bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
110 Effects of sire selection on puberty and reproduction of offspring selected as replacement heifers
Authors: McDonald Terry H , Johnson Chris , Vining Timothy P , Major Mike , Lamberti Gabriela , Lopes Maria , Bonmann Nicole , Moraes Joao , Beck Paul A 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Sire selection is important to maintain the desired genetic capability of any cattle herd; therefore, selection of economic production traits affect profitability by increasing pre- and post-weaning gain and carcass quality potential. Using heifers developed from sires selected for growth and milk traits may have long-term impact on sustainability of the cowherd by influencing mature cow size and milk production. Our objective was to determine the impacts of sires selected for high and moderate growth and high and low milk traits on growth and reproductive performance of replacement heifers. Therefore, we selected replacement heifers sired by bulls within the upper 5th and 50th percentiles of the Angus breed for yearling weight (YW) EPD as high growth (HG) moderate growth (MG), the upper 15th percentile of the Angus breed for milk EPD as high milk (HM), and the lower 15th percentile for low milk (LM) in a 2×2 factorial design resulting in 4 treatments: HG/HM, HG/LM, MG/HM, and MG/LM. Heifers (n = 46) from appropriate AI sires that were born and developed at Oklahoma State University – Range Cow Research Center – South Range Unit were selected as replacements. They were raised on a base diet of dry, dormant tall grass prairie and moderate quality grass hay following weaning and 2 kg/d of 16% crude protein concentrate supplement. Body weights and biometrics were recorded at weaning and approximately at 1-yr of age, and blood was collected at 11 and 0 d before synchronization for progesterone analysis to determine pubertal status pre-breeding. Estrus was synchronized using the 14-d CIDR-PG with timed AI method followed by a 45-d natural service breeding period. Pregnancy checks were conducted by serum collection 35-d following AI and via rectal palpation by an experienced veterinarian 112 d after removal of the bulls. Statistical analyses were performed using the mixed procedure of SAS (SAS 9.4, SAS INC., Carey, NC). Heifers from high growth sires were 28 kg heavier at weaning (P &lt; 0.01) and 26 kg heavier as yearlings (P &lt; 0.01) than those sired by moderate growth sires, while sire milk EPD affected neither (P ≥ 0.55). High growth and high milk sired heifers had greater hip heights, frame scores and thus greater (P ≤ 0.05) estimated mature body weight (EMBW). Despite this, sire selection had no impact on percentage of heifers pubertal before breeding, AI pregnancy, or the total pregnancy rates (P &gt; 0.24) Based on these data, selection of sires for HG and HM leads to increased productivity of the offspring but gives rise to larger mature cows, which may pressure grazing resources in limited resource environments impacting the long-term sustainability of the cow-calf enterprise.
111 First Kiko Buck Performance Test in Mississippi
Authors: Marchant Nicolas , Mazeres Kelsey , DeGayner Jill , Shook Alex , Vann Rhonda C , Smith Trent , Lemus Rocky , Rios Leyla 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Kiko is a meat breed of goats originating from New Zealand, they are recognized for their hardiness and parasite resistance. There is a lack of information on economically important traits for this breed in the US, particularly in the Southeast. The Kiko buck performance test allows producers to make educated breeding decisions through impartial data. These tests have occurred in the United States for years; however, this is the first buck test performed on commercial farm grazing conditions in Mississippi (MS). A goat that performs well in a test in another state may not perform well in high temperatures, humidity, ground moisture, and availability of parasites in MS. The objective of the test was to collect data on the performance of weaned Kiko bucks grazing under commercial farm conditions in south MS from July to October of 2023 (IACUC-23-138). Forty-five farmers from 14 different states (KY, OK, FL, NC, MS, AL, IN, IL, GA, TN, AR, VA, MO, and WV) consigned 88 Kiko bucks. Every 2 wk measurements were taken on the goats including body weight (BW), body condition score (BCS), FAMACHA, and fecal count of nematode eggs (FEC expressed as eggs per gram of feces – EPG), also at the start and end of the test loin eye area (LEA) was measured through ultrasound. Forage samples were collected for quality analysis, the average values starting the test were 13% CP and 47.4 TDN. Upon arrival, the bucks were dewormed using a combination of drugs, and after 2 wk of confinement went out with only grazing to start the 10 wk of test. During the test bucks were dewormed using the following parameters: &gt;2,500 EPG and FAMACHA 4 or 5 or BCS &lt; 1.5, any goat falling in these criteria was not considered for the final ranking. Bucks were separated into two groups: those born on or before February 8th, 2023 (group 1-G1, n = 44) and those born after (group 2-G2 n = 34). Ratios of the average daily gain (ADG), nematode FEC, and the ratio of LEA/BW were used in the final index. As all values are considered of equal economic importance, they all contributed the same to the final index. For G1 ADG, FEC, LEA/BW was 60 g/d (SD 20), 832.75 EPG (SD = 504.32), and 0.88 cm²/kg (SD = 0.20), respectively. For G2 ADG, FEC, and LEA/BW was 50 g/d (SD = 40), 907.86 EPG (SD = 492.61), and 0.81 cm²/kg (SD = 0.19), respectively. Bucks were ranked by highest index value in the group, for G1 the 1st place buck was from MS with ADG, FEC, LEA/BW of 90 g/d, 175 EPG, and 1.41 cm²/kg, respectively. For G2 the 1st place buck was from IN with ADG, FEC, and LEA/BW of 140 g/d, 116.67 EPG, and 1.00 cm²/kg, respectively.
114 The efficacy of a natural fungus (Duddingtonia flagrans) in reducing gastrointestinal nematode indicators in lambs
Authors: Queen Jessica , O'Brien Dahlia J , Wildeus Stephan A , Davis Javin , Robertson MacKenzie , Matthews Kwame 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Sustainable and profitable small ruminant production in the US is affected by infections with gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN), especially the blood sucking GIN, Haemonchus contortus. The overuse and misuse of available drug classes has led to multi-drug resistant GIN that pose significant challenges to parasite control on many farms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a natural fungus (Duddingtonia flagrans; Bioworma, International Animal Health) in reducing GIN larval counts and other GIN indicators in hair sheep wethers. Eighteen St. Croix (n = 9) and Barbados Blackbelly (n = 9) wethers (227 ± 1.4 days of age and 29.7 ± 0.6 kg BW) were dewormed (d 0) with a combination of levamisol (Prohibit; 8 mg/kg BW) moxidectin (Cydectin; 0.2 mg/kg BW) and albendazole (Valbazen; 7.5 mg/kg BW) prior to the start of feeding according to the manufacturer’s recommendations for feeding BioWorma. At this time, lambs were separated into two treatment groups (n = 9/group), split into 3 replications per treatment group and placed on six pasture paddocks (0.06 ha; n = 3 per paddock) after accounting for breed, initial fecal egg count (FEC) and BW. Lambs were then fed daily either a grain supplement ration (corn and soybean meal) with Livamol with Bioworma (LIV) or without (CON) at 2% of their BW for 98 d. LIV was added to the ration based on total lamb BW/paddock. To evaluate the effect of LIV treatment, BW and body condition scores (BCS) were recorded every 2 wk for 98 d. Blood and fecal samples were also collected for determination of packed cell volume (PCV) and FEC. Pooled treatment group feces (d 0 – 98) were collected and cultured to determine GIN genera. A subset of animals/treatment (n = 3) will be harvested to determine abomasal worm counts. Data were analyzed using repeated measures in a mixed model, and FEC were log transformed before analysis. Following deworming (d 0), FEC were reduced by 100% by d 14. There was a mixed population of GIN at the start of the study (averaging 54%, 42%, 1.2% and 1.8% for H. contortus, Tricostrongylus spp., Oesphagostomum spp. and Nematodirus spp., respectively). LIV with Bioworma supplementation had no impact on BW, BCS, PCV or FEC in this study averaging 34.2 ± 0.3 kg, 2.5 ± 0.04, 34.7 ± 0.5% and 150.9 eggs per gram, respectively. Under the conditions of this study, Bioworma® supplementation had no influence on GIN indicators measured up to 100 d of grazing. This research will be continued during subsequent grazing seasons to determine the effect of continued supplementation on lamb parasite load and performance as well as pasture infestation levels.
Round-up of IP decisions in Africa 2023
Authors: Okorie Chijioke , Koros Dorcas Chebet , Mgonja Jessie Victoria , Ho Tu Nam Nora , Chindah Rita Anwiri , Schneider Marius 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This contribution offers an analysis of selected important decisions in the field of IP law issued in the period 1 January to 31 December 2023 by national courts in individual African countries (Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa Tanzania, Uganda and Zimbabwe). Specifically, the industries covered in the decisions analysed in this contribution include digital music and the creative industries, pharmaceuticals and paint manufacturing. The contribution also highlights legislative reforms and other developments in various IP law fields in Africa in 2023.
Stability and plasticity of regulatory T cells in health and disease
Authors: Contreras-Castillo Eugenio , García-Rasilla Verónica Yutsil , García-Patiño María Guadalupe , Licona-Limón Paula 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The mechanisms that negatively regulate inflammation upon a pathogenic stimulus are crucial for the maintenance of tissue integrity and organ function. T regulatory cells are one of the main drivers in controlling inflammation. The ability of T regulatory cells to adapt to different inflammatory cues and suppress inflammation is one of the relevant features of T regulatory cells. During this process, T regulatory cells express different transcription factors associated with their counterparts, Th helper cells, including Tbx21, GATA-3, Bcl6, and Rorc. The acquisition of this transcription factor helps the T regulatory cells to suppress and migrate to the different inflamed tissues. Additionally, the T regulatory cells have different mechanisms that preserve stability while acquiring a particular T regulatory cell subtype. This review focuses on describing T regulatory cell subtypes and the mechanisms that maintain their identity in health and diseases.
1H-NMR-based metabolomics to dissect the traditional Chinese medicine promotes mesenchymal stem cell homing as intervention in liver fibrosis in mouse model of Wilson’s disease
Authors: Ma Ying , Bao Yuancheng , Wang Han , Jiang Huaizhou , Zhou Lei , Yang Bo , Huang Xiaofeng , Yang Wenming , Xie Daojun , Zhang Juan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
We administered Bushen Huoxue Huazhuo Formula (BSHXHZF) and transplanted bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into mice with Wilson’s disease (WD)-related liver fibrosis to evaluate the liver-protecting mechanism of this prescription.

Methods
Mice, randomly divided into different treatment groups, showed histopathological changes and degree of hepatocyte apoptosis. For hepatic hydroxyproline (Hyp) determination, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and bone morphogenetic protein-7 (BMP-7) mRNA and protein were measured. Chemical profiling of the extract of BSHXHZF using The liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and revealing its antifibrosis mechanism using metabolomics.

Results
TCM+BMSC group livers exhibited few inflammatory cells. TUNEL revealed abundant brown apoptotic cells in model control groups, while the TCM+BMSC groups showed a significant increase in blue negative expression of liver cells. Hyp in toxic milk (TX) mice groups was significantly lower than that in model control groups (MG). Compared with MG, TGF-β1 expression was significantly lower than all other groups, while BMP-7 expression was significantly higher. Metabolic analysis identified 20 potential biomarkers and 10 key pathways, indicating that BSHXHZF+BMSC intervention has a significant regulatory effect on metabolic disorders of these small molecule substances.

Conclusion
BSHXHZF combined with BMSCs can inhibit liver fibrosis and hepatocyte apoptosis by improving related metabolic disorders, and achieving therapeutic effects in WD-related liver fibrosis.
Optimal transport-based machine learning to match specific patterns: application to the detection of molecular regulation patterns in omics data
Authors: Nguyen Thi Thanh Yen , Harchaoui Warith , Mégret Lucile , Mendoza Cloé , Bouaziz Olivier , Neri Christian , Chambaz Antoine 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
We present several algorithms designed to learn a pattern of correspondence between 2 data sets in situations where it is desirable to match elements that exhibit a relationship belonging to a known parametric model. In the motivating case study, the challenge is to better understand micro-RNA regulation in the striatum of Huntington’s disease model mice. The algorithms unfold in 2 stages. First, an optimal transport plan P and an optimal affine transformation are learned, using the Sinkhorn–Knopp algorithm and a mini-batch gradient descent. Second, P is exploited to derive either several co-clusters or several sets of matched elements. A simulation study illustrates how the algorithms work and perform. The real data application further illustrates their applicability and interest.
Hi-C techniques: from genome assemblies to transcription regulation
Authors: Šimková Hana , Câmara Amanda Souza , Mascher Martin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The invention of chromosome conformation capture (3C) techniques, in particular the key method Hi-C providing genome-wide information about chromatin contacts, revolutionized the way we study the three-dimensional organization of the nuclear genome and how it affects transcription, replication, and DNA repair. Because the frequency of chromatin contacts between pairs of genomic segments predictably relates to the distance in the linear genome, the information obtained by Hi-C has also proved useful for scaffolding genomic sequences. Here, we review recent improvements in experimental procedures of Hi-C and its various derivatives, such as Micro-C, HiChIP, and Capture Hi-C. We assess the advantages and limitations of the techniques, and present examples of their use in recent plant studies. We also report on progress in the development of computational tools used in assembling genome sequences.
Cryotherapy-Induced Iatrogenic Frostbite on Distal Digit: Case Report and Review of Management Strategies
Authors: Pendlebury Gehan , Brahe Catherine , Schmiedecke Rudy 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
Cryotherapy is a widely utilized topical treatment for various dermatological conditions. While generally safe and effective, it carries potential risks, such as frostbite injury. Frostbite, a vascular condition causing skin and tissue freezing, is usually associated with prolonged exposure to freezing environments. Certain populations, like military personnel navigating frigid terrains, face an increased risk of frostbite and other cold-weather injuries. In this case, we present an unusual instance of iatrogenic frostbite in a 23-year-old active duty United States Navy Sailor. The patient required a diverse range of treatment modalities, including pain management, sildenafil, nitroglycerine paste, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The implemented treatment regimen resulted in significant clinical improvements with minimal long-term structural damage. This case underscores the clinical value of establishing clear management guidelines for cryotherapy administration in cutaneous conditions. Such guidelines are essential to ensure optimal dosing, minimize adverse sequelae, and improve overall prognosis.
Extrapolating the projected potential of gravitational lens models: property-preserving degeneracies
Authors: Liesenborgs Jori , Perera Derek , Williams Liliya L R 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
While gravitational lens inversion holds great promise to reveal the structure of the light-deflecting mass distribution, both light and dark, the existence of various kinds of degeneracies implies that care must be taken when interpreting the resulting lens models. This article illustrates how thinking in terms of the projected potential helps to gain insight into these matters. Additionally it is shown explicitly how, when starting from a discretized version of the projected potential of one particular lens model, the technique of quadratic programming can be used to create a multitude of equivalent lens models that preserve all or a subset of lens properties. This method is applied to a number of scenarios, showing the lack of grasp on the mass outside the strong lensing region, revisiting mass redistribution in between images, and applying this to a recent model of the SDSS J1004+4112 cluster, as well as illustrating the generalized mass sheet degeneracy and source-position transformation. In the case of J1004, we show that this mass redistribution did not succeed at completely eliminating a dark mass clump recovered by grale near one of the quasar images.
On the impact and utility of single-exomoon modelling for multimoon systems
Authors: Teachey Alex , Agarwal Garvit 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
The search for exomoons in time-domain photometric data has to-date generally consisted of fitting transit models that are comprised of a planet hosting a single moon. This simple model has its advantages, but it may not be particularly representative, as most of the major moons in our Solar system are found in multimoon satellite systems. It is critical that we investigate, then, the impact of applying a single-moon model to systems containing multiple moons, as there is the possibility that utilizing an inaccurate or incomplete model could lead to erroneous conclusions about the system. To that end, in this work we produce a variety of realistic multimoon light curves, perform standard single-moon model selection, and analyse the impacts that this model choice may have on the search for exomoons. We find that the number of moons in a system fit with a single-moon model generally has little impact on whether we find evidence for a moon in that system, and other system attributes are individually not especially predictive. However, the model parameter solutions for the moon frequently do not match any real moon in the system, instead painting a picture of a ‘phantom’ moon. We find no evidence that multimoon systems yield corresponding multimodal posteriors. We also find a systematic tendency to overestimate planetary impact parameter and eccentricity, to derive unphysical moon densities, and to infer potentially unphysical limb darkening coefficients. These results will be important to keep in mind in future exomoon search programmes.
Combining Cn2 models to forecast the optical turbulence at Paranal
Authors: Cuevas Omar , Marín J C , Blázquez J , Meyer C 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
We applied a combination of models to improve the forecasts of refractive index structure coefficient ($C^{2}_{n}$) profiles and seeing at Paranal using high-temporal and spatial resolution simulations with the Weather Research and Forecasting model. We assessed our method with Stereo−SCIntillation Detection And Ranging observations from several nights between 2016 and 2018. The combined approach consists of the turbulent kinetic energy-based model to estimate the $C^{2}_{n}$ profile within the boundary layer and another model for the free atmosphere. We tested the Dewan, Jackson−Dewan, and Gladstone models. The implementation of the combined method gives better results than those obtained using each model separately for the whole atmospheric column. However, a much better agreement with observations is obtained when we use a calibration method to improve the results. Calibrated seeing forecasts at Paranal showed a root mean squared error of 0.30 arcsec and a bias around −0.1 arcsec for all the nights of 2017 and 2018, which are similar to previous results obtained at Paranal during the same nights. Due to its performance and rapid execution, the proposed methodology could be implemented as an operational tool to forecast the $C^{2}_{n}$ profiles and the seeing at Paranal and potentially over other astronomical sites around the world.
Short-term efficacy and limitations of foot care in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Yano Koichiro , Ikari Katsunori , Shiraki Emiko , Midorikawa Mitsuki , Maeda Masami , Kubo Kazuya , Kuwahara Yasushi , Okazaki Ken 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Objectives
Foot and ankle impairments are major issues in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Foot deformities often lead to skin disorders, such as callosities, ingrown toenails, and interdigital tinea pedis. This study was aimed at investigating the efficacy and limitations of foot care by experts in patients with RA.

Methods
Thirty-one patients with RA who began receiving foot care from nurses at our institution between September 2020 and February 2023 were included. Responses to a survey using the self-administered foot evaluation questionnaire (SAFE-Q) for patient-reported outcome measures were compared at baseline, the second visit (1.3 ± 0.5 months after baseline), and the third visit (3.6 ± 1.6 months after baseline).

Results
Scores for ‘Pain and pain-related’ and ‘General health and well-being’ components of SAFE-Q markedly improved after foot care. On the other hand, there were no significant differences in the scores for ‘Physical functioning and daily living’, ‘Social functioning’, and ‘Shoe-related’ components during observation periods.

Conclusions
Foot care for rheumatoid feet is effective in providing pain relief and improving general health and well-being. However, physical and social functioning and footwear issues did not improve. Clinicians must understand the effects and limitations of foot care in patients with RA.
Correction of non-random mutational biases along a linear bacterial chromosome by the mismatch repair endonuclease NucS
Authors: Dagva Oyut , Thibessard Annabelle , Lorenzi Jean-Noël , Labat Victor , Piotrowski Emilie , Rouhier Nicolas , Myllykallio Hannu , Leblond Pierre , Bertrand Claire 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The linear chromosome of Streptomyces exhibits a highly compartmentalized structure with a conserved central region flanked by variable arms. As double strand break (DSB) repair mechanisms play a crucial role in shaping the genome plasticity of Streptomyces, we investigated the role of EndoMS/NucS, a recently characterized endonuclease involved in a non-canonical mismatch repair (MMR) mechanism in archaea and actinobacteria, that singularly corrects mismatches by creating a DSB. We showed that Streptomyces mutants lacking NucS display a marked colonial phenotype and a drastic increase in spontaneous mutation rate. In vitro biochemical assays revealed that NucS cooperates with the replication clamp to efficiently cleave G/T, G/G and T/T mismatched DNA by producing DSBs. These findings are consistent with the transition-shifted mutational spectrum observed in the mutant strains and reveal that NucS-dependent MMR specific task is to eliminate G/T mismatches generated by the DNA polymerase during replication. Interestingly, our data unveil a crescent-shaped distribution of the transition frequency from the replication origin towards the chromosomal ends, shedding light on a possible link between NucS-mediated DSBs and Streptomyces genome evolution.