bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epigenomic modifications induced by hatchery rearing persist in germ line cells of adult salmon after their oceanic migration
Authors: Leitwein Maeva , Laporte Martin , Le Luyer Jeremy , Mohns Kayla , Normandeau Eric , Withler Ruth , Bernatchez Louis 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHuman activities induce direct or indirect selection pressure on natural population and may ultimately affect population's integrity. While numerous conservation programs aimed to minimize human‐induced genomic variation, human‐induced environmental variation may generate epigenomic variation potentially affecting fitness through phenotypic modifications. Major questions remain pertaining to how much epigenomic variation arises from environmental heterogeneity, whether this variation can persist throughout life, and whether it can be transmitted across generations. We performed whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) on the sperm of genetically indistinguishable hatchery and wild‐born migrating adults of Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) from two geographically distant rivers at different epigenome scales. Our results showed that coupling WGBS with fine‐scale analyses (local and chromosomal) allows the detection of parallel early‐life hatchery‐induced epimarks that differentiate wild from hatchery‐reared salmon. Four chromosomes and 183 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) displayed a significant signal of methylation differentiation between hatchery and wild‐born Coho salmon. Moreover, those early‐life epimarks persisted in germ line cells despite about 1.5 year spent in the ocean following release from hatchery, opening the possibility for transgenerational inheritance. Our results strengthen the hypothesis that epigenomic modifications environmentally induced during early‐life development persist in germ cells of adults until reproduction, which could potentially impact their fitness.
Pbp1 mediates the aberrant expression of genes involved in growth defect of ccr4∆ and pop2∆ mutants in yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Valderrama Arvin Lapiz , Fujii Shiori , Duy Duong Long , Irie Kaoru , Mizuno Tomoaki , Suda Yasuyuki , Irie Kenji 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCCR4 and POP2 genes encode the catalytic subunit of the Ccr4‐Not complex involved in shortening mRNA poly(A) tail in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The ccr4Δ and pop2∆ mutants exhibit pleiotropic phenotypes such as slow and temperature‐sensitive growth, aberrant expression of glucose repression genes and abnormal cell wall synthesis. We previously found that the growth defect of the ccr4Δ and pop2∆ mutants is suppressed by deletion of the PBP1 gene, which encodes poly(A)‐binding protein (Pab1)‐binding protein 1. In this study, we investigated the functional relationship between Ccr4/Pop2 and Pbp1 by measuring changes in gene expression in ccr4Δ and pop2∆ single mutants and ccr4Δ pbp1∆ and pop2∆ pbp1∆ double mutants. We found that expression of HSP12, HSP26, PIR3, FUS1 and GPH1 was increased in ccr4Δ and pop2∆ single mutants. The pbp1∆ mutation not only restored the growth defect but also reduced the increased expression of those genes found in the ccr4Δ and pop2∆ mutants. Over‐expression of PBP1 in the ccr4Δ mutant further increased the expression of HSP12, HSP26, PIR3 and FUS1 and exacerbated the cell growth. These results suggest that the aberrant expression of a subset of genes, which is facilitated by Pbp1, contributes to the pleiotropic phenotypes of the ccr4Δ and pop2∆ mutants.
Revisiting the concept of employability through economic theories: Contributions, limitations and policy implications
Authors: Suleman Fátima 
Published: March 2021

AbstractGraduate employability is an economic concept that strives to link higher education and employment. Economics of education and labour market theories contribute to its definition and provide arguments on its drivers and barriers. However, available studies have focused on human capital theory, which addresses the resources with which graduates should be endowed but overlooks the insights from other theories. This paper not only presents a more comprehensive picture of employability based on economic literature, but also confronts economic‐grounded arguments with academic research from other social sciences. It examines screening, signalling, and matching arguments that unveil concepts and factors affecting employability. On the other hand, it adds social and personal constraints that are neglected in the economic literature, notably social and cultural capital that impact access to and the benefits of higher education. The notion of contingent employability is suggested to bring all these factors together.
Comparison of the effects of ultrasound toothbrushes with different frequencies on oral hygiene: A randomized‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Takenouchi Akane , Otani Etsuyo , Satoho Yukiko , Kakegawa Yumiko , Arai Hiroe , Matsukubo Takashi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to examine whether high‐frequency ultrasound toothbrushes have different effects on oral hygiene.MethodsFifty first‐year dental hygiene students were randomly divided into three groups using ultrasound toothbrushes with different frequencies (1.6, 3.2 and 4.8 MHz) twice a day (3‐min sessions) for 8 weeks. Plaque index (PlI) and gingival index (GI) scores were assessed at 4 and 8 weeks.ResultsChanges in GI scores from baseline to 8 weeks tended to differ among the groups (p = 0.0862). The GI was significantly lower in the 3.2 and 4.8 MHz groups at 8 weeks (3.2 MHz group: p < 0.01, 4.8 MHz group: p < 0.05). At 4 weeks, the GI was significantly lower in the 3.2 MHz group (p < 0.05) and tended to be lower in the 4.8 MHz group (p = 0.07). The PlI was significantly lower in the 3.2 MHz group at 8 weeks (p < 0.01) and tended to be lower in the 1.6 and 4.8 MHz groups (1.6 MHz: p = 0.07, 4.8 MHz: p = 0.05). In addition, the PlI was significantly lower in the 4.8 MHz group at 4 weeks (p < 0.05). No significant differences in the changes in any measurements were observed among the groups.ConclusionsThe results of this study indicated that ultrasound toothbrushes with different frequencies probably have different effects on oral hygiene. However, it is difficult to conclude strongly that higher frequency ultrasound toothbrushes are more effective as there were some limitations.
Morphological evolution of TiC particles with different stoichiometries by hydrofluoric acid etching treatment
Authors: Aghamohammadi Hamed , Heidarpour Akbar 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe effects of hydrofluoric acid (HF) etching time on the morphology of the titanium carbide (TiC) particles with different stoichiometries were investigated. TiC particles with two C/Ti molar ratios of 0.5 and 1.0 were prepared by mechanical alloying. Then, the powders were immersed in the HF solution for different times of 48, 96, and 142 h. Results showed that the morphology of TiC particles greatly changed after HF etching. In general, a roughing phenomenon was observed as a function of the immersion time in the HF solution. The irregular shape of the TiC particles changed to the spherical shapes by increasing the HF etching time. However, the changing tendency of TiC particles with different stoichiometries was different. The shape of prepared powders with a C/Ti molar ratio of 1.0 was polyhedron at the initial stages of HF treatment, while the shape of prepared powders with a C/Ti molar ratio of 0.5 was near‐spherical. However, with increasing the immersion time, the shape of both samples changed to a spherical one. The degree of roughing phenomenon of the prepared powders with a C/Ti molar ratio of 0.5 was lower than that of the prepared powders with a C/Ti molar ratio of 1.0.
Integrating microscopy, art, and humanities to power STEAM learning in biology
Authors: Lindsay Sara M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractClose observation is central to both art and science as practitioners in both disciplines describe, compare, and seek to understand or interpret the natural world. Indeed, as the artist and writer Guy Davenport noted, “The vision by which we discover the hidden in nature is sometimes called science, sometimes called art.” In the last decade, the movement to integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics with arts and humanities (i.e., STEAM learning) has gained traction in K–12 education. A recent National Academies report (2018) examines the case for integrating humanities and the arts in undergraduate STEM education. Microscopy provides an excellent vehicle for engaging all kinds of students in integrative (STEAM) learning about biology and for encouraging them to observe the world closely. In this essay adapted from my keynote address to the American Microscopical Society in 2020, I highlight activities and approaches that use microscopy to engage learners of all kinds, examine how using microscopes changes students’ attitudes about science and biology, and explore the intersection of microscopy and visual art.
CO2 exchange, dry matter accumulation and growth response of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) to terminal drought as affected by potassium and blended‐NPSBZn fertilization
Authors: Endris Solomon , Fetene Masresha , Amede Tilahun 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSorghum production is constrained by terminal drought stress in semi‐arid areas of north‐eastern Ethiopia. Data from field experiments conducted in the region for two consecutive years (2015 – 2016) were used to investigate the effect of potassium (K) and NPSBZn‐blended fertilizer (BF) inputs on the drought response of sorghum through analysis of gas exchange, dry matter accumulation and growth parameters. Leaf gas exchange properties varied strongly with K and BF application both under normal rainfall and drought conditions. Data taken at anthesis in drought‐exposed sorghum indicated reduction of net photosynthetic rate (AN) with BF supply. AN declined from 15.7 µmol CO2/m2/s in the control to 13.4 µmol CO2/m2/s with application of 164 kg/ha BF. However, higher total dry matter yield was recorded at maturity in response to blended fertilizer and K inputs. Increasing supply of NPSBZn‐blended fertilizer was associated with declining leaf K content, increasing intercellular CO2 concentration and water use efficiency (WUE) during anthesis. Significant variations in crop growth rates were also observed in response to K and BF inputs. At physiological maturity, net assimilation rate (NAR) increased with K and BF inputs both under drought and normal rainfall conditions. In general, K application modulated the response of sorghum to BF input under both normal rainfall and drought conditions. Therefore, grain sorghum could benefit from early supply of K and BF fertilizer in drought prone areas of Northeastern Ethiopia.
Identification of physiological and morphological traits governing high water use efficiency in alfalfa
Authors: Ghimire Krishna , Gupta Surbhi , Geng Sisi , Chen Sixue , Boe Arvid , Wu Yajun 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTo sustain high production of alfalfa (Medicago sativa) with limited water resource in many areas, cultivars with improved water use efficiency (WUE) are urgently needed. We recently conducted greenhouse experiments and identified an alfalfa collection, River side (RS) that is naturized to the environment in the Grand River National Grassland in South Dakota, with a greater water use efficiency (WUE) under drought than other ten alfalfa accessions. To understand the mechanisms that may contribute to the higher WUE in RS, we examined physiological and morphological traits in comparison with Alfagraze (AF), a commercial variety with lower WUE under drought under greenhouse conditions. RS showed a greater reduction of water loss through transpiration despite more stomata per unit area under drought. Both RS and AF showed a reduction of stomatal aperture under drought compared to respective well‐watered plants but stomatal aperture in RS was smaller compared to AF regardless of irrigation status. Leaves of RS showed a more rapid accumulation of abscisic acid (ABA), at 14 days versus at 28 days in AF under drought. RS also closed stomata more rapidly when treated with 10 µM ABA. In addition, leaves of RS showed denser but shorter leaf hairs under drought. A correlation analysis points to a greater stomatal sensitivity to ABA in RS as a key factor contributing to its greater WUE under drought.
Three‐dimensional visualization of bidirectional preferential pathway conduction of premature ventricular contractions originating from the outflow tract
Authors: Yagyu Seina , Nagashima Koichi , Wakamatsu Yuji , Otsuka Naoto , Hayashida Satoshi , Kurokawa Sayaka , Hirata Shu , Okumura Yasuo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionPreferential pathway conduction is mostly detected as fractionated presystolic‐potentials preceding the QRS during premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) and late‐potentials during sinus rhythm (SR), but the electrophysiologic mechanisms and significance of these potentials have not been fully clarified. We describe a PVC case series in which the preferential pathway conduction was three‐dimensionally visualized.MethodsFive PVCs (two from the left coronary cusp, two from the commissure of the left and right coronary cusps, and one from the pulmonary artery) in four patients for which a fractionated presystolic‐potential during the PVCs and late‐potential during SR were recorded at the successful ablation site were reviewed, and three‐dimensional coherent activation maps with the conduction velocity vector during the PVCs and SR were reconstructed.ResultsAt the successful ablation site, an “M”‐shaped discrete presystolic‐potential and “W”‐shaped discrete late‐potential were recorded in all patients. The configuration of the inverted electrogram of the presystolic‐potential was similar to that of the electrogram exhibiting the late‐potential. We created coherent activation maps annotating the onset of the presystolic‐potentials during the PVCs and offset of the late‐potentials during SR, which suggested bidirectional conduction of the preferential pathway connecting the PVC origin to the myocardium.ConclusionDetailed activation mapping of these PVCs is consistent with the presence of fibers along the aortic or pulmonic valve ring that have preferential directions for conduction. PVCs produce a presystolic‐potential. In SR, the fiber is activated late and from the opposite direction, producing an inverted potential inscribed on the end of the QRS.
Stock differentiation of the greater lizardfish Saurida tumbil (Teleostei: Synodontidae) collected along the western coast of the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman using meristic characters
Authors: Jawad Laith A. , Abed Jassim M. , Ibáňez Ana L. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMeristic variation among stocks of greater lizardfish Saurida tumbil through the western coasts of the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman was examined using meristic characters. Statistical analysis of meristic traits proposed that there is constrained migration of populations of greater lizardfish along the western coast of the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman. Overlapping of the two samples from the northern part of the Arabian Gulf (Iraq‐Kuwait waters), three samples from the middle region of the Arabian Gulf (Bahrain‐Qatar‐Saudi Arabia) and two samples from the southern part of the Arabian Gulf/Sea of Oman (United Arab Emirates–Sultanate of Oman) suggested that there are three self‐recruiting populations in the studied area. Inspection of the role of each meristic trait variable to Canonical discriminant analysis showed that changes among samples appeared to be linked with the pattern of distribution of water temperature and configuration of current in both the Arabian Gulf and Sea of Oman areas.
Lessons learned from frontline skilled nursing facility staff regarding COVID‐19 vaccine hesitancy
Authors: Berry Sarah D. , Johnson Kimberly S. , Myles Lonnita , Herndon Laurie , Montoya Ana , Fashaw Shekinah , Gifford David 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundPresently a median of 37.5% of the U.S. skilled nursing facility (SNF) workforce has been vaccinated for COVID‐19. It is essential to understand vaccine hesitancy among SNF workers to inform vaccine campaigns going forward.ObjectiveTo describe the concerns raised among healthcare workers and staff from SNFs during town hall meetings.DesignSixty‐three SNFs from four corporations were invited to send Opinion Leaders, outspoken staff from nursing, nurse aid, dietary, housekeeping or recreational therapy, to attend a 1‐h virtual town hall meeting. Meetings used a similar format where the moderator solicited concerns that the attendees themselves had or had heard from others in the facility about the COVID‐19 vaccine. Physicians and moderators used personal stories to address concerns and reaffirmed positive emotions.SettingTwenty‐six video town hall meetings with SNF staff.ParticipantsHealthcare workers and staff, with physicians serving as content experts.MeasurementQuestions and comments about the COVID‐19 vaccines noted by physicians.ResultsOne hundred and ninety three staff from 50 facilities participated in 26 meetings between December 30, 2020 and January 15, 2021. Most staff reported getting information about the vaccine from friends or social media. Concerns about how rapidly the vaccines were developed and side effects, including infertility or pregnancy related concerns, were frequently raised. There were no differences in concerns raised by discipline. Questions about returning to prior activities after being vaccinated were common and offered the opportunity to build on positive emotions to reduce vaccine hesitancy.ConclusionsMisinformation about the COVID‐19 vaccine was widespread among SNF staff. Sharing positive emotions and stories may be more effective than sharing data when attempting to reduce vaccine hesitancy in SNF staff.
Adherence to care transitions recommendations among high‐risk hospitalized older patients
Authors: Reyes Bernardo , Diaz Sanya , Engstrom Gabriella , Ouslander Joseph 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground/ObjectivesEvidence on the effectiveness of inpatient hospital geriatric consultation is scant, and it is unknown whether adherence to specific recommendations will improve care and patient outcomes. This study was conducted to provide insights from a quality improvement project that may help guide further improvements in the effectiveness of these consultations made as a component of a care transitions program (CTP).DesignSecondary analysis of the implementation of a multicomponent CTP for high‐risk hospitalized patients aged 75 and older.SettingA 400‐bed community teaching hospital.ParticipantsTwo hundred and two patients admitted to non‐ICU beds who met high‐risk criteria.InterventionInpatient comprehensive geriatric consultation including care transition recommendations, telephone and in‐person follow‐up weekly for 4 weeks after discharge, and collaboration with post‐acute organizations and primary care and specialist physicians to implement recommendations.MeasurementsPrimary outcomes for this analysis was 30‐day hospital readmissions and adherence to transition of care recommendations.ResultsThe 142 patients with at least one post‐discharge visit received 936 care transition recommendations. Overall, 663 (71%) of the 936 care transition recommendations were adhered to (71%). The adherence rate was lower in the 22 patients who were readmitted to the hospital within 30 days (63%) compared to 72% adherence in the 120 patients who were not readmitted. This was not a statistically significant difference, and there were no significant differences in the number and percent adherence in any recommendation category between the two groups.ConclusionWe found adherence to just over two‐thirds of care transition recommendations, similar to a small number of other studies. We did not find a relationship between the number of recommendations and adherence to them with 30‐day readmissions to the hospital. Future studies of CTPs should consider several strategies may enhance geriatric consultation care transitions recommendations and adherence to them, and improve patient outcomes.
Oral health care and service utilisation in individuals with Rett syndrome: an international cross‐sectional study
Authors: Lai Y. Y. L. , Downs J. , Zafar S. , Wong K. , Walsh L. , Leonard H. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere is a dearth of literature available on the comparative oral health status of those with Rett syndrome (RTT) despite diurnal bruxism being a supportive diagnostic criterion for the disorder. This study was designed to investigate the dental experiences of individuals with RTT in terms of perceived at‐home and professional dental care.MethodsUsing data in the InterRett database, provided by English‐speaking families of individuals with a confirmed MECP2 genetic mutation, the study investigated relationships between dental problems, oral care, child factors including bruxism and use of gastrostomy, and socioeconomic indicators. The study also explored relationships between dental presentations and socioeconomic, child, and family‐related factors.ResultsIndividuals with RTT exhibiting bruxism were more likely to access dental treatment. Those who had full oral feeding had a higher incidence rate of dental treatment than those with full tube feeding. A conservative (under) estimation of the overall dental caries progression rate revealed that this may be similar to that of the normal population.ConclusionsDrivers for dental treatment in RTT include bruxism as well as dental caries. Those who have full oral feeding experience more dental treatment than those with full tube feeding. A higher maternal education level may confer a protective effect for oral health outcomes in those with RTT. Nevertheless, families generally tended to value the importance of oral health despite reported difficulties in day‐to‐day mouth care.
How do gynecologists face to social problems among women cancer survivors?
Authors: Endo Motoki 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn recent decades, surgical techniques, new anticancer drugs' development, and radiation equipment have led to continuous improvements in cancer survival rates and quality of life of cancer survivors (CSs). While 61.0% of gynecological cancer survivors (GCS) in Japan belonged to a working‐age group (20–64 years old), the number of working GCS within the working‐age population has increased. In Japan, it seems that there has been more interest in striking a balance between cancer treatment and work, especially since 2016 when the Cancer Control Act was amended and national guidelines for working CSs were published. Maintaining employment after gynecological cancer diagnosis remains an important issue for not only GCS and their families but also employers and society. GCS suffered from various symptoms including cancer‐related fatigue, pain, menopausal symptoms, lymphedema, and psychological distress, which made maintaining employment difficult for them. Full return to work (RTW) rate at 365 days after the initial days of sick leave among was 77.6% and median time to full RTW among GCSs was 172 days. Five‐year work continuance rate after RTW among GCSs was 63.4%. It is better for gynecologists to write a certificate for workplace in words of not “symptoms,” but “caseness words (such as, workable as long as it is sedentary or clerical work. Partial RTW (4‐h work, 6‐h work) might be desirable for a while after RTW,” in order to support GCSs' maintaining employment.