic profiles of slick-haired Holstein cattle during mid-lactation in Puerto Rico.

Holstein cattle carrying a prolactin receptor gene mutation (SLICK) exhibit short and sleek hair coats enhancing thermotolerance and productivity compared with wild type-haired Holstein (WT) under tropical conditions. The objectives were to unravel the physiological and molecular mechanisms that confer an advantage to this SLICK genotype in Puerto Rico and determine potential correlations between metabolites and physiological variables. At 160 ± 3 d in milk (DIM) we compared vaginal temperatures (VT) and voluntary solar radiation exposure (VSRE) during 48 h between 9 SLICK and 9 WT Holsteins, whereas a subsample of 7 SLICK and 7 WT were used to assess udder skin temperature, mammary gland hemodynamics and transcriptomics, and blood plasma untargeted metabolomics at a single time point. The SLICK cattle showed lower vaginal temperatures throughout the day and greater VSRE at 1000 h and 1100 h compared with their WT counterparts. Total mammary blood flow was greater in SLICK Holsteins compared with WT. The metabolite 9-nitrooctadecenoic acid was identified as a potential biomarker for MBF; moreover, SLICK cattle had greater amounts of this metabolite in their plasma. Prostaglandin D2 synthase (PTGS) was upregulated in the SLICK mammary gland, while plasma prostaglandin D2 was positively correlated with milk yield and increased in SLICK Holsteins compared with WT. Interestingly, the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway was enriched in the mammary gland transcriptome and perturbed in the blood metabolome in the SLICK Holsteins. In conclusion, SLICK Holsteins exhibited lower body temperatures, greater voluntary solar radiation exposure, enhanced blood supply to the mammary gland, and alterations in genes and metabolites involved in arachidonic acid metabolism at the mammary gland and blood plasma. The usage of the slick-haired Holstein cattle genetics in dairy operations could be a feasible alternative to mitigate the adverse consequences of heat stress.
Ultrasensitive and Rapid Detection of Procalcitonin via Waveguide-Enhanced Nanogold-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for Early Sepsis Diagnosis

Sepsis, a life-threatening inflammatory response, demands economical, accurate, and rapid detection of biomarkers during the critical “golden hour” to reduce the patient mortality rate. Here, we demonstrate a cost-effective waveguide-enhanced nanogold-linked immunosorbent assay (WENLISA) based on nanoplasmonic waveguide biosensors for the rapid and sensitive detection of procalcitonin (PCT), a sepsis-related inflammatory biomarker. To enhance the limit of detection (LOD), we employed sandwich assays using immobilized capture antibodies and detection antibodies conjugated to gold nanoparticles to bind the target analyte, leading to a significant evanescent wave redistribution and strong nanoplasmonic absorption near the waveguide surface. Experimentally, we detected PCT for a wide linear response range of 0.1 pg/mL to 1 ng/mL with a record-low LOD of 48.7 fg/mL (3.74 fM) in 8 min. Furthermore, WENLISA has successfully identified PCT levels in the blood plasma of patients with sepsis and healthy individuals, offering a promising technology for early sepsis diagnosis.
Voltage-Gated Sodium Channel Inhibition by µ-Conotoxins

µ-Conotoxins are small, potent pore-blocker inhibitors of voltage-gated sodium (NaV) channels, which have been identified as pharmacological probes and putative leads for analgesic development. A limiting factor in their therapeutic development has been their promiscuity for different NaV channel subtypes, which can lead to undesirable side-effects. This review will focus on four areas of µ-conotoxin research: (1) mapping the interactions of µ-conotoxins with different NaV channel subtypes, (2) µ-conotoxin structure–activity relationship studies, (3) observed species selectivity of µ-conotoxins and (4) the effects of µ-conotoxin disulfide connectivity on activity. Our aim is to provide a clear overview of the current status of µ-conotoxin research.