bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term effects of somatostatin analogues in rat GH-secreting pituitary tumor cell lines
Authors: Dicitore A. , Saronni D. , Gaudenzi G. , Carra S. , Cantone M. C. , Borghi M. O. , Persani L. , Vitale G. 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose
First-generation somatostatin analogs, octreotide (OCT) and lanreotide, are the cornerstone for the medical treatment of growth hormone (GH)-secreting pituitary tumors. A new multireceptor analog, such as pasireotide (PAS), showed better activity than OCT in long-term treatment of patients with acromegaly, but modulation of intracellular key processes is still unclear in vitro. In this study, we evaluated the antitumor activity of OCT and PAS in two GH-secreting pituitary tumor cell lines, GH3 and GH4C1, after a long-term incubation.

Methods
The effects of PAS and OCT on the cell viability, cell cycle, apoptosis, GH secretion, and tumor-induced angiogenesis have been evaluated through a colorimetric method (MTS Assay), DNA flow cytometry with propidium iodide, and Annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide staining, ELISA assay and zebrafish platform, respectively.

Results
PAS showed a more potent antitumor activity compared to OCT in GH3 cell line exerted through inhibition of cell viability, perturbation of cell cycle progression, and induction of apoptosis after 6 days of incubation. A concomitant decrease in GH secretion has been observed after 2 days of incubation only with PAS. No effect on tumor-induced angiogenesis has been reported after treatment with OCT or PAS in zebrafish/tumor xenograft model.

Conclusion
Long-term incubation with PAS showed a more potent antitumor activity than that reported after OCT in GH3 cells, mainly modulated by a cell cycle perturbation and a relevant induction in apoptosis.
Fuzzy based multi-response optimization: a case study on EDM machining process
Authors: Sahu Jambeswar , Shrivastava Sonam 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe current study challenges the multi-objective optimization of electric discharge machining (EDM) parameters. EDM is used for creating profiles by machining of workpiece that are difficult to machine by conventional method. In the current work four responses such as material removal rate (production rate), tool wear rate, surface roughness (quality) and circularity (profile) are collectively investigated with varying controlling parameters. The human decision for best combination of controlling parameters for highest performance has uncertainties, which results in inferior solution. The multiple responses along with uncertainties and impreciseness can be addressed by combining a neuro-fuzzy system with particle swarm optimization (PSO). To illustrate the superiority of the proposed approach a set of experiment have been conducted in EDM process using AISI D2 tool steel as workpiece and brass tool. The experimental plan was made according to the Box-Behnken response surface methodology design with four process parameters namely discharge current, pulse-on-time, duty factor, and flushing pressure. The four response parameters such as material removal rate, tool wear rate, surface roughness, and circularity of machined components were optimized simultaneously. One unique Multi-response Performance Characteristic Index was obtained by combining the four responses using the proposed neuro-fuzzy technique. A regression model was developed on single response and optimized by PSO to obtain the optimal parameter setting. An experiment was conducted on optimal parameter to test the optimum performance. It is observed that the EDM responses were affected significantly by discharge current and pulse-on-time. The increase in pulse-on-time leads to larger surface cracks and more micro-pores on the machined surface.Article HighlightsRSM was proven to be an effective statistical tool for reducing the experimental runs, and also establishes the relation between multiple inputs and single output.The neuro-fuzzy system combined with PSO results a suitable model to convert multiple response into an equivalent single response.The presented approach can be a practical method for situations where multiple conflicting objectives are needed to be optimized at the same time.
Empowering Users in Online Open Communities
Authors: Osman Nardine , Chenu-Abente Ronald , Shen Qiang , Sierra Carles , Giunchiglia Fausto 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we propose an architecture supportingonline open communities, where byopencommunities, we mean communities where previously unknown people can join, possibly for a limited amount of time. The fundamental question that we address is “how we can make sure that an individual’s requirements are taken into consideration by the community while her privacy is respected and the community’s ethical code is not violated”. The main contributions are: (i) a conceptual framework which allows to describe individual and communityprofiles, including data and norms that provide information about their owner and their requirements, and (ii) adecentralised architectureenabling interactions that leverage the exchange of profile information among people and communities to ensure that requirements are fulfilled and privacy is respected.
Implicit Bias as Mental Imagery
Authors: NANAY BENCE 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWhat is the mental representation that is responsible for implicit bias? What is this representation that mediates between the trigger and the biased behavior? My claim is that this representation is neither a propositional attitude nor a mere association (as the two major accounts of implicit bias claim). Rather, it is mental imagery: perceptual processing that is not directly triggered by sensory input. I argue that this view captures the advantages of the two standard accounts without inheriting their disadvantages. Further, this view also explains why manipulating mental imagery is among the most efficient ways of counteracting implicit bias.
Maternal methionine supplementation in mice affects long-term body weight and locomotor activity of adult female offspring
Authors: Cavalcante-Silva Vanessa , Ribeiro da Silva Vallim Julia , Fernandes Leandro , de Oliveira Allan Chiaratti , D’Almeida Vânia 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMethionine is a precursor of s-adenosylmethionine, the main donor of methyl radicals for methylation of DNA and other compounds. Previous studies have shown that reduced availability of methyl radicals during pregnancy/lactation decreased offspring perigonadal white adipose tissue (PWAT) and body weight. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the effects of methionine supplementation during early development, a time of great ontogenic plasticity, by assessing the biometric, biochemical and behavioural parameters of the offspring of adult Swiss female mice supplemented with 1 % methionine in water 1 month before pregnancy, during pregnancy or pregnancy/lactation. After birth, the offspring were distributed into three groups: control (CT), methionine supplementation during pregnancy (SP) and methionine supplementation during pregnancy and lactation (SPL), and were followed until postnatal day (PND) 300. No changes were observed in offspring birth weight in both sexes. At PND 5, 28 and 90, no differences in body weight were found in females; however, at PND 300, SP and SPL females showed an increase in body weight when compared with the control group. This increase in body weight was accompanied by a total and relative increase in PWAT, and a decrease in locomotor activity in these groups. No differences in the body and organ weights were found in male offspring. In conclusion, the increased availability of methyl radicals during pregnancy and lactation impacted long-term body composition and locomotor activity in female offspring.
Impact of intra-category food substitutions on the risk of type 2 diabetes: a modelling study on the pizza category
Authors: Adjibade Moufidath , Mariotti François , Leroy Pascal , Souchon Isabelle , Saint-Eve Anne , Fagherazzi Guy , Soler Louis-Georges , Huneau Jean-François 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAdvice on replacing unhealthy foods with healthier alternatives within the same food category may be more acceptable and might ease the transition towards a healthy diet. Here, we studied the potential impact of substitutions within the pizza category on the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). The study sample consisted of 2510 adults from the INCA2 French national survey. Based on their nutritional characteristics, the 353 pizzas marketed in France were grouped into 100 clusters that were used to run various scenarios of pizza substitutions, which were either isoenergetic (IE) or non-isoenergetic (NIE). We then used a model structurally similar to the Preventable Risk Integrated ModEl to assess the expected rate of change in risk of T2D. Pizzas characterised by a low energy, high vegetable content and whole grain dough were associated with a greater reduction in the risk of T2D. The rates of change in risk of T2D were markedly stronger in men and for NIE substitutions. When the rates of change were estimated in the subsample of pizza consumers, replacing the observed pizzas with the best pizza resulted in a T2D risk reduction of −6·7 % (–8·4 %; −4·9 %, IE) and −8·9 % (–11·2 %; −6·3 %, NIE), assuming that this is their usual diets. The greatest risk reduction induced by an IE substitution of the observed pizza with a mixed dish was similar to that observed with the best pizzas. Overall, this modelling study suggests that healthy swaps within a category can effectively supplement broader dietary changes towards a healthier diet.
Fruit and vegetable consumption before and during pregnancy and developmental delays in offspring aged 2 years in Japan
Authors: Yonezawa Yudai , Ueno Fumihiko , Obara Taku , Yamashita Takahiro , Ishikuro Mami , Murakami Keiko , Noda Aoi , Onuma Tomomi , Sugawara Junichi , Suzuki Shigenori , Suganuma Hiroyuki , Kuriyama Shinichi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe association between fruit and vegetable consumption before and during pregnancy and offspring’s physical growth has been well reported, but no study has focused on offspring’s neurological development. We aimed to explore the association between maternal fruit and vegetable consumption before and during pregnancy and developmental delays in their offspring aged 2 years. Between July 2013 and March 2017, 23 406 women were recruited for the Tohoku Medical Megabank Project Birth and Three-Generation Cohort Study. Fruit and vegetable consumption was calculated using FFQ, and offspring’s developmental delays were evaluated by the Ages & Stages Questionnaires, Third Edition (ASQ-3) for infants aged 2 years. Finally, 10 420 women and 10 543 infants were included in the analysis. Totally, 14·9 % of children had developmental delay when screened using the ASQ-3. Women in the highest quartile of vegetable consumption from pre-pregnancy to early pregnancy and from early to mid-pregnancy had lower odds of offspring’s developmental delays (OR 0·74; 95 % CI 0·63, 0·89 and OR 0·70; 95 % CI 0·59, 0·84, respectively) than women in the lowest quartile. Women in the highest quartile of fruit consumption from early to mid-pregnancy had lower odds of offspring’s developmental delays (OR 0·78; 95 % CI 0·66, 0·92) than women in the lowest quartile. In conclusion, high fruit and vegetable consumption before and during pregnancy was associated with a lower risk of developmental delays in offspring aged 2 years.
Performance of elite genotypes of barley, chickpea, lentil, and wheat under conservation agriculture in Mediterranean rainfed conditions
Authors: Devkota Mina , Patil S. B. , Kumar Shiv , Kehel Zakaria , Wery Jacques 
Published: June 2021

AbstractConservation agriculture (CA) practices are becoming more important in Mediterranean rainfed areas due to their potential to minimize climatic risk, reduce soil erosion, and improve soil quality and water availability. Due to minimum soil disturbance and crop residue retention, the soil environment for crop growth and development can differ between CA and conventional tillage (CT) practice. However, breeding targets for improving yield performance in CA system remain poorly explored. The objective of this study was to assess the performance of elite genotypes of barley, chickpea, lentil, and wheat grown under CA, a promising alternative agricultural practice in the Mediterranean rainfed conditions. A three-year field study, with contrasting rainfall pattern, was conducted in the International Center for Agriculture Research in the Dry Areas’s research field in Morocco to evaluate the tillage × genotype interaction and its consequence for yield performance of barley, chickpea, lentil, and wheat. Thirteen elite genotypes for each crop were planted under both CA and CT systems. Wheat and chickpea produced significantly higher grain yield (+62% for wheat and +43% for chickpea) under CA than in CT, while lentil and barley performed equally under both systems. Significant effect of tillage × genotype was more frequent for chickpea and wheat than for barley and lentil. Increased yield under CA, mainly in dry year, was associated with higher harvest index (HI). For each crop species yield was mainly influenced by rainfall amount and distribution (75–88% yield variation), and tillage × genotype was of little importance. The overall results suggest that a specific breeding program for CA in lentil, chickpea, wheat, and barley may not be efficient. Few tillage × genotype interaction, especially in dry years, indicated that breeding target on increasing HI, tolerance to drought (high yield in dry years), and potential yield (high yield in wet year) can help to improve yield performance of chickpea, lentil, and wheat genotypes in CA system. Varieties with wider adaptability considering drought tolerance, higher yield with stability, and adoption of CA practices are important in the context of the Mediterranean rainfed environment. Integrating trade-off analysis between yield potential and stability in a rainfall gradient in both CT and CA in the national certification scheme of varieties may be more efficient than developing breeding programs for each type of tillage system.
Use of pre-operative calcium and vitamin D supplementation to prevent post-operative hypocalcaemia in patients undergoing thyroidectomy: a systematic review
Authors: Khatiwada A S , Harris A S 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveThis systematic review aimed to establish the evidence behind the use of pre-operative calcium, vitamin D or both calcium and vitamin D to prevent post-operative hypocalcaemia in patients undergoing thyroidectomy.MethodThis review included prospective clinical trials on adult human patients that were published in English and which studied the effects of pre-operative supplementation with calcium, vitamin D or both calcium and vitamin D on the rate of post-operative hypocalcaemia following total thyroidectomy.ResultsSeven out of the nine trials included reported statistically significantly reduced rates of post-operative laboratory hypocalcaemia (absolute risk reduction, 13–59 per cent) and symptomatic hypocalcaemia (absolute reduction, 11–40 per cent) following pre-operative supplementation.ConclusionPre-operative treatment with calcium, vitamin D or both calcium and vitamin D reduces the risk of post-operative hypocalcaemia and should be considered in patients undergoing total thyroidectomy.
Occupancy patterns of prey species in a biological corridor and inferences for tiger population connectivity between national parks in Bhutan
Authors: Letro Letro , Fischer Klaus , Duba Dorji , Tandin Tandin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSite occupancy models, accounting for imperfect detection and the influence of anthropogenic and ecological covariates, can indicate the status of species populations. They may thus be useful for exploring the suitability of landscapes such as biological corridors, to ensure population dispersal and connectivity. Using occupancy probability models of its principal prey species, we make inferences on landscape connectivity for the movement of the tiger Panthera tigris between protected areas in Bhutan. We used camera-trap data to assess the probability of site occupancy (Ψ) of the sambar Rusa unicolor, wild boar Sus scrofa and barking deer Muntiacus muntjak in biological corridor no. 8, which connects two national parks in central Bhutan. At least one prey species was recorded at 17 out of 26 trapping locations. The probability of site occupancy was highest for the barking deer (Ψ = 0.52 ± SE 0.09) followed by sambar (Ψ = 0.49 ± SE 0.03) and wild boar (Ψ = 0.45 ± SE 0.07). All three species had higher occupancy probability at lower altitudes. Sambar occupancy was greater farther from settlements and on steeper and/or south-facing slopes. Barking deer also had higher occupancy on south-facing slopes, and wild boar occurred mainly close to rivers. Our findings suggest that this biological corridor could facilitate dispersal of tigers. Protecting prey species, and minimizing anthropogenic disturbance and habitat fragmentation, are vital for tiger dispersal and thus functional connectivity amongst populations in this area.
Baseline Differences in Long-term Survivors and Nonsurvivors of the Colorado/Columbia Fetal Implant Trial
Authors: McRae Cynthia , Dunk Michelle , Russell Dan , Ellgring Heiner , Stern Yaakov , Greene Paul , Fahn Stanley , Henchcliffe Claire 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjective:This study is based on long-term follow-up of participants in a randomized double-blind sham surgery-controlled trial (1995–1999) designed to determine the effectiveness of implantation of human embryonic mesencephalic tissue containing dopamine neuron precursors into the brains of patients with advanced Parkinson’s disease (PD). We investigated differences between long-term survivors and nonsurvivors at baseline in order to contribute to information regarding optimal patient selection for upcoming stem cell trials.Method:Forty participants were randomly assigned to receive either neural implantation or sham surgery. Thirty-four patients who ultimately received the implant were followed periodically with the most recent assessment occurring in 2015–2016. Demographic information, neurological measures, positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, neuropsychological assessments, and a personality assessment were included in the current analyses. T-tests were used to compare survivors and nonsurvivors. Logistic regression analyses examined predictors of survivorship.Results:Five of six survivors were female. They were younger than nonsurvivors (p = .03) and more neuropsychologically “intact” across a broad range of cognitive areas (significance levels ranged from <.001 to .045). There were no differences between survivors and nonsurvivors off medications at baseline on neurological or PET assessments. Survivors reported more “Openness to Experience” (p = .004) than nonsurvivors. Using empirically derived predictor variables, results of logistic regression analyses indicated that Animal Naming (cognitive task) and Openness to Experience (personality variable) were the strongest predictors of survivorship.Conclusions:Variables to consider when selecting participants for future cell-based therapies include being “intact” neuropsychologically, level of Openness to Experience, younger age, and inclusion of women.
The Cognitive Scale of Basic and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living for Multidomain Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia Patients: Validation of its Extended Version
Authors: Montoro-Membila Nuria , Arnedo Montoro Marisa , Funes María Jesús , Rodríguez-Bailón María 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjective:To validate an informant-based tool – the extended version of the Cognitive Scale of Basic and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (BADL and IADL) or Ext. Cog-ADL Scale – in a larger sample and with a broader range of cognitive-functional items related to activities of daily living (ADL).Method:The Ext. Cog-ADL Scale was administered to family informants of 42 patients with dementia, 43 patients with multidomain mild cognitive impairment (mdMCI), and 23 healthy control participants. We analyzed the convergent and concurrent validity and external validity of this scale.Results:The Ext. Cog-ADL Scale demonstrated good psychometric properties. Episodic and working memory tests were the main predictors of most cognitive-functional items of the scale. While patients with dementia obtained lower scores in most error categories of the scale, affecting both BADL and IADL, mdMCI patients showed a more specific pattern of difficulties. Apart from the typical alterations in IADL, mdMCI patients also showed difficulties in several error categories related to BADL (i.e., error detection, problem solving, task self-initiation, distraction inhibition, and restore).Conclusions:The Ext. Cog-ADL Scale seems to be an adequate tool to capture the specific pattern of cognitive alterations related to IADL and BADL that differentiates dementia from mdMCI and healthy aging; it shows that mdMCI can involve specific cognitive difficulties that affect even BADL.
DNA methylation profile of liver of mice conceived by in vitro fertilization
Authors: Lira-Albarrán Saúl , Liu Xiaowei , Lee Seok Hee , Rinaudo Paolo 
Published: June 2021

AbstractOffspring generated by in vitro fertilization (IVF) are believed to be healthy but display a possible predisposition to chronic diseases, like hypertension and glucose intolerance. Since epigenetic changes are believed to underlie such phenotype, this study aimed at describing global DNA methylation changes in the liver of adult mice generated by natural mating (FB group) or by IVF. Embryos were generated by IVF or natural mating. At 30 weeks of age, mice were sacrificed. The liver was removed, and global DNA methylation was assessed using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS). Genomic Regions for Enrichment Analysis Tool (GREAT) and G:Profilerβ were used to identify differentially methylated regions (DMRs) and for functional enrichment analysis. Overrepresented gene ontology terms were summarized with REVIGO, while canonical pathways (CPs) were identified with Ingenuity® Pathway Analysis. Overall, 2692 DMRs (4.91%) were different between the groups. The majority of DMRs (84.92%) were hypomethylated in the IVF group. Surprisingly, only 0.16% of CpG islands were differentially methylated and only a few DMRs were located on known gene promoters (n = 283) or enhancers (n = 190). Notably, the long-interspersed element (LINE), short-interspersed element (SINE), and long terminal repeat (LTR1) transposable elements showed reduced methylation (P < 0.05) in IVF livers. Cellular metabolic process, hepatic fibrosis, and insulin receptor signaling were some of the principal biological processes and CPs modified by IVF. In summary, IVF modifies the DNA methylation signature in the adult liver, resulting in hypomethylation of genes involved in metabolism and gene transcription regulation. These findings may shed light on the mechanisms underlying the developmental origin of health and disease.