bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of various fibrolytic isozyme activities in the rumen microbial communities of Japanese Black and Holstein Friesian cattle under different conditions
Authors: Takizawa Shuhei , Asano Ryoki , Fukuda Yasuhiro , Baba Yasunori , Tada Chika , Nakai Yutaka 
Published: October 2021

AbstractRumen microorganisms produce various fibrolytic enzymes and degrade lignocellulosic materials into nutrient sources for ruminants; therefore, the characterization of fibrolytic enzymes contributing to the polysaccharide degradation in the rumen microbiota is important for efficient animal production. This study characterized the fibrolytic isozyme activities of a rumen microbiota from four groups of housed cattle (1, breeding Japanese Black; 2, feedlot Japanese Black; 3, lactating Holstein Friesian; 4, dry Holstein Friesian). Rumen fluids in all cattle groups showed similar concentrations of total volatile fatty acids and reducing sugars, whereas acetic acid contents and pH were different among them. Predominant genera were commonly detected in all cattle, although the bacterial compositions were different among cattle groups. Zymograms of whole proteins in rumen fluids showed endoglucanase activities at 55 and 57 kDa and xylanase activity at 44 kDa in all cattle. Meanwhile, several fibrolytic isozyme activities differed among cattle groups and individuals. Treponema, Succinivibrio, Anaeroplasma, Succiniclasticum, Ruminococcus, and Butyrivibrio showed positive correlations with fibrolytic isozyme activities. Further, endoglucanase activity at 68 kDa was positively correlated with pH. This study suggests the characteristics of fibrolytic isozyme activities and their correlations with the rumen microbiota.
Immunogenicity and safety of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients
Authors: Shem‐Tov Noga , Yerushalmi Ronit , Danylesko Ivetta , Litachevsky Vladislav , Levy Itzchak , Olmer Liraz , Lusitg Yaniv , Avigdor Abraham , Nagler Arnon , Shimoni Avichai , Rahav Galia 
Published: October 2021

SummaryThe immunogenicity and safety of Pfizer‐BioNTech BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients are unknown. We prospectively followed 152 HSCT recipients who were at least six months following transplantation and with no active acute graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD). Blood samples were taken 2–4 weeks after the second vaccination and analyzed for receptor‐binding domain (RBD) antibodies and neutralizing antibodies (NA). 272 immunocompetent healthcare workers served as controls. At a median of 28 days after the second vaccination, 118 patients (77·6%) developed RBD immunoglobulin G (IgG) with a geometric mean titre (GMT) of 2·61 [95% CI (confidence interval), 2·16–3·16]. In the control group 269/272 (98·9%) developed RBD IgG, with a GMT of 5·98 (95% CI 5·70–6·28), P < 0·0001. The GMT of NA in HSCT recipients and controls was 116·0 (95% CI 76·5–175·9), and 427·9 (95% CI 354·3–516·7) respectively (P < 0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that HSCT recipients with no chronic GVHD and no immunosuppressive therapy at the time of vaccination had significantly higher levels of NA following the second vaccination. Adverse events were minimal and were less common than in healthy controls. In conclusion; the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination is safe and effective in HSCT recipients, especially those who are immunosuppression‐free. A significant fraction developed protecting NA.
Calycosin ameliorates atherosclerosis by enhancing autophagy via regulating the interaction between KLF2 and MLKL in apolipoprotein E gene‐deleted mice
Authors: Ma Chuanrui , Wu Han , Yang Guangyan , Xiang Jiaqing , Feng Ke , Zhang Jing , Hua Yunqing , Kang Lin , Fan Guanwei , Yang Shu 
Published: October 2021

Background and PurposeAtherosclerosis is one of the underlying causes of cardiovascular disease. Formation of foam cells and necrotic core in the plaque is a hallmark of atherosclerosis, which results from lipid deposition, apoptosis, and inflammation in macrophages. Macrophage autophagy is a critical anti‐atherogenic process and defective autophagy aggravates atherosclerosis by enhancing foam cell formation, apoptosis, and inflammation. Hence, enhancing autophagy can be a strategy for atherosclerosis treatment. Calycosin, a flavonoid from Radix Astragali, displays anti‐oxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities and therefore is potential to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, the anti‐atherogenic effect of calycosin and the involved mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we assessed the potential benefits of calycosin on autophagy and atherosclerosis, and revealed the underlying mechanism.Experimental ApproachIn this study, apoE−/− mice were fed high‐fat diet for 16 weeks in the presence of calycosin and/or autophagy inhibitor chloroquine, which was followed by determination of atherosclerosis development, autophagy activity, and involved mechanisms.Key ResultsCalycosin protected against atherosclerosis and enhanced plaque stability via promoting autophagy. Calycosin inhibited foam cell formation, inflammation, and apoptosis by enhancing autophagy. MLKL was demonstrated as a new autophagy regulator, which can be negatively regulated by KLF2. Mechanistically, inhibitory effects of calycosin on atherogenesis were via improved autophagy through KLF2‐MLKL signalling pathway modulation.Conclusions and ImplicationsThis study demonstrated the atheroprotective effect of calycosin was through upregulating KLF2‐MLKL‐mediated autophagy, which not only proposed novel mechanistic insights into t atherogenesis but also identified calycosin as a potential drug candidate for atherosclerosis treatment.
Stemness and immune evasion conferred by the TDO2‐AHR pathway are associated with liver metastasis of colon cancer
Authors: Miyazaki Toshiaki , Chung Suyoun , Sakai Hiroaki , Ohata Hirokazu , Obata Yuuki , Shiokawa Daisuke , Mizoguchi Yukihiro , Kubo Takashi , Ichikawa Hitoshi , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Aoki Kazunori , Soga Tomoyoshi , Nakagama Hitoshi , Okamoto Koji 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathway modulates the immune system in response to kynurenine, an endogenous tryptophan metabolite. IDO1 and TDO2 catalyze kynurenine production, which promotes cancer progression by compromising host immunosurveillance. However, it is unclear whether the AHR activation regulates the malignant traits of cancer such as metastatic capability or cancer stemness. Here, we carried out systematic analyses of metabolites in patient‐derived colorectal cancer spheroids and identified high levels of kynurenine and TDO2 that were positively associated with liver metastasis. In a mouse colon cancer model, TDO2 expression substantially enhanced liver metastasis, induced AHR‐mediated PD‐L1 transactivation, and dampened immune responses; these changes were all abolished by PD‐L1 knockout. In patient‐derived cancer spheroids, TDO2 or AHR activity was required for not only the expression of PD‐L1, but also for cancer stem cell (CSC)‐related characteristics and Wnt signaling. TDO2 was coexpressed with both PD‐L1 and nuclear β‐catenin in colon xenograft tumors, and the coexpression of TDO2 and PD‐L1 was observed in clinical colon cancer specimens. Thus, our data indicate that the activation of the TDO2‐kynurenine‐AHR pathway facilitates liver metastasis of colon cancer via PD‐L1–mediated immune evasion and maintenance of stemness.
A call to embrace jural dualism
Authors: Diesel Jonathon , Klein Daniel B 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis article explores concepts under a rubric termed ‘jural’, the meaning of which is differentiated from ‘legal’. Within the conceptualisation of the modern nation state, there are two categories of jural relationships. In the first, both parties have equal jural standing (equal–equal), as between neighbours. In the second jural relationship (superior–inferior), one party has standing as a special jural player, essentially the governor. The jural superior wields the coercive powers of government. Human beings, we argue, are predisposed to folding this jural superior back into the equal–equal relationship, thus notionally collapsing two relationships back to one, or collapsing from jural dualism into jural monism. Two varieties of the tendency stand out, namely collectivist thinking that sees government as a set of rules and arrangements arrived at voluntarily, and Rothbardian libertarianism that sees government as a criminal organisation and proposes its elimination. But, beyond those two varieties, we see traces and tinctures of the tendency towards jural monism. We call for a conscious embrace of jural dualism.
Economic complexity and poverty in developing countries
Authors: Gnangnon Sena Kimm 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis article examines the effect of economic complexity on poverty in developing countries. It shows that greater economic complexity results in lower poverty headcount rates. This is particularly the case for countries that enjoy higher economic growth rates, lower levels of income inequality and lower degrees of economic growth volatility, including volatility due to smaller export demand and financial flows shocks. These findings have important policy implications for those developing countries that are exploring ways and means to recover from the current COVID‐19 pandemic crisis and to prepare for future crises.
What can we learn from the United Kingdom’s post‐1945 economic reforms?
Authors: Crafts Nicholas 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis article reviews the claim that economic policymakers in the post‐COVID UK should learn the lessons of the 1940s. Post‐1945 policies relating to delivering full employment, levelling up, upgrading social security, dealing with the public debt legacy, and addressing the productivity puzzle are considered. The article finds many reasons to criticise the policies of the 1940s. Although, superficially, outcomes look good, a closer examination reveals significant failings notably concerning design of the welfare state and supply‐side policy for growth. The 1940s do not provide a good way to address the productivity slowdown or twenty‐first‐century social insurance.
The effect of kidney transplantation on left ventricular remodeling and global diastolic strain rate in end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Lassen Mats Christian Højbjerg , Qasim Atif , Webber Allison , Gao Ying , Biering‐Sørensen Tor , Park Meyeon 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundDiastolic dysfunction is an early marker of cardiac pathology in end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients. The ratio of transmitral filling velocity (E) to early diastolic strain rate (E/e'sr) is a novel non‐invasive marker of early left ventricular (LV) filling pressure obtained using two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE).MethodsIn a prospective cohort of kidney transplant (KTX) recipients with echocardiograms performed pre‐transplant we obtained repeat echocardiograms at 6 months following transplant. All echocardiograms were analyzed using 2DSTE where E/e'sr and global longitudinal strain were obtained. Paired tests were used to assess changes to cardiac structure and function following KTX.ResultsA total of 33 patients were included in the study (mean age was 46.6 ± 13.7 years and 42% were males). The primary causes of ESKD in the cohort were glomerular disease (33%), hypertension (30%), and polycystic kidney disease (12%). The median (IQR) time spent on dialysis was 5.4 years [2.9, 7.7 years]. A reverse remodeling of the LV was observed following KTX as LV mass decreased (189.2 ± 57.5 g vs 171.1 ± 56.8 g, P = 0.014). LV filling pressure decreased as assessed by E/e'sr (103.7 ± 51.1 cm vs 72.6 ± 35.5 cm, P = 0.009). E to early diastolic mitral annular tissue velocity (E/e’) did not change following KTX (9.9 ± 4.5 vs 10.3 ± 4.1, P = 0.54). Additionally, both LV internal diastolic and systolic diameter decreased significantly.ConclusionReverse cardiac remodeling following KTX was observed as improvements in LV mass and LV dimensions. LV filling pressure improved as assessed by E/e'sr decreased following KTX, whereas E/e’ did not change.
An unusual case of mitral valve chordal rupture
Authors: Lillo Rosa , Ingrasciotta Gessica , Locorotondo Gabriella , Lombardo Antonella , Graziani Francesca 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn this report, we present a rare case of severe mitral regurgitation due to isolated mitral valve chordal rupture without valve leaflet prolapse in a patient with Fabry cardiomyopathy. This finding could be due to subvalvular apparatus storage of glycosphingolipids rather than fibro‐elastic deficiency, underlying how close cardiological follow‐up of Fabry patients must be comprehensive and not only focused on left ventricular hypertrophy and arrhythmias.
The role of metabolic syndrome in sudden cardiac death risk: Recent evidence and future directions
Authors: Tirandi Amedeo , Carbone Federico , Montecucco Fabrizio , Liberale Luca 
Published: October 2021

AbstractMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is a frequent condition whose deleterious effects on the cardiovascular system are often underestimated. MetS is nowadays considered a real pandemic with an estimated prevalence of 25% in general population. Individuals with MetS are at high risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) as this condition accounts for 50% of all cardiac deaths in such a population. Of interest, recent studies demonstrated that individuals with MetS show 70% increased risk of SCD even without previous history of coronary heart disease (CHD). However, little is known about the interplay between the two conditions. MetS is a complex disease determined by genetic predisposition, unhealthy lifestyle and ageing with deleterious effects on different organs. MetS components trigger a systemic chronic low‐grade pro‐inflammatory state, associated with excess of sympathetic activity, cardiac hypertrophy, arrhythmias and atherosclerosis. Thus, MetS has an important burden on the cardiovascular system as demonstrated by both preclinical and clinical evidence. The aim of this review is to summarize recent evidence concerning the association between MetS and SCD, showing possible common aetiological processes, and to indicate prospective for future studies and therapeutic targets.
Intracranial hemorrhage in newly diagnosed non‐promyelocytic acute myeloid leukemia patients admitted for intensive induction chemotherapy
Authors: Koschade Sebastian E. , Stratmann Jan A. , Miesbach Wolfgang , Steffen Björn , Serve Hubert , Finkelmeier Fabian , Brandts Christian H. , Ballo Olivier 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectives and MethodsIntracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients is a major concern due to the increased risk of mortality. Few studies have examined ICH specifically in newly diagnosed AML patients receiving intensive induction chemotherapy (IC) and prophylactic platelet transfusions during thrombocytopenia <10/nL. This retrospective cohort study included 423 newly diagnosed AML patients without acute promyelocytic leukemia who underwent IC between 2007 and 2019. We assessed risk factors, clinical features, and outcomes of ICH.Results17 of 423 patients (4%) suffered ICH during hospital stay, and 4 patients (24%) died directly because of ICH despite routine prophylactic platelet transfusions. Patients with ICH had a negatively impacted overall survival (median OS, 20.1 vs. 104.8 months) and were more likely not to continue with curative treatment. Main risk factors were female gender, severe thrombocytopenia, and decreased fibrinogen. Patients with subsequent ICH also had laboratory signs of liver dysfunction.ConclusionsIntracranial hemorrhage remains a potentially deadly complication with notable incidence despite prophylactic platelet substitution, suggesting that additional prophylactic interventions may be required to further reduce the frequency of ICH in high‐risk patients. Unrecognized genetic factors may simultaneously predispose to AML and platelet dysfunction with ICH.
Increasing soil organic carbon content can enhance the long‐term availability of phosphorus in agricultural soils
Authors: Vermeiren Charlotte , Kerckhof Pieterjan , Reheul Dirk , Smolders Erik 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe stocks of phosphorus (P) in soil resulting from decades of over‐fertilisation can be used as a long‐term source of P provided that crop P bioavailability is ensured. This study was set up to identify to what extent soil organic matter (SOM) affects the long‐term availability of these stocks, the premise being that OM may limit irreversible P fixation in soil by blocking P sorption sites on sesquioxides. An ensemble of 42 agricultural soils, composed from experimentally amended soils (field and incubation trials) and soils with contrasting properties, was subjected to 288 days of P depletion with anion exchange membranes as a P sink; this method was previously shown to yield P pools with agronomic significance. Cumulative P desorption data were fitted with a two‐pool kinetic desorption model, yielding estimates for a fast (labile) and total desorbable P pool. On average, 42% of oxalate extractable P (Pox) associated with poorly crystalline iron (Fe) and aluminium (Al) (oxy)hydroxides (Feox and Alox) were desorbable and 25% of that fraction (i.e. 11% of Pox) was labile. That labile P pool matched well with the 24 h isotopically exchangeable P (E value) in these soils (R2 = 0.74). Both the fast and total desorbable fraction of Pox were larger at higher degrees of phosphorus saturation (DPS). In soils with a low DPS (<0.30), the labile fraction of Pox increased as the ratio of soil organic carbon to Feox + Alox increased (R2 = 0.70; p < 0.001), but soils with a higher DPS did not exhibit that trend. These results adhere to soil chemical views that enhanced SOM contents reduce fixation of P by competitive sorption and prevention of P diffusion into micropores. No such effects occur in more P saturated soils, probably because orthophosphate sorption and electrostatic effects outcompete effective SOM sorption. The findings suggest that simultaneous application of OM with P fertilisers could keep P better available in the long term, but that this OM application does not affect P fixation when soils are excessively dosed with P.Highlights
Long‐term availability of P in soil was assessed in contrasting soils in a P depletion experiment.
A high ratio of organic C to Fe and Al in soil enhances the P fraction that is readily available.
The positive effect of organic matter on soil P availability is only found at low soil P saturation.
Residual P in European soils can sustain adequate P for crops for 5–55 years depending on the soil.
Best‐practice fisheries management associated with reduced stocks and changes in life histories
Authors: McClanahan Timothy R. , Friedlander Alan M. , Wantiez Laurent , Graham Nicholas A. J. , Bruggemann J. Henrich , Chabanet Pascale , Oddenyo Remy M. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractCurrent best‐practice policy recommendations for managing fish stocks are achieved by a mixture of maintaining modest fishing mortality (restricting effort, times and gear), marine reserve networks and not subsidizing unprofitable fisheries. A seldom evaluated question is how effective these proposed approaches are for maintaining all fish stocks and biodiversity elements in marine seascapes? Both recommended and unrecommended fishing practices fragment habitats and reduce metapopulation connectivity with potentially unexpected seascape‐level consequences. To better understand these outcomes, we pooled and evaluated fish community data into two seascape groupings for comparisons of biomass and life‐history characteristics. These were remote baseline reefs (>9 hr from regional cities and >4 hr from human habitation, n = 584 locations) and those emulating best‐practice seascapes (BPS, n = 140). BPS were a mix of high‐compliance marine reserves (fishable biomass = 892 ± 696 (±SD) kg/ha, n = 95; >5 km2 and >15 years of closure) and fished seascapes (478 ± 395 kg/ha, n = 45) that had biomass near the maximum sustained yield (MSY) estimates for coral reefs. The fish communities in the BPS locations differed considerably from the remote baseline by having 49% of the median and 32% of the mean biomass, smaller community‐weighted body sizes, and faster growth and mortality rates. Most of the declines were associated with high biomass taxa that included carnivorous jacks (Carangidae), snappers (Lutjanidae), groupers (Serranidae) and triggerfish (Balistidae), which were reduced to between 11% and 28% of the mean baseline. Surgeonfish (Acanthuridae) and parrotfish (Scarinae) were an exception in being reduced to only 48 and 53% of the baseline's mean biomass, respectively. As expected, community‐level body sizes and age values were larger and trophic level higher, while growth and mortality were lower in baselines than BPS seascapes. After evaluating the different environmental responses between seascapes and accounting for the largest geographic factor, longitude, we evaluated the community responses to 4 possible BPS planning scenarios. Biomass responses to age and trophic level and length at maturity were similar and predictable for the two seascapes. In contrast, growth and generation time responses differed between seascapes. Baselines had peak biomass patterns at intermediate values, whereas BPS displayed a declining influence of growth and a saturating response for generation time. Consequently, deviations between BPS and baselines indicate that current BPS proposals do not fully emulate the ecology of remote or wilderness locations. Therefore, wilderness will be a required management designation if the global fish communities are to be fully conserved.
Managerial ability and trade credit
Authors: Khoo Joye , Cheung Adrian (Wai Kong) 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWe examine whether and how managerial ability affects trade credit (accounts payable, in particular). The empirical analyses show that firms with higher managerial ability are associated with an increase in trade credit received. We also find that the impact of managerial ability on accounts payable is stronger for firms having poorer credit quality or more binding financial constraints. Our findings are robust to alternative measures of key variables, financial crises, product characteristics, and endogeneity concerns.
Horizontal and vertical variation in the structure of fruit‐feeding butterfly (Nymphalidae) assemblages in the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: de Brito Freire Geraldo , Ribeiro Danilo Bandini , de Carvalho Santos Andréia , Silva Thayane , Dias Joao Paulo , Rodrigues Hanna Pâmela , Diniz Ivone Rezende 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The Cerrado biome is a biodiversity hotspot with a rich biota, and intense anthropogenic pressures. Despite its importance, it is still poorly understood how insects occupy different spatial dimensions of the landscape.
We investigated how the beta diversity of plants influences the beta diversity of nymphalids at the regional‐scale (gallery forest vs. savannah) and local‐scale (transects). We expected greater beta‐diversity in nymphalid assemblages in gallery forests given the heterogeneity of plants and canopy structure.
We sampled nymphalids in each habitat monthly for 1 year and observed 3459 individuals from 62 species. Nymphalidae abundance was significantly higher in the understory than in the canopy. Specifically, only 18% of the individuals were captured in the canopy of gallery forests compared to 11% in savannah canopies. Species richness was higher in gallery forests (55 species) compared to savannahs (34 species).
Savannah transects were very similar in plant species composition and butterfly assemblages within the understory and canopy, whereas the species composition of plants and butterflies in gallery forests was highly heterogeneous which is consistent with the habitat heterogeneity hypothesis.
Gallery forests are spatially more complex, which probably results in higher niche availability that may contribute to reduce the community saturation and help to maintain greater beta diversity in these habitats.