bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of clover in grazed pastures: expectations, limitations and opportunities
Authors: Chapman D.F. , Parsons A.J. , Schwinning S.
Published: March 2021

The value of white clover as a component of New Zealand pastures is undeniable, but it is also widely recognised that clover has limitations as a pasture plant and that these can lead to inefficiencies in the performance of grass/clover associations. This paper identifies some of the limitations to optimising the contribution of clover in complex soil/pasture/animal systems, within the context of the expectations commonly held of clover. Limitations to exploiting the greater digestive efficiency and short-term intake rate of clover compared to grass when they are grown in a mixture include animal behaviour responses that sometimes impose a restriction on total daily intake of nutrients, and the fact that clover often constitutes less than 20% of the pasture. Nitrogen inputs and yield advantages are also restricted by the low clover content of pastures. A simulation model is used to analyse the co-existence of grass and clover as influenced by N dynamics. This model explains the basis for selfregulation by grass/clover mixtures of the amount of mineral N in the soil. Self-regulation minimises N losses from mixtures, but the dynamic response of grass and clover to N availability also means that there may only be limited scope for increasing the overall clover content, or decreasing the spatial heterogeneity in clover distribution, of a mixture. Managing grass/clover associations to realise the benefits of white clover therefore means manipulating a complex system, where the outcomes of manipulation depend as much on the response of the companion grass as on the response of the clover itself. Opportunities for attaining a higher clover content in pastures include: manipulating the preferences of animals for clover versus grass; spatially separating grass and clover within fields; increasing the metabolic efficiency of N fixation in clover; uncoupling the apparent link between rhizobium symbiosis and the N content of clover leaves; and modifying the stolon morphology of clover as a way of increasing clover presence in favourable microsites within the pasture. Keywords: genetic improvement, grass/clover competition, grazing behaviour, intake, models, N fixation, nitrogen dynamics, nutritive value
Performance of lambs and the incidence of staggers and heat stress on two perennial ryegrass cultivars over three summers in the Manawatu
Authors: Bluett S.J. , Hodgson J. , Kemp P.D. , Barry T.N.
Published: March 2021

Three lamb growth experiments were carried out at Massey University, Palmerston North, from 1995 to 1998 to evaluate the nutritive value and endophyte (Neotyphodium lolii) status of a new perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) cultivar (Aries HD). Aries HD was specifically selected for improved organic matter digestibility over summer and early autumn. Lamb liveweight gain on 'Aries HD' compared to a control cultivar 'Yatsyn 1' perennial ryegrass was higher in the summer of 1995/96 (104 vs 84 Â± 4.6 g/day, P=0.1028), similar in two consecutive summers, 1996/97 (116 vs 111 Â± 5.1 g/day, P=0.6542), and 1997/98 (71 vs 73 g/day Â± 10.6 g/day, P=0.7350). The nutritive value (invitro organic matter digestibility, neutral detergent fibre and nitrogen content) of Aries HD and Yatsyn 1 pastures was similar. Lambs grazing Yatsyn 1 were more severely affected by ryegrass staggers than lambs grazing Aries HD, although the concentrations of lolitrem B in grazed herbage were similar. The concentration of ergovaline in Aries HD in association with endophyte was about half that in Yatsyn 1 in association with endophyte. Ergovaline may have acted synergistically to increase the toxicity of lolitrem B and the severity of staggers in lambs grazing Yatsyn 1 pastures. There was some indication that heat stress symptoms were more severe in lambs forced to graze lower into the sward. The effect of management and alkaloid concentration is likely to have a larger impact on lamb performance than small differences in nutritive value between cultivars of highendophyte perennial ryegrass. Keywords: alkaloids, animal performance, Aries HD, endophyte, heat stress, Lolium perenne, Neotyphodium lolii, perennial ryegrass, ryegrass staggers, Yatsyn 1
Chemistry of endophytes: patterns and diversity
Authors: Lane G.A.
Published: March 2021

Neotyphodium spp. fungi in pasture grasses synthesise a diverse range of metabolites. In this report, recent progress in extending knowledge of the diversity of endophyte metabolites is reviewed, in particular the elucidation of indole-diterpenes and ergot alkaloids. Some 20 indole-diterpenes have been identified from N. lolii-infected perennial ryegrass, and several ergot alkaloids additional to ergovaline have been identified in perennial ryegrass and other grasses infected with Neotyphodium spp. endophytes. While lolitrem B, ergovaline, and peramine remain significant factors in understanding the biological activity of N. loliiinfected perennial ryegrass, a more complex and complete view of endophyte chemical ecology must now be developed. Keywords: chanoclavine-I, dehydroergovaline, endophyte, ergine, ergot alkaloid, indolediterpene, Neotyphodium spp., perennial ryegrass, tall fescue
Effects of the mycotoxins lolitrem B and paxilline on gastrointestinal smooth muscle, the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and temperature in sheep
Authors: Mcleay L.M. , Smith B.L.
Published: March 2021

The mycotoxins lolitrem B (responsible for ryegrass- staggers), and paxilline have a common moiety and are well known for their ability to cause tremoring in animals. Little is known of their other effects in ruminants and we investigated these in sheep, on electromyographic (EMG) activity of gastrointestinal smooth muscle of the reticulum, rumen, abomasal antrum and duodenum and on blood pressure, heart rate, respiration and body temperature. Both mycotoxins induced tremor and caused marked increases in respiratory rate, heart rate and blood pressure, but had relatively little effect on body temperature. Increases in blood pressure preceded substantial rises in heart rate, indicating a peripheral vasoconstrictive effect. Both mycotoxins had variable excitatory and inhibitory effects on the antrum and duodenum, but had consistent and profound effects on activity of the reticulorumen with a similar time course to their characteristic effects for paxilline and lolitrem B respectively, on the induction (2 and 30 minutes) and the duration (2-3 h and 8-12 h) of tremoring. The effects included an inhibition of the vagallydependent cyclical A and B sequences of contraction of the reticulorumen and an excitation of intrinsic activity including "chaotic" activity of the reticulum. Excitatory effects of the tremorgens were partially blocked by atropine, indicating some but not all, excitatory effects on the reticulorumen arise from stimulation of muscarinic cholinoceptors and it is possible this and other excitatory effects may be mediated through calcium-activated high conductance potassium channels. It is concluded tremorgens have widespread effects on the respiratory, cardiovascular and digestive systems. The intensity and duration of the effects with lolitrem B, indicate substantial disruption of digestion may occur with its ingestion on grazing endophyte-infected pasture. Keywords: cardiovascular, electromyograph activity, endophyte, gastrointestinal, lolitrem B, mycotoxins, paxilline, respiration, reticulorumen, temperature
Six years of selection responses for resistance or susceptibility to ryegrass staggers in sheep
Authors: Morris C.A. , Towers N.R. , Amyes N.C.
Published: March 2021

Ryegrass staggers (RGS) is a neurotoxic disease in ruminants. It is caused by the mycotoxin lolitrem B, found in endophyte-infected perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). This paper reviews genetic studies on the resistance of sheep to RGS at Ruakura. Genetic differences in susceptibility among sire groups were evaluated in lambs born in 1988-92 (Phase 1). Selection lines were then formed and responses to selection for resistance or susceptibility are described for the 1993-98 birth years (Phase 2). The incidence of RGS was recorded on a presence or absence basis from January to March or April each year, in experimental flocks with animals of known pedigree. For estimating genetic parameters (Phase 1), there were 3587 RGS records available from 2307 animals representing 232 sires. Clinical cases of RGS occurred in 17 of 25 contemporary groups, with incidences per group up to 16%. Estimates of heritability and acrossyear repeatability for RGS incidence were 0.068 Â± 0.028 and 0.24 Â± 0.05 respectively. Breeding value data were used at the beginning of Phase 2 to screen ewes, two-tooths and ewe lambs into resistant and susceptible selection flocks (lines). Breeding values were also used to select rams that were elite for RGS, and to allocate these to each line for mating. At least some natural RGS challenge was experienced by the resulting selection-line stock born in five of the six years of Phase 2. Susceptible-line lambs had a mean incidence of 39% clinical RGS cases over these five years, whilst the resistant-line lambs grazing the same paddocks had a much lower mean clinical RGS incidence (P
The impact of endophyte on the health and productivity of sheep grazing ryegrass-based pastures
Authors: Fletcher L.R. , Sutherland B.L. , Fletcher C.G.
Published: March 2021

The health and production of sheep grazing perennial ryegrass with and without wild-type endophyte (Neotyphodium lolii) has been studied in several trials over a number of years. Lambs/ hoggets grazing predominantly perennial ryegrass swards with endophyte developed moderate to severe ryegrass staggers in summer and autumn, while those grazing endophyte-free ryegrass did not. Lambs/hoggets grazing ryegrass with endophyte also had more dags, lower growth rates, lower plasma prolactin levels, higher body temperatures and respiration rates under warm humid conditions. Most of these adverse responses were more severe in summer and autumn when endophyte toxin concentrations were highest. Many of these symptoms are similar to those described for the "autumn ill thrift" syndrome in New Zealand. Keywords: dags, endophyte, flystrike, growth rates, hyperthermia, Neotyphodium, perennial ryegrass, prolactin, ryegrass staggers, sheep
Toxicology of ryegrass endophyte in livestock
Authors: Munday-Finch S.C. , Garthwaite I.
Published: March 2021

The ryegrass endophyte/plant interaction produces a number of toxic metabolites responsible for a range of toxicoses including ryegrass staggers. Although lolitrem B has long been considered the toxin responsible for ryegrass staggers in farm animals, it is only recently that we have demonstrated that oral administration of the pure toxin causes tremors in mice consistent with the symptoms of ryegrass staggers. Various levels of the toxin were incorporated into the diet of mice and tremor response measured regularly. Mice were very susceptible to the tremorgenic action of lolitrem B with a dose of only 1.1 mg/kg per day being sufficient to induce a tremor response. Analysis of faeces from a dosed mouse showed that approximately 40% of the toxin ingested was excreted unchanged. The profile of tremor response shows that tremors build up over a 24-hour period and then reach a dose dependent plateau suggesting that toxin turnover reaches a steady state. In experiments designed to test the possibility that tremorgens bind to specific receptors in the brain, mice were injected with the 14C-labelled tremorgen, paxilline. Paxilline was chosen as it is similar in structure and possible action to lolitrem B and could be more easily prepared with an isotopic label. Following injection of 14C-paxilline to mice their brains and spinal cord were sectioned and analysed for 14C content. Localised binding was not detected but rather an even distribution of isotope was observed. This is probably due to the lipophilicity of the tremorgens, which distribute randomly throughout the fatty brain matrix, masking any binding to specific regions or receptors. This study showed, however, that only a minute proportion of the administered tremorgen reached the brain and spinal cord, indicating that, if this is the site of action, the receptors involved in the initiation of staggers are extremely sensitive to the tremorgens. Keywords: endophyte, lolitrem, Lolium perenne, mycotoxin, Neotyphodium lolii, neurotoxin, oral dosing, ryegrass staggers, tremor, tremorgen
The copper nutrition of grazing deer
Authors: Grace N.D. , Wilson P.R. , Nicol A.M.
Published: March 2021

The first deer farms were established in New Zealand about 30 years ago and much of the early deer research was focussed on general nutrition, infectious diseases, management and husbandry practices, while little attention was given to trace elements. Limited trace element studies have identified copper (Cu) as the most important trace element for deer in terms of observed clinical signs of deficiency, namely enzootic ataxia and osteochrondrosis, and their possible impact on animal performance (Wilson et al. 1979; Thompson et al. 1994). To ensure that the Cu status of deer is adequate, and to determine if a Cu supplementation strategy is necessary, it is important to understand the distribution, function and metabolism of Cu, as well as dietary Cu requirements and criteria to diagnosis Cu deficiency. Keywords: Cervus elaphus, copper, deficiency, dietary requirements, fertiliser, forage, red deer, supplementation strategies
Venison into the 21st Century
Authors: Moyes M.
Published: March 2021

The marketing of venison in the 21st century is a huge topic with many and varied challenges for the industry as a whole. Firstly this paper will consider some of the consumer trends that are developing that will affect venison marketing in the future, namely, health, convenience and more restaurant dining. Secondly it will look at tomorrow's chef - what will their role will be in the future? and what are the implications for venison? How will tomorrow's markets look, how and where will venison be sold? Finally this paper considers some of the issues we need to be conscious of if we are to maintain our privileged position as a premium product.
Green Gold: Bananas and Dependency in the Eastern Caribbean
Authors: Thomson Robert
Published: March 2021

Green Gold looks at the history and future prospects for the banana industry in four Caribbean islands: Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia and St Vincent. It focuses on conditions for the small farmers and includes a study of Geest PLC, the company solely responsible for distributing Windward bananas in Britain.
Metalenses for subwavelength imaging
Authors: Baryshnikova K V , Kharintsev S S , Belov P A , Ustimenko N A , Tretyakov S A , Simovski C R
Published: March 2021

Devices that form an optical image with a subwavelength resolution in real time – metalenses – are considered. Such devices either operate with near optical fields or convert near fields into wave fields. As a result, the spatial resolution of these devices is not limited by the diffraction limit. At the same time, the image is formed at a considerable distance from the object, which distinguishes near-field metalenses from the instruments used in near-field probe microscopy. Metalenses are implemented based on metamaterials or their two-dimensional analogs, metasurfaces. Historically, this line of research was based on the so-called perfect lens, the concept of which did not withstand experimental verification but gave impetus to the development of real metalenses. Depending on the device and principle of operation, metalenses are called either superlenses or hyperlenses.
Studi Perencanaan Penerangan Jalan Umum Panel Surya di Kelurahan Gading Kasri Kecamatan Klojen
Authors: Santoso Asfari Hariz , Hermawan Ahmad , Panantuan Muhammad Azzam Wian
Published: March 2021

Malang City is a city that has an increasing need for electrical energy in the technological era, which today is very much needed in fulfilling daily life, both for household, social and industrial needs. One of them is the supply of electrical energy for Public Street Lighting (PJU). If you only rely on the supply of electrical energy from grid, this is a heavy burden that must be borne by the Malang City Regional Budget to pay the electric energy consumption bill for the PJU. This study aims to determine the comparison of the use of conventional PJU with solar powered PJU (PJUTS) in the area of Gading Kasri Village, Klojen District, Malang City both in terms of technical installations which include solar panels, batteries, and charger controllers as well as from an economic point of view. That shines for 5 hours every day, the solar panel power specifications are 240 Wp with 37 points of light. Budget calculations using the ACS (Annual cost system) which is obtained in the 16th year the difference from the initial investment costs and revenue from sales met at BEP (break event point) amounting to Rp. 256,761,376.00.
Studi Kelayakan Gas Insulated Switchgear di PT. Paiton Operation & Maintenance Indonesia Unit 8
Authors: Duanaputri Rohmanita , Ridzki Imron , Hidayatullah M. Syarif , Yulianto Mohammad Iqbal
Published: March 2021

Protection systems are a collection of components that have the same purpose to protect or secure. One of the existing protection systems in the generator is switchgear. At PT. Paiton Operation & Maintenance Indonesia Unit 8 using a switchgear insulated with SF6 gas is called gas insulated switchgear. Gas Insulated Switchgear is the newest of the switchyard innovations. Innovations that have been developed from air insulation into gas insulation have fewer land use advantages and a better level of density. In determining the feasibility of gas insulated switchgear PT. Paiton Operation & Maintenance Indonesia performs tests consisting of insulation resistance measurements, resistance measurements, gas leakage checks, polarity checking, gas density detectors, testing duration closure and circuit breaker opening. Each test has a pre-defined value limit. Gas Insulated switchgear is said to be feasible to operate when it meets the specified value limits on each test.
Русский и родные языки как факторы идентичности (по результатам экспертных опросов в Карачаево-Черкесской республике)
Authors: Щербина Елена Анатольевна
Published: March 2021

В статье представлены результаты социологических опросов, проведенных в Карачаево-Черкесской Республике в течение ряда лет. В них отражено отношение населения региона в целом к русскому и родным языкам, а также экспертное мнение, детализирующее роль и значение языков в коллективной и личностной идентичности. Отражена роль русского языка как основного идентификатора общероссийской гражданской идентичности и отношение народов КЧР к родному языку как основному показателю этнической идентичности. В рамках парадигмы идентичности показано отношение регионального экспертного сообщества к родным языкам как основной семейной ценности. Вопросы, связанные с ролью и значением русского языка как языка государствоообразующего народа, и родными языками, отражающими культурное многообразие страны, рассматриваются в контексте принятых поправок в Конституцию РФ и предстоящей в 2021 году Всероссийской переписи населения.
The article presents the results of sociological surveys conducted in the Karachay-Cherkess Republic over a number of years, which reflect the attitude of the region's population as a whole to Russian and native languages and expert opinion detailing the role and significance of languages in collective and personal identity. The role of the Russian language as the main identifier of the all-Russian civic identity and the attitude of the KCR peoples to their native language as the main indicator of ethnic identity is revealed. Within the framework of the identity paradigm, the attitude of the regional expert community to native languages as the main family value is shown. Issues related to the role and significance of the Russian language as the language of the state-forming people and native languages reflecting the cultural diversity of the country are considered in the context of the adopted amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation and the upcoming 2021 All-Russian population census.
«Восславим землю Акпарса»: легендарный князь в современном фольклоре и этнорегиональной идентичности горных марийцев
Authors: Устьянцев Герман Юрьевич
Published: March 2021

На основе полевых материалов автор исследует репрезентацию этнорегиональной идентичности горных марийцев в моделях освоения, трансляции и интерпретации фольклорной традиции, связанной с образом легендарного правителя Акпарса. Соотношение имени и функций сотенного князя рассмотрены в текстах несказочной прозы (легендах, преданиях), интервью, медийном и научном дискурсах, коммеморативных практиках современных горных марийцев. Автор выделяет две интерпретативные модели описания Акпарса в различных дискурсах: историко-реалистическую и мифологическую. Образ Акпарса выступает в качестве инструмента формирования этнорегиональной идентичности и одновременно ее символа. Бытование фольклорного персонажа демонстрирует связь между принадлежностью респондентов к отдельной этнической группе марийцев, административному региону их проживания и акцентуализацией «своего» специфического фольклора. Автор также рассматривает этносимволическую роль указанного персонажа в утверждении дихотомии «свой–чужой» в контексте аутентичности народной традиции: Акпарс выступает в качестве маркера горномарийской культуры как для самих горных марийцев, так и для соседних групп иноэтничного населения.

On the basis of ethnographic data, the author examines the representation of the ethno-regional identity of the Hill Mari people in the development, translation and interpretation of the folklore tradition concerning the legendary ruler Akpars. The correlation of the ruler’s name and functions is analyzed in the texts of non-fairy prose (legends), interviews, media and scientific discourses, and commemoral practices of the modern Hill Mari people. The author identifies two interpretative models of describing Akpars in different discourses: the historical-realistic and the mythological ones. The image of Akpars acts as a tool for the formation of ethnic identity and at the same time as its symbol. The existence of the folk character demonstrates an association between respondents’ belonging to a particular ethnic group of Mari people, their administrative region, and the accentuation of their “specific” folklore. The author also considers the ethnosymbolic role of this image in the strengthening the “we–they” dichotomy in the context of the folk authenticity: the character Akpars acts as a marker of the Hill Mari culture both for the Hill Maris themselves and for neighboring ethnic groups.
Рецензия на Лескинен М.В. Великоросс/великорус. Из истории конструирования этничности. Век XIX. М.: «Индрик», 2017
Authors: Кириченко Олег Викторович
Published: March 2021

Рецензия посвящена анализу монографии М.В. Лескинен «Великорос/великорус. Из истории конструирования этничности. Век XIX». (М.: «Индрик», 2016). Рецензент затрагивает вопросы, касающиеся методологии автора книги, опирающейся на труды французских конструктивистов. Показывается, что это условная методология, формальная, позволяющая автору лишь «технически» выполнить поставленную задачу. Но есть и безусловная, фактическая методология, апеллирующая к «дискурсивным практикам» – а) советским 1920-х годов и б) европейским 1930-х годов. Опираясь на них автор, как она считает, развенчивает миф о «народе-богоносце», полагая, что русские ни по своей этнической силе, ни по нравственным критериям не подходили в искомый век к этой миссии. Таким образом, задача автора рецензии заключалась в анализе этих положений и их оценке.

The review is devoted to the analysis of the monograph by M.V. Leskinen “Velikoross/velikorus. From the history of the construction of ethnicity. Century XIX” (Moscow: “Indrik”, 2016). The review argues that the methodology of the author of the book, based on the works of French constructivists, is formal and only allows for a “technical” completion of the task. But there is also an unconditional, real methodology that appeals to “discursive practices” of the 1920s in the Soviet Union the 1930s in Europe. Based on this underlying methodology the author claims to have deconstructed the myth of the “god-bearing people” suggesting that Russians of the XIX century didn’t fulfil this mission neither in terms of their ethnic power nor in terms of moral criteria. Thus the reviewer aims to analyze and assess these theses.
Group Refractive Index of Nanocrystalline Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Transparent Cranial Implants
Authors: Halaney David L. , Katta Nitesh , Fallah Hamidreza , Aguilar Guillermo , Milner Thomas E.
Published: March 2021

Transparent “Window to the Brain” (WttB) cranial implants made from a biocompatible ceramic, nanocrystalline Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (nc-YSZ), were recently reported. These reports demonstrated chronic brain imaging across the implants in mice using optical coherence tomography (OCT) and laser speckle imaging. However, optical properties of these transparent cranial implants are neither completely characterized nor completely understood. In this study, we measure optical properties of the implant using a swept source OCT system with a spectral range of 136 nm centered at 1,300 nm to characterize the group refractive index of the nc-YSZ window, over a narrow range of temperatures at which the implant may be used during imaging or therapy (20–43°C). Group refractive index was found to be 2.1–2.2 for OCT imaging over this temperature range. Chromatic dispersion for this spectral range was observed to vary over the sample, sometimes flipping signs between normal and anomalous dispersion. These properties of nc-YSZ should be considered when designing optical systems and procedures that propagate light through the window, and when interpreting OCT brain images acquired across the window.
Regulation of Circular RNA CircNFATC3 in Cancer Cells Alters Proliferation, Migration, and Oxidative Phosphorylation
Authors: Karedath Thasni , Al-Dasim Fatima M. , Ahmed Ikhlak , Al-Qurashi Albandary , Raza Afsheen , Andrews Simeon Scott , Ahmed Ayeda Abdulsalam , Ali Mohamoud Yasmin , Dermime Said , Malek Joel A.
Published: March 2021

Circular RNAs were once considered artifacts of transcriptome sequencing but have recently been identified as functionally relevant in different types of cancer. Although there is still no clear main function of circRNAs, several studies have revealed that circRNAs are expressed in various eukaryotic organisms in a regulated manner often independent of their parental linear isoforms demonstrating conservation across species. circNFATC3, an abundant and uncharacterized circular RNA of exon 2 and 3 fromNFATC3, was identified in transcriptomic data of solid tumors. Here we show that circNFATC3 gain- and loss-of-function experiments using RNAi-mediated circRNA silencing and circular mini vector-mediated overexpression of circularized constructs in breast and ovarian cancer cell lines affect molecular phenotypes. The knockdown of circNFATC3 induces a reduction in cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and oxidative phosphorylation. Gain-of-function of circNFATC3 in MDA-MB-231 and SK-OV-3 cells show a significant increase in cell proliferation, migration, and respiration. The above results suggest that circNFATC3 is a functionally relevant circular RNA in breast and ovarian cancer.
Unraveling Stage-Dependent Expression Patterns of Circular RNAs and Their Related ceRNA Modulation in Ovine Postnatal Testis Development
Authors: Li Taotao , Luo Ruirui , Wang Xia , Wang Huihui , Zhao Xingxu , Guo Yunxia , Jiang Haitao , Ma Youji
Published: March 2021

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been shown to function in the reproductive systems including testis. However, their expression, as well as function in testicular development of sheep remain undefined. Herein, we performed RNA sequencing to reveal circRNA temporal expression patterns in testes of Tibetan sheep from different stages of maturation (3M, 3-month-old; 1Y, 1-year-old; 3Y, 3-year-old). A total of 3,982, 414, and 4,060 differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs were uncovered from 3M vs 1Y, 1Y vs 3Y, and 3M vs 3Y, respectively. Functional enrichment assessment indicated that the source genes of DE circRNAs were primarily engaged in spermatogenesis and testicular immune privilege including blood–testis barrier (BTB). We subsequently constructed the core circRNA–miRNA–mRNA interaction network for genes related to testicular function, such as spermatogenesis, germ cell development, BTB, and cell cycle/meiosis. Furthermore, we validated the target associations between either circ_024949, circ_026259 or IGF1, and oar-miR-29b in this network, and revealed their similar expression signatures in developmental testes that they were extensively expressed in germ cells, Leydig cells, and Sertoli cells, thus suggesting their broad functions in the functional maintenance of Leydig cells and Sertoli cells, as well as the development and maturation of male germ cells. Meanwhile, circ_026259 was shown to promote IGF1 expression through inhibition of oar-miR-29b in sheep Sertoli cells. This work gives the first global view for the expression and regulation of circRNAs in sheep testis, which will be helpful for providing new insights into the molecular mechanism of ovine testis function.
Advances in Drug Resistance of Esophageal Cancer: From the Perspective of Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Luan Siyuan , Zeng Xiaoxi , Zhang Chao , Qiu Jiajun , Yang Yushang , Mao Chengyi , Xiao Xin , Zhou Jianfeng , Zhang Yonggang , Yuan Yong
Published: March 2021

Drug resistance represents the major obstacle to get the maximum therapeutic benefit for patients with esophageal cancer since numerous patients are inherently or adaptively resistant to therapeutic agents. Notably, increasing evidence has demonstrated that drug resistance is closely related to the crosstalk between tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME). TME is a dynamic and ever-changing complex biological network whose diverse cellular and non-cellular components influence hallmarks and fates of tumor cells from the outside, and this is responsible for the development of resistance to conventional therapeutic agents to some extent. Indeed, the formation of drug resistance in esophageal cancer should be considered as a multifactorial process involving not only cancer cells themselves but cancer stem cells, tumor-associated stromal cells, hypoxia, soluble factors, extracellular vesicles, etc. Accordingly, combination therapy targeting tumor cells and tumor-favorable microenvironment represents a promising strategy to address drug resistance and get better therapeutic responses for patients with esophageal cancer. In this review, we mainly focus our discussion on molecular mechanisms that underlie the role of TME in drug resistance in esophageal cancer. We also discuss the opportunities and challenges for therapeutically targeting tumor-favorable microenvironment, such as membrane proteins, pivotal signaling pathways, and cytokines, to attenuate drug resistance in esophageal cancer.
Targeting Host Cellular Factors as a Strategy of Therapeutic Intervention for Herpesvirus Infections
Authors: Asha Kumari , Sharma-Walia Neelam
Published: March 2021

Herpesviruses utilize various host factors to establish latent infection, survival, and spread disease in the host. These factors include host cellular machinery, host proteins, gene expression, multiple transcription factors, cellular signal pathways, immune cell activation, transcription factors, cytokines, angiogenesis, invasion, and factors promoting metastasis. The knowledge and understanding of host genes, protein products, and biochemical pathways lead to discovering safe and effective antivirals to prevent viral reactivation and spread infection. Here, we focus on the contribution of pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and resolution lipid metabolites of the arachidonic acid (AA) pathway in the lifecycle of herpesvirus infections. We discuss how various herpesviruses utilize these lipid pathways to their advantage and how we target them to combat herpesvirus infection. We also summarize recent development in anti-herpesvirus therapeutics and new strategies proposed or under clinical trials. These anti-herpesvirus therapeutics include inhibitors blocking viral life cycle events, engineered anticancer agents, epigenome influencing factors, immunomodulators, and therapeutic compounds from natural extracts.
Distribution and Variation of Serotypes and Pneumococcal Surface Protein A Clades of Streptococcus pneumoniae Strains Isolated From Adult Patients With Invasive Pneumococcal Disease in Japan
Authors: Chang Bin , Kinjo Yuki , Morita Masatomo , Tamura Kosuke , Watanabe Hiroshi , Tanabe Yoshinari , Kuronuma Koji , Fujita Jiro , Oshima Kengo , Maruyama Takaya , Abe Shuichi , Kasahara Kei , Nishi Junichiro , Kubota Tetsuya , Ohnishi Makoto , Suga Shigeru , Oishi Kazunori
Published: March 2021

Pneumococcal surface protein A (PspA) is a surface protein of Streptococcus pneumoniae that may be a candidate antigen for new pneumococcal vaccines. This study investigates the distribution of PspA clades of the causative strains of adult invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in Japan. Of the 1,939 strains isolated from cases of adult IPD during 2014–2019, the PspA clades of 1,932 (99.6%) strains were determined, and no pspA was detected in the remaining 7 strains (0.4%). PspA clades 1–6 were detected in 786 (40.5%), 291 (15.0%), 443 (22.8%), 369 (19.0%), 33 (1.7%), and 6 (0.3%) strains, respectively. New PspA clades (0.2%) were identified in two non-typeable and two serotype 35B pneumococci. The proportions of clade 1 and clade 2 showed significantly decreased and increased trends, respectively. Furthermore, the PspA clade of pneumococcal strains was partially serotype- and sequence type-dependent. The majority of strains belonging to serotypes contained in both the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) and the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23) belonged to PspA clades 1 or 3. In contrast, the distribution of clades in non-vaccine serotypes was wider than that of vaccine serotype pneumococci. Our findings demonstrate that almost all pneumococcal strains from adult IPD express PspA clades 1–4, especially for non-vaccine serotypes. These results may be useful for the development of a new pneumococcal vaccine with PspA.
Systemic and Extraradicular Bacterial Translocation in Apical Periodontitis
Authors: Bordagaray María José , Fernández Alejandra , Garrido Mauricio , Astorga Jessica , Hoare Anilei , Hernández Marcela
Published: March 2021

Apical periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of microbial etiology. It has been suggested that endodontic bacterial DNA might translocate to distant organs via blood vessels, but no studies have been conducted. We aimed first to explore overall extraradicular infection, as well as specifically by Porphyromonas spp; and their potential to translocate from infected root canals to blood through peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In this cross-sectional study, healthy individuals with and without a diagnosis of apical periodontitis with an associated apical lesion of endodontic origin (both, symptomatic and asymptomatic) were included. Apical lesions (N=64) were collected from volunteers with an indication of tooth extraction. Intracanal samples (N=39) and respective peripheral blood mononuclear cells from apical periodontitis (n=14) individuals with an indication of endodontic treatment, as well as from healthy individuals (n=14) were collected. The detection frequencies and loads (DNA copies/mg or DNA copies/μL) of total bacteria, Porphyromonas endodontalis and Porphyromonas gingivalis were measured by qPCR. In apical lesions, the detection frequencies (%) and median bacterial loads (DNA copies/mg) respectively were 70.8% and 4521.6 for total bacteria; 21.5% and 1789.7 for Porphyromonas endodontalis; and 18.4% and 1493.9 for Porphyromonas gingivalis. In intracanal exudates, the detection frequencies and median bacterial loads respectively were 100% and 21089.2 (DNA copies/μL) for total bacteria, 41% and 8263.9 for Porphyromonas endodontalis; and 20.5%, median 12538.9 for Porphyromonas gingivalis. Finally, bacteria were detected in all samples of peripheral blood mononuclear cells including apical periodontitis and healthy groups, though total bacterial loads (median DNA copies/μL) were significantly higher in apical periodontitis (953.6) compared to controls (300.7), p<0.05. Porphyromonas endodontalis was equally detected in both groups (50%), but its bacterial load tended to be higher in apical periodontitis (262.3) than controls (158.8), p>0.05; Porphyromonas gingivalis was not detected. Bacteria and specifically Porphyromonas spp. were frequently detected in endodontic canals and apical lesions. Also, total bacteria and Porphyromonas endodontalis DNA were detected in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, supporting their plausible role in bacterial systemic translocation.
Triglyceride Glucose Index Is Associated With Arterial Stiffness and 10-Year Cardiovascular Disease Risk in a Chinese Population
Authors: Guo Wen , Zhu Wenfang , Wu Juan , Li Xiaona , Lu Jing , Qin Pei , Zhu Cheng , Xu Nianzhen , Zhang Qun
Published: March 2021

Background: Insulin resistance (IR) is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In this study, the association of the triglyceride glucose (TyG) index, a simple surrogate marker of IR, with arterial stiffness and 10-year CVD risk was evaluated.

Methods: A total of 13,706 participants were enrolled. Anthropometric and cardiovascular risk factors were determined in all participants, while serum insulin levels were only measured in 955 participants. Arterial stiffness was measured through brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), and 10-year CVD risk was evaluated using the Framingham risk score.

Results: All participants were classified into four groups according to the quartile of the TyG index. BaPWV and the percentage of participants in the 10-year CVD risk categories significantly increased with increasing quartiles of the TyG index. Logistic regression analysis showed that the TyG index was independently associated with a high baPWV and 10-year CVD risk after adjusting for traditional CVD risk factors. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) of the TyG index for predicting a high baPWV was 0.708 (95%CI 0.693–0.722, P < 0.001) in women, higher than that in men. However, the association of the homeostatic model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) with a high baPWV and the 10-year CVD risk was absent when adjusting for multiple risk factors in 955 participants.

Conclusions: The TyG index is independently associated with arterial stiffness and 10-year CVD risk.
Automatic Detection for Multi-Labeled Cardiac Arrhythmia Based on Frame Blocking Preprocessing and Residual Networks
Authors: Li Zicong , Zhang Henggui
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Electrocardiograms (ECG) provide information about the electrical activity of the heart, which is useful for diagnosing abnormal cardiac functions such as arrhythmias. Recently, several algorithms based on advanced structures of neural networks have been proposed for auto-detecting cardiac arrhythmias, but their performance still needs to be further improved. This study aimed to develop an auto-detection algorithm, which extracts valid features from 12-lead ECG for classifying multiple types of cardiac states.

Method: The proposed algorithm consists of the following components: (i) a preprocessing component that utilizes the frame blocking method to split an ECG recording into frames with a uniform length for all considered ECG recordings; and (ii) a binary classifier based on ResNet, which is combined with the attention-based bidirectional long-short term memory model.

Result: The developed algorithm was trained and tested on ECG data of nine types of cardiac states, fulfilling a task of multi-label classification. It achieved an averaged F1-score and area under the curve at 0.908 and 0.974, respectively.

Conclusion: The frame blocking and bidirectional long-short term memory model represented an improved algorithm compared with others in the literature for auto-detecting and classifying multi-types of cardiac abnormalities.
Case Report: QT Prolongation and Abortive Sudden Death Observed in an 85-Year-Old Female Patient With Advanced Lung Cancer Treated With Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Osimertinib
Authors: Kondo Moë , Kisanuki Megumi , Kokawa Yosuke , Gohara Seiichiro , Kawano Osamu , Kagiyama Shuntaro , Maruyama Toru , Odashiro Keita , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: March 2021

Cardiac arrest occurred in an 85-year-old female administered osimertinib for advanced lung cancer expressing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations. Electrocardiogram (ECG) recorded at recurrence of spontaneous circulation showed sinus rhythm associated with mild QT prolongation (QTc = 455 ms) to which silent myocardial ischemia and coadministration of itraconazole and herbal drug causing hypokalemia (2.1 mEq/L) may have contributed. Discontinuation of osimertinib, itraconazole and herbal drug, potassium supplementation and percutaneous coronary intervention alleviated QT prolongation (QTc = 432 ms). Osimertinib is the third-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor lengthening QT interval, and careful monitoring of ECG, serum potassium and drugs coadministered during chemotherapy including osimertinib are highly required.
Burial Ages Imply Miocene Uplift of Lu Mountain in East China due to Crustal Shortening
Authors: Han Zhiyong , Pan Rouxian , Li Xusheng , Liu Yujia , Li Yufang , Wang Xianyan
Published: March 2021

Confined by the eastern and western boundary faults, Lu Mountain has long been considered a block mountain uplifted due to Mesozoic and Cenozoic crustal deformation in East China. However, the formation and evolution of this block mountain are still debated. In this study, the eastern boundary fault is investigated to confirm the tectonic style of the block mountain. In addition, the burial ages of sediments on the fans of the eastern piedmont are measured by 26Al/10Be dating to evaluate the denudation rate. Field evidence indicates the presence of a reverse fault (Xingzi reverse fault) acting as the eastern boundary fault, which demonstrates that the block mountain is not a horst as once thought but an extrusion structure. Corrected 26Al/10Be burial ages show that the sediments on the high-level fans were deposited at approximately 1.1–1.2 Ma, which indicates denudation rates ranging from 0.033 to 0.082 m/kyr. The vertical displacement along the Xingzi reverse fault is estimated to be at least 1,100 m. The hanging wall could have been eroded to its present position within 13–33 Myr at the above denudation rates. Combining our results with regional geological and geomorphological evidence, we suggest that Lu Mountain was mainly uplifted in the Miocene due to crustal compression deformation, which may have been a response to the movement of the Pacific plate.
Diagnostic Value of Sonographic Features in Distinguishing Malignant Partially Cystic Thyroid Nodules: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shi Xinlong , Liu Ruifeng , Gao Luying , Xia Yu , Jiang Yuxin
Published: March 2021

Ultrasonography (US) is one of the most important methods for the management of thyroid nodules, which can be classified as solid, partially cystic, or cystic by composition. The various Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System classifications pay more attention to solid nodules and have reported pertinent US features associated with malignancy. However, the likelihood of malignancy of partially cystic thyroid nodules (PCTNs) is 3.3–17.6%, and few studies have systematically discussed the value of US in differentiating such entities. Therefore, we deemed it necessary to perform a systematic evaluation of US features in recognizing malignant PCTNs. Our systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to assess the value of US features in predicting malignant PCTNs. We searched the PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases to find studies that researched US features of PCTNs and that were published before June 2020. Review Manager 5.3 was used to summarize suspicious US features and calculate the sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios. MetaDiSc 1.4 was used to estimate receiver operating characteristic curves and calculate areas under the curves (AUCs). Our review included eight studies with a total of 2,004 PCTNs. Seven features were considered to be associated with malignancy. High specificity (>0.9) was found in nodules with a taller-than-wide shape, those that were spiculated/microlobulated or with an ill-defined margin, those with microcalcification, and a non-smooth rim. Among US features, eccentric configuration, microcalcification, and marked or mild hypoechogenicity were more reliable in predicting malignancy (AUC: 0.9592, 0.8504, and 0.8092, respectively). After meta-analysis, we recommend combining PCTN US features including an eccentric internal solid portion, marked or mild hypoechogenicity, and presence of microcalcification to better identify malignant nodules. More studies are needed to explore and improve the diagnostic value of US in PCTNs.
Case Report: Ectopic Adrenocortical Carcinoma in the Ovary
Authors: Tsai Wen-Hsuan , Chen Tze-Chien , Dai Shuen-Han , Zeng Yi-Hong
Published: March 2021

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy with an incidence of 0.7–2.0 cases/million habitants/year. ACCs are rare and usually endocrinologically functional. We present the case of a 59-year-old woman who experienced abdominal fullness for 6 months and increased abdominal circumference. A large pelvic tumor was observed. She underwent cytoreductive surgery and the pathological test results revealed local tumor necrosis and prominent lympho-vascular invasion. Neuroendocrine carcinoma was the first impression, but positivity for synaptophysin, alpha-inhibin, transcription factor enhancer 3 (TFE-3), calretinin (focal), and CD56 (focal) and high Ki-67-labeling proliferating index (>80%) confirmed the diagnosis of ectopic ACC. Ectopic primary aldosteronism could not be excluded. However, we did not perform saline infusion test or captopril test due to poor performance status. When pathological test reports reveal neuroendocrine features not typically found in the organ being examined, IHC staining should be performed to rule out ectopic ACC. Whether the ectopic ACC is functional or not requires complete survey.
Methane and Nitrous Oxide Production From Agricultural Peat Soils in Relation to Drainage Level and Abiotic and Biotic Factors
Authors: Norberg Lisbet , Hellman Maria , Berglund Kerstin , Hallin Sara , Berglund Örjan
Published: March 2021

Greenhouse gas emissions from drained agricultural peatlands contribute significantly to global warming. In a laboratory study using intact cores of peat soil from eight different sites in Sweden, factors controlling the emission of the greenhouse gases nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) were examined. Soil properties, and the abundance of the total microbial community (16S rRNA gene abundance), and genes encoding for functions controlling N2O emissions (bacterial and archaeal amoA, nirS, nirK, nosZI, and nosZII) were analyzed and compared against measured greenhouse gas emissions. Emissions were measured at different drainage levels, i.e., higher soil water suction values, since drainage is an important factor controlling greenhouse gas emissions from peat soils. The results showed that N2O and CH4 emissions were generally low, except for N2O emissions at near water-saturated conditions, for which three soils displayed high values and large variations in fluxes. Relationships between N2O emissions and soil properties were mainly linked to soil pH, with higher emissions at lower pH. However, specific assemblages of nitrogen cycling guilds that included nosZII, typically present in non-denitrifying N2O reducers, were detected in soils with low N2O emissions. Overall, these results indicate that both pH and biotic controls determine net N2O fluxes.