bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
TLR7/8 signalling affects X-sperm motility via the GSK3 α/β-hexokinase pathway for the efficient production of sexed dairy goat embryos
Authors: Ren Fa , Xi Huaming , Ren Yijie , Li Yu , Wen Fei , Xian Ming , Zhao Mengjie , Zhu Dawei , Wang Liqiang , Lei Anmin , Hu Jianhong 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundGoat milk is very similar to human milk in terms of its abundant nutrients and ease of digestion. To derive greater economic benefit, farmers require more female offspring (does); however, the buck-to-doe offspring sex ratio is approximately 50%. At present, artificial insemination after the separation of X/Y sperm using flow cytometry is the primary means of controlling the sex of livestock offspring. However, flow cytometry has not been successfully utilised for the separation of X/Y sperm aimed at sexing control in dairy goats.ResultsIn this study, a novel, simple goat sperm sexing technology that activates the toll-like receptor 7/8 (TLR7/8), thereby inhibiting X-sperm motility, was investigated. Our results showed that the TLR7/8 coding goat X-chromosome was expressed in approximately 50% of round spermatids in the testis and sperm, as measured from cross-sections of the epididymis and ejaculate, respectively. Importantly, TLR7/8 was located at the tail of the X-sperm. Upon TLR7/8 activation, phosphorylated forms of glycogen synthase kinase α/β (GSK3 α/β) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) were detected in the X-sperm, causing reduced mitochondrial activity, ATP levels, and sperm motility. High-motility Y-sperm segregated to the upper layer and the low-motility X-sperm, to the lower layer. Following in vitro fertilisation using the TLR7/8-activated sperm from the lower layer, 80.52 ± 6.75% of the embryos were XX females. The TLR7/8-activated sperm were subsequently used for in vivo embryo production via the superovulatory response; nine embryos were collected from the uterus of two does that conceived. Eight of these were XX embryos, and one was an XY embryo.ConclusionsOur study reveals a novel TLR7/8 signalling mechanism that affects X-sperm motility via the GSK3 α/β-hexokinase pathway; this technique could be used to facilitate the efficient production of sexed dairy goat embryos.
Feasibility, tolerance and effects of adding impact loading exercise to pulmonary rehabilitation in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial
Authors: Cecins Erin , Hill Kylie , Taaffe Dennis R. , Manners David , Hill Anne-Marie , Newton Robert U. , Galvão Daniel A. , Cavalheri Vinicius 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disorder linked with a multitude of extra pulmonary manifestations (also known as treatable traits), including low bone mineral density (BMD). To date, no specific guidelines exist for the management of BMD in this population. Impact loading exercise has been identified as an intervention that improves or maintains BMD in other populations. However, the feasibility of and tolerance to impact loading exercise has not been tested in people with COPD. The aim of the proposed study will be to investigate the feasibility and tolerance of adding impact loading exercise to a standard pulmonary rehabilitation programme (PRP) in people with COPD and report its effects on bone health, balance and falls risk.

Methods
This is a protocol for a pilot feasibility and tolerance randomised controlled trial (RCT). Fifty-eight people with COPD will be randomly allocated, on a 1:1 ratio, to either the experimental or control group. Initially, participants in both groups will complete a standard 8-week (twice-weekly) PRP followed by a 32-week period of maintenance exercises. Over the initial 8-week period, participants allocated to the experimental group will also undertake targeted lower limb resistance exercises and commence a programme of impact loading exercises (e.g. bounding and drop jumps). On completion of the initial 8-week PRP, in addition to the standard maintenance exercises, participants in the experimental group will continue with home-based impact loading exercises, four times a week, for the extra 32 weeks. The primary outcome of this study is feasibility of and tolerance to impact loading exercises. Feasibility will be measured using data collected pertaining to recruitment, withdrawal and completion. Adherence to the exercises will be collected using exercise logs. Tolerance to the exercises will be determined using outcomes to assess pain, recording any adverse effects such as a fall and feedback from the participants in semi-structured interviews on completing of the trial. The effects of the 40-week experimental intervention on bone health, balance and falls risk will be reported.

Discussion
This pilot RCT will test the feasibility and tolerance of an intervention that has never been trialed in people with COPD. It will also provide initial information regarding the size of the effect this intervention has on outcomes such as BMD, balance and falls risk. These data will be critical when designing a definitive RCT to advance this area of research.

Trial registration
Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): 12620001085965 (20/10/2020)
The dimensionality of phonological awareness among Brazilian Portuguese-speaking children: a longitudinal study
Authors: Justi Cláudia Nascimento Guaraldo , Henriques Flávia Guimarães , dos Reis Justi Francis Ricardo 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPhonological awareness is one of the most important predictors of reading. However, there is still controversy concerning its dimensionality. This study evaluated the dimensionality of phonological awareness among Brazilian Portuguese-speaking children. A total of 212 children performed six phonological awareness tasks in the last year of kindergarten. Of those children, 177 performed the same tasks when they were in the first grade. The phonological awareness measures differed in both their cognitive demand (detection, blending, segmentation, and elision) and the phonological unit involved (rhyme, syllable, and phoneme). Confirmatory factor analyzes were employed to test several models of phonological awareness dimensionality. The results indicated that the best model was an oblique model of phonological units with two correlated latent factors: phonemic awareness and supraphonemic awareness. This model presented the best fit to the data both in kindergarten and in the first grade. In addition, supraphonemic awareness in the kindergarten predicted phoneme awareness in the first grade; however, phonemic awareness in the kindergarten did not predict supraphonemic awareness in the first grade. These results are compatible with phonological awareness developing from larger phonological units (e.g., syllables) to small phonological units (e.g., phonemes) and the reciprocal relationship between phonological awareness and reading. From a theoretical point of view, these results also suggest that phonological awareness is a one-dimensional construct that can be evaluated by tests employing different phonological units (e.g., syllables, rhymes, phonemes).
Graphene saturable absorbers applications in fiber lasers
Authors: Peng Xi , Yan Yixin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractTwo-dimensional materials are widely used in a variety of fields, such as medical treatment, industrial preparation, machining, etc. In this review, we have made a detailed description of the development of fiber lasers as well as the evolution of two-dimensional materials, especially graphene. In addition, we describe the optical properties of graphene and its preparations, for instance, chemical exfoliatio, liquid phase exfoliation, electrochemical technique, chemical vapor deposition, supercritical fluid exfoliation, and thermal exfoliation. Meanwhile, we also summarized several types of graphene saturable absorbers like all fiber, D-shaped, and optical deposition. Furthermore, we summarize the optical applications of fiber lasers based on graphene. Finally, we also take a look at the future perspectives of graphene and discuss the future applications of graphene in the field of optics. It is note worth that future fiber lasers will use more heterostructures or gas-solid mixtures to prepare saturable absorbers.
Crocodile blood supplementation protects vascular function in diabetic mice
Authors: Chook Chui Yiu Bamboo , Chen Francis M. , Tse Gary , Leung Fung Ping , Wong Wing Tak 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of mortality in diabetic patients due to the heightened oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory state in vascular tissues. Effective approaches targeting cardiovascular health for diabetic patients are urgently needed. Crocodile blood, an emerging dietary supplement, was suggested to have anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro, which have yet to be proven in animal models. This study thereby aimed to evaluate whether crocodile blood can protect vascular function in diabetic mice against oxidation and inflammation. Diabetic db/db mice and their counterparts db/m+ mice were treated daily with crocodile blood soluble fraction (CBSF) or vehicle via oral gavage for 4 weeks before their aortae were harvested for endothelium-dependent relaxation (EDR) quantification using wire myograph, which is a well-established functional study for vascular function indication. Organ culture experiments culturing mouse aortae from C57BL/6 J mice with or without IL-1β and CBSF were done to evaluate the direct effect of CBSF on endothelial function. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in mouse aortae were assessed by dihydroethidium (DHE) staining with inflammatory markers in endothelial cells quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). CBSF significantly improved deteriorated EDR in db/db diabetic mice through both diet supplementation and direct culture, with suppression of ROS level in mouse aortae. CBSF also maintained EDR and reduced ROS levels in mouse aortae against the presence of pro-inflammatory IL-1β. Under the pro-inflammatory state induced by IL-1β, gene expressions of inflammatory cytokines were downregulated, while the protective transcripts UCP2 and SIRT6 were upregulated in endothelial cells. Our study suggests a novel beneficial effect of crocodile blood on vascular function in diabetic mice and that supplementation of diet with crocodile blood may act as a complementary approach to protect against vascular diseases through anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation in diabetic patients.

Graphical abstract
The value of intra-operative ultrasonography on safety margin and outcome during liver resection and radio-frequency ablation in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma patients
Authors: Mogahed Mohamed , Zytoon Ashraf Anas , Abdel Haleem Ahmed , Imam ElSayed , Ghanem Nashwa , Abdellatif Wessam M. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an important health issue worldwide. Liver resection is the optimal management for early compensated HCC patients, but the majority of HCC patients are not candidates for resection. Several nonsurgical treatment modalities such as radio-frequency ablation (RFA), microwave ablation (MWA), trans-arterial chemoembolization, and immune therapy have been established. Intra-operative ultrasound (IOUS) is essential for accurate staging and secures both resection and RFA. We aimed to detect the value of using IOUS on safety margin and outcome during liver resection and RFA in the management of HCC patients. In the current study, 76 HCC patients, 58 males and 18 females, were included. Patients' age ranged from 49 to 69 years. Patients were divided into two groups: 52 open surgery liver resections (open resection group) and 24 laparoscopic-assisted RFA guided with laparoscopic IOUS (LARFA group). The open resection group was further subdivided into 32 cases for whom IOUS was performed and 20 patients studied retrospectively without IOUS. Surgical decisions were based on preoperative ultrasonography, computed tomography, and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We determined the size, number of lesions, and location by IOUS and compared them with preoperative imaging. Histopathology was done for resected lesions and follow-up CT for all patients.

Results
In the open resection group, the 32 cases of 52 for whom IOUS was performed, all had free surgical margin (100%) while 18 of 20 patients studied retrospectively without IOUS had free surgical margin (90%). Patients operated guided by IOUS had less morbidity and mortality with less operative time and hospital stay. In the LARFA group (24 patients with 37 lesions), the one-month follow-up showed complete ablation for all lesions in the 24 patients, while 12-month follow-up proved two cases of recurrence.

Conclusions
IOUS is a cornerstone in liver surgery. It improves outcomes with less morbidity and mortality and helps to achieve free surgical margin. Using IOUS allows the performance of radical but conservative hepatic resection.
Coupled hypergraph maps and chaotic cluster synchronization
Authors: Böhle T. , Kuehn C. , Mulas R. , Jost J. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Coupled map lattices (CMLs) are prototypical dynamical systems on networks/graphs. They exhibit complex patterns generated via the interplay of diffusive/Laplacian coupling and nonlinear reactions modelled by a single iterated map at each node; the maps are often taken as unimodal, e.g., logistic or tent maps. In this letter, we propose a class of higher-order coupled dynamical systems involving the hypergraph Laplacian, which we call coupled hypergraph maps (CHMs). By combining linearized (in-)stability analysis of synchronized states, hypergraph spectral theory, and numerical methods, we detect robust regions of chaotic cluster synchronization occurring in parameter space upon varying coupling strength and the main bifurcation parameter of the unimodal map. Furthermore, we find key differences between Laplacian and hypergraph Laplacian coupling and detect various other classes of periodic and quasi-periodic patterns. The results show the high complexity of coupled graph maps and indicate that they might be an excellent universal model class to understand the similarities and differences between dynamics on classical graphs and dynamics on hypergraphs.
Quantitative developmental biology in vitro using micropatterning
Authors: Blin Guillaume 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT
Micropatterning encompasses a set of methods aimed at precisely controlling the spatial distribution of molecules onto the surface of materials. Biologists have borrowed the idea and adapted these methods, originally developed for electronics, to impose physical constraints on biological systems with the aim of addressing fundamental questions across biological scales from molecules to multicellular systems. Here, I approach this topic from a developmental biologist's perspective focusing specifically on how and why micropatterning has gained in popularity within the developmental biology community in recent years. Overall, this Primer provides a concise overview of how micropatterns are used to study developmental processes and emphasises how micropatterns are a useful addition to the developmental biologist’s toolbox.
Single-cell morphometrics reveals ancestral principles of notochord development
Authors: Andrews Toby G. R. , Pönisch Wolfram , Paluch Ewa K. , Steventon Benjamin J. , Benito-Gutierrez Elia 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACT
Embryonic tissues are shaped by the dynamic behaviours of their constituent cells. To understand such cell behaviours and how they evolved, new approaches are needed to map out morphogenesis across different organisms. Here, we apply a quantitative approach to learn how the notochord forms during the development of amphioxus: a basally branching chordate. Using a single-cell morphometrics pipeline, we quantify the geometries of thousands of amphioxus notochord cells, and project them into a common mathematical space, termed morphospace. In morphospace, notochord cells disperse into branching trajectories of cell shape change, revealing a dynamic interplay between cell shape change and growth that collectively contributes to tissue elongation. By spatially mapping these trajectories, we identify conspicuous regional variation, both in developmental timing and trajectory topology. Finally, we show experimentally that, unlike ascidians but like vertebrates, posterior cell division is required in amphioxus to generate full notochord length, thereby suggesting this might be an ancestral chordate trait that is secondarily lost in ascidians. Altogether, our novel approach reveals that an unexpectedly complex scheme of notochord morphogenesis might have been present in the first chordates.
This article has an associated ‘The people behind the papers’ interview.
Characterization of cellulose-degrading microbiota from the eastern subterranean termite and soil
Authors: Xie Xianfa , Anderson Alonzo B. , Wran Latoya J. , Serrano Myrna G. , Buck Gregory A. 
Published: August 2021

Background: While there have been a lot of studies on the termite gut microbiota, there has been very little research directly on the cellulose-degrading microbiota in termites or their soil environment. This study addresses this problem by profiling cellulose-degrading bacteria and archaea in the selective cellulose cultures of two samples of the eastern subterranean termite (Reticulitermes flavipes) and one soil sample collected at the same location as one of the termite samples. Methods: All the cultures were examined for cell concentration and remaining cellulose after the culture was completed. The 16S rRNA pyrotag sequencing method was used to identify the prokaryotic microbiota for the three cultures and one termite colony without culture. The MOTHUR, SSU-ALIGN, RDPTools, phyloseq, and other R packages were used for sequence and statistical analyses. Results: Biochemical analyses of the cultures suggested high efficiency of cellulose degradation. Comparative analyses between the cultured and uncultured termite gut microbiota revealed a significant difference. Proteobacteria and Firmicutes were found to be the two most abundant phyla of cellulose-degrading bacteria from the three cultures, but different classes within each phylum dominated the different samples. Shared and sample-specific cellulose-degrading taxa, including a core set of taxa across all the cultures, were identified. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates the importance of using selective cellulose culture to study the cellulose-degrading microbial community. It also revealed that the cellulose-degrading microbiota in the eastern subterranean termite is significantly influenced by the microbiota in the surrounding soil environment. Biochemical analyses showed that the microbial communities enriched from all the selective cultures were efficient in degrading cellulose, and a core set of bacteria have been identified as targets for further functional analyses.
Translation, validity and reliability of the Danish version of the Adolescent Insomnia Questionnaire
Authors: Andreucci Alessandro , Lund Straszek Christian , Skovdal Rathleff Michael , Guldhammer Clara , de la Vega Rocio , Palermo Tonya M. 
Published: August 2021

Background: The Adolescent Insomnia Questionnaire (AIQ), English version, is the only validated screening measure developed specifically to identify insomnia symptoms in adolescents. To date, no specific screening tool for adolescent insomnia is present in Danish language. The aim of this study was to translate and validate the AIQ in a sample of Danish adolescents. Methods: The AIQ underwent a process of forward-backward translation and pilot testing. Subsequently, data were collected at baseline and two-week follow-up from adolescents aged 11-19, who completed both the AIQ and an available adult measure of insomnia (the Athens Insomnia Scale, AIS). The internal consistency, test-retest reliability and convergent validity were assessed. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to identify the latent factors underlying the questionnaire. Results: At baseline 185 adolescents (18% males and 82% females, mean age 16.0 years) and 102 (55.1%) at two-week follow-up completed the questionnaires. The AIQ showed excellent internal consistency for the total score (Cronbach's a: 0.88) and good convergent validity with the AIS total score (Pearson’s correlation value= 0.86, P<0.001). The test-retest reliability at two weeks was very satisfactory (ICC coefficient = 0.89; 95% CI 0.84, 0.92). Results from the exploratory factor analysis identified a three-model solution corresponding to the same three-model solution identified within the original development sample. Conclusions: The Danish version of the AIQ demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties in terms of internal consistency, test-retest reliability and validity, which supports its use as a screening tool for the identification of insomnia symptoms in adolescents, including Danish-speaking adolescents.
Development of a framework for the implementation of synchronous e-mental health: a protocol for a realist synthesis of systematic reviews
Authors: Villarreal-Zegarra David , Alarcon-Ruiz Christoper A. , Melendez-Torres G.J. , Torres-Puente Roberto , Ambrosio-Melgarejo Juan , Romero-Cabrera Alejandra B. , Navarro-Flores Alba , Albitres-Flores Leonardo , Lindo-Cavero Ana , Huarcaya-Victoria Jeff 
Published: August 2021

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, it has been necessary to deliver mental health care using technologies (e-mental health). But there have been difficulties in its application. Quantitative systematic reviews such as meta-analysis doesn’t allow us to fully identify and properly describe this subject. Thus, our study has two main objectives: a) "to determine what evidence is available for synchronous e-mental health implementation"; and b) "to develop a framework informed by a realist analysis for the implementation of synchronous e-mental health".Methods: We will search MEDLINE, EBM Reviews, PsycINFO, EMBASE, SCOPUS, CINAHL Complete, and Web of Science databases from 1st January 2015 to September 2020, with no language restriction. A systematic review with a narrative description and a realist synthesis will be conducted. Primary studies relating to adults with common mental health problems using any type of mobile mental health intervention that includes a synchronic component and communication with a mental health professional will be included. For the analysis, we will make a realist synthesis of the systematic reviews, using a grounded theory approach with an emergent approach to synthesize the information, prioritizing the systematic reviews with a lower risk of bias in the AMSTAR-2 tool. The realist synthesis will be based on the interpretation, integration, and inference of the evaluated elements and the generation of hypotheses to better understand the implementation process of synchronous e-mental health. Finally, we will present the overall assessment in a Summary of Qualitative Findings table.Conclusion:Our results will allow a better understanding of the facilitator and limitations in implementing e-mental health.