bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ear type in sheep is associated with the MSRB3 locus
Authors: Paris J. M. , Letko A. , Häfliger I. M. , Ammann P. , Drögemüller C. 
Published: August 2020

SummaryEar morphology is an important determinant of sheep breeds. It includes different variable traits such as ear size and erectness, suggesting a polygenic architecture. Here, we performed a comprehensive genome‐wide analysis to identify regions under selection for ear morphology in 515 sheep from 17 breeds fixed for diverse ear phenotypes using 34k SNP genotyping data. GWASs for two ear type traits, size and erectness, revealed a single genome‐wide significant association on ovine chromosome 3. The derived marker alleles were enriched in sheep with large and/or floppy ears. The GWAS signal harboured the MSRB3 gene encoding methionine sulphoxide reductase B3, which has already been found to be associated with different ear types in other species. We attempted whole‐genome resequencing to identify causal variant(s) within a 1 Mb interval around MSRB3. This experiment excluded major copy number variants in the interval, but failed to identify a compelling candidate causal variant. Fine‐mapping suggested that the causal variant for large floppy ears most likely resides in a 175 kb interval downstream of the MSRB3 coding region.
Mineral composition and microstructure of the abaxial hoof wall in dairy heifers after biotin supplementation
Authors: Queiroz Paulo José Bastos , Assis Bruno Moraes , Silva Danilo Conrado , Noronha Filho Antônio Dionísio Feitosa , Pancotti Alexandre , Rabelo Rogério Elias , Borges Naida Cristina , Vulcani Valcinir Aloisio Scalla , Silva Luiz Antônio Franco da 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of daily biotin supplementation on the mineral composition and microstructure of the abaxial hoof wall in dairy heifers. The heifers were housed on a concrete floor and fed for weight gain more than 800 g per day, which is a challenging environment for the hoof. Twelve crossbred dairy heifers (Jersey × Holstein) were divided into two treatment groups. Animals in the control group (n = 6) received a diet without supplemental biotin, while the heifers in the biotin‐supplemented feed group (n = 6) each received 20 mg of biotin daily for 120 days. Samples of the abaxial hoof wall were collected from the outer claw of the fore and hind limb, before and after supplementation. The samples were evaluated by X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry, computed microtomography, atomic force microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Biotin supplementation increased the sulphur content and decreased the calcium and potassium content in the abaxial hoof wall. Biotin treatment also increased the percentage of horn tubules with smaller diameter marrow (17–51 µm). However, biotin did not influence the surface relief of the hoof wall, suggesting that its action is limited to the inner layers of the stratum corneum. Daily supplementation with 20 mg of biotin promoted changes in the mineral composition and microstructure of abaxial hoof wall of crossbred dairy heifers. These findings suggest biotin supplementation improves hoof quality and may help to understand the function of biotin in the stratum corneum.
Anatomical variations in cervical vertebrae in two species of neotropical canids: What is the meaning?
Authors: Martins Felipe Pratalli , Souza Erick Candiota , Bernardes Fernanda Coelho Simas , Abidu‐Figueiredo Marcelo , Kasper Carlos Benhur , de Souza‐Junior Paulo 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAnatomical variation in wild canids is rarely described. Altered shapes, uni‐ or bilaterally situated, were observed in ventral laminae of C6 and/or in C7 vertebral body of two fox species: Lycalopex gymnocercus and Cerdocyon thous. The specimens were young adults, collected dead on highways in southern Brazil. Deformities were considered anatomical variations because apparently there was no interference in function. The occurrence of such variations in two related species from the same area can suggest an environmental common cause rather than genetic issues. Future studies may deepen the understanding between cause and effect of these vertebral deformities in wild canids.
Multiple Psychiatric Morbidity and Continued Use of Naltrexone for Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Muvvala Srinivas B. , O'Malley Stephanie S. , Rosenheck Robert 
Published: August 2020

Background and ObjectivesDespite substantial evidence of the efficacy of naltrexone in treating alcohol use disorder (AUD), naltrexone is used infrequently and often for short durations. Understanding factors related to the initiation and continued use of naltrexone could identify targets for improving its use in clinical practice.MethodsWe used the Fiscal year 2012 national data from the Veterans Health Administration to identify the proportion of veterans diagnosed with AUD who initiated and then continued to receive naltrexone for AUD over a 6‐month period (N = 67,788). We further examined correlates of any use and continued use, and patterns of use in inpatient and outpatient mental health services and psychotropic prescription fills. Comparisons were made using bivariate analyses and multinomial logistic regression.ResultsAmong the veterans diagnosed with AUD, 2.02% initiated treatment with naltrexone. Naltrexone initiation was associated with recent homelessness, concurrent psychiatric disorders, receipt of psychiatric outpatient services, psychotropic prescription fills, residential treatment, and psychiatric and medical‐surgical hospitalization. Of the 1,366 patients initiating naltrexone, 43.2% (590) received 2 to 5 prescriptions and 16.3% (223) received more than 5 prescriptions for naltrexone. Use of naltrexone beyond one prescription was associated with homelessness, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia, psychotropic medication use, and psychiatric hospitalization.ConclusionVeterans with AUD who used and continued naltrexone were primarily those with multimorbidity and extensive involvement in psychiatric treatment.Scientific SignificancePrior studies examined the correlates of initiation of naltrexone but retention in treatment has received less attention. This study identified the frequency and important patient and service correlates of continued use of naltrexone. (Am J Addict 2021;30:55–64)
Adults with a more extensive body involvement, moderate to extremely severe vitiligo and a prolonged clinical course have an early onset in childhood in addition to other prognostic factors as compared to individuals with later‐onset vitiligo
Authors: Mahajan Vikram K , Verma Yog Raj , Mehta Karaninder S , Chauhan Pushpinder Singh , Sharma Reena , Sharma Anuj , Sharma Hitender , Rana Ashwani 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe extent and disease severity, duration and other associated prognostic cofactors in vitiligo in adults may vary with the age of onset (before or after 10 years of age).ObjectivesTo compare extent and disease severity, duration and other cofactors in adults with early‐onset and late‐onset vitiligo.MethodsThe medical records of 408 (M:F 1:1.1) adults aged 20‒75 years diagnosed with vitiligo between January 2016 and December 2019 were examined retrospectively. The extent and severity of vitiligo were defined. Characteristics of vitiligo with early onset and late onset were compared statistically and odds ratios calculated for risk assessment.Results31 (7.6%, M:F 1:2.4) patients had early‐onset vitiligo, and 377 (92.4%, M:F 0.8:1) patients had later‐onset vitiligo. Compared to late onset, patients with early‐onset vitiligo had a significant number of males (71% vs 45.9%), higher percentages of body surface area involvement and moderate to extremely severe disease (29% vs 10.6%), longer duration of disease (41.9% vs 9%), Koebner’s phenomenon (48.4% vs 15.6%) and halo nevus (9.7% vs 1.9%). Differences between the two groups were not significant for types of vitiligo, family history of vitiligo and presence of cutaneous and systemic/autoimmune diseases.ConclusionThe adults, males in particular, with generalised vitiligo (>10% BSA involvement) appear to have an early onset and a prolonged clinical course. The presence of Koebner’s phenomenon and halo nevus in patients with early‐onset vitiligo was other poor prognostic factors compared to patients with late‐onset vitiligo. The retrospective, hospital‐based cross‐sectional design and small sample size for stratification remain major limitations.
Assessing the risk of viral infection from gases and plumes during intra‐abdominal surgery: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Gavin Dominic J. , Wilkie Bruce D. , Tay Jia , Loveday Benjamin P. T. , Furlong Timothy , Thomson Benjamin N. J. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to identify the current evidence regarding the risk of acquiring viral infections from gases or plumes during intra‐abdominal surgery. Peritoneal fluids may contain cellular material and virus particles. Electrocautery smoke and plumes from energy devices may aerosolize harmful substances and viral particles. Insufflation and desufflation during laparoscopic surgery may also aerosolize and distribute biological material. A systematic scoping review was performed to assess the evidence and inform safe surgical practice.MethodsA systematic search of the PubMed and Medline databases was undertaken until June 2020, observing Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses methodology, to identify articles associating viral infection of operating room staff from surgical gases and plumes. All evidence levels were included. The search strategy utilized the search terms ‘surgery’, ‘laparoscopy’, ‘laparoscopic’ ‘virus’, ‘smoke’, ‘risk’, ‘infection’.ResultsThe literature search identified 74 articles. Eight articles relevant to the subject of this review were included in the analysis, two of which specifically related to intra‐abdominal surgery. Of the remaining six, four involved gynaecological surgery and two were in‐vitro studies. No evidence that intra‐abdominal surgery was associated with an increased risk of acquiring viral infections from exsufflated gas or smoke plumes was identified.ConclusionThere is currently no evidence that respiratory viruses can be found in the peritoneal fluid. Whilst there is currently no evidence that desufflated carbon dioxide or surgical smoke plumes present a significant infectious risk, there is not a wealth of literature to inform current practice. Further clinical research in this area is required.
Colorectal cancer in younger adults from a Bi‐National Colorectal Cancer Audit registry
Authors: Kong Joseph C. , Su Wai Kin , Ng Chu Woon , Guerra Glen R. , Chakraborty Joy , Lutton Nicholas , Morris Bradley , Gourlas Peter 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) in younger adults (<50 years old) is rising worldwide, at a rate of 1% per annum since mid‐1980s. The clinical concern is that younger adults may have more advanced disease leading to poorer prognosis compared to their older cohort due to lack of screening. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the incidence and short‐term outcomes of colorectal cancer in younger adults.MethodsThis is a retrospective study from a prospectively maintained bi‐national database from 2007 to 2018.ResultsThere were 1540 younger adults diagnosed with CRC, with a rise from 5.8% in 2007 to 8.4% in 2018. Majority had lower American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) scores (89%), rectal cancers (46.1%) and higher tumour stage (65.4%). As a consequence, they were likely to have higher circumferential resection margin positivity (6%, P = 0.02) and to receive adjuvant chemotherapy (57.1%, P < 0.001) compared to their older cohort. Multivariate analysis showed disadvantaged socioeconomic status (odds ratio (OR) 3.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.37–7.94, P < 0.001) and increasing tumour stage (OR 14.9, 95% CI 1.89–116.9, P < 0.001) were independent predictors for circumferential resection margin positivity whereas being female (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.53–0.95, P = 0.02), higher ASA score (OR 175.3, 95% CI 26.7–1035.5, P < 0.001), urgent surgery (OR 2.75, 95% CI 1.84–4.11, P < 0.001) and anastomotic leak (OR 5.02, 95% CI 3.32–7.58, P < 0.001) were predictors of inpatient mortality.ConclusionThere is a steady rise in the incidence of colorectal cancer in younger adults. Both physicians and younger adults should be aware of the potential risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) and appropriate investigations performed so not to delay the diagnosis.
The Making of Speculative Biodiesel Commodities on the Agroenergy Frontier of the Brazilian Northeast
Authors: Manzi Maya 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn this paper, I examine the speculative dimensions of biodiesel production in Northeast Brazil under the National Program for the Production and Use of Biodiesel (PNPB), by focusing on the case of castor oil plant (Ricinus communis) in semi‐arid Bahia, a promising flex crop that was said to generate social, environmental and economic benefits, especially for the historically marginalised Northeast peasantry. I argue that speculative practices over castor have relied on state policies and discourses as well as biophysical and biotechnological (im)materialities that are transforming agrarian relations in ways that compromise peasants’ control over their (re)productive systems while promoting the expansion of the agroindustrial frontier. By examining the everyday, performative and place‐based character of speculative biodiesel practices and their uneven and contested socioenvironmental implications, this paper contributes to current political ecology debates on the nexus between agroenergy development, nature’s capitalist valuation and rural dispossession.
The Ambiguities of Homelessness Governance: Disentangling Care and Revanchism in the Neoliberalising City
Authors: Clarke Andrew , Parsell Cameron 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWhilst “caring” responses to homelessness (e.g. shelters, drop‐in centres) have been held up by some as a counter‐current to the revanchist city, recent US studies highlight how the structural dynamics of neoliberalisation can implicate caring spaces in revanchist processes of discipline and spatial control. In this paper, we employ an assemblage approach to examine the intersections between care, revanchism and neoliberalisation in Brisbane, Australia. We extend the insights of recent studies by showing how the vulnerability of care to the revanchist pressures of neoliberalisation play out outside the US, despite the prominence of care rationalities and a milder revanchist politics. However, we also push beyond this insight to demonstrate the ongoing progressive potential of care in the neoliberalising city, despite its vulnerabilities to revanchism. Specifically, we highlight the capacity of housing‐focused responses to homelessness to shield people from criminalisation and to prefigure and call‐forth post‐neoliberal practices and spaces.
Evaluation of cardiac beat synchronization control for a rotary blood pump on valvular regurgitation with a mathematical model
Authors: Ogawa Daisuke , Kobayashi Shinji , Yamazaki Kenji , Motomura Tadashi , Nishimura Takashi , Shimamura Junichi , Tsukiya Tomonori , Mizuno Toshihide , Takewa Yoshiaki , Tatsumi Eisuke , Nishinaka Tomohiro 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWe have studied the cardiac beat synchronization (CBS) control for a rotary blood pump (RBP) and revealed that it can promote pulsatility and reduce cardiac load. Besides, patients with LVAD support sometimes suffer from aortic and mitral regurgitation (AR and MR). A control method for the RBP should be validated in wider range of conditions to clarify its benefits and pitfalls prior to clinical application. In this study, we evaluated pulsatility and cardiac load reduction obtained with the CBS control on valvular failure conditions with a mathematical model. Diastolic assist could reduce cardiac load on the left ventricle by decreasing external work of the ventricle even in MR cases while it was not so effective in AR cases. Systolic assist can still promote pulsatility in AR and MR cases; however, aortic valve function should be carefully confirmed since pulse pressure can be wider not due to systolic assist but to AR.
Cystatin C: A more reliable biomarker of renal function in young infants? A longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Kandasamy Yogavijayan , Rudd Donna 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAimWe carried out a longitudinal cohort study to measure serial CysC (Cystatin C) in a cohort of neonates born preterm until the age of 2 years. We hypothesised that CysC levels are independent of body weight and would not vary with gestational age.MethodsThis prospective cohort study was conducted from August 2014 until October 2016, and follow‐up was completed in October 2018. Preterm infants at less than 28 weeks of gestation (extremely preterm infants) were recruited and followed up until the age of 24 months. Blood samples for measurement of CysC were collected at regular intervals.ResultsWe recruited 58 preterm neonates with mean gestation was 26.2 (1.5) weeks, and a mean birth weight was 917 (140) g. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) did not show any significant difference in CysC levels between 28, 32 and 37 weeks' gestation (P = .09) despite a significant increase in body weight (P < .001). The mean CysC level was higher in the neonatal period and subsequently plateaued by 24 months.ConclusionSerum CysC level is independent of body weight and not influenced by postnatal age nor by gender.
Constructing Inequalities: Tenure Trajectories of Immigrant Workers and Union Strategies in the Milan Construction Sector
Authors: Frangi Lorenzo , Zhang Tingting , Banerjee Rupa 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn this mixed‐methods study, we examined the employment trajectories of immigrant employees in the construction sector in Milan and the role of unions in promoting their labour market inclusion. Drawing on a unique dataset of 417,004 contracts representing more than 166,000 construction workers over a 12‐year period (2000–2011), we employed Growth Curve Modelling (GCM) to explore national group differences in contract, firm and sector tenure trajectories. We found Egyptian and Romanian workers suffer from lowest tenure levels. To investigate these results, we conducted 15 interviews with key informants. Results suggested firm characteristics and position along the production process (mono‐task), pervasive immigrant hiring queues (mono‐national) and union's use of class strategies are interlocking forces that shape deep labour market segregation. We recommend unions develop and apply tailored ethnic strategies to empower highly segregated immigrant groups.
RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase, RdRP, a promising therapeutic target for cancer and potentially COVID‐19
Authors: Machitani Mitsuhiro , Yasukawa Mami , Nakashima Jotaro , Furuichi Yasuhiro , Masutomi Kenkichi 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA recent outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has driven a global pandemic with catastrophic consequences. The rapid development of promising therapeutic strategies against COVID‐19 is keenly anticipated. Family Coronaviridae comprises positive, single‐stranded RNA viruses that use RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP) for viral replication and transcription. As the RdRP of viruses in this family and others plays a pivotal role in infection, it is a promising therapeutic target for developing antiviral agents against them. A critical genetic driver for many cancers is the catalytic subunit of telomerase: human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), identified initially as an RNA‐dependent DNA polymerase. However, even though hTERT is a DNA polymerase, it has phylogenetic and structural similarities to viral RdRPs. Researchers worldwide, including the authors of this review, are engaged in developing therapeutic strategies targeting hTERT. We have published a series of papers reporting that hTERT has RdRP activity and that this RdRP activity in hTERT is essential for tumor formation. Here, we review the enzymatic function of RdRP in virus proliferation and tumor development, reminding us of how the study of the novel coronavirus has brought us to the unexpected intersection of cancer research and RNA virus research.
Desmoid with biweekly methotrexate and vinblastine shows similar effects to weekly administration: A phase II clinical trial
Authors: Nishida Yoshihiro , Hamada Shunsuke , Urakawa Hiroshi , Ikuta Kunihiro , Sakai Tomohisa , Koike Hiroshi , Ito Kan , Emoto Ryo , Ando Yuichi , Matsui Shigeyuki 
Published: August 2020

AbstractLow‐dose methotrexate (MTX) plus vinblastine (VBL) chemotherapy is an effective treatment for desmoid‐type fibromatosis (DF). However, previous reports have described a weekly regimen, with no reports available on a biweekly one. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical outcomes of a biweekly regimen in a cohort prospectively treated in our single institution. Since 2010, we have prospectively treated refractory DF patients with biweekly MTX (30 mg/m2) + VBL (6 mg/m2). Efficacy, progression‐free survival (PFS), and correlating factors were analyzed. Adverse events (AEs) were recorded. In total, 38 patients received low‐dose MTX + VBL therapy, and its efficacy was assessed in 37 of them. Nineteen (51%) patients showed partial response (PR). Clinical benefit rate was 95%. PFS at 5 y was 80.8%. In PR cases, median time to response was 10 mo. Longer duration of therapy was significantly associated with the response of PR (P = .007) by univariate analysis. There was no clear association between various clinicopathological factors, including tumor size, location, catenin beta‐1 (CTNNB1) mutation status with effect. Only 3 AEs of grade 3/4 were observed. Tumor regrowth after MTX + VBL discontinuation was observed in 5 (20%) of 25 patients. Biweekly administration of MTX + VBL chemotherapy was well tolerated compared with weekly administration, and its efficacy was anticipated in DF patents, although the time needed to achieve a response may be relatively long. The treatment interval should be determined taking into account both the condition of the tumor and the patient's preference.
Do Mothers or Children Lead the Dance? Disentangling Individual and Influence Effects During Conflict
Authors: Sokolovic Nina , Plamondon Andre , Rodrigues Michelle , Borairi Sahar , Perlman Michal , Jenkins Jennifer M. 
Published: August 2020

Are mother–child conflict discussions shaped by time‐varying, reciprocal influences, even after accounting for stable contributions from each individual? Mothers were filmed discussing a conflict for 5 min, separately with their younger (ages 5–9, N = 217) and older (ages 7–13, N = 220) children. Each person’s conflict constructiveness was coded in 20‐s intervals and data were analyzed using dynamic structural equation modeling, which separates individual and influence effects. Children influenced their mothers’ behavior under certain conditions, with evidence for developmental differences in the magnitude and direction of influence, whereas mothers did not influence their children under any circumstance. Results are discussed in the context of child effects on parent behavior and changes in parenting across middle childhood.