bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Growth and maturity of the lesser‐spotted dogfish Scyliorhinus canicula (Linnaeus, 1758) in the southern Portuguese continental coast
Authors: Moreira Inês , Figueiredo Ivone , Farias Inês , Lagarto Neide , Maia Catarina , Robalo Joana , Moura Teresa 
Published: September 2021

AbstractGrowth and reproductive parameters were estimated for Scyliorhinus canicula from the south‐western Portuguese coast. The sample consisted of 148 specimens with total length ranging from 187 to 580 mm (82 males and 66 females). Maximum ages assigned to males and females were 12 and 13 years, respectively. Linf and k were estimated as 63.6 cm and 0.16 year−1 for males and 63.2 and 0.15 year−1 for females. Length and age at first maturity were estimated as 42.6 cm and 6 years for males and 44.5 cm and 7 years for females.
Tilapia Lake Virus was not detected in non‐tilapine species within tilapia polyculture systems of Bangladesh
Authors: Debnath Partho Pratim , Dinh‐Hung Nguyen , Taengphu Suwimon , Nguyen Vuong Viet , Delamare‐Deboutteville Jerome , Senapin Saengchan , Vishnumurthy Mohan Chadag , Dong Ha Thanh , Rodkhum Channarong 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSixteen countries, including Bangladesh, have reported the presence of tilapia lake virus (TiLV), an emerging tilapia pathogen. Fish polyculture is a common farming practice in Bangladesh. Some unusual mortalities reported in species co‐cultivated with TiLV‐infected tilapia led us to investigate whether any of the co‐cultivated species would also test positive for TiLV and whether they were susceptible to TiLV infection under controlled laboratory experiments. Using 183 samples obtained from 15 farms in six districts across Bangladesh, we determined that 20% of the farms tested positive for TiLV in tilapia, while 15 co‐cultivated fish species and seven other invertebrates (e.g. insects and crustaceans) considered potential carriers all tested negative. Of the six representative fish species experimentally infected with TiLV, only Nile tilapia showed the typical clinical signs of the disease, with 70% mortality within 12 days. By contrast, four carp species and one catfish species challenged with TiLV showed no signs of TiLV infection. Challenged tilapia were confirmed as TiLV‐positive by RT‐qPCR, while challenged carp and walking catfish all tested negative. Overall, our field and laboratory findings indicate that species used in polycultures are not susceptible to TiLV. Although current evidence suggests that TiLV is likely host‐specific to tilapia, targeted surveillance for TiLV in other fish species in polyculture systems should continue, in order to prepare for a possible future scenario where TiLV mutates and/or adapts to new host(s).
Mixed Salmonella cultures reveal competitive advantages between strains during pre‐enrichment and selective enrichment
Authors: Larsen Bryan R. , Richardson Kurt E. , Obe Tomi , Schaeffer Cheryl , Shariat Nikki W. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractCulture‐based Salmonella isolation consists of nonselective pre‐enrichment, followed by selective enrichment in Rappaport–Vassiliadis (RV) or tetrathionate (TT) broths, and subsequent plating on selective indicator agar. This study aimed to assess the recovery of two strains belonging to serovars Montevideo (strain ATCC‐8387) and Typhimurium (strain ATCC‐14028) when grown together in different media. The two strains were co‐inoculated 1:1, 10:1, 100:1, and the reciprocal, and CRISPR‐SeroSeq was used to assess the relative frequency of both strains after each culture step. Individually, there was no growth difference between both strains in universal pre‐enrichment (UP) or RV broths, though both strains had a higher growth in the former. In TT, both strains had reduced growth, especially ser. Montevideo‐8387. When the strains were combined, the growth of ser. Typhimurium‐14028 strain was higher in UP and TT broths, while the ser. Montevideo strain was higher in RV broth. The ser. Typhimurium strain also grew better on xylose lysine tergitol‐4 (XLT‐4) agar. Using media that are commonly used for Salmonella isolation, this work reveals strain‐to‐strain differences in growth and that in three conditions (UP, RV, XLT‐4), these differences were only manifested when the strains were in competition with each other. These findings illustrate the importance of dual selective enrichments to be able to capture all Salmonella present in a sample.
From efficiency to equity: Changing patterns of China's regional transportation systems from an in‐use steel stocks perspective
Authors: Xu Shuntian , Wang Huaxuan , Tian Xin , Wang Tao , Tanikawa Hiroki 
Published: September 2021

AbstractTransportation serves as a bridge for social production, distribution, exchange, and consumption and, thus, plays an important role in boosting the economy. In recent years, the rapid development of China's transportation system has driven a continuous accumulation of steel. In this study, we estimated the in‐use steel stocks of 32 types of infrastructure and vehicles in three subsystems (railway, road, and subway) in 31 provinces of China from 1990 to 2019 based on a bottom‐up approach. The results show that China's in‐use steel stock in the transportation system has increased to 575 Mt in 2019 (34.4% for infrastructure, 65.6% for vehicle). Spatially, this increasing trend shows six diversified patterns among 31 provinces; steel stocks tend to decrease from the east to central and western inland areas. The Gini coefficient curve of the provinces’ stocks shows an inverted “U” shape over time, indicating a shrinking regional gap in recent years; this reflects a transition from efficiency to equity. We also measured the steel stock productivity (GDP per stock) in different regions and observed its diverse evolution types. The stock productivities in all regions climbed up initially, but have dropped in recent years, and the most obvious decrease is observed in western China. For eastern regions, vehicles have been the main growth point in recent years, while western regions are vigorously developing infrastructure. Our results help to illustrate the development status and spatial distribution of China's transportation system and could facilitate improved efficiency and the management of future challenges in China's transformation and development.
Rice seed storage proteins: Biosynthetic pathways and the effects of environmental factors
Authors: He Wei , Wang Long , Lin Qinlu , Yu Feng 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACTRice (Oryza sativa L.) is the most important food crop for at least half of the world's population. Due to improved living standards, the cultivation of high‐quality rice for different purposes and markets has become a major goal. Rice quality is determined by the presence of many nutritional components, including seed storage proteins (SSPs), which are the second most abundant nutrient components of rice grains after starch. Rice SSP biosynthesis requires the participation of multiple organelles and is influenced by the external environment, making it challenging to understand the molecular details of SSP biosynthesis and improve rice protein quality. In this review, we highlight the current knowledge of rice SSP biosynthesis, including a detailed description of the key molecules involved in rice SSP biosynthetic processes and the major environmental factors affecting SSP biosynthesis. The effects of these factors on SSP accumulation and their contribution to rice quality are also discussed based on recent findings. This recent knowledge suggests not only new research directions for exploring rice SSP biosynthesis but also innovative strategies for breeding high‐quality rice varieties.
A pilot randomised controlled trial of befriending by volunteers in people with intellectual disability and depressive symptoms
Authors: Ali A. , McKenzie E. , Hassiotis A. , Priebe S. , Lloyd‐Evans B. , Jones R. , Panca M. , Omar R. , Finning S. , Moore S. , Roe C. , King M. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundPeople with intellectual disability (ID) are more likely to experience chronic depression compared with the general population, which may be compounded by loneliness and lower levels of social support. Befriending aims to provide social support and promote engagement in community activities. No randomised controlled trials have examined whether befriending improves symptoms of depression and social outcomes in people with ID. The aim of this pilot trial was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a future larger trial of one‐to‐one befriending by volunteers in people with ID and depressive symptoms.MethodsParticipants were adults with mild or moderate ID with a score of 5 or more on the Glasgow Depression Scale for People with Learning Disabilities (GDS‐LD). They were randomised to the intervention arm (matched to a volunteer befriender for 6 months) or the control arm (usual care). Volunteers received training and supervision provided by two community befriending schemes. The main outcomes were feasibility of recruitment (minimum target n = 35), retention rate of participants, adherence (minimum 10 meetings), acceptability of the intervention, changes in depressive symptoms (assessed at baseline and 6 months) and feasibility of collecting data for a health economic analysis.ResultsRecruitment was challenging, and only 16 participants with ID and 10 volunteers were recruited. Six participants were matched with a volunteer and no participants dropped out (except for two volunteers). Four participants completed 10 meetings (mean 11.8). Befriending was thought to be acceptable, but modifications were suggested. An exploratory analysis suggested that GDS‐LD score was lower in the intervention group compared with the control group after adjusting for baseline scores, but not significant (adjusted mean difference: −4.0; 95% confidence interval: −11.2 to 3.2).ConclusionsA large trial would not be feasible based on the recruitment strategies employed in this study. A further feasibility study addressing these challenges or the use of other study designs should be considered.
Professional learning using storytelling videos of childbirth experiences: A qualitative pilot study of student midwives' perceptions in Myanmar
Authors: Noya Asako , Oguro Michiko , Horiuchi Shigeko 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimsTo explore and describe Myanmar student midwives' perceptions of professional learning using storytelling videos of women's childbirth experiences by conducting a qualitative study and to assess potential pedagogical uses of storytelling videos in midwifery education.MethodsThis pilot study used a qualitative content analysis study design implemented as part of the Diversity and commonalities of birth from women's voice sharing project of the Toyota Foundation. Storytelling videos of the childbirth experiences of seven Asian women (three Myanmar, three Lao, and one Japanese women) were viewed by the students. Thereafter, a semistructured interview with focus group discussion was conducted to explore and assess the students' perceptions.Setting: Kyaing Tong township, Shan State, Myanmar.Participants: Five second‐year midwifery students from a single midwifery training school in Myanmar.ResultsData analysis of their perceptions yielded four major categories: (1) deep reverence for women/mothers;; (2) respectful attitude as a midwife to support mothers; (3) wish for a safe and secure birth environment; and (4) importance of learning from the mother's voice.ConclusionsThe student midwives realized the importance of listening to the mothers' voices regardless of the nationalities or cultural background. The findings indicated that the storytelling videos broadened the students' perspectives of pregnancy and childbirth, and motivated them to provide better maternity care. Storytelling videos of childbirth experiences can be powerful educational materials for enhancing professional learning of student midwives.
The correlation between tumor thickness and aggressive histopathological pattern in Basal cell carcinoma
Authors: Gülseren Duygu , Elçin Gonca , Erkin Gül , Gököz Özay 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe significance of tumor thickness is not clear in the prognosis of basal cell carcinoma. We aimed to identify the relationship between the tumor thickness and aggressive histopathological growth pattern in BCC.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 85 primary BCCs of 82 patients. A total of 78 (91.7%) tumor slides were available for review, 7 (8.2%) missing slides in archive could not to be re‐evaluated. We recorded the histological subtype, ulceration, perineural invasion, and the tumor thickness. Tumors with infiltrative, micronodular, morpheaform and basosquamous features were classified as having an aggressive growth pattern.ResultsThe aggressive growth pattern was determined in 21 (26.9%) tumors with a mean tumor thickness of 2.19 ± 0.71 mm (range, 0.9–3.40). The non‐aggressive growth pattern was detected in 57 (73%) tumors and the mean tumor thickness was 1.76 ± 0.87 mm (range 0.50–4.40 mm). There was a statistically significant difference in the mean tumor thickness between the tumors with aggressive growth pattern and non‐aggressive growth pattern (p = 0.033).ConclusionTumor thickness might have positive correlation with aggressive histological pattern. Measuring and reporting tumor thickness may be a more practical way to determine the pathological risk for BCC.
Expression and significance of laminin receptor in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue
Authors: Matsuo Katsuhisa , Akiba Jun , Ogasawara Sachiko , Kondo Reiichiro , Naito Yoshiki , Kusano Hironori , Sanada Sakiko , Kakuma Tatsuyuki , Kusukawa Jingo , Yano Hirohisa 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundLaminin receptor is a non‐integrin cell‐surface receptor that binds laminin present on the basement membrane. It has been reported to be associated with infiltration and metastasis of various malignant tumors. However, no studies regarding tongue cancer have been reported. This study aimed to clarify the role of laminin receptor in squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.MethodsWe performed immunohistochemical staining of specimens from 66 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue and assessed laminin receptor expression and clinicopathological factors. As epithelial‐mesenchymal transition has been shown to be associated with infiltration and metastasis of malignant tumors, staining for E‐cadherin, vimentin, and N‐cadherin were also performed.ResultsOf 20 patients with postoperative recurrence, 14 exhibited high laminin receptor expression (p = 0.0025). Kaplan‐Meier analysis revealed a significantly shorter time to postoperative recurrence for the high laminin receptor expression group than that for the low laminin receptor expression group (p = 0.0008). Based on multivariate analyses for postoperative recurrence, high laminin receptor expression was associated with poor prognosis (high expression vs. low expression; HR =3.19, 95% CI =0.92–11.08; p = 0.0682). There was a correlation between laminin receptor and N‐cadherin (p = 0.0089) but not between laminin receptor and E‐cadherin (p = 0.369) or vimentin (p = 0.4221).ConclusionThese results suggest that high laminin receptor expression is a useful prognostic factor for postoperative recurrence and may be a target for molecular therapy to treat squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.
Development of soy‐based nanocomposite film: Modeling for barrier and mechanical properties and its application as cheese slice separator
Authors: V. Ajesh Kumar , M. Pravitha , Srivastav Prem Prakash , Mangaraj Shukadev , R. Pandiselvam , Hasan Muzaffar 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn the current study, soybean aqueous extract (SAE)‐based nanocomposite film was developed by incorporating cellulose nanofiber (CNF) at various concentrations (0–10%). Effect of nanoreinforcement on essential properties of the nanocomposite film such as barrier, mechanical, water affinity, and optical properties were evaluated. Homogeneous films with improved barrier and mechanical properties were observed until 6% CNF, beyond which considerable reduction in desirable properties was noticed due to nanoparticle's agglomeration effect. Furthermore, the prediction of the mechanical and barrier properties of nanocomposite film was performed with mathematical models such as modified Halpin–Tsai and modified Nielsen equations, respectively. The model‐fitting results reveal that the theoretically predicted values were in close agreement with the experimental values. Hence, these models were well suited for predicting respective properties. Model prediction also implies that the increase in the aspect ratio of fillers can considerably cause a reduction in water vapor permeability and improvement in mechanical properties. Suitability of developed film as cheese slice separator was evaluated: they had equivalent outcomes in terms of easiness in slice separation and wholeness of slices after separation compared to the commercial material.
The effects of cortical bone thickness and miniscrew implant root proximity on the success rate of miniscrew implant: A retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Shuting , Choi Yuhsin , Li Wa , Shi Danni , Tang Pei , Yang Li'an , Wang Yu , Yang Xin , Wu Jianyong 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the effects of cortical bone thickness (CBT), miniscrew implant root proximity (MRP) and other related factors on the success rate of miniscrew implant (MSI).Materials and MethodsFour hundred and five MSIs placed in 171 patients were analysed in this retrospective study. The primary predictor variables were CBT and MRP at MSI insertion sites. The predictor variables also included patient, location, MSI design and procedure related factors. The outcome variable was the survival of MSI. The differences in measurement data between success group and failed group were evaluated by the analysis of variance and independent samples t tests. Patient, location, MSI design and procedure related factors associated with the MSI prognosis were analysed by survival analysis with Cox proportional hazard regression model. The P value was set at .05. And the survival curves of independent factors were plotted.ResultsThe overall success rate of MSI was 82.7%. The age of MSI host, CBT, interdental root distance (IRD) and MRP at MSI sites showed no significant differences between failed group and success group. CBT and insertion jaws were independent prognosis factors screened out by Cox proportional hazard regression model. Failure risk (hazard ratio) of MSI with CBT <1 mm was 4.72. The failure risk in the mandible was 3.80 times as high as that in the maxilla.ConclusionInadequate CBT (<1 mm) contributed to the failure of MSI. MSI placed in the maxilla showed better prognosis compared to the mandible. MRP had no significant effect on the prognosis.
LINC00664/miR‐411‐5p/KLF9 feedback loop contributes to the human oral squamous cell carcinoma progression
Authors: Wang Chengyong , Wang Qinglian , Weng Zuquan 
Published: September 2021

AbstractObjectivesOral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most aggressive head and neck cancers with high incidence. Multiple studies have revealed that long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play pivotal roles in tumorigenesis. However, the role of long intergenic non‐protein coding RNA 664 (LINC00664) on the progression of OSCC was still unclear.Subjects and methodsIn this study, the expression of LINC00664 in OSCC tissues and cell lines was detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). The functional role of LINC0664 was estimated by cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8), transwell assays, Western blot in vitro, and xenograft tumor model in vivo. The regulatory mechanism was investigated by RNA‐binding protein immunoprecipitation (RIP), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and luciferase reporter assays.ResultsLINC00664 was found to be upregulated in OSCC tissues and cell lines and was associated with poor prognosis of OSCC patients. LINC00664 knockdown suppressed OSCC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, Kruppel like factor 9 (KLF9) enhanced LINC00664 expression at transcription level. Interestingly, LINC00664 upregulated KLF9 expression by sponging miR‐411‐5p. In addition, knockdown of LINC00664 restrained tumor growth of OSCC in vivo.ConclusionOur study identified the oncogenic roles of LINC00664 in OSCC tumorigenesis and EMT via KLF9/LINC00664/miR‐411‐5p/KLF9 feedback loop, which provides new perspectives of the potential therapeutic target for OSCC.
Many roads to success: different combinations of life‐history traits provide accurate germination timing in seasonally dry environments
Authors: Escobar Diego Fernando Escobar , Rubio de Casas Rafael , Morellato Leonor Patricia Cerdeira 
Published: September 2021

Germination timing is determined by several plant life‐history traits. Seed dormancy regulates the time and place of early plant development and spreads recruitment risks over time. Dispersal phenology and syndrome can influence germination timing and buffer spatial heterogeneity. The ecological requirements for germination (the germination niche) can also influence when and where germination takes place. To date, the relative importance of each of these four traits to ensure the phenological adaptation of individual species in diverse communities remains unexplored. Here, we investigated the functional interactions among them and their relevance in heterogenous, seasonally dry environments.We collected seed dispersal phenology and syndrome for 82 species of the Brazilian savanna (cerrado) and evaluated the dormancy and germination behavior of the seeds of every taxon. Based on these data, we developed two new ecological indexes to estimate the likelihood of a non‐dormant seed to germinate upon dispersal (∆G) and the overall variability of germination through time (σT). We then evaluated the influence of each trait on germination timing within a phylogenetically controlled framework.Our results show that even though germination is concentrated at the beginning of the rainy season, seed dispersal takes place year‐round. Non‐dormant seeds released during the dry season were characterized by high ∆G values that delayed their germination until the onset of the favorable season. Simultaneously, seed dormancy and spatial dispersal (i.e., the two risk‐reduction mechanisms) were negatively correlated as dormancy and high σT values were only prevalent in seeds with reduced spatial dispersal ability. We conclude that the timing of seed germination is ultimately the net outcome of adaptive interactions among life‐history traits, which can result in multiple functionally equivalent phenotypes. It is possible that this might contribute to community diversity by providing opportunities for the coexistence of different species.