bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multivariate analysis of herd structure and genetic resource indicators in seedstock beef cattle herds
Authors: dos Santos Rafael Monteiro , Aganete Iris Assis , Botrel Bruna Diego , Menezes Gilberto Romeiro de Oliveira , Martin Nieto Leonardo , de Souza Maury Dorta , Toral Fabio Luiz Buranelo 
Published: August 2024

AbstractGenetic, environmental, technological and financial resources are used differently in cattle herds that participate in the same breeding programme. The percentages of calves sired by sires within their own herd or from external herds vary across herds, as do the intensities of use of reproductive biotechnologies. These divergences may be related to differences in the indicators of genetic performance for economic traits. The aim of this study was to determine the factors related to herd structure and genetic resource utilization that exert the greatest influence on the genetic merit of seedstock herds within a Nellore breeding programme. The database comprised 21 factors, along with genomic‐enhanced expected progeny differences (GE‐EPDs) for growth, reproductive and carcass traits, as well as a selection index of animals from 128 herds. By combining principal component analysis and cluster analysis, we were able to group the herds. We identified statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the mean values of the factors, GE‐EPDs and genetic trends among the groups of herds. Differences in the percentage of sires from external herds and in sire age between the groups of herds were the factors most associated with differences in mean GE‐EPDs and genetic trends. Using young sires from other herds or lineages is an effective strategy in animal breeding. By enhancing genetic variability, this approach does not only improve the genetic quality of herds but also accelerates genetic progress in desired traits over time. Therefore, to ensure the success of this strategy, it is crucial that seedstock herds undergo a thorough selection process aimed at maximizing the genetic potential of future generations of beef cattle.
Diet, feeding, and niche overlap of west coast steenbras (Lithognathus aureti) and silver kob (Argyrosomus inodorus) in the northern Benguela
Authors: Shikongo Arariky S. , Wilhelm Margit R. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIn this study, we described and compared the diet, monthly feeding intensity, and condition of west coast steenbras (Lithognathus aureti) and silver kob (Argyrosomus inodorus) caught at a unique habitat in the northern Benguela. Stomach contents of 179 west coast steenbras and 114 silver kob caught from October 2020 to September 2022 were investigated. The peak in feeding intensity of west coast steenbras appeared to be opportunistic during winter and summer periods depending on food availability. The fish condition, however, peaked at the beginning (October) and at the end (April) of the austral summer spawning period, with the hepatosomatic index (HSI) at 1.5% and the condition factor (CF) at 0.022%. Seven prey taxa were found in the diet of west coast steenbras (bivalves, bony fishes, other mollusks, algae, crustaceans, cnidaria, and polychaetas) and six taxa in the diet of silver kob (bivalves, crustaceans, bony fishes, algae, starfish, and zooplankton), indicating generalist feeding behavior in both the species. The bivalves were the most important prey items in the diet of west coast steenbras (95.9% index of relative importance [IRI]). The most important prey items in the diet of silver kob were crustaceans (83.1% IRI) and bony fishes (16.0% IRI). Crustaceans were most important in the diet of small‐to‐medium‐sized silver kob, whereas bony fishes were most important in the diet of larger silver kob (>75 cm), with significant differences of IRI% by size class. Schoener's index of niche overlap indicated a relatively low overall niche overlap (0.11) between west coast steenbras and silver kob. This allows them to coexist as their feeding habits allow them to occupy unique niches in the coastal reef and sandy habitat and reduce competition for resources.
Pain hypersensitivity, sensorimotor impairment, and decreased muscle force in a novel rat model of radiation‐induced peripheral neuropathy
Authors: Vittert Allison B. , Daniel Melissa , Svientek Shelby R. , Risch Mary Jane , Nelson Noah S. , Donneys Alexis , Dehdashtian Amir , Sacks Gina N. , Buchman Steven R. , Kemp Stephen W. P. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractIntroductionRadiation‐induced peripheral neuropathy is a rare, but serious complication often resulting in profound morbidity, life‐long disability, and chronic debilitating pain. Unfortunately, this type of peripheral neuropathy is usually progressive, and almost always irreversible. To date, a standardized rat model of radiation‐induced peripheral neuropathy has not been established. The purpose of the present study was to examine neuropathic pain, sensorimotor impairment, and muscle force parameters following the administration of a clinically relevant radiation dose in a rat model.MethodsTen rats were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups: (1) radiation and (2) sham‐radiated controls. Radiated animals were given a clinically relevant dose of 35 Gray (Gy) divided into five daily doses of 7 Gy/day. This regimen represents a human equivalent dose of 70 Gy, approximating the same dosage utilized for radiotherapy in oncologic patients. Sham‐radiated controls were anesthetized and placed in the radiation apparatus but were not given radiation. All animals were tested for baseline values in both sensorimotor and pain behavioral tests. Sensorimotor testing consisted of the evaluation of walking tracks with the calculation of the Sciatic Functional Index (SFI). Pain‐related behavioral measures consisted of mechanical allodynia (von Frey test), cold allodynia (Acetone test), and thermal allodynia (Hargreaves test). Animals were tested serially over an 8‐week period. At the study endpoint, electrophysiological and muscle force assessments were completed, and histomorphometric analysis was performed on all sciatic nerves.ResultsAnimals that underwent radiation treatment displayed significantly greater pain hypersensitivity to mechanical stimulation as compared to sham radiated controls from weeks 4 to 8 of testing. SFI values indicated sensorimotor impairments in the overground gait of radiated animals as compared to non‐radiated animals. Furthermore, radiated animals displayed reduced twitch and tetanic muscle force when compared to sham radiated controls.ConclusionsA clinically relevant human equivalent dose of fractionated 35 Gy in rats established significant pain hypersensitivity, impairments in sensorimotor locomotion, and decreased muscle force capacity. This novel rodent model of radiation‐induced peripheral neuropathy can be utilized to assess the potential efficacy of therapeutic treatments to either prevent or remediate this clinically debilitating condition.
Comparison of the efficacy and safety of a 730‐nm picosecond titanium sapphire laser and a 1064‐nm picosecond neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet laser for the treatment of acquired bilateral nevus of Ota‐like macules: A split‐face, evaluator‐blinded, randomized, and controlled pilot trial
Authors: Chen Wanxin , Wang Zhongshuai , Li Zhenzhen , Yuan Chen , Zhang Xiaofeng , Li Li , Yan Yan , Wang Baoxi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe picosecond neodymium yttrium aluminum garnet laser (PNYL) has been successfully used in treating acquired bilateral nevus of Ota‐like macules (ABNOM). The 730‐nm picosecond titanium sapphire laser (PTSL) is an emerging tool for pigmentary disorders. However, no studies have compared two different wavelengths of picosecond laser for the treatment of ABNOM.AimsTo compare the efficacy and safety of the 730‐nm PTSL with the 1064‐nm PNYL in the treatment of ABNOM.MethodsFifteen participants with ABNOM were randomized to undergo a single session of either the 730‐nm PTSL on one side of the face and 1064‐nm PNYL on the other side. Efficacy and safety assessments were performed by blinded visual evaluations at baseline, 12 weeks, and 24 weeks posttreatment. Participants' satisfaction and adverse effects were recorded.ResultsCompared to baseline, The 730‐nm PTSL‐treated side showed better improvement than that of the 1064‐nm PNYL‐treated side at 24 weeks posttreatment (1.67 ± 1.047 vs. 0.87 ± 0.640, p = 0.027). There were no significant differences in pain sensation and participants' satisfaction between the two laser treatments.ConclusionsThe 730‐nm PTSL is more effective than the 1064‐nm PNYL in the treatment of ABNOM.
Video capsule endoscopy findings in dogs with chronic enteropathy and in healthy dogs
Authors: Holmberg Johanna , Ljungvall Ingrid , Pelander Lena , Defarges Alice , Stiller Jenny , Ingman Jessica , Harlos Caroline , Spillmann Thomas , Häggström Jens 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundVideo capsule endoscopy is a noninvasive technique for evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract.ObjectiveTo investigate the safety of using the video capsule ALICAM in dogs with chronic enteropathy (CE) >10 kg, and to compare macroscopic gastrointestinal morphology between CE dogs and healthy controls (HC).AnimalsFifteen CE dogs and 15 similarly breed, age and body weight matched HC.MethodsAll dogs underwent a clinical work up including blood analyses, fecal samples, abdominal ultrasonographic examination, and blood pressure measurement. The dogs were withheld from food for 16 hours before and 8 hours after they PO received an ALICAM. All recordings were quality assessed, and blindly evaluated by 2 trained observers.ResultsThe median age of CE dogs and HC was 3.3 (interquartile range [IQR] 2.5‐5.9) years and 4.7 (IQR 3.3‐5.6) years, respectively. The median body weight in the CE dogs and HC was 25.9 (IQR 20.6‐30.9) kg, and 29 (IQR 16.2‐30.5) kg, respectively. Complete recordings of the gastrointestinal tract were obtained from all dogs without complications. No significant differences were found between groups regarding number of abnormalities such as irregular mucosa, erythema, nonbleeding erosions, bleeding erosions, and dilated lacteals, as well as severity and extent of the abnormalities.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThe use of ALICAM for evaluation of the gastrointestinal tract in CE dogs and HC seems safe and feasible regarding gastrointestinal transit and macroscopic morphology assessment in dogs >10 kg. Abnormalities were found in similar proportions in CE dogs and HC.
Differential CheR Affinity for Chemoreceptor C‐Terminal Pentapeptides Modulates Chemotactic Responses
Authors: Velando Félix , Monteagudo‐Cascales Elizabet , Matilla Miguel A. , Krell Tino 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACTMany chemoreceptors contain a C‐terminal pentapeptide at the end of a linker. In Escherichia coli, this pentapeptide forms a high‐affinity binding site for CheR and phosphorylated CheB, and its removal interferes with chemoreceptor adaptation. Analysis of chemoreceptors revealed significant variation in their pentapeptide sequences, and bacteria often possess multiple chemoreceptors with differing pentapeptides. To assess whether this sequence variation alters CheR affinity and chemotaxis, we used Pectobacterium atrosepticum SCRI1043 as a model. SCRI1043 has 36 chemoreceptors, with 19 of them containing a C‐terminal pentapeptide. We show that the affinity of CheR for the different pentapeptides varies up to 11‐fold (KD 90 nM to 1 μM). Pentapeptides with the highest and lowest affinities differ only in a single amino acid. Deletion of the cheR gene abolishes chemotaxis. The replacement of the pentapeptide in the PacC chemoreceptor with those of the highest and lowest affinities significantly reduced chemotaxis to its cognate chemoeffector, L‐Asp. Altering the PacC pentapeptide also reduced chemotaxis to L‐Ser, but not to nitrate, which are responses mediated by the nontethered PacB and PacN chemoreceptors, respectively. Changes in the pentapeptide sequence thus modulate the response of the cognate receptor and that of another chemoreceptor.
Leaf venation network architecture coordinates functional trade‐offs across vein spatial scales: evidence for multiple alternative designs
Authors: Matos Ilaine Silveira , Boakye Mickey , Niewiadomski Izzi , Antonio Monica , Carlos Sonoma , Johnson Breanna Carrillo , Chu Ashley , Echevarria Andrea , Fontao Adrian , Garcia Lisa , Kalantar Diana , Madhavan Srinivasan , Mann Joseph , McDonough Samantha , Rohde James , Scudder Meg , Sharma Satvik , To Jason , Tomaka Connor , Vu Bradley , Yokota Nicole , Forbes Holly , Fricker Mark , Blonder Benjamin Wong 
Published: August 2024

Summary

Variation in leaf venation network architecture may reflect trade‐offs among multiple functions including efficiency, resilience, support, cost, and resistance to drought and herbivory. However, our knowledge about architecture‐function trade‐offs is mostly based on studies examining a small number of functional axes, so we still lack a more integrative picture of multidimensional trade‐offs.

Here, we measured architecture and functional traits on 122 ferns and angiosperms species to describe how trade‐offs vary across phylogenetic groups and vein spatial scales (small, medium, and large vein width) and determine whether architecture traits at each scale have independent or integrated effects on each function.

We found that generalized architecture‐function trade‐offs are weak. Architecture strongly predicts leaf support and damage resistance axes but weakly predicts efficiency and resilience axes. Architecture traits at different spatial scales contribute to different functional axes, allowing plants to independently modulate different functions by varying network properties at each scale.

This independence of vein architecture traits within and across spatial scales may enable evolution of multiple alternative leaf network designs with similar functioning.
Vacuolar recruitment of retromer by a SNARE complex enables infection‐related trafficking in rice blast
Authors: Chen Xin , Hu Jiexiong , Zhong Haoming , Wu Qiuqiu , Fang Zhenyu , Cai Yan , Huang Panpan , Abubakar Yakubu Saddeeq , Zhou Jie , Naqvi Naweed I. , Wang Zonghua , Zheng Wenhui 
Published: August 2024

Summary

The retromer complex is a conserved sorting machinery that maintains cellular protein homeostasis by transporting vesicles containing cargo proteins to defined destinations. It is known to sort proteins at the vacuole membranes for retrograde trafficking, preventing their degradation in the vacuole. However, the detailed mechanism of retromer recruitment to the vacuole membrane has not yet been elucidated.

Here, we show that the vacuolar SNARE complex MoPep12‐MoVti1‐MoVam7‐MoYkt6 regulates retromer‐mediated vesicle trafficking by recruiting the retromer to the vacuole membrane, which promotes host invasion in Magnaporthe oryzae.

Such recruitment is also essential for the retrieval of the autophagy regulator MoAtg8 and enables appressorium‐mediated host penetration. Furthermore, the vacuolar SNARE subunits are involved in suppressing the host defense response by regulating the deployment of retromer‐MoSnc1‐mediated effector secretion.

Altogether, our results provide insights into the mechanism of vacuolar SNAREs‐dependent retromer recruitment which is necessary for pathogenicity‐related membrane trafficking events in the rice blast fungus.
Morphologic predictors of mandibular changes induced by Sander's Bite Jumping Appliance
Authors: D'Antò Vincenzo , Oliva Giorgio , Rongo Roberto , Bucci Rosaria , Martina Stefano , Franchi Lorenzo , Valletta Rosa 
Published: August 2024

AbstractAimThis study aimed to identify pretreatment cephalometric variables as possible predictors of the mandibular length increase in Class II patients with mandibular retrusion, treated by means of the Bite Jumping Appliance (BJA).Materials and MethodsForty‐three subjects (22 males and 21 females) with Class II malocclusion, treated with a BJA, were selected on the basis of the following inclusion criteria: full Class II molar relationship, Overjet (OVJ) ≥ 6 mm and a skeletal Class II malocclusion with mandibular retrusion at the start of the treatment (T0); cervical vertebral maturation stage 2 or 3 at time 0 (T0). The following mandibular structural features were measured on lateral cephalograms at time 0 and time 1 (15 months of treatment): the width and height of the mandibular symphysis and its width/height ratio, the width and height of the mandibular ramus and its width/height ratio, the antegonial notch depth and the Condilion–Gonion–Menton (Co–Go–Me) angle. Post‐treatment changes were assessed by Pancherz's cephalometric analysis, evaluating the increases in mandibular length. A regression statistical model was used to test the association between morphologic variables and mandibular length changes.ResultsAt T1, a significant increase in mandibular length (7.1 + 3.4 mm, p < .001) was measured. A significant negative association between the pretreatment Co–Go–Me angle and mandibular length change was found (p < .05). IMPA angle was negatively associated with mandibular length change. All the others morphological feature were not statistically related to mandibular length change.ConclusionCo–Go–Me angle and IMPA angle at T0 can be used as predictors for mandibular response to the treatment with BJA.
The impact of sociodemographic, health status and resources, macroeconomic, and environmental factors on infant mortality rates in Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Al‐Busaidi Al‐Hasan A. H. , Eltayib Rawaa A. A. , Al‐Saqry Mallak Y. M. , Chan Moon F. 
Published: August 2024

AbstractObjectivesThis study aims to study the impact of sociodemographic (SD), health status and resources (HSR), macroeconomic (ME), and Environmental (EV) factors on the infant mortality rate (IMR) in Qatar, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and from 1990 to 2022.DesignA retrospective time‐series study employing yearly data was conducted. A generalized least squares model was utilized to construct an exploratory model of IMR determinants for each country.ResultsIn SD, the risk of IMR may be increased with a higher crude birth rate, adolescent fertility rate, and married women percentage. In HSR, immunization coverage shows a significant effect in preventing neonatal diseases and reducing IMR. In ME, the effect of parents’ employment seems contradicted among the three countries. In EV, greenhouse emissions have also had contradictory effects among the three countries, suggesting a complex relationship with IMR. Some were consistent with global findings, whereas others contradicted the prevailing narrative.ConclusionsThis study highlights the need for tailored public health interventions addressing socio‐demographic, healthcare, and environmental contexts to effectively reduce IMR and enhance infant health outcomes.
Advancing effective street outreach to people experiencing unsheltered homelessness: Concepts for public health nursing
Authors: Doede Megan 
Published: August 2024

AbstractHomelessness, particularly unsheltered homelessness is a public health emergency in the U.S. Street outreach programs have demonstrated efficacy in connecting people to housing, initiating or retaining people in primary care, improving access to mental health services, and increasing treatment for substance use disorder. Effective outreach is generally characterized by trained, multidisciplinary teams that visit clients where they are, forming trusting relationships over time. Public health nurses working on outreach teams have opportunities to exercise their full scope and standards of practice and advance street outreach to the benefit of a distinctly marginalized group.
Class, genes, and rationality: A gene–environment interaction approach to ideology
Authors: Ahlskog Rafael 
Published: August 2024

AbstractVariation in political preferences is increasingly understood to stem from both environmental influences and genetics. Research in political psychology has argued that a pathway for genetic effects on ideology is via cognitive performance, showing a sizable genetic overlap between the traits. Yet the link between actual trait cognitive performance and economic conservatism is itself highly ambiguous, with both positive, null, and negative estimates prevalent in the literature. In this study, I argue that this puzzle can only be understood from a gene–environment interaction (GxE) perspective. Drawing on traditional theories of political preference formation, I argue that genetics associated with cognitive performance should cause more left‐wing economic preferences if you grow up in relative poverty, but more right‐wing economic preferences if you grow up affluent. Utilizing variation in a polygenic index (PGI) of cognitive performance within dizygotic twin pairs, coupled with unique register data on economic conditions for the twins, their parents, and their childhood neighborhood, I show that the causal effect of the PGI on economic conservatism is zero on average, but indeed sizable and sign‐discordant by class background. The GxE perspective thus has wide‐ranging implications for future research attempting to integrate genetic methods into political psychology.
Safety and efficacy of Deucravacitinib for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Hu Caixia , Han Xiaomei , Cui Yu , Zhang Yan , Cheng Yi 
Published: August 2024

AbstractBackgroundTo systematically evaluate the safety and efficacy of Deucravacitinib for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.Materials and MethodsRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) of Deucravacitinib for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science were searched from database establishment to April 2023. Literature quality was independently evaluated by two investigators using the Cochrane risk‐of‐bias assessment tool, and the systematic analysis was made using StateSE15 and RevMan 5.3 software.ResultsFour RCTs were included, including 1751 patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Meta‐analysis showed that the differences in efficacy and adverse events (AEs) between the Deucravacitinib group and placebo group were significant (p < 0.05). The patients in the Deucravacitinib group took orally 3–12 mg daily for 12 sequential weeks or 6 mg daily for 52 sequential weeks. Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) reduced by 75% (PASI 75), (PASI 90), and (PASI 100), static Physician Global Assessment (sPGA) of 0 or 1 (sPGA 0/1), Dermatology Life Quality Index of 0 or 1 (DLQI 0/1), and Psoriasis Symptoms and Signs Diary (PSSD) were significantly higher in the Deucravacitinib group compared to the placebo group, with significant differences (p < 0.05). The most frequently encountered AEs after treatment in the Deucravacitinib group was nasopharyngitis.ConclusionOral administration of Deucravacitinib is effective for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Attention should be paid to the occurrence of AEs, and more RCTs are required to evaluate the relationship between the dose and safety and efficacy.