scholarly journals A Systematic Approach to Dissection of the Equine Brain–Evaluation of a Species-Adapted Protocol for Beginners and Experts

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maya-Lena Bitschi ◽  
Zoltán Bagó ◽  
Marco Rosati ◽  
Sven Reese ◽  
Lutz S. Goehring ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Task Force ◽  
Anatomical Landmarks ◽  
Accuracy Score ◽  
Imaging Studies ◽  
Instructional Videos ◽  
Brain Extraction ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Supplementary Material ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Structured Approach

Introduction of new imaging modalities for the equine brain have refocused attention on the horse as a natural model for ethological, neuroanatomical, and neuroscientific investigations. As opposed to imaging studies, strategies for equine neurodissection still lack a structured approach, standardization and reproducibility. In contrast to other species, where adapted protocols for sampling have been published, no comparable guideline is currently available for equids. Hence, we developed a species-specific slice protocol for whole brain vs. hemispheric dissection and tested its applicability and practicability in the field, as well as its neuroanatomical accuracy and reproducibility. Dissection steps are concisely described and depicted by schematic illustrations, photographs and instructional videos. Care was taken to show the brain in relation to the raters' hands, cutting devices and bench surface. Guidance is based on a minimum of external anatomical landmarks followed by geometric instructions that led to procurement of 14 targeted slabs. The protocol was performed on 55 formalin-fixed brains by three groups of investigators with different neuroanatomical skills. Validation of brain dissection outcomes addressed the aptitude of slabs for neuroanatomical studies as opposed to simplified routine diagnostic purposes. Across all raters, as much as 95.2% of slabs were appropriate for neuroanatomical studies, and 100% of slabs qualified for a routine diagnostic setting. Neither autolysis nor subfixation significantly affected neuroanatomical accuracy score, while a significant negative effect was observed with brain extraction artifacts. Procedure times ranged from 14 to 66 min and reached a mean duration of 23.25 ± 7.93 min in the last of five trials in inexperienced raters vs. 16 ± 2.83 min in experts, while acceleration of the dissection did not negatively impact neuroanatomical accuracy. This protocol, derived analogously to the consensus report of the International Veterinary Epilepsy Task Force in dogs and cats, allows for systematic, quick and easy dissection of the equine brain, even for inexperienced investigators. Obtained slabs feature virtually all functional subcompartments at suitable planes for both diagnostic and neuroscientific investigations and complement the data obtained from imaging studies. The instructive protocol and brain dissection videos are available in Supplementary Material.

scholarly journals Enhancing the Quality of Two Species of Baby Leaves Sprayed with Moringa Leaf Extract as Biostimulant

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 1399
Author(s):  
Stefania Toscano ◽  
Antonio Ferrante ◽  
Ferdinando Branca ◽  
Daniela Romano
Keyword(s):  
Leaf Extract ◽  
Foliar Application ◽  
Sugar Content ◽  
Nitrate Content ◽  
Specific Response ◽  
Yield And Quality ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Moringa Oleifera Lam

Natural biostimulants obtained by plants are intensively used nowadays to improve crop yield and quality. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of leaf extract of moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) (MLE) in modifying baby leaf characteristics of two genotypes of Brassica. The trial was started in October 2020 in a greenhouse; a cultivar of kale ‘Cavolo Laciniato Nero di Toscana’ (CL) and a Sicilian landrace of sprouting broccoli ‘Broccoli Nero’ (BN) were used. The plants, after 15, 30 and 40 days from sowing, were treated with MLE, while the control plants (C) with distilled water. Treatment with MLE modified morphological and nutritional value, but with different behavior in the two genotypes. In fact, in BN the treatment reduced the antioxidant activity (2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH)) by 54%, while in CL the treatment increased this parameter by 40%. For the phenolic concentration and the sugar content the values recorded were significantly increased by MLE compared to control plants in CL, where in BN a significant reduction was registered. The CL plants treated with MLE showed a significant reduction (−70%) in nitrate content compared to the control plants; a negative effect was, instead, observed in BN, where the plants treated with moringa showed an increase of 60%. Results of this study showed how the foliar application of MLE was effective in improving various nutraceutical parameters, in particular in kale, because it appears to be a species-specific response.

scholarly journals Introduction of the harmonised respiratory physiotherapy curriculum

Breathe ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 110-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thierry Troosters ◽  
Nathalie Tabin ◽  
Daniel Langer ◽  
Chris Burtin ◽  
Michelle Chatwin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Postgraduate Training ◽  
Task Force ◽  
European Respiratory Society ◽  
The Core ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Paediatric Patients ◽  
Respiratory Physiotherapy ◽  
Supplementary Material

Building on the core syllabus for postgraduate training in respiratory physiotherapy, published in 2014, the European Respiratory Society (ERS) respiratory physiotherapy task force has developed a harmonised and structured postgraduate curriculum for respiratory physiotherapy training. The curriculum outlines the knowledge, skills and attitudes which must be mastered by a respiratory physiotherapist working with adult or paediatric patients, together with guidance for minimal clinical exposures, and forms of learning and assessment.This article presents the rationale, methodology and content of the ERS respiratory physiotherapy curriculum. The full curriculum can be found in the supplementary material.

Effects of weed and erosion control on communities of soil mites (Oribatida and Gamasina) in short-rotation willow plantings in central New York

2008 ◽  
Vol 38 (5) ◽  
pp. 1061-1070 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria A. Minor ◽  
Roy A. Norton
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Species Richness ◽  
Community Structure ◽  
Cover Crop ◽  
Soil Microflora ◽  
Winter Rye ◽  
Soil Mites ◽  
Short Rotation ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Species Specific

Several pre-emergent herbicides (azafenidin, oxyfluorfen, and imazaquin–pendimethalin mixture), used for weed control during the establishment of short-rotation willow plantings, were tested for their impact on population density, species richness, and community structure of predaceous (Gamasina) and saprophagous and (or) mycophagous (Oribatida) soil mites. The experimental control was hand-weeded (no herbicide). Two site preparation treatments were used: conventional (disked) and erosion controlled (no-till with cover crop of winter rye). The influence of herbicide application on non-target organisms (soil mites) cannot be generalized, with groups being differentially affected. Overall, Oribatida were most affected by herbicides. Among specific herbicides, azafenidin and oxyfluorfen had a negative effect on density and species richness of soil mites. The response of Oribatida and Gamasina to herbicides was species-specific. Two species of Oribatida ( Sellnickochthonius immaculatus (Forsslund) and Liochthonius lapponicus (Trägårdh)) declined significantly in all herbicide-treated plots. The cover crop residue had positive effect on both Oribatida and Gamasina; the negative effect of herbicides on Oribatida was greatly mitigated by cover crop. Herbicides appear to reduce mite diversity and alter community structure, but they do not always affect abundance. We speculate that the sensitivity of Oribatida to herbicides can reflect the indirect impacts of herbicides on soil microflora.

scholarly journals Doeltreffende keuringsonderhoude: Die taak van lynbestuur

1982 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 197-204
Author(s):  
David Tromp
Keyword(s):  
Risky Decision ◽  
Selection Interview ◽  
Selection Interviews ◽  
Effective Selection ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Selection Decision ◽  
Main Components ◽  
Line Manager ◽  
Structured Approach ◽  
Made In

Effective selection interviews: The task of line management The selection interview still remains one of the most important and most commonly used selection techniques. During their formal training personnel officials are normally taught how to conduct selection interviews in a professional and effective way. However, the final responsibility for the selection decision still rests with the line manager but he often lacks the skills necessary to conduct a good selection interview. The result of this is that a highly intuitive and risky decision is taken. In this article the most important errors which interviewers make, are discussed. These errors relate in the first instance to the way in which selection interviews are conducted and the resulting shortcomings in communication which have a negative effect on the availability of the information required for decision-making. Secondly, errors are often made in respect of the interpretation and evaluation of this information. A procedure for eliminating these errors is proposed of which the main components are a semi-structured approach and the use of an interview appraisal form based on the prior identification of the required behavioural dimensions.

Soft-Tissue Tumors of the Hand—Imaging Features

2020 ◽  
Vol 71 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-173 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregory Scott Stacy ◽  
Jeffrey Bonham ◽  
Anthony Chang ◽  
Stephen Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Soft Tissue ◽  
Daily Practice ◽  
Soft Tissue Tumors ◽  
Vascular Lesions ◽  
Imaging Features ◽  
Imaging Studies ◽  
Adipocytic Tumors ◽  
Imaging Characteristics ◽  
Tumors Of The Hand ◽  
Structured Approach

Imaging studies of the hands and fingers are common, and radiologists are generally comfortable with traumatic and degenerative conditions which arise frequently in daily practice. However, a variety of common and uncommon soft-tissue tumors also occur in the hand, the appropriate diagnosis of which can be a source of confusion for both clinicians and radiologists. These lesions often have overlapping imaging characteristics; however, a structured approach can help provide a focused differential diagnosis and impact further workup and management. We discuss several such tumors, categorizing them as cystic-appearing, noncystic masses along tendons and aponeuroses, adipocytic tumors, vascular lesions, and miscellaneous lesions with imaging features that can aid diagnosis.

scholarly journals Improved Pre-miRNA Classification by Reducing the Effect of Class Imbalance

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yingli Zhong ◽  
Ping Xuan ◽  
Ke Han ◽  
Weiping Zhang ◽  
Jianzhong Li
Keyword(s):  
Cross Validation ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Class Imbalance ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Biological Processes ◽  
Classification Models ◽  
New Classification ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Human Animal ◽  
Species Specific

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play important roles in the diverse biological processes of animals and plants. Although the prediction methods based on machine learning can identify nonhomologous and species-specific miRNAs, they suffered from severe class imbalance on real and pseudo pre-miRNAs. We propose a pre-miRNA classification method based on cost-sensitive ensemble learning and refer to it as MiRNAClassify. Through a series of iterations, the information of all the positive and negative samples is completely exploited. In each iteration, a new classification instance is trained by the equal number of positive and negative samples. In this way, the negative effect of class imbalance is efficiently relieved. The new instance primarily focuses on those samples that are easy to be misclassified. In addition, the positive samples are assigned higher cost weight than the negative samples. MiRNAClassify is compared with several state-of-the-art methods and some well-known classification models by testing the datasets about human, animal, and plant. The result of cross validation indicates that MiRNAClassify significantly outperforms other methods and models. In addition, the newly added pre-miRNAs are used to further evaluate the ability of these methods to discover novel pre-miRNAs. MiRNAClassify still achieves consistently superior performance and can discover more pre-miRNAs.

scholarly journals Application of a Model of Animals’ Growth to Study Slowly Growing Pigs

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 259
Author(s):  
V. L. Stass
Keyword(s):  
Growing Pigs ◽  
Main Theme ◽  
Finishing Pigs ◽  
Breeding Scheme ◽  
Growth Performances ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Commercial Farms ◽  
Growth Phenotype ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
On Farm

The aim of this study was to investigate a problem in pig farming by applying results of pigs’ growth modelling. The problem this study deals with is a large amount of variation in weight between animals within groups with growing-finishing pigs with strongly negative effect of slowly growing pigs on farm efficiency. The target is to find out a breeding scheme, which can eliminate the slowly growing phenotype from commercial farms. This study was carried out by applying a mathematical model. The model is species-specific; it was built to analyse growth of pigs. In the study, the model has not been developed, it was published elsewhere. The model’s results are used to clarify some aspects of pigs’ growth under industrial conditions. The model implies that in the pig, there are three growth phenotypes that have distinct growth performances. In the study, a main theme is variation in weight between growth phenotypes in pigs. The results of the study suggest that the slowly growing pigs have a certain growth phenotype. A method to identify the phenotype, and a breading scheme to eliminate the slowly growing phenotype from commercial farms are suggested.

scholarly journals Seven years of experimental warming and nutrient addition causes decline of bryophytes and lichens in alpine meadow and heath communities

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juha M Alatalo ◽  
Annika K Jägerbrand ◽  
Ulf Molau
Keyword(s):  
Global Change ◽  
Alpine Meadow ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Nutrient Addition ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Change Models ◽  
Alpine Regions ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Heath Community ◽  
Species Specific

Global change is predicted to have large and rapid impact on polar and alpine regions. Bryophytes and lichens increase their importance in terms of biomass, carbon/nutrient cycling, cover and ecosystem functioning at higher latitudes/altitudes. Here we report from a seven year factorial experiment with nutrient addition and warming on the abundance of bryophytes and lichens in an alpine meadow and heath community. Treatments had significant negative effect on relative change of total abundance bryophytes and lichens, the largest decline to the nutrient addition and the combined nutrient addition and warming treatments, bryophytes decreasing most in the meadow, lichens most in the heath. Nutrient addition, and the combined nutrient addition and warming brought rapid decrease in both bryophytes and lichens, while warming had a delayed negative impact. Of sixteen species that were included the statistical analyses, we found significant negative effects on seven species. We show that impact of simulated global change on bryophytes and lichens differ in in time and magnitude among treatments and plant communities. Our results underscore the importance of longer-term studies to improve the quality of climate change models, as short-term studies are poor predictors of longer-term responses of bryophytes and lichens, similar to what have been shown for vascular plants. Species-specific responses may differ in time, and this will likely cause changes in the dominance structures of bryophytes and lichens over time.

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