bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Possible influence of free fatty acid receptors on pH regulation in the ruminal epithelium of sheep
Authors: Baaske Lisa , Masur Franziska , Dengler Franziska , Rackwitz Reiko , Kaiser Bastian , Pfannkuche Helga , Gäbel Gotthold 
Published: January 2020

AbstractHigh amounts of short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) occur in the ovine rumen and constitute the animal's main energy source. However, they lead to an acidification of the ruminal epithelium. Therefore, effective intracellular pH (pHi) regulation by transport proteins like monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) and Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) is pivotal to ruminants to avoid epithelial damage. SCFAs might function not only as nutrients but also as signalling molecules by activating free fatty acid receptors (FFARs) in the ruminal epithelium and thus influence pHi regulation. FFARs work as nutrient sensors, transducing their information by modulating cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels. We hypothesized that (FFAR‐modulated) decreases in cAMP levels stimulate the activity of MCT1 and NHEs in the ruminal epithelium of sheep. We detected two FFARs (GPR109A and FFAR2) immunohistochemically in the ovine ruminal epithelium. Administration of 10 mM butyrate to Ussing chamber‐mounted epithelia provoked a significant reduction in intraepithelial cAMP levels. However, application of the GPR109A agonist niacin did not affect cAMP levels. MCT1 activity was analysed by measuring transepithelial 14C‐acetate fluxes, which were not inhibited by forskolin‐induced increased cAMP levels. The recovery of pHi after acidification was assessed as an indicator of NHE activity in primary cultured ruminal epithelial cells. Recovery was significantly reduced when cells with increased cAMP levels were subjected to the NHE inhibitor 5‐(N‐ethyl‐N‐isopropyl)‐amiloride (10 µM). Nonetheless, with augmented cAMP levels alone, NHE activity tended to decline. We hypothesize that modulation of cAMP levels by butyrate is accomplished by FFAR2 activation, regulating NHE activity for pHi homoeostasis at least in part.
Tracheal microbial populations in horses with moderate asthma
Authors: Manguin Estelle , Pépin Elizabeth , Boivin Roxane , Leclere Mathilde 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundThere are limited data on potential dysbiosis of the airway microbiota in horses with asthma.Hypothesis/ObjectivesWe hypothesized that the respiratory microbiota of horses with moderate asthma is altered. Our objectives were (a) to quantify tracheal bacterial populations using culture and qPCR, (2) to compare aerobic culture and qPCR, and (c) to correlate bacterial populations with bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cytology.AnimalsEighteen horses with moderate asthma from a hospital population and 10 controls.MethodsProspective case‐control study. Aerobic culture was performed on tracheal aspirates, and streptococci,Pasteurella multocida,Chlamydophilaspp.,Mycoplasmaspp., as well as 16S (bacterial) and 18S (fungal) rRNA subunits were quantified by qPCR.ResultsPotential pathogens such asStreptococcusspp.,Actinobacillusspp., andPasteurellaceaewere isolated from 8, 5, and 6 horses with asthma and 3, 0, and 2 controls, respectively. There was a positive correlation betweenStreptococcusspp. DNA and 16S rRNA gene (r ≥ 0.7,P≤ 0.02 in both groups), but the overall bacterial load (16S) was lower in asthma (1.5 ± 1.3 versus 2.5 ± 0.8 × 104copy/μL,P < 0.05). There was no association between microbial populations and clinical signs, tracheal mucus or BALF inflammation.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThis study does not support that bacterial overgrowth is a common feature of chronic moderate asthma in horses. Lower bacterial load could suggest dysbiosis of the lower airways, either as a consequence of chronic inflammation or previous treatments, or as a perpetuating factor of inflammation.
Traditional and quantitative analysis of acid‐base and electrolyte imbalances in horses competing in cross‐country competitions at 2‐star to 5‐star level
Authors: Kirsch Katharina , Sandersen Charlotte 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundEarly recognition and management of acid‐base, fluid, and electrolyte disorders are crucial for the maintenance of health and performance in equine athletes.ObjectivesTo analyze changes in acid‐base and electrolyte status associated with exercise during cross‐country competitions at different levels using traditional and quantitative approaches.AnimalsThirty‐eight eventing horses.MethodsProspective observational study. Jugular venous blood samples were collected before and after the cross‐country test of 25 international eventing competitions ranging from 2‐star (formerly 1‐star) to 5‐star (formerly 4‐star) level. Blood gas analysis was performed to determine pH,pCO2, Na+, Cl−, and K+and calculate HCO3−, tCO2base excess (BEECF), anion gap (AG), strong ion difference calculated from Na+, K+, Cl−, and lactate−(SID4), strong ion difference calculated from Na+, K+, and Cl−(SID3), strong ion gap (SIG), and total nonvolatile weak buffer concentration (Atot). Postexercise acid‐base imbalances, diagnosed on the basis of the traditional approach, and the simplified strong ion model were compared.ResultsSignificant decreases in pH, Cl−, SID4,pCO2, HCO3−, tCO2, and BEECFas well as increases in K+, SID3, AG, TP, and Atotwere observed between pre‐ and postexercise samples. The changes in acid‐base parameters were significantly affected by the competition level. Using the strong ion approach, a higher proportion of horses was diagnosed with postexercise metabolic acidosis.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceRegarding the complex acid‐base changes in horses competing at cross‐country competitions, the quantitative approach provided a more detailed analysis of the different factors contributing to acid‐base balance than did the traditional approach.
Against the grain? A historical institutional analysis of access governance of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture in Ethiopia
Authors: Mulesa Teshome H. , Westengen Ola T. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractFarmers' and breeders' access to a genetic diversity is essential for food system sustainability. The implementation of international agreements regulating access to plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (PGRFA) varies substantially between countries. Here, we examine why some countries implement a restrictive access governance regime, taking Ethiopia as a case. Drawing on commons theory and historical institutional analysis, we analyze historical, political, and economic factors that have shaped Ethiopia's access regime. Based on interviews with key actors and stakeholders and document analysis, we identify three overarching ideational and material factors that can explain Ethiopia's current policy: (a) the influence of narratives about Ethiopia as a biodiversity treasure trove on the Ethiopian cultural identity; (b) the economic importance of agriculture based on PGRFA with origin in the country; and (c) the political influence of the genetic resource movement that promotes farmers' rights as a counter measure to stringent intellectual property rights (IPR), and on‐farm PGRFA management as complimentary to ex situ conservation and formal seed system development. The Ethiopian case illustrates that countries' governance of access to PGRFA must be understood in connection with, and not in isolation from, IPR regimes and the historical, political, and cultural role of PGRFA in the country in question.
Improving diet assessment of Arctic terrestrial predators with the size of rodent mandibles
Authors: Schmidt E. , Fauteux D. , Therrien J.‐F. , Gauthier G. , Seyer Y. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPredator–prey interactions can control population fluctuations of several terrestrial vertebrates and energy fluxes in food webs. Quantifying these interactions typically requires the number of prey consumed by predators to be known, but prey size is often ignored. We hypothesized that rodent mandibles, which are routinely found in predatory bird pellets and mammalian scats, could be used to accurately determine prey size and thus estimate biomass consumed by Arctic predators. We used 1863 lemmings and voles from museum and field specimens collected across the North American Arctic to relate three measurements of the dentary bone and one on the molar toothrow with individual body mass. When species and location of specimens are known, our results suggest that the body mass of small rodents can be estimated with high precision using the dentary bone measurements (average R2 ranging from 0.73 to 0.81), especially for lemmings and Microtus voles. Body mass can also be estimated with reasonable precision using the dentary bone measurements even when species or location was unknown (0.71 ≤ R2 ≤ 0.80). Equations to convert mandible size to body mass are provided for site‐ and species‐specific estimations. Geographic variations in the relationship between mandible size and body mass were found, suggesting potential effects of genetic isolation or interactions with the immediate environment on size. Using mandible measurements in prey remains allows more precise estimation of biomass consumed by predators, which is essential to quantify energy fluxes within ecosystems and examine resource partitioning among Arctic predators.
Changes in forest cover result in a shift in bird community composition
Authors: Corkery I. , Irwin S. , Quinn J. L. , Keating U. , Lusby J. , O'Halloran J. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDetermining the extent of land‐use change that can be tolerated by wildlife communities is crucial for effective conservation management. Recent landscape‐scale studies have found increasing evidence for critical threshold levels of forest cover, after which the existing communities of plants and animals are negatively impacted. This is particularly true when plantation forests replace native vegetation. We used large datasets (Irish Bird Atlas and Forest Inventory) and a novel method, Latent Dirichlet Allocation, to model changes in bird community composition along the existing forest cover gradient in Ireland and evaluated the degree of spatial overlap between birds of conservation concern and areas of recent afforestation. We found that as we approach 35% forest cover in the landscape one community of birds replaces another as the dominant community. The highest levels of recent afforestation overlapped with areas of high numbers of birds of conservation concern. This means that habitat change is occurring in the areas with highest bird diversity. This finding has policy implications for the design of land‐use policies, such as those on afforestation and forest expansion. It can be used to ensure plantation forests are planted in the right place to minimise impact on biodiversity values; that is, practitioners need to consider the level of forest already present in an area as well as the level of biodiversity in the area when selecting areas for afforestation.
Predictors of individual differences in play behavior in Eurasian lynx cubs
Authors: Antonevich A. L. , Rödel H. G. , Hudson R. , Alekseeva G. S. , Erofeeva M. N. , Naidenko S. V. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn many mammals, play is one of the most conspicuous behaviors during early development, but with notable inter‐individual variation even within the same litter. We investigated predictors of such variation in the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), with a focus on potential effects of cubs' early body mass on the frequency of initiating play. We studied 45 cubs from 18 litters, kept in enclosures together with their mother. Observations started when cubs began to leave the natal den (around postnatal day 30) and lasted until weaning (around postnatal day 90). Individual differences in play were consistent over time, across all cubs as well as among littermates. The initiation of different play categories – with siblings, with the mother and solitary play – was positively associated and showed a similar developmental pattern. Cubs' body mass was positively associated with the frequency of play events; heavier cubs initiated play more often than lighter ones. This is consistent with the surplus resource theory, that is, that heavier young might have more energy resources available to allocate to play. Alternatively, lighter cubs may have initiated play less often to avoid asymmetrical rough‐and‐tumble interactions with their heavier siblings. Additionally, we found that offspring from middle‐age mothers initiated play more frequently than offspring from younger or older mothers. As cubs from middle‐age mothers had higher growth rates, this finding is again consistent with the surplus resource theory. Important questions for future research are whether such stable individual differences in play during early development correlate with other behavioral traits and translate into individual differences in behavior in later life.
Using Emotions to Frame Issues and Identities in Conflict: Farmer Movements on Social Media
Authors: Stevens Tim M. , Aarts Noelle , Dewulf Art 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPolarization and group formation processes on social media networks have received ample academic attention, but few studies have looked into the discursive interactions on social media through which intergroup conflicts develop. In this comparative case study, we analyzed two social media conflicts between farmers and animal right advocates to understand how conflicts establish, escalate, and return dormant through issue and identity framing and the discursive use of emotions. The results show that the two groups used the same set of frames throughout the three phases. We identify this as a symmetric conflict framing repertoire. The groups both use a dominant moral frame (animal welfare is of absolute value), but express distinct views on policy solutions. This triggers a contestation of credibility (who knows best and who cares most for animals) in which the two groups use the same set of issue and identity frames to directly oppose each other. The binary opposition is initially established through issue framing but escalates into an identity conflict that involves group labeling and blaming. The discursive use of emotion reinforces this escalation in two ways. First, it reinforces a vicious cycle in the contestation of credibility: While emotions are implicitly used to frame oneself as caring and trustworthy, emotion is explicitly used to frame the other party as deceptive and irrational. Second, disputants use collective emotions as a response to the other group’s offensive actions (blaming) and as a justification of one’s own collective actions. We discuss how this conflict differs from previously studied conflicts to provide plausible explanations for these findings.
Ghrelin‐insulin‐like growth factor‐1 axis is activated via autonomic neural circuits in the non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Nagoya Takuro , Kamimura Kenya , Inoue Ryosuke , Ko Masayoshi , Owaki Takashi , Niwa Yusuke , Sakai Norihiro , Setsu Toru , Sakamaki Akira , Yokoo Takeshi , Kamimura Hiroteru , Nakamura Yuka , Ueno Masaki , Terai Shuji 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe correlation of the growth hormone (GH) and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1) with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been reported in epidemiological studies. However, the mechanisms of molecular and inter‐organ systems that render these factors to influence on NAFLD have not been elucidated. In this study, we examined the induction of ghrelin which is the GH‐releasing hormone and IGF‐1, and involvement of autonomic neural circuits, in the pathogenesis of NAFLD.MethodsThe expression of gastric and hypothalamic ghrelin, neural activation in the brain, and serum IGF‐1 were examined in NAFLD models of choline‐deficient defined l‐amino‐acid diet‐fed, melanocortin 4 receptor knockout mice, and partial hepatectomy mice with or without the blockades of autonomic nerves to test the contribution of neural circuits connecting the brain, liver, and stomach.Key ResultsThe fatty changes in the liver increased the expression of gastric ghrelin through the autonomic pathways which sends the neural signals to the arcuate nucleus in the hypothalamus through the afferent vagal nerve which reached the pituitary gland to release GH and then stimulate the IGF‐1 release from the liver. In addition, high levels of ghrelin expression in the arcuate nucleus were correlated with NAFLD progression regardless of the circuits.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that the fatty liver stimulates the autonomic nervous signal circuits which suppress the progression of the disease by activating the gastric ghrelin expression, the neural signal transduction in the brain, and the release of IGF‐1 from the liver.
Behavioral economics—A framework for donor organ decision‐making in pediatric heart transplantation
Authors: Butler Alison , Chapman Gretchen , Johnson Jonathan N. , Amodeo Antonio , Böhmer Jens , Camino Manuela , Davies Ryan R. , Dipchand Anne I. , Godown Justin , Miera Oliver , Pérez‐Blanco Alicia , Rosenthal David N. , Zangwill Steve , Kirk Richard 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe high discard rate of pediatric donor hearts presents a major challenge for children awaiting heart transplantation. Recent literature identifies several factors that contribute to the disparities in pediatric donor heart usage, including regulatory oversight, the absence of guidelines on pediatric donor heart acceptance, and variation among transplant programs. However, a likely additional contributor to this issue are the behavioral factors influencing transplant team decisions in donor offer scenarios, a topic that has not yet been studied in detail. Behavioral economics and decision psychology provide an excellent foundation for investigating decision‐making in the pediatric transplant setting, offering key insights into the behavior of transplant professionals. We conducted a systematic review of published literature in pediatric heart transplant related to behavioral economics and the psychology of decision‐making. In this review, we draw on paradigms from these two domains in order to examine how existing aspects of the transplant environment, including regulatory oversight, programmatic variation, and allocation systems, may precipitate potential biases surrounding donor offer decisions. Recognizing how human decision behavior influences donor acceptance is a first step toward improving utilization of potentially viable pediatric donor hearts.
Improvement of native pulmonary alveolar proteinosis after contralateral single living‐donor lobar lung transplantation: A case report
Authors: Kobayashi Kazuma , Ohkouchi Shinya , Sasahara Yoji , Ebina Masahito , Nakata Koh , Saito Ryoko , Akiba Miki , Sado Tetsu , Oishi Hisashi , Watanabe Tatsuaki , Kurosawa Hajime , Okada Yoshinori 
Published: January 2020

AbstractPAP is a rare disease characterized by the accumulation of surfactant materials in the alveolar spaces due to the imbalance of surfactant homeostasis (production and clearance). We herein report a case of an 8‐year‐old girl who developed PAP after BMT from her mother for the treatment of DBA. The anemia was improved by BMT; however, respiratory dysfunction due to graft‐versus‐host disease gradually progressed. She eventually underwent right single LDLLT from her mother when she was 14 years old. A pathological examination of the excised lung confirmed the finding of diffuse bronchiolitis obliterans and unexpectedly revealed widespread alveolar proteinosis. Interestingly, the GGO of her native left lung on chest X‐ray was improved after LDLLT. We present the very unique clinical course of this patient and discuss the mechanisms underlying the development of PAP after BMT and its improvement after LDLLT from the same donor.
Reproductive biology and pollinators in two enantiostylous Qualea species (Vochysiaceae) in the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Morais J. M. , Consolaro H. N. , Bergamini L. L. , Ferrero V. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Enantiostyly is a floral polymorphism in which two floral forms in the same species differ in deflection of the stigma to right or left position. In monomorphic enantiostylous plants, flowers of the two morphs occur within the same individual, usually in the same proportion. In self‐compatible species the function of monomorphic enantiostyly is proposed to increase outcrossing rates and offer a reproductive advantage under pollination limitation. Enantiostylous species are usually self‐compatible and show heteranthery, with poricide anthers and pollen as pollinator reward; however, there are families, such as Vochysiaceae, that have different characteristics.

We analysed the reproductive system and pollination biology of Qualea parviflora and Q. multiflora, two enantiostylous species from the Brazilian Cerrado that have specific morphological and physiological traits. For this, we characterized flower traits, performed hand pollinations and studied floral visitors.

We found no differences between morphs in the proportion of flowers, nectar produced or its concentration, pollen quantity and fruit set. Both species were self‐incompatible and quite generalist regarding floral visitors.

Enantiostyly in self‐incompatible plants seems to confer a reproductive advantage by reducing self‐interference resulting from stigma clogging. This novel result helps to expand our knowledge on this complex floral polymorphism and opens new avenues for future research on this topic.
The Persistence of Weapons: Global Evidence
Authors: Asongu Simplice A. , Uduji Joseph I. , Okolo‐Obasi Elda N. 
Published: January 2020

This article investigates persistence (or hysteresis) in weapons using a panel of 163 countries for the period 2010‐15. The following are some main findings: (1) compared to countries that are landlocked, persistence in heavy weapons is more apparent in nations that are open to the sea; (2) relative to the Middle East and North Africa, heavy weapons are more persistent in the East Asia and the Pacific countries. This tendency is consistent with “weapons imports;” (3) evidence of persistence is not very apparent in “weapons imports” with the exception of the fact that it is higher in low‐income countries, compared to their high‐income counterparts. Hence, there is less hysteresis in weapons exports when compared with heavy weapons exports; and (4) the determinants of persistence employed in the conditioning information set are contingent on fundamental characteristics and panels. Policy implications are discussed.Related ArticlesBeal, Amanda L., and Leah Graham. 2014. “Foundations for Change: Rule of Law, Development, and Democratization.” Politics & Policy 42 (3): 311‐345. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12077Fails, Matthew D. 2014. “Leader Turnover, Volatility, and Political Risk.” Politics & Policy 42 (3): 369‐399. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12078Jakubow, Alexander. 2014. “State Intervention and Life Satisfaction Reconsidered: The Role of Governance Quality and Resource Misallocation.” Politics & Policy 42 (1): 3‐36. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12057Peev, Evgeni, and Dennis C. Mueller. 2013. “Democracy, Economic Freedom and Growth in Transition Economies.” Kyklos 65 (3): 371‐407. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-6435.2012.00543.x/abstractSiddiqui, Danish A., and Qazi M. Ahmed. 2013. “The Effect of Institutions on Economic Growth: A Global Analysis Based on GMM Dynamic Panel Estimation.” Structural Change and Economic Dynamics 24: 18‐33. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0954349X12000902