bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of planting and harvest dates on yam infestation by white grubs
Authors: Exilien Romain , Tescar Robers Pierre , Augustin Holken , Cadestin Dorensky , Carvil Nicolas , Duvivier Predner , Doreus Gelin , Griesheimer Jessi 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe white grub, Diaprepes abbreviatus L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), is a significant pest of yam tubers and the second cause of tuber rot in Haiti. Larval feeding inflicts severe damage to tubers, leading to notable losses due to decreased tuber quality, reduced marketability and increased susceptibility to secondary parasites and pathogens. This study examined the influence of planting and harvesting dates on the vulnerability of yam tubers to white grub infestation and the resulting tuber quality across 24 farmers' fields. At harvest, we assessed the level of tuber infestation, white grub density and the tuber quality index. The results indicated that 85% of grub populations were found in fields planted on the traditional date. In addition, 69.5% of tuber damage occurred in early‐planted fields with fewer tubers damaged (30%) when harvested early. In contrast, in fields planted 30 days after the traditional date, the harvest date did not affect tuber infestation and damage by the pest. Overall, both planting and harvest dates impacted the quality grade of yam tubers. Delayed planting by 30 days and early harvesting (34th–38th week after planting) improved the marketability of yams. These findings highlight the importance of optimising planting and harvest schedules to better manage white grub infestation and enhance the marketability of yam tubers.
Swimming performance, but not metabolism, is related to a boldness‐activity syndrome in schoolmaster snapper (Lutjanus apodus)
Authors: Malorey Peter , Porter Emma S. , Gamperl A. Kurt , Briffa Mark , Wilson Alexander D. M. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractCommercial overexploitation and climate change can alter the physiology and behavior of marine organisms, although intraspecific phenotypic responses to such changes can vary greatly depending on the environment, species, and severity of the stressor. Under the pace‐of‐life syndrome (POLS) hypothesis, behavior, physiology, and life‐history traits are linked, and thus, affected by selection targeting any aspect of organismal biology. However, these links are understudied in tropical marine fishes, and further work is needed to better understand the impacts of fisheries and climate change on wild stocks. Moreover, tropical regions have a greater reliance on fisheries; thus investigations should focus on species with substantial socioeconomic value to ensure benefits at the local level. This study aimed to address this need by measuring the behavior (boldness and activity), metabolism, and swimming performance (using a critical swim speed [Ucrit] test) of schoolmaster snapper Lutjanus apodus in Eleuthera, the Bahamas. We report a strong positive correlation between boldness and activity, high repeatability of these behavioral metrics, and two groupings that were consistent with “proactive” and “reactive” behavioral types. These behavioral types differed significantly in their swimming performance, with reactive individuals having a 13.1% higher mean Ucrit. In contrast, no significant differences were found in the measured metabolic parameters between behavioral types. This study is the first to investigate the intraspecific links between behavior and physiology in a snapper species, using the novel and ecologically relevant comparison of Ucrit with behavioral syndrome types. These data suggest that additional research is needed to better predict the success of proactive/reactive tropical fish if overexploited and as influenced by climate change.
Solvent‐free crystallization for fractionation of virgin coconut oil: Effect of process conditions on kinetics and crystal properties
Authors: Singh Abhimanyu , Hebbar H. Umesh 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis research was aimed to conduct solvent‐free crystallization and fractionation of virgin coconut oil (VCO). This study investigated the effect of surface contact area‐to‐volume ratio and mixing conditions on crystal characteristics. Commercially available VCO samples, extracted by different methods, were analyzed for fatty acid and triacylglycerol composition using GC–MS and UPLC–ELSD. VCO extracted through enzyme and chilling–thawing cycles exhibited higher medium chain fatty acids and medium chain triacylglycerols, which was selected for crystallization studies. Isothermal crystallization of VCO at 21°C assessed the effect of scale of crystallizer tube on cooling rate using Newton's law of cooling equation. The smaller tube (20 mm diameter) with a higher surface contact area‐to‐volume ratio produced 4.1‐fold faster cooling and a higher crystallization yield (44%) compared to the 80 mm diameter tube when no agitation was applied. Whereas mixing with a magnetic stirrer produced a large number of nuclei, generating intense crystallization heat, and rendering the crystals inseparable from liquid fraction. The process of VCO crystallization was also studied for kinetics and crystal growth mechanism using the Avrami model employing angled rotation of sample tube during non‐isothermal crystallization. Angled rotary mixing produced stable crystals and significantly increased the crystallization rate (t1/2 = 26.86 min) with polyhedral or spherulitic crystal growth (n = 3.25) compared to non‐mixing condition (t1/2 = 161.87 min) with restricted linear growth (n = 1.64). DSC analysis of VCO and its fractions obtained after crystallization using the 20 mm tube with angled rotary mixing indicated shifts in their thermogram peaks, suggesting differences in triacylglycerol compositions.Practical applicationsVirgin coconut oil (VCO) is well recognized for its health‐beneficial properties, yet its application is limited due to its complex triglyceride composition. The solvent‐free crystallization method facilitates VCO fractionation into phases with different melting points without hazardous solvents. The efficacy of this process is highly dependent on temperature, cooling rate, and agitation, which affects crystal morphology and growth kinetics. This study addresses these challenges in the scarcely investigated area of VCO crystallization. The resulting fractions can be customized for specific applications based on their altered functional properties in producing baking and confectionery coatings, salad dressings, and so on. The olein fraction obtained in this study can be utilized in nutraceutical formulations targeting digestive and cognitive health, as it is reported to be rich in medium chain triglycerides. This research optimizes process conditions, suggesting an efficient method for dry‐fractionating VCO, which is significantly associated with the food and pharmaceutical industries.
Biomechanics and morphological comparisons of the caudal region of titanosaurs from the Cretaceous of Brazil: Paleobiology and paleoecology inferences
Authors: Vidal Luciano S. , Bergqvist Lílian P. , Candeiro Carlos R. A. , Bandeira Kamila L. N. , Tavares Sandra , Ribeiro Theo B. , Pereira Paulo V. L. G. C. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBiomechanical studies in sauropod dinosaurs are mainly focused on neck posture and feeding strategy. Few works investigate other aspects such as tail movement and function, especially in the clade Titanosauria, the most diverse within Neosauropoda. This study applied biomechanical concepts of neutral pose (cartilaginous neutral pose) and range of motion to verify the shape and direction of the caudal region of the advanced titanosaurs Adamantisaurus mezzalirai and Baurutitan britoi, in addition to comparing it with other titanosaurs (e.g., Arrudatitan maximus, Lirainosaurus astibiae, and Trigonosaurus pricei). As a result, the tails analyzed have a sigmoidal‐convex shape, probably close to the ground (but not touching it). The sigmoidal‐convex shape could increase the moment arm for the M. caudofemoralis longus, making it possible to use the tail as a fifth stabilizing member. This work expands our knowledge about sauropod dinosaurs by exposing a diversity of shapes for the tails of titanosaur sauropods and brings new possibilities for how these dinosaurs could use their tails.
How different religiosity facets affect materialism, hedonistic shopping values, and compulsive buying: Toward mediation‐moderation effects
Authors: Tarka Piotr , Kukar‐Kinney Monika 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study offers interdisciplinary theoretical discussion connecting consumer behavior, values, self‐regulation, self‐determination, and religiosity concepts, and develops a conceptual model of the effects of consumer religiosity on compulsive buying. Complex sequential mediational mechanisms are investigated, involving the effects of unique religiosity facets on compulsive buying through materialistic values and hedonistic shopping values. Results show that intrinsic religiosity is negatively related with materialistic and hedonistic shopping values and compulsive buying, while the social extrinsic religiosity and personal extrinsic religiosity are positively related with these consumer values and the resulting compulsive buying. Compared with prior research, this study examines the three religiosity facets separately. This work also identifies the moderating role of gender, with all facets of religiosity exhibiting stronger relationships for women as compared with men. Theoretical and practical implications for consumers, policy makers, and marketers focus on the importance of maintenance of intrinsic religiosity orientation in personal life.
Evaluating the efficacy of local anesthetic techniques during scalp microneedling
Authors: Leonik Szymon , Smoczok Michał , Bergler‐Czop Beata 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIntroductionAn increasing interest in minimally invasive procedures hassled to a demand for an effective local anesthetic algorithm. The scalp presents a challenge in achieving effective anesthesia due to the presence of hair shafts. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of different methods during a microneedling procedure, including 25 mg lidocaine and 25 mg prilocaine cream, skin spray with 10% lidocaine, and cold gel compresses.Materials and MethodsSixty‐two men aged between 20 and 50 years underwent three microneedling treatments, each using a different method of anesthesia. The treatment area was divided into two equal parts, with one part exposed to a specific anesthetic method. Patients were asked to rate their pain on a 0–10 verbal analog scale. An attempt was made to objectify the results using algometry.ResultsA negative correlation was observed between the algometry results and the VAS score after the application of the cream and cold compresses.DiscussionWhen choosing monotherapy, it is recommended to use cold gel compresses for scalp microneedling after considering the advantages and disadvantages of different methods.
The Emergence of New Sporothrix brasiliensis Genotypes in Current Epidemic of Sporotrichosis in Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Colombo Salene Angelini , de Carvalho Jamile Ambrósio , Bicalho Gustavo Canesso , de Magalhães Soares Danielle Ferreira , de Oliveira Camila Stefanie Fonseca , Tavares Guilherme Campos , Rodrigues Anderson Messias , de Azevedo Maria Isabel 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundZoonotic sporotrichosis caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis has become the main subcutaneous mycosis in Brazil. Minas Gerais (MG) is located in southeast Brazil and since 2015 has experienced an epidemic of zoonotic sporotrichosis.ObjectivesThis study aimed to reconstruct the epidemiological scenario of sporotrichosis from S. brasiliensis in recent epizooty in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte (MRBH), MG.MethodsA total of 95 Sporothrix spp. isolates (Sporothirx brasiliensis n = 74, S. schenckii n = 11 and S. globosa n = 10) were subjected to Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism (AFLP) genotyping and mating‐type analysis to determine genetic diversity and population structure. Of these, 46 S. brasiliensis isolates were recovered from animals (cats n = 41 and dogs n = 5) from MRBH.ResultsOur study describes the high interspecific differentiation power of AFLP‐based genotyping between the main phylogenetic Sporothrix groups. S. brasiliensis presents high genetic variability and pronounced population structure with geographically focused outbreaks in Brazil. The genetic groups include older genotypes from the prolonged epidemic in Southeast (Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo), South (Rio Grande do Sul), Northeast (Pernambuco) and new genotypes from the MRBH. Furthermore, we provide evidence of heterothallism mating strategy in pathogenic Sporothrix species. Genotypes originating in Rio de Janeiro and Pernambuco carry the predominant MAT1‐2 idiomorph as opposed to genotypes from Rio Grande do Sul, which have the MAT1‐1 idiomorph. We observed an overwhelming occurrence of MAT1‐1 among MRBH isolates.ConclusionOur study provides clear evidence of the predominance of a genetic group profile circulating in animals in Minas Gerais, independent of that disseminated from Rio de Janeiro. Our data can help us understand the genetic population processes that drive the evolution of this fungus in Minas Gerais and contribute to future mitigation actions for this ongoing epidemic.
Genomic Association and Prediction Study for Yield Traits in a Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. Hybrids) Mapping Population ‘LCP 85‐384’
Authors: Phiri Theresa Makawa , Xiong Haizheng , Pan Yong‐Bao , Dickson Ryan William , Joshi Neelendra , Rojas Alejandro , Shi Ainong 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTSugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) are complex polyploid and aneuploid interspecific hybrids with 110–130 chromosomes. A traditional sugarcane breeding cycle takes 13–15 years and involves multiple years and locations testing of yield. To identify molecular markers associated with yield‐related traits, the LCP 85‐384 cultivar and its mapping population of 263 self‐progenies were planted in two randomly replicated field plots. The mapping population was genotyped with amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), simple sequence repeats (SSR) and target region amplification polymorphism (TRAP) markers. Data on plant height, stalk number, stalk diameter and stalk weight were collected. A large variation was observed for each trait. A genome‐wide association study (GWAS) was conducted using mixed linear model (MLM), generalized linear model (GLM) and single marker regression (SMR) programmes of TASSEL 5 and FarmCPU of GAPIT 3. A total of 64 yield trait‐associated alleles were identified, including 11 for stalk number, 36 for stalk weight, 21 for stalk diameter and 5 for plant height. Of the 64 alleles, seven were linked to two traits and one to three traits. Genomic prediction (GP) was also performed by cross‐prediction with five models, namely, ridge regression best linear unbiased prediction (rrBLUP), Bayesian ridge regression (BRR), Bayesian A (BA), Bayesian B (BB), and Bayesian least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (BL). Prediction accuracy (r value) reached 0.40 for plant height, 0.36 for stalk number, 0.44 for stalk diameter and 0.54 for stalk weight with the standard errors from 0.009 to 0.012. Once verified, these markers will be a valuable tool to aid in the selection of yield‐related traits in sugarcane improvement programmes.
The Effect of Seminal Plasma on the Equine Endometrial Transcriptome
Authors: Fedorka C. E. , El‐Sheikh‐Ali H. , Scoggin K. E. , Coleman S. , Humphrey E. A. , Troutt L. , Troedsson M. H. T. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTThe establishment of pregnancy involves a fine‐tuned balance between protection and tolerance within the maternal immune system, as the female needs to accept a foreign antigen (the semi‐allogenic fetus) while still being able to combat pathogens from the uterus. In the horse, the first uterine exposure to paternal antigens is during mating when sperm is introduced to the tissue and draining lymphatics of the uterus. Additionally, it has been suggested that seminal plasma and its proteins within it play an essential role in preparing the female tract for a suitable immunologic environment but this has not been confirmed in the horse. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the endometrial transcriptome following insemination either with seminal plasma or with reduced seminal plasma. We hypothesised that reduced seminal plasma would alter the endometrial transcriptome and affect transcripts relating to immunotolerance, antigen presentation and embryo growth and development. To do so, six (n = 6) mares were inseminated in a randomised switch‐back design over the course of four oestrous cycles. Mares were rectally palpated and scanned via ultrasonography for the detection of a pre‐ovulatory follicle (>35 mm) alongside increasing uterine oedema and relaxed cervix, and then treated with one of four treatment groups including (1) 30 mL lactated Ringers solution (LRS; NegCon), (2) 500 × 106 spermatozoa in conjunction with 30 mL seminal plasma (SP+), (3) 30 mL lactated Ringers solution (LRS; wash out) and (4) 500 × 106 spermatozoa with seminal plasma reduced via gradient centrifugation and resuspended in 30 mL LRS (SP−). Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) was administered to standardise the time to ovulation and endometrial biopsies were collected 7 days after insemination. RNA was isolated utilising Trizol, and RNA‐Seq was performed by Novogene, with 97.79% total mapping and 40 million read depth. p value was set to <0.05. When comparing SP+ to SP−, 158 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Biological processes impacted included antigen processing and regulation, cholesterol synthesis, and immune/inflammatory response. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis using DAVID v6.8 revealed that many of these DEGs were involved in biological process such as antigen presentation (HLA‐DM beta chain, HLA‐DRB, HLA‐DQA and RASGRP1), immune cell signalling (CXCL9, CXCL1, DEFB1 and MIP‐2B), embryo growth and development (INHA, KLF2, RDH10, LAMA3 and SLC34A2) and embryo metabolism (ABCA1, ABCA2, APOA1, LDL, INSR, IGFBP2 and IGFBP3). Overall, reduction of seminal plasma from the insemination dose impacted the endometrial transcriptome at the time of early embryonic exposure to the uterine environment. Further work is justified to evaluate these alterations impact on embryo maturation, placental development, pregnancy outcome and development of offspring.
Optimisation of Early Pregnancy Diagnosis and Resynchronisation in Beef Cows
Authors: Bagon Audrey , Siqueira Luiz Gustavo Bruno , Viana João Henrique Moreira , Pfeifer Luiz Francisco Machado 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTThe objectives of this study were (1) to investigate the effects of the preovulatory follicle (POF) size on the accuracy of Doppler‐based early pregnancy detection, and (2) to determine whether the removal of PGF2α (PGF) treatment during the resynchronisation protocol would affect fertility in beef cows. In Experiment 1, Nelore suckling cows (n = 224) were enrolled in an estradiol‐progesterone–based timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocol. At TAI, cows were separated based on the range of POF diameters, as follows: ≤11.0 mm (n = 50), 11.1–12.9 mm (n = 64), 13.0–14.4 mm (n = 62) and ≥14.5 mm (n = 48). On day 22 after TAI, the corpus luteum (CL) blood flow (CLBF) of all cows was examined by colour Doppler ultrasonography to diagnose nonpregnant cows. The cows with the largest POF had the greatest positive predictive value (88.6%; 31 of 35) and diagnostic accuracy (91.7%; 44 of 48). In Experiment 2, Nelore cows (n = 233) were subjected to the same TAI protocol. Fourteen days after TAI, all cows were started on a resynchronisation protocol. Cows diagnosed as nonpregnant based on CLBF, on day 22, received 0.5 mg estradiol cypionate intramuscular (im) and were assigned to receive either 150 μg of PGF (PGF; n = 50) or 2 mL of saline (control; n = 47). Cows treated with PGF had a P/AI of 30.0% compared with a 48.9% P/AI in controls (p = 0.06). Our findings demonstrate that the POF size affects the accuracy of a CLBF‐based early pregnancy diagnosis and that the removal of PGF treatment from the resynchronisation protocol tended to increase P/AI of the second TAI.
RETRACTED: Mechanism of Zuogui pill enhancing ovarian function and skin elastic repair in premature aging rats based on artificial intelligence medical image analysis
Authors: Zhang Xinpei , Wang Fuju , Zhu Xiaodan , Xu Lan , Qin Ling , Xu Wenjuan , Fan Bozhen 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundAI medical image analysis shows potential applications in research on premature aging and skin. The purpose of this study was to explore the mechanism of the Zuogui pill based on artificial intelligence medical image analysis on ovarian function enhancement and skin elasticity repair in rats with premature aging.Materials and MethodsThe premature aging rat model was established by using an experimental animal model. Then Zuogui pills were injected into the rats with premature aging, and the images were detected by an optical microscope. Then, through the analysis of artificial intelligence medical images, the image data is analyzed to evaluate the indicators of ovarian function.ResultsThrough optical microscope image detection, we observed that the Zuogui pill played an active role in repairing ovarian tissue structure and increasing the number of follicles in mice, and Zuogui pill also significantly increased the level of progesterone in the blood of mice.ConclusionMost of the ZGP‐induced outcomes are significantly dose‐dependent.
Cryptic cytoplasmic male sterility‐causing gene in the mitochondrial genome of common japonica rice
Authors: Toriyama Kinya , Iwai Yuko , Takeda Shinya , Takatsuka Ayumu , Igarashi Keisuke , Furuta Tomoyuki , Chen Sunlu , Kanaoka Yoshitaka , Kishima Yuji , Arimura Shin‐ichi , Kazama Tomohiko 
Published: September 2024

SUMMARYCytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is an agronomically significant trait that causes dysfunction in pollen and anther development. It is often observed during successive backcrossing between distantly related species. Here, we show that Asian japonica cultivars (Oryza sativa) exhibit CMS when the nucleus is replaced with that of the African rice Oryza glaberrima. The CMS line produced stunted anthers and did not set any seeds. Mitochondrial orf288 RNA was detected in the anthers of CMS lines but not in fertility restorer lines. The mitochondrial genome‐edited japonica rice that was depleted of orf288 did not exhibit male sterility when backcrossed with O. glaberrima. These results demonstrate that orf288 is a CMS‐causing gene. As orf288 commonly occurs in the mitochondrial genomes of japonica rice, these results indicate that common japonica rice cultivars possess a cryptic CMS‐causing gene hidden in their mitochondrial genomes.