bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Myogenetic oligodeoxynucleotide complexed with berberine promotes differentiation of chicken myoblasts
Authors: Nihashi Yuma , Shinji Sayaka , Umezawa Koji , Shimosato Takeshi , Ono Tamao , Kagami Hiroshi , Takaya Tomohide 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMyoblasts are myogenic precursors that develop into myotubes during muscle formation. Improving efficiency of myoblast differentiation is important for advancing meat production by domestic animals. We recently identified novel oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) termed myogenetic ODNs (myoDNs) that promote the differentiation of mammalian myoblasts. An isoquinoline alkaloid, berberine, forms a complex with one of the myoDNs, iSN04, and enhances its activities. This study investigated the effects of myoDNs on chicken myoblasts to elucidate their species‐specific actions. Seven myoDNs (iSN01–iSN07) were found to facilitate the differentiation of chicken myoblasts into myosin heavy chain (MHC)‐positive myotubes. The iSN04–berberine complex exhibited a higher myogenetic activity than iSN04 alone, which was shown to enhance the differentiation of myoblasts into myotubes and the upregulation of myogenic gene expression (MyoD, myogenin, MHC, and myomaker). These data indicate that myoDNs promoting chicken myoblast differentiation may be used as potential feed additives in broiler diets.
Genetic analysis for sow stayability at different parities in purebred Landrace and Large White pigs
Authors: Ogawa Shinichiro , Kimata Makoto , Ishii Kazuo , Uemoto Yoshinobu , Satoh Masahiro 
Published: July 2021

AbstractGenetic parameters for sow stayability were estimated from farrowing records of 10,295 Landrace sows and 8192 Large White sows. The record for sow stayability from paritykto parityk + 1 (k = 1, …, 6) was 0 when a sow had a farrowing record at paritykbut not at parityk + 1, and 1 when a sow had both records. Heritability was estimated by using single‐trait linear and threshold animal models. Genetic correlations among parities were estimated by using two‐trait linear–linear and single‐trait random regression linear animal models. Genetic correlations with litter traits at birth were estimated by using a two‐trait linear–linear animal model. Heritability estimates by linear model analysis were low (0.065–0.119 in Landrace & 0.061–0.157 in Large White); those by threshold model analysis were higher (0.136–0.200 & 0.110–0.283). Genetic correlations among parities differed between breeds and models. Genetic correlation between sow stayability and number born alive was positive in many cases, implying that selection for number born alive does not reduce sow stayability. The results seem to be affected by decisions on culling made by farmers.
Do neighbours matter? The effect of single‐ and mixed‐species sowing density on seed germination of annual wetland plants
Authors: Bao Francielli , Rossatto Davi Rodrigo , Pott Arnildo , Elsey‐Quirk Tracy , de Assis Marco Antonio , Arruda Rafael , Ramos Desirée Marques 
Published: July 2021

AbstractQuestionGermination is one of the decisive processes influencing species presence and plant community structure. Here, we investigated the influence of seed density and single and mixed species on germination percentage and timing using annual wetland plants of the Pantanal in Brazil.LocationSeeds were collected from annual species occupying a seasonally flooded grassland, at Fazenda São Bento (19°29′27,3″ S; 57°01′55,9″ W), in the Abobral sub‐region, Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul (Central‐West Brazil).MethodsExperiments on the effects of seed density dependence on the germination time in intraspecific (single‐species) and interspecific (mixed‐species) treatments were conducted with ten annual species at three levels: for intraspecific — scarce (one seed), moderate (10 seeds), and high (20 seeds); and for interspecific — low (one each), medium (10) and abundant (20).ResultsThe germination percentage was independent of density and species mixtures. Germination time was density‐dependent for the mixed‐species treatment, but not the single‐species treatments. Six species had a shorter germination time, suggesting a group priority effect. Other species delayed or did not alter their germination time, indicating that the response to intraspecific seed densities is species‐specific.ConclusionThese findings illustrate that even though species have a history of coexistence and characteristics of rapid germination, seeds can alter germination time if they perceive neighbouring seeds of other species. Species that respond with a faster germination time may have a competitive advantage for recruitment and growth. These terrestrial species show high initial colonization power, which is essential in the regeneration of wetlands after flood disturbance.
Unicorn “holotype” skeleton from the Late Pleistocene spotted hyena den site Sewecken‐Berge (Germany)
Authors: Diedrich Cajus G. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractLate Pleistocene Ice Age spotted hyena remains are described from the “Unicorn holotype skeleton” gypsum karst site Quedlinburg‐Sewecken‐Berge, Germany (Central Europe). The hyena population consists of adolescent to late adult individuals (96% of hyena NISP; 15% of megafauna NISP) indicating a commuting den site type. The comparisons to other European bone assemblages support hunting specialization on woolly rhinoceros (19% of NISP) and horses (27% of NISP). Specialization on bovids (Bison/Bos) can be added for this site. The megafauna contain few Eemian warm period remains of a large horseEquus ferus fossilis. Most (95%) of the megafauna is attributed to the Late Pleistocene glacial (Weichselian/Wuermian). Horse bones are dominated by distal leg elements from the smaller Przewalski horsesEquus ferus przewalskii(26% of NISP). The Unicorn “holotype” skeleton originates from a composed horse skull, vertebrae and front legs, whereas the elephant remains added to this biologically not valid species must have been a straight‐tusked elephant tusk.
Neuronal regeneration: Vertebrates comparative overview and new perspectives for neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Alesci Alessio , Pergolizzi Simona , Lo Cascio Patrizia , Fumia Angelo , Lauriano Eugenia Rita 
Published: July 2021

AbstractNeurodegenerative diseases afflict a significant percentage of the world's population. The human nervous system is unable to regenerate after an insult, or due to senility, while low vertebrates still exhibit this ability. Comparative neurobiology can increase knowledge about neuronal degeneration and regeneration. Anamni vertebrates retain the ability to regenerate up to large areas of the nervous system. The regenerative ability of central nervous system components depends on the phylogenetic distance between classes of vertebrates. It decreases during evolution. Teleosts can skilfully regenerate brain, spinal cord and retina. Amphibians and reptiles can only regenerate certain areas; spinal cord regeneration in reptiles is limited to axonal regrowth. Retina regeneration is possible in bird embryo but not in the adult. In this review, we analyse how the regeneration of neurons occurs in different classes of vertebrates, and how the study of these mechanisms could be applied to the search for new therapies for neurodegenerative disorders.
On the move: sloths and their epibionts as model mobile ecosystems
Authors: Kaup Maya , Trull Sam , Hom Erik F. Y. 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTSloths are unusual mobile ecosystems, containing a high diversity of epibionts living and growing in their fur as they climb slowly through the canopies of tropical forests. These epibionts include poorly studied algae, arthropods, fungi, and bacteria, making sloths likely reservoirs of unexplored biodiversity. This review aims to identify gaps and eliminate misconceptions in our knowledge of sloths and their epibionts, and to identify key questions to stimulate future research into the functions and roles of sloths within a broader ecological and evolutionary context. This review also seeks to position the sloth fur ecosystem as a model for addressing fundamental questions in metacommunity and movement ecology. The conceptual and evidence‐based foundation of this review aims to serve as a guide for future hypothesis‐driven research into sloths, their microbiota, sloth health and conservation, and the coevolution of symbioses in general.
Tayra (Eira barbara) landscape use as a function of cover types, forest protection, and the presence of puma and free‐ranging dogs
Authors: Bianchi Rita , Jenkins Julianna M. A. , Lesmeister Damon B. , Gouvea Jéssica Abonízio , Cesário Clarice Silva , Fornitano Larissa , de Oliveira Mateus Yan , de Morais Kimberly Danielle Rodrigues , Ribeiro Renan Lieto Alves , Gompper Matthew E. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe tayra (Eira barbara) is a common and broadly distributed Neotropical carnivore, yet is not well‐studied. While this species is apparently associated with forested habitats, it also appears tolerant of some anthropogenic disturbance. We deployed 57 unbaited camera traps (n = 4923 trap‐days) in and around a protected area (Furnas do Bom Jesus State Park, São Paulo, Brazil) to survey for tayra and two potentially interactive species: puma (Puma concolor) and free‐ranging dogs (Canis familiaris). We used encounter histories generated from photographs and occupancy models to quantify tayra landscape use in the human‐dominated landscape composed of the protected area that was near a city and surrounded by agricultural lands dominated by small farms. We fit co‐occurrence models to understand whether puma and free‐ranging dogs affected landscape use by tayra. We detected tayra at 44% of sites and found that tayra landscape use increased with the proportion of forest cover within 500 m of the sampling site. Other factors predicting tayra landscape use included whether the sampling site was within the protected area, its distance to water, and slope. Dogs, which are common on the periphery of the protected area, seem to have a weak negative effect on tayra landscape use. Because of the concentration of forest within the park, this is an important protected area for the carnivore population within this human‐modified landscape. Thus, environmental variables, such as forest cover, distance to water, as well as administrative protection status, are important for understanding local‐scale tayra distribution.Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Administrative tribunals and equity: Military sexual assault survivors at the Veterans Review and Appeal Board
Authors: Eichler Maya 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis article examines Veterans Review and Appeal Board (VRAB) decisions on military sexual assault related claims for disability entitlements since fiscal year 2009‐2010. These decisions have had significantly lower favourability rates than the average, despite recent improvements. As the case of VRAB shows, administrative tribunals may not be well equipped to ensure equitable outcomes for all users, calling into question their effectiveness as instruments of justice. Equity needs to become an explicit objective in the work of administrative tribunals, while external scrutiny may be necessary to ensure it is achieved.
Le droit de contracter avec l'État : Le principe d'égalité devant le service public en droit des marchés publics québécois
Authors: Jobidon Nicholas 
Published: July 2021

SommairePour favoriser la concurrence entre les entreprises qui participent aux appels d’offres des organismes publics, une certaine jurisprudence reconnaît historiquement un droit égal à toutes les entreprises de conclure un contrat avec l'État : il s'agirait d’une expression du principe d'égalité devant le service public. Or, en parallèle avec les travaux de la Commission d'enquête sur l'industrie de la construction, le législateur québécois a adopté diverses normes visant à restreindre les entreprises pouvant déposer une soumission en réponse à un appel d'offres d'un organisme public ou municipal québécois. Ce principe est‐il toujours applicable au Québec, et si oui, quelle est sa portée au vu des modifications législatives récentes? Contracter avec l'État québécois est‐il toujours un droit, ou s'agit‐il maintenant plutôt d'un privilège?
Recent research on public procurement: Should it become a subfield of public administration?
Authors: Hudon Pierre‐André , Dumas Philippe , Garzón César 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis article presents a descriptive review of public procurement research conducted between 2010 and 2018 based on the coding of a sample of 743 relevant articles. We use the results to build a case for making public procurement a subfield of public administration research. We first present a systematic framework for studying public procurement that lays the ground for the coding strategy. Second, we outline the scope and method of the research, and then describe our findings regarding the most important topics, journals and authors in the recent literature on public procurement. Finally, we suggest how to improve the visibility and relevance of public procurement research in public administration journals.
Improving function of cytotoxic T‐lymphocytes by transforming growth factor‐β inhibitor in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kondo Yutaro , Suzuki Susumu , Takahara Taishi , Ono Shoya , Goto Mitsuo , Miyabe Satoru , Sugita Yoshihiko , Ogawa Tetsuya , Ito Hideaki , Satou Akira , Tsuzuki Toyonori , Yoshikawa Kazuhiro , Ueda Ryuzo , Nagao Toru 
Published: July 2021

AbstractImmunotherapy with immune‐checkpoint therapy has recently been used to treat oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs). However, improvements in current immunotherapy are expected because response rates are limited. Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) creates an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) by inducing the production of regulatory T‐cells (Tregs) and cancer‐associated fibroblasts and inhibiting the function of cytotoxic T‐lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer cells. TGF‐β may be an important target in the development of novel cancer immunotherapies. In this study, we investigated the suppressive effect of TGF‐β on CTL function in vitro using OSCC cell lines and their specific CTLs. Moreover, TGFB1 mRNA expression and T‐cell infiltration in 25 OSCC tissues were examined by in situ hybridization and multifluorescence immunohistochemistry. We found that TGF‐β suppressed the function of antigen‐specific CTLs in the priming and effector phases in vitro. Additionally, TGF‐β inhibitor effectively restored the CTL function, and TGFB1 mRNA was primarily expressed in the tumor invasive front. Interestingly, we found a significant negative correlation between TGFB1 mRNA expression and the CD8+ T‐cell/Treg ratio and between TGFB1 mRNA expression and the Ki‐67 expression in CD8+ T‐cells, indicating that TGF‐β also suppressed the function of CTLs in situ. Our findings suggest that the regulation of TGF‐β function restores the immunosuppressive TME to active status and is important for developing new immunotherapeutic strategies, such as a combination of immune‐checkpoint inhibitors and TGF‐β inhibitors, for OSCCs.
Clinical and laboratory findings in patients with leukocyte adhesion deficiency type I: A multicenter study in Turkey
Authors: Yaz Ismail , Ozbek Begum , Bildik Hacer Neslihan , Tan Cagman , Oskay Halacli Sevil , Soyak Aytekin Elif , Esenboga Saliha , Cekic Sukru , Kilic Sara Sebnem , Keskin Ozlem , van Leeuwen Karin , Roos Dirk , Cagdas Deniz , Tezcan Ilhan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Leukocyte adhesion deficiency type I is a rare primary immunodeficiency disorder characterized by mutations in the ITGB2 gene encoding CD18. We present clinical and immunological features of 15 patients with leukocyte adhesion deficiency type 1 (LAD-1). Targeted next-generation sequencing was performed with either a primary immunodeficiency gene panel comprising 266 genes or a small LAD-panel consisting of five genes for genetic analysis. To measure the expression level of integrins on the leukocyte surface, flow cytometry analysis was performed. The median age of the patients at diagnosis was 3 (1–48) months. Eleven (73%) of the 15 patients had a LAD-1 diagnosis in their first 6 months and 14 (93%) patients had consanguineous parents. Delayed separation of the umbilical cord was present in 80% (n = 12) of the patients in our cohort, whereas omphalitis was observed in 53% (n = 8) of the patients. Leukocytosis with neutrophil predominance was observed in 73% (n = 11) patients. Nine distinct variants in the ITGB2 gene in 13 of the 15 patients with LAD-1 were characterized, two of which (c.305_306delAA and c.779_786dup) are novel homozygous mutations of ITGB2. Four unrelated patients from Syria had a novel c.305_306delAA mutation that might be a founder effect for patients of Syrian origin. Four (27%) patients underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Two patients died because of HSCT complications and the other two are alive and well. Early differential diagnosis of the patients is critical in the management of the disease and genetic evaluation provides a basis for family studies and genetic counseling.
Elective minimally invasive surgery for sigmoid diverticulitis: operative outcomes of patients with complicated versus uncomplicated disease
Authors: Mizrahi Ido , Abu‐Gazala Mahmoud , Fernandez Laura M. , Krizzuk Dimitri , Ioannidis Argyrios , Wexner Steven D. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimThe aim of this work was to compare the results of elective minimally invasive surgery between patients with complicated sigmoid diverticulitis and those with uncomplicated disease.MethodAn institutional review board‐approved database was searched for all consecutive patients who underwent elective minimally invasive surgery, including laparoscopic, hand‐assisted and robotic sigmoidectomy, for diverticulitis between 2010 and 2017; they were classified according to the modified Hinchey classification as having complicated (abscess, fistula, stricture, obstruction, bleeding or previous perforation) versus uncomplicated disease. Data recorded included baseline demographics, indications for surgery, operative details and complications.ResultsThree hundred and twenty‐five patients underwent elective sigmoidectomy for complicated (n = 105) and uncomplicated (n = 220) diverticulitis. Surgical indications for complicated disease were abscess (n = 74), stricture (n = 14), fistula (n = 28) and bleeding (n = 7). The two groups were statistically comparable for age, gender, body mass index and American Society of Anesthesiologists score. Patients with complicated disease had higher rates of concomitant loop ileostomy creation (9.5% vs. 0.9%, p < 0.001) and synchronous resections (9.5% vs. 2.7%, p = 0.01), higher volumes of blood loss (177 ± 140 vs. 125 ± 92 ml, p < 0.001), longer length of stay (5.6 ± 3 vs. 4.8 ± 2 days, p = 0.04) and longer operating time (218.2 ± 59 vs. 185.8 ± 63 min, p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in anastomotic leakage (3% vs. 1%, p = 0.3), conversion to laparotomy (4.8% vs. 2.3%, p = 0.3) or overall complications (36% vs. 25.9%, p = 0.06) for complicated versus uncomplicated disease, respectively.ConclusionMinimally invasive surgery for complicated diverticulitis resulted in higher rates of construction of proximal ileostomy and synchronous resections and longer operating times and length of hospital stay. Otherwise, it has outcomes that are not significantly different from the results recorded in patients with uncomplicated disease.
Ileorectal anastomosis in patients with Crohn’s disease. Postoperative complications and functional outcome—a systematic review
Authors: Bælum Jens Kristian , Qvist Niels , Ellebæk Mark Bremholm 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimThe objective of this systematic review was to investigate the outcomes of ileorectal anastomosis (IRA) in Crohn’s disease and to clarify whether there are any time‐related trends in outcome measures. The primary outcomes are risk of anastomotic leakage, death, clinical recurrence and subsequent diverting or permanent stoma and/or proctectomy. Secondary end‐points are quality of life and functional outcome.MethodsSystematic searches were conducted using the Cochrane Library, Embase and MEDLINE. The complete search strategy is uploaded online at http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/. Human studies in English with over five subjects were included and no limit was set regarding the date of publication. All relevant studies were screened by two reviewers. The web‐based software platform www.covidence.org was used for primary screening of the title, abstract, full‐text review and data extraction.ResultsThe search identified 2231 unique articles. After the screening process, 37 remained.Key results were an overall anastomotic leak rate of 6.4%; cumulative rates of clinical recurrence of 43% and 67% at 5 and 10 years, respectively; an overall rate of proctectomy of 18.9%; and subsequent ileostomy required in 18.8%. Only one study presented useful data on quality of life. Recurrence rates remained stable over time. A small decline in the anastomotic leak rate was found.ConclusionsOnly minor improvements in the outcomes of IRA in patients with Crohn´s disease have occurred during the past 50 years regarding anastomotic leakage and recurrence, except for a slight increase in the rate of a functioning IRA. These results call for implementation guidelines in patient selection for IRA and postoperative medical treatment and follow‐up.
The association between sleep quality, health status and disability due to breathlessness in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients
Authors: Ghalehbandi Mirfarhad , Khosravifar Shahrzad , Aloosh Oldooz , Rahimi‐Golkhandan Ania , Abounoori Mahdi , Aloosh Amirmohammad , Afshar Hale , Khosravifar Shaghayegh 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increases susceptibility to sleep disturbances. This study aimed to evaluate the association between COPD severity criteria with sleep quality.MethodsOne hundred fifty‐eight patients in Rasul Akram Hospital of Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, from April 2019 to March 2021 diagnosed with COPD were examined using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), COPD Assessment Test (CAT), modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnoea scale, spirometry and pulse oximetry.ResultsOf 158 subjects, 125 patients were male (79%), and 33 were female (21%). The mean subject's age and FEV1/FVC ratio were 62.6 ± 11.5 and 65.6 ± 14.9%, respectively. The mean CAT scoring and Spo2 saturation reported 16.2 ± 7 and 91.5 ± 10.8%, respectively. The mean PSQI score was 8.2 ± 3.8. The association between PSQI score with FEV1 and FEV1/FVC ratio was not statistically significant (p = 0.64 and 0.58, respectively), whereas the association between PSQI scores with CAT score (p ˂ 0.0001, r2 = 0.51) and dyspnoea severity (p ˂ 0.0001, r2 = 0.29) were statistically significant. The patients with higher CAT score demonstrated poor sleep quality, particularly in longer sleep latency (p = 0.001, r2 = 0.056), bad subjective sleep quality (p ˂ 0.0001, r2 = 0.286), lower sleep efficiency (p = 0.002, r2 = 0.077), higher sleep disturbance (p ˂ 0.0001, r2 = 0.225), daytime dysfunction (p ˂ 0.0001, r2 = 0.259) and sleep medication intake times a week (p = 0.01, r2 = 0.069). Dyspnoea severity was attributed to bad subjective sleep quality (p ˂ 0.0001, r2 = 0.069), higher sleep disturbances (p = 0.005, r2 = 0.08), and daytime dysfunction (p ˂ 0.0001, r2 = 0.108).ConclusionThe PSQI has a significant association with the CAT and mMRC for COPD patients and is linked to the disease's severity.