bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Supplementing Different Quantities of Moringa stenopetala Leaves on Plasma Metabolite and Acylcarnitine Profile, Body Condition Score and Milk Yield Performance in Zebu (Bos indicus) Cattle
Authors: Worku Ketema , Kechero Yisehak , Janssens Geert P. J. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTThe formulation of multi‐nutrient blocks based on low‐cost and locally available browse feed resources can be a valid feeding strategy in Sub‐Saharan Africa, where inadequate feed supply, both in quality and quantity, is a major constraint. We evaluated the four different inclusion percentages (M‐0%, M‐25%, M‐35% and M‐45%) of Moringa stenopetala leaf powder to multi‐nutrient blocks on their change on blood metabolite of dairy cows under practical, ranging conditions. Multi‐nutrient blocks with four inclusion rates of M. stenopetala leaves were applied as complementary feed for free ranging dairy cows. The study was performed on 24 free ranging dairy cows reared around Arba Minch town in the Southern Ethiopian Rift Valley. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein of dairy cows both before and after supplementation. Plasma glucose, beta hydroxy butyrate (BHB), urea, creatinine, triglycerides and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) concentration was quantified spectrophotometrically. Dried serum spots were subject to quantitative electrospray tandem mass spectrometry to estimate changes in nutrient metabolism based on selected carnitines. Based on these measurements, the milk yield and body condition score were increased during the period of multi‐nutrient block supplementation. During the supplementation period, the cows got higher plasma glucose, triglyceride and urea concentrations and lower concentrations of BHB, NEFA and creatinine. From the metabolite profiles, a more efficient nutrient use could be concluded. Although no clear dose−response relationship was observed, the highest inclusion of the M. stenopetala leaves in the multi‐nutrient blocks gave the best performance. This outcome supports the idea of implementing M. stenopetala based multi‐nutrient blocks on tropical smallholder farms that are not easily accessible to conventional extension services.
Meta‐Analysis of Positive Effects of Dietary Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) on Performance of Commercial Laying Hens
Authors: Ogbuewu Ifeanyichukwu Princewill , Mabelebele Monnye , Mbajiorgu Christian Anayo 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTTurmeric improves performance in nonruminants, but results in laying hens are not consistent. This meta‐analysis assessed the performance of laying hens fed turmeric powder (TP)–based diets. Nineteen studies retrieved from Google Scholar, Scopus, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Web of Science databases were used for the meta‐analysis. The outcome variables analysed were productive indices (feed intake [FI], feed conversion ratio [FCR], hen day production [HDP], egg weight [EW], egg mass [EM]), egg quality (Haugh unit [HU], shell thickness [SHT], shell strength [SHS], yolk cholesterol [YC]), serum biochemical parameters (serum cholesterol [SC], alanine transferase [ALT], and aspartate transferase [AST]), and moderator variables (layer strains, inclusion level, feeding duration, and hen's age). All analyses were performed on OpenMEE software and the R package. A random‐effects model (REM) was used and results were presented as standardised mean difference (SMD) at a 95% confidence interval (CI). The results showed that dietary TP improved FCR (SMD = −0.31; 95% CI: −0.61, −0.01; p = 0.046) and HDP (SMD = 0.49; 95% CI: 0.29, 0.69; p < 0.001), but not EW, EM, HU, SHT, SHS, YC, and serum AST in layers. On the other hand, dietary TP decreased FI (SMD = −0.15; 95% CI: −0.26, −0.05; p = 0.004), SC (SMD = −75.18; 95% CI: −102.55, −47.80; p < 0.001), and ALT (SMD = −3.55; 95% CI: −4.71, −2.40; p < 0.001) in laying hens with proof of significant heterogeneity. However, meta‐regression showed that layer strains and feeding duration accounted for most of the sources of heterogeneity. In conclusion, results suggest that dietary TP increased HDP and reduced FI, FCR, SC, and ALT in laying hens.
Rutting calls of harem‐holders, harem‐candidates and peripheral male Siberian wapiti Cervus canadensis sibiricus: Acoustic correlates of stag quality and individual identity
Authors: Sibiryakova O. V. , Volodin I. A. , Volodina E. V. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the effects of individuality and harem‐holding status on the acoustic parameters of rutting calls (bugles) of 14 stags of Siberian wapiti Cervus canadensis sibiricus. The stags competed for mating with hinds in a large herd, free ranging inside a fenced area with complex landscape. We considered as harem‐holders the stags, which kept a harem of 5 or more hinds for at least 2 days. Of the 15 days of observations enveloping the most active rutting period, during 3 days there was only one harem in the enclosure, during 9 days two harems, during 2 days three harems and during 1 day four harems. Stag bugles displayed both individual and status‐related variation. Harem‐holders compared with peripheral stags had shorter bugles with higher minimum fundamental frequency. After winning a harem and changing status from harem‐candidate to harem‐holder, stags shortened the duration of their bugles, lowered the beginning and maximum fundamental frequency and increased the minimum fundamental frequency. Significantly higher than the levels expected by chance, discriminant analysis classified 78.9% of bugles by the correct stag status and 53.2% of bugles by the correct individual callers. Different acoustic parameters encoded the status and individuality of the bugles. Status was encoded by the duration of the start and end parts and by the beginning and end fundamental frequencies. Individuality was encoded by the maximum fundamental frequency. We discuss that rutting calls of Siberian wapiti, although individualized, do not represent vocal signatures. However, these calls reliably mark stag harem‐holding status.
Signatures of convergence in Neotropical cichlid fish
Authors: Leal‐Cardín Mariana , Bracamonte Seraina E. , Aldegunde Javier , Magalhaes Isabel S. , Ornelas‐García Claudia Patricia , Barluenga Marta 
Published: September 2024

AbstractConvergent evolution of similar phenotypes suggests some predictability in the evolutionary trajectories of organisms, due to strong and repeated selective pressures, and/or developmental constraints. In adaptive radiations, particularly in cichlid fish radiations, convergent phenotypes are commonly found within and across geographical settings. Cichlids show major repeated axes of morphological diversification. Recurrent changes in body patterns reveal adaption to alternative habitats, and modifications of the trophic apparatus respond to the exploitation of different food resources. Here we compare morphologically and genetically two Neotropical cichlid assemblages, the Mexican desert cichlid and the Nicaraguan Midas cichlid, with similar polymorphic body and trophic adaptations despite their independent evolution. We found a common morphological axis of differentiation in trophic structures in both cichlid radiations, but two different axes of differentiation in body shape, defining two alternative limnetic body patterns. Adaptation to limnetic habitats implied regulation of immune functions in the Midas cichlid, while morphogenesis and metabolic functions in the desert cichlid. Convergent phenotypic adaptions could be associated to divergent gene regulation.
The effect of music therapy and breathing exercise on anxiety and pain in patients undergoing coronary angiography: A randomized controlled study
Authors: Gauthier Feryal , Güneş Ülkü 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundFor over 50 years, music therapy and breathing exercises have been widely utilized as interventions to help individuals cope with fatigue, stress and pain globally.AimTo analyse the effects of music and breathing exercises on anxiety and pain in patients undergoing coronary angiography.Study DesignThis is a single‐blind, randomized controlled trial. The sample comprised 165 patients: 55 in the control group, 55 in the breathing exercise group and 55 in the music therapy group. Patients in the music group listened to music during angiography, those in the breathing exercise group practised exercises 30 min before the procedure and the control group received standard treatment. Anxiety levels were assessed before and after the procedure, and pain levels were measured post‐procedure. The Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) checklist for reporting randomized trials was used to guide reporting.ResultsAnxiety scores rose significantly in the control group from 33.9 ± 4.2 pre‐angiography to 37.7 ± 4.9 post‐angiography. Conversely, the breathing group's anxiety scores decreased from 34.3 ± 3.5 before angiography to 31.7 ± 1.5 after angiography, and the music group exhibited a reduction from 32.3 ± 3.6 to 30.8 ± 1.6. Post‐angiography, the control group reported a mean pain score of 64 ± 0.8 mm, while the breathing and music groups had significantly lower scores of 35 ± 0.6 and 29 ± 0.8 mm, respectively. Statistical analysis showed a highly significant difference in pain scores between the intervention and control groups.ConclusionsThis study provides support for the beneficial effects of employing breathing exercises and music in alleviating pain and anxiety during coronary angiography procedures.Relevance to Clinical PracticeIntegrating these findings into clinical practice could be significant for improving patients' pain experiences and anxiety, enhancing the tolerance of invasive medical procedures.
Adult intensive care unit nurses' knowledge of and compliance barriers to evidence‐based guidelines for prevention of ventilator‐associated pneumonia: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: Yao Nian , Xu Binbin , Xu Ran , Gong Zhihong , Ma Guiyuan , Peng Sha , Zhang Jinghui 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackgroundVentilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common nosocomial infection in intensive care units (ICUs) and is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in intensive care patients. Previous studies show that insufficient knowledge and compliance barriers among nurses affect pneumonia. There have been no investigations into intensive care nurses' knowledge and compliance barriers to evidence‐based guidelines (EBGs) for VAP prevention in county‐level hospitals in China.AimTo explore adult ICU nurses' knowledge and compliance barriers to EBGs for preventing VAP in county‐level hospitals in Hunan Province, China, examine the correlation between knowledge and compliance barriers, and analyse associated factors.Study DesignA cross‐sectional electronic survey was conducted to focus on nurses' knowledge of and compliance barriers to EBGs for preventing VAP.ResultsA total of 386 valid questionnaires were collected, with a response rate of 97.47% (386/396 = 97.47%). The median scores for nurses' knowledge (out of 9) and compliance barriers (out of 8) to EBGs for preventing VAP were 7 (interquartile range: 5–8) and 3 (interquartile range: 2–4), respectively. Knowledge was negatively associated with compliance barriers (r = −0.437, p < .01). The results of the multiple linear regression analysis showed that hospital level, age, nurses' attendance at VAP training and years of experience in ICUs were related to the level of knowledge. Nurses' attendance at VAP training, age and years of experience in ICUs were associated with the level of compliance barriers.ConclusionsIntensive care nurses have satisfactory knowledge of EBGs for preventing VAP, but compliance barriers can be reduced. Better knowledge helps reduce the barriers to compliance among nurses.Relevance to Clinical PracticeNurse managers and nurse educators are suggested to examine nurses' knowledge and compliance barriers to EBGs for preventing VAP, develop personalized training plans, promote continuous education based on the latest EBGs and raise the nurse–patient ratio reasonably.
Global patterns and controlling factors of tree bark C : N : P stoichiometry in forest ecosystems consistent with biogeochemical niche hypothesis
Authors: Gong Haiyang , Sardans Jordi , Huang Heng , Yan Zhengbing , Wang Zhiqiang , Peñuelas Josep 
Published: September 2024

Summary

Bark serves crucial roles in safeguarding trees physically and chemically, while also contributing to nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration. Despite its importance, the broader biogeographical patterns and the potential factors influencing bark C : N : P stoichiometry in forest ecosystems remain largely unknown.

In this study, we compiled a comprehensive dataset comprising carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) concentrations in bark with 1240 records from 550 diverse forest sites to systematically analyze the large‐scale patterns and the factors controlling bark C : N : P stoichiometry.

The geometric means of bark C, N, and P concentrations were found to be 493.17 ± 1.75, 3.91 ± 0.09, and 0.2 ± 0.01 mg g−1, respectively. Correspondingly, the C : N, C : P, and N : P mass ratios were 135.51 ± 8.11, 3313.19 ± 210.16, and 19.16 ± 0.6, respectively. Bark C : N : P stoichiometry exhibited conspicuous latitudinal trends, with the exception of N : P ratios. These patterns were primarily shaped by the significant impacts of climate, soil conditions, and plant functional groups. However, the impact of evolutionary history in shaping bark C : N : P stoichiometry outweigh climate, soil, and plant functional group, aligning with the biogeochemical niche (BN) hypothesis.

These finding enhance our understanding of the spatial distribution of bark nutrient stoichiometry and have important implications for modeling of global forest ecosystem nutrient cycles in a changing environment.
An auxin homeostat allows plant cells to establish and control defined transmembrane auxin gradients
Authors: Geisler Markus , Dreyer Ingo 
Published: September 2024

Summary

Extracellular auxin maxima and minima are important to control plant developmental programs. Auxin gradients are provided by the concerted action of proteins from the three major plasma membrane (PM) auxin transporter classes AUX1/LAX, PIN and ATP‐BINDING CASSETTE subfamily B (ABCB) transporters. But neither genetic nor biochemical nor modeling approaches have been able to reliably assign the individual roles and interplay of these transporter types.

Based on the thermodynamic properties of the transporters, we show here by mathematical modeling and computational simulations that the concerted action of different auxin transporter types allows the adjustment of specific transmembrane auxin gradients. The dynamic flexibility of the ‘auxin homeostat’ comes at the cost of an energy‐consuming ‘auxin cycling’ across the membrane.

An unexpected finding was that potential functional ABCB‐PIN synchronization appears to allow an optimization of the trade‐off between the speed of PM auxin gradient adjustment on the one hand and ATP consumption and disturbance of general anion homeostasis on the other.

In conclusion, our analyses provide fundamental insights into the thermodynamic constraints and flexibility of transmembrane auxin transport in plants.
A simple, robust, cost‐effective, and low‐input ChIP‐seq method for profiling histone modifications and Pol II in plants
Authors: Zhu Danling , Wen Yi , Tan Yifang , Chen Xi , Wu Zhe 
Published: September 2024

Summary

Chromatin immunoprecipitation and sequencing (vs ChIP‐seq) is an essential tool for epigenetic and molecular genetic studies. Although being routinely used, ChIP‐seq is expensive, requires grams of plant materials, and is challenging for samples that enrich fatty acids such as seeds.

Here, we developed an Ultrasensitive Plant ChIP‐seq (UP‐ChIP) method based on native ChIP‐seq combined with Tn5 tagmentation‐based library construction strategy. UP‐ChIP is generally applicable for profiling both histone modification and Pol II in a wide range of plant samples, such as a single Arabidopsis seedling, a few Arabidopsis seeds, and sorted nuclei.

Compared with conventional ChIP‐seq, UP‐ChIP is much less labor intensive and only consumes 1 μg of antibody and 10 μl of Protein‐A/G conjugated beads for each IP and can work effectively with the amount of starting material down to a few milligrams. By performing UP‐ChIP in various conditions and genotypes, we showed that UP‐ChIP is highly reliable, sensitive, and quantitative for studying histone modifications. Detailed UP‐ChIP protocol is provided.

We recommend UP‐ChIP as an alternative to traditional ChIP‐seq for profiling histone modifications and Pol II, offering the advantages of reduced labor intensity, decreased costs, and low‐sample input.
Substrate Modification for Atrial Fibrillation Induced by Mechanical Irritation That May Be Associated With Non‐Pulmonary Vein Foci
Authors: Sonoda Koichiro , Hyakutake Shunpei , Furukawa Kentaro , Otsuka Kaishi , Takei Asumi , Maemura Koji 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTThe importance of treating non‐pulmonary vein (PV) foci is increasing with improvements in the durability of PV isolation. We describe two cases wherein non‐PV foci were induced by mechanical irritation and conventional induction in the same area, which was impossible to induce after ablation, suggesting a relationship between mechanical irritation and induction of non‐PV foci. In a recurrent case of non‐PV foci, atrial fibrillation (AF) was induced only by mechanical irritation. No recurrence has been observed since the ablation of the area. Thus, treatment of the AF induction site with mechanical irritation could be considered an effective therapy for non‐PV foci.
Government emergency budgeting and disaster impact: Evidence from China
Authors: Chen Gang , Li Ruiying , Wang Qiushi 
Published: September 2024

AbstractEmergency budgets have become indispensable fiscal tools for governments around the world to cope with disasters, but how governments determine the size of emergency budgets and to what extent such budgets are effective remain unclear. Drawing on organizational learning theory and using data collected from 30 provinces in China, we conduct a series of panel regression analysis and robustness checks to investigate the determinants and impact of emergency budgets. We find that both prior disaster experience and government fiscal ability as measured by budget surplus are positively related to the size of subnational governments' emergency budgets, but the interaction effect between the two is negative. Moreover, while emergency budgets can help maintain the level of government budget surplus, they only play a limited role in moderating the negative impact of disaster damage on governments' fiscal ability. In particular, this study reveals the importance of socioeconomic environment and organizational capacity for the decision‐making process and outcomes of emergency budgets, suggesting that subnational governments should always adopt a holistic approach and improve their financial preparedness for future emergencies by incorporating more information from past disasters and considering diverse drivers of the complex dynamics among emergency budgets, disaster experience, and government fiscal ability.
Dopamine Regulates Its Own Synthesis via MdORG2 to Improve Low‐Nitrogen Tolerance in Apple Plants
Authors: Liu Xiaomin , Li Jiang , Cao Huifang , Tian Xudong , Li Sujuan , Liu Chengyang , Zhang Zhijun , Mao Ke , Ma Fengwang , Li Chao 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTNitrogen (N) is crucial for plant growth and development. Exogenous dopamine has been shown to improve the N‐deficiency tolerance of apple. However, the potential regulatory mechanisms by which dopamine mitigates low‐N stress remain unclear. Our data indicated that the dopamine levels in apple (Malus domestica) were elevated by the overexpression (OE) of MdTYDC, which encodes tyrosine decarboxylase, a key enzyme in dopamine biosynthesis. The photosynthetic capacity of the OE lines was enhanced, and the root system was more extensive under low‐N stress compared with the wild‐type (WT) plants. This enhancement contributed to a greater net nitrate influx at the root surface in the OE lines compared with the WT. Transcriptomic and carbohydrate analyses suggested that the OE of MdTYDC in apple enhanced N‐deficiency tolerance by promoting the expression of carbohydrate‐related genes, which increased the content of soluble sugars and sorbitol. Both exogenous dopamine and MdTYDC OE activated the expression of MdORG2 (a bHLH transcription factor), which, in turn, directly binds to the promoter of MdTYDC, activating its expression, increasing dopamine levels, and consequently conferring strong low‐N tolerance in apple. Thus, this reveals the molecular pathways by which dopamine regulates low‐N tolerance in apple through pathways involving MdTYDC and MdORG2.
Transcriptional Changes Underlying the Degradation of Plant Community in Alpine Meadow Under Seasonal Warming Impact
Authors: Niu Qichen , Jin Guanfang , Yin Shuxia , Gan Lu , Yang Zhiyong , Dorji Tsechoe , Shen Miaogen 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTGlobal warming is exhibiting a seasonal trend, while different seasons have different warming variations. However, the impact of seasonal warming on plants remains unclear. This study employed Open Top Chambers (OTCs) to simulate future seasonal warming scenarios in alpine meadow. The study examined plant community dynamics following long‐term seasonal warming. The transcriptional and physiological responses of two dominant species (Kobresia pygmaea and Stipa purpurea) were examined. Results suggest that seasonal warming effects are correlated with both the duration of warming and the season which warming occurs. A long annual warming duration, especially growing season warming, made plants confront various stresses. K. pygmaea adopted a stress‐avoidance strategy, showing a negative response, and leading to population decline or disappearance. This kind of dieback had also been observed in other Cyperaceae species. Meanwhile, due to positive responses, S. purpurea adopted a stress‐tolerance strategy and overcame the impact of warming, partially gained the dominance over Cyperaceae species. Overall vegetation coverage and plant community diversity decreased over the years. These results reveal the impact of seasonal warming to plants, explaining the reasons for changes in plant communities under seasonal warming and providing new insights for future plant conservation under seasonal warming.