bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adaptive evolution of a melanized fungus reveals robust augmentation of radiation resistance by abrogating non‐homologous end‐joining
Authors: Romsdahl Jillian , Schultzhaus Zachary , Chen Amy , Liu Jing , Ewing Alexander , Hervey Judson , Wang Zheng 
Published: October 2020

SummaryFungi have been observed to exhibit resistance to high levels of ionizing radiation despite sharing most DNA repair mechanisms with other eukaryotes. Radioresistance, in fact, is such a common feature in fungi that it is difficult to identify species that exhibit widely different radiosensitivities, which in turn has hampered the identification of genetic elements responsible for this resistance phenotype. Due to the inherent mutagenic properties of radiation exposure, however, this can be addressed through adaptive laboratory evolution for increased ionizing radiation resistance. Here, using the black yeast Exophiala dermatitidis, we demonstrate that resistance to γ‐radiation can be greatly increased through repeated rounds of irradiation and outgrowth. Moreover, we find that the small genome size of fungi situates them as a relatively simple functional genomics platform for identification of mutations associated with ionizing radiation resistance. This enabled the identification of genetic mutations in genes encoding proteins with a broad range of functions from 10 evolved strains. Specifically, we find that greatly increased resistance to γ‐radiation is achieved in E. dermatitidis through disruption of the non‐homologous end‐joining pathway, with three individual evolutionary paths converging to abolish this DNA repair process. This result suggests that non‐homologous end‐joining, even in haploid cells where homologous chromosomes are not present during much of the cell cycle, is an impediment to repair of radiation‐induced lesions in this organism, and that the relative levels of homologous and non‐homologous repair in a given fungal species may play a major role in its radiation resistance.
Survival of Lactobacillus casei and functional characteristics of reduced sugar red beetroot yoghurt with natural sugar substitutes
Authors: Ozcan Tulay , Ozdemir Tugce , Avci Halil Riza 
Published: October 2020

In this study, probiotic gel fermentation and functional characteristics of reduced sugar yoghurt with red beetroot bioactive components and steviol glycosides from Stevia rebaudiana extracts as natural source of noncaloric sweeteners were investigated. A significant increase in Lactobacillus casei viability and fermented gel network and a decrease in syneresis were determined in yoghurt sweetened with steviol glycosides and high content of red beetroot bioactive components such as total phenolics, anthocyanins and total antioxidant capacity (DPPH and FRAP). The survival of L. casei was maintained within probiotic and therapeutic levels (>9 log10 CFU/g), due to the possible prebiotic effect of steviol glycosides and fermentable fibres and phenolic compounds of red beetroot during 28 days of cold storage of the probiotic yoghurts. Colour properties (L*, a*, b*, ΔE*, C*, h*) and such sensory properties as smoothness, sweetness astringency were significantly affected. The highest organic acid content was found in red beetroot enriched yoghurt with stevia, while the most dominant organic acids were butyric, lactic, malic and citric. As a result, it was determined that fermented milk products, which are supported by phytochemical and steviol glycoside interactions, have adequate nutritional effects, high probiotic viability and acceptable sensory properties
Ovarian stiffness increases with age in the mammalian ovary and depends on collagen and hyaluronan matrices
Authors: Amargant Farners , Manuel Sharrón L. , Tu Qing , Parkes Wendena S. , Rivas Felipe , Zhou Luhan T. , Rowley Jennifer E. , Villanueva Cecilia E. , Hornick Jessica E. , Shekhawat Gajendra S. , Wei Jian‐Jun , Pavone Mary Ellen , Hall Adam R. , Pritchard Michele T. , Duncan Francesca E. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFibrosis is a hallmark of aging tissues which often leads to altered architecture and function. The ovary is the first organ to show overt signs of aging, including increased fibrosis in the ovarian stroma. How this fibrosis affects ovarian biomechanics and the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Using instrumental indentation, we demonstrated a quantitative increase in ovarian stiffness, as evidenced by an increase in Young's modulus, when comparing ovaries from reproductively young (6–12 weeks) and old (14–17 months) mice. This ovarian stiffness was dependent on collagen because ex vivo enzyme‐mediated collagen depletion in ovaries from reproductively old mice restored their collagen content and biomechanical properties to those of young controls. In addition to collagen, we also investigated the role of hyaluronan (HA) in regulating ovarian stiffness. HA is an extracellular matrix glycosaminoglycan that maintains tissue homeostasis, and its loss can change the biomechanical properties of tissues. The total HA content in the ovarian stroma decreased with age, and this was associated with increased hyaluronidase (Hyal1) and decreased hyaluronan synthase (Has3) expression. These gene expression differences were not accompanied by changes in ovarian HA molecular mass distribution. Furthermore, ovaries from mice deficient in HAS3 were stiffer compared to age‐matched WT mice. Our results demonstrate that the ovary becomes stiffer with age and that both collagen and HA matrices are contributing mechanisms regulating ovarian biomechanics. Importantly, the age‐associated increase in collagen and decrease in HA are conserved in the human ovary and may impact follicle development and oocyte quality.
Resilient responses by bats to a severe wildfire: conservation implications
Authors: Ancillotto L. , Bosso L. , Conti P. , Russo D. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWildfires shape ecosystems globally, yet little is known on their effects on wildlife distribution and spatial behaviour. We used bats as models to test the effects of fire on ecosystems because they are multi‐habitat specialists and feature ecological and life traits such as behavioural plasticity and longevity that make them able to respond to both short‐ and long‐term environmental changes. We aimed at testing the effects of a severe wildfire on a Mediterranean bat assemblage in terms of occupancy, activity and individual fitness. Here, we measure the effects of fire on activity levels and occupancy by a Mediterranean bat assemblage at the Vesuvius National Park, in Southern Italy, over 4 years, encompassing a year when a severe wildfire occurred. By comparing bat occurrence and activity at burnt versus unburnt sites with a Before‐After/Control‐Impact approach, we found that bat responses to wildfires are species specific and depend on the time elapsed since the fire. Species that rely more strongly on forest areas showed a strong short‐term adverse response in terms of occupancy and activity, while species adapted to open habitats showed no response 1 year after the wildfire. However, most species showed a general positive effect due to the passage of fire 2 years after its occurrence, probably because of vegetation regrowth. The wildfire event was also associated with reduced reproduction in at least one species, and to worse individual body conditions 1 year after the wildfire. Our results show that most bats in a Mediterranean ecosystem show resilience to the occurrence of fire, yet many species show negative short‐term responses by altering their spatial behaviour and decreasing their investment in reproduction. Future increases in fire occurrence and intensity due to climate change may alter bat assemblages and impair population viability in the long term, hampering the fundamental ecosystem services provided by structured bat communities.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy in acral melanoma: A Korean single‐center experience with 107 patients (2006–2018)
Authors: Sohng Chihyeon , Sim Hyun Bo , Kim Jun Young , Lim Yangsoo , Han Man Hoon , Lee Hoseok , Ahn Byeong‐Cheol , Huh Seung , Lee Seok‐Jong 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackground: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) of primary cutaneous melanoma as an important staging method has not been popularly undertaken in Korea and only a few studies with small patient numbers have been published.Aim: We examined the clinical feasibility and overall outcomes of SLNB in acral melanoma (AM) of Korean in Kyungpook National University Hospital (KNUH) over the past 13 years.Methods: SLNB in AM patients during 2006–2018 were analyzed retrospectively for sentinel lymph node (SLN) harvesting rate, positivity rate, positivity‐relevant overall survival (OS) and disease‐free survival (DFS), and its side effects.Results: A total of 109 AM patients who underwent SLNB were enrolled. Harvested nodes were identified from 107 patients and SLN harvesting rate was 98.2%. The mean Breslow thickness (±standard deviation) was 3.38 ± 3.03 mm, and the proportion of ulcerated melanomas was 64%. Twenty‐two (20.6%) had a tumor‐positive SLN and, among them, 82% (18/22) underwent immediate complete lymph node dissection (CLND). The metastasis‐positive nodal basin after CLND was detected in 16.7% of cases (3/18). Tumor‐negative SLN cohorts showed significantly better OS and DFS than tumor‐positive ones (P = 0.006 and P < 0.001 for each). Two side effects, one seroma and one lymphocele, were observed without major sequelae.Conclusion: SLNB, crucial management of melanoma, proved its efficacy to predict patients’ prognosis and could be performed successfully and safely in Korean AM patients by interdisciplinary cooperation between dermatology and other surgical departments. SLN(−) showed significantly better OS and DFS than SLN(+). Significant risk factors for DFS were Breslow thickness, the presence of ulceration and the presence of SLN metastasis. SLNB should be encouraged in order to stage melanoma accurately and direct the proper management in Korean AM.
Factors associated with fear of cancer recurrence in breast and colorectal cancer survivors: A cross‐sectional study of cancer survivors
Authors: Nahm Sharon H. , Blinman Prunella , Butler Sue , Tan S. Y. Cindy , Vardy Janette 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAimTo define the prevalence and severity of fear of cancer recurrence and identify factors associated with fear of cancer recurrence in breast cancer and colorectal cancer survivors attending the Sydney Cancer Survivorship Clinic.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was performed using prospectively collected data. Survivors completed questionnaires assessing quality of life (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐General and symptoms (Distress Thermometer, Patient's Disease and Treatment Assessment Form)). Survivors were assessed by a clinical psychologist for the presence of fear of cancer recurrence. Clinical and quality of life variables were evaluated for associations with fear of cancer recurrence.ResultsOverall, 315 survivors (181 breast cancer, 134 colorectal cancer) were included. In total, 201 survivors (64%) had fear of cancer recurrence according to psychology assessment, and of the 118 that had fear of cancer recurrence severity recorded, 64 (54%) were rated as moderate‐severe. On univariate analysis, fear of cancer recurrence was associated with younger age (P < 0.001), higher distress thermometer score (P = 0.001) and poorer overall wellbeing (P < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, younger age (P = 0.043), being bothered by side effects of treatment (P = 0.023), feeling sad (P = 0.020) and greater worry that their condition will get worse (P = 0.017) were independently associated with fear of cancer recurrence.ConclusionsFear of cancer recurrence is common in breast and colorectal cancer survivors, and moderate‐severe in over half. Fear of cancer recurrence was independently associated with younger age, feeling sad, being more bothered by side effects.
Responsibility For Financial Crises
Authors: Wiedenbrüg Anahí 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHow is the unjust global order reproduced, and how are we to think about individual responsibility therefor? Social and global justice scholars have devoted much thought to these two interrelated questions. In this article I argue that to capture the multifaceted responsibility picture for the reproduction of the unjust global order, an integrated responsibility model is needed, which builds on, integrates and revises existing responsibility theories. To do so, I analyze one set of complex social processes through which the unjust global order is reproduced, namely financial crises. The integrated responsibility model defended offers three heuristic categories to think through the full responsibility picture for the reproduction of the unjust global order via financial crises: the structural‐agential level, structural processes proper, and the structural‐systemic level.
Psychoanalytic infant observation in China‐The mental health of children separated from parents
Authors: Sze Maranda Yee Tak , Ba Tong , Dai Alice Aifang 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThrough the lens of psychoanalytic infant observation, the authors introduce some characteristics of Chinese urban families, most of which have grandparents to participate in the caretaking of infants. In some cases, infants may be separated from parents. These phenomena are understood in terms of cultural, political, social, economic and psychological dimensions. The observational frame is compared to the clinical frame and the patient's handling of the frame throws light to his/her internal world. In some cases, this internal world may be populated by absent objects. Related mental health difficulties are illustrated by two clinical vignettes of adult patients who experienced long‐term parental absence in childhood.
Relation between non‐infectious factors and neonatal calf health status in dairy herd
Authors: Karslıoğlu Kara Nurcan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe aim of this research was to determine some non‐infectious factors (sex of calf, calf birth weight, calving season and dam parity and dam body condition score at dry and calving) that can under control by breeders affecting calf health status (CHS) in neonatal period. A total of 517 calves (from delivery of calf until 28 days) and their dams (at dry and calving) were assessed according to study criteria. Relationship between CHS and dam parity (DP), body condition score at calving (BCSC), body condition score at dry (BCSD), sex of calf (SC), calf birth weight (CBW), and calving season (CS) was examined and connection between CHS and BCSD, CS, and CBW was found important. Also, influences of DP, SC BCSC, and BCSD on CBW were examined and while effects of DP and SC on CBW were found important, effects of others were not. These results show that relation between CHS and CBW, CS, and BCSD is important and CHS is higher in female calves or calves born to multiparous dams. As a conclusion, it can be said that planning the herd management practices according to these results will be beneficial for the healthier completion of the neonatal period.
Effects of oat hay and leguminous forage mixture feeding on enteric methane emission, energy utilization, and feed conversion efficiency in male crossbred Simmental beef cattle
Authors: Du Wuchen , Hou Fujiang , Tsunekawa Atsushi , Kobayashi Nobuyuki , Peng Fei , Ichinohe Toshiyoshi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDietary manipulation has the potential to mitigate methane (CH4) emission and to maintain or enhance livestock productivity. We conducted two experiments to investigate the effects of replacing oat hay by leguminous forages (alfalfa hay [AH], 0, 8, 16, and 24%, experiment 1; common vetch hay [CVH], 0, 10, 20, and 30%, experiment 2) on energy metabolism of crossbred Simmental cattle. In experiment 1, total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations increased quadratically with increasing AH proportions (p = .006) with a forage‐to‐concentrate ratio of approximately 50:50, whereas the CH4 energy to gross energy intake ratio (CH4‐E:GEI) was significantly lower with 16% AH compared with 24% AH diet (p < .05). In experiment 2, there were no differences in the total VFA concentrations among the four diet groups with a forage‐to‐concentrate ratio of around 60:40 (p > .05); however, CH4‐E:GEI was significantly lower in the 30% CVH diet compared with the 10% CVH diet (p < .05). There was no significant difference in feed conversion efficiency among the four diet groups in each experiment. The results suggest that substituting 16 and 30% oat hay by AH and CVH provide optimal diets with forage‐to‐concentrate ratios of 50:50 and 60:40, respectively, which may reduce CH4 emission without compromising the feed conversion efficiency of crossbred Simmental cattle.
Effect of pomegranate by‐product silage on feed intake, blood metabolites, inflammatory responses, and prostaglandin F2α metabolites in Holstein dairy cows
Authors: Choupani Mohammad , Riasi Ahmad , Kowsar Rasoul , Khorsandi Simin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDairy cows often suffer metabolic disorders due to the challenges of the transition period. The aim of study was to determine the effects of feeding pomegranate by‐product silage (PBS) on feed intake and some blood parameters, such as non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and beta hydroxy butyric acid (BHBA), interleukin‐1 (IL‐1), serum amyloid‐A (SAA), prostaglandin F2α metabolites (PGFM), and progesterone (P4) in fresh Holstein cows. The experimental groups were as follows: CON (0 g PBS of DM) and PBS (120 g PBS of DM). Results showed that replacing corn silage with PBS had no effect on dry matter intake (DMI) throughout the study. The CON group had highest (p < .05) NEFA at 14 d postpartum and serum BHBA was decreased by feeding PBS, especially on days 21 (p < .05) and 28 (p < .05) and the entire study (p < .01). Cows fed PBS had lower (p < .05) serum Malondialdehyde (MDA) than CON cows at different times. Feeding PBS decreased (p < .01) serum IL‐1 compared to CON group (216.7 versus. 515.5 Pg/ml) at 28 d postpartum, and also cows fed 120 g PBS had higher (p < .01) serum P4. It was concluded that feeding PBS had no adverse effect on feed intake, milk production, and some reproductive parameters. Moreover, PBS positively affected serum metabolites in fresh dairy cows.
Preliminary investigation of the use of dietary supplementation with probiotic Bacillus subtilis strain QST713 shows that it attenuates antimicrobial‐induced dysbiosis in weaned piglets
Authors: Tsukahara Takamitsu , Kimura Yutaka , Inoue Ryo , Iwata Takashi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGrowth performance of pigs has been associated with healthy gut microbiota. To improve production, pigs are usually treated with antimicrobials. Nonetheless, while antimicrobials harm the gut‐indigenous microbiota, probiotic supplementation seems to help keep it healthy. Here, using antimicrobials, we artificially induced dysbiosis in pigs and evaluated a possible preventive effect of probiotic supplementation. Three 6‐week‐old piglets were given a basal feed, and 3 more the feed supplemented with 2.0 × 106 CFU of Bacillus subtilis QST713/g of feed. After 14 days, antimicrobial enrofloxacin (5 mg/kg B.W.) was injected intramuscularly to all pigs on days 14–16. Feces were collected on days 14, 17, 19, 21, and 23. Total bacteria count was unaffected by enrofloxacin or QST713. However, Lactobacillus spp. and, in particular, Escherichia coli were affected by enrofloxacin, the latter not being observed in the feces on days 17 and 19. Interestingly, a reciprocal increase in E. coli was observed in control pigs on days 21 and 23, although in QST713‐supplemented piglets, this increase was attenuated. While the gut microbiota composition did not return to initial levels in antimicrobial‐administered piglets, it did in QST713‐supplemented piglets. QST713 supplementation was likely crucial to keep the microbiota of piglets healthy.
Piglet production by non‐surgical transfer of vitrified embryos, transported to commercial swine farms and warmed on site
Authors: Tajima Shigeyuki , Motoyama Sawako , Wakiya Yuichiro , Uchikura Kenzo , Misawa Hiroyasu , Takishita Rie , Hirayama Yuri , Kikuchi Kazuhiro 
Published: October 2020

AbstractWe investigated the feasibility of piglet production by non‐surgical embryo transfer (Ns‐ET) of vitrified porcine blastocysts and expanded blastocysts transported to commercial farms and warmed on site (V/T/W embryos). Ns‐ET was performed by depositing 11–20 vitrified and warmed embryos at a proximal site within the uterus via a catheter. In Experiment 1, the effect of donor–recipient estrous cycle asynchrony on the efficiency of Ns‐ET of vitrified and ordinary warmed embryos was investigated at the experimental facility. With a 1‐day delay recipients relative to that of donor, the farrowing rate was 50.0% and the survival rate to term was 21.1%. In Experiment 2, Ns‐ET using recipients with a 1‐day delay and vitrified embryos after one‐step warming and dilution was evaluated at the experimental facility. Although the resulting farrowing rate was 42.9%, the survival rate was 6.4%. In Experiment 3, Ns‐ET was conducted using V/T/W embryos at four commercial farms, where piglets derived from them were produced. When artificial insemination was conducted prior to Ns‐ET, the farrowing and survival rates obtained using V/T/W embryos were 75.0%, and 21.3%, respectively. These results show that Ns‐ET of V/T/W embryos using this protocol would be feasible for piglet production at farms.
Screening for liver X receptor modulators: Where are we and for what use?
Authors: Buñay Julio , Fouache Allan , Trousson Amalia , de Joussineau Cyrille , Bouchareb Erwan , Zhu Zhekun , Kocer Ayhan , Morel Laurent , Baron Silvere , Lobaccaro Jean‐Marc A. 
Published: October 2020

Liver X receptors (LXRs) are members of the nuclear receptor superfamily that are canonically activated by oxidized derivatives of cholesterol. Since the mid‐90s, numerous groups have identified LXRs as endocrine receptors that are involved in the regulation of various physiological functions. As a result, when their expression is genetically modified in mice, phenotypic analyses reveal endocrine disorders ranging from infertility to diabetes and obesity, nervous system pathologies such Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, immunological disturbances, inflammatory response, and enhancement of tumour development. Based on such findings, it appears that LXRs could constitute good pharmacological targets to prevent and/or to treat these diseases. This review discusses the various aspects of LXR drug discovery, from the tools available for the screening of potential LXR modulators to the current situational analysis of the drugs in development.LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed issue on Oxysterols, Lifelong Health and Therapeutics. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.16/issuetoc
Skill transferability and the earnings of immigrants
Authors: Manuel Nick , Plesca Miana 
Published: October 2020

AbstractUsing data on immigrants from the Canadian Census, we compare immigrants who received a bachelor's degree from a Canadian university to immigrants who receive a bachelor's degree in their home country, in order to investigate the returns to skills acquired in Canada versus skills acquired abroad. Our measure of skill is based on postsecondary fields of study linked to the O*NET matrix of skills and competencies. We find that immigrants educated in Canada receive higher returns to their communication skills than those educated abroad. To a lesser degree, they also receive higher returns to their logical and technical skills. These gaps in skill returns explain the entirety of Canadian‐educated immigrant's 10% earnings advantage. Our results are robust to controlling for the quality of universities in the immigrant's country of study and for occupation and industry choice. The gaps are stable across time and across quantiles of the immigrant earnings distribution.