bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
PSV-25 Effect of Garlic on Galectin 3 in Goats
Authors: Jagana Sowmya , Inupala SreeNavya , Pande Priyanka , Uzzaman Md. Rasel , Worku Mulumebet 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The objective of this study was to determine the effect of garlic extracts on expression of Galectin 3 in goats. Inflammatory diseases such as mastitis and gastrointestinal parasitic diseases cause significant problems for goat production. Galectins (Gal) are a family of highly conserved mammalian carbohydrate-binding proteins that can regulate inflammation. Galectin-3 is the only member of the lectin family with a chimeric structure. It is a potential therapeutic target to regulate the activity of inflammatory cells. Garlic extracts are natural anti-inflammatory agents that are being evaluated for use in goat management. Twelve adult female clinically healthy Boer X Spanish goats were divided into 2 groups. The treatment group (n = 6) was drenched with a 10 mL garlic (Garlic barrier) and the control group (n = 6) was given sterile water for 30 days. Blood was collected weekly from the jugular vein using acid citrate dextrose as an anticoagulant. Blood was centrifuged to separate cells and plasma. Galectin 3 secretion in plasma was determined using goat specific commercial ELISA kits (My-BioSource). Total RNA was isolated from the cell pellet using Trizol and it was then converted into cDNA. Primers specific for goat Gal 3 specific and the housekeeping genes RPLP0 and UCHL5 (Eurofins Genomics) were used in Real-time PCR to evaluate the gene expression. Fold change was calculated using the Livak method. All variables were assessed using SAS Statistical analysis software version 9.4 (SAS Institute) at P &lt; 0.05. Treatment had an effect over time and a significant increase (P &lt; 0.0141) was observed in the GAL- 3 concentrations. Gal-3 was expressed in greater amounts in treatment group animals compared with the control group with a fold change of 1.15. Garlic may be used to modulate Gal 3 expression and secretion in goat blood. It is important to consider the impact of garlic on Gal 3 modulation. Studies needed to define possible impacts on immune function and goat health.
PSV-26 Use of Garlic Drench in the Modulation of Galectin Gene Expression in St Croix Sheep
Authors: Inupala SreeNavya , Jagana Sowmya , Pande Priyanka , Uzzaman MD Rasel , Worku Mulumebet 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
St. Croix sheep are parasite resistant and can live in a wide variety of climates. Dietary supplements can influence innate immunity. Garlic (Allium sativum) is used as an immune modulator and an alternative antibiotic. Lectins in garlic could interfere with animal lectins such as Galectins (Gals). Galectins bind β-galactosides and modulate pathological processes and immunity. The effect of garlic drench on Gal (1,3,9) gene expression in sheep blood was evaluated. All protocols were approved by the IACUC. Clinically healthy, adult St. Croix sheep were divided into two groups. The treatment group (n = 6) was drenched with 5 mL garlic barrier at a rate of 10 mL diluted in sterile distilled water 1:1. The control group (n = 6) was drenched with 10 mL sterile distilled water for four weeks. Cells and plasma were separated by centrifugation of whole blood. The concentration of total plasma protein was determined using the BCA assay kit (Pierce). Secretion of Galectins 1,3,9 was evaluated using Sheep-specific ELISA(My-BioSource). Data were analyzed using SAS Statistical analysis software 9.4 (SAS Institute). Nucleic acid purity and concentrations were assessed using the Nanodrop spectrophotometer. Galectin gene transcription was evaluated using sheep Gal 1,3 and 9 specific primers commercially sequenced (Eurofins Genomics). The house keeping genes, Ribosomal Protein Lateral Stalk Subunit P0 and Ubiquitin C-Terminal Hydrolase L5, were used as internal controls. Samples were amplified in duplicate using the CFX Connect real-time PCR system. The Livak Method was used to calculate the fold change in gene expression. Galectin 1, 3, and 9 were transcribed and translated. Transcription and translation were differentially affected by garlic. Galectin 1 transcription increased; secretion decreased. Galectin 3 transcription and secretion increased at P &lt; 0.05. There was no change in the transcription of galectin 9, however, secretion was increased. Thus, garlic drench deferentially impacted transcription and secretion of structurally distinct Gal in sheep blood. Further studies are needed to determine the effect of Garlic on Gal-mediated functions important to sheep health and production.
PSXI-12 In Vitro Assessment of Binding Agents as an Alternative to Activated Charcoal for the Prevention of Boar Taint
Authors: Parent Melissa , Bone Christine , Squires E James 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Boar taint is an off odor and flavor that occurs once meat from uncastrated male pigs is heated, and results from the deposition of androstenone in the fat. Androstenone circulates between the liver and gut via the enterohepatic circulation, where it can be recirculated back to the liver or deposited in the fat. Previous studies from our lab have demonstrated that adding activated charcoal (AC) to feed is effective at disrupting enterohepatic circulation and preventing boar taint; however, AC is expensive and currently not approved for use as a feed additive. Spent filter aid (SFA) is a byproduct of corn syrup production, contains up to 33% diatomaceous earth (DE), and can be used as an energy source. DE and biochar have been used to bind toxins in the gastrointestinal tract and have a high surface area and porosity like that of AC. Additionally, biochar is approved and used as a feed additive in cattle production, and both biochar and SFA are available at a much lower cost. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the androstenone binding efficiency of SFA and biochar in vitro to assess their suitability as potential dietary treatments for preventing boar taint. AC, biochar and SFA were incubated for 30 minutes at 37℃ with radiolabeled androstenone, estrone sulphate (E1S), or estrone (E1) dissolved in buffer. Following incubation, the unbound radioactive steroid fraction was quantified using a scintillation counter and binding efficiency was calculated using a modified Michaelis-Menten equation. Statistical analysis was conducted with a 2-way ANOVA in SAS with Tukey-Kramer’s post hoc test. The binding efficiency (Bmax/K) of AC was greater than both biochar (P &lt; 0.0001) and SFA (P &lt; 0.0001). However, the maximum binding (Bmax) of androstenone by AC (97.30% ± 0.44) was 13% greater than that of biochar (84.53% ± 0.79) and nearly double that of SFA (50.50% ± 0.22). Of the binding agents tested, SFA had some selective binding for androstenone as the Bmax for androstenone was greater than both E1S (P &lt; 0.0001) and E1 (P = 0.0013). These results suggest that biochar may be a suitable alternative to AC for use as a feed additive as it can bind high concentrations of androstenone, and its binding characteristics were most like AC. Future animal studies are needed to evaluate the effects in vivo to assess the efficacy of biochar as a dietary treatment for boar taint.
The International Legal Framework Of Border Measures In The Fight Against Counterfeiting And Piracy
Authors: Gervais Daniel J 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
As is evident from the first part of this book, sales of counterfeit and pirated goods cause a significant amount of economic harm. While manufacturers, importers and retailers of illegal goods may profit from this trade, the fact that no intellectual property payments are included in the purchase price means that no funds will be made available for future innovation and creation.
Developing an International Framework for Informed Consent in Plastic Surgery: A Focus on Cosmetic Breast Augmentation
Authors: Cooter Rodney D. , Brightman Louise A. , Deva Anand , Murphy Robert X. , Larsen Mikko , Khashaba Ahmed 
Published: November 2023

Background:
Informed consent is a fundamental pillar of patient rights and is an essential part of good clinical practice. In 2019, the International Confederation of Plastic Surgery Societies launched a survey to collect feedback on informed consent practices, with an aim to develop an international guideline for cosmetic surgery

Methods:
A 15-question survey was sent to delegates of the International Confederation of Plastic Surgery Societies for dissemination to their national society members. The survey comprised a range of quantitative and qualitative questions. Descriptive and thematic analysis was performed.

Results:
There were 364 respondents. Over half of the respondents reported no local informed consent policy, whereas others noted national society, specialist college, or government policies. The majority of respondents believed that the performing surgeon should be responsible for obtaining informed consent with at least two face-to-face consultations. Most respondents agreed with a cooling-off period (duration based on procedure type and use of high-risk devices). Regarding cosmetic breast augmentation, the majority of respondents felt that the performing surgeon should be responsible for postoperative management, including cases that occur as part of surgical tourism. Some respondents incorporate financial consent as part of their informed consent practice. Most supported the development of an international informed consent guideline.

Conclusions:
Informed consent should result from face-to-face consultations with the performing surgeon. There should be a minimum cooling-off period. Postoperative surveillance should be available in all settings. The findings of this survey will help inform an international standardized informed consent guideline for cosmetic surgery.
CD304+ adipose tissue–derived mesenchymal stem cell abundance in autologous fat grafts highly correlates with improvement of localized pain syndromes
Authors: Rezzonico Jost Tanja , Lozito Alessia , Mangani Davide , Raimondi Andrea , Klinger Francesco , Morone Diego , Klinger Marco , Grassi Fabio , Vinci Valeriano 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Surgery, burns or surgery-free accident are leading causes of scars with altered tissue consistency, a reduced degree of motion and pain. Autologous fat grafting can dramatically improve tissue consistency and elasticity but less frequently results in the reduction of pain. Therefore, we analyzed different cell populations present within the adipose tissue to be engrafted and correlated them with the reduction of pain after surgery. Here, we identify a population of CD3−CD4−CD304+ cells present in grafted adipose tissue, whose abundance highly correlates with pain improvement shortly after surgery (r
2 = 0.7243****) as well as persistently over time (3 months later: r
2 = 0.6277****, 1 year later: r
2 = 0.5346***, and 4 years later: r
2 = 0.5223***). These cells are characterized by the absence of the hematopoietic marker CD45, whereas they express CD90 and CD34, which characterize mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs); the concomitant presence of CD10 and CD73 in the plasma membrane supports a function of these cells in pain reduction. We deduce that the enrichment of this adipose tissue–derived MSC subset could enhance the therapeutic properties of adipose grafts and ameliorate localized pain syndromes.
Quality of death in patients in advanced chronic liver disease and cancer patients managed by gastroenterologists in Portugal: are we doing it right?
Authors: Neto do Nascimento Catarina , Bravo Ana Catarina , Canhoto Manuela , Glória Luísa , Andrade Fidalgo Catarina 
Published: November 2023

Introduction
The incidence of chronic progressive diseases is rising and investment on quality of death and dying is of utmost importance to minimize physical and emotional suffering. There is still a gap in palliative care (PC) between patients with cancer and those with advanced chronic liver disease (ACLD). Our objectives were to characterize clinical attitudes and therapeutic interventions and to evaluate the differences in end-of-life care between inpatients with cancer and ACLD under gastroenterology care.

Methods
Retrospective cohort study, including patients with cancer or ACLD who died in a Gastroenterology department between 2012 and 2021. Demographic characteristics, clinical and endoscopic procedures and symptom control were compared between the groups.

Results
From 150 patients, 118 (78.7%) died with cancer and 32 (21.3%) died from ACLD without concomitant hepatocellular carcinoma. ACLD patients were more frequently male (P = 0.001) and younger (P = 0.001) than patients with cancer. Median time of hospitalization in the last month of life was 16 days for both groups. Discussion of prognosis with the patient was more frequent for cancer patients (35.6% versus 3.2%, P < 0.001). Referral to PC occurred in 18.8% and 61% of the patients with ACLD and cancer respectively (P < 0.001). Endoscopic procedures were performed in half of the patients and were more likely to be unsuccessful in those with cancer.

Conclusion
Clinical decisions were different between groups in terms of PC access and discussion of prognostic with the patient. It is urgent to define and implement metrics of quality of death and dying to prevent potentially inappropriate treatment.
Both mOTS-words and pOTS-words prefer emoji stimuli over text stimuli during a reading task
Authors: Dalski Alexia , Kular Holly , Jorgensen Julia G. , Grill-Spector Kalanit , Grotheer Mareike 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe visual word form area in the occipitotemporal sulcus (OTS), here referred to as OTS-words, responds more strongly to text than other visual stimuli and is crucial for reading. We hypothesized, that this text preference may be driven by a preference for reading tasks, as in most prior fMRI studies only the text stimuli were readable. Hence, we performed three fMRI experiments (N=15) and systematically varied the participant ‘s task and the stimulus, investigating mOTS-words and pOTS-words subregions. In experiment 1, we contrasted text stimuli with non-readable visual stimuli (faces, limbs, houses, objects). Experiment 2 utilized an fMRI adaptation paradigm, presenting compound words in text or emoji formats. In experiment 3, participants performed a reading or a color task on compound words in text or emoji format. Using experiment 1 data, we identified mOTS-words and pOTS-words by contrasting texts with non-readable stimuli. In experiment 2, pOTS-words, but not mOTS-words, showed fMRI adaptation for compound words in both text and emoji formats. In experiment 3, surprisingly, both subregions showed higher responses to compound words in emoji than text format. Moreover, mOTS-words showed higher responses during the reading than the color task and a task-stimulus interaction. Multivariate analyses revealed that distributed responses in pOTS-words encode the visual stimulus, while responses in mOTS-words encode both stimulus and task. Together, our findings suggest that the function of the OTS-words subregions goes beyond the specific visual processing of text and that these regions are flexibly recruited whenever semantic meaning needs to be assigned to visual input.Significance StatementReading skills are essential in modern society and supported by a brain region in the occipitotemporal sulcus (OTS-words) that is critical for fluent reading. Here we evaluated if responses in OTS-words are driven by the activity of reading or simply by seeing text or other readable symbols (emojis). We found that OTS-words can be divided into two sub-regions which both prefer readable emojis over text, whereas the anterior sub-region also prefers reading over other tasks. These results suggest that OTS-words is flexibly recruited to encode any readable visual stimulus, not just text. By demonstrating OTS-words ‘ flexibility, this work reconciles previous contradictory findings on this regions ‘ functional properties and inspires future research on OTS-words, including its emergence during literacy acquisition.
Amalga: Designable Protein Backbone Generation with Folding and Inverse Folding Guidance
Authors: Chen Shugao , Li Ziyao , Zeng Xiangxiang , Ke Guolin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractRecent advances in deep learning enable new approaches to protein design through inverse folding and backbone generation. However, backbone generators may produce structures that inverse folding struggles to identify sequences for, indicating designability issues. We propose Amalga, an inference-time technique that enhances designability of backbone generators. Amalga leverages folding and inverse folding models to guide backbone generation towards more designable conformations by incorporating “folded-from-inverse-folded” (FIF) structures. To generate FIF structures, possible sequences are predicted from step-wise predictions in the reverse diffusion and further folded into new backbones. Being intrinsically designable, the FIF structures guide the generated backbones to a more designable distribution. Experiments on both de novo design and motif-scaffolding demonstrate improved designability and diversity with Amalga on RFdiffusion.
Attila and Aetius on the roof: The succession phenomenon in the roof greening area of a primary school in Beijing during the lockdown period of the COVID-19
Authors: Wu Ruoxi , Guan Jingqi , Xia Zihang , Zhang Tianqing , Jiang Yi , Wang Zhong 
Published: November 2023

Abstract“Succession” refers to the process of certain species replacing others over time. It is of great significance for understanding the characteristics and evolution of ecosystems. This article compares the changes in school rooftop green areas before and after the COVID-19 epidemic (2019, 2023), and studies the situation of wild grass invading roofs during the three years of the epidemic, as well as the response of original rooftop plants to the invasion. The results showed that: ① invasive weeds were concentrated in 2 families and 4 species, forming a population advantage in most of the invaded planting boxes; ② The succession has had a significant impact on the roof greening area; ③ Among the two cultivated plants (Phedimus aizoon(PA) andSedum sarmentosum(SS)), SS was greatly affected, with the community almost disappearing, while PA was almost unaffected.
A new paradigm for biological sequence retrieval inspired by natural language processing and database research
Authors: Rousseau Axel-Jan , Lemal Sébastien , Korovin Yegor , Triantopoulos Georgios , Brands Ingrid , Biemans Maxim , Van Hyfte Dirk , Valkenborg Dirk 
Published: November 2023

AbstractNearly-exponential growth and heterogeneity of biological sequence data make the task of biological sequence retrieval from databases more important and challenging than ever. In this manuscript, we present a novel search algorithm involving an indexing scheme based on patterns discovered by natural language processing, i.e., short strings of nucleotides or amino acids, akin to standard k-mers, but mined from cumulative cross-species omic data repositories. More specifically, we benchmark the quality of the sequence retrieval process by comparing to BLASTP, a heuristic algorithm for the alignment of genomics or protein sequence data. The main argumentation is that to retrieve biological similar sequences it is not needed to mimic the alignment procedures as it is performed by BLAST. Our results suggests that the HYFT-indexing and searching is a good alternative and a static, alignment-free method to retrieve homologous sequence down to 50% sequence identity.
Age-related blunting of serial sarcomerogenesis and mechanical adaptations following 4 weeks of maximal eccentric resistance training
Authors: Hinks Avery , Patterson Makenna A. , Njai Binta S. , Power Geoffrey A. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundDuring natural aging, muscles atrophy, which is partly accounted for by a loss of sarcomeres in series. Serial sarcomere number (SSN) is associated with aspects of muscle mechanical function including the force-length and force-velocity-power relationships; hence, the age-related loss of SSN contributes to declining performance. Training emphasizing muscle lengthening (eccentric) contractions increases SSN in young healthy rodents. However, the ability for eccentric training to increase SSN and improve mechanical function in old age is unknown.MethodsTen young (9 months) and 11 old (33 months) Fisher344/BN F1 rats completed 4 weeks of unilateral isokinetic eccentric plantar flexion training 3 days/week. Pre- and post-training, the plantar flexors were assessed for maximum tetanic torque (ankle angles of 70° and 90°), the torque-frequency relationship (stimulation frequencies of 1-100 Hz), the passive torque-angle relationship (ankle angles of 110-70°), and the torque-angular velocity-power relationship (isotonic loads of 10%-80% maximum). Following post-training testing, rats were sacrificed, and the soleus, lateral gastrocnemius (LG), and medial gastrocnemius (MG) were harvested for SSN assessment by measuring sarcomere lengths with laser diffraction, with the untrained leg used as a control.ResultsIn the untrained leg/pre-training, old rats had lower SSN in the soleus (–9%), LG (–7%), and MG (–14%), lower maximum torque (–27 to –42%), power (–63%), and shortening velocity (–35%), and greater passive torque (+62 to +191%) than young. Young rats showed increased SSN from the untrained to the trained soleus and MG. In contrast, old rats had no change in soleus SSN between legs and experienced SSN loss in the LG. Pre- to post-training, young rats saw modest improvements in isometric mechanical function, including a 13% increase in maximum torque at 90° and 4-11% increases in 10-60 Hz torque. Old rats, however, had reductions in maximum torque (–35%), shortening velocity (–46%), and power (–63%), and increased passive torque (+24 to +51%) from pre- to post-training.ConclusionsEccentric training induced serial sarcomerogenesis and improved mechanical function in young rats, while old rats exhibited dysfunctional remodeling that led to impairments in muscle mechanical performance following training.
Maternal H3.3-Mediated Paternal Genome Reprogramming Contributes to Minor Zygotic Genome Activation
Authors: Zhang Jiaming , Li Xuanwen , Cui Hongdi , Xiao Songling , Song Entong , Zong Ming , Ling Shukuan , Rosenwaks Zev , Gao Shaorong , Liu Xiaoyu , Kong Qingran , Wen Duancheng 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIn mice, zygotic genome activation (ZGA) is initiated at the late-one-cell stage, accompanied by an extensive incorporation of the histone variant H3.3 into the parental genomes. However, it is unclear how H3.3 engages in the onset of ZGA. Here, using the H3.3B-HA-tagged mouse model, we found that the paternal and maternal genomes are activated asynchronously. Paternally expressed H3.3 begins deposition on the zygotic genome at the early two-cell stage, whereas the deposition of maternally expressed H3.3 is delayed until the four-cell stage. Oocyte-stored maternal H3.3 (mH3.3) is crucial for cleavage development and minor ZGA. Deposition of mH3.3 on the paternal genome occurs globally during the protamine-to-histone transition but shows preferential enrichment at CpG-rich TSSs after the initial round of DNA replication. Depletion of mH3.3 can lead to a loss of H3K27ac, resulting in minor ZGA failure and early embryonic arrest. Mechanistically, mH3.3 deposition on the sperm genome removes repressive histone modifications, promotes the establishment of active histone modifications, and in turn enables the initiation of minor ZGA from the paternal genome. Our study highlights the pivotal role of mH3.3 in paternal genome reprogramming and minor ZGA initiation.