bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of feeding a novel alfalfa leaf pellet product (ProLEAF MAX) and alfalfa stems (ProFiber Plus) on performance in the feedlot and carcass quality of beef steers
Authors: Motsinger Laura A , Young Allen Y , Feuz Ryan , Larsen Ryan , Brady Tevan J , Briggs Reganne K , Bowman Brett , Pratt Chris , Thornton Kara J 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Alfalfa is often included in the diets of beef animals; however, the nutrient content of alfalfa is variable depending on the region in which it is grown, climate, soil, and many other factors. The leaf portion of alfalfa has a less variable nutrient composition than the stem portion of the plant. The variability that is present in the alfalfa plant can make the development of total mixed rations of consistent nutrient content difficult. As such, the purpose of this study was to determine how the inclusion of fractionated alfalfa leaves and alfalfa stems impacts performance and carcass quality of finishing beef steers. Twenty-four steers were allocated to one of three treatments: a control group fed a typical finishing diet with alfalfa as the forage (CON; n = 8), a typical diet that replaced alfalfa with fractionated alfalfa leaf pellets and alfalfa stems (ProLEAF MAX™ + ProFiber Plus™; PLM+PFP; n = 8), or a typical diet that replaced alfalfa with alfalfa stems (PFP; n = 8) for 63 days. Steers were fed individually once daily, weighed every 14 days and ultrasound images were collected every 28 days. At the end of the feeding trial, steers were harvested at a commercial facility and carcass data was obtained. Analysis of dry matter intake demonstrated that steers receiving the PFP and CON diets consumed more feed (P &lt; 0.001) than steers consuming the PLM+PFP diet. Steers receiving the PLM+PFP diet gained less (P &lt; 0.001) weight than the steers receiving the other two dietary treatments. No differences (P &gt; 0.10) in feed efficiency or carcass characteristics were observed. Steers receiving the PFP diet had improved (P = 0.016) cost of gain ($0.93 per kg) when compared with steers receiving PLM+PFP ($1.08 per kg) diet. Overall, our findings demonstrate that the inclusion of PFP in place of alfalfa hay in a finishing diet has the potential to improve cost of gain, without negatively affecting growth, performance, or carcass characteristics of finishing feedlot steers.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Between Sacral Neuromodulation and OnabotulinumtoxinA for the Treatment of Refractory Overactive Bladder in Women: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gerjevic Kristen A. , Ahmad Sophia , Strohbehn Kris , Riblet Natalie 
Published: June 2021

Objective
We summarized the evidence evaluating the cost-effectiveness of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) versus onabotulinumtoxinA (BONT/A) in the treatment of refractory overactive bladder (OAB) among women.

Methods
We searched PubMed Medline (1946–2019), EMBASE (1947–2019), Web of Science (1900–2019), Clinical Trials.gov, reviewed references of included studies, and Cochrane subsets of CDSR, DARE, CENTRAL, and NHSEED. We included cost-utility and cost-effectiveness analyses or decision analysis comparing SNM versus BONT/A in women with nonneurogenic refractory OAB. Primary outcomes included incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs), reported as cost per quality-adjusted life year (QALY), which were abstracted or calculated.

Results
Five studies met the inclusion criteria. Three studies were industry supported. Two studies of high quality found BONT/A to be dominant over SNM (ICER range of $415,571/QALY at 5 years and $236,370/QALY at 10 years). This trend was further supported by a third study of high quality that favored BONT/A because SNM was not cost-effective (ICER, $116,427/QALY at 2 years). In contrast, 2 other studies of lower quality found that SNM was cost-effective or dominant in comparison to BONT/A (ICER range, $3,717/QALY to €15,226/QALY at 10 years). In general, models were sensitive to treatment duration, intervention setting, and lacked robust data on long-term outcomes.

Conclusions
OnabotulinumtoxinA is more cost-effective for managing refractory OAB when compared with SNM. However, it remains unclear whether this finding holds true long term for what is considered a lifelong condition.
COVID-19 Associated Mucormycosis: Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Hussain Salman , Baxi Harveen , Riad Abanoub , Klugarová Jitka , Líčeník Radim , Klugar Miloslav 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectiveMucormycosis, a serious and rare fungal infection, has occurred concurrently in COVID-19 patients globally. Mucormycosis is associated with a high risk of all-cause mortality, with mortality depending on body site infected, fungus type, and the patient’s overall condition. This deadly fungal infection is quite difficult and expensive to treat. Therefore, this scoping review aims to map all the empirical evidence on the COVID-19 associated mucormycosis with a special focus on clinical presentation, treatment, and patient outcomes.MethodsThe proposed scoping review will be developed by adhering to the JBI methodology for scoping reviews and will be reported as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). A detailed search strategy has already been utilized to locate both published and unpublished studies. Literature search was carried out in three phases. PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Google scholar was searched. We will include all those studies which are presenting mucormycosis cases in COVID-19 positive patients. Data will be extracted in a pre-designed data extraction sheet and risk of bias will be assessed using JBI critical appraisal tool. The primary outcome will be to summarize the clinical presentation, treatment, and patient outcomes in COVID-19 associated mucormycosis. Data will be presented in tabular form.OSF registration numberosf.io/438sm
Associations between participation in community arts groups and aspects of wellbeing in older adults in the United States: A propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Bone Jessica K. , Fancourt Daisy , Fluharty Meg E. , Paul Elise , Sonke Jill K. , Bu Feifei 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThere is a social gradient in both arts engagement and wellbeing which may have led to an overestimation of the impact of arts engagement on wellbeing in previous research. Using data from 12,111 older adults in the Health and Retirement Study (2014-2016), we tested whether participation in community arts groups was associated with concurrent wellbeing. We measured life satisfaction (evaluative wellbeing), positive and negative affect (experienced wellbeing), and purpose in life, constraints on personal control, and mastery (eudaimonic wellbeing). We used propensity score matching to remove confounding by a range of demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related factors. Participating in arts groups was associated with higher positive affect (average treatment effect on the treated (ATT)=0.19, 95% CI=0.13-0.24), life satisfaction (ATT=0.10, 95% CI=0.05-0.16), purpose in life (ATT=0.08, 95% CI=0.02-0.14), and mastery (ATT=0.08, 95% CI=0.02-0.13) than not participating. Arts group participation was not associated with negative affect or constraints on personal control. After matching on a range of potential confounders, participation in arts groups was associated with the positive elements of evaluative, experienced, and eudaimonic wellbeing. Facilitating participation in community arts groups could help to promote healthy aging, enabling a growing segment of the population to lead more fulfilling and satisfying lives.
Shedding Light on the Circadian Clock of the Threespine Stickleback
Authors: Brochu Marie-Pier , Aubin-Horth Nadia 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTThe circadian clock is an internal timekeeping system shared by most organisms, and knowledge about its functional importance and evolution in natural environments is still needed. Here, we investigated the circadian clock of wild-caught threespine sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) at the behavioural and molecular levels. While their behaviour, ecology, and evolution are well studied, information on their circadian rhythms are scarce. We quantified the daily locomotor activity rhythm under a light-dark cycle (LD) and under constant darkness (DD). Under LD, all fish exhibited significant daily rhythmicity, while under DD, only 18% of individuals remained rhythmic. This interindividual variation suggests that the circadian clock controls activity only in certain individuals. Moreover, under LD, some fish were almost exclusively nocturnal, while others were active around the clock. Furthermore, the most nocturnal fish were also the least active. These results suggest that light masks activity (i.e. suppresses activity without entraining the internal clock) more strongly in some individuals than others. Finally, we quantified the expression of five clock genes in the brain of sticklebacks under DD using qPCR. We did not detect circadian rhythmicity, which could either indicate that the clock molecular oscillator is highly light-dependent, or that there was an oscillation but that we were unable to detect it. Overall, our study suggests that a strong circadian control on behavioural rhythms may not necessarily be advantageous in a natural population of sticklebacks and that the daily phase of activity varies greatly between individuals because of a differential masking effect of light.Summary statementWe found that in wild-caught threespine sticklebacks, the circadian clock does not control locomotor activity in most, but not all, individuals. Sticklebacks are mostly nocturnal, although interindividual variation exists.
Screening thousands of transcribed coding and non-coding regions reveals sequence determinants of RNA polymerase II elongation potential
Authors: Vlaming Hanneke , Mimoso Claudia A. , Martin Benjamin JE , Field Andrew R , Adelman Karen 
Published: June 2021

AbstractOrganismal growth and development rely on RNA Polymerase II (RNAPII) synthesizing the appropriate repertoire of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) from protein-coding genes. Productive elongation of full-length transcripts is essential for mRNA function, however what determines whether an engaged RNAPII molecule will terminate prematurely or transcribe processively remains poorly understood. Notably, despite a common process for transcription initiation across RNAPII-synthesized RNAs1, RNAPII is highly susceptible to termination when transcribing non-coding RNAs such as upstream antisense RNAs (uaRNAs) and enhancers RNAs (eRNAs)2, suggesting that differences arise during RNAPII elongation. To investigate the impact of transcribed sequence on elongation potential, we developed a method to screen the effects of thousands of INtegrated Sequences on Expression of RNA and Translation using high-throughput sequencing (INSERT-seq). We found that higher AT content in uaRNAs and eRNAs, rather than specific sequence motifs, underlies the propensity for RNAPII termination on these transcripts. Further, we demonstrate that 5’ splice sites exert both splicing-dependent and autonomous, splicing-independent stimulation of transcription, even in the absence of polyadenylation signals. Together, our results reveal a potent role for transcribed sequence in dictating gene output at mRNA and non-coding RNA loci, and demonstrate the power of INSERT-seq towards illuminating these contributions.
Sequence features of retrotransposons allow for epigenetic variability
Authors: Costello Kevin R. , Leung Amy , Trac Candi , Lee Michael , Basam Mudasar , Pospisilik J. Andrew , Schones Dustin E. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractTransposable elements (TEs) are mobile genetic elements that make up a large fraction of mammalian genomes. While select TEs have been co-opted in host genomes to have function, the majority of these elements are epigenetically silenced by DNA methylation in somatic cells. However, some TEs in mice, including the Intracisternal A-particle (IAP) subfamily of retrotransposons, have been shown to display interindividual variation in DNA methylation. Recent work has revealed that IAP sequence differences and strain-specific KRAB zinc finger proteins (KZFPs) may influence the methylation state of these IAPs. However, the mechanisms underlying the establishment and maintenance of interindividual variability in DNA methylation still remain unclear. Here we report that sequence content and genomic context influence the likelihood that IAPs become variably methylated. IAPs that differ from consensus IAP sequences have altered KZFP recruitment that can lead to decreased KAP1 recruitment when in proximity of constitutively expressed genes. These variably methylated loci have a high CpG density, similar to CpG islands, and can be bound by ZF-CxxC proteins, providing a potential mechanism to maintain this permissive chromatin environment and protect from DNA methylation. These observations indicate that variably methylated IAPs escape silencing through both attenuation of KZFP binding and recognition by ZF-CxxC proteins to maintain a hypomethylated state.
Differential oxidative and pro-apoptotic response of cancer and normal cells to an anti-inflammatory agent CLEFMA
Authors: Sahoo Kaustuv , Awasthi Vibhudutta 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTSelective killing of cancer cells by chemotherapy has been an age old challenge, but certain unique features of cancer cells allow discriminatory response between cancer and normal cells. The objectives of this study was to investigate pro-oxidant and apoptotic effects of CLEFMA, an anti-inflammatory compound with anticancer activity, in lung cancer cells versus normal lung fibroblasts and to establish its maximum tolerated dose (MTD) in mice. We found that CLEFMA preferentially induced reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated apoptosis in H441, H1650 and H226 cancer cells, but spared normal CCL151 and MRC9 fibroblasts. Immunoblotting studies revealed that CLEFMA-induced apoptosis is associated with p53 phosphorylation in cancer cells which was not observed in CLEFMA treated normal fibroblasts. CLEFMA showed no effect on NF-κB p-65 expression in the normal lung fibroblasts, whereas its translocation to nucleus was inhibited in cancer cells. Furthermore, CLEFMA treatment also inhibited the DNA-binding activity of NF-κB p65 in H441cancer cells, but not in normal CCL151 cells. Preclinical toxicology studies in CD31 mice showed that CLEFMA was not toxic when injected daily for 7 days or injected weekly for 4 weeks. Based on survival data, MTD of CLEFMA was estimated as 30 mg/kg bodyweight. We conclude that CLEFMA exploits the biochemical differences in cancer and normal cells and selectively induces ROS in cancer cells. Secondly, CLEFMA can be safely administered in vivo because its known dose necessary for in vivo efficacy as anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor agent (0.4 mg/kg) is 75 times lower than its MTD.
Research on the refinancing capital structure of highway PPP projects based on dynamic capital demand
Authors: Hou Wenhua , Wang Lun 
Published: June 2021

PurposeWith the majority of highway projects in China having entered their operational phases, the maintenance and repair of the pavement is receiving increasing attention. One problem that needs to be addressed urgently is that of how to raise the proper funds for highway maintenance to ensure the sustainable operation of the project. To this end, the aim of this study is to investigate the capital demand for operation and maintenance of a project by means of a refinancing scheme, in order to reduce the possibility of project bankruptcy and to enhance the economic value of the project.Design/methodology/approachBased on an analysis of the dynamic complexity of the highway pavement maintenance system, a Markov model is used to predict pavement performance, and an optimal capital structure decision model is proposed for highway public–private partnership (PPP) project refinancing, using the method of system dynamics (SD). The proposed model is then applied to a real case study.FindingsResults show that the proposed model can be used to predict accurately the dynamic changes in the demand for road maintenance funds and refinancing during the period of operation, before making the optimal decision for the refinancing capital structure.Originality/valueAlthough many scholars have studied the optimal refinancing capital structure of PPP projects, the dynamic changes inherent in the demand for maintenance funds for highway PPP projects are seldom considered. Therefore, in the approach used here the influence of the dynamic change of road maintenance capital demand on refinancing is investigated, and SD is used for the optimal capital structure decision-making model of highway PPP project refinancing, to make the decision-making process more reasonable and scientific.
The digital transformation of entrepreneurial work
Authors: Corvello Vincenzo , De Carolis Monica , Verteramo Saverino , Steiber Annika 
Published: June 2021

PurposeThis paper explores digital transformation's impact on the work of owners in entrepreneurial firms. The interplay between working practices and technology is analyzed, taking into account the organizations' specific contexts.Design/methodology/approachA multiple case study design was applied. Eight cases of entrepreneurial firms, defined as companies that bring new products and services to the market by creating and seizing opportunities, were selected, with the goal to maximize the diversity of cases. The sample includes both small- and medium-sized firms, as well as high- tech and low- tech companies in equal number. Interviews have been used to collect both quantitative and qualitative data, which was analyzed in a structured way.FindingsThe digital transformation of entrepreneurial work, that is the daily work of entrepreneurs, is an evolutionary, practice-based phenomenon, rather than the result of rational design. The use of different digital tools is interrelated and depends on the characteristics, and dynamics of the surrounding environment.Practical implicationsThe findings of this study are relevant to entrepreneurs interested in understanding the dynamics of their working practice, to software development firms interested in entrepreneurs as customers and to institutions interested in the education of entrepreneurs.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors' knowledge this is the first study which considers the interplay between digital technology and the daily activities of entrepreneurs, considered as a whole. It provides insights on how these interconnected dimensions evolve, thus contributing to understanding the work of entrepreneurs, and as a consequence the dynamics of entrepreneurial firms in the context of digital transformation of organizations.
Managing a conflict: optimal alternative dispute resolution
Authors: Balzer Benjamin , Schneider Johannes 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe study optimal methods for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), a technique to achieve settlement and avoid costly adversarial hearings. Participation is voluntary. Disputants are privately informed about their marginal cost of evidence provision. If ADR fails to engender settlement, the disputants can use the information obtained during ADR to determine what evidence to provide in an adversarial hearing. Optimal ADR induces an asymmetric information structure but makes the learning report‐independent. It is ex ante fair and decreases the disputants' expenditures, even if they fail to settle. We highlight the importance of real‐world mediation techniques, such as caucusing, for implementing optimal ADR.
Balloon dilation eustachian tuboplasty for dilatory dysfunction: Safety and efficacy analysis in an Australian cohort
Authors: Cheng Horace , Saxby Alex , Jufas Nicholas , Kong Jonathan , Patel Nirmal 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundEustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) is a common clinical condition encountered by otolaryngologists. The severity and duration of symptoms range from the mild and transient to the chronic and severe along with secondary pathologies. Balloon dilation eustachian tuboplasty (BDET) as a treatment, was first described in 2010 and has been studied extensively. This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of BDET in an Australian cohort.MethodsRetrospective chart review on all patients who underwent BDET from September 2016 to March 2020 was performed. The Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Patient Questionnaire (ETDQ‐7) was chosen as the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures included subjective global assessment of presenting symptoms, ability to perform Valsalva maneuver and tympanometry. Any complications related to the procedures were reported.ResultsOne hundred and nineteen eustachian tube operations were included in this study. The patient cohort showed statistically significant improvement of mean EDTQ‐7 score from 0.7 to 2.9. Improvement in EDTQ‐7 was achieved in 83.9% of the cases. All patients in the baro‐challenge‐induced subgroup achieved improvement in ETDQ‐7 score. Complete resolution of symptoms with an ETDQ <2.1 was achieved in 37.1% of the cohort. There were no adverse safety events associated with the procedures.ConclusionBDET resulted in improvement of the EDTQ‐7 score in most of patients in this Australian cohort with no reported complications. BDET was most successful in baro‐challenge‐induced subgroup with universal improvement. Lower success rates were seen in patients with secondary pathology from their ETD.
National trends in extremity fracture hospitalizations among older adults between 2003 and 2017
Authors: Reider Lisa , Pollak Andrew , Wolff Jennifer L. , Magaziner Jay , Levy Joseph F. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundFractures in late life are highly consequential for health, services use, and spending. Little is known about trends in extremity fracture hospitalizations among older adults in the United States.DesignRetrospective longitudinal cohort study.SettingThe 2003–2017 National Inpatient Sample (NIS), a representative sample of U.S. community hospitals.ParticipantsHospitalized adults aged 65 and older with a diagnosis of upper or lower extremity fracture.MeasurementsIncidence of extremity fracture hospitalization and mortality, using NIS discharge and trend weights, and population denominators derived from the U.S. Census Bureau. Incidence was reported separately for men and women by age, fracture diagnosis, and injury mechanism. Weighted linear regression was used to test for significant trends over time.ResultsIncidence of extremity fracture hospitalizations declined in both women (15.7%, p trend < 0.001) and men (3.2%, p trend < 0.001) between 2003 and 2017. This trend was primarily attributed to a decline in low energy femur fractures which accounted for 65% of all fracture hospitalizations. Among older adults with an extremity fracture hospitalization, mortality declined from 5.1% in 2003 to 3.3% in 2017 in men, and from 2.6% to 1.9% in women (p trend < 0.001). High energy fractures were due to falls (53%), motor vehicle accidents (34%), and other high impact injuries (13%). Overall, 12% of extremity fracture hospitalizations were attributed to high‐energy injuries: increases were observed among men ages 65–74 (20%; p trend < 0.001) and 75–84 (10%; p trend = 0.013), but not among women of any age.ConclusionObserved declines in the incidence of extremity fracture hospitalizations and related mortality are encouraging. However, increasing incidence of fracture hospitalization from high energy injuries among men suggests that older adults with complex injuries will be seen with more prevalence in the future.