bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reproductive traits of male rabbits as affected by climatic conditions, in the subtropical environment of Egypt
Authors: Marai I. F. M. , Habeeb A. M. , Gad A. E. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe present work was planned to study the effects of mild and hot conditions on reproductive traits of male rabbits. The traits studied were libido (reaction time), semen quality characteristics (hydrogen-ion value, ejaculate volume, sperm motility, dead sperm, sperm abnormalities, acrosomal abnormalities, sperm-cell concentration and total sperm output), seminal biochemical traits (total protein, albumin, globulin, total lipid, cholestrol and creatinine), seminal enzymes (glutamic-pyruvate transaminase (GPT), glutamic oxalo-acetic transaminase (GOT), alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase), seminal hormones (tri-iodothyronine (T3) and cortisol), thermoregulatory parameters (respiration rate and temperatures of ear, rectum and skin), food and water consumption, blood metabolites (total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, total lipid and cholesterol), kidney function (urea-N and creatinine), liver function (serum GPT, serum GOT and alkaline and acid phosphatase) and endocrine functions (T3 and cortisol hormones).The estimated temperature-humidity index (THI) values were 20·2 during the mild and 30·1 in the hot period, indicating absence of heat stress in the first period and exposure of rabbits to very severe heat stress in the second one.In semen characteristics, the effects of heat stress on reaction time, semen pH, sperm motility, percentages of dead sperm, sperm abnormalities and acrosomal damage, were not significant. However, ejaculate volume, sperm-cell concentration and total sperm output were significantly lower (P < 0·01) under heat stress than under mild conditions. In seminal plasma, effects of heat stress were not significant on total protein, globulin, total lipid, cholesterol, creatinine and alkaline phosphatase. Meanwhile, seminal plasma albumin, acid phosphatase, T3 and cortisol were significantly (P < 0·01 or P < 0·05) lower, while GPT and GOT were significantly (P < 0·01) higher in heat stress than in mild conditions.Thermoregulatory parameters (respiration rate and temperatures of ear, rectum and skin) and water consumption were significantly (P < 0·01) higher, while consumption of food was significantly (P < 0·01) lower in heat stress than in mild conditions. Blood serum globulin was not affected, while serum total proteins, albumin, glucose, total lipid, cholesterol, acid phosphatase, T3 and cortisol were significantly (P < 0·01 or P < 0·05) lower and urea-N, creatinine, GPT, GOT and alkaline phosphatase were significantly (P < 0·01 or P < 0·05) higher in heat stress than in mild conditions, within the Egyptian subtropical climate.
The effect of basal diet on lactate-producing bacteria and the susceptibility of sheep to lactic acidosis
Authors: Al Jassim R. A. M. , Gordon G. L. R. , Rowe J. B. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe influence of a diet of either pasture or hay on the development of lactic acidosis in sheep was investigated using a grain challenge approach. Twenty-four Merino wethers with a mean live weight of 36·7 (s.e.3·6) kg were used; 12 were adapted to grass pasture and 12 to hay (lucerne and oaten hay, 60: 40) for 4 weeks before being given 1 kg of crushed barley via stomach tube. Six sheep in each group were also given virginiamycin (VM; 50 mg/kg barley) with the grain to test the efficacy of this antibiotic in controlling the bacteria responsible for the development of acidosis. Changes in volatile fatty acid (VFA), pH, lactate and bacterial count in the rumen and faecal pH and dry matter (DM) were measured for a 24-h period following administration of the barley. Daily intakes of hay were measured for a 10-day period following grain engorgement. Total ruminal VFA increased (P< 0·01) over time and tended (P= 0·08) to be higher in sheep adapted to hay than in those adapted to pasture (67·5 v. 59·8 mmol/l). The molar proportions of VFA changed (P< 0·01) over time in favour of propionate in both groups. Ruminal pH was higher (P< 0·001) in pasture-adapted sheep, but declined (P< 0·001) in both groups over time following the introduction of barley. This decline in pH was associated with increases in ruminal concentration of VFA in pasture-adapted sheep and VFA and lactate in hay-adapted sheep. The addition of VM resulted in a higher (P< 0·001) proportion of propionate and a trend towards higher (P= 0·24) faecal pH and DM content. Faecal pH and DM content declined (P< 0·001) over time and was lower for the pasture-adapted sheep. The introduction of either barley alone or barley with VM from both hay and pasture diets increased (P< 0·05) the viable counts of total bacteria,Streptococcus bovisand lactic acid bacteria. Bacterial isolates were purified and identified by complete sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene to determine the predominant bacteria during the overfeeding of grain. Isolates from medium selective forS. boviswere all identified as this species when VM was not given. VM had no effect on counts of viable bacteria, but inhibited the growth ofS. bovis.This study has shown that sheep given hay are more susceptible to lactic acidosis, the signs of which can be reduced by VM.
Consequences of variation in feeding behaviour for the probability of animals starting a meal as estimated from pooled data
Authors: Yeates M. P. , Tolkamp B. J. , Kyriazakis I. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBetter understanding of how animals regulate their intake may be gained by analysis of feeding behaviour. This is often recorded in terms of feeding events, e.g. visits to feeders, which can be clustered into meals. This enables calculation of the probability of animals starting a meal in relation to time since the last meal, which is thought to give insight into food intake regulation. Starting probabilities are often calculated with pooled data but recent work suggests that pooling may strongly affect conclusions.In this study we analysed feeding behaviour of cows to investigate how previous conclusions about feeding behaviour may have been affected by pooling. Using parameters derived from experimental data, we constructed simulation models to further explore under what circumstances pooling, either across day and night or across individuals, could affect the interpretation of starting probabilities. Data were simulated to explore the consequences of pooling as either the proportion of meals occurring during the day or the individual variation in their mean number of meals per 24 h changed. Simulation allowed us to extend the analysis of the consequences of pooling for the interpretation of starting probabilities.Analysis of experimental data, collected with 16 dairy cows, showed that they ate a mean of six meals per 24 h. Individual variation resulted in a proportional CV of the individual mean number of meals per 24 h of 0·14. Cows ate a mean proportion of 0·59 of their meals during the day. Analysis of experimental data suggested that pooling, conducted in previous studies, has probably led to a quantitative underestimation of the increase in starting probability with time since the last meal but not a qualitative misinterpretation of the direction of change in the starting probability.Simulation studies showed that pooling had no serious consequences when the mean number of meals per 24 h, or the variation about this mean, was low. However, as the number of meals per 24 h and variation increased, pooling led to conclusions that may wholly misrepresent both magnitude and direction of the change in starting probabilities calculated separately for the individuals or for day and night. This may explain why the results of some published studies seem not to agree with biological principles of food intake regulation.
Determinants of successful vitamin A supplementation coverage among children aged 6–59 months in thirteen sub-Saharan African countries
Authors: Janmohamed Amynah , Klemm Rolf DW , Doledec David 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveVitamin A supplementation (VAS) for children aged 6–59 months occurs regularly in most sub-Saharan African countries. The present study aimed to explore child, household and delivery platform factors associated with VAS coverage and identify barriers to compliance in thirteen African countries.DesignWe pooled data (n ~60 000) from forty-four household coverage surveys and used bivariate and multivariable regression analyses to assess the effects of supplementation strategy, rural v. urban residence, child sex, child age, caregiver education and campaign awareness on child VAS status.Setting/SubjectsPrimary caregivers of children aged 6–59 months in thirteen countries.ResultsDoor-to-door distribution resulted in higher VAS coverage than fixed-site plus outreach approaches (91 v. 63 %) and was a significant predictor of supplementation in the adjusted model (OR=19·0; 95 % CI 17·2, 21·1; P<0·001). Having been informed about the campaign was the main predictor of VAS in the door-to-door (OR=6·8; 95 % CI 5·8, 7·9; P<0·001) and fixed-site plus outreach (OR=72·5; 95 % CI 66·6, 78·8; P<0·001) groups.ConclusionsDoor-to-door provision of VAS may achieve higher coverage than fixed-site models in the African context. However, the phase-out of door-to-door polio immunization campaigns in most sub-Saharan African countries threatens the main distribution vehicle for VAS. Our findings suggest well-informed communities are key to attaining higher coverage using fixed-site delivery alternatives.
Are more environmentally sustainable diets with less meat and dairy nutritionally adequate?
Authors: Seves S Marije , Verkaik-Kloosterman Janneke , Biesbroek Sander , Temme Elisabeth HM 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveOur current food consumption patterns, and in particular our meat and dairy intakes, cause high environmental pressure. The present modelling study investigates the impact of diets with less or no meat and dairy foods on nutrient intakes and assesses nutritional adequacy by comparing these diets with dietary reference intakes.DesignEnvironmental impact and nutrient intakes were assessed for the observed consumption pattern (reference) and two replacement scenarios. For the replacement scenarios, 30 % or 100 % of meat and dairy consumption (in grams) was replaced with plant-based alternatives and nutrient intakes, greenhouse gas emissions and land use were calculated.SettingThe Netherlands.SubjectsDutch adults (n 2102) aged 19–69 years.ResultsReplacing 30 % of meat and dairy with plant-based alternatives did not substantially alter percentages below the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for all studied nutrients. In the 100 % replacement scenario, SFA intake decreased on average by ~35 % and Na intake by ~8 %. Median Ca intakes were below the Adequate Intake. Estimated habitual fibre, Fe and vitamin D intakes were higher; however, non-haem Fe had lower bioavailability. For Zn, thiamin and vitamin B12, 10–31 % and for vitamin A, 60 % of adults had intakes below the EAR.ConclusionsDiets with all meat and dairy replaced with plant-based foods lowered environmental impacts by >40 %. Estimated intakes of Zn, thiamin, vitamins A and B12, and probably Ca, were below recommendations. Replacing 30 % was beneficial for SFA, Na, fibre and vitamin D intakes, neutral for other nutrients, while reducing environmental impacts by 14 %.
USP13 negatively regulates antiviral responses by deubiquitinating STING
Authors: Sun He , Zhang Qiang , Jing Ying-Ying , Zhang Man , Wang Hai-Ying , Cai Zeng , Liuyu Tianzi , Zhang Zhi-Dong , Xiong Tian-Chen , Wu Yan , Zhu Qi-Yun , Yao Jing , Shu Hong-Bing , Lin Dandan , Zhong Bo 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSTING (also known as MITA) is critical for host defence against viruses and the activity of STING is regulated by ubiquitination. However, the deubiquitination of STING is not fully understood. Here, we show that ubiquitin-specific protease 13 (USP13) is a STING-interacting protein that catalyses deubiquitination of STING. Knockdown or knockout of USP13 potentiates activation of IRF3 and NF-κB and expression of downstream genes after HSV-1 infection or transfection of DNA ligands. USP13 deficiency results in impaired replication of HSV-1. Consistently, USP13 deficient mice are more resistant than wild-type littermates to lethal HSV-1 infection. Mechanistically, USP13 deconjugates polyubiquitin chains from STING and prevents the recruitment of TBK1 to the signalling complex, thereby negatively regulating cellular antiviral responses. Our study thus uncovers a function of USP13 in innate antiviral immunity and provides insight into the regulation of innate immunity.
Re-exposure to nicotine-associated context from adolescence enhances alcohol intake in adulthood
Authors: Zipori Dor , Sadot-Sogrin Yossi , Goltseker Koral , Even-Chen Oren , Rahamim Nofar , Shaham Ohad , Barak Segev 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAlcohol and nicotine are the two most commonly-abused substances and are often used together. Nicotine enhances alcohol-drinking behaviors in humans and in animals, and was suggested to enhance the reinforcing properties of other reinforcers. Here, we show that nicotine-associated environment, rather than nicotine itself, enhances alcohol intake in rats. Adolescent rats received repeated intermittent injections of nicotine (0.4 mg/kg, i.p., 5 injections, every 3rd day) or saline. The injection was paired with their home cage, or with the subsequent alcohol self-administration context. Rats were then trained to self-administer 20% alcohol. Nicotine given in the home cage did not alter subsequent alcohol intake. However, pairing nicotine with the operant chamber during adolescence led to a long-lasting increased alcohol self-administration in adulthood, compared to nicotine pre-treatment in other contexts. This effect persisted 3 months after nicotine cessation, in a relapse test after abstinence. Furthermore, re-exposure to the nicotine-associated context in adult rats led to a decrease in glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (Gdnf) mRNA expression in the ventral tegmental area, an effect that leads to increased alcohol consumption, as we ﻿have previously reported. Our findings suggest that retrieval of nicotine-associated contextual memories from adolescence may gate alcohol intake in adulthood, with a possible involvement of GDNF.
Anti-Aging Potentials of Methylene Blue for Human Skin Longevity
Authors: Xiong Zheng-Mei , O’Donovan Mike , Sun Linlin , Choi Ji Young , Ren Margaret , Cao Kan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractOxidative stress is the major cause of skin aging that includes wrinkles, pigmentation, and weakened wound healing ability. Application of antioxidants in skin care is well accepted as an effective approach to delay the skin aging process. Methylene blue (MB), a traditional mitochondrial-targeting antioxidant, showed a potent ROS scavenging efficacy in cultured human skin fibroblasts derived from healthy donors and from patients with progeria, a genetic premature aging disease. In comparison with other widely used general and mitochondrial-targeting antioxidants, we found that MB was more effective in stimulating skin fibroblast proliferation and delaying cellular senescence. The skin irritation test, performed on an in vitro reconstructed 3D human skin model, indicated that MB was safe for long-term use, and did not cause irritation even at high concentrations. Application of MB to this 3D skin model further demonstrated that MB improved skin viability, promoted wound healing and increased skin hydration and dermis thickness. Gene expression analysis showed that MB treatment altered the expression of a subset of extracellular matrix proteins in the skin, including upregulation of elastin and collagen 2A1, two essential components for healthy skin. Altogether, our study suggests that MB has a great potential for skin care.
Comparison of ocular biometric measurements between a new swept-source optical coherence tomography and a common optical low coherence reflectometry
Authors: Gao Rongrong , Chen Hao , Savini Giacomo , Miao Yaxin , Wang Xiaorui , Yang Jing , Zhao Weiqi , Wang Qinmei , Huang Jinhai 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe purpose of the current study was to compare the measurements between a new optical biometer based on swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT), the OA-2000 (Tomey, Japan), and an optical biometer based on optical low coherence reflectometry (OLCR), the Lenstar (Haag-Streit, Switzerland). Ninety-nine eyes of 99 healthy subjects were included. The axial length (AL), central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), aqueous depth (AD), lens thickness (LT), keratometry (K) readings, including flat K (Kf), steep K (Ks), mean K (Km), astigmatism vectors J0, J45 at diameters of 2.5 and 3.0 mm, and white-to-white diameter (WTW) were measured three times each using both biometer in normal eyes by random sequence. Bland-Altman analysis showed good agreement between the SS-OCT and OLCR devices for AL, AD, ACD, LT, with narrow 95% LoA (−0.05 to 0.07 mm, −0.09 to 0.10 mm, −0.10 to 0.09 mm, and −0.06 to 0.22 mm, respectively), and the P values of ACD were both >0.05. The CCT, Kf, Ks, Km, J0, J45 and WTW values provided by the OA-2000 were in good agreement with the Lenstar, and statistically significant differences were detected for some of them but not clinical differences. The agreement was excellent especially for AL.
Ultrahigh-Q optomechanical crystal cavities fabricated in a CMOS foundry
Authors: Benevides Rodrigo , Santos Felipe G. S. , Luiz Gustavo O. , Wiederhecker Gustavo S. , Alegre Thiago P. Mayer 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPhotonic crystals use periodic structures to create frequency regions where the optical wave propagation is forbidden, which allows the creation and integration of complex optical functionalities in small footprint devices. Such strategy has also been successfully applied to confine mechanical waves and to explore their interaction with light in the so-called optomechanical cavities. Because of their challenging design, these cavities are traditionally fabricated using dedicated high-resolution electron-beam lithography tools that are inherently slow, limiting this solution to small-scale or research applications. Here we show how to overcome this problem by using a deep-UV photolithography process to fabricate optomechanical crystals in a commercial CMOS foundry. We show that a careful design of the photonic crystals can withstand the limitations of the photolithography process, producing cavities with measured intrinsic optical quality factors as high as Q
i
= (1.21 ± 0.02) × 106. Optomechanical crystals are also created using phononic crystals to tightly confine the GHz sound waves within the optical cavity, resulting in a measured vacuum optomechanical coupling rate of g0 = 2π × (91 ± 4) kHz. Efficient sideband cooling and amplification are also demonstrated since these cavities are in the resolved sideband regime. Further improvements in the design and fabrication process suggest that commercial foundry-based optomechanical cavities could be used for quantum ground-state cooling.
Dimethyl Sulfide is a Chemical Attractant for Reef Fish Larvae
Authors: Foretich Matthew A. , Paris Claire B. , Grosell Martin , Stieglitz John D. , Benetti Daniel D. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTransport of coral reef fish larvae is driven by advection in ocean currents and larval swimming. However, for swimming to be advantageous, larvae must use external stimuli as guides. One potential stimulus is “odor” emanating from settlement sites (e.g., coral reefs), signaling the upstream location of desirable settlement habitat. However, specific chemicals used by fish larvae have not been identified. Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) is produced in large quantities at coral reefs and may be important in larval orientation. In this study, a choice-chamber (shuttle box) was used to assess preference of 28 pre-settlement stage larvae from reef fish species for seawater with DMS. Swimming behavior was examined by video-tracking of larval swimming patterns in control and DMS seawater. We found common responses to DMS across reef fish taxa - a preference for water with DMS and change in swimming behavior - reflecting a switch to “exploratory behavior”. An open water species displayed no response to DMS. Affinity for and swimming response to DMS would allow a fish larva to locate its source and enhance its ability to find settlement habitat. Moreover, it may help them locate prey accumulating in fronts, eddies, and thin layers, where DMS is also produced.
Thalamic Bursts Down-regulate Cortical Theta and Nociceptive Behavior
Authors: LeBlanc Brian W. , Cross Brent , Smith Kelsey A. , Roach Catherine , Xia Jimmy , Chao Yu-Chieh , Levitt Joshua , Koyama Suguru , Moore Christopher I. , Saab Carl Y. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe tested the relation between pain behavior, theta (4–8 Hz) oscillations in somatosensory cortex and burst firing in thalamic neurons in vivo. Optically-induced thalamic bursts attenuated cortical theta and mechanical allodynia. It is proposed that thalamic bursts are an adaptive response to pain that de-synchronizes cortical theta and decreases sensory salience.
Novel Noncovalent Interactions in Catalysis: A Focus on Halogen, Chalcogen, and Anion-π Bonding
Authors: Breugst Martin , von der Heiden Daniel , Schmauck Julie 
Published: May 2017

Noncovalent interactions play an important role in many biological and chemical processes. Among these, hydrogen bonding is very well studied and is already routinely used in organocatalysis. This Short Review focuses on three other types of promising noncovalent interactions. Halogen bonding, chalcogen bonding, and anion-π bonding have been introduced into organocatalysis in the last few years and could become important alternate modes of activation to hydrogen bonding in the future.1	Introduction2	Halogen Bonding3	Chalcogen Bonding4	Anion-π Bonding5	Conclusions
Recent Advances in Enantioselective Brønsted Base Organocatalytic Reactions
Authors: Tan Choon-Hong , Teng Bo , Lim Wei 
Published: May 2017

Enantioselective Brønsted base catalyzed reactions have established themselves as powerful tools for the construction of optically pure compounds. Most strategies aim at improving these reactions involve the modification of substrates to decrease the pK
a of the acidic proton. Typically, an electron-withdrawing group such as an ester or a fluorine is placed at the α-carbon, where the proton is also residing. The activation of less active proton, thus, becomes a major challenge in this field of research. In order to overcome this pK
a barrier, some new innovative approaches have been demonstrated in recent years. The implementation of dual activation modes and the development of organocatalytic Brønsted superbases are selected to be discussed in this minireview.1	Introduction2	Dual Activation Using Lewis Acid and Brønsted Base3	Dual Activation Using Iminium Catalyst and Brønsted Base4	Chiral Brønsted Superbase5	Chiral Ion-Pair Brønsted Base6	Summary and Outlook
Preoperative Considerations for the Ostomate
Authors: Wasserman Molly , McGee Michael 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIntestinal stomas significantly impact patients' quality of life. Stoma-related complications are common, but even without complications, patients are faced with new challenges in stoma management and daily activities. Preoperative patient education and stoma site marking, in conjunction with conscientious surgical stewardship, are key to patient satisfaction and successful operative outcomes.