bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endogenous retroviruses in the origins and treatment of cancer
Authors: Jansz Natasha , Faulkner Geoffrey J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractEndogenous retroviruses (ERVs) are emerging as promising therapeutic targets in cancer. As remnants of ancient retroviral infections, ERV-derived regulatory elements coordinate expression from gene networks, including those underpinning embryogenesis and immune cell function. ERV activation can promote an interferon response, a phenomenon termed viral mimicry. Although ERV expression is associated with cancer, and provisionally with autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases, ERV-mediated inflammation is being explored as a way to sensitize tumors to immunotherapy. Here we review ERV co-option in development and innate immunity, the aberrant contribution of ERVs to tumorigenesis, and the wider biomedical potential of therapies directed at ERVs.
The genetic mechanism of heterosis utilization in maize improvement
Authors: Xiao Yingjie , Jiang Shuqin , Cheng Qian , Wang Xiaqing , Yan Jun , Zhang Ruyang , Qiao Feng , Ma Chuang , Luo Jingyun , Li Wenqiang , Liu Haijun , Yang Wenyu , Song Wenhao , Meng Yijiang , Warburton Marilyn L. , Zhao Jiuran , Wang Xiangfeng , Yan Jianbing 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundIn maize hybrid breeding, complementary pools of parental lines with reshuffled genetic variants are established for superior hybrid performance. To comprehensively decipher the genetics of heterosis, we present a new design of multiple linked F1 populations with 42,840 F1 maize hybrids, generated by crossing a synthetic population of 1428 maternal lines with 30 elite testers from diverse genetic backgrounds and phenotyped for agronomic traits.ResultsWe show that, although yield heterosis is correlated with the widespread, minor-effect epistatic QTLs, it may be resulted from a few major-effect additive and dominant QTLs in early developmental stages. Floral transition is probably one critical stage for heterosis formation, in which epistatic QTLs are activated by paternal contributions of alleles that counteract the recessive, deleterious maternal alleles. These deleterious alleles, while rare, epistatically repress other favorable QTLs. We demonstrate this with one example, showing thatBrachytic2represses theUbiquitin3locus in the maternal lines; in hybrids, the paternal allele alleviates this repression, which in turn recovers the height of the plant and enhances the weight of the ear. Finally, we propose a molecular design breeding by manipulating key genes underlying the transition from vegetative-to-reproductive growth.ConclusionThe new population design is used to dissect the genetic basis of heterosis which accelerates maize molecular design breeding by diminishing deleterious epistatic interactions.
Improvement of freezing of gait in patients with Parkinson’s disease by music exercise therapy: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Li Kun-Peng , Zhou Zong-Lei , Zhou Ru-Zhen , Zhu Yan , Zhang Zeng-Qiao 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Progression of freezing of gait, a common pathological gait in Parkinson’s disease, is an important risk factor for diagnosing the disease and has been shown to predispose patients to easy falls, loss of independent living ability, and reduced quality of life. Treating Parkinson’s disease with freezing of gait is very difficult, while the use of medicine and operation has been ineffective. Music exercise therapy, which entails listening to music as you exercise, has been proposed as a treatment technology that can change patients’ behavior, emotions, and physiological activity. In recent years, music exercise therapy has been widely used in treatment of motor disorders and neurological diseases and achieved remarkable results. Results from our earlier pilot study revealed that music exercise therapy can improve the freezing of gait of Parkinson’s patients and improve their quality of life. Therefore, we aim to validate clinical efficacy of this therapy on freezing of gait of Parkinson’s patients using a larger sample size.

Methods/design
This three-arm randomized controlled trial will evaluate clinical efficacy of music exercise therapy in improving the freezing of gait in Parkinson’s patients. We will recruit a total of 81 inpatients with Parkinson’s disease, who meet the trial criteria. The patients will randomly receive music exercise with and without music as well as routine rehabilitation therapies, followed by analysis of changes in their gait and limb motor function after 4 weeks of intervention. We will first use a three-dimensional gait analysis system to evaluate changes in patients’ gait, followed by assessment of their limb function, activity of daily living and fall risk.

Discussion
The findings of this trial are expected to affirm the clinical application of this therapy for future management of the disease.

Trial registration
Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR1900026063. Registered on September 20, 2019
Protocol for the development of a core outcome set for lateral elbow tendinopathy (COS-LET)
Authors: Bateman Marcus , Evans Jonathan P. , Vuvan Viana , Jones Val , Watts Adam C. , Phadnis Joideep , Bisset Leanne , Vicenzino Bill 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundLateral elbow tendinopathy (LET) is a common condition that can cause significant disability and associated socioeconomic cost. Although it has been widely researched, outcome measures are highly variable which restricts evidence synthesis across studies. In 2019, a working group of international experts, health care professionals and patients, in the field of tendinopathy (International Scientific Tendinopathy Symposium Consensus (ICON) Group), published the results of a consensus exercise defining the nine core domains that should be measured in tendinopathy research. The aim of this study is to develop a core outcome set (COS) for LET mapping to these core domains. The primary output will provide a template for future outcome evaluation of LET. In this protocol, we detail the methodological approach to the COS-LET development.MethodsThis study will employ a three-phase approach. (1) A systematic review of studies investigating LET will produce a comprehensive list of all instruments currently employed to quantify the treatment effect or outcome. (2) Instruments will be matched to the list of nine core tendinopathy outcome domains by a Steering Committee of clinicians and researchers with a specialist interest in LET resulting in a set of candidate instruments. (3) An international three-stage Delphi study will be conducted involving experienced clinicians, researchers and patients. Within this Delphi study, candidate instruments will be selected based upon screening using the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) truth, feasibility and discrimination filters with a threshold of 70% agreement set for consensus.ConclusionsThere is currently no COS for the measurement or monitoring of LET in trials or clinical practice. The output from this project will be a minimum COS recommended for use in all future English language studies related to LET. The findings will be published in a high-quality journal and disseminated widely using professional networks, social media and via presentation at international conferences.Trial registrationRegistered with the Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials (COMET) database, November 2019.https://www.comet-initiative.org/Studies/Details/1497.
Design of remote control device using wireless sensor network and its use in intelligent monitoring of farmland information
Authors: Zhang Jian , Wang Ying 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe purpose is to control the growth state of crops remotely, design intelligent detection application of farmland information and improve the efficiency of agricultural information management. Wireless sensor technology is applied to remote control device. First, through the integration of the system functions that need to be completed in the farmland remote monitoring, the module requirements of the device are further determined. Finally, the overall design is determined. From the aspects of hardware, such as the selection of sensors, RF transceivers and software (such as data processing center module), remote control device is designed, and the detection and collection of farmland real-time information is completed. The results show that the communication distance of wireless sensor nodes can reach 215 m under the test condition of 0.5 m in open space. The research content can help people improve the understanding of crop growth environment and growth situation, and then help people improve work efficiency, and finally contribute to the process of agricultural informatization.
AGREEing on clinical practice guidelines for idiopathic steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome in children
Authors:   on behalf of the Saudi Society of Nephrology and Transplantation, Alhasan Khalid Abdulaziz , Al Khalifah Reem , Aloufi Majed , Almaiman Weiam , Hamad Muddathir , Abdulmajeed Naif , Al Salloum Abdullah , Kari Jameela A. , AlJelaify Muneera , Bassrawi Rolan K. , Al Hussain Turki , Alherbish Adi , Al Talhi Abdulhadi , Temsah Mohamad-Hani , Sethi Sidharth Kumar , Raina Rupesh , Joseph Reny , Amer Yasser Sami 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Nephrotic syndrome is the most common kidney disease in children worldwide. Our aim was to critically appraise the quality of recent Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) for idiopathic steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) in children in addition to summarize and compare their recommendations.

Methods
Systematic review of CPGs. We identified clinical questions and eligibility criteria and searched and screened for CPGs using bibliographic and CPG databases. Each included CPG was assessed by four independent appraisers using the Appraisal of Guidelines for REsearch & Evaluation II (AGREE-II) instrument. We summarized the recommendations in a comparison practical table.

Results
Our search retrieved 282 citations, of which three CPGs were eligible and appraised: Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) 2012, Japan Society for Pediatric Nephrology (JSPN) 2014, and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2009. Among these, the overall assessment of two evidence-based CPGs scored > 70% (KDIGO and JSPN), which was consistent with their higher scores in the six domains of the AGREE II Instrument. In domain 3 (rigor of development), KDIGO, JSPN, and AAP scored 84%, 74%, and 41%, respectively. In domain 5 (applicability), they scored 22%, 16%, and 19%, respectively, and in domain 6 (editorial independence), they scored 94%, 65%, and 88%, respectively.

Conclusions
The methodological quality of the KDIGO CPG was superior, followed by JSPN and AAP CPGs with the relevant recommendations for use in practice.

Systematic review registration
The protocol was registered in the Center for Open Science (OSF) DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/6QTMD and in the International prospective register of systematic reviews PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020197511.
The cerebellum-driven social basis of mathematics: implications for one-on-one tutoring of children with mathematics learning disabilities
Authors: Vandervert Larry , Moe Kimberly 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to argue that the patterns of sequence control over kinematics (movements) and dynamics (forces) which evolved in phonological processing in inner speech during the evolution of the social-cognitive capacities behind stone-tool making that led to the emergence of Homo sapiens are homologous to the social cerebellum’s capacity to learn patterns of sequence within language that we refer to as mathematics. It is argued that this evolution (1) selected toward a social cognitive cerebellum which arose from the arduous, repetitive precision patterns of knapping (stone shaping) and (2) that over a period of a million-plus years was selected from mentalizing toward the kinematics and dynamics as observed and modeled in Theory of Mind (ToM) of more experienced stone knappers. It is concluded that components of this socially-induced autobiographical knowledge, namely, (1) segmenting events, (2) sequencing events, and (3) sequencing event clusters, all at various levels of abstraction, can inform optimum approaches to one-on-one tutoring of children with mathematical learning disabilities.
Analysis and prediction of brittle failure in rock blocks having a circular tunnel under uniaxial compression using acoustic Emission technique: laboratory testing and numerical simulation
Authors: Das Ratan , Dhounchak Ranbir , Singh T. N. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn this research, the failure mechanism and anomalous behavior of intact and jointed rock block having a circular tunnel under compression are studied. This was done by monitoring the progressive failure of a rock tunnel subjected to uniaxial loading. The tests were conducted in sandstone blocks and “Acoustic Emission” (AE) technique was used to identify the crack damage and other failure attributes. Three cases have been considered in the research, i.e. tunnel in the intact rock, with horizontal joints, and with vertical joint sets. Images of progressive failure, acoustic signals, and applied loads were simultaneously recorded during the test. The intact block demonstrates continuous crack generation while the block with horizontal joint set shows a stepwise cracking pattern. In the third case where the vertical joints were employed, the deformation was largely roof failure and joint perpendicular extension was dominant. The AE events show that a sudden drop and then a quiet period of seismic “Ib value” could be considered as the precursors to forecast the rockburst hazard. The paper also compares the results of the physical model test with a 2D finite element model. The compared results show good agreement between the physical and numerical models.
Genealogical relationship inference to identify areas of intensive poaching of the Orange-fronted Parakeet (Eupsittula canicularis)
Authors: Padilla-Jacobo Gabriela , Monterrubio-Rico Tiberio C. , Cano-Camacho Horacio , Zavala-Páramo María Guadalupe 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe Orange-fronted Parakeet (Eupsittula canicularis) is the Mexican psittacine that is most captured for the illegal pet trade. However, as for most wildlife exploited by illegal trade, the genetic diversity that is extracted from species and areas of intensive poaching is unknown. In this study, we analyzed the genetic diversity of 80E. canicularisparakeets confiscated from the illegal trade and estimated the level of extraction of genetic diversity by poaching using the mitochondrial DNA sequences of cytochrome b (Cytb). In addition, we analyzed the genealogical and haplotypic relationships of the poached parakeets and sampled wild populations in Mexico, as a strategy for identifying the places of origin of poached parakeets.ResultsPoached parakeets showed high haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.842) and low nucleotide diversity (Pi = 0.00182). Among 22 haplotypes identified, 18 were found exclusively in 37 individuals, while four were detected in the remaining 43 individuals and shared with the wild populations. A rarefaction and extrapolation curve revealed that 240 poached individuals can include up to 47 haplotypes and suggested that the actual haplotype richness of poached parakeets is higher than our analyses indicate. The geographic locations of the four haplotypes shared between poached and wild parakeets ranged from Michoacan to Sinaloa, Mexico. However, the rare haplotypes detected in poached parakeets were derived from a recent genetic expansion of the species that has occurred between the northwest of Michoacan and the coastal region of Colima, Jalisco and southern Nayarit, Mexico.ConclusionsPoached parakeets showed high genetic diversity, suggesting high extraction of the genetic pool of the species in central Mexico. Rarefaction and extrapolation analyses suggest that the actual haplotype richness in poached parakeets is higher than reflected by our analyses. The poached parakeets belong mainly to a very diverse genetic group of the species, and their most likely origin is between northern Michoacan and southern Nayarit, Mexico. We found no evidence that poachers included individuals from Central American international trafficking with individuals from Mexico in the sample.
Timing of isolation from an enriched environment determines the level of aggressive behavior and sexual maturity in Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens)
Authors: Iwata Eri , Masamoto Kyouhei , Kuga Hiroyuki , Ogino Miho 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
Teleost fish are known to respond to environmental manipulation, which makes them an ideal model animal for testing relationships between the environment and behavior. The Siamese fighting fish, Betta splendens, is a solitary, highly territorial fish that displays fierce stereotyped aggressive behavior toward conspecifics or members of other species. Adult fish, especially males, are generally housed in isolation in captivity. Here we report evidence that an enriched rearing environment can decrease the level of aggression in bettas and enable adults to be housed in groups.

Results
B. splendens individuals were hatched in our laboratory and raised in groups in an enriched environment. At the juvenile or subadult stage, some individuals were relocated to a poor environment and kept in isolation. To evaluate aggression, a mirror-image test was conducted at the juvenile, subadult, and adult stages for each fish, and body parameters as well as plasma concentrations of 11-ketotestosterone, estradiol, and cortisol were evaluated. Male and female adult bettas raised in a group showed lower levels of aggression than other adult fish. The magnitude of threatening behavior was greater in adult bettas isolated as subadults, whereas the magnitude of fighting behavior was grater in adult bettas isolated as juveniles. The influence of rearing conditions on behavior was greater in females than in males. Plasma cortisol concentrations of adult bettas isolated as subadults after the mirror-image test were higher than those in other experimental groups. Adult males isolated as subadults had significantly higher plasma concentrations of 11-ketotestosterone than males raised in a group and isolated as juveniles. Females isolated as subadults had a higher gonadosomatic index than females raised in a group and females isolated as juveniles.

Conclusions
These results indicate that bettas can be kept in a group under enriched environments and that the timing of isolation influences the aggression and sexual maturity of bettas. Female and male bettas responded differently to environmental manipulation. Judging from their level of sexual maturity, bettas isolated as subadults show proper development.
The interictal activities load and cognitive performance of children with typical absence epilepsy
Authors: ELAhwal Shereen Ahmed , El-Heneedy Yasser Abo Elfotoh , Bahnasy Wafik Said , Amer Reham Abdel Rahman , Rashed Khaled Hussein 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background
The description of childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) a benign self-limited generalized epilepsy has become a matter of debate. The objectives of this work were to evaluate the existence of psychiatric and cognitive impairments among patients with typical CAE and to correlate their possible relation to seizure frequency, duration of epilepsy, IISL, and valproate therapy.

Methods
The study was conducted on 19 typical CAE patients receiving valproate therapy, 11 newly diagnosed CAE patients not receiving AEDs, and 30 healthy control subjects (HCS). Participants were subjected to medical history taking, EEG monitoring, child behavior checklist (CBCL), Stanford Binet Intelligence Scale 5th edition, and computerized psychometric tests that assess cognitive domains and executive functions.

Results
The study revealed a high rate of cognitive and psychiatric dysfunctions in CAE patients. 53.3% of patients had psychiatric problems versus 16.6% in HCS. Attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) (26.6%), anxiety (16.6%), and depression (6.6%) were the most common psychiatric disorders in the patient group. Withdrawn/depressed symptoms, thought problems, social problems, and attention problems in CAE patients were significantly increased compared to HCS. At the same time, CAE patients perform worse in cognitive scales than HCS with comparable intelligent quotient (IQ) scores.

Conclusion
Cognitive and psychiatric impairments in typical CAE patients appear multifactorial in origin with epilepsy-related factors including the duration of epilepsy and interictal spike load (IISL).
Sox11 regulates mammary tumour-initiating and metastatic capacity in Brca1-deficient mouse mammary tumour cells
Authors: Tsang Siu Man , Kim Hyojin , Oliemuller Erik , Newman Richard , Boateng Naa-Anyima , Guppy Naomi , Howard Beatrice A. 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACT
Little is known about the role of Sox11 in the regulation of mammary progenitor cells. Sox11 is expressed by mammary bud epithelial cells during embryonic mammary gland development and is not detected in mammary epithelial cells after birth. As Sox11 is an oncofetal gene, we investigated the effects of reducing Sox11 levels in embryonic mammary progenitor cells and found that Sox11 regulates proliferative state, stem cell activity and lineage marker expression. We also investigated the effect of reducing Sox11 levels in two transplantable Brca1-deficient oestrogen receptor-negative mouse mammary tumour cell lines, to assess whether Sox11 regulates similar functions in tumour progenitor cells. When Sox11 levels were reduced in one Brca1-deficient mammary tumour cell line that expressed both epithelial and mesenchymal markers, similar effects on proliferation, stem cell activity and expression of lineage markers to those seen in the embryonic mammary progenitor cells were observed. Orthotopic grafting of mammary tumour cells with reduced Sox11 levels led to alterations in tumour-initiating capacity, latency, expression of lineage markers and metastatic burden. Our results support a model in which tumours expressing higher levels of Sox11 have more stem and tumour-initiating cells, and are less proliferative, whereas tumours expressing lower levels of Sox11 become more proliferative and capable of morphogenetic/metastatic growth, similar to what occurs during embryonic mammary developmental progression.
Covariation among multimodal components in the courtship display of the túngara frog
Authors: James Logan S. , Halfwerk Wouter , Hunter Kimberly L. , Page Rachel A. , Taylor Ryan C. , Wilson Preston S. , Ryan Michael J. 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACT
Communication systems often include a variety of components, including those that span modalities, which may facilitate detection and decision-making. For example, female túngara frogs and fringe-lipped bats generally rely on acoustic mating signals to find male túngara frogs in a mating or foraging context, respectively. However, two additional cues (vocal sac inflation and water ripples) can enhance detection and choice behavior. To date, we do not know the natural variation and covariation of these three components. To address this, we made detailed recordings of calling males, including call amplitude, vocal sac volume and water ripple height, in 54 frogs (2430 calls). We found that all three measures correlated, with the strongest association between the vocal sac volume and call amplitude. We also found that multimodal models predicted the mass of calling males better than unimodal models. These results demonstrate how multimodal components of a communication system relate to each other and provide an important foundation for future studies on how receivers integrate and compare complex displays.