bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative genome‐wide methylation analysis of longissimus dorsi muscles in Yorkshire and Wannanhua pigs
Authors: Li X.‐J. , Liu L.‐Q. , Dong H. , Yang J.‐J. , Wang W.‐W. , Zhang Q. , Wang C.‐L. , Zhou J. , Chen H.‐Q. 
Published: December 2020

SummaryDNA methylation was one of the earliest discovered epigenetic modifications in vertebrates, and is an important epigenetic mechanism involved in the expression of genes in many biological processes, including muscle growth and development. Its effects on economically important traits are evidenced in reported differences in meat quality traits between Chinese indigenous pig breeds (Wannanhua pig) and Western commercial pig breeds (Yorkshire pig), and this presents a unique model for analyzing the effects of DNA methylation on these traits. In the present study, a whole genome DNA methylation analysis was performed on the two breeds using methylated DNA immunoprecipitation. GO functional enrichment and pathway enrichment analyses identified differentially methylated genes primarily associated with fatty acid metabolism, biological processes of muscle development and signaling pathways related to muscle development and pork quality. Differentially methylated genes were verified by sodium pyrosequencing, and the results were consistent with the sequencing results. The results of the integrative analysis between DNA methylation and gene expression revealed that the DNA methylation levels showed a significantly negative correlation with gene expression levels around the transcription start site of genes. In total, 41 genes were both differentially expressed and methylated; these genes were related to fat metabolism, lipid metabolism and skeletal muscle development. This study could help further explore the molecular mechanisms and phenotypic differences in pig growth and development among different breeds.
The impact of problematic smartphone use on children's and adolescents’ quality of life: A systematic review
Authors: Fischer‐Grote Linda , Kothgassner Oswald D. , Felnhofer Anna 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimTo provide a systematic review on studies examining problematic smartphone (PSU) use in children and adolescents, and its impact on quality of life, life satisfaction, and well‐being.MethodsAn extensive literature search was conducted in Google Scholar, Scopus and Pubmed.ResultsThe search yielded k = 9 articles for which inclusion criteria were met. Five studies examined health‐related or overall quality of life, two assessed life satisfaction, and two evaluated well‐being in relation to PSU. Negative associations between PSU and the outcome variables were reported almost consistently, with one study yielding only a trend for a negative correlation of PSU with life satisfaction, and one study finding no significant correlation regarding quality of life. Comparability between studies was impeded by the scarcity of studies which met inclusion criteria and by the use of different measures.ConclusionMore research is needed regarding PSU and the outcome variables in children and adolescents. Also, a distinct and consistent theoretical conceptualisation of PSU is required to replicate findings, and to enhance comparability between studies. Based on the trend reported here, the development of customised, early on interventions for children and adolescents at risk of PSU is warranted.
Attenuation of inward rectifier potassium current contributes to the α1‐adrenergic receptor‐induced proarrhythmicity in the caval vein myocardium
Authors: Ivanova Alexandra D. , Filatova Tatiana S. , Abramochkin Denis V. , Atkinson Andrew , Dobrzynski Halina , Kokaeva Zarema G. , Merzlyak Ekaterina M. , Pustovit Ksenia B. , Kuzmin Vladislav S. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAimThis study is aimed at investigation of electrophysiological effects of α1‐adrenoreceptor (α1‐AR) stimulation in the rat superior vena cava (SVC) myocardium, which is one of the sources of proarrhythmic activity.Methodsα1‐ARs agonists (phenylephrine—PHE or norepinephrine in presence of atenolol—NE + ATL) were applied to SVC and atrial tissue preparations or isolated cardiomyocytes, which were examined using optical mapping, glass microelectrodes or whole‐cell patch clamp. α1‐ARs distribution was evaluated using immunofluorescence. Kir2.X mRNA and protein level were estimated using RT‐PCR and Western blotting.ResultsPHE or NE + ATL application caused a significant suppression of the conduction velocity (CV) of excitation and inexcitability in SVC, an increase in the duration of electrically evoked action potentials (APs), a decrease in the maximum upstroke velocity (dV/dtmax) and depolarization of the resting membrane potential (RMP) in SVC to a greater extent than in atria. The effects induced by α1‐ARs activation in SVC were attenuated by protein kinase C inhibition (PKC). The whole‐cell patch clamp revealed PHE‐induced suppression of outward component of IK1 inward rectifier current in isolated SVC, but not atrial myocytes. These effects can be mediated by α1A subtype of α‐ARs found in abundance in rat SVC. The basal IK1 level in SVC was much lower than in atria as a result of the weaker expression of Kir2.2 channels.ConclusionTherefore, the reduced density of IK1 in rat SVC cardiomyocytes and sensitivity of this current to α1A‐AR stimulation via PKC‐dependent pathways might lead to proarrhythmic conduction in SVC myocardium by inducing RMP depolarization, AP prolongation, CV and dV/dtmax decrease.
The clinical role of serum albumin in Organophospate poisoning
Authors: Noh Eul , Moon Jeong Mi , Chun Byeong Jo , Cho Yong Soo , Ryu SeokJin , Kim Dongki 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis retrospective study investigated whether the serum albumin (SA) concentration at presentation is associated with mortality and the mechanism underlying the association. This study enrolled 217 patients poisoned with organophosphate (OP). Hypoalbuminemia (albumin <3.5 g/dL) at presentation was identified in 18.4% of the patients poisoned with OP. The hypoalbuminemia group experienced a more complicated clinical course and had a higher mortality rate than the normoalbuminemia and hyperalbuminemia groups. The SA concentration correlated with the CRP level at presentation but not with the body mass index in patients with OP poisoning. Furthermore, the change in the SA concentration during the first 24 hours also correlated with the change in BuChE activity in patients with fenitrothion poisoning. The SA concentration at presentation was independently associated with mortality after adjusting for inflammation and nutritional status. This study showed that the SA concentration at presentation is associated with the mortality risk of patients poisoned with OP. This association is independent of inflammation and nutritional status in OP poisoning, and in particular, the protective effect of SA might contribute to this association in fenitrothion poisoning. These results should be validated.
Using supervised machine learning on neuropsychological data to distinguish OCD patients with and without sensory phenomena from healthy controls
Authors: Stamatis Caitlin A. , Batistuzzo Marcelo C. , Tanamatis Tais , Miguel Euripedes C. , Hoexter Marcelo Q. , Timpano Kiara R. 
Published: December 2020

ObjectivesWhile theoretical models link obsessive‐compulsive disorder (OCD) with executive function deficits, empirical findings from the neuropsychological literature remain mixed. These inconsistencies are likely exacerbated by the challenge of high‐dimensional data (i.e., many variables per subject), which is common across neuropsychological paradigms and necessitates analytical advances. More unique to OCD is the heterogeneity of symptom presentations, each of which may relate to distinct neuropsychological features. While researchers have traditionally attempted to account for this heterogeneity using a symptom‐based approach, an alternative involves focusing on underlying symptom motivations. Although the most studied symptom motivation involves fear of harmful events, 60–70% of patients also experience sensory phenomena, consisting of uncomfortable sensations or perceptions that drive compulsions. Sensory phenomena have received limited attention in the neuropsychological literature, despite evidence that symptoms motivated by these experiences may relate to distinct cognitive processes.MethodsHere, we used a supervised machine learning approach to characterize neuropsychological processes in OCD, accounting for sensory phenomena.ResultsCompared to logistic regression and other algorithms, random forest best differentiated healthy controls (n = 59; balanced accuracy = .70), patients with sensory phenomena (n = 29; balanced accuracy = .59), and patients without sensory phenomena (n = 46; balanced accuracy = .62). Decision‐making best distinguished between groups based on sensory phenomena, and among the patient subsample, those without sensory phenomena uniquely displayed greater risk sensitivity compared to healthy controls (d = .07, p = .008).ConclusionsResults suggest that different cognitive profiles may characterize patients motivated by distinct drives. The superior performance and generalizability of the newer algorithms highlights the utility of considering multiple analytic approaches when faced with complex data.Practitioner points

Practitioners should be aware that sensory phenomena are common experiences among patients with OCD.

OCD patients with sensory phenomena may be distinguished from those without based on neuropsychological processes.
From experiencing to expressing: A virtual reality approach to facilitating pupils’ descriptive paper writing performance and learning behavior engagement
Authors: Yang Gang , Chen Yu‐Ting , Zheng Xiao‐Li , Hwang Gwo‐Jen 
Published: December 2020

AbstractDue to the lack of life experience and situational experience, it is difficult to arouse pupils’ inner motivation and interest in writing. Therefore, the early stage of Chinese writing may be a challenge for Chinese pupils. In order to solve this problem, a spherical video‐based virtual reality (SVVR) experience learning system was developed to help pupils improve their writing performance and interest. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed approach, an experiment was carried out in a primary school in Zhejiang province, China. First, a writing pretest was administered in two grade 4 classes. The researchers then randomly selected 40 pupils of about 10 years old with similar writing abilities, and assigned them to an experimental group, which used the SVVR learning method, and a control group, which used the traditional learning method. The researchers observed and recorded the pupils’ writing process and then, interviewed them. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the comprehensive writing performance of the two groups (F = 6.272; p = .017 < .05). The mean of the experimental group (Mean = 73.85) was higher than that of the control group (Mean = 70.00). Moreover, there were significant differences between the two groups in terms of the thematic coherence, structural integrity and linguistic expressiveness of their writing performance. However, there was no significant difference in the achievement of creative thinking. In the experimental group, different levels of learning behavior engagement could affect the structural integrity and language expression of writing achievements, and the degree of writing learning behavior engagement was highly correlated with reading time. Through the interviews, it was found that the pupils in the experimental group were more satisfied with the SVVR learning method than the control group pupils were with the traditional learning method.
Practitioner NotesWhat is already known about this topic?

Spherical video‐based virtual reality (SVVR) set a simulated environment enabling students to have in‐depth experience in learning contexts.
Most SVVR studies focused on speaking and writing in middle schools and colleges, while its impacts on young children’s writing performance is generally ignored.
What this paper adds?

An SVVR system based on experiencing learning theory was developed to promote young students’ in‐depth experience and perception in descriptive paper writing.
The proposed approach promoted students’ writing performances, writing experience and learning behavior engagement.
Implications for practice and/or policy

SVVR is a potential technology for implementing experiential learning activities, especially in improving thematic coherence, structural integrity and linguistic expressiveness.
It is worth promoting such a low‐tech and low‐cost experiential learning approach to other courses.
The antagonistic effects and mechanisms of microRNA‐26a action in hypertensive vascular remodelling
Authors: Zhang Wenqian , Wang Qiaozhu , Xing Xin , Yang Lijun , Xu Min , Cao Chunhui , Wang Rong , Li Weicheng , Niu Xiaolin , Gao Dengfeng 
Published: December 2020

Background and PurposeHypertensive vascular remodelling is responsible for end‐organ damage and is the result of increased extracellular matrix accumulation and excessive vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. MicroRNA‐26a (miR‐26a), a non‐coding small RNA, is involved in several cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to validate the effect and mechanisms of miR‐26a in hypertensive vascular remodelling.Experimental ApproachMale spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) were injected intravenously with recombinant adeno‐associated virus‐miR‐26a. Samples of thoracic aorta were examined histologically with H&E staining. In vitro, angiotensin II (AngII)‐induced VSMCs cultured from thoracic aortae of female Sprague‐Dawley rats, were transfected with miR‐26a mimic or inhibitor. Western blots, qRT‐PCR and immunohistological methods were used, along with chromatin‐immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays. Specific siRNAs were used to silence Smad production in VSMCsKey ResultsLevels of miR‐26a were lower in the thoracic aorta and plasma of SHRs than in WKY rats. Overexpression of miR‐26a inhibited extracellular matrix deposition by targeting connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and decreased VSMC proliferation by regulating the enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2)/p21 pathway both in vitro and in vivo. AngII‐mediated Smad3 activation suppressed miR‐26a expression, which in turn promoted Smad3 activation via targeted regulation of Smad4, leading to further down‐regulation of miR‐26a.Conclusion and ImplicationsOur data show that AngII stimulated a Smads/miR‐26a positive feedback loop, which further reduced expression of miR‐26a, leading to collagen production and VSMC proliferation and consequently vascular remodelling. MiR‐26a has an antagonistic effect on hypertensive vascular remodelling and can be a strategy for treating hypertensive vascular remodelling.
Quartz overgrowth textures and fluid inclusion thermometry evidence for basin‐scale sedimentary recycling: An example from the Mesozoic Barents Sea Basin
Authors: Haile Beyene G. , Line Lina H. , Klausen Tore G. , Olaussen Snorre , Eide Christian H. , Jahren Jens , Hellevang Helge 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSedimentary recycling has the potential to obscure source‐to‐sink relationships, provenance interpretations, burial history reconstructions and robust reservoir quality predictions in siliciclastic sedimentary basins. Here, we integrate petrographic and cathodoluminescence microtextures with fluid inclusion thermometry in quartz overgrowths to identify sedimentary recycling and to constrain the potential provenance candidate for recycled grains in Lower Mesozoic sandstone of the western Barents Sea basin. Four diagenetic imprints were recognized as proof of sediment recycling: (a) microtextural surface properties of overgrowths, (b) the presence of overgrowths at sutured grain contacts, (c) reversed diagenetic sequences and (d) fluid inclusions within quartz overgrowths. The diagenetic imprints confirm delivery of recycled sediments across the western Barents Sea basin. Their widespread distribution across the basin suggest that the recycled grains were derived from a drainage basin with regional‐scale sediment dispersal potential during the latest Triassic. Furthermore, the drainage basin must have contained sedimentary rocks. Prior to surface exposure, the precursor sedimentary basin was subjected to burial temperatures exceeding 130°C, whereby syntaxial quartz overgrowths precipitated. This temperature indicates an uplift of around 3–4 km, which represents a significant tectonic event. Recycled quartz grains can provide insights on their provenance as they retain direct temperature records. The geothermal signatures and geographically widespread distribution of recycled quartz exclude spatially restricted intrabasinal highs and higher‐temperature crystalline rocks as provenance candidates for the recycled grain portion. Our data support the contemporaneous Novaya Zemlya Fold and Thrust Belt as the most likely provenance candidate in the region. The integrated approach demonstrated herein can be used to constrain sediment recycling and partly eroded provenance candidates in sedimentary basins of equivalent setting worldwide, particularly in quartz‐rich strata susceptible to sediment supply from older uplifted sedimentary basins.
The role of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Tsuda Motoyuki , Fukuda Akihisa , Kawai Munenori , Araki Osamu , Seno Hiroshi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractATP‐dependent chromatin remodeling complexes are a group of epigenetic regulators that can alter the assembly of nucleosomes and regulate the accessibility of transcription factors to DNA in order to modulate gene expression. One of these complexes, the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex is mutated in more than 20% of human cancers. We have investigated the roles of the SWI/SNF complex in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), which is the most lethal type of cancer. Here, we reviewed the recent literature regarding the role of the SWI/SNF complex in pancreatic tumorigenesis and current knowledge about therapeutic strategies targeting the SWI/SNF complex in PDA. The subunits of the SWI/SNF complex are mutated in 14% of human PDA. Recent studies have shown that they have context‐dependent oncogenic or tumor‐suppressive roles in pancreatic carcinogenesis. To target its tumor‐suppressive properties, synthetic lethal strategies have recently been developed. In addition, their oncogenic properties could be novel therapeutic targets. The SWI/SNF subunits are potential therapeutic targets for PDA, and further understanding of the precise role of the SWI/SNF complex subunits in PDA is required for further development of novel strategies targeting SWI/SNF subunits against PDA.
Intermittent and continuous energy restriction result in similar weight loss, weight loss maintenance, and body composition changes in a 6 month randomized pilot study
Authors: Steger Felicia L. , Donnelly Joseph E. , Hull Holly R. , Li Xinyang , Hu Jinxiang , Sullivan Debra K. 
Published: December 2020

SummaryPoor adherence is a barrier to successful weight control. Intermittent energy restriction (IER) provides an alternative approach to those for whom daily energy restriction is not ideal. This study assessed changes in weight, body composition, and macronutrient intake for an IER and a continuous energy restriction (CONT) approach within a multicomponent weight management intervention. We randomized 35 adults with overweight/obesity (BMI = 31.2 ± 2.4 kg/m2) to CONT or IER for 24 weeks (12‐week weight loss intervention and 12 weeks of weight loss maintenance). Diets were delivered within a multimodal weight management program including weekly group meetings with a registered dietitian, increased physical activity, and a comprehensive lifestyle change program. Retention and adherence were similar for CONT and IER. Weight, BMI, fat mass, percentage body fat, waist circumference, hip circumference, blood pressure, and heart rate all decreased after 24 weeks (all, P < .01), but there were no main effects of group (all, P > .27). Weight loss was clinically relevant in both CONT (11.38 ± 7.9%) and IER (9.37 ± 9.7%), and the proportion of each group achieving 5% weight loss was 82 and 61% (P = .16), respectively. Participant satisfaction was high in both groups. The results from this study (a) support the feasibility of IER as an alternative for weight loss and weight loss maintenance, (b) indicate that IER is an effective alternative to CONT for weight control and improvements in body composition, and (c) emphasize the importance of intensive lifestyle interventions with ongoing support for effective behaviour modification.
Software for prioritizing conservation actions based on probabilistic information
Authors: Watts Matthew , Klein Carissa J. , Tulloch Vivitskaia J. D. , Carvalho Silvia B. , Possingham Hugh P. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMarxan is the most common decision‐support tool used to inform the design of protected‐area systems. The original version of Marxan does not consider risk and uncertainty associated with threatening processes affecting protected areas, including uncertainty about the location and condition of species’ populations and habitats now and in the future. We described and examined the functionality of a modified version of Marxan, Marxan with Probability. This software explicitly considers 4 types of uncertainty: probability that a feature exists in a particular place (estimated based on species distribution models or spatially explicit population models); probability that features in a site will be lost in the future due to a threatening process, such as climate change, natural catastrophes, and uncontrolled human interventions; probability that a feature will exist in the future due to natural successional processes, such as a fire or flood; and probability the feature exists but has been degraded by threatening processes, such as overfishing or pollution, and thus cannot contribute to conservation goals. We summarized the results of 5 studies that illustrate how each type of uncertainty can be used to inform protected area design. If there were uncertainty in species or habitat distribution, users could maximize the chance that these features were represented by including uncertainty using Marxan with Probability. Similarly, if threatening processes were considered, users minimized the chance that species or habitats were lost or degraded by using Marxan with Probability. Marxan with Probability opens up substantial new avenues for systematic conservation planning research and application by agencies.