bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of hay with or without concentrate or pellets on growth performance and meat quality of Ujimqin lambs on the Inner Mongolian Plateau
Authors: Bu Zhenkun , Ge Gentu , Jia Yushan , Du Shuai 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate growth performance and meat quality of Ujimqin lambs fed native grass hay without or with concentrate (HC) or pellets. Ninety non‐castrated 6‐month‐old male lambs of good health and similar body weight (26.83 ± 0.26 kg) were randomly divided into three groups (five lambs per cage). The average daily gain and intake of the pellets and HC groups were significantly greater (p < .05) than those in the hay group. The carcass weight, net meat mass, loin eye area, and backfat thickness were significantly greater (p < .05) in the HC groups. The intramuscular fat was significantly greater (p < .05) in the pellets and HC groups, while the shear force was significantly decreased (p < .05) in pellets and HC groups. The C16:0, C18:0, C18:1n9c, and C18:2n6 contents were significantly greater (p < .05) in the HC and pellet groups, while the C18:3n3 content was significantly greater (p < .05) in the hay group. Collectively, the present study suggested that feeding native grass hay with concentrate or pellets improved the growth in lambs.
Nutritional parameters in the blood of dams during late gestation and immediately after calving, in the umbilical vein at calving, and in the blood of calves immediately following birth in Holstein heifers pregnant with either Holstein or beef breed fetuses
Authors: Kawashima Chiho , Kume Sakura , Yamagishi Norio 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDairy cattle management lacks consideration of fetal breed, the effect of which on fetal growth and nutrition are unclear. We investigated blood parameters in 12 late‐pregnant Holstein heifers with similar (Holstein, n = 5) or different (Japanese Black [n = 4] or F1 cross [n = 3]; Holstein × Japanese Black) fetus breeds and in their umbilical cords and calves. Samples were obtained from dams 1 week before calving (−1 week) and immediately after calving, from the umbilical vein at calving, and from calves immediately after birth. Dams with beef fetuses had higher serum glucose levels (−1 week; p < .05) than those with Holstein fetuses. Plasma total amino acid, total essential amino acid, total nonessential amino acid, and other amino acid concentrations were lower in the umbilical veins of dams with calves of the beef breeds than in those of the Holstein breeds (p < .05). Furthermore, serum glucose and plasma amino acid levels were lower in the beef calves than in the Holstein calves (p < .05). Overall, nutrient supply from dams to beef fetuses was lower than that to Holstein fetuses. Our findings may facilitate feeding management of dairy cattle pregnant with beef breeds for appropriate fetal growth and nutrition.
Fine structure of the brain in Amphinomida (Annelida)
Authors: Beckers Patrick , Tilic Ekin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAmphinomida, some also known as fireworms, are not only notorious for their painful sting but also their painfully difficult phylogenetic placement. Current understanding of the annelid tree of life suggests a close affinity with Sipuncula, the unsegmented and sessile peanut worms. This sister‐group relationship is hard to explain from a morphological perspective. Here, we present the results of our histological and ultrastructural study of the central nervous system in two distantly related amphinomids: Euphrosine foliosa (Euphrosinidae) and Eurythoe complanta (Amphinomidae). We provide detailed morphological information, aiming to set up the groundwork for future comparative studies and to gain insight into the evolution of annelid nervous systems. We not only compare our observations among the two species but also discuss their implications for annelids in general and more specifically for the sipunculan affinity. The central nervous system in Amphinomida differs both from other errantian annelids and also from Sipuncula and shows no clear synapomorphies that would argue for or against their current phylogenetic placement.
ZNF213 negatively controls triple negative breast cancer progression via Hippo/YAP signaling
Authors: Liu Yun , Su Peng , Zhao Wuchen , Li Xin , Yang Xiao , Fan Jianing , Yang Huijie , Yan Cheng , Mao Lanzhi , Ding Yinlu , Zhu Jian , Niu Zhiguo , Zhuang Ting 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBreast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies worldwide, while the triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive and virulent subtype in breast cancers. Compared with luminal type breast cancers, which could be well controlled by endocrine treatment, TNBC is worse in prognosis and lack of effective targeted therapy. Thus, it would be interesting and meaningful to identify novel therapeutic targets for TNBC treatments. Recent genomic data showed the activation of Hippo/YAP signaling in TNBC, indicating its critical roles in TNBC carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Hippo/YAP signaling could subject to several kinds of protein modifications, including ubiquitination and phosphorylation. Quite a few studies have demonstrated these modifications, which controlled YAP protein stability and turnover, played critical role in Hippo signaling activation In our current study, we identified ZNF213 as a negative modifier for Hippo/YAP axis. ZNF213 depletion promoted TNBC cell migration and invasion, which could be rescued by further YAP silencing. ZNF213 knocking down facilitated YAP protein stability and Hippo target gene expression, including CTGF and CYR61. Further mechanism studies demonstrated that ZNF213 associated with YAP and facilitated YAP K48‐linked poly‐ubiquitination at several YAP lysine sites (K252, K254, K321 and K497). Besides, the clinical data showed that ZNF213 negatively correlated with YAP protein level and Hippo target gene expression in TNBC samples. ZNF213 expression correlated with good prognosis in TNBC patients. Our data provided novel insights in YAP proteolytic regulation and TNBC progression.
Prevalence and characteristics of illegal jaguar trade in north‐western Bolivia
Authors: Arias Melissa , Hinsley Amy , Nogales‐Ascarrunz Paola , Negroes Nuno , Glikman Jenny Anne , Milner‐Gulland E. J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractRecent seizures of jaguar body parts in Bolivia have prompted concern about illegal trade to China, but a detailed understanding of this emerging trade continues to be lacking. We interviewed 1,107 people in a rural area implicated in the trade, using direct and indirect questions through the Ballot Box Method (BBM) to explore the prevalence and characteristics of the illegal jaguar trade and its links to foreign demand. Jaguar trade is a common, and mostly non‐sensitive practice; 46% of respondents reported some involvement over the past 5 years. The most common behavior was owning jaguar body parts, such as skins, fat and teeth for decorative, medicinal, and cultural purposes. The most mentioned traders were Bolivian, followed by traders of Asian descent. However, regression analysis shows that the presence of traders of European descent was more significantly and positively associated with jaguar trade related behaviors, ahead of Asian descent and regional traders. Overall, jaguar trade in Bolivia has more diverse actors and drivers than seizures may suggest. Therefore, conservation interventions, in addition to targeting demand from Chinese wildlife markets, should address other foreign and domestic markets and trade chains.
Application of machine learning to predict reduction in total PANSS score and enrich enrollment in schizophrenia clinical trials
Authors: Podichetty Jagdeep T. , Silvola Rebecca M. , Rodriguez‐Romero Violeta , Bergstrom Richard F. , Vakilynejad Majid , Bies Robert R. , Stratford Robert E. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractClinical trial efficiency, defined as facilitating patient enrollment, and reducing the time to reach safety and efficacy decision points, is a critical driving factor for making improvements in therapeutic development. The present work evaluated a machine learning (ML) approach to improve phase II or proof‐of‐concept trials designed to address unmet medical needs in treating schizophrenia. Diagnostic data from the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness (CATIE) trial were used to develop a binary classification ML model predicting individual patient response as either “improvement,” defined as greater than 20% reduction in total Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) score, or “no improvement,” defined as an inadequate treatment response (<20% reduction in total PANSS). A random forest algorithm performed best relative to other tree‐based approaches in model ability to classify patients after 6 months of treatment. Although model ability to identify true positives, a measure of model sensitivity, was poor (<0.2), its specificity, true negative rate, was high (0.948). A second model, adapted from the first, was subsequently applied as a proof‐of‐concept for the ML approach to supplement trial enrollment by identifying patients not expected to improve based on their baseline diagnostic scores. In three virtual trials applying this screening approach, the percentage of patients predicted to improve ranged from 46% to 48%, consistently approximately double the CATIE response rate of 22%. These results show the promising application of ML to improve clinical trial efficiency and, as such, ML models merit further consideration and development.
A dissecting aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva involving the inter‐ventricsular septum in a patient with syphilis and a quadricuspid aortic valve
Authors: Li Xiang , Zhong Yue , Rao Li , Bai Wenjuan 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAneurysms of the sinus of Valsalva are rare, with dissecting aneurysms of the sinus of Valsalva that extend into the inter‐ventricular septum being even more rare. This report describes a young patient with syphilis and a quadricuspid aortic valve who experienced a spontaneously dissecting aneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva and the basal inter‐ventricular septum.
Correlation between left atrial expansion index and stroke subtype: A 10‐Year Follow‐Up Study
Authors: Hsiao Chao‐Sheng , Hsiao Shih‐Hung , Ho Ying‐Hao 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPurposeAlthough left atrial (LA) expansion index predicts cardiovascular events, its efficacy for predicting cerebral events is unknown.MethodsThis study enrolled 2205 patients who had sinus rhythm after echocardiography in their first visit. LA expansion index was calculated as (Volmax‐Volmin) x100%/Volmin, where Volmax was defined as maximal LA volume and Volmin as minimal LA volume. The study endpoint was ischemic stroke. Stroke subtype was classified as cardioembolic stroke (CE), noncardioembolic stroke with determined mechanism (NCE), or embolic stroke of undetermined source (ESUS).ResultsOver a 10‐year (mean 9.7 years) follow‐up period, 128 (5.8%) participants reached endpoint, including 46 with CE, 33 with NCE, and 49 with ESUS. Regardless of stroke subtype, LA expansion index was lower in the event groups compared to the nonevent group. The lowest quartile of LA expansion index was associated with high CHA2DS2‐VASc score at enrollment and more events, including CE, ESUS, atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure, and all‐cause mortality, relative to other quartiles. The LA expansion index was an independent predictor of CE (HR 0.82; 95% CI 0.723‐0.912, per 10% increase in LA expansion index; P < .0001) and ESUS (HR 0.92; 95% CI 0.881‐0.976, per 10% increase in LA expansion index; p 0.003). An LA expansion index <68% predicts the presence of AF after ESUS with 84% sensitivity and 70% specificity.ConclusionLA expansion index is useful for predicting CE and ESUS. It is also associated with AF, heart failure hospitalization, and all‐cause mortality.
Evaluation of a physiologically based model to predict Dalbulus maidis occurrence in maize crops: validation in two different subtropical areas of South America
Authors: Rossini Luca , Virla Eduardo G. , Albarracín Erica Luft , Van Nieuwenhove Guido A. , Speranza Stefano 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe maize leafhopper, Dalbulus maidis (DeLong) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae), is a specialist herbivore that develops on maize plants (Zea mays L., Poaceae). Every year, it is responsible for considerable reductions in yields of the maize fields of the Americas, because alongside its direct damages it is also a vector of three relevant plant pathogens. The transmitted diseases come to have a high incidence, resulting in significant yield losses, thereby forcing farmers and technicians to attempt a tight control of the fields mostly using non‐specific insecticides. Decision support systems based on mathematical models may be valuable in helping to reduce the use of agrochemicals in this regard, as they can provide a projection of the future situation based on past and present data. With this precondition, this work aims to apply and validate a physiologically based model to describe populations of D. maidis developing in two experimental fields located in Argentina, which are characterised by different climatic conditions. Experimentation in the two fields involved a 3‐year survey during the growing seasons 2009, 2010, and 2011, where the adult populations of maize leafhoppers were monitored from the sowing of maize plants to the end of the phenological stage at which they are most susceptible to D. maidis activity. Results showed a good response of the model in describing maize leafhopper populations, also allowing the possibility of setting a threshold for intervention and a projection of the situation if any control action is applied.
Changes in core beliefs over time predict symptoms and functioning in clinical high risk for psychosis
Authors: Patton Hillary N. , Cowan Henry R. , Mittal Vijay A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimThe current study examined whether changes in core beliefs over time predict positive symptoms, negative symptoms, social functioning, and role functioning within individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR).MethodsCHR participants (N = 73) completed the Brief Core Schemas Scale (BCSS) at baseline, with a subset of participants (n = 54) completing study procedures at a 12‐month follow‐up. Attenuated psychotic symptoms, social, and role functioning were assessed at both timepoints.ResultsHierarchical regression analyses showed that changes in self‐beliefs between baseline and follow‐up predicted worsening social and role functioning at 12‐month follow‐up, with trends suggesting they also predicted negative and positive symptoms at 12‐month follow‐up. The independent effect of an increase in negative self‐beliefs marginally or significantly predicted all outcomes of interest.ConclusionsThe current study shows incremental validity of self‐beliefs from a novel perspective. It suggests that worsening self‐beliefs have a clinically meaningful impact within CHR populations.
Bullying and social functioning, schemas, and beliefs among youth at clinical high risk for psychosis
Authors: Braun Amy , Santesteban‐Echarri Olga , Cadenhead Kristin S. , Cornblatt Barbara A. , Granholm Eric , Addington Jean 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundIndividuals at clinical high‐risk (CHR) for psychosis experience high rates of bullying. There is little research on the differences between CHR who did and did not experience bullying. However, there is evidence that bullying may be related to negative schemas and social impairment.ObjectivesTo examine differences in core schemas, asocial and defeatist beliefs, and social functioning between those who did and did not report bullying experiences in a large sample of CHR individuals. We hypothesized that bullying in CHR youth would be associated with poorer social functioning, increased maladaptive beliefs, and negative core schemas.MethodsCHR participants (N = 203) were split into those who did and did not report experiencing bullying. The two groups were compared on demographic characteristics, social functioning, and belief variables, using the Brief Core Schemas Scale, the Asocial Beliefs Scale, the Defeatist Performance Attitudes Scale, and the First Episode Social Functioning Scale.Results72.9% reported experiencing bullying. These participants had greater severity of negative schemas about others and asocial and defeatist performance beliefs, and lower social functioning scores.ConclusionsPrevalence of bullying among CHR participants is high. Bullying may be a risk factor for increased asocial and defeatist beliefs, negative core schemas, and poor social functioning. Targeting maladaptive schemas and beliefs during treatment may serve to improve functional outcomes in this group.
Methane and nitrous oxide emissions from a ratoon paddy field in Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Song Kaifu , Zhang Guangbin , Yu Haiyang , Xu Hua , Lv Shihua , Ma Jing 
Published: May 2021

AbstractRatoon rice (RR) is a practice that involves achieving a second crop originating from the stubble left after the previous main rice crop (MR) harvest. There has been little previous study on methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from ratoon paddy fields. A 3‐year field experiment was conducted to simultaneously measure CH4 and N2O emissions from traditional single rice (SR) and MR + RR fields in Sichuan Province, southwest China. The CH4 and N2O flux peaks were earlier for MR than SR. The CH4 emissions from the RR season accounted for 8–30% of total emissions from MR + RR. Compared with SR, MR + RR increased seasonal CH4 emissions by 3–15%. Correlation analysis showed that the seasonal variation of CH4 fluxes for MR + RR was significantly related to soil redox potential (Eh). The proportion of emitted N2O from RR to MR + RR was 11–42%. The average cumulative N2O emissions from MR and MR + RR were increased by 49 and 110% relative to those from SR plots across the 3 years, respectively. The global warming potential (GWP) of RR occupied 10–27% of MR + RR. The GWP of MR + RR was 7–62% higher than that of SR, and it was chiefly dependent on the contribution of CH4 emissions, despite the greater increase in N2O emissions. Grain yield in RR was 11–18% of that in MR + RR. MR + RR significantly increased rice yield by 19%, but the yield‐scaled GWP was comparable to SR. Our results suggest that MR + RR increases the amount of CH4 and N2O emissions from rice paddy fields and rice grain yield. The yield gaps of ratoon rice would be narrowed by optimizing field management practices to realize sustainable rice production under future climate change conditions. The CH4 and N2O emission peaks of ratoon rice were earlier than those of single rice. The CH4 and N2O emissions from ratoon rice fields were significantly higher than from single rice fields. Ratoon rice significantly increased yield and GWP compared to single rice. No significant difference in yield‐scaled GWP was observed between ratoon rice and single rice.Highlights
The CH2 and N2O emission peaks of ratoon rice were earlier than those of single rice.
The CH4 and N2O emissions from ratoon rice fields were significantly higher than from single rice fields.
Ratoon rice significantly increased yield and GWP compared to single rice.
No significant difference in yield‐scaled GWP was observed between ratoon rice and single rice.
Rapamycin attenuates depression and anxiety‐like behaviors through modulation of the NLRP3 pathway in pentylenetetrazole‐kindled male Wistar rats
Authors: Aghaie Fatemeh , Moradifar Fatemeh , Hosseini Abdolkarim 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere is cumulative evidence that shows the effect of epilepsy on behavioral conditions like anxiety and depression.ObjectivesThe effects of rapamycin on anxiety and depression caused by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in the rat and possible underlying mechanisms were evaluated.MethodsMale Wistar rats were divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental groups were treated with intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg of rapamycin, while the control group received normal saline only. Kindling was induced by sub‐threshold dose (35 mg/kg, i.p.) of PTZ for one month. When the kindling procedure was done, the seizure behaviors and the behavioral function were evaluated. For anxiety parameters, the elevated plus maze (EPM) was used. The forced swim test was employed to assess the antidepressant potential. At the end of the experiment, rats were euthanized and the blood serum and brain samples were isolated for respective measurement of oxidative stress and gene expression parameters.ResultsRapamycin delayed the development of kindling and the onset time of seizures. Rapamycin administration reduced immobility time in the FST, exerting antidepressant‐like activity. In the EPM test, rapamycin produced an anxiolytic‐like effect. In addition, rapamycin increased the catalase and superoxide dismutase levels in the serum and significantly decreased the gene expression of I11b and Nlrp3 compared to the PTZ group.ConclusionOur results showed that the inhibitory effect of mTOR inhibitor (rapamycin) on reactive oxygen species production during NLRP3 inflammasome activation could bring about behavioral alterations in anxiety and depression.
Reproductive effort of Caragana microphylla under long‐term grazing exclusion in a semi‐arid grassland
Authors: Xie Lina , Guan Linjing , Guo Hongyu , Chen Weizhong , Liu Zhe , Li Qingfang , Ma Chengcang 
Published: May 2021

AbstractGrazing exclusion is a commonly used method to protect and recover herbaceous plants in grasslands, and woody expansion is a common phenomenon in grasslands. However, the effects of grazing exclusion on shrub reproduction remain poorly understood. We investigated the effects of long‐term grazing exclusion (0, 8, 30 and 34 years) on reproductive effort of Caragana microphylla in the semi‐arid Inner Mongolia Steppe. Our results showed that the 8‐year grazing exclusion significantly increased the number of flowers, juvenile pods, mature pods and seed (seed number increased 33.5%) of C. microphylla, however, the 30‐ to 34‐year grazing exclusion significantly decreased seed production (seed number decreased 77.9% and 88.1%) of C. microphylla. The 8‐year grazing exclusion had no significant effect on the single flower weight, while the 30‐ to 34‐year grazing exclusion significantly decreased (31.7% and 38.7%) the single flower weight. The grazing exclusion had no significant effect on the seed number per pod. The 8‐year grazing exclusion significantly increased sexual allocation (31.6%), and it had no significant effect on sexual allocation efficiency; however, the 30‐ to 34‐year grazing exclusion significantly decreased the sexual allocation (50.4% and 70.4%) and sexual allocation efficiency (55.5% and 60.1%). The 8‐year grazing exclusion significantly increased seed weight and seed vigor (seed weight increased 18.7%, seed vigor index increased 28.7%), whereas the 30‐ to 34‐year grazing exclusion decreased these indexes (seed weight decreased 14.2% and 21.0%, seed vigor index decreased 9.1% and 14.7%). These results indicated that the 8‐year grazing exclusion increased reproductive effort of C. microphylla, while the 30‐ to 34‐year grazing exclusion sharply decreased the reproductive effort of this shrub species. Our study suggests long‐term grazing exclusion limited the expansion of shrubs in grassland by decreasing sexual reproduction and thus inhibiting population growth of shrubs.